Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet
AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SERVING THE GW COMMUNITY SINCE 1904

The GW Hatchet
Serving the GW Community since 1904

The GW Hatchet

Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor

Fiona Riley, a junior majoring in political communication from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the 2024-25 senior news editor for The Hatchet. She previously served as the assistant news editor for the Academics beat. 

All content by Fiona Riley
The sun shines on the U.S. Capitol.

Live: Alumni vie for House, Senate seats

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
November 5, 2024
People picnic on the East lawn of the Capitol

House antisemitism report accuses GW of insufficiently disciplining pro-Palestinian protesters

By Hannah Marr and Fiona Riley
November 5, 2024
Chief of Police James Tate stands in the dark basement of Rome Hall, which houses GW’s virtual training simulator.

GWPD chief on leave amid third-party investigation into arming rollout

By Rory Quealy and Fiona Riley
October 11, 2024
A Circulator bus hits a puddle on Constitution Avenue.

Half of DC Circulator drivers face layoffs at start of service phaseout

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
September 30, 2024
Students stand outside Mabel Nelson Thurston Hall after D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to a fire on the fourth floor.

DC FEMS temporarily relocates Thurston Hall residents after laundry room fire

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
September 17, 2024
The entrance to Mabel Nelson Thurston Residence Hall on F Street.

GWPD issues all-clear after searching Thurston Hall for weapons

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
September 13, 2024
Demonstrators speak during a press conference, listing their demands, amid the encampment in University Yard.

Pro-Palestinian student groups, officials resume talks on financial disclosure, divestment

By Rory Quealy and Fiona Riley
September 6, 2024
A Washington D.C. fire command unit parked on I Street in front of Munson Hall.

D.C. FEMS responds to gas leak in Munson Hall

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
August 22, 2024
The Aston, a former GW residence hall, is located on New Hampshire Avenue in Foggy Bottom.

Aston unhoused shelter to open by early October, District officials say

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
August 19, 2024
Signs were posted on the trees near the encampment clearing line, protesting the sweep.

DC officials clear homeless encampment at 21st and E streets

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
August 2, 2024
A student walks past the anti-scale fence encircling Kogan Plaza.

Officials to remove Kogan fencing months after student protests

By Fiona Riley, Senior News Editor
July 13, 2024
Demonstrators stand with pro-Palestinian signs during an encampment protest.

Community members react to anti-war encampments, protests

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
April 29, 2024
Protesters chant in front of a crowd at the encampment.

Seven protesters suspended from GW for encampment, organizers say

By Faith Wardwell and Fiona Riley
April 26, 2024
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally on first day of encampment

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally on first day of encampment

By Ella Mitchell and Fiona Riley
April 26, 2024
The home page of the Generations Dialogue Project.

Generations Dialogue Project seeks to grow diverse representation in foreign policy

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
April 22, 2024
The reception desk at the Graduate School of Political Management in the School of Media & Public Affairs building stands empty.

Facing falling enrollment, GSPM stakeholders push to fill vacant director position

By Fiona Riley and Jennifer Igbonoba
April 15, 2024
Student Government Association Sen. and vice presidential candidate Ethan Lynne

Vice President: Ethan Lynne

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
April 8, 2024
The home page of the GW Program on Extremism website.

GW, Program on Extremism director sued in relation to alleged smear campaign

By Rachel Moon and Fiona Riley
April 1, 2024
Scott Mory previously served as a volunteer on the Board of Trustees and GW Alumni Board of Directors.

Officials name senior vice president, chief of staff

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
March 26, 2024
Provost Chris Bracey during a Faculty Senate meeting in March.

GW fails to meet tenure requirement for fifth-consecutive year as faculty probe officials for transparency

By Fiona Riley and Karolina Montalvo
March 25, 2024
Man arrested for alleged assault on MPD officer, failure to appear in court

Man arrested for alleged assault on MPD officer, failure to appear in court

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
February 26, 2024
Daniel DeWispelare, a tenured associate professor of English, smiles from a Phillips Hall office.

Cherished English professor, British romanticism scholar dies at 40

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
February 26, 2024
Gelman Library in 2021.

Gelman Library to close in summer for HVAC repairs

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
February 6, 2024
A demonstrator speaks to the crowd at a protest against GW's reported ties to Israel on Saturday.

SJP, other pro-Palestinian groups face disciplinary proceedings: students

By Molly St. Clair and Fiona Riley
February 5, 2024
GW's Foggy Bottom campus from the University Yard.

Program on Extremism director named in lawsuit for alleged involvement in smear campaign

By Rachel Moon and Fiona Riley
February 1, 2024
Inaugural Equity Institute Director Wendy Ellis's letter thanking the University community.

Inaugural director to helm Equity Institute

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
February 1, 2024
Elliott School of International Affairs students pose at the foot of a historic baobab tree during their trip to Senegal.

Elliott students travel to Senegal to explore culture, foreign influence

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
January 29, 2024
The Elliott School of International Affairs on E Street.

Elliott officials delay release of annual diversity action plan

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
January 29, 2024
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences' Ross Hall entrance.

Former medical student sues SMHS, administrators for alleged dismissal due to disability

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
January 18, 2024
Faculty senators mingle before a meeting earlier this semester.

Faculty discuss academic freedom, request transparency on changes to admissions

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
January 16, 2024
Psychology professor accused of antisemitism leaves GW

Psychology professor accused of antisemitism leaves GW

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
January 7, 2024
The National Security Archive in Gelman Library.

Q&A: National Security Archive policy director talks declassified Kissinger documents

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
December 11, 2023
Dean Anuj Mehrotra will start a new position at Georgia Tech in 2024 after serving GW for five years.

Business school dean reflects on diversity, new degree offerings as tenure closes

By Rachel Moon and Fiona Riley
December 11, 2023
A laptop displays ChatGPT alongside a GW faculty page.

Faculty confront AI misuse amid reported rise in cheating

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
December 4, 2023
Officials launch University-wide sustainability initiative

Officials launch University-wide sustainability initiative

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
November 16, 2023
A sea of pro-Israel protesters gather on the National Mall Tuesday.

Tens of thousands rally in solidarity with Israel, call for release of hostages

By Fiona Riley and Jennifer Igbonoba
November 16, 2023
A group of first-year students engage in the CCAS First-Year Experience course.

Officials modify first-year experience course one year after its establishment

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
November 13, 2023
Hundreds of students walked out of their classes Thursday to protest GW for its role in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Students gather at library steps for pro-Palestinian sit-in, march on State Department

By Fiona Bork and Fiona Riley
November 10, 2023
A spread of scholarly literature authored by GW faculty members sits behind panes of glass in the School of Media & Public Affairs.

Faculty discuss research, DC resources at Granberg’s academic symposium

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
November 6, 2023
Students stretch a banner calling on officials to condemn Israeli military offensives on the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian students protest outside Granberg inauguration

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
November 4, 2023
A GWPD officer stands infront of the presidents house on F Street during a protest against arming GWPD in April.

Officials cancel, postpone inauguration events due to ‘heightened’ safety concerns

By Fiona Riley and Jennifer Igbonoba
November 2, 2023
University President Ellen Granberg at a September Faculty Senate meeting.

Granberg bolsters campus security, condemns identity-based mistreatment on campus

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
October 31, 2023
The Elliott School of International Affairs' E Street entrance.

Students call for accountability, transparency after planned master’s program phaseout

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
October 30, 2023
Africana Studies Program Director Quito Swan's Phillips Hall office.

New Africana Studies Program director to redesign major, grow student interest

By Delaney Hausch and Fiona Riley
October 30, 2023
Officials postpone Diversity Summit following outcry over anti-Israel demonstration

Officials postpone Diversity Summit following outcry over anti-Israel demonstration

By Erika Filter and Fiona Riley
October 25, 2023
Alumni sent the letter to Elliott School of International Affairs Dean Alyssa Ayres and 17 other officials, criticizing Ayres for using the cost of the program's service obligations as a reason for its termination.

Alumni of suspended master’s program criticize lack of communication

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
October 23, 2023
Faculty senators mingle before a meeting earlier this semester.

Faculty pass resolution demanding data on GWPD arming, halting of implementation

By Erika Filter and Fiona Riley
October 23, 2023
Faculty senators mingle before a meeting earlier this semester.

Faculty Senate preview: Senators to present resolution asking officials to halt the arming of GWPD

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
October 19, 2023
Roberto Samaniego, a professor of economics and international affairs, said faculty identified low attendance rates as one reason for why students are struggling.

Economics professors identify, combat performance drops in intro courses

By Connor Fox-Moore and Fiona Riley
October 9, 2023
A globe rests on a classroom desk.

Officials place international internships under review for health and safety concerns

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
October 9, 2023
The revision launched renovations at the Flagg Building to turn gallery space on the second floor into a center for interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Corcoran-NGA deal revision will connect students and gallery staff, faculty say

By Fiona Riley and Sarah Gross
October 2, 2023
Law professor testifies in Biden impeachment inquiry hearing

Law professor testifies in Biden impeachment inquiry hearing

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
September 28, 2023
A total of 745 students enrolled in all Elliott graduate programs in 2022, the fewest since at least 2012.

Officials to discontinue two Elliott master’s programs amid low enrollment, hiring difficulties

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
September 25, 2023
Richard "Dick" Cooter's colleagues and students described him as a dedicated and brilliant advocate for justice.

Co-founder, former director of forensic psychology master’s program dies at 75

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
September 25, 2023
Gelman Library, in January 2023.

Officials are updating outdated language in Gelman Library’s online catalog

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
September 18, 2023
A student strolls through Kogan Plaza's Trustees Gate on H Street.

Faculty bolster support for students amid national academic performance drops

By Dylan Ebs and Fiona Riley
September 18, 2023

Anonymous donor gives $25 million to GW Museum and Textile Museum

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
September 14, 2023
An officer keeps watch over a stilled 24th street as authorities rush to locate the runaway suspect Wednesday.

Confusion clouds shelter-in-place order amid manhunt

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
September 11, 2023
OpenAI's ChatGPT program, which professors are now working to harness as an academic tool.

Professors to add AI exercises to courses, syllabi

By Rachel Moon and Fiona Riley
September 11, 2023
University President Ellen Granberg at a Faculty Senate meeting last semester.

Officials report uptick in graduate student enrollment, launch marketing campaign

By Ianne Salvosa and Fiona Riley
September 11, 2023
The Faculty Senate convening last year.

Faculty Senate preview: Senators to discuss plan for arming GWPD

By Fiona Riley, Assistant News Editor
September 6, 2023
GW earned an A1 rating in 2020, which officials said signaled “financial strength and sustainability” amid the financial woes of the pandemic.

Tony Bennett, President’s Medal recipient and iconic singer, dies at 96

By Fiona Riley
July 28, 2023
Metropolitan Police Department officials released data showing racial disparities among individuals stopped without a ticket.

Bowser selects D.C.’s next police chief

By Fiona Riley
July 21, 2023
President Joe Biden speaks to mayors from across the U.S. gathered in D.C. for their annual winter meeting Friday.

Biden announces $39 billion in student loan forgiveness

By Fiona Riley
July 21, 2023
Kogan Plaza, pictured in January 2023.

Officials hire 26 new CCAS faculty

By Fiona Riley
July 14, 2023
Effective July 1st, the DC minimum wage rose to $10 for tipped employees.

D.C. minimum wage increases, on par with District law

By Fiona Riley
July 6, 2023
GW has received more than $47 million under the three pandemic-era federal stimulus bills.

GW international scientific influence down for third consecutive year

By Fiona Riley
June 22, 2023
Prepare for back-to-school political debates with this U.S.-China relations book, “Avoiding War with China,” written by Amitai Etzioni, a professor of international affairs. The book will be released May 2.

Former professor of international affairs, communitarian scholar dies at 94

By Fiona Riley
June 8, 2023
At the event, panelists discussed the rise of certain countries in the development of international law and questioned the directions the field may be headed in.

Former law professor, International Court of Justice judge, Holocaust survivor dies at 89

By Fiona Riley
June 6, 2023
José Andrés, pictured in 2020.

