So what could have made it better? Maybe if snowed hot chocolate and marshmallows as well. Or maybe if what fell from the sky was already-made snow cream. Or maybe something more realistic, like if the University had announced Tuesday’s school cancelation sooner and made a bigger effort to get the word out.

It was a wise decision on behalf of the officials to cancel school, considering the slew of wrecks and other vehicular incidents around the Triangle. Administrators did the right thing and definitely had people’s safety in mind while making the decision, unlike Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill, which did not cancel classes or have delays Tuesday.

But the University announced the cancellation at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday

The University should have used the Wolf Alert text messaging system to tell its students that class was canceled because of the late timing of the announcement.

Though Wolf Alert may be used only reserved for emergencies, the University should have used it because of the delay.

If they are not going to use the Wolf Alert system in dire times like these when people’s lives are at risk on slippery roads, then what will it take for the University to use it?

Luckily for students who are bored and starving near and around campus, several businesses on   Hillsborough Street stayed open Tuesday and will be open today.

Mike Ritchey, owner of Global Village Organic Coffee, stayed up Tuesday night to prepare for an early day today. Jimmie John’s will also be open for business today.

Show these local businesses your patronage by visiting them. After all, they stayed open and braved the dangerous outdoor conditions to serve you. The economy is in a tough spot, and the businesses that try their best to serve you deserve your support.

We understand that when the University closes, students and professors aren’t the only ones who are affected. We just hope that the University increases its response time next time there is inclement weather and use the resources that is has to get the word out.