THE
The University of Mary Washington Student Newspaper
BLUE & GRAY PRESS VOLUME 95 | ISSUE 2
Serving the community since 1922
SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
$473,000 rebranding initiative met with mixed reactions from students
Cindy ly Staff Writer
After an estimated $473,000 rebranding effort by MindPower, an Atlantabased branding agency, UMW changed the logo and branding of the entire university over the summer of 2021. According to Malcolm Holmes, the director of University Marketing, “the estimated new costs directly related to the external brand rollout include $300,000 for the media buy; $100,000 for creative advertising development and production; and $45,000 for account management, trafficking, and reporting.” “In addition, we have spent approximately $28,000 on banners for all three campuses (including production/printing costs, hardware, freight and
“Over time, products, services, and offerings will come and go, but the essence of the brand—the identity of the university—remains the same,” he said. “I anticipate this concept will be in place for several years and gain recognition over time.” Holmes added that “great brands create a culture, one in which people recognize themselves and gain a sense of belonging to something bigger. ‘Matter’ is a guiding light for the stories and images we use to promote the university. But more importantly, it guides how we treat and speak to each other daily. As members of the UMW community, we are all representatives of the brand. We all matter!” On Aug. 23, the University hosted a pep rally on Ball Circle to welcome students on their first day of classes
The new logo features an accented “of” alongside the letters of the university. University of Mary Washington
installation costs), the pep rally on the first day of classes, t-shirts and other promotional
“Over time, products, services, and offerings will come and go, but the essence of the brand—the identity of the university— remains the same,” -Malcolm Holmes items that have been distributed internally,” Holmes added. Holmes said he is confident that the new rebranding concept will be in place for several years.
IN THIS
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and promote the new UMW branding. “Additional student-focused events and activities will be scheduled throughout the academic year,” said Holmes. “One of the most visible will be a Mental Health Matters campaign in conjunction with the Talley Center in September in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month.” In response to students who do not completely agree with the new rebranding project, Holmes explained that “the UMW brand is so much more than a logo or a tagline. Our brand resonates from our ASPIRE values. It is a promise
The new “Matters” campain replaces the old ASPIRE values on the light pole banner. Josephine Johnson / The Blue & Gray Press
that creates an expectation that we must deliver on, and it is a claim of distinction that sets us apart from other colleges and universities.” According to the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, there was a shift in student demographics last year due to the pandemic. There has been a delay in the enrollment process for many students. Some of them have been taking virtual classes from home to save on the room and board expenses and are waiting until they are ready to go back to college. For regional universities with smaller pools of students like UMW, this poses an enrollment challenge. “Colleges and universities are competing for smaller pools of college-bound high school graduates,” said Holmes. There have been mixed student responses to the school’s new rebranding. “I think the school is rebranding because it could be in line with all the new renovations happening on campus,” said junior sociology major Zoe Forino. “I feel like the rebranding came out of the blue. I’m still getting used to the font and I’m still not quite sure why the school changed it.” Kyle Close, a senior business administration major, said he understands UMW’s need for rebranding. “The rebranding, to me, is a way UMW can maintain its values and help provide direction to students and faculty
about what it means to be a part of the UMW community,” said Close. Close said that, as a transfer student, marketing was not a factor when making his decision to transfer to UMW. “I doubt it would have influenced it one way or another,” Close added. “[However], I like the new flag and concept because I feel as if UMW is following through with its principles and values.” Amethyst Ralls, a junior marketing major, mentioned that she likes the new flags. “The colorful flags look a lot better than ASPIRE,” said Ralls. “The logo isn’t really a logo. It is more of a wordmark.” When asked if Ralls wanted to change anything about the logo, she offered her recommendations. “I would have used one of
the ‘widgets,’ most likely the bell tower one as the new icon or an updated eagle logo.”
“I would have used one of the ‘widgets,’ most likely the bell tower one as the new icon or an updated eagle logo.” -Amythyst Ralls Like Close, Ralls agreed that she is more interested in the meaning behind the marketing concept than its appearance. “I think I was more interested in what was behind all the flashy marketing. It definitely helps with better colors, but I think that it isn’t the logo and branding that would make me choose a college,” Ralls added.
Students have mixed reactions to the new changes. Josephine Johnson / The Blue & Gray Press
BRAND critique
taco tuesday
NEW RULES
University rebranding mimics Black Lives Matter logo.
Students debate over best Mexican food.
Athletic department discusses fall sports regulations.
VIEWPOINTS | 3
LIFE | 4
SPORTS | 8
NEWS 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 Jess Kirby
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Bernadette D’Auria Cosima Pellis
BUSINESS EDITOR Erin Matuczinski
SECTION EDITORS NEWS Scotti Mullen Josephine Johnson
VIEWPOINTS Norah Walsh
LIFE Josephine Good
SPORTS
Editors: Josephine Johnson & Scotti Mullen | blueandgray.news@gmail.com
Most study abroad programs return during fall 2021 semester
jean mondoro Senior Writer
Study abroad programs are returning after being postponed due to the pandemic. “[The Center for International Education] followed UMW decisions to allow sponsored travel for all, that is, faculty, staff and students,” said Dr. Jose Sainz, director of the Center for International Education. “The decision has taken into consideration the improved health and safety conditions in several countries, greatly expanded access to COVID-19 vaccines and careful planning with our international partners.” The return of these international trips adheres to the Return to Campus Fall 2021 Plan. The safety protocols in place are set by the countries to which students and faculty are traveling. “For instance, in many cases, students need to show proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test upon flying to their destination abroad,” said Sainz. “Many programs and universities are only hosting foreign students who are fully vaccinated.” Despite the return of study abroad for UMW, trips to Australia have been canceled completely because the country has stopped taking visitors in due to COVID. “I was supposed to study abroad in Australia fall 2021, which was then postponed to spring 2022,” said Josephine Good, a junior international business major. “Within the last few days, I received an email saying I will not be going to Australia. Sydney specifically is having a huge
Study abroad programs are opening back up after many being canceled during the pandemic. @umwcie / Instagram
second wave of COVID. It’s tragic, it really is.” UMW study abroad
“Within the last few days, I received an email saying I will not be going to Australia. Sydney specifically is having a huge second wave of COVID. It’s tragic, it really is.” -Josephine Good programs provide a wide variety of international experiences and immersion opportunities. These trips have received positive feedback from many students who have gone on to work in or volunteer with the Center for International Education (CIE). Sammi Sisk, a senior international affairs and religious studies major and student employee for
Victoria Percherke
ONLINE Cameron Delean Maggie Mae Young
PHOTO Emily Warren
FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian
UMW’s Center for International Education at Club Carnival. @umwcie / Instagram
CIE, attended the Lingnan exchange program in Hong Kong in 2018, but her plans to join UMW in Japan were canceled because of COVID. “Those experiences helped me grow as a more independent and selfsufficient person,” said Sisk. “The best moments of my study abroad trip were the people I met and the exposure to a culture outside of my own.” Senior international affairs major Xavier Gillett also had positive experiences studying abroad. “Over the course of my time at Mary Wash, I’ve been on two faculty-led study abroad trips,” Gillett said. “My first was the UMW in London program, and my second was the UMW in Guatemala program. Both were extremely insightful and overall amazing experiences that I haven’t been able to stop talking about since I came back.” During the spring 2020 semester, study abroad programs were postponed indefinitely because of safety concerns during the pandemic. “I believe that studying abroad is an eye-opening and enriching opportunity to live, learn and explore the world, so it was difficult not being able to make that happen for students in my capacity as a peer advisor at the CIE,” said Gillett. Even as COVID put these trips on hold, students continued to appreciate the opportunities the programs had to offer. “Despite COVID, I was able to attend my program, but I had to abide by both American and Korean law,
so I had to quarantine and follow extra precautions that were in place, but they were not so different from what I was used to,” said junior biomedical sciences major Molly Newman. “Overall, one of the best experiences I have ever had.” Many students are excited that the University and the Center for International Education have brought back study abroad programs. “I’m so excited to see that study abroad is opening up and that more and more students are beginning
“Despite COVID, I was able to attend my program, but I had to abide by both American and Korean law, so I had to quarantine and follow extra precautions that were in place, but they were not so different from what I was used to.” -Molly Newman to sign up for these trips again!” said Sisk. “I hope that more students continue to go abroad, as everyone’s experience is completely unique, and traveling in general can help you discover so much about yourself.” Gillet agrees. “Now that education abroad opportunities are fully open to students, I’m looking forward to seeing my fellow students getting back out into the world!” Gillett said. “I’m most excited for everyone’s cool Instagram posts.”
CORRECTIONS for THE Week PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Jess Kirby, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu
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Thursday, September 9, 2021
VIEWPOINTS
Editor: Norah Walsh | blueandgray.views@gmail.com
Letter to the Editor: Rebranding appropriates BLM logo In late August, UMW announced the results of a two-year rebranding effort, revealing a marketing campaign around the word “matters,” with stickers and signage like “Liberal Arts Matter” and “Community Matters” placed around campus. I was not the first or only alumnus to express immediate and utter disbelief that an “[Insert Term] Matters” marketing campaign would launch anywhere, much less a higher-ed institution, just a year after the “Black Lives Matter” movement gained such steam. And yet, here we are, with the University not only appropriating the term, but also the visual stylings of the Black Lives Matter logo. [The included image superimposes a UMW sticker on the BLM logo for comparison; they share similar fonts, weights, spacing, capitalization and even central-underline-styling.] I’ll be honest: had I been polled two years ago when discussions around this campaign for UMW started, I might’ve been supportive of the idea, too. I knew far too little of the Black Lives Matter movement. I hadn’t learned how detrimental a phrase like “All Lives Matter” could be. But the critical thing is that I learned. Academia, and even corporate America, learned. In fact, almost every single corporation that jumped on the “[Insert Term] Matter” marketing bandwagon almost immediately jumped off in the face of swift backlash. It was not unique, it was not ap-
Banners around campus advertise the university’s rebranding. Cosima Pellis / The Blue & Gray Press
The new branding for the University of Mary Washington mimics that of the Black Lives Matter movement. Photo courtesy of Will Copps
propriate and it was detrimental to a movement that mattered far more than those brands. We’ve all seen discussions in the news, and in Fredericksburg, around institutions grappling with further change—team names, statues, buildings and more that they viewed as key parts of their traditions and history. Those conversations were hard. A generic UMW marketing campaign is not, and never will be, a key part of its history. This conversation is not hard. Yet the administration insists on making it so by citing a “history”
of two years of focus groups as justification to launch this campaign—utterly disregarding the real history of hundreds of years of Black lives and struggles in America. If the University really wants to be so myopic that they must only look internally, maybe they should focus instead on their real “history”—the history of diversity problems that had long plagued UMW even 14 years ago when I was Editor-in-Chief of this very paper. UMW: this marketing campaign is cheap, it’s manipulative and it dilutes the voice of a minority that UMW so consistently fails to represent. It’s a throw-away campaign idea that needs to actually be thrown away, right now. It makes me embarrassed and ashamed to be an alumnus of a school I’ve been so proud of. I am calling for the UMW administration to immediately halt the use of this offensive campaign in all promotional materials and to issue a statement of acknowledgment that it will try to do better. Show your students that you are as capable of learning and growing as you expect them to be. If you care to join me, please e-mail president@umw.edu to let the administration know. Will Copps ‘08 Former Editor-in-Chief of The Blue & Gray Press
The Black Lives Matter protests gained intensiy during the summer of 2020. Josh Hild / Unsplash
The new banners state nouns such as “community,” “honor” and “respect” followed by the word “matters.” Cosima Pellis / The Blue & Gray Press
t
Staff Ed: Texas abortion law revokes a woman’s right to choose On May 19, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbot signed legislation prohibiting abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. This legislation went into effect on Sept. 1 and is being met with criticism and backlash beyond its Texas boundary. Overall, the immediate question that this legislation asks is what type of precedent will it set for other states, including Virginia. As the editorial staff of The Blue & Gray Press, we stand against this legislation and join the voices of those who are concerned about where this legislation can lead Virginia. Senate Bill 8 grants almost all private citizens the ability to sue abortion providers and those who offer aid and assistance to those seeking abortions. In accordance with the bill, these suits can only be filed after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The bill does not account for instances of rape or incest; abortion providers and those who
Thursday, September 9, 2021
THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD
“aid and abet” those seeking abortion can still be met with a lawsuit against them under these circumstances. While the simple response for many Americans who remain indifferent or neutral on the prolife versus pro-choice argument would be to seek an abortion prior to a fetal heartbeat detection, many pregnancies have medical professionals detecting a heartbeat during the sixth week. Many women are not aware of their pregnancy status until the fourth week, some even later, leaving them little time to make a decision and schedule an appointment under the new law. As a result, abortions in Texas have been practically banned under the legislation. One of the most frightening aspects of this bill is how it was able to be passed in the first place. Since Roe v. Wade, many states
have attempted to restrict access to abortion early on in pregnancy, but none have been as successful as what is being seen in Texas. Other states have sought to limit and ban access to abortion by enforcing their statutes through criminal charges. Unlike those attempts to restrict abortion access, the Texas legislation relies on individuals suing abortion providers over alleged violations of the law. The legislation was met with pushback by many pro-choice activists and women’s health clinics. They presented their case to the Supreme Court in hopes of receiving an emergency appeal but in a 5-4 decision, were blocked from emergency relief. As of right now, the law is being upheld in Texas. What is happening in Texas is worrying for the rest of the nation, including Virginia. Despite being a more liberal state within the last
decade, Virginia still has restrictions regarding abortions. As of Jan. 1, 2021, parents of a minor must consent and be notified before an abortion is provided, abortion is only covered in insurance policies for public employees under dire circumstances (rape, incest, life endangerment, fetal impairment) and health plans offered in the state’s health exchange under the Affordable Care Act are only able to cover abortion in cases of rape, incest or life endangerment. While Virginia’s restrictions are liberal in comparison to Texas’s, the precedent being set in Texas is worrying for what other restrictions could eventually be implemented down the line. Ultimately, it is crucial that pro-choice groups in and outside of Texas continue to push back against a bill that aims to restrict the rights of women and their autonomy over their bodies and lives.
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LIFE
Editor: Josephine Good | blueandgray.life@gmail.com
Students review their taco Tuesday favorite restaurants
SUMMER ALLEN Staff Writer
With the first week of classes out of the way, students are settling into their normal schedules. This is about the time when students are finding their friends, going out and exploring Fredericksburg. With Fredericksburg being such a major city, it is almost impossible to explore everywhere in such a short amount of time. “I didn’t even know where to start exploring,” said senior business administration major Sam Stachowiak.
Mexican restaurants with her friends. “I know a ton of people who go to Soup and Taco. It is always so packed; that’s why I started exploring
“Maybe I am biased, but I just have so many memories with my friends at Soup and Taco 1.” -Sam Stachowiak
others,” she said. There are four common Mexican restaurants in Fredericksburg: Soup and Taco 1, Soup and Taco 2, Rey Azteca and Pueblo’s. All four restaurants are no more than a mile away from the UMW campus. Soup and Taco 1 is located on Caroline Street in downtown Fredericksburg. Their outdoor seating is limited but you can enjoy their special deals they offer for Taco Tuesday nights. Soup and Taco 2 is located on William Street in downtown Fredericksburg where students can enjoy dining The original Soup and Taco is located in downtown Fredericksburg. Jilllian Lawrence / The Blue & Gray Press outside on their outdoor patio. Most students leave campus with Their specials include new dishes the intention of finding food that from Mexico, El Salvador, Venezuela differs from the UC. and Peru. “Taco Tuesday is my favorite Pueblo’s Tex Mex Grill is located friend tradition, my friends and on Jefferson Davis Highway. Its I go get tacos at Soup and Taco; large menu and excellent service has we always have a blast,” said Aria kept them in business for 10 years, Janello, a senior sociology major. and they have plans to expand this restaurant to Chantilly, Va. Also located on Jefferson Davis Highway is Rey Azteca Mexican Restaurant. Rey Azteca is known for their family recipes. They are also known for their fajitas specials on Friday nights. Rey Azteca is Levin’s favorite restaurant. Her favorite thing about the restaurant is their salsa and their large menu. The last time she was there she ordered street tacos, and “they were really Soup and Taco 2 is a popular place to eat for UMW students. Jillian Lawrence / The Blue & Gray Press yummy for a good price.” Maya Levin, a senior political Soup and Taco 1 is Stachowiak’s science major, also frequents favorite restaurant. She recommends
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Levin, Stachowiak and Janello all recall being car-less their freshman year, which limited where they could venture into downtown Fredericksburg. “I remember walking to and from the grocery store, and it was horrible, but I still did it,” said Janello. “When we found out about Soup and Taco and how close it was, we [realized we] could walk there whenever we wanted to.” Even as sophomores, Pueblo’s Tex Mex Grill is another common eatery for students. juniors and Cosima Pellis / The Blue & Gray Press seniors, all three the steak quesadillas; however, she still frequent admits that the chicken enchiladas at those Mexican restaurants. Of Pueblo’s and Rey Azteca are also to course, there are other restaurants die for. Janello and her friends rotate “All of them are really good restaurants, as they go out on options, it’s fun to rotate them Tuesday nights as a tradition. and get a change of scenery.” “I like them all,” she said. “All of them are really good options, it’s fun -Aria Janello to rotate them and get a change of scenery. Even though I cannot pick a favorite restaurant, my favorite and fast food places to choose from, dishes are the carnitas tacos from but Mexican food seems to be the hot Soup and Taco 2 and the salsa from spot for many students at UMW. Rey Azteca.” According to Google, When asked whether they Pueblo’s Restaurant has a 4.3 star recommend Soup and Taco 1 or Soup rating. Soup and Taco 1 and 2 follow and Taco 2, Stachowiak chose Soup with a 4.5 star rating, while Rey and Taco 1. Azteca holds a steady 4.3 star rating.
Rey Azteca is located next to the UMW campus. Scotti Mullen / The Blue & Gray Press
“Maybe I am biased, but I just have so many memories with my friends at Soup and Taco 1,” she said. While Fredericksburg is crawling with food and entertainment, students often find pleasure in the little things while in college. Specials and deals on meals at the Mexican restaurants have been very cost effective for students and worth their while.
