LateNight Penn State is a great place for students to hang out, catch a movie or just relax.

So why has attendance dropped about a couple thousand a semester, according to Assistant Director of Student Activities John Harlow?

Recently, Penn State officials are looking for student input on how to revamp LateNight and increase attendance. This is a great idea.

LateNight offers students at Penn State a variety of opportunities to have fun on a weekend night, so it only makes sense that it should be tailored to students' tastes.

One of the big problems with LateNight Penn State is its image as the anti-drinking event.

Only the students who don't drink go to LateNight Penn State, right?

While the rational crowd at Penn State know this isn't necessarily true, LateNight still carries this stigma. It would be advantageous to the university to market LateNight in another way. Let students know that it isn't just for non-drinkers -- it's for anyone who wants to have fun.

One of the big draws at LateNight is the video game exhibitions. For instance, this Friday there will probably be a large draw for "Big Screen Video Gaming" from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. where students can play games like Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. Activities like this can be fun for everyone, drinkers and non-drinkers. LateNight should have events like this every weekend and market them for everybody.

Comedians are always a huge draw to LateNight Penn State. Bring more of them here. Host comedians more than once or twice a semester. The comedians don't have to be huge stars, if cost is an issue. Host more amateur comedian nights. Students can practice their material on crowds, and it won't cost Penn State a dime.

The free movie showings consistently bring students to LateNight. These movies are a great way for students to just relax after a week's worth of studying. Why not host movie marathons earlier in the afternoon, which would then last into the evening? Students could come and go as they please, enjoy a movie and then do something else. Host student film marathons to showcase some of Penn State's brightest talent.

Another problem with LateNight is the fact that students who live off campus rarely hear about the events. Campus may be plastered with fliers, but students who only walk onto campus to go to class miss these. Start an e-mail list serve to inform students about what is happening at the HUB-Robeson Center on a Friday and Saturday night.

The fact of the matter is that through LateNight, Penn State provides some great opportunities for students.

It's just a shame that more students aren't taking advantage of it.