GW to create Global Food Institute, research food system solutions

By Fiona Riley
May 26, 2023
The Jacob Burns Community Legal Clinics located on 20th Street.

GW Law to add five clinics next semester

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
May 22, 2023
The Elliot School of International Affairs on E Street NW in Washington D.C.

Anonymous donation to grow Uyghur Studies Initiative

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
May 22, 2023
The Faculty Senate convening last year.

Faculty senators postpone discussion on shared governance to June

By Ianne Salvosa and Fiona Riley
May 22, 2023
Bryan Stevenson accepts applause from graduates, administrators and guests at Commencement Sunday, where he spoke to the crowd about the necessity of amplifying hope and targeting injustice.

Activists, alumni urge change from graduating class at Commencement

By Fiona Riley, Max Porter and Cade McAllister
May 22, 2023
The entrance to Lerner Hall on H Street.

GW Law falls 10 spots in annual U.S. News & World Report rankings

By Fiona Riley
May 22, 2023
Nursing experts said the inaugural doctoral nursing program will help combat nationwide shortage of nursing professionals.

Officials appoint Susan Kelly-Weeder as next dean for School of Nursing

By Fiona Riley
May 17, 2023
Kogan Plaza

At least nine graduate school programs rise in national rankings

By Fiona Riley
May 1, 2023
Liesl Riddle said she will implement programs like “Semester in Washington” and “Professional Access Roundtables” to connect students to local professionals.

CPS dean approaches end of first year in position, bolsters industry connections

By Fiona Riley
April 24, 2023
The Kogan Plaza Tempietto, pictured in April 2023.

CCAS tenured and tenure-track salaries reflect inadequate pay, faculty say

By Fiona Riley
April 17, 2023
Joe Cordes said the endowment drop is a factor in the net worth decrease because about half of GW’s endowment is in the stock market, which fell in 2022.

GW’s net worth drops by $300 million in FY 2022: Faculty Senate report

By Ianne Salvosa and Fiona Riley
April 17, 2023
A student strolls through Kogan Plaza's Trustees Gate on H Street.

Faculty senate preview: Senators to discuss ownership of classroom recordings

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
April 13, 2023
GW Engineering Dean John Lach said the new brand identity emerged from conversations with faculty, staff and alumni about the engineering community.

SEAS changes moniker to GW Engineering

By Fiona Riley
April 10, 2023
Total international student enrollment at GW dropped from 4,170 students in the 2019-20 school year to 3,342 students in the 2022-23 school year.

International student enrollment boost aligns with ‘top’ schools after pandemic drop: experts

By Fiona Riley and Aidan English
April 3, 2023
Wrighton called on University community members to “advocate for change” in their commitment to problem-solving across disciplines and partisan lines.

Wrighton loses presidential election for global science association

By Fiona Riley
March 23, 2023
Wrighton said with its “talented” members across the world, AAAS is “well-positioned” to support efforts to address global issues like neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, infectious diseases and poverty.

Wrighton vies for presidency of global science association, nearing end of GW tenure

By Fiona Riley
February 27, 2023
Provost Chris Bracey, pictured in February.

Pilot admissions program enrolls first class of students deferred to spring semester

By Ianne Salvosa and Fiona Riley
February 13, 2023
Faculty leading the partnership said students can advance to full-time special education teacher roles during their second year of the program.

GSEHD, Alexandria schools partner in special education initiative

By Fiona Riley and Rachel Moon
February 6, 2023
Granberg has worked to close achievement gaps between students who are Black, Indigenous and people of color and non-BIPOC students and supported faculty and staff through shared governance, according to a GW release.

Granberg positioned to develop new financial priorities, research initiatives: experts

By Fiona Riley and Jackson Rickert
January 17, 2023
GW enrolled 26,457 total students this fall, dipping slightly below last year’s total by 560 students.

Transfer student enrollment reached eight-year low, enrollment data shows

By Fiona Riley and Maram Baider
December 6, 2022
Kogan Plaza

Surge in nationwide searches may limit pool of qualified presidential candidates, experts say

By Daniel Patrick Galgano and Fiona Riley
October 3, 2022
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