All of these restaurants are top five when you search Mexican restaurants in Fredericksburg, Va. So, if you’re bored and hungry on a Tuesday night, have your own Taco Tuesday and go enjoy the Mexican restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg!
Thursday, September 9, 2021
LIFE
Three students considered taking a gap year: where are they now?
NIYAH YISRAEL Staff Writer
The pandemic and the switch to online learning shifted students’ entire lifestyles. Before this fall, the first majority-in-person semester since COVID hit, some students contemplated their own return to campus. Here are the stories of three students as they decided whether or not to return to campus. Ayana Jefferson, a current senior majoring in biology, was a second-semester sophomore when the pandemic first hit in March of 2020. That is when the idea of taking a break first entered her mind. “[Online learning] hit me like a train,” Jefferson said. “I thought to myself that I was going to definitely take a gap year. If it was going to be me staying online ... it’s just not for me.” The shift to online learning was a culture shock, especially for majors that require an extensive amount of hands-on activity. Maintaining that level of work at home becomes harder with other distractions and a lack of accountability. ”I wasn’t engaged,” said Jefferson. “I just felt really detached and [had] a low level of wanting to work. I didn’t have any push or drive. I felt I had to teach myself.” Since Jefferson worked throughout the pandemic, she had a plan in case she decided to take a gap year. “I was working while [COVID restrictions were high],” she said. “I would just continue with that, honestly save up money and get more experience, which is really good for biology. [I would have] possibly volunteered.” But, with the promise of in-person classes, Jefferson decided to stay and finish out her time at UMW. “I’m a senior; I just wanted to finish up,” she said. “I don’t really have any regrets. I feel comfortable. I do my part to stay safe for myself. I’m a lot happier being back on campus.” Another student, Tiya Jeffreys, who was a junior sociology major at UMW, made the decision to take that gap year, even though it was not her original plan. “[I did not plan on taking a gap year] because I kind
of wanted to get stuff out of the way and see where I would end up,” she said. After some thought, she ultimately decided “‘I probably need to take a break from this,’ especially as an RA dealing with other people’s problems and not having anyone to deal with mine.” In contrast to Jefferson, Jeffreys actually enjoyed online classes, so that was not a reason for her leaving. “I actually enjoyed online learning a little more than I probably should have,” said Jeffreys. “It wasn’t as stressful when it came to ‘oh I have to be visible to people.’ If I say something, I don’t really worry about
Classes being place online had both pros and cons.. Chris Montgomery / Unsplash
how I am being looked at, like the tiny little things that kind of stay in the back of your mind.” For Jeffreys, the pandemic allowed her to take a closer look at her own life and role as a student. Her lack of self-care was the last straw. “[I had] multiple breakdowns during [spring] semester,” she said. “I realized I was not taking care of myself as much as I should’ve been, and maybe I needed to step back and stop trying to go along with the typical standard four-year pace and just find my own way to get to where I want to go.” Since leaving the university, Jeffreys’ plan has been
successful. “[I wanted] to get a full-time job, which I recently did, and just establish myself financially, probably start saving up to get my own place and doing more out-inthe-world type things,” she said. “I feel so much better; I’m trying to get my life together instead of worrying about school.” As for plans for the future, college is still an option, but probably not at UMW. “I do plan on finishing,” she said. “I don’t have that much farther to go, so I mean why not finish? At UMW specifically? Probably not. I’ll probably transfer or just take it class by class if I can.” While Jefferson and Jeffreys are both confident in their decisions, another student, Gynger Adams, is more conflicted. Adams is a current senior double majoring in art history and religion. Her reasoning for considering a gap year had little to do with online learning and all to do with the pandemic. “The pandemic is killing people, and I didn’t want to be one of those people,” she said. Her trust in the University’s ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19 was low. “[UMW has] a shoddy medical thing going on,” she said. “The number of times stomach bugs and stuff have gone around here [and] nothing’s done and everybody catches it ... I just didn’t trust them with my safety.” Though she was concerned about her safety from COVID-19, she decided to return to campus, not only because of her classes being instructed face-to-face, but as a means to have a space to herself as well. “Living with my family during the pandemic was rough, and I just need my own space to get work done and just be me,” she said. “It’s a lot easier here than at home.” The COVID-19 pandemic has altered plans for many students. Although these students ended up on different paths, they each took time to figure out what decision would be best for their own wellbeing, whether or not that included returning to UMW.
Fredericksburg fights a different kind of epidemic: littering GRACE SCHUMACHER Staff Writer
As the weather improves and college students venture onto campus and into the city of Fredericksburg, it is hard to ignore that things look a little different. A little… dirtier. This growing litter issue has been sneaking up on the residents of Fredericksburg for quite a while and is something that needs to be addressed. “It seems almost impossible lately to take a step in any direction without running into a stray disposable mask or plastic bag,” said junior environmental geology major Claire Bradley. “Garbage is freaking everywhere!”
Students often dispose of recyclable products in regular waste-bins. Eli Osbourne / The Blue & Gray Press
As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we are faced with a new epidemic: trash! Just drive or walk down any street and look off to the side. Fredericksburg’s roads and lawns are covered in plastic bottles, cans, takeout food packaging and other litter. Litter can best be described as any kind of trash thrown carelessly in small amounts, especially in locations where it doesn’t belong. Littered roadsides, streets and parks aren’t just unpleasant to look at—garbage
Thursday, September 9, 2021
dumped improperly is actually very harmful to the environment. “Plastics can exist for thousands of years or more on Earth,” said junior environmental conservation major MC Woodrum. “I just think it’s not worth littering at your convenience when that trash will stay there far past when we’re gone.” Litter is more than just an eyesore, it’s a noticeable issue around the world, including right here in Fredericksburg. While local officials and community clean-up groups have been putting in efforts to tackle this issue, littering is going to continue unless people are made aware of its impact. Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) is a Fredericksburg-based volunteer group with the goal of creating and sustaining a healthy and scenic Rappahannock area. FOR hosts annual “Rappahannock River Cleanups.” They supply equipment and trash bags for their volunteers, locate cleanup sites and even reserve dumpsters and trucks to remove the collected trash and debris. Kyle Close, a senior business administration major, is a COAR council leader and has been heading student cleanups in the city and along the river since Sept. 2020. The Environmental Awareness and Action program is partnered with FOR. Their most recent large-scale cleanup collaboration was at Old Mill Park on Aug. 28 where they collected over 140 pounds of trash. COAR is also hosting “Into the Streets,” another largescale student volunteer event on Sept. 18 that, among other things, will be about picking up trash. UMW students can find out more information by going to their MyUMW page and looking at the calendar of events. The University is also making efforts to lessen its carbon footprint and monitor its waste. As dining locations on campus have begun to lift some COVID restrictions and expand their hours of operation, restaurants on campus have begun to switch to plant-forward dining by eliminating plastic products and implementing paper bags and straws. “UMW seems to promote environmental awareness better than a lot of colleges,” said Close. “Students have
the ability to lead and carry out environmental initiatives with a good amount of support from the school. I think students do see trash around the community and are interested in finding ways to reduce it, which is why the cleanups have been popular.”
Among napkins and plastic products, masks are also being discarded incorrectly. Robin Ooode / Unsplash
UMW also has a lot of community partnerships that work on environmental stewardship and are regularly promoted. While becoming educated on the impact of littering is an important first step, in order to tackle the issue, the UMW community must continue recycling, participating in community cleanup events or simply waiting until a trash bin is nearby before disposing of trash. All of these are opportunities to work towards a cleaner, healthier environment and a more beautiful Fredericksburg.
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Some students notice work hours cut, increase in prices after minimum wage raise everywhere on campus is bad for students and possibly the university overall,” she said. “It seems like we are struggling, and people who work on campus have noticed.” The Virginia General Assembly passed the minimum wage increase in 2020, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. The same legislation mandates that the minimum wage increase from $9.50 to $11 in Jan. 2022, then to $12 in Jan. 2023.
