Earlier this week, as the temperatures dropped and ice froze around campus, pedestrians braved the elements to try to get to their destination – often falling as a consequence. More than 100 people ended up at the GW Hospital with injuries caused by falls in the icy conditions. Although the University wisely canceled or delayed classes on Wednesday that began before 10 a.m. in response to the weather, many students were simply not aware of this. In fact, there was no e-mail sent to students informing them of this move. This highlights a larger issue – that GW must utilize its Infomail alert system with more responsibility to ensure students are informed on the issues that really matter.

Over the course of the semester GW students have received GW alert emails urging students to “Pack the House” at Smith Center for the basketball team or do their part to help the University win RecycleMania. Officials should be wary of abusing this service when it fails to provide students with essential information relating to their classes and academic schedules.

Of course this service provides vital security and alert warnings to GW community members and is another tool students have come to rely on for safety on campus and in the city. However, this fact should make officials all the more wary to of abusing such a vital instrument of campus safety and information for non-essential items.