University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) President Gavin Keirans campaigned on the platform that he would be a real advocate for Penn State students.

To many, it was an empty promise they’d heard too many times before — in particular, from leadership in UPUA that ultimately did little after a year in office.

But now, Keirans is starting to prove the naysayers wrong. He’s pledged to help the members of Phi Delta Theta, who now face the loss of their house, 240 N. Burrowes Road, after violating their national fraternity’s dry policy.

Facing expulsion from their residence and unable to appeal to the Interfraternity Council, the Phi Delta Theta brothers have very few options. So UPUA passed a resolution in its latest general assembly meeting to ask the university to consider letting the members occupy their house while they work with their former national chapter.

While it may seem questionable to some that UPUA is attempting to help a group of students who clearly broke the rules, it’s also admirable that the organization is doing exactly what it is supposed to do — be a voice for students.

Greeks may be an already highly represented group for the relatively few students that call themselves fraternity and sorority members, but the Phi Delta Theta members can’t even call themselves greeks anymore. These are students who need help and are appealing to the university — and UPUA is doing its job in assisting them.

However, Keirans needs to take this advocacy beyond just helping homeless former fraternity members keep their house. This is a good start that will potentially restore students’ faith in UPUA, but he can’t stop there.

There are many other student organizations on campus that face the challenges of low funding or a lack of recognition. Still more have specific concerns with the university and its policies and wield few resources with which to address these concerns.

As a liaison between Old Main and the student body, UPUA should continue what it has started and remember that it represents all students, not just the most organized or vocal.

We’re counting on you, UPUA.