The Blue & Gray Press

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THE

BLUE &GRAY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Meet Wes Hillyard, the new Director of Academic Services

PRESS

OCTOBER 29, 2015

VOLUME 89 | ISSUE 7 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

MOLD GROWTH IN ALVEY HALL

University Relations

SARAH GRAMMER News Editor

On Oct 12, 2015 new Director of Academic Services, R. Wesley Hillyard III, began his first day back at UMW after graduating from the institution in 2005. So far Hillyard is still adjusting to the position, and goals for the future of the department are not being discussed other than a split into two departments. Academic and Career services is planning to create two separate departments, one focusing specifically on academic services while the other focuses on career and professional development. The date of this split is unknown. According to Hillyard, Academic Services is taking time now to figure out how to better help UMW’s students, “this as an opportunity to look at the best way to serve students and faculty to provide additional advising resources.” Hillyard said that currently the department is, “Working with our students that are on probation and academic recovery to get them back in good academic standing.” This service is not new to the department, but seems to be their focus for right now. Hillyard also said that, “We are looking at strengthening our transfer program, specifically for first semester students to make it a more impactful experience for them, some of that is going to be developing relationships with community colleges so we can start helping them transition earlier and make them feel more a part of the university from the beginning.” Thus far in the office, Hillyard said he will spend time daily, “Learning new things and becoming familiar with the University processes and procedures, as well as assisting the staff as we go through spring registration.” On his return to UMW, Hillyard •HILLYARD | 11

IN THIS

ISSUE

Alex Sakes/ The Blue & Gray Press Black Mold collecting on air ducts, in showers and sinks of residence hall bathrooms, UMW students living in Alvey question whether their health is at risk.

Black mold in Alvey creates concern for its residents, staff responds with investigation and advice

KELLY EMMRICH Staff Writer

Leaving the air vent on in the bathroom, scrubbing mold from the shower and possibly dealing with symptoms similar to seasonal allergies or the common cold are among the issues that residents of Alvey Hall collectively experience. These experiences are due to black mold, which has recently gotten the attention of maintenance services, residence life and emergency services due to work orders being submitted by students. A persistent cough and a runny nose

can be easily disregarded as seasonal allergies, however, those symptoms could be the result of mold exposure. In addition to these symptoms, congestion, shortness of breath and asthma attacks are common side effects of exposure to a non-toxic strains of mold. Alvey Hall is known for having high humidity problems and finicky air conditioners, making a great environment for mold to grow in. Other factors that could contribute to this mold growth include showers not being kept clean, wet towels and rugs, water leaks and mechanical breakdowns. In terms of mold growth, Alvey sure has plenty of it.

Dan Quann, director of maintenance services, has on file for the fall semester around six Alvey students who put in work orders to remove the mold from their rooms. “When we receive a work request we inspect for mold/mildew, clean and treat the area, then follow up to insure the issue is solved,” Quann said. Even though Quann’s maintenance team is putting up a good effort to get rid of the mold there efforts are not creating a lasting effect because there are more residents who are not reporting the mold then there are reporting it. Mya Payne, a sophomore Spanish •MOLD | 2

Title IX Investigation set to begin at UMW from OCR EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH News Editor

Emily Hollingsworth / The Blue & Gray Press

The University of Mary Washington has become one of more than 124 secondary institutions that are under investigation by The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) for Title IX violations. The list grew to 124 this past July after rising from 106 in April and 94 in January of this year. The rise may be due to a growing awareness of unreport •TITLE IX |11

KILLER BARGAIN

ROLE MODEL?

HOMECOMING RECAP

10 Halloween costumes under $10

Barbie girl stuck in the human world

UMW sports dominate past weekend’s competitions

LIFE | 6

VIEWPOINTS | 5

SPORTS | 3


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