The Blue & Gray Press

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THE UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON STUDENT NEWSPAPER

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December 7, 2017

VOLUME 91 | ISSUE 12 SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE

1922

Dogs and trainers bond while making a difference

These photos are from a photo article titled “A Day in the Life of a Service Dog in Training.” They feature one of the CCI dogs and his trainer.

Paige Walton Staff Writer

UMW’s Canine Companions for Independence club (CCI) is part of a national non-profit organization that trains dogs to assist and enhance the quality of life for people with differing disabilities. In addition to raising dogs, the UMW chapter aims to educate the general public about service dogs and increase awareness about the cause.

Approved in May of 2014, the club is still growing and expanding, now only four years old. Currently the club has around 30 members. According to senior psychology major club President, Rachael Wiczalkowski, UMW is the only university with a program like this.

“There was a realization of the need for service dog education and service puppy raisers,” said Wiczalkowski.

“Many people don’t know how to interact with a service dog or when it is okay to interact with one... With more and more people receiving service dogs this is an important thing to be educating the community about.”

Wiczalkowski has been in the club for three and a half years, she says she joined the club because she really missed her dogs back home.

While there are currently two dogs being raised by individuals, other members of the club contribute to the cause by helping plan events based around education and fundraising.

Junior psychology major, Mary Meghan Rice is currently raising a CCI dog named Rotary. Rice details the difficulties that come with raising a service dog, including house breaking early on so that the dog can go into stores and other public spaces. One of the biggest hardships that arises is the

frequent misconceptions that people have of service dogs in general.

“Many people do not know how to properly approach or be around service dogs,” said Rice. “Socializing has been the hardest part of raising Rotary so far... I have had to find a happy medium of allowing Rotary to be pet but also making sure that he knows that he is working when his vest and gentle leader are on.”

Part of the process of training is having the dog experience all kinds of situations, so that when the dog is eventually paired with someone in the future, they are equipped to handle anything. That being said, service dog trainers are not always able to bring their dog everywhere. Being in the education program with practicum teaching means Rice is not able to take Rotary into school with her three times a week.

duPont art complex to undergo renovations Sarah Goodnough Staff Writer

Last week, UMW Provost Nina Mikhalevsky confirmed that the university is making plans to renovate Melchers, duPont and Pollard Hall.

The duPont arts complex consists of Melchers Hall, Pollard Hall and duPont Hall, which house the departments of art and art history, music, theater and dance, respectively.

“They have been renovated off and on for years,” said Mikhalevsky. “The whole complex is in need of renovation and we have hired architects who are in the process of meeting with department chairs and faculty members… We are working on a plan that will result in the renovation of all three buildings.”

Together, they form the university’s

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ISSUE

cultural arts center. The history of the complex dates back to the 1950s and since its initial foundation, there have been few renovations. Currently, much of the original foundation remains.

While the infrastructure is outdated, it

presents no danger to the students taking classes within these buildings.

Lately, rumors have been circulating among the student body about this renovation. While Mikhalevsky could confirm that the renova •MELCHERS | 2

Krystiane Urbaniak / The Blue & Gray Press The UMW community came together to make birthday cards for a young boy.

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Kyrstiane Urbaniak / The Blue & Gray Press

“During that time, I am not allowed to take Rotary so he stays in his crate but he goes with me almost everywhere else,” said Rice. “I have to think of what is in his best interest and take him to places that will not overwhelm him while also making sure that he is introduced to many different types of environments.”

By the end of their time with trainers in the club (about 18 months), CCI dogs know 30 commands, ranging from the basics such as sit and stay, to the more complex such as hurry when dealing with going to the bathroom.

After puppy training, the UMW student says goodbye to their dog and the dog heads to advanced training with professionals through CCI for about four to five months, where they learn additional skills that will equip them to best serve their person in •CCI | 11 the future.

Sexual battery incident Madison Pace Staff Writer

On Thursday, Nov. 16, a sexual battery took place on campus in the parking lot behind the Simpson Library and Pollard Hall around 3:35 pm. According to Marty Morrison in a school-wide email, a male wearing a black sweatshirt and blue sweat pants, approached a female student and grabbed her buttocks. After she confronted the male about the situation, he told her that he was joking with her and ran towards the direction of the Eagle’s Nest located in Woodard Hall.

At the time of the reported situation, the campus police conducted an

RUSSIA REMOVED

Indie rock band entertains at Tally concert.

How loss of net neutrality could affect everyone.

Russia barred from Winter Olympics after doping scandal

LIFE | 7

VIEWPOINTS | 4

SPORTS | 12

NEWS

Editors: Meaghan McIntyre & Izzy Briones | blueandgray.news@gmail.com

Students look forward to updates

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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 Kelly Emmrich

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ester Salguero

MANAGING EDITOR Tessa Cate

SECTION EDITORS NEWS Meaghan McIntyre Izzy Briones

VIEWPOINTS Ginny Bixby

LIFE Lauren Closs

SPORTS Ryan Brauch

ONLINE Es Hethcox

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Cayley McGuire / The Blue & Gray Press Students worry about parking changes.

Parking causes controversy John Jamison Staff Writer

On Nov. 14, the Fredericksburg City Council discussed and decided not to move forward with a new parking plan that would have affected the entire UMW community. The proposed plan from the City’s Parking Advisory Committee was instead sent back by the Council. Intended to take effect in January, the original plan proposed a resident permit parking system that would make the streets in the College Heights and College Terrace neighborhoods off limits to the general public including the faculty, staff and student body of UMW. On Nov. 16, the City’s Parking Advisory Committee met to reconsider the more highly contested aspects of the plan, namely the aforementioned neighborhood parking and the availability of parking along College Avenue, turning the UMW side of College Avenue into 2 hour metered parking.

The concerns on the part of the city are expressed in the minutes of their Nov. 16 meeting, “A majority of the Committee believes...that any system must provide residents with a greater opportunity to park near their homes during peak high parking demand periods and must also provide protections from long term parking in the neighborhood by those who do not reside in the neighborhood.” No formal action was taken by the Committee, but they are meeting again on Dec. 14.

On the side of UMW, the proposed parking plan drew concern from students and staff alike. In a letter to the Fredericksburg City Council, Dr. Craig R. Vasey, who is a professor of philosophy, classics, and religion said, “limiting parking •PARKING | 11

tion is in the process of being planned, she cannot say when the project will actually begin.

Jon McMillan, chair of the department of art and art history, weighed in on the discussion. So far, he has had only one meeting with the architects to talk about what will be done with Melchers Hall.

“All of this is extremely preliminary at this point,” said McMillan. “There really are no plans to do anything right now.”

However, if everything pans out well, future UMW students might see an arts complex with larger studios and better infrastructure. This w o u l d benefit students within the program as well as encourage those outside of the program to get involved in the arts.

