The Blue & Gray Press

THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

PRESS

September 20, 2018

VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 3 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

UMW takes precautions in preparation for Hurricane Florence

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RACHEL COOPER Staff Writer

families and debated whether or not they should go home for the hurricane four day weekend.

As around 1.7 million people Junior English major Elisabeth were told to evacuate their homes in DellaRova chose to stay at the states of South Carolina, North UMW because of traffic and train Carolina and Virginia in preparation cancellations even though the hurricane for Hurricane Florence, the University was supposed to hit UMW more than of Mary Washington prepared her home in New Jersey. “I’m afraid for possible heavy wind, rain and that if I leave, I will get stuck at home damage to the university. On Monday, and will not be able to get back by the Sep. 19, Hurricane Florence was a time campus reopens,” said DellaRova.

Category 4 storm and on a path to hit “I thought about taking a train home, South Carolina, North Carolina and but all the trains are cancelled and Virginia. So the tracks will in preliminary probably be preparation, on “University administrators acted impassable at Monday night, with an abundance of caution and the end of the UMW cancelled weekend.” were guided by recommendations all classes for Some from our emergency and public students left Thursday, Sep. 13 and Friday, school to be safety experts.”

Sep. 14. with their “University families.

-Anna Billingsley administrators “I decided acted with to go home an abundance of caution and were because of parents’ weekend being guided by recommendations from our cancelled due to the school closing,” emergency and public safety experts,” said freshman Claire Coleman. said Anna Billingsley, Associate Vice Although her town was expecting to President of University Relations, be hit, she took advantage of the four in an email. “These decisions were day weekend to visit her family. Other reinforced by state officials. The students were happy to leave before the announcement of school closing was storm and unsafe driving conditions. intentionally made early in the week “I was already planning to come so that students would have time to home this weekend, so since the school consult with their families on the best closed campus I was able to leave course of action.” before the rain hit,” said senior math “In 2003, Hurricane Isabel caused major Meagan Wilkinson. the school to shut down for two to three For students like DellaRova who days,” said Ruth Lovelace, Director of chose to stay on campus, the safety of Emergency Management and Safety. these students was the main priority of Hurricane Isabel is the last time the university.

UMW closed for a hurricane.

“We will have •HURRICANE | 2 Many students talked with their extra staffing

Retail dining options updated following survey feedback matt LEIBOWITZ Staff Writer

The new semester has brought many updates to the dining options available to students. Sushi has been made available in the Nest and Li’l Joe’s has made additions to their Starbucks menu. The Underground, renamed the Underground Café, has both changed their hours and menu while also being newly managed by students.

Rose Benedict, the Unit Marketing Coordinator for the University of Mary Washington Dining Services, said that none of these changes were made without deep consideration of the community. “Last year we conducted some in-depth surveys of UMW student dining preferences and learned that

IN THIS

ISSUE

there was a big demand for sushi,” she said. This survey led to the decision to bring Hissho Sushi to the Nest.

“They are experts in this field and their product is always of the highest quality,” said Benedict. She also added that student response has been overwhelmingly positive. “[Hissho Sushi] either sell[s] out or come[s] very close to selling out of their products every day,” she said.

Senior international affairs major Chloe Chindgren was very excited about the new addition of sushi. “I have tried it and I get it almost every week,” she said.

Despite its success, other students weren’t thrilled with the change in pricing and the removal of last year’s Hot Spot, which Hissho

MUSIC PLAYLIST

•DINING | 11

Off-campus students can still be disciplined by UMW Police.

Griffin Bower / The Blue & Gray Press

Students question UMW’s policy on off-campus conduct violations ALEX FRIEDRICH Senior Writer

One day in the middle of the fall semester of 2016, Kevin Covino, a junior at the University of Mary Washington, got an unexpected knock on his off-campus door. It was the Fredericksburg police. Covino had invited a few friends over to pass the time and listen to music in his backyard, and by using a portable speaker, Covino thought it would be a contained event that would not disturb the neighbors. However, due to the noise, the police did end up being called by a neighbor.

After speaking with Covino, the police walked toward the backyard to find the group of students. Being at the scene in person, the police believed the event deserved no noise ordinance citation, and left without issuing one.

However, that next morning, Covino received a judicial summons from the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility at the University of Mary Washington, regarding an offcampus violation of the student noise ordinance. While he had not received any citation from the Fredericksburg City Police Department, he still received a judicial review summons and sanction from the university.

“It was real weird,” said Covino.

“The police almost seemed confused that they were even called. But in my student email, the next morning, I saw that judicial summons from the disciplinary office.”

Covino is not alone when it comes to being reprimanded by Mary Washington for a violation of the student code of conduct while offcampus.

According to a Freedom of Information Act request, in the past three years, the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility has dealt with 40 different cases of off-campus students violating the code of conduct, in some form or another. A single case pertains to a single student’s infraction of UMW’s code of conduct. While one of these cases may involve a student with a single off-campus code of conduct violation, many of these

TINY DESKS

cases involve a student violating more than one UMW rule of conduct in one occurrence. In total, these different cases are comprised of 66 counts of charges for students violating the university’s code of conduct offcampus. Just over 1/3 of these total charges involved an off-campus noise ordinance violation or disorderly conduct.

As Mary Washington’s Code of Student Conduct informs students that the campus police are allowed to partner with off-campus law enforcement, an important question emerges: is it fair for the university to discipline an off-campus violation?

The partnership between the Fredericksburg Police Department and the University of Mary Washington is not the only one like it in the country.

At many other universities and colleges throughout the country, there are other partnerships between institutions and local law enforcement to tackle off-campus student disturbance and conduct violations.

According to a City Paper article which covered the disciplinary partnership between other universities and their respective towns, “moving off campus, it seems, would be a logical way to avoid having to deal with public safety.” The article goes on to state, “but thanks to each university’s student code of conduct, as a student of the university you are liable to be punished by the university even if you are living off campus.”

For the past eight years UMW’s Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility and the Fredericksburg Police Department have maintained a partnership in regard to dealing with off-campus student violations, and they do not plan to sever ties anytime soon.

“The partnership between the two organizations started in response to the university’s growing student body,” said Chief Michael Hall of the University of Mary Washington Campus Police Department.

In an effort to minimize the negative impact the university could place on its outside environment, a town and gown relationship was created between

•NOISE ORDINANCE | 10

WINNING RUGBY

What are UMW students listening to?

Students complain about Trinkle furniture.

Rugby seeks another championship season.

LIFE | 9

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 12

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 Lauren Closs

Associate Editor Ginny Bixby

Managing Editor Ryan Brauch

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Kate Seltzer

VIEWPOINTS Grace Winfield

LIFE Lucas Burkholder

SPORTS Jack Hagn

ONLINE Ronic Ngambwe Harry Fisher

PHOTO Cayley McGuire

FACULTY ADVISOR Sushma Subramanian

Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Kate Seltzer | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Office of Financial Aid welcomes new director Bridget Danver Staff Writer

This summer, the Office of Financial Aid welcomed its new director Timothy Saulnier.

Saulnier moved to Virginia three years ago and was previously the financial aid director at the private University of Lynchburg. He said that although UMW is a public university, its small size makes it operate almost as a private institution. “What privates usually say [is] they try to offer small class sizes [and] a community that everyone knows who you are,” he said.

