June

Knapp’s salary exceeds $1 million
President Steven Knapp’s salary inched passed the $1 million dollar mark for the first time in the 2009 fiscal year. Though ultimately approved by the University’s Board of Trustee’s, Knapp’s salary tops that of other presidents of private colleges in the District, according to recent public data.

Donations to the university are highest yet
Annual giving to GW increased 9 percent in 2011, with donations topping $5.3 million as of June 6. Annual giving includes all directly-solicited gifts up to $25,000, with last year’s giving totaling $4.8 million – a 14-percent rise from 2008.

Unrepresented majors to receive study abroad boost
The University plans to designate funds to create new study abroad programs for unrepresented majors. The idea stems from the Innovation Task Force, which suggested using money to promote unique programs for science, math and engineering majors who traditionally lack options for study abroad.

University adopts stricter financial aid policy regarding grades
GW will apply stricter academic standards to comply with federal guidelines mandating published requirements for students receiving financial aid. The new requirements give students one warning if their grade point averages drop below a 2.0. Their awards will be revoked if students fail to raise their grades after the warning.

GW bowling alley to close its doors
The GW Hippodrome — a bowling alley located on the fifth floor of the Marvin Center — will be closed permanently this academic year. The closure results from a lack of student interest in the space. The University has yet to release details on what will replace the bowling alley.

July

Standing no longer allowed on Vern Express shuttles
Passengers are no longer able to stand while riding the Vern Express after a student fell out the back door of a shuttle on June 15. After the incident, International Limousine — the company that provides the GW shuttle service — instituted a new no-standing policy.

Former professor sentenced to four years in prison for child pornography
Former part-time Italian professor was sentenced to 47 months in prison for possession of child pornography. Diego Fasolini, 43, pled guilty to charges of knowingly possessing hundreds of pornographic images of minors, some as young as 3 years old. The former professor was arrested last fall after police found over 100,000 illicit photos on his external hard drive.

Hoops Report puts GW in 62nd place
The GW men’s basketball got the 62nd slot of the Hoops Report’s countdown of the top 68 collegiate men’s basketball teams nationally. The author of the report accredited the ranking to the team’s coaching changes as well as the return of junior guard Lasan Kromah and senior guard Tony Taylor to the court.

Solar panels installed on Ivory Tower roof
Installations of solar thermal panels began on the roof of Ivory Tower as an attempt by the University to use renewable energy techniques to heat water in the residence hall. The installation is part of the University’s plan to become a carbon-neutral institution by 2040. Solar thermal panels were also installed at an earlier time on the roofs of Building JJ and 1959 E Street.

Professor arrested for groping two 16-year-old girls
A professor in the GW School of Business was arrested July 14 on charges of groping two 16-year-old girls at the National Gallery of Art. Bartholomew Timm allegedly “grabbed the buttocks” of one girl and “squeezed” another girl’s behind at about 4:30 p.m. that day.

August

GW ranked No. 1 politically active college
The Princeton Review ranked GW as having the “most politically active students” this year, placing the University as No. 1 after slipping to fourth place in the category last year. The rankings also placed GW at No. 4 in the category of “great college towns” and No. 10 for “easiest campus to get around.”

New coach to lead cross-country team
Former American University assistant coach for cross country and track and field programs is trading his colors for buff and blue this season. Terry Weir will lead the Colonials’ cross-country team
after its previous coach resigned in June.

Liquor sold at FoBoGro till midnight
Customers can now purchase alcohol from Foggy Bottom Grocery seven nights a week until midnight. The time extension follows a new policy by the city’s alcohol regulators that allows all grocery stores exclusively selling wine and beer to lengthen their liquor hours.