TABITHA ROBINSON staff Writer
When Virginia’s minimum wage was raised to $9.50 per hour in May, UMW student employees saw their wages rise as well. While many students were happy with the raise, UMW’s budget cuts following the COVID-19 pandemic have had adverse effects on some employees. While the increase in the minimum wage had some effect on the budget cuts, COVID has made the biggest impact. “COVID has had a far greater impact on the university’s budget than the increase in the minimum wage,” said Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer Paul Messplay. “Although any additional expense in the university’s budget has its impact, there were no budget cuts specifically associated with the increase in the minimum wage.” Starting fall 2021, the gym’s hours of operations were cut. Bradlee Nicholls, a graduate student and graduate coordinator for facility operations at Campus Recreation, agrees that COVID was the main issue. “The money brought in during [2020] was not sufficient to support the school without budget cuts,” said Nicholls. “Overall, [the rise in minimum wage] is a great thing for UMW’s students. The only disappointing part
Minimum wage for UMW students has increased to $9.50 per hour, but some employers cut hours and raised retail prices. NeONBRAND / Unsplash
was that COVID happened Between COVID and the during the same time as the minimum wage increase, increase in minimum wage, UMW has had to choose as this has really hurt the where to raise prices and school, especially in certain where to cut hours. departments. If there was no COVID, the school would 100 “As an international percent be able to handle the student who can’t work increase in wages.” off campus due to visa Nicholls has also noticed effects on his hours. limitations, it really does “I have seen my hours get limit me to what I can do, cut,” he said. “The graduate work-wise, on campus.” coordinator position is supposed to be 20 hours per -Bradlee Nicholls week, and now I’m only working 15 hours per week. As an international student “At the gym we did have who can’t work off campus some budget cuts, and we are due to visa limitations, it making up for it by increasing really does limit me to what some prices for some of our I can do, work-wise, on offers,” said sophomore studio campus.” art and marketing double Some departments, such major Lauryn Taylor. “For as Campus Recreation, were example, if you wanted to impacted more than others. attend a cycling or yoga class
for one whole semester, it was $10 last year, but now it’s $25.” Kylie Jackson, a sophomore conservation biology major, has worked at Vocelli Pizza on campus for one year and has not noticed any changes. “Wages going up were nice, but then all the food prices went up, so it really made no difference,” she said. “Meal swipe prices are the same, but extras are more expensive: ice cream is a dollar more now. I never noticed anyone’s hours being cut.” Taylor appreciates the minimum wage increase, but fears for the university’s budget. “I think that the minimum wage raise is great for students with jobs on campus, but the budget cuts
“How is the school going to pay for the increase in wages without more budget cuts to other things?” -Marissa Lipp Marissa Lipp, a junior history major, holds three oncampus jobs. While she did not notice any adverse effects personally, she worries about the UMW’s budget. “How is the school going to pay for the increase in wages without more budget cuts to other things?” she said. Despite the adverse effects on some departments, Nicholls believes the increase in minimum wage will still help student employees. “I do know this will hurt the school more, but it will benefit the students,” said Nicholls.
COVID-19 DASHBOARD
42 Total cases since Sept. 7, 2021 23 Active cases
Thursday, September 9, 2021
2.57 7-day average cases per day 101 Student health center tests 8 Positive student health center tests
33 of 38 Isolation spaces available 81 of 82 Quarantine spaces available
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SPORTS
Editor: Victoria R. Percherke | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com
Student athletes balance sports, school and committing jobs University of Mary Student-athletes are responsible for getting future home, school loans and the possibility of VICTORIA R. PERCHERKE Sports Editor their school work done, balancing practices, graduate school. attending weight room sessions and competing “Working, swimming and school is definitely in competitions amongst other behind-the-scenes work. However, tough,” said Warren. “I am pretty exhausted all the time and tend to some of these student-athletes not only juggle the commitment of always be running from one thing to another. My schedule is always their sports—they also have off-campus jobs. hectic.” According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association The NCAA concluded that specifically student-athletes encounter (NCAA), “Social interactions and relationships often take a back a different type of stress-load than those who are not competing in a seat to the athletically related challenges and commitments.” college varsity sport. This can often lead to mental illnesses that go Senior soccer player and business marketing major Margot unnoticed by the individual simply because the athlete is too busy to Brown works as a cycling instructor at Sweat, a fitness center think about their own mental health. located in Central Park. Senior softball player and business administration major Caroline “I am still in the process of Bird is in the process of a year-long internship with Northrop “I’m making Grumman where she works on program scheduling and program connections with high- figuring [out my schedule],” said Brown. “I play a fall sport, finance. This job particularly is paving the way to her future by ranking people.” so [last spring] I had a lot of introducing Bird to learning valuable skill sets that she would not free time to just focus on school learn on the softball field or the classroom. -Caroline Bird and teaching. Now that I am in “I’m making connections with high-ranking people,” said Bird. season, I am picking up a few The NCAA article suggests that collegiate athletes shouldn’t hide classes here and there. After my soccer season, I will be back full their athletic experience from the professional world because it will time.” help the student stand out in a field of applicants. While Brown has a busy schedule, she reassures herself by stating that her “work” is her workout outside of soccer. Brown also added that she is an organized planner, so having a job doesn’t stress her out as much as some would assume. “There are those moments where I get into a little bit of a panic about having too much on my plate or face obstacles that control my thoughts and feelings,” she said. “Yet, in those situations I like to think optimistically about how minor this ‘panic’ is compared to what it could be. A recent article from Edvisors suggested that off-campus jobs require much more time than an on-campus job would require because of transportation, minimum requirement of working hours and employees who may not understand the stress of not only college, but competing as a college athlete. Senior swimmer and art major Emily Warren currently works at Sushi Kola, a sushi restaurant located in Central Park. Warren said that although that she is easily stressed by the demands of her busy Margot Brown teaching her cycle class at Sweat. Instagram / Margot Brown schedule, having a job is absolutely necessary when saving for a
The new rules and regulations for fall sports Visiting teams are able to request the The Department of Athletics and the GRANT CRAGG Staff Writer use of locker rooms in UMW facilities, but University Implementation Team have designed they must fgollow the university’s masking a plan to mitigate COVID-19 risks and make requirements. During competitions, visiting athletes and coaches competition possible for all student-athletes and spectators. are not required to wear masks. Now that the vaccine is available to all and most studentLast year, the UMW athletic training services implemented athletes have been vaccinated, the University has reevaluated guidelines for student-athletes and visitors in the training room. the testing protocol for varsity athletes. According to Assistant These rules have carried over for the current academic year. Athletic Director Caitlin Moore, vaccinated student-athletes Student-athletes are required to make appointments when needing are not required to test weekly. Students who are unvaccinated treatment and must be are required to test one time per week and will be tested within “The university has masked at all times when twenty-four hours prior to competition. “The university has accounted for about five percent of varsity accounted for about five in the athletic training athletes that have not received the vaccine,” said head athletic percent of varsity athletes room. The capacity within trainer Beth Druvenga. that have not recieved the the training room has UMW has set guidelines if a team member tests positive for vaccine.” been increased to 15 COVID. without social distancing “All unvaccinated individuals and coaches/staff/managers will requirements, and the likely be required to quarantine,” said Moore. “Fully vaccinated -Beth Druvenga varsity weight room is student-athletes will be required to test three to five days from available to all teams this year. The decision for masking depends exposure. While being masked during practices, competition and on the preferences of each coach. However, if multiple sports strength and conditioning sessions. Once all vaccinated team teams are in the weight room at one time, all athletes must be members have a negative test they may resume as normal.” masked. As for spectators watching their fellow Eagles, outdoor games Druvenga said that the change in the training room capacity will be open to the public. For indoor sporting games, visitors will benefit student-athletes. will be expected to wear masks. Athletic events will also be live“We are actually able to have more people in our facility this streamed through the UMW athletics website. year than we were last year, which is nicer so we can treat more student-athletes,” she said. Kenny Kurtz, a senior on the men’s soccer team, is excited to have a more normal season. “This 2021/2022 season so far has felt back to normal in a lot of ways,” he said. “Being able to get back out onto the field and compete this year definitely helps make things feel normal again. Participating in an outdoor sport definitely has its perks since we are able to practice without our masks now.” Druvenga is looking forward to bringing fall and winter athletics back on the home field and courts. “I’m excited that we are having fall and winter competition this year, I think it is great that we got to have spring sports last year, but our fall and winter teams really missed out so I’m excited to get them back on the field,” said Druvenga. Varsity men’s soccer celebrating a victory.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
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Fall Sports Schedule and Scores
Men’s Soccer (2-0)
Sept. 4 W vs. Mary Baldwin (2-0) Sept. 5 W vs. N.C. Wesleyan (1-0) Sept. 8 @ Shenandoah Sept. 11 @ John’s Hopkins Sept. 15 @ Hood
Women’s Soccer (1-2)
Sept. 5 L @ John’s Hopkins (0-4) Sept. 8 W vs. Randolph-Macon (1-0) Sept. 11 vs. Messiah Sept. 18 @ V.A. Wesleyan Sept 22 @ Washington and Lee
Men’s Rugby
Sept. 18 vs North Carolina Sept. 25 @ Southern V.A. Oct. 2 @ Maryland Oct. 16 vs. Virginia Tech Oct. 23 vs. Mount St. Mary’s
Cross Country
Sept. 4 @ Richmond Sept. 18 @ Christopher Newport Sept. 25 @ Shenandoah Oct. 2 @ Bridgewater Oct. 16 @ Hood
Field Hockey (1-1)
Sept. 2 W @ Roanoke (3-2) Sept. 4 L @ Messiah (1-6) Sept. 11 vs. Franklin & Marshall Sept. 15 vs. Shenandoah Sept. 18 vs. V.A. Wesleyan
Men’s Tennis
Sept. 17 @ Navy Sat. 18 @ Navy Sept. 19 @ Navy Sept. 24 @ St. Joseph’s Sept. 25 @ St. Joseph’s
Women’s Tennis Sept. 10 @ Navy Sept. 11 @ Navy Sept. 12 @ Navy Sept. 17 @ St. Joseph’s Sept. 18 @ St. Joseph’s
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletic’s webpage Schedule not listed above. Bold indicates home game.
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