Monday, November 23, 2020 I Vol. 117 Iss.15 INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER • SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904 WWW.GWHATCHET.COM

‘CONTROLLING THE THINGS THAT YOU CAN CONTROL’

COURTESY OF THE GW ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT OLIVIA COLUMBUS | DESIGN EDITOR MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STEEL FOR SEASON PLAGUED BY COVID-19 EMILY MAISE SPORTS EDITOR

The basketball season is on, but athletes to stay home in the summer ers wear masks while lifting and the that doesn’t mean the COVID-19 pan- months. While away from Foggy teams live together in District House. Practice brings sense of nor- demic won’t get in the way. Bottom, student-athletes said they “You’ll see scorers’ tables that have malcy in Foggy Bottom bubble Days after the men’s and wom- worked out at local gyms and kept in people separated in a safe distance. The two coaches said when their en’s teams were bumped in the first touch virtually. You’ll see that our benches are actu- teams step on to the Smith Center rounds of the Atlantic 10 Tournament, Sophomore forward Jamison Bat- ally going to be on opposite sides from court, they want to provide a space for the health crisis began to rip through- tle, who hails from Robbinsdale, Min- our scorers’ table. Things like that that athletes to return to “normal” and just out the United States, sending coaches nesota, said the gyms in his area were have just made it a safe environment focus on basketball. and student-athletes home. Now, the initially closed, sending him to a local for out teams to be able to compete,” Christian said his team’s prepara- teams are back on campus following park to get shots up with his sister. Vogel said in an interview on Real Fun tion for the upcoming season was un- strict safety protocols, and players Senior guard Maceo Jack, who Sports Wednesday. changed. His program slowly builds said they’re trying to take the season calls Buffalo, New York, home, said he Players from states the Centers up to faster five-on-five practices, and in stride as the virus may cause game used a basketball hoop in his drive- for Disease Control and Prevention student-athletes always start out in cancellations or delays. way and a makeshift weight room in considered COVID-19 hotspots, like small weight lifting groups, he said. “Controlling the things that you his basement to keep his skills intact. Minnesota, said they were required to Redshirt junior forward Neila can control are the biggest things “It has helped me get back in touch complete a 14-day quarantine before Luma said the women’s team has em- we’re looking at,” head coach Jamion with my roots, because I used to work they could take part in team activities. phasized strong relationships and a Christian said. “There are going to be out before, so it was kind of a hum- A-10 Commissioner Bernadette positive culture, which players foster some things that are unfair, but life bling experience,” he said. McGlade said in a preseason press by spending time with one another. isn’t fair, and we just need to be in Graduate student guard Sydney conference that all A-10 schools will “We’ve been talking a lot each that mindset to unpack it and perform Zambrotta said the women’s squad follow the NCAA resocialization plan week about building a culture and when that ball goes up.” kept a group chat, often sending Tik- and will not implement any additional making sure that we’re effectively The men’s squad, which finished Toks or chatting informally. She said protocols at the conference level. If an communicating with each other and in the lower third of the A-10 rank- players were assigned a partner to athlete tests positive, the NCAA rec- strengthening our chemistry,” Luma ings, is set to return four members of hold them accountable in training, ommends that the athlete and any one said. “We just focus a lot its starting lineup, add seven new- and the squad met about once a week who has been in contact with that in- on each other and how comers and slowly work to se- over a video chat to check in over the dividual quarantine for 14 days. we can be better on and cure the program’s first win- summer. Fans will not be able to see the ac- off the court together.” ning season in four years. Redshirt sophomore forward tion in the Smith Center this season, The men’s The women’s team is trying Mayowa Taiwo, who is from Hanover, according to a release. Phase One, Two squad will hit to rebuild from a lackluster Maryland, added that the squad and Three of D.C.’s reopening plan of the road to face 2019-20 season, which would also send workout challenges, the city mandates that fans cannot at- Navy at the Veter- hovered around .500 and like ball handling videos or wall sits, tend games in the District. an’s Classic. Tipoff lost its top three scorers. and share conditioning times with Christian and Rizzotti said they is slated for noon each other to keep players engaged are hoping to play as many nonconfer- on CBS Sports. The Athletes impro- while at home. ence games within driving distance women’s program vise training in to limit their programs’ exposure out- will take on Divi- quarantine Teams acclimate to NCAA side of the on-campus bubble. sion II Lincoln The COV- safety protocols Both conference slates will begin for the first ID-19 pandemic The teams came back to campus in early to mid-December, a shift from contest at the threw a wrench following strict protocols – coaches the normal January start date, but the Smith Cen- in the programs’ donned masks and face shields, pro- men’s and women’s squads open the ter this year. normal preseason grams are tested for the virus three A-10 season Dec. 30 and Jan. 1, respec- Tipoff is set preparations, forcing times per week at GW facilities, play- tively. for 5 p.m.

Layoffs could continue during second phase of Students debate traveling cuts, officials say home for Thanksgiving ZACH SCHONFELD consist of using GW’s unrestricted to say how much money layoffs have as COVID-19 cases rise CONTRIBUTING NEWS EDITOR assets and reducing non-recurring saved. expenses. The layoffs have been met with LAUREN SFORZA Infectious disease experts In June, University President But officials continued terminat- widespread criticism from many fac- STAFF WRITER said students should stay Thomas LeBlanc said layoffs needed ing staff positions through October ulty and staff, leading hundreds to in D.C. or only travel one to offset GW’s annual revenue gap and now say layoffs “may” continue call on LeBlanc to resign. TIFFANY GARCIA way while following strict would be completed in “the coming as part of the second mitigation phase. Many of the layoffs were imple- ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR social distancing guidelines weeks.” When reached for comment, Univer- mented as part of a broader central- to decrease their risk of ex- As the semester approached, sity spokesperson Crystal Nosal de- ization of GW’s administrative units, As COVID-19 cases rise posure. Chief People Officer Dana Bradley clined to answer all of The Hatchet’s including the University’s informa- nationwide, students are Officials sent an email to told employees that layoffs would be questions about layoffs, adding that tion technology, events and commu- weighing traveling home students Tuesday outlining fully implemented by the end of Au- the second phase of cuts are ongoing. nications offices. Nosal said the con- for Thanksgiving or staying D.C.’s COVID-19 guidelines gust. “Further measures include iden- solidations are part of the first phase in D.C. to curb the spread of for those who will return In mid-September, LeBlanc said tifying reductions in expenses at of budget cuts, which total $100 mil- the virus. at the end of their break. layoffs would be completed within the discretion of the deans and unit lion. Students living in D.C. Students living in D.C. will two weeks as officials finalized the leadership,” Nosal said in an email. “Those mitigation efforts included said the risk of traveling need to be tested within five first phase of budget cuts. “Those reductions may include a lim- a salary freeze, a non-essential hiring during the pandemic has days of returning and re- In late September, LeBlanc told ited number of school- or unit-specific freeze, leadership salary reductions, made the choice of return- ceive a negative result while employees the first phase would be layoffs, furloughs and/or salary re- significant reductions in non-com- ing home more “difficult,” self-quarantining for an ad- fully implemented “in the coming ductions.” pensation budgets and administra- and they are self-quaran- ditional 14 days after they weeks,” and a second phase of fi- Nosal declined to say how many tive unit restructurings, including tining beforehand or choos- come back, according to the nancial mitigation – expected to save employees have been laid off during staff layoffs,” Nosal said. ing to not travel to prevent email. $60 million, closing the remainder of the pandemic or when layoffs will getting sick or carrying the University’s budget gap – would be fully implemented. She declined See PANDEMIC Page 9 the virus to other people. See STUDENTS Page 9 November 23, 2020 • Page 2 2020 BASKETBALL GUIDE THE GW HATCHET women’s squad looks to patch up offensive holes WILL MARGERUM Rizzotti said. “So we ended team’s strategy, not her indi- STAFF WRITER up having to slow the game vidual playstyle. down a little bit to be more “We’re focused on how Women’s basketball head efficient later in the season.” the team can score and how coach Jennifer Rizzotti is Rizzotti added that the the team can get some points trying to bolster a team with team’s main focus was on of- on the board, get some stops one of the lowest-scoring of- fense during the offseason. on defense,” Whitney said. fenses in the country that She said coaches have used “So we’ve put an emphasis just lost its three top scorers. possession-by-possession on playing faster, playing The squad averaged 56.1 analytics, which allowed fast but smart.” points per game – good for the staff to break down the Luma was the team’s top- 330th out of 348 Division I team’s performance per pos- scorer during the 2018-19 programs and No. 13 of 14 session to help optimize the season, tallying 10.4 points in the Atlantic 10. The squad strategy this season. per game. While the injury lost its top three scorers in She said the experience to her knee prevented her graduate student forward young players like sopho- from being on the floor for Alexandra Maund, redshirt more forward Faith Blethen, much of last year, she said freshman guard Tori Hy- sophomore guard Essence she was still able to improve duke and sophomore center Brown and redshirt sopho- her game by watching film Kayla Mokwuah. more forward Mayowa Tai- and watching from the side- But Rizzotti said the wo, coupled with the return- lines. squad has the right combina- ing skillset of older players, “I feel like I learned a tion of experienced guards could help produce a fruitful lot being on the side, and and athletic forwards to season. obviously it wasn’t easy for move the ball quickly up the The additions of gradu- me to not be on the court,” court and play faster offense. ate student guard Jasmine Luma said. “But I learned a “We have mobile post Whitney and freshman cen- lot of lessons, and I feel like I players that can get up and ter Ali Brigham could be key gained experience because I down the floor,” she said. to sparking the team’s attack, was able to see what worked “And that’s what we’ve been Rizzotti added. Redshirt ju- and didn’t work on offense, working on a lot is just being nior forward Neila Luma, and I was able to envision able to increase the amount who suffered a season-end- myself in that.” of possessions in a fun but ing injury in the fifth game Blethen emerged as a also disciplined way so that of last season, is also another scoring option for the team we can put more points on cog in the squad’s offense in her first season as a Colo- the board.” they didn’t have a season nial. Blethen appeared in all The three former players ago. 30 games and ranked second accounted for 47 percent of Whitney joined the Co- on the team with 49 assists the team’s points last year. lonials from Pitt, where she and 35 made three-pointers. SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR Maund graduated while Hy- ranks No. 9 on the program’s Blethen said she has duke and Mokwuah trans- all-time assists list. She ar- been working on upping her ferred out of GW to Drexel rived at GW during the shooting percentage and de- season as a player.” perience in the backcourt. faster, pushing the ball in and TCU, respectively. Turn- spring semester, giving her veloping a pull-up jumper Her activity on the defen- Junior guard Maddie Loder transition to net points be- overs contributed to GW’s extra time to build chemistry before the 2020-21 season sive end had her leading the was the team’s primary ball fore the defense is set. scoring woes – the team with her teammates before tips off. team with 33 steals during handler during her fresh- “Coach Rizzotti has been coughed up the ball 15.4 she became eligible to play. “I’m a lot more comfort- her freshman campaign. man year due to a season- talking to us about transi- times per game. Rizzotti said Whitney able already, both on the of- Graduate student guard ending injury to Hyduke, tion, so pushing the ball back “Unfortunately, last year will likely be the squad’s fensive and defensive ends, Sydney Zambrotta will re- and Rizzotti said she is an- up the court to try and get with a young team – a team primary ball handler this just having a full season un- turn to Foggy Bottom after other option in the rotation. primary and secondary tran- with young and new guards year. But the guard said her der my belt with Coach Riz- posting 8.0 points per game With an experienced core sitions in, and if you can’t get – we turned the ball over a conversations with Rizzotti zotti,” Blethen said. “I feel re- last year and dishing out 49 of returners, Zambrotta said any of that, settle down and lot when we played fast,” have been focused on the ally ready for my sophomore assists, providing more ex- the squad is looking to play run offense,” she said.

