Monday, May 21, 2018 I Vol. 115 Iss. 3 AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM

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Hatchet ETHAN STOLER | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR The Class of 2018 gathered on the National Mall for the annual Commencement ceremony Sunday. McNutt encourages graduates to ‘bring hope back’

LAUREN PELLER & SARAH ROACH ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORS

When Marcia McNutt was named the president of the Na- even in a society that lacks trust in the U.S. government. tional Academy of Sciences two years ago, she became the fi rst “The diploma you will be given today from this great Uni- woman to take on the title – but proving herself as a woman in versity is a powerful tool for you to discover your ‘why,’” she a male-dominated fi eld was nothing new to her. said. “I want you to fi nd it and use it to bring hope back into As a doctoral student at the Scripps Institution of Ocean- this world.” ography, McNutt was told that the “deck was stacked against” McNutt is the fi rst woman to head the National Academy of her as the university’s only female geophysics student. Sciences and previously directed the U.S. Geological Survey, a But after she graduated fi rst in her class, “no one messed scientifi c agency that studies natural resources. She also served with me,” she said. as the editor in chief of Science, a national academic journal. McNutt, who delivered the annual Commencement speech The speaker encouraged graduates to become “beacons of Sunday, told graduates that they should use their education to “see those doors that are opening ahead” and discover their purpose in life. She said graduates should remain hopeful – See UNIVERSITY Page 3 Lawsuit alleges GW ‘turned a blind eye’ to sexual misconduct

DANI GRACE violations this academic year. alumna’s sexual violence case plaintiff s’ complaints. her and other underage staff provided safe harbor for the ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR “GW engaged in a pat- and repeatedly put her at risk The women claim that members drinks when the assailant,” the suit states. tern and practice of behav- of further sexual harassment both the alleged assailant and staff went to a nightclub, took University spokeswoman A lawsuit fi led earlier this ior designed to discourage by refusing to expel her as- the women’s supervisor, Kyle her back to his apartment Maralee Csellar declined to month alleges the Univer- and dissuade students and sailant and allowing him to Renner, the operations man- while she was “grossly intoxi- comment on the lawsuit, cit- sity and senior management parents of students who had keep his on-campus job. ager at IIEP, created a culture cated” and raped her. ing a University policy not to failed to protect multiple been sexually assaulted from The University is also cur- of “pervasive and regular” Jane Doe 5 alleges the comment on pending litiga- student employees from a seeking prosecution and pro- rently under federal Title IX sexual hostility in the work- assailant forced her into an tion – but she said GW will “sexual predator” in the tection,” the lawsuit states. investigation for allegedly mis- place. Uber with him after a party respond “as appropriate.” workplace. handling another sexual vio- In the complaint, Jane Doe and began to assault her “The George Washing- In a 29-page complaint Multiple alleged lence case involving sex-based 1 states the alleged assailant during the ride. She said he ton University takes issues fi led May 10 in the D.C. Supe- violations discrimination and retaliation repeatedly asked her to come “aggressively raped” her at of sexual misconduct, sexual rior Court, fi ve anonymous The suit names a student for reporting an incident. alone to his apartment and his apartment, and she physi- violence and its obligations women claim GW “turned a employee who works at the The lawsuit comes at the openly discussed his “sexual cally tried to stop him, but under Title IX very seriously,” blind eye to the hostile, dan- institute as the alleged assail- same time as an overhaul of exploits” around the offi ce, couldn’t because she was in- Csellar said. “The University gerous work environment” ant. The women, identifi ed the University’s sexual ha- including a public ranking toxicated and was falling “in is committed to fully support- at an institute at the Elliott as Jane Does 1 through 5 in rassment policy, which was of his sexual encounters with and out of consciousness.” ing any survivors and pro- School of International Af- the suit, claim the alleged as- fi nalized at a Board of Trust- female coworkers. The suit Jane Doe 3, the head of the viding an equitable process fairs. They claim the Univer- sailant continuously asked ees meeting Friday. The up- claims Jane Doe 1 brought digital communications and for those who are accused.” sity and a supervisor at the coworkers on dates, used dates change the sexual mis- her concerns to Renner and social media team, said in the The suit states that mul- Institute for International “demeaning” language to re- conduct investigation process the Title IX offi ce, and while lawsuit she was repeatedly tiple staff members com- Economic Policy did not take fer to female coworkers and from including a six-person a Title IX investigator reached told about the alleged assail- plained to Renner about the action against a male em- raped three of the women faculty- and student-led hear- out to her, the offi ce pursued ant’s unwanted advances on assailant’s “inappropriate” ployee who raped or sexually when they were intoxicated. ing board to a single investi- no further action. other offi ce employees. She actions over the past year, but harassed at least 11 women “These women were not gator model and require all Jane Doe 2 said in the said in the lawsuit she fi led at the women allege Renner at- – and forced the plaintiff s to only sexually assaulted by faculty to be mandatory re- complaint that the assailant least four formal complaints tempted to silence them by either cut back on hours and this monster – they were porters. sexually assaulted her in his with supervisors about the asking them to work from work from home or continue mentally assaulted by his apartment when she was a alleged assailant’s behavior, home or responding to their to work in close quarters with taunts, threats and ridicule,” Allegations of sexual freshman, despite telling him but offi cials failed to follow complaints with, “sometimes their assailant. the lawsuit states. “The ex- misconduct repeatedly she didn’t want up on the complaints, fi re you need to work with peo- The plaintiff s ask for more treme distress, humiliation, The lawsuit alleges the to “do anything sexual.” She him or launch a Title IX in- ple you don’t necessarily get than $30 million in damages embarrassment and feeling University violated the D.C. said she returned to the job vestigation. along with.” and demand the University of powerlessness the plain- Human Rights Act by forcing the next year because she “Renner was part of the implement discrimination tiff s have experienced in the some of the women to resign needed money but frequently A ‘deliberate indifference’ problem and his behavior is and sexual harassment train- face of such an injustice is or cut back on their hours to asked coworkers to walk her to student concerns indicative of the systematic ing at the institute, fi re the al- not something that heals well avoid interacting with the al- to work to avoid seeing him The suit claims GW did failures of GW to recognize leged assailant and promote with time.” leged assailant instead of fi r- alone. not take any “discernible ac- and respond to complaints clear resources to employees The alleged assailant did ing him. The complaint states Jane Doe 4 said in the com- tion” to remove the alleged of sexual harassment in the about how to fi le a sexual not respond to multiple re- GW acted “negligently” by plaint the assailant often used assailant from his position workplace,” the suit reads. misconduct complaint. quests for comment. declining to implement basic “demeaning” tactics – like after being made aware of al- Renner said the lawsuit The suit is one of at least The lawsuit is the latest anti-harassment training and intentionally calling her co- leged incidents. is “inaccurate in a number of six legal challenges – includ- in a slew of Title IX lawsuits supervision for employees workers by the wrong name “Not only has GW dem- respects” and “mischaracter- ing lawsuits and federal com- this academic year, including and violated various federal – and referred to new female onstrated a deliberate indif- izes” his actions. He declined plaints – fi led against the Uni- a complaint fi led last month Title IX policies by failing staff ers as his “new offi ce ference to plaintiff s’ com- to comment further on the versity for possible Title IX alleging GW mishandled an to respond appropriately to crush.” She said he bought plaints of harassment, it has complaint. Timeline of Title IX-related legal challenges led against GW

Sept. 10, 2017 March 8, 2018 May 10, 2018 An alumna les a federal Title IX A former student les a lawsuit against the Five current and former female student complaint alleging GW mishandled University claiming GW unfairly ruled employees claim GW subjected them her sexual violence case against him in a sexual assault hearing to a “sexually hostile” workplace

Dec. 18, 2017 April 27, 2018 A professor les a lawsuit against The same alumna who led the federal Title IX GW alleging she faced “malicious complaint les a lawsuit alleging GW repeatedly treatment” after being accused of put her at risk of further sexual harassment an inappropriate relationship with a student

EMILY RECKO | GRAPHICS EDITOR Financial aid budget increases for sixth consecutive year

“We’re not in a position ewsMay 21, 2018 • Page 2 to meet the full need of our N Financial aid budget students, but we certainly don’t want to exacerbate the 350 situation if we can help it,” CRIME LOG he said. Nelson Carbonell, the THEFT II/DESTROYING/DEFACING 300 Board’s chairman, said mem- STRUCTURES bers of the Board convened in February to discuss what fac- 603 22nd St. NW 250 tors prevent students from Unknown date – Unknown time enrolling at GW – determin- Case closed ing that students would be A male student reported to the GW Police 200 more likely to matriculate if Department that his bedroom had been they were granted more aid. vandalized and two shirts were missing The University’s cost of from his closet. Offi cers observed soy 150 attendance rose to nearly

sauce coating the complaintant’s walls and Millions of dollars $70,000 for next academic a hole in the drywall. year – a roughly 4 percent No suspects or witnesses 100 jump from the year before. “The challenge we’re continuing to wrestle with HARASSMENT: EMAIL AND is accessibility to GW educa- 50 ELECTRONIC MEDIA tion,” Carbonell said in an South Hall interview. “I think it’s a na- 5/10/2018 – 9 p.m. tional challenge for all uni- Case closed 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 versities to do that. Financial A male student responded to GWPD that aid is a way to create more Fiscal year access.” another student posted an infl ammatory Higher education experts comment on a student organization Face- EMILY RECKO | GRAPHICS EDITOR said that as universities grow book page directed at him. Source: Board of Trustees their fi nancial aid budgets, Referred to Division of Student Affairs offi cials are likely making an eff ort to attract academi- DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY/ SARAH ROACH at the data coming in and es- the fi nancial aid budget also cally talented students who VANDALISM ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR timating the need,” Provost grew to fi ll the gap created as are deciding between several Forrest Maltzman said. “We students lost funding from elite institutions. Mitchell Hall The undergraduate and see an increase in the fi nan- the federal Perkins Loans Robert Kelchen, an as- 5/11/2018 – 8:10 p.m. graduate fi nancial aid pool cial need for undergraduate program, which expired in sistant professor of higher Case closed for the Class of 2022 climbed and graduate aid – that’s September and is unlikely to education at Seton Hall Uni- A student reported to GWPD that she for the sixth year in a row. driving it.” be renewed by Congress. The versity, said that by upping heard her window break while she was in- The Board of Trustees Last fi scal year, the fi - expiration of the program, the fi nancial aid budget, the side her residence hall room. Upon inspec- approved a $315 million nancial aid budget swelled which lends federal dollars University could entice pro- tion, offi cers found shattered glass on the fi nancial aid budget for to $297 million, marking the to universities for students spective students to choose fl oor but did not fi nd anything inside the undergraduate and gradu- highest one-year increase in with fi nancial need, sparked GW over other competitive ate students at a meeting the pool in recent history. fear among the roughly 2,300 schools with a hefty fi nancial room that could have been thrown from Friday – about $18 million This year’s budget will be students who rely on the aid package. outside to break the window. No suspects or witnesses more than last fi scal year. the 12th time the pool has funding to pay tuition bills. The University could also Offi cials said the roughly increased in 14 years, only “When you look at in- ease costs for students from 6 percent jump will off set falling twice in 2007 and come disparity in this coun- low-income families who THEFT II/FROM BUILDING increased fi nancial burden 2013. try, there is tremendous pres- wouldn’t be able to aff ord Gelman Library after the approval of a more Maltzman said the budget sure on many universities on the tuition without extra aid, 5/14/2018 – 2:45 p.m. expensive meal plan and expansion will help compen- their fi nancial aid budgets,” he said. Case closed the expiration of a federal sate for the increased cost of Maltzman said. “We won’t “Giving additional loan program. student dining plans, which be immune from national grants probably won’t help A female student reported to Gelman Financial aid experts said offi cials voted to expand in threats.” that many more students Library staff members that her calculator the University’s growing February amid growing food University President actually apply, just because was missing from her bag. The staff mem- budget could be the result of aff ordability concerns. Un- Thomas LeBlanc said that a lot of students get freaked bers fi led a report with GWPD. an eff ort to rope in top candi- der the new plan, dining dol- when offi cials draft the fi - out by the stereotype price,” No suspects or witnesses dates with the best fi nancial lars are wrapped into room nancial aid budget, they look Kelchen said. “But if you —Compiled by Dani Grace bids so the University can and board fees, and students at what factors aff ect student actually apply, then all of become more academically either receive $4,600 or $2,800 need each year and deter- a sudden you might get a competitive with other elite depending on whether or not mine how much money the fi nancial aid package that schools. they have a kitchen. University can allocate to helps you be able to aff ord “We look very carefully Maltzman added that help alleviate extra costs. attending.”

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D.C. CAMPUS | (202) 706-5000 | Learn more at thechicagoschool.edu McPherson Square THE GW HATCHET NEWS May 21 2018 • Page 3 University celebrates 6,000 students’ graduation

OLIVIA ANDERSON & ETHAN STOLER | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITORS About 25,000 students, family members and friends gathered at the National Mall in blistering heat Sunday to celebrate the graduation of about 6,000 students at the University-wide Commencement.

From Page 1 with insight from the scientist Thomas LeBlanc defended ates to commit to being lead- University President Steven his tenure as University presi- and execute projects with the the decision, asking, “doesn’t ers of their generation. He Knapp and Elana Meyers dent, he noticed that students hope” in their careers by us- precision of an engineer,” she anyone have any shame” said that as members of the Taylor, a double-alumna and stood out in the way they ing their education to address said. about criticizing McNutt and class contribute to society in Olympic medalist in bobsled- committed to volunteerism in extensive societal issues, like McNutt delivered her saying he could “live with” their differing careers, they ding. the District. Knapp launched a declining life expectancy in speech to about 25,000 stu- students’ dissatisfaction at should aim to distinguish Taylor said graduates the Freshman Day of Service the wake of drug epidemics dents, family members and the end of an interview with themselves from others in should use their failures to in 2009, requiring that all in the U.S. friends at the National Mall in a campus radio station last their fields. push them toward success, freshmen participate in ser- “The moral is, hope is blistering heat that prompted month. “I think you’ll find during pointing to her failed at- vice projects during their first contagious, and it’s a good dozens of students to leave The University has hosted the lifelong journey of learn- tempt to join the 2008 Olym- week on campus. kind of contagion,” she said. their seats to find shade dur- more high-profile speakers in ing – what you discover will pic softball team. But she “Carry that spirit of ser- “It’s actually all around us, ing the ceremony. said the failure actually vice into whatever you do but there’s still not enough As she closed her “I think you’ll find during the lifelong journey of worked to her advan- next,” he said. “Graduates – of it.” speech, McNutt re- tage because she later you are our future.” There is a growing per- ceived a mix of boos learning – what you discover will change you.” won three medals for Student speaker Meenu ception that the American and cheers. Several Olympic bobsledding, Mathews, an international dream is dying, McNutt students criticized THOMAS LEBLANC most recently receiv- affairs major, said her time at said, as the country experi- officials’ decision to UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT ing a silver medal at GW has equipped her with ences a widespread opioid name McNutt as Com- the 2018 Winter Olym- the resources to achieve larg- crisis and obesity epidemic. mencement speaker pics in Pyeongchang. er career goals, like intern- But she said the issues can in March, saying officials recent years, like former first change you,” LeBlanc said. “I “We’re really all not ing under former President be remedied with the tech- selected her without input lady Michelle Obama in 2010, charge you to embrace that that different – I’ve sat in Barack Obama’s administra- nological advances and re- from students. The Student actress Kerry Washington in change in opinion, or in your chairs there just like you, tion. search that graduates across Association Senate passed a 2013 and Tim Cook, the chief life’s path, while never forget- I’ve dreamed just like you “If there’s one thing I every school have pursued resolution earlier this month executive officer for Apple in ting where you came from, have,” Taylor said. “I don’t learned here during my time during their undergraduate condemning the choice, say- 2015. how you got here and those know what your dream at GW, it is that each of us careers. ing McNutt, a scientist, is LeBlanc also spoke to the who supported you along the is, and I don’t know what has the power to cross those “Hope is inspired when not reflective of a campus class during the ceremony – way.” comes next for you, but I fences, walk across lawns you can dream like the art- dominated by liberal arts his first commencement ad- McNutt also received know that all of you should and open doors that we never ist, show the heart of the hu- majors. dress as University president. an honorary degree at the continue to dream.” even dreamed we could,” she manist, formulate solutions University President He encouraged gradu- ceremony alongside former Knapp said that during said. Graduates stay in nation’s capital to work connections with alumni, professors

SARAH ROACH jobs in metropolitan areas ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR because they’re able to dip into popular industries, like Now that graduates finance or real estate, in a have received their degrees place where there is room – nearly half will opt to live to advance to high-level po- in the same bustling city sitions using a network of where they spent their un- alumni who have already dergraduate careers. begun working in the area. In interviews, more than Pam Mulligan, the exec- 10 graduating seniors said utive director of alumni en- they chose to live in D.C. af- gagement at Syracuse Uni- ter graduation to stay close versity, said recent alumni to a network of alumni and can more easily land jobs professors who can help in cities, where “major students secure internships networks” exist across all or jobs in fields ranging fields for students to ex- from news media to poli- plore – a perk that can only tics. Career service experts be found in urban areas. said that as students leave She said about one-third college, a city is an easier of all graduating seniors from location to work their con- Syracuse head to New York nections with previous in- City. Syracuse offers net- ternships, alumni and pro- working events in New York fessors to align themselves City for recent graduates to with career paths they want communicate with alumni to pursue. about internships and jobs in “Unless I’m working for the area, Mulligan said. a state or city government, The University offers like a think tank, D.C. is networking events, like where I need to be,” Jill happy hours, in the District Hammelbacher, who grad- to allow the roughly 90,000 uated with a bachelor’s de- alumni living in D.C. to gree in economics, said. “To DONNA ARMSTRONG | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR connect with one another. do what I want to do, most In interviews, more than 10 graduating seniors said they chose to live in D.C. after graduation to stay close to a network of alumni “If you know there are X of the jobs are centered and professors who can help them secure internships or jobs. number of alumni who live here.” in NYC, then it’s a great city Rachel Brown, the as- to work those contacts,” sistant provost for Univer- by the Wall Street Journal she can land a full-time job. “Everyone is very well any direction and find a job Mulligan said. “There’s go- sity Career Services, said published Tuesday. Arthur Cronin, who connected,” he said. “It’s somewhere, whether it be ing to be the proximity of deciding where to live after The rate is similar for graduated with the Class of just a good benefit to have, writing or production.” where people work.” graduation is dependent some of GW’s D.C. peers, 2018 Sunday, said he’s stay- to just know people that Senior Kevin Kearns Ali Rodriguez, the di- on several factors, includ- like Georgetown and How- ing in D.C. for the summer you can get opportunities said living in D.C. would rector of career services at ing the cost of living, career ard universities, which to explore attractions, like that you wouldn’t neces- open more doors for him to the University of Miami, fields, job offers and where have about 37 and 41 per- museums and monuments, sarily be able to get without decide between continuing said students could travel graduates’ families live. cent of graduates staying that he didn’t have time to them.” education at a law school in to a city even if they don’t “There is no ‘one size fits in the District after gradu- visit as a full-time under- But for Devan Cole, the District or working for a have a job secured because all,’ and our career coaches ation, according to the ar- graduate student. who also graduated this law firm in D.C. they’re able to jump be- enjoy working with stu- ticle. Cronin, a biology ma- weekend, it was numerous “I think we have a fa- tween part-time jobs or in- dents and alumni to help Of the 11 students in- jor, said he’s moving to San job opportunities covering miliarity with the city as ternships in their field with them identify and evaluate terviewed, two students Francisco but will likely national politics that made students, and I’m excited hopes of finding a stable their options to help them said they’re staying in the return to the District after him stay in D.C. to continue that familiarity position. thrive,” Brown said in an District to attend graduate working as a semiconduc- “There are a lot of sto- and actually be an active “Students are coming email. school at Georgetown or tor because his friends ries here, both locally and part of this ecosystem,” he out and they have that fresh Still, nearly 40 percent of GW. One student said she’s found jobs in D.C., and he nationally,” Cole said. said. “You become more in- mindset, they’re adaptable, recent alumni remain in the moving into a D.C. apart- has connections with pro- “With there being such a volved in the city.” they come into an envi- District after graduation, ment to stay close to gov- fessors he could use to find large media market, being Career services experts ronment and they want to according to data compiled ernment departments until other work in his field. so saturated, you can turn said students often seek learn,” Rodriguez said. May 21, 2018 • Page 4 ADVERTISEMENT THE GW HATCHET

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DAR3313 WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK What new Title IX training will include for students, faculty and staff p. 7 FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “A school that tolerates a culture of sexual hostility is not one we should be proud of.” OpinionsMay 21, 2018 • Page 5 —K. DENISE RUCKER KREPP, AN OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR published May 14 There’s nothing wrong with working a typical summer job ust about everyone I know near cities like New York City, be independent than to rely has been asking me about Chicago and D.C., where jobs on my family. I’ve developed my summer plans. They’re and internships are nearby traits like a strong work ethic expectingJ to hear that I land- and plentiful. I am not try- and grit that will help me ed a competitive internship ing to blame geography for pursue a future career where in D.C. But that’s not the case my summer job situation. At I can use my talents because I for me. Often, it feels like I am the same time, living a few know the value of hard work. disappointing them when I miles outside of Omaha, Neb. Whether students are admit that my summer plans doesn’t necessarily help my baristas or lifeguards, they just include going home to chances with internship op- are also gaining skills that can Omaha, Neb. and working a portunities outside the agri- help them in future careers. typical summer job. culture and transportation They are building up rela- There’s nothing wrong fi elds. tionships and establishing a with going home. But my With the highly competi- reputation for dedication and summer job pales in compari- tive nature at GW, it can be reliability that is needed to son to some of the prestigious diffi cult to not get a job or in- be considered for any job in opportunities that my friends ternship that would be a good the future. It’s important for and classmates landed. They stepping-off point for your students to avoid thinking of are interning for well-recog- future. But it’s important to Cartoon by Grace Lee summer jobs as inferior com- nized companies that might remember that sometimes pared to the summer plans of off er them a real job after they a job is just a job. Although our classmates. graduate. And I couldn’t be about 68 percent of students perceive the quality of your large responsibilities but also a few unpaid internships to With hardworking happier for them. But these have internships during their summer job, there is always teach me about working with try my luck. But having an friends and a competitive en- opportunities don’t always GW career, according to in- something to be gained. others. unpaid internship in D.C., or vironment at GW, it is hard line up for everyone – and stitutional research, students This summer, I’ll work Before I landed this job, I any city outside of Nebraska, not to compare myself with students, including my- who don’t intern can still gain as an art counselor at a sum- applied to about 30 other jobs wasn’t an option fi nancially. those around me. I often feel self, shouldn’t feel guilty or valuable experience from mer camp that is catered to and internships, looking to be My family is helping me with like I’m falling behind, but I ashamed for going home to jobs. kindergartners through sixth an administrative assistant or my college bills, and pay- try my best to remind myself work as camp counselors or graders. While some students writer for the summer, both ing to rent or sublet while I that no one person’s path is in customer service to earn might argue that their work in D.C. and Nebraska. And wasn’t earning an income the same, and it is perfectly money and spend time with Renee Pineda interning on Capitol Hill or I got lucky. In Omaha, Neb., wasn’t feasible for us. De- normal to not have that family. There are skills to be Opinions Editor with a nonprofi t organiza- fi ve employers got back to pending on fi nancial limita- dream job or internship at all gained from summer jobs, tion that works to fi ght world me and were interested in tions sometimes means that times. If students fi nd them- just like internships, includ- hunger is more meaningful hiring me. But once they real- we can’t take the jobs, both selves in situations similar ing time management, com- than mine, students with ized that I was still a student unpaid and paid, that we to mine, they should keep municative skills and team If students have yet to jobs that don’t have a fl ashy and I’d have to go back to would love to take. their heads down and work work. graduate, they shouldn’t feel title can still make a change. D.C. in the middle of August, I have been working since hard because they can still Still, it’s hard to shake immense pressure to start a I get to work with kids and I no longer was the best can- I was 16 years old because I gain experience that will get off the impressive jobs that career before they’ve been ensure that their summer is didate. They were looking for knew that I needed to learn to them where they want to be, my peers have. Not only handed a diploma. It’s hard full of meaningful activities interns who could work full be independent, and getting sooner or later. are many of my friends and not to let other people’s suc- and that they keep learning time for at least a year, which a job was one way to start on —Renee Pineda, a junior classmates hardworking and cess make you feel discour- outside of the school year, is understandable. that path. Through working, I majoring in political science, is talented, but they also live aged. But no matter how you which will not only give me I considered applying for have learned that it’s better to The Hatchet’s opinions editor.

Returning home is hard STAFF EDITORIAL when GW made me feel New Title IX updates must comfortable in my own skin still be updated to best serve students I remove the cap, as he When I came to GW, I thought it was a violation of learned not to be ashamed of Earlier this month, ad- investigator model or a it is a step forward. the school dress code which my religion or my sexuality. ministrators released drafts hybrid model in which the Moving forward, Title prohibits hats. Shocked, This was due in large part to of new Title IX policies that facts and fi ndings collected IX policies need to be more confused and embarrassed, the many Jewish student or- will change the way that by the investigator are then sensitive toward the individ- I removed the kippah and ganizations on campus, like GW deals with sexual mis- used by a hearing board- ual desires of each student locked it away with my Jew- Hillel, Chabad, Meor and conduct cases, and the pro- type model to determine in sensitive situations. There ish identity. It felt as though other Jewish groups. Even cedures and policy changes the outcome of the case. are steps that can be taken my Judaism was all that oth- though I am not a member were approved by the Board With peer schools follow- to improve the mandatory ers could see in my identity. of any of these groups and of Trustees Friday. ing similar policies, GW is reporter policy and ensure In addition to being the have yet to attend my fi rst Under the current policy, updating to align with other positive aspects outweigh only Jewish student in my Shabbat at GW, it was heart- a panel made up of volun- peer schools, which is likely possible negative results. fter fi nishing my last school, I have also identifi ed warming to feel welcomed teer faculty and students a step in the right direction. As this policy is imple- fi nal of freshman as queer since high school throughout the year. The would oversee reports of While we agree that an mented, mandatory re- year, I sat in front of – tacking on another mi- discrimination I faced for sexual violence, and some individual investigator is porters need to be trained Athe Lincoln Memorial with nority label that has made being Jewish in New Hamp- faculty members were better than a panel, making thoroughly in how to react a heaviness in my chest. It me stand out in my town. shire will always stick with deemed mandatory report- all faculty mandatory re- to students if they disclose was one of my last nights in I questioned my sexuality me, but with time, I am con- ers. When the new policy porters may be a misstep. information about sexual D.C., and I didn’t want to go throughout middle and el- fi dent that I will take pride takes eff ect July 1, a single Students should be able misconduct to save relation- back to New Hampshire for ementary school, and while in my religion again. investigator will gather evi- to confi de in professors and ships and ensure the policy the summer. The state lives I was not open at the time In addition to feeling dence and decide if there is have personal relationships actually helps students. If by the motto “live free or about my sexuality, I felt more comfortable with enough to warrant a policy without fear of private con- a professor responds ap- die,” but being there has al- ashamed for being attracted my religion, I have also violation and at least 14 dif- versations becoming public. propriately and can com- ways made me feel uncom- to the same sex. Because I felt more at peace with ferent types of staff roles, in- Mandating that professors municate the policy to the fortable in my own skin. didn’t know anybody that my sexuality at GW. My cluding all faculty and aca- reveal information in a one- student, they will feel more After completing my was out at my school and peers and professors in demic advisers, will qualify size-fi ts-all policy like this comfortable when the Title fi rst year of college, how there was an absence of LG- D.C. have accepted my as “responsible employees,” could hurt relationships and IX offi ce reaches out and I see myself and how I’ve BTQ representation in the queer identity and see me who are required to report discourage students from the outreach may be more chosen to present myself media, it always seemed to for more than my sexual- situations of sexual miscon- connecting with professors eff ective than it would be if has changed, and I believe me that identifying as queer ity. D.C. was categorized duct to the Title IX offi ce. or revealing details to them. the situation was reported it is because of the diversity was bad. All in all, I felt like in 2013 as one of the most These changes come af- If a conversation that without their knowledge. at GW and in D.C. Grow- I couldn’t be myself in my “tolerant” and queer- ter a federal investigation they intended to be private This also eases any potential ing up queer and Jewish in home state. friendly places in Ameri- by the Department of Edu- was then revealed to an out- damage to relationships, be- New Hampshire is diff erent ca. Having historic areas cation and a year of exter- side offi ce – regardless of cause students will feel like than growing up with these Jared Bach in D.C., like Dupont Cir- nal review from a law fi rm. how close their relationship they are supported no mat- attributes in a diverse city cle, with a dense popula- These changes also occur with the faculty member is ter what choice they make like D.C. Therefore, since Opinions Writer tion of young queers and in the wake of two lawsuits – the student may feel that regarding reporting. coming to college, I have felt a great LGBTQ nightlife against the University by the professor went against Because these situations more comfortable express- also gives people a place current and former students their wishes by revealing are highly personal, the ing myself to others and be- When same-sex mar- to congregate and feel regarding the handling of the information to the Title policy should also be up- ing open about my identity. riage was legalized in the welcomed. Even though sexual misconduct reports in IX offi ce, even though the dated to give more power An individual’s experi- United States as I was enter- there are many openly the past month. While these faculty was just following to students. Students should ence as a minority is heavily ing my junior year of high LGBTQ people at GW and updates are a step in the policy and attempting to be able to override a respon- infl uenced by where they school, I began to see my in D.C., it took me years right direction for GW, they help them. sible reporter and tell the are from and reside, which is peers become more open- of hiding and confusion can’t stop here and the new The mandatory reporter faculty member not to report why I feel diff erently about minded. I would see my het- to fi nally begin to feel policies are underwhelm- system also doesn’t take their situation. That way, expressing my identity at erosexual friends posting on comfortable in my own ing when considering the individual preferences into students can maintain their home versus at GW. While social media in support of skin, which, in turn, has increased scrutiny GW has account, which could leave privacy and still get support I do not look forward to re- the LGBTQ community, and left me focused on return- faced following several Title students feelings deceived from professors. turning to a place this sum- some even attended pride ing home. IX complaints. and vulnerable if their situa- While these policies mer where I am treated like I rallies. However, I would In my fi rst year at GW, Some of the changes do tion is reported to the Title IX are a step in the right di- am diff erent, I’ve learned to still face scrutiny and ques- I have learned that it is OK seem positive. An individu- offi ce without their consent rection, there is still room feel comfortable because of tions from teachers, peers to be myself. As I get ready al investigator will likely be by another individual. for improvement. Manda- the diversity and tolerance and my family for being to go home for the summer, more effi cient and eff ective Although the new policy tory reporting highlights that I have observed at GW. open about my sexuality. In I am fi nally ready to take than a panel because it will may unintentionally make the need for extensive Ti- Growing up Jewish in a state thats population is pride in my identity. I am leave one person account- some students feel uneasy, tle IX training, especially New Hampshire was in- roughly 1.1 percent Jewish, nervous about returning to able. On a panel, it is easier it could help connect more as faculty are given more credibly diffi cult for me. At and with most of my school a place where my identity for members to shift blame students with the Title IX responsibility in protect- 13 years old, I began to em- appearing to be heterosexu- was stifl ed, but I am ready and sit back waiting for an- offi ce. Students might not ing students. GW needs brace my Jewish roots and al, or at least not openly gay, to truly be open about my other member to speak out know how to get help from to build on these changes decided one day to wear a people had a diffi cult time identity and will not let oth- instead of stepping up them- the offi ce or what steps they if they really want to im- kippah to school. The as- understanding my diff erent ers defi ne my experience. selves. can take to report cases, so prove how the University sistant principal called me identities and separating me —Jared Bach, a freshman, Of GW’s 12 peer schools, while this new policy may responds to reports of sex- to his offi ce and asked that from them. is a Hatchet opinions writer. eight currently use a single- not solve the entire problem, ual misconduct.

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May 21, 2018 • Page 6 NEWS THE GW HATCHET New policy bans ‘potentially exploitative’ student-faculty relationships LAUREN PELLER & the other seems like a good a step forward for GW, which LIZZIE MINTZ idea because it’s a way of now lays out clear guidelines STAFF WRITERS avoiding, it’s nipping in the for faculty and students to bud, this #MeToo type of steer clear of relationships The Board of Trustees ap- thing,” Garris said. that could negatively impact proved a new policy prohib- He added that while the academic interactions. iting student-faculty relation- new policy works to pre- Paul Thaler, the manag- ships Friday. vent sexual harassment and ing partner of the law firm The policy, which was inappropriate relationships Cohen, Seglias, Pallas, Green- first presented to the public between faculty or staff and hall, & Furman PC’s District at a Faculty Senate meeting students, it fails to discuss office, said the new policy earlier this month, will go “due process” – how parties helps reinforce equal treat- into effect July 1. The new ze- should report incidents and ment on college campuses ro-tolerance policy prohibits what steps will be taken after and ensures that inappropri- “sexual or amorous relation- a report is made. ate relationships won’t im- ships” between students and Laguerre-Brown, the vice pact academics. faculty, which officials said provost for diversity, equity “The policy is to protect will prevent sexual harass- and community engage- the University but also to ment on campus and bring ment, said that if administra- protect the other stakehold- GW up to speed with peer tors discover that a faculty ers of the University, like schools. member has been involved the professors,” Thaler said. Caroline Laguerre-Brown, in a sexual relationship with “There are a lot of varying in- the vice provost for diversity, a student, disciplinary pro- terests at stake with student- equity and community en- cedures would be the same faculty cases, and it might gagement, said the policy was as they would be for other be a way to address the con- drafted to promote a learning FILE PHOTO BY OLIVIA ANDERSON policy violations or miscon- cerns the University and the environment in which stu- Provost Forrest Maltzman said relationships between University employees and students have the duct at GW. students might have going dents, staff and faculty can potential to create an imbalance of power. Nicholas Kyriakopoulos, forward.” work “without concern that a professor of engineering Carly Mee, the interim potentially exploitative or Laguerre-Brown said. use their position to “take ad- and left out key information and a member of the commit- executive director of SurvJus- coercive sexual relationships All of GW’s 12 peer vantage” of students. about what steps are taken if tee, said the new policy is a tice, a nonprofit based in D.C. may damage the associations schools have policies prohib- “Those who teach our administrators are notified of way for the University to pro- that advocates for survivors essential to our educational iting student-faculty relation- students should have no a professor-student relation- tect itself in court if a sexual of sexual violence, said the mission.” ships, while more than half relationships with any un- ship. harassment case involving a new policy allows the Uni- She said administrators of the schools’ policies have dergraduates, and students Charles Garris, a profes- student-faculty relationship versity to go “one step fur- began evaluating the con- been instituted in the past should be able to take full ad- sor of engineering and mem- arises because the policy now ther” than GW’s existing sensual relationships policy five years. vantage of their curriculum ber of the committee, said the clearly prohibits such rela- Title IX policies that protect when the University brought Provost Forrest Maltzman without any sort of concern,” new policy was developed tionships. students from sexual harass- in the law firm Cozen said relationships between Maltzman said. following requests from Uni- “Now this policy is like a ment. O’Connor last summer to re- University employees and Professors on the Faculty versity President Thomas legal policy that, in my sense “It does ease those bur- view Title IX policies. students have the potential to Senate’s professional ethics LeBlanc to re-evaluate the from PEAF meetings, came dens on students and puts a “We have seen universi- create an imbalance of power and academic freedom com- University’s sexual harass- out of concern from the ad- little bit more power in their ties struggle with this issue, and “lead to exploitation or mittee said they have provid- ment policies amid “chang- ministration,” Kyriakopoulos hands in terms of being able so we felt it was important bias and undermine the in- ed input since January about ing cultural attitudes about said. “The new policy put a to come forward about inap- to have a policy that contains tegrity of our academic pro- the new policy but were nev- sexual harassment.” fence around the University propriate professors because bright line rules prohibiting gram.” er able to vote on a final draft. “The idea of prohibiting to protect itself based on re- on its face, it prohibits profes- abuse of power in relation- He said the policy ensures They said administrators amorous relationships where cent harassment cases.” sors from doing that,” Mee ships with our students,” that faculty and staff don’t rushed to finalize the policy one person has power over Experts said the policy is said. Board of Trustees task force suggests ‘student-centered’ culture

LIZZIE MINTZ dent who served on the task Nelson Carbonell, the STAFF WRITER force, said the guiding prin- chairman of the Board and ciples will be published on an ex-officio member of the After a year of evaluat- LeBlanc’s strategic initiatives task force, said members of ing student satisfaction, of- website to guide the way of- the task force held nine lis- ficials and student leaders ficials approach community tening sessions with nearly sketched guiding principles concerns next academic year. 300 students and used their to improve student life next She said because improving feedback to shape the guid- academic year. the student experience is a ing principles, “which pro- The student experience “crucial” part of LeBlanc’s vide the framework for the task force, which the Board goals, students need to be administration moving for- of Trustees launched in Sep- involved in an ongoing con- ward.” He said officials will tember, released a drafted versation about how the establish goals to meet the set of guiding principles guiding principles can be principles as a next step. Friday for officials to - fol used to create real change. “The task force, com- low. The recommendations “The goal of the task posed of trustees, faculty, cover six areas of student life force originally was to make staff and students, did an – academics, finances, safety, sure that our work had a ho- excellent job of listening to service and facilities, insti- rizon,” she said. “When de- students about their experi- FILE PHOTO BY KELLY HOOPER tutional culture and com- partments and divisions all ences and opportunities for Harald Griesshammer, an associate professor of physics and member of the Faculty Senate, said munity – which members of across the University have improvement,” he said in an cutting contract lengths from five to three years limits faculty’s ability to invest in GW. the task force said captured to make a decision about email. “This is a long-term a “macro-level” scope of something that’s related initiative and the Board will student sentiments and will to this area, they can come continue to closely monitor guide officials as they make back to the guiding prin- progress.” Faculty criticize provost for administrative changes to ciples and have that help During listening sessions, better student life. them with decision-making students indicated an overall “The emerging goals are points.” lack of school pride and com- contract length rollback organized by guiding princi- LeBlanc’s first year in of- munity, citing little advertis- ple and will lay the ground- fice has seen major updates ing for athletic events and LAUREN PELLER person, we hired them on regularly through a series of work for the University to to student life – including few campus hangout spots. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR a tenure-track line, we told observations and written re- determine and take specific major changes to the Co- Students also indicated the them we could have a sev- ports. actions to improve the stu- lonial Health Center, an need for further University The University’s chief en-year contract, and we’ve He added that contract dent experience,” the report increase in the amount of transparency about finances academic officer is encour- now had them for four years faculty can be let go when – which was obtained by The money allocated to student and expressed concerns aging departments to cut or five years and they never their contract ends and Hatchet – read. dining plans and a planned about a lack of medical ser- the average faculty contract published anything again,” three-year contracts provide The guiding principles merger of the Division of vices on the Mount Vernon from five to three years. Maltzman said. more flexibility for depart- recommend that officials Student Affairs and the- En Campus, according to the In a hiring memo issued Harald Griesshammer, ment heads during budget revamp the campus com- rollment, Management and report. to deans and department an associate professor of crunches. munity, create a “compre- Retention Division. Former SA President chairs in February, Provost physics and member of the Phyllis Ryder, an associ- hensive” academic curricu- LeBlanc, an ex-officio Peak Sen Chua, who also Forrest Maltzman told fac- Faculty Senate, said the new ate professor of writing and lum, promote better health member of the task force, served as a student represen- ulty that contract offers and policy is a “negative” change the director of the Writing and safety protocols, offer said officials can use the tative on the task force, said renewals “should ideally because it tells faculty they Center, said she was not no- more affordable “student- guiding principles for fu- officials should first address be made for a maximum of have less time to retain their tified about the change un- centered” resources, and ture proposals and make the “community-building” three years.” Members of position. til May 10 and is skeptical allocate more community more informed decisions principle next academic year the Faculty Senate criticized “Not only will contract about shorter evaluations, space for “studying and so- about specific issues related because the subject will af- the memo, which was ob- faculty be evaluated more since it would require con- cialization.” to the student experience, fect all other principles and tained by The Hatchet, at a frequently, but whether that tract faculty to prepare for The Board created the like housing and class reg- aspects of the student experi- Faculty Senate meeting ear- was the intent or not, it does evaluations more frequently. student experience task istration, that they wouldn’t ence. lier this month – saying the contain a message that we “We have dozens of fac- force after University Presi- know about without student “Moving forward, stu- move sends a message that want to be able to hire and ulty in contract positions, dent Thomas LeBlanc indi- input. dent leaders and advocates the University is more will- fire you more quickly and and as a program, we have cated the student experience “A lot of the issues stu- will use these guiding prin- ing to hire and fire profes- easily,” he said. to prepare and review a large would be a top priority of his dents are concerned about, ciples as a tool to advocate sors. He added that a contract number of contracts each tenure. The task force will naturally, are consequences for specific changes to - Uni Maltzman said at the evaluation every three years year and now we will have dissolve at the close of the of the kind of guiding princi- versity policies and tie them Faculty Senate meeting last will limit contract faculty’s to do this more frequently,” academic year, Student As- ples that they describe here,” into values the University week that three-year con- ability to become invested in Ryder said. sociation leaders said. LeBlanc said in an interview. committed to in improving tracts are the “norm” at GW, GW since they will only be She said the more fre- Sydney Nelson, the SA’s “I think they help lead us in the student experience,” and most faculty contracts able to commit two years of quent review cycle will take former executive vice presi- the right direction.” Chua said. are not evaluated every five work, providing faculty less time away from students years. He said he did not time to figure out their job and research, because faculty know how many faculty situation rather than spend- will worry about their con- are currently on five-year ing four years working un- tracts not being renewed. contracts versus three-year der a five-year contract. “I cannot know why the contracts when Faculty Sen- “For a sweeping change administration would want ate members inquired about like that, the best policy is to cut the contract length current staff agreements. to inform those concerned time,” Ryder said. “Without “In general, we don’t directly, namely contract fac- hearing any other explana- want forever commitments, ulty,” Griesshammer said. tion, I can only presume that and we have actually run “Instead, it was left to de- the administration would into problems before where partment heads to explain like more flexibility to cut someone gets renewed and a policy for which they had positions.” for some reason – frequently no guidance, let alone input. Arthur Wilson, an associ- a bad reason – you don’t GW still does a lousy job to ate professor of finance and want that person there, and communicate that its em- member of the Faculty Sen- then you have to keep them ployees are appreciated.” ate, said switching contracts for five years,” Maltzman Griesshammer added for faculty from five years to said. that there are programs, like three years undercuts con- Maltzman said to avoid the Writing Center, that will tract faculty’s role at GW any mistakes with faculty be negatively impacted by because they have less time contracts, the University this policy because they hire to prove themselves prior to plans to standardize three- mostly contract faculty. evaluation. year contracts, and depart- “Bureaucratically, you’ve “There are quite a few ments across campus can ask doubled the load of the re- contract faculty who are inte- Christopher Bracey, the vice tention committee from go- gral for the program they’re provost for faculty affairs, for ing from five-year to a three- involved in,” Wilson said. ETHAN STOLER | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR individualized exemptions. year contract,” he said. “Three years undermines Former SA President Peak Sen Chua served as a student representative on the student experi- “What I don’t want The retention committee their commitment in the pro- ence task force. happening is we have this evaluates non-tenure faculty gram.” THE GW HATCHET NEWS May 21 2018 • Page 7 Trustees invest in strategic initiatives with more than $1 billion budget MEREDITH ROATEN NEWS EDITOR President for Research to an- staff and student morale and swer to the provost and em- research projects, whereas barking on multi-city alumni his predecessors have fo- University President event tours. cused more on improving Thomas LeBlanc’s five Carbonell said the trust- GW’s academic stature and strategic initiatives will ees revisit the budget in Feb- bolstering philanthropy ef- receive financial backing ruary to finalize priorities and forts. next fiscal year, officials budget for financial aid. This Gabriel Serna, an as- announced at a Board of year’s budget includes a $315 sistant professor of higher Trustees meeting Friday. million financial aid pool – an education at Virginia Poly- Trustees approved a more $18 million increase from last technic Institute and State than $1 billion operating bud- fiscal year. University, said the decrease get for the third consecutive Carbonell added that in the capital budget could year to fund LeBlanc’s main while the Board decides come from a common prac- priorities – including research where funds will be allo- tice called deferred mainte- and philanthropy – build cated, the budget is a broad nance, in which universities cash reserves and recruit guideline for how the Univer- only embark on maintenance faculty and staff. The Board isty should spend its money project they can most easily will also allocate $53 million and doesn’t dictate line items afford – which usually- in for its capital budget – which within each priority. cludes classroom upgrades. funds construction projects – “We really take all of that He said the practice allows to invest in initial plans for a and put a project together that universities to maximize new residence hall, classroom reflects those priorities and their funds to directly impact upgrades and sustainability an understanding of what’s educational endeavors. initiatives, officials said. ETHAN STOLER | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR going to happen in terms of Serna said funneling The University’s oper- Nelson Carbonell, the chairman of the Board, said trustees meet several times throughout the year revenues and what we need parts of the budget into the ating budget has steadily to discuss how officials can allocate the budget. to do in terms of financial aid, University’s cash reserves grown over at least the past and that really constructs the better prepares GW for fi- six years, while the capital cate the budget to best reflect are always going to be there, experience, research, alumni budget,” he said. nancial emergencies and can budget has fallen significant- the University’s priorities. He but then sometimes there engagement, medical enter- Higher education experts make the University appear ly from the roughly $400 mil- said administrators suggest may be new programs or prise and institutional cul- said budgets reflect the pri- financially sound to outsid- lion officials allocated to the the most important areas to new facilities that we need or ture. In his first year in office, orities of the institutions, ers. pool between 2012 and 2014. fund at the beginning of the different things like that that LeBlanc has overseen major which can change from year “It’s a good way to still Nelson Carbonell, the year, and both trustees and get woven into the project,” updates to each of these ar- to year, especially following leverage what you’re doing, chairman of the Board, said officials decide how the bud- he said. eas – including restructuring major leadership changes. but having both of these, trustees meet several times get breakdown can advance LeBlanc first announced the student affairs division, LeBlanc, who started his ten- it looks attractive to credit throughout the year to dis- both parties’ priorities. his five strategic initiatives in changing the reporting struc- ure last summer, has spent agencies, and you’re having cuss how officials could allo- “There are priorities that April, focusing on the student ture of the Office of the Vice his first year highlighting a surplus,” he said. GW Listens sees six-fold increase in users after introducing text, online chat services LIZZIE MINTZ build upon next academic said one of her main goals is STAFF WRITER year. to increase awareness of the Anastasiya Parvankin, program by posting signs The number of students the outgoing director of with contact information for using an anonymous student the program, said the new GW Listens in academic ad- hotline for mental health features expanded the pro- vising offices. services increased nearly gram’s reach because stu- “It may help it stick better six-fold since its launch last dents are “more adept at in people’s heads,” Gillespie academic year. talking about issues over said. GW Listens, an anony- text and online messaging” GW Listens will also mous peer hotline for men- because they know they will streamline its call and text tal health services, increased remain anonymous – a trend lines – which currently oper- the number of people using she hopes will continue into ate as separate services – so the service from six to 40 the next academic year. that all messaging goes to students throughout the aca- Under Paravankin’s lead- one anonymous website demic year after introducing ership, the program expand- through the SA website to OLIVIA ANDERSON | PHOTO EDITOR a new online chatting and ed its hours and is now open help volunteers navigate the Caroline Laguerre-Brown, the vice provost for diversity, equity and community engagement, said text service in September. Sunday through Thursday different platforms, Gillespie new Title IX policies were released following input from students, faculty and staff. Student leaders said the new from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. – one said. texting line and online chat- day more than its initial James Harnett, the Stu- ting services ensure that stu- launch. dent Association’s former dents’ voices are kept anony- GW Listens has retained director of digital policy and Title IX policy changes could ease mous because their voices about 10 volunteers work- innovation, said he used on- can’t be recognized, and vol- ing for the service since its line texting and chat compa- unteers have more time to ef- launch, she said. Members of nies, like Twilio, to code the student anxiety, experts say fectively respond to students the program recruit volun- new programs for the fall. using the hotline. teers through Student Asso- Harnett said he will check in LEAH POTTER GW Listens was initially ciation newsletters. on the program during next NEWS EDITOR officials found her assailant involving sexual misconduct, proposed after three suicides “A general long-term academic year, but he aims guilty but gave him a sanc- and that a single-investigator in 2014, and the service of- goal is for GW Listens to be for responders to under- A new set of Title IX poli- tion less than what is recom- model would allow cases to ficially launched last spring strongly embedded with- stand the technology behind cies and procedures could mended by the student code be handled by someone with following months of delays. in the University system, the program, so he won’t create a more comfortable of conduct. specialized training. The hotline received six which would include every have to run it himself. and supportive reporting The University required phone calls during the 2017 student knowing about the “To try to bridge that process for students, experts Creating policies in line hearing board members to spring semester when the program, and for the hotline learning gap, we’re going said. with peers be trained in asking ques- program launched, but that to be open every day,” Par- to be bringing all those plat- Title IX and legal experts The new policy comes tions “regarding the reported number increased to 21 on- vankin said. forms together so that the re- said the policy changes, amid a national shift to im- violations,” according to the line messages, phone calls Junior Sarah Gillespie, sponders will be better able approved by the Board of plement a single-investigator student code of conduct. or texts this fall and 19 in the the incoming director of GW to reach out and respond Trustees Friday and effective model. “Whenever I hear from spring – an increase student Listens who served as a lis- to people quickly,” Harnett July 1, could ensure that stu- Previously, a volunteer students who have had what leaders said they want to tener for the hotline this year, said. dents are more aware of the student- and faculty-led they consider to be a really resources available to them if hearing board collected evi- difficult experience, it is of- they are sexually assaulted. dence and determined the ten that it was at the hearing They said the updates could outcome of sexual assault stage that something went help foster a more support- cases. Under the new policy, wrong,” Shipper said. “They Student commissioner pushes ive environment for survi- a single investigator – who got surprised or someone vors and alleviate anxiety may be a University em- brings in evidence they that may accompany recall- ployee or outside hire – will weren’t supposed to bring to lower D.C. voting age ing a traumatic incident in consider a complaint. in, and they have to figure front of a multiple-person Of GW’s 12 peer schools, out how to deal with it.” DANI GRACE similar initiatives allowing hopes D.C. will “set the bar hearing board. eight currently use a single- Laguerre-Brown said the ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR 16-year-olds to vote in lo- for where this conversation The policy changes – investigator model or a hy- University will provide train- cal elections in the past few needs to go.” which include changing the brid model in which the facts ing for all parties “who have A student and neighbor- years, but the release states “If we can have an honest Title IX investigation process and findings collected by the a role in addressing Title IX hood leader is helping 16- that D.C. would be the first conversation with ourselves from a six-person hearing investigator are then used by matters,” but she declined and 17-year-olds voice their major U.S. city to make this about what it is we want board to a single investiga- a hearing board-type model to say what the training will opinions in D.C. politics. change if enacted. young people to be doing tor model and mandating to determine the outcome include. The Foggy Bottom and The act is currently un- and what we expect from that all faculty be mandatory of the case. The other four Morgan Levy, the Title West End Advisory Neigh- der council review and will young people, then we’ll be reporters – come after a year- schools rely on a hearing IX coordinator and director borhood Commission, a be discussed at a hearing able to be that trendsetter,” long internal review of the board model. of University Student Ser- neighborhood governing in late June or early July, Harnett said. University’s Title IX office. Policy changes will also vices Coordination at the group, passed a resolution in Harnett said. If the council Commissioner Patrick “We are hopeful that the expand the types of Uni- University of Rochester, said a 5-2 vote Wednesday sup- passes the bill with a simple Kennedy said at last week’s policy provides greater clar- versity employees who that while faculty are often porting a D.C. Council bill majority, it will head first ANC meeting that govern- ity on the work involved in are designated mandatory hesitant to see the number that would lower the voting to the mayor’s desk for ap- ment representation must each step and improves our reporters, and faculty and of employees designated age in the District to 16 if ap- proval and then before Con- reflect people who have students’ ability to monitor academic advisers will fall as mandatory reporters ex- proved. Commissioner and gress, which has 30 days to “stakes” in public issues. the progress of their case,” within the 14 different types panded, the shift ensures sophomore James Harnett, override the D.C. Council’s “Young people have the Caroline Laguerre-Brown, of staff roles deemed “re- that no case is neglected and who drafted the resolution, decision. burden or the benefit of liv- the vice provost for diversity, sponsible employees.” that students are aware of the said the legislation will help Harnett said since ing with the consequences equity and community en- The changes come at the resources and options avail- engage younger audiences 16-year-olds have the ability of decisions made by elected gagement, said in an email. end of a turbulent year for able to them, should they in decisions that affect them, to work, pay taxes on their officials for a much longer Laguerre-Brown said the the Title IX office, following choose to report. like education or gun con- earnings and drive cars, period of time,” he said. new policies were released both student and federal “I think that it’s helpful trol. granting young people the Kennedy said providing following input from stu- pressure to revamp current if everyone is a responsible “Candidates don’t often right to vote is a logical next an opportunity for younger dents, faculty and staff – and proceedings. employee so that we can cater to our needs and our step. voters to become invested in will include a long-requested Officials announced last assure that no matter who concerns, but if we grant 16- “If we trust them to make politics is “not an unquali- ability to appeal a case be- July that they would review gets told about an incident and 17-year-olds the right to informed choices in those fied positive,” and these cause one or both of the par- the University’s Title IX poli- of sexual misconduct, they vote, then we need to make scenarios, voting should also voters are likely to be just as ties involved do not believe cies with the help of Cozen know they’re going to get sure that those students are be a right they should be able well informed as 18-year-old the sanction is appropriate. O’Connor, a law firm spe- connected to their rights and making informed choices to exercise at 16,” Harnett voters. “We heard from mem- cializing in Title IX proce- their options and the resourc- and are utilizing accurate in- said. Commissioner Florence bers of our community that dures. The law firm finished es that are available to them,” formation,” Harnett said. Harnett added that the Harmon, who voted against not having the ability to ap- its probe earlier this year, and Levy said. “It’s not like we’re The Youth Vote Amend- change has to be executed on the resolution, said at the peal a sanction was a signifi- first drafts of the new policy going to force them to come ment Act of 2018 was intro- a smaller scale because the meeting she couldn’t sup- cant concern,” she said. “The were available in April, into the Title IX office.” duced to the D.C. Council last time the federal voting port the bill because voters ability to appeal a sanction Laguerre-Brown said. With the policy change, last month with the goal of age was changed from 21 to need more “life experiences” has been put into practice at Jody Shipper, the co- GW will be among at least boosting civic engagement 18 in 1971, both two-thirds of – like paying taxes – to have other universities and we feel founder of Project IX, and the 11 peer schools that also list and promoting voting as Congress and three-fourths a complete understanding of that adding the ability to ap- former executive director of most faculty and staff posi- a “lifelong habit,” accord- of states had to approve a some of the bills that come peal sanctions makes sense the Office of Equity and Di- tions as mandatory reporters. ing to a press release from constitutional amendment. before the council. for our community.” versity and chief Title IX ad- Vote16DC, an organization Still, Harnett said the bill “I think you kind of need An alumna and sexual ministrator at the University of campaigning to lower the will encourage local candi- that experience to get away assault survivor called for Southern California, said fac- GWHATCHET.COM voting age in the District. Ta- dates to recognize the power from home and be on your the option to appeal cases ulty aren’t necessarily trained for more on the koma Park, Hyattsville and that young people have at own and develop your own on the basis of the sanction as frequently as they should University’s Title IX Greenbelt, Md. implemented the ballot box. He said he views,” Harmon said. last spring in a petition after be when dealing with cases H policy updates May 21, 2018 • Page 8 NEWS THE GW HATCHET Officials renew focus on building reserves to weather financial crises

MEREDITH ROATEN sity is currently operating sets, investments and debt. NEWS EDITOR on a five-year financial plan, “You’re improving that which prioritizes building ratio, the stronger the credit Top administrators are up cash reserves. profile,” he said. focusing on growing the “Right now, we have The University issued University’s cash reserves in a ways enough to go, that a nearly $800 million bond case of enrollment emergen- rather than worry about, in March to refinance debt cies and other crises. ‘are we too far yet?’, let’s and to invest in construction University President worry about, ‘how are we projects, like upgrades to Thomas LeBlanc said in an going to start to build up our Thurston Hall. interview last week that reserves?’” LeBlanc said. Andy Carlson, the vice the University is prioritiz- Provost Forrest president of finance policy ing building up its roughly Maltzman said at a Faculty and member services at $400 million in reserves to Senate meeting earlier this State Higher Education Ex- account for unexpected fi- month that building up ecutive Officers, said that nancial missteps. Officials the stockpile of emergency while reserves help protect and experts said increasing funds from money unspent the University from eco- reserves could make GW in individual schools will nomic volatility, building more attractive to credit help build stability for the up cash reserves should be agencies and improve the University. weighed against the imme- University’s overall finan- “Just like you’d like to diate needs of students cur- cial stability. not have your bank account rently attending the school, LeBlanc said that because at zero, you’d like to have whose tuition is being used the University is growing some funding in there for to create reserves and who every year – and currently unexpected expenses for if may not see the benefits in operates on a more than the brakes go out in your ETHAN STOLER | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR four years. $1 billion budget – officials car or whatever it may be,” University President Thomas LeBlanc said that the University is prioritizing building up its GW has struggled with need to continually invest he said. roughly $400 million in reserves to account for unexpected financial missteps. its reliance on tuition dol- in the reserves. He said the Officials decided to enact lars, with roughly 60 per- reserves are comparable to a budget cuts across the Uni- survive the financial reces- $100 million instead of just the University is financially cent of the budget coming savings account – which of- versity for five years in 2015 sion of 2008. breaking even. stable, possibly increasing from students’ tuition. Of- ficials can use in the case of after graduate and profes- “What is absolutely criti- The University of Roch- GW’s credit rating – which ficials have tried to increase a financial emergency, like sional schools missed projec- cal is that you can’t have ester, one of GW’s peer would make debt cheaper philanthropy in recent years a natural disaster or unex- tions for enrollment, creating huge shocks overnight in schools, holds $2.3 billion for borrowing and refinanc- to grow its endowment, the pected drop in enrollment. unexpected loss in revenue. any sort of budget model in its reserves, according to ing in the future. University’s financial foun- He said currently, the GW outpaced its peer because people need time to financial documents. North- Chris Gardner, the as- dation, but alumni giving University’s reserves fluc- schools in cash on hand in adjust and build things into eastern University kept sociate vice president for still hangs around 9 percent. tuate between $200 million 2012 when GW held roughly their plan,” Maltzman said. about $300 million on hand finance and controller at “Those cash funds are and $400 million, which is $600 million in its reserves. Officials announced in in fiscal year 2017, according Wofford College, said credit being filled up with tuition,” “not where they need to be The University’s reserves the fall that last fiscal year to financial documents. agencies look at the ratio of Carlson said. “If students for us to weather the various reached more than $200 mil- was the first since 2012 that Finance experts said the amount of cash reserves who are currently there are storms one could see out lion at the end of fiscal year the University’s revenue has building up reserves dem- a university has, compared paying for that, they should there.” He said the Univer- 2007, which allowed GW to operated on a surplus of onstrates to creditors that to statistics like its other as- reap the benefits.” Medical group partnership is unrealistic without consistent goals, MFA faculty say CAITLYN PHUNG & and accuracy when complet- two authorities, which he KATHRYN SHEEHAN ing projects – but some said said has frustrated faculty REPORTERS the University still has a long working on collaborative way to go to improve inter- projects. As the University at- actions before consolidating “Right now, we get tempts to bridge the divide the brand. bogged down by decision between the medical school, Rajeev Pandarinath, an making because there are at the Medical Faculty Associ- orthopedic surgeon and an least two different lines of ates and GW Hospital, MFA assistant professor of medi- decision making in the clini- faculty said administrators cine, said LeBlanc’s initia- cal world,” Panjrath said. must improve communica- tives may increase research “Because these are separate tion and align the goals of funding for the University by authorities involved, things the three centers before pur- encouraging more clinicians don’t happen. Once we align suing an official partnership. to apply for funding and that, it’s going to make a lot University President bringing in grants from out- of improvement.” Thomas LeBlanc named the side sources, which would With three separate in- HATCHET FILE PHOTO medical enterprise as one of enhance research projects stitutions, Panjrath said Elizabeth Jessup, the president of the Panhellenic Association, said a new permanent task force his five strategic goals last under the partnership. patients often get confused will form this summer to enforce a list of recommendations to combat sexual assault in Greek month, announcing that the “It could foster an even where they should go for life. MFA, medical school and stronger relationship be- their medical needs. GW Hospital had embarked tween all three entities and “When people look at on a joint strategic planning increase research funding for GW, they don’t know much Panhel to create permanent task initiative. the University, and it could about MFA or the hospital The goals include re- increase the prominence of being separate,” he said. “If newing the academic affilia- the medical school,” he said. someone looks me up and force to combat sexual assault tion agreement between the Raj Rao, the chairman of they want to see who’s the medical school and the MFA, the department of orthope- guy that runs the program LEAH POTTER executive vice president of sexual assault spike for col- expanding the “clinical and dic surgery and member of at GW from an academic NEWS EDITOR administration. lege freshmen. training footprint” and con- the MFA, said the University purpose, they will go to the “Creating the standing “Unfortunately, the Title sidering brand consolidation may consider using an um- hospital website because I’m The Panhellenic Asso- committee in our bylaws en- IX resources on this campus for the three entities, accord- brella term, which will in- clinical.” ciation will launch a perma- sures that the working group are not as strong as they used ing to the University website. clude all three entities under Panjrath said physicians nent task force this summer will continue to exist in per- to be, and Panhel and the But MFA faculty said one brand name, to make in the medical school often to combat sexual assault in petuity to combat sexual as- Greek community can really communication between patient care more seamless hear about MFA projects Greek life. sault and give our chapters do its part to address the is- the groups needs to be im- and accessible. Rao declined after they are completed, Student leaders said the and members the resources sue on their side because it’s proved to ensure the entities to give the designated term. before they are able to offer task force, comprised of to effectively prevent and re- not just a Greek life issue, can collaborate to complete Although doctors from the assistance or form a partner- students in Panhel and the spond to sexual assault,” she it’s very much a campus is- long-term research projects MFA and GW Hospital work ship. He said it is difficult to Interfraternity Council, will said. sue,” Sharma said. “But we and meet University-wide in separate buildings, they find research partners from ensure Greek chapters are Jessup said the task force do need to address the issue medicine and research goals. work as one entity, he said. the other institutions because enforcing a list of recom- encountered some logistical within our own community School of Medicine and “We are in a way for- there seems to be a “firewall” mendations released last fall challenges this year as it at- as it stands.” Health Sciences spokeswom- malizing the brand for our that prevents collaboration requiring chapters to imple- tempted to implement the Davis Conger, a member an Anne Banner said faculty patients to reduce any con- between the two institutions. ment sexual assault preven- guidelines because it was of Sigma Chi who served on benefit from a collaboration fusion they may have,” Rao Kathleen Parr, an assis- tion training in new member difficult to ensure that Greek the pilot task force last sum- between the three entities be- said. tant professor of anesthesiol- modules and station sober chapters had definitive con- mer, said his chapter sent cause the partnership “adds One GW, which launched ogy and critical care medi- monitors at social events. sequences if the recommen- more than the recommended to their professional devel- in September 2016, intended cine, said in the past, faculty The group, which will be dations were not met. 80 percent of members to opment opportunities.” to bring together the three and employees in each entity the first permanent iteration She said establishing a Title IX trainings – a partici- “We are able to provide medical identities under one haven’t had the same goals, of a Panhel task force imple- permanent task force would pation rate he hopes other our students with a well- umbrella to foster a more making it difficult to accom- mented last summer, will push for the recommenda- chapters will mirror after rounded academic experi- collaborative relationship plish research projects. pen new recommendations tions to be more institution- the new task force begins its ence that enables faculty between the groups and im- “In the past, there’s been on disciplinary actions for alized in the Greek commu- work. to get involved in teaching prove patient care. some times where the hospi- chapters that do not comply nity, where there would be He said its common and students to learn from Gurusher Panjrath, an as- tal’s priorities and the MFA’s with the sexual assault pre- more direct consequences for knowledge that men are of- experts in the field,” Banner sistant professor of medicine, priorities are not as aligned,” vention guidelines at a date chapters who do not comply ten the main perpetrators of said in an email. said it takes longer for deci- Parr said. “Better communi- to be determined focused, with the recommendations. sexual violence within the Eight professors in the sions about research to be cation between the MFA and Greek student leaders said. “I am confident that they Greek community, which MFA said LeBlanc’s goals made under three separate the hospital could have im- Elizabeth Jessup, the will be able to channel the is something fraternities are steps toward increasing institutions, where a single proved the implementation president of Panhel, said the motivation of our commu- should not ignore. communication between the decision about a project has of initiatives for one group or permanent task force will nity into tangible, effective “It’s more than important groups and improving speed to get approved by at least the other.” continue to work alongside action,” she said. for us to be able to accept Panhel and IFC leaders to Christina Witkowicki, the that, to be able to acknowl- guarantee that the councils director of student involve- edge that, and work with are working with individual ment and Greek life, said that that and sort of move for- chapters to implement the as advisers, officials work ward to accept the issue and recommendations. with Greek organizations try to prevent it,” Conger She added that the task “on a variety of topic areas said. force has worked to turn they identify as important to Sabrina Zuskov, a former initial recommendations the overall GW community.” member of Alpha Epsilon – which were released in “We supported the stu- Phi and member of the task September – into policy and dent-originated Panhellenic force last summer, said she legislation within Greek Association Sexual Assault hopes the permanent task chapters and councils. Task Force through its for- force can work to create a “They represent the first mation and process and con- safe environment within the set of steps our community tinue to support the group Greek community – which can take to preventing sexual through its implementation can currently be a “micro- assault on campus,” Jessup and accountability of recom- cosm” where assault is nor- said in an email. “We know mendations,” Witkowicki malized. She said the new that our community still has said. task force should work to a lot of work to do and we Ruchika Sharma, a mem- make more resources and are committed to continuing ber of Pi Beta Phi who will information about reporting to take action.” serve on the permanent task available to survivors. Jessup said the task force force, said the group will “A lot of times survivors was written into Panhel’s by- work to expand survivor and don’t really want to talk to laws as the “Panhellenic Sex- student support resources, other people about it and ual Assault Task Force Work- focusing specifically on how don’t even know where to ing Group” and will now be to keep students safe dur- start,” Zuskov said. “I think JACK FONSECA | HATCHET PHOTOGRAPHER a permanent standing com- ing the ‘red zone,’ a period it’s just a good place to start Medical Faculty Associates faculty said administrators must improve communication and align mittee overseen by the vice of time at the start of the fall because everyone needs the the goals of the three centers before pursuing an official partnership. president of standards and semester when incidents of help.” THE SUPERFRUIT KREWELLA JAKE MILLER U Street Music Hall Soundcheck U Street Music Hall SCENE May 23 • $20 May 24 • $25 May 25 • $20 Tap your foot to friends and Get in the mood as EDM group Pop-rapper Jake Miller Pentatonix bandmates Mitch Krewella spins sexy house delivers catchy tunes t for Grassi and Scott Hoying’s anthems. summer. pop tunes. RELEASED CultureMay 21, 2018 • Page 9 THIS WEEK: SEASON 2 OF ‘13 REASONS WHY’ Alumnus turns Bitcoin income into satirical cryptocurrency rap career

KATHERINE ABUGHAZALEH chain” features a woozy bass videos online, the amateur CONTRIBUTING CULTURE EDITOR drone with trap beats and rapper found his big break. has lyrics about the luxuries He said stories about him be- With a “B” chain around of excess money. In a parody gan circulating online and the his neck and a fl ashy white boasting tone, CoinDaddy internet became part of his coat, alumnus Arya Bahman- raps, “I play this game like inside joke. He said he was yar launched his rap career a sport, sick gains then off to surprised as pictures of him- six months ago. resorts.” self were sprawled out on a When Bahmanyar is Bahmanyar said he be- computer desk, with shim- performing under his stage came “obsessed” with cryp- mery fl are pants and a white name CoinDaddy, he preach- tocurrency in 2013, after in- fur coat lined in leopard print. es about his passion for Bit- vesting his savings in Bitcoin “I see my photo, and it’s coin – unlike typical rappers. as prices dropped as low as me dressed in a pimp costume Bahmanyar, who gradu- $72 per coin. Today, each coin leaned against a computer ated in 2012 with a bachelor’s is worth several thousand and I’m like, ‘Oh, my god. No. degree in international busi- dollars. I was doing this as a joke!’” he ness, raps about cryptocur- “I went all in. Everything,” said. “It was such a goof, like rency in hopes of garnering he said. “I just thought, what’s a big human meme or some- mainstream interest in the the worst case scenario? I’m thing.” market. Since stepping onto already poor. I can’t get poor- When he’s not onstage at the scene as a joke between er. I just played it cool, and I private performances, Bah- friends, CoinDaddy has re- just kept going, and I was re- manyar is seen speaking at leased more than 40 songs warded.” conferences about the advan- on YouTube. His fi rst release, COURTESY OF JASON HENRY/NEW YORK TIMES As the only Bitcoin rap- tages of the currency and ex- a meditation tape titled “Af- Arya Bahmanyar, who graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in international business, per, Bahmanyar said he likes plaining the system at semi- fi rmations for a Better Trade launched a parody rap career under the stage name Coindaddy. to maintain a sense of humor nars across the country. VOL 1,” was put out after a in his work to attract main- Even if his parody rap tough trading day. full of double entendres, and Many of the songs con- get audience was when I fi rst stream audiences and plans career isn’t sustained, Bah- “I was doing a trade and rapping about sex and alco- tain dense verses about Bit- made it,” he said. to make his music more ac- manyar said he will continue it was just a bad trade. It just hol through the frame of Bit- coin and cryptocurrency that Percussion rattles on the cessible. advocating for the currency went sideways,” he said. “That coin. He also raps over instru- may only be understandable song “Alt Season (Where “I’m thinking now of and hopes to introduce more night, I downloaded software mentals of popular songs to to experts, but an irresistible The Money At?),” an East branching more toward mak- people to the option as he off the internet to make music, parody them like Eminem’s refrain can carry you through Coast-style rap that delves ing songs anybody can be continues speaking at confer- and I just made a meditation “Stan” on the song “Char- the songs. into his showboating “pimp” a participant in, something ences. tape for my friends.” lie,” in which CoinDaddy “I don’t know if anybody persona with lyrics like, “I’m anybody can understand, “My heart and my pulse Bahmanyar makes music accuses himself of plagiarism would really understand lightning fast and crypto rich, crypto or not,” he said. is crypto. Day in, day out,” from home using free tracks and drops insider references them unless you’re really into so hot I start to burn.” Bahmanyar said after Bahmanyar said. “This is all he fi nds online. His lyrics are about the currency. crypto, as that’s who the tar- “Tales from The Block- three months of releasing that I do. This is all that I am.” Students create wearable art with shoe design business MATT DYNES ing a design specifi cally for The fi rst pair of shoes he CULTURE EDITOR them. He also off ers the op- designed was an old pair of tion to do the purchasing Nike Air Force Ones from A student’s new shoe and painting process him- his cousin that were gifted company takes worn-out self, but to off set costs these as “test shoes” for how the sneakers and revitalizes shoes go for a steeper price paints will look on sneaker them with paint. ranging from $170 to $190. fabric. Sam Gardner, a sopho- To start his art project, “Once I completely fi ll more majoring in fi ne arts, Gardner cleans and buff s up the pair of shoes with started Pancakes Apparel in shoes using a deglazer, random colors that I’ve been February and has been sell- which cleans the leather testing, I’m going to give ing sneakers from his resi- to create a fresh canvas for them back to her,” Gardner dence hall room ever since. painting. After drawing said. The artist uses his painting graphics and fi lling them While his family back skills to polish up worn- in with bright colors, he fi n- home has supported his out sneakers given to him ishes the shoe by coating it venture, Gardner’s com- by customers and also pro- with a matte fi nish to seal pany namesake, Pancakes duces products from brand the design. Apparel, also comes from a new kicks. “They don’t have to be nickname he got at 12 years Gardner said his passion white clean like fresh out old while running during for painting started in fourth of a box,” he said. “You can Little League baseball. grade and before launch- buy them and bring them to “Since I was chubby, my ing his company, he painted me, they can be dirty – they cheeks would jiggle like on clothing, backpacks and can be gross and disgusting pancakes and I got the nick- COURTESY OF SAM GARDNER surfboards – along with looking.” name Sammy Pancakes,” he Sam Gardner, a sophomore majoring in fine arts, started a company called Pancakes Ap- more traditional art surfac- Gardner said he is open said. parel to revitalize worn-out sneakers with new designs. es. He said he was slower to to working on any style shoe call himself a shoe fanatic, – as long as it contains blank but he saw the accessory as white spaces for Gardner to an artistic medium when he jazz up with exuberant col- bought leather paint just off or. His art medium of choice campus at Blick’s Art Ma- is white Adidas sneakers, terials, located at 1250 I St. but he said he has ventured NW., earlier this year. to other shoes, including YOU SEE A Once he was able to cus- a pair of $1,600 Yves Saint tomize his sneakers – he Laurent heels. STRONGER was converted, though not Over the summer, back to the extreme of paying at his home in New Jer- SOLUTION. nearly $500 for shoes like sey, Gardner will continue some would, he said. developing a repertoire of “I’m not a full blown hand-painted footwear to WE SEE A sneakerhead,” Gardner sell online through his web- STRONGER said. site, he said. LEADER. “It’s a very niche market, but it made us think, ‘Wow, there really aren’t many shoe companies that allow for self expression.’” DYLAN CONLIN CREATIVE DIRECTOR, PANCAKES APPAREL

With the help of Creative While Conlin said buy- Director Dylan Conlin, a ers are often surprised that junior majoring in Ameri- they can wear the shoes out- can studies and his friend side without ruining them, of 11 years, Gardner said he he said they’ve worked to hopes to extend their brand make the design waterproof outside of friends and stu- and tested the shoe through dents. inclement conditions. Conlin said he fi rst “The shoe itself is meant thought Gardner could to last, the paint’s not going have a business opportu- to just chip off in the rain,” nity when he considered he said. that NFL players are paid Some of Gardner’s for wearing custom cleats. most frequent designs in- Aside from options like clude his emblem, a pan- NikeID, Conlin said there cake symbol that he has aren’t many businesses that put on shoe patches, and allow people to express creatures that Gardner said themselves through their are drawn to look “strange If you excel in science, technology, engineering or math, you shoes, which created a busi- and deranged.” He also have the critical-thinking skills needed to be a U.S. Army Officer. ness opportunity for the two designed a shoe for his Start strong in life. Enroll in an Army ROTC program in over students. friend based on the movie 1,100 colleges today. There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. “It’s a very niche market, “Nacho Libre,” featuring but it made us think, ‘Wow, colors that match the char- there really aren’t many acter’s cape lining and de- shoe companies that allow picting actor Jack Black’s for self expression,’” Conlin face in a mask. CONTACT A RECRUITING OPERATIONS OFFICER: said. “It’s hilariously well 202-687-7094 Handing off your own done,” Conlin said. OR VISIT ONLINE @ goarmy.com/washington pair of shoes for Gardner As Gardner has been get- to paint will cost about $80, ting his art venture off the and Gardner collaborates ground, he has found help ©2015. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. with customers on creat- from family and friends. GAMES OF THE WEEK BASEBALL SAILING vs. George Mason Tuesday-Saturday Wednesday • 1:30 p.m. Norfolk Va. No. 7 seed Colonials host The Colonials will race in the women’s the No. 2 seed Patriots in national competition Thursday through the first round of the A-10 Friday and then compete in the team Championship. racing national regatta later in the week. May 21, 2018 • Page 10 NUMBER Number of student-athletes in the Class of 2018 Sports CRUNCH 114 Track and field’s first recruiting class ‘set the tone’ for program BARBARA ALBERTS the tone from here on out, team has become more like a SPORTS EDITOR and I’m really proud of them family. for that.” “I come from a big fam- Weir said most of the ath- ily so they, in many ways, When thinking about letes in the recruiting class replaced my family that I had running, one word that rarely were passed over by other left behind in upstate New comes to mind for senior dis- running programs before York,” Duell said. “It became tance runner Chris Shaffer is finding GW. Shaffer was re- a brotherhood.” “fun.” Running takes a toll on cruited late to GW after an While the track and field the body and the mind, and injury during his junior year program has grown “expo- racing is as much of a mental of high school sidelined him nentially” since the team’s endeavor as it is physical, he until the middle of his senior seniors first joined the pro- said. year. DiBiasio said the team’s gram, runners said they want But what made Shaffer’s coaching staff is the best she’s to see even more growth and running experience at GW ever had after coming from success in the future, includ- most enjoyable is the team a “not-so-great” high school ing an expanded sprinting members behind him who program. program and a deeper roster supported each other and “I didn’t have the best overall. dedicated their college years times in high school and Senior sprinter Joseph to competitive running to- Coach Weir gave me the Verghese joined the team as gether. opportunity to run,” senior a walk-on his freshman year Four years ago, the track distance runner Noah Duell as the only male sprinter in and field program made its said. “He put investment the program. Since then, the debut and a crop of 13 fresh- in me when other teams team has gained two more men paved the way as the ETHAN STOLER | CONTRIBUTING PHOTO EDITOR or other coaches weren’t sprinters. program’s first recruiting Senior middle distance runner Chris Shaffer runs in the 4x800 meter relay at the Atlantic 10 Out- necessarily willing to do “It was very lonely essen- class. door Track and Field Championship earlier this month at George Mason. so – so for that, I’m really tially for my first two years This weekend, 10 of the grateful.” being the only guy sprinter 13 original members slowed that and see all the hard work other sports,” Shaffer said. really start this program up Earlier this month, senior and doing the workouts on down to walk in commence- we’ve put in as a team really While some athletes strive and get to experience it for Carter Day, along with grad- my own,” Verghese said. ment ceremonies. The seven pay off,” Shaffer said. to run for a storied track and four full years.” uate student Matt Lange, be- “But having other team- men and three women were The team’s success this field program, the newness When recruiting athletes came the first runners in pro- mates as well in the work- the first to compete year- season took four years of of GW’s program is what at- for the program’s first year, gram history to qualify for outs, they help push me as round for the team in cross early morning runs, grueling tracted the graduating run- head coach Terry Weir said the NCAA East Preliminary well. They made me better country, and indoor and out- workouts and, for some like ners four years ago. he was looking for runners Competition in the 3,000-me- overall.” door track and field for four Shaffer, running 75 miles per “It was a really unique op- who were not only athletic, ter steeplechase. For Weir, watching the years. week during the summer to portunity, and I think a lot of but had the character and For the athletes, a slew of team he recruited four years Members of the Class of get a strong endurance base the other people in my class attitude necessary to build a memories from the last four ago succeed on the track and 2018 hold 25 track and field for the year. thought the same thing when new running program. years – ranging from work- start a winning culture for the program records – including “It’s not a very fun thing we were recruited,” senior “They were the very first outs at the polo fields at West program has made saying nine new records this year to do, so when you’re out Miranda DiBiasio, who will ones to do it, and that’s the Potomac Park to breaking goodbye this year hard. – during their tenure on the there every day putting in the return to the program next hardest because there was no personal records – stood out “They get to this point team. work, sweating with these season as a graduate student one showing them the way,” to them. and they’re running really “We had the best year in guys, you really do get to after redshirting this year, Weir said. “This group had to But each runner said they well, I wish I could spend an- program history, so it was re- share a true bond that I think said. “Just knowing we were figure this out on their own, would miss running with other four years with them,” ally rewarding to be a part of is unmatched with a lot of going to be the first people to so they’re the first ones to set their “best friends” as the Weir said. 2017-18 year in review: Teams start strong, some improve records BARBARA ALBERTS were 7–1, and the team’s ners in program history to SPORTS EDITOR two consecutive wins to make an appearance at the open the year was its best national level. The team With the 2017-18 season start since its inception. But secured its first gold med- coming to a close, about half a 2–7 record against confer- als in outdoor track and of the programs with win- ence opponents plummeted field when Day won the loss records improved this the Colonials down the 3,000-meter steeplechase season. rankings and force them to and the 5,000-meter race. Of the eight women’s miss out on the A-10 tourna- Men’s basketball se- teams with win-loss re- ment for the fifth consecu- nior guard Yuta Watanabe cords, four saw improved tive year. led the Colonials in scor- overall records and five Baseball’s offense was ing (16.3 points per game), teams owned better confer- powered in part by senior blocked shots (54), de- HATCHET FILE PHOTO ence slates than last season. utility player Isaiah Pasteur, fensive rebounds (4.8 per Sophomores Sarah Noyes and Aitana Mendiguren race on the Potomac River at the GW On the men’s side, three of whose 32-game hit streak game) and made field goals Women’s Invite in April. the six teams with win-loss inked his name in program (193) this season, despite records saw improvement history. The Colonials’ .288 GW finishing the season in their overall records, and team batting average and with the first losing record three improved their confer- 531 total hits this season are in five years. Sailing prepares for historic ence results. league-leading, but the team Women’s basketball was Three programs cap- lost seven of its last nine led by senior guard Brianna tured conference titles this games of the season. A 5–4 Cummings. Cummings av- run at national regattas season, one more than last win against Saint Louis Sat- eraged 14.3 points per game year. Women’s basketball urday clinched the team’s and a team-high 34.3 min- BARBARA ALBERTS tions,” head coach Billy Last season, GW came grabbed its seventh Atlantic fourth-straight A-10 Cham- utes per game. She started SPORTS EDITOR Martin said. “I would ex- in 13th at the women’s na- 10 Championship crown in pionship berth, but the team in all 33 of the Colonials’ pect at least a top-half finish tional competition and 17th program history in March heads into the tournament contests and earned the All three of sailing’s in all three disciplines, and at the co-ed national compe- and men’s water polo won as the No. 7 seed – the last Most Outstanding Player disciplines qualified for the I think any given day, we tition, but missed qualifying the program’s first Mid- qualifying position. award in the A-10 Champi- Inter-collegiate Sailing As- have the talent and the lead- for the team racing com- Atlantic Water Polo Con- onship. sociation National Champi- ership to actually win one of petition by one spot. The ference Championship and Losing senior leadership onships for the first time in these things.” missed opportunity “sank” made the program’s first A crop of graduating Young returners fill in program history. With 32 rostered sailors the team, Martin said, but NCAA appearance in No- athletes – who have con- gaps Sailing will represent on the team, Martin has made this year’s team rac- vember. Men’s swimming sistently stood out and led A number of teams will GW at the national level in been working on develop- ing qualification even more and diving captured its their programs to successful return strong crops of ath- co-ed racing, team racing ing the depth of the roster in rewarding. second consecutive A-10 seasons this year – will hang letes who made their marks and women’s racing start- his two years as head coach “It’s the most competi- Swimming and Diving up their jerseys. in 2017-18. ing Tuesday at Old Domin- in order to build a team tive and that has eluded us Championship in February. Swimming and diving Freshman Zoe Foo Yuk ion in Norfolk, Va., a course where the level of compe- for three years and now we Here’s a look back on the senior Gustav Hokfelt had a Han led the Colonials in her the Colonials have sailed tition stays consistent no finally qualified for that,” 2017-18 season, and a peek hand in six of the program’s collegiate squash debut sea- four times this season. matter who is racing on the senior Sam White said. toward next year: 12 new records this season, son. The rookie earned Col- “It’s a great indicator of including four individual legiate Squash Association water. “That was the one that felt Hot start, cold finish the depth we have on the GW’s versatile roster the farthest out of reach, but records in the 50-yard free- Second-Team All-American team,” senior Matt Homa will be key to success at the we knew that it was really in Three spring teams had style, 100-yard freestyle, honors and helped the pro- said. “There are a lot of upcoming national regattas, reach because we have the significant, record-breaking 100-yard backstroke and gram finish ranked No. 14 teams that have a few good which will happen over an talent, we’ve been competi- non-conference perfor- 200-yard backstroke. Hok- in the country. skippers, but to have a full 11-day span of racing, Mar- tive in season regattas, we mances – but struggled felt’s trip to the NCAA Women’s water polo team that can really com- tin said. The women’s na- just haven’t put it together when it came to A-10 play. Championship in March was led by young talent pete at all events is some- tional championship is slat- like the championship.” Softball won more made him just the fourth in freshman utility Alana thing I think has continually ed to run Tuesday through At the women’s and the games in a single season swimmer in program histo- Ponce. The rookie tallied a grown from freshman year.” Friday, followed by the co-ed regattas, the team will than the program ever had ry to compete at the national team-high 65 goals in her GW qualified for the team racing national cham- be fleet racing, when boats – capturing 33 overall vic- competition. He competed breakout campaign. The co-ed nationals after finish- pionship Saturday through begin at a starting line and tories. The team’s 13-game in the 50-yard freestyle and team is set to return Ponce ing seventh at the Americas Monday, and finishing up race around a set course be- win streak in the middle the 100-yard and 200-yard and freshman attack Grace Trophy April 30. Women’s the season with the co-ed fore crossing the finish line. of the season also set a backstroke. Heck, who combined for racing finished fifth at the national championship May In the team racing com- new program record, and Gymnastics finished 104 goals on the year. MAISA Spring Women’s 29 through June 1. petition, three boats must sophomore utility player fifth in the NCAA Raleigh Freshman guard Terry Championship April 23 to “It’s an 11-day marathon combine for the lowest total Jenna Cone reached base Regionals and third in the Nolan Jr. was the leading punch its ticket to the ICSA is what it is,” Martin said. score in finishing place, a in a program-high 35 con- EAGL Championships, but rookie for men’s basket- Women’s National Champi- “Something we did really feat that requires commu- secutive games. Despite the senior Cami Drouin-Allaire ball this season averaging onship. well at our team race quali- nication, trust and a famil- early season dominance, a continued on to become 9.1 points per game and The Colonials qualified fier is that we just cycled iarity with the racing ten- six-game losing streak and the first gymnast in pro- clocking 29.4 minutes per for the ICSA Team Race Na- a lot of people in, and by dencies of the other boats’ 12–11 conference record gram history to make three contest. On the women’s tional Championship, fol- the end of the longest day crews, White said. forced GW to barely qualify appearances at the NCAA side, freshman forward lowing a second-place finish on Saturday, we were just for the A-10 Championship Championship. Neila Luma started in 31 in team racing at the Prosser crushing people because we as the sixth and final seed. Men’s track and field se- contests and averaged 26.9 Trophy at Cornell April 9. were just stronger, we were GWHATCHET.COM Lacrosse bounced back nior distance runner Carter minutes per game. She “The stakes are ampli- from its worst season in Day and graduate student grabbed a team-leading well rested. We did a really for more on sailing’s fied and you never know good job of using our depth, program history last year, Matt Lange will compete at 217 boards this season for how people are going to national competition going 9-8 overall. Heading and I plan to do the same H appearances the NCAA East Preliminary an average of 6.6 boards respond given the condi- thing at this nationals.” into A-10 play, the Colonials Competition as the first run- per game.