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
All content by Yankun Zhao
GW enrolled 26,457 total students this fall, dipping slightly below last year’s total by 560 students.

Undergraduate enrollment decline slows following end of 20/30 Plan

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
October 18, 2021
GW's Hillel building on the corner of 23rd and H streets in August 2021.

Updated religious holiday policy missing from hundreds of class syllabuses

By Yankun Zhao and Caroline Etgen
October 18, 2021
Program faculty said they were sad to see the degree come to an end but added that they take pride in students’ accomplishments over the years.

Corcoran to discontinue master’s program in decorative arts and design history

By Yankun Zhao and Sophia Goedert
October 11, 2021
Bracey said the review will focus on the observations and recommendations of the GW community but will include an "outside reviewer" to analyze the appropriateness and validity of the conclusions.

Officials to pursue internal diversity review this fall, breaking from past plans

By Yankun Zhao
September 27, 2021
The program will eventually work directly with humanitarian agencies and incorporate graduate students, GWI staff said.

Global Women’s Institute set to launch program on gender-based violence this month

By Yankun Zhao and Nousha Flore
September 20, 2021
The buttons are still undergoing final testing before they are officially put in use.

Officials install emergency warning system in most classrooms

By Yankun Zhao
September 16, 2021
The Faculty Senate met in person for the first time in more than a year while guests were invited to tune in virtually.

Faculty Senate calls for transparency from officials about HVAC upgrades

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
September 13, 2021
Board of Trustees Chair Grace Speights reaffirmed her support for University President Thomas LeBlanc and characterized Student Association President Howard Brookins' decision to push a no-donate pledge as "incomprehensible" at a Board meeting Friday.

Faculty Senate discusses report on shared governance, drawing support from Speights

By Yankun Zhao
September 13, 2021
Geneva Henry, the dean of Libraries and Academic Innovation, said officials have filled some “critical” library vacancies, but they still have about five previously filled positions that aren’t funded this year.

Officials to hire more GW Libraries staff as facilities reopen

By Yankun Zhao
September 7, 2021

Officials announce permanent vice provost for research after yearlong vacancy

By Yankun Zhao
September 2, 2021
The Office for Study Abroad's former location in the University Student Center.

Office of Study Abroad to expand program offerings

By Yankun Zhao
September 1, 2021
Matt Eich, an assistant professor of photojournalism, said the past academic year was tough for Corcoran students and faculty because artmaking is difficult to replicate over a screen.

Corcoran faculty, students to continue some virtual elements as in-person fall begins

By Yankun Zhao
August 30, 2021
Part-time mental health care will soon expand to the Virginia Science and Technology Campus following a lobbying effort by nursing school faculty and students.

VSTC Express reopens with limited capacity

By Yankun Zhao
August 23, 2021
The GW Law School entrance on H Street.

Paralegal studies program becomes first in District with ABA approval

By Yankun Zhao
August 23, 2021

CCAS officials launch micro-minors to bridge gap among academic disciplines

By Yankun Zhao
August 23, 2021
Nosal said the leaks were fixed afterward and an assessment is being made to prevent future leaks from happening.

Housing guest policy restricts off-campus students from residence halls

By Yankun Zhao
August 23, 2021
The Abbot ID NOW test can deliver positive test results in five minutes and negative results in 13 minutes.

Foggy Bottom asymptomatic COVID-19 testing moves to medical trailer

By Yankun Zhao
August 16, 2021
Kim Roddis, a faculty senator and a professor of civil and environmental engineering, said she is hoping the expanded slate will be approved by professors in September.

Faculty Senate authorizes consultative committee expansion for presidential search

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
August 13, 2021
Students who were enrolled in study abroad programs that were canceled say there are limited housing options back on campus.

Fall study abroad programs to resume with limited activity

By Yankun Zhao
August 9, 2021
The museum's galleries will be open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each week with no reservations required, according to a tweet from officials Monday.

Textile Museum to reopen for in-person visits next week

By Yankun Zhao
August 5, 2021
For a lot of students, concern about contracting COVID-19 at a polling place and spreading it to relatives pushed them to vote absentee this year.

GW Politics Poll finds partisan divisions intensifying mistrust in elections

By Yankun Zhao
July 29, 2021
GW accepted about $76 million from the government of Saudi Arabia and about $3 million from the Chinese government.

University shuts down Confucius Institute following years of opposition

By Yankun Zhao
July 21, 2021
Michael King, the former chair of the chemistry department, will step down at the end of the academic year to focus on his own research.

Professor emeritus to fund chemistry department’s first professorship

By Yankun Zhao
July 21, 2021
Christopher Bracey, the vice provost for faculty affairs, said at a Faculty Senate meeting Friday that officials have increased salaries for some faculty whose pay was not in the same range as their colleagues.

Chris Bracey named interim provost following Brian Blake’s departure

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
June 22, 2021
Kylie Stamm, the diversity program manager at the Elliott School, said officials spearheaded initiatives like focus groups with students of color that meet the plan's four diversity, inclusion and equity goals.

Elliott School meets more than half of diversity action plan goals for academic year

By Yankun Zhao
June 17, 2021
Former Provost Brian Blake said the two proposals, created by two separate firms, have been shared with faculty and other GW community members for feedback.

Following delays, officials to select diversity audit firm by end of the month

By Yankun Zhao
June 17, 2021
The research office reorganization is intended to both cut costs and improve the office's workflow, administrators said.

Former Provost Brian Blake officially named Georgia State University president

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
June 17, 2021
Metro officials will separately purchase chargers and software for the buses and will train a new workforce to operate and maintain the zero-emission fleet, according to the release.

Metro to gradually shift to fully electric bus fleet

By Yankun Zhao
June 12, 2021
Provost Brian Blake said he is considering raising the minimum GPA to qualify for merit-based financial aid from a 2.0 to about a 2.7.

Blake stepping down immediately, named finalist for president at Georgia State

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
June 10, 2021
The D.C. Circulator services neighborhoods like Georgetown with no other public transportation options.

D.C. Circulator to resume full service Friday

By Yankun Zhao
June 9, 2021
Commencement will coincide with GW’s Bicentennial Weekend celebrations, and more details about required ceremony registration will be provided in the coming weeks, according to the announcement email.

In-person Commencement set to honor classes of 2020, 2021 on National Mall

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
June 7, 2021
About 150 rising juniors currently remain on the on-campus residency exemption waitlist, officials said.

Officials announce July move-in option for juniors and seniors

By Yankun Zhao
June 5, 2021
Administrators said the University has expanded its peer coaching service since debuting Academic Commons at the start of the fall semester.

Academic Commons to debut free LSAT study cohort this summer

By Yankun Zhao
June 1, 2021
The National Museums of Natural History and African Art, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Postal Museum are among the eight facilities opening in the District this summer.

Smithsonian museums to fully reopen by end of August

By Yankun Zhao
June 1, 2021
Sounds of the blue line stations accompanied by photos of the metro stations

Blue Line Metro service returns after three month hiatus

By Yankun Zhao
May 31, 2021
Imani Cheers said she is honored to step into a leadership role for the school in "such a critical time."

Blake appoints two professors to interim positions in provost’s office

By Yankun Zhao
May 24, 2021
The Science and Engineering Hall located on 22nd and H Street.

STEM faculty disappointed in LeBlanc’s inability to unite GW behind academic vision

By Yankun Zhao and Michelle Vassilev
May 24, 2021
Faculty from non-STEM fields said they have been frustrated with the humanities taking a backseat to STEM priorities during LeBlanc's tenure.

‘Demoralizing’: Liberal arts faculty look back on LeBlanc’s controversial tenure

By Yankun Zhao, Carly Neilson and Ishani Chettri
May 24, 2021
Incoming freshman Annie McFee said GW's test-optional application helped her decide to apply after her SAT was canceled last May.

GW to offer more than 60 summer courses with in-person, hybrid components

By Yankun Zhao
May 18, 2021
Bunch will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree when officials eventually hold an in-person Commencement ceremony.

Bunch calls on graduates to lead with empathy at virtual Commencement

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
May 17, 2021
Many faculty had voiced disagreements with officials over the amount of research funding in next year's budget.

Board of Trustees approves fiscal year 2022 budget

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
May 17, 2021
The Office for Study Abroad's former location in the University Student Center.

Fall study abroad plans remain in flux as other universities announce decisions

By Yankun Zhao
May 17, 2021
Students can apply for a notation on their transcript indicating research experiences outside of their academics "no later than the start of final examinations."

Officials tap interim Title IX director and coordinator for permanent position

By Yankun Zhao
May 13, 2021
The vote responds to concerns raised at the last assembly in November when faculty had to suspend a rule that only permitted voting rights if members attended the meeting in person.

Faculty Senate permits online voting at Faculty Assembly meetings

By Yankun Zhao
May 10, 2021
Students walk into Gelman Libary on a sunny day.

The New York Times tops GW’s digital news subscriptions, data shows

By Yankun Zhao
May 9, 2021
Experts said the pandemic’s long-term impact on faculty salaries, like the speed of economic recovery and university reopening timelines, remains unknown.

Faculty salaries drop at GW, nationwide during pandemic, data shows

By Yankun Zhao
May 9, 2021
Wagner said the group identified issues with inconsistency in faculty recruiting, hiring and mentoring practices and expressed a need to cultivate a University-wide culture that prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusion.

GW needs more underrepresented minority faculty, Faculty Senate subcommittee says

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
May 9, 2021
LeBlanc said officials saw an increase in requested COVID-19 tests and a “modest” increase in positive cases among the on-campus cohort after Thanksgiving break, which he said is likely tied to an increase in travel around the holiday.

Faculty Senate passes resolution doubting administrators’ ability to uphold GW’s mission

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
May 2, 2021
The College of Professional Studies office, located on the third floor of the University Student Center.

College of Professional Studies acting dean appointed to interim role

By Yankun Zhao
April 27, 2021
As the Board of Trustees conduct its regular review of University President Thomas LeBlanc, some faculty doubt that LeBlanc will be able to rebuild trust with the community.

‘The point of no return’: LeBlanc unlikely to earn back community trust, faculty say

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
April 26, 2021
Christopher Bracey, the vice provost for faculty affairs, said at a Faculty Senate meeting Friday that officials have increased salaries for some faculty whose pay was not in the same range as their colleagues.

Salaries for minority associate, assistant professors higher than non-minorities: data

By Yankun Zhao
April 26, 2021
Melani McAlister, a professor of American studies, has spent more than 20 years teaching her students about the global context of the United States.

Vaccinated faculty would feel comfortable teaching in person this fall, they say

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
April 19, 2021
The consortium will study how war uniquely affects gender minorities and promote a "gendered approach" to foreign policy.

Elliott School officials launch annual event series on diversity and inclusion

By Yankun Zhao
April 14, 2021
Gilda Mossadegh, the director of undergraduate and pre-professional academic advising for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, said additional tools on the platform have also boosted appointment attendance.

CCAS officials start reviewing proposal to implement urban studies minor

By Yankun Zhao
April 14, 2021
Bracey said recent changes to the Faculty Code include a new institutionalized review of the provost's performance and an updated parental leave policy.

Officials to continue convening consulting body to approve school bylaw updates

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
April 12, 2021
Kym Rice, the director of Corcoran, said officials do not plan to put any additional Corcoran programs on hiatus.

Senior director of NPR Music to serve as next Corcoran director

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
April 8, 2021

CCAS officials approve Asian American studies minor after student push

By Yankun Zhao
March 31, 2021
Program affiliates said the updated program will emphasize applied skills with hands-on fieldwork and advanced policy analysis.

Administrators update doctor of public health program to include more courses

By Yankun Zhao
March 28, 2021
Most of GW's online programs moved only slightly in rankings last year.

Online programs’ U.S. News and World Report rankings largely hold steady during pandemic

By Yankun Zhao
March 8, 2021
The Disability Support Services office in Rome Hall in 2020.

Officials announce new Disability Support Services director

By Yankun Zhao
February 14, 2021

GW Institute for Korean Studies launches virtual study abroad program

By Yankun Zhao
February 10, 2021
Jason Zara, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, said future employers will likely be understanding of pass/fail classes on students' records.

Officials debut task force to study the future of GW’s academics after pandemic

By Yankun Zhao
February 8, 2021

Nearly 7,500 students used fall Pass/No Pass or Credit/No Credit policy: officials

By Yankun Zhao
January 27, 2021
Students who were enrolled in study abroad programs that were canceled say there are limited housing options back on campus.

Global Bachelor’s Program helped students build cultural awareness since launch, officials say

By Yankun Zhao and Nuria Diaz
January 18, 2021
Provost Brian Blake announced at a Faculty Senate meeting that about 27,000 students submitted applications to this year.

Half of all undergraduate, third of graduate students used spring pass/fail policy: officials

By Yankun Zhao
October 4, 2020
The model predicts a win for former Vice President Joe Biden, who is expected to take eight out of 12 swing states.

GSPM researchers using Twitter data to predict 2020 general election results

By Yankun Zhao
September 20, 2020
Kim Ford said COVID-19 has been hard on both her organization and those that it serves, but she knows she needs to provide and maintain trust with those she aids.

Local organization leaders talk COVID-19 effects on D.C. community

By Yankun Zhao
September 14, 2020
Outdoor workspaces at Duquès Hall on 22nd Street.

Business school officials revamp accountancy capstone program

By Yankun Zhao
September 13, 2020
The sign in front of the Elliott School on E Street.

Elliott School faculty, staff host lecture series on pandemic’s effects throughout the world

By Yankun Zhao and Valeria Sofia Fernandez Leon
May 17, 2020
Rosa Celorio, the associate dean for international and comparative legal studies, said the new concentrations will distinguish GW Law graduates from others in the field.

International and comparative law program to add new master of law concentrations in fall

By Yankun Zhao and Ella Stern
April 27, 2020
Elizabeth Chacko said she has spent her first year as the Mount Vernon Campus's provost gathering feedback from students and introducing cultural celebrations.

Inaugural Vern academics official developed new cultural programs in first year

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
April 20, 2020
The College of Professional Studies office, located on the third floor of the University Student Center.

Faculty and students to launch journal on ethics in publishing in fall

By Yankun Zhao
April 13, 2020
Faculty said they successfully transitioned to the technology needed for online classes but are struggling to ensure students are still learning.

Limiting but workable: Faculty adjust course syllabi as pandemic rages on

By Yankun Zhao and Isha Trivedi
April 5, 2020
Geneva Henry, the dean of Libraries and Academic Innovation, said students will write on the postcards about the sacrifices they have made to afford course materials.

Library campaign shares students’ stories about course material affordability

By Yankun Zhao
January 27, 2020
Benjamin Hopkins, the director of the Sigur Center for Asian Studies, said the center's speaker series will include expert discussions on developments in Asia.

Sigur Center for Asian Studies debuts lecture series on Asian politics, affairs

By Jared Gans and Yankun Zhao
January 21, 2020
Researchers in the chemistry department use the telescope to research greenhouse gas concentrations.

Engineering faculty work to develop plan to attract women, minorities to SEAS

By Yankun Zhao
November 25, 2019
The history department is inviting students and people from other universities to attend three seminars on inequality in society over the next few months.

History department launches interdisciplinary seminar series on inequality

By Yankun Zhao
November 17, 2019
Sophomore Will Hoadley-Brill has collected more than 100 signatures on the petition calling on officials to save three advanced Spanish courses.

More than 100 students sign petition to keep advanced Spanish language courses

By Jared Gans and Yankun Zhao
October 6, 2019
Visit Union Stage to hear European musical artists play electronic music.

Weekend Outlook – Jam out at an electronic European music festival

By Yankun Zhao
September 25, 2019
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