GW announced Tuesday morning that classes and activities on all three of its campuses will resume Wednesday, October 31st after two days of canceled classes and activities due to Hurricane Sandy.
Additionally, at 8:30 this morning the University resumed its Vern Express Shuttle Bus service, which will be departing every 15 minutes from both the Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses for the rest of the day. Last night at 6:45pm the University had suspended the service due to weather conditions.
So far, there have been no reports of any major damage to campus buildings from the storm.
This is the Old WRGW District Radio News website. As of January 13th, 2014 all of the latest GW and local DC news can be found on our brand new website at: www.wrgwnews.com!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
BREAKING: University Cancels Classes/Activities for Tuesday, October 30th
Monday, October 29th: 5:25pm
GW announced at 5:15 Monday that all classes and activities taking place on Tuesday during the day and evening are canceled due to weather conditions from Hurricane Sandy.
Like on Monday when classes and activities were canceled, dining halls will remain open during normal business hours and Facilities Staff is required to report Tuesday for their scheduled shifts.
The University advises students to stay indoors during the storm and stay away from windows.
The University also announced at 4:45 Monday afternoon that it will be suspending the Vern Express Shuttle Bus service until further notice at 6:45pm this evening due to weather conditions. The last shuttle buses departing for both the Foggy Bottom Campus and the Mount Vernon Campus will depart at 6:45pm.
At approximately 2:00pm this afternoon the Mount Vernon campus lost power and is now running on emergency generators.
For the latest University announcements regarding the storm go to the Campus Advisories website: campusadvisories.gwu.edu
We will also update www.wrgwnews.com as the University makes announcements regarding the storm.
GW announced at 5:15 Monday that all classes and activities taking place on Tuesday during the day and evening are canceled due to weather conditions from Hurricane Sandy.
Like on Monday when classes and activities were canceled, dining halls will remain open during normal business hours and Facilities Staff is required to report Tuesday for their scheduled shifts.
The University advises students to stay indoors during the storm and stay away from windows.
The University also announced at 4:45 Monday afternoon that it will be suspending the Vern Express Shuttle Bus service until further notice at 6:45pm this evening due to weather conditions. The last shuttle buses departing for both the Foggy Bottom Campus and the Mount Vernon Campus will depart at 6:45pm.
At approximately 2:00pm this afternoon the Mount Vernon campus lost power and is now running on emergency generators.
For the latest University announcements regarding the storm go to the Campus Advisories website: campusadvisories.gwu.edu
We will also update www.wrgwnews.com as the University makes announcements regarding the storm.
BREAKING: GW Storm Update
Monday, October 29th- 5:00pm:
The University will be suspending the Vern Express Shuttle Bus at 6:45pm this evening due to weather conditions according to University Spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard. Sherrard said the last shuttle buses departing for both the Foggy Bottom Campus and the Mount Vernon Campus will depart at 6:45pm.
At approximately 2:00pm this afternoon the Mount Vernon campus lost power and is now running on emergency generators.
For the latest University announcements regarding the storm go to the Campus Advisories website: campusadvisories.gwu.edu
We will also update www.wrgwnews.com as the University makes announcements regarding the storm.
The University will be suspending the Vern Express Shuttle Bus at 6:45pm this evening due to weather conditions according to University Spokeswoman Michelle Sherrard. Sherrard said the last shuttle buses departing for both the Foggy Bottom Campus and the Mount Vernon Campus will depart at 6:45pm.
At approximately 2:00pm this afternoon the Mount Vernon campus lost power and is now running on emergency generators.
For the latest University announcements regarding the storm go to the Campus Advisories website: campusadvisories.gwu.edu
We will also update www.wrgwnews.com as the University makes announcements regarding the storm.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
GW Cancels Classes and Activities For Monday, October 29th
The George Washington University announced at 6:00pm Sunday that due to the approach of Hurricane Sandy the University will not hold classes or activities on any of its three campuses on Monday, October 29th. The University has said in its official statement that Facilities Services staff are required to report to work but that any other GW employees are not required to report.
Additionally, the University said that Dining services will remain open Monday and work under a normal schedule.
The University's decision comes after the Federal Government announced Sunday afternoon that its non-essential offices would be closed on Monday. The District of Columbia announced that its non-essential offices would be closed and that DC Public Schools would be closed Monday as well.
NBC Washington is reporting Sunday night that Metro Bus and Rail service is canceled for Monday.
The University advises students to stay inside during the storm and to stay away from windows.
The latest information from the University regarding its operations can be found at the Campus Advisories website: http://CampusAdvisories.gwu.edu.
Additionally, the University said that Dining services will remain open Monday and work under a normal schedule.
The University's decision comes after the Federal Government announced Sunday afternoon that its non-essential offices would be closed on Monday. The District of Columbia announced that its non-essential offices would be closed and that DC Public Schools would be closed Monday as well.
NBC Washington is reporting Sunday night that Metro Bus and Rail service is canceled for Monday.
The University advises students to stay inside during the storm and to stay away from windows.
The latest information from the University regarding its operations can be found at the Campus Advisories website: http://CampusAdvisories.gwu.edu.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
SA Votes to Raise Fees
by Justin Lee
In a meeting last night, the Student Association voted to pass a referendum to the SA constitution that will raise their fees. The referendum passed with the necessary 51% vote and will now move on to a general assembly vote, followed by a school-wide vote sometime in November.
The referendum was introduced to generate more revenue for the SA, to be used to fund student organizations. Under the current policy, the SA is only able to generate roughly 1/4th of the funds requested by various organizations. The fee increase will also allow the SA to bring back the collegiate readership program and defray university fees for student orgs.
Fees will not increase for students currently enrolled at GW. Instead, the program will take a few years to go into effect; once in place, the SA will proceed with a 25 cent increase each year for six years.
Although the referendum passed, many senators continue to oppose it. One criticized the referendum for raising revenue without putting in place a more efficient fund allocation system. Another questioned how the fee increases will hold up to inflation.
Proponents of the policy change argued that the point of the referendum was to lay the groundwork for the multi-year increase and said that specific details could be altered in the future. They also stated that future SA members will be able to stop the policy at any time.
In a meeting last night, the Student Association voted to pass a referendum to the SA constitution that will raise their fees. The referendum passed with the necessary 51% vote and will now move on to a general assembly vote, followed by a school-wide vote sometime in November.
The referendum was introduced to generate more revenue for the SA, to be used to fund student organizations. Under the current policy, the SA is only able to generate roughly 1/4th of the funds requested by various organizations. The fee increase will also allow the SA to bring back the collegiate readership program and defray university fees for student orgs.
Fees will not increase for students currently enrolled at GW. Instead, the program will take a few years to go into effect; once in place, the SA will proceed with a 25 cent increase each year for six years.
Although the referendum passed, many senators continue to oppose it. One criticized the referendum for raising revenue without putting in place a more efficient fund allocation system. Another questioned how the fee increases will hold up to inflation.
Proponents of the policy change argued that the point of the referendum was to lay the groundwork for the multi-year increase and said that specific details could be altered in the future. They also stated that future SA members will be able to stop the policy at any time.
Monday, October 15, 2012
GW Goes Green…Again
by Chris Evans
Forget about the recycling bins, the Student
Association (SA) is offering an even more useful way to recycle. Yesterday the
SA sent an email to the entire student body requesting students submit syllabi
and tests to be catalogued for future student use.
The SA indicated it is accepting all past and current
syllabi and tests that are in, "good and readable condition." The
goal of the project, according to SA Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee,
Senator Alicia Rose, is to, "provide students with an invaluable
study tool, the opportunity to look at tests for a course from previous
years."
Senator Rose indicated it is merely
an expansion of the SA's current system in which students can request
tests.
Beyond being green and offering study
materials, the drive will also offer a catalogue of syllabi. These syllabi can
be accessed by students prior to registering for classes. Senator Rose states
the goal of the syllabi collection is to, "help students make crucial
decisions over which courses to take."
The SA stated that with this
expansive resource, students could make more informed decisions during
registration.
The SA is encouraging students to
participate by offering entry into a drawing for 15 dollar Starbucks gift cards
upon submission of their used materials. According to Senator Rose, "three students will be randomly
selected to receive the gift cards."
Even those who don't win the drawing
will still receive a cleaner room and a feel-good conscious for recycling their
materials.
Materials can be emailed to gwacfs@gmail.com
or dropped off in the SA office, Marvin 427, during business hours. The
deadline for submissions is Sunday, the 21st of October and students are
welcome to access the test and syllabi database immediately.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Deadline to Opt-Out of School Health Insurance Program Extended
by Evan Ritscher
The deadline for international, medical nursing, and health services students to opt-out of the mandatory student health plan has been extended. Students will now have until Friday October 12, 2012 to opt-out of the student health insurance plan provided to GW by Aetna.
GW requires that all international students with a J1 or F1 visa, as well as all medical, nursing, and health services students, have health insurance and provides such insurance through Aetna for students.
To opt out, students must prove enrollment in another insurance plan. Although not every plan will be accepted. GW requires that the alternate plan provide at least $50,000 in medical benefits per condition, have an annual deductible at or below $500, be valid throughout the academic year, and cover pre-existing conditions, alcohol, drug abuse and detoxification treatment, and self inflicting injuries. The school requires that insurance last the entire year to ensure there is no disruption in students’ academic progress.
To show alternate enrollment, students can fill out a waiver form on Aetna’s student health website. Once the waiver is approved, the cost of the provided insurance will be removed from students’ tuition.
Students will still have to reapply for insurance year to year.
Prior to the extended deadline, students were to have proved alternate insurance by September 30, 2012.
The deadline for international, medical nursing, and health services students to opt-out of the mandatory student health plan has been extended. Students will now have until Friday October 12, 2012 to opt-out of the student health insurance plan provided to GW by Aetna.
GW requires that all international students with a J1 or F1 visa, as well as all medical, nursing, and health services students, have health insurance and provides such insurance through Aetna for students.
To opt out, students must prove enrollment in another insurance plan. Although not every plan will be accepted. GW requires that the alternate plan provide at least $50,000 in medical benefits per condition, have an annual deductible at or below $500, be valid throughout the academic year, and cover pre-existing conditions, alcohol, drug abuse and detoxification treatment, and self inflicting injuries. The school requires that insurance last the entire year to ensure there is no disruption in students’ academic progress.
To show alternate enrollment, students can fill out a waiver form on Aetna’s student health website. Once the waiver is approved, the cost of the provided insurance will be removed from students’ tuition.
Students will still have to reapply for insurance year to year.
Prior to the extended deadline, students were to have proved alternate insurance by September 30, 2012.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Religious Demonstration Occurs in Kogan Plaza
by Jesse Zapata
A crowd gathered around volunteers from a religious group at the entrance of Kogan Plaza on Monday. The volunteers stood on milk crates they had brought with them at the mouth of the Plaza across the street from the Marvin Center. For several hours the group used a megaphone to speak to a spontaneous crowd that gathered around them about the need to read the New Testament more. Additionally, other members of the group held signs that explained their goals.
According to one of their members, a man named John, the group was not affiliated with any congregation and the group's members came from many different places. He said that the group was an international group that believes the New Testament was not read enough. John said there were a lot of men and women in the world who could be saved if they "took scripture into their hearts."
The group was encouraging people to go to their website www.luke24vs47.com. John did say the group was affiliated with Jeremiah Cries, DC Evangelicals, Gods Way and the website, which they displayed on their signs, "Youaresinners.com."
The crowd size peaked at about 30 people during lunch hour and responded in a variety of ways. Some onlookers conversed with the religious volunteers and asked questions, while a few people in the crowd argued with the speaker on the milk crate about the group's message.
Officer Saechao from UPD was supervising a few feet away from the scene. He said that UPD had been contacted but did not intervene because the demonstrators had done nothing more than exercise their right to free speech on public property. Officer Saechao also confirmed that the group of eight-nine demonstrators had not been offensive or unruly and had told him that they would stay until about 3pm.
One student, Frank Ockleman, took advantage of his own right to free speech and setup speakers about 10 feet away from the demonstrators on the plaza that boomed out casual rock music while he sat on the ground and read a book. Ockleman said he setup the music specifically because of the religious group's presence.
A calendar on the religious group's website showed that in the next week the group planned similar demonstrations at VCU, NCSU, Appalachian State, and West Carolina State. In the past week the group had already visited Harvard, Princeton, Rhode Island University, Bloomsberg University, U Penn, and George Mason University before coming to GW.
A crowd gathered around volunteers from a religious group at the entrance of Kogan Plaza on Monday. The volunteers stood on milk crates they had brought with them at the mouth of the Plaza across the street from the Marvin Center. For several hours the group used a megaphone to speak to a spontaneous crowd that gathered around them about the need to read the New Testament more. Additionally, other members of the group held signs that explained their goals.
According to one of their members, a man named John, the group was not affiliated with any congregation and the group's members came from many different places. He said that the group was an international group that believes the New Testament was not read enough. John said there were a lot of men and women in the world who could be saved if they "took scripture into their hearts."
The group was encouraging people to go to their website www.luke24vs47.com. John did say the group was affiliated with Jeremiah Cries, DC Evangelicals, Gods Way and the website, which they displayed on their signs, "Youaresinners.com."
The crowd size peaked at about 30 people during lunch hour and responded in a variety of ways. Some onlookers conversed with the religious volunteers and asked questions, while a few people in the crowd argued with the speaker on the milk crate about the group's message.
Officer Saechao from UPD was supervising a few feet away from the scene. He said that UPD had been contacted but did not intervene because the demonstrators had done nothing more than exercise their right to free speech on public property. Officer Saechao also confirmed that the group of eight-nine demonstrators had not been offensive or unruly and had told him that they would stay until about 3pm.
One student, Frank Ockleman, took advantage of his own right to free speech and setup speakers about 10 feet away from the demonstrators on the plaza that boomed out casual rock music while he sat on the ground and read a book. Ockleman said he setup the music specifically because of the religious group's presence.
A calendar on the religious group's website showed that in the next week the group planned similar demonstrations at VCU, NCSU, Appalachian State, and West Carolina State. In the past week the group had already visited Harvard, Princeton, Rhode Island University, Bloomsberg University, U Penn, and George Mason University before coming to GW.
Friday, October 5, 2012
GW Hosting Stewart/O'Reilly Debate Tomorrow
by Michael Scarborough
GW's Lisner Auditorium will be on the national stage tomorrow night as it hosts Bill O'Reilly and Jon Stewart in a much anticipated debate dubbed "The Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium." The event, which is set to begin at 8 PM EST, will focus on current issues, the state of the nation, and other pertinent political topics.
While tickets to the show have been sold out for weeks, students and fans can still purchase them on third-party websites -- for a price, of course. Those interested in attending can expect to shell out anywhere between $200 to $2,000 for a single ticket on sites like Stub Hub, although quantities are becoming increasingly limited.
There is, however, a cheaper alternative for those on a tight budget. A $4.95 pay-per-view option is set up on the event website, www.therumble2012.com. Customers have the option of paying with a major credit card or PayPal and can stream live footage of the debate as it unfolds.
This will not be the first time the outspoken personalities have publicly clashed. Stewart and O'Reilly have traded jabs on each other's cable shows, arguing over topics such as the Obama presidency, the Tea Party, and U.S. foreign policy. Despite their disagreements, both men have expressed a light-hearted attitude towards the debate.
In an official press release, O'Reilly joked, "I had no idea my agent signed me up for this...How do I get out of it?"
Stewart inserted his own comedic take on the event, quipping, "I believe this will be a very enjoyable night for fans of our programs, political junkies, partisans, and people who just enjoy yelling."
WRGW News will be covering the event. Keep checking this blog for future updates and be sure to tune into our Monday 6 o'clock broadcast for a full recap of what is sure to be a lively exchange.
GW's Lisner Auditorium will be on the national stage tomorrow night as it hosts Bill O'Reilly and Jon Stewart in a much anticipated debate dubbed "The Rumble in the Air-Conditioned Auditorium." The event, which is set to begin at 8 PM EST, will focus on current issues, the state of the nation, and other pertinent political topics.
While tickets to the show have been sold out for weeks, students and fans can still purchase them on third-party websites -- for a price, of course. Those interested in attending can expect to shell out anywhere between $200 to $2,000 for a single ticket on sites like Stub Hub, although quantities are becoming increasingly limited.
There is, however, a cheaper alternative for those on a tight budget. A $4.95 pay-per-view option is set up on the event website, www.therumble2012.com. Customers have the option of paying with a major credit card or PayPal and can stream live footage of the debate as it unfolds.
This will not be the first time the outspoken personalities have publicly clashed. Stewart and O'Reilly have traded jabs on each other's cable shows, arguing over topics such as the Obama presidency, the Tea Party, and U.S. foreign policy. Despite their disagreements, both men have expressed a light-hearted attitude towards the debate.
In an official press release, O'Reilly joked, "I had no idea my agent signed me up for this...How do I get out of it?"
Stewart inserted his own comedic take on the event, quipping, "I believe this will be a very enjoyable night for fans of our programs, political junkies, partisans, and people who just enjoy yelling."
WRGW News will be covering the event. Keep checking this blog for future updates and be sure to tune into our Monday 6 o'clock broadcast for a full recap of what is sure to be a lively exchange.
WRW News at 6: Thursday October 4, 2012
Featuring a special report by WRGW Sports Director Nkwa Asonye. We apologize for any technical difficulties.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Making Campus Dining a Destination
By John Perrino
It was 3 p.m. on a weekday, well past the mad rush at J
Street, and freshman Ben Kurtis headed to Metro Diner to grab a quick bite.
Ordering what he believed would be a quick-to-prepare item;
Kurtis was unknowingly in for a long wait.
“It’s awful, it took twenty minutes to get a chicken caesar
wrap,” the freshman said of his experiences at Metro Diner.
Kurtis is not the only student frustrated by the performance
of the Sodexo run student dining.
Alongside numerous complaints about wait times, students
cite lack of options and high prices as reasons they avoid J Street and instead utilize the
variety of restaurants around campus, many of which accept Colonial Cash.
Freshmen such as Kurtis, however, have $700 per semester
they have to spend at campus dining as part of their meal plan.
In her first couple months serving as Marketing Director for
GW Campus Dining, Sarah Stevenson has started to navigate the changes that have already taken place at J Street and decide what new changes are needed.
With limited documentation of the massive changes that have
taken place at J Street over the past couple years, Stevenson had to play detective and piece
together the recent changes in layout and offerings.
The main focus of Stevenson’s investigation now: “What does
the customer want?”
Sophomore Michael Morgan of the GW Student Association and
Student Dining Board would like to take away this “iron curtain” between students and
campus dining.
The “Challenge is adequate student voice,” Morgan said. “If
it is a good idea, they will do it.”
Morgan believes Sodexo cares about students. He said they respond to
feedback and suggestions such as how they prepare meats, cooking them daily in house instead of using frozen types.
After a recent student suggestion on Twitter, Metro Diner offered nachos in preparation for International Day of the Nacho Stevenson said.
Despite the efforts of campus dining, there are going to be
“growing pains” Morgan said. Campus dining is a business and Sodexo has to make money.
This means students have to show a need for suggestions such
as extending hours or expanding options.
Right now there are ideas in the works to bring in students
focusing on special events at J Street.
“I definitely want to bring in student groups (to the dining
area). That is how everyone comes together,” Stevenson said.
Morgan would like to start a once-a-week formal dinner
experience at J Street with the possibility of a surf and turf dinner and other sit-down options.
Students can make their voices heard through campus dining's online and social media platforms.
http://gwcampusdining.com
@GWCampusDining
University releases Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
By Jesse Zapata
On Monday the GW Office of Safety and Security and University
Police Department issued the 2012 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.
The report has information on the crime statistics of the
university's last three calendar years, including crimes on public property next to or within campus
property. Also included is information on personal safety, crime prevention, fire safety, law
enforcement authority, crime reporting policies, disciplinary procedures, and more. The report also contains
useful information about crime log availability and emergency procedures.
In comparison to last year, the report also offers insight
into trends in crimes on campus. Noticeable trends in serious crime include a jump in
aggravated assault cases, 4 in 2011, up from none the year before. For petty crimes, Forcible Burglary on the
Foggy Bottom Campus has had a drastic decline, with 6 cases reported this year, down from 53.
There was also a slight decline in larceny and vandalism.
Negative trends include the Mount Vernon Campus reporting a rise in
larceny with instances nearly doubling from 2010 to 23. Also prominent was the fact that
the Foggy Bottom Campus last year reported 3 Hate Crimes, a contrast to 2008, when
there were none.
The document revealed updates to policy and
wording. For example, a new emphasis was put on the use of texting as a way of alerting
the universities staff and students of serious crimes on campus.
Residence Directors also found a new role in University Policy, being given the
ability to enforce security measures as well as report on instances of crimes. There has also been
substantial rewording of the Policy on Notification on Serious Threats. The Policy has been updated for use of GW
Alert, Facebook, and Twitter in notifying the campus, left out from last year's policy is mention of the
4-Ride PA system.
GW Screens PBS Special Half the Sky
By Jessy Morner-Ritt
Ambassadors from Half the Sky, a world-wide organization based on raising awareness of women's issues and providing steps for women to empower themselves, will be hosting on Wednesday a screening of the in-depth making of the documentary the organization is named after. The event will take place at the Dorothy Betts Theater inside the Marvin Center from 5:45 to 7:45pm. Following the screening, a panel discussion with GW Professors will take place.
The documentary is based on the book Half the Sky: Turning Opression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. September 2009, the wife-husband team of Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn published the book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide.” The book presents the global, moral challenges of our present era; these issues being the sex trafficking, maternal mortality, sexual violence, micro-finance and the indifference of girls’ education that overrun the lives of far too many.
“It’s such an important issue, a global crisis that has not been addressed to the extent it should be," GW Half the Sky Campus Ambassador Emily Isaac said. "As the authors said, it is the most important movement of our time. We as privileged young women have the social responsibility to empower young girls and women around the world."
The book moved beyond its pages to inspire the current organization, Half the Sky. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide has been turned into a four-hour television series for PBS and international broadcast. The documentary was shot in ten countries following reporter Nicholas Kristof and celebrity advocates America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union and Olivia Wilde. The ten countries are each home to women and girls who live in difficult conditions but still fight for a better life. The series aired earlier this week.
The event is sponsored by GW’s Delta Phi Epsilon Professional Foreign Service Sorority.
Half the Sky is working to become a student organization that is open to anyone who can advocate worldwide. Anyone interested in becoming involved can contact Rachel Landau.
website below.
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Website: http://www.halftheskymovement.
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