The Blue & Gray Press

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BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

February 4, 2021

VOLUME 94 | ISSUE 1 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Confusion ensues after email tells ineligible faculty to sign up for COVID-19 vaccine to navigate the Virginia Department of Health’s complex prioritization process.

“Because there’s a limited supply, the state and the federal government have to offer these priorities, but are not clear about the nuances,” said McClurken.

These nuances, like having the same groups of people listed under multiple phases of the vaccination plan, have made it much more difficult for the task force to determine who is eligible for their immunizations and when universities can get them.

“Our goal is to try and advocate for our people as much as possible,” McClurken said.

Abigail slaughter Staff Writer

Many on-campus personnel at the University of Mary Washington believed their chance to receive the COVID vaccine had arrived. Unfortunately, news regarding professors receiving the vaccine added to the confusion surrounding the next steps for the university.

University faculty and staff received an email on Jan. 15 that told professors they could register as front line essential workers and encouraged them to get the COVID-19 vaccine. However, just days later on Jan. 20 at a Board of Visitors meeting, faculty and staff were informed that they could not register nor receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. This led to a substantial amount of confusion amongst faculty and staff about available immunizations.

“There is so much misinformation about that email,” said Dr. Kim Gower, an assistant professor in the College of Business.

With a great deal of talk amongst university faculty and staff about eligibility for their first doses, Gower conducted her own research about Virginia’s plan to vaccinate various groups of people across the state. She discovered a distinction between college professors’ and K-12 teachers’ abilities to receive their shots.

Dr. Joe Nicholas, an associate professor of geography, also struggled

“There is so much misinformation about that email.”

University professors are ineligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, according to phase 1b guidelines.

Steven Cornfield / Unsplash

with navigating the rollout of vaccines for college professors.

“I remember hearing colleagues say that there was some confusion because [the email] indicated that they could register, and yet other sources said that we were not approved to get the vaccine that early,” said Nicholas. He tried to register for a COVID-19 vaccine, but his attempt was unsuccessful as the link included in the Jan. 15 email was no longer functioning properly and did not give him slots to sign up for his dose.

The Mary Washington Healthcare system first alerted the COVID-19 task force that university faculty and staff could receive their vaccine by

registering as members of a specific classification that vaccinates those working in education. However, Virginia is currently in phase 1b of its COVID-19 vaccination plan, which aims to vaccinate K-12 teachers and staff but excludes university faculty or staff from receiving their dose until further notice.

Jeff McClurken, one of the cocoordinators of the COVID-19 implementation team, has been advocating for UMW faculty to get the vaccine as soon as possible. He described the process of determining what faculty qualify for their vaccine as a “moving target,” and he and the rest of the COVID-19 task force are trying

-Dr. Kim Gower Distribution of the vaccine is in the hands of the Virginia Department of Health, so the task force can only work with local health officials to see when faculty and staff can get vaccinated and wait until they get approval from the state. The university is not sure when that opportunity will come, and the task force is constantly monitoring the state’s distribution of its vaccines and the changing circumstances surrounding who is eligible for their dose.

“It’s hard to know, from day to day, what the status

•VACCINE | 2

UMW adopts increased COVID-19 testing and other changes to procedure for spring semester Tamara Omer Staff Writer

During a Board of Visitors meeting that took place on Jan. 20, President Troy Paino addressed the current surge of COVID-19 cases within the Fredericksburg region.

With the anticipation of about 1,700 students returning to reside on campus, UMW’s COVID-19 implementation team has planned to enforce stronger COVID-19 protocols and testing policies for the spring 2021 semester.

“We will be delivering some messages in the week to come about the importance of us being very conscious of our impact on the community,” said Paino.

Protocols such as MMDC (Monitor, Mask, Distance, Clean) will remain in place for the spring semester, although increased testing and monitoring of cases will occur as well. Details for updated COVID-19 policies and protocols were discussed during UMW’s Return to Campus presentation and can be found on UMW’s Return to Campus

IN THIS

ISSUE

UMW is requiring all students to receive a COVID test before arriving back on campus which will be conducted at the William Anderson Center.

Grace Tian / The Blue & Gray Press

Self expression

PRONOUNCE KAMALA

page.

“Every student, in order to have access to the university whether residential or off-campus, will be required to complete an entry test in the Anderson Center,” said Tim O’ Donnell, co-coordinator of the COVID-19 response team, in the presentation.

Entry and prevalence tests will be administered by MWHC (Mary Washington Healthcare). Commuter students will also be required to complete entry tests before accessing campus.

More changes include increased prevalence testing throughout the semester. Every week, 500 students will be randomly selected to participate in COVID-19 testing. All students will be required to take an exit test at the end of the semester.

According to Jeff McClurken, the CoCoordinator of UMW’s return to campus plan, only students are required to test for COVID-19.