Ideally, the studio sizes will be large enough to allow students to work comfortably while keeping the intimate class size that is characteristic of UMW, as well as enable the school to increase the number of classes offered within the arts programs. This would, in turn allow students enough opportunities to enroll in the classes they need for their degree

rather than waiting semester after semester to get into a highly desired class.

“It’s something we’re really in need of, which is why I’m really happy that the administration is moving forward with developing options, but I don’t think it’s something that’s going to happen right away or soon even,” McMillan said. “It would be a huge advantage to our students for this building to be renovated.”

Larger studios and a better layout for the buildings would greatly benefit the students taking classes in the arts programs. “It would create a much healthier environment for them to make artwork in,” McMillan said.

When a s k e d about the future renovation, Riley Anderson, a junior studio art and mathematics double major said, “it’s exciting because this is one of the older buildings.”

Anderson described some of the problems she encounters as an art student, such as the general lack of space in the studios considering the number of students enrolled in each class. She expressed excitement for future art students who will be able to see the finished renovation, should it come to pass.

“The whole complex is in need of renovation and we have hired architects who are in the process of meeting with department chairs and faculty members.”

-Nina Mikhalevsky

Net neutrality at risk Keely Cervantes Staff Writer

Recently the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has planned to place a higher price for use of the World Wide Web by getting rid of net neutrality. Net Neutrality has recently been making headlines across America, as the FCC continues to push their proposal of allowing broadband companies to control the speeds and their pricing on the internet.

The new chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai wants to end net neutrality which would allow internet companies like Verizon and AT&T the ability to increase pricing for the use of the internet by creating “fast lanes.” This means that

web companies would have to pay for the extra charges.

Apps such as Netflix and video games on the other hand would be put in with “slow lanes.” The increase in price means that consumers who use these internet applications would have an increase in rates. The decision of net neutrality will be made on Dec. 14, of this year.

The internet is vital to the education of many college students specifically. If net neutrality is taken away, many will have to invest for faster internet speed.

The slower lanes of the internet will increase the amount of time one spends on the internet and cause longer delays for those who do most of their schooling online.

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CORRECTIONS for THE Week

Alex Sakes

Business Team •

In the news article, “The Virginia State House of Delegates election results”, from the November 15 issue stated that the results of the recount had not been verified yet. This was incorrect. Thomas won the recount by 82. This issue has been corrected online.

•

In the news article, “Jepson construction causes issues for students,” from the November 15 issue there was an error in a caption and the lead sentence. Both issues have been corrected.

Linda Fitzpatrick Janelle Behm

FACULTY ADVISOR PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES SEEN IN THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS TO

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Kelly Emmrich, blueandgray.eic@gmail.com or Sushma Subramanian, ssubrama@umw.edu

Thursday, December 7, 2017

SPORTS GARY KNOWLES Staff Writer

University of Tennessee students protest the hiring of new football coach

Greg Schiano, current defensive coordinator at Ohio State University, was slotted to become the new football coach at the University of Tennessee but was shut down over the weekend of Nov. 26 due to protests from the Tennessee Volunteers’ fans and students at the university, according to ESPN’s Chris Low. The news about Schiano becoming the possible new coach broke on Sunday Nov. 26. The Schiano deal incited a public outcry from fans of the University of Tennessee team.

According to several sports media outlets a protest of about 100 people gathered on the university’s campus to oppose the hiring of Schiano.

A picture taken by WVLT-TV Local 8 News shows a rock where students paint messages on a regular basis that was painted with the phrase: “Schiano covered up child rape at Penn State.” The message appeared on the same Sunday as the announcement of the school’s consideration of Schiano for the coaching position.

Allegations have risen among the university’s students and fans of the school’s football team about Schiano’s connection to the Penn State athletics department during the years of Jerry Sandusky’s tenure as assistant coach. The protesters’ claim is that Schiano must have known about and covered up Sandusky’s sexual abuses.

According to ESPN’s article “Sources: Tennessee backs out of Greg Schiano hiring after campus protests”, in a 2015 disposition by former employee of Penn State, Mike McQueary, Schiano had denied any knowledge of Sandusky’s criminal actions during that period.

However, according to Slate reporter Ben MathisLilley in 2016 new court documents were released that contained information, which stated Schiano and several others actually did know about Sandusky’s inappropriate behavior.

The campus protests sparked a controversy that spread through the internet, especially on Twitter, and ended up with Schiano no longer being considered as the new football coach.

Government officials andUniveristy of Tennessee protests celebrities have also joined in on the students’ protest on social media. Typing “Greg Schiano” into the search bar on Twitter now brings up pages of jokes towards him and protests against the university’s decision to nominate him as the new coach.

The school’s athletic director, John Currie, has also received significant social media backlash on Twitter feeds.

The movement seems to be in line with the recent trend for people to hold celebrities and public officials more accountable for their actions.

An article on the University of Tennessee website posted on Dec. 1, mentions changes to the current

247sports.com

administration of the university’s athletic department by Chancellor Beverly Davenport.

Davenport placed the school’s current athletic director, John Currie, on paid leave. In his stead the chancellor has appointed Phillip Furmer to take up the search for a new coach.

The article also states that “The chancellor said she has taken these steps in the best interest of the university.”

Despite the change in leadership the protests and comments on Twitter and other social media channels continue to weigh in on the Schiano incident.

Sportpinion:UMW student athletes struggling to maintain proper nutrition ZACH WOHLEKING Senior Writer

Here at UMW we are given a plethora of options to choose from in terms of what we can eat. The University Center and the Nest provide students with a good variety of options and for the average student in the administrations eyes, it is good enough. What about our athletes? The Mary Washington student athlete population makes a good chunk of the student body, especially if you include the countless other students that do club sports and partake in strenuous exercise daily.

For these students, their daily consumption of food may vary from the average student viewed by the school. Also for these students who continually do strenuous exercise, the food options offered at the school may not be enough to satisfy their needs.

When asked, several student athletes confirmed that the University Center does not fulfill them nutritionally.

“No, Simple Servings is the only station that is consistently healthy

and allows me to get the nutrients and protein that I need, but it is not always enough,” said Kenyon Huber-Wilker, a student athlete on campus.

Simple Servings seems to be the best option with athletes schoolwide.

“Simple servings is a great after workout choice when it comes to UC food, I get it pretty frequently after I lift. The issue I have with it is that there’s just not enough variety on a daily basis, if we had more options available at the station I’d probably eat there almost every day,” said senior business major and men’s basketball president Terrin Dickerson.

The common consensus seems to be that healthy food options are a popular choice with athletes who eat at the University Center. This trend of demand for healthy food seemed to be the norm among many of the students.

Most seemed to prefer simple servings and the salad bar of the University Center over everything else. If this is

what our student athletes prefer, the university should make a conscious effort as a school to try and cater more to this large portion of our students.

With limited access to healthy options and the inconsistency of the Simple Servings section, it is clear that there is not enough for athletic individuals to eat the way their lifestyles require. Especially for our collegiate athletes, who must consume a large amount of calories in a day.

As a school, we should want these athletes consuming 2000 plus calories of healthy options instead of most of what is currently offered by the school.

This is not a new idea, students have been advocating for healthier options at this school ever since the University Center was built. This perspective however, does not seem to garner all that attention very often. Our student athletes are big representatives of our school, the university should be aiding these athletes to be in the best shape

they can possibly be in to go out and compete at the highest level. Studies have proven that food consumption is one of the biggest parts in the contribution to athlete development.

If we want our school to be top tier in terms of athletics we need to pay attention to things like nutrition. Diet has been proven to be a key factor in how athletes perform, train, build muscle and feel throughout their day. It is even more important with our high intensity and high endurance athletes like our swimmers and cross country runners. The impact of diet on our collegiate athletes may be underplayed at this school, and it is something to consider by the administration and athletic department. Again, this is an issue that has been brought up before, but this perspective may not have ever been considered, the impact of food on our student body should not be undervalued.

Weekly Scoreboard Men's Basketball

M/w swimming

Dec. 6 @ Southern Virginia (L) UMW: 0 SVU: 2

women's Basketball

Dec. 6 @ Southern Virginia (W) UMW:64 SVU: 51

Dec. 2 @ Gettysburg College Women’s: first place. Men’s: second

M/W Indoor track

Dec. 2 @ Roanoke College Women's 4x200 first place

swimming

Men's basketball

M/W Indoor track

women's basketball

Jan. 13 @ Salisbury TBA

Jan. 12 @ Christopher Newport TBA

Dec. 9 vs. Salisbury TBA

Dec. 9 vs. Salisbury TBA

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Why getting rid of net neutrality will reduce citizens’ freedom

GRACE WINFIELD Staff Writer

Ajit Pai, the Federal Communications Commission chairman, recently issued his “Restoring Internet Freedom Order”, a plan that would overturn Obama-era regulations regarding net neutrality. Though party affiliation should not affect opinions on this matter, it affects everyone. On Dec. 14, the proposal will be voted upon

by Commissioners, and every internet user should be concerned.

The internet contains an abundance of sources, where information and entertainment are provided in a number of seconds. The internet’s quick and reliable availability is undoubtedly what makes it so remarkable, but that is all about to change under Pai’s proposal threatening net neutrality.

Explained by Kelsey D. Atherton in a PopSci article, net neutrality “governs the behavior of Internet Service Providers… without neutrality, an ISP could instead dictate usage terms to both sites and to users.” ISPs are supposed to indiscriminately direct users to webpages, no matter what the request entails, (i.e. Netflix, Instagram, cooking blogs, anything you could ever want to access on the internet) which is why this decision is more personal than you may have thought.

According to the FCC’s website, Pai is a proud supporter of Internet Service Providers’ independent regulation, as well as broadband accessibility. These ISPs include telcos, such as Verizon and AT&T, and broadband providers such as Comcast and Charter. Interestingly enough, Pai previously worked for Verizon Communications Inc. as Associate General Counsel from 2001-2003. This is concerning because Pai’s past employment indicates a potential bias towards these providers. Pai was appointed Commissioner at the FCC

by Barack Obama and was confirmed

ACLU.org

Ajit Pai’s order that would overturn net neutrality regulations will be voted on Dec. 14.

unanimously by the United States Senate in May 2012. As of January 2017, he has been designated Chairman by President Donald Trump.

Nelson Granados, a Forbes journalist who specializes in digital trending, predicted in March that within one year the net neutrality rules would be rolled back either fully or partially. Ajit Pai’s announcement only confirmed his assumptions. According to Granados, “the full rollback means the rules are scrapped in their totality, while the partial rollback takes away the classification of ISPs as utilities or common carriers.”

Ajit Pai’s “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” proposal is neither restoring or freeing. Repealing net neutrality provisions and reclassifying broadband providers from common carriers to information services gives providers the power to restrict internet access unless sites and consumers are willing to pay for their content to be readily accessible. If Verizon, for example, wants to block content, charge sites to be viewable on its network, or create paid fast lanes, the company is only

UMW needs to create bike regulations to protect student safety OLIVIA TAYLOR Staff Writer

Imagine that you are walking through the tunnel connected to the Nest and Woodard Hall on a weekday morning.

And all of the sudden you feel a whoosh of air as a bicyclist flies past you. They swerve around the students walking to class as they rush to where they are going. While everyone should have the right to get to class how they please, I should not feel like my safety is in jeopardy walking across campus.

There is a need for some sort of regulation and/or standards to be put in place for bike riding on the UMW campus. I have been hit by a biker in the tunnel.

The biker came flying down the hill from the Monroe fountain, began swerving in and out of pedestrians, and hit me and pushed me into one of the columns. I sustained minor injuries because of this.

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While the biker did stop and profusely apologize, I feel as if this awkward and painful experience could have been avoided.

Junior Megan Liberty said that she has also noticed this problem. “Bikers go flying through the Nest and have little to no concern for others around them.

They go so fast and expect everyone to just get out of their way. I have seen several close calls where bikers have almost crashed into students walking in the tunnel at the Nest.” While no specific bicycle riding regulations are available on the UMW website, it is Virginia state and Fredericksburg City law that all bicycles must always yield to pedestrians.

Yielding is not the same as aggressively ringing your bike bell until the pedestrians move out of the way. It is also noted

accountable to provide its subscribers with a warning in their contract’s fine print.

The proposal’s motive can be described as a greedy, capitalistic idea that ensures ISPs success and profit through unfair consumer and company charges. To put it into perspective, with this vote’s passing, ISPs could charge customers more money to stream Netflix, and at the same time charge Netflix to ensure their video streaming is as fast as competitors, such as YouTube, Hulu, or Amazon. They could also block or slow down accessibility on different sites such as Instagram or personal blogs, as well as slowing video streaming services varying from Hulu to porn sites all depending on how much money the consumer and/or the company is willing to bribe the ISPs with.

The internet should not be involved in the free market system. Without government interference, ISPs could soon take control of the internet as we know it all by naming a price. Sure, capitalism gives us the liberty to produce and consume what we want rather than the government deciding for us; it limits the government

from having total control on our lives.

However, is corporate control, and corruption, any better? Capitalism divides society in lines of economic competency, which breeds into class division, automatically presenting concern amongst lower and middle-class patrons. For example, high school and college students are often expected to be able to access and provide a multitude of sources for their classes and coursework, though paying for these sites presents great conflict. Pai’s limit of internet resources for the intent of profit is shameful and only contributes to the commercialization of education that students already succumb to.

