Thumbs Down: Increased D.C. crime

Homicides and non-violent crime are on the rise in the District. With the robbery of a graduate student near Hughes Mews and increased theft from cars in Foggy Bottom, GW students should be especially aware of their safety. While the Second District, GW’s district, is considered relatively safe, security should still be a top issue.

Thumbs Up: New Nationals stadium inaugurated

With both the GW baseball team and the Washington Nationals winning their respective games, the season at Nationals Park is off to a flying start. The $611 million, 40,000-seat stadium stands to stimulate baseball interest and attract new area fans, as well as leading the invigoration of the Anacostia waterfront.

Unsure: GW undergraduate research

This week a variety of campus organizations, including the Student Association and the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships, hosted the first Undergraduate Research Symposium. In line with University President Steven Knapp’s focus on research and academic life at GW, this is a good place to start. GW has a long way to go before research is prominent on this campus and more pronounced outlets (such as journals and symposiums) are necessary.

Unsure: CVS moves to GW

The vacant space in 2000 Penn will soon be filled by the fifth CVS within a three block radius of campus. The space could have been filled with a vendor better suited to serve student needs ,but the location at the heart of campus will be convenient for the GW population as well as the businesses currently located within 2000 Penn. Next on the agenda: another Starbucks.

Unsure: Calling Gelman home

Marco Chomut, a sophomore engineering student who lived in Gelman Library for over a month this semester, certainly deserves a ‘thumbs up’ for his ingenuity and resourcefulness. While Chomut has turned into a campus celebrity, the University should not be left out of the limelight. It is crucial that the administration take responsibility for its students and avoid such situations in the future by making itself more accessible and helpful to students facing such difficulties. And if not, the admissions office should consider extending campus tours to include a crash-course on urban camping.

Thumbs Up: Women’s basketball travels to the Sweet 16

Another year, another successful season for the lady Colonials. Although Rutgers sent the team packing back to Foggy Bottom, the women have capped off another great run in the NCAA tournament.

Unsure: Hatchet wins awards, elects Roper

The Hatchet won 15 awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, including best non-daily paper in the region. It is curious, given this run of success, that The Hatchet would elect Eric Roper its next leader. Roper is a clown with curly hair who has an eye for lawsuits. If there is anyone more hated than our current editor in chief, it is our next. You’ll be fine, Roper.