“Faculty •NEW PROCEDURES | 7 and staff

BASKETBALL CANCELLED

Abstract art fills free time.

Correct pronounciation shows respect.

COVID-19 concerns cancel basketball.

LIFE | 5

VIEWPOINTS | 6

SPORTS | 8

NEWS

Editors: Jess Kirby & Josephine Johnson | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

THE

BLUE & GRAY PRESS

MISSION The Blue & Gray Press is published every Thursday in the University Apartments Clubhouse for our university community. The goal of The Blue & Gray Press is to produce high quality and accurate news in a manner compliant with the Society of Professional Journalists ethics code. In its coverage, The Blue & Gray Press strives to highlight the community of the University of Mary Washington, as well as deliver fair and accurate coverage on the issues important to our students.

EDITORS-AT-LARGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kate Seltzer

Associate Editors Abigail Buchholz Cosima Pellis

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Jess Kirby Josephine Johnson

VIEWPOINTS Abigail Weber

LIFE Erin Matuczinski

SPORTS Victoria Percherke

Spring plan for indoor dining fails Cameron delean Staff Writer

Indoor dining options will not be offered for UMW students during the spring semester. Students will experience a similar dining experience as the previous semester.

“Everything is still the same as far as restrictions,” said Christine Porter, UMW Dining Services liaison and meal plan manager. “Unfortunately there will be no indoor dining. We had high hopes to be able to open up for indoor dining but the conditions are not ready for that.”

An email was sent out Jan. 26 to the UMW community informing students of any new changes to dining hours and locations.

The memo highlighted

“Unfortunately there will be no indoor dining. We had high hopes to be able to open up for indoor dining but the conditions are not ready for that.”

-Christine Porter accommodations have been made to ensure that students can safely and efficiently get food from the University Center to-go. Grubhub will remain an available option for students, allowing them to order and pay for their food ahead of time and go to pick it up without having to wait in line.

Nick Onorato, a sophomore communication and digital studies major, took advantage of the Grubhub option.

“Personally last semester I was totally content with the situation,” he said. “One thing that made it work was Grubhub since I could order ahead and pick up from Vocellis or wherever and my order would be ready and fresh by

Samantha Price Bernadette D’Auria

PHOTO Bryanna Lansing

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

the time I get there and I don’t have to wait in any lines.”

Students are also given the option to dine on Ball Circle, with tents and tables being set up. There are new adjustments in place this semester to keep students warm, with heaters around the area and two fire pits.

“Sometimes I would take advantage of the outdoor seating if it was a nice day out and a good place to eat,” Onorato said. “My roommates and I are good friends so I did eat with friends and sometimes we ate with other teammates but we didn’t sit at the same table in order to maintain distance” Preston Everitt, junior business major, also didn’t mind the changes made to dining.

“I didn’t eat on Ball Circle, I just preferred to take my food back to my apartment since there was the option of take out at the UC, which I prefer more than before because you were only allowed to sit in before,” he said. “I would eat with friends but it was nice to have the option to just bring it back if I needed something quick, it was more accessible than last year.”

There are always some inevitable limitations due to the pandemic.

Both Onorato and Everitt noticed a

difference in their options.

“All the food was still good, except the UC had less options than usual, but that’s probably because of the limited staff so I don’t blame them,” Onorato said.

However, while the restrictions have not been lifted, there are changes that have been made to give students an easier time getting food.

“One thing that will be a little different is that people will be able to “double back” and get food from different stations,” Porter said.

“Another change is that you’ll be able to order from Grubhub the day of instead of the day before.”

The adjustments made to dining were based on feedback given by students from last semester.

“Some people were happy with how things went, some weren’t. We did try our best to work with people who had specific concerns. The new general manager, Chef David Schneider, has some great ideas and is excited about the plans he has for the Spring semester,” Porter said. “I think you’ll see more options and more ability to customize food. There will also be hot food and microwaveable dinners and lunches available in the Eagle’s Nest.”

Professors are ineligible for COVID vaccine •Vaccine | 1

ONLINE

Despite a test run during the fall 2021, there will be no indoor dining during the spring 2021 semester.

University of Mary Washington

is of the vaccine,” said University President Troy Paino. He communicates regularly with UMW’s COVID-19 task force, overseeing the containment of the virus and monitoring its spread across campus. Keeping close contact with the Virginia Department of Health and his presidential colleagues across the state, the university stays updated on any new developments regarding the virus. However, despite daily updates from health experts, information the university receives often changes within 24 hours, at times inhibiting clear and accurate communication between the COVID task force and faculty.

The university has utilized the COVID-19 task force since the release of #ForwardUMW, working with local health officials over the past few months about coordinating vaccines and making other key decisions about the university’s management of the spread of the virus. Jeff McClurken and Tim

O’Donnell, another co-coordinator on the COVID task force, have been sending out weekly updates, keeping faculty and staff informed and prepared for any changes to the university’s plans.

