Iowa State students will have to wait until the fall semester to find out whether Veishea will be celebrated in 1998.

ISU President Martin Jischke is waiting to make his decision until the fall, when the majority of students return for classes.

Jischke, who is in China until Thursday, said in a press release he is concerned about the future of Veishea and will consider a wide variety of opinions before making a decision.

“I continue to get comments from students, faculty, staff, area residents and alumni. This is extremely helpful because Veushea is an event that has involved so many people in different ways. I welcome additional comments from those interested in Veishea and its future,” he stated in the press release.

Jischke is working on his own schedule, said John McCarroll, director of university relations.

Jischke said he’s waiting to make a decision out of courtesy to the students.

The Veishea Advisory Council recommended in early June that the celebration still continue, but he also suggested steps which should be taken to help improve safety and the problems stemming from alcohol abuse.

Jischke has taken a look at the council’s recommendations, McCarroll said.

The murder of 19-year-old Uri Sellers during the 75th-annual Veishea celebration moved Jischke to ask the Veishea Advisory Committee for a quicker review of the celebration.

The committee came out with its report in early June. Jischke does not think the severity of what has happened is being understood by the ISU community, McCarroll said.

Dan Robinson, the interim vice president for student affairs, has commented many times about how much more attention needs to be paid to the future of alcohol abuse, McCarroll said. He has recognized a problem on our campus and many other campuses around the United States.

McCarroll said Robinson makes it very clear we need increased education and awareness on the issue of alcohol.

McCarroll said when Jischke makes his decision he will also make specific comments and recommendations about his concern on alcohol.