The Preshow Interview: GW Blogspot Sits Down with PB

Last night as many GW students enjoyed the start of the college-weekend, approximately 50 students were camped out in the Smith Center preparing for tonight's Ben Folds/Jason Mraz concert.

I had a chance to sit down with Tiffany Meehan, the Executive Chair of Program Board, to talk about everything from the green aspects of the concert to why it's a two set show.



According to a Program Board Rep, PB sold close to 50% of tickets on the first day.
Tickets are still on sale for $33 at the GWU ticket master.

Asking Me for Money isn't the Solution

With the doom and gloom of the economy dominating the headlines, many universities are finding ways to help their students afford school.

However, in true GW fashion, instead of cutting costs, the University is attempting to ask students to give more money.

As previously mentioned in this blog, some student leaders are working to implement a mandatory $25 fee that would be used to improve library services on campus.

At the most recent SA Senate meting it was reported that some members of the GW community are working on implementing George’s Green Gift, an additional voluntary gift that would go towards GWU’s green initiatives. Similar to a UC Berkeley program, the money from George’s Green Gift would be controlled by the Office of Sustainability.

I e-mailed Cory Antonakos, SA Director of Green Initiatives, for some more clarification:

This initiative is for a voluntary gift that would not be required by anybody. The purpose of putting it onto the tuition bill is to make all students and parents aware of the opportunity that they would have to donate money toward green initiatives at GW. Because this is not part of the Student Association fee and is not a required addition to tuition, George's Green Gift would not be put to a referendum. Right now, we are in the final stages of writing a concept paper and a letter to President Knapp about the green gift. We are also collecting student signatures for a petition in support of the green gift.

When asked about whether the state of the economy would affect receptiveness to George's Green Gift, Antonakos went on to state:

I think that the student body supports green initiatives and would like to see GW implement some more significant green projects. I think that the students would be receptive to the opportunity to donate money toward sustainability projects on campus. I have already spoken to many students who are supportive of George's Green Gift.

Like many GW students I’m a fan of both sustainability and improving Gelman. But, asking students to fork over extra cash isn’t the solution. There are a variety of useless projects and initiatives (inaugural float anyone?) the University has undertaken this year

The economy is in bad shape, and with many universities reorganizing and trimming budgets, it’s time for GW to follow suit. Instead of asking students to chip-in extra money, GW needs to look at its own budget, and figure out its priorities.

Want GW to be more fiscally responsible? Join the facebook group.

Well Someone's Wrong About GW's Eco-Friendliness

Not long ago, USA Today sang the praises of GW's Green Move-In and our supposedly eco-friendly campus.

What a difference a week makes. Now the Hatchet reports the Sierra Club has called the USA Today report - pardon the pun - garbage.

GW was named as one of the schools that "failed to implement policies to fight climate change." Sierra Club's lifestyle editor, Josie Garthwaite, sums up the entire GW experience in one pithy quote:

"What we were measuring was accomplishments," Garthwaite said. "We were not measuring aspirations."

My green tip of the day - never recycle anything at Carvings. At the end of the day, they take the bag from the recycling bin and place it in the regular trash bag to throw away with the other garbage. Your recycling efforts are thwarted by lazy workers wearing a ganja hat (the only thing "green" about that place).

What do you think? Is GW a green campus or not?

USA Today Gives Props To GW

GW gets some well-deserved recognition for it's Greenness:

Students arriving on campus this month are seeing green — and not just from the money they're spending on tuition.

For example, students coming to George Washington University in Washington, D.C., will start their school year with the university's first "Green Move-In."

Rose Dunnegan, the university's property manager, says the program follows the success of last semester's "Green Move-Out." Student and staff volunteers recycled thousands of pounds of clothing, household items, food and "e-cycling" materials, including cellphones, batteries and computer parts, Dunnegan says.

The Green Move-In includes:

•An online check-in system is an alternative to the paper forms usually distributed to students who move into the dorm rooms.

• Laminated posters with maps and campus information will be posted in residence halls instead of being distributed on paper.

• The university's bookstore will sell reusable grocery bags and clothing made from recycled and organic materials.

• Students are encouraged to pack items in reusable containers.

• There will be designated recycling areas for moving boxes.

If you're not a grizzled college graduate like me, take part in the Green Move-In and show some love for your planet.