Members from the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) are still acting as a voice of Penn State students, despite being replaced by the University Park Undergraduate Association this year.

USG members attended the Association of Big Ten Students (ABTS) conference at Ohio State University on Friday. The ABTS rejected the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) in September, despite Penn State's adoption of the new student advocacy group.

USG President Nick Stathes said he extended UPUA President Jay Chamberlin an invitation to the conference; however, Chamberlin declined.

"Previous presidents have gone but found that it wasn't beneficial," said Mallory Gold, UPUA media relations director.

Chamberlin was advised by past student representatives that the trip wasn't worth the time and money, Gold said.

Stathes said as a student, he was disappointed that the president who represents him didn't take the time to take a trip to listen to students.

"The goal of the ABTS is to learn how other student governments work, how to better your own, and to have a united front that shares common goals and values," Stathes said.

He added he learned that students at Penn State have less power than students at other universities.

"UPUA is laughed at by the Big Ten," Stathes said regarding the conference. "Penn State is getting hurt by not having true representation."

Ralph Crivello, a member of both USG and UPUA, also attended the conference. He said the conference was useful for learning how other student governments work and implementing that knowledge to improve Penn State's student government.

"I got a lot out of it. ABTS gave good advice," Stathes said.

No longer recognized by the university as the official voice of Penn State students, USG currently maintains club status. Bryan Peach, USG spokesman, said USG is still very active in the student community.

The group is planning an online sports memorabilia auction and a Big Ten Service Challenge, Peach said.

The challenge would be similar to Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon's concept by raising money for a cause through competition with other Big Ten schools to see which school made the most, he said.

ABTS meets two times a year for three days to discuss student government issues.