Women’s program serves as launchpad for careers in athletics BELLE LONG zotti said. ing to her roster bio. CONTRIBUTING SPORTS She added that the team Navigating the transi- EDITOR typically has five or six tion from player to coach managers working as sup- has been manageable, Ste- The end of some stu- port staff, but this season phenson and Savino said. dent-athletes’ collegiate the squad only has one “We still joke around careers marked the begin- manager. The graduate as- with them all the time and ning of a professional ex- sistants are able to set up have that personal relation- perience coaching on the practice, direct athletes to ship, but they also know sidelines. equipment and jump in when it’s more of a coach Over the past two years, during a scrimmage if nec- and player relationship,” three women’s basket- essary, Rizzotti said. Savino said. “I have to give ball players – 2019-gradu- For the former players, a lot of credit to them as ate guard Anna Savino, the switch to the other side well.” 2020-graduate forward of the bench offers valuable Coaching basketball is Sarah Overcash and former experience for their later ca- as fast-paced and dynamic graduate student transfer reers, Rizzotti said. She said as the sport itself, and tasks guard Ariel Stephenson – Savino and Overcash are like recording statistics and FILE PHOTO BY ERIC LEE have chosen to stay with preparing for front office taking practice notes have The women’s basketball team will rely heavily on graduate student guards Jasmine Whitney and Sydney Zam- the program as coaching careers in areas like sports to be done on the spot, Sa- brotta, junior guard Maddie Loder and redshirt junior forward Neila Luma. assistants after graduation. development, marketing vino said. Savino joined the staff in and administration, while “Some of the coaches 2019, and Overcash and Ste- Stephenson hopes to break will ask, ‘Did you stat that, Women’s team relies on phenson were announced into the coaching scene. All or were you taking the as additions earlier this three former players are notes down for that?’ and experienced players to year. pursuing degrees in sports I’m just like, ‘Oh, I didn’t do Head coach Jennifer management from GW in it because I was expecting Rizzotti said the coaching the meantime. you to tell me to do it,’” she forge consistency additions were mutually “They have this op- said. beneficial for the program portunity to step away as Stephenson said the NURIA DIAZ forward Alexandra Maund. Taiwo said the squad and former athletes. The a player and gain some coaching staff has allowed REPORTER Maund averaged 24.2 min- has a “deep bench” with up- graduate assistants famil- experience on the other them to pick areas that fit After spending the lat- utes, five rebounds and a perclassmen that will rise to iarize themselves with side,” Rizzotti said. “I also their passions. The former ter half of last season swap- team-leading 11.1 points per the occasion and provide the their areas of interest, like like to think that they en- guard is primarily inter- ping out players every few game in her final year of eli- consistency the team is look- coaching, compliance and joyed their experience, and ested in coaching, so her minutes, women’s basketball gibility. ing for. marketing, and the coach- they’re excited to have an responsibilities include head coach Jennifer Rizzotti “It’s not a coincidence “We do have some great ing staff receives additional opportunity to work with overseeing film, recording said she has a team with the that our most consistent guy upperclassmen,” she said. support, she said. our staff.” statistics and monitoring trappings to be consistent of- last year was a fifth-year se- “We had Neila come back, “Having the three of Savino has served workouts. fensively and defensively. nior,” Rizzotti said. Jasmine finally off the bench, them does have some flex- in multiple capacities Last season, Stephenson Last year was character- But without Maund and so I think we do have a lot ibility to divvy up respon- throughout her tenure with faced injuries and was side- ized by a five-in, five-out sub- graduate student guard Ariel of upperclassmen that will sibility in the areas that the program, beginning as lined for a significant part bing strategy that allowed 11 Stephenson, who joined the step up and a lot of under- they’re most interested in,” a manager her freshman of the year, but she said she players to average more than Colonials on the bench, the classmen that will hold their Rizzotti said. “So our goal year before walking on to still contributed to the team 10 minutes per game. Rizzot- team will look to other faces own.” as a staff is to prepare them the team as a senior. She by offering advice from the ti said she used the technique for experience and consis- Blethen said the team has for what’s next in their life.” will continue her responsi- bench. to make up for inconsistency tency. not talked about rotations Rizzotti said having bilities from last year in set- “It’s actually kind of fun among her players, but she The squad will utilize at the moment, but they are the extra pairs of hands is ting up practice, assisting being a practice player too, doesn’t expect the same issue experienced ball handlers in currently mixing different key to keeping an uncon- with recruitment, alumni being able to play against this year as she’ll be able to graduate student guards Jas- groups of people in practice ventional season running relations, development and them and show them dif- lean on a handful of depend- mine Whitney and Sydney to build chemistry. smoothly. The graduate as- marketing. ferent things on the court, able players. Zambrotta and junior guard “Rizzoti has really fo- sistants are “all hands on Overcash’s responsibili- as opposed to just being on “There weren’t a ton of Maddie Loder. The return of cused on everyone having deck,” setting up practices ties include assisting gen- the sidelines not being able players that were showing redshirt junior forward Neila strong chemistry among and helping the players eral operations, marketing to do anything,” Stephen- up every day where I knew Luma, who produced 10.4 each other,” Blethen said. with film and training, Riz- and development accord- son said. what they were going to give points and 6.1 rebounds per “Not just like a certain five me every single night,” she game during the 2018-19 sea- being able to play really well said. “So it allowed me to son – her last full season with together, but she wants us all have some flexibility to make the team – will also give the to be playing really well to- sure that I played guys and Colonials another seasoned gether.” gave them a chance to have a veteran down low. In pursuit of consistency, great night.” “They understand that Rizzotti said she recognized Rizzotti said last season, they will have consistency, that players are feeling the players would earn game and I think that has shown effects of the COVID-19 pan- time by performing well up in how they prepare demic and the unchecked ra- in practice, but they often over the summer physically, cial and social injustices hap- couldn’t maintain a high mentally, leadership wise, pening around the country. level of play throughout the and then how they have per- She said she wants the team season. She added that the formed in practice so far,” to first show a high level of team will settle into a rota- Rizzotti said. consistency in their energy tion of seven or eight players Rizzotti added that play- and their positivity every and nine or 10 will be ready ers who only had a year on day by supporting each other to go if the squad needs add- the hardwood – redshirt off the court and in practice, ed depth. sophomore forward Mayowa and then the squad would “This year, we’ll have a Taiwo, sophomore forward worry about the results on little bit better rotations in Faith Blethen and sophomore the court. terms of players that are con- Essence Brown – also gained “I told them from the be- sistent and have more experi- valuable playing experience ginning that I wasn’t going to ence and understand what that will help stabilize the get too upset about basketball they need to bring to the ta- team on offense and defense. mistakes, but I would get up- ble every day,” Rizzotti said. “Our nucleus of guys set and if they didn’t come in FILE PHOTOS BY ERIC LEE, DEAN WHITE LAW, AND JACK BOROWIAK A consistent player Riz- returning just have a better and exhibit the selfless behav- Three women’s basketball team alumnae have stayed with the program as coaching assistants, a stepping zotti pointed to on last year’s understanding of what being ior that we had talked about stone for future careers in sports management. squad was graduate student consistent means,” she said. all offseason,” Rizzotti said. THE GW HATCHET 2020 BASKETBALL GUIDE November 23, 2020 • Page 3 Freshmen add energy to women’s squad: Rizzotti EMILY MAISE years, tacking on another SPORTS EDITOR state championship her se- nior year. Rizzotti said Gin- When the four youngest gras is an option at the point members of the women’s bas- position and has the ability to ketball team walked into the play fast and spread the scor- Smith Center this August, ing wealth. head coach Jennifer Rizzotti “We’ve gone from the last said they brought with them two seasons having scoring an energy and confidence point guards in Mei-lyn [Bau- that lifted the squad. tista] and Tori [Hyduke],” The Colonials welcomed Rizzotti said. “Aurea’s about, guards Aurea Gingras ‘I got to get everybody else to and Piper Macke, forward score.’ She can really set the Caranda Perea and center tone with her IQ, with her de- Ali Brigham to the program. fense, with her passing abil- Rizzotti said the newest ad- ity in a way that we haven’t ditions were confident and had in a while.” energetic when they hit the Brigham joins the Colo- ground running and can nials after cementing her- contribute in off-the-bench self in basketball history at roles. Franklin High School located “This group is so full of in Massachusetts. With 1,692 energy,” Rizzotti said. “It’s points and 1,276 boards, really refreshing to not have Brigham became the highest a group of freshmen that all-time scorer in school his- SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR come in the gym and are tory on the men’s or women’s basket. She’s a great passer, around the basket, and they ally brought a lot of energy care of the ball, shoot from anxious or not confident – side. She was named a Gato- and she’s blocking every- all can rebound.” and positivity to our practice outside and dominate the these guys just love it. They rade State Player of the Year body’s shot.” Macke joined GW as a as well.” paint. want to come in. They want finalist her senior season af- Rizzotti likened Perea, walk-on in September. She Rizzotti added that she “This is the first time in to practice. They want to get ter averaging 22 points and the third freshman, to played her freshman season gives the Class of 2024 “a lot a long time that I’ve seen better.” 14 rebounds per game. 2019-graduate forward Kelsi at Holy Cross District High of credit” for adjusting to not such a dynamic and versatile Athletic department In her final season, she Mahoney, a versatile scorer School and finished her last only online classes and a lack freshman class,” Zambrotta spokesperson Brian Sereno and her team won a Divi- who could muscle her way to three years at Highlands of interaction between class- said. declined to facilitate inter- sion I State Co-Champion- the rim or hit a jumper from High School, both located in mates but also taking on the Redshirt sophomore for- views with freshmen stu- ship. Rizzotti said Brigham, deep. She added that Perea is Fort Thomas, Kentucky. She added physical and mental ward Mayowa Taiwo said dent-athletes. who stands at 6-foot-4, adds a scoring threat, taking looks and her teammates won four challenges of their first colle- the underclassmen have not Gingras, an Alexandria, height and strength to the on the outside or playing in straight District Champion- giate basketball season. hesitated to reach out to older Virginia-native, has experi- squad’s post rotation and with her back to the basket. ships. In her final three sea- “There’s a really high lev- teammates with questions. ence playing on and leading brings confidence that will “As good as our post sons, Macke averaged 12.2 el of, I want to say maturity, She added that the group championship winning pro- help her game down low. players were last year, when points, 4.5 assists and three but also that they just have was “eager” to learn and be- grams. She won back-to-back “She’s a young freshman, you think about the comple- steals per game. their act together,” Rizzotti cause the team lives together state championships at Paul and we thought she would ment of Alex [Maund], Kayla Rizzotti said Macke said. “They knew it was go- in District House, they can VI Catholic High School on need more time to physically [Mokwuah] and Mayowa brings energy and com- ing to be hard. They accepted talk at any time. teams that were ranked No. keep up,” Rizzotti said. “And [Taiwo], these guys have a petitiveness to the program, that. They have embraced “If they have a question, 5 in the country by ESPN. In she’s been phenomenal. She’s chance to be even better than which brightens up the their teammates, and each we can just hang out in the her sophomore season, Gin- really a high IQ player, and that,” Rizzotti said. “The team’s culture. other really well. And they common room and talk gras ran the point. she understands the game. four of them, when you add “It’s not easy to be a walk- have used basketball as their through whatever needs She transferred to Edison She asks the right questions. Mayowa and Neila [Luma] to on,” Rizzotti said. “She’s outlet.” to be talked through, and High School in Alexandria, She can shoot it in three. No- that mix, they all can handle a fighter. She’s feisty. She’s Graduate student guard then on the court, they’re Virginia, for her final two body can stop her around the the ball. They can all shoot competitive. She’s got great Sydney Zambrotta said the not afraid to ask questions,” the ball. They can all score basketball instincts. She’s re- freshman squad can take Taiwo said. Freshman center aims to outpace father’s success at alma mater

WILL MARGERUM of my coaches, ‘Do you no- but eventually decided STAFF WRITER tice that I look at you every on being a Colonial, Bill single time I mess up?’ be- Brigham said. When freshman center cause of my dad – I’m just He added that when Ali Brigham steps onto the used to that.” his daughter’s coordina- court this season, she will Ali Brigham said she tion grew to match her continue a family legacy doesn’t feel the weight of 6-foot-4 frame at the end that started when her fa- expectation to live up to of her sophomore sea- ther took his first steps her father’s legacy on the son, GW started to show on the Smith Center hard- men’s team, but she does more serious interest. Ali wood in 1991. hope to one day eclipse Brigham would graduate As a senior forward in his achievement with an high school as the highest his second year with the NCAA Tournament ring scorer in Franklin High Colonials, Bill Brigham of her own. School boy’s or girl’s bas- reached the Sweet 16 of the “My family, we’re very ketball history, netting 1993 NCAA Tournament. competitive,” Brigham 1,692 points and ripping Now, Ali Brigham said said. “So if my dad made 1,276 boards. she is seeking to make it that far, I just want to The size of the Univer- FILE PHOTO BY ERIC LEE her own mark on the pro- make it even farther. I sity and its location in the The women's basketball team lost playmakers Tori Hyduke, Kayla Mokwuah and Alexandra Maund this season, but gram’s history and help wouldn’t say pressure, but nation’s capital were at- head coach Jennifer Rizzotti said the depth on their roster can fill those gaps. the team raise an Atlantic we’ll say competition.” tractive factors to both of 10 and NCAA Champion- Fans aren’t allowed them. Bill Brigham said ship banner. to watch games in per- he also targeted schools Women’s basketball “He definitely tried to son due to the pandemic, where his daughter could keep the doors open for meaning Bill Brigham make an immediate im- me for other schools just so can’t attend her games pact while also growing as fills gaps in point guard I wasn’t sold just because at the same gym that he a player. he went there,” Brigham once played in her first “The bigger thing that position, post rotation said. “But I got on campus, year with the team. Ali we always try to talk to and I met the coaches, and Brigham said her dad her about is that it’s not NURIA DIAZ wuah averaged 4.5 rebounds to add a perimeter shot to her I met the team, and it’s just hasn’t missed one of her just getting there,” Bill REPORTER and notched a team-leading toolkit this season. honestly like I would have games since sixth grade Brigham said. “It’s about 28 blocks, while Maund aver- “I just see myself continu- come here anyway if my and missing him in the once you’re there, we need For the second season in aged a team-high 11.1 points. ing to do some of the things dad didn’t play here.” stands this season will be to find a school that you’ll a row, women’s basketball is Of Colonials with more than that I did my freshman and Ali Brigham was “upsetting.” be able to step in and con- seeing turnover at the point 15 attempts, Maund led the sophomore year, but now I’m coached by her father “We’re just working tribute.” guard position. squad with a 50.4 field goal kind of extending my range growing up, and he be- with it,” Ali Brigham said. Ali committed to GW Redshirt sophomore percentage. and getting out more on the came an assistant coach “It’s 2020.” on her father’s birthday guard Tori Hyduke, junior This season, Rizzotti said outside of the perimeter,” on her high school team Bill Brigham said if as a surprise for him, Bill center Kayla Mokwuah and graduate student guard Jas- Luma said. while she was in her fi- some states allow specta- Brigham said. He added 2020-graduate forward Alex- mine Whitney can provide Luma will join redshirt nal two years at Franklin tors at games, then he will that if Ali can stay healthy, andra Maund are no longer on relief at the point position. sophomore forward Mayowa High School. She said travel from his home in no one will remember his the squad’s roster. The trio ac- She added that the return of Taiwo, who is the only return- playing without her dad Massachusetts to be at all feats during the 1990s be- counted for 47.1 percent of the redshirt junior forward Neila ing member of last year’s post on the sidelines will be an of them. He added that he cause of what she could team’s total offense, 33 percent Luma, coupled with freshmen rotation, down low. Taiwo led adjustment, adding that took solace in the fact that accomplish. of total rebounds and 34.9 per- forward Caranda Perea and the team in rebounds, averag- she often looks to him unlike during his career, Head coach Jennifer cent of the squad’s assists. center Ali Brigham, could also ing 6.1 boards per game and during games for encour- he can take advantage of Rizzotti called it “pretty Head coach Jennifer Riz- bolster the squad’s post play. firing at a .483 clip from the agement and advice. technology to watch the special” to have a former zotti said facing turnover is “Fortunately, we had play- field. “I’d be looking around games. student-athlete see their not new – the squad has need- ers sitting out on the bench As added depth, the Co- to see where he was if I Bill Brigham said GW child follow in their foot- ed to close personnel gaps for last year that we’ll be able to lonials welcomed four fresh- messed up or something, started scouting Ali when steps. the past three seasons. She easily fill those spots in Neila men to the squad this season and I’d just be waiting for she was entering the ninth “There’s a sense of added that the open spots and Jasmine,” Rizzotti said. “ – Perea, Brigham and guards him to tell me something grade. A finalist for the pride there,” Rizzotti said. provide an opportunity for Whitney arrived at GW Aurea Gingras and Piper to fix,” Ali Brigham said. Gatorade State Player of “I know he really tried new players to earn time on for the spring semester after Macke. Rizzotti said any one “It’s definitely a little weird the Year in Massachusetts hard not to push Ali here, the court. graduating from Pittsburgh. of the four freshmen have though, coming here and during her senior year, she but he was very excited “We will look a little bit She ranks No. 9 in career as- the ability to make a differ- not having him on the had no shortage of offers that she chose on her own different, but that’s been the sists at Pittsburgh, recording ence this season, and Gingras sidelines. I was telling one from Division I programs to be a part of this.” last three years,” Rizzotti said. more than 100 assists in her could see time as a secondary “We’ve had some key guys freshman, sophomore and point guard. graduate, and we’ve had to junior seasons. Whitney in- “There are some good op- find different players step up. creased her offensive produc- tions to choose from, and I It’s an opportunity for some of tion each season, finishing her love so far that our freshmen our new guys.” career as a Panther netting 7.8 have come in and proven that Hyduke filled 2019-gradu- points per game. they’ll be able to really con- ate point guard Mei-Lyn Rizzotti said Whitney was tribute off the bench for us,” Bautista’s shoes last season. a “natural fit” for the starting Rizzotti said. But after she transferred to point guard role. But Whitney The squad returns six Drexel in the offseason, the said the coaching staff has fo- players who started in at least Colonials were sent back to cused primarily on the team’s five games last season. The six the drawing board for a main game plan rather than if she returners accounted for 40.5 ball handler. Hyduke started would be a score-first or pass- percent of point production, a team-leading 28 games, first point guard. 44.1 percent of the team’s re- playing 29.4 minutes per “We’ve been talking about bounds and 51.2 percent of game as the team’s primary just how we want to play, not the team’s assists last year. floor general. Of Colonials specifically if I’m going to pass Rizzotti said her returning with more than 10 attempts, or score,” Whitney said. core have a solid level of expe- she shot at a team-high .400 Luma said she is looking rience to be successful on the clip from deep. to carry on success from her hardwood. Mokwuah, a mainstay freshman and sophomore “We have a really good on the block, transferred to seasons into this year. She nucleus of experienced play- COURTESY OF GW ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT AND HATCHET ARCHIVES TCU, while leading scorer averaged 7.1 and 10.4 points ers that I’m excited about Freshman center Ali Brigham's father Bill, an alumnus who played for the men's basketball team, Maund used her final year of per game, respectively. putting together on the hasn't missed one of Ali's games since sixth grade. eligibility last season. Mok- Luma added that she wants floor,” Rizzotti said. THE GW HATCHET 2020 BASKETBALL GUIDE November 23, 2020 • Page 4 Transfers will increase depth, fill gaps, Christian says ROMAN BOBEK look to find ways to keep adjusted well to his new STAFF WRITER him on the court. surroundings. “We know that’s going “I’m kind of close to Men’s basketball’s four to make our defense bet- home, so it’s not that much transfers are new to the ter,” Christian said. “Then of an adjustment,” Bishop team, but most of them his playmaking ability is said. “It’s been really easy know what it’s like to play so unique with his ability to adjust with the coach- under head coach Jamion to get to the front of the ing staff and the players. Christian. rim. We definitely know They made it easy and Vanderbilt graduate he’ll make an impact on helped me adapt to the student forward Matt our team and give us culture here.” Moyer, Mount St. Mary’s something we haven’t had Leftwich was a man- graduate student guard here in my time and may- ager at Mount St. Mary’s Brandon Leftwich, LSU be hadn’t had in a long under Christian for the sophomore guard James time as a head coach.” 2016-17 season before join- Bishop and Maryland ju- Bishop played 16 ing the team as a walk- nior forward Ricky Lindo games in his freshman on his sophomore year. Jr. joined the program. year at LSU and averaged He earned a scholarship Christian said the new 3.1 points a contest. He hit at the conclusion of the HATCHET FILE PHOTO additions, three of whom 39 percent of his shots on season. He averaged 10.9 Maceo Jack, a Buffalo, New York, native, said he wants to end his tenure on the team by besting his single- he previously recruited or the year, including seven minutes, three points, 0.8 season record for three-point shots made. coached at other schools, from long range. assists and 2.2 rebounds will provide depth and fill “Bishop is a tremen- per game. in gaps at the point posi- dous outside scorer, play- “He has probably the ‘My last chance’: Senior tion and on inside and pe- maker and a great team- most experience in our rimeter defense. mate,” Christian said. system, playing in it under guard looks to cement “We always want to “He’s a guy that the guys me, learning it under us build with our recruit- love being around. He’s at the Mount and playing ing classes and we want definitely a guy that can in it under Dan Engelstad legacy at GW to add in with transfers,” be a floor general and be a at the Mount,” Christian BELLE LONG achieved since 2006 and 2018, able to be performing better Christian said. “I thought really dynamic player for said. CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR respectively. than this,’” Jack said. “And we were able to do that. us.” Moyer and Bishop “I’m striving to better then I was like, ‘You know We added in some guys Bishop, who was origi- said they are continuing Senior guard Maceo Jack myself offensively and defen- what? It’s not going to be per- with things that we didn’t nally destined to sit out to build chemistry with stands lone as the longest ten- sively, at a level like that it will fect. It’s not going to be script- have on our roster.” the 2020-21 season, was the team during the off- ured active member – athlete only elevate my team, and my ed.’” GW will be Moyer’s granted a transfer waiver season and are focusing or coach – of the men’s basket- teammates will rise with me, Head coach Jamion Chris- third college basketball in September that makes on staying physically and ball program. and hopefully win an A-10 tian said Jack was founda- program. He started his him immediate eligibility mentally fit. They’ll look to In his three years with Championship,” Jack said. tional to the team’s dynamic career at Syracuse before to play this season. be explosive on the court the Colonials, Jack has played Jack joined the program last season. He added that his moving to Vanderbilt af- “I was just filled with when the season starts, 2,283 minutes, netted 821 as a freshman in 2017, hailing teammates see him as their ter two seasons with the excitement,” Bishop they added. points and fired at a 39.7 per- from St. Thomas More School “cousin or uncle,” but what- Orange. Moyer played in said. “I mean, with these “Coach is just a big cent clip. He said this season in Buffalo, New York. Jack ever label he’s given, Jack’s 56 games in two seasons things it’s kind of a 50/50 guy on being present in is his last chance to establish said his adaptability helped viewed as a leader on the during his time as a Com- chance that you might get the moment, trying to himself in GW men’s basket- him navigate his career at squad. modore and averaged 3.8 it. To find out that I got it, attack the moment, or ball history as not only an elite GW, which spans two head “He’s a guy that every- points and 3.1 rebounds a I’m just excited to be able just kind of what James player but as a core teammate coaches and dozens of differ- body leans on,” Christian game. to play this season and said, just trying to stay in who left the team better than ent teammates. said. “He’s just a tremendous Despite Moyer’s desig- get out there with these shape,” Moyer said. “We he found it. His go-with-the-flow ap- person, a tremendous team- nation as a forward, Chris- guys.” rep it out a lot. I think “It’s my last chance I get proach has allowed him to mate. And I think one of the tian said Moyer will be the Despite the complica- we’re going to be ready by at this to try and make it adjust to different play styles best things about Maceo is squad’s Swiss Army knife, tions presented by the the time the season starts right,” he said. “I’ve been ap- and overcome performance that the guys recognize that playing “just about every pandemic, Bishop, a Bal- to get out there and really proaching this very seriously challenges, he said. Dur- he’s been through some bat- position,” adding that he’ll timore-native, said he has create some mayhem.” and that sort of mindset that ing the first half of his debut tles here, and he’s really over- I want to accomplish some- season, he played sporadi- come a ton of things here.” thing that I can leave behind cally, typically seeing four or Sophomore guard Jameer as a legacy. I don’t want my five minutes per game. But Nelson Jr. described Jack as name to be forgotten after all by the close of the season, he a “big brother” and an even the work I’ve put in.” had worked himself into the bigger influence on his time Jack is one of seven upper- team’s regular lineup. at GW. classmen on the team, but he’s “I could have gone into a “He’s a guy to throw the played at GW the longest. Jack place freshman year where I ball to who will throw it up said he wants to be remem- just decided, ‘You know what? and make it,” Nelson Jr. said. bered as one of the “better” This isn’t for me,’” Jack said. “He’s always been a big broth- student-athletes to play at the “But I decided to respond to er to me. He’s always looked Smith Center. adversity, and that’s some- out for me, and he’s always “I want to be remembered thing I’ve been very proud of made sure I’ve been straight.” as someone that was a great myself for.” Sophomore forward teammate, that was the hard- His slow start last season Jamison Battle said Jack est worker on the team,” Jack was another moment Jack showed him the ropes of bas- said. “I just want to be remem- said he needed to overcome. ketball and campus life dur- bered as someone that gave it He started the year averag- ing his first year. He added his all, no matter what the cir- ing 9.6 points in his first five that Jack’s investment in the cumstances were.” games. But he broke through younger players have im- To put himself on the with a 20-plus point perfor- proved their play on the court map, Jack said he wants to mance against Evansville and provided leadership. best his single-season record and went on to have the best “I think he was a big influ- of made triples after sinking offensive season of his career. ence on me. He’s the leader 83 last season. He added that Jack ended last season with 83 of the team. He’s a guy that he wants to earn spots on the triples and 375 points scored. everyone goes to, and he’s Atlantic 10 All-Conference “I was thinking, ‘This is the one who’s always helping First Team and All-Defensive my junior year. I should be other people out,” he said. Team, feats a Colonial hasn’t SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR Men’s basketball sports entirely domestic roster for first time in two decades EMILY MAISE while he coached at Mount SPORTS EDITOR Saint Mary’s. Tafara Gapare, a recruit from New Zealand For the first time in more originally intended to enter than 20 seasons, men’s bas- college in 2021 but reclassi- ketball will sport a roster fied to 2022, committed to the with each hometown in a do- program in May. mestic zip code. Graduate student for- The men’s basketball ward Matt Moyer said he program has a storied his- played with players from Slo- tory of being an internation- vakia and Croatia while in al recruiting powerhouse, his first two seasons at Syra- bringing in eventual pro- cuse. He added that interna- fessional talent like 1995-99 tional players can bring in a forward Yegor Mescheria- fresh basketball perspective kov, 2006-graduate forward and different playing tech- Pops Mensah-Bonsu and niques. 2018-graduate forward Yuta “They definitely bring a Watanabe. wide range of knowledge to But this season, all 16 the game and just that dif- members of the men’s squad ferent play style, European live in the United States with play style, it’s just different,” nine members growing up in he said. “And I think you can the DMV. In his second sea- benefit our play style.” son with the program, head Even though he is from coach Jamion Christian said ILENA PENG | CONTRIBUTING WEB DEVELOPER D.C., junior forward Ricky he and his coaching staff are Lindo Jr. has international in the process of expanding Four of the top-five leaders in overseas there might have points at a .425 clip from the GW is the only team in playing experience, holding their network “all over the blocks – Koul, Japan-native been two or three other field. the Atlantic 10 with a fully dual citizenship in Panama world.” Watanabe at No. 2, England- coaches,” Jarvis told the Christian said the coach- domestic roster. Davidson and representing the nation “That’s something that’s native Mensah-Bonsu at No. Hartford Courant in 1998. “A ing staff is looking for players leads the way with five ros- at the 2017 Centrobasket U17 huge for us and really impor- 4 and 1992-94 center Nigeria- year later, there were maybe like Garino who can enter the tered international student- Championship. Lindo Jr. will tant for us as well,” he said. native Yinka Dare – hail from 50. A year later it was 100.” program and make an im- athletes and Richmond, need to sit out the 2020-21 “We’re going to continue to outside the United States. Christian, who spent the mediate impact. He said the Fordham and Saint Louis season due to NCAA trans- do that and try to recruit the The Colonials first broke summer watching and ana- coaching staff is looking for trail behind with three ros- fer rules after playing two best players in the world.” onto the international re- lyzing past GW teams, said talent around the world on tered international athletes. seasons at Maryland. GW’s record book is cruiting scene in the 1990s he plans to continue GW’s in- continents like Europe and The A-10 includes 12 ath- Junior forward Sloan flooded with international under head coach Mike Jar- ternational recruiting, but he Australia. letes from European coun- Seymour said he had experi- talent. A mere 11 points vis, who led the program wants the squad to pick up “He came in as a fresh- tries, six players from Cana- ence playing with an athlete separate 1998-graduate cen- to four NCAA Tournament meaningful additions. man as a dominant defensive da, two athletes from South from Romania who offered ter Alexander Koul from appearances, including one In recent memory, 2016 player and had a tremendous Korea, three athletes from a “beneficial” perspective to Mescheriakov at No. 7 and Sweet 16 run. Jarvis and his graduate forwards Kevin career here, and those are the Caribbean countries, two the game. But he added that No. 8, respectively, on the all- coaching staff were one of Larsen, who is Danish, and kind of guys we want, that players from countries in Af- the squad is in a good place time scoring list. The big men the first college programs Patricio Garino, who is Ar- we think we should get,” he rica and one student-athlete with the personnel it cur- were recruited in their na- to begin recruiting interna- gentinian, led the squad said. “We think we should from New Zealand. rently has. tive-Belarus and combined tionally, and after recruiting to its best overall record in bring international guys that Christian said he’s spac- “When they bring that to for 3,301 points at GW. players like Mescheriakov program history and an NIT are the best players on their ing his international recruit- a team, I just really think it’s Koul cemented himself as and Koul, the practice spread victory. Watanabe, a sopho- national team, the best play- ment out around the world, beneficial, but we really trust a GW great, earning No. 8 in like wildfire across college more from Japan at the time, ers in their countries, and can and he’s landed connec- the coaching staff and team- program history in rebounds basketball. also went on to find success come here and make an im- tions in Australia and New mates we have, so I think (889) and No. 1 in blocks (188). “The first time I went at GW, netting 1,460 career pact right away.” Zealand from past recruits we’ll be fine,” he said. November 23, 2020 • Page 5 2020 BASKETBALL GUIDE THE GW HATCHET Men’s team findsdepth at point guard position ROMAN BOBEK up and lead the team on the he is a guy you don’t want to STAFF WRITER offensive end. Bishop played give a chip on his shoulder 16 games off the bench for like that. And I definitely feel Two sophomores will the Tigers, averaging 0.6 as- like there’s a level of disre- be tasked with bringing the sists and 3.1 points per game. spect for his game.” ball up this season, and the He netted his season highs of Christian said three play- Colonials’ floor general will 11 points and four helpers in ers – graduate student for- be amply supported with at nonconference play. ward Matt Moyer, graduate least three other depth op- “He’s got the chance to be student guard Brandon Left- tions. a really good player for us,” wich and freshman guard Sophomore guards James Christian said. “The high ef- Tyler Brelsford – could see Bishop and Jameer Nelson Jr. ficiency I’ve always looked time at the point position too. will be expected to handle for, those guys are exciting Chrisitian said Moy- the ball this season, head for you. I think his ability er, who transferred from coach Jamion Christian said. to create for others and cre- Vanderbilt, will play at every He added that the duo on ate for himself, I think really position for the Colonials and the floor together would be fits.” has been “great” with the ball a “tough” matchup for op- Bishop said he will bring in his hands. Moyer averaged ponents, pointing to their perimeter shooting, as well 12.2 minutes, two points and scoring and team leadership as leadership and playmak- 0.2 assists per contest with ability. ing abilities to both ends of the Commodores last season. “They’ve been tremen- the court in his first year as Christian said Leftwich's dous,” Christian said. “It’s Colonial. He added that the knowledge of the team’s sys- just they’re building up with transition to GW was “easy” tems and style of play gives their teammates and under- because of how well he him experience at the posi- standing your teammates’ clicked with his teammates. tion. needs at the right time. Those “It’s been easy playing Brelsford, the young- are really special qualities with these guys,” Bishop est option for the Colonials, that a great point guard has said. “You pass it to them, could also get reps this year. to have.” they hit shots. When you He averaged 14.6 points and Christian added that he dunk it down to them, they five assists his senior year at wanted a point guard with finish at the rim. It’s been Mount Saint Joseph. Chris- “complete confidence.” He easy and they allow me to be tian said he is a “dynamic” added that he wanted his a leader on the floor, so that player with a “tremendous floor general to understand helps even more.” feel” to get the ball to his his role on the team and Another option at the teammates. build up the players around point is Nelson Jr. He gained Sophomore forward him, leading him to eye Bish- ball handling experience his Jamison Battle said GW has op and Nelson Jr. freshman season, earning a “a lot of diversity” at the Last season’s go-to floor spot in the starting rotation. point position, and multiple general, guard Armel Potter, He was a consistent scorer, student-athletes will be ex- graduated in 2020, requiring averaging 10.4 points a con- pected to step in and take the team to find another ball test, and dishing out 68 help- care of the ball. handler. He ended his col- ers on the year. OLIVIA COLUMBUS | DESIGN EDITOR “I think it’s going to be lege basketball career with a Nelson Jr. said his ex- nice to have a lot of different bang, reaching 1,000 career perience handling the ball shooting capabilities. has gotten better. Over the All-Rookie Team was “disre- types of looks. Jameer can points, averaging a team- last season was a “stepping “As a point guard it’s just summer, I really worked on spectful.” play one and two. Matt can leading 14.7 points and 5.75 stone” in his basketball de- getting the reads right, and that.” “Everything I’m seeing play cover. James can play assists per game. velopment. He said he’s seen knowing when to kind of go Christian said Nelson on the floor right now, he’s one and two. I think you’re Christian said he expects improvement between this to the rim and when to know Jr. is the “most underrated only gotten better,” Christian going to see a lot of different Bishop, a transfer from LSU, preseason and last season it’s not time to do that,” he player in the Atlantic 10,” said. “And I think that’s go- people bringing the ball up,” to be one of the players to step in his decision making and said. “Then I think my shot and said his snub from the ing to be scary. And I think Battle said. First-years learn to adapt to team amid pandemic WILL MARGERUM Brown is the first cen- pected to be the team’s pri- STAFF WRITER ter in the program since mary ball handler. Collin Smith played one Last year, Christian The Class of 2024 season for the team during frequently utilized a start- joined the men’s basketball the 2016-17 campaign. At ing lineup that featured program as the ongoing 6 feet, 11 inches tall, he is three freshmen: Nelson, pandemic shook college the tallest Colonial on the Battle and forward Chase sports – and now, they’re roster. Paar. This time around, trying to adjust to high ex- Brown averaged 13 he said it is too soon to pectations on the court. points and eight rebounds tell what role Brown, Ball Center Noel Brown per game as a senior at and Breslford will play and guards Lincoln Ball Flint Hill High School in throughout the season. and Tyler Brelsford round Fairfax County, Virginia. Sophomore forward out the youngest additions Brown is one of seven Jamison Battle praised the to the squad’s roster that players on the squad who winning mindset of the boast eight new faces set stand 6 feet, 9 inches tall or freshmen, saying they are to take the court. Despite higher, and Christian said boding well with the re- the added protocols of the size and reach of those turning core and transfer the pandemic, like living FILE PHOTO BY ZACH BRIEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER players will help the team additions. While the men's basketball team will stick to its familiar "mayhem" defense this season, head coach Jamion Chris- in a bubble and attend- get stops on the defensive “They know the cul- tian said he hopes to refine the team's zone defense to throw off opponents in tight games. ing school online, head side of the ball. ture that we’re trying to coach Jamion Christian Ball averaged 16.4 build here. They’ve seen said the trio are progress- points per game in his se- it, and they’ve been part of Christian looks to ing at a “natural” rate and nior year at Williamsport it. Coach is trying to bring are learning to tackle the High School in William- guys who are winners – I bolster interior defense, ups and downs associated sport, Maryland, before think they’re winners,” with collegiate basketball. being sidelined with a bro- Battle said. “It’s not going to be ken bone in his foot. Jack said he under- make zone an option perfect, and learning Brelsford adds another stands what it’s like to be a how to handle the highs backcourt option for the new arrival to the program BELLE LONG encourage, saw a small regres- But 1,294 of its opponents’ to- and lows becomes really CONTRIBUTING SPORTS EDITOR sion compared to the previous tal points – 57.7 percent – came Colonials. He is a potent and trying to find his foot- important, and I think shooter from beyond the ing at the collegiate level, season. The Colonials forced from two-point territory. they’re doing a great job With a taller, older and 11.7 turnovers in 2018-19 and “We just want to get better arc. which helps him guide the of learning how to handle The Colonials are deep current crop of freshmen more athletic roster than a 10.6 turnovers in 2019-20. That internally and defensively,” he that,” Christian said. season ago, men’s basketball mark placed them second-to- said. “And then when you look at the guard position, re- with empathy. Christian said the turning key contributors “We obviously can’t head coach Jamion Christian last in the conference. As for at guys – typically younger freshmen are learning said the team has its nose to steals, the Colonials held pace guys get better at interior de- in the form of senior guard hold their hand, but we about the ins and outs of Maceo Jack and sopho- want to be people that are the grindstone to improve its at 5.2 per game in 2018-19 and fense slower, people think. It’s the team’s systems and defense. 5.4 per game last season. just a different combination in more guard Jameer Nel- going to be there when style of play, and they son Jr. Sophomore guard they need some advice, In his first year as head “I’ve always appreciated college, looking at how much have shown strengths and coach, Christian made his dis- zone,” Christian said. “I just you can push, how much you James Bishop, a transfer or you need someone to weaknesses each day in from LSU, is immediately help them through it,” Jack tinctive “mayhem” defense a think it’s hard to be good at can basically foul without get- practice. cornerstone of his GW coach- two things, and I think it’s just ting calls.” eligible to play and is ex- said. ing philosophy. But when better to be good at one. We’re In addition to improving the squad didn’t produce the always going to have a foun- interior defense, Christian defensive outcomes it was dation of man-to-man and said he was “excited” for the hoping for, Christian said the try to push it up the floor. But team to press and generate team will add a more consis- looking at lone zone coverages more offensive. tent press and strengthen its is something that we’ve been Graduate student forward George George George interior defense, while also bringing in early here.” Matt Moyer, who transferred possibly incorporating some He added that zone won’t to GW after two years at Washington Washington Washington zone. be GW’s primary defense but Vanderbilt, said he does not “It’s really about, ‘Can our could be useful in throw- have a lot of experience with defense be good enough to ing off an opponent in tight the press, but the style is a win us a game in a real slug games. In preseason practices, good fit for this team. He said 2 5 21 match when we’re not making the team has been running the addition of players like Tyler Brelsford Lincoln Ball Noel Brown a lot of shots?’” he said. “And zone drills with promising Moyer and junior forward Guard Guard Center we’re really trying to find the results. Sloan Seymour, both standing right defense that allows us “It might be able to give at 6-foot-9, allow GW to cover Williamsport, Maryland Leesburg, Virginia the ability to do that.” us a changeup when we need more ground defensively. Using mayhem defense it, but we’re going to keep “I just think it fits our play- last year, the Colonials only working on it and see where it style and it’s going to allow made marginal improve- goes. And if there’s something us to get up and down, get OLIVIA COLUMBUS | DESIGN EDITOR ments in areas like shutting there, we’ll do it,” he said. myself and Jameer [Nelson Jr.] down three-pointers. Op- Christian said the squad’s some easy dunks and easy la- ponents made 33 percent of added length will improve yups,” Moyer said. their shots from beyond the not just its three-point de- Sophomore guard James arc compared to 35.6 percent fense, which ranked No. 10 in Bishop, a transfer from LSU, the previous season. In the the Atlantic 10 and No. 178 na- said he and the squad spent 2018-19 season, GW allowed tionally, but also its two-point preseason practice adjusting 71.7 points per game. Last sea- defense – an area the squad to the new systems, working son, that rate decreased to 70.1 lagged behind in last season. on fitness and maintaining points per game. GW is about two inches tall- mental strength if they start These small gains might er than the average 6-foot-5 experiencing fatigue from have helped the Colonials height last season with four their high intensity style of go from a 9-24 overall record players reaching 6 feet, 10 play. in 2018-19 to the 12-20 record inches or taller. “Being able to get up and they finished with last season. Last year, the Colonials al- down the floor and still be But through a broader lens, lowed opponents to net 2,243 effective, still be locked in. the defense remained largely points throughout the season. And so I think that’s the main the same. Just 555 of those points came point: staying focused while COURTESY OF THE GW ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT Turnovers, which the from long range as GW held we might be tired,” Bishop This year's freshmen all hail from Maryland or Virginia, continuing the trend of GW recruiting local mayhem style is designed to its competitors to a .330 clip. said. athletes. November 23, 2020 • Page 6 NEWS THE GW HATCHET

THIS WEEK’S THE FUTURE OF U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN RELA- THE 2020 ELECTION AND THE PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS TIONS UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION DEBATES Nov. 23 • 6:30 p.m EST • Free Nov. 23 • 7 p.m. EST • Free Join the Latin America and Hemispheric Studies program and The School of Media and Public Affairs will host this con- the Institute for International Economic Policy for a discussion versation about the impact of the presidential debates on on the future of U.S. -Latin America relations. the election, featuring journalistics and political experts.

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY The GW Committee on Honors announced its plan to award the first Martin Luther King, Jr. Medals to a student and non-GW person who demonstrated the civil rights leader’s ideals. NNovemberews 23, 2020 • Page 6 Nov. 24, 1986 Students work to protect homeless encampment from eviction FRANCISCO CAMACHO to vacate “when a site es off nearby trees that REPORTER presents a security, health were at risk of falling onto or safety risk and/or inter- encampment residents. Senior Yannik Omictin feres with community use He said the workers left spent a Saturday late last of such places.” Although around 2 p.m., but when month digging through the Centers for Disease students and encampment feet of wood chips to re- Control and Prevention residents returned, they earth the grounds of a issued guidelines at the found the old campground homeless encampment on onset of the COVID-19 smothered with plant de- the 2000 block of E Street. pandemic advising cities bris. The wood chips were to stall full homeless en- “They left behind a the remnants of a homeless campment cleanups, the massive pile of debris of encampment cleaning dur- District has continued the wood chips or tree debris,” ing which District officials practice. Omictin said. “In some cleared out settlements to The CDC guidelines, places, this stuff was like cut down tree branches last updated in August, 2 feet high. You could liter- ready to fall on the sur- warned that conducting ally sink into it if you put rounding area. After the cleanups could increase your foot in it.” cleaning, wooden bits the potential for infectious Senior Dylan Basescu, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY AUDEN YURMAN | PHOTOGRAPHER were left scattered across disease spread after resi- who helped shovel out the The report surveyed about 10 percent of the Black population at GW to gauge their concerns with online the site. dents disperse from their encampment site, said he learning and catalog their needs. Omictin, who was encampment. thinks city workers inten- elected to the Foggy Bot- Omictin said while GW tionally spread the wood tom and West End Advi- Eviction Action doesn’t chips across the encamp- BSU releases first-ever ‘State of Black sory Neighborhood Com- have a long-term plan for ment’s surface to ensure mission earlier this month, combatting homelessness the unhoused residents is one of a dozen students evictions and cleanups, weren’t able to pitch their GW’ report contesting the District’s the group will work to aid tents upon return. Bases- homeless encampment BRENNAN FISKE tions learning remotely. “We as student leaders individuals experiencing cu said while the cleanup cleanups through a stu- REPORTER The survey summarized are setting a precedent,” homelessness “whenever wasn’t intended to official- dent-led effort called GW that students most frequent- Bradley said in an email. and wherever possible.” ly evict residents from the Eviction Action. He said TIFFANY GARCIA ed faced concerns with on- “One where students work During the E Street area, the sharp, wooden the group is working to line learning, experiencing with their administration to cleanup late last month, terrain prevents future ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR connect students with lo- mental health setbacks and accomplish their goals. One Omictin said many resi- settlement. cals experiencing home- The Black Student Union technology issues while where questions and con- dents didn’t move their “If you try to pitch a lessness to help them move is aiming to establish a working from home. The cerns are brought to the table belongings until the last tent on wood chips, it’s go- their belongings out of “legacy” for Black students report also found that Black for answering…not drama.” minute with the hopes of ing to tear the bottom – un- harm’s way during a city through the organization’s students are seeking more BSU Executive Vice Presi- returning later that day. He usable,” Basescu said. “You cleanup. first annual State of Black support from the University, dent and junior Peyton Wil- said students with Eviction can’t sleep in that. You “What I’m really upset GW report. including “clear and concise son said the climate survey Action arrived at the en- can’t even pitch a tent in about is the city has failed The report, published communication,” more op- was originally designed to campment site the morn- it. It’s not a solid surface – unhoused people time and earlier this month, high- portunities to build commu- ask about programming stu- ing of the cleanup to help it’s almost like sand. So we time again,” Omictin said. lights the achievements nity and “more intentional” dents wanted that semester. residents evacuate. had to clear that, and this “It’s not just about sanita- made by Black students in academic and mental health But when she and BSU Chief As the bulldozer slowly is not legal for them to do. tion. Obviously, the fact the GW community while support. of Staff Bishop Walton start- crept in, students, encamp- They don’t do this when that they are unhoused, criticizing various aspects University spokesperson ed reading over the students’ ment residents and other the cops are around.” to me, is a city failure to of GW’s campus culture, Crystal Nosal said the Uni- responses, they realized locals scrambled to move Despite a 15 percent regulate the housing mar- student support system and versity “appreciates” BSU’s they needed to “do some- belongings out of the ve- decline over five years, ket properly, a failure to administration. The report input and recommenda- thing” with the information hicle’s way, but many tents the District is estimated provide ample social ser- concludes with 10 recom- tions. She said BSU leaders they collected, she said. and sleeping pallets were to have the highest home- vices, a failure to make mendations for officials to discussed the report with Wilson said respondents damaged in the process, less population per capita sure people are safe and implement to support Black administrators at a meeting have faced financial burdens he said. of any American city with have a healthy, dignified students on campus, like last Monday. prompted by the COVID-19 After students left the about 1,000 homeless per existence.” conducting a third-party “We appreciate their pandemic. She said some site following the cleanup, 100,000 residents, accord- In a cleanup, or “en- audit to assess GW’s inclu- thoughtful input and will students living at home have Omictin said city workers ing to a 2019 report from gagement,” the District sion efforts and hiring more continue to engage with the needed to balance a job and with the District Depart- the U.S. Department of gives encampment resi- Black full- and part-time fac- BSU and other Black stu- family responsibilities on ment of Transportation Housing and Urban Devel- dents two weeks’ notice ulty members. dents on addressing the rec- top of classes, which piles on started trimming branch- opment. Student leaders said the ommendations,” Nosal said stress. document is “imperative” to in an email. “When we started read- supporting Black students She declined to say how ing through the results, this semester and the “first officials would work with we had to pause and take step” to guiding conversa- BSU student leaders mov- breaks,” Wilson said. “Some tions with faculty, adminis- ing forward and whether of the circumstances, we trators and other GW com- officials planned to address didn’t realize how badly munity members regarding any of the recommendations students needed a space to Black students on campus. made. really share what they were “Many Black students BSU President and se- going through.” experience an overwhelm- nior Devon Bradley said the Walton, BSU’s chief of ing disappointment our first report will lay the ground- staff who is a junior, said couple months at GW, and as work for officials to address members want “tangible” our time at this institution needs affecting Black stu- investment in their com- grows, that disappointment dents, like financial burdens munity like retaining more becomes an expected com- and academic challenges. He Black professors to improve ponent of our student expe- said the report, which will Black students’ experience rience,” the report states. be conducted annually, will at a predominantly White The report is split into 12 help track the progress of institution. sections summarizing the representation and inclusiv- He added that receiving history of Black students at ity efforts on campus. responses from 10 percent GW from 1938 to 2020 and He said BSU shared the of the Black student popula- the results of a survey BSU report with multiple officials tion was “key” to presenting conducted in early August. like University President credible information to of- The survey collected re- Thomas LeBlanc, the deans ficials and faculty members sponses from 85 students of each school and Board of familiar with data analysis. GABRIELLE RHOADS | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER of the undergraduate Black Trustees Chair Grace Spei- “What’s in this report is Members of a student effort to support the homeless population of an encampment across from the Elliott student population on their ghts prior to it being pub- not opinion-based,” Walton School building allege that D.C. is trying to evict the people living there under the guise of cleaning the area. needs and personal situa- lished online. said. “It’s not subjective.” GWPD to increase required number of training hours for officers next year BRENNAN FISKE police academy is the best nity in light of calls for cam- REPORTER approach to increase each pus police reform and racial officer’s level of competency justice protests against police The GW Police Depart- and capability.” brutality this summer. ment reconfigured its police Tate said the Maryland- “After the turbulent sum- academy training require- based academies, which are mer we have seen regard- ments this month, increas- regulated, audited and certi- ing police/community rela- ing the number of required fied by the state government, tions across the U.S., one of hours officers must train include about 212 hours of the main things that always starting in 2021. training in physical fitness, comes up in discussions is a GWPD Chief James Tate 99 in constitutional and crim- demand for quality trained said the department is now inal law, 63 in crisis interven- officers that can better defuse requiring “a higher level of tion, 59 in patrol operations, potentially tense situations,” training” than what was 32 in emergency medical Tate said. “Sending GWPD offered at the D.C.-based care and 25 in community- officers to an accredited Campus Public Safety Insti- oriented policing. He said the Maryland police academy tute, which provides police Maryland training should will meet that need in our training to all campus police “significantly increase officer University community.” forces that belong to a group competencies” on duty. In an email obtained by of 17 colleges and universi- He said the CPSI acad- The Hatchet, GWPD officer ties in the D.C. area. Tate said emy training lasts only 11 and union steward Jeffrey he decided to move training weeks, but Maryland acad- Kerch informed officers that to 18 Maryland police acad- emies “typically” last for 20 Local 294 of the International emies, which offer more than to 26 weeks. Union, Security, Police and double the amount of train- While universities and Fire Professionals of Ameri- ing compared to the D.C. police departments in the ca, which covers GWPD offi- SIDNEY LEE | GRAPHICS EDITOR program. District conduct the CPSI’s cers, agreed to require train- “After receiving feedback training privately, the Mary- ing at any of the 18 Maryland Officers cannot complete A former GWPD officer, to attain municipal certifica- from campus stakeholders, land training academies are academies, which includes training at an academy un- who requested to remain tion because they have bet- and based upon my own state-certified, Tate said. He locations at several police less a member of the depart- anonymous, said “officers ter chances of being hired observations, I realized the said GWPD will still remain departments in counties like ment’s supervisory staff has are mixed” about the effica- at non-GW departments, of- department would benefit members of the CPSI by pro- Baltimore, Montgomery and already completed the train- cy of the move to Maryland ficers are wary of returning from additional training that viding them training instruc- Prince George’s. ing, according to the email. training, which will provide to school and completing an- is usually routine in other tors for skills like emergency- The email states that of- Tate said supervisors will municipal certification that other fitness test. state-regulated police acad- vehicle operations. ficers will start attending start attending the training other local departments re- “For newer officers, this emies across the country,” he Tate added that he hopes the academies in mid-2021 during this spring semester, quire – a certification the would be an amazing oppor- said in an email. “Enrollment the new state-level training in rank of seniority with the but the COVID-19 pandemic privately run CPSI never of- tunity,” the officer said. “It in and the successful com- will better prepare officers to most veteran officers com- and class-size restrictions fered. The officer said while would open up a lot of career pletion of a state-regulated serve the University commu- pleting training first. might delay that process. younger officers are happy paths.” THE GW HATCHET NEWS November 23, 2020 • Page 7 Blake helped implement programs, respond to pandemic in first year ISHA TRIVEDI demic. ment and Public Service, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR He said he also over- sociology department saw the implementation and the Metropolitan Po- After serving as GW’s of the flex-start policies lice Department. He said provost for one year, Brian that officials announced the initiatives that top Blake said he plans to con- for graduate students in officials have been - lead tinue to work on improv- the School of Engineering ing this year have largely ing the University’s stand- and Applied Science and been related to the pan- ing despite the COVID-19 Elliott School of Interna- demic, like the COVID-19 pandemic. tional Affairs in April and testing facility that offi- Officials announced May, respectively, to be- cials opened in April. last October that Blake gin their programs online. would take over after Garnering feedback, then-Provost Forrest Tackling the looking ahead Maltzman stepped down. COVID-19 pandemic Blake said he’s worked Notwithstanding the pan- One of Blake’s major to meet with various demic, Blake said he has tasks was to oversee the department heads, pro- been able to implement development of Universi- gram leaders and stu- new academic programs ty President Thomas LeB- dent groups online to and is working to gather lanc’s strategic plan, but garner feedback about COURTESY OF TOM GUGLIELMO more feedback from stu- officials needed to pause his performance. He said Tom Guglielmo, the chair of the American studies department and father of two, said his role as primary dents and faculty moving the initiative and address he’s learned about how caregiver to his children means he has to cram work into the morning or night while his kids sleep. forward. the COVID-19 pandemic. communication with the “I’m actually quite Blake added that without deans, students, faculty honored to have this role a strategic plan, his work and Faculty Senate is “im- Professors ‘exhausted’ from managing at such an institution,” with deans has become portant” because it is easy Blake said. “spotty.” to misrepresent informa- work, parental obligations Since the health crisis tion. Bolstering academic hit, he altered several of his He added that he re- MICHELLE VASSILEV an adjunct professor of au- unable to entirely devote programs other goals. He said one cently approached two REPORTER dience development in the himself to his work since the Blake said that one of “real success” of his first students to start an ad- School of Media and Public pandemic began. He said his goals as provost was to year was working with visory committee for the Professors’ days are typi- Affairs and the director of since his wife has a more rig- work closely with deans to the Faculty Senate, Stu- provost’s office, but the cally filled with lectures, of- communications at The New id schedule as an attorney, he implement new academic dent Association, deans project is held up because fice hours and research – and York Times, said she some- has taken the responsibility programs and improve and faculty to implement officials are “struggling the pandemic has added times needs to work on-the- of being the “primary care- GW’s academic offerings. a Pass/No Pass policy for to get things established” teaching their kids’ school- go in her car instead of at her giver” throughout the day. He said in the past the past two semesters. during the pandemic. work to the to-do list. desk at home to accommo- “The 8-year-old can man- year he has worked with Officials said in an “I met with every de- Faculty members said date the needs of her 10-year- age somewhat on his own, Anuj Mehrotra, the dean email announcing the partment head in Colum- they’ve needed to oversee old son. She said finding the and he’s got schoolwork that of the School of Business, policy this semester that bian College, I met with their children’s virtual learn- time to take her son to some can keep him somewhat to overhaul the business Blake will partner with SA every program in the Col- ing in addition to teaching sort of outdoor activity has busy maybe for half that school’s Master of Busi- leaders and the senate to lege of Professional Stud- their own virtual classes as allowed him to interact with time, but the 4-year-old, she ness Administration pro- help determine whether ies, one-on-one,” Blake schools throughout the re- other kids. is on the computer for school gram by expanding stu- officials should imple- said. “I think I’ve been to gion remain closed due to “He is doing roller blad- maybe an hour, hour-and-a- dent engagement efforts, ment the pass/fail policy town halls multiple times the COVID-19 pandemic. ing right now, so I just sit and half a day,” Guglielmo said. program curriculum, ca- again next academic year. at every school through a Professors said they’ve al- work outside of my son’s out- “They are good at playing reer services and experien- “As a provost and cer- certain period of time.” tered their teaching sched- door activities, and my car with each other and occupy- tial learning. tainly as a president, what Blake said going for- ules to include asynchronous is like an office to me now,” ing their time a little bit, but Blake said he has also you find out is that it’s ward after the pandemic, instruction and have worked she said. “I just sit there and basically I’m the full-time worked to implement a hard to be too visionary officials will need to form early in the mornings or late work because I really want parent during that period.” new Ph.D. program in because people will imme- a plan to evaluate and at night to accommodate the him to have some kind of in- Guglielmo said this re- global health and anoth- diately want to know de- “think introspectively” responsibilities of having teraction with other kids.” sponsibility has forced him er in biostatistics in the tails, and it’s hard to be too about GW’s academic and children at home. Bevacqua said the last to alter his daily schedule to Milken Institute School of detailed because people co-curricular offerings. Gayle Wald, a professor time her son attended in-per- include time to work unin- Public Health, which he will say, ‘I didn’t have any He said he also hopes of English, said her 13-year- son school was in March. Al- terrupted either in the morn- said is “really important” involvement,’” he said. to be able to take advan- old son is managing online though she has to assist him ings or at night while his during the pandemic. He said because of the tage of what officials education independently, with his online schoolwork kids are asleep. Teaching his He also oversaw the pandemic, he hasn’t been have learned throughout but she has trouble oversee- sometimes, she said her son’s class in a largely asynchro- start of the develop- able to work on as many the pandemic like the in- ing his daily schedule to en- school has greatly improved nous style has helped him ment of an academic academic initiatives, with creased flexibility of the sure he stays organized. the virtual education experi- maintain this new schedule, master plan, which he the exception of a few academic calendar, the “My son is pretty inde- ence over the course of the he said. announced would be like a research partner- ability to offer telehealth pendent but still needs sup- pandemic, which has allevi- “I record lectures so I can paused earlier this month ship between the Black services instead of strictly port in organizing his day ated the need for her help. do that at night when the kids in light of “faculty fa- Student Union, Nashman in-person services and and keeping up with school “He can do a lot of things are in bed, or I can do that tigue” during the pan- Center for Civic Engage- asynchronous learning. demands,” Wald said. “So I independently, but I want to when they are busy during find myself constantly tog- find the balance where I’m the day, so that has kind of gling between my work and there for him when he needs worked out,” he said. “Some checking in on him to make and I’m also empowering of the class is synchronous sure he’s on point.” him to be able to learn,” she but not a lot. That again gives Wald said she’s worried said. me some flexibility, a lot of that the lack of social interac- Bevacqua said her son flexibility actually.” tion during the pandemic is has been conscious of her Guglielmo said even particularly harmful to the time while she’s working though there is some pres- development of any 13-year- and will step out of the room sure to ensure his kids have old. But she said she’s grate- if he sees her colleagues on social interaction outside of ful that she has the help of video call. the house, his kids have been her partner to help manage “When I’m teaching at able to entertain each other her responsibilities and that night, he and I will make a and formed a stronger bond. her son can access the in- plan in advance in terms of if He said he feels for single ternet to complete school, he is going to work on some parents who are handling which some parents don’t homework and then watch a the pandemic. have. show,” she said. “I will make “Everyone’s got their own “A couple of my son’s a plan for his dinner and challenges, so it’s just been teachers are single moms, things like that in advance, really tough,” Guglielmo and I have tremendous re- and he kind of likes that be- said. “But I think there is spect and admiration for cause he gets an opportunity support in informal ways. I their commitment to teach- to do things on his own.” think people recognize that ing eighth graders during Tom Guglielmo, the chair it’s a tough time in so many this pandemic,” Wald said in of American studies depart- different respects for every- FILE PHOTO BY JACK BOROWIAK an email. ment and father of two kids one, so I think there’s com- The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the course of Provost Brian Blake's first year in office, he Ari Isaacman Bevacqua, ages 4 and 8, said he has been passion.” said.

Students flock to Foggy Bottom apartments ahead of spring semester ABIGAIL OSBORNE are typically off campus dur- ies political communication, REPORTER ing a regular school year. said he and his friend from “We anticipate the num- Arizona, who also goes to JARROD WARDWELL bers to remain stable,” Nosal GW, decided to move to D.C. ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR said in an email. “As a re- after officials announced that minder, all students are re- remote learning would con- Although the University quired to update their mail- tinue. He said he didn’t want plans to welcome more stu- ing address based on their to risk missing out on a full dents back to campus this living semester for the cur- semester in the District, so he spring, officials expect off- rent semester.” took it upon himself to find campus students to outnum- Those totals would raise a housing arrangement off ber on-campus residents by the number of students liv- campus. hundreds. ing in Foggy Bottom to nearly “The email didn’t men- After administrators an- 4,000 – more than one-third tion anything about housing, nounced plans to continue of the entire student popula- but I was in D.C. at the time online classes into the spring tion. D.C. Zoning Commis- for fall break and felt pretty as the COVID-19 pandemic sion officials have advised confidently that I did not continues, they offered stu- first- and second-year stu- want to take any chance,” dents to apply for an addi- dents without housing ap- Huvos said. “So I messaged tional 1,500 openings for on- proval and who don’t live a friend of mine, and we be- campus housing last month. within commuting distance gan looking for apartments/ But thinking GW would to stay out of the District dur- hotels. By the time the lottery quickly deplete room open- ing the spring semester due system was announced, we ings, more than 10 students to health concerns during the had found our place.” said they looked for off-cam- COVID-19 pandemic as cases Huvos said he considered pus housing instead. continue to rise. applying for the housing lot- University spokesperson Students detailed plans tery but ultimately opted out PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DANIELLE TOWERS | PHOTOGRAPHER Crystal Nosal said only 1,100 last month to travel to D.C. because he assumed a steep About 1,100 students applied for on-campus housing out of 1,500 available slots, and administrators expect students applied for spring ahead of the spring to move number of applicants would 2,300 students to take up residence off campus, 200 fewer than usual. housing. With 500 students into either on-campus resi- weaken his chances of on- living on campus this se- dence halls or off-campus campus approval. chances of getting into a resi- received priority housing in she extended her stay from mester, officials expect about apartments to regain a sem- “We didn’t want a situ- dence hall. the fall, to have better access two to four weeks and began 1,600 in total to occupy more blance of the normalcy of a ation where one of us got “I initially was hoping to to spring housing. She said the hunt for an off-campus than nine residence halls in regular college experience. housing and the other do on campus, but as soon as on-campus COVID-19 re- living accommodation. the spring. University President didn’t,” he said. they said that it was going to strictions also dissuaded her When Carbone heard the Nosal said officials expect Thomas LeBlanc said at a Rachel Chambers, a be a lottery, I felt like a lot of from applying for a residence news about on-campus hous- the number of students liv- Faculty Senate meeting ear- freshman from Austin, Tex- people were going to apply hall room. ing for the spring semester, ing off campus during the lier this month that about as, said she plans to live in an and I just didn’t feel like I was Emma Carbone, a fresh- she said she was already spring to more than double 140 students who received a apartment off campus with going to get a spot,” she said. man from New York who waiting to meet the subletter the total number of new on- spring housing assignment two other roommates from Chambers said she also opted to live off campus, said of an apartment. campus residents. She said declined the option, which GW this spring. Although refrained from applying for she decided to live in D.C. this “I decided since I found 2,300 undergraduates will Leblanc attributes to climb- she initially hoped to live on on-campus housing because October when she visited her such an ideal apartment that likely live off campus next se- ing COVID-19 cases. campus, Chambers said she she wanted to allow stu- friend living on campus. Af- I didn’t want to risk losing mester, just about 200 fewer Henry Huvos, a fresh- figured the lottery system dents living in extenuating ter realizing she didn’t want that deal and apply for on- than the 2,500 students who man from Boston who stud- would leave her with slim circumstances at home, who to leave D.C., Carbone said campus housing,” she said. THE GW HATCHET NEWS November 23, 2020 • Page 8 Business school’s switch to B.S. degrees helps career prospects: students ISHANI CHETTRI Mehrotra said prior graduates in other schools REPORTER to the change, students in addition to ones for admitted to the business business students. Students said the school were not given Of GW’s 12 peer School of Business’ transi- specified majors but clas- schools, nine universities tion from Bachelor of Arts sified as pre-business ma- offer solely B.S. degree to Bachelor of Science de- jors until declaring a con- programs for business grees this semester is pro- centration as sophomores. students, two universities viding them with more He said a change in the offer both and one does hands-on experience and University’s institutional not offer any business technical skills. data from 705 students programs. Officials said the tran- who were categorized as “The feedback that I sition to B.S. degrees, “pre-business adminis- have been getting is that which they announced in tration” majors last year people, especially from March, was a response to to 228 this year was the all the stakeholders in the job market’s increas- result of the shift from a general, are really very ing demand for STEM B.A. to B.S. degree. proud of what we have skills and would make it Mehrotra said officials done,” Mehrotra said. easier for students to dou- have received positive Students said they ble major in a business-re- feedback on the changes. appreciate the new op- lated discipline. Business He said allowing a stu- portunities for develop- school Dean Anuj Meh- dent to enroll in a speci- ing technical skills that rotra said the business fied major ensures stu- the change provides. But school’s corporate council dents a clearer pathway to some who were originally members, board mem- completing their degree. enrolled in the B.A. said FILE PHOTO BY DONNA ARMSTRONG | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER bers and alumni recom- He said partnerships and officials did not effec- The business school's decision to offer a B.S. degree to undergraduates places GW in line with its peers, which mended these curricula collaborations with other tively communicate the offer B.S. degrees to their business students. changes and the overall GW schools, like the 4+1 change to students, with move from the B.A. to the program that allows stu- some missing the June 15 skills in data tools like as I could’ve certainly inform her of the change. B.S. degree in light of the dents to complete their deadline to change their Tableau and an under- emailed a bit more and She said she was moti- marketplace’s recent shift bachelor’s and master’s major. standing of higher level followed up and inquired vated to switch because towards STEM. degrees in five years, also Ben Rosenstein, a ju- math. to get more informa- the new B.S. requires “It opens up different allow for business and nior double majoring in Rosenstein said while tion, but genuinely there students to take fewer types of opportunities non-business students business economics and he wanted to switch to the wasn’t a ton of communi- classes to complete their for students, which may to customize their ca- business analytics, said a B.S., he missed the dead- cation and there certainly concentration, which al- not be possible to get the reer ambitions and goals B.S. may be more valuable line to do so because the was not a lot of clarity of lows them to take more same opportunities with without the limitations of than a B.A. for students only email from business the process,” he said. electives. just a business degree their primary degree. looking to pursue busi- school officials notifying Hannah Merenstein, Merenstein said the or just a degree in some- Mehrotra said the ness and finance jobs. He students of the change a sophomore major- B.A. and B.S. degree op- thing else from GW, but change has allowed busi- said students with B.S. ended up in his spam ing in business, said she tions were “fairly equiv- the combination can be ness school officials to degrees attract employers folder. switched her B.A. to a B.S. alent” for her and offer very useful,” he said in work on developing new who are looking for ap- “I’m not saying this after talking with her ad- equal advantages and dis- an interview. 4+1 programs for under- plicants with quantitative was the school’s fault viser, who was the first to advantages. GW Law students launch pre-law mentorship program BRENNAN FISKE Students said last to know each other on REPORTER month that GW’s remain- a personal level so his ing pre-law advising ser- background and my CARLY NEILSON vices after Baker’s depar- background and compar- STAFF WRITER ture are “inadequate” but ing how that might relate said the new mentorship to a law profession,” he GW Law students program will provide said. launched a mentorship more opportunities for He said the new men- program earlier this pre-law students to re- torship program can’t month to provide pre- ceive guidance. fully compensate for the law undergraduates with Samboy said when loss of Baker, but it will resources to study for the students are eventually help him stay on track Law School Admission allowed back on campus, academically and under- Test and advise them on he plans to introduce stand the inner workings their law school applica- his mentees to other law of the law school applica- tion essays. students and law school tion process. Students involved admissions officers from “I honestly wasn’t ex- FILE PHOTO BY ALEXANDER WELLING | SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER with the program said GW. He said he also plans pecting to get a mentor,” The task force's proposals include the elimination of water bottles from vending machines on campus and current law school stu- to connect them with at- Gomez said. “But hearing placement of reusable water bottle fillers in residence halls. dents and attorneys are torneys during a “speed that all the freshmen and paired with undergradu- networking” event next all the sophomores who ates to look over their law semester and hold vir- applied, I’m pretty sure, Task force developing plan to reduce school applications and tual admissions events in got one, I think that’s introduce them to other addition to guest speak- honestly really great on law students and admis- ers. their part for wanting to single-use plastics on campus sions counselors. Under- He said he hopes to include everybody.” make the process of ap- Kylie Henry, a sopho- SEJAL GOVINDARAO graduate mentees said weeks. She said the task they need, I personally the program has helped plying to law school easi- more majoring in inter- REPORTER force’s members hope to think that it comes down them navigate their prep- er for the next generation national affairs, said she organize educational ini- to which one’s easier and arations to take the LSAT of law students through decided to join the pro- A task force aiming to tiatives with student or- which one do I have time and apply to law school the program. He said the gram because she didn’t eliminate the use of single- ganizations to discuss the for,” she said. by giving them a person- decision to launch the know anyone with ex- use plastics on campus harmful environmental ef- Harris said the best alized perspective on the program after Baker was perience applying to law produced a report late fects of single-use plastics. way to reduce plastic application process. let go was “perfect tim- school and was looking last month recommending “We’re thinking from consumption is to imple- Richard Samboy, a ing” and “filled a neces- for additional resources. plans like cutting plastic the human rights perspec- ment a system, like a small third-year law student sary void” as a new re- She said through the pro- bottles from vending ma- tive that all students de- charge on plastic bags, that and the vice president source to guide students. gram, she hopes to learn chines and installing more serve a right to accessible makes plastic products in- of student engagement “Even though the pre- more about what attend- water bottle fillers in resi- clean water, not one that’s convenient to obtain. D.C. for the law school who law adviser was let go, ing law school looks like. dence halls. put behind a paywall of a officials implemented a helped organize the pro- these students do have Henry said after University spokesper- plastic water bottle,” Ru- mandatory plastic bag tax gram, said almost 170 some sort of guidance, in- just one phone call with son Crystal Nosal said the ane said. in 2010. undergraduates have dividualized guidance,” her mentor, she learned task force, which convened Ruane said the draft “In Europe, there is a signed up for the mentor- he said. “Hopefully, about ways to study for in September, received ad- plan includes proposals to really cool study that has ship program along with they’re not left to figure the LSAT, and her men- ministrative support this eliminate all plastic bottles been done about plastic “close to” 100 law school things out on their own.” tor offered to look over a month and is now working from vending machines, bag taxes and bans,” she students and attorneys to Samboy, who is also a paper she is writing for to implement the propos- install reusable water fill- said. “And it basically said serve as mentors. mentor himself, said he GW’s undergraduate law als. Nosal said Executive ers in residence halls and once you assign a 5-cent Samboy said he start- assigned each student a review. Vice President and Chief develop strategies to dis- tax on a plastic bag, people ed developing the pro- mentor they have some- She said she was told Financial Officer Mark courage community mem- stop using them up to like gram over the summer thing in common with, to ask her academic ad- Diaz organized the group, bers from using non-reus- 96 percent. And so it just after becoming the law like interests or life ex- viser for guidance after which consists of officials able plastics. makes it harder to pollute school’s student engage- periences, to give all stu- Baker left GW but said from six departments, in- She said officials have the environment.” ment vice president and dents an “equal opportu- her adviser doesn’t have cluding offices within the not yet offered the task Evan Ward, a professor worked with Debbie Bak- nity” to have a mentor. the experience applying Division of Safety and Fa- force clear details on the of marine sciences at the er – GW’s sole pre-law Ignacio Gomez, a to law school that Baker cilities and the Office of next steps for the plan sub- University of Connecticut, adviser who was recently freshman majoring in in- had and that she hopes Procurement. mitted to Diaz, the chief said non-reusable plastics laid off – to reach out to ternational affairs who is she can hear from her The Student Associa- financial officer, at the end can be incinerated, which current pre-law students one of Samboy’s mentees, mentor. tion Senate passed a res- of October. increases the amount of and gauge interest for the said he signed up for the “I absolutely would olution late last month “It is a bit frustrating greenhouse gases in the program. program to understand [recommend the pro- calling on officials to dis- because there is to some atmosphere, or buried, “Students are still more about what law gram] especially with not continue using single-use degree lack of transpar- which can leak chemicals expected to do the ba- school had to offer for a having a pre-law adviser plastic bottles on campus. ency and lack of communi- into groundwater over sic things that pre-law potential career. He said on campus but also just Nosal said the task force’s cation about what they’re time. advisers do, which is re- he met with his mentor to getting another opinion goals align with the SA’s actually going to do next “Burying plastics is view materials and then ask about law school and about law school from resolution. from here because they’ve not that problematic, but take it one step further the LSAT, and the two someone who is closer Scott Burnotes, the vice submitted their draft plan over time, large amounts and actually meet how- have gotten to know each in age and who went president of safety and fa- to Mark Diaz,” she said. of plastic can leach a va- ever many times they can other more personally. through the application cilities, said officials have Experts in sustain- riety of chemicals, which all meet,” he said. “We’ve also gotten process,” Henry said. approved the plan, and the ability said implementing can enter groundwater Division of Safety and Fa- programs that discourage and contaminate drinking cilities will now work on people from using plastics water, lakes, streams and finding ways to implement has been the most effective near-shore environments,” the recommendations. He method in reducing non- he said in an email. “Re- said officials will start to reusable plastics. cycling is an option, but implement the plan in the Lyda Harris, a Univer- unfortunately only about “next several months” sity of Washington Ph.D. 9 percent of all plastics are and are excited about the candidate studying micro- recycled.” “shared commitment” to plastic contamination, said He said universities a zero-waste environment. she has seen “limited suc- could take steps, like re- “GW’s commitment cess” in educational initia- moving plastic water bot- to phasing out single-use tives encouraging people tles carrying the institu- plastics will be a mara- to reduce their plastic use tion’s logo, to draw people thon, not a sprint, espe- because people typically away from using single- cially given the hurdles weigh convenience over use plastics. higher ed is already deal- sustainability when mak- “Same goes for single- ing with this year,” he said ing purchases. She said use plastic bags in the in an email. implementing measures bookstore and elsewhere,” Kat Ruane – the co-pres- that make reducing plastic he said. “Charge a small ident of Take Back the Tap, use easier, like installing fee for selecting plastic a student organization that water bottle filler stations, bags over reusable bags – works to reduce GW’s use are more effective meth- you will see how quickly of single-use plastics – ods. everyone will remember to said the task force meets “If you give someone bring a reusable bag with FILE PHOTO BY SOPHIE MOTEN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER at least once every two all the knowledge that them.” Mentors have offered insight into the application process for law school, pre-law students said. November 23, 2020 • Page 9 NEWS THE GW HATCHET CRIME LOG

THEFT II/FROM BUILDING Media and Public Affairs Building 11/10/2020 – 9:00-9:50 a.m. Open Case A male staff member reported his jacket stolen from the Media and Public Affairs Building. Case open. FRAUD 1D/FRAUD Off Campus 11/13/2020 – 11:00 a.m. – 12:16 p.m. Closed Case A male student reported being a victim of employment fraud via email and phone. Off-campus incident. THEFT II/FROM BUILDING Mitchell Hall (7-Eleven) 11/14/2020 – 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. Open Case A non-GW affiliated male complainant -re ported leaving his cell phone unattended to charge in the store. The phone was no longer there upon his return. GW Police Department officers are investigating video surveillance evidence. Case open. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY GRACE HROMIN | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR The podcast, available on YouTube and featuring experts in nursing, comprises more than 30 episodes. LIQUOR LAW VIOLATION South Hall 11/16/2020 – 10:26 a.m. Nursing professor uses podcast to highlight Closed Case GWPD officers responded to a report of observed University-prohibited weapons issues, complexities in geriatric nursing in a South Hall room. Upon arrival, GWPD officers made contact with the male student RACHEL ANNEX times we do talk about aging Health System, a policy ini- podcast will allow the public who claimed ownership of air toy guns and STAFF WRITER issues – it’s really more about tiative that aims to bring care to understand the role that several alcoholic beverages. The area coordi- all of the things, all of this to older adults in the health geriatric nurses have to aid nator responded to the scene and conducted SEJAL GOVINDARAO stuff that’s not ready,” Batch- care system. elderly populations. an administrative search. Evidence was taken REPORTER elor said. “So that’s what’s “They need to be valued “What nurses actually to the Academic Center for processing, and getting old. We don’t have and everybody needs to have do and are capable of do- alcohol was disposed from the scene. A nursing professor better long-term care poli- a purpose, and there’s a way ing is lost on/hidden from Referred to the Division of Student Affairs. has produced more than cies.” for us to be intergenerational the general public,” she said 30 episodes of a podcast The podcast focuses on and interprofessional to in an email. “To the extent THREATS TO DO BODILY the past several months to a specific topic each week make that happen,” she said. that nurses, particularly ad- raise awareness about geri- and features interviews with Batchelor said she hopes vanced practice nurses, are HARM atric nursing, according to a different nursing experts, to promote youth interest in well suited to assist in the Public Property On Campus (2200 block of I School of Nursing release. like nursing professors El- geriatric care through the management of chronic co- Street) Melissa Batchelor, the di- len Kurtzman and Ashley podcast because the nurs- morbid illness and disability, 11/15/2020 – 5:07 p.m. rector of the Center for Ag- Darcy-Mahoney. Batchelor ing field, especially geriatric public understanding and Closed Case ing, Health and Humanities said she had worked on a nursing, faces a shortage of buy-in is important.” GWPD officers received a report from the in the nursing school, said previous podcast about ge- younger nurses. She said 2 Terri Harvath, the di- Metropolitan Police Department that a non- she started the project, titled riatric nursing, which drew percent – about 65,000 – of rector of the University GW affiliated male complainant and two “This is Getting Old: Mov- about 60,000 listeners from the millions of nurses in the of California Davis Fam- male students had filed a report of threats of ing Toward An Age-Friendly more than 40 countries on United States are board-cer- ily Caregiving Institute, said bodily harm. A male subject threatened the World,” in March to find a YouTube. tified in gerontology. understanding the unique men after they walked by his water bottle in way to educate nursing pro- “To me, it demonstrates Batchelor said she’s had experience that older adults the middle of the street. The complainant re- fessionals about geriatric the power of technology be- conversations with her stu- face with illness can help ported the crime when the three men saw the nursing. Experts in geriatric cause I was like ‘60,000 peo- dents interested in mother- nurses better care for that subject a second time later that day. GWPD nursing said the podcast pro- ple are never going to read baby nursing about how population. She said older and MPD officers canvassed the area with vides a platform to discuss peer-reviewed publications. having a knowledge of geri- adults often experience a negative findings. the complexities of geriatric They just won’t,’” Batchelor atric nursing can aid grand- cough or raised heart rate Referred to the MPD. nursing to communities like said. parents with conditions like as symptoms of an illness, nursing students and family One of the podcast’s more Alzheimer’s in safely hold- whereas younger adults typ- TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: HIT AND caregivers. recent episodes, titled “10 ing their grandchild. ically show signs of illness Batchelor said she wanted warning signs for Alzheim- “How are you going to with severe fatigue or a fever. RUN to have an outlet to discuss er’s disease,” has received adjust your nursing care to “Sometimes in nursing Public Property On Campus (2100 block of H different topics in nursing, nearly 300,000 views and meet the emotional needs we overstep our bounds Street) like how nurses can influ- more than 3 million interac- of that family and that old- and prioritize our view of 11/18/2020 – 7:50 a.m. – 1:43 p.m. ence health policy and how tions across different plat- er adult to bond with that safety above the patient’s au- Closed Case to discuss COVID-19 with forms, making the episode baby?” Batchelor said. tonomous views of what’s in A female student reported damage to her older relatives, and has so the most viewed segment. Experts in geriatric nurs- their best interest,” Harvath front bumper after her vehicle was involved far produced more than 30 Batchelor said one of her ing said the podcast is an said. “And I think that if she in a hit-and-run accident. episodes. She said the pod- central goals for her podcast easy and accessible way to could focus on issues where No suspects or witnesses. cast, which can be viewed on is to promote “geriatricized” bring awareness to issues there is dynamic tension be- YouTube, is focused on how health care policy — policy within geriatric nursing. tween safety and autonomy to improve geriatric nursing that considers the concerns Laura Kirk, a clinical as- and quality of life to really –Compiled by Kateryna Stepanenko care policies. of the elderly. She said she’s sociate professor of nursing deepen our understanding “It’s not really about get- planning to put out four epi- at the University of Min- of how complex those issues ting old – although some- sodes on the Age Friendly nesota, said she hopes the are.” Pandemic poses 'existential threat' to University, Speights says Washington University tion and gratitude to the en- people’s jobs and their fami- ership to explore and con- challenges as a result of the From Page 1 community has demon- tire campus community for lies, and we appreciate that sider all appropriate options pandemic. strated resiliency, responded its coordinated response to the leadership always kept to address the immediate “This has been a year un- Officials also eliminated at with care and compassion the COVID-19 pandemic and care and concern for the needs of the University,” she like any we have ever seen,” least dozens of positions in and persevered through the looks forward to a brighter community and the best in- said. “The shortfalls in our he said. “We have been other offices, including the continued uncertainty,” the future together as the com- terests of GW at heart,” Spei- budget were large, and very through some incredibly dif- Center for Career Services resolution states. munity will emerge from ghts said. difficult decisions had to be ficult months, arguably one and Facilities Planning, Con- Trustees have repeat- the pandemic stronger than She added that the pan- made.” of the biggest challenges we struction & Management. edly indicated support for ever,” the resolution states. demic has posed an “existen- Speights applauded LeB- have faced as a university.” The reductions have in- LeBlanc amid calls for his Board Chair Grace Spei- tial threat” to GW and other lanc’s decision to not imple- LeBlanc said at the meet- flamed tensions, putting resignation, stating in the ghts acknowledged criticism colleges. The Chronicle of ment an across-the-board ing he believes GW can ad- many faculty at odds with resolution that University of recent layoffs at a Faculty Higher Education reported faculty pay cut, adding that dress difficult obstacles and LeBlanc and the Board of leadership has guided GW’s Assembly meeting Wednes- earlier this month that the trustees approved principles strengthen the University’s Trustees. The Board passed a response to the pandemic day, adding that the new higher education workforce to spend a higher percentage future. resolution earlier this month “admirably” and prioritized consolidated model will has shrunk by at least 7 per- of revenue on the Universi- “Our future is going to commending the GW com- the campus community’s provide “better” and “more cent – roughly 337,000 em- ty’s direct academic mission look very different than the munity on its response to the health and safety. efficient” support to GW’s ployees – since the start of and faculty support. past,” LeBlanc said. “It’s also pandemic. “The George Washington academic mission. the pandemic. LeBlanc said at the as- going to look different than “The entire George University Board of Trustees “No one likes to have to “The Board of Trustees sembly meeting that GW what we thought early this expresses its deep apprecia- make decisions that affect asked the University’s lead- continues to face “many” year.” Students traveling during Thanksgiving should stay in family pods: experts ebrate Thanksgiving by Rinaldi said he has fectious diseases at The gether on Thursday. They’re Havlichek said. From Page 1 cooking a meal together and gotten tested for the coro- University of Alabama at home for a couple of days Paul Beninger, an as- eating dinner outside. navirus a couple of times Birmingham, said students already – they might want sociate professor of pub- “Although the Univer- “I plan to sleep in, catch throughout the semester who travel should get test- to get tested again just to be lic health and community sity has strong health and up on some much-needed out of precaution, and his ed right before their flight sure they’re not the source medicine at Tufts Universi- safety measures in place rest,” Amstutz said. “And family have been self-quar- home and before they re- of the infection.” ty, said students celebrating for the community, includ- then in the afternoon, I’m antining in the days leading turn to D.C. He said the best Daniel Havlichek, a pro- Thanksgiving in D.C. with ing mandatory COVID-19 going to go over to a friend’s up to Thanksgiving. way to travel this season fessor and chief of the divi- their close circle of friends testing and daily symptom apartment, and we’re going Rinaldi added that his is by car, but if a student is sion of infectious diseases or family are in the “best monitoring for the on-cam- to make our own Thanks- sister recently recovered flying, they should aim to at Michigan State Univer- situation” because they are pus cohort and testing for giving meal.” from the virus and was buy and show their ticket sity, said students should not interacting with anyone off-campus students, these Amstutz, a member of “lucky” because she only to the airline electronically stay in their family pods if new who isn’t practicing measures are only part of the Back to Campus Com- had “bad cold” symptoms. to avoid direct contact with they are flying home dur- safe guidelines. He said stu- the larger effort to keep our mittee, said all students liv- He said he is worried an- others. ing the holiday. He said go- dents should avoid potluck community safe,” the email ing on campus are required other family member may Friedman said students ing out to public spaces like dinners and instead have a states. to be tested twice the week be infected with a more should eat before they bars, which are known to few people cook the meal Junior Drew Amstutz following Thanksgiving “serious” case if they are board so they don’t take be “super spreader” events, together to reduce the risk said his Thanksgiving plans break, even if they did not exposed. off their masks during the should be avoided because of spreading the virus. have not been affected by travel out of D.C. Infectious diseases flight, which may increase students are traveling to a “Somebody being in the pandemic because GW Junior Alex Rinaldi said experts said they recom- the risk of getting sick from new area where cases could charge of the cooking or is “home” for him, and he he is flying home to his fam- mended against traveling a nearby passenger. be higher than in D.C. two people being in charge is staying on campus for the ily’s Thanksgiving in Cape over Thanksgiving break “The student might even “If somebody wants to of the cooking and oth- remainder of the semester. Cod, Massachusetts. He but added that if students want to get tested again a go home to be with family er people managing the Amstutz said he plans said his family traditionally were flying out of state, couple of days after getting and then decides to go out kitchen and cutlery and the to celebrate Thanksgiving plans a large gathering, but they should avoid taking home, especially if they’re to the bar to catch up with dishes and cleanup and so with a friend who lives off this year, he’ll only spend their masks off until they’re going home right before their friends who might be that the tasks are divided,” campus and who has also time with his immediate home. Thanksgiving Day,” Fried- from another part of the Beninger said. “No potluck been getting tested weekly. family members to prevent David Friedman, an man said. “And then there’s country, that’s a recipe for is good because you’ve just He said they plan to cel- the virus’s spread. emeritus professor of in- going to be a family get-to- picking something up,” multiplied the risk.” WHAT THE UNIVERSITY WON'T TALK ABOUT THIS WEEK When University layoffs will be fully implemented. p. 1

FROM GWHATCHET.COM/OPINIONS “D.C.’s homeless population deserves better than to be cleared from their homes in the middle of Opinions a pandemic and forced to relocate, exposing themselves to the virus in the process.” November 23, 2020 • Page 10 — HANNAH THACKER ON 11/19/20 When GW fully reopens, the COVID-19 vaccine should be mandatory STAFF EDITORIAL

With two promising The only way to create the COVID-19 vaccines in the works, most amount of safety on campus it seems that the end of the is if everyone who is able to get pandemic is within sight. But like the vaccine, gets it. Aside from nearly every public health expert the medical exemptions that says – we won’t be fully safe from can hinder the most vulnerable the virus until we are vaccinated. among us to get a vaccine, For college campuses like there is no reason somebody GW, widespread inoculation should not be vaccinated. GW means reopening. But we must is a private institution, a non- ensure everyone receives the religious entity that has the vaccine so we can safely return ability to set and maintain its to campus. Once it becomes own rules and regulations. The widely and equitably available, religious exemption to vaccines administrators must require all that GW has provided for many students – except for those with of its “mandatory” inoculations a medical exemption – to receive should not be allowed in this the vaccine if they want to come situation. If a student has back to campus and return to serious religious objections to normal. the University’s decision, there The simple truth is that a is nothing stopping them from vaccine is the best way to ward going somewhere else. We are all off sickness and decrease the customers in this situation, with devastating death toll of the GW’s education and facilities coronavirus. We wear masks being the product. This situation because there is no vaccine. is no different than that “no We remain 6 feet away from shoes, no shirt, no service” signs one another because there seen in restaurants and bars is no vaccine for a virus that Cartoon by Luke Gilpin across the country. has plagued the country and At the end of the day, this virus world. A vaccine is our best bet has taken the lives of more than for not getting sick. We have that case, the University has a on a student’s account if they fail to COVID-19 has resulted in 200,000 Americans, ground the a responsibility to protect our responsibility to ensure every provide documentation. serious losses in revenue for U.S. economy to a halting stop, health and the health of other student has the lowest chances of GW should also verify that the University, so not only is it significantly disrupted the lives people at risk of sickness. contracting COVID-19 – and that non-U.S. citizens, like international practical to promote vaccination of everyone and permanently The University currently means only accepting waivers for students or DACA recipients, can on a public health standpoint but altered many GW students’ college accepts religious exemptions medical conditions. access the vaccine. The Trump also practical from a monetary experiences. The vaccine is the to a vaccine. But when we’re Since everyone who attends administration has made it clear standpoint. The virus has caused closest thing we have to getting talking life and death, that GW needs to have some form of that the vaccine will be made drops in student enrollment, back to our pre-pandemic lives and exemption should not apply. health insurance, either through a available to U.S. citizens. Should significant losses in revenue recovering from this dark period We need to get back to reality, private provider or the University’s this come to pass, official will from housing, the cancellation in our history. If students want to and people should only receive insurance, it would not be an need to step in to guarantee that or many of our sports programs get back to campus, get back into an exemption to the vaccine if extreme burden on the student all non-citizens get the vaccine. and widespread layoffs of faculty classrooms and get back into the it will only make them sicker. for the University to create this GW stepped in to provide vaccines and staff. Continually testing swing of things, and the University This pandemic has destructed mandate. To ensure that everyone during the Swine Flu epidemic, so everyone on campus is also much wants to recover from the slump the country because we don’t gets this vaccine, GW would only it is not far from reason to assume more expensive than simply this pandemic has caused, the have any type of widespread need to add it to the list of required they would be able to do the same making sure that everyone gets vaccine must be completely immunity against the virus. In immunizations and place a hold in this situation. vaccinated. mandatory.