He said that despite their similarities, the colleges differ in terms of funding allocation. “There’s actually a lot more support from the state at a public institution,” Saulnier said.“The VGAP funds specifically geared to help the neediest of students, and to help offset some of those costs. Obviously, those funds are not unlimited, so the state does not provide us enough to all their students that have that need. And so we have to try and utilize them to the best of our ability.”

The chief priority of the financial aid department is to ensure it is in compliance with all federal and state regulations. For instance, all educational institutions are required to offer some type of program in recognition of Constitution Day, an annual holiday that commemorates the

signing of the U.S. Constitution which is celebrated on Sep. 17.

Saulnier said he will not rush into making any drastic changes to the Office of Financial Aid. “I like to come in and observe,” he said. “If there’s some things that I can quickly make a change that I feel would really be beneficial to the office or university, I would of course make them. But I don’t like to say ‘I’m definitely coming in and making changes,’ because we could be doing some things really well.”

Saulnier emphasized two components that contribute to the quality of support students receive in the fiscal area: community outreach and financial literacy. Currently, the university is reaching out to high schools and aiding prospective students in completing their FAFSAs. According to Saulnier, students go through three phases of financial literacy: the end of high school, which starts the process of deciding which college to attend, attending the chosen college, and lastly the post-graduation stage.

“One of the things that I usually like to point out when I do a financial literacy presentation is that the number one target of identity theft is actually 18 to 29 year olds,” Saulnier said.

“The reason is, A - they are a little bit more lax with their information, they’re not thinking of that privacy

UMW welcomes a new Director of Financial Aid. Photo courtesy of Eagle Eye.

yet as well as they’re not in a daily job mindset. You’re going to college, you’re thinking about studying, preparing for your tests and you’re not thinking did you check your credit card, your bank, to make sure your identity hasn’t been stolen. And B usually the other big thing is learning to budget. And then have realistic aspirations of what your career might be after you graduate.”

His advice to students? “Try to budget to

Students and faculty prepared for potential hurricane •HURRICANE | 1

on campus at hours.

Wednesday night, women’s soccer strategic locations.

“We have been working closely Saturday, men’s and women’s tennis Each student should be encouraged with Sodexo, our campus dining on Saturday and Sunday, and men’s to download the Guardian app… partner, and we are planning to and women’s rugby on Saturday.

Everyone has a responsibility to continue regular dining services In addition, away contests for cross exercise safe behavior and follow as long as possible,” said Hunter country, men’s soccer, women’s golf instructions provided by emergency Rauscher, Associate Director of and field hockey have been either management, law enforcement, and Housing and Operations. “If the UC postponed or cancelled.”

University officials,” said The athletic department UMW Police Chief Mike hopes to reschedule as many of “Everyone has a responsibility to exercise safe those contests as possible. The Hall. behavior and follow instructions provided by As the hurricane changed volleyball team still travelled to paths throughout the week, emergency management, law enforcement, and their tournament in Ohio, but UMW sent out hurricane moved their departure time up in University officials.” updates via email. On order to avoid the hurricane.

Tuesday, UMW issued Hurricane Update #5 from -UMW Police Chief Mike Hall a “shelter in place” plan the UMW administration was which asked students to stay sent out at 2:31 p.m. on Friday, in their dorms from Thursday until has to close, boxed meals and snacks Sep. 14 announcing that UMW was the Emergency Operations Team will be made available.” no longer expecting to be impacted determined it was safe. By Friday, the Parents’ weekend was cancelled

by Hurricane Florence. Simpson “Shelter In Place” advisory had been due to the hurricane and will not be Library, Hurley Convergence Center, lifted as Hurricane Florence’s path rescheduled due to a lack of available the Fitness Center, the Tennis Center changed and the risk of its potential weekends in the fall. and the Bookstore were all reopened effects on UMW was lessened.

In addition to classes and family for specific hours. The final Hurricane The emails varied throughout the weekend being cancelled, athletics Update was sent out at 4:03 p.m. on week in terms of what would be done were greatly affected by the potential Saturday, Sep. 15 announcing that about providing meals for students of the hurricane. the campus had returned to routine staying on campus. When the final “Six home contests have weekend status, with normal weekend hurricane update was sent out Saturday been affected by cancellation or building and dining hours. Classes afternoon, it was determined that the postponement,” said Interim Athletic were resumed Monday, Sep. 17. campus had returned to normal dining Director Patrick Catullo. “Volleyball

CORRECTIONS for THE Week Due to a writers’s mistake, a Sept. 6 article entitled “Q&A with the new athletic director Patrick Catullo” incorrectly said his teams have dominated the Capital Athletic Conference and advanced to more NCAA Championships than all but one school in all of NCAA Division III. The correction is that, in the history of the women’s tennis team, the program has dominated the Capital Athletic Conference and advanced to more NCAA Championships than all but one school in all of NCAA Division III.

PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO Lauren Closs, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

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•FINANCIAL AID | 10

SPORTS

New graduate assistant continues life of sports University in New Jersey. There he would go on to graduate with a Bachelors in communications and experience in journalism and sports writing.

“I went in my first year knowing I wanted to do journalism. I took a journalism course my senior year of high school and I really liked it. Me and my friend in the class were in sports,” said Santagata. “I was a hockey player, I followed sports my whole life. I carried that on into my first year of Rider.”

The transition from Rider University to Mary Washington was not as easy as his decision about communications and journalism. While Santagata loves sports writing and journalism, he knew that it was not a career that he wanted to pursue professionally.

“I love it but I can’t see myself doing it for the rest of my life, so I need to find other areas in my life that I can maybe do because hockey isn’t going to be my career. I can do it, coach it, which I do now, but I can’t do it for my whole life,” said Santagata.

From there, he explored other areas of the sports environment and found Campus Recreation.

“I jumped into Campus Recreation and from there I got the opportunity to be a Vice President of Sports Club Council. With that you oversee all of the sport clubs, basically what I’m doing now just in a non-professional role. I really enjoyed my time with Campus Recreation,” said Santagata.

Santagata credits a lot of his decision to his former boss, Dianna Clauss, for pushing and supporting his decision to be involved in campus recreation and to choose Mary Washington. He had a

ASHLEIGH GRIM Staff Writer

“I want to make the student’s time as enjoyable as possible,” said JJ Santagata, the new Graduate Assistant for sports and outdoor recreation. “I want to make them feel comfortable to come to me, feel that they have a source to look up to, someone that they can rely on.”

Although he seems to be fitting in well, Santagata came a long way to fill his new position. He grew up in Long Island, New York and was heavily involved in sports his entire life.

“I grew up there for basically my

Santagata comes from New York. JJ Santagata.

entire life. I didn’t spend too much time on the island, I was always playing hockey so my weekends were in different states or different parts of the island. I was an athlete my whole life” said Santagata.

His role in hockey led him to Rider

couple of other schools in mind and turned down four of them in hopes of obtaining role at Rider.

“I interviewed for two jobs as a graduate assistant and I didn’t get them so that’s when I came and talked to Mary Washington. I went to NIRSA, which is a campus recreation conference, and saw Mary Washington has posted a job, Grad Assistant, club sports and outdoor recreation, so I emailed Kelly Shannon, the director of Campus Recreation” said Santagata.

From there, the two of them had a phone interview, skype interview and emails back and forth for about a month. Santagata was overwhelmed by the support and encouragement from the people of Mary Washington and how they opened their doors to welcome him in.

Santagata has played hockey his whole life. JJ Santagata.

“I realized they have a good major for me, what I want to do is really relationships and making connections is awesome,” said Santagata. “This would probably the best part,” said Santagata. be a good time for me to grow as a Santagata also oversees the club professional, as a person, and really just sports, which is student-based. He step outside of my comfort zone. This is manages the everyday things such as going to benefit me greatly in the long concussion testing, keeping up with run so I’m going to make the most of forms and making sure they are actually it, run with it and whatever happens, competing. He also oversees the outdoor happens. I’m really enjoying my time recreational program and the staff they here.” have there. He plans trips and makes sure The good part of this transition is that local trails and places are willing to that most of Santagata’s work is fun and host UMW students. games. He oversees the intramural sports Santagata is in the College of which are teams of just UMW students.

Education Masters program. His goal is He schedules their games, oversees to be involved in school administration their officials and staff, budgets, and as a principal or vice principal and even makes sure the students and staff are as a university administrator. He loves comfortable and having fun. the environment of those positions I like to get to know my staff on a and hopes to build those personal personal level and really just building connections outside of the university.

Incoming freshmen make an impact on the court LINDSAY RUONGRAT Staff Writer

to the team, and created a sense of inclusion for both players and coaches.

Junior Savannah Powers is an outside/right side hitter, and was one out of nine freshman added to the team in 2016.

“As a program we don’t see each other by what grade we are in but by what each individual can bring to the team. As the first half of our season continues, our starting lineup is heavily made up of upperclassman but a few of our younger players have obtained a starting position as well. With that being said, myself and my team is confident in every player in the program to be able to go out on the court in a given game and

Typically, college varsity sports teams are viewed as being comprised of primarily juniors and seniors. In recent years, however, the UMW women’s varsity volleyball team has included a mix of students who are in their freshman or sophomore year. This has helped to introduce new, fresh players

Varsity gathers for a team meeting.

UMW Athletics

do their job,” Powers said.

With upperclassmen making up the majority of the starting lineup, extra steps are taken to ensure newly added players are up to speed for the season, regardless of their class status.

“The most important thing for our freshman is that during our 1-2 weeks Ryan Cho serves the ball.

UMW Athletics of preseason in August we positivity to our team. I have enjoyed catch them up to the specificities of team bonding and getting to know each UMW Volleyball,” said Powers. of them; as they each have very special The upperclassmen making the new and unique personalities and physical players feel welcome and catching them attributes that they bring to our team,” up to speed has helped this joining of said Powers. skills to be successful. The preparation This fresh energy and new talent and sportsmanship shown by all players, regardless of class, to ensure among the team has shown through as consistency, has added an a sense of the UMW women’s varsity volleyball inclusion while also opening the horizon team tackles the first half of the season. for new talent to be added to the team.

The Eagles celebrated their most recent “All of our returning players win this past Saturday, Sept. 15, vs. absolutely love our freshman class. eighth-ranked Ithaca College putting They bring so much fresh energy and them at 7-4 for this season.

Weekly Scoreboard Woman's Soccer

Men's Soccer

Sep. 12 vs. Randolph-Macon (L) UMW: 0 Randolph-Macon: 4

Women's Volleyball

Sep. 19 vs. Frostburg St. (W) UMW: 3 Frostburg: 0

Men's Rugby

Sep. 19 vs. Catholic University (W) UMW: 2 Catholic: 0

Sep. 21 @ US Naval Academy TBD

Field Hockey

women's Volleyball

Sep. 19 vs. Washington & Lee (W) UMW: 5 W&L: 0

Sep. 21 @ Muskingum TBD

Men's Soccer

Sep. 22 vs. Widener TBD

Woman's Soccer

Sep. 23 vs. Meredith College TBD

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VIEWPOINTS

Tiny desks in Trinkle Hall hinder students’ ability to learn

SAMANTHA BENNETT Staff Writer

Built in 1940, Trinkle Hall is one of the oldest buildings on campus at University of Mary Washington.

While the large rotunda and the seal of the university on the lobby floor are reminders of UMW’s rich history, the new Zen Garden outside is a symbol of inclusiveness and modernity. The old library-turned academic building is undoubtedly beautiful, but its aesthetic alone isn’t enough for students to want to take courses in Trinkle Hall. Trinkle has a big problem that is affecting students and their ability to succeed in class: the small desks.

“Trinkle is the most beautiful building on campus. The rotunda is gorgeous and I love walking by the seal on the lobby floor. The reading room was my favorite place to get my work done,” said UMW Alumni Nikki Ferrell. “However, I never liked having a class in Trinkle. The desks were super uncomfortable and the classrooms made me claustrophobic. The university just tried to fit too many desks into a classroom.”

Ferrell isn’t the only student who has felt uncomfortable in the Trinkle classrooms.

Trinkle Hall.

“Being a bit overweight, the desks that are in most of the classrooms are too small and uncomfortable to sit in,” said a senior student, who wished to remain anonymous. “I feel like half of my rear end is hanging off the chair.”

Weight isn’t the only issue with the

“I never liked having a class in Trinkle. The desks were super uncomfortable and the classrooms made me claustrophobic. The university just tried to fit too many desks into a classroom.”

-Nikki Ferrell

sizes of the desks. Junior psychology major Alyssa Titzer said that her height is an issue as well. “I’m very tall, so my legs don’t fit under the tiny desks in Trinkle, so I’m very uncomfortable when I have a class there,” said Titzer.

Senior and English major Sarah Petty agreed with her fellow students on the desperate need for up-to-date furniture.

“I would keep the old structure of the building, but change out the desks and upgrade the technology in the building.

The building has terrible wifi and it makes it difficult to complete school assignments in the building. Also, the elevator is scary and should be updated.

I feel like it’s just going to stop at any moment.”

Petty went on to comment about the remarkably small desks. “Replacing

umw.edu

the desks should be a priority. I feel as though I do not take as many lecture notes as I should because the tiny desks are very difficult to write on,” said Petty.

She also said she tries her best to avoid enrolling in classes that are taught in Trinkle.

Overall, Trinkle is a landmark to the university and a home to many popular departments on campus. While the school is able to pay for AC units and the Jepson addition, I think it wouldn’t be too much to ask for new desks and chairs for students in Trinkle, especially when it hinders their learning experience.

Students should always feel comfortable taking classes in any building, and the desks should be replaced so that students can focus on learning rather than their discomfort.

Hand sanitizer dispensers should be available around campus ALLISON SCHUMAKER Staff Writer

Universities are a breeding ground for disease. Since I’ve been at Mary Washington, I’ve experienced many illnesses. No matter the amount of multivitamins or antibiotics I take, there never seems to be a simple solution to getting better, and I’m left being told to “just to wait it out.” With flu season approaching, it’s essential to stay healthy, but how can we go about that?

As college students, we spend time in common areas daily. Thousands of us open the same doors, turn the same pages and rub our palms across the same desks--it’s all in our hands. While the

University Center dining hall.

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spread of germs is inevitable, there are several places UMW can do a better job of keeping sanitary. My solution for this problem? Hand sanitizer dispensers located at every building on campus.

While it may seem like common sense to wash your hands before eating, not many people do it--and the rest of us are suffering.

According to the CDC, the flu season lasts from October and can end in May, the length of a school year, although it typically peaks between December and February. This season does not include other respiratory diseases such

as bronchitis that which may go around campus.

The CDC estimates that there are between 9.2 and 35.6 million people in the U.S. that contract the flu per year.

Divided by 323,000,000, the number of the U.S. census bureau estimate, the amount of people who have the flu in the U.S. rounds out to between every 1 in 35 people or between every 1 in 9 people. At Mary Washington, that means between 114 and 444 people will get the flu this year.

“I definitely think that the dining hall should provide hand sanitizer because it helps reduce the amount of bacteria transmitted. Lately, students have been catching colds, strep throats, etc., and I believe if we initiate correct hygiene practices then we could possibly reduce the amount of bacteria transmitted,” said Kaitlin Smyth, a freshman biology major.

Some may ask where the money allocated for hand sanitizers is, but hand sanitizer dispensers are cost-effective.

The price of one can be relatively cheap, a Purell touch-free dispenser amounting to a total $9.96 on Amazon.

The most important thing during the school year is to stay well, so that you can attend class. I recommend disinfecting your phone, washing your hands, remaining hydrated, and taking vitamins. Since Mary Washington doesn’t have hand sanitizer dispensers right now, I recommend washing your hands in the bathrooms on the second and fourth floors of the UC before you eat.

“We generally provide hand sanitizer pumps at the Top of the UC cashier stations during the flu season. I believe they are available as of September 17 for students to use,” said Rose Benedict from Campus Dining. While I’m pleased to see the school taking initiative to reduce flu season ailments, the dispensers should be available yearround.

We could prevent illness and encourage handwashing by installing hand sanitizer dispensers where they are easily accessible. Instead of allowing people who cough into their hands to use the communal tongs at the salad bar, the school can get together $30 to install hand sanitizer dispensers.

Griffin Bower / Blue & Gray

Thursday, 2018 Thursday,September January 21,20, 2015

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Editor: Grace Winfield | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Responsible reading: don’t stop at the headline GINNY BIXBY Associate Editor

“Bert and Ernie are gay lovers,” a New York Post headline reported on Tuesday night.

“Bert and Ernie are just friends,” CNN said in a news headline published the same evening.

And thus began the battle of the headlines to define the relationship status of two puppets.

There has been speculation as to the characters’ potential love affair for years. In 2011, a petition on Change. org to “Let Bert and Ernie Get Married On Sesame Street” garnered over ten thousand signatures. And in 2013, they were depicted as a couple on the cover of the New Yorker in response to the Supreme Court decision to legalize same-sex marriage. Sesame Workshop, the production organization behind the show, denied that Bert and Ernie were anything more than friends.

But controversy was stirred up again when former Sesame Street writer Mark Saltzman said in an interview published in Queerty on Sunday that he modeled the relationship between Bert and Ernie after the relationship between his male partner and himself. “...I always felt that without a huge agenda, when I was writing Bert & Ernie, they were [a

Bert and Ernie hugging.

couple],” said Saltzman.

However, Sesame Workshop disagreed with this take. “As we have always said, Bert and Ernie are best friends,” Sesame Workshop said in a statement made via Twitter on Tuesday. “They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves. Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets™ do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.” This tweet has since been deleted.

Additionally, in an interview with the New York Times, Saltzman said that his comments were misinterpreted and that Bert and Ernie are not necessarily gay but “two guys who love each other” and that “it’s like poetry. It’s what you need it to be,” further confusing the debate.

But arguably the larger issue with this story is not about whether or not two puppets are in love. It is in the stark difference in how it has been reported by different media outlets, particularly in the headlines. The headlines pouring out of hundreds of news outlets about this story did not provide a clear consensus.

Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street.

While every journalist would like to believe that every reader actually reads the entire article they’ve poured their blood, sweat and tears into, the sad reality is that in the digital age, a lot of people consume their media through Facebook and Twitter, and often don’t click past the headline. Thus, the art of headline writing has become a whole different beast.

Usually, writers don’t even write their own headlines. Typically an editor writes them, and occasionally the writer gets some input. The issue with this is that readers who are unfamiliar with the journalistic editing process are often either quick to attack the writer for a headline that isn’t working or accurate, or, conversely take the headline as gospel and disregard the content of the article.

The question is, should outlets be responsible for the fact that readers may not look past the headline? Yes and no. Headline writers do have a special level of power that nobody else involved in the story has.

The person who writes that headline can decide if they want the person who sees it to think that Bert Sesame Street. and Ernie are a couple

Sesame Street.

or not. While this may be a silly fluff piece in the eyes of some, the same level of headline power is there as it is with any “important” story, such as a report involving the President or an investigation into sexual assault in the Catholic Church. The frightening thing is that the outlets publishing these perfunctory headlines wouldn’t be considered “fake news” by most, so these mostly respectable publications are shooting themselves in the foot by using clickbait and yellow journalism.

So what makes a good headline? In this case, NPR got it right in their online headline: “Former Writer Saw Bert And Ernie As ‘Loving Couple’; Sesame Workshop Disagrees”. It’s simple, and it tells you everything. NPR was one of the few outlets that was clear cut in their reporting of this debate.

However, this isn’t just on the headline writers. Arguably, it’s the fault of the readers, who should be more responsible in their media consumption.

If readers were more educated as to how the publication process works, perhaps they wouldn’t be jumping to conclusions.

Never stop at the headline. Don’t look solely to social media for your news.

Analyze several sources.

But of course, Bert and Ernie are a couple. The New Yorker said so long ago, after all.

Staff Ed: The Blue & Gray Press reflects on Hurricane Florence and supports victims

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

Hurricane Florence may have avoided UMW, but the rest of the country was certainly not left unscathed. Parts of the Carolinas were ravaged by the storm, which at one point reached Category 4 status.

As of publication, the official death toll has risen to 37. Much of North Carolina’s farmland was demolished.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that over 3.4 million chickens and turkeys and 5,000 pigs died in the hurricane. Many homeless and lowincome citizens could not afford to evacuate. Homes and businesses have been destroyed. It is going to take a lot of time and effort for the affected areas to rebuild after this horrific tragedy.

While UMW’s class cancellation and campus closure may have seemed premature, it was a conscious move on the part of the University in the interest of protecting students. While Virginia was primarily unaffected, it is difficult to predict a hurricane’s exact path. As the Governor declared a state of emergency, it was important to take the threat seriously. It is always better to take precautions than to risk students’ safety and well-being. The Fredericksburg area was very fortunate to be unaffected given how serious the damage was in the Carolinas.

Our hearts go out to the families of hurricane victims and to UMW students whose homes and families may have been affected.

5

LIFE

Editor: Lucas Burkholder blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Audiences praise “Crazy Rich Asians” for display of culture

MARIE ROPER Staff Writer

When “Crazy Rich Asians” hit the theaters last month, it was praised for its positive messages, display of Asian culture and all-Asian cast. A romantic comedy, this touching and empowering film follows Rachel Chu, an economics professor at NYU, and Nick Young, a history professor, who have been dating for a year. Nick invites Rachel to go to his friend’s wedding in Singapore where he is going to be the best man. He thinks this would be a great opportunity for Rachel to meet his family as well. But this trip is full of surprises for RachelNick is actually from a family that is considered to be “Old Rich” and holds super traditional values.

Rachel tries to accommodate Nick’s family and their lifestyle while trying to get through to Nick’s mother, who does not think Rachel is a good fit for her son. Nick’s mother believes that

“Crazy Rich Asian” was released on Aug. 15.

Mother Jones.

Cast of “Crazy Rich Asians” on the red carpet.

wives should sacrifice their dreams to care for the family. Once Nick’s mother finds out that Rachel is a professor at a university, she views Rachel as self-centered and not able to provide for her potential future husband and family fully.

