Monday, May 11, 2020 I Vol. 117 Iss. 1 INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM What’s inside 2020 2020 2020 Opinions Culture Sports The contributing Read The Hatchet’s Take a look back on one of opinions editor calls on guide to this year’s the most unusual seasons GW to prorate tuition online Commencement in college athletics for online classes. ceremony. history. Page 6 Pages 7-8 Page 9 Commitment deposits fall nearly 20 percent amid enrollment cut, pandemic ZACH SCHONFELD ber of Pell Grant recipients also CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR declined. Blake said he asked enroll- Undergraduate enrollment ment officials to implement a 1 deposits fell by about 18 per- percent drop in GW’s discount cent this year in the wake of rate – the average discount giv- the COVID-19 pandemic and en to students through schol- efforts to reduce the under- arships and grants off of the graduate population. sticker price. Provost Brian Blake said “That one point was done at a Faculty Senate meeting by strategically investing in Friday that the number of en- students with high need,” he rollment deposits fell short of said. officials’ modeled target by 4.8 Ben Toll, the dean of under- percentage points. Although graduate admissions, said 170 the number of students who fewer international students have committed to GW fell, committed to attend GW this Blake said officials anticipate year compared to last year. In the revenues they receive from fall 2019, 1,416 international the incoming class will be undergraduate students – “slightly higher” than last year. about 354 per class – attended “We’re in the season now the University, according to in- to look at transfers,” Blake stitutional data. said. “We’ll go much harder at “Internationally, there is a GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR them.” lot of uncertainty in regards As COVID-19 fatalities in the United States remain high, fewer admitted students than last year have submitted enrollment deposits, Provost Brian Blake said at a Faculty Senate meeting Friday. Admissions staff moved to whether international stu- programming online and ac- dents will be able to secure cepted a small number of stu- student visas and/or whether dents from the waitlist early there will be COVID-19-related Officials unveil on-campus, online scenarios for to attract additional students travel restrictions,” Toll said in as officials brace for potential an email. next academic year enrollment changes because He said a “bit more” than of the pandemic. Officials will 2,350 students have submitted ZACH SCHONFELD and then, that conclusion also reassess a planned 20 per- their enrollment deposit – in- CONTRIBUTING NEWS may change.” cent cut in the undergraduate cluding about 250 waitlisted EDITOR Officials have said they population in the wake of the students. are planning to resume pandemic’s effects. University President in-person classes this fall. He said “diversity” fell by See STUDENTS Page 5 Thomas LeBlanc said of- The pandemic is expected about 1 percent, and the num- ficials must be able to to cause revenues to fall by provide sufficient testing, $45 million by the end of contact tracing and places the fiscal year. to quarantine for students LeBlanc said the three to return in the fall. projections for the fall in- Administrators vow to not LeBlanc unveiled three clude key assumptions fall scenarios to the Faculty like the student retention Senate Friday for the next rate and graduate enroll- tap into endowment academic year: on-campus ment, which could shift as instruction and residential a result of the pandemic. ZACH SCHONFELD our financial standing in the housing, a hybrid of on- LeBlanc said making a fi- CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR future,” Speights said at the campus and online course- nal decision in June will senate meeting. “We cannot work or a continuation of provide students, families As officials project losing sacrifice our long-term fu- the instructional continu- and faculty enough time tens of millions of dollars ture to resolve the challeng- ity period, which would to prepare for the fall se- from the ongoing pandemic, es posed by this pandemic.” cause expected revenue mester. they are doubling down on LeBlanc first announced shortfalls of $100 million, The scenarios capture intentions to not tap into his intent to not use the en- $200 million and $300 mil- the “range of possibili- GW’s endowment. dowment in a letter to the lion, respectively. Officials ties” for the next academic University President GW community April 27. will announce a final deci- year and may need to be Thomas LeBlanc and Board Anthony Yezer, a faculty sion by June 15 but might tweaked in the coming of Trustees Chair Grace senator and a professor of extend the decision date weeks, he said. Speights said at a Faculty economics, said it made one week, LeBlanc said. He said officials are Senate meeting Friday that sense to finance revenue The revenue losses working with GW’s medi- they have no plans to use losses resulting from COV- could encompass up to cal experts to determine the University’s $1.78 billion ID-19 by taking on new debt nearly 30 percent of GW’s testing plans, but admin- endowment to mitigate the instead of tapping into the annual operating budget, istrators may need to test financial impact of the CO- endowment and losing out which has hovered slightly students and employees VID-19 pandemic. Speights on interest accrued to the above $1 billion for the when they initially return SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR said officials have a fiducia- fund tax-free. past few years. to campus, weekly during ry duty to protect the Uni- “If we can borrow “I can’t tell you today the first month of the aca- through the banks at 5 per- some students – including Provost Brian Blake is versity’s long-term financial what the safest mechanism demic year and bi-weekly cent, especially given that vulnerable populations, leading an effort with the health despite the short- is because it will depend thereafter. GW would we don’t pay any taxes on like those with certain deans to explore “alterna- term effects of the virus. on the condition,” he said. need to administer about the gains in the endowment, respiratory illnesses, and tive academic options” for “Tapping the endowment “But our current plan is to 250,000 coronavirus tests we ought to do that,” he international students – those students, like online or reserves today would not try to be open and to have under that plan, he said. said. may be unable to return classes or assignments that be a prudent decision or in it try to have a residential LeBlanc said if students the best interest of GW be- experience in the fall. If can return in the fall, an to campus or participate can be done while social cause it will only hamper See FAT Page 5 facts change between now “optimistic” scenario, in classroom instruction. distancing, LeBlanc said. Faculty say online classes have helped develop new teaching strategies

FALYN O’BRIEN She said placing lecture ma- the summer and will not be REPORTER terial online and using class able to implement the same time to apply the material tools she used during the vir- JULIA RUSSO through discussions and ex- tual learning period like pre- STAFF WRITER ercises made her teaching recorded narrated lectures. more efficient. Her summer class will meet As the instructional con- Hoffman said she will four days a week, leaving her tinuity period potentially also introduce a new artifi- less time to record lectures comes to a close, 10 faculty cial intelligence marketing compared to her classes this members say they were able strategy course in the fall that semester that met twice a to develop new strategies for she thinks has many oppor- week, she said. teaching future classes. tunities for an asynchronous McClary said she plans to After faculty quickly al- component. use Blackboard Collaborate’s tered their courses during She said she plans to have breakout groups tool, which online instruction, professors students listen to prerecord- allows professors to put stu- said they were optimistic but ed lectures to save class time dents into small groups for needed to adapt to the chal- for discussing “cases” and discussion, to build com- lenges of the online environ- working on projects. munity while also engaging ment. Ten faculty members “I’m psyched about the with her students during her said students have been opportunities for doing this summer class. understanding of the limita- more generally, having asyn- “It was nice during the se- tions of online learning and chronous components that mester – I knew my students they have discovered time- are fun lectures,” she said. before we left,” McClary said. saving teaching strategies LaKeisha McClary, a “I’m not going to know these they plan to implement next professor of chemistry, said people over the summer.” semester, while others said a challenging part of virtual Kim Roddis, a profes- online tools limited student learning was transferring in- sor of civil engineering, said engagement. person General Chemistry she has faced problems in PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Donna Hoffman, a pro- II exams to an online format replicating the experience of Kim Roddis, a professor of civil engineering, said she found it difficult to replicate certain aspects of in-person fessor of marketing, said she while keeping the amount of in-person class with holding engineering classes, like drawing, over Blackboard Collaborate. used both asynchronous and cheating low because of how both of her classes, Structural synchronous learning – pre- easily students can look up Theory II and Design of Met- require a lot of student in- room courses as best we can has forced her to lecture lon- recorded lectures for stu- answers online during a test. al Structures, synchronously teraction that are difficult to online.” ger than she desired. dents to listen to on their own She said she made the using Blackboard Collabo- replicate online, like talking Roddis said she tries to “We’re trying to provide time and live discussions and exam “a little bit more diffi- rate. and drawing. do as much active learning the best learning environ- lectures, respectively – in her cult” to help minimize cheat- “I feel we are all in a cri- “We just have been teach- as possible in her classes by ment we can and the best three courses including two ing, but this strategy did not sis situation, and I think that ing remotely because we alternating short lectures learning opportunities we undergraduate courses and fully mitigate it. students and faculty and have to,” Roddis said. “Offer- with quick activities where can at GW, so that means a graduate course on market- “There’s this balance of administration and staff did ing a course online requires students can apply the in- that the students have to be ing strategy. trying to provide students really well given the remark- very, very different prepara- formation they just learned. engaged, and they have to Hoffman said she plans the same opportunities that able circumstances, but you tion than offering a course in But she said Blackboard Col- understand that they are re- to continue to use these they would have for an in- know online teaching is very a classroom, and we did not laborate’s limited capabilities sponsible too, and I really feel methods in future semesters person exam,” McClary said. different than what we’ve have the opportunity or the in replicating the in-person like all the students in my regardless of whether the fall McClary said she will been doing,” she said. resources to do that so we’re class environment has made classes have really stepped semester will be held online. teach general chemistry in Roddis said her courses teaching our normal class- these switches hard to do and up on that,” Roddis said. May 11, 2020 • Page 2 NEWS THE GW HATCHET

