The Weekly
VOLUME 98 | ISSUE 1
Commonwealth’s Attorney withdraws charges against UMW students arrested at pro-Palestine encampment
ALDEN FRIEND Staff Writer
12 individuals, including nine students, were arrested on Jefferson Square on April 27 after the UMW Students for Justice in Palestine and other clubs affiliated with the Watermelon Coalition established an encampment in solidarity with Gaza. According to a campus-wide email from University President Troy Paino sent on the evening of the arrests, the individuals refused to comply with university policy and were considered trespassing.
On June 6, however, Commonwealth’s Attorney Elizabeth Humphries filed a motion to withdraw the criminal charges against the students.
“I felt it was incredibly unnecessary for VA State Troopers, Fredericksburg Police, and UMW Police to all show up to arrest 12 peaceful protestors, and they still didn’t have enough cop cars to transport us to the jail using proper
UMW proceeds with construction throughout campus
connect directly to daily uses, providing heating for buildings and hot water for sinks and showers in residence halls.
As students, faculty and staff return to campus for the Fall 2024 semester, some may observe several changes to campus through current and past construction projects.
“Hopefully returning students will be appreciative of the improvements, absence of construction detours, and utility outages; but mainly the hope is that all students will be able to focus on their academics and campus experience without having to worry about what goes on behind the scenes,” said Capital Outlay Director Gary Hobson.
After four years of construction, UMW has successfully concluded the Underground Utilities Project. The project aimed to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve the efficiency of the university’s water and heating systems. In all, it replaced over 5,000 linear feet of water lines and steam pipes across campus, spanning from Randolph and Mason Halls to Virginia Hall.
The work on the project was halted during academic semesters to minimize disruptions, hence the elongated completion time. The new lines
“The Underground Utilities Project was extremely challenging but critically important to upgrading our utilities that serve academic and residential spaces, and we greatly appreciate the patience and understanding of the whole UMW Community in bearing with us throughout the four years of the project,” said Hobson. “I am also greatly appreciative of my staff and others for their support.”
Monroe Hall remains closed for the Fall 2024 semester due to ongoing roof reconstruction. The project began in November 2023 to address leaks that had developed as the building aged. Initial repairs were limited by temperature restrictions, but as the weather warmed, additional issues were discovered, including water damage to the wooden rafters and substrate. necessitated a more extensive project, prompting the building’s closure. The reconstruction project is expected to extend into the fall semester, and as a result, all classes and offices have been relocated.
SEE CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 2
CARLOS NUNES Staff Writer
Students for Justice in Palestine band together to establish an encampment in solidarity with Gaza. Photo courtesy of Amirah Ahmed. SEE ENCAMPMENT, PAGE 2
The Editor-in-Chief
Weekly Ringer
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Callie Harkins
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Abbey Magnet
UMW PD concerned over outside entities
procedure. They had to wait for more to arrive,” said one of the students arrested, senior English and women and gender studies double major Zoey Young.
name of security—especially considering the heightened police presence throughout the event.
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Faculty Advisor
Sushma Subramanian
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UMW Chief of Police and Associate Vice President of Public Safety Michael Hall noted that the primary concern regarding the encampment was outside interference or agitation.
“So now we have a week before exams start, commencement getting ready, all the other events taking place on campus, all culminating at Jefferson Square, with a national and global hot topic,” he said.
Emphasis was placed on the presence of camping tents as justification for the police action and ultimate disbursement of the protest.
“Multiple tents started to appear, and then supplies were being kept in them. Outside entities could bring those tents and have other things in mind to do—having stuff concealed in those tents,” said Hall.
According to senior political science major and President of UMW SJP Amirah Ahmed, the university first alerted her of the restrictions on tents the morning of the arrests. Ahmed, who had been planning the encampment with the advice of university administrators weeks in advance, was baffled at the sudden change made in the
“I said, what are the safety concerns? Like, you have a camera up watching everything so please do let us know,” she said. “We asked over and over again and no answer was given.”
