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Sarah Ferris

is senior news editor for The GW Hatchet. Sarah is a sophomore majoring in political science. Fresh off her family's dairy farm in Newtown, Conn., she is on a continual quest for the District's best farmer's market.
sferris@gwhatchet.com
Friday, May 11, 2012 1:27 p.m.

Columbian College dean to resign, move to faculty

by Sarah Ferris

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Dean Peg Barratt speaks at the groundbreaking of the Science and Engineering Hall. Barratt announced Friday that she will resign from her post next summer and assume a faculty position in the department of psychology. Hatchet File Photo

Updated: May 11, 2012, 5 p.m.

The dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences announced Friday that she will step down from her post starting next summer to assume a faculty position.

Peg Barratt, who received harsh feedback from faculty last month in a staff evaluation, will begin teaching in the department of psychology starting June 30, 2013, according to a memo obtained by The Hatchet sent to Columbian College department heads.

A nationwide search for her successor will begin in fall 2012, according to the memo. Barratt said she looks forward to taking a sabbatical and returning to teaching.

“After five years as dean of this great college, it was time to step down and prepare the way for my successor,” Barratt said. ” I’m pleased by what has been accomplished during my tenure in the way of curricular reform, student and faculty scholarship and support, community partnership, alumni engagement, and donor philanthropy .”

More than two-thirds of the school’s 465 full-time professors showed dissatisfaction with Barratt’s vision for the school and ability to understand discipline-specific issues in their survey responses last month.

Discontent with her leadership was critical – and widespread. Senior faculty were more likely to say she is unable to articulate a clear vision for the college and a majority who took the survey said she does not anticipate problems or seek input before establishing policies.

“Teamwork was not characterized as one of the dean’s stronger attributes,” the evaluation summary said, pointing to failure to work with faculty to develop plans, policies and an “atmosphere of trust.”

In a comments section of the evaluation, faculty zoned in on three areas of discontent: Barratt’s proposal last year to move the philosophy department to the Mount Vernon Campus, the Science and Engineering Hall and the 2010 revisions of the general education requirements, according to results from the survey obtained by The Hatchet.

“Peg Barratt has worked with great skill and dedication to build her school’s capacities, engage its alumni, develop its partnerships, and recruit ever stronger faculty and students,” University President Steven Knapp said in a release. “She has been a tireless and eloquent advocate for the school that is not only our largest and most complex school but bears the university’s original name: Columbian College.”

Barratt, an alumna, was hired away from her role as the deputy director of clinical research policy analysis and coordination at the National Institutes of Health in 2007 – the last year of former University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg’s tenure.

Next year, she will continue to work on plans for the Science and Engineering Hall and the George Washington University Museum in addition to strengthening ties with city art institutes, including the Duke Ellington High School of the Arts, the Phillips Collection and the Textile Museum, according to the memo.

This post was clarified on May 11, 2012 to reflect the following:

In a previous version of this article, The Hatchet reported that Peg Barratt would resign next spring on June 30, 2013. Barratt will resign in the summer on June 30, 2013.

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Friday, April 20, 2012 3:20 p.m.

Konwerski to advance to University’s highest student life post

by Sarah Ferris

Dean of Students Peter Konwerski speaks during the annual Martha's Marathon housing auction in February. Konwerski will assume the title of Senior Associate Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. Hatchet File Photo

The University announced plans today to reorganize leadership for multiple departments within Student and Academic Support Services, following the retirement of the office’s long-serving vice president Robert Chernak in June.

Chernak previously oversaw areas related to student life, admissions and athletics – departments that will now report directly to Provost Steven Lerman.

Lerman said the restructuring is a part of a “natural evolution to try to integrate more functions that had previously been separated between the student affairs and academic affairs office.”

Dean of Students Peter Konwerski will assume the title of Senior Associate Provost and Dean of Student Affairs, managing “essentially the same portfolio,” Lerman said.

“Peter has been a part of the university community for many years and will continue to serve an essential role in guiding our efforts to effectively support our students in their non-academic pursuits,” Lerman said in a letter to staff.

Lerman said the “lateral” shift – which is an expansion of University President Steven Knapp’s provost model for academics – will not affect departments’ day-to-day functions for students.

Lerman also announced his office would launch a national search for a leader of GW’s new enrollment management division, an office that will integrate undergraduate and graduate admissions and financial aid. Until this position is filled, Senior Vice Provost Forrest Maltzman will oversee these areas.

Konwerski, a three-time alumnus, will oversee departments including the Center for Student Engagement, Student Health Service, University Counseling Center, the International Services Office, GW Office of Veteran Services and Office of Parent Services. Konwerski was promoted to dean of students in May 2010. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion Terri Harris Reed will also see an expanded role in student affairs. In addition to advising University staff and faculty on issues related to underrepresented populations, Reed will soon oversee the Multicultural Student Services Office, Student Academic Success, Disability Support Services and the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service. She was not immediately available for comment.

Athletic Director Patrick Nero will remain in charge of the Department of Athletics and Recreation.

Chernak, who will be leaving his post June 30 after 24 years, said shortly after announcing his retirement last month that he did not expect one person to replace him because of his unique specialties at GW.

This post was updated on April 20, 2012 to reflect the following:
The Hatchet reported that Provost Steven Lerman characterized Peter Konwerski’s move as linear. The provost said “lateral.”

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Friday, April 13, 2012 1:36 p.m.

House Majority Leader to speak on campus

by Sarah Ferris

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor will speak at GW Hillel on April 19. Photo courtesy of the United States Congress.

House Majority Leader and alumnus Eric Cantor will visit campus April 19 to discuss youth engagement in politics.

His visit was coordinated by Challah for Hunger, a campus organization that fundraises for social justice issues by selling Jewish baked goods.

The event is open to the first 150 students who register through Challah for Hunger’s event page. Cantor will speak at 4 p.m. at GW Hillel.

Challah president Jessica Hoffner said she invited Cantor to help students learn to become better advocates for their cause.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012 1:23 p.m.

Columbian College graduation speakers announced

by Sarah Ferris

A graduate waves to family and friends in the audience during on of last year's commencement ceremonies for the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. Hatchet File Photo.

The University announced today the two faculty members and four students who will address Columbian College of Arts and Sciences graduates at this year’s ceremonies.

David Rain and Heidi Bardot were selected as faculty speakers.

Rain, associate professor of geography and international affairs, is the director of the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Program. His courses focus on urban geography and economic development.

An alumnus and assistant art therapy professor, Bardot leads GW’s Art Therapy Program. She also runs a private practice specializing in women’s issues and cancer support.

Undergraduates Megan Buonaiuto, earning degrees in chemistry and history, and Heather Dingwall, receiving degrees in biological anthropology and archeology, will each speak at one of the ceremonies.

The graduate student speakers are Maria Crossman and Sarah Stierch, who will receive master’s degrees in public administration and museum studies, respectively.

The graduation ceremonies for Columbian College graduates will take place May 19.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012 11:13 a.m.

Student Association Senate-elect fills next year’s committees

by Sarah Ferris

Student Association Executive Vice President-elect Abby Bergren counts votes for next year's committee appointments with interim Chief of Staff Phil Gardner. Michael Boosalis | Hatchet Photographer

The Student Association Senate-elect selected its committee leadership at its first meeting Monday.

The incoming senators spent about an hour and a half assigning top leadership spots and doling out committee appointments for each senator.

In the lengthy appointment process, Alex Mizenko, SPHHS-U, Elizabeth Kennedy, U-At-Large, Alicia Rose, ESIA-U, and Michael Amesquita, GSEHD-G, were selected as chairs of the finance, student life, academic affairs and leadership committees, respectively.

Mizenko, Rose and Amesquita were the sole appointments for their positions, but Kennedy narrowly edged ahead of Anthony Bucci, CCAS-U, in a 16 to 14 vote.

Next year’s finance committee has equal representation of undergraduate to graduate students, compared to this year graduate-heavy board, which drew criticism for focusing on the graduate school populations.

Mizenko, the only returning undergraduate student to the finance committee and previous vice-chair of the group, said he will promote transparency in the allocations process –  a hot campaign issue during SA elections this year.

“There shouldn’t be any illusions of someone who sits in an office and can never be talked to. I want to be really proactive in getting to know student org leaders,” Mizenko said.

This year’s SA Senate will meet for the last time April 16 before the new senators officially assume their roles May 4.

- Kaya Yurieff contributed to this report
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Monday, April 2, 2012 9:06 p.m.

Male assaulted near Washington Circle

by Sarah Ferris

Officers stand near Washington Circle after an aggravated assault. Elise Apelian | Hatchet Staff Photographer

A male victim was assaulted at Washington Circle near New Hampshire Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Metropolitan Police Department public information officer Paul Metcalf said the aggravated assault sent the male to the hospital and put officers on the lookout for four to five black male subjects.

The victim was conscious and breathing, Metcalf said.

At about 7:45 p.m., officers had handcuffed two black males and were questioning a handful of others.

Metcalf said mace was involved, but he did not know whether officers or other subjects used the spray.

Officers on scene declined to comment.

- Priya Anand contributed to this report.

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012 2:28 p.m.

GW leaders share efforts on top initiatives with SA senators

by Sarah Ferris

Provost Steven Lerman spent about a half hour laying out the University's progress on its strategic plan that will be written up this summer. Ashley Lucas | Hatchet Staff Photographer

Two senior administrators briefed students on the progress of the University’s prominently spotlighted initiatives at the Student Association Senate meeting Monday.

Provost Steven Lerman highlighted efforts with GW’s ongoing strategic plan – a blueprint designed to guide the next decade of academics and student life. Earlier this month, a committee tasked with creating the plan laid out potential changes to tenure policies, academic focuses by field and undergraduate general curriculum requirements that could be part of the plan to be finalized this summer.

Lerman said he and the committee members now have two months to solicit feedback from students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni and trustees about the proposed changes.

“We’re trying to do this as openly transparent as humanly possible,” Lerman said about creating the plan. “We’re going to get out there as much as we can with the time we have.”

This month, Lerman said he has spoken to multiple academic departments, both the alumni and parent associations and has held several dinners at his on-campus residence with interested stakeholders. He plans to travel to New York to talk trustees in that area in the upcoming weeks.

“This stage of the process is just beginning,” Lerman said of the committee’s outreach phase.

The plans will be delivered to the community next fall. The team hopes to make final presentations to the Board of Trustees at its October board meeting, he said.

Dean of Students Peter Konwerski told senators about the overhaul of career services that will bring about changes to professional support at GW starting this summer. Konwerski oversaw efforts of a committee – spanning about a year and a half – to plan more industry-specific and proactive career services.

The Class of 2016 will start exploring career interests at Colonial Inauguration, Konwerski said. When students learn about the services early in their academic careers, he said they will likely return and seek help.

Robert Snyder, executive director for the Dean of Students Office, worked with Konwerski to steer the project. He told senators that the University hopes to see every student finish their second year with the basic skills “mastered,” such as resume writing, interviewing, business etiquette and networking.

A new hire for career services will manage career services across campus, Konwerski said – a change from the current decentralized model among the University’s 10 schools. The main office will also be moving into the Marvin Center and out of its current space in the Old Main building.

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Monday, March 5, 2012 4:34 p.m.

Ann Coulter blasts SMPA director for biased moderating

by Sarah Ferris

Conservative pundit Ann Coulter debated MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell at Lisner Auditorium Sunday in an event hosted by student organizations like the College Democrats and the College Republicans. Zachary Krahmer | Hatchet Staff Photographer

Updated at 11:58 p.m.

Tension from Sunday night’s political pundit debate has not yet eased up.

Right-leaning political commentator Ann Coulter, who was brought to campus to spar off against MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell at Sunday’s debate, is lambasting the evening’s host for treating her like “a crazy broad,” the Washington Examiner reported Monday.

Coulter skewered School of Media and Public Affairs Director Frank Sesno for attacking her responses at the debate.

After asking her a question about the U.S. intervention in Syria, Sesno brushed off her answer responding, “I have no idea what you just said.”

