It seems the university is up to it again. Before I go much further, let me preface that I have zero problems with any of the SU officials that are behind the tentative decision to reinstate classes on MayFest. The issue I have is with the idea of removing a tradition (something alumni remember and cherish) from the foundation of Syracuse University.

During my time in Student Association and holding multiple director positions in various student organizations and committees, I saw firsthand the endless amount of red tape there was in all processes and decisions at SU. In many decisions the university made that directly impacted students, there was no student input in the first place or it was very little and not transparent.

Instead of working, what probably seems to most students, against the students, SU needs to work with them and educate them on the opportunities that are available during MayFest: Highlight the great programs they can take part in during the morning part of the day and allow them the opportunity to spend time with friends in the afternoon. I would encourage SU to listen to the Student Association and student leaders and welcome their input and ideas for a safe and responsible Mayfest.

With forcing the classes now, you will run into a large amount of individuals who will simply not attend classes because they want to make a point. I bet on that day, professors and TAs will have pop quizzes just to punish those who do not attend. Now the slope becomes very slippery and Student Affairs and Academic Affairs have their hands full filtering through objections from students and staff alike.

My point is very simple. SU is a school rich in tradition, but slowly it seems those traditions are being taken away or changed without the input and advice of students. Recruiting people to attend a university is a pure sales job and in sales you need to be able to tell stories, and you need to be able to find common ground. Completely reinstating classes is no common ground. SU needs to rethink their decision if they want to remove a great story from the SU tradition.

By Eric Crites, 2007 Alumni(2005 Vice President of Student Association)