“I said, what are the safety concerns? Like, you have a camera up watching everything so please do let us know. We asked over and over again and no answer was given.”
- Amirah Ahmed
UMW’s encampment was erected during a time when the national spotlight was pointed at colleges and universities across the country—and the globe—as students protested their institutions’ relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“We had to do something,” Ahmed said. “They were using extremely one-sided language. They refused to say the word Palestine. They used the usual dehumanizing terms—referring to Palestinians—as they always do. Called them barbaric, this that and the other, with no context.”
Campus adapts as construction evolves
FROM CONSTRUCTION, PAGE 1
“I feel that Monroe being closed perpetuates the culture that UMW will never be 100% operational for its students,” said sophomore history and anthropology major Caty Taylor. “[Monroe was] my primary building of study and not being able to have the building has been a significant disruption to my studies.”
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“I feel that Monroe being closed perpetuates the culture that UMW will never be 100% operational for its students.”
- Caty Taylor
Allen Queen, a junior international affairs major whose classes were primarily located in Monroe before the closure, also shared disappointment in the ongoing construction.
“I know that these things can take time and a lot of behind the scenes work, but not knowing where your class is [going to] be until the week before classes, and even having one class moved online purely because there wasn’t enough locations for class to have a room, it’s disappointing,” he said.
The repairs included mold remediation and HVAC system replacement. Staff with offices impacted by the maintenance were temporarily relocated or allowed to work remotely during the spring and summer semesters. Still undergoing repairs, the Goolrick Hall pool is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in early October 2024. The maintenance is intended to improve the pool’s quality and efficiency, ensuring a better experience for swimmers and staff. The upgrades include plumbing repairs, new underwater lighting, deck tiling and fresh paint.
Similarly, Simpson Library is undergoing several upgrades, including reupholstering the treehouses on the top floor. Additionally, the library will receive structural repairs to the stairwell and exterior masonry, which will begin this fall and continue through the spring. To minimize disruption, only one stairwell will be closed at a time, ensuring access remains available through the center stairwell or the opposite end of the building.
While several campus locations have reopened, some students, like sophomore psychology major Alexis Sawchuk, expressed annoyance at the ongoing construction because of the impact they have on campus.
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
George Washington Hall has also reopened following extensive repair to its HVAC systems. The project, which began in the winter of 2023, was necessitated by water damage caused by leaks in the roof.
“[I’m] annoyed because of its domino effect. Professors were displaced and so many students lost their major building, which can be part of their identity, leaving them displaced as well,” said Sawchuk. “Additionally, the displacement has affected the distances that students have to walk in between classes, leading some to be late.”
Planet over profits: Fredericksburg City Council must confront the environmental threats posed by data centers
On Aug. 27, the Fredericksburg City Council met to vote on a measure that would provide $200,000 for Dominion Energy to research developing a data center in Fredericksburg. Last minute, the vote was omitted from the meeting agenda and it was announced during the 5:30 p.m. work session that the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority would provide the funding for the research itself.
Data Centers are essentially massive filing cabinets that store, process and collect various types of digital information. Data centers are an essential piece of infrastructure and allow for the effective and fast exchange of online information that we have grown accustomed to. However, data centers require an enormous amount of energy, ranging anywhere from 10 to 50 times the amount of energy per floor space of a typical commercial office building, according to the United States Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. This energy is provided through the burning of fossil fuel which has a direct correlation with climate change.
The primary incentive for erecting the data center is the estimated $35-$40 million in tax revenue it would produce for the city, according to Councilman Will Mackintosh. The money from a data center in Fredericksburg City could be used to fund public projects that have long been neglected or underfunded like schools and parks.
Despite the short-term substantial benefit to Fredericksburg from the tax revenue, the long-term disastrous effects on our climate that our city would directly contribute to cannot be overlooked.
Eric Bonds, associate professor of sociology at the University of Mary Washington, wrote in the FXBG Advance, “This proposal comes at a time when we are witnessing unprecedented weather phenomena linked with climate change...” Bonds argued that given the size of data centers, one singular center may end up consuming more energy than every individual home in Fredericksburg combined. This energy would primarily come from fossil fuels, as the city does not have the current infrastructure in place to provide the data center the energy it needs on entirely clean energy sources.
Donald Glander, a junior history and sociology double major, wrote an email to four of the seven Fredericksburg City Council members urging them to vote against the study of data center development in the city.
“As a young person, the threat of climate change looms heavy on my mind, and one of the things which first stuck out to me when I came to tour UMW, as well as the broader Fredericksburg area, was the city’s plan to completely transition to renewable energy by 2050 …[This] would not be possible if the city votes to attract and build data centers in our area,” Glander wrote in the email.
There was never a formal explanation as to why the vote by the city council to approve the $200,000 for data center research was forgo and permitted the Economic Development Authority to spend the funds themselves. However, I have a hard time believing the city council members do not know how unpopular this decision would be, and would prefer not to take the backlash that would coincide with voting against the wishes of their constituents to provide the funding for this research.
The Fredericksburg City Council has to make a decision. If they choose to continue down the path they have
set themselves on, and allow for a data center to be built in Fredericksburg for a quick buck, they will willingly be contributing to the ongoing climate crisis. However, if they decide to not allow a data center to be built, and they don’t allow Dominion’s monopolistic interests to dominate our city, they will undoubtedly be making a substantial difference in mitigating the effects of climate change in our community, and on our planet.
If the goal of bringing a data center to the city of Fredericksburg truly is in goodwill, and it is seen as an avenue to provide the city with more funds to tackle our toughest issues like affordable housing, or the funding of public education, I can only hope they come to the conclusion that these issues can be resolved in a manner that does not require us to sacrifice the life of our planet.
“The Fredericksburg City Council has to make a decision. If they choose to continue down the path they have set themselves on, and allow for a data center to be built in Fredericksburg for a quick buck, they will willingly be contributing to the ongoing climate crisis.”
- Devin Schwers
Corbin Poyer, a UMW Alumna and current resident of Fredericksburg, said “It’s a bad idea. They would destroy a large part of the remaining wilderness, and it would increase the imposing cost of water and electricity to homeowners. I will end up paying more for electricity and water that I am not even using. Students really need to start showing up to City Council meetings and making their voices heard because this is going to negatively impact their lives and the lives of anyone else living in the Fredericksburg area.”
Regardless of where you are from, if you are a member of the UMW community, you are a member of the greater Fredericksburg community, and you have a say in the day-to-day operations of our city. Write your city council members, sign up to speak at city council meetings on Tuesday nights and make your voice heard. The responsibility falls on us to fight for what we know to be right.
City Council meetings are held at the bottom floor of City Hall in downtown Fredericksburg. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
DEVIN SCHWERS Staff Writer
A sign indicates the presence of City Hall, located on 715 Princess Anne St. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Sip, study, socialize: For Five Coffee Roasters debuts on Mary Washington’s
ANNA GOODMAN Staff Writer
Fostering a spectrum of tastes, For Five Coffee Roasters brings a new form of art to campus, viewing each coffee bag, bean and pastry as its own unique canvas. The soft opening on Aug. 26 brought a flock of students ready to sample the variety of flavors and get a feel for the new spot on campus.
Students can fly by For Five, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, to enjoy a coffee, grab a snack, study or just to socialize with friends.
“I really like the vibe of the place, very comfy.” said freshman Kaley Dix.
Avid coffee drinker, freshman Patty Burgoon, enjoyed the ambiance and felt that even though it was busy the line moved quickly. When asked about the coffee, Burgoon said, “I tried the same drink I typically order [an iced caramel latte] and I thought it was an interesting take.”
Other students felt that it was “as good as or better than other brands,” said freshman Lily Ajima.
Dix and Ajima went to the cafe during the soft opening when the coffee was free so they did not get a look at the cost. However, Burgoon said, “I feel that the prices are a little too expensive for broke college students.”
At For Five, coffee prices range from $3 for a drip coffee to $6.25 for a “Louie,” beverages and pastries are typically between $5 and $9, while food ranges from $13 for oatmeal to $23 for french toast or specialized pancakes. Some students have pointed out that these prices are consistent with other cafes in the area.
“If you compare [For Five] to other coffee shops such as Starbucks or any local shops in Downtown Fredericksburg it is about the same price or even less,” said freshman Shelby Hoag.
While all college students’ budgets differ, like other establishments on campus, For Five accepts Eagle One, which helps ease some of the cost.
In addition to price, atmosphere and quality of product, customer service can make or break a business. Hoag said she enjoyed her experience and that the staff was accommodating to dietary needs.
“The man I spoke to at the counter answered all of my questions, providing me with recommendations and accommodating some of my restrictions,” she said. “I asked if they would be able to make my mocha with no caffeine and no dairy and they easily accommodated that. Overall, the customer service was the highlight of my experience.”
“I asked if they would be able to make my mocha with no caffeine and no dairy and they easily accommodated that. Overall, the customer service was the highlight of my experience.”
- Shelby Hoag
In addition to serving all students, faculty, staff and daily visitors, the cafe also creates job opportunities. For Five is aware of students’ busy schedules and takes that into account when hiring and scheduling.
campus
“[For Five] would like to have student leaders working on the weekends,” said staff member Ty Lawrence.
Lawrence says her favorite part of working at the cafe is, “meeting new people. you meet people, new people every day, every hour and learn new personalities [as well as] seeing the diversity of students.”
“I really like the vibe of the place, very comfy.”
-
Kaley
Dix
Lawrence recommends that customers try the Gothic Mocha with added caramel and the Freddo, which is an Italian-style coffee.
“Once they try it, they come back for it,” said Lawerence.
Founded in Queens, New York, For Five was established in 2010 by two friends, Stefanos Vouvoudakis and Tom Tsiplakos. According to their website, For Five’s mission is, “to bring our exceptional coffee to your cup. From the Five Boroughs. For The World.”
Vouvoudakis and Tsiplakos initially intended to supply coffee to restaurants and wholesale accounts all across New York. However, in 2016, they expanded their business and opened up their first cafe in the heart of Times Square. From then on, they have opened 17 new locations and gone nationwide. One such location is here, at Mary Washington.
Eagles can enjoy an exciting new coffee outlet on campus and sip on something sweet or savory. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Friendly For Five staff members make the coffee shop experience 10 times sweeter. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
For Five offers an array of different foods and drinks for eagles to enjoy. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Hungry Eagles flock to the dining hall, with great options come great responsibilities
ERMILA MAZARIEGOS Staff Writer
With endless options comes great responsibilities. Choosing when and what to eat every day is a semester-long assignment that is brand new to most first-years. For all things food-related, on-campus dining is a freshman’s newest and most mysterious best friend.
Stepping onto a college campus for the first time, freshmen are met with a whirlwind of new experiences, but none is quite as flavorful as the adventure that awaits them in on-campus dining.
The first two weeks of the fall semester are officially over, which means we have had a few days to get to know what the dining hall and other on-campus dining options have to offer.
When I walked into the Top of the CRUC for the first time, I was hit with a whirlwind of emotions. I was hungry, overwhelmed and anxious all at once. No tables were open; even worse, I had no idea what to eat. Seeing everyone in their big friend groups made me feel out of place and lonely. Had I missed a friendship-making seminar or something?
Many other students shared the same feeling. “The biggest issue I’ve experienced in the dining hall is not being able to find a table because at prime lunchtime, noon, all the tables are taken,” said freshman Kelly Ross.
During Welcome Week, the lines were long and filled with hungry students ready to sit down and have a bite to eat. Students either had to choose whether to wait in these lines or to find another option for food. If they waited, certain food items weren’t always guaranteed.
“I was hungry, overwhelmed and anxious all at once. No tables were open; even worse, I had no idea what to eat.”
- Ermila Mazariegos
“There’s been times where I don’t get in line because it’s too long or sometimes they run out of food,” said freshman Maite Guzman.
After the initial buzz of Welcome Week died down, lines diminished and more tables were free at the dining hall.
I felt more comfortable exploring the dining options and sitting down to eat at the Top of the CRUC once the initial craze settled. With the long lines gone, I can choose to get food from any section without having to worry about excessive waiting time. More tables are also free now, which makes it less stressful when I want to sit down, relax and enjoy my food.
When I first started to get a taste of the dining hall food, I was nervous. I needed to make sure I was getting a balanced meal, while still enjoying the food I was consuming. The food options served on campus are another new aspect of college life that can be either a positive or negative change for new students. Some options offered at UMW include pasta, sandwiches, salads and a variety of desserts.
“I really like the variety of options because there are all sorts of different food groups offered,” said freshman Isabel Sowry.
The section that quickly won over my tastebuds was the grill. With a savory cheeseburger that can be adorned with toppings of your choice and classic fries, I know I can always rely on the grill line for a quick, but delectable dinner.
“I
really like the variety of options because there are all sorts of different food groups offered.”
- Isabel Sowry
“I’m pretty satisfied. I don’t find myself eating the same thing two days in a row,” said Ross.
The dining hall also provides a separate section called Simple Servings for students with specific dietary needs.
“Since I have allergies and food restrictions, I would say due to there being an option at the Simple Servings line, I feel like it is easier for me to have that food available,” said freshman Valeria Vargas Perez.
For other students, some say that the options served could be more diverse.
“I’d say that the options are good, however, I’m used to eating more international foods daily so it’s been a little challenging to get used to,” said freshman Devda Nair.
While on-campus dining options span across campus, the dining hall at the top of the CRUC is conveniently located in the heart of campus and is just a short walk from most freshman dorms.
“[The CRUC] is never far, especially from my residence hall [Willard], I can just walk there really quickly and I always have time before class in the morning to eat a little something,” said Sowry.
However, some residents in Westmoreland Hall, such as myself, feel that the distance from the dorm to the dining hall is longer than that of friends who live in Virginia or Willard Hall. I have to trek down the dreaded Westmoreland hill, cross or go around Ball Circle and then walk up those daunting CRUC stairs just to get my meal. It can get annoying, especially in the mornings when I have an 8 a.m. class and am running to get a little something to eat.
However, UMW does make dining at the CRUC relatively easy for residential freshmen through an automatic, unlimited meal plan. With this plan, first-year students living on campus do not have to worry about running out of meal swipes.
“I think because I am a freshman, I’m going to take advantage of that unlimited Eagle One plan,” said Perez.
For many freshmen, the Top of the CRUC offers the most convenient on-campus dining option. Its proximity to first-year residence halls, unlimited meal swipe access and the variety of food options make the dining hall a great place to start your journey in getting to know the UMW campus community.
Hungry Eagles enjoy a bite to eat and friendly faces during the daily lunch rush in the top of the CRUC. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
The dining hall offers a salad bar, “The Mix” which is an enjoyable and healthy option for many UMW students. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Welcome Week allows new students to settle into The Nest
LAUREN BOYETT Staff Writer
Moving into college is always emotionally charged. A typical mix of excitement, anxiety and homesickness hits new students full force, but that’s where Welcome Week comes in.
Once move-in began on Aug. 21, the freshmen class of 2028 and new transfer students were immediately ushered into the new academic year. Known as Welcome Week, this period before the start of classes is packed full of seminars, activities and events to help new Eagles get to know campus and make connections with their peers.
From a visit by magician Peter Boie to workshops that sought to prepare students for success in their college classes and an all-hands-on-deck move-in period, Welcome Week kept freshmen busy and strived to keep them entertained.
“My favorite activity was one hundred percent the magician!” said freshman Ellie Tjaden. “I went to see him with a wonderful group of people that made the experience even more elevated than it was just by itself.”
During these first few days of getting to know neighbors and classmates, new students begin forming relationships that have the potential to last a lifetime. Tjaden experienced firsthand the type of community advertised at UMW at the very start of the week during move-in.
“My
favorite activity was one
hundred percent
the
magician. I went to see him with a wonderful group of people that made the experience even more elevated than it was just by itself.”
- Ellie Tjaden
“I had so many people helping me unload the car and helping me move in,” she said. “My roommate was truly the star of that day and I will forever be grateful to her and her boyfriend for helping me move in in such an efficient and timely manner.”
It took others longer to get settled. The anticipation of moving in, coupled with the realization of just how much stuff you have to squeeze into a tiny dorm room, can be overwhelming.
“I was nervous and anxious,” said freshman Kaylah Bettucci. “It was a bit overwhelming with all the stuff in the room, there was a lot going on.”
Designed to break the ice and alleviate some of that nervousness, Welcome Week offered a series of events that aimed at fostering relationships and helping students feel prepared for this next chapter of life.
“I think my favorite activity was the small amounts of free time that we got to ourselves, and the small events around campus like karaoke and the Just Dance party in the Underground,” said freshman Nataly Arita.
First-year students also met their peer mentors, received a glimpse of the university’s ASPIRE values and had the opportunity to enjoy ice cream with the University President Troy Paino at his home, known as Brompton House.
However, the busy schedule and constant social interaction proved draining for some. Bettucci would have preferred flexible meal times and more downtime between activities. Tjaden echoed those feelings.
“My least favorite part was probably having to get up at seven thirty for breakfast and
then the presentations,” she said. “The presenters did wonderfully, I just missed my bed sometimes.”
Some students also offered suggestions for following Welcome Weeks in years to come. Arita suggested an opportunity to give incoming students more chances to make friends on their floor during those first few days.
“Each floor in the residence halls should host a game night or social event for everyone
“My least favorite part was probably having to get up at seven thirty for breakfast and then the presentations. [...] I just missed my bed sometimes.”
- Ellie Tjaden
on that floor to get to know each other better because you will end up living with and seeing those people for a whole year, so might as well be able to form friendships out of them,” she said.
Tjaden would have also enjoyed a more relaxing activity, like showing a movie on Jefferson Square or the Rec Field.
“It would be so fun for new freshmen and students,” she said. “A nice stress relief between the business of Welcome Week and the first day of school.”
With Welcome Week complete, new eagles can now settle into the nest and reflect on the joy they are bringing to campus and can begin their year on a high note.
The university welcomes home new Eagles for the fall semester. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Campus walk paves the way for new students to learn what it means to be an Eagle. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Freshmen dorms are the nests for new UMW students to spread their wings. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Updates to the UMW student handbook include prohibition of chalking on brick and clarifications to the amnesty policy
MARTINA PUGH Staff Writer
On Aug. 22, the University of Mary Washington announced new changes to the student handbook. The policies that have been changed include firmer regulations regarding chalking and the introduction of the amnesty policy, as well as additional changes to the student conduct process, hazing and the institution’s alcohol and drug policy.
A majority of the changes are intended to bring the handbook up to compliance with state law, which is not uncommon, as Juliette Landphair, the vice president of student affairs, points out.
“Changes to university policies and procedures happen every year and sometimes a few times a year depending on new federal and state mandates as well as emerging cultural and technological realities and trends,” she said. “For instance, the Mary Washington honor system existed long before the emergence of the internet; yet, as internet use expanded, the honor system had to take into account this emerging technology in the honor system’s processes and procedures.”
Despite annual updates, some students are still unaware that changes were made.
“I do not think I am aware of all the new changes to the student handbook,” said Olivia-Lena De Veaux, a junior international affairs and Spanish double major. “I think the university could be more proactive about communicating policy changes to students — not everyone reads such lengthy emails, assuming they’re even reading emails unrelated to Canvas notifications.”
However, Landphair says that a notification outlining any changes in policy is sent to all students when the handbook is updated, and that they are encouraged to read it closely. The recent notification emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with the policies as they are updated.
“Some policies and links have been updated with this latest edition of the handbook, so whether this is your first semester at UMW or you’ve been here many years, you’ll want to review the information,” it says. “It is the responsibility of every student to know and follow the policies outlined in the UMW Student Handbook along with federal, state, and local laws.”
Chalking
The updated handbook formally bans the use of chalk on all brick surfaces. In previous years, UMW students and campus organizations have utilized chalk as a means to get messages across to the student body in a timely and efficient way.
The new chalking policy now states that “chalking is permitted outdoors on non-brick, flat, horizontal surfaces (including the concrete borders of Campus Walk) and must be fully exposed so that rain can wash the water-soluble material away naturally.”
According to the 2020-2021 student handbook, the previous rules stated that chalking was limited to uncovered sidewalks and prohibited on covered surfaces, sides of buildings, stairs, porches, patios and tunnels. Only traditional chalk was permitted, any other materials were considered prohibited and students would be fined.
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from Aug. 31 - Sep. 4.
“We did change the chalking policy to include no chalking on brick,” said Landphair. “This decision results from the adverse effect of chalk on our brick surfaces (removing the chalk harms the brick) and is consistent with chalking policies at other public Virginia universities.”
Amnesty
The introduction of the amnesty policy—which is a reformed Safe Sammy—is meant to help students mediate safety while engaging in behavior that is against student conduct rules pertaining to alcohol and drug use. The Safe Sammy policy was introduced to maintain and promote student safety, however due to miscommunication, the policy became ineffective.
“I am aware of the Safe Sammy policy but I need clarification on how to use it,” said De Veaux.
This confusion is one of the primary reasons for its reform. The amnesty policy “addresses the risk of harm due to alcohol use, drug use, and hazing behavior. Informally referred to as “Safe Sammy” at UMW, this provision exists to encourage students to reduce the risk of harm and get help for themselves or other students in need of medical assistance,” according to the updated handbook.
Students also found that Safe Sammy was difficult to use in practice, as many believed they had to request use of the rule, instead of it existing as a permanent resource.
“The amnesty policy is similar to Safe Sammy where a student doesn’t have to invoke it but when the situation is being looked over by police and honor council the policy will be taken into account for a lesser punishment,” said junior environmental science major Kate Stoneman.
The policy relies on the student or witnesses to seek out assistance for medical help. This can come in the form of a call to an RA, UMW police or emergency services. The amnesty policy does not stop a student from being referred to the student conduct review board; however, their actions during this will be taken into consideration during their hearing and resolution process.
This year, UMW also formally published a hazing prohibition policy and clarified definitions in the alcohol and drug policies. Specific language used in the handbook was shared with the campus community on Aug. 19 in a campus-wide email and can be found online.
Vandalism/Underaged Possession of Alcohol
On Aug. 31 at 2:56 a.m., there was a case of vandalism and underaged possession of alcohol at Mason Hall. This case was referred to O.S.C.A.R.
Larceny of Bike
On Sep. 1, there was a case of larceny for bike at the University Center. This case is pending.
Larceny
On Sep. 1 at 9:25 p.m., there was a case of larceny at Jepson Fountain. This case is pending.
The UMW chalking policy has been updated so that chalk is not allowed on brick surfaces. Claire Marshall Watkins / The Weekly Ringer
Sports
UMW men’s soccer soars above North Carolina Wesleyan for the first game of the season
On Aug. 30, the UMW men’s soccer team went head to head against North Carolina Wesleyan University to kick off the 2024 season. Spectators filled the stands with anticipation and were not left disappointed, with UMW defeating NC Wesleyan in a 2-0 shutout.