Compared to other rom-coms, “Crazy Rich Asians” has the typical mother disliking the girlfriend trope but with a refreshing twist, the healthy relationship between Rachel and Nick.

Instead of spending time arguing with each other as we typically see in movies, these two show that by communicating feelings in a sincere and open way, you can promote a better understanding of one another.

One of many reasons why “Crazy Rich Asians” imdb.com

was interesting is the multitude of displays of Asian culture. Ann Hornaday, a movie critic at the Washington Post said “…the movie has layers of meaning and nuance that give it added richness, including a respectful critique of the Chinese tradition of filial loyalty, a withering look at intra-community prejudices that coexist with external racism, skeptical digs at unbridled materialism and sometimes stingingly on-point acknowledgment of China’s rising strength as a global economic and cultural force.”

Overall “Crazy Rich Asians” has a good platform to introduce aspects of Asian cultures to a broader audience.

More films should take this approach.

Another interesting feature was the all-Asian cast breaking down racial stereotypes. Tara McNamara, from Common Sense Media said “It’s impossible not to notice the movie’s lingering shots of men’s bare chests, but this reverse objectification is subversively intentional: Asian men are rarely portrayed as sexy or appealing in the media, and the drooling

cinematography is intended to challenge the idea that Asian men are undesirable.”

We also see the struggle of Asian females regarding their careers and household roles. In the movie there are three strong female characters, Rachel, Astrid and Eleanor. Rachel was raised by a single mother in the U.S where she is successful in her career but is viewed as self-centered by the older generation in the Asian culture. Astrid, Nick’s cousin, also comes from a wealthy family but has married a successful man who is from a middle-class family.

She struggles to support her husband and make him feel good despite his insecurities. Lastly, Eleanor, Nick’s mother, finally comes around to accept Rachel as a good partner for her son.

All of these women are different in their own ways but throughout the movie they all demonstrate great character development.

“Crazy Rich Asians” is a sweet romantic movie that has a message. Not only is it fun, but it promotes realizing your self-worth and appreciating your cultural heritage.

Tuned in TV: What we’ve been watching 1. “Sisters,” on Netflix

6. “Stanger Things,” on Netflix

submitted by Kate Seltzer, News Editor

submitted by Harry Fisher, Online Editor

submitted by Meaghan McIntyre, News Editor

submitted by Jack Hagn, Sports Editor

submitted by Lucas Burkholder, Life Editor

submitted by Lauren Closs, Editor-in-Chief

submitted by Ginny Bixby, Associate Editor

submitted by Ryan Brauch, Managing Editor

submitted by Grace Winfield, Viewpoints Editor

submitted by Ronic Ngambwe, Online Editor

2. “Friends,” on Netflix

3. “Bodyguard,” on BBC

4. “The Good Place,” on Netflix 5. “Lost,” on Hulu

7. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” on Hulu 8. “Wonderfalls,” on Youtube 9. “Riverdale,” on Netflix 10. “Empire,” on FOX

Thursday, September 20, 2018

LIFE

Carrie Underwood releases emotional new album “Cry Pretty” Lindsey Brown Staff Writer

The talented country music superstar Carrie Underwood dropped her seventh studio album “Cry Pretty” on Friday Sep. 14. It is currently the number one album on iTunes.

Underwood has had an eventful year with announcing a pregnancy, suffering injuries and releasing an album, all while juggling motherhood and touring. It is no wonder the album is so emotionally charged considering that Underwood just revealed to People Magazine that she has suffered three miscarriages in the past two years. Underwood co-wrote seven of the thirteen tracks on the album, and each track is more emotional than the next.

The album’s title track, which was co-written by Underwood, was released back in April. This single became her 27th top ten on the Billboard Hot Country. This powerful, raw and personal track reveals the struggles of revealing emotions in front of people.

Underwood’s vocal talents and emotion show through the lyrics. A guitar solo towards the end of the powerful ballad adds to the emotion in the song. It is a classic Underwood track, pairing strong vocals, a little bit of blues, rock and country in one single song.

The next track pays testament to country music, though it has a very modern sound. “Ghosts on the Stereo” is about going through a break-up and the therapy of country music classics.

Underwood sings, “having a ball with Hank, Haggard, and Jones” revealing the ghosts on the stereo are the fathers of country music. It portrays a similar story to Eric Church’s “Record Year.”

“Low,” the third track, starts off with the sound of a record needle scratching and an acoustic guitar introducing Underwood’s voice. In this song, Underwood compares her feelings to ideas and objects that are missing vital parts. “Like a diamond ring without a stone” is what it feels like to be without her love. Another emotional track cowritten by Underwood, this one will make you cry.

The fourth track is titled, “Backsliding” and it is easy to guess what it is about. This track also has a

Carrie Underwood on the red carpet.

youtube.com

“Cry Pretty” was released on September 14.

modern sound, and adds to the ever changing sounds that are coming into country music. The story in the song is about a couple that keeps breaking up and getting back together. They keep trying to move on, but they still keep coming back to each other.

The album takes an upbeat turn with the fifth track, “Southbound.” The song begins with guitar strums that are obviously country. This classic upbeat country summer song, co-written by Underwood, will make you want to sip a margarita while sitting by the pool.

The guitar solo in this song is different than the other tracks because it is very country. It balances out the emotional songs before it, and puts a smile on your face.

The sixth track, “That Song That We Used To Make Love To” starts off with Underwood’s strong vocals. It’s quite a difference from the track before it, and has a bluesy sound to it. This track is about a song that brings back memories shared with an ex, and will give any listener the feels.

“Drinking Alone” is the seventh track, and it is a modernized version of a classic country song. It is not unlike George Strait’s “Let’s Fall to

Pieces Together.” It is about a woman wanting to drink with a stranger, because they are both going through something. Underwood sings “Misery loves company” and makes it clear that nothing more will come of their camaraderie.

“The Bullet” is the next track, and this emotional song is relevant with the issues of gun violence today. This song focuses on the bullet and the effects of death, not the hate or the gun. The lyrics exude power with, “Mommas ain’t supposed to bury their sons.” Simple guitar notes compliment the strong lyrics. This song will bring a tear to your eye, no matter where you stand in the gun control debate.

The ninth track “Spinning Bottles” is about the struggles of alcoholism, and the effects it has on a couple. This song touches in the uncertainty in what will happen to the crumbling relationship of the couple, with the husband gone and not heard from for days. The woman is a mess at home worrying, while the man is getting drunk in a hotel room.

Underwood’s powerful voice tells this sad story accompanied by a simple orchestra.

“Love Wins” is the other single Underwood released before the album came out. This song has a powerful message about the problems with the world today, and how love conquers all. With the lyrics, “I believe we’re made to be here for each other” this song will bring people together.

Underwood co-wrote this powerful track as well, and it seems there was no shortage of creativity from this artist with this album. Power surges through not only the lyrics but also the music that swells with every strong vocal point.

The eleventh track “End Up With You” is about a couple wanting to spend every minute together. Underwood sings about not caring what they do together as USA Today.

long as she is with the one she loves.

With the background vocals and the upbeat tone, this song is a true version of pop country.

The last track of the album, “Kingdom,” ends it on a good note, co-written by Underwood; it seems she wrote this one about her personal life.

This beautiful song is about the ups and downs of life, and building a family.

The song even touches on her faith, which is something Underwood is very open about. It is another classic Carrie Underwood song that brings God into a love story. It is something that is never left out of any of her albums. This is my favorite track on the album. Underwood saved the best for last with this honest song.

The bonus track “The Champion” which dropped back in January features rapper Ludacris. This inspiring collaboration mixes country and rap together. While it is something new from Underwood, the message in the song is done very well.

This album is another great success for Underwood in the midst of all the difficulties she has spoken about publicly to the media.

Carrie Underwood perfoming.

InStyle.

7

Weekend Events

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

• Latin America in Films and Literature @Combs 237, 5 p.m.

• Museums as Viewing Machines: Work by Jeffrey Abt @Ridderhof Martin Gallery, all day • UMW Studio Art Faculty Exhibition @duPont Gallery, all day • The Amish Project @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

• Salsa Night @The Underground, 7 p.m.

• Museums as Viewing Machines: Work by Jeffrey Abt @Ridderhof Martin Gallery, ALL DAY • UMW Studio Art Faculty Exhibition @duPont Gallery, all day • The Amish Project @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

• Small Concert Series @Ball Circle, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Museums as Viewing Machines: Work by Jeffrey Abt @Ridderhof Martin Gallery, all day • UMW Studio Art Faculty Exhibition @duPont Gallery, all day • The Amish Project @ Klein Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

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LIFE

Beat to your own drum: UMW student’s musical choices

ANDRE TURNER Staff Writer

When asked about his favorite song and album this year, UMW student Zane Burk replied, “Mob Ties and the album Scorpion, definitely those two.”

Demarco Nelson, a senior economics major said, “[My] top 3 [rap albums] right now are Eminem’s album, J. Cole’s KOD, and Travis Scott’s Astroworld”. A few of the honorable mentions included Kendrick Lamar, Lil Uzi Vert, Jay Z, MF Doom and 2Chainz.

But not everyone who is a student at UMW has the same enthusiasm for rap. JJ Santagada, a graduate student at UMW, said, “I’m not a big rap guy,

UMW students are no different than the rest of society; music is very much a part of their everyday lives. UMW students listen to music as a means of providing motivation, relaxation or just entertainment. It can provide stress relief, a boost of energy before physical activity, during a drive home or just a means of socializing with friends.

Do you ever find yourself walking on campus and spot someone heading to class with their phone out and their headphones snug in their ear?

Or have you been at the gym and seen a guy that looks like a bodybuilder bench press 250 pounds while nodding his head to the music on the speaker system? Have you ever wondered what kind of music certain people listen to and why? Everyone has a certain artist that they enjoy listening to regularly, an all-time favorite song or album that they would recommend, or a genre that is unbeknownst to the rest of the world.

So, what is on UMW student’s current music playlist? Many students said they love rap. Drake’s “In My Feelings” was one of the more popular songs of the summer and spurred a dance which became a social media sensation. Drake is one of the more popular artists that UMW students are currently Drake is a popular artist at UMW. listening to.

just some lyrics aren’t that great…. they don’t portray a good message for society, so I try to stick to songs that have a good message for society.”

Should we latch on to the belief that music is an inescapable extension of how students live their lives? Students listen to music while they’re driving, during their walk to class, a midday workout, or even ambient music to help focus studying or instrumentals to help them sleep.

When asked what is on your current music playlist; Katherine Connor, a freshman psychology major, said that the music that she listens to is essentially based upon what mood she’s in.

She said, “I have a bunch of different playlists, I have one playlist titled “Rockin and Rollin” and so that’s a bunch of 60s, 70s, 80s music…and then I also have a playlist called “Adventure is Out There” and that’s like Mumford and Sons…

Bluegrass music…I have a playlist titled “Cheer Up Buttercup” and that one has Pop music and some early 2000s stuff”.

For the most part, students believe that UMW does a decent job of integrating music into the everyday activity of students. The radio can be heard while eating at the University Center Dining Hall as well as TMZ. the fitness center, bingo night provides DJs, and

music is provided by the sound crew for students dining at the Underground.

While talking to students at UMW, they seem to appreciate the university’s effort, but they feel as if more could be done regarding preference.

Senior Leah Corts said, “I feel like I hear a lot of the songs multiple times, and a lot of the songs are very repetitive…they can put a lot more effort into finding different genres of song… because it’s all pop…I would very much like if they could find different genres.”

When it comes to seeing their favorite artists, many UMW students have never been to their concerts or just can’t afford it. One thing that many students do look forward to are the Spring Concerts provided by the Campus Programming Board. Last Spring 2018, UMW was able to provide students with a concert

by T-Pain and We the Kings. While some students commended the effort provided by the university, there were several students who were not interested in seeing those artists.

Everyone has their own distinct musical preference. But if you look closer you will find that that some UMW students use music as a means of keeping them going. Some may believe it’s just a means of shooting the breeze or that it’s unnecessary. But the connection between musical artists and fans is a quandary better left in ambiguity.

Student Hailey Randle said, “There’s a quote by the lead singer of Green Day that says, ‘Music is the air that I breathe, it’s the blood that pumps through my veins’…Music is the soundtrack to people’s lives.” And that sums up the attitude towards music that most students have.

Student appreciates University’s beautification efforts JOSEPH LANGLEY Staff Writer

It goes without saying, every day is a great day to be an eagle. UMW is home to approximately 4,000 undergraduates, and roughly 330 graduate students. The University of Mary Washington, named after George Washington’s beloved mother, has one of the more beautiful campuses in the state of Virginia. Few universities take the time to enhance their campus by welcoming their students to spend their free time on it.

We as Eagles should take advantage of that aspect of our school. While Niche. com suggests that the University of Mary Washington is only the 11th most beautiful campus in the state of Virginia, people who have spent their time on this campus truly beg to differ. Campus

UMW Bell Tower from Jeffy Square.

Walk is undoubtedly a gorgeous stroll through campus whether you’re a student of Mary Washington, a visitor, or even a local to the Fredericksburg area.

UMW has the benefit of being an hour drive from the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., but also being an hour drive to the state capital of Richmond, Virginia. Fredericksburg is not only a college town, as it is also the historical site of the Battle of Fredericksburg of 1862. Ball Circle, resembling the lawn of the University of Virginia, provides a great landscape for students to lounge or even do their work outside. The Bell Tower provides UMW with a traditional aspect, ringing at every hour while also being a great site as the middle point of numerous residence halls. The University Center, located on Ball Circle, provides

students with a great place to lounge inside while also being a place to grab a bite to eat. The Eagle’s Nest provides the same benefit, having a back deck area that overlooks the vibrant green grassy landscape surrounding Simpson Library and the HCC. Even alumni have touched on their appreciation for the campus. Jessica Langley, class of 2015, said, “The campus itself will make you fall in love with the school. A campus that interacts with you as a student, filled with sights to look upon as you make your way to class provides students with more motivation to get up and look forward to the journey to success.”

Aside from alumni, students currently enrolled here at UMW love the campus that they call home. Freshman Lydia

Eisenberg said, “The UMW campus is breathtaking yet simple. It is so easy to feel at home here.” Eisenberg also said, “I love walking through campus walk because it is stunning all year round. It is so easy to spend an entire day walking around or relaxing on campus because of the welcoming atmosphere.”

Another member of the class of 2020, Alexander Caldas, said, “It’s a small campus, but seems very big. Whenever and wherever you walk on campus, there is always greenery. It helps clear the mind and not think about school work all the time.”

