Since obtaining confirmation from the D.C. Medical Examiner's office, the administration's response has greatly improved. In a recent statement, President Knapp said, "The results recently announced clearly call for a new review of the situation … on behalf of The George Washington University community, I extend my sincerest sympathy and condolences to the Treanor family and Laura's many friends."

As the old adage goes, the first step to solving any problem is admitting there is one. When it comes to advising, GW has long acknowledged that there is a serious problem. One year ago, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences released a report outlining issues within the current advising system. It now seems that GW doesn't know how to take the second step.

Last month, Lee Huebner, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs, announced that he would not be back next year. On Friday, University officials announced that Frank Sesno has been named the new director after a unanimous vote from SMPA faculty and approval from the dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. After spending 18 years at CNN, including a tenure as Washington Bureau Chief, Sesno has garnered a great deal of prestige and credibility. This announcement will raise the profile of SMPA and offer the school a chance to reorient its approach to the intersection of traditional journalism and new media.

A simple recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states and not in the District, has caused an aura of storm and stress within D.C. There's a catch. At the present moment, Congress can't do much about states like New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Iowa that have legalized same-sex marriage. But as I have fought to assert in the past, and whether people like it or not, Congress in this case can do as it pleases since it possesses legislative oversight for D.C.

In the long-standing tradition of modern academics, the letters "A, B, C, D and F" have seemed to hold greater meaning alone than composing words. Yet, the phenomenon of "grade inflation" has forced some to question the value of letter grades and thus the merit of students' academic records.

Under the shadowy sky of this year's Commencement, the bright theme of dedication to public service ran high. Being one of the top contributors to Teach for America and the Peace Corps, GW students have consistently displayed their commitment to public service after graduation.

Our editorial board represents a group of editors and managers from The Hatchet. Although differing in our personalities and interests, we find common ground and strive to be the most informed, thoughtful and analytical group on campus. Every issue, the board meets and develops the (hopefully) conscientious voice of our publication. We hope to call attention to both the biggest problems, and their most appropriate solutions. In the past, we've often aimed for transparency, accountability and intelligent action from our University, community and student body.

For argument's sake, assume the major issues have all been taken care of by other eager students who wished for a successful basketball team, improved dining options and easier registration. (Also assume the majority of parents asked for lower tuition). My remaining concerns revolve around the Mount Vernon campus, the Student Health Service and the various forms of transportation GW students use.

This university will tell you "something happens here." While the slogan is accurate, it doesn't come with the stipulation that you'll automatically be involved in whatever "happens." That's why you have to take it upon yourself. Join a fraternity or sorority, become a part of one of the political groups on campus, get involved with any number of student organizations - it doesn't matter what you do. Just do it.

GW students have a certain reputation for excess, and in some cases, it may be well deserved. Many of us have heard of the student who spent thousands on clubs and drinks in his first few weeks of school. It's true that even at a school as expensive as GW, students sometimes throw money down without much thought.

We know this is not the story of all, or really even most GW students. There are plenty of Colonials who spend their money in financially sound ways. But after the economic events of the past year, it is imperative that both students and the University work to ensure financial responsibility.

It appears that, for once, the University and I may already be on the same wavelength. There has recently been a substantial amount of construction around campus, such as the work on the Smith Center, Funger Hall, and the newly named South Hall. I applaud efforts to remedy ageing and crippled infrastructure to ensure that the University's appearance is befitting of its reputation. I just hope that the University is more thoughtful in their priorities.

Amidst the raucous health care town halls and protests over the summer, older Americans often took center stage voicing their concerns. But young people across the country are beginning to realize that whatever plan passes through Congress will directly affect them, for better or for worse. A few weeks ago, a University of Colorado student, Zach Lahn, made headlines when he questioned the President's proposal of a public option, challenging him to an Oxford-style debate. Earlier this summer, a student group named Campus Progress protested on Capitol Hill for affordable health insurance.

In the months leading up to my freshman year at GW, I experienced something of an identity crisis. The crisis, though, wasn't with my identity - it was with the identity that I was encouraged to create. I was an 18-year-old diehard sports fan who enjoyed sarcasm, politics, Will Ferrell movies and Mexican food. The problem was, everyone around me was convincing me that this just wasn't good enough.

Doing laundry can be banal and repetitive, yet our actions leave behind a sizeable energy footprint. When washing your clothes, for instance, between 85 and 90 percent of the energy used by the machine is just for heating water, according to Energy Star, the official government organization tasked with labeling energy-efficient products. By switching from hot to warm water you can cut your electricity usage in half.

GW jumped from being one of the nation's five least eco-friendly universities to the middle of the pack last week, according to environmental group The Sierra Club. Earning a No. 81 ranking out of 135 is a positive step for one of University President Stephen Knapp's favorite initiatives, but now the true challenge begins. If GW is serious about becoming a truly green institution, it is time to eliminate the excuses and challenge ourselves to confront the stumbling blocks toward sustainability.

In the past two years, perhaps the only thing more dismal than the performance of GW men's basketball has been the performance of their supposed fan section, the Colonial Army. Nonetheless, it seems this year the once prominent student organization has been given new life. With new leadership, reserved seating and support from administrators, it is now time for the Colonial Army to prove that GW can successfully maintain a fan base for its athletes.

A new record may have been set this year for how quickly controversy came to GW's campus. It's only two days into the new academic year, and already two different public figures have stirred emotions in Foggy Bottom. Yesterday, the coup-removed President of Honduras, Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, spoke at the Elliott School. Only hours later, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell (R) spoke in the Marvin Center. Regardless of our personal reservations toward both speakers, the Hatchet's editorial board wholeheartedly supports their appearances on campus.

Naturally, a rise in ratings may bring about more publicity, which can lead to an increase in applicants and greater selectivity. But does GW's unchanged ranking mean that the applicant pool for the class of 2014 will be exactly the same? If we fell to 54th, or climbed into the top 50, would the pool significantly change? An association is not necessarily a causal link.

Alcohol isn't the only thing that can give you a hangover. This year, Obama-mania will give it to you as well. President Obama has been in office for nine months. Regardless of your political persuasion, as we return to campus, we can all agree that the Obama-mania was extremely overrated.

"However, the most important distinction to make between the two types of organizations is that while most undergraduate organizations receiving funding are open to everyone, graduate organizations cater to a very specific niche."

"Flawed, biased, outdated and racist. The SAT has been called a lot of things, but now its overall merit is being called into question by both college admission boards and students."

"One of the first things that would happen after legalization would be an explosion in production of marijuana. This would likely come from producers of other crops switching over to marijuana."

"I look forward to a broader dialogue that begins with the Faculty Senate joining those who have declared abhorrence of bigotry against transgender students and employees, and continues with ongoing discussions and efforts to live up to that principle."

"Making a gift to the senior class gift campaign not only benefits your organization, team, chapter or school directly, it also helps students in the future, who may not be able to afford textbooks."

"Thumbs Down: Float finances failure The inaugural float was anything but a well-carried out project from start to finish, but it was also more costly than was originally let on. The confusing float, which was first projected to cost nearly $90,000, totaled out at around $135,000. Students have a right to be upset by this misuse of money and an itemized report of where exactly the money went is long overdue."

"GW tends to attract a certain "type" of person.They're talkative. Opinionated. Passionate. I could go on, but I'd only be listing more euphemisms for what you already know. GW kids just do not shut up.I really learned this my first week here, before classes even started."

Earlier this month, when the housing assignments came out, some students were left wanting. Most juniors and seniors were able to get their first or second choice of housing; with a good number of students moving off campus, there are much fewer people fighting over the choice rooms in Ivory Tower and other upper class residence halls. The real drama comes in the selection for rising sophomores.

"It is clearly time to consider new options for educating, training and preparing future teachers. This country needs to employ a new generation of learners, wherever they are. The teacher shortage coupled with the current economic crisis makes a great case for the possibilities of an online degree program, especially for those of us entirely new to teaching."

"Making all evaluations online-only would let students fill them out on their own time - and not letting people access their grades until they fill out evaluations would ensure students actually complete them. A three-minute survey is not that much to ask of anyone. Think of it as a public service."

"At the moment, the president's pledge not to raid student tuition payments, with its inevitable "retrenchment" of teaching and advising services, remains intact, but the events of recent weeks suggest that the president and his pledge may be less secure than "educators" on campus would like."

"We have all been affected, although some of us more than others. Some have lost their jobs and homes while other just can't afford to buy a new Ferrari. Nevertheless, there are some perks that come with this unfortunate economic situation."

With his final blow of the whistle last Saturday, the referee marked the end of the game, my career as a GW rugby player and essentially my time at GW as well. There are still a few papers left to go, but with no more practices to attend or gold jerseys to wear, the end of my time at college is that much more real. It certainly has been a great four years. Part of why it has been so great is because of how unexpected most of it was.

It has come to my attention that your company is hiring for some position that I'm sure hundreds of people have already applied for. I guess I would like to add my name to the stack. In the interest of saving both of us time, here is the cover letter that I would really like to write.

This weekend I had what I would describe as an absolutely perfect Sunday. One of my favorite professors brought about fifteen students to the Hillwood Museum in Northwest D.C. for an afternoon of exploring a gorgeous old Gatsby-style mansion and estate and then high tea in the garden's café. This trip was one of many wonderful field trips organized by my favorite art history professor, Rachel Pollack.

The answer to the cause of Laura's death brings a multitude of questions, all of them equally important. But the University Police Department is not investigating the case and it seems that neither is the Metropolitan Police Department. On a campus where the police department holds itself to such a high standard, this should not be the incident. Investigating the details of Laura's case is a responsibility that UPD needs to take on.

In response to the overcrowding of libraries during finals, the University has increased available study spaces and hours for various buildings. This is both a welcome move on the part of administrators and a telling sign of how much time and money the University needs to devote to the permanent expansion of study areas.

Freshman year has provided numerous memories and lessons about the quirks of GW and its students, as well as many experiences around D.C. But instead of fixating only on the past, it is important to move towards the future. I'm sure those who are graduating will fondly remember the memories they have made here and those of us not graduating will continue making great memories at GW.

No, they can't all fit into one column. This semester was full of excitement, controversy and a ton of Infomail e-mails. It also provided us with plenty of reminders of what GW does wrong and what it needs to change in the future.

"By taking advantage of their hate to fund causes that promote love and positive feelings – helping find a cure for AIDS, preventing hate-based violence and other such endeavors – sensible people can show the Westboro Baptist Church that its delusional hatred will never succeed in our society."

"nder no circumstances should District residents accept a D.C. Voting Rights Act with the gun amendment attached to it. What is the point of gaining a voting representative at the cost of being able to legislate D.C.'s own gun laws?"

"I am hopeful that GW will never lift its need-blind status to evaluate which applicants would bring in the most money. Because unlike other colleges across the country, GW should continue to value its diversity by looking at prospective students for what they actually are, not as dollar signs."

"The solution is to separate political communication from SMPA once and for all by integrating it into the political science department. That would leave SMPA as a journalism school, free to pursue cutting-edge journalistic endeavors without marginalizing the other half of its identity."

"It would be easy - and tempting - to institute some other program or requirements to take place of the trimmed GCRs, but please, have a little faith in the next generation of students. You can lead a student to knowledge, but you can't make them learn. Instead, let them chase after what it is that excites and intrigues them, without referencing a requirements checklist."

"The focus groups are a good start, but the school should be embracing every opportunity to get the community's feedback. At this point, even a poorly attended town hall would be preferable to this almost secretive approach. We're not talking about dining hours or even about academics; the wrong decision here could literally be a matter of life and death."

"I feel that I've worked so hard to graduate, only to be excluded at my own graduation. GW includes a diverse body of students from many different faiths – as well as those with no faith, or even anti-faith. We have a special service for students of faith, the interfaith baccalaureate, which kicks off Commencement Weekend. This is a great chance for students to come together in prayer if they so choose. However, the general commencement is for ALL of the graduating students -– not just those of faith."

"The problem with Twitter is not in the simple idea of staying better connected. It’s nice to stay in touch with friends from high school, family and colleagues from past jobs. But Twitter represents the most insincere form that communication. Why not grab a beer or a cup of coffee? Instead, we get ‘tweets’ telling us that you just got out of the shower or you stubbed a toe. "

"In a city filled with big egos, the District’s government should not have the biggest one. It has to accept the fact that, until there is a Constitutional amendment, it is subject to the supreme authority of Congress. If the District wants the liberty to have votes in the Congress that it hosts, then it should accept the fact that owning a useable firearm is also a liberty that should not continue to be abridged. "

"One approach for Bindelglass would be to ignore everything, and start fresh. She’s the president now, regardless of how she got there, and she should begin her administration like any other, right? As tough as it may be, Bindelglass must ignore this urge. This is not any other administration, nor was this any other election. For her to fulfill her first promise made as president-elect, to regain the trust of the students, she must acknowledge her unorthodox rise to the presidency and engage her critics."

"So it looks like the Fairness Doctrine has died out in Congress, at least for now. Anyone at GW who believes in free speech, particularly the staff of The Hatchet, should be pleased to hear that. "

"However, this educational-communism mentality is more idealistic than anything else. If this type of program were to become a national phenomenon, not only would educational freedom suffer, as The Harvard Crimson pointed out in a recent editorial, but so would the specialized programs that currently set schools apart."

"Sol Café is a step in the right direction for bringing some character and entrepreneurial spirit to campus. Small, student-run businesses are good at creating a sense of community and lasting memories for the students they serve."

"In fact, the constant bashing of New Jersey may just stem from a jealousy in the other 49 states over just how great of a state it is."

"So with all the good things club sports have to offer, you would think GW would support and encourage its club sports teams just a little bit more. GW preaches that it wants to provide a complete building experience for its students. Academics are first, but creating a well-rounded individual prepared for life after school is important. So why are club sports underfunded and put on the back shelf?"

"Have you ever been to a Joint Elections Committee hearing? Consider yourself fortunate. The JEC is the organization charged with making sure the Student Association election runs fairly and smoothly - but when this does not happen, all hell breaks loose."

"Administrators should think twice about simply funneling money into the Science and Engineering Complex, as if nothing has changed. Perhaps they could save most of the money for other, less expensive projects, such as the much needed and called for renovations of Gelman Library."

"It’s called the quarter-life crisis, and just like a mid-life crisis defines a baby-boomer, the quarter-life crisis defines our generation as much as anything else (except for maybe the Internet). It references a series of anxieties about basically every aspect of our lives. From relationships and friendships to jobs, careers and even morals, the quarter-life crisis basically implies a real sense of insecurity and nervousness about all aspects of your future life."

"If we fail to do this the SA's image will remain in the unfavorable spotlight, and the work of other candidates in the future will remain in jeopardy. We must stand reminded, as we remember this case, of the change we need and why we need it!"

"At GW, it never rains - it pours. Yesterday, three major upcoming events were announced. This Friday, President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder will be speaking at Lisner Auditorium. Next month, indie rock band Spoon will be headlining the newly coined "Fountain Fling." And to top it all off, this year's graduates will hear Rahm Emanuel, chief of staff to President Barack Obama as the Commencement speaker."

"Thousands of us want to work in government (the populists say the people know better). Thousands of us want to work for special interest groups and non-profits (which the populists don’t trust anymore). Thousands of us want to work for businesses, banks and law firms, which populists say work together with the government to screw consumers. One could argue that according to the true populist, all of us are going to be working together in the future to screw the rest of America up the rear."

"Even as the recession deepens and middle-class families face greater challenges than ever before, tuition rates have continued to increase while institutional aid budgets have shrunk."

"The new model must involve making newspapers interactive through a hybrid online and print version. The generation that grew up with Napster is not about to start paying for simple articles that newspapers throw on the Internet."

"Seven million dollars is up for grabs and GW should be doing everything it can to get its fair share."

"The first thing that people involved with these elections must remember is that we are students! This isn't President Obama, the U.S. Senate or the Supreme Court (as much as many would like it to be). The Student Association should be about students advocating for other students. As such, the election process should focus on students as well. Not political positioning, blog bashing, intricate rules, ad hoc committees or grandstanding." - Brand Kroeger