The Eagles started early with a strong display of both offense and defense, and this performance of strength continued for the rest of the first half.
“The Eagles dominated the first half and held off the other team pretty well,” said Scott Powers, a professor in modern languages and literature who attended the game.
Senior political science major Carter Berg scored the first goal of the season less than 10 minutes into the game. Approximately five minutes later, he scored a second goal, bringing the Eagles to an early 2-0 lead in the first half. Berg’s first goal was assisted by graduate student business administration major Neslar Castillo, and the second was assisted by senior business administration major Jordy Santana.
“I am thrilled to have scored two goals to start the season for us, and I can’t wait to keep creating goals with the rest of the lads all season,” said Berg.
The defense held the line and let little get past them as they worked to protect the Eagles’ lead. Senior marketing major and goalkeeper Freddy Rogers was sound in net, saving all five of NC Wesleyan’s shots.
“I am thrilled to have scored two goals to start the season for us, and I can’t wait to keep creating goals with the rest of the lads all season.”
- Carter Berg
Though the Eagles dominated during the first half, they were unable to score throughout the remainder of the game. Castillo offered insight on what the team may be focusing on in preparation for the rest of the season.
“I think we are a good team but just finishing out chances and cleaning up on the ball will carry us a long way,” he said. “We had a very strong start to [the] game but we are looking to stay consistent both offensively and defensively throughout the whole game.”
Berg echoed his teammates’ sentiment.
“If there’s anything I think can be improved from [the game], I think it’s that we took our foot off the gas after we went up 2-0,” he said. “We should’ve scored many more than two goals, and better teams might make us pay for getting complacent after we take the lead.”
“We have high aspirations and goals for this season but are really just trying to take everything one game, one practice at a time.”
-
Nathan Macek
Last season, the Eagles had a record of 18 wins, two losses and two tied games that propelled them to the third round of the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Championship. A team that is no stranger to season-long success, they are taking things each step at a time.
“I
think we are a good team but just finishing out chances and cleaning up on the ball will carry us a long way.”
- Neslar Castillo
“Our game was definitely not our best showing but I do believe we have a great season ahead of us,” said junior business finance major Nathan Macek. “We have high aspirations and goals for this season but are really just trying to take everything one game, one practice at a time.”
The Eagle’s next game is Sept. 6, at 7 p.m. where they will face off against Bethany College at home.
Men’s Soccer (2-0)
Aug. 30 vs. N.C. Wesleyan (2-0)
Sept. 1 vs. Rutgers-Newark (5-2) Sept. 6 vs. Bethany Sept. 8 vs. Marymount(Va.)
Women’s Soccer (1-0-1)
Aug. 30 vs. Randolph-Macon (2-1)
Sept. 1 @ Penn State Harrisburg (0-0)
Sept. 7 @ Rutgers-Camden Sept, 11 @ Dickinson College
Women’s Volleyball (3-2)
Aug. 30 vs. Kean University (3-1) @ Virginia Wesleyan University (0-3)
Aug. 31 vs. Geneva College (Pa.) (3-0)
vs. William Peace University (3-0)
Sept. 3 @ Eastern Mennonite University (1-3)
Sept. 6 @ Averett University @ Washington and Lee University
Sept. 7 vs. University of Lynchburg vs. Gettysburg College
Men’s Rugby (0-1)
Aug. 31 vs. University of Guelph (20-33)
Sept. 7 vs. Mount St. Mary’s (Md.)
Women’s Rugby (0-0) Sept. 7 vs. Longwood University
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
UMW sets up their offense as Nelsar Castillo drives the ball up the field. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
MADELYN TUNNELL Staff Writer
Both UMW and NC Wesleyan challenge each other to control the ball. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
UMW goalkeeper Freddy Rogers stands on the field facing the UMW bench. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer