Scaffolding stretches across the bricks of Simpson Library
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Offices relocated due to potential mold
“In terms of how we’re able to do our job, it’s the same,” said Asia Singleteary, a senior English major. “We’re still able to advise students, help people go abroad.”
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The Office of Admissions, Center for International Education and Title IX Office have been relocated from Lee Hall due to ongoing remediation for potential mold. Staff in the respective offices continue to adapt to fulfill regular duties and meet the needs of students.
“It disrupts the kind of work that we do in terms of having the space for both students who are going abroad, who regularly meet with us and our advisors, as well as campus visitors, foreign visitors from partner universities and programs and the type of support we provide to international students,” said José Sainz, director of the Center for International Education.
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
to students.
According to Executive Director of University Communications Amy Jessee, the remediation began over Winter Break and the “scope of the project is still being determined.” So far, the work has included cleaning parts of the HVAC system as well as carpets and walls impacted.
“Staff continue to be available online and to meet in person as needed,” said Jessee.
Sainz said his office hopes to be back in Lee Hall later this spring, but that a timeline has not been confirmed.
“The only thing that’s impacted is having to come to Woodard, as opposed to Lee, so they moved the whole office,” said Hayley Madden, a senior art history major and Center for International Education peer advisor.
The Admissions Welcome Center will continue to serve prospective students and families from The Link, the intersection building between Mason Hall and Randolph Hall, while the Center for International Education has shifted its advising and international program support to Woodard Hall, offices 136 to 140. Similarly, the Title IX Office has relocated its services to George Washington Hall room 302.
Sainz emphasized the importance of clear communication during this transitional period. His team is actively working to educate students and partner institutions about the temporary relocation and maintain the level of support they offered prior to the move.
Sainz said the hardest part of the relocation has been communicating the change to students and building up to working at the same speed and capacity as they had at the normal office space. However, Sainz said the relocation will not hinder their ability to provide services
The fourth floor of Lee Hall is closed for repairs and remediation, and certain windows and entryways are blocked off. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Masks and supplies can be found throughout Lee Hall as remediation for potential mold takes place. All offices on the fourth floor were relocated, and students and staff are asked to remain out of the working vicinity. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The Admissions Welcome Center has moved to The Link, the intersection building between Mason and Randolph Hall. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
NOAH FELLINGER Staff Writer
Friday, January 31, 2025
It is time to water the flowers of humanity and generate new ideas, not new forms of artificial intelligence
ELIZABETH KYNE Staff Writer
ChatGPT might be the easy way out for your next essay, but it’ll come at a great cost for humanity, emotionally and environmentally.
The production of computers is already a messy one, given the exploitation of many children and victims of human trafficking who are forced to mine the minerals needed for production and the byproducts of electrical materials like mercury and lead. Powering generative artificial intelligence tech that runs on already environmentally questionable hardware is damaging.
According to the United Nations Environment Program and International Energy Agency, a ChatGPT request takes 10 times the energy to compute that a Google search would. The UN estimates that AI infrastructure could come to consume more than six times the water the entire country of Denmark does.
High levels of cooling water are already consumed by AI infrastructure across the Globe. Residents of Lagos, Nigeria, who have had to resort to drinking from boreholes, have reported that the influx of data centers has only made things worse. While all tech poses a share of issues, AI exacerbates these issues to an unacceptable level. The focus should be on making the playing ground even for all people, not worsening the conditions for a model that steals from hardworking artists to benefit the lazy.
Generative AI has become quite popular in recent times, and we should be worried. The idea has its own allure when it comes to artwork. Why spend hours working to create a masterpiece when you can type a few lines and have the machine do it for you? AI sidesteps years of training needed to become a professional in any field. Although we have a responsibility to condemn the environmental impacts of AI, those of us with access to it must also recognize the privilege we have in using it.
These so-called “benefits” are actually enough reasons on their own to avoid AI. AI art is not real art. Defining art has always been difficult. Art is such a subjective thing, encompassing everything from painting to singing to sculpting. The definition of art is not its medium or its personal appeal, but the labor of its creation. An algorithm is not a replacement for a human brain in the case of art. Computers may excel at solving equations and getting exact data, but they cannot possess emotions the way humans do. These emotions are the basis of conscious
thought and creativity. Without the conscious input of a living being to make something with their individual creative drive, there is no artistic aspect in a piece.
Perfection has never been the end goal of art, obvious from decades of stylization in all mediums. It’s about the individual emotional reactions in a conscious brain. Generative AI “art” runs algorithms based on real human art pieces without credit to the original creator, and takes the jobs away from people who have dedicated their lives to their craft.
In January of 2024, the Animation Guild speculated that the introduction of AI into the art world would cause an “era of disruption” involving “the elimination of many jobs entirely.” AG predicted that by 2026, 510,800 jobs across film, audio and gaming fields would be disrupted by AI. With the intense use of AI in the past year, its capabilities have grown further than anyone could’ve predicted, likely heightening those numbers.
To say that all artificial intelligence is harmful is not
entirely accurate. There are degrees of AI involved in anything tech-related. For example, video game developers program movements and capabilities into non-playable characters, counting as a form of AI. There are AIs called reactive machines, which respond to real time input, such as automated sensors, like motion-detecting lights or doors. These are AIs that respond to inputs, but mostly cannot learn new information. Limited memory AI can learn from user input. For example, Apple’s assistant Siri is a limited memory AI that can use data from past user interactions to inform new user interactions. While these machines are still AI, they are trained by human interaction and do not generate content on their own, instead reflecting information to which they have access.
Some will not share these sentiments, feeling that this is just the future of art and that artists need to adjust or be left behind. This is a perception hard to correct. I believe it would behoove supporters of generative AI to look into the damage it does to the very Earth on which they live.
La Migra: What to do if approached by ICE
CLAIRE MARSHALL WATKINS Opinion Editor
Due to recent executive orders from the Trump Administration, The Weekly Ringer editorial board feels it is responsible and appropriate to share information about what to do if you are approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement regarding immigration. The Virginia American Civil Liberties Union’s “Know Your Rights” webpage advises people to remain silent and calm and to refuse requests of search or home entry. You do not have to answer any questions.
Per the Fourth Amendment, only a signed warrant from a state or U.S. District court—not from the Department of Homeland Security—gives law enforcement the right to search “persons, houses, papers and effects.” The ACLU also affirms that “ICE needs a warrant or employer’s permission to enter any part of the worksite that is not open to the public.”
The National Law Employment Project and National Immigration Law Center also published an instructional document detailing what employers and employees can do regarding potential ICE raids in the workplace.
A 1-200, or “Warrant for Arrest of Alien,” form does not give law enforcement the right to enter your home. If law enforcement does have a warrant signed by a judge, the ACLU advises that you calmly ask that law enforcement slide it under the door or otherwise display it before opening the door to them. Do not lie about immigration or legal status, and do not provide any false documents.
Per the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent. Mind that anything you say or do may be held against you in a court of law. You do not have to sign anything you do not understand, you have the right to an interpreter. If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to an attorney even if you cannot afford one. Do not discuss your immigration status with anybody except your lawyer. The ACLU also advises people who have been detained to exercise their right to contact their country’s consulate and inform them of the detainment. Should you be detained, the ACLU also advises that you share your immigration or nine-digit A-number with family.
U.S. citizens who feel safe and comfortable doing so can warn others if they see ICE by yelling “ICE” or “¡La Migra!”
An AI-prompted image displays the effects of environmental anxiety humans may suffer at our own hands. Image generated by ChatGPT 2025
Cortados in contrast: Fredericksburg’s best coffee
Quality coffee is hard to come by. As an avid coffee connoisseur and barista of six years, finding a coffee shop I genuinely liked was a top priority after my recent move to Fredericksburg.
