Sunday, Feb 8, 2026

VCU consolidates arts departments despite dean initially saying otherwise

February 5, 2026

Kayla Munecas, Contributing Writer Bryer Haywood, Contributing Writer VCU is pushing forward with mergers of five of its arts departments despite initial assurance from their dean that VCUarts would not be affected by the university’s academic repositioning initiative, according to faculty. The Department of Dance and Choreography and the Department of Theatre will be merged into a Department of Theatre and Dance. Additionally, the Department of Craft and Material studies, Department of Painting and Printmaking and Department of Sculpture and Extended Media are being consolidated into one Department of Fine Arts, according to a previous report by The CT. VCU has consolidated several departments as part of an academic repositioning initiative, a move the school has described to be ensuring a more efficient and academically-focused university. VCUarts was not explicitly mentioned in the final draft of repositioning recommendations shared by former Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos. A slideshow outlining the goals of the initiative listed some objectives including restructuring the College of Humanities and Sciences and renaming it University College, but there is no mention of the school of the arts. When Sotiropoulos solicited input from faculty during the repositioning process, VCUarts Dean Carmenita Higginbotham assured faculty that VCUarts would not be

VCU shuttle service sees 200 daily riders while Pulse operates at capacity

February 4, 2026

Molly Manning, Managing Editor Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor The RamsXpress saw an average of five riders at a time last semester — as city buses are operating at capacity, and the Greater Richmond Transit Company continues its search to fund the fare free operation VCU divested from. VCU introduced the RamsXpress, a shuttle between the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, in August, as their contract to fund GRTC expired, according to a previous report by the CT. During the fall 2025 semester, RamsXpress had 18,317 total riders — faculty and students — with about 1,000 riders per week, or roughly 200 per day, according to VCU Parking & Transportation director Josh Stone. The RamsXpress does not duplicate GRTC routes, and currently has 2 buses running from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. between the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Depending on traffic, each bus reaches both campuses 40-48 times per day, according to Stone. Though that number is subject to change based on how long the bus waits for riders at each stop. Using the 200 riders per day and 40-48 stops at each campus per day estimates, the average number of RamsXpress riders at any given time

Gen Z is not the ‘sober generation’

February 4, 2026

Molly Christianson, Contributing Writer There have been many posts about how Generation Z is the “sober curious” generation popping up on my social media feeds recently. People are misunderstanding the label. Being “sober curious” does not actually equate to sobriety.  Ruby Warrington wrote a book in 2018 titled “Sober Curious,” in which she defined sober curiosity as “questioning every instinct, every invitation and every expectation to drink versus going along with the dominant drinking culture.”  In the past few years Gen Z has been statistically proven to be consuming less alcohol than previous generations; drinking culture has less of a hold over our social lives.  What people seem to be forgetting is that sobriety goes beyond abstinence from alcohol, but also other substances such as Gen Z’s drug of choice — marijuana. Gen Z is the first generation to exist in a world where marijuana is widely legalized. Virginia legalized recreational marijuana use in 2021 for individuals over 21, along with 23 other states and the District of Columbia.  Marijuana’s widespread legality naturally means that people are going to be consuming it more freely. Data by a marijuana research firm found 69% of people aged 18-24 prefer marijuana to alcohol.

Don’t let people say they ‘didn’t know’ about ICE — they’re in our backyard

February 4, 2026

Shiny Chandravel, Assistant Opinions Editor The most prominently displayed poem at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the famous “First They Came” by Martin Niemöller. The poem is a recollection of events in which a powerful government comes again and again for different groups of people. As several groups are taken, the poet stood silently — until the Nazi regime finally came for him.                                            Only then did the poet become appalled, realizing no one was left to help him. William Vermie, an Army veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart, was tackled to the ground and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for eight hours with no attorney.  A city plow worker with legal authorization to work in the United States was detained in an El Paso, Texas Detention Center. His wife has been desperately trying to get him his medication.  Off-duty police officers had guns drawn on them by ICE agents, demanding to see their paperwork.  Native American tribe members have reported numerous attacks on Indigenous people by ICE agents, with some of them being detained

New VCU theatre group takes the stage

February 4, 2026

Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Staged, a new, student-led theatre organization focusing on small-scale, staged readings debuted their first production last weekend with “The Bonespurs.” Founded in October 2025, Staged is run by a team of eight cast and crew members. “The Bonespurs” ran for a total of 30 minutes with no intermission.  The organization focuses on character development from actors, rather than flashy set design and costumes, according to Novella Edwards, director of “the Bonespurs.” “There’s blocking, but most of the character buildings like it’s mostly focused on the actor’s voice on selling the character,” Edwards said.  Staged is joining VCU Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (VCU S.A.L.T) and Doomsday Theatre Company as independent, student-led theatre outlets outside of the Mainstage productions.  Those involved with Staged hope to bring a new light to theater, Edwards said.  “I guess that staged is still a really new organization, but we’re just looking to do theater a different way,” Edwards said. “And just for people to be, I don’t know, just get ready to get weird.” The story of “the Bonespurs” follows a stereotypical 1950s American family living life like all is well, when in actuality they are stranded

Bygones boutique makes buying decades-old garments inclusive

February 4, 2026

Devynn Alston, Contributing Writer Bygones Vintage Clothing is a boutique in Carytown with pieces dating from the 1800s to 1976. The owner Maynee Cayton prides herself on creating an inclusive space — bringing old Hollywood glamour right to Richmond. Since opening their doors in 1979, the store’s staff has looked to buy and sell vintage and antique pieces to and from Richmonders — to gain a lot of its antique pieces, they will have buying appointments with anyone who has something special to sell.  In these buying appointments, the owner, Maynee Cayton, and her employees get to see one-of-a-kind antiques ranging from clothes, accessories and jewelry. The knowledgeable staff has the ability to pinpoint the different eras of the items that get brought into their store, according to Cayton.  “When people come in for buying appointments, that’s always cool, because they’ll pull all these boxes out of their attics that have been in there for years and years, and you get to dig through them, and see history that hasn’t been touched for however many decades,” Bygones employee Emily Pricenski said. “It’s always a surprise.”  Princeski has been a collector and studier of vintage for a long time, Bygones is

Men’s basketball sets up no fly zone at the Stu

February 7, 2026

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer VCU routed the University of Dayton with a score of 99-73 in an electric atmosphere at the Stu this snowy Friday night. Riding a six game winning streak, the Rams were looking to continue their momentum against a formidable Atlantic 10 opponent in the Flyers.  The cold outside did not stop the Black and Gold from heating up early offensively, jumping out to a quick 11-5 lead. Additionally early in the first half, the Rams stifled the Flyers on the defensive end of the floor.  Although shot blocking is not considered VCU’s expertise, the Rams had four blocks collectively in the first 10 minutes of gameplay; three of them coming from third-year forward Lazar Djokovic. “We were adjusting our defense a little bit, so I was allowed to drop back so I could wait for them to go up,” Djokovic said. “I got help, and guys were staying in place so I got to block shots.” On the offensive side of the court, the Rams were hot.  Redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey and second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. were a big help on the offensive end with 12 and 11 points in the first half respectively. 

Men’s tennis swats Richmond to open A-10 play

February 6, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer VCU men’s tennis took the court against the University of Richmond on Friday.  The matchup followed a narrow defeat to East Tennessee State University. The Rams started their 2026 campaign with an even two wins and two losses. VCU second-years Nicolo Consonni and Gervog Mnatsakanyan won their doubles match 6-3 to get VCU rolling. Shortly after, VCU second-years Erwann Bouchet and Mats Bredschneijder won 6-3 to give the Rams their first point of the match and a 1-0 lead. The third doubles match was not finished as the Rams had already won the point, but VCU second-years Kostiantyn Mantach and Leon Zaorski put together a good performance. They were leading their match 5-4 by the time it ended. VCU carried its momentum into singles play as Mnatsakanyan beat Richmond second-year Otto Sewell in straight sets, extending the VCU lead to 2-0. Richmond second-year Charlie Burdell scored Richmond’s first point of the evening after beating Zaorski 6-4, 6-2. VCU bounced back, riding Bouchet’s straight set victory against Richmond third-year Paxton Pritchard to a 3-1 lead. On court one Consonni and Richmond fourth-year Davis Wiley slugged it out, going back and forth in a thrilling match that would

VCU women’s tennis extends winning streak with 7-0 win over Morgan State University

February 5, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Contributing Writer  The Rams entered their fourth game of the 2025-26 season facing off against Morgan State University on Wednesday, Feb. 4.  VCU was the first team to win two out of three doubles to be awarded the first point of the match. In the first doubles set to conclude, VCU second-year Sara Alba and first-year Viktoria Lackova defeated Morgan State’s third-years Amira Bargaoui and Angelina Joao, 6-0. “Sara and I practice a lot of doubles together, so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses the best,“ Lackova said. VCU second-years Andrea Magallanes and Sofia Jane Thorne won the second doubles match, beating Morgan State’s fourth-year Lauryn Hall and third-year Marta Serra Carles, 6-2. With the match going unfinished in the first set, VCU’s third-years Mariam Ibrahim and Elicia Kim were up 5-2, against Morgan State’s first-year Damla Arsian and second-year Tyler Williams. VCU third-year Elicia Kim debuted as a Ram, scoring VCU’s first point in the singles matchups after defeating Damla Arslan. Kim finished her first set 6-0 and second set 6-2. “I’m adjusting pretty great; Overall I love the team, the environment is great, I love the coaching staff, I’m loving it here,” Kim said.  Ibrahim

RVA-native baseball phenom Jacob Lee returns after record-breaking rookie year

February 4, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer  Second-year catcher Jacob Lee went beyond expectations during his debut collegiate season in 2025. He delivered unanticipated performances while setting records that will be hard to beat.  Lee began receiving his collegiate recognition during the 2025 preseason, during which he was ranked No. 2 among the Division 1 Baseball Preseason Atlantic 10 Impact Freshmen and No. 92 out of the D1 Baseball Preseason Top 100 Impact Freshmen.  Lee was then named Freshman All-America First Team by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Freshman All-American Second Team by Baseball America, D1 Baseball and Perfect Game.  The star catcher is a native of Chesterfield, Virginia, and is the first player in VCU Baseball history to be named to four Freshman All-American teams in one season, according to VCU Athletics. “His value; you probably couldn’t put a number on it,” Head Coach Sean Thompson said during a press conference. Lee has set standards high for the upcoming season after proving himself last year.  Lee was recently ranked No. 7 among the D1 Baseball Preseason Top 50 catchers in the 2026 preseason.  “Lee’s looked really good, I think this is some of the best he’s swung the bat since

FEB. 4 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

February 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer  Drew Thompson, Sports Editor Men’s basketball vs. University of Richmond VCU jumped out early and held off a late rally to defeat Richmond 77-69 on Tuesday night at the Siegel Center. Five Rams scored in double figures, led by third-year forward Lazar Djokovic and second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. with 14 points each, according to VCU Athletics.  Women’s basketball vs. Fordham University VCU had a dominant 69-58 win over Fordham on Wednesday at the Siegel Center behind balanced scoring and defensive pressure. Third-year forward Lucy Ghaifan had 14 points and seven rebounds while second-year guard Cyriah Griffin led the Rams all around with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists as VCU controlled the game for most of the night.  Men’s tennis vs. DePaul University  The Rams escaped with a narrow 4-3 victory over the Blue Demons. The two teams were locked up at three in the singles matches, but a clean sweep from VCU in doubles paved the way for the win. Second-years Mats Bredschneijder and Erwann Bouchet won their doubles, with Bouchet also winning his singles. Second-year Gevorg Mnatsakanyan got the decisive win for VCU in his singles performance after a three set performance

VCU consolidates arts departments despite dean initially saying otherwise

February 5, 2026

Kayla Munecas, Contributing Writer Bryer Haywood, Contributing Writer VCU is pushing forward with mergers of five of its arts departments despite initial assurance from their dean that VCUarts would not be affected by the university’s academic repositioning initiative, according to faculty. The Department of Dance and Choreography and the Department of Theatre will be merged into a Department of Theatre and Dance. Additionally, the Department of Craft and Material studies, Department of Painting and Printmaking and Department of Sculpture and Extended Media are being consolidated into one Department of Fine Arts, according to a previous report by The CT. VCU has consolidated several departments as part of an academic repositioning initiative, a move the school has described to be ensuring a more efficient and academically-focused university. VCUarts was not explicitly mentioned in the final draft of repositioning recommendations shared by former Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos. A slideshow outlining the goals of the initiative listed some objectives including restructuring the College of Humanities and Sciences and renaming it University College, but there is no mention of the school of the arts. When Sotiropoulos solicited input from faculty during the repositioning process, VCUarts Dean Carmenita Higginbotham assured faculty that VCUarts would not be

VCU shuttle service sees 200 daily riders while Pulse operates at capacity

February 4, 2026

Molly Manning, Managing Editor Heciel Nieves Bonilla, News Editor Andrew Kerley, Executive Editor The RamsXpress saw an average of five riders at a time last semester — as city buses are operating at capacity, and the Greater Richmond Transit Company continues its search to fund the fare free operation VCU divested from. VCU introduced the RamsXpress, a shuttle between the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, in August, as their contract to fund GRTC expired, according to a previous report by the CT. During the fall 2025 semester, RamsXpress had 18,317 total riders — faculty and students — with about 1,000 riders per week, or roughly 200 per day, according to VCU Parking & Transportation director Josh Stone. The RamsXpress does not duplicate GRTC routes, and currently has 2 buses running from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. between the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. Depending on traffic, each bus reaches both campuses 40-48 times per day, according to Stone. Though that number is subject to change based on how long the bus waits for riders at each stop. Using the 200 riders per day and 40-48 stops at each campus per day estimates, the average number of RamsXpress riders at any given time

Opinion

Gen Z is not the ‘sober generation’

February 4, 2026