While the claim that less government control means more freedom in decision-making for consumers, where is the freedom in paying for access to information that is rightfully ours? Just as anyone is welcome to a library’s resources, anyone should be able to utilize the internet in whatever way they desire. The internet’s purpose is to transfer information across the web as quickly as possible, no matter the content, no matter the user.

in these laws that bikers must not have headphones, or be distracted by using a cell phone or other device.

This however happens often with bikers on campus.

Common courtesy Murillo de Paula/Unsplash.com seems to be UMW requires students to register their bikes with campus police but there lacking from are no specific traffic regulations. the bikers at UMW. students that register their bike or ride Bikers act as if they own the sidewalk their bike on campus could be required to and that everyone needs to yield to sign and agree in order to register. There them when it should be the reverse. should also be a way for students to reA good regulation would be that in port injuries or instances of irresponsible high traffic conditions where Campus biking. Properly implemented channels Walk is crowded, bikes must be walked would hold everyone accountable and through by the rider. At the very least, keep all students safe. This can be boiled there should be a regulation requiring down to using common sense and having a decrease in speed. Pedestrians should courtesy for your fellow Eagles. Being a always have the right of way. responsible bike user is simple- your ride There also could be some sort of to class is never more important than the policy presented by the university for acsafety of a fellow student. ceptable biking practices on campus. All

Thursday,January December 2017 Thursday, 21, 7, 2015

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Editor: Ginny Bixby | blueandgray.views@gmail.com

Letter to the Editor: Open-minded adminstration allows students to join political clubs “It was a multi-step process, but it was worth it. Basically, I just had to gather The University of Mary Washington enough students and begin has a long-standing tradition of fostalking to the SAE about tering open-mindedness amongst its student body, and maintaining the same becoming recognized. Then, I went before the committee outlook, when it comes to administraand had to explain what the tion. Over the summer, UMW student club was about and prove Natalie Johns felt inclined to gather that there was enough interstudents who shared her interest in est in the club to continue it firearms and firearm safety by creating after I graduate. The coma club of the same focus. I interviewed mittee was very helpful and Natalie about the developments of willing to work with me, the club since its embryonic stage in and I didn’t feel any biases, August. or anything of that nature.”

According to Natalie, the club’s main The administration’s cofocus is education and firearm safety operation in chartering the knowledge. “We are first and foremost club without any noticeable focused on education, because people bias is reassuring of the tend to fear what they don’t know. climate of free association at That’s why we’re hoping to have a lot of educational events in the future, like Mary Washington.

The club had its first field safety classes, events in support of the A firearms club was started this semester at UMW. trip last month, during Second Amendment, and trivia conrange with four of the NRA’s best trainwhich students gathered at tests.” ers in a safe, educational environment. the range at NRA national headquarters.

Natalie also explained process of Field trip chaperone and UMW Police becoming an officially recognized club. There, they heard from speakers on the Sergeant Joe Gagliardi offered a perfocus of the NRA, as well as firearm haps little known fact: “One of the very and first clubs at Mary Washington was a range rifle club. I once saw an old picture safety. in one of the buildings on campus of The a group of female students with their group rifles, posing for a club photo.” then It seems that UMW’s tradition of got the oppor- freedom of association traces all the way back to the beginning days of the tunity college, and the UMW Firearms club is to put a recent addition to the many clubs that their knowl- represent students’ interests.

Young Americans for Liberty also has edge to a long standing tradition of supporting use by NRAILA.org firing the U.S. Constitution. YAL’s “Your The firearms club is associated with the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action.

Life, Your Right” campaign encouron the RICHARD ABEL Contributing Writer

Natalie Johns/Facebook.com

ages the support of individuals’ right to protect themselves by any means they deem fit. The focus of the event realizes that “Nothing causes more sadness than when another individual becomes the victim of a violent assault.

Most people turn to big government solutions to curb violent crime because they don’t know the real effects of these policies.”

Activism focused on supporting the second Amendment - like what YAL and the UMW Firearms Club are doing - brings clubs together in support of a common cause, and allows students to voice their interests and values in a conversational way.

The Firearms club plans to continue educating students who feel inclined to an academic pursuit of firearms and firearm safety.

Staff Ed: The staff of the Blue & Gray Press encourages students to come together As 2017 comes to an end, it is important to reflect on all that has occured this year. Like always, the year has had its high points and its low points- but when compared to prior years, 2017 has arguably dealt with its fair share of controversial issues.

From political turmoil, to mass shootings, to sexual assault cases; it is clear that there is a lot that is going on in the world. While these issues have always existed, a surplus of them have happened throughout the course of 2017.

These events have taken place throughout the world; some have been close to Fredericksburg like the Charlottesville rally, while others

have been more spread out across the United States, and then there are tragic situations taking place in other countries as well. It is clear that vari-

Brigitte Tohm/Unsplash.com

ous populations of citizens have been impacted by the many tragedies that have gone on in 2017.

As a result of all that has happened,

it is understandable that many people may be feeling anger and sadness for different reasons. In light of everything though, it is more important than ever to build relationships with one another and find a way to come together and make a positive impact on the world.

As we head into winter break, the Blue & Gray Press encourages everyone to be open and respectful of others’ opinions. Both at Mary Washington and wherever you go, it is important to not let all the events that have taken place push us apart from each other. It is vital to come together as a community and stand up for one another.

By THE BLUE & GRAY PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

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LIFE

Editor: Lauren Closs blueandgray.life@gmail.com

Roads less traveled: peaceful spots around campus

Graffiti adorns the wall below Simpson Library.

Since Seacobeck Hall’s closing, much of the foot traffic to the area has been reduced.

However, those who do walk the path next to Seacobeck are treated with beautiful trees that become highlighted by the afternoon sun.

Jefferson Square, also known as “Jeffy,” is less frequented than Ball Circle, but is just as suited for pick-up sports games, or quiet reading and reflection.

Next to the stairs from Jefferson Square to Marshall Hall lies a basketball court. Through there, the old Framar Pool is visible.

Long since drained, the Framar Pool is now a tranquil place to relax and reflect. There is a small trail leading around the pool, dubbed “Narnia” by some residents.

Photos by Cayley McGuire

Likely the most well-known and favored spots on campus is Ball Circle. On pleasant days, Ball Circle is perfect for reading, sports pick-up games, socializing, and club events.

Stairs to the path leading to Mercer Hall. A road less traveled by, the path’s quietness can be soothing in times of stress.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

LIFE

NOVA band Milo in the Doldrums performs at Leesburg concert GRACE HOWIE Contributing Writer

days following the concert.

They recently played at Sofar Washington, D.C. and a performance of this new song, On November 18 at the Talley Ho lowkey about how terrible theatre in Leesburg, Virginia, I sat down Trump is, can be found on Sofar with the indie rock, northern Virginia band, Sounds’ YouTube channel.

