The Cavalier Daily Vol. 131, Issue 11 Thursday, February 11, 2021

AVA PROEHL, ARIANA GUERANMAYEH & ANKIT AGRAWAL | THE CAVALIER DAILY

ADVERTISEMENT 2 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily NEWS This week in-brief CD News Staff U.Va. extends admissions offers to OAAA Black History Month 6,187 early action applicants for a 21.4 percent acceptance rate events to honor ‘Black The University released early action decisions Friday, extending offers of admission to 6,187 candidates out of a total of 28,897 applicants — a 21.4 percent offer rate. 40 percent of those admitted are students of color, 7 percent are foreign nationals and 46 percent are white. Bottom Saints’ The application pool for early action admission to the Class of 2025 saw a record 15 percent increase over those for the Class of 2024 when 25,160 applied. There was also a slight increase In honor of Black History Month, the Office of African-American Affairs will hold a in the early action acceptance rate this year — up .7 percent from last year’s 20.7 percent offer series of events inspired by Alice Randall’s novel “Black Bottom Saints.” The novel tells the rate. stories of 52 individuals, or saints, from Black Bottom, Detroit. These saints include famous “This year, admission through the early action option was incredibly competitive, perhaps figures like Dinah Washington, a jazz and blues singer known as “the most popular Black fe- our most competitive cycle ever,” Roberts said in a statement. “It’s an emotional and difficult male recording artist of the 50s’”, and Joe Louis, a professional boxer who was heavyweight process for teenagers and sharing deeply personal information with an admission committee champion of the world from 1937 to 1949, as well as local heroes who embody the spirit of takes great courage.” the vibrant neighborhood. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions extended offers of admission to a diverse array of The kickoff event took place Friday, featuring author Alice Randall and recording artist candidates. There was a 16 percent increase in African American early action admits this year, duo Louis York. The remaining events will include a variety of book discussions and movie with 478 offers. Notably, the number of American Indian admits increased from three for screenings and highlight other guest speakers, such as music supervisor Carter Little. the Class of 2024 to seven for the Class of 2025. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions also Michael Gerard Mason, associate dean of African-American Affairs, who curates the extended offers to three Hawaiian/Pacific Islander applicants after not extending admission University’s Black History Month events, described his decision to change this year’s theme to any HPI applicants last year. from origin stories to “Black Bottom Saints” in response to the Black Lives Matter protests Both first-generation and legacy applicant admissions increased this year, with 614 ignited by the death of George Floyd last summer. first-generation applicants receiving an offer and 590 legacy applicants. “I wanted to make a shift to something that was probably less trauma-focused and more celebratory,” Mason said. While the chapters of “Black Bottom Saints” vary in length, each saint’s story is incred- ibly relevant for the current times. Other saints include poet Robert Hayden, singer Della Reese and Tanya Blanding, a four-year-old Black girl who was killed by a Michigan State trooper in her own home. The novel may be read from beginning to end or as a collection of short stories. Mason said he hopes the University community will feel connected to some of Randall’s saints during these difficult times. 2.4 2.5 2.9 COVID-19 AT U.VA. BY THE NUMBERS U.Va. identifies at least 17 positive cases of COVID-19 in Gibbons, 178 58 .89 residents in 24-hour quarantine to identify extent of outbreak Active Spring daily new Seven-day average cases case high (Feb. 8) positivity rate After identifying 17 positive cases in Gibbons dormitory since Feb. 3, the Univer- sity has asked all 213 residents to remain in their rooms for at least 24 hours starting Monday night so that they can conduct an additional round of testing to determine the extent of the viral spread. During this 24-hour period, residents of Gibbons will be provided breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as enhanced personal protective equipment. Residents who test positive for COVID-19 will be moved to isolation housing, and close contacts of those who test positive will be moved to quarantine housing. The University identifies potential outbreaks of COVID-19 in residence halls 48 19% 13% through its wastewater testing program, as well as its mandatory prevalence testing program. Students living in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area this semester are required to report for saliva screening once per week — if a student fails to comply, they are subject to sanctions that increase in severity each time. Current U.Va. Health Quarantine Isolation During the fall semester, the University selected five residence halls — Balz-Do- hospitalizations rooms filled rooms filled bie, Kellogg, Echols, Lefevre and Hancock — for prevalence testing after positive cases were identified.

Case data was obtained from the U.Va. COVID-19 tracker, which was last updated Feb. 10. The tracker includes data from testing conducted through U.Va. Health and pre-arrival testing vendor LetsGetChecked. NEWS Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 3 Students new to Grounds this semester adjust to college While some students feel well acclimated to their new life on Grounds, others feel that there are not enough resources for them

Ava Seccuro | Senior Writer

As the COVID-19 pandemic threw many students’ undergrad- uate education plans for a loop, many first-year and transfer stu- dents, in particular, delayed their arrival to Grounds this year. In their short time here, the question remains whether the University has adequately helped these stu- dents fully adjust. According to University Spokesperson Brian Coy, 600 more students are planning to live on-Grounds this semester com- pared to last semester. A total of approximately 5,186 students are living on Grounds this spring. Like many other students across the country, first-year Col- lege student Katelynn Nguyen decided to stay home for the first semester due to coronavirus re- strictions on Grounds and the prevalence of online classes. Academically, she said she feels “much better” on Grounds be- cause psychologically, it’s helped her feel more serious. However, the only thing she feels “behind” on is making new friends because of her delayed arrival. For that specific predicament, Alison Nagel, clinical psycholo- gist and program director for Hoos Connected, said that the group was designed to serve stu- ANKIT AGRAWAL | THE CAVALIER DAILY dents just like Nguyen. Hoos Connected is an or- Resident advisors have played a large role in helping new residents adjust to living on Grounds for the first time. ganization that brings together first-year and transfer students said, especially due to the pan- University is so vast and most earlier than returning residents. Although Nagel said that by having small group meetings demic. clubs have to meet over Zoom, the The day before returning resi- transfer students historically have Mondays at 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays at In theory, Nagel plans to help University hasn’t done enough to dents began moving in, resident more often reaped the benefits of 7:30 p.m. or Wednesdays at 7 p.m. students feel “better in their skin” facilitate a smooth process. advisors held a meeting with new Hoos Connected, because of the This year especially, the program by gradually going from small talk “In the nicest way possible, I residents to welcome them to circumstances of this year where aims to connect students through about movies and TV in the ear- don’t think U.Va. has done any- their residence halls and establish first years are experiencing the their housing assignments as Uni- lier sessions to discussing person- thing to help students who are rules and responsibilities, a simi- same threshold of change that versity COVID-19 restrictions al identities, stories and self re- new to Grounds spring semester,” lar meeting to the one that first transfer students normally would, only permit residents of the same flection to foster productive and Nguyen said. “I think it’s just not years usually attend during their the program might work “particu- building to enter residence halls. “meaningful” relationships with their priority. Obviously it’s a first day living on-Grounds in the larly well” for first years. Nagel and other psychologists other students. huge university so they only have fall. However, according to Ran- in her field observed connections “Hoos Connected is meant to so many resources, and I think One student in particular jan, it doesn’t matter how many between loneliness and isola- meet students where they’re at in they’re just choosing not to direct that has benefited from the en- resources the University gives stu- tion on both physical and mental that moment by providing a space attention to students who have gagement of the resident staff is dents because, ultimately, college health. According to Nagel, there where they can get to know their just moved in because there’s a rel- first-year College student Ronith life is dependent on the effort in- has been a growing recognition of peers,” Nagel said. “So, first years atively small number of us and in Ranjan. dividuals choose to put into it. these impacts within the psychol- are in groups of other first years, the grand scheme of things, there Ranjan — who decided to “I’ve seen a lot of emails about ogy literature. She reported that transfers are in groups of other are more pressing issues than a spend his first semester at home to Hoos Connected,” Ranjan said. a quarter of all adults feel that transfers and [we want them to] small handful of new students.” spend more time with his family “But it’s like, I think in gener- they have nobody they can turn just get to know one another, get a According to Coy, who re- and reflect and recharge — chose al, for college life, you have to to in a time of need. This statis- little bit beyond the types of con- sponded on behalf of Housing and to attend resident advisors meet- go make those opportunities for tic — coupled with the fact that versations that we, for very good Residential Life, the department ings after he settled into Dillard yourself. Things like Hoos Con- college-age students have higher reason, are most likely to have thus far has not reported any par- dormitory and connected with nected at U.Va. will only do so rates of depression and anxiety when we’re new in a space.” ticular challenges in accommodat- other people on his floor that way. much for a student. You really and that there are higher utiliza- In a randomized control tri- ing incoming first-year or transfer “[It’s] a lot of making op- have to put yourself out there and tion rates at counseling centers al of 438 people, or two semes- students. portunities for myself,” Ranjan meet new people, go out to lunch across the nation — prompted a ters worth of participants, Nagel “The University looks forward said. “There was a guy who lives and dinner with people with dif- “perfect pairing” for advertising found that “students who par- to them being part of our residen- on my floor, who was really into ferent interests. Hoos Connected this semester. ticipated in Hoos Connected re- tial communities,” he said. “The rock climbing, so because of that, The deadline to sign up for With college being a time of ported feeling significantly less Resident Staff have been checking I started going with him rock Hoos Connected was Wednesday, change and transition, there can depressed than the control stu- in with their new residents and climbing this past week. I would and groups meet starting on Feb. arise a “normative” stage where dents.” welcoming them to Grounds.” have never seen myself do some- 15. students feel isolated or that they Despite Hoos Connected’s ef- New residents moved into thing as different as that, so it’s don’t have their footing, Nagel forts, Nguyen feels that since the their residence halls a few days great to be on Grounds.” 4 | www.cavalierdaily.com NEWS Students, faculty struggle to uplift Asian American Studies The Asian Pacific American Studies minor consists of one professor and one directly relevant class

Jee-Ho Kim | Staff Writer

Many students of Asian descent during Chong’s leave. can Studies and the APAS minor have actualized,” Annavarapu said in an resources on hiring faculty in nine po- are questioning University support as “The waves of migration of received love from students, the lack email to The Cavalier Daily. “U.Va. sitions related to African and African they explore identity and history in Asian Americans that have occurred of additional Asian American Studies has a long tradition of delaying and American Studies as part of the Uni- an academic environment that they throughout history and the way that courses and University support has deferring — one need only look at the versity’s Race, Justice and Equity initi- say disregards Asian American Stud- these groups of Asian Americans have garnered criticism from students and Living Wage Campaign as evidence of ative. Five of these nine positions will ies. Students and faculty are pushing subsequently been treated is really im- faculty. the hard work of activists falling on be filled as soon as possible, and the for more courses and faculty devoted portant because it speaks to the larger “If U.Va. wants to claim to be deaf ears. I hope that U.Va. — especial- search for the remaining four faculty to Asian American Studies — today, themes of history of oppression and of both great and good, supporting its ly given the work of the Racial Equity will take place in fall 2021. the Asian American studies minor capitalist interests,” Huang said. Asian American population through Task Force — meaningfully commits Although Chong supports hiring includes one professor and just one Intro to Asian American Studies [the] bolstering of academia in Asian to academic reform and ethnic stud- experts in these underrepresented directly relevant class. has been popular among students, American history and experience is ies.” fields, she questioned the lack of Asian As of last fall, 2,758 students — regularly reaching its full capacity one way they have to go,” Dilao said. Following the report’s release, American and Latinx representation approximately 15.9 percent of under- of anywhere from 25 to 60 students. William & Mary, the University ALC and the Latinx Student Alli- in the initiative. graduate students — identify as Asian Fourth-year College student Jasmine of Michigan, University of Califor- ance held a symposium in 2019 during “They are sending out a message American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Mao, a student in the minor, took nia, Berkeley and University of North which students, faculty and adminis- that ... APIDA people are not a race, Islander. 11.8 percent of University the class their first year and said they Carolina, Chapel Hill all have larger trators discussed the future of ethnic have no issues of injustice and ineq- faculty — 384 individuals — reported credit it for their political and person- Asian American Studies programs studies. Though students responded uity,” she said. “They’re pitting racial as identifying in those groups. al growth at the University. than the University, supporting both positively, Mao — who helped organ- groups against each other. And this The Asian Pacific American Stud- “I always get really emotional a larger number of faculty and courses. ize the symposium — noticed little is particularly galling to me in a time ies minor was first approved in 2004 thinking about how lucky I got get- Over the years, students have change afterwards. of COVID, discrimination and racial — 10 years after Asian Student Union ting into this class,” Mao said. “It’s repeatedly called to improve Asian “In terms of awareness [and] ener- paranoia.” efforts began in 1994 with the publica- kind of dramatic to say, but I do feel American Studies at the University. gy behind the fight for ethnic studies, Christian McMillen, associate tion of their Five Year Plan, which ad- like this class changed my life.” Asian Leaders Council’s 2018 I have to admit that I don’t feel like dean of social sciences for the College dressed academic coursework, faculty, Fourth-year College student An- report demanded the creation of a much has changed among students,” of Arts and Sciences, said that the relations with University administra- drea Dilao joined the minor last year Department of American Studies to Mao said in a statement. University’s Race, Justice and Equity tion and the formation Asian Ameri- after taking Intro to Asian American house and support both the APAS Today, Mao still finds ethnic stud- initiative focuses on hiring Black stud- can groups, among other topics. Studies. Dilao said she found the class and Latinx Studies minors. Mao, who ies lacking. ies faculty. Due to the financial impact Two Asian American Studies — whose curriculum dedicates one helped write the report, said they “The [APAS] minor is bare,” Mao of COVID, he said, hiring has largely professors were hired to kickstart week to Filipino Americans — and found shocking similarities between said. “The minor is nominal in nature been funded by outside grants. the minor, which resides today in the the minor critical to fortifying her on- present-day demands and those from because of the way U.Va. does not sup- “Arts & Sciences leadership has Department of American Studies in going reflection of her Filipino Amer- ASU’s Five Year Plan almost 30 years port its ethnic studies programs or its met with the faculty about the need relative obscurity. Only one professor, ican identity. ago, including calls for more facul- attempts at ethnic studies programs.” and the importance for Asian Amer- Assoc. English Prof. Sylvia Chong, re- “It was so important to me to be ty of color and non-Western classes. ASU, which signed the ALC re- ican scholars and bringing this focus mains. Chong has directed and man- able to synthesize the last three years Both reports highlight the urgency port in solidarity, also champions into American Studies — we’re acute- aged the minor — which graduates that I’ve been doing kind of my own of actively working to eliminate AP- more faculty as part of their mission ly aware of the need and have iden- anywhere from one to four students personal … introspection and reflec- IDA discrimination at the University. to empower the APIDAS community tified it as a priority area,” McMil- every year — alone for 14 years. tion on what it is to be a member of a While the Five Year Plan did not ex- in Charlottesville. len said in an email statement. “We The Asian Student Union’s 2020 really diverse … Asian American dias- plicitly ask for a department, the 2018 “We simply want more faculty remain committed to hiring faculty Asian Pacific Islander Desi American pora,” Dilao said. report details the benefits of having who are knowledgeable about Asian working on a broad range of questions Student survey reported that out of Similarly, third-year College stu- one. American relations,” said Valerie focused on race and ethnicity over the 890 APIDA-identifying respondents, dent Heather Moser said they were Chong emphasized the admin- Young, former ASU president and coming years.” 80 percent had not heard of the APAS enlightened by the diverse perspec- istrative power a department has in fourth-year College student. “We Outside academics, students have minor. tives introduced in the course, which controlling its hiring processes be- want students to be more engaged in also looked for APIDA communi- “That minor has been running on expanded beyond what they had cause it can employ faculty without the history of how Asian Americans ty and empowerment through local fumes since 2006,” Chong said. learned in the East Asian Studies ma- the convoluted political process of came to America and had movements organizations. Dilao is a member of Only one class in the minor is jor. Moser’s favorite unit delved into hiring with other departments, as beforehand.” the Organization of Young Filipi- directly related to Asian American Hawaiian history, incorporating many major and minor programs without Since the creation of the De- no Americans and the Asian Pacific studies — Intro to Asian American texts written by native Hawaiians. an overreaching department must do. partment of American Studies, only American Leadership Training In- Studies, which Chong usually teaches. “My biggest goal, my own personal The Department of American Studies one new full-time member has been stitute, Moser is part of the Japanese Without interested and qualified fac- one, for doing the minor was to ex- — established in fall 2020 — is capa- hired — Professor Lisa Marie Cacho, American Citizens League based in ulty in previous years, Chong has had plore Asian identities beyond the East ble of producing the Asian American who specializes in Latinx Studies. In a Northern Virginia and Mao works to remove the course offering entirely Asian narrative,” Moser said. Studies courses and faculty APIDA normal year, Chong said following up with Asians Revolutionizing Together while on leave. Before the reintroduc- Moser is currently taking an Af- students lack, Chong said. with a hire in Asian American Studies at the University. Additionally, ALC tion of the class last spring, the class rican American Studies course this “It’s a push that needed to happen would be possible — major events in is currently working on compiling was unavailable for five semesters. semester for the minor’s comparative for a long time,” said Serena Wood, the past year have changed the Uni- a history of Asian Americans at the The minor also requires a compar- requirement, which requires students third-year College student and co- versity’s plans, however. Specifically, University with the hopes of collabo- ative or race theory class, a class on to gain perspective through other ra- chair of the ALC. “I’m happy that they Chong said she wants to hire an Asian rating with University Guides to cre- modern Asia and three electives. cial studies as well. were able to finally ... hear it after we American historian. ate an oral history tour, according to Intro to Asian American Studies Huang has heard from students of compiled this report and actually lis- “So many universities in the coun- Wood. covers Asian American history be- Asian descent that they have found tened.” try anchor their Asian American As the push for an improved Asian ginning with Chinese migrants in the comfort and identification in Intro Although the creation of the de- Studies programs around a historian American Studies program continues, 19th century up to present day events to Asian American Studies. Students partment is a step forward, Vilas because that’s such an important top- Dilao recommends taking advantage and issues, including the model mi- of other ethnic backgrounds have also Annavarapu — Class of 2020 alum- ic,” Chong said. “We have zero. I’m a of existing Asian American Studies nority myth that emerged during the been drawn to the class out of curiosi- nus who served as chair of the ALC fill-in professor who teaches a history resources — such as the introductory Cold War era. The myth erases Asian ty, she added, looking to fill in gaps of when the 2018 report was published class because no one is around to do course and Asian American student and Asian American individuality Asian American history missing from — expressed disappointment with the it.” organizations — to demonstrate sup- under the false narrative that these high school history classes. University for falling short of expecta- Recent events, including the port. She hopes more students will groups are high achieving by nature. “I think a lot of what I experience tions after promising talks about ex- COVID-19 pandemic, have reduced join the APAS minor. Such harmful stereotypes serve to is not by virtue of being Asian in an panding Asian American and Latinx funding for faculty employment — ac- “It is a numerical way to show the drive a wedge between Asian Amer- essentialist sense, but being seen as studies with officials like Ian Baucom, cording to an internal email obtained University that it’s necessary, that it is icans and other ethnic minorities, ac- Asian and what that means … on an dean of the College. by The Cavalier Daily, Baucom has essential to the academic and personal cording to Karen Huang, an English everyday level,” Huang said. “In spite of verbal commitments ... informed College faculty and staff of experience of U.Va. students,” she said. doctoral candidate teaching the class Although Intro to Asian Ameri- the vision of the report has not been the University’s intention to focus its NEWS Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 5 Chinese international students ‘Go Local’ Fudan and Peking University continue to serve as homes for international students unable to come to Grounds due to the pandemic

Harry Farley | Staff Writer

Many Chinese international stu- third-party services to exchange stu- dents were faced with an extremely dif- dents while the University has a mu- ficult situation this fall and this spring tual-credit exchange where students — due to the pandemic and travel re- receive regular, full-class credits, are strictions, many students were either housed in a hotel and can study on unable to or had trouble entering the campus at both Fudan University and U.S. and getting to the University to Peking University. take classes. To address this issue, the Fudan University accommodated University partnered with Fudan Uni- 75 students in the fall, most of whom versity in Shanghai and Peking Uni- chose to live on campus for a real versity in Beijing to create a program college experience. Sixty-seven stu- last semester for the Chinese students dents were from the College of Arts who couldn’t make it to Grounds due and Sciences, four were Architecture to COVID-19 and other obstacles. The students and four were Engineering program is still continuing this spring. students. The group consisted of 58 The Go Local program, led by first years, 13 second years and four U.Va. China Office’s director Justin third years. The students come from O’Jack, was made for Chinese interna- 34 different cities across China, with tional students who couldn’t or didn’t nine students coming from Shanghai. COURTESY JUSTIN O’JACK want to travel to Grounds during this For the spring, 79 University students Chinese international students at Fudan University are able to take courses and live on campus while maintaining their status as University period of uncertainty surrounding the will be at Fudan, while 10 University students. pandemic. students will be at Peking University. The University has been in -part Students at Fudan are given the nership with Fudan University since opportunity to live in an on-campus earlier — in October — for the spring out. They sent him extra help,- text 2, the U.S. reported over 300,000 cases 2001 when the University joined hotel arranged by the U.Va. China semester, over four months before books and reference sites to help him in a single day. Currently, the U.S. has Universitas21, a group consisting of Office. In the fall, 61 students chose classes start March 1. with the material, which he was very a seven-day average of around 100,000 research-intensive universities from to live at the hotel, which also trans- For the classes they have taken at appreciative of. cases per day. around the world. Although the Uni- formed some of its rooms into study Fudan, students will be able to receive Yang took classes that included Liu mentioned how supported she versity left Universitas21 in 2014, the rooms for students. The other 14 stu- transfer credits. However, major or “Shanghai: Urban Studies” and “U.S. felt by the University during the whole University still maintains a partner- dents at Fudan lived off campus. minor departmental approval still Religion and Society.” He strongly experience. During Thanksgiving, stu- ship with Fudan University. In 2008, Students can take up to nine se- needs to be obtained before these recommends the former for other dents were invited to a Thanksgiving the University signed a student-ex- mester credits at Fudan, with the rest credits can count towards a student’s students at Fudan. The professor was dinner with University alumni coordi- change agreement with Peking Uni- of their schedule needing to be U.Va. degree. born and grew up in urban Shanghai nated by the U.Va. China Office and versity, which expanded in 2012 to an credits for students to maintain their The class selection at Fudan is and still lives there today. Fudan faculty. annual student exchange program be- status as University students. While similar to that at the University — “This course turns the whole urban Liu also got to meet James Heller, tween the two schools. the necessary University classes are students can pick from history, eco- Shanghai into its classroom and field consul general at the U.S. Consulate For the fall semester and continu- taken online through Zoom, all Fudan nomics, math, science and psychology trips play a vital part in the teaching General in Shanghai, as a student rep- ing this spring, Chinese students are classes are taken in person on their courses, among others. schedule,” Yang said. resentative of the University. There, able to take on the role of University main campus. Hongjia Yang, or Andy Yang, is a Yang said that the best part of she was able to share her thoughts exchange students at Fudan Univer- Although the program was open first-year student from China partic- his experience in the Go Local pro- about her situation along with other sity and Peking University. Instead to any student from China, first ipating in the Go Local program who gram was the learning experience. He U.S. students from different colleges. of coming to Grounds, students can years were given priority over other lives just a bike ride away from Fudan learned a lot about Sino-U.S. relations, Liu enrolled in an environmental choose to take classes at these univer- students. There was no formal appli- University. Yang emphasized that he and his professor, Wu Xinbo, taught science class and “Strategic Manage- sities and have the same, if not more, cation process, but students did need had been to some lectures and met with persistence and a rigorous spirit. ment” and really enjoyed the “Strate- in-depth college experience. to fill out a few surveys and complete professors at Fudan while he was still He hopes to major in Politics and con- gic Management.” Because of the class The University is one of the only other registration requirements. in high school, so he already had a con- tinue to study international relations design, Liu got to know a lot of Fudan American universities to create a Students had up until August to nection with the school. and will return to Fudan this semester. students through multiple group pro- program like this through a direct decide whether or not they would He also mentioned how he enjoys Xinbo is also the dean of the Insti- jects, and the content was also of spe- agreement with the host universities. study at Fudan or Peking in the fall, in-person classes and the ability to tute of International Studies at Fudan cial interest to her. Other schools go through fee-based, but had to make the decision much take part in extracurricular activities, and the director at the Center for “Exchanging thoughts on different which he wouldn’t have been able to if Americans Studies. firms and their strategic plans on a he was taking classes at the University Hannah Liu, a third-year student weekly basis resembles my life back at over Zoom this semester. from Shanghai and a double major U.Va.,” Liu said. “Staying on campus could also pro- in Economics and Mathematics, also Liu got much closer with her Uni- vide me with more opportunities to participated in the Go Local program versity friends who also took part in take part in group activities and clubs, this fall. the program, and she said that was such as cycling teams, literature club, Liu’s decision to participate in the one of the best parts of the experience. Model UN and urban studies club,” Go Local program was an easy one — They were disappointed that they Yang said. Fudan was always one of her dream couldn’t be on Grounds, but still being While enjoying staying in China, schools, and her mother is a Fudan able to go to the cafeteria to eat to- Yang didn’t really have the option to alumna. After moving to the U.S. six gether or to go to the library to study come to the University this year. He years ago, Liu thought this was a good gave them a sense of normalcy and to- said he was unable to obtain an F-1 opportunity for her to spend more getherness. Visa to come to the United States due time with her parents. She also was The Go Local program has given to the COVID-19 pandemic. very concerned about the COVID-19 University students in China the abili- Yang emphasized that his expe- situation in the United States given its ty to have a normal college experience rience at Fudan University was a lot rising case numbers. and remain safe during the COVID-19 better than he had expected. He took Since the start of the pandemic, pandemic. U.Va. China Office has challenging, upper-level courses de- China has reported around 100,000 worked incredibly hard with Fudan signed for third- and fourth-year stu- total cases of COVID-19 and over University and with Peking University COURTESY JUSTIN O’JACK dents and had a tough time at first, 4,800 deaths, whereas the total case to give Chinese students an opportu- One student representative from the University who is studying at Fudan was able to attend a but Fudan students and professors count in the U.S. has exceeded 27 mil- nity to learn just like they would be at Thanksgiving dinner at the residence of Jim Heller, the Consul General of the U.S. Consulate were more than willing to help him lion, with over 470,000 deaths. On Jan. the University. in Shanghai. 6 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily LIFE CIOs empower women to reach personal, academic success Women-led organizations at the University strive to equip and support women of all backgrounds and passions

Nicole Freeman | Feature Writer

Despite underrepresentation powered each other.” ists in the business sectors as well. very focused on mentorship and the community and working to give of women in academic arenas like Hart shared similar experiences Claire Duffy, third-year McIntire building connections between back as much as possible.” STEM and business fields, as well as of being blatantly disregarded and student and chief executive officer women currently in finance, es- Beyond academic and profes- in recreational spaces such as fitness disrespected by her male colleagues of Smart Women Securities, was pecially those who have graduat- sional empowerment, woman-led centers, many women-led CIOs at in her computer science education initially intimidated by the com- ed from U.Va. and are alumnae of CIOs at the University have dedi- the University have risen to the internship. She has turned to the petitive applications required to SWS,” Duffy said. “This semester in cated their efforts to fostering per- challenge and continue to create Girls Who Code community as a join most investment clubs, so she particular, we are putting a large fo- sonal growth by emphasizing phys- spaces that offer support and em- ical and mental wellbeing. Cassie powerment to female students. As Korcel, third-year College student the spring semester begins, CIOs and president of CHAARG, has like Girls Who Code, Society of worked to establish a strong com- Women Engineers, Smart Women munity of women’s empowerment Securities and Changing Health, through physical health and group Attitudes and Actions To Recreate fitness. Girls are open to new women and “Our mission is to show our non-binary and gender noncon- members that fitness can and forming peers who are looking for should be fun,” Korcel said. “We a community of supportive people strive to remind our members to with shared passions. always be the best version of them- Entering into a male-dominated selves and to take charge of their field as a woman can be intimidat- mental, physical and emotional ing and even off-putting, especially health. We are encouraging peo- because of underlying possibilities ple to make that change and live a to feel undervalued as a team mem- healthy lifestyle.” ber. With the intention of opposing Going to the gym — and espe- this discriminatory dynamic, which cially entering the weight room is particularly dominant in STEM, — as a woman can be a very intim- Mara Hart, third-year College stu- idating experience that can turn dent and president of Girls Who women away from working out. Code, founded the organization to CHAARG strives to reduce that give people a community of sup- pressure by creating a community port and solidarity. of supportive women with a shared “The main mission of Girls Who passion for fitness. Code at the core of everything we “Maybe it is unintentional that do is to create a more gender-inclu- women feel pressured and even sive tech field,” Hart said. “Whether sometimes unwelcome in the space that involves having more women, at the gym, but a lot of women do, having more nonbinary people ... so we can’t discount that,” Korcel anything to build up that empow- said. “Personally, even going to the COURTESY GWC AT U.VA., SWE AT U.VA., SWS AT U.VA., CHAARG AT U.VA erment.” gym sometimes can feel scary, you At the University, female stu- The University’s woman-led CIOs have created welcoming communities that are working hard to combat the gendered stigmas and barriers don’t know what to do and you are dents make up 55 percent of the that women face in academics, the workplace and in their personal lives. unsure of where to go, but the beau- general student body, but only 32 ty of CHAARG is being able to go percent of the School of Engineer- with friends who make you feel ing and Applied Science. Feeling support system to learn from and decided to get involved in SWS be- cus on corporate events, so partner- comfortable to enter the space and intimidated by this disproportion- grow with as she continues to face cause it was an open space for wom- ing with companies to come speak to try new things.” ate ratio, Rebecca Della Croce, such challenges in the male-domi- en to learn about investment with to our members and give them the The University’s woman-led fourth-year Engineering student nated field of computer science. less pressure and more support. opportunity to hear from women CIOs have created welcoming com- and president of Society of Wom- “Regularly my boss would dis- “SWS really prides itself on our in finance. We want to be that lead munities that are working hard to en Engineers — an organization regard what I had to say, including focus on education,” Duffy said. “I into breaking more women into the combat the gendered stigmas and focused on empowering girls pur- picking up his phone while I was know in general at U.Va. a lot of industry.” barriers that women face in aca- suing careers in engineering and talking during meetings then put- clubs have really competitive appli- Girls Who Code takes a similar demics, the workplace and in their technology — joined the CIO her ting it down as soon as I stopped cation processes … [but] women are approach by offering open instruc- personal lives. The leaders of these first year. Rising to her position of talking [and] making provocative so underrepresented in finance, we tion on the foundations of coding. organizations are setting great ex- leadership within the organization, comments toward me when I was want to give any girl who is inter- They also bring these educational amples as women who are taking she has since continued to help her talking about education and trying ested in learning about finance and pursuits to the greater community control of the space and opening fellow female engineers to feel rep- to discuss professional matters,” investing the opportunity.” in order to empower girls from a the doors to empower other pas- resented and appreciated. Hart said. “Aside from that, I have SWS executes this mission of young age. sionate women. “When I got to U.Va. I felt how come back and learned that there supporting all women interest- “We want to make sure we are “If you are in a situation and big of a deal it was to be a woman in may be a lack of representation, but ed in commerce by holding open partnering with other members of there is not a chair for you at the engineering in some regards,” Della there are people to reach out to.” seminars to educate students rath- our community, whether that is us table, pull up your own chair,” Del- Croce said. “Not only was it weird The competitive nature of the er than expecting prior knowledge teaching girl scouts or having Cap- la Croce said. “Show up anywhere to not see a lot of other women in University’s STEM programs pre- and experience. They also empha- ital One come teach us,” Hart said. you want to be and make a place the room, but sometimes my male sents a challenge for women to size networking with women cur- “Over winter break, the curriculum for yourself. It is OK for you to peers really wouldn’t take what I overcome the existing gender bar- rently in finance to provide insight co-directors [and I] held a six-week show up somewhere that you feel was saying seriously. I really want- riers in many professional fields. and expertise about navigating a ca- coding workshop so that local girl unwelcome because you can change ed to find that community of other However, this obstacle for women reer in the male-dominated finance scouts in middle school could earn that experience for the women who women in engineering, and I loved pursuing professional careers is not industry. all of their coding badges. We are come after you.” seeing how the women in SWE em- exclusive to STEM fields, as it ex- “Alongside education, we are all about integrating ourselves into LIFE Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 7 Virtual tour helps contextualize city’s Confederate statues Marked by These Monuments tour allows Charlottesville activists to keep sharing history behind local Confederate monuments

Anna Heyse, Elise Kim, Nayeon Kim | Staff Writers

COURTESY WTJU 91.1 FM AND MARY GARNER MCGEHEE

The virtual tour in particular highlights four Charlottesville Confederate markers and monuments — some of which have been physically removed since the tour’s inception.

In 2016, a petition written by environment during the pre-Civil nent injunction against the removal was going on, what they formerly line version of the tour through the Charlottesville student activist and War era. The tour continues by using of the Stonewall Jackson and Robert saw as just innocuous statues.” course. second-year College student Zyahna reference points that include Char- E. Lee statues is currently in conten- Elizabeth Varon, associate direc- “I think that remote access to Bryant voiced the discomfort felt by lottesville’s Confederate monuments tion at the Virginia Supreme Court tor of the U.Va. Center for Civil War knowledge is so powerful,” Foliaco Black residents because of the city’s to cover the historical periods that as of Nov. 2020. History and member of the Presi- said. “Not only can people access the Confederate monuments. In 2017, follow and provide context for the Pre-recorded audio clips of one dent’s Commission on the University tour amidst a pandemic that made the City Council voted to permit underlying racism that is scattered of Douglas and Schmidt’s in-person in the Age of Segregation, discovered an in-person field trip impossible, removing the statues of Confederate throughout. tours discuss historical events spe- Marked by These Monuments while but [it also] allows people who are generals Robert E. Lee and Stone- “[We] want to push back against cific to Charlottesville in chrono- following Douglas and Schmidt’s differently abled or who do not live wall Jackson, although the ruling was the notion that these are innocent,” logical order. From Liberation and work through social media and in in Charlottesville to participate in barred by permanent injunction in Schmidt said. “They are not. We of- Freedom Day — established to com- the local news. an experience that would have been Oct. 2019 after local residents filed a ten bring up the example there are memorate the surrender of Char- “The most important things to otherwise unavailable to them. lawsuit against their removal in Mar. no monuments to the glorious Third lottesville to Union forces in 1865 — know about the Confederate monu- The tour provides the tools to 2017. Reich in today’s Germany. How we to the Albemarle tax that funded the ments in the city is that they were in- frame the symbolism and conno- In 2018, Assoc. Religious Studies want to represent our values and construction of Confederate mon- tended to symbolize and to preserve tations behind Charlottesville’s Prof. Jalane Schmidt and Andrea public space is what we’re talking uments, listeners can embark on an white supremacy and Jim Crow dis- Confederate monuments, which Douglas, executive director of the about here. What values are we going informative virtual journey through crimination,” Varon said. “[The mon- connects to larger practical conver- Jefferson School African American to broadcast on a daily basis from our Charlottesville’s history. uments] enshrine the ‘Lost Cause’ sations on what to do with other Heritage Center and former Uni- publicly maintained public spaces?” Schmidt and Douglas both em- myth of the Civil War — which glo- monuments that may be removed versity professor, introduced their The virtual tour in particular phasize the importance of education rified the Confederacy and swept and more ethical conversations re- Marked by These Monuments tour highlights four Charlottesville Con- and their desire to create a platform the complexities of Southern history, garding the persistence of systemic to serve as a way to educate and in- federate markers and monuments, that could act as a free and accessi- including divisions within the South, racism today. form locals and visitors alike about some of which have been physically ble source of information for Char- under the rug.” “We really need to engage in a the history of Charlottesville’s Con- removed since the tour’s inception. lottesville residents — and now par- While information about the new conversation about what it is federate monuments. As of Tuesday, The Slave Auction Block Marker, sto- ticipants in their virtual tour — to tour has usually been spread by word that we as a community, and largely the virtual tour has had over 8,545 len Feb. 2020 by a local activist, has become informed and more aware of mouth, conversations about the a nation, believe are representative visitors and over 17,225 page views since been returned to Charlottes- about the history of the city. tour and its importance have start- objects ... because that is aesthet- since its publication in Aug. 2019. ville officials who are yet to make a “I see the tour’s overall impact ed to pop up in educational settings. ic space that says a whole lot about Both the in-person and the online decision regarding the plaque’s right as public education,” Schmidt said. During a January term course called who you think you are as a commu- version of the tour begin in down- to return to the Court Square. The “That’s what it’s meant to do, so that Art Now, a contemporary art history nity,” Douglas said. “We still have a town Charlottesville at the Slave Johnny Reb statue, also known as local residents have an understand- course that delves into the art of the long way to go to talk about what is Auction Block Marker situated next “At Ready,” was removed Sept. 2020 ing of how it was that those statues past and the messages that the art a more authentic and inclusive dis- to the Courthouse. Consistent with from the Albemarle County Circuit were installed. A lot of people that continues to convey in present-time, course for the objects that we put in chronological order, the tour begins Courthouse lawn. The state statute have come on the tour have said it third-year College student Kayla our public spaces.” by discussing Charlottesville’s social that was used to validate a perma- has changed their minds about what Foliaco was introduced to the on- 8 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily SPORTS Previewing the 2021 Virginia men’s lacrosse season The Cavaliers look to defend their national title after last year’s up-and-down season was cut short

Andrew Cho | Associate Writer

No. 5 Virginia men’s lacrosse has the Towson game, his talent and pres- pionship team, Saustad consistently another legitimate shot at defending ence will play major roles on and off drew the matchup of the opposing its national title after its 2020 season the field. team’s best attacker — even as a rookie. was cut short due to the pandem- Moore is joined by his long-time Holding down the backline will ic. The Cavaliers hope to build upon linemate, senior attackman Ian Lavia- be senior goalie Alex Rode. Rode — some of their 2020 success this year no — the spark plug for this Cavalier the 2019 Final Four Most Outstand- and ultimately find themselves leav- offense and a stalwart in the riding ing Player — will be another leader ing the spring season with some more game. Sophomore attackman Payton for this Virginia defense and looks to hardware. Cormier — who saw time at midfield build upon his impressive 2020 cam- Virginia opened its season with a last year — may also slot in as the third paign. Rode had eight saves in 48 min- 20-11 win over Towson and will look to attackman on the left wing. utes of play against Towson. build on the victory as they dive into Cormier set a career high this past Another specialist that will play a the rest of their schedule. Saturday with six goals, along with an vital role in the team’s success is junior assist, starting at attack with Moore midfielder Petey LaSalla. LaSalla went New additions out. 19 of 23 from the faceoff X Saturday, Though these three won’t be joined dominating possession for the Cava- This year, Virginia welcomes the by now-graduated attacker Michael liers. As the starting faceoff man since No. 6 ranked recruiting class accord- Kraus, the blow is softened by the ex- his freshman year, LaSalla has worked ing to Inside Lacrosse, boasting one citing news that three-time All-Amer- relentlessly in the off-season to - im five-star recruit and nine four-star ican senior midfielder Dox Aitken is prove. recruits. back in Charlottesville after spending “Nothing in the weight room is too Four-star freshman long-stick the fall at Villanova. heavy [for LaSalla],” Tiffany said. COURTESY VIRGINIA ATHLETICS midfielder Ben Wayer from Alex- The Cavaliers have many talented Sophomore attacker Payton Cormier has already started to build off of his hot streak from andria, Va. looks to contribute right options at midfield — or perhaps even Key Matchups last season, scoring six goals against Towson. away behind All-American senior attack — besides Aitken, including long-stick midfielder Jared Conners, former No. 1 recruit redshirt freshman No. 6 North Carolina (March 11) after the departure of senior long- attackman Connor Shellenberger and It’s been almost two years since the Coach John Danowski’s roster. Man- In the midfield, junior Brendan stick midfielder Will Rock from the Bertrand. teams of the South’s Oldest Rivalry aging to snag one of the most dynamic Curry and lightning-quick sophomore program. Shellenberger made his collegiate played, with the Cavaliers winning attackmen in college lacrosse history Tucker Dordevic will cause problems The most notable addition,- how debut starting at attack, pouring in 11-10 in 2019. Following up on an un- — Princeton transfer Michael Sow- for defenses with their ability to dodge ever, is senior attackman Charlie Ber- four goals and recording three assists derwhelming 8-7 season, the Tar Heels ers — the Blue Devils also reeled in and shoot down the alley. The Orange trand. Bertrand completed his under- in an electric start to his Virginia ca- roared back in the limited 2020 season the No. 1 overall player in the class of also welcome back fifth-year senior graduate engineering degree at former reer. — posting an undefeated record of 7-0 2020 — freshman attackman Brennan midfielder Jamie Trimboli, an Inside Divison II powerhouse Merrimack Sophomore midfielders Peter with notable wins over Johns Hopkins O’Neill. Lacrosse preseason All-American. College — where he was a two-time Garno and Mike Bienkowski look and Denver. O’Neill, who poured in three goals As if these three aren’t enough, National Champion, two-time USI- to remain in the midfield rotation as North Carolina opened their 2021 in his debut against No. 7 Denver, will Coach John Desko retained fifth-year LA National Player of the Year and well, along with junior midfielders Jeff campaign with a dominant 24-13 vic- certainly continue to shine as Sowers senior X-attackman Stephen Rehfuss three-time USILA All-American in Conner and Jack Simmons and jun- tory over No. 7 Denver. draws the attention of the defense. and nabbed the No. 2 overall recruit in just three seasons. ior attackman Xander Dickson. Both Riding the momentum from last Danowski will have many chess pieces the class of 2020 — freshman attack- Prior to the shortened 2020 season, Garno and Dickson recorded their season, North Carolina is looking to to play with as he welcomes in another man Owen Hiltz. Rehfuss, who can Merrimack moved up to the Division first goals of the young season Satur- build on an unbelievably talented top recruiting class. dissect a defense with his clever pass- I level, and Bertrand continued to im- day. attack core led by senior attackman The Blue Devils opened up the ing, can count on shooters Hiltz and press against more elite competition With so much depth on the of- Chris Gray, who finished last year season with two victories over Denver Scanlan to make his job that much — netting 18 goals in just six games for fense, Virginia’s defense was the talk with 48 points — the most in Division and Robert Morris. easier. the Warriors. of much speculation in 2020. Last sea- I. Paired with junior attackmen Nicky The Cavaliers — who are not far Syracuse welcomes back seven “With each week on the field, [Ber- son, now-sophomore defenders Quen- Solomon and Jacob Kelly, Gray will behind Duke in the national rankings fifth-year seniors, including Inside -La trand is] proving himself and the ac- tin Matsui and Scott Bower started likely wreak havoc once again as the — will have a good shot to upend their crosse preseason All-American goalie colades that surround his past,” Coach for the Cavaliers, and they both look catalyst of an electric Tar Heel offense. archnemesis in Charlottesville. Con- Drake Porter. One of the best goalies Lars Tiffany said. to contribute again in 2021. Mat- Freshman Cole Herbert — Inside taining Sowers and O’Neill will be the in the country, Porter returned for an- Bertrand netted four goals and two sui earned the start against Towson, Lacrosse’s No. 1 ranked incoming mid- main priority for this Virginia defense, other chance at championship week- assists in his Virginia debut, seemingly alongside senior defender Kyle Kology fielder — will make his mark early and it will most certainly be a battle end, hoping to bring the Orange its scoring at will against the Tigers’ de- and sophomore defender Cade Sau- along with team captain and speedster, from the start. 12th NCAA championship. fense. stad. senior midfielder Justin Anderson. In All in all, Virginia reloads yet again Despite Bertrand’s many achieve- The return of Conners will be vi- short, this North Carolina team looks No. 2 Syracuse (April 24) under Tiffany and will remain ale- ments, he will not be expected to tal in the success of the defense, with to be one of the most talented rosters April will surely prove to be a gitimate contender in 2021. With the shoulder too much of the offensive All-American Kology — a former that Coach Joe Breschi has seen in his tough month for the Cavaliers, with ACC attracting many impact trans- burden. Virginia’s offense is load- walk-on — looking to anchor him and 13-year tenure in Chapel Hill. Syracuse, North Carolina and Duke all fers, such as Sowers transferring to ed with former five-star recruits, others on the backline. squaring off against the nation’s No. Duke, it appears that Cavalier fans will All-Americans and even more talent “[It is] understated to call [Kology] No. 1 Duke (April 15) 5 ranked team. The Orange — who see some fierce competition this sea- that has yet to shine. a coach on the field,” Tiffany said. The Cavaliers follow up a second experienced a resurgence last season son. Yet despite its numerous notable Kology’s leadership could play a game against North Carolina with a after a disappointing 9-5 campaign in departures, it seems as though Virginia Notable returners pivotal role in the growth and develop- duel against the Duke Blue Devils — 2019 — finished the shortened 2020 has a plethora of talent to potentially ment of the relatively young Virginia Virginia’s clear kryptonite over the season with a record of 5-0. repeat as ACC champions and nation- The Cavaliers welcome back defense, in the same way that Moore’s past decade. Duke owns a 10-2 record Much like the Blue Devils, Syr- al champions. All-American senior attackman Matt leadership impacts the offense. over the Cavaliers since 2010. Howev- acuse largely benefited from the Next up for the Cavaliers is a date Moore, who in 2020 was ranked No. Saustad hopes to return to his er, the Blue Devils did fall to Virginia NCAA transfer portal, landing for- with Army Saturday at Klockner Sta- 8 nationally in points per game with prime form after an injury kept him in the 2019 national semifinal courtesy mer Loyola attackman and renowned dium. The opening face-off is set for 12 5.83 and No. 12 in assists per game with off the field in 2020. As a freshman of an overtime goal from Laviano. scorer, sophomore attackman Chase p.m. and the game will be broadcast 2.67. While Moore was unavailable for starter on the 2019 National Cham- There is no shortage of depth on Scanlan in 2020. live on ACC Network Extra. SPORTS Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 9 Spikeball Club is a hit at U.Va. In its third year, Spikeball Club at U.Va. continues to provide a safe haven for upperclassmen and underclassmen alike

Sarah Pettycord | Sports Editor

EMMA HITCHCOCK | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Whether it be to picnic with said in an email to The Cavalier I love [playing] it,” Bondi said. ous skill and a certain number of rankings, but instead chose to one another, play pick-up sports Daily. “We wanted to foster com- While Bondi plays in compet- practice hours throughout the se- say this — a true testament to the games or just sit and chat, the munity and create a space where itive tournaments about once a mester, there are no prerequisites spectacularly social nature of the fields outside of the Observatory people could learn how to play, month, supplemented by some or time commitments to be part club. Hill Dining Hall have historical- meet other people and have fun. games throughout the week, oth- of the Spikeball Club. There’s really no doubt that ly been a place for first years to On the other hand, we also want- er members just like to play at “Spikeball is definitely a dif- Spikeball Club has been invalu- congregate. For many, the activ- ed to set up a space where people their leisure. ferent vibe in terms of the sport- able to its members, from first ity of choice on those fields is could get a lot better at the game First-year College student Ben ing community,” said Asher Pol- years to fourth years, and to the spikeball. and compete against other teams Koen joined the club during his lack, third-year College student University as a whole. In the Spikeball, alternatively known and colleges if they wanted to.” first semester at the University as and club president. “The com- coming years, it will be exciting as roundnet, is often compared And that’s exactly what they a way to safely meet new people munity is very open and a lot of to see how the club grows and to the likes of volleyball and four did. The club became official in amid the COVID-19 pandemic. people know one another because just how good its players can get. square. It was invented in the 2018 and has grown exponential- Unlike most extracurricular ac- it’s such a niche sport.” And who knows, one day they 1980s, but didn’t gain popularity ly — it now has about 75-100 cur- tivities, Spikeball Club actually The wider spikeball commu- might even take home a national until it was revived in 2008 and rent active members and an im- had its most active semester in nity, characterized by its wel- championship. rebranded as spikeball. Since its pressive email list with over 600 the fall of 2020 because the game coming nature, fosters a space revival, the game has skyrocketed students on it. is typically played outdoors and for friendships — which is rein- in popularity and garnered the The club also delivered on therefore provided a safe way for forced by the sheer number of attention of professional ath- its original intention to have students to socialize. The club active members within the club letes, notable businessmen and a social side and a competitive also enforced a mask mandate at the University. everyday Americans. side. Some members compete in throughout the semester. “It’s really given me a new For Class of 2020 alumnus Alec tournaments hosted by the club “When I saw people playing friend group,” Pollack said. “I’ve Dolieslager, one of the founders itself and by the official gov- it out on the fields at O’Hill, I been taking classes mostly with of the Spikeball Club here at the erning body for the sport — the kind of knew what the game was people above me … so meeting University, his love for the game Spikeball Roundnet Association and I knew the rules, but I wasn’t people younger than me has been began in 2016 — right before his — while others join in on casual necessarily experienced or good,” pretty difficult, and I think [be- senior year of high school. After pick-up games whenever they can Koen said. “That just drove me ing involved with the first-year some time, he got hooked on the throughout the semester. to ask, ‘Hey, can I play with you community] is very important.” game, and shortly after arriving One member, first-year Col- guys?’ and we just started to Dolieslager, Bondi and Koen at the University he was added lege student Joe Bondi, had been play.” also all shared that one of the to a GroupMe with some others playing spikeball for a few years The proximity to one of the best benefits from being in the who liked to play too. Eventu- in the backyard with his family University’s dining halls makes it club is all of the friends they’ve ally, he had the idea to make an and started playing competi- easy for first years to come and made. official club with some other stu- tively last summer. Since then, start playing. Moreover, spikeball “The sport is fun but the best dents. Bondi has improved immensely is not an extremely complicated part of playing is definitely meet- “Our idea was to create an or- and is currently ranked the No. 1 sport, and the club prides itself ing people,” Bondi said. ganization that had two different roundnet player in Virginia. on its openness to players of all As a competitive player, Bon- aspects to it — a social side and “Spikeball was pretty impor- ages and skill levels. Unlike other di could have easily said that the a competitive side,” Dolieslager tant to me coming to college and club sports, which require previ- best part is the recognition and 10 | www.cavalierdaily.com SPORTS Virginia Athletics generated record revenues in 2019-20 The University’s athletics department’s financial situation improved despite a partially pandemic-affected year

Vignesh Mulay | Senior Writer

Virginia Athletics generated officer, in an email to The Cava- an increase in the ACC distribu- ginia Tech. cellation of the spring season,” $110,283,933 in total operating lier Daily. tion — which is significantly tied Furthermore, Virginia’s foot- Pritzker said. “This has been revenues during the 2019-20 fis- Notably, the audited report — to football — as well as progress ball program generated $11.7 mil- crucial in saving departmental cal year, according to the depart- filed to the NCAA in January — in our on-field football perfor- lion more in revenues than every resources.” ment’s annual financial report — consists of financial data reflect- mance,” Pritzker said. “We are other team combined. Men’s Some of these savings, espe- obtained by The Cavalier Daily ing a 12-month period including trending in a positive trajectory, basketball was the second-most cially those related to travel, can through a Freedom of Informa- the 2019 fall season and the 2020 having gone from no bowl partic- lucrative team, earning $13.3 mil- also be attributed to COVID-19. tion Act request. Virginia’s reve- spring season that was shortened ipation to competing in the Mil- lion in revenues. Just six other Since the pandemic cut the sea- nues last year, which increased by by the COVID-19 pandemic. itary Bowl, Belk Bowl and a New teams — baseball, women’s bas- sons of many winter and spring 0.06 percent from 2018-19, mark Virginia’s most lucrative reve- Year’s Six Bowl.” ketball, men’s lacrosse, rowing, sports short in 2020, Virginia did an all-time high for the Univer- nue stream in 2019-20 was mone- The football team’s finances women’s soccer and women’s not have to pay for a significant sity. tary contributions from individ- benefited from increased ticket track and field — crossed the $1 portion of these teams’ regular Additionally, Virginia’s ex- uals, corporations, foundations sales and contributions as well million mark. season and postseason travel. For penses fell for the first time and other groups, which account- as more sales from novelties, Despite Virginia football’s example, Virginia men’s basket- since 2009, totaling $111,779,897 ed for $27.7 million — or over 25 parking and concessions — all of big year, Virginia Athletics’ total ball’s travel expenses were near- in 2019-20 — 0.75 percent lower percent — of total revenues. The which can be attributed to the revenues barely improved from ly $1 million less than in 2018-19 than the previous year. The slight next three largest sources of rev- team’s growing popularity. In ad- 2018-19. This can largely be at- — presumably due to the cancel- increase in revenues and decrease enue — media rights, ticket sales dition, Virginia football enjoyed tributed to the decline of other lation of the 2020 NCAA Tour- in expenses yielded a reduced and student fees — added up to a new revenue stream in 2019-20 revenue streams including me- nament. Moreover, Virginia also deficit of $1,495,964, compared over $48 million. with over $7 million coming in dia rights, NCAA distributions saved hundreds of thousands of to $2,402,121 in 2018-19. The ath- The major driver of Virginia’s from ACC distributions of bowl and other miscellaneous reve- dollars in travel costs related to letics department plans to cover revenue growth was the football revenue. nues. Altogether, these revenue several other sports like baseball this deficit with a short-term op- program. Propelled by its strong According to Pritzker, Virgin- streams brought in $8.7 million and lacrosse. erating loan from the University. recent track record, Virginia ia also saw “an uptick in football less than the year before. However, the majority of “The Athletics Depart- football was directly responsible home game revenue” because the “We receive travel reimburse- these cost savings were canceled ment strives to support 750+ for over $43 million in revenue football team played one more ments from the NCAA for at- out by increased spending on student-athletes across our 27 in 2019-20, which represents a 33 home game in 2019 than it did tending postseason competition,” debt payments, leases and rent- sports, while being fiscally re- percent year-over-year increase. in 2018, and Virginia’s 2019 home Pritzker said. “The cancellation al fees on athletics facilities. In sponsible,” said Steve Pritzker, “Two of the larger drivers for schedule included a marquee of the winter and spring cham- 2019-20, Virginia spent $9.4 mil- Virginia Athletics’ chief financial revenue growth have come from matchup with in-state rival Vir- pionships, as well as reduced lion in this category — more than NCAA-specific revenue, led to twice as much as it spent the year the decline in NCAA Distribu- prior. Without this development, tions. Additionally, there is a bit the athletics department could ADVERTISEMENT of variation in the timing of the have potentially posted a budget receipt of funds from the ACC surplus for the first time since Network.” 2016. A major financial blow was After taking expenses into dealt to Virginia and other account, just two varsity teams schools when March Madness were profitable in 2019-20 for — the NCAA Division I Men’s Virginia Athletics. The football Basketball Tournament — was and men’s basketball programs canceled. Since the tournament generated surpluses of $15.6 mil- generates virtually all of the lion and $2.4 million, respective- NCAA’s revenues, the NCAA ly. On the other hand, Virginia’s distributed $375 million less than other varsity teams lost a com- what it had originally planned to bined $15.9 million, with defi- pay out to member schools. cits ranging from $375,262 — for The athletics department’s women’s golf — to $3.1 million — most substantial expense was for women’s basketball. Accord- compensation paid to head ingly, the athletics department’s coaches, assistant coaches and reliance on football and men’s their support staff. In total, Vir- basketball to remain financially ginia Athletics paid $45.1 million sustainable became even more to coaches and staff in 2019-20. apparent in 2019-20. Virginia paid a further $20.9 mil- Virginia Athletics’ 2019-20 fi- lion in athletics aid and scholar- nances did not appear to suffer ships for student-athletes. These from the pandemic, but the bulk costs alone made up nearly 60 of the negative impact of COV- percent of Virginia’s total oper- ID-19 will likely be reflected in ating expenses. the department’s 2020-21 report. While Virginia’s expenses re- While the pandemic affect- mained fairly consistent across ed the tail end of the last fiscal the board between 2018-19 and year, COVID-19 has reshaped the 2019-20, the department was able entirety of this fiscal year — and to realize some cost savings in a financial ramifications are inev- number of areas. In particular, itable. From modified schedules Virginia cut costs by a total of to the lack of fan attendance, lost $4.5 million in team travel and revenue from ticket sales, televi- overhead and administrative ex- sion deals and other game-relat- penses alone. ed revenue streams is expected. “The U.Va. Athletics depart- On top of this, Virginia will have ment issued a spending freeze to pay for additional expenses re- immediately following the can- lated to COVID-19. SPORTS Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 11

“The athletics department Stadium. lose around $30 million from less save. has posted a deficit six times has spent well over $1 million Given the football program’s ticket sales and television reve- Blue explained that athlet- in the last seven years and has in COVID testing in the fall of importance to Virginia Athletics nue. In the Big 12, Texas Chris- ics departments — like most amassed $51.9 million in total 2020,” Pritzker said. “We have — the team was directly linked tian University reportedly lost non-profit organizations — often athletics-related debt. In other also incurred unbudgeted ex- to 39 percent of Virginia’s total about one-third of its revenue — spend all of or more than their words, as Blue described, Virgin- penses in other COVID-related revenues — any loss of football or roughly $25 million — during annual revenues in order to fulfill ia Athletics seems to have prior- expenses, like supplies, PPE and revenue will certainly be felt. Al- the pandemic. If its numbers are immediate needs and compete itized short-term spending over increased sanitization, and are though the athletics department similar to those of other Power 5 with other schools. Accordingly, long-term sustainability. working our hardest to provide has implemented some depart- schools, Virginia could have easi- without significant financial re- While the COVID-19 pan- the safest atmosphere for our ment-wide cost-saving measures, ly lost tens of millions of dollars serves, athletics departments are demic has already taken a toll student-athletes and employees.” fully recuperating the budget due to COVID-19. more vulnerable to surprises — on athletics departments since Most importantly, the col- shortfall will be difficult. Some sports administrators like, for example, a pandemic. March, NCAA Chief Medical lege football season was heav- At this point, Virginia Ath- have argued that the pandemic In the case of Virginia Athlet- Officer Brian Hainline warned ily impacted by COVID-19 in letics has not made any financial has exposed and amplified the ics, total revenues have grown 75 that the pandemic’s financial ef- 2020, whereas the pandemic only projections for the 2020-21 fiscal “pre-existing structural problems percent since 2005, according to fects will likely linger into 2023. struck the United States after the year. in the broader economic system the Knight Commission on In- Therefore, it appears that Virgin- 2019 football season was already Beyond Virginia, college ath- of college sports.” In an article tercollegiate Athletics’ College ia Athletics will have to continue completed. This fall, Virginia letics departments across the for AthleticDirectorU, Kevin Athletics Financial Information navigating the pandemic and its football was limited to a shorter, country have been paralyzed Blue, director of intercollegiate Database. During the same pe- repercussions for the foreseeable conference-only schedule, de- by the pandemic. Fellow ACC athletics at UC Davis, highlight- riod of time, Virginia’s total ex- future. clined to play a bowl game and school North Carolina and SEC ed that athletics departments are penses outpaced revenues, rising could not welcome fans to Scott school Ole Miss both expect to incentivized to spend rather than 87 percent. Moreover, Virginia THE BREAKDOWN A deep dive into sport-specific revenues and expenses across Virginia Athletics Graphics by Anisha Hossain | The Cavalier Daily 12 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily OPINION LEAD EDITORIAL Your ignorance puts lives at risk Irresponsible student behavior jeopardizes everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 pandemic In the two months that students lottesville communities in danger. This ing restrooms, study lounges, washing for members of the community. This University must institute policies to were away from Grounds over win- past weekend, it was abundantly clear machines and even breathing the same is certainly a step in the right direc- ensure our safety and the safety of ter break, the COVID-19 pandemic that many students blatantly disre- filtered air. Little over a week into the tion, but there always remains more those around us, it is ultimately up to took a sharp new turn. Not only did garded COVID-19 guidelines, gather- semester, the University identified 17 that the University can do. When the students to respect the clear directives the number of cases shoot up — both ing in large groups for events like IFC cases in Gibbons residence hall. Sim- pandemic first began, for example, the and intentions of those policies — nationally and in the Blue Ridge rush and the Super Bowl. Scenes of ilar conditions apply to off-Grounds University was incredibly strict on stop looking for loopholes. It is clear Health District — but the very nature maskless students drinking together houses and apartments as well. If gatherings at Mad Bowl or the Lawn that the behavior of these ignorant of the virus itself also changed with on Mad Bowl or at Corner bars and students are cautious, dorms may — even shutting down Mad Bowl for and selfish students will have incred- a more-contagious variant expected pelting snowballs at each other on the not necessarily have to foster massive some time. As time progressed, the ibly dangerous consequences for those to become the dominant strain in Lawn have littered social media feeds, COVID-19 outbreaks. However, when University eased up on some of these in the University community and in the country by March. Despite this, showing the incredible lack of concern students disregard the policies put in restrictions, which is why students Charlottesville. For those who con- a series of recent incidents suggests these students display towards the vi- place to protect them, there is a large were able to congregate in such a tinue to break COVID-19 policies — that students are not being any safer rus. In addition, community members chance that residence halls will see manner this past weekend. Now, as even if you refuse to acknowledge the this semester — a period traditionally voiced their concerns on social media these large outbreaks. Simply put, the students have shown that they sim- implications of your behavior, hope characterized by large social gather- platforms with University students actions of a single individual can have ply do not care about the policies the that your own actions don’t catch up ings, sporting events, fraternity and entering local communities without a very real and tangible impact on the University has put in place, the Uni- and leave you suspended or with ma- sorority rush. Students have continued masks, jeopardizing the health of the community as a whole. The conse- versity must recommit to these strict jor health concerns. Know that your to display a lack of empathy towards predominantly Black population. Stu- quences of rash student actions also but necessary precautions. They must actions could have already caused ir- those around them and a total disre- dents who continue such recklessness extend well beyond Grounds. Both temporarily shut down Mad Bowl — reparable harm for surrounding com- gard for all University-implemented during the current semester display a nationwide and in the Charlottesville which is known for its large gatherings munities. Begin abiding by the rules policies intended to slow the spread of shameful disregard for the human lives community, Black and Brown people of drunk students — and recommit to now and hope that the damage has not the virus. very much at risk with their actions. are much more susceptible to COV- the six-person gathering limit, which already been done. We are nearly a year into the pan- Indeed, college campuses often ID-19 complications. is supposed to be reevaluated later this demic — students know what it takes provide perhaps the best breeding The University itself certainly has week. THE CAVALIER DAILY EDITO- to behave responsibly and protect ground for viruses like COVID-19. A a responsibility to look out for the Neither the University adminis- RIAL BOARD is composed of the Ex- those around them. At this point, those single positive case on a residential well-being of the Charlottesville com- tration nor the student body can be ecutive Editor, the Editor-in-Chief, the two who continue to party and gather in hall has the potential to infect dozens, munity. Doctors, nurses and volun- entirely effective acting as independ- Opinion Editors, their Senior Associate large crowds are willfully ignorant, with residents not only living in close teers from the health system have con- ent bodies — they must band togeth- and an Opinion Columnist. The board can putting both the University and Char- proximity to each other but also shar- ducted thousands of free drive-in tests er to combat the virus. Although the be reached at [email protected].

THE CAVALIER DAILY THE CAVALIER DAILY MANAGING BOARD Sports Editors Production Editors Editor-in-Chief Akhil Rekulapelli Ethan Fingerhut The Cavalier Daily is a financially and editorially independent news organization Jenn Brice Sarah Pettycord Noah Holloway staffed and managed entirely by students of the University of Virginia. Managing Editor (SA) Joe von Storch Flora Kim The opinions expressed in The Cavalier Daily are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration of the University of Virginia. Unsigned editorials represent Carolyn Lane (SA) Jude Nanaw Graphics Editors the majority opinion of the editorial board. Cartoons and columns represent the views Executive Editor Life Editors Anisha Hossain of the authors. The managing board of The Cavalier Daily has sole authority over and Zachary Pasciak Elise Kim Martha Wilding responsibility for all content. No part of The Cavalier Daily or The Cavalier Daily online edition may be reproduced Operations Manager Nayeon Kim Photography Editors in any form, in whole or in part, without the written consent of the editor-in-chief. Ankit Agrawal (SA) Aaron Doss Khuyen Dinh The Cavalier Daily is published Thursdays in print and daily online at cavalierdaily. Chief Financial Officer Arts & Entertainment Editors Ariana Gueranmayeh com. It is printed on at least 40 percent recycled paper. 2021 The Cavalier Daily Inc. Malcolm Mashig Kalista Diamantopoulos (SA) Tapley Borucke Loree Seitz (SA) Ava Proehl HAVE AN OPINION? EDITORIAL BOARD (SA) Darryle Aldridge (SA) Sophie Roehse The Cavalier Daily welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns. Writers must Zack Pasciak Health & Science Editors (SA) Abby Sacks provide full name, telephone number and University affiliation, if appropriate. Letters Jenn Brice Astha Kulshrestha Social Media Managers should not exceed 250 words in length and columns should not exceed 700. The Cavalier Daily does not guarantee publication of submissions and may edit all material for content Thomas Driscoll Isabel Weir Isabel Carino and grammar. Submit to [email protected] or P.O. Box 400703, Charlottesville, Hailey Yowell (SA) Alexa Clark Begum Genc VA 22904-4703 Jessica Moore (SA) Anika Iyer Translation Editors Bryce Wyles Magazine Editors Aldo Barriente QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Kyndal Harrison Lily Lin JUNIOR BOARD Vani Agarwal (SA) Diana Albarracin To better serve readers, The Cavalier Daily has a public editor to respond to questions Assistant Managing Editors Podcast Editor (SA) Maria Corvalan and concerns regarding its practices. The public editor writes a column published every week on the opinion pages based on reader feedback and his independent observations. He Isabel Barney Nabeel Raza (SA) Lucy Hoak also welcomes queries pertaining to journalism and the newspaper industry in general. The Pauline Povitsky Opinion Editors (SA) Xi Chen public editor is available at [email protected]. (SA) Hanna Preston Thomas Driscoll (SA) Weining Wang (SA) Grace Eberhardt Hailey Yowell Finance Manager (SA) Lana Kweon (SA) Bryce Wyles Jenna Carpenter FOLLOW US @CAVALIERDAILY (SA) Morgan Kemp Humor Editor Advertising Manager WWW.CAVALIERDAILY.COM (SA) Nicole Freeman Eshaan Sarup Katrina Yankovich News Editors (SA) Emily Porter Eva Surovell Cartoon Editor Maryann Xue Audrey Lewis Want to respond? Want(SA) t Avao MacBlanerespond? (SA) Caroline Abel Submit a letter to the editor to [email protected] Submit a letter(SA) to the Zach editor tRosenthalo [email protected] OPINION Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 13 The IFC and ISC are endangering our community A reversal of the self-imposed ban on in-person gatherings ahead of Greek rush demands widespread condemnation from the University community

ate last month, the Inter-So- large numbers of students gathered this policy gap, the IFC has estab- another accountable, they choose sorbed and sadly unsurprising move Lrority Council and Inter-Fra- in the snow at Madison Bowl — lished a task force of five members not to. for the Greek community to act as ternity Council announced that a many without masks and none ob- per chapter and charged them with The IFC and ISC reversing their though it is exempt from this ethical previous ban on in-person Greek serving proper distancing. Dozens enforcing COVID-19 policies in ban on in-person gatherings is self- responsibility. Life gatherings would be reversed more waited in closely packed lines their respective organization. If one ishly endangering our community I have previously written on the ahead of formal recruitment and outside of Corner bars. The IFC of these five members observes an — plain and simple. New cases in importance of autonomy in student bid day events. The IFC said that and ISC — like the University itself “egregious violation” in their chap- Virginia — while falling — remain self-governance. I am always skep- it will allow later rounds of recruit- — should be doubling-down on re- ter, they must report it to the IFC at near-peak levels. The University tical and hesitant about University ment and bid day events while the strictions, not lifting them. for adjudication. In essence, the sys- Medical System, which serves not interference in the right of students ISC will limit chapters to only host- The announcement of the policy tem only works if brothers report only the Charlottesville community to govern our own affairs. I am not, ing reduced capacity in-person bid reversal contains major causes for fellow brothers for infractions. It is but a wide swath of Central Virginia, however, skeptical or hesitant when days. Despite claims from the IFC I say this — the University admin- president that “the Greek commu- istration must intervene and ban nity stepped up huge [last] semester in-person Greek Life gatherings. It and showed that they were willing The IFC and ISC reversing their ban on in-person gatherings is selfishly endanger- would not be unprecedented for it to sacrifice the parties” to protect ing our community — plain and simple. to do so — all Greek Life activities public safety, the reversal of this were suspended in the wake of the policy will exacerbate the spread of 2014 Rolling Stone scandal. It is COVID-19 and recklessly endanger morally wrong — not “Great and our community. concern. First, the policy’s stipula- hard to understate how naive it is to is near capacity and critically short- Good” — to allow the IFC and ISC We have been down this road be- tion that all in-person events must believe a system of this sort would staffed. The pandemic remains at a to endanger community members fore, and we know how this ends. As be approved and regulated by the work. Brothers have no incentive level that mandates only the most in this way. I have said it before, and seen last spring, summer and fall, IFC and ISC only covers formal to report their peers and could face essential services and events be held I will say it again — the University the Greek community was not, in events. This means that informal social ostracization in their chapter in-person. It might come as a shock must rein in the social anarchy of fact, “stepp[ing] up huge” or “willing gatherings — a hallmark of frater- for doing so. The very purpose of a to the “stepped up huge” Greek Greek Life. The stakes are too high. to sacrifice the parties” to protect nity rush — remain unregulated. As fraternity is supposed to be broth- community, but recruitment and Lives are on the line. the community — no matter what evident by their behavior over the erhood over all else — why would bid day are not essential and can face-saving propaganda the IFC is last year, we cannot trust that fra- anyone expect them to break it? be conducted online. Our commu- spouting at us. Even now, as we be- ternities will refrain from holding Repeated University sanctions for nity, our Commonwealth and our NOAH STRIKE is an Opinion Col- gin our third semester of the pan- in-person, informal and unregulat- alcohol and drug abuse, hazing vi- country are all suffering and must umnist for The Cavalier Daily. He can demic, student compliance is ques- ed gatherings. olations and sexual assault show all make sacrifices to support one be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily. tionable at best. Just last weekend, In an attempt to account for that while brothers could hold one another. It is a stunningly self-ab- com.

Respect the intentions of the spring break schedule change To minimize the spread of COVID-19 while still allowing students a spring break period, students and professors must respect the intentions of the schedule change

his semester is sure to be part, students and professors still gathering limitations, the unfortu- dition, students must understand have a break day, with the belief that Trife with COVID-19 related have a responsibility to respect nate schedule change will be in vain that traveling in and of itself is a students pick up the slack during stressors and pressures. Respect for the intentions of the spring break if students disregard the pandemic threat to the health of the University their time off. While many students our own health and the health of change. Students must avoid activ- and spread COVID-19 while at- community. Unnecessary traveling seem to agree that they would pre- others mandates strict adherence ities that would potentially spread tempting to enjoy a more traditional during the pandemic is reckless. Last fer a week long-break, even one day to University COVID-19 guidelines. COVID-19, and professors should spring break. year, traveling during spring break of rest can be beneficial. Professors The limitations from the fall semes- organize their courses in a manner Before the pandemic, spring led to spikes of COVID-19 on many must not take advantage of the al- ter still exist — students must con- that genuinely allows students to break was generally associated college campuses. While we all want tered schedule to assign additional tinue to expect that they will miss have a break on these days. with travel and spending time with the pandemic to be over, ignoring work. out on experiences that they or oth- There are justifiable reasons friends and family. With the new COVID-19 will only exacerbate its I along with many others am er University students have enjoyed for students to be dismayed at this schedule, one of the new spring consequences. Do not needlessly put personally disappointed that we in past years. In light of the social will not be able to enjoy a weeklong oriented sacrifices students are mak- spring break. However, I respect the ing, professors should be empathetic decision of the University admin- toward student stress levels. Despite Reducing the risk of COVID-19 spreading while upholding spring break’s aim to istration. They placed our best- in less formal breaks, professors must destress is only possible if all of us work together. terests at the heart of this decision understand that students still need — valuing the mental and physical time to relax. One such opportu- health of students. Nevertheless, sac- nity that will require support from rificing our week-long break is futile students and professors is the newly scheduling change. Although the de- break days creates a three-day the University and Charlottesville if students refuse to follow the clear changed spring break schedule. cision was clearly intended to help weekend. As such, I am particular- community at risk. expectations of the schedule change. Generally, spring break at the slow the spread of COVID-19, there ly worried about students attempt- On the other hand, professors However, any number of break days University is a weeklong reprieve are several unfortunate implica- ing activities on this weekend that must let this break remain a true is worthless if professors refuse to from classes — this year’s spring tions. The pandemic has resulted in were permissible in prior years — at- break for students. In its essence, acknowledge the very purpose for break, however, looks quite differ- increased stress for many students. tending large gatherings or weekend the reprise of spring break is in- these days — to provide students ent. The typical week-long break has However, the stress relief that comes long trips, for example. Although tended to be a time for students to a deserved rest from coursework been replaced with multiple shorter from a weeklong break cannot com- students should use their rest days to de-stress and relax with family and stress. Reducing the risk of COV- break days. Despite the complica- pare to the stress relief associated spend time with friends, they have friends — the modified schedule ID-19 spreading while upholding tions of this alteration, changing the with a day-long break. Students are a responsibility to not behave irre- should not change this goal. Espe- spring break’s aim to destress is only structure of the traditional spring clearly more stressed than in previ- sponsibly. Remember to follow the cially with asynchronous classes, I possible if all of us work together. break was the safe decision. The Uni- ous years with the numerous chal- gathering size and travel expecta- worry that professors will continue versity has a duty to reasonably re- lenges presented by learning during tions. The current gathering guide- to assign work during this period. JESSICA MOORE is an Opinion strict events that have the potential a pandemic, yet they are provided lines prohibit groups larger than six I am also concerned that professors Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She to increase the spread of COVID-19. less opportunities for much-needed students and expect that all students may schedule additional assign- can be reached at j.moore@cavalierdai- While the University has done its stress relief. Regardless of this year’s remain at least six feet apart. In ad- ments during weeks where students ly.com. 14 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily HUMOR Five spectacular things to try out this semester As January closes and February and University-friendly activities to games. And, since technology is a remember how to pronounce it? No. ply accessing your phone’s camera. begins, we have concluded the first attempt this semester. big thing these days, it is relatively Or in my instance, you’ll get weird month of 2021 and add another easy to find video clips of the var- Time Travel looks as you chase ants crawling month to the already thirteen-ish Revive Pokémon GO ious choreography of Just Dance’s If you are like me, you may be a across asphalt or attempt to observe months of living through a global If you dislike deleting old apps best hits — Rasputin, This is -Hal bit tired of living through history a horse only for it to be identified as pandemic. This past year has been, like Temple Run or Candy Crush, loween, and Oops! I Did It Again. from time to time. So, if escapism an American bison. Otherwise, it’s in minimal terms, tumultuous and it might just be time to break out So, if you want to get exercise or be interests you, I suggest dressing up great fun and a good way to get out- historic. Now, I have never been Pokémon GO and revive the hype able to say that dancing is one of in crocs and warm colored flannel side — mask-on of course — and ig- much of an active person in the in capturing fictional animals and your hobbies, I highly recommend shorts while collecting Japanese nore your academic responsibilities. first place, but like others, I am be- forcing them to fight each other. setting up your phone or comput- erasers and silly bandz. Or, if you ginning to run out of new hobbies Most quarantine hobbies tend to er on your school issued desk and had a different childhood, explore it To conclude, it is understand- and random things to try out. As a keep you indoors, as we are in the dancing to your heart’s content to and smother yourself with nostalgia. able that during the past months, result, I have resided myself to end- midst of a pandemic, but apparent- Cotton Eye Joe while making your Nothing is better than reorganizing some people have simply watched lessly scrolling through Instagram ly it’s ‘healthy’ and recommended to roommate regret ever meeting you. your collectible cards or cringing at trends pass by without investigat- and rewatching the entire Marvel get fresh air by medical profession- your reading log choices that your ing them or dedicating their time cinematic universe in chronological als. So while I would love to spend Sell Your Soul to Duo the Owl school made you fill out. to other matters like school work or order. And seeing that I have exited an hour or two attempting to clean If you want to learn a language family. Sometimes free time is not the baking bread, Animal Crossing out my camera roll without actually while also not learning a language at Download a Nature Identification obsessing over a hobby, but simply and Among Us phases of quarantine deleting anything, finding ways to the same time, Duolingo is a good App sitting down and doing absolutely while also failing to learn how to get outside may not be that bad. way to accomplish this goal. Since Wanna look like a weirdo by nothing. crochet a miniature blue penguin, selling my soul to Duo, the app’s stepping off designated pathways I scoured the internet in search of Memorize Just Dance choreogra- green mascot, I have spent 1122 min- with your phone out while circling new things to explore this semester phy utes studying 2154 words in Spanish around a random tree? Of course CAMILA SUAREZ is a Humor Col- on Grounds. Being an excellent and When I was younger, most of yet I remember absolutely nothing you do! Apps like Seek by iNatural- umnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can kind individual, I’ll share my ideas my music taste came from the song apart from how to say ‘house’ in ist allow you to identify a wide va- be reached at humor@cavalierdaily. below. Please enjoy these five safe lists created by the Just Dance Wii Russian. It’s дом by the way. Do I riety of plants and animals by sim- com. CARTOON Second week update

Alyce Yang | Cartoonist The Cavalier Daily Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 15 PUZZLES WEEKLY CROSSWORD PUZZLE Aaron Rose | Puzzle Master * THE SOLUTION TO THIS PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THE NEXT ISSUE Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Famous orange comic strip cat. 9. To find the answer. 8 9 10. A flashy, ornamental style of singing; also used to refer to operatic singers of this style. 11. Conceited. 12. Ethnic group with origins in central 10 11 Asia; the root word of one of the “-stan” countries. 14. Smiley, disappearing cat from “Alice in Wonderland.” 15. “------your horizons.” 12 13 14 17. A male with the same parents as you. 20. DC Comics character associated with the Batman franchise; played by Anne Hathaway, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Halle Berry in film. 15 16 17 18 22. Type of cat with no fur. 24. Island. 19 25. Symbol that denotes American curren- cy or a price in American currency. (Two words) 20 21 22 23 27. Talking black cat from the TV sitcom “Sabrina The Teenage Witch.” 28. Character from the musical “Cats” known as the Mystery Cat. 24 25 26 Down 1. A clunker; a broken-down car. 2. Hairstyle particularly popular in Af- rican-American communities during the 27 28 1960s and 1970s. 3. To decorate, especially through the use of rhinestones. 4. A type of professorship in which a per- son is allowed to teach, but not consid- ered a full member of the faculty. * SOLUTION FROM JAN. 28 ISSUE 5. To get away. B T P D B S B 6. A common, all-purpose type of knot. H A S H L A I K A C H A T (Two words) 7. A person’s ancestry or upper-class lin- R R A G S O S eage; a term also used when describing S N O O P Y R E S P O N S E purebred animals. T E A C B 13. Toothed wheels that engage anoth- er mechanism to change direction. (Two G I F T W R A P L A Y O F F words) N L H E I 16. To reexamine or reconsider in light of new developments. I N G E N U E A F F A B L Y 18. To explore a topic or conduct an inves- E N E L C tigation; To read up on something. A R A B L E S U N B A T H E 19. To incite or stir up. 21. French language address to a woman. E A C E C 23. To invalidate. B A C T E R I A G E R M A N 26. To keep; or, to rescue. W A N P A I U J A C K E X E R T T O T O Y E D E E Y O 16 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ‘Malcolm & Marie’ exemplifies volatile relationship “Malcolm & Marie” contains beautiful directing, acting and cinematography, but its script causes it to falter

Omari John | Staff Writer

of his performance are his ongoing monologues. Whether Malcolm is complain- ing about reviews for his films or that all art made by Black people is not political, he meanders. This is partially because of the script, but it’s also on Washington for not changing his cadence or his attitude. Malcolm does this quite a few times, making much of the film feel stale and uninteresting. It is vital to mention the worst part of the film –– the script. A lot of red herrings are thrown into the plot, and it weakens the film. Mal- colm’s disdain for film critics, how society interprets art, what authen- ticity really means — these are inter- esting ideas, but the script doesn’t do a good job of explaining how they connect to the overall plot. Many of these topics are close to the hearts of artists, so it feels like Levinson is venting through Mal- colm — especially since the script fails to reveal why these topics are necessary to the story. On the oth- er hand, the film is at its best when focusing on Malcolm and Marie’s COURTESY GAGE SKIDMORE relationship. Therefore, when it side- steps that plotline to focus on other Zendaya stars as one of the title characters in Sam Levinson’s new film “Malcom and Marie.” topics, the film becomes confusing. The ending is a great example Just in time for Valentine’s Day, pandemic enhances the movie be- he believes his age has given him the dialogue itself is black and white. of this. Malcolm and Marie spend a new love story is here for audi- cause it forces “Malcolm & Marie” more experience and knowledge. The set design of “Malcolm & Ma- most of the movie arguing inside the ences to see. “Malcolm & Marie,’’ a to feel isolated. Due to the limited The large age gap and Malcolm’s rie” is also a highlight. In the story, house and then eventually fall asleep. romance film recently released in availability of filming locations, the guidance of Marie to overcome ad- Malcolm and Marie are confined to a In the morning, Malcolm wakes up theaters and on Netflix, was direct- film never leaves the house or shows diction is an important foundation large but mostly empty rental home alone, scrambling to find Marie. He ed and written by “Euphoria” creator past events in Malcolm and Marie’s for their relationship. that the studio made them stay in finds her outside, then the screen Sam Levinson. It stars John David lives. This impels the audience to Based on their arguments, it is while his film was being made. Tak- fades to black. The credits roll while Washington as Malcolm Elliot — a hang onto every word the characters easy to see that Malcolm views Ma- ing place entirely within this house, playing “Liberation” by OutKast and narcissistic, emotionally abusive film say and the background details with- rie as someone who needs him — “Malcolm & Marie” is cut so the au- CeeLo Green. director — and Zendaya as Marie in the movie such as the lighting, the and more specifically, someone who dience never knows the exact layout. It’s an interesting conclusion, but Jones — Malcolm’s supportive, vera- characters’ facial expressions and the would fall apart without him. Marie This makes the house feel like a giant the audience is left asking, “Libera- cious girlfriend. music. knows that Malcolm perceives her maze, which is reflective of Malcolm tion from what?” Is Marie liberated The film focuses on the night -af Even though many films depict this way, which leads her to grow re- and Marie’s tumultuous relationship from Malcolm? Are Malcolm and ter the opening of Malcolm’s new romantic relationships with large sentful of him throughout the film. –– something big enough for the Marie liberated from their past de- film. Malcolm believes Marie is up- age gaps because that’s what Holly- Despite these controversies, the characters to get lost in, yet they still mons? Is the film industry liberated set with him because he forgot to wood believes is a typical romance, film still has quite a bit going for feel lonely. from white supremacy and patriar- thank her during his speech, which “Malcolm & Marie” actually used it. In particular, the film’s technical Washington and Zendaya deliver chy? Are filmmakers liberated from begins the biggest fight of their -re this dynamic to portray character aspects — including directing, cin- great performances. Both convey the the idea of authenticity? lationship. The actors do a great job development. ematography, set design and the ac- dialogue excellently, making the au- The audience doesn’t know, and of depicting Malcolm and Marie’s Through their conversations, tors’ performances — all stand out. dience feel like they are in the house the film doesn’t either. Leaving the relationship, but the screenplay does we learn that Malcolm met Marie Levinson created a beautiful film, with Malcolm and Marie — giving film inconclusive and with - some not express a clear message, which when she was 19 or 20 and addicted capturing many shots that could be viewers an experience similar to thing to talk about is nice, but if you detracts from the excellent acting to drugs. Malcolm, approximately 10 framed in an art museum. The film watching a play. Zendaya brings a bring in a smorgasbord of ideas with and direction of the film. years older than Marie, brought her is entirely black and white — which better performance, but that’s most- no real focus or new ideas, it leaves Before “Malcolm & Marie” was to rehab and helped her get sober. not only enhances its visual aesthet- ly due to the failings of the screen- the audience feeling empty. released, it was surrounded by two By doing this, Malcolm establish- ics, but also its overall narrative. play. She plays Marie excellently, Unfortunately, this film goes major controversies — filming -oc es himself as a caretaker of Marie Black represents the darker times pouring out emotion whenever she for style over substance — focusing curred while cases of COVID-19 and puts himself in the role of an in their relationship — drug abuse, is on the screen. more on what it looks like than how were rising across the country and older mentor who guides someone stealing, cheating — while white rep- Washington is different. Many of it makes people feel. Definitely don’t there is a large age gap between the on their path. Having the large age resents the brighter times — getting the emotionally abusive things Mal- watch this for Valentine’s Day with two stars. Now that the movie has gap between them makes Marie feel sober, working on Malcolm’s scripts colm says to Marie are executed very your boo. It’ll ruin the night. But if been released, it is very obvious why powerless. together, being intimate. We learn well. The audience can feel the pain you want to see something pretty these two aspects were part of the No matter how much she helps about the ups and downs of their when Malcolm mentions Marie’s su- with great performances despite a film. Malcolm with his artistic work, he relationship simultaneously. So not icide attempt or that he could “snap subpar screenplay, turn on “Malcolm Filming during the COVID-19 will always look down on her because only is the film black and white, but her like a twig.” The real downfall & Marie.” ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 17 Five things to watch during Black History Month Black movies to watch this month that are not about slaves or white saviors

Keyandra Morris | Staff Writer

Black History Month is already topic often lack the nuance and depth motherhood. By embracing the 1950s “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s was able to capture so much of his own well underway this February. Expand- necessary to accurately depict the hor- Hollywood melodrama style, one hid- Cinderella” (1997) experiences within the film, and that ing on the blueprint of “Negro History rors of slavery in a meaningful way. It den gem of this film is the way they are Recently announced to begin is part of what makes it so impactful Week” — coined by scholar Carter G. is necessary to acknowledge that Black able to hold on to that classic movie streaming on Disney+ Feb. 12, the mov- on the big screen. As Black Panther Woodson in 1926 — it is a designated people are not confined to the boxes feel while creating a modern viewing ie stars Brandy as the titular character himself, the late Chadwick Boseman’s time to acknowledge the history of they are placed in both on- and off- experience. and the late Whitney Houston as the career reflected on the importance of Black people and to celebrate Black- screen and to truly understand that fairy godmother, putting a new spin this representation in an interview ness for an entire month. Far too of- one must diversify their viewing hab- “Black is King” (2020) on the classic Cinderella story with with The Undefeated, stating, “It’s ten, people fall into the trap of watch- its. One of the more controversial its “race-blind” casting. A Black Cin- important for a black, or a child of ing white savior films or films that Since these celebratory films are picks is the 2020 visual album ex- derella makes perfect sense when she African descent, to see me. It’s just as only capture the trauma and none of difficult to find amidst white savior perience created by Beyoncé. As an realizes that she is being forced to do important for a white kid to see me.” the joy of the Black experience. Many tropes and slavery narratives, here are 85-minute film, “Black is King” follows domestic labor in her own home. It is more than just a superhero film of these films have a hidden agenda of five movies that are worth a watch this an abstract retelling of the familiar — from the costuming to the char- trying to improve race relations. While month. These are by no means a stop- story of “Lion King,” complete with “Malcolm X” (1992) acters, “Black Panther” captures the films based on true events like “The ping point, but rather a starting point representations of Simba as a Black As the name implies, this biopic essence of Afro-futurism that is so piv- Help” center around white protago- to branch out from. boy living in Africa and interluding portrays the, at times, tumultuous life otal to Black culture in general. As a nists to make the film more palatable dialogue from Disney’s 2019 “Lion and death of activist Malcolm X. Star- cultural aesthetic, Afrofuturism seeks to a white audience, this tactic com- “Sylvie’s Love” (2020) King.” It seems as though she tried to ring Denzel Washington as Malcolm to unify Blackness with technology to promises, and even erases, the stories Starring Tessa Thompson and capture every bit of the African Di- X, it is one of director Spike Lee’s most recognize the advancement of Black of the Black people who shaped this Nnamdi Asomugha, this is the perfect aspora in the visual, so some of her memorable and culturally significant people past the stereotypes that are narrative in the first place. Black History Month/Valentine’s Day choices regarding iconography and the projects. It is a must-see, despite the often associated with the sordid past Looking at the other end of the hybrid watch. Taking place in Harlem interpellation of certain spiritual fig- three- and a half-hour run time. of slavery. In this way, “Black Panther” spectrum, it is strange to center the during the 1950s and 1960s after the ures might rub people the wrong way. has created a new representation of celebration of Black History Month Korean War, this film captures a new However, as a whole body of work, she “Black Panther” (2018) the future of Blackness that is shaped around slavery. The history of slavery side of Black femininity as it follows connects the idea of Blackness with If you have not seen “Black Pan- by power, wealth and success. is very important to the Black expe- Thompson’s Sylvie through the ups royalty and luxury in a way that has ther” by now, this is your sign to go rience, but films that center on this and downs of her marriage, affair and not been seen before. watch it. As a director, Ryan Coogler

Amanda Gorman reminds viewers what is at stake The 22-year-old is the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl

Eva Sirotic | Staff Writer

Amanda Gorman, activist we least expect it, so we can fully With courage and compassion.” and National Youth Poet Laure- kind of grapple with the ways in The weight of these words is ate, performed an original poem which it can heal us and kind of particularly relevant to the Super at the Super Bowl game Sunday. resurrect us.” Bowl itself. Over 25,000 people Her poem, “Chorus of the Cap- This ideal clearly resonates attended the 2021 Super Bowl in tains,” celebrated three commu- in her poem, as she describes the person, even though the Centers nity leaders who were named impact of COVID-19 and the for Disease Control and Preven- honorary Super Bowl captains by sacrifices that have been made to tion and medical experts have the NFL. Despite the challenges survive this pandemic. Her words advised people to stay home dur- of the pandemic, each captain are particularly striking when ing the pandemic. While the NFL has shown admirable leadership. she speaks of ICU nurse Suzie provided masks and hand sanitiz- Pittsburgh-based Marine veter- Dorner. “Her chronicles prove er to all those in attendance, by an James Martin volunteers with that even in tragedy, hope is pos- the looks of panoramic photos, the Wounded Warrior Project sible / She lost her grandmothers social distancing was not proper- and works with at-risk kids, Los to the pandemic / And fights to ly enforced and many in-person Angeles educator Trimaine Davis save other lives in the ICU battle viewers did not wear their masks goes the extra mile to grant his zone,” Gorman said. correctly. After the Buccaneers students accessibility and Tampa Gorman’s description of the won, throngs of maskless fans ICU nurse manager Suzie Dorner pandemic as a battlefield re- flooded the streets and sports is on the frontlines of the pan- minds the listener that everyone bars in Tampa — a city where demic. must keep fighting even though hospitalizations for COVID-19 After performing her origi- people will face great sacrifice. continue to climb and Suzie nal poem, “The Hill We Climb,” The line also serves as a heavy Dorner is working tirelessly on at President Joe Biden’s inaugu- reminder of the personal trage- the frontlines. ration, Gorman became a viral dies that have affected everyone Surely, the irony of presenting sensation. On Sunday, she be- during these times and praises Gorman’s words honoring COV- came the first-ever poet to recite the healthcare workers that have ID heroes and encouraging the ANISHA HOSSAIN | THE CAVALIER DAILY a poem at the Super Bowl. Poet- been at the forefront of this pan- public to act with compassion ry does not typically spring to demic. Gorman places great re- during a possible superspreader impact us if we do not act with tions. Hopefully, this act of lis- mind when thinking of a typical sponsibility and honor onto the event was not lost on the NFL humanity and kindness. Her de- tening and acting with empathy Super Bowl performance, but as listener by stating, “Let us walk and Super Bowl viewers. Gor- sire to bring poetry to the Super will indeed “heal and resurrect the poet explained on “The Daily with these warriors, / Charge on man’s poem provided a touching Bowl will give viewers who are us” amid these difficult times. Show,” “These are the moments I with these champions / And car- and much-needed reminder of unfamiliar with her work a new strive for in my lifetime, which is ry forth the call of our captains how this pandemic has affected consciousness of the world and to bring poetry into places that / We celebrate them by acting / us and how it will continue to the consequences of their ac- 18 | www.cavalierdaily.com The Cavalier Daily HEALTH & SCIENCE An analysis of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines The mRNA vaccines require two doses and prevent symptomatic virus spread, though their abilities to stop asymptomatic virus spread are unknown

Abigail Challas | Staff Writer

infection largely prevents future Armstrong explained another symptomatic infection. challenge facing vaccine distribu- “By developing an immune re- tion — some people are not com- sponse to this key protein … you’ve fortable receiving these vaccines. allowed the body to learn how to She suspected that the name of the protect itself from the virus,” Sifri U.S. government initiative to devel- said. op COVID-19 vaccines, Operation While it is still largely unknown Warp Speed, misled the public to how long the vaccines protect believe vaccines were developed too against symptomatic infection of quickly and without proper testing SARS-CoV-2 — partially as a result and precautions. of insufficient data thus far — both “That isn’t true — what Opera- Petri and Sifri are hopeful that it tion Warp Speed essentially did was will be long lasting. However, it is it allowed the federal government possible that vaccinated people can to pour billions of dollars into this still contribute to the asymptomat- effort, allowing the process to move ic spread of COVID-19. along more quickly,” Armstrong Wendy Armstrong — an Emory said. “We try and encourage and University professor of medicine reassure people that all the safety and the vice chair of education and checks have been done … that the integration for the school’s Depart- trials have enrolled and tested the ment of Medicine — explained that usual number of patients and that while it is certain the vaccines pre- there’s been no cutting corners.” vent symptomatic transmission of In order to receive FDA approv- COVID-19, it is not yet known if al, both the Moderna and Pfizer the vaccines prevent asymptomatic had to meet the strict standards transmission as well. laid out in the FDA’s Development “One of those unknowns is and Licensure of Vaccines to Pre- whether or not a vaccinated person vent COVID-19 guidelines. These can get an asymptomatic viral in- included randomization of vaccine AAYUSHA KHANAL | THE CAVALIER DAILY fection that they could then spread distribution, follow-up studies on to someone else,” Armstrong said. “I participants and close tracking of Just over a year after the first which is, of course, who we want to vaccine from 60 percent to approx- think there is some reassuring data any adverse effects after vaccina- COVID-19 case was documented in protect the most.” imately 95 percent … mRNA vac- that may not occur, but we do not tion, among others. Wuhan, China, the U.S. Food and According to the Virginia De- cines are uniquely capable of induc- know for sure.” Armstrong also discussed the Drug Administration authorized partment of Health, 1,156,117 total ing a kind of an immune cell, called Part of this reassurance stems rise of SARS-CoV-2 variants, in- two vaccines for emergency use COVID-19 vaccine doses have been a T follicular helper cell, to help B from the fact that, in the Moderna cluding the British and South Af- against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that administered in Virginia. Approx- cells produce antibodies. It is this study, participants were tested for rican variants. Another variant causes COVID-19. The first, the imately 10 percent of the state’s help in antibody production that COVID-19 before receiving each has also recently been identified in Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, was au- population has received at least one makes these vaccines so effective.” dose of the vaccine. When compar- Brazil. There are two reported cases thorized on Dec. 11, 2020, and just a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and an Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and ing those who received the vaccine of the United Kingdom variant in week later, the FDA authorized the average of 33,520 doses are adminis- Moderna vaccines use messenger to those in the placebo group, there Virginia as of Jan. 31. Moderna vaccine. These authoriza- tered each day. In Virginia, popula- RNA, known as mRNA, a genetic were fewer asymptomatic infec- The CDC states that these vari- tions came after months of phase 3 tions 70 years or older make up 27 element naturally present in the tions among the vaccine group. ants are more transmissible and can clinical trials with a diverse group percent of those who have received human body. Dr. Costi Sifri, direc- However, further data is needed to spread more quickly, increasing the of participants — Pfizer enrolled one dose of the vaccine. Additional- tor of hospital epidemiology at the confirm any hypothesis. amount of COVID-19 cases. Arm- 43,448 participants in their trial ly, of the 66 percent of vaccinations University, explained that mRNA Because asymptomatic trans- strong explained that while both while Moderna enrolled 30,000 par- that report the race or ethnicity of provides a template for making mission is still a possibility, Arm- the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna ticipants. These vaccines will play a the recipient, 28 percent have gone proteins. Once injected into the strong recommends continuing to vaccine are effective against the critical role in ending the pandemic to people of color. body, the mRNA instructs cells to practice COVID-19 safety precau- British variant, both vaccines pro- and allow life to regain a sense of The Centers for Disease Control create spike, or S, glycoproteins. tions, including social distancing vide slightly less protection against normalcy. and Prevention stated that the Pfiz- Then, the body detects the synthe- and handwashing, even after vacci- the South African variant. To com- William Petri, chief of the Di- er-BioNTech vaccine is 95 percent sized proteins and creates an im- nation. bat new strains of the virus, both vision of Infectious Diseases and effective in preventing symptomat- mune response against them. While these vaccines are noth- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna plan International Health at U.Va., notes ic infection in individuals ages 16 “This protein itself is a part of ing short of revolutionary, challeng- to develop additional booster shots that the vaccine trials were con- years and older while the Moderna SARS-CoV-2,” Sifri said. “That’s the es have plagued their distribution. for better protection. ducted with a broad range of test vaccine is 94.1 percent effective for Achilles’ heel. It’s a key component For instance, both vaccines must be Armstrong stressed the impor- subjects, giving scientists greater individuals ages 18 years and older. used by the virus to cause disease … stored at ultra-cold temperatures, tance of getting vaccinated, espe- reassurance about the trials’ posi- The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna and the central target for all vac- and some facilities, especially in ru- cially with the recent emergence of tive results. vaccines both require a “booster,” or cines that are currently being either ral areas, do not have the resources new variants. “They made a pretty good- at follow-up, vaccine three and four used or in the late stages of devel- to store them. “I believe it’s really, really impor- tempt to include a fair representa- weeks, respectively, after the initial opment.” “The Pfizer vaccine requires a tant to get vaccinated, and I think tion of people with underlying dose. Sifri further explained that S deep freezer,” Sifri said. “They’re until we have a mostly vaccinated medical illnesses, the elderly, the “The first dose primes -the im glycoproteins are an essential part shipped on dry ice and they’re population, we’re going to be strug- African-American and Latinx com- mune system and the second dose of SARS-CoV-2 because they allow stored in these deep freezers that gling with coronavirus for a long munities,” Petri said. “These vac- boosts it,” Petri said. “In the case of the virus to attach itself to healthy have a temperature of -70 to -80 de- time,” Armstrong said. cines are amazingly effective, and the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 cells. Allowing the body to prepare grees Celsius. In contrast, the Mod- they are effective in people with un- vaccines, the second dose increas- an immune response against the S erna vaccine is manufactured and derlying illnesses and in the elderly, es the protection afforded by the glycoproteins prior to SARS-CoV-2 stored in -20 degrees Celsius.” HEALTH & SCIENCE Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 19 Artificial intelligence monitors patient risk via regression Researchers at U.Va. Health use Big Data collection to proactively treat chronic diseases and COVID-19

Anika Iyer | Senior Associate

Numerous chronic conditions a continuous gradation of risk from all manifest with unpredictable symp- the possible numbers that might come toms, which can sometimes make it in, no thresholds [are] allowed,” Moor- difficult for clinicians to take neces- man said. sary action in a timely manner when Additionally, tools like NEWS can tending to patients. Researchers at be restraining since they do not focus U.Va. Health working in the field of on symptoms specific to a certain pa- predictive analytics have created a tient population, like cardiac patients, software that uses artificial intelli- but instead rely on a “one size fits all” gence to estimate a patient’s relative model. risk by combining physiological data “Our own point of view has been from thousands of previous patients, that this is not a one-size-fits-all prob- with a current patient’s physiological lem at all, that the predictors of deteri- state. The software is crucial -in al oration in one part of the hospital are lowing clinicians to assess a patient’s going to be very different from else- risk for deterioration sooner than where in the hospital,” Moorman said. they normally would, allowing them Generalizing symptoms can lead to take — often critical — proactive to clinicians who depend on a stand- actions towards maintaining the pa- ardized score when trying to predict tient’s health. any patient’s disease progression, fur- Life-threatening conditions such as ther leaving more room for ambiguity lung failure, sepsis or acute respiratory in executing care plans since the num- distress syndrome can all manifest in bers are not always clearly indicative a patient without displaying warning of a particular condition. signs to clinicians until the patient is Approximately 20 years ago, COURTESY JOSH BARNEY in a critically debilitating condition. Moorman decided to apply certain CoMET models risk for individual patients, with the larger comets corresponding to patients at higher risk of experiencing a serious event, This can leave providers with limited predictive concepts to proactively such as sepsis or respiratory instability, in the next 12 hours. time to make imperative decisions for diagnose neonatal sepsis, which is a patients and may thus threaten chanc- bacterial infection that occurs in the es of survival. bloodstream of premature infants from a patient and analyzing it in such Bourque, in collaboration with Jessica terns as well as helping them integrate Dr. Randall Moorman, cardiolo- and can be deadly if not diagnosed a way that we can tell the clinicians Keim-Malpass, associate professor of the software’s usage into their daily gist and innovator in the field of pre- early on. Sepsis has been particularly that someone’s risk for something bad nursing and pediatrics, have recently workflow. With CoMET, clinicians dictive analytics monitoring, realized difficult for healthcare providers to is going up,” Moorman said. begun a two-year randomized con- are suggested to utilize the proactive this healthcare dilemma early on in his diagnose since premature infants are Contrary to standardizing soft- trolled study of the CoMET software warning signs and learn to construct career. unable to aptly communicate discom- wares like NEWS, the Continuous in patients in the medical-surgical a care plan sooner than they normally “Sometimes … we can look back at fort and are too fragile to have many Monitoring of Event Trajectories soft- floor for cardiology and cardiovascu- would. the data that we had about those pa- diagnostic tests conducted on them. ware relies on constant monitoring of lar surgery patients at the U.Va. Hos- Keim-Malpass, who is also trained tients, and we can see that we should Moorman analyzed data from sev- the patient and previous data, working pital. They intend to analyze the long as a nurse, is able to incorporate her have seen it coming,” Moorman said. eral infants infected with sepsis and to apply algorithms which output the term outcomes of patients and prove first-hand perspective to CoMET’s In attempts to better monitor recognized distinct patterns in the patient’s status and risk of experienc- the software’s utility to help patients design by attempting to ensure that patient stability through early detec- heartbeat of infants that occurred be- ing a serious event in the next 12 hours, through providing clinicians with val- nurses and other clinicians in the hos- tion, many hospitals around the world fore sepsis began. He then quantified updating every 15 minutes. CoMET uable predictive models from physio- pital can adapt their responsibilities to have resorted to using a standardized the heart rate data for the heartbeat updates models by calculating the cu- logical data. the proactive nature of the software. point system, which consists of re- abnormality and created a software mulative contribution of physiological “What CoMET does is allows you She spoke of a time when nurses rec- cording certain physiological param- which would detect this abnormality information from patients including to see the small incremental changes in ognized a spike in the patient’s CoM- eters and outputting a standardized and alert clinicians. The HeRO -soft data from their electronic medical heart rate, respiratory rate, vital signs ET score trajectory that allowed them score that can then be used to predict ware, coupled with observations and records, EKG signals, vital signs and [and] labs that can sort of fly under to prevent sepsis when the patient was the patient’s stability. For instance, in skillset of clinicians, allowed for them laboratory results. the radar, but when all those values still stable. England the National Early Warning to proactively integrate the software’s The added machine learning- ap are added together, that may signify “They went ahead and preemptive- Score measures pulse rate, blood pres- findings into their care, culminating proach allows for patients to be as- a more significant change,” Bourque ly took blood cultures, and a few hours sure, respiratory rate, oxygen levels, in a 20 percent decline in premature sessed relative to the outcomes from said. later they came back positive that they temperature and consciousness level infant mortality as shown by a rand- thousands of other patients and is The team is also in the process of had blood infection, that they were in patients, allocating an individu- omized trial. more specific to the individual patient developing a predictive model specif- heading towards sepsis, so that pa- al score for each factor and totaling Consequently, Moorman expand- by displaying models specific to the ically for COVID-19. However, it is tient got antibiotics sooner [than] they the scores. When the total reaches ed his work to create predictive mod- patient’s unit. waiting to gain more data to better would have,” Keim-Malpass said. a threshold number designated by els for adults, attempting to address a “At this point we have generated understand the unpredictable nature In the future, the team plans to use healthcare facilities, it alerts clinicians multitude of diseases using evidence truly, hundreds of predictive models, of the disease so is currently using more data to enhance the COVID-19 to take action. from data coming from approximately depending on where you are in the pre-existing models for the respiratory model and to implement CoMET to However, Moorman found that 200,000 patients who have been ad- hospital, what kind of things might go distress that accompanies COVID-19. other hospitals around the nation. such point systems were sometimes mitted to U.Va. Health previously. wrong and what information is availa- The researchers feel that a predictive ineffective in monitoring the patient “We present to the clinicians, not ble,” Moorman said. model could potentially be largely since they uniformly depended on the just the risk of sepsis, but we have The “Prediction Assistant” screen beneficial to dealing with COVID-19 patient reaching a particular threshold developed predictive tools for early uses regression to display patient risk patients since it could help anticipate score before clinicians were alerted. detection of other kinds of clinical de- by showing “comets” for each patient some of the unpredictable symptoms While threshold score monitoring terioration like lung failure or bleed- being monitored in the unit, with which have shown to cause mortality. may be helpful in some situations, ing or the need to be transferred to an more stable patients represented as “At unexpected times, a fair num- these systems are not designed to indi- ICU,” Moorman said. small and close to the bottom of the ber of patients do deteriorate dras- cate risk specific to each physiological One of his primary goals is to use graph, while patients at higher risk tically, and then there are very big factor, failing to utilize statistical tools the benefits of Big Data analysis in are represented by larger and bright- decisions to be made in this time of CONFLICT OF INTEREST DIS- like regression models, which use mul- predicting outcomes for future pa- er comets. Each of the comets are constrained resources or this time of CLOSURE: Randall Moorman is Chief tiple variables to predict an outcome. tients. graphed as a measure of a combination full hospitals,” Moorman said. Medical Officer and owns equity in -AM “One of the benefits of many ma- “[We are working] toward the idea of factors most relevant to the hospital Main challenges researchers face P3D, which licenses technology from chine learning approaches [is] you get of taking all of the data that comes out unit. with integrating CoMET involve ed- UVALVG and markets the CoMET mon- University cardiologist Jamieson ucating clinicians on reading the pat- itor. 20 | www.cavalierdaily.com

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