In the article Students could get say on academic calendar (SN 2/2), there is a subtle paragraph proclaiming the end of Welcome Week for next year. The article quotes Provost Kim Wilcox, saying: “The original discussion had dealt with Welcome Week in the fall and resulted in shortening the week, with classes starting on Wednesday.” As the independent voice of the students of MSU, I am curious as to where The State News was when this decision was made. Where was the headline article? Where were the quotes from the administration, explaining their decision?

Rumors have been circulating since winter break that Provost Wilcox had made his decision. It is unfortunate that through a small paragraph buried in a large article the news was revealed. The decision raises several questions: Why were the students not told through a university-wide e-mail or announcement? When was the decision a formal decision and no longer the proposal presented last fall? How will this affect international students, the Spartan Marching Band’s pre-season and the first jump into college for freshmen?