With the start of a new semester, the university will face its fair share of challenges, both new and old.

“I wish we could guarantee a certain time faculty and staff get the vaccine,” said Paino. “We’re hopeful that things are going to get smoother in the days and weeks to While K-12 teachers are eligible for the vaccine, professors are not. come.”

Daniel Schludi, Unsplash

CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Kate Seltzer, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

VIEWPOINTS

Editor: Abigail Weber | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

UMW needs to promote multicultural clubs more organizations just want to feel as though their complaints and suggestions are not falling on deaf ears. They want to be involved in meetings, and the administration would only benefit from hearing from their students. UMW needs to do more to prove its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to the multicultural clubs on campus.

DAVID STROBACH Staff Writer

“The University of Mary Washington is committed to creating a community that is diverse, inclusive, and affiring to all individuals.” This is the first thing one sees on Mary Washington’s diversity and inclusion homepage, but how committed is it really?

Mary Washington hosts various multicultural student organizations such as the Latino Student Association, Black Student Association, Asian Student Association, and the Muslim Student Assocation. All of these organizations hold wonderful events with great music, dance and food that I encourage all students and faculty to attend.

However, when it comes to Mary Washington promoting such events, members of these multicultural clubs feel as though the University could do much more.

Staff Ed: Black History Month is time for celebration and reflection for everyone

“Social media is crucial. The Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC) groups post their events frequently on tbeir platforms, but I feel like a lot of the time, unless you follow them, they may go completely unnoticed in the algorithm.”

-Cameron Washington

The annual Multicultural Fair draws thousands of people each year.

Christina Eggenberger / University of Mary Washing-

need to be heard.”

“I feel like a lot of the promotion of our events feels I believe Mary washington would only benefit from like it falls back on the [James Farmer Multicultural giving these multicultural clubs agency in administrative Center],” said Cameron Washington, sophomore and meetings, especially ones regarding decisions on assistant secretary of the NAACP at UMW. “The JFMC campus life and students as a whole. Mary Washington does an amazing job at promoting our events. However, can say it is “committed to a community that is diverse,” the University itself could definitely do way more to but in reality it has not done much to back that up. Mary spread the word about our events.”

Washington’s poor commitment is more than just a lack The JFMC is Mary of spreading the word Washington’s pride on events, it’s funding and joy when it as well. comes to promoting “An email was diversity on campus. sent out by the UMW Students are grateful administration saying such a thing exists how appreciative on campus, but it is they were to have simply not enough. programs like the So how can Mary Freedom Rides Washington promote organized by the these multicultural JFMC, and I couldn’t clubs and create a help but think about stronger studenthow they don’t help administration fully fund these relationship? The programs like that,” answer is quite said Andrade. simple.

The Multicultural Fair organized by the JFMC draws acts from a variety of In short, the “UMW could cultures, like Harry Wilson Jazz. administration here Lynda Allen / University of Mary Washington promote multicultural at Mary Washington clubs better by actually has not really proved encouraging their own staff to attend and helping send its devotion to multicultural clubs and their students. out the message to te UMW community at large instead Way too much falls on the JFMC, and the pandemic is of leaving it up to the JFMC and SAE,” sai Irene only making matters worse. With all on-campus events Andrade, junior psychology major and co-president of becoming virtual, these organizations are lacking even the Latino Student Association. “UMW would benefit more promotion, specifically on social media. from having representatives of multicultural clubs at any “Social media is crucial,” said Washington. “The of their meetings because they would be hearing from Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC) groups post multiple perspectives and communities that actually their events frequently on tbeir platforms, but I feel like a lot of the time, unless you follow them, they may go completely unnoticed in the algorithm.”

Before the pandemic, there would be signs and posters all over campus that advertised the various events these groups were holding. So, even if you did not receive an email about such events going on, you could not miss the posters and flyers all over Campus Walk. Now, unless you follow the right accounts, you might miss out on all the events the multicultural clubs are holding. And it would not take much of an effort for Mary Washington to help promote these now-virtual events.

“It can be anything from a shoutout to simply sharing or reposting anything from the JFMC’s social media platforms,” said Washington.

Latino Student Association hosted Quimbao Latin Jazz at an event in 2020.

These multicultural clubs and University of Mary Washington

Thursday, February 4, 2021

If you, like many Americans, learned Black history from a white perspective, you probably learned it in three phases. First, there was slavery — and you probably learned a sanitized version of this history that glossed over the horrific atrocities — then there was Jim Crow, and then Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King solved racism through the Civil Rights Movement.

Carter G. Woodson, who developed what would become Black History Month in 1926, recognized the shortcomings of the US education system in teaching Black history and the accomplishments of African Americans. He believed it was essential for Black people to be proud of their heritage and for others to spend time understanding it. “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,” he said.

Woodson hoped his “Negro History Week” (the precursor to Black History Month) would eventually be unnecessary, that Black history would be universally understood as American history. It’s clear that there’s a long way to go in achieving that goal. Understanding the history of race and racism in this country is essential to moving forward. As Black history in general has been sanitized and overlooked, there’s a real tendency among institutions — universities included — to reduce Black History Month’s significance to a handful of figures and slogans, if not downright stereotypes. New York University and Loyola University Chicago, for instance, recently faced backlash for serving cornbread, fried chicken, Kool-Aid, and watermelon-flavored water in celebration of Black History Month.

This February, the staff of The Blue & Gray encourages students to take full advantage of the resources available to them to learn more about Black history. It’s worth repeating: Black people cannot and should not bear the burden of the education and reeducation of non-Black people. UMW offers many virtual events throughout the month, including “The Place of Black Lives in Plantation Museums” on Feb. 4, “Black Cultural Jeopardy” on Feb. 8 and “What is it like Being Black at UMW?” on Feb. 11. More information can be found on the JFMC website.

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LIFE

Editor: Erin Matuczinski blueandgray.life@gmail.com

A cultural twist on sweet treats for your special someone

DANIEL ROZZEL Staff Writer

and the powdered milk together.

Step 2) Slowly add-in and fold the powdered milk into the condensed milk. Make sure you use a rubber spatula to actually fold the powdered milk into the mixture! The powdered milk should be added a little at a time until the mixture becomes dough-like.

the heated milk resting on the sides of the pan.

Step 2) Once you reach a low boil add the condensed milk, stir periodically. Stir the mixture until it has been reduced and reaches a thicker sauce-like substance.

Step 3) Once the desired consistency is reached, add powdered milk, folding it in as you stir. Do this until the entire mixture thickens. Then pour this mixture into a bowl or plate lined with parchment paper.

Wait for the mixture to cool down before forming it.

Step 4) Once again, creativity is key here. After the mixture has cooled, you can create any size or shape piece you want. Afterward, remember to roll it in sugar to add the final touches.

Bonus Tips: You can adjust the flavor of these by adding in various different ingredients such as vanilla extract, or orange/lemon zest, or juice. Just be sure not to add too much juice to prevent the mixture from becoming liquidy. For some of the pastillas, I used some ube which is a purple yam and is very prevalent in the Philippines.

Finally, you can use some tissue paper and ribbons to tie off your sweets to help make them more presentable and finish off the Valentine look.

Daniel Rozzel Now you have a new way to win the heart of that

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you have that special someone or you’re still searching for a sweetheart of your own, it is undeniable that sweets and candies have become a staple of the holiday. While the holiday is traditionally dominated by various chocolates, cookies, and brownies, I’ve decided to share a recipe for a classic Filipino sweet; Pastillas de Leche.

These treats have a special place in my heart.

All throughout my childhood, I would come home from school and see that my mother had made these, and it never failed to put a smile on my face. I often found myself consuming one too many and being on the receiving end of a lecture, but their creamy goodness always seemed worth it. With these sweets, you’ll be able to warm the heart of that special someone.

Pastillas de Leche is a traditional Filipino sweet made from the milk of Carabao (water buffalo) by farmers who used them on their rice plantations. Over time, the recipe has Use red and pink decor, like tissue paper, to dress up your treats. adapted to use various types of milk and ingredients for a treat that is easy to make and versatile. Today I will cover two variations of Pastillas Step 3) Finally remove a piece of dough — any de Leche: uncooked and cooked. The former is a simple size will do, but I kept mine pretty small. These are and easy recipe for quick and delicious, soft pastillas. traditionally rolled into a log or ball but you can be The latter dish has a longer cooking time but yields creative and form it into any shape you like. Then roll a tasty hard candied version of the treat. The cooked your creation in your granulated sugar to fully coat it for recipe is also more traditional! that final sweet goodness.

Let’s Get Started!

Pastillas de Leche (Uncooked): Pastillas de Leche (Uncooked): This recipe will help you make a hardened version of This recipe will help you make a softer version of the the pastillas de leches. pastillas.

Preparation Time: 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 45-60 mins Cook Time: None Yields: Approximately 40 pieces Yields: Approximately 40 pieces Ingredients 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk 1 large can (370 ml) evaporated milk 2 cups powdered milk 1 can (300 ml) condensed milk White granulated sugar(for coating) ¼ cup powdered milk Step 1) Pour your can of sweetened condensed milk Step 1) Add the evaporated milk into a non-stick pan into a large mixing bowl. It is important to ensure that on low heat. Let this mixture simmer until it reaches a this bowl has enough room to mix the condensed milk low boil. Remember to stir periodically to avoid any of

Add your favorite flavors to make your treats unique. Daniel Rozzel

Finding a way to celebrate Valentines Day during a pandemic AYLEN CASTRO-MARTINEZ Staff Writer

For the past two years, junior communication and digital studies major Ken Hargrove has reserved a table at Cheesecake Factory to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his girlfriend. COVID has thrown a wrench in one of the couple’s favorite traditions.

“The pandemic really kept us from doing something we looked forward to every year,” said Hargrove. “This puts me in a really tough spot because I need to plan something that will make us both happy and keep us safe at the same time.”

While Hargrove is struggling to plan the perfect date, another couple seems to have already taken advantage of not having to dress up and go out this year. Youstina Mousa said that the pandemic has actually made Valentine’s Day easier and more special.

“It allows us to step away from how society views Valentines Day, and celebrate it in a way that is personal and meaningful to us,” said Mousa, a sophomore biomedical science major. “It also saves us the stress from having to run into the crowds that will await in stores for those last minute people that buy flowers the day of.”

This couple happens to live together off-campus, which allows them to safely spend time together.

Students struggle with replacing restaurant plans.

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Borris Dunand/Unsplash

For long distance couples who would have otherwise travelled to spend Valentine’s Day together, COVID can prove a particularly difficult challenge.

“I had been planning to go back home and visit [my girlfriend], but since her family is high-risk, it isn’t recommended for me to visit her,” explained Tessa Hammerstrom, a sophomore sociology ma- Sending letters for long distance couples.

Debby Hudson/Unsplash jor. “I am not really sure of how to make this day special over FaceTime. Does cooking for ourselves over the phone count?”

Hammerstrom described the options they have considered since being face-to-face is no longer available.

“I know many platforms, like Zoom or Netflix Party that allow us to view the same films while still being on call.” Hammerstrom explained. Netflix Party or screen-sharing on Zoom became a popular activity in the beginning of the pandemic, and could be a fun activity for long-distance couples.

Hammerstrom also gave advice on how to make the day special by sending out a handwritten letter and some flowers to their home. “That gives the same feeling as if things were in-person. They’ll be surprised when they open the door and see flowers.

Who doesn’t love flowers?”

The great thing about having a safe COVID-19 Valentine’s Day is that couples can customize it fit their own needs. Don’t like dressing up? Stay home and cook dinner for each other, make it a competition. Don’t be afraid to bake an endless amount of goodies to last the entire month. Don’t know what to watch on your favorite streaming platforms? Play a game with the remote and Netflix’s search button: someone types a letter and the other picks a random title that comes up. If you’re really looking for a surprise, Amazon offers options for Next-Day shipping for the procrastinators to find a gift to send to someone’s home.

Celebrating a Valentine during COVID? There’s still plenty of ways to make someone feel special.

Thursday, Februrary 4, 2021

LIFE

Personal Essay: The power of self expression through COVID

TAMARA OMER Staff Writer

I’ll admit that this last year has been more than difficult. With the stress of uncertainty for the future, political tension, and unstable circumstances, this year has proved to be one the toughest years that a lot of people have lived through.

Despite this, there comes a time where people find ways to cope with the pandemic and the world around them. For me, a big part was being able to express myself and my experiences through visual art.

Art isn’t just another hobby I happened to pick up this year, it is a part of me. Ever since I was young I was surrounded by art and the idea of creativity. It was one of the only things I had left this year that allowed me to process and deal with whatever came my way.

Untitled. 2020, digital media.

had put me in.

I was drawn to abstract expressive art. Being able to truthfully and unapologetically express myself without thinking or having an objective goal was not something I was used to, but it was what I had started to do.

I accomplished what I had wanted: making art that just represented feeling, the intangible and immaterial. It only took a couple trial and errors on a few art apps on my phone, or a few scribbles on a sketchbook, but I made do with what I had in front of me. It all felt like a sort of meditation, letting all my emotions spill out as my pen danced across the canvas was exactly what I needed. I let go of the self-destructive habit of overly criticizing my work. I was able to gain the skill of being half proud of what I

for me rather than an additional burden.

Forcing myself to regularly make art, and to not worry about the process, had allowed me to develop my work. Those few months of my life was the perfect time to experiment and figure out what I wanted my art to say to the world. I figured that I had nothing to lose; I had allowed myself to forget my audience and tried my best to free myself from their gaze.

I share most of my art online, and have gained an audience over the years. Later in the year, amidst the rise of the protests, I felt that my energy to publish more work had diminished. I wanted to rather prioritize helping those who were constantly on the streets calling action to injustice.

I used my work to raise money for organizations and causes that were related to Black Lives Matter. I held an online giveaway and joined a bunch of artists in selling artwork underneath a fundraiser project. All proceeds from the fundraiser were sent to marginalized communities or organizations who needed financial assistance.

I also shared crowdfunding efforts that other artists were creating.

It was one of the biggest moments in my life; I was able to directly impact lives with my art.

“An Unseen Moment In the Life of A No One” 2020, mixed media.

Expressing myself artistically and critically in response to reality is second nature to me.

Although this year was extremely different, art making didn’t come so easily to me as it did in prior years.

A few weeks after the Spring 2020 semester

“Wind Swept” 2020, digital media. had ended, I felt many things: anxious, frus“Cat Life” 2020, watercolor, colored encil, crayon, ink on mixed trated, upset, and confused. One of the biggest media paper. created, while also understanding that I had the questions that never seemed to leave my mind potential to do better. was “What is it that I could do to fill in all the Making art during this time reminded me It was a time where I got to watch the online art time I have?” that it’s okay to make art that is not seamless as community really unite and create an impact.

Surprisingly the urge to make art during that long as it holds integrity, character and made me Despite the chaos and state of this year, I time was unappealing. It was a rare time where I feel good. I needed to have something that made am not hesitant to say that art made it a little had felt that not even art was by my side. It was me feel good; art was supposed to be an escape more worthwhile. I really believe that terrifyingly out of character to say the the power of art and self expression least. could triumph even the worst of I had avoided the idea at first because times.

I didn’t know what to make art about.

This is not to say that art solves all I also struggled with perfectionism in of life’s problems, but it allows people regards to creating and that obstacle to lose themselves a little in a world was discouraging. I did not feel motithey created for themselves. It even vated enough to believe I could reach gives opportunity for people to enact a level of near perfection. Although change within communities. the mundanity of my daily life was Art holds weight in the world, it getting old, and I eventually gave in. touches lives, and it is for everyone.

I didn’t want to make art in direct Everyone has the power to use it, response to the pandemic, but I knew whether to impact the lives of others that what I was making reflected the or the lives of their own. mental space which the pandemic “Ballet Dancing” 2020, digital media.

Art holds weight in the world, Thursday, February 4, 2021

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Black History Month Events Register to attend via Zoom on the JFMC website.

• • • • • • • •

• Black History Month Dinner: Creole/Cajun Mardi Gras Dinner The Place of Black Lives in Plantation Tuesday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m.

• Jazz Ensemble Black History Tribute: Iconic Museums Jazz Greats Thursday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 16, TBA Black Cultural Jeopardy • The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Monday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m.

Our Song – Part One | Black History Month: Caribbean Lunch Wednesday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 9, 11 a.m.

• James Monroe Museum: New History at FuncSoul Beyoncé Dance Class Highland Tuesday, Feb. 9 7:30p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18, TBA 2021 Black History Month Keynote Speaker: • History of Hip-Hop and Shoe Culture Judge Kerwin A. Miller, Sr. Monday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

• Black History Month: African Cuisine Dinner What is it like Being Black at UMW? | Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11, 6 p.m.

• The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Trap N’ Zumba Our Song – Part Two Friday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 5 p.m.

Human Rights Film Series: John Lewis: Good • R&Bingo Trouble Friday, Feb. 26 | 6 p.m. | Zoom – Register here Monday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m.

The Blue & Gray Press @theBlueandGray

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NEWS

POLICE BEAT JESS KIRBY & JOSEPHINE JOHNSON News Editors

Possession of firearm

On November 20 at 2 p.m. one person was arrested for reckless handle of a firearm in parking lot #35.

Petit larceny Between November 20 and January 30 at 12:00 p.m. there was an incident of petit larceny in Randolph Hall. This case is pending.

Between November 20 and January 30 at 4:00 p.m. there was an incident of petit larceny in Randolph Hall. This case is pending.

Larceny Between November 12 and November 13 at 4:15 p.m. there was a sign stolen from Eagle Landing. This case is pending.

On November 12 at 6:00 p.m. a sign was stolen from Eagle Landing. This case is pending.

Future of January term is unclear, despite this year’s success SHAWN FLEETWOOD staff Writer

Prior to students’ return to campus for spring 2021, the University of Mary Washington hosted its firstever January term, or J-term. The condensed, three-week semester provided students with the opportunity to earn needed credit hours, while also offering a variety of courses not typically available during the regular fall and spring semesters.

According to Paul Messplay, the vice president for administration and finance and chief financial officer, the success of the January term exceeded expectations, with the shortened semester generating a total revenue of $395,566. “We have been pleasantly surprised by the success of the J-term,” he said. “Since this was a new offering, we really didn’t know what to expect.”

Messplay also detailed how the profits from the J-term will be spent, with $163,000 going towards paying faculty members. “The remaining net revenue from the J-term will be used for extraordinary expenses being incurred by the university in managing the pandemic, such as the additional COVID testing we will be doing during the spring semester,” he said.

The January term cost the University less than a typical semester, according to Messplay. This is primarily due to the lack of usage of university utilities.

In-state undergraduate students were charged $335 per credit hour, while out-of-state undergraduates were charged $1,016 per credit hour. For graduate students, in-state residents were charged $482 per credit hour, while out-of-state residents were charged $1,022 per credit hour. There were also additional costs related to student billing, records administration, financial aid, payroll and other administrative support.

In addition to the financial success of the term, participating faculty members viewed the semester as a great opportunity for both professors and students.

“I saw it as an opportunity to teach a class I really like that I haven’t had a chance to teach for a while,” said professor Zach Whalen, who taught the course Games and Culture. “I’m proud of the course I was able to put together for my students, and I think they appreciated it and ended up learning a lot.” Whalen added that he was in favor of having the J-term and would

“I got an internship with Campus Recreation, and I wanted to leave more room for that in the spring semester, so taking a course with J-term seemed like the best option for that,” said Percherke. “I would recommend taking a J-term because it gives students more space to breathe for the following semester to work on something else like mental health, a job, or to take more time with other classes.”

Junior and communication and digital studies major Malia Washington said that she would take another J-term class if courses that relate to her major are offered.“It was a great way to stay busy while also taking a three-credit class in the span of three weeks,” she said.

There are, however, challenges to having a January term in the future.

During a Board of Visitors meeting on Jan. 20, University Provost Nina Mikhalevsky detailed how the level of interest among faculty and faculty contract issues could lead to difficulty when planning future winter semesters.

“The interesting question now is going to be the faculty and whether the faculty want to continue and the degree to which we can support that decision,” she said during the meeting. “I can tell you the major obstacle to improving a permanent J-term is actually faculty contract dates [...] And if we have a J-term, we will actually have to alter faculty contract dates. That is going to require significant handbook changes.”

Further deliberation of potential future January terms will be heard at the University Faculty Council meeting next month.

Despite the J-term’s financial success, faculty contract dates complicate the possibility of having another winter term in the future.

University of Mary Washington

New procedures for spring 2021 •NEW Procedures | 2 have been encouraged to get tested at one of the many Rappahannock Area Health District clinics,” said McClurken.

UMW also has a page that includes data on covid cases occurring on campus. Students are able to view how many entry tests, self-reports, SHC tests and cases are recorded cumulatively from Jan. 1 to the end of the semester.

Students who test positive at an entry, prevalence or exit test will be given a PCR test, and will be relocated to either

Thursday, February 4, 2021

consider teaching for one in the future.

Assistant professor Dr. Adria Goldman, who co-taught Professional Communication with Dr. Emily Crosby and was neutral on having a J-term, discussed how students were able to get a lot out of the course in such a short period of time.

“Having advised Communication and Digital Studies (CDS) students looking for major electives and who expressed interest in J-term, as some were trying to graduate early, it was also nice being able to add to the course offerings,” Goldman said. “We had a very engaging group. There was great discussion and group work. So, in addition to learning from the course instructors, the students also learned from each other. Dr. Crosby and I were impressed with their work.”

While both professors saw the experience as a positive one, both caution that the condensed semester requires intense focus and dedication.

“J-term is a cool opportunity to take a course in between normal semesters and fulfill another requirement towards your degree,” said Goldman. “But the course load is intense. Make sure you are comfortable with the decision and, if so, that you’re willing to devote time and effort. It takes a great deal of dedication, self-motivation, responsibility, and time management.”

Feedback regarding the January term has also been very positive from participating students. Junior English major Victoria Percherke stated that taking a class during J-term was beneficial in helping free up her spring semester schedule.

an off or on campus site reserved for isolation purposes.

Students who experience symptoms of the virus while on campus are advised to contact the Student Health Center immediately. Soon after they contact the health center, attend a telehealth appointment, and are approved for symptomatic testing, they will be relocated to Marshall Hall for an administered rapid antigen test.

If students are reported as negative but are still experiencing a high level of symptoms, they will be given a PCR test

and will be relocated in order to isolate.

If students are reported as positive they will be redirected to a space to be isolated.

According to UMW’s Covid care coordinator, Elizabeth Southern, there are four dorms available for students who need to isolate or quarantine on campus. Two of them are for students who need to isolate, and two are for students who need to quarantine.

Students will not be able to decide where they get to stay during their period of isolation or quarantine.

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SPORTS

Editor: Victoria R. Percherke | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Campus Recreation begins the new semester with new, COVID-safe changes KATE SOVERO Staff Writer

There is now a 20-person maximum capacity for those who want to work out. Simply show up with a mask and a green student health survey from that day,” said Pope.

The Fitness Center plans to reopen for the Spring 2021 semester on Monday Feb. 7 with the following

The department plans to change the available equipment offered in the fitness center on a weekly basis to keep Due to student and staff evaluations from the fall everything fresh and clean while allowing students and 2020 semester, Campus Recreation has made a few staff to try new machines each time they go. In addition, changes regarding the activities and amenities they patrons are asked to clean any equipment they use offer. during their workouts — a change During the fall 2020 semester, from last semester, when the Campus Campus Recreation offered Recreation staff were in charge of reservation hours that allowed cleaning. students to sign up for time slots “Each person will be given a bottle to use the fitness center. Those of cleaner and a rag to wipe down any reservations have been eliminated. piece of equipment they use instead Students like Grant Cragg, of cleaning wipes located throughout a junior communication and the gym. This will allow our staff to digital studies major on the men’s monitor the weight floor and ensure lacrosse team, said that needing to that each member of our community reserve a spot at the Fitness Center is doing their part to keep the gym deterred him from working out at clean,” said Pope.