NewsMay 11, 2020 • Page 2 CRIME LOG

DRUG LAW VIOLATION South Hall 4/24/2020 – 1:05 p.m. Closed Case GW Police Department officers responded to South Hall where an area coordinator found marijuana and drug accessories in a female student’s room. The officers collected the contraband and brought the items to the Academic Center. Referred to DSA THEFT II/FROM MOTOR VEHICLE, UNLAWFUL ENTRY OF A MO- TOR VEHICLE, DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY/VANDALISM, CREDIT FILE PHOTO BY ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR CARD FRAUD Howard Brookins and Brandon Hill, the caucus’s former leaders, are the new Student Association president and executive vice president. Academic Center Garage 4/27/2020 – 1:51 a.m. Closed Case SA’s Black Senators Caucus focuses on black An unknown male suspect forcibly entered a parked vehicle on the B2 level of the Aca- representation in inaugural year demic Center garage. The subject shattered the side front window, entered the vehicle ELLA STERN Union – by bringing the pub- student voices when advo- with all student organiza- and stole a backpack and a wallet belonging REPORTER lication’s members to BSC cating against racist instanc- tion leaders once a semester to a non-GW affiliated female. The victim meetings. es that occur on campus, like to foster connections among reported that her credit card was fraudulently In the first year for the Hill said caucus members Snapchat posted by a former the groups’ leaders and the Student Association’s Black also collaborated with GW’s Phi Sigma Sigma president. SA. charged to the Metropolitan Police Depart- National Association for the “There hasn’t been any- As the current SA presi- ment, and officers said they would follow up Senators Caucus, members said they have worked to en- Advancement of Colored thing like the Black Senators dent, Brookins said he will with the victim after 48 hours. People chapter to draft a re- Caucus in the SA’s history work to reinstate the BSC No identifiable subject sure black students are repre- sented in SA decisions. sponse following University because there hasn’t been a next academic year because The caucus met for the President Thomas President set cohort of students specifi- the original legislation that DRUG LAW VIOLATION first time in early October LeBlanc’s comment compar- cally advocating for a minor- created the group states the South Hall to outline their goals like in- ing fossil fuel divestment to ity goal,” Brookins said. caucus disbanded at the end 4/28/2020 – 11:19 a.m. creasing black student reten- shooting “all black people.” He said the SA diversity of the 2020 spring semester. BSC members issued a and inclusion assembly host- “We will definitely look Closed Case tion in the SA and at GW, de- veloping strong relationships statement within a few hours ed a forum for students to to see a caucus created and GWPD officers responded to South Hall of the video surfacing, say- discuss the Snapchat which look to work with senators where an area coordinator found a pipe with with student organizations and addressing racial inci- ing LeBlanc’s language was acted as a “foundational” to make sure that the caucus marijuana residue in a male student’s room. dents. Brandon Hill, the SA “racially insensitive” and event in the caucus’ creation, is alive and well and that we The officers collected the pipe and brought it executive vice president who “thoughtless.” informing the community are offering full support to to the Academic Center. chaired the caucus during “People wanted to know the caucus is a space for stu- them,” Brookins said. Referred to DSA the academic year, said the what the BSC thought, and dents to discuss racism. SA Sen. Tony Peeler, ESIA- members worked to serve as our statement was cited all Brookins said the caucus U, said the caucus hosted a 4D SEXUAL ASSAULT/FORCIBLE a liaison for black students in over the place by so many sponsored the Code of Con- member of the “Central Park FONDLING, HARASSMENT: E- the SA and address racist in- students and organizations duct Reform Act after LeB- Five” – five teenagers who stances like a Phi Sigma Sig- on campus,” Hill said. lanc’s comments in Febru- were wrongfully accused of MAIL AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA, ma member’s Snapchat post, Hill said he anticipates ary. The resolution called on assaulting a woman in New FRAUD 1D/FRAUD which surfaced in September. the BSC can continue its work officials to include examples York’s Central Park – in Feb- Duques Hall “I view the caucus as a se- next year supporting black of bias-related instances in ruary to speak about his life student organizations and the Code of Student Conduct after prison. Multiple – Multiple curity force or an emergency preparedness plan,” Hill increasing black student SA and for “necessary repercus- Peeler said the caucus Closed Case representation through em- sions” if racist instances oc- members also created a A male student reported that two GW-affil- said. “Being a member of the [Black Senators Caucus], you phasizing “proactive” over cur. how-to guide on SA elec- iated male subjects defrauded and harassed knew that at the drop of the “reactionary” dialogue in He said the caucus also tions sent to students inquir- him. The student agreed to be a part of a hat you would have to move the SA. He said caucus mem- sponsored the GW Police ing about running for an SA fraudulent company by investing money everything in order to repre- bers are working to create a Department Institutional position. The document in- with the two subjects. The victim also report- sent and advocate for black finance guide for black stu- Reform Act after a GW po- cluded instructions on how ed that one of the males subjected the student students.” dent organizations to secure lice officer allegedly pushed much money senators spent to acts of fondling in Duques Hall, and both Hill said many black extra money over the larger a female student down the F on campaigns and platform men sent him harassing text messages. senators in the SA were left student organizations that Street House stairs in a Febru- ideas used to help students Referred to the Title IX Office out of the planning process request SA funds. ary protest. The act called on who might have been con- to create the body’s response “Black students shouldn’t officials to release guidelines fused about the logistics of when an Alpha Phi sorority feel the need to be treated as a for student protests and re- leading a campaign or voting member posted a racist Snap- protected class in a sense that quire GWPD officers to treat as a student, he said. chat in spring 2018. The cau- they should feel free to live all students with respect. He said he will work cus was designed for black about just as any member of The officer who alleg- to reintroduce the caucus, senators to use the group as a the dominant culture,” Hill edly pushed the student was which will undergo changes “mechanism” for representa- said. placed on administrative in leadership roles, to the tion in student government, Howard Brookins, the SA leave following the protest. senate next year. He said he said. president and former cau- Brookins said the caucus now that former caucus He said the caucus has cus vice chair, said he envi- also endorsed the Student leaders Hill and Brookins supported other black stu- sioned the BSC as a place for Organization Outreach Act, moved into higher SA posi- –Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko dent groups like The Ace black students to voice their which requires the SA presi- tions, reinstating the caucus Magazine – a publication opinion in SA decisions and dent and executive vice pres- next year will be up to the re- from the Black Student work as a collective of black ident to hold joint meetings maining black senators.

Officials host virtual workshops on plan to improve campus accessibility

the potential to draft the Uni- “You have this extraordi- plan to transform the Marvin versity’s new campus plan nary network of smaller, in- Center into a “world-class” more than 20 years ago to timate, more open spaces on events center with larger reconfigure the mapping of this diagonal move along the venues for public speakers. campus and traffic flow. campus, ” Shea said. He said the building’s stu- Officials said in the recent dent organization offices and workshops the plan now in- Reconfiguring the Financial Aid Resources cludes updated meeting spac- the STEM district will move to a “flagship” es on the Foggy Bottom and Mike Aziz, the director student center featuring a Mount Vernon campuses, of urban design for Cooper dining hall and game rooms highlighting pedestrian ac- Robertson, said in the virtual near Kogan Plaza’s Engine cess on campus and accessi- workshops that the plan fea- Company 23 fire station. bility of facilities, particularly tures projects to redesign the Aziz said the committee on the Vern. Marvin Center and Potomac has no set timeline for the de- Square, and the STEM and velopments and will be plac- Increasing pedestrian medical district will expand ing initiatives into higher mobility its facilities to include resi- and lower “priority groups.” Brian Shea, an urban de- dential and dining halls. He said the committee could sign director with Cooper The University’s STEM complete redesign initiatives Robertson, said in the virtual district, the area around like that of Kogan Plaza and workshops the committee the Science and Engineer- H Street more quickly than intends to “reinvent” Kogan ing Hall, would house an other reconstruction projects. Plaza and H Street as the cen- “ambulatory care center” at ter of campus with less traffic Tompkins Hall and expand Increasing Vern and more green spaces. He the public health school’s accessibility said the group is proposing facilities into the Medical Aziz said the current pro- ILENA PENG | CONTRIBUTING WEB DEVELOPER to remove the curb from H Faculty Associates build- posal for the Vern downsizes Participants at the meetings discussed several campus improvements, like constructing a diagonal walking path from Street to Kogan Plaza to in- ing, Aziz said. He said SEH residence hall space, con- the Milken Institute School of Public Health to the Elliott School of International Affairs, to link open spaces. crease campus accessibility would expand to Rome nects West Hall to the quad and pedestrian walkways. Hall, and a newly reno- and expands the athletic fa- JARROD WARDWELL and Facilities Master Plan like increasing “meaningful” Shea said the commit- vated School of Medicine cilities with increased park- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Committee held six work- gathering spaces, improving tee has proposed installing and Health Sciences would ing and spectator spaces. He shops for undergraduate pedestrian pathways and en- a walking path called “The expand beyond its current said the plan allows for ad- MAKENA ROBERTS and graduate students, fac- hancing buildings’ accessibil- Diagonal” that runs from the facility. ditional athletic and aquatic CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR ulty and staff April 29 to ity and sustainability. northwest to the southeast- Aziz said plans include facilities without decreasing May 2 to gather feedback Nosal said Cooper Rob- ern side of campus – starting a “neighborhood model” of the size of the competition Officials creating GW’s about campus updates, like ertson – the architecture and at the Milken Institute School residence halls organized by soccer field located outside campus plan updated the adding a dining hall on the planning firm partnering of Public Health to the Elliott class year with new dining West Hall. community on their status Foggy Bottom Campus and with the University to con- School of International Af- and recreational facilities. Officials announced in via online workshops late last restructuring the Mount Ver- struct the plan – hosted work- fairs. He said the path will He said the neighborhood late January that the Smith month with proposed chang- non Campus quad. Univer- shops in February to learn serve as a “public spine” to would include a communal Center’s pool facilities in es like the return of a dining sity spokeswoman Crystal about the campus’s features link open spaces and build- dining location similar to Foggy Bottom will be re- hall to campus. Nosal said similar themes before proposing facility up- ings to accommodate student District House. placed with an additional The Strategic Campus stretched across all seminars dates. Officials announced walking routes. Aziz said officials also basketball court. THE GW HATCHET NEWS May 11, 2020 • Page 3 GW unlikely to increase penalties for sexual assault, experts say

SHANNON MALLARD said in the petition she felt proceedings. NEWS EDITOR Bongo’s sanction was insuf- Alan Sash, a partner in ficient. the litigation department at Bongo said he was the law firm McLaughlin & Title IX experts said offi- “wrongly” convicted of Stern, said the petition may cials are not likely to adopt the assault and said his en- encourage officials to adopt the stricter sanctions for sex- counter with Canning was stricter penalties for sexual ual assault called for in a pe- a “genuine hookup” that assault because universities tition posted late last month. he stopped when she ex- might be more likely to re- Sophomore Abby Can- pressed discomfort. spond to students’ firsthand ning, the petition’s author, Marissa Pollick, a sports accounts of their experi- urged officials to suspend management lecturer at ences. assailants until survivors the University of Michigan “A lot of times the expe- graduate and impose harsh- with experience in Title IX riences that students feel on er penalties for repeat of- research, said universities the frontlines, living at the fenders or “aggravated cir- are generally more unlikely university every day and ex- cumstances,” citing officials’ to implement harsher penal- periencing things at the uni- handling of her own sexual ties because of new Title IX versity is a good indicator assault case as evidence of regulations that grant more of how we should evolve,” lax policies. Title IX experts rights to the accused. Sash said. said officials might be hesi- She said universities are He said suspending as- tant to adopt the proposed concerned with protecting sailants until survivors sanctions because universi- themselves legally, adding graduate and doling out ties generally decide sexual that she has seen an uptick harsher penalties to repeat assault penalties on a case- in the past few years in the offenders are worthwhile PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA YOUNG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR by-case basis rather than number of students filing policies to adopt to protect Experts said new guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education granting more rights to those accused of sexual a consistent punitive stan- lawsuits claiming they were students and sufficiently assault will likely push officials not to adopt the petition's demands. dard. wrongly accused of sexual punish those found guilty “This is only one exam- assault under Obama-era of sexual assault. But he for sexual assault include Jody Shipper, the co- She added that GW ple of GW’s pattern of using Title IX guidelines. said Title IX officials should suspension, expulsion, dis- founder of and Title IX ser- should focus on implement- disproportionate sanctions U.S. Department of Edu- focus on establishing con- ciplinary probation and No vices practice lead at Title ing quality Title IX and by- against sexual assailants,” cation Secretary Betsy De- sistent standards for how to Contact Orders – which bar IX consulting firm Grand stander intervention train- Canning said in the petition. Vos published new regula- sanction different types of assailants from contacting River Solutions, said harsh- ing to decrease the overall The petition has gar- tions Thursday governing sexual assault and harass- survivors – according to the er penalties generally do incidence of sexual assault nered more than 1,000 sig- Title IX proceedings that ment. policy. not serve as a significant on campus. natures as of Sunday eve- federally-funded education- GW considers factors “That seems to be very deterrent to sexual assault. First-year students must ning. al institutions must imple- like the “nature” of the con- much appropriate to have Instead, harsher penalties attend in-person sexual as- Bilal Bongo, Canning’s ment by August. The regu- duct at issue and the impact one person be suspended may discourage survivors sault prevention training assailant, received a one- lations include measures of the misconduct on the from the university until the from reporting their assault, and complete online diversi- semester suspension for like forgoing the single in- complainant when deter- victim leaves or completely especially if survivors are ty training during their first sexually assaulting her in vestigator model – which mining sanctions for a case, dismissed or expel the per- concerned less about get- semester. January 2019, according to GW currently uses – in favor according to the Sexual and son who’s found responsible ting the assailant in trouble “Things that we know documentation of a Title of multiple-person hearing Gender-Based Harassment for sexual assault under the and more concerned with about that do help include IX investigation obtained boards and allowing cross- and Interpersonal Violence definition provided under requesting assistance from greatly improved bystander by The Hatchet. Canning examination during case Policy. Potential sanctions the criminal law,” Sash said. the university. training,” Shipper said. GWorld vendors hope for government aid amid pandemic

LIA DEGROOT which grants businesses a grants Program and the SENIOR STAFF WRITER loan for 2.5 times payroll, Economic Injury Disaster has provided sufficient Loan Emergency Ad- Jeremy Pollok, the funding for Tonic to re- vance, which grants loans managing partner of open from noon to 8 p.m. to agricultural and food Tonic, said he logged on to for takeout and delivery businesses, but hasn’t apply for the U.S. Cham- orders beginning this heard back from any. He ber of Commerce’s small week. said the government aid business coronavirus re- Pollok launched a Go- would allow him to re- lief program when the ap- FundMe fundraiser last lieve the financial stress plication opened at noon a month to raise money for many have experienced few weeks ago. the nearly 80 employees during the pandemic. But by 12:01 p.m., the that he had to furlough af- “We would be able website had crashed. ter closing. The fundraiser to pay them as well so it As many businesses has racked up more than would affect their families on campus have shuttered $15,000 for his staff as of and their lives because Sunday. they wouldn’t be stressed PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDER CULLEN under financial stress or GW's Department of Emergency Medicine Training Center has delivered more than 1,000 CPAP adapters and 450 face in compliance with Mayor “We’re taking it day- out,” he said. shields to D.C. medical personnel since April 15. Muriel Bowser’s order by-day and week-by-week Amir Mostafavi, the to close non-essential and re-evaluating,” Pol- founder and CEO of businesses, their owners lok said. “The PPP gives South Block, said sales are University ships protective equipment were denied or haven’t us some breathing room down after its GW shop heard back from govern- in some aspects, and it’s closed and other locations ment coronavirus relief great for the staff.” began offering takeout to paramedics fighting pandemic programs. Owners said GWorld vendors like and curbside delivery. He the lack of funding for Duke’s Grocery and Up- said the business has re- JARROD WARDWELL oversight or a lack of abil- volunteered to help manufac- Foggy Bottom businesses towner Cafe told The ceived a PPP loan after a ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR ity to purchase is incredibly ture the swabs. has prompted closures, Hatchet in March their temporary waiting period frustrating, especially when Cullen said the Corcoran furloughs and a struggle businesses closed or sig- and will use the grant for Students and faculty it’s a small piece of plastic that School has allowed the group to pay expenses over the nificantly reduced service payroll, rent and utility are manufacturing medical could make you much safer,” to use its 3D printers and has past few months. after business plummeted expenses. equipment for D.C. Fire and Cullen said. donated 3D printing filament Pollok said Tonic and students cleared cam- “It was pretty unnerv- Emergency Medical Services The University’s partner- and “durable materials” to aid closed March 15 after it pus. ing,” he said in an email. as frontline workers scrape ship with FEMS follows a slew the process of printing swabs could no longer afford to Kathryn Hartig – a “We had to sit in the dark together resources to battle of University-wide COVID-19 and adaptors. He said he cre- stay open with just car- spokesperson for the Of- for weeks not knowing COVID-19. relief efforts, including drive- ated a GoFundMe page that ryout orders. He said he fice of the Deputy Mayor where our application Alexander Cullen, a train- thru testing sites and housing has raised $5,000 as of Sunday applied for five public- for Planning, which stood in the process.” ing coordinator at GW’s for health care workers. for the team to afford more and private-sector sup- manages the D.C. Small University spokes- Department of Emergency Cullen said the team has materials, he said. port programs over the Business Recovery Mi- woman Crystal Nosal Medicine Training Center sent more than 1,000 adapters “We have an astrophysics past few weeks, including crogrants Program – said said officials have been in – which offers educational and 450 face shields to FEMS professor, an art and sculp- the D.C. Small Business the office received 7,000 contact with GWorld busi- programming in emergency since it first began deliver- ture professor, an engineering Recovery Microgrants applications as of Friday. nesses to confirm their op- life support – said the team ing equipment April 15 and student and a paramedic that Program, which offers She said Bowser and the erating hours and update has delivered nearly 1,500 has now stocked FEMS and are all working on one project small amounts of money D.C. Council established the GW dining website for pieces of medical equipment other local fire departments cohesively for the purpose of to small businesses in the the program on March 17 the 200 students still stuck since April 15 consisting of like Arlington County with just trying to help the com- District. as part of emergency CO- in residence hall rooms face shields and breathing more than 250 percent of their munity that we live in,” Cul- He said the only pro- VID-19 legislation. after the University shut machine adapters that protect original needs. The team has len said. gram that has provided “The D.C. Small Busi- down campus in March. paramedics treating patients shifted its focus to prototyp- Buchanan said the adapt- him funding has been ness Recovery Micro- “With regard to the inflicted with the virus. Cul- ing additional viral filters for ers GW has been delivering the federal government’s grants Program, which dining vendors who are len said officials began work- CPAP machines and manu- were in short supply because Paycheck Protection Pro- was created through the also tenants in GW-owned ing with FEMS the first week facturing virus testing swabs of increased demand for pro- gram. He said Tonic has D.C. Council’s COVID-19 properties, the University of April to prevent breathing from 3D printers, he said. tective machinery during the met eligibility require- Response Emergency recognizes they are a vi- machines hooked to patients He said the team had to pandemic. He said GW and ments for most of the Amendment Act of 2020, tal part of our University from passing the virus to on- measure the amount of “dead the local nonprofit Nova Labs, programs he applied for was created to provide community,” Nosal said duty paramedics. space,” or unnecessary vol- also delivering adapters to based on location, restau- flexible financial support in an email. “We look “When it turned out that ume, within each viral filter’s FEMS, have been able to com- rant size and number of to help D.C. businesses forward to working with we had a solution that we ventilatory circuit that con- pensate for that demand with employees. meet their short-term fi- each of them for success- could prototype, design our- nects the patient to the ven- their deliveries. The PPP grants small nancial needs in response ful re-entry to business in selves and print in-house and tilator so the adapters could “We are now confident businesses and nonprofits to COVID-19,” Hartig said a post-COVID-19 world.” supply in quantity within a have a tight fit on the machine. because of the work that GW loans for operating costs, in an email. She said GW Dining couple of days, it meant that Cullen said he works did and their insight in real- according to the Small The Office of the Dep- has shared up-to-date in- the fire department was able another job as a paramedic izing our need that we are Business Administration’s uty Mayor for Planning formation with vendors to go back to using the ap- in which he must wear pro- now able to do everything website. The government added $8 million to the regarding local and fed- propriate patient care meth- tective equipment like N95 that we’re able to do to protect will forgive loans that fund April 29, according eral legislation created to ods while remaining safe,” he masks to avoid infection. He our members on the numer- the business uses toward to a press release. assist business owners said. said his experience in the job ous calls they respond to each payroll, mortgage interest Hartig said the may- and tenants. She said of- Douglas Buchanan, the helped him understand the day,” he said. rates, rent and utilities, the or has received positive ficials can’t provide a de- chief communications offi- urgency in distributing these Buchanan said the fire website states. feedback through phone finitive plan for relief for cer of FEMS, said D.C. para- adapters to the fire depart- department paramedics who “Mostly it’s just first calls and emails from any of the University’s medics use the small plastic ment to keep frontline work- work 24-hour shifts “are in come, first serve,” Pollok businesses who have re- retail tenants because of adapters to connect filters to ers safe. the belly of the beast” in their said. “Whoever can get in ceived grants thus far. the “uncertain trajectory Continuous Positive Airway “As someone who’s wear- fight for their patients’ safety line first gets in.” Usman Saleem, the of the pandemic.” Pressure machines that inject ing an N95 and going into amid the pandemic. He said He said the applica- owner of Uptowner Cafe, Nosal said some ven- oxygen and pressure into pa- homeless shelters and nursing the fire department’s part- tions he’s filled out to re- said he had to close the dors have launched their tients’ lungs through a mask. homes for my daily job, know- nership with the University ceive funding were fairly store and lay off all em- own relief efforts for the The machine requires filters ing that you couldn’t safely has given first responders the straightforward, but the ployees in March, when community during the to capture germs carrying use CPAP to manage these protection they need to safely aid programs are receiv- the shop is typically pandemic, like the meals COVID-19 before they reach people, and that’s the stan- perform their jobs. ing a flood of applications packed, because of the TwentyTables has donated the surrounding atmosphere dard of care, was something “What GW has been able from struggling business- pandemic. to the GW Hospital. after patients exhale through that I don’t think any of us to provide us is that sense of es, which makes each in- “Students are prep- “The University will their masks, he said. were really OK just accepting security for our members to dividual business’s chanc- ping for exams, so they’re work with each indi- Cullen said the team has at face value,” he said. ensure that they can do their es of receiving funding on campus a lot,” he said. vidual tenant to map out been distributing face shields Cullen said he has been jobs without also becoming slim. “We make a lot of our in- a plan at the appropriate to provide masks extra pro- working on the project with infected themselves, which “Unfortunately, it’s come during that time, es- time for resuming opera- tection from exposure to volunteers from the School in thus protects their fellow more difficult on their end pecially to sustain us dur- tions when there is more droplets from sneezes, coughs of Engineering and Applied team members on the fire- because so many people ing the summer months.” certainty regarding when or any “respiratory process.” Sciences and the Corcoran truck, those within the fire- applied that it’s taking Saleem said he ap- orders will be lifted and “Being unprepared be- School of the Arts and Design house and as importantly them a long time to sort plied a month ago to the businesses allowed to re- cause of a lack of proper along with Sylvain Guiriec, an their families back at home,” through it,” he said. PPP, the D.C. Small Busi- sume operations,” Nosal equipment, whether through astrophysics professor who he said. Pollok said the PPP, ness Recovery Micro- said. May 11, 2020 • Page 4 NEWS THE GW HATCHET GW for Biden collaborates with nationwide virtual campaign effort LAUREN SFORZA D-Md. while answering trivia ques- STAFF WRITER “One of the great benefits tions about Biden’s policies is just the people that they over Zoom. A student organization can bring in,” Kusma said. Liam MacDermott, the supporting presumptive “Obviously, we’ve been do- group’s vice president, said Democratic presidential ing pretty well in numbers the executive board has been nominee Joe Biden is orga- ourselves, but when you get holding biweekly virtual nizing virtual canvassing ef- more people it really livens phone banks open to any forts with universities across up the event.” Biden student campaigner to the country. Kusma said campaign ramp up support for the for- GW for Biden – a chapter officials made the transition mer vice president. of Biden’s national campaign to an online campaign “sig- MacDermott said the branch, Students for Biden – nificantly easier” by setting group has been contributing connected with five chapters up the national council via to the national campaign by from colleges like New York GroupMe, where chapter participating in events host- University and Columbia members are connected with ed by other chapters, like universities in March to in- new event opportunities Columbia University’s Pen crease support for the candi- from Biden student support- Pals letter-writing campaign date. Executive board mem- ers nationwide. He said GW lobbying for federal govern- bers said working with other for Biden has been promot- ment officials to approve the schools has allowed them to ing Biden canvassing events United States Postal Service’s mobilize with students be- hosted between university request for emergency fund- yond DMV Students for chapters on social media ing. After the COVID-19 Biden chapters by organiz- platforms like Instagram and pandemic prompted 29 state ing events like phone bank- Twitter so students from any stay-at-home orders, the ing over Zoom and using a chapter can access all events. Postal Service experienced GroupMe to push campaign He said the group did not an “unprecedented” drop in PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIA YOUNG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR efforts as a combined, nation- plan to collaborate outside of mail, leading to decreased The group's leaders hope to keep members engaged over the summer with virtual general body meetings and move to wide effort. the DMV with schools like revenue. in-person campaigning come fall, if the pandemic drops off. GW for Biden President the Massachusetts Institute “We hope to host events tive state, somewhere like is hosting like a Q&A with GW for Warren, Connelly Tyler Kusma said Students of Technology before offi- through the summer, and we Virginia that still can kind former Virginia First Lady said. He said the group’s Ins- for Biden normally connects cials announced all activities recognize that we have a lim- of flip between red and blue, Dorothy McAuliffe. tagram and Twitter followers field members to college and and classes would be moved ited time so we want to just or another state close by like “I anticipate it getting have increased “consider- high school students who online. try to keep our momentum Pennsylvania,” MacDermott stronger as more people ably,” prompting the team to wish to set up chapters. Af- “It just helps to remember going,” he said. said. come into the campaign and post trivia questions about ter universities across the that this is a national cam- The group plans to orga- Jack Connelly, the com- as Biden becomes the only Biden’s campaign policies on nation closed amid the CO- paign so there’s national sup- nize summer events like a munications director of the Democratic candidate head- Instagram stories to engage VID-19 pandemic, national port for the vice president,” virtual general body meet- Biden group, said social me- ing into the general election,” followers. campaign officials formed Kusma said. “There are ing to communicate with dia is now the group’s main Connelly said. “We’re in a “We have seen a lot of in- the Biden National Student groups all across the country members about campaign platform for campaigning fairly good place right now.” terest from people who are Leadership Council, an on- who are working to get this updates, which he said will during the pandemic. He After Senator Bernie from different campaigns for line community platform for cause going.” “hopefully” transition to in- said the chapter has bol- Sanders, I-Vt, suspended different candidates and then executive board members Kusma said he co-host- person campaigning into stered its online presence his campaign in April and also people who were not in- from each chapter to connect ed a trivia campaign event the fall, allowing members using Instagram, Twitter Biden became the presump- volved in the primary season each other with resources Thursday called “Barks for to knock on people’s doors to and the “Biden Bulletin,” tive Democratic nominee, and are just tuning in now and invite each other to their Biden” with a field organizer talk about Biden’s policies. a weekly email newsletter the group’s social media has that Biden is the presump- virtual events like Q&A’s from the national campaign “It would be really cool if run through the GW chapter seen an influx of members tive nominee or wanting to with politicians like former during which students could we were able to go on a trip that updates students on up- from former campaign chap- get engaged for the general Governor Martin O’Malley, share their dogs virtually to go canvas in a competi- coming events each chapter ters, like GW for Pete and election,” Connelly said. Trans, nonbinary student group builds community, members say

MAKENA ROBERTS nary students and educate with each other and to offer CONTRIBUTING NEWS students about the com- support to each other after EDITOR munity and issues affecting moving back home. it. Student leaders said the “Within the community TIFFANY GARCIA week’s events, like a spoken there are some folks who ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR word mic night celebrating just don’t even have a home trans artists, will happen to go back to,” Miller said. One year in, leaders of again at September’s LG- “On the flip side, if folks a student group dedicated BTQ celebration, which will have a place to go back to, to community support for also feature a mini-Pride people either have to go transgender and nonbinary event after June’s Pride fes- back in the closet, are put students hosted almost a tival was canceled. into toxic or even like emo- dozen events in collabo- “The way that we sought tionally abusive situations ration with multicultural to build community was by where they’re constantly groups on campus. thinking about those who misgendered or don’t feel Transgender and Non- weren’t in the rooms when affirmed in their home and binary Students of GW, we were planning meet- just not safe in their home.” a student organization ings,” Miller said. “Always Harvey Tate, the group’s formed last April as a sup- thinking about who can we incoming vice president, FILE PHOTO BY DEAN WHITELAW | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER portive space for trans and work with too, like differ- said student leaders part- Officials said they will reach a final decision about accepting CARES Act funding in the coming week, adding nonbinary students, collab- ent organizations, different nered with the Multicultur- that they are concerned with strings attached to the funding's use. orated with more than 10 University departments, al Student Services Center’s other organizations to edu- who can be worked with to LGBTQIA Resource Center cate students on issues im- create a welcoming and af- to augment resources avail- portant to the community firming space for students able to students, like chest Plans to accept millions in CARES like hormone replacement of all identities.” binders for students tran- therapy. Executive board Miller said the organi- sitioning, as part of their Act funding ‘in the works’: officials members said they plan to zation expanded its out- goal to advocate for greater build on their first year’s ef- reach into the D.C. commu- representation of trans and ALEC RICH by the Deferred Action for To reduce expenses, ad- forts by keeping all of their nity during Transgender nonbinary students. STAFF WRITER Childhood Arrivals pro- ministrators have suspend- events annual and expand- Awareness week through Tate said members have gram. GW has long sup- ed most capital projects ing this year’s Transgender a sticker fundraiser with also met with Student As- ZACH SCHONFELD ported DACA, filing an am- and hirings, taken pay cuts Awareness Week into a the Organization of Latino sociation and housing offi- icus brief with the Supreme ranging from 5 to 20 percent two-week LGBTQ celebra- American Students, which cials to discuss University CONTRIBUTING NEWS Court alongside 19 other and eliminated merit salary tion. raised more than $700 for policies about changing EDITOR universities last fall endors- raises for next year. Junior Aedy Miller, the Casa Ruby – the only D.C. one’s name and about hous- ing the policy. Diaz said officials’ plans organization’s current di- organization providing di- ing that does not represent Administrators say they “The reality is every in- to disburse any funds they rector of marketing and rect services, like housing, trans and nonbinary stu- are still grappling with how stitution is looking at the accept are “evolving” based public relations and presi- for low- or no-income queer dents. He said the housing to use more than $9 million pros and cons of accepting on guidance from the fed- dent-elect, said TNBS mem- individuals. department currently as- in funding earmarked for the money,” LeBlanc said. eral education department bers were “key” leaders in Miller said the organiza- signs students rooms based GW in the multi-billion-dol- “Half the money goes di- and ongoing circumstances. facilitating social and edu- tion had planned a postcard on sex instead of gender, lar federal higher education rectly to our students, and “We obviously have to cational events for Trans- campaign directed at state creating “problematic” relief package passed last to not accept it would penal- adhere to and comply with gender Awareness Week in legislatures enacting legis- situations for students who month. ize them.” any of the rules or regula- mid-November. Miller said lation blocking transgen- identify as gender-neutral The funding, which He said officials will tions attached to that fund- the group planned educa- der youth from accessing or transgender who are totals about $9.1 million, make a final decision in the ing,” he said. “We’re still tional and speaker events hormones or participating then forced to chose a gen- was allocated through the next week on accepting the receiving that, and that will aimed at creating an inclu- in sports for International der or are stuck in “poten- CARES Act based on the funds. inform how we can best get sionary space for students Transgender Day of Vis- tially harmful” roommate number of Pell Grant re- “The legislation is am- the much needed funds to “of all identities,” like a ibility on March 31 before situations. cipients attending GW and biguous enough that there the students, so it’s still in workshop with Students students were sent home for “I’d rather fix the system the University’s enrollment is a risk in accepting the motion.” Against Sexual Assault the semester because of the than keep trying to Band- as part of a larger multi- money that the terms will Lynn Pasquerella, the about sexual assault and COVID-19 outbreak. Aid patch it,” Tate said. “So trillion-dollar spending be interpreted in a certain president of the Associa- survivorship in the trans After the event was can- the end goal is to fix the sys- package. University Presi- way, so we’re still working tion of American Colleges community. celed amid the pandemic, tem. But that’s a long-term dent Thomas LeBlanc said through that,” he said. and Universities, said the Trans Awareness Week TNBS members decided goal that we can’t necessar- at a Faculty Senate meeting LeBlanc said GW advo- funding from the CARES this year encompassed 15 to use Discord, a virtual ily get done in our first year, Friday that officials are still cated for $50 billion in relief Act will be “critical” to alle- events intended to empow- chat website similar to because we have to build determining whether or not funding for higher educa- viating some of the financial er transgender and nonbi- GroupMe, to allow students those avenues of trust and to accept the funding. to continue communicating work toward them.” “We’re still working tion through consortium hardships students are fac- through the details – there and lobbying groups, a far ing by ensuring universities are politics associated with larger amount than the ap- like GW have the capacity this,” LeBlanc said. proximately $14 billion allo- to address their concerns re- Officials must agree to cated under the CARES Act. gardless of what instruction use at least 50 percent of Mark Diaz, the execu- in the fall looks like. the funds for emergency tive vice president and chief “What we’ve seen from financial aid for students financial officer, said GW this crisis is the extent to and continue employing all would receive the funds which we are failing to ad- workers and contractors to through a reimbursable dress students’ food and the “greatest extent practi- grant from the federal gov- shelter and security on col- cable” to receive the fund- ernment, and the money lege campuses – those are ing, the bill’s text states. would help mitigate fi- urgent needs – and also the The relief aid disbursed to nancial losses and provide digital divide with students students will be nontaxable, emergency aid to students who don’t have access to according to an Internal in the wake of the COV- computers to high speed in- Revenue Service announce- ID-19 pandemic. ternet,” she said. ment last week, which LeB- GW is projected to face Pasquerella said the lanc characterized as “good a $12 million annual bud- relief bill’s language has news.” get deficit this fiscal year caused “confusion” for uni- But administrators at because of the pandemic, versities, because it seems to several universities, like which resulted in $45 mil- limit eligibility for funding Princeton and Harvard lion in lost revenues. Of- to students who filed for -fi universities, have said they ficials estimate the Univer- nancial aid before the pan- will not accept the funding sity could lose between an demic – even though the because the U.S. Depart- additional $100 million and record-high unemployment FILE PHOTO BY JENNA BANKS | PHOTOGRAPHER ment of Education has stip- $300 million next year de- caused by the virus may be Aedy Miller, the organization's president-elect, said their group expanded its outreach over the year and ulated the funds cannot be pending on the state of the inflicting harm on others raised hundreds of dollars for local charities. used for students protected pandemic. previously well-off. THE GW HATCHET NEWS May 11, 2020 • Page 5 Trachtenberg School director focuses on preparing students for careers ISHA TRIVEDI lized the existing connec- mands of the COVID-19 pan- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR tions that faculty and alumni demic this year. of the Trachtenberg School “They’re working to cre- The director of the have to create new network- ate a better future while deal- Trachtenberg School of Pub- ing opportunities for stu- ing with weird pressures fac- lic Policy and Public Ad- dents, including a series of ing them today,” she said. ministration said she was re- new events for the fall se- She said the Trachten- minded of why she belonged mester on topics that are of berg School will have more at GW when she saw seniors “special interest” to leaders of a need in the upcoming helping community mem- of nonprofit organizations. academic year for external bers during their capstone “The connections that financial resources due to presentations at the end of have been forged through the pandemic, and it will be the fall semester. the years really are very a “tough year” financially for Mary Tschirhart said strong, and part of my job is the University. she emphasized her com- to help maintain those while Officials said at a Faculty mitment in the past year to creating new ones,” she said. Senate meeting Friday they preparing students to face Tschirhart, who has expect GW to lose between the ongoing challenges they worked at Ohio State, Indi- $100 million and $300 mil- will encounter as public ser- ana, North Carolina State lion in revenue depending vants, particularly in light of and Syracuse universities on University operations in the COVID-19 pandemic. She teaching nonprofit manage- the fall. said she has worked to rein- ment and governance, took Tschirhart said many force connections between over the position of director of the school’s donors have community leaders in the from Kathryn Newcomer, recently renewed and in- District and members of the who has since returned to a creased their financial com- Trachtenberg School during full-time teaching position in mitment to the school, which her first year as director and the school after taking a sab- will be particularly necessary has utilized her experience batical during the fall semes- in the coming years due to ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER in nonprofit management to ter. She said her experience in the impact of the COVID-19 Mary Tschirhart, the director of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, said she will encourage members of the nonprofit work has prepared pandemic on GW’s finances. leverage her connections with nonprofit leaders in D.C. to bring new programming to the school. school to move toward “mak- her for the accountability re- She added that Trachten- Tschirhart said based on “Every place has people “excellent” students, and the ing a positive difference.” quired for her position as di- berg School officials added her experience in nonprofit who are dedicated to mak- incoming class is projected When officials an- rector of the school. a new scholarship this management and gover- ing a positive difference, no to be as large and accom- nounced last year that Tsch- “I really see the impor- academic year called the nance, trust is “interwoven” matter their role, and that’s plished as current students irhart would become director tance of nonprofits being ac- Trachtenberg Scholarship for with good management been true at every place I’ve in the Trachtenberg School, of the Trachtenberg School, countable to arranged stake- Equity and Public Service, and governance structures, been at, and I’ve seen my job she said. she said at the time that she holders, and the mindset and a fellowship for students which she has encountered as encouraging them in mov- Tschirhart said based on wanted to use GW’s loca- is that you’re not really an with careers in homeland se- during her time as director of ing in that path,” she said. feedback that officials have tion to “connect community owner of a nonprofit, you’re a curity, emergency manage- the school. “While external resources received from this year’s members to life beyond the trusted steward, and I think ment or national defense. She Since beginning as direc- are extremely important, and graduates, students in the classroom,” which she said that’s true in this setting as said these additions allow tor of the school last year, she it’s nice to have a lot of them, Class of 2020 will be in “re- she has done by taking ad- well,” she said. officials to ensure qualified said she has learned through what’s really, really impor- warding careers” relating to vantage of her previous re- Tschirhart said she is students can “take advan- her experiences that her job is tant is the inner drive of the public policy. lationships with nonprofit “proud” of how faculty, staff, tage” of the Trachtenberg not a “one person show” but individual that gets the job “We haven’t heard of can- leaders across the District. students and alumni have School’s offerings regardless rather a community effort. done.” cellation of jobs, internships, Tschirhart said she uti- stepped up to meet the de- of their financial resources. The school is attracting so that’s been great,” she said. Two dozen students request admission deferrals: officials From Page 1 submitting enrollment de- cial aid appeals process for posits. families whose income may He said officials have have changed, and the stu- Officials announced in De- approved more than 250 dent financial assistance cember they planned to enrollment deposit exten- team is working to best sup- enroll 2,250 incoming stu- sions given the “unprec- port those families.” dents excluding transfers edented” economic chal- Toll said admissions this fall. Approximately lenges families are facing staff transitioned Inside 100 students who submit during the pandemic. Of- GW, the University’s ac- enrollment deposits do ficials said in March they cepted students program- not eventually attend GW would maintain the May ming typically held on historically, administrators 1 commit deadline in the campus, to 20 virtual Inside said at the senate meeting. wake of the pandemic to ac- GW events and 45 virtual Officials admitted 38.7 cept waitlisted and transfer school-based events. He percent of applicants in students in a timely man- said officials have not - of early and regular decision ner. fered any additional perks rounds – the most selective “Domestically, many or benefits to attract stu- incoming class since 2013. families are unsure of their dents to the University in Toll said GW’s yield economic situation with the fall. rate dropped this year with 33.5 million Americans fil- He added that only 26 roughly 22.7 percent of the ing for unemployment,” students have requested to 10,374 accepted students GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Toll said. “GW has a finan- defer their admission. Faculty senators OKed an expansion of GW's academic forgiveness policy to all undergraduates at the newly elected body's first meeting. Faculty Senate votes to expand 'Lot of fat': Board chair eyes cuts freshman forgiveness policy as revenue declines amid pandemic ISHA TRIVEDI similar to this. and research, areas of exper- words, we should expect officials have agreed to take ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR The senate passed a reso- tise for faculty senators. From Page 1 ‘significant revenue losses,’ a reduction of 5 percent or lution in 2017 that initially “The senate and its com- when would it be neces- more. The Faculty Senate passed implemented the freshman mittees expect to participate Officials said at the - meet sary to tap into the endow- Diaz said in an inter- two resolutions Friday to ex- forgiveness policy with an in a significant manner in ing and in interviews they ment?” he wrote in the We- view earlier this month pand the freshman forgive- amendment stating that the crafting procedural deci- project GW will lose $45 bEx meeting chat. that officials had not de- ness policy and to require policy must be reviewed sions that result from the CO- million in revenue result- Sarah Wagner, a fac- termined an exact amount officials to consult senators within three years of its im- VID-19 emergency, especially ing from the coronavirus ulty senator and associate for the salary reductions when deciding the fall semes- plementation. concerning everything relat- by June 30 but expect to professor of anthropology, but have decided upon a ter’s status. The SA Senate passed a ed to teaching and research save $20 million dur- said the faculty should be range. He declined to say The first resolution ex- resolution in its last meeting missions carried out by fac- ing that time frame from involved in any conversa- what range had been deter- pands the freshman forgive- of the semester calling on of- ulty,” Orti said. cost-saving measures, like tions surrounding financial mined. ness policy to all under- ficials to expand the first-year He said the resolution freezing most hirings and cuts. He added that the ongo- graduates, and the second forgiveness policy to apply to does not cover the specific capital projects and reduc- “Our antennas are up,” ing situation is “fluid” and resolution established that all undergraduates. procedures necessary to ac- ing employee travel. They she said. “Why? Because officials could implement the senate is prepared to meet Guillermo Orti, a profes- complish this task, and he has said the net loss of roughly Chair Speights began this additional cost-saving mea- beyond its regularly sched- sor of biology and sponsor begun conversations within $25 million would reflect a discussion with an admis- sures, like potentially fur- uled monthly meetings to of the second resolution, said the senate to add additional roughly $12 million annual sion that she sees a lot of fat loughing some employees. help plan the University’s faculty members are well- meetings of the senate’s com- deficit after eliminating the to be cut. Obviously, when “There’s not really a response to the COVID-19 positioned to discuss poten- mittees after the Board of University’s budgeted sur- we hear that and then we playbook or even a model pandemic. Faculty senators tial costs to health and safety Trustees meeting Friday. plus. hear ‘short- and long-term’ that we can point to in also discussed plans for fu- involved with officials’ deci- “There are plans to hold Speights said there is “a and ‘how do we mediate terms of, ‘Hey, this is ex- ture senate meetings in the sion-making process in light several Faculty Senate and lot of fat” at the University those,’ ‘how do we move actly how things are going months of May through Au- of the COVID-19 pandemic. senate committee meetings that could be cut to reduce from one to the other’ – to happen,’” Diaz said. “It’s gust and the conditions nec- “The intent of this resolu- during the summer in or- expenses further instead of that’s our point of anxiety. been consistently fluid in essary for students to return tion is to send a clear signal der to ensure that we have a utilizing GW’s savings or We need to understand terms of identifying im- to campus in the fall. that the senate and its com- robust role in shared gover- endowment. what fat she sees.” pacts and then eventually Jason Zara, an associ- mittees are ready, willing nance,” said Arthur Wilson, “Before going into your Speights encouraged quantifying the implica- ate professor of biomedical and able to meet as needed the chair of the senate’s ex- rainy day savings, we have faculty to contribute their tions of those impacts.” engineering and sponsor of during the summer to engage ecutive committee. an obligation and a duty to ideas on ways to mitigate Officials paused the the resolution on the under- in planning our responses to The senate unanimously look at and see where we the financial impact of the development of GW’s next graduate forgiveness policy, the pandemic,” he said. approved the nominations currently stand,” she said. pandemic, adding that she strategic plan in order to re- said former Student Associa- University President of new members to senate “And if there are ways to is committed to finding assess key assumptions in tion Executive Vice President Thomas LeBlanc said officials standing committees and the cut and trim things to allow ways for more interaction the wake of the pandemic, Amy Martin and Chief of are considering three sce- election of faculty members us to continue with the mis- with the senate as propos- like a nearly 20 percent de- Staff Nicole Cennamo pre- narios for the fall semester: a to University committees. sion of educating our stu- als are developed. crease in the undergradu- sented a “compelling” case return to normal, a hybrid of LeBlanc said during the dents in a great way, then “I assure you transpar- ate population. for the resolution about in- online and in-person instruc- meeting that in order to re- that’s where the cut should ency as we move forward, He said officials are creasing equity across the tion and fully online classes. turn to campus in the fall, of- come from as opposed to and I appreciate all the considering ending some student body. He said the campus cannot ficials must be able to provide leaving everything the way words of support you have of the University’s contracts “Students who don’t have reopen without testing, con- coronavirus testing, contact it is and reaching into our offered as we have dealt with other companies ear- a lot of AP credit may be tak- tact tracing and quarantine tracing and places for quar- savings.” with this unprecedented lier than originally planned ing simpler classes in their capabilities. antining. Francys Subiaul, a fac- crisis,” she told faculty sen- because of the ongoing first year and then really hit The resolution requires Board Chair Grace Spei- ulty senator and an associ- ators. “President LeBlanc pandemic. the challenging classes later, the senate, which usually ghts said officials do not plan ate professor of speech and will be soliciting your ideas Diaz said officials will whereas students who come does not meet in the months to take funding from the Uni- hearing science, said what and feedback as to how we “definitely not” extend in with 24 credit hours might of June, July and August, to versity’s endowment to miti- some people see as an area move forward to lessen the University’s contract take organic chemistry their schedule at least one regular gate the financial impact of to cut is valuable to others. the financial impact on the with the Disney Institute, first semester and be able to monthly meeting for each the COVID-19 pandemic. The process for cutting ex- University as a result of this which has assisted officials repeat it, so equity was also month of the summer to en- “Tapping the endowment penses should be “spelled crisis. And the Board looks in implementing LeBlanc’s part of this,” he said. sure that the senate has a or reserves today would not out clearly” and the ad- forward to hearing from institutional culture initia- The resolution expands “robust” role in shared gov- be a prudent decision or in ministrators making these President LeBlanc the ideas tive. The cost of the part- the freshman forgiveness ernance. the best interest of GW be- financial decisions should and the feedback that you nership, which officials policy to an undergraduate The resolution also states cause it will only hamper be open to input, he said. share with him.” have declined to comment forgiveness policy that allows that appropriate senate com- our financial standing in the “If now is not a good LeBlanc said he will on, has come under intense all undergraduate students to mittees must be consulted future,” Speights said at the time to tap into the endow- take a 20 percent pay cut scrutiny from many faculty retake up to three courses if when officials make deci- senate meeting. “We cannot ment in the face of a global beginning July 1 as part of and was cited in a petition they received a D+ or lower. sions on the status of the sacrifice our long term fu- pandemic, where unem- an initiative to reduce sala- signed by more than 100 Zara said almost all of GW’s upcoming academic year ture to resolve the challenges ployment is in the double- ries in order to cut GW’s faculty calling on LeBlanc peer schools have a policy because it involves education posed by this pandemic.” digits and, in the chair’s expenses. He said other top to resign. WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK The details of a sexual assault investigation. p. 3

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “Growing up during multiple national crises, and now a pandemic, has shaped and continues Opinions to shape how younger generations view the world.” May 11, 2020 • Page 6 — HANNAH THACKER ON 4/26/20 Introducing The Hatchet’s Volume 117 If fall classes go online, GW should editorial board explore ways to cut tuition

STAFF EDITORIAL s an unprecedented ition cost for an unantici- ing an unfair price for servic- ewspapers can by providing context and for Student Association spring semester pated period of lower-qual- es provided. Other universi- be counted on for editing content. No person president and executive vice winds down, stu- ity instruction. If classes are ties throughout the country producing content on the editorial board pro- president then endorse a Adents are anxiously looking moved online for the fall which, like GW, are strug- Nabout news, sports, culture duces news to maintain an candidate for each post after toward fall, unsure whether semester, officials should gling financially, are taking and opinions. Within the editorial divide. hours of discussion. Our en- we will return to in-person explore ways to cut tuition steps to cut or prorate online opinions section, newspa- Each week, Thacker dorsement decision is made classes and a sense of nor- costs so students pay a fair tuition. D.C. peer American pers like The Hatchet also and Sugrue meet to discuss based on which candidate malcy. Officials have indicat- rate for the education they University cut tuition by 10 have an editorial board that top national, campus and will best benefit students. ed so far that they will make are receiving. percent for summer courses discusses some of the big- higher education news and The same holds true for ref- a decision by June 15 about There is no way to re- that had been moved online. gest issues facing campus. determine what topic will erenda – we discuss among on-campus instruction next place in-person instruction Bentley University went a The Hatchet’s edito- be discussed. Once a topic is ourselves and ultimately academic year. It’s no ques- perfectly with online educa- step further, essentially giv- rial board takes a stance chosen, the editorial board make a decision about tion that virtual courses tion, but that does not mean ing students the option of on behalf of the paper. In conducts research on the is- which initiatives would best have been a nightmare filled GW cannot charge a fair taking a free, shortened fall past years, the group has sue and convenes to discuss benefit the GW commu- with glitched technology, price for the courses that it semester online. weighed in on topics rang- their opinions regarding nity. This spring, our edito- unprepared professors and can provide effectively. GW GW’s hesitation to imple- ing from the University’s that topic. In these meetings, rial board endorsed a call the stresses of being home. It already offers a discount on ment tuition changes for a Colonials moniker to re- Thacker leads the discussion for the University to divest has not been worth the full its regular online course of- potentially online fall se- naming the Marvin Center. by asking questions to the from fossil fuels but rejected cost of tuition. ferings – for the 2019–2020 mester – as well as the up- Last volume, the editorial group while Sugrue takes plans to split the SA into a academic year, the cost for coming summer semester board has weighed in on ev- notes throughout the meet- graduate and undergradu- Andrew Sugrue some of these classes hovers and current spring semester erything from the shift to ing. The meeting comes ate body. at around $600 per credit, a – has not gone unnoticed. floating tuition to endorsing to an end when the board Just as the members of Contributing Opinions far cry from the per-credit Parents of one GW student student calls for fossil fuel reaches a consensus on their our editorial board do not Editor cost for undergraduates of have gone as far as to sue divestment and University opinion about the topic at think the same way about $1,675. This discount reflects the University, accusing it of President Thomas LeBlanc’s hand. everything, we know that the fact that the quality of defrauding students by not resignation. Our work has We arrive at our conclu- we do not always align with The transition to online instruction is different be- providing a partial refund been recognized by the So- sions about editorial pieces the views and opinions of instruction has been diffi- tween online and in-person for spring tuition. More ciety of Professional Jour- and endorsements through every single GW student. cult for students and faculty instruction. The University than 2,000 students added nalists and the Associated rigorous, well-researched But that is not our goal – alike. Instructors had mere could extend this pricing to their names to a petition in College Press. debate within our editorial we aim to foster a dialogue weeks to redesign their any and all fall classes that March that demanded a 50 We’re composed of sev- board. Each member of our about the issues facing the classes once COVID-19 took have to be moved online. percent refund of spring tu- en members who each bring editorial board brings to the University, students and the hold in the United States, The University has not ition. The University has not different editorial back- table their own opinions, ex- D.C. community. Editorial and many reported difficul- signaled any intention to addressed these complaints grounds. This year’s edito- periences and backgrounds writing is not about impos- ty teaching over platforms cut tuition – which is to be directly, but officials intend rial board is led and pieces – we have different majors, ing an opinion on people – it like Blackboard Collaborate, expected, given that GW is to announce plans for the are written by opinions come from different places, is about giving a nuanced WebEx and Zoom. Mean- not exactly flush with cash. fall semester by next month. editor Hannah Thacker and hold different religious be- perspective that makes peo- while, students have had The pandemic is slated to The University is respon- contributing opinions edi- liefs and espouse several ple think. We warmly wel- to contend with uprooting cost GW $25 million in net sible for crafting contingen- tor Andrew Sugrue. It also political ideologies. All of come those who come to a their entire lives and mov- revenue by June 30, a figure cy plans that are as fair as includes managing director these factors ensure we can different conclusion than we ing back home, which led which will only grow to at possible to students. If June Kiran Hoeffner-Shah, man- produce a well-thought-out do – and we encourage peo- to obstacles ranging from least $100 million next fis- 15 brings an announcement aging editor Parth Kotak, and nuanced opinion about ple who feel strongly about a poor Internet connectivity cal year, even if campus re- that classes will be online sports editor Emily Maise, a topic. certain issue to submit opin- to unhealthy family dynam- opens in the fall. Adminis- for the fall, then students culture editor Anna Boone The editorial board’s ion editorials sharing their ics. Even for students who trators, including University should not be expected and design editor Olivia work goes beyond weekly opinions and perspectives. have access to necessary ac- President Thomas LeBlanc, to grossly overpay for the Columbus. While she is not articles about campus and Volume 117’s editorial ademic resources and a sta- are taking pay cuts in the learning experience they are a member of the editorial the District – every year, board looks forward to the ble home life, a professor’s realm of 5 to 20 percent, and signing up for. board, editor in chief Sarah we help make sense of the year to come – and we hope grainy visage cannot repli- freezes have been placed on –Andrew Sugrue, a Roach oversees weekly student body elections and you look to us for thoughtful cate an in-person lecture. hiring and bonuses. sophomore majoring in po- meetings and the publica- referenda on the ballot. We perspectives on campus and Still, students have had But GW’s dire financial litical communication, is the tion of editorial board pieces meet with all candidates national news. to shoulder GW’s high tu- straits do not justify charg- contributing opinions editor.

How I stick to a routine during Before criticizing, students should be the pandemic grateful for GW’s efforts to help them

veryone seems to avoid the urge to head Now that we’ve t’s a sight that has re- needed emergency funds for a independent of students. We be handling quar- back to bed, which is reached the end of the cently become all too fa- flight home, financial support easily delude ourselves that, antine differently. a plus when my bed is semester, your time has miliar: angry posts from for my unpaid internships, ac- since GW does not act on our ESome are waking up next to me all day. been left up to you. You Istudents about GW on social commodations for my disabil- every whim, those in charge early to exercise, and Getting in the mood can use this time to get media. Complaints about Stor- ity or food assistance late in the must be trying to sabotage us others binge shows to do work is difficult. ahead and put more ef- age Squad, calls for divest- semester. GW’s counseling ser- somehow. Officials actually until an assignment I move to a table when fort into your classes, or ment and campaigns to fire vices helped turn my mental work hard every year to give looms closer to its dead- it’s time to start. I find you can dedicate time University President Thomas health around, and the health us the best experience possible line. No matter what a space with minimal to improving your men- LeBlanc have become regular center even waived my stu- and are doing their best in ser- your days have turned distractions, try to keep tal health and keeping fixtures of student discourse. dent insurance charge because vice of that goal now given the into, this lack of free- my phone away from your family safe by Last month, more than 2,000 I could only afford Medicaid. current circumstances. dom takes a toll on our me and have snacks picking up extra work students also signed a petition Unlike several other universi- Let’s be more thankful and mental health. Being in nearby. Every day, I de- and spending time by demanding GW refund half of ties, GW has also taken it upon supportive toward GW’s ad- the same place every cide two or three top yourself. No one signed last semester’s tuition on top of itself to pay for and organize ministrators, professors and day makes it hard to priorities for the day up to do school online room and board. The collective the storage of our belongings employees in the future in- stay productive, even and write them down this past semester and if resentment has reached a point this summer. And this isn’t stead of just complaining about though it’s said to be in a notebook, includ- it really isn’t your thing, where we’d rather see GW go even counting the top-notch every clerical error or item the one of the best ways to ing which class to focus you won’t be punished under financially than stomach academic resources and career movers break. Criticize our stay sane through the on for the day or what for it. a month of online classes. advising we’ve continued to president’s analogies or en- pandemic. project I want to start. There is no excuse have access to during this cri- dowment choices if you will, Twice a week, I have for filling your time sis. but don’t negate the significant online classes. On other with things you don’t Filip Vachuda It’s also easy to be hos- and consistent diversity and Isabella Sorial days, I find it easier to want to be doing. A Writer tile toward GW when you’re sustainability commitments Writer complete school-related pandemic might be the stressed out, but don’t take for we as a school have already projects. I try to make best excuse in history granted all GW does to support made. When all is said and progress on at least one to avoid a tiring intern- us, students, even in resolv- done, GW must, every year, non-school related task, ship, so only apply for ing mistakes the University try and balance the diverse like planning a self-care ones you really love or It seems many of us stu- made in the first place. I once priorities and values of 26,000 Quarantine has night or baking, every take this time to focus dents have a vendetta of sorts felt like ranting all day when students, as well as faculty and helped me learn a lot day so I can feel ac- on other priorities. Peo- against GW. At any inconve- GW messed up my financial alumni. GW will never meet about myself and what complished. But if I’m ple who are out of work nience or University policy aid or almost sent my stimu- our exact standards for a per- affects my productivity. having an especially should use this time as we oppose, we often resort lus check back to the IRS. But fect world, and if we hold it to I’m not perfect – I don’t hard time doing a task, an opportunity to net- to trashing GW on social me- when I called the financial aid such a standard, we won’t ever leave my house most I work on a completely work virtually and re- dia until our issue is resolved. and mail departments and ex- be content. days and I wake up su- different, easier one so flect on their past expe- When we are frustrated, espe- plained my dilemmas, they lis- I know the current situa- per late – but I still get I don’t ever feel like I’ve riences so they can best cially now with COVID-19 de- tened and solved things in no tion is aggravating for us all. stuff done. One of the wasted a day. utilize their skills in the railing our lives, it can feel like time. Try to bear in mind, be- I was disheartened that my best ways I’ve learned Although school future. Make a five-year we have no choice but to strike fore posting about how awful study abroad and summer job to stay motivated and is a priority, it’s im- plan. Start an art jour- out at GW to be heard. GW is, how fortunate you are were taken from me last-min- stabilizing my mental portant to find time to nal. Learn a new game. But before doing so, we that our University takes our ute due to COVID-19, and once health is by setting a unwind and maintain Poke your friends on should consider the big picture well-being seriously, and don’t I got home I could do nothing routine and sticking to my social contact with Facebook. Start that at- and be grateful for all that we be afraid to reach out for help if but spend my time agonizing it. people we cannot see. home workout regimen do have here. In gaining this you need it. about what would come next. While it would be I am usually working you’ve been eyeing for perspective, we will not only Now, there will inevitably But I thought then about all I easy to stay in paja- until 8 p.m. and after some time. have a more worthwhile col- be hardships you face and poli- had – all the people, things and mas all day, changing I’m done, I have dinner. People should see lege experience but set our- cies you disagree with at GW. experiences my life has given and getting ready for At night, I socialize a bit this as a time of growth. selves up for greater happiness In addressing these, the Uni- me so far, and how it was and the day gives me some with friends and fam- We have all the time in any situation we find our- versity does its best to listen to would always be enough even normalcy and purpose. ily via video chats and in the world to take a selves facing. student input. Student activ- if all my worries do come to I make my bed, brush watch TV. When I have break and refocus on We easily forget how lucky ism led to a free 18th credit, pass. my teeth, take a shower time to, I FaceTime my the things that matter we are that our University not free printing and laundry and Let’s start showing GW and change my clothes friends for a few hours. most. Don’t let the time only is prestigious but genu- an overhaul to the dining pro- some appreciation instead of every day. Doing this I find that having a des- slip away. inely cares about its students, gram four years ago. But by the looking for reasons to fight it. every day gives me a ignated time to be social —Isabella Sorial, a offerings funds and services same token, there are simply – Filip Vachuda, a sophomore sense of purpose and forces me to make the freshman majoring in for almost any cause or need. times when the people quali- majoring in international affairs makes me feel good most of the time I desig- international affairs, is an GW has always been there for fied to run an educational insti- and economics, is an opinions about myself. I also nate for doing work. opinions writer. me when I asked: whether I tution need to make decisions writer.

The GW Sarah Roach, editor in chief Submissions — Deadlines for submissions are Friday 5 p.m. for Monday issues. They must include the author’s Hatchet Parth Kotak, managing editor* Lillian Bautista, senior photo editor Rachel Annex, research assistant name, title, year in school and phone number. The GW Kiran Hoeffner-Shah, managing director* Arielle Bader, assistant photo editor Zeniya Cooley, research assistant Hatchet does not guarantee publication and reserves the Jared Gans, senior news editor Camille DeSanto, assistant photo editor Olivia Columbus, design editor* right to edit all submissions for space, grammar and clarity. Shannon Mallard, news editor Grace Hromin, assistant photo editor Riley Burke, contributing design editor Submit to [email protected] 609 21st St. NW Isha Trivedi, assistant news editor Sabrina Godin, assistant photo editor Sidney Lee, graphics editor Washington, D.C. 20052 Jarrod Wardwell, assistant news editor Sophia Young, contributing photo editor Aaron Kovacs, web developer Policy Statement — The GW Hatchet is produced by Tiffany Garcia, assistant news editor Amanda Plocharski, assistant video editor Ilena Peng, contributing web developer Hatchet Publications Inc., an independent, non-profit gwhatchet.com | @gwhatchet Makena Roberts, contributing news editor Dante Schulz, assistant video editor Lindsay Paulen, social media director corporation. All comments should be addressed to the Zach Schonfeld, contributing news editor Heidi Estrada, assistant video editor Amy Liu, contributing social media director Board of Directors, which has sole authority for the [email protected] Ciara Regan, blog editor Isi Ijewere, assistant video editor Donna Armstrong, contributing social media content of this publication. Opinions expressed in signed [email protected] Hannah Thacker, opinions editor* Alec Rich, podcast host director columns are those of the authors and do not necessarily [email protected] Andrew Sugrue, contributing opinions editor* Sarah Sachs, podcast host * denotes member of editorial board reflect the view of The GW Hatchet. All content of The [email protected] Anna Boone, culture editor* Gwyn Wheeler, podcast producer GW Hatchet is copyrighted and may not be reproduced Diego Mendoza, contributing culture editor Lizzie Mintz, copy editor Business Office without written authorization from the editor in chief. [email protected] Molly Kaiser, contributing culture editor Julia Russo, assistant copy editor Andrew Shlosh, business manager [email protected] Emily Maise, sports editor* Carly Neilson, research assistant Tyler Loveless, accounting manager Belle Long, contributing sports editor Lauren Sforza, research assistant CHRISTOPHER TITUS May 2 • $10 YouTube Livestream Comedian Christopher Titus will bring

THE GW HATCHET COMMENCEMENT GUIDE 2020 May 11, 2020 • Page 7

Your guide to GW’s 20202020 virtualvirtual CommencementCommencement

ERIC LEE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER What to expect from GW’s virtual graduation celebration CARLY NEILSON and friends and the GW commu- turn to the Mall to celebrate at next ebration, she said. skills they can put to use. STAFF WRITER nity currently scattered across the year’s Commencement ceremony. “Graduating students can “I hope the Class of 2020 takes globe,” University spokeswoman Nosal said the online celebration is use these submissions to share away pride in their accomplish- The Class of 2020 might not Crystal Nosal said in an email. not intended to replace the “tradi- a favorite GW memory, ‘only at ment despite the unprecedented throw their caps on the National Nosal said the brief ceremony is tional” ceremony on the Mall. GW’ moment, congratulate each circumstances of commencement,” Mall until next year, but officials pre-recorded to “ensure everyone’s “We know how much this his- other, share advice or thank fam- she said. “I hope the Class of 2020 are preparing an online ceremony safety” while people are practicing toric ceremony means to our com- ily, friends and professors for their leaves virtual Commencement seniors will never forget. social distancing during the CO- munity, which is why the Class of support,” Nosal said. ready to go and change the world This year’s virtual Commence- VID-19 pandemic. The ceremony 2020 is invited to celebrate in per- Matthews, the former SA presi- because we need leaders now more ment celebration will take place will be posted on both GW’s com- son at Commencement on the Mall dent, said students will open the than ever.” online Sunday on GW’s Facebook mencement website and on Face- in May 2021,” she said. ceremony by singing the alma ma- Individual school ceremonies page beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern book at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Nosal said students were en- ter. Speights, LeBlanc and Provost are also being replaced with vir- Time. Officials said the 20-minute This year’s celebration will not couraged to submit videos shout- Brian Blake will follow with open- tual celebrations. Seniors can find long event will feature five speak- feature a Commencement speaker. ing out the accomplishments of ing remarks, she said. information about the ceremonies ers, including Board of Trustees In the past, GW brought in people their peers, sharing notable mem- Matthews said her speech will being held by their respective col- Chair Grace Speights, University like actress and GW alumna Kerry ories from the past four years or focus on “setting precedents” and leges here. President Thomas LeBlanc and for- Washington, acclaimed chef and showing their appreciation to fami- advice for helping other people. At the smaller school ceremo- mer Student Association President visiting professor José Andrés and ly, friends and professors who have Despite graduating during a pan- nies, students will be recognized SJ Matthews. most recently TODAY Show host helped them during their time at demic, Matthews said she hopes by name, according to a GW Com- “The virtual Commencement Savannah Guthrie to ring in the oc- GW. The photos and videos, which graduates can still feel proud of mencement FAQ page. Degrees celebration will bring together casion on the Mall. are no longer than 15 seconds, will what they have accomplished dur- will not be conferred at school cer- our 2020 graduates, their families Graduates are also invited to re- be incorporated into the online cel- ing their tenure at GW and what emonies, the website states.

Seniors find new ways to throw their caps at home RACHEL ARMANY & ZEINA MOHAMMED STAFF WRITERS

When officials first announced in-person Com- cooking special dinners to walking down the street mencement was canceled, many students said they felt to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” members of robbed of their college ending – at least on campus. the Class of 2020 said they want to feel a semblance of Since the announcement, seniors said they are GW signature graduation on the National Mall with finding ways to mark the occasion from home. From at-home celebrations. Celebratory cooking Neighborhood parade Honk for graduation

Shanna Colyar, a business economics and policy ma- Guthrie Edison, a business major, said he will tune Sahra Maxwell, an American studies and film stud- jor, said her family was just as disappointed as she was in to the virtual Commencement ceremony Sunday, fol- ies major, wants to get the attention she deserves for when Commencement was canceled. lowed by a parade down his neighborhood street with graduation. But despite the hard feelings, Colyar said her fam- high school friends who are graduating from other uni- Maxwell said she will commemorate graduation ily is planning to recreate her graduation weekend by versities. Edison said the parade will take the place of by creating a sign that reads “Today is my graduation, cooking her favorite meal and celebrating as a family. the graduates’ walk across stage to accept a diploma. honk to celebrate” and holding it on the sidewalk of a She is planning to help her family cook her favorite meal, “It won’t be the same at home because it will be hard main street near her home. She will wear giant clown- chicken parmesan, from scratch with homemade pasta to make a day of it,” he said. “Part of the experience is like glasses and her cap and gown as friends and family once her finals wrap up. getting up, going to the ceremony, hearing your name drive by and honk in congratulations, she said. “My parents are trying to recreate what I probably called and walking across that stage, and you can’t rep- She added that she plans to bring a mimosa or bottle would be doing with my friends, making my favorite licate that at home.” of champagne to pop while she waves to passing driv- foods after finals,” she said. Edison said he and his high school friends plan to ers. “I think now it’s becoming a bigger deal,” she said. wear their caps and gowns as they parade around the “Maybe I’ll put [the champagne] in a brown paper “My family gets to acknowledge and be there for some- neighborhood. Their families and friends are invited bag so I don’t get arrested for drinking on the street,” thing that’s a really big deal, graduating college. They to watch along the sidewalk and cheer them on as they Maxwell said. don’t want me to feel like I lost something.” walk, he said. Graduating on Zoom Wine night Farewell photoshoot You may have used Zoom for online classes Steven Stanton, a political science major, had Before leaving campus, Ifeoluwamayowa Akin- or a social hour with friends, but Elisabeth Buch- plans for his parents, sister and a few extended made, an international affairs major, and nine of his wald, who graduated in the fall but still planned family members to visit D.C. for the graduation close friends gathered at the Washington Monument to to attend Commencement, said her family will ceremony. But now that he’s in D.C. with his mark the end of their senior year with a photoshoot. The mark the occasion on a video chat. roommate, he plans to celebrate the day with group wanted to capture some of their last moments to- She said most of the Zoom party her family what they know best: wine. gether where they would have graduated. is planning is a surprise, but she will wear a cap “I think my situation is unique as several “We had planned a more detailed shoot but had to and gown and her parents have hinted that they’ll friends have said they aren’t planning on return- hurry because of time constraints,” he said. “With the try to replicate an in-person ceremony as much as ing for it,” he said. shoot, we showed our different personalities and used it possible. A graduation speaker and performance His roommate, Amy Shearer, is also graduat- to serve as inspiration for our achievements during col- of the star-spangled banner are also being pre- ing from GW this year and said he made the same lege together.” pared for this online celebration, she said. decision to stay put in the District. The duo will Akinmade added that he is looking forward to plan- “I don’t really like being the center of atten- pop champagne when their names are called dur- ning a more formal celebration once the quarantine has tion,” she said. “It’s more of just giving the family ing the virtual ceremony, Shearer said. ended. something to look forward to.” “I’d like to celebrate with my extended family like I did at the end of my high school,” he said.

Dishes and drinks to try for an at-home graduation brunch CHLOE KEARIN WILLEFORD On the menu REPORTER At the at-home bar Chocolate orange waffles Mimosa mojito Adding dark chocolate and zesty orange to waffles will The best part of any celebration is the food, espe- This combination of two classic drinks mixes the orange turn a classic into a new favorite, excellent for a celebratory cially when the day starts off with a celebratory juice and champagne of a mimosa with the mint and rum of brunch. You can serve these with whipped cream and fresh brunch. a mojito to create a summery, light accompaniment to your fruit. While we may not be able to gather to celebrate rich brunch food. the Class of 2020’s graduation together, we can Gluten-free biscuits with garlic and herbs certainly celebrate at home by watching GW’s Paloma fizz mocktail This gluten-free version of a classic will make any gluten- virtual Commencement Sunday with a mimosa This nonalcoholic drink combines rosemary, sparkling water free – or not – brunch attendees happy. These savory biscuits or two by our sides. Before you sit down to watch and grapefruit juice to ensure non-drinkers in the group can packed with garlic and a herby punch would be delicious the ceremony, prepare some brunch dishes and still take part in the celebration. A shot of alcohol would be plain or topped with any soft cheese or butter. drinks to mark the occasion. an easy addition for those who are drinking. THE GW HATCHET COMMENCEMENT GUIDE 2020 May 11, 2020 • Page 8 Seniors reflect on what they would have celebrated at Commencement ANNA BOONE, stopped participating in theatre CLARA DUHON, DIEGO MENDOZA & the past couple of years but re- joined as a senior, landing a lead JULIA RUSSO CULTURE STAFF role in the spring production of “Heathers,” she said. Like most seniors, Hannah Vollmer said graduation was Sessler wanted her graduation meant to celebrate moving on to to celebrate the four years at the next chapter in her life. She GW that helped her find a career was originally planning on mov- path. ing to Orlando, Florida, to work Sessler, a double major in in the Disney college program at journalism and mass commu- The Magic Kingdom. Following nication and theater, said she the park’s closure, the program was motivated by her peers was canceled. Vollmer now and felt encouraged to pursue plans on staying in D.C. where her passions for both theater she is applying to jobs as a med- and journalism. When she re- ical assistant. ceives her diploma in the mail “I was doing so many things this summer, Sessler said it to try and make this such a good will commemorate the senior show, and I was really happy thesis, a co-directed play, she and really proud of how it was couldn’t present and the show going,” she said. “It was going she couldn’t perform in person to be my last show of schooling because of the COVID-19 pan- and there was something very demic. different about that.” “I felt that everything was Caroline Friesen, a graduat- taken away, but by sheer will SOPHIA YOUNG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR ing senior double majoring in and perseverance to fix every- Rachel Brady, a graduating senior, said she spent her time at GW planning and leading Alternative Breaks trips. anthropology and international thing, we did,” Sessler said. “To relations and affairs, said gradu- me, graduation means rising a larger school than the liberal 2016. El Paso, Texas, in January. Brady ation would have marked the above and thanking everyone arts college she initially attend- “I could see myself being a said seeing students come to- four years she spent as a camp that helped us get here, even ed. She said graduation would student at GW and I wanted to gether after fundraising and counselor for GW’s Camp Ke- though it was unconventional have commemorated the initia- spend the next four years of my planning the trip, then working sem, which provides program- this year.” tive she took to take on relative- life in this city, on this campus,” alongside site volunteer leaders ming for children whose loved Seniors said despite changes ly larger lectures and adapt to she said in an email. in El Paso to advocate for im- one has battled cancer. She said to their graduation plans, they more difficult courses than her Since she arrived at GW, migrant and community rights senior year would have been her are still celebrating the end of original school. Scarpulla said she has grown was an “incredible” experience last as a camp counselor. their four years and using the “I didn’t have the best time her own confidence and discov- she’ll commemorate when she Friesen, who was president time before their careers begin to for a long time,” Scott said. ered that she is passionate about graduates. of the chapter of Pi Beta Phi So- look back at their time on cam- “And when I finally figured it marketing and event planning. Brady added that as a mem- rority in her sophomore year, pus. They said celebrating Com- out, I looked forward to being “GW is my home away from ber of GW Catholics, many of said that she was looking for- mencement on the National Mall able to celebrate that achieve- home. It is the place where I the traditions near Commence- ward to celebrating her time in with peers would have marked ment of sticking with it and fig- found myself, my best friends ment, like a senior slideshow Pi Beta Phi by attending all of the years they spent navigating uring it out on my own.” and my lifelong passions,” she and a baccalaureate mass, are the special senior events the so- their careers and finding inter- Lena Scarpulla, who will said. being held over a video call. rority puts on and by wearing ests outside the classroom, like graduate with a degree in mar- Rachael Brady, a graduat- Emma Vollmer, who will her sorority cord at graduation. community service. keting and event management, ing senior double majoring in graduate with a degree in neu- “There is something so pow- Julia Scott, who will gradu- said she found the cancellation international affairs and Span- roscience, said she was looking erful about being in that cap ate with a degree in political of commencement “frustrating” ish, said one of the biggest ac- forward to starring in her first and gown and being with all of science, said she transferred to because it was an experience she complishments of the past four musical since freshman year your friends as they say your GW in the spring of her sopho- had looked forward to since she years was serving as an Alterna- and celebrating the completion name while you walk across the more year because she wanted committed to the University in tive Break trip leader on a trip to of her neuroscience degree. She stage,” she said.

Reflecting on the Class of A pop culture, politics rundown 2020’s four years over the years LIZZIE MINTZ LIA DEGROOT SENIOR STAFF WRITER SENIOR STAFF WRITER Within the Class of 2020’s first year on campus, now-seniors had From Lady Gaga’s iconic meat dress in 2010 to a pandemic, this already witnessed a presidential election and welcomed a new year’s graduates have witnessed some unforgettable moments University president. in pop culture and political history. Graduates might not be able to say a final farewell to campus Here are some highlights of the most memorable events of the this year, but they can always remember the four unforgettable graduates’ academic careers: years they experienced, from meeting Kanye West to witnessing their fair share of Student Association election drama. Jog your memory from the time you stepped foot on campus to the moment you wrapped up your last semester.

HATCHET FILE PHOTOS IMAGES COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM, UNSPLASH.COM GAMES OF THE PAST SOFTBALL BASEBALL vs. Saint Louis vs. St. Bonaventure Thursday, May 12, 2016 Friday, May 16, 2014 The Colonials closed out their 2016 Baseball’s loss to the Bonnies officially season with a loss to Saint Louis. cut GW from postseason contention.

NUMBER The number of strikeouts softball recorded against Fordham on May 11, 2012, SportsMay 11, 2020 • Page 9 tying a program record. CRUNCH 20 ‘Believe in myself’: Two graduating student-athletes reflect on time at GW BELLE LONG me.” CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR Maund added that Rizzotti and her coaching staff helped her find Graduate student forward confidence and achieve her true Alexandra Maund and redshirt potential on the court. senior defender Megan McCormick “Their belief in me showed me were fixtures on the court and field I have no reason to not believe in this season. myself,” Maund said. “This year Maund led women’s basketball meant a lot to me because I felt in scoring with 11.1 points per like I was finally playing the way I game, and McCormick wrapped up always knew I could play.” her tenure on the women’s soccer Along with her offensive team as captain of the backline production, Maund’s experience and with a trip to the Atlantic 10 and style solidified GW’s defensive Championship. The duo, who are approach. Under her tutelage, set to graduate this year, said they the Colonials’ post play made felt empowered by their time as significant strides, scoring 57.2 Colonials and pushed them to percent of the team’s overall become leaders for underclassmen. points. Maund said she took pride “Knowing that I can’t just let in showing underclassmen post other people have faith in me to players the ropes and teaching play, I have to have faith in myself,” them how valuable a post player Maund said. “I think these coaches can be on offense and defense. gave that to me.” “It can be hard as a post player After beginning her three-year to figure out how to make an playing career at Yale sidelined impact on the court because you with a season-ending injury, don’t really touch the ball,” Maund Maund transferred to GW for her said. Maund’s production proved final season of collegiate basketball. invaluable after junior guard Neila Head coach Jennifer Rizzotti Luma suffered a season-ending FILE PHOTO BY GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR expected Maund to provide knee injury in late November. Megan McCormick, a redshirt senior defender, leaves GW with 74 starts and about 5,000 minutes of play under her valuable guidance and experience Despite the loss of one of the belt. to a young team. She finished the squad’s top scorers and rebounders, year ranking third in the A-10 with GW ended the season with a 14-16 technical skills and just learned set a standard she maintained over her final season. a .504 field goal percentage. record, an improvement from its a little bit more about how to be a the course of her career. Beyond her stat line, Maund improved from her 10-20 showing the previous year. college soccer player,” McCormick “My freshman year, I got to McCormick said she invested in time at Yale, averaging 3.7 points Spending five seasons with said. watch a really solid backline and her teammates and shared her per game throughout her three the women’s soccer program, While she admitted the they were all upperclassmen and knowledge with the rest of the seasons with the Bulldogs. At GW, McCormick had more time to build decision to redshirt was difficult, leaders so it was really cool for me backline. Under her leadership, Maund said she found the passion her legacy at GW. After redshirting McCormick said it was key in to see those girls in that role and GW ranked No. 4 in the A-10 with for the game she’d been looking for her freshman year, she spent four her development as a player. learn from afar,” McCormick said. only 1.19 goals allowed per game since her injury. years boosting GW’s backline into Throughout the following four She helped return the Colonials in 2019. “Every year, I would try and get one of the best in the A-10. seasons, McCormick, a three- to the A-10 Championship game “I remember being a freshman back to how I felt before my injury “The coaching staff that was year captain, would log 74 starts for the first time since 1997, later and the upperclassmen and seniors and focus on that year versus on here previously sat me down and and nearly 5,000 minutes for the earning First Team All-Conference would kind of take me back and tell playing my game, and just seeing thought that I would be a better Colonials. and All-Championship nods. The me how to do better,” McCormick what came out of it,” Maund said. asset to the team if I sat out and She said observing a strong defender ranked fourth on the team said. “That’s something I tried to “This year a mindset shifted for gained some experience and defense from the sidelines helped with 10 points off 13 shots during emulate.”

Star players wrap up careers, leave gaps for teams to fill next season

BELLE LONG Armel Potter: Men’s GW return to the A-10 CONTRIBUTING SPORTS basketball Championship finals for the EDITOR Potter’s career spanned first time in more than two a period of turnover decades. As classes moved online, and transition for men’s in-person Commencement Andrew Mavis: Men’s basketball. Through water polo was postponed until 2021 injuries, coaching changes and spring sports were and rebuilding years, Mavis’ four years in the axed amid the COVID-19 Potter provided consistent pool for the Colonials were pandemic, graduating production and served as a some of the program’s most student-athletes saw an key connecting piece for the exciting. The three-time unlikely end to their college overall offense. conference All-American careers. The guard transferred to helped secure two Mid- The NCAA granted GW after spending two years Atlantic Collegiate Water Polo spring student-athletes at Charleston Southern. Conference championships another year of eligibility, Potter spent a solid first and two NCAA Tournament meaning some players who appearances. season with the Colonials, FILE PHOTO BY SABRINA GODIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR were set to graduate this year averaging six points per After losing to Bucknell are considering returning for in the MAWPC finals during Spring sports were cut short by the ongoing pandemic, but several of GW’s other athletic teams game. But he blossomed made full postseason appearances this year. the 2021 season and others under new head coach his freshman season, Mavis are choosing to move on. Jamion Christian, putting helped redeem GW the With the 2019-20 season in up 14.7 points and 5.8 assists following year, scoring the the rearview mirror, here is per game. In his final season, clinching goal in a comeback The highs and lows of the 2019-20 a recap of standout senior Potter ran point, starting in win over Fordham to finally student-athletes who wore 28 games, leading the team capture the conference the Buff and Blue for the final in assists (161) and joining the crown. season time this season: 1,000-point club. Mavis’ 279 career goals ranks No. 3 in program Alexandra Maund: EMILY MAISE Championship with a postseason within their Megan McCormick: history and his 263 ejections SPORTS EDITOR seventh place finish. grasp, but a two-game Women’s basketball Women’s soccer drawn ranks first. Women’s indoor skid to finish the season The Colonials suffered track and field secured a shut the squad out for the McCormick’s defensive Looking back at a steep drop-off after their Engy Elmandouh: program-high No. 9 finish second consecutive year. prowess helped create one the 2019-20 season, championship run in Women’s squash at the A-10 Championship. Coming off the of the most formidable the Colonials made 13 2018, turning in a 10-win Elmandouh headlined Dannheim led the charge, most successful season backlines in the A-10. After postseason appearances season the following year. the roster throughout her securing two gold medals in program history, redshirting her freshman and nabbed one Atlantic Maund, a forward, was four years with the Colonials, in the 5,000 meter and the men’s water polo fell year, McCormick started 10 Championship. But an instrumental figure in ranking fourth in program 3,000 meter. Her 16:20.52 short of repeating the every game during the 2016 the ongoing COVID-19 returning the squad’s climb history with 48 career 5,000 meter race not feat in 2019. The squad season and contributed to an pandemic cut the spring back to the top, helping the victories. She tallied eight only set a school record claimed two Mid-Atlantic A-10 best 0.77 goals allowed season short, preventing Colonials improve to a 14-16 wins in her debut season in but busted the previous Water Polo Conference per game. In her redshirt teams from making a run record this season. 2016, then averaged 12.6 wins conference record by Championships and sophomore season, her key for conference crowns. Maund was the most over the next three years seven seconds. two NCAA Tournament defense led the Colonials to Here are the highlights potent source of offensive playing at the No. 2 spot on After opening the appearances in the past post 10 shutouts. from the 2019-20 season: production for the Colonials, the ladder for the majority of season with a loss, three years. But this In her final season with scoring 278 points on the her time at GW. Teams nab program women’s soccer went year, GW fell to Bucknell the Colonials, McCormick’s season, averaging 11.1 per bests on a 16-game winning in the 2019 Conference offensive skills further game and shooting at a 50.4 streak. The Colonials fell Championship game, developed to match her Women’s swimming percent clip. In her single GWHATCHET.COM to Saint Louis in their recording just four goals defense. She netted a career- and diving captured the season at GW, she placed conference finale but – its lowest total in two high five scores and secured for more departing sole conference crown in the top 25 of Atlantic 10 finished the season with seasons. 1.04 goals allowed per game. seniors leaving an this year, winning the players in scoring and blocks. their best conference Her contributions helped H impact A-10 Championship for the first time in program record in four years. As First-year head history. The squad scored the No. 2 seed in the A-10 coaches lead 608 points over the four- Tournament, the squad programs day competition, taking routed Saint Joseph’s and Jamion Christian an early lead they never Massachusetts to face finished his first season relinquished. In a true Saint Louis again in the helming men’s basketball, team effort, 19 Colonials championship match. The leading his team to a were individual scorers, team fell 1–3 but recorded 12-20 overall record, taking medals in four its highest finish in 22 an improvement from different events. years. the 9-24 record the Women’s cross country, squad pieced together which sported its smallest Squads fall short of last season. Christian team in six seasons, took previous season laid the groundwork a second place finish at Men’s soccer struggled for new offensive and the A-10 Championship to put goals in the back defensive systems while – its highest in program of the net, finishing the establishing what he history. The squad was led season at a downgraded called a culture of love by senior runner Suzanne 5-11-1 compared to last and accountability. Under Dannheim, who paced year’s 5-9-3 overall record. Christian, freshman the team with a second With junior midfielder and forward Jamison Battle place overall finish. At forward Oscar Haynes was the first All-Rookie the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Brown, who netted a Team honoree in 11 years. Regional, the team team-leading 11 goals last grabbed a program-high season, injured for the GWHATCHET.COM ninth and Dannheim season, the squad lacked for how spring seasons FILE PHOTO BY DONNA ARMSTRONG | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER became the second runner scoring production and started off before their These senior athletes will leave their teams with big shoes to fill. to qualify for the NCAA relied on a younger core. The Colonials had the H cancellations