It’s incredible to think that the beauty of the campus helps students gain peace of mind, especially at stressful times of the school year where school work is the most of your worries. Now, the majority of students here love when they walk through campus and see how nice everybody is to one another. Rarely do we see students not interacting with one another, most if not everyone saying hello to one another as they venture on to their next class. Sure, UMW may not be perfect, but this small school atmosphere has more perks than you’d think. Community is a serious value here at the University of Mary Washington, and our campus undoubtedly exemplifies that value. Next time you stroll through campus walk, take the time to look around and take in this beautiful landscape we call home.

University Relations.

9

NEWS

POLICE BEAT Students interested in learning financial literacy MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & KATE SELTZER News Editors

Statutory Rape On Friday, July 13 between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., a student was raped in Virginia Hall. This case is pending.

Possession On Thursday, August 23 at 12:59 a.m., there was an incident of underage alcohol possession outside of Mason Hall. One administrative referral was issued.

On Saturday, August 25 at 1:37 a.m., there was an incident of underage alcohol possession in Marshall Hall.

One administrative referral was issued.

On Saturday, August 25 at 10:52 p.m., there was an incident of marijuana possession at Eagle Landing. Two administrative referrals were issued.

On Friday, August 31 at 1:40 a.m., there was an incident of underage alcohol possession in Marshall Hall. One administrative referral was issued.

Grand Larceny On Friday, August 24 between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., grand larceny of a cell phone occured at the University Center.

The phone was recovered the next day.

Petit Larceny On Saturday, August 25 between 10:15 p.m. and 10:35 p.m., a petit larceny of a study desk occurred at Eagle Landing. The desk was recovered the next day.

On Saturday, September 1 between 11:00 p.m. and 11:05 p.m., a petit larceny of UMW banners on College Avenue occurred. The banners were recovered, and one Honor Council referral was issued.

Vandalism Between Monday, August 6, and Saturday, August 11, a door was vandalized in Building 1 of the UMW Apartments. This case is pending.

On Thursday, August 30 at 9:39 a.m., a door was vandalized in the Cobblestone apartments. This investigation is pending.

On Friday, August 31 at 11:15 p.m., a fire extinguisher in Virginia Hall was vandalized. This case is pending.

Indecent Exposure On Saturday, September 1 at 11:18 p.m., an incident of indecent exposure and underage alcohol possession occurred on College Avenue. One administrative referral was given.

10

•FINANCIAL AID | 2

make sure you’re not borrowing more than you really need once you get to where you’re going for your job.”

Colette Fralen, a sophomore majoring in historic preservation said, “I think financial aid should make you feel more confident in your decision to go to a school and it shouldn’t leave you worried thinking ‘how am I going to pay this off.’” She also said, demonstrating Saulnier’s three phases to financial literacy, “I’m satisfied right now because I don’t have to pay it off until after I graduate. But after I graduate I’m going to have to.”

Sophomore graphic design major Mya Bundy said, “There are some financial aid offers that offer more than others. And if the student needs more help in one area, like dining or book expenses then that should be really promoted.”

Josie Vernick, a sophomore majoring in international affairs said, “In spite of receiving scholarships and other relevant information from the Financial Aid Office throughout the year, I don’t have a whole lot of experience knowing the department and its resources, so information sessions might help with greater outreach to the student body and its understanding

of how to navigate the financial aid processes.”

Saulnier wanted to convey to the UMW community that the wellbeing of students is his top priority.

“Usually when I come to a new institution, one of my goals is to evaluate, really start to engage with the community leaders from faculty, staff and students. And sort of get an understanding of who UMW is, and then really try to push those things about community engagement, financial literacy and create a welcoming environment that is helpful to students.”

UMW and Fredericksburg police partnership leads to mixed emotions from students •NOISE ORDINANCE | 1 representatives from both the university and the city. Meeting twice annually, these representatives discuss how off-campus students may be affecting the greater Fredericksburg community.

“However, these representatives also discuss occurrences [going on] in the city and how they can [introduce] university students to events in Fredericksburg, or keep them safe from off-campus non-student crimes,” said Hall.

According to Chapter 38, Article II of the Fredericksburg Code, the violation of noise ordinance involves noise created by a person or group of people that is audible more than 100 feet from its source between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. This pertains to screaming, music from inside a house, or even noise coming from a television.

Once students living off-campus violate this ordinance and have established themselves as students before the police, this information is saved within the department’s database.

In regard to the transfer of information pertaining to off-campus noise violations, the Fredericksburg Police Department will send blotter charts to the Mary Washington Campus Police Department, and from there, the information will be sent to the university’s Office of Conduct and Responsibility.

“The city police will send us their blotter charts weekly,” said Hall.

“Usually, if the off-campus student self-identifies to the city police as a student, that information will be put in a separate crime log that is sent to us. We then gather those names and the information of the student’s cases, and send them to the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility.”

While the Fredericksburg Police Department usually reports these offcampus violations to the university, according to Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick, the Fredericksburg Police Department’s Public Information Officer, communication is not just a oneway street between the city’s police department and the university.

“Sometimes a nearby neighbor will contact the university if students [living off-campus] are too noisy,” said

Kirkpatrick. “But the University of Mary Washington campus police will, at times, contact the Fredericksburg Police Department as well.”

Furthermore, there may also be a difference in punishment if a student breaks a code of conduct rule offcampus versus on-campus.

According to Ray Tuttle, UMW’s Director of Student Conduct and Responsibility, the course of disciplinary action may differ based on the violating student’s surrounding environment.

“Disciplinary actions for violations on-campus may usually just involve some sort of paper or research assignment,” said Tuttle. “However, code of conduct violations off-campus are usually more educational, and will involve positively impacting the Fredericksburg community in some way.”

This usually involves assigned community restoration work through the university’s outer-community reach program, Community Outreach and Resources (COAR). This program provides access to students who wish to volunteer with certain establishments such as the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank and the local Fredericksburg Homeless Shelter.

“Based off of the information that is provided to me, I try to think of an appropriate punishment that fits the [off-campus] violation,” Tuttle said.

“It is still important, however, to make sure these punishments are educational and involve the betterment of the greater Fredericksburg community.

That is why it is not uncommon for me to assign a paper assignment along with community service.”

Not only does Tuttle hold the power to decide an appropriate punishment for the student in violation, he also takes into consideration if that specific student has had past encounters with the law or has violated a conduct rule previous to the current one in consideration.

“The student’s disciplinary history does have an effect on my decision,” said Tuttle. “While many students learn from their first violation, others may need to experience an educational course of discipline for a longer period.”

The 2017 year alone marked the highest amount of cases involving offcampus student violations in the last few years. While more than one charge may be issued to an individual student’s case, 2017 still marks the highest in conduct violating instances, as well as total disciplinary sanctions issued by the university.

While student sanctions for offcampus noise ordinance violations usually range from a research paper assignment on the Fredericksburg City noise ordinance to as many community service hours Tuttle sees appropriate for the caliber of the violation, violation of the noise ordinance counts as a Class 3 misdemeanor under Virginia State law.

According to the Code of Virginia 18.211 a Class 3 misdemeanor involves a fine of no more than $500.

Although the relationship between the university and the Fredericksburg Police Department has existed for nearly a decade, many students still feel the relationship is unfair to the offcampus student.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” said alumnus Nicco Baratto. “I just don’t think [the university] should have that power outside of the campus boundary.”

Other students, however, believe there is some responsibility on the offcampus students’ part as off-campus representatives of the university.

“I think both organizations should be able to discipline students,” said one anonymous source. “While the police watch over the neighborhoods, the students living within these neighborhoods represent Mary Washington and what the university stands for.”

Looking toward future violations, while there is no end in sight for the university’s and the police departments disciplinary partnership, Hall maintains that both parties are paying attention to the number of violations in certain areas and whether there will be a need to clamp down on future occurrences.

“The number of off-campus violations tend to fluctuate, but we continue to watch the statistical information within the area,” said Hall. “If there is a need to clamp down on off-campus violations within the neighborhoods, then we will do that.”

Thursday, September 20, 2018

NEWS

Students voice opinions on new dining changes

Students spend time with their friends and enjoy Starbucks from Little Joe’s.

•DINING | 1

Sushi replaced.

Senior Hannah Woehrle, a communications major, said “I’m disappointed the Hot Spot is gone. It was less expensive and you got more food for your money. You were only able to use flex, and that’s still the case, but I felt it was more reasonable when the price was lower.”

Chindgren was willing to get her sushi fix in spite of the cost. “I think the price is a little high but if I manage it right, I can work it into my flex [budget] once a week, maybe twice,” she said. “Otherwise, I think it’s a little pricey.”

Another change this year is the introduction of students working at the Underground. “Campus Dining is working in cooperation with the University to provide UMW students some real-life business experience with regard to the Underground operations,” Rose Benedict said.

Students are not just watching and learning. They will also receive hands-on experience. “They decided upon a new name ‘Underground Café’, a new menu and new operational hours (11am-11pm),” said Benedict.

According to Benedict, “the menu is currently being reviewed to see if

changes are needed to keep it on track with UMW student dining trends.”

The new student involvement program at the Underground is not affiliated with the College of Business.

Josh Rios / The Blue & Gray Press

appreciated. If there was something open on campus every weeknight until 1 a.m. or so, I would find that a great asset as a student who is up at midnight frequently studying,” he said. “But 11

“Campus Dining is working in cooperation with the University to provide UMW students some real-life business experience with regard to the Underground operations.”

-Rose Benedict “Employment at the Underground is open to both UMW students and nonstudents. As far as we know, managing students do not have to be in the UMW School of Business,” said Benedict.

p.m. dining cutoff is pretty reasonable so I can’t complain too much.”

Seasonal Starbucks flavors have been available at Li’l Joe’s since before last fall. “In our ‘Cookies & Conversation’ residence hall meetings last fall we learned that many students did not know that Li’l Joe’s served Starbucks coffee,” said Benedict. “And, although we did serve the Starbucks seasonal flavors, most students were not aware of that fact either.”

New this year, Li’l Joe’s has upgraded its equipment to be able to serve Starbucks frappuccinos.“Li’l Joe’s also has a reusable mug campaign

“I think the price [for sushi] is a little high but if I manage it right, I can work it into my flex [budget] once a week, maybe twice.”

-Chloe Chindgren “I love that it’s run and now managed by students. I am a big fan of the new hour changes too,” said senior political science major Alex Sakes.

“The new hours allow me to have some variety at lunch time which is greatly

UMW students were excited to find new additions to dining starting this fall.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

this year. “The ‘Choose To Reuse’ mug campaign gave students the opportunity to buy a reusable mug for only $2, which also came with a coupon for a free regular Starbucks coffee at Li’l

Photo courtesy of the UMW Sodexo Website.

Joe’s,” said Benedict. “The reusable mugs also allows students to get 50 cents off the purchase of a regular tall Starbucks coffee, hot tea or fountain beverage at Li’l Joe’s, Qdoba or the Nest,” she said.

Many students were unaware of these options, including Sakes. “I think it’s cool they have a Starbucks menu, but I see many more students frequenting Blackstone for coffee than I do Li’l Joe’s,” he said.

Woehrle agreed. “It seems a little redundant because of Blackstone, but if I’m getting black coffee, it’s better at Li’l Joe’s and their pastries are better,” she said. “For fancy drinks I usually go to Blackstone. I would go to Li’l Joe’s if I could use Starbucks gift cards there, but I doubt I can.”

Starbucks drinks are a popular feautre of dining.

Josh Rios / The Blue & Gray Press

11

SPORTS

Editor: Jack Hagn | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

Men’s rugby seeks another championship season

SIERRA HORTON Staff Writer

Just like that, the University of Mary Washington rugby teams are off to another incredible start. After a long summer of practicing hard, going to the gym multiple times a day and preparing for this season, the men’s rugby team is feeling ready to face their competition and live up to the high standards of their past seasons.

The men’s rugby team is thrilled about being back in Fredericksburg this fall and they are feeling ready for the remainder of this season. Playing mostly larger schools like James Madison

and Virginia Tech, some might label the UMW men’s rugby team as the underdogs; however, their records prove that this is an incorrect assumption. After finishing this past season undefeated, the team is looking forward to keeping their spotless record going.

“I feel really good about this season.

We are looking for a repeat of last year going undefeated in the conference and then going on to be national champions, and we have the talent to do so,” said sophomore Miguel Terrazas.

The players are feeling optimistic and believe that the new freshman class will only have a positive effect on the team.

Lewis Grant tips a ball off the top of an offensive line out.

Team huddle before kickoff.

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Not only do they believe the freshman class will have a positive impact on the team this year, but they also hope they will having a lasting impression on the team during the remainder of their time here at Mary Washington.

“I’m excited to see how we do this season. We had an amazing season last year, winning the National Championship as well as being ranked number 1 in Division 1-AA, and this year we have lots of new young talent ready to make it a second year of being National Champions,” said sophomore Bradlee Nicholls who has had eight years of experience on the field. “There is also a bigger freshman class, which allows them to gain experience and take

season. This includes everything from monitoring their food intake to pushing themselves at the gym in order to increase endurance. Rugby is by no means an easy sport, and the players are making sure that they remember its intensity.

“I have been going to the gym and eating right over the summer to be more fit. After all it is eighty minutes of straight running and hitting others,” said Terrazas.

“I have been going to the gym six times a week and I was going twice a day over the summer: one session for physio and the other session for weights and cardio,” said O’Donovan.

Besides general cardio and weights,

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Harry Masters waits to put in the ball for an offensive scrum.

Michael Sacks charges towards the Salisbury fullback.

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Seamus Brennan steps the Salisbury fullback.

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up the seniors positions soon once they graduate.”

Members who have been playing rugby for many years are also feeling hopeful about the future of the team.

“I’m feeling very confident in our team and I am hoping we can do it again with an even stronger team this year,” said Joseph O’Donovan.

However, this season has not been identical to last year. With any reputation comes a little bit of anxiety and because of their record, the players are beginning to feel the pressure build.

“We are really playing with a target on our back. Now everyone is gunning to take us down, so we can’t take anyone lightly,” said Terrazas.

Even so, the players have been working hard to ensure that they are as prepared as they can be for this

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some players are focusing specifically on their individual proficiency.

“I’ve been doing extra work with ball handling, kicking extras and speed work, and I’ve also been in the gym everyday trying to get bigger and stronger,” said Nicholls.

“I am really excited to see some of the freshman play and see what different talents they can bring to the field.” said Terrazas.

Nicholls has his standards set high saying, “I’m excited about winning the Conference 8-0 and then going back to the National Championship again.”

With their next game on Friday, Sept.

21, the team continues to practice hard and looks forward to having another season as extraordinary as last.

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