Syracuse Univ. sets classes on day of spring party

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Syracuse University says it's time to get back to the business of education.

The university is scheduling classes on the day of MayFest, a student block party that drew several thousand people last year.

The university started giving students a spring day off in 2005 to participate in an on-campus academic celebration. But for the past three years, students have instead held an outdoor party.

MayFest is scheduled for April 19.

While students are upset, neighbors of the block party say they're glad to hear the news.

Syracuse officials say the school is trying to emphasize the academic and research nature of the showcase. They say students already have weekends and spring break to unwind and socialize.

___

Information from: The Syracuse Post-Standard, www.syracuse.com