In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks on the city of London, MSU's Office of Study Abroad should be proud of itself for doing its job.

Phone calls from students and faculty participating in overseas study started coming into the office's official all-hours emergency hotline in the wee hours of July 7. And by 1 p.m. EST, all 324 MSU students and every faculty member in London were accounted for, safe and sound.

Whether via e-mail or telephone, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and OSA officials were in contact with nearly every student.

We're pleased with the high level of concern and the quick action taken by university officials.

It's important to note how well the emergency hotline worked, providing what seems to have been a glitch-free mode of communication during a time of chaos.

We're also pleased university officials heeded the wants of participating students and faculty - allowing them to complete their study abroad experience - many of whom were only in their first week of studies.

University officials respected the judgment of students and faculty and it is good that learning experiences were not cut short for fear of more terrorist attacks.

However, OSA officials should make use of this experience to ensure that future study abroad participants are aware of how to handle such a terrible, unexpected situation.

Although it's rare, terrorist attacks, large-scale natural disasters and other unpredictable and potentially harmful disturbances do occur in countries where MSU students are studying abroad. It's important to give all students a briefing before traveling abroad on how to deal with such an occurrence. Also, faculty should have a consensus on how to make sure they are available at all times, and how to make sure all students are accounted for in case of such an event.

Chaotic and disturbing situations such as the terrorist attacks on London should be a prime concern on study abroad programs. Just as the usual briefing before a study abroad might include what to bring and what not to bring with you, some time and consideration should be given as to how to deal with any and all problems that might arise - including acts of terrorism.

We commend the Office of Study Abroad, President Simon and other university officials who worked together quickly to locate the students. We also cannot express how relieved we are to hear that our fellow Spartans are all safe and sound.