We all love a snow day now and then.

Sledding, snowball fights, hanging out with our friends-what's not to like?

One thing that is beguiling, however, is the university's policy on canceling classes. Yes, we had an afternoon off Tuesday and it was awesome. We don't understand, though, why the university waited until late morning to cancel classes.

With the peak of the snowfall occurring earlier that morning and the icy commute attempted by students and faculty alike, it doesn't make sense to wait this long. By the time the campus-wide e-mail popped up in our Lotus Notes, we were already in the throes of our academic day.

And what about those students whose 10:30 a.m. or noon classes weren't canceled? While their friends got the canceled class e-mail and were being spared the likely possibility of slipping on the sidewalks, these students had to wait until the storm was at its peak for their journey home.

Furthermore, our campus was not completely commuter-friendly. A good portion of the Ghetto resembled the Arctic, minus penguins frolicking around.

We appreciate those who go out to shovel, plow and ice our sidewalks and streets, but at the same time it is still hazardous to be walking to class on a sheet of ice. If conditions are bad enough to cancel classes because the roads are so bad, shouldn't the sidewalks used by the 7,100 undergrads be factored in as well.

We understand that the university wants to make a well thought out decision before canceling classes, but the safety of students needs to be taken into account. There are no railings on the steps between Stonemill and Kettering Labs. Requiring students to walk down them when completely iced over is asking for people to get hurt.

All we ask is that when choosing whether or not to call the day off for snow, think about more than just those driving. Think of those students trekking on foot from all corners of campus. How meaningful will a class be when it's spent in the emergency room?