Milo in the Doldrums. About two years This show in November ago Robert Mays, 28, began playing what followed a summer tour would later become Milo songs solo at which they all said was a great different open mics. He was soon joined experience. The band that by friends, one of which being current they toured with, Kid Brother, guitarist, Richard Smith, 22, to form a full was also performing at Talley band. The ever-changing process that is Ho that evening and their creating a band reached its current form relationship and energy could be about seven months ago with the addition felt throughout the night. Mays of two Ryans: Burke, 32, on drums and explained how they fed off of Wisgerhof, 22, on bass. each other throughout the tour They described their sound as “Avant which caused them to be able Grunge”. There is a level of familiarity to bring out rawer energy. Mays that surrounds them as they are writing says he became more focused 90’s-esque songs with weird chords thrown on vocals and things like that Robert Mays is the lead singer of Milo in the Doldrums. in due to Jazz influences. still had fun with it. There was a dynamic which at the completion of the tour he felt Mays told me how they feel; “it’s very that was entertaining to watch as the everyone gained a “little bit more of what nostalgic. People feel like they’ve heard it members of the band interacted with each needed”. before.” other on stage. The first time I saw them at The performance they gave at Talley I agree with this, especially in regards Jammin’ Java I felt this way too; it was as if the audience was privy to a jam session in someone’s living room. This may be influenced by the fact that there is always the odd seemingly-random person who joins them on stage, jumping around dancing, and making everyone smile. They seem almost oblivious to the fact that there’s an audience and are just have a great time, which causes everyone else to also have a great time. Their explanation?

“What is it if your buddies aren’t a part of it?”

I find that Milo in the Doldrums are serious about music, but do not take themselves too seriously.

As someone who has spoken to a substantial amount of musicians, ego is something that I always find tends to be hindering as a group is attempting to become successful.

Grace Howie / The Blue & Gray Press. Over-inflated egos are something The NOVA band played at Talley Ho on November 18. these four lack and I found it extremely Ho was a reflection of this. The sound was to their newest song, “Built for No refreshing. They explained how being extremely tight and professional, but they One” which was stuck in my head for

Grace Howie / The Blue & Gray Press.

in the studio is the serious part. It’s still fun though and there’s a feeling of pride following since it is a much longer process.

The shows then are the instant gratification.

The songs “take the most shape on stage and it’s a good place to test out material.”

They also mentioned how after a show they’re always ready to party and hang out with friends, although to me it seems the hanging out takes place during the show just as much as after.

I look forward to hearing what Milo in the Doldrums will create next. They explained that with the foreseeable permanency of their current members, going forward the writing process will be more democratic and collaborative. Right now the sound is extremely characteristic and cohesive with the same danceable melodies accompanied by Mays’ distinct vocals and lyrics throughout the different releases. How this will change with the additional sources of creation is something I love about music and will keep an ear out for with this group in particular.

They’re planning to put out an EP early 2018. They will be playing during the opening week of Union Stage on December 29. Until then, you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.

High waisted versus hip huggers: the great jeans debate SKYLA HENDRICKS Staff Writer

that she “prefers high waisted because I think they’re more flattering and more comfortable when you sit down.”

These responses were fairly typical. The general consensus was that high waisted jeans are more comfortable because they do not have to worry about pulling them up and that they feel more flattering and make them look slimmer.

Interestingly enough, the girls who opted for hip huggers said some of the same things as girls on the other side of the debate. The responses were about comfortability and how flattering it made them look.

Susan Belew, a sophomore psychology major, put her opinion quite simply by saying that “it just feels weird

High waisted jeans versus hip huggers, an age-old question. Well, maybe not age-old, but debatable enough. I am an avid hip-hugging jean wearer, but I have started to feel like I am the only one with recent trends favoring high waisted. I started to wonder which jeans were more popular on the UMW campus and why girls preferred one kind of jean over another.

Out of the 51 girls asked, 28 prefer high waisted jeans and 23 girls prefer hip huggers. As I was secretly rooting for hip huggers, I was only a little disappointed.

I expected high waisted jeans to blow hip huggers out of the water, but there was some competition between the two.

Lindsey deCamp, a senior theatre major, said she “prefers high waisted jeans because I feel more comfortable and confident in them and I really like the style of them.”

Another fan of the high waisted jeans, freshman Amelia Jones, said 54.9% of girls asked preferred high waisted jeans over hip huggers.

Pexel.

having high waisted jeans on.”

Other girls who supported hip huggers did not like the feeling of jeans above their navels. The overall motivation seemed to stem mostly from comfortability just as we saw with high waisted jeans.

Some girls I asked could not pick a side because they liked both kinds of jeans equally, or it would depend on the outfit they were wearing for the day.

It could also depend on the mood they were in while choosing their daily outfit.

While the results were close, I honestly thought that high waisted jeans were going to take the poll by storm.

However, no matter how out-of-style hip huggers in magazines and on TV, they only lost by five votes here at Mary Washington.

The reasonings behind each vote were not a surprise because people choose their clothing based on what makes them look and feel good. There are many different styles out there and everyone looks their best in what makes them comfortable and confident. So no matter what side of the great jean debate you land on, you look awesome in whatever you choose.

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Final Exam Schedule

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

8:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Classes taught at 9:00 – 9:50 a.m., MWF

Classes taught at 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., TR

Classes taught at 10:00 - 10:50 a.m., MWF

Classes taught at 8:00 – 9:15 a.m., TR

Classes taught at 8:00 8:50 a.m., MWF

Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Classes taught at 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.,TR

Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Classes taught at 1:00 1:50 p.m., MWF

Classes taught at 11:00 – 12:15 p.m., TR

Classes taught at 11:00 - 11:50 a.m., MWF

3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Classes taught at 4:00 4:50 p.m., MWF

Classes taught at 2:00 3:15 p.m., TR

Classes taught at 2:00 2:50 p.m., MWF

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Classes taught at 6:00 p.m., W only Classes taught at 7:00 p.m., W only Classes taught at 7:30 p.m., MW Classes taught at 8:30 a.m., MW

Classes taught at 6:00 p.m., R only Classes taught at 7:00 p.m., R only Classes taught at 6:00 p.m., TR Classes taught at 7:00 p.m., TR

Classes taught at 5:00, 5:30 p.m. or any other time not listed above

Classes taught at 12:00 - 12:50 p.m., MWF 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Classes taught at 3:00 3:50 p.m., MWF 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Classes taught at 6:00 p.m., M only Classes taught at 7:00 p.m., M only Classes taught at 6:00 p.m., MW Classes taught at 7:00 p.m., MW

3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Classes taught at 3:30 – 4:45 p.m., TR 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Classes taught at 6:00 p.m., T only Classes taught at 7:00 p.m., T only Classes taught at 7:30 p.m., TR Classes taught at 8:30 p.m., TR

@theBlueandGray

BlueandGrayPress

The Blue & Gray Press

LIFE

Resources offered for temporarily handicapped students TAYLOR OSTROM Senior Writer

inventory to do so... As you mentioned, many of our buildings are not yet ADA accessible, which will be rectified as

renovations take place.”

He continued to outline the options for students with temporary mobility

I used to think walking from class to class in college was an effort, then I broke my foot and realized navigating campus was going to become a lot harder. The University of Mary Washington is a long, hilly campus, so crutching from class to class was never really an option for me. I was happy to find out that the University police offers services to students who need help getting around campus.

If needed, students can call the University police ten minutes prior to their class time, give an officer their location and wait to be picked up via golf cart. As great as this service is, I feel as if it’s the only service offered to students who are suffering from a short-term disability. In fact, after breaking my foot, I found out that not all residence halls are equipped with handicap ramps and elevators. This was alarming to me.

David Fleming, Assistant Dean for Residence Life and Housing said, “The answer in its simplest form is that we are happy to work with students on a case by case basis to meet their temporary needs, provided we have the room Many injured students rely on crutches or scooters to get around campus.

issues. ”Many students elect to stay where they are and make do with their existing accommodations,” said Fleming. ”These students typically do not want to leave their friend network or the home they have become accustomed to over the course of the year.”

It seems that UMW is willing to help, but until non-handicap accessible buildings are renovated, the help they are able to provide is limited. Fortunately, I do not live on campus and have been able to make do while having a broken foot. I also was able to receive a knee scooter through my insurance, so instead of calling the university police constantly, I can just get myself to class via scooter. The only complaint I have in regards to scootering around campus is that it makes for a bumpy ride. Mary Washington’s brick walkways are beautiful, but don’t make traveling to and from class very enjoyable.

Although I wish my foot was not broken, I have been able to survive the healing process thus far without too many interruptions to my education. However, it is still my hope for Mary Washington to become a more handicap kneewalker.com. friendly campus in the near future.

Increased stress in millennials from social media and technology LUBNA AKHTAR Staff Writer

With classes wrapping up and finals approaching fast it could be beneficial to ponder for a few moments what is really stressing students, besides the impending doom of finals week. The way we tend to view finals week is as a game of dominoes – it goes downhill from here if we fail an exam, if a presentation doesn’t go well or if a paper turns out to be mediocre.

The constant state of panic comes from a combination of our parents, peers and even our own expectations, but also from what we see on the internet, especially on social media.

One junior computer science major said, “Like others, right now I am stressed about projects, exams, making sure I can secure myself a position in the workforce.”

Outside of the context of academia, millennials tend to stress out to a greater degree and about more potential factors than other generations have. With the worries of the job market, rising cost of living, increasing student loans and the abundance of information at the tip of our fingers, millennials have more reasons to be constantly stressed.

Senior English major Hannah Bratton said, “I would say I am mostly stressed out about school, but that’s not what most of the generation is stressed about... I think this generation is mostly stressed because we have more information about the world we live in than ever before and we have less means of doing anything.”

With high levels of stress and anxiety about the future, students discussed whether generations of the past have had the same fears and stresses that we have today.

“What I’m stressed about is what people have always stressed about when in school... I don’t think that’s changed from previous generations,” said Keri Stone,

junior computer science major.

Social pressures outside of school and securing a “good job” continue to rise as well with the influx of social media use.

computer science major.

With all of these expectations set for millennials, it is understandable as to why they’re so stressed. Millennials aren’t

Technology and social media may be increasing stress levels in millennials.

Having access to the social media of our peers gives us the impression that we know the inner complexities of their lives and since most tend to post achievements and other positive aspects of their lives on social media, we tend to assume that our peers have attained perfection.

“In terms of this generation, we might be a bit more stressed out because the cost of college has increased ten times more from when the baby boomers went to school and the work that’s put in is worth more because there’s so much more at stake… and most people have student loans, which means they’ll need a good job to pay them off,” added the anonymous

necessarily “overly sensitive,” as they are believed to be by generation X and baby boomers, they’ve just got a lot more to take into consideration due to the consistent growth in technology and the rising financial demands.

“And a college degree is a requirement to work now… back then, you could’ve gotten away with not having one,” said Maddie Kelly, a junior historic preservation major.

“A bachelor’s degree means less because it’s expected, but it costs more,” said Stone.

Bratton said, “[Social media] creates this added layer of anxiety about whether

your relationship is legitimate, if you tag each other in memes... A lot of really good friendships are devalued because ‘oh, this person doesn’t tag me in memes, or they

Pixabay.

don’t text me on a regular basis. It doesn’t mean that that friendship is any lesser – just because you’re not using those aspects of technology.”

The best way to cope with these growing pressures is to step back for a little while to think about how no one is alone in this, that we’ve got countless millennials to vent with, especially through social media.

Along with the potential solidarity amongst millennials, it is also important to remain in the moment, to be mindful, and to focus on the task at hand, to not think of our entire life as a game of dominoes. That mindset is a breeder of stress and takes our focus away from the task at hand.

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NEWS

POLICE BEAT Students weigh in on campus safety issues MEAGHAN MCINTYRE & IZZY BRIONES News Editors

Sexual Battery On Thursday, November 16 at 3:30 p.m., there was an incident of sexual battery outside of Pollard Hall. This case is pending.

On Tuesday, November 21 between 6 p.m. and 6:40 p.m., there was a sexual battery incident at Virginia Hall. The victim does not wish to prosecute. An administrative and Title IX referral was given.

Underage Possession On Friday, November 17 at around 11:30 p.m., there was underage possession of alcohol at Virginia Hall. One administrative referral was given.

On Friday, November 17 at around 11:50 p.m., there was underage possession of alcohol at Arrington Hall. One administrative referral was given.

Grand Larceny Between Monday, November 20 at 1 p.m. and Friday, November 24 at around 12:50 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from Combs Hall. This case is pending.

Vandalism On Tuesday, November 21 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., there was vandalism to an exit sign at Eagle Landing. This case is pending.

On Friday, November 24 at 2:10 p.m., a window was vandalized at Seacobeck Hall. This case is pending.

Petit Larceny On Monday, November 27 between 3:50 p.m. and 5:35 p.m., a bicycle was stolen from the fitness center.

This case is pending.

The information was compiled with assistance from UMW Police Manager James DeLoatch and Fredericksburg Police Department Public Information Officer Sarah Kirkpatrick.

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intense search of the campus to find the male. The suspect was described to be a black male, 5 foot 6 inches in height, 160 lbs., short haircut with slight facial hair. Since the sexual battery incident, the male suspect was identified and interviewed by police investigators.

During the interview, the male perpetrator admitted his guilt. The investigation is still ongoing and charges are pending. The perpetrator has now been banned from coming onto campus property. The University handled the situation professionally by informing the campus community of the recent situation but also pursuing the investigation, which led the police to the perpetrator.

Dean of Student Life, Cedric Rucker said, “Prevention [on these types of situations] is an ongoing occasion as we keep students aware with the ongoing awareness of safety and resources available for proper precautions.”

One way the university helps keep students safe is through the Blue Light System all around campus. This system allows students to call an escort to walk them back to their designated location.

After the recent sexual battery incident, students expressed whether or not they felt comfortable walking alone on campus during the day and night.

Freshman Daniela Chacon-Salas was one student who reported her thoughts and concerns on the matter.

“I feel safe walking on campus

during the day, because there are other people walking around on campus,” said Chacon-Salas. “As far as walking on campus alone at night, I am not a fan. I do not feel comfortable walking around campus alone at night because even though this situation wasn’t as bad, it reminds me that other situations a bit more grave can occur.”

The Guardian Service app was administered through Mary Washington for extra precaution. The app allows one to set a safety timer which can notify people to check in on you, message and manage guardians whom you choose, and it can send emergency communication.

Administration encourages students to use this app for the students safety. The link to download the app is available on the UMW website.

“We encourage more people to join the Guardian Service so people are more aware and take action of safety on campus,” said Rucker. “Unfortunately, we cannot keep everything 100% safe all the time, but we have an active role in student safety and we try to be as educational about it since it is on-going.”

The University plays an active role in student safety which does not go unnoticed. Although this kind of situation did occur, students still feel safe around campus depending on the time of day.

“I have always felt safe walking on campus both at night and during the day,” said freshman Cara Ghaphery.

“Unfortunately, we cannot keep everything 100% safe all the time, but we have an active role in student safety and we try to be as educational about it since it is on-going.”

-Dean Rucker

The Blue & Gray Press Blue lights provide safety around campus.

“I usually always call someone if I ever do end up walking alone at night, just to have someone to talk to and to take extra precaution. In no way do I feel unsafe on this campus, even after hearing about the situation.”

While students feel safe, this incident served as a reminder for some that it can be important to be cautious when walking alone.

“I feel safe walking on campus during day or night because of the safe atmosphere that Mary Washington provides,” said McKenzie Dowdy, junior History Special Education major. “I’m always a little more cautious of walking alone at night especially on streets like College Avenue. Since the incident, I’m not that comfortable walking alone, especially at night.”

Situations, such as this, cannot be predicted but Mary Washington provides students and faculty with safety measures that can help someone, individually, feel safer in any situation.

Although the campus cannot provide complete safety all the time, there are precautions that students can take advantage of. The University has the Blue Light System, an assessment team, and the administration constantly has ongoing efforts of making the University a place with a safe environment.

Free internet threated by FCC

•NET NEUTRALITY | 2

“I believe the plan to get rid of net neutrality is not a good decision, as it will only benefit large corporations and the few rich people… losing net neutrality would affect my learning personally because almost all classes in general have at least one online element,” said sophomore Abbey Dyer, double major in historic preservation and studio art.

Many students depend on the internet for numerous learning purposes, and the school system uses web based applications for many of their school resources.

UMW also frequently uses many internet based applications for teaching their classes. The internet is something students depend on for research and greater learning outside as well as in the classroom.

There are students at UMW that feel strongly about the FCC’s initiative to get rid of net neutrality because of the possible effects it would have on their education as well as how they function on a day-to-day basis. During Obama’s

presidency, the administration as well as internet providers welcomed net neutrality to create a free and open internet.

“I feel that it is a danger to the first amendment... It will allow corporations to suppress dissent and proliferate narratives that benefit them,” said senior Ryan Lowry majoring in creative writ-

broadband business. This proposal to diminish the freedom of the internet has been met with opposition from websites and users alike.

“It’s the principle that all data on the internet should be treated the same, so what if my provider makes the website that grants access to many other free and paid articles something I’m charged for?,” said junior Rose Connolly a computer science major.

“I feel like that would discourage students from using these websites.”

As the decision date to repeal net neutrality is slowly approaching, there are thousands of people that support the net neutrality and have decided to get in contact with congress as an act of defiance against the proposal to get rid of it. There are also supporters who have decided to demonstrate their opposition by standing outside of stores like Verizon to get the message across as well as making petitions online for internet users to sign to show their views on the idea.

“I believe the plan to get rid of net neutrality is not a good decision, as it will only benefit large corporations and the few rich people… losing net neutrality would affect my learning personally because almost all classes in general have at least one online element.”

-Abbey Dyer ing. “It will make education, genuine education more expensive.”

Now that Donald Trump is president, he has decided to give the position over to Republican Ajit Pai so that together they can take away net neutrality to place higher government control over

Thursday, December 7, 2017

NEWS

UMW students and faculty worry about potential parking changes

•PARKING | 2 on College Ave to 2 hours effectively eliminates parking for UMW employees, faculty and students.”

Dr. Vasey’s concern for parking relates to the time constraint and the loss of available parking spaces.

“About 50 percent of houses on Payne, Brent, Dandridge, Colony, etc., have driveways, so eliminating dozens of parking spaces for UMW employees and faculty is simply unnecessary,” said Vasey in his letter. For students and faculty who commute to campus, the proposed plan would have potentially caused issues and resentment.

“This plan will cause endless resentment of the City and Public Works by everyone at UMW who does not walk to work.”

•CCI | 1

Dr. Vasey voiced these same concerns in person to the City Council and UMW was further supported by

Task Force cited further concern.

“Many of you have contacted member of the Fredericksburg City

“About 50 percent of houses on Payne, Brent, Dandridge, Colony, etc., have driveways, so eliminating dozens of parking spaces for UMW employees and faculty is simply unnecessary.”

-Dr. Craig R. Vasey a student representing the SGA and the Off-Campus Student Association.

These two are not alone in their opposition to the proposed parking changes.

A message from the UMW Parking

Council about the proposed parking changes in the City of Fredericksburg and, in particular those that will impact the University of Mary Washington,” according to the email.

Students have expressed concern about how a change in the parking policy may interfere with their class schedules, and ability to park around campus. “I have back to back classes and they take more than 2 hours total,” said senior English major Will Atkinson. “There’s no way I’d be able to find a new parking spot between those classes.”

“I typically try to park along College (Ave) when I come to campus,” said senior commuter student Bethany Johansen. “It would suck if they added meters and turned it into paid parking.”

The neighborhood residents and the UMW community alike will need to wait until the Parking Committee will meet next on Dec. 14 for any further developments.

CCI dogs trained for future in service

Senior psychology major and Vice President, Greg Genuardi, previously raised a dog with CCI and said of the experience that, “you question your ability to successfully train them a lot, and there’s always the nagging thought of ‘what if I’m messing everything up and Jax doesn’t get placed with someone.’”

According to Genuardi, Jax now lives in Richmond, VA and works at a foster care facility called Extra Special Parents. Jax helps out with the children at the facility and also goes into courthouses with the children when they have any legal processes they have to go through.

“When I turned Jax in, I had a feeling he would be a Facility Dog,” said Genuardi.

Reflecting on the experience as a whole, Genuardi said, “Being able to see him at work and changing people’s lives is something I dreamed of and now it’s happening... Of course I miss him, but he is changing other people’s lives just like he changed mine.”

These photo’s were taken by Kyrstiane Urbaniak as a part of a photo article. They highlight one of the trainers in UMW’s Canine Companions for Independence club (CCI), and the dog Rotary, who is being trained.

Student Government Beat Monday, December 4 – Friday, December 8 Executive Cabinet Mondays at 5 p.m. in the UC Capitol Room Ken Tyler, Director of Athletics, spoke about the Athletics Department’s new diversity and inclusion initiatives. These include athlete education and training, community engagement, diversity-focused positions, and regular surveys and focus groups.

Arfa Vasim, DUCC Chair, and Lindsey Kowaki, AAC Chair are resigning to graduate early and study abroad, respectively. Special elections will be held for those positions in the beginning of the spring semester. If you are interested in running, stay tuned for more information come January.

Motion 11.29.5 was passed.

For more information, visit umwsga.org or contact info@umwsga.org Student Senate Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in Monroe 116 Senate did not meet this week.

If you are interested in joining Senate next semester, look for us at Club Carnival on January 17 or email vp@umwsga.org for more information!

DETAILS PROVIDED BY MATTHEW GOOD

Thursday, December 7, 2017

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SPORTS

Editor: Ryan Brauch | blueandgray.sports@gmail.com

UMW student athletes keep faith in athletics

ELENA LA DOLCETTA Staff Writer

Faith can be seen everywhere in sports; runners who cross themselves after breaking a new record. Soccer players who celebrate their winning goal by folding their hands in prayer. The Olympic Games even began as a religious festival. On the University of Mary Washington campus some student athletes consider sports and religion to be deeply intertwined. However with their busy schedules many student athletes find it difficult to stay active in their faith.

Sophomore Rosie Kostka, a biology major, ran cross country and track for the University of Mary Washington her freshman year. This year she played for the girls Ultimate Frisbee team. Prior to coming to UMW, she ran cross country and track in high school.

When she decided to come to the University of Mary Washington she knew she wanted to keep her faith alive. She was raised Catholic and was involved in the leadership team at her youth group at her church. She realized that when she came to UMW

she did not have much time to get as involved with the Catholic Campus Ministry because of how much of a time commitment school and sports were. So she met with the Chaplain at the St. John Bosco Center and asked for advice on ways to get more involved.

She said that the having a faith filled life allowed her to remain on the right path and kept her grounded to the morals of the faith. Simple ways of keeping the faith alive that she would incorporate in her performance would include saying a quick pray at the starting line. She knew that as a runner there would be suffering and pain and what helped her get through that was that she could offer it all up to God. In that there is beauty. When playing frisbee, and when she knows it will be a hard throw, she will say a quick Hail Mary Prayer, which is a Catholic prayer.

Emily Gaetjen, who is a sophomore psychology major, has been playing on the women’s Rugby team at Mary Washington. She has been playing rugby

since her freshman year of highschool when her friend encouraged her to try out for a local team. She absolutely loves the comradery of the sport and how it incorporates all body types and how it helps with leadership roles. She starting growing in her faith more when her couch in high school, who was Catholic like Emily, encouraged her to get more involved with her parish, so she did.

When she came to college she started to develop a deeper relationship with Christ through a friendship with one of her teammates on rugby. Through her teammate’s love and kindness she was able to grow in her faith by joining a sports bible study which has allowed her to grow more in her Catholic faith. She also explained that even though maybe she may have a bad performance she does not get discouraged because through God she can do anything and that “win or lose I still have the Lord on my side”.

Olympic Committee bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics

SEAN BERMINGHAM Staff Writer

Tuesday Dec. 5 a historic decision was made by the International Olympic Committee to remove Russia from the coming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The sports juggernaut was exposed for systematic doping in unfathomable ways, and whose only reasonable comparison was the similar government backed program conducted by East Germany in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. The effect of this punishment will be that no Russian official will be allowed to attend the event and the Russian Flag will not be displayed at the opening ceremony, nor will their anthem be played. Any athletes that from Russia that receive special permission to attend or compete will do so wearing a neutral uniform and the official books will show that Russia earned zero medals regardless of their athletes’ performance.

The IOC had been conducting their investigation of the state-backed doping program that simply substantiated what the public has believed for over a year. As the situation stands now, the world is awaiting Russia’s response.

The most likely outcome is that Russian officials will boycott the games, although the news broke in the late evening in Russia so an immediate response was unlikely and currently the Russian Government has not responded to the disciplinary action. President Vladimir Putin seemed to align with the boycott as well, though this is unsurprising given his recent foreign policy centering on the premise that he was bringing Russia back from its humiliation from the West during the fall of the Soviet Union.

The athletes themselves are somewhat split on the issue. Some of those that remain clean are taking the stance that they are proud of their country and their heritage and will not compete unless it can be under the Russian flag. Others say that simply attending the Games is an honor and for some this may be their last possible trip as an athlete.

The IOC did make some concessions to the Russian in the ruling. One is that any Russian athletes that are proven “clean” can compete and will be referred to as “Independent Athletes from Russia” as opposed to “Independent Olympic Athletes” as was the situation when Kuwait was banned from the 2016 games. The second is that the ban may be lifted in time for the Russian flag to make a symbolic appearance in the closing ceremony in the final hours of the Winter Games.

The head figures in the International Olympic Committee said that the most disturbing part of the whole incident was not the cheating itself but how it was accomplished. The Russian officials in the Olympic committee corrupted the Olympic laboratory that han-

Thursday, December 7 2017

dled the drug testing at the Games. It has been revealed that during the 2014 Sochi Games more than 100 urine sample were tampered with by a team assembled by the Russian Sports ministry to conceal steroid use throughout the course of the competition. Because of this discovery over two dozen Russian athletes have been retroactively disqualified from the 2014 Games and the standings have been altered as a result. Olympic officials are still sorting through the tainted results and rescinding medals. The Russian Olympic Committee were also fined $15 million Tuesday, with these funds reportedly going towards stricter drug testing for athletes.

Even through the confirmed credibility of whistleblowers reports and investigative discoveries the Russians continue to deny the charges and has failed to produce the evidence in the government’s possession, cementing in some minds the existence of a high-level conspiracy. Although the Russian though all of the meetings state that this is simply a western conspiracy to humiliate the nation.

This incident has further implications for the Russians as the next World Cup is slated to be held in Russia. Many of the same people who were outed by the various doping reports oversee ensuring the event goes smoothly. As of yet FIFA has said that the IOC’s punishments for Olympic doping would have no impact on its preparations for the World Cup Tournament.

Russian Olympic athlete

Committee International Olympique

www.aol.com

theepochtimes.com

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