OPINION & EDITORIAL
Just another day
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Badger Herald Editorial Board:
- Just another day (February 7, 2008)
- New Chapter (February 6, 2008)
- Paper or...? (February 5, 2008)
- Right plan, wrong time (January 31, 2008)
- Dollars and sense (January 30, 2008)
Related Stories:
- UW insensitivity requires apology (September 11, 2001)
- UW administration showed insensitivity (September 12, 2001)
- Letters to the Editor 12/11 (December 10, 2001)
- Support for Chancellor Wiley (September 14, 2001)
- Letters to the Editor (September 18, 2001)
by Badger Herald Editorial Board
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Walking to class yesterday morning was no fun for most University of Wisconsin students who slipped and climbed through messy sidewalks. While it was certainly tempting to silently curse the UW administration as the cold air swept through hats and hoods, it is clear to us that they were justified in keeping classes open until 3:30.
Of course, the snow created countless inconveniences for students — especially those who commute or are disabled. But the scheduling quandary a full canceled day presents to an academic institution must weigh heavily as well. Still, professors should make concerted efforts to accommodate disabled and injured students who could not safely traverse to class.
Canceling classes yesterday evening was certainly appropriate due to worsening conditions on the road and greatly reduced availability of city buses, but calling off morning classes would likely need to be done the night before for logistical reasons, when the true extent of a storm is still unknown. The prevalence of false alarms would only exacerbate the scheduling nightmares that ensue after necessary cancellations.
Snow is an integral part of Wisconsin culture and a big draw for students who enjoy the feel of crisp cool winter air. Shutting down classes every time a large snowstorm is expected would be comical at a university in the Upper Midwest. UW students knew what they were getting into when they decided to enroll.
It took more than 12 inches of snowfall during the day for UW to call off late afternoon and night classes. This was just the fifth cancellation since 1978. Certainly, Chancellor John Wiley’s attitude when it comes to severe weather embodies the Wisconsin spirit. Shovel the walks and get on with your business.
Anonymous (February 7, 2008 @ 9:49am):
That could be true if they actually did the shoveling, which they didn't.
Anonymous (February 7, 2008 @ 10:39am):
you can shovel my walk if you want. until then, i dont want to hear it
Anonymous (February 7, 2008 @ 4:49pm):
leave it to the herald elite, with their out-of-state tuition money, to say this.
sorry we cant all afford northface
Anonymous (February 8, 2008 @ 5:42pm):
You really have to admire the chutzpah of the whiners complaining that it SNOWED...yes SNOWED! and was COLD!!!!.... in Wisconsin in early February.
How bad was it? It was so bad that some sidewalks weren't shoveled in a timely fashion. Ice and snow drifts and slippery commutes, Oh My!
When I and my chums were attending UW-MadTown, we'd walk up hill to the liquor store both ways in white-out blizzard conditions just to backpack sneak 12 packs of Miller into the jazz band playing at the Rathskeller!
You weather whiners are either going to have to become Advocates FOR Global Warming or learn to Embrace Diversity, eh?
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