Exploring all the coffee shops in the area can be a fun pastime, but for cash-strapped college students, the trial-and-error method might not be ideal. That’s why I’ve created my personal ranking of the top four coffee shops in downtown Fredericksburg that are all just a 20 minute walk from campus, offering a shortcut to discovering the best local coffee.
To compile this ranking, I ordered a cortado from each shop—a drink that allows for a fair assessment of drink quality. By choosing a cortado, which balances the richness of espresso with the creaminess of milk, I aimed to judge the core quality of the coffee.
For those unfamiliar, a cortado is made with two ounces—or a double shot—of espresso and two ounces of steamed milk. Even if you’re a fan of sugary drinks, don’t worry, this guide will still help you find the best coffee experience.
No. 4: Original Grinds
One of the pros of Original Grinds is that the espresso is undeniably good. It’s flavorful, rich and perfectly acidic. For those looking for vegan-friendly options, this shop also stands out. From vegan baked goods and avocado toast to a tofu smash, Original Grinds has you covered. It’s refreshing to see a coffee spot fully embrace plant-based offerings without treating them as an afterthought.
Some cons were that it was the only shop that missed the mark on making a proper cortado. To be fair, they only offer plant-based kinds of milk, so I went with almond milk here. Unfortunately, the drink tasted like straight espresso with a splash of almond milk—not the smooth, balanced cortado I had hoped for.
No. 3: 25 30 Espresso
The pros of 25 30 Espresso were that the espresso has a bright, acidic flavor that adds a unique complexity to the drink, setting it apart from many other shops in the area. The milk was steamed well and was overall a solid cortado.
But the shop suffers from inconsistency. While I had a good experience this time, it’s a gamble—some days the drinks are excellent, and other times they miss the mark entirely. If you’re willing to roll the dice, this shop has potential, but consistency is key in a competitive coffee scene.
No. 2: Agora Downtown Coffee Shop and Roastery
My drink from Agora Downtown Coffee Shop and Roastery had a good balance between espresso and milk, creating a smooth and harmonious flavor. The espresso itself was enjoyable, though it leaned a bit less lively compared to other options. That said, this place is a great safe option for anyone wanting a good quality drink.
However, the presentation was lacking, which was surprising since Agora typically excels in this area. It might have just been an off day, but the visual appeal didn’t match their usual standard. They also took the longest to make my drink, so if you’re in a hurry, this might not be the best choice. If you’ve got time to spare, the coffee and atmosphere could still make it worth the wait.
No. 1: Curitiba Art Cafe
For Curitiba Art Cafe, this shop really surprised me—in the best way. The cortado was hands-down the best I’ve had out of all four places I visited. The espresso was amazing, and the milk was steamed well. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, which makes it even more surprising that this place isn’t busier. Not to mention it was the cheapest shop by far.
With coffee this good, I was hoping for a bit of latte art to elevate the presentation but was unfortunately disappointed. Overall, this spot is an underrated gem that deserves more attention, offering both amazing coffee and a great atmosphere.
As far as bang for your buck, the cost of a cortado at each coffee shop was fairly consistent, hovering around the same price point. That said, I personally find anything over $6.00 to be on the pricier side for a drink that is only 4 ounces. However, none of these shops were outrageous with their prices, so if anything, I wouldn’t let price be a factor in your choosing.
All in all, coffee has a unique way of bringing people together, whether it’s over deep conversations, shared laughter, or just a quiet moment of connection. So grab your friends, step off campus, and explore one of these coffee shops—it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy good coffee and even better company.
Hopefully, these reviews help narrow your search and encourage you to explore.
SIENNA SABIA Staff Writer
A solid cortado is a great way to sample a coffee shop’s character. Sienna Sabia / The Weekly Ringer
Our coffee corespondent has named Curitiba Art Cafe the #1 coffee spot. Sienna Sabia / The Weekly Ringer
Ditch expensive coffee chains and head downtown to Agora for local coffee. Sienna Sabia / The Weekly Ringer
CARATTINI
RAY Grammy Award Winning Music Educator 3/27 1/23 4/10
Other Speakers:
President and CEO of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Arlington 1614 College Ave
16th Presidential Pilot Commander of Air Force One
Missionary in China Friend of Jean Donovan ‘75
Open In Kle I n Thea T re February 5*16 TICKETS ARE $5 w/ UMW ID AT THE KLEIN THEATRE BOX OFFICE IN THE LOBBY OF DUPONT HALL (Limit TWO tickets per UMW ID)
NAACP CEO offers powerful message at MLK celebration
MEAGHAN VAN DYKE Staff Writer
President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson spoke on the future of activism in the United States during his address at UMW’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration.
“Community-centric leadership is respecting and understanding that each one of us have something inside that’s extraordinary,” Johnson said. “We’re all ordinary people with the capacity to do extraordinary things, and far too often we look for the charismatic leader. That’s why I don’t like giving speeches.”
“Community-centric leadership is respecting and understanding that each one of us have something inside that’s extraordinary. We’re all ordinary people with the capacity
to do extraordinary things.”
- Derrick Johnson
He asserts that everyone has the potential to become a leader as influential as King.
“King was a regular person,” he said. “James Farmer was a regular person who had enough courage to overcome their fear to do extraordinary things. Everybody in this room also holds that same capacity.”
Johnson reminded attendees that with being an activist, comes potential backlash. He emphasized the importance of perseverance.
“There’ll be some times that you’re going to get challenges from your peers, from the faculty, from the administration and your parents, and you have to say, ‘is this a calculated risk that we should take because the stakes are too high not to take it?’” he said. “But that only happens if you begin to think through what impact can we have, and where should we make our mark and are we doing it for the right purposes and not doing it for celebrity shit.”
When asked about his views on the slew of executive orders issued by President Donald Trump in his first 48 hours in office, Johnson warned the audience not to let them be a distraction.
“It’s a distraction, and there’s some programs they’re going to go after that we’re concerned about, but we have to make sure we’re not playing whack-a-mole and stay focused,” he said.
One of Johnson’s biggest concerns in the present administration lies in the ignorance of economic inequities, which he says has led to the formation of an oligarchy.
“When democracy is weak, capital is able to exploit the environment, polluting the rivers, the streams, the air,” he said. “So we don’t know if we drinking clean water, or is it polluted from the toxic dump from a factory down the street? Are we actually eating real beef? Is the genetically modified vegetables actually healthy? Or is it doing something to us?”
“Begin to think through what impact can we have, and where should we make our mark and are we doing it for the right purpose and not doing it for celebrity shit.”
- Derrick Johnson
The event was a part of the annual celebration hosted by Germanna Community College, the UMW NAACP College Chapter and Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Shavonne Shorter in Chandler Ballroom of the Cedric Rucker University Center.
The event, attended by UMW students, faculty, staff and members of the greater Fredericksburg area, served as an opportunity to listen to Johnson’s conversation and ask questions during a question-and-answer section at the end.
“With our current political climate, it’s really reassuring to hear someone like him guide us,” said Symone Sexton, a sophomore marketing major. “Even when he said, ‘I can’t give you the answers, you have to look for that yourself,’ it’s just nice to hear that we’re still pushing forward and keep moving no matter what.”
For students such as sophomore psychology major Lee Rivas, Johnson’s message provided a sense of hope for the Mary Washington community.
“I thought this was a very impactful moment, honestly, and I think it was kind of healing, in a way, to know that there is a community,” Rivas said. “There’s always going to be a community regardless of what happens in the future. I think that other students should realize that and learn more about it.”
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Jan. 15 - Jan. 29.
There has been no crime reported since The Weekly Ringer’s last publication on Jan. 24.
Derrick Johnson spoke on topics such as activism, current politics and economic inequities for the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at UMW. umw.edu
Johnson referenced James Farmer as an example of how anyone can be extraordinary and cause a change. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Mary Washington swim team dives back into Goolrick Pool after closure for renovation
HARSHA RAVURI Staff Writer
After a nearly six-month-long pool closure, UMW’s men’s and women’s swim teams returned to their home lanes on Jan. 16.
“I was ecstatic to have the pool back,” said Jessica Hinson, a senior psychology major and athlete on the swim team. “I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to swim in Goolrick again before I graduated.”
“Now that we are back we are definitely more connected and are excited for the last few weeks of the season getting ready for NJACS.”
- Amanda Sheward
With the pool closed last semester, the swim teams were required to travel 20 minutes every practice to the Jeff Rouse Swim Center.
“I’m glad that the pool is back and we get an extra hour or two more of sleep,” said Amanda Sheward, a senior communication and digital studies major and athlete on the swim team. “Last semester we would either go in vans or drive up to Jeff Rouse to swim almost every morning and the early wake up calls were hard.”
Sheward believes that there is a clear advantage to the team being able to swim at home.
“When we were at Rouse we had a lot more lanes to swim in and everyone was spread out,” she said. “Now that we are back we are definitely more connected and are excited for the last few weeks of the season getting ready for NJACS.”
With this renovation, Goolrick Pool has been transformed into a modernized and improved aquatic facility, continuing to serve its purpose for current and future generations of UMW students and the local community.
“I was ecstatic to have the pool back. I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to swim in Goolrick again before I graduated.”
- Jessica Hinson
Some of the renovations in Goolrick include a new pool deck, upgraded systems in and around the pool, a brand-new color scheme and the installation of new lane lines.
The new color scheme includes UMW navy blue and grey which, along with the added Mary Washington branded flags and starting blocks, creates a warm welcome for the athletes to dive back into.
“This comprehensive renovation has improved the quality of the pool for swimmers and staff, allowing for a more efficient operation, including maintaining the water temperature and chemical balances,” said UMW Campus Recreation Director Michael Middleton. “We are excited to welcome swimmers back into the water.”
The six-lane Goolrick Pool is also the home to Campus Recreation activities, such as games of battleship, club swim practices, individual exercise classes and recreational swimming for the UMW community and guests.
While members of the swim team recognize the hard work and coordination their coaches and facilities staff put in, many say it’s good to be home.
“It feels great to be back,” said Hallie Perry, a senior sociology major and member of the swim team. “The coaches and Kyle Diederich have put so much work into getting us back and their work is very appreciated.”
Men’s Swimming (5-3)
Jan. 25 vs. Marymount University (161-101)
Feb. 13-15 NJAC Championships
Women’s Swimming (8-0) Jan 25 vs. Marymount University (216-42) Feb. 13-15 NJAC Championships
Men’s Basketball (7-11) Jan. 22 @ Guilford College (59-72) Jan. 27 @ Johns Hopkins University (67-78) Feb. 2 vs. University of Calirfornia, Santa Cruz
Feb. 5 @ Marymount University
Women’s Basketball (7-13) Jan. 25 @ Christopher Newport University (49-73)
Jan. 29 @ Marymount University Feb. 1 vs. Salisbury University
Equestrian (0-0) Feb. 1 vs. UMW Show Feb. 2 vs. UMW Show
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
The University of Mary Washington swim and dive team at Goolrick Pool. Photo courtesy of Amanda Sheward
Along with the restorations made to the pool facilities, the paint has been changed to UMWcolors, along with university branded flags and starting blocks to create a home enviroment. Photo courtesy of Amanda Sheward
With the reopening of Goolrick Pool, many of the facilities in and around the pool have been rejuvenated to create a better swimming enviroment for UMW athletics and events. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer