October 19, 2021

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October 19, 2021

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Game logistics and student conduct at Notre Dame game disappoint fans

Following multiple home games with problematic student conduct, Virginia Tech released a statement outlining new safety guidelines.

MOMIJI BARLOW news editor

With college football back in full swing at Virginia Tech after a year-long hiatus on student attendance at games, many are excited to be back in the stands and jumping to “Enter Sandman.” Some students, however, have expressed concerns about safety and overcrowding during games when entering a full-capacity Lane Stadium. One petition, created after the Virginia Tech vs. Notre Dame game with over 500 signatures, calls for a more efficient way for students to enter the stadium.

“This system could result in serious injury and needs to be changed,” the petition read. “This change should allow for students to be able to enter from more than one gate. It should also call for less fencing.”

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Abigail Cox, a junior and interior design major who created the petition, explained that she did so primarily because of her friend’s experience at the Notre Dame game, in which she suffered injuries while attempting to get into the stadium. Cox believes part of the problem is that there is only one gate available for students to enter through, causing dangerous levels of crowding.

“She (my friend) actually is suffering muscle and cartilage damage outside of her ribs, which is scary, you know?

It’s game day — it should be a day of excitement. It’s a big day,” Cox said. “My friend loves football, we all love football, we’re not expecting to go to Lane Stadium to get injured. It shouldn’t be a concern at all.”

Cox said that while she has not received

time to be the truth and reveal only that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.

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any responses from university administrators after reaching out by email with the petition, the community reaction to her petition has been positive.

“I’ve gotten a lot of messages and people in person coming up to me and saying that they were glad that they had a place to share their voice,” Cox said.

“Obviously the petition would be nothing without the 500-plus people that signed it.”

Older students who have experienced a pre-pandemic football game as well as more recent games have also shared their thoughts.

“I think it has been a little rowdier (this year), and I would attribute a lot of that to being cooped up for over a year and not having any live sporting events, so people kind of forgot how to act,” said Mitchell Parvin, a senior and forestry major.

“Every time we have a big game, though — since we didn’t have an issue during the Richmond game as far as I was aware — that’s when it draws the big crowds.

At past UVA games that I’ve been to, big name games, there’s usually shenanigans

going on.”

Preceding the Oct. 16 game against Pitt, Virginia Tech issued a statement about the “selfish, inappropriate, and embarrassing student behavior” at home football games, as well as outlining measures to improve game day safety.

These included restricting student attendance to student ticket holders, limiting the number of ticket lottery winners, expecting students to follow all new guidance for entering the stadium and deploying law enforcement officers from the Virginia Tech Police Department within the stadium.

“This year especially, we have so much to be proud of with being back on campus and in the full swing of the semester,” the statement read.

“But this is one area where we haven’t brought our best. Let’s change that starting Saturday and remind our community that we know and honor what it means to be a Hokie.”

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October 19, 2021 PAGE 3

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It’s time women have their own space in McComas Women are uncomfortable in McComas gym and that needs to change.

adies: We can ask for more.

W it h McComas fe el i ng increasingly claustrophobic, ma ny women face i nt i m id at i ng circumstances to stay active, and it’s up to the university to make a change.

Looking at the growth in popularity of women’s-only gyms, McComas should follow suit with a women’s-only section for a few hours, two days a week.

Women across the country deal with uncomfortable environments in gyms.

In a survey done by FitRated of almost 1,800 women, 70.7% have felt uncomfortable in the gym before due to issues including being stared at, followed or flirted with. Women at Virginia Tech deal with the same discomfort. In a survey done of both men and women on their experiences in McComas, only 40% of women felt very comfortable versus 71% of men according to statistics sent by Recreational Sports.

With a majority of women on campus not feeling very comfortable at the gym, it’s no surprise that only 30% of McComas’ users in the first month of classes were women. It’s not just a simple majority; it’s a space controlled by men.

Among the women who do go, many avoid certain areas of the gym.

“There are rooms that I avoid in the gym because I think they’re scary,” said Lilyana Castro, a freshman McComas user. “Mostly the weight rooms, because it’s men dominating those rooms.”

In addition to the issue of male-dominated rooms, women’s workouts can be affected because of their feelings of discomfort.

“I feel that there’s a guy waiting whenever I’m trying to finish a set –– they’ll come up to me when I’m not done yet,” said Andrea Reyes, Castro’s gym partner and fellow freshman.

“They’ll just wait there until I’m done.”

This type of hovering points to a key reason women experience discomfort in McComas: they don’t have control of their own personal space.

In a survey conducted by BarBend of just over 1,300 women who have felt uncomfortable in a gym, one finding was that two-thirds of women surveyed have had their personal space invaded.

Space is limited in McComas, with bodies packed in like sardines, and women may feel less able to set boundaries for their space.

Like we’ve seen with the trend of women-only gyms, women are headed to spaces designed for them.

According to Ali Cross, Director of Recreational Sports, the organization in charge of McComas, 95% of participants in group exercise classes at McComas are women.

Women flock to this space despite the fact that passes for these classes are not free. This is likely due to two reasons: there is a limit to how many people can attend, so class-goers know they will have space for their workout, and the classes are largely female-dominated, making them a much less intimidating environment than the rest of McComas.

Another example of a popular women’s space is the Women on Weights group. Again, this program is not free, but it provides women with access to a smaller, entirely women-dominated setting.

There’s a problem here. “We knew now was going to be the pinch point.

Last year, we didn’t have War Memorial Hall, but we didn’t have a full campus,” Cross said.

The issue is that Virginia Tech’s solutions are two years away from being realized. War Memorial Hall is in the process of renovations, and these changes will guarantee a less crowded McComas. But two years could be half

the college career of women trying to stay active now.

According to the Recreational Sports website, “(the department) is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of a diverse community.” With changes in programming and additions like the Field House and the tent-like gym past Lane Stadium put in last year to add courts and gym space, it’s clear that Cross and her team are open to suggestions in order to meet the needs of students, so let’s find one.

Let’s focus on what many women on campus prefer while they’re in the

gym: smaller crowds and women’s-only spaces. McComas doesn’t have to be this busy.

“I did hear from more women than men that they appreciated the reservation system,” said Cross. “It was a more welcomed option.”

However, the reservation system had major flaws. “We had so many no-shows,” Cross said. “At the lowest, we had 45% no-shows.” Cross doesn’t want to penalize people with yet another fee or keep them out of the continued on page 4

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PAGE 4 October 19, 2021 continued from page 3

gym.

This means we can turn to the possibility of creating a women’s space in McComas (with an inclusive view on gender-identity). Similar to women’s only gyms springing up around the country or in your TikTok feed, these spaces allow women to build community and feel less intimidated.

“I think that a women’s space would be fun — a different environment I’d want to try out,” Reyes said.

With a data-driven approach, a space could be sectioned off in McComas two nights a week for two hours at a

collegiatetimes.com time. According to Cross, Thursdays, Fridays and weekends are slower days for the gym, making them good candidates. Recreational Sports would also be informed by feedback on how to best format this program.

There is no arguing that this solution would take time and some trial and error to get right. Finding the right location in the gym is the first obstacle.

The basketball courts that now house weights come to mind, as they could easily be closed off, although the large windows that box the space may make it feel more like a zoo than a safe space.

Some creativity may be needed to make the space we have fit our needs. Perhaps

something like pop-up curtains could prevent unwanted eyes.

One concern with this proposal is the impact on other people’s workouts.

“I think that would get results,” said Castro. “(But) if I was a man, I wouldn’t like it.”

The concern here is that others who frequent the gym could find their usual spot taken by this program. Another issue is that some women won’t be able to make whatever times are chosen.

With probable time restraints due to space, it would be impossible to fit the needs of everyone’s schedule.

However, with a data-driven approach, Recreational Sports could maximize

Lifestyles

editor@collegiatetimes.com

potential while minimizing the impact on people’s current routines.

Even with initial growing pains, providing an equitable space for women on this campus is worth asking for.

Recreational Sports seems willing to adapt if the interest is there. When it comes to staying active and getting to enjoy the gym again, ladies, please ask for more.

ZOE TREIBITZ • junior • professional and technical writing

That’s so engineer of you: Classic stereotypes in the College of Engineering Keep reading to learn more about the “engineering” of long-lasting STEM stereotypes across the Virginia Tech campus.

OLIVIA FERRARE lifestyles editor

Editor’s note: This piece was written with satirical intent.

According to Virginia Tech admissions, about three out of every 10 students at Virginia Tech are studying engi ne er i ng. Te ch’s prog ra m is world-renowned, bringing in millions of dollars from massive companies and research foundations to study the most cutting-edge technologies and relevant problems in society. However, engineering brings with it a certain stereotype of being nerdy (and rightly so). Engineers roam the halls of most academic buildings dreaming about the last good night’s sleep they had and cursing every major except engineering for being “easier.” Here is a collection of common stereotypes about each engineering major.

Aerospace Engineering (AE): These are the kids you see around campus wearing NASA merchandise. They

either worship Elon Musk or think they can surpass him in 10 years. However, if they love what they are studying, aerospace engineers are some of the most hardworking people out there — they need to be with the amount of seemingly unpassable math and physics classes they are required to take.

Ocean Engineering (OE): They take most of the same classes as aerospace engineers, but instead of space, think water. The major is super cool and unique, and the students in it are the same way. Ocean engineers are affectionately known as “boat engineers,” and their homework has way too many pictures of waves on it to make anyone take it seriously (even though it is extremely difficult).

Biological Systems Engineering (BSE)/ Biomedical Engineering (BMES): These students are either really into animals or a modern-day Dr. Frankenstein.

However, the combination of biology, organic chemistry and physics on top of each other should get some credit. You

never know, they could be your doctor in 20 years.

Chemical Engineering (CHE): Along the same lines as BSE and BMES, they take a combination of difficult chemistry courses along with advanced math and physics. Chemical engineers tend to geek out when non-chemistry classes bring up anything related to chemistry, but every future CHE major tutored their whole hall in CHEM 1035 (general chemistry), so no one should complain.

Civil Engineering (CE): Civil engineers always seem to be the butt of the jokes, even though they have to take deforms. Every other major likes to poke fun by saying all civil engineers do is build bridges, but when a non-engineer is asked what an engineer does, the first thing they usually think of is “build bridges or buildings” — exactly what a civil engineer does.

Electrical Engineering (EE)/Computer Engineering (CPE): Both majors give

off the same vibes. Generally, most EEs or CPEs are nerdy at heart, but incredibly helpful when it comes to that tricky math homework. They combine hardware and software skills with a real affinity for telling others where they went wrong on their coding homework.

Com puter Science (CS): T his department is the self-proclaimed nerdiest major of them all. Their version of flirting would be to explain why their Android is superior to your iPhone, and then they’ll ask for your Discord username.

Const ruct ion Engineer ing and Management (CEM): This major is basically the same as building construction with about three more math classes.

CEM kids would rather hang out with building construction majors or agriculture kids than engineers, and I’m not blaming them.

Industrial and Systems Engineering continued on page 5

editor@collegiatetimes.com

continued from page 4

(ISE): ISEs are basically the business majors of the engineering school. When you meet an ISE major, make sure to ask why they’re in ISE. The answer will either be that it’s the most people-oriented engineering major (for us extroverted engineers) or that they were originally a mechanical or aerospace engineer until they got to thermodynamics.

October 19, 2021 PAGE 5

collegiatetimes.com Materials Science Engineering (MSE): Their coursework kind of combines CHE and MechE, and their interests might seem really niche, but the research going on in their department spans many industries. The students are usually really nerdy about chemistry, and they probably enjoy blowing stuff up or breaking things “in the name of science.”

Mechanical Engineering (ME or MechE):

This is the most common engineering major, and mechanical engineering students love to brag that they’re in MechE. Just because they have to take deforms, dynamics, thermodynamics and more does not mean they are the smartest; it means they are just a little crazy.

Mining Engineering (MINE): Rocks, dirt and explosives. What more could you need?

While these are meant to poke fun at all engineers, there is something to be said for the dedication and innovation that happens every day on campus. These majors are producing some of the most advanced research the school has to offer.

For more information, check out @vt_ engineering on Instagram or the Virginia Tech engineering website eng.vt.edu. @CollegiateTimes

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team drives into a new year of competitions Looking for a design team that combines mechanical innovation with solving transportation problems? HEVT has got you covered.

EMANDA SEIFU lifestyles contributor

Since 1995, Virginia Tech’s Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team (HEVT) has worked to create solutions for transportation problems that are both s u s t a i n a bl e and c o s t- ef f i c i e n t.

Operating from the Ware Lab, HEVT is committed to challenging students to apply critical thinking and problem solving in new and innovative ways.

HEVT is broken up into three main subteams: Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs), Propulsion Controls and Modeling (PCM) and Propulsion Systems Integration (PSI).

The CAVs team focuses on handling aspects of the design, such as implementing wireless communication and tracking objects in real time. The PCM team is responsible for maintaining the system safety and the overall operation while also creating the software used in all the vehicles designed. The PSI team works to design and implement components of the vehicle as well as vehicle testing.

Virginia Tech graduate Will Hom has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and is a project manager for HEVT. Hom’s experience with design teams started at BOLT, which focuses on electric motorcycles. “(HEVT) is a great environment to be in if you’re an engineer interested in electric vehicles,” Hom said.

The leadership within HEVT is broken down into faculty advisers, managers and swimlane leaders. The managers oversee different aspects of

the project (engineering, communication, etc.) There are three swimlane leaders, each responsible for a different subteam.

“The PSI leader deals with a lot of the mechanical design work on the vehicle itself. They (the PCM leaders) deal with all the modeling and coding to control the hybrid system. They (the CAVs leaders) handle the connected and automated vehicle systems… to make the car able to communicate with stop lights and other smart infrastructure,” Hom said.

H EV T’s lat est goa ls a re to “implement advanced hybrid power train technologies and ... improving vehicle safety,” Hom said.

H EVT competes in challenges like the U.S.Department of Energy’s Ad va n c e d Ve h i cl e Te c h n ol o g y Competition. Cur rently, the team is working to prepare for the EcoCar Mobility Challenge with sponsors like the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors and MathWorks.

The EcoCar Mobility Challenge is a four-year competition that challenges university design teams to improve efficiency, safety and overall appeal of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer using advanced propulsion systems a nd veh icle technology.

“As a member of the team, students get to apply what they learn in the classroom to real world engineering problems,” Hom said.

HEVT offers several opportunities to its team members. Students can volunteer, participate and count the work they do toward an independent

study program or their senior design project and more.

Undergraduate students can apply in the spring recruitment cycle; there is an application and interview process to join the team.

To students interested in joining

the team, “just go for it,” Hom said. “(Being on HEVT) has been one of the more rewarding experiences of my time in college; it’s been fun.” @CollegiateTimes

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Balancing act: How to have a life while being a Hokie engineering student Matthew Harris shares some tips and tricks for engineers trying to balance school, extracurriculars and college life.

MATTHEW HARRIS lifestyles staff writer

Contrary to popular belief, engineering students at Virginia Tech attempt to lead fulfilling lives outside of classes. Like other students, many engineers participate in a variety of extracurricular activities and sometimes even fill leadership roles in various clubs, organizations and sports.

However, balancing the hefty course load the College of Engineering drops on each student with extracurriculars can seem like a herculean feat. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to attack everything engineering students want to do because of this course load. However, with careful planning and prioritization, it may be possible to achieve a healthy work-life balance as an engineering student.

The Achilles’ heel for many students is not taking the time to plan out what they want to do with the time they’re given. Tackling tasks as they become urgent can lead to a lot of wasted time complemented by stressful cramming as deadlines approach.

“Treat (school) like a full-time job,” said Paula Van Curen, an academic advisor for Virginia Tech’s Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. “If (students) have those large chunks of time, (they) should try to spend it on campus (in) a study room or library. (This will) probably reduce (students’) stress because they’re not trying to work on things at the last minute.”

Of course, not all students attempting to juggle extracurriculars with coursework have the time to treat school as a full-time job every day. Part of planning is recognizing days that will be less productive due to those other commitments. “(Students should) know when (they’re) free and when (they’re) busy and plan around that,” said Johann Ruiz, a sophomore majoring in computer engineering and a

Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity program (CEED) mentor who helps first-year engineering students adjust to life at Virginia Tech. “(For example), I know Mondays and Wednesdays are my busiest days, so I need to remember if I have an assignment due Monday or Tuesday, I need to get that done (on) Sunday.”

In short, planning is a major part of taking control of one’s life as a student. Students should start planning as soon as possible to make sure they have all of their responsibilities under control.

“I think most students know how to manage their time and they have the tools available to them,” Van Curen said. “It’s just a matter of discipline and getting to that habit. Once (they’ve) established that habit, it almost becomes second nature.”

A point that many students get confused about when planning is what they should prioritize in their schedule. Realistically, students may not be able to allocate as much time as they want for everything on their plate. However, students should be careful and remember why they’re at Virginia Tech in the first place.

“A lot of (students) feel like they’re obligated to continue what they’re doing (with extracurriculars),” Van Curen said. “Their academics come first, so focus on (those) priorities.”

Just like it’s all right to say “no” to some extra responsibilities extracurriculars might demand, it is all right and sometimes even necessary to take some relaxation time as a student to avoid burnout. If things become too much, engineering students shouldn’t forget to enjoy themselves a bit. “(Students should) make time for (themselves) to relax and have fun,” said Maria Zakhem, a sophomore majoring in electrical engineering and a CEED mentor. “(This can be) by going to the gym, hanging out with friends or doing something away from (their)

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Students in Hancock Hall diligently studying, Oct. 12, 2021.

work.”

Finding a relaxing hobby is a great way to take a break. Having something to fall back on, whether it’s drawing, reading or just taking a second to breathe, is a good tool to have in stressful situations.

“I’m a big believer in meditation,” Van Curen said.

After taking a break, students are often in a better headspace to approach difficult problems in a new way. However, if nothing seems to work, students should remember that their professors and teaching assistants are there to help them. Asking for help can be a great way to save some time and hassle to allow for a better work-life balance.

“I would rather finish an assignment in 30 minutes in office hours after I have gotten extra help than struggle (for) two hours not knowing what to do,” Zakhem said.

Overall, engineering students can make an effort toward balancing academics with their other passions through a bit of discipline. If students take the time to plan and prioritize their activities and recognize when they need a break, they can make the most of the time they have.

Transitioning into a college workload

and leading a life outside of classes is hard.

It is impressive that students are making it through the majors they choose at all, and adding more work on top of that through extracurriculars seems nothing short of unimaginable. The efforts that Hokie engineers put in to serve their community, better themselves or just have fun through extracurriculars while going through academic hell perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Virginia Tech.

“I have a lot of admiration for anybody that can finish a major in the College of Engineering,” Van Curen said.

@CollegiateTimes

Sports

editor@collegiatetimes.com

October 19, 2021 PAGE 7

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VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL FALLS FLAT IN HOMECOMING GAME AGAINST PITTSBURGH Hokies take their second straight loss on Saturday in Lane Stadium.

GLEN RORIE sports staff writer

After a disappointing loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last week, the Virginia Tech football team’s woes continued as it was not able to get things going in its 28–7 loss against Pittsburgh, extending the team losing streak to two games.

The Hokies’ offense arguably played its worst game this season. Junior quarterback Braxton Burmeister struggled as he completed 11 of his 32 throws for 134 passing yards, with one passing touchdown and one interception. He was sacked three times and had nine carries for 19 yards. Burmeister missed passes throughout the day and the

issues were compounded by receiver drops.

Burmeister’s one interception in the second quarter dug the Hokies into a deep hole. The mistake put the Panthers in striking distance and allowed them to extend their lead to 14–0 with Pittsburgh’s quarterback Kenny Pickett running the ball in for a touchdown. Pickett continued to pick apart the Virginia Tech defense throughout the day, throwing a 36-yard touchdown to receiver Jared Wayne a little prior to halftime.

After the Homecoming Court ceremony, a large number of fans exited the stadium.

The Hokie defense gave up 411 yards and the offense was only able to put up 224 total yards. The offense combined for 74 yards in its first 10 drives of the game. The only

bright spot came in its one scoring drive; the Hokies went for 75 yards capped off by a receiving touchdown by sophomore Tayvion Robinson.

The Panthers cooled off in the second half, only scoring one more touchdown in the third quarter; however, Virginia Tech still had trouble with Pittsburgh’s defense and could not move the ball down the field.

Between the passing game and run game, slow offense has seemed to be a common theme for the team unfortunately.

Pittsburgh came into the game with the highest scoring offense in the ACC, the ACC passing touchdowns leader, Pickett, and receiving touchdowns leader, Jordan Addison. The Pittsburgh matchup was bound to be an uphill battle for the Hokies,

but this was not the outcome they hoped for during their homecoming week.

After losing two straight, Virginia Tech will face the Syracuse Orange (3–4, 0–3 in the ACC) in Blacksburg, Virginia, at 12:30 p.m. This will be the Hokies’ fourth straight home game this season. Their overall record against the Orange is 8–10.

@CTSportsTalk

GRADING THE HOKIES: VIRGINIA TECH VS. PITTSBURGH

Both offense and defense lose steam, causing their defeat against the Pittsburgh Panthers.

DEVIN SHEPARD AND THOMAS BRAY sports editor and sports staff writer

Offense Quarterback: CBraxton Burmeister had one of his worst games of the year on Saturday in what continues to be a tough season for the first-year starter. The mobile quarterback completed only 11 of 32 passes for 134 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed nine times for 19 yards on the day. A couple of nice throws to Tré Turner and Tayvion Robinson along with a few nice rushes saved the quarterback’s day from a worse grade.

Running Backs: C+ The running back unit had little impact in the game, as the Hokies were down

throughout much of the matchup. The group held up well in pass protection, but were uninspiring on the ground. A couple big runs late in the game by freshman Malachi Thomas helped the group’s grade a bit, but needless to say, it wasn’t a big day on the ground for Virginia Tech.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: C+ The wide receivers were the best unit on the field for the Virginia Tech offense on Saturday, but they weren’t perfect. Receivers Tré Turner and Tayvion Robinson made their usual big plays in the game, including a spectacular one-handed catch by Robinson in the red zone. However, untimely drops by the unit aided in a rough day on the offensive side of the ball for the Hokies.

Offensive Line: C+

The offensive line was good, not great in the matchup with Pitt. The group gave up three sacks on the day; however, only one of them was the fault of the unit. The offensive line held up in pass protection throughout the day, but Burmeister’s inability to make the necessary throws to his receivers led to plenty of stalled drives and a lack of offensive potency.

Defense Defensive Line: D The Hokie’s front four struggled to control the line of scrimmage through the entire game. After getting down double digits early, Justin Hamilton’s defense surrendered a season-high 208 rushing yards. Other than Jordan Williams’ sack late in the first quarter, the Hokie front four had a lackluster performance.

Linebackers: C Even though the entire defense missed veteran linebacker Dax Hollifield in the first half, this game was lost in the film room. The Panthers did a great job getting their running backs out in open space, forcing defensive backs to make tackles. Alan Tisdale carried the load, finishing the game with seven total tackles.

Defensive Backs: C+ The Hokie secondary was the bright spot for this team. Despite giving up over 200 passing yards, defensive backs can’t stay on the field for close to 40 minutes and not be vulnerable to big plays. Chamarri Conner stayed active in the passing game, finishing with two pass breakups. @CTSportsTalk

PAGE 8 October 19, 2021

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In 2020, we broke records and over 4.4 million Virginians voted.

LET’S MAKE HISTORY AGAIN IN 2021.

Go to IWillVote.com/VA to make a plan to vote early or on November 2.