An important part of great leadership is the follow-through. To maintain the respect of their followers, leaders must make good on their promises. Talk must be more than just talk.

In late November, Penn State President Graham Spanier said the university should reduce the number of 8 a.m. classes. He made that proclamation a second time, urging Penn State officials to slowly cut back on these early classes.

Yet when the Fall 2003 schedule was unveiled this week, there was no drop in the number of 8 a.m. classes. In fact, some departments added more. Several department officials in charge of scheduling said they have been given no directive from the university to change their scheduling patterns.

We understand that such a drastic change cannot happen overnight. As university registrar James Wagner said, the most of the fall schedule was arranged before Spanier made his announcement.

What worries us, however, is the lack of any action that appears to have been taken since Spanier's November commitment. Janis Jacobs, vice provost and dean for undergraduate education, said most administrators first heard about Spanier's plan from a Daily Collegian article. Department heads said they've heard nothing since. Some movement or at least communication should have been taken by now. As our school's leader, Spanier is accountable for his statements and promises.

We understand the logistics, such as finding class space and arranging around professors' schedules, must be worked out before the number of 8 a.m. classes can be greatly reduced. But we do expect that several months after his statement, Spanier would have at least set such work into motion.

We expect more than just talk. We expect great leadership, including the follow-through.