Commencement 2009

The university wide commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday May 17th on the National Mall between the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. Graduates should arrive at the National Mall between 8:30 am and 9:00 a.m. to line up for the 9:30 a.m. processions. Parents and guests should be seated by 9:30 a.m. A complete guide to the ceremonies can be found by clicking here: GW Commencement 

The forecast calls for rain until 9 a.m., giving way to cloudy skies, and a high of 58 degrees. The sun should peek through around 1 p.m.

For those unable to attend the ceremony will be broadcast live on local television stations beginning at 11 a.m., as well as online. ABC 7 will be on hand and will broadcast through their website here: Webcast

Directions to the site, transportation options, and alternate site information can be found here: Seating / Verizon Center / Transportation 

Food sales possible in Metro

UPDATE 5/28/09: The Metro Board voted to table this proposed plan citing an anticipated increase in trash and that it might potentially encourage people to eat on trains where food and drink is prohibited. It was the second time in three years the board has rejected a plan to incorporate food sales in rail stations. Other proposals are expected, potentially in June, with more of an emphasis on books and DVD sales rather than food.

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Metrorail stations proposed for inclusion in Retail Program

District of Columbia:

Anacostia (sidewalk)

Fort Totten (sidewalk and paid area of station)

Gallery Place-Chinatown (paid and free area of station)

Metro Center (paid area of station)

Virginia:

King Street (free area of mezzanine)

Rosslyn (free area of mezzanine)

Vienna/Fairfax-GMU (paid area of station and short term parking)

West Falls Church-VT/UVA (sidewalk)

Maryland:

Branch Avenue (sidewalk and Kiss & Ride)

Glenmont (sidewalk)

New Carrollton (sidewalk)

Shady Grove (sidewalk)

*Stations were chosen based on ridership and space      Graphic Courtesy of Metro

Metro officials are considering the installation of a number of kiosks in high trafficked metro stations, according to a press release from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Potential products and services include prepackaged food and beverage, dry cleaning, and newsstands.

Officials presented the idea before the Rider's Advisory Council last night.

A similar plan was brought before the council three years ago but without the option for proposals from food or beverage distributors. The agency received a mere three offers, but for varying reasons were not implemented. 

The sale of tobacco and alcohol would still be prohibited, however, as the D.C. Metro system bans food and drink, the sale of any prepackaged food is a big step forward. The public transportation systems in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago allow the sale of prepackaged foods, according to Nat Bottigheimer, assistant general manager of planning and joint development.

If the proposal is approved the agency will begin soliciting proposals in June, with a Metro board review over the summer, and possible implementation by the fall

President Knapp Issues Statement on Swine Flu, Third Student Diagnosed

Update: According to a recent GW infomail, "The DC Department of Health has advised the University that a third GW student diagnosed with influenza is a probable case of H1N1 influenza. The DC Department of Health has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to do additional testing.  We should emphasize that at the current time there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 at GW. The DC Department of Health is still awaiting the results of CDC testing on samples from two students sent late last week. It was determined that these students are no longer contagious."

After the student was diagnosed at the GW Hospital, the university "implemented our protocols, including moving the student to a private room in a residence hall to limit exposure to other students, informing those in close personal contact and providing them with information about symptoms, treatment and prevention. The student is recovering rapidly following treatment.

On Saturday Evening, GW President Steven Knapp sent out a message over the infomail system regarding the two cases of N1H1 influenza (commonly referred to as Swine Flu) that were discovered on the GW campus.

According to Knapp, "While we continue to await results of testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the District of Columbia Department of Health has determined that these two students are no longer contagious. They have recovered fully following treatment with anti-viral medication."

Knapp asserted that GW is "working closely with the DC Department of Health and federal health officials to ensure we are following their protocols and taking all needed steps to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff."

In response to concerns raised over the potential risk to those who were in contact with the two students who became infected the with the virus, Knapp said that "The GW Student Health Service and Dean of Students have worked quickly to give those students who developed the flu access to private rooms to protect other students. They were treated with anti-viral medications and asked to stay in and avoid contact with other students. Those in close living quarters with them also were informed of the initial flu diagnosis and given information about symptoms, prevention and treatment. Members of the University staff also are going directly to affected residence halls to speak with students where they live about the H1N1 virus and preventative steps they can take."

This message came after one that was sent out the day before informing the GW community of the diagnosis and outlining symptoms and prevention techniques for the virus.

Symptoms of the N1H1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and occasional diarrhea and vomiting. 

More information about Swine Flu and its symptoms and prevention can be located at the GW SHS website.

-Alex Laska