The Hatchet’s wrap up of GW’s ups and downs
Spring events
The past few weeks have been the epitome of the phrase “only at GW.” First there was the debate between Lawrence O’Donnell and Ann Coulter hosted by the College Democrats, College Republicans and the Student Association. Last week, Ben Bernanke gave the first two of four lectures to undergraduate students in Duques Hall. And next weekend is the prominent Clinton Global Initiative University conference, which will feature a host of politicians and celebrities. Not only do these events serve to raise the profile of the University but they also inject an exciting buzz into campus that truly represents what it means to be a Colonial.
Brian Williams
Brian Williams might be the most trusted face in news today, so it will be an amazing experience for the Class of 2012 to see him speak on the National Mall at Commencement. But he is a political reporter who frequently covers many of the men and women who have so often before spoke to GW’s graduating classes. We were hoping for a departure from the typical politico-type commencement speaker so that graduates could hear a refreshing perspective from someone unaffiliated with the beltway bubble.
Mount Vernon Campus living
The Mount Vernon Campus is often maligned, or at least mocked, for being a satellite campus for transfer students or outcasts. Yet 40 percent more students have chosen to live on the Vern next year, a promising sign for the campus tucked away atop Foxhall Road. With the construction of the new Ames Hall and more efforts at programming events on the Vern, students now, more than ever, have more incentive to call it home. Hopefully the University will be able to build on this momentum and continue to make the Vern an attractive place to live.
Tourist season
It’s cherry blossom season in the District, and that can only mean one thing: tourists, tourists and more tourists. All along the National Mall, visitors to the nation’s capital are pushing and shoving to get the perfect photo of D.C.’s historical landmarks and to experience the exhibits at the Smithsonian museums. But as far as students are concerned, this spring crowd is nothing but a headache. They stand on the wrong side of the Metro escalators, get in the way of our runs on the Mall and crowd the Tidal Basin. But then again the hoards of visitors are a boost to our “we’re D.C. locals” ego.
Condoms in vending machines
Rather than brave an awkward trip to the local pharmacy, students will now have the opportunity to purchase condoms along with their favorite midnight snack. All residence hall vending machines will be stocked with two-packs of male condoms for $2 each. Although house proctors already offer free condoms to their residents upon request, the initiative provides students a more discrete means to go about practicing safe sex. Considering that free dispensers could pose a logistical nightmare, the small price tag should ensure that the policy pays for itself.
Spring break ends
It always seems that the fastest week of the year is spring break. While students always take a week in March to go home and relax or storm the beaches with their fraternities or sororities, coming back after break is a drag. It is never easy to transition from sipping drinks by the pool to the barrage of essays and tests before finals. And the fact that the District has been experiencing an early spring does not make going to Gelman Library any more enjoyable.
