These are times of uncertainty. America is facing its greatest economic and external pressures since World War II. It is unlikely that any of this will change soon. All major national markets have fallen sharply since the Sept. 11 attacks. The economic downturn in the airline industry will likely have an effect on the many other industries that depend on air travel. To compound this, a war is seemingly inevitable. We hope students and faculty will understand this.

College is expensive. With attacks near the heart of America?s financial sector, recession is no longer a possibility; it is here. These new economic pressures will bring new hardships to Sacramento State students. The high percentage of our students that work their way through school will undoubtedly be affected. There will be students that have to work more and some that have to find new jobs all together. Professors should listen to them, and be lenient when they say they cannot make it to class. Working through school will be difficult in the immediate future.

A failure to come to terms with the Taliban government in Afghanistan has all but guaranteed a war in the immediate future. Sac State students or those close to them could be put in harms way. This is another stress that professors must recognize. Whether they are under economic or wartime stress, students are going to be troubled. Professors should accommodate these students as much as possible.

Conversely, students should not take advantage of any leniency that is being offered those in need. Attending class regularly will help professors determine who really needs help without fear of being used. If students act wisely, professors can address the problems of individuals without hindering classes.

Though the last two weeks have seen tragedy, the University provides us with an excellent time to study and learn from these tumultuous events. It is no secret that the attacks have been a major topic of discussion in most classes, regardless of subject. This, combined with the Sept. 11 class cancellations has put many classes behind schedule. However, this tragedy has had an impact on all aspects of our daily lives and therefore can be incorporated into a wide variety of classes. We believe that it would be beneficial for professors to do so. The ideas generated at this university can help the community confront these extraordinary times.