She scoffed back, “You must not be very bright if you don’t understand.”

The debate was hosted by campus organizations including the College Republicans and College Democrats.

After the event, public relations chair for the College Republicans, Chris Wassman, also called out Sesno for biased moderating.

“If the moderator is getting applause, that says a lot of things,” Wassman said after the event. “He was obviously not fair.”

When asked about his reaction to Coulter’s answer, Sesno said, “I did seek to clarify Ann Coulter’s prior comment and no offense was meant.”

Sesno added that his role as moderator was to “help guide and clarify the discussion.”

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Thursday, March 1, 2012 11:56 p.m.

Narla nabs Student Association top spot in runoff

by Sarah Ferris

Supporters of Ashwin Narla jumped from their seats when his name was announced for the position of Student Association president Thursday night. Michelle Rattinger | Senior Photo Editor

Ashwin Narla edged ahead of John Bennett for the title of Student Association president in a runoff  Thursday night, carrying 53 percent of the student vote.

Dozens of Narla supporters erupted into cheers as their candidate’s name was announced after a two-day vote drive, chanting and pumping their fists.

“This is only the beginning,” Narla said, after a crowd charged toward him for congratulatory hugs and high-fives.

“I’m not saying that I can change the whole school, but I want to make small changes that will make a difference,” the junior said.

Throughout the campaign season, Narla promised to step up the SA’s outreach to students, create a student organization calendar and eliminate classroom technology fees.

Ashwin Narla embraced John Bennett, congratulating him on a "clean campaign," shortly after the Joint Elections Committee announced the runoff results. Zach Krahmer | Hatchet Photographer

More than 100 students packed a lecture room in Funger Hall, waiting about 30 minutes for the Joint Elections Committee to tally the votes after polls closed at 9 p.m.

The election marks the second-straight year that an SA outsider beat out a finance committee chair for the presidency. Narla received 2,331 votes, while Bennett received 2,054 votes.

The JEC originally reported 57 percent of the vote went to Narla, but the organization’s chair, Phil Gardner, corrected the totals with The Hatchet about an hour after the announcement was made. He said the discrepancy was due to a miscalculation of the percentages, and added he is 100 percent sure the new figures are accurate.

“The vote totals weren’t wrong. It was just our calculations of those votes that were wrong,” Gardner said.

Narla came in second to Bennett during last week’s general election. Bennett earned about 130 votes more than Narla, but did not reach the 40 percent threshold needed to secure the post, forcing a runoff.

The JEC also announced that Michael Naple captured the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences graduate senator seat and Michael Komo won the College of Professional Studies senator spot.

Hatchet reporter Kaya Yurieff contributed to this report.

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Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 2:16 p.m.

Trachtenberg weighs in on affirmative action court case

by Sarah Ferris
Stephen Joel Trachtenberg

Former University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg called for colleges to develop innovative ways to admit multicultural students in a Bloomberg op-ed Monday. Hatchet File Photo

With the Supreme Court to revisit the constitutionality of affirmative action, former University president Stephen Joel Trachtenberg said the result will likely force colleges to be more creative in their standards for admission.

In an op-ed for Bloomberg published Monday, Trachtenberg said universities already consider economic diversity, cultural pluralism, gender equity and geographic distribution in their admissions, but said the court’s ruling may require a “less politically charged” set of criteria.

The conservative-leaning court agreed Feb. 21 to hear a case regarding the constitutionality of admitting students with attention to race, threatening to roll back universities’ affirmative action policies in admissions.

Trachtenberg explained that affirmative action had been “a bitter, but necessary pill,” to improve access for underrepresented populations and build a student body with diverse backgrounds. But he is confident that institutions of higher education can build a “multidimensional” class.

“Now [colleges] may have an opportunity to use their wits to find the legal means to admit and enroll multicultural classes without the use of affirmative action,” he wrote.

He continued, “Schools will work within the law, as they have in the past, and they will be creative in responding to any court ruling as they continue to fulfill their mission. After all, colleges are known for their creative interpretation of the classics – whether they are by Shakespeare or the chief justice.”

 

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