University unviels “Ask GW”

The University announced its “Ask GW” initiative this week, a resource that will enable students to ask administrators and professors questions online.

University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg will be “Ask GW’s” first guest this week. Students can post questions Monday to Sunday on http://www.gwnewscenter.org. Trachtenberg will post his answers starting Feb. 9.

Students can ask a variety of questions, from national to personal issues.

GW Hospital uses new technology

The GW Hospital is the first hospital in D.C. to have a group of surgeons using a surgical technique that combines robotic technology with medical procedures in the operating room.

Using the new daVinci System, surgeons operate on patients from a console 10 feet away, using the robotic arms as their own. The system incorporates the robotic arms with a small camera, which is inserted inside the body of the patient. The procedure allows surgeons a full range of motion and corrects shaking hands that may occur when surgeons perform operations.

The new system is approved for gastric bypass surgery, and cardiothoracic and prostatectomy procedures.

Students can audition for D.C. Improv

Students interested in performing stand-up comedy have the chance to work at the D.C. Improv next month when it holds an area-wide college contest.

The University will be collecting eight-to 10-minute tapes from students until Feb. 14. Eight students will then be chosen to participate in a GW comedy contest in the Hippodrome Feb. 19. The winner will go to the Improv.

Students can drop off tapes at the Student Activities Center on the fourth floor of the Marvin Center.

The grand prize is a paid week of hosting shows at the Improv and the title of D.C.’s funniest college student.

GW offer student health insurance

Students can apply for GW’s student health insurance – the Chickering Group – until Feb. 15.

The plan offers inpatient and outpatient coverage, travel assistance while traveling abroad and access to more than 550,000 local and national providers, among other amenities.

For more information, visit www.chickering.com.

–Julie Gordon

Aramark offers healthier, new options

Students searching for healthier food options can visit Big Burger, after Aramark recently introduced a new menu.

Food items include grilled and breaded chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers and “Big Salads.” Old favorites such as hamburgers and chili dogs are still available.

Students can also check out the Home Zone for a Visiting Chef Series restaurant each week. Chefs from Rockland’s Barbecue will be at J Street Feb. 4, Malaysia Kopitiam Feb. 18 and Galileo’s Restaurant Feb. 25. Dinner is served from 4 to 9 p.m.

For more information on Dining Services events, students can visit http://www.ecampusservice.com/gwudining.

–Janice Cane