This Thanksgiving, skip large Asian Americans must defend gatherings to keep your family safe affirmative action in admissions always dreaded filling out it was revealed that admis- and consider the serious obody wants to celebrate holding large gatherings on holidays one element of my college sions officers were rating implications of what elimi- Thanksgiving over Zoom. like Halloween. In part because of application. It wasn’t my Asian American applicants nating “race-conscious” ad- And after enduring eight this, the Centers for Disease Control SAT score, my GPA or my on traits like personality and missions would do. There Nmonths without any semblance of and Prevention is practically begging I personal essays – it was the likability, universities can’t is serious educational and regular daily life, the urge to sit down people not to travel for the holidays, for fact that I was going to need stem the issue by eliminat- socioeconomic inequity in to Thanksgiving dinner with the fear that things could get even worse. to check the boxes “Asian” ing affirmative action. The the United States, much of whole extended family is incredibly Yet millions have already taken to the and “White” on the Com- policy has actually helped which is tied to race and strong. But giving in and celebrating skies to travel to see family – each one mon Application. disadvantaged communi- background. School districts Thanksgiving like usual could mean of them carrying the risk of infecting ties access college, even across the country are ra- spreading the coronavirus to your more people. though it’s viewed in a nega- cially concentrated and tend entire family or getting the virus The temptation may also be strong Hannah Thacker tive light. Asian Americans to be funded by the property from someone else, even if you take to try and hatch a plan to make Opinions Editor should stand with the policy taxes of those living in the precautions. With the end of the traveling a safe option, like getting a and “race-conscious” ad- district – making it more pandemic in sight, we have come too COVID-19 test before hopping on the missions practices to ensure likely that if you live in a far to slip up now. plane. But even returning a negative I grew up in California more people get a fair shot at poorer neighborhood, you test does not mean you are not a with one of the most com- higher education. will receive an inadequate Andrew Sugrue carrier. Tests usually take a few days to petitive University systems Let’s first look at the education. As it just so hap- Contributing Opinions Editor come back, and you can still catch the in the country. My teachers, players behind the lawsuit. pens, most of the poorer virus in that window of time between advisers and peers always The Harvard lawsuit has neighborhoods across the being swabbed and getting a result. told me that if I was Asian been brought forward by country are those populated Desperately wanting any kind of Tests might also miss the virus if it is and White, I would have to Students for Fair Admis- by minority communities. normalcy is entirely understandable – still incubating – meaning you could score higher on everything sions, whose public face has So while technically every- because none of this is normal. It isn’t test negative one day and then start because of the high grades become Edward Blum, a one has legal access to equal normal to go three-quarters of a year showing COVID-19 symptoms a few and test scores of the other conservative legal strategist. educational opportunities, without seeing days later. Or, Asian Americans applying Blum believes race should in practice this isn’t so. family or friends rarely, the test The truth is, it will not with me. I never thought it be taken out of admissions Racially-conscious ad- in person. It isn’t could just turn be possible to gather in was fair, and I always felt completely by striking missions processes were de- normal to stare at out to be a like there was something down affirmative action. So signed to keep that inequal- a computer screen large groups to celebrate false negative. wrong with the admissions while the individual case ity in mind, ensuring that for hours on end Testing is an Thanksgiving, Christmas, process. But I never thought against Harvard is simply everybody, no matter what for socialization i m p e r f e c t Hanukkah or any other holiday the solution to the issue was about Harvard’s practices, level of privilege they had and school, only method that to eliminate a system de- it is about the larger issue of access to, would have the to do it all over or special occasion until the is highly signed to give everyone a affirmative action in college opportunity to reach higher. again the next day. pandemic is under control. effective at chance at higher education. admissions. The court’s decision allow for But fortunately, stopping the Last week, The U.S. We next need to under- people of all backgrounds to the pandemic spread in Court of Appeals for the stand the rationale behind be given the opportunity to saga may be conjunction First Circuit decided to back affirmative action. The pol- attend one of the best uni- drawing to a close with avoiding Harvard University’s admis- icy was created by former versities in the country, and soon. Two separate pharmaceutical large indoor gatherings and wearing a sions process, saying there President John F. Kennedy the decision to uphold their companies announced this month mask – but is not by itself a replacement is “no error” in the school’s in 1961 to ensure everybody choices impacts everyone in that their COVID-19 vaccines are for these other methods. limited consideration of race was treated equally no mat- higher education. more than 90 percent effective. The truth is, it will not be possible in admitting applicants. ter their race, creed, color or Yes, there needs to be Preliminary authorizations for use to gather in large groups to celebrate That decision comes on the national origin. For college conversations around why could be coming from the Food and Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah heels of a lawsuit in 2018 admissions, this has trans- Harvard’s admissions offi- Drug Administration within weeks or any other holiday or special that alleged discrimination lated into considering an cers deemed the majority of – meaning that, by the start of 2021, occasion until the pandemic is under against Asian Americans applicant’s background and their Asian American appli- people could start getting inoculated. control. And right now, the pandemic in using affirmative action whether they come from an cants to be low in personal- A gradual shift back to normal life is is not under control – but that is likely in the school’s admissions underrepresented communi- ity and personal conviction, not a matter of if, but how soon. to change soon if people stick to public process. While there are ty in what many universities but that conversation does But the potentially impending health guidelines. In the meantime, some issues in racially-con- call a “race-conscious” admis- not need to be had in tan- conclusion of the COVID-19 era should we’ve endured too much just to trip at scious admissions policies, sions process. Race-conscious dem with affirmative action. not make us complacent – especially the finish line. a university should not get admissions is a net positive This is about more than the right now as cases are surging. In So hang tight. Skip seeing your rid of the system entirely. for all applicants – while it Asian-American commu- fact, the coronavirus pandemic has extended family this Thanksgiving to Eliminating affirmative ac- does not create quotas and nity and our struggles, this never been as severe in the United make sure your loved ones are safe tion will do more harm than diversity requirements, it is about the countless other States as it is today. Within the last and healthy for the next one. And good, and the court’s deci- ensures all applicants’ back- Americans who benefit from few days alone, two grim milestones years down the line, this will all just be sion sets a dangerous prec- grounds, whether it be racial, having access to higher edu- have been reached: total cases topped a memory to reminisce about between edent for representation in ethnic or economic, is taken cation no matter their back- 12 million, and deaths soared past forkfuls of stuffing and dry turkey. higher education. into account to give a clear ground. 250,000. Some of this recent spike has –Andrew Sugrue, a junior majoring in While I do believe there and complete image of who –Hannah Thacker, a junior been attributed to people violating political communication, is the is discrimination in admis- an applicant is. majoring in political communica- social distancing regulations and contributing opinions editor. sions processes, like when We must take a step back tion, is the opinions editor.

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RELEASED “SIN AMOR (DEL AMOR Y OTROS DEMONIOS),” AN ALBUM BY KALI UCHIS CultureNovember 23, 2020 • Page 11 THIS WEEK: George’s Army pauses operations amid pandemic

ANNA BOONE bleachers. He said he typically CULTURE EDITOR wears a costume of a hotdog or shark, which was “a real crowd GW’s fan section will cheer pleaser.” on the basketball team from their “We make it difficult for the op- couches this year. posing teams to play in the Smith During a typical season, and without us we wouldn’t have George’s Army would work with the home court advantage that we the athletic department’s market- have,” Glass said. “When we play at ing office to host spirit events, the Smith it’s important that it feels pump up students for basketball like our own and we play a big role games and don buff and blue to in doing that.” get ready for each game. But this Macy McClintock, a sophomore year, George’s Army President and and the co-president of George’s senior George Glass said the group Army, said she’s going to miss the is taking a backseat and watching community element of cheering on games individually on ESPN+. the teams alongside dozens of stu- “Not being able to go to games dents. is an absolute killer to us and ev- “I met some of my best friends eryone is really gutted about it, but in the student section last bas- we’re still ecstatic that there’s even ketball season and am so sad I going to be a season and we’ll all be haven’t had that same experience cheering loudly from home,” Glass this year,” she said. “As much as I said. love the GW basketball team, it’s Glass said the organization meeting new people, hanging with has needed to hash out new ways friends and just getting overly hype to be active this basketball season. that I’ll miss most.” The group has used social media to McClintock said she enjoyed promote the athletic department’s participating in the game chants, game-day package, The Suite Life, especially ones that egg on the op- which offers perks like GW “swag” posing team. and opportunities to chat with the “My favorite chant is any chant coaches virtually before games. that gets under the opposing team’s FILE PHOTO BY ARIELLE BADER | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Glass said the organization will skin a little bit,” she said. “Prob- In lieu of attending in person, George’s Army has focused instead on promoting the athletics department’s online programming, work with the marketing and ath- ably the two basic go-tos that are including a virtual fan engagement package called The Suite Life. letics department of GW Athletics the most fun are ‘You can’t do that’ to pass along information about whenever the opposing team fouls to a typical basketball season. She While she may not feel the same top of his lungs in the front row, game schedules, virtual events and one of our players or singing ‘Na added that the organization has not energy this season, McClintock dressed in a hot dog costume and a promotions to students and the GW Na Na Na, Hey, Hey, Hey, Good- mapped out plans to hold watch said she was drawn to George’s shark head,” she said. “A few games community. The men’s basketball bye’ whenever an opposing team’s parties or other virtual events, but Army because it was an escape later, Dean Cissy Petty was in the season officially kicks off Wednes- player fouls out and has to leave the she hopes to stay connected with from the stress of school while she front row next to him in a match- day with a game against Navy. game.” the basketball teams and peers on was one campus. ing shark outfit. Whether you like Glass said the teams will miss She said it’s hard keeping mem- social media. “I knew George’s Army was sports or not, George’s Army pro- out on the more than 50 students bers engaged during the offsea- “George’s Army is such a fun, the org for me when I showed up vides an opportunity to step away who chant GW’s fight song and son, especially this year when the energetic environment that is hard to my first basketball game and from school and life stress and just hype up the squads from the organization can’t look forward to recreate virtually,” she said. saw George Glass screaming at the have fun for a couple hours.” Dance, cheer teams to appear at games via video

CLARA DUHON money for the GW Hospital in collabora- STAFF WRITER tion with GW Cheer. “We are all making the most out of Unable to root on the basketball this virtual experience, even though we squads from the sidelines this year, GW’s don’t have as many performance oppor- cheer and dance teams are moving their tunities, to entertain our fans and support performances online. GW Athletics,” Klee said. Members of the GW Cheer Team and Josh Cohen and Tiffany Jones, the head GW First Ladies Dance Team said they are coaches of GW Cheer, said team members preparing live online performances to air have been “remarkably adaptable” as they on ESPN+, where fans can watch basket- transitioned to practicing in an online set- ball games this season virtually during ting, reaching out to one another to en- the COVID-19 pandemic. Team members sure everyone adjusted. said they’ve turned to social media to con- “As a team, we’ve tried to use this as tinue promoting games and are spending an opportunity to innovate and grow – time on video calls to practice and bond. instead of trying to maintain the status Anna Kaji, one of two co-captains for quo – and look forward to presenting a the First Ladies, said the team shifted to refreshed program that they can all be filming content and editing videos to be proud of once we’re all safely back on HATCHET FILE PHOTO played during halftime of the basketball campus,” Cohen and Jones said in a joint The GW Bands’ director will compile individual recordings into a final performance for sports games. game livestreams. She said the group will email. also post their performances on social me- Cohen and Jones said they’ve used dia pages. the shift to an online semester to consider Pep band records to be Kaji added that the team held virtual how they can increase support for the ath- tryouts this semester and last spring and letic department and the University. They is planning to organize another at the end said GW Cheer and the First Ladies are played during games of the semester to keep the squad on track. teaming up to brainstorm ways to engage BRENNAN FISKE “As a four-year member and senior [of fans on virtual game days, like promoting Santa,” virtual dinner par- from one another while First Ladies], I was excited to perform in games on social media. REPORTER ties and music appreciation members play online, and person this year for one last season,” Kaji Sydney Teabout, one of the captains discussions where members the group splits into break- said. “Despite this setback, I am so thank- of GW Cheer, said the team launched a Fans can’t hear them in can socialize and chat about out groups to practice. ful to still be able to attend virtual prac- social media campaign called “Buff and person this season, but GW’s music topics that interest When it comes to playing tices and create video performances.” Blue Friday” during which participants pep bands will still broadcast them. during sports games, Paeth Maggie Klee, the coach of the First La- post pictures on Instagram in their favor- their music during basket- “Traditionally, band is an said the group will continue dies, said the team practices three times ite GW gear for a chance to win prizes, ball livestreams. activity that requires being to provide sets both before per week over Zoom, focusing on tech- like exclusive GW Adidas attire. Emma Marszalek, a ju- together so that we can listen and during the play. nique, performance style and fitness. She “I think school spirit is much needed nior and the vice president to each other and make mu- She said the group uses said the First Ladies’ performances will at a time like this, and GW Cheer is dedi- of GW Bands – which over- sic as an ensemble,” Marsza- Adobe Audition to piece be posted online, including performanc- cated in doing their best to keep that ca- sees the C-Brass Pep Band lek said in an email. “Recog- together individual record- es for basketball game livestreams on maraderie alive,” Teabout said. that performs at basketball nizing that virtual band will ings from pep band mem- ESPN+ and video content for the team’s Madeline Taylor, a member of the First games – said the group is never be the same as playing bers and produce songs social media. Ladies, said the team’s virtual practices creating virtual videos of together in person, we have they would usually play in “We want our fans to watch GW bas- are “not the same” without preparing several songs and cheers shifted our focus to more unison during games. Paeth ketball on ESPN+ and recognize the same halftime performances for live basketball typically played at the Smith community-building and said these recordings will traditions they see on game day in Smith games. But she added that she’s “lucky” to Center. She said the group music appreciation-oriented play as the GW First Ladies at home on the stream,” Klee said. still have the First Ladies team to support hopes to add “an atmosphere activities that ensure virtual and GW Cheer squads air Klee said the team normally uploads her during the pandemic. of spirit and excitement” for band adds value to mem- their performances during videos of their in-person performances on “Going remote this semester made me fans watching the game day bers’ lives and preserves the game breaks, just as the band social media, but the virtual school year realize how important the dance team is livestreams. essence of what band should would do in person. allows the team to get more “creative” to me,” Taylor said. “It’s the one thing that “Like every student orga- be.” Paeth said despite the as they film content and edit videos ex- I miss most about being in person, and I’m nization, we are completely Kaitlyn Paeth, a senior at challenge of not being able clusively for an online platform. She said so grateful that we’re still able to practice remote, which means we GW and the head librarian to practice and be in person the team also sold masks this fall to raise virtually.” had to get creative to ensure for GW Bands, said she is with one another, many of that we can keep operating usually responsible for keep- the band members are still in a way that is rewarding ing track of all of the sheet working together to produce for members and the broader music. For C-Brass, Paeth music. GW community,” she said. said she would put together “I really want to shout out Marszalek said she plays “flip-books” that pep band the members of GW Bands clarinet in wind ensemble members need to stay orga- in general who have stuck for the C-Brass Pep Band. She nized during games. with the bands despite the said the band is recording “Typically the librarians changes and challenges that songs like the GW fight song have to do a lot, especially have come their ways with and covers of current top pop for C-Brass, in terms of or- the pandemic – I love getting songs, which will be played ganizing music and making to see all the faces I normal- during ESPN+ livestreams, [the music sheets] available,” ly do and the new faces as where fans can watch the Paeth said in an email. “Now well,” she said. “They have games virtually this season. as a librarian there’s no need been through a lot with not She said each member of for me to have office hours, as getting the spring concert the band records their part of what is on the virtual library, last year, and not being able the song, and the recordings a Google Drive folder, is to return at all this year, yet are compiled into a single what we have and everyone they continue to persist and record by the GW Bands di- in the pep band can easily ac- make music.” rector. cess it.” To listen to C-Brass per- She added that in place Paeth added that the form, you can watch any of in-person rehearsals, the group has needed to alter its men’s or women’s basketball bands have organized week- practices because they can’t games or follow the group’s ly virtual practices and social perform next to one another. Instagram and website. Both FILE PHOTO BY SYDNEY WALSH | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER events, like an upcoming Paeth said the group has basketball teams will begin The GW First Ladies Dance Team will air recorded performances at halftime during basketball “non-denominational Secret needed to “listen and learn” the season Wednesday. games and post videos to their social media platforms.