UMW. Cragg chose to get a gym Similar to the fall 2020 semester, membership off-campus instead. some regular campus recreation “I have always planned going offerings will still be put on hold to the gym around my school and for the first few weeks of in person work schedule and never plan it in classes. Campus Rec will be advance,” Cragg said. “Trying to reevaluating the status of the Goolrick reserve an hour at the last minute recreational spaces on a weekly basis. never worked out so I decided to get Group classes are currently virtual, an off campus gym membership so but some classes will shift to inThe fitness center will make its reopening, February the 7th, 2021.

University of Mary Washington I could go whenever I had time.” person beginning Feb. 8, according Campus Recreation graduate coordinator, Caleigh hours which differ from last semester based on patterns to Pope. She also hopes to have more intramural sports Pope said that Campus Recreation took that feedback of use in the fall. available and the group fitness instructor prep class from students into account in removing the reservation The new hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays available later in the semester. hours. through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 Campus Recreation also hopes to have club sports “We had feedback from students that let us know a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. back in the auxiliary gym, the main gym and on the that the process of creating a reservation was keeping For a safer experience, Campus Recreation properly Campus Rec field. When that happens, requirements them away from the gym, so we wanted to streamline distanced and changed the equipment arrangements. like masks and limited numbers of people at practices the process! will be in place.

Student athletes respond to the cancelation of winter sports EMILY WARREN Staff Writer

On Jan. 22, UMW released a statement canceling the remainder of fall and winter sport competitions for the 2021 academic year. The cancelation was deemed necessary due to the health concerns of the surrounding region. Many athletic teams at UMW, including the women’s basketball team, have been affected due to this cancellation.

The women’s basketball team has already seen their season cut in half due to University’s COVID-19 regulations, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) protocols and Coast 2 Coast conference regulations. The team now has limited game play with their normal three hour practices cut down to one hour. This new update to the fall and winter sports have cancelled the rest of the games the team would have played this spring 2021 semester, which would have consisted of about two to three

games a week during a regular season.

The restrictions have also limited the number of players at practice — the team was initially unable to share the same basketball at all, though balls can now be shared by family units. Because the 16 members of the women’s basketball team were not allowed to practice together this season, team bonding was very difficult.

“The news of cancelling our season has hurt many of us, especially our seniors. Our team was willing to do anything to be able to play even a few games this semester,” said junior business administration major Emily Shively. “Many of us have been playing basketball for over half of our lives and no one is going overseas or in the WNBA, so college is our last chance to play the sport we love at a highly competitive level.”

For many athletes, including the basketball team, they chose to attend UMW so that they could continue playing the sport they love for another four years. The cancelation of the season has taken away from the limited time these athletes have left to participate in the sport they dedicate so much of their time and life to.

“For the girls on the team, I’m sure it’s never fun to hear that you can’t play the game you love most. That being said, everyone just wants to stay healthy and safe, so whatever those decisions and precautions, they come with an understanding,” said senior sociology major and team manager Tessa Stern. “For me personally, I was sad because I have been a manager of this team since my freshman year.

The women’s basketball team plans on finishing the season with safe practices.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Nothing beats the feeling and excitement of game day when I have watched and been a part of the team

“For the girls on the team, I’m sure it’s never fun to hear that you can’t play the game you love most.”

- Tessa Stern for years. The energy [at games] from the team, managers, and coaches is always unbeatable.”

The University will allow fall and winter sports to continue to have organized practices as long as they follow UMW’s monitoring, masking, distancing and cleaning (MMDC) protocols. The University has stated that the Athletic Department will be working to prepare to allow sports teams to begin practice on February 15 adhering to NCAA and Coast 2 Coast guidelines that will allow for safe gatherings.

Christopher Newport University, who is also in the same Coast 2 Coast conference as UMW, has some of their sports teams scheduled to compete in the upcoming weeks. Likewise, a local Virginia sports conference, Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), has been allowing athletes to compete in the recent weeks. “[The news about the season] made me feel terrible for the women who worked so hard to prepare for a chance to feel like themselves for the first time in a year. I want everyone to be safe and healthy so it’s just tough on all fronts to try to emotionally get to a good place about it,” said sophomore sociology major and team manager Hannah Abraham.

Shively said that the team plans on moving forward with the allowed practices for three weeks. She, along with other members of the women’s basketball team, plan on attending every practice that the university allows. They are still looking forward to making the best out of the small amount of time they have left as athletes at UMW.

UMW Athletics

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