It's a classic case of too little, too late -- and for all the wrong reasons.

As the state saw its lowest temperatures this century, and power shortages brought many activities to a screeching halt yesterday, the University's bureaucratic wheels continued to turn characteristically slow.

University President Joab Thomas finally decided to cancel classes yesterday afternoon -- after Lt. Gov. Mark Singel declared a state of emergency in Pennsylvania, after University Health Services issued several warnings about the dangers of frostbite and after West Penn Power announced "rolling blackouts" in an effort to conserve energy.

Unfortunately, it was also after thousands of students had already gone to class, in many cases walking more than a mile (20 minutes or more) or waiting in the cold for a bus only to find out their instructors didn't show up. As weather forecasters and health officials advised people to stay inside, Thomas urged students to be sure to bundle up.

The University Department of Public Information issued a statement saying classes were being canceled, "in an effort to conserve electricity." It seems logical that considerable energy would be saved if classroom buildings were shut down. It's unfortunate the University values its heat and light more than its students.

The University often portrays itself as the "surrogate parent" of the students who leave home to come to Penn State. But it hardly seems parental -- or compassionate -- to expect students to risk physical injury to avoid cutting class.

Obviously, the safety of University students was not a primary concern for administrators who drive right to the door to work or ride the free Faculty/Staff Shuttle. For most students, their feet are their primary mode of transportation.

This issue goes much further than wanting a day off. We do not advocate canceling classes arbitrarily, but administrators need to look beyond the warm confines of Old Main to understand the real danger the weather presents.