The Weekly Ringer

The University of Mary Washington’s Independent Student Newspaper Serving the community since 1922

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VOLUME 97 | ISSUE 4

September 29, 2023

Latino Student Association hosts Dr. Rachel Gomez to speak on relevant themes of Latino Identities Month

CALLIE HARKINS Associate Editor

In the first major event hosted in celebration of Latino Identities Month, the UMW Latino Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center welcomed Rachel Gomez for a presentation and discussion titled “Racial Recognition and Community Practices.” The event took place on Thursday, Sept. 21—one week into the month-long celebration that presents various events from Sept. 15 to Oct. 5.

Gomez is an assistant professor in the Department of Foundations of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University and the president of the Richmond Region Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens.

She received a Ph.D. in Mexican-American Studies from the University of Arizona and now studies the effects of race in education.

“Until we can no longer predict educational outcomes based on race, we have a racism problem; we have a white supremacy problem,” she said.

Specializing in education and its relation with race, parts of Gomez’s presentation focused on an incident that took place at a public school in Richmond in April of this

year. The exchange occurred between a sixth grader and a teacher, who berated the student for speaking Spanish and said, “Go back to wherever that Spanish-speaking country is.” The interaction was recorded and circulated via social media.

“As adults who are working with children and educating children, it is our responsibility to uphold those rights and protect them.”

- Rachel Gomez “A teacher cannot tell a child that they cannot speak their language in the classroom,” said Gomez. “They can’t tell them they can’t speak it in the hallway, on the playground, on the bus.”

She asserted that it is the duty of educators to ensure students’ rights are being recognized in the classroom and in all academic settings.

Students listen to Dr. Rachel Gomez speak in the Chandler Ballroom.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

“As adults who are working with children and educating children, it is our responsibility to uphold those rights and protect them,” she said.

Immediately following the April incident, Gomez rallied members of the Richmond Region Council of the League of United Latin American Citizens to voice their discontent with the Richmond School Board and show support for the student. Gomez reaffirmed the importance of advocacy throughout her presentation.

SEE IDENTITIES, PAGE 2

TimelyCare offers support around the clock in attempt to strengthen mental health resources on campus AMANDA SHEWARD Staff Writer

This year, UMW introduced a new mental health support system called TimelyCare—available online or through an app—dedicated to expanding the reach and accessibility of mental health care to the student body. The resource is available to students 24/7, all year long, and it does not require insurance to use, but many students still do not know about the service.

TimelyCare contributes to the mental health help that the Talley Center provides to students, as it offers on-demand support, even when the Center is closed.

Through the service, students can access TalkNow, health coaching and 12 counseling sessions free of charge. Psychiatric help is available at a week’s notice.

News | 7 INSIDE Completed

THE

RINGER

construction projects reveal revitalized campus.

The app can give free advice on how to adjust to college life. “I think also since I’ve heard that sometimes it takes the Talley Center a few weeks, this gives students more flexibility on their own schedule,” said a junior biomedical science major Rachel Walker. Students can make an appointment or ask questions through the app on their own time.

Counseling is “offered to currently enrolled students regardless of health insurance and is free for up to 12 sessions annually,” and the appointments can be made a week in advance, according to UMW Voice. After this 12th visit, they cost $79, according to St. Olaf College’s information page about the service.

TimelyCare’s on-demand aspect is offered through their program TalkNow,

Opinion | 3 Professional Senate dress code exhibits competecy and status

which connects students and providers in about five minutes to assist them with their mental and emotional support needs.

“I think TimelyCare is a great addition to campus that has the potential to benefit the community.”

- Megan Rinald “I think TimelyCare is a great addition to campus that has the potential to benefit the community. I have the privilege of using off-campus resources through my insurance for mental health, but those who don’t have that option may find this help-

Life | 4

UMW Theatre performs “Murder on the Orient Express”

ful,” said Megan Rinald, a senior environmental science and German double major.

“It’s also great for people who don’t want to talk in person or don’t feel comfortable going to the Talley Center. If they are in need of counseling, it’s easy access that can be done through computer or their phone.”

TimelyCare was initially introduced in an email from Executive Director of University Communications Amy Jessee on Aug. 30, followed by another email from Jessee on Sept. 7 and referenced again in President Troy Paino’s Sept. 21 email.

Melissa Palgulta, one of the staff therapists at the Talley Center, mentioned that peer mentors and resident assistants talked about the service before the semester

SEE TIMELYCARE, PAGE 7

Sports | 8

UMW men’s soccer beats Stevenson University on home turf

News

Friday, September 29, 2023

The

Weekly Ringer Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief Norah Walsh weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com

Gomez speaks focuses on the effect of race in education in speech FROM IDENTITIES, PAGE 1

“Doing nothing is upholding white supremacy. Doing nothing is turning a blind eye to racism. Doing nothing is ‘what happened to that little girl is not my problem,’ ‘what happened to my neighbor is Associate Editors not my problem,’” she said.

Callie Harkins Without confronting these issues, she said, progress cannot be made.

Emma Brennan “The gist is if we don’t talk about it, if we don’t understand it, if weeklyringer.associate@gmail.com we don’t name the things, the people, the agencies and institutions that are doing the harm and the people are being harmed, then we’re News Editor not moving forward, we’re just talking in circles,” she said.

Ky Huynh Gomez emphasized the importance of organizations like the weeklyringer.news@gmail.com Latino Student Association and grassroots advocacy to support underrepresented communities.

“Our kids are missing out. Generations and generations and genOpinion Editor erations of Americans do not know history. They don’t know it, we Margaret Jackson weeklyringer.opinion@gmail.com have a colonial view,” she said.

Luisa Restrepo, president of the Latino Student Association and a senior communication and digital studies major, hopes Gomez’s Life Editor discussion, as well as the other events planned for the remainder of Charlie Li the month, will help educate the campus community on topics they may not have previously known about. weeklyringer.life@gmail.com “The benefit of hosting speakers like Dr. Gomez is that we get to educate other students, faculty, and the broader community about Sports Editor

Sophia Tompkins weeklyringer.sports@gmail.com

Online Editor Davy Washington weeklyringer.online@gmail.com Photography Editor Abbey Magnet weeklyringer.photos@gmail.com

Page 2

“Doing nothing is upholding white supremacy. Doing nothing is turning a blind eye to racism.”

- Rachel Gomez

issues that are important to bring awareness and shine a light on and affect our community,” she said.

In addition to the discussion with Gomez, the UMW Latino Student Association is hosting a series of events until Oct. 5. According to Restrepo, they have been planning for this month’s events since June.

“The benefit of hosting speakers like Dr. Gomez is that we get to educate other students, faculty, and the broader community about issues that are important to bring awareness and shine a light on and affect our community.”

- Luisa Restrepo “We have a donation drive with the Fredericksburg Food Bank.

We also have two educational panels, the Melting Pot dinner with the UC and Sabor Latino, which is our second biggest event where we have performers from the area come and we’re also getting that catered by a local Hispanic vendor,” she said.

Members of the Latino Student Association Executive Board emphasize the importance of community. Restrepo states that the club is for everyone and aims to serve as a safe and welcoming space.

“It definitely helped me get out of my comfort zone, because I think coming here as a freshman, I was very nervous and I knew I had to put myself out there,” said senior psychology major and treasurer of Latino Student Association, Casandra Flores. “I think LSA helped me do that and I got to get closer to faculty at UMW as well as other students. It’s made a big change in my experience here.”

Faculty Advisor Lindley Estes lestes@umw.eduu

Advertisement Please direct all advertising inquiries to Norah Walsh at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com.

Corrections Please report any corrections to Norah Walsh at weeklyringer.eic@gmail.com or Lindley Estes at lestes@umw.edu

Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22 Dr. Rachel Gomez speaks on race in education in the Chandler Ballroom as part of Latino Identities Month.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Friday, September 29, 2023

Opinion

Page 3

Changing clothes: Formal Senate dress code reinforces professional image after transient, relaxed guidelines emerson gutierrez Staff Writer

When we think about the U.S. Senate, the first image to come to mind is most likely senators in business attire. For years, there has been debate about keeping a certain image of strength, organization, tradition and discipline on the Senate floor, and after a period of having a relaxed dress code, the Senate unanimously decided to pass a formal dress code on Sept. 27, according to CNN. Even though senators, when on the Senate floor, now have to abide by this formal dress code, the topic opens up a discussion about how government officials should present themselves.

During the almost week-long period of a relaxed dress code, senators took full liberty of this freedom, leading to Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) showing up in a pair of basketball shorts, a hoodie and sneakers. He walked into the Senate floor dressed as if he were a middle school gym teacher; an absolute ridicule of the place.

This elicited a strong, negative response from other senators, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was responsible for allowing such dress but critical of the results.

“I’m not in favor of the changes made on the senate floor, it just seems unprofessional to have one walking around the offices in shorts. Absurd and not something we are accustomed to seeing. It’s not hard dressing up properly.”

- LaNadia Loving Some students expressed discontent in reaction to the relaxed dress code.

Luis Machuca, a senior international business major said, “I think Chuck Shumer pretty much set the Senate floor up to be the laughingstock. How on earth does one come to the decision to wear whatever one pleases in a respected building? Yet those are the ones making the laws; we are screwed.”

How does this country expect to be taken seriously if our lawmakers are in their shorts as if they were in the comfort of their home? It’s just ridiculous, and makes them look foolish. As a business major, I know that competence is not simply knowing the role but looking the part as well. Being dressed this informally reflects a lack of interest in their profession, and dressing that way at home is completely fine, but, in a workspace, it’s just improper and unprofessional.

However, junior business administration Fabriana Miranda didn’t see why the informal dress code was an issue. She said, “Although to most people it may seem as extremely unprofessional, I think it’s not as bad as most make it to be. I don’t necessarily think one’s outfit has much influence on their work.”

After backlash from senators, the U.S. Senate reinstated a formal dress code after relaxing the standards of dress.

Kier in Sight Archives / Unsplash

After relaxing the dress code in the Senate, a unanimous decision now requires senators to wear business attire on the Senate floor.

Adeolu Eletu / Unsplash

But, imagine if your attorney showed up to the hearing in a tank top and slides. You’d never let them represent you, as they’d most likely just increase the odds against you. Not only is it unprofessional, but it’s also disrespectful to the institution. If the image of being a complete and utter joke was the objective, then they succeeded, and the recent implementation of a dress code is the right move, especially as the Senate’s image is a reflection of the U.S. government.

In relation to the relaxed dress code, senior business administration major LaNadia Loving said “I’m not in favor of the changes made on the senate floor, it just seems unprofessional to have one walking around the offices in shorts. Absurd and not something we are accustomed to seeing. It’s not hard dressing up properly.”

Before it was relaxed, the informal code “required men to wear a suit and tie, and women to wear pantsuits or dresses,” according to Vox. When the dress code was relaxed, it permitted informal wear like T-shirts and jeans, but this has now been changed back to uphold the formal dress that is a more professional image for the Senate.

Many Senate Republicans, in a letter to Chuck Schumer regarding the relaxed

“As a marketing major, we are taught that in order to be let through the door one has to look the part.

Formally dressing up is important if one wants to be taken seriously.”

- Mohammad Hassan dress code, expressed their dissent to his decision, which was influential to the vote that reinstated formalwear and set official guidelines, which was not the case for the formal dress code before this debacle.

Senators, such as Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) who quipped that she would show up to the Senate floor in a bikini, regarded the informal dress code as a joke, which further emphasized the poor decision that has since been rectified.

Another element that reinforces why the recently decreed formal dress code was a good decision was the fact that the relaxed one only applied to senators, not the staffers. That decision didn’t seem fair to the staff at all. It was bad enough that senators were allowed to dress as they please, but not allowing the entire place to do so was worse.

Senior marketing major Mohammed Hassan said, “as a marketing major, we are taught that in order to be let through the door one has to look the part. Formally dressing up is important if one wants to be taken seriously.”

As a business major, I know the importance of presenting myself as a professional to communicate my qualifications, competence and professionalism. The Senate’s decision caused us to think whether “dressing the part” is actually important, or if it’s just an implied practice we have, and I firmly believe that the rectification of a formal dress code was a good decision.

Friday, September 29, 2023

Life

Page 4

Theatre Department hosts UMW’s first show of the year: “Murder on the Orient Express”

24, we found ourselves transported to the opulent and enigmatic world of the legendary detective Hercule Poirot. The dimly lit train carriage, the clinking of crystal glasses and a sense of anticipation fills the air. It’s a chilly night, and there’s murder afoot.

In addition to their studies, the cast members of “Murder on the Orient Express,” dedicate an exorbitant amount of time rehearsing for the show. They auditioned and received their scripts at the end of last semester, and the technical crew worked on the sets over the summer, according to Jimmy Lau, a senior theatre major.

When asked how much time the show takes of her personal life, Maddie Baylor, a senior English and theatre double major, who plays Helen Hubbard, said, “If I’m not rehearsing for a show, I feel lost on what to do, it became normal.”

In response to the same question, Mason Oberle, a senior theatre and English: Creative writing double major who plays Samuel Ratchett said, “It becomes your life; you find every single little pocket of time to do work and stay afloat. You have to pack it all in.”

During the show, the talented cast and crew take us on a journey through a tangled web of intrigue and deception in their rendition of the show, which was directed by Marc Williams. With the clickety-clack of the wheels and the echoes of distant conversations, the stage was set for a night of theatrical brilliance.

From the moment the first passenger stepped onto the stage, I knew that I, alongside the audience, was in for an unforgettable ride. The actors effortlessly slipped into their roles, bringing life into each iconic character, each harboring secrets and motives of their own.

But, it was Hercule Poirot, played by Seth Drenning, a senior theatre major, who held us all in his grip. We were invited to join him in solving the most perplexing case of his career. The lights dimmed, and the room was transformed.

The show was an immersive experience, bringing the cast into the audience and capSeth Drenning plays detective extraordinaire, Hercule Poirot, and Mason Oberle performs as Samuel Ratchett.

Photo courtesy of Geoff Greene. turing the attention of the audience through vivid sets and well-elocuted lines. When All aboard the Orient Express, where the world of Agatha Christie comes to life in Poirot spoke from within the audience, the energy shifted, immediately placing everyone a whirlwind of mystery and suspense in UMW Theatre’s first performance of the year, in “show mode.” As he made his way to the stage, he brought us with him, as if we, too, were characters in the play.

“Murder on the Orient Express.”

Kennedy Nicholson Staff Writer

As the curtains rose and the stage was set at UMW’s Klein Theatre on Sunday, Sept.

SEE ORIENT EXPRESS, PAGE 5

Monica Gary is an Independent running for the Va. State Senate.

Charlie Li / The Weekly Ringer

Tara Durant is a member of the Republican Party.

Charlie Li / The Weekly Ringer

Joel Griffin (D)

Monica Gary (I)

Tara Durant (R)

• Veteran in the U.S. Marine Corps

• Currently on the Stafford Board of Supervisors

• Current Virginia State House Delegate

Joel Griffin is a member of the Democratic Party.

Charlie Li / The Weekly Ringer

• Co-owner of Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen • On the Board of Directors for the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Three legislative priorities: Transportation, reproductive rights, and education • Served on the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board

• Lived in Stafford for 20 years; former elementary school teacher • Served on the board of the Fredericksburg Area Service League

Friday, September 29, 2023

Life

Page 5

UMW’S rendition of Agatha Christie’s, “Murder on the Orient Express” is an encapsulating success

FROM ORIENT EXPRESS, PAGE 4

Princess Dragomiroff was played by Cora Denny, and Greta Ohlsson was played by Emma Magner. Opening night was a huge success with limited tickets being available at the box office and a long waitlist.

Photo courtesy of Geoff Greene.

As if you could see their auras emanating off of them, each character brought life to the stage when it came time to introduce themselves. The scenes carried their own element of suspense and reaction, keeping everyone on their toes when it came to wondering what was coming next.

There were a handful of great moments that caught my eye, and one of them was the character’s introductions. This includes the many different accents, backgrounds and costumes.

In reference to the costuming department, Baylor said, “our team takes in account how we feel and look when putting us into character, looking out for our best interest.”

The detail and skill invested into the set design contributed to the liveliness on the stage, exhibiting the talent that lies behind the scenes.

This posed some complications for the actors,

Maddie Baylor played the part of Helen Hubbard.

Photo courtesy of Geoff Greene.

as they had to interact with certain elements as part of their acting.

When asked about the hardest part about the set, Niko Salinas, a senior English: Creative writing and theatre double major said, “Being in such a small place and there being no physical walls or doors but having to pretend they’re there.” Salinas plays Monsieur Bouc in the show.

The set on the stage revolved, which complicated the way that the actors could move around the stage, as the train moved as the actors continued through their lines.

“It doesn’t cue off a line, but off of certain part in the play, so it was a starring contrast to discover,” said Baylor.

Drenning also identified this aspect as an additional complexity to the performance. “Stepping

on it when it was moving or spinning because we didn’t always know when it was moving. It was hard finding a way to move on it without being thrown around,” he said.

In addition to the props used on stage, these details helped make the play feel more alive and real. The cast brought a lot of emotion and power to their characters, making it hard to believe they were just acting, and the chemistry between the actors spoke to their shared dedication and friendship offstage.

After the show came to an end, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the cast and members of the audience about their experiences, as some members of the cast returned to the stage for questions.

Oberle spoke on the challenging parts of his role as Samuel Ratchett, especially in relation to his character’s death. He said, “Being dead, making sure you act still so that you don’t move or readjust yourself in “We wouldn’t be able a way that the audi- to do it wihout our ence will see” was the creative directing hardest part. team, they’re Emma Magner, a amazing.” senior theatre major who plays Countess Adrenyi, found - Emma Magner the hardest aspect of her role in the character’s accents, which were developed during the rehearsal process. She said, “It was crazy to hear everyone’s dialogue and accents, but you have to maintain your dialogue and not someone else’s. I kept getting my Swedish/Russian lines mixed.”

In preparation for the show, the actors were instructed not to watch any other renditions of “Murder on the Orient Express” so as to not taint their personal portrayals of their characters, according to Drenning.

Lastly, the cast gave a heartfelt shoutout to their team for making their experience a welcomed one. Magner said, “We wouldn’t be able to do it without our creative directing team, they’re amazing.”

I had never heard of “Murder on The Orient Express” prior to watching the show, so I didn’t know what to expect. Nevertheless, I am very pleased with my experience.

From the start to the end of the play, it was an emotional rollercoaster, topped with internal questions. I absolutely loved the entire play and everyone cast in it. From the wardrobe to the accents, it was all very enjoyable.

“Murder on the Orient Express” will continue to stun the audience with mystery and murder until Oct. 1.

Friday, September 29, 2023

Sports

Page 6

Esports program steadily gains members and popularity KELLY HERNLEY Staff Writer

play video games and don’t do anything physically demanding, and they aren’t entirely wrong. In a traditional sense, our sport isn’t as physically demanding, but many of our athletes work out, go to the gym, go rock climbing, and do other activities, and some members are also members of our sports teams, like rugby,” said Friedman.

Anyone interested in playing Esports is encouraged to reach out to Link to find out more information about joining, and the team’s Discord contains information about tryouts. As Esports is designated as a team sport, men, women and nonbinary individuals can join. There are six women total on the competitive roster, according to Link.

“We highly encourage anyone interested in Esports, regardless of gender, to come chat, meet, and play to learn more about the Esports Program,” said Link.

When asked about their favorite part about playing Esports, both Friedman and Howar indicated that the community formed among team members is a big part of why they enjoy playing on the team.

Friedman talked about how he likes the competition in Esports.

“We highly encourage anyone interested in Esports, regardless of gender, to come chat, meet, and play to learn more about the Esports Program.”

- Mark Link Members of the UMW Esports teams posing for a group picture outside of Jepson Science Center.

Esports is a relatively new team sport at UMW where students can play video games competitively against teams from other schools, and it has been increasing in popularity in recent years.

UMW’s Esports was founded during the spring 2022 semester after the University hired Mark Link as the director of Esports. In an interview, Link explained that his background in Esports consists of proposing, developing, and creating one of Virginia’s first Esports programs during his undergrad at Randolph-Macon College, as well as being a coach for high school and college teams.

“I was charged with the creation of a qualified collegiate Esports program; including the creation of our Esports Arena, trying out and fielding competitive teams, and recruiting high school students to attend UMW to play specifically for the Esports Program,” said Link.

The Esports teams compete within the National Association of Collegiate Esports, which hosts competitions for colleges nationwide for video games that are supported for Esports programs. Players can take compete in Rocket League, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Brothers Ultimate and Call of Duty. Players on the team specialize in one game, but they also play other games in their free time.

“Personally, I play mainly for one game, though I tend to play casually for some of the other games that are in the program, such as Overwatch and Super Smash Brothers,” said junior computer science major Brandon Howar.

The games are played in the Esports Arena on the third floor of the Cedric Rucker University Center, and the setup varies depending on whether the game is a console or PC game, according to Link. The Esports Arena has ten computers outfitted with the best technology that the athletes practice and compete on, according to sophomore history major Joshua Friedman.

@umwesports / Instagram

“I grew up playing video games with my dad and Additionally, the game format varies based on what brother; it was a way all of us could bond,” he said. “Begame is being played. For example, Overwatch 2 is teaming able to play and represent my college in a game I love, based, with five players on each side, and Super Smash and understanding that my father can watch me play live Brothers Ultimate matches are one-on-one but still teamon Twitch is an amazing feeling. I also love the people I based, so a teammate is tagged in when someone loses, surround myself with, no matter your background, there according to Friedman.

100% is someone at the arena that you can talk to about Games and tournaments played are available for public anything, from video games, to TV shows, Anime and viewing live on the team’s Twitch page, and the games are much more.

The people you meet here can truly change also posted to YouTube afterward. your life for the better.”

“For each of the games, there are teams under each, comprising anywhere from three to five people actively playing at a time. The main focus is playing other schools and competing in those leagues,” said Howar.

While Esports is different from traditional sports, it still requires significant skills in order to compete. Friedmann explained that the ability to work as a team, an above-average reaction time, hand-eye coordination and endurance are just some of the skills that are important to have when competing.

“There is a stigma where many people The Esports Arena is located on the third floor of the CRUC and is open to everyone for select times during the think that we just week and weekend.

Wilson Jackson / The Weekly Ringer

Friday, September 29, 2023

News

Page 7

UMW’s various construction projects improve facilities and infrastructure on campus, revitalize University

AUDREY BELTON Staff Writer The University of Mary Washington has made many different advancements on campus this summer to help improve facilities and infrastructure.

Some of these improvements, such as replacing and modernizing water and steam pipes due to their old age, are not visible to students when they are fixed, but they serve an essential function to campus life.

According to the UMW facilities services page, the University has replaced 5,000 linear feet of water lines and steam pipes. By doing this, they were able to reduce water usage and make both the heat and water systems more efficient.

“The project is approximately 96% complete. There’s still a small stretch of pipe between Mason and Randolph Halls that will be replaced in the future,” said Capital Outlay Director Gary Hobson.

Ball Circle was closed in 2022 and some of 2023 due to this construction, and the project underwent progress the past three summers, according to the UMW facilities services page. This caused some events and traditions to be relocated to other parts of campus, such as, Club Carnival, which was moved to Jefferson Square.

Projects like this are often paused during the academic semester to minimize distraction to staff and students, but they continue to be present on campus, as some paths are still blocked during the school year, like the lawn in front of Westmoreland Hall at the beginning of the fall semester.

Some students haven’t had problems with the blocked paths. Rhane Elder, a senior geology major, said, “Construction hasn’t really bothered me. I would say I rarely run into any in my daily commute to my classes.”

Ball Circle is growing its grass back and in order to reduce foot traffic, sections of the lawn will be closed. Other parts of the lawn will remain open for students and impromptu events.

This is not the only part of campus that’s growing new roots, as James Farmer Hall underwent some updates this summer as well. The classrooms in the basement have new audio-visual systems like projectors, furniture such as chairs, flooring, ceilings, improved lighting and a family and unisex bathroom.

Additionally, Field D, which is used by various varsity teams, has been re-lit with brand new LED field lights that will be used during practices and games. The lights are being installed to keep the field up to NCAA standards, according to the UMW athletics page. These lights were funded by the University Reserves, and the update was a planned investment in the Battleground Athletics Complex.

Furthermore, in July, two rooftop units on top of the Jepson Science Center received new air handlers, which control the AC and heating in the building. There was an AC outage last spring while classes were still in session, which proved the need for new systems. This project coordinated with faculty and students who were attending summer classes or conducting research in Jepson, with some relocating to the section of the building that was not connected to the HVAC units being worked on and

others going remote.

These updates and renovations are welcome additions to the campus. Many students enjoy past projects the University has pursued, like the renovation of Seacobeck Hall, which used to be the dining hall that hosted thousands of alumni over the course of 80 years. In January 2022, Seacobeck Hall reopened as the home for the College of Education and the Office of Disability Resources.

Katie Ammosini, a junior English major in the College of Education said, “I love the model classrooms and study rooms the most.”

Other past projects include Willard and Virginia Halls, which are both first-year dorms. Willard Hall was renovated and restored in 2019. The update added some 21st-century spaces to the dorm, which was built in 1911, including a 16-seat seminar room, two group study spaces, a large kitchen, a modern media room and two moveable glass walls according to the resident life and housing site.

Virginia Hall was renovated and restored in 2021 with a $19 million budget. The renovation, like Willard, included some contemporary touches, such as a central AC system, all-keyless entry, TV screens, an elevator, blackout window shades, a parlor, a seminar room, a full-sized kitchen and a game room according to UMW Voice.

A future construction project for the UMW community to look forward to is the new theatre and arts building.

The schematic design, which outlines the fundamentals needed to build and analyze the building’s ground and geographical location was completed in fall 2023 and, according to the Facilities Services page, “the project is awaiting authority to proceed with preliminary design.”

TimelyCare provides services to students all year long FROM TIMELYCARE, PAGE 1 started so that they could recommend it to their mentees and residents, respectively.

However, even after these University communications, students still are not aware of the service.

“I think once more students are aware it’s free from some sessions, I think it would be beneficial.”

- Rachel Walker “While I think it’s great that UMW added this as a resource, I’m not sure how many people will use it. I feel that it wasn’t well advertised as well as a lack of training on the app,” said Rinald. “The University may need another approach if they want more students to use their resources.”

Crime Column Ky Huynh News Editor The Crime Column is based on the UMW Police report from Sept. 23, 2023

To register for TimelyCare, students can download the app or go to the website and access their accounts through the login page. During the registration process, the site asks for student’s personal information, such as their name, preferred name, pronouns, email and address.

There is also a language preference question that lets students select from English, Spanish or Chinese.

However, with its recent implementation, there are some issues to work out. Palgulta mentioned that there is a glitch in the system. She said, “some students are getting a message that they need a code to register.”

The error within the system is that TimelyCare doesn’t recognize student email addresses that end in @mail. umw.edu, but they can access their accounts with their NetID and the @umw.edu email address instead to avoid this issue.

“I think once more students are aware it’s free for some sessions. I think it would be beneficial,” said Walker.

“College is hard and adjusting to a new place and how to balance your life.”

TimelyCare is available as an app and also through their website for 24/7 mental and emotional support.

Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash

Larceny of bike

Alcohol by a minor violation

On Sept. 20 at 12:00 p.m., there was a case of larceny of bike at Arrington Hall.

This case is pending.

On Sept. 23 at 11:49 p.m., there was a case of alcohol possession by a minor at Westmoreland Hall.

This case was sent to OSCAR.

Sports

Friday, September 29, 2023

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Men’s soccer takes first game under the lights abbey magnet Photo Editor On Wednesday, Sept. 27, Mary Washington’s men’s soccer team continued their winning streak with their fourth shutout of the season in their 3–0 win over Stevenson University.

Carter Berg, a junior political science major, scored the first two goals of the game, with Josh Kirkland, a senior business administration major, assisting in both. Nelsar Castillo, a junior business administration major, scored the third and final goal with Berg’s assistance.

The skills shown on the field are the product of a unified team that fosters a sense of community both on and off the field.

“With soccer, you literally cannot succeed without working with a team, from the goalkeeper all the way up to the strikers,” said Berg. “All 11 players on the field, everyone on the bench, in terms of the ball movement in terms of picking each other up and down; you have to work as a team.”

Though there are always frustrating parts

to playing any sport, there are many rewards that come along with it.

Freddy Rogers, a junior business administration major explained that although the game can be tiring, it is incredibly rewarding to win together. He said, “it’s quite mentally exhausting sometimes, you have to be quite strong. But also when you’ve got a good team around you, it’s easier. It’s easier to play when you win, and you win together. It’s nice.”

Rogers expressed that the most rewarding part is winning as a team. “There’s no better feeling, especially when you’ve got a good, good team around you,” he said.

Students enjoy playing together and becoming a family, and coaches become part of those important relationships.

“I think that the most rewarding part is the relationships that you build and seeing the players grow into young men and move forward and have families and children,” said Head Coach Jason Kilby. “And there’s nothing better than when you see them come or call you and because, again, I think we see them through.”

Fall Sports Schedule

Blake Hoskins (#20) holds possession of the ball as Elyass Fekrat (#26) runs alongside.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

SOPHIA TOMPKINS Sports Editor

Men’s Soccer (7-1)

Sept. 27 vs. Stevenson (3-0) Sept. 30 vs. Salisbury

I think the most Women’s Soccer (5-4) rewarding part is the Sept. 27 vs. Hood (1-0) relationships that you build Sept. 30 vs. Kenyon and seeing the players grow into young men and move Men’s Rugby (2-0) forward and have families Sept. 30 vs. Life (GA) and children.”

- Jason Kilby

UMW’s men’s soccer team plays under the lights for the first time this season.

University of Mary Washington

“We see them at a time in their life that can be a challenging time and growing between adolescent, young person into maturing into an adult,” he said.

The team invests in their camaraderie both off and on the field, and it shows.

“That’s what I love about this team; from everyone from the injured guys who won’t play the season all the way up to the guys who start every game, it’s no different in terms of how we treat each other,” said Berg.

The men’s soccer team will continue to work together as a competitive, well-rounded team as they travel to Maryland to face off against Salisbury University on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Women’s Rugby (2-0)

Sept. 23 vs. American - postponed Sept. 30 vs. Navy Development

Field Hockey (1-0)

Sept. 27 vs. Va. Wesleyan (8-0) Sept. 30 vs. Stevenson

Women’s Volleyball (2-1)

Sept. 27 vs. Haverford (3-0) Sept. 30 vs. Salisbury

Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage Full schedule not listed above.

Most recent games included.

Bold indicates home game.

Nathan Terrell (#14) runs down the field alongside opposing team player.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer

Nelsar Castillo (#10) and Julian Schmugge (#12) race the ball towards the goal in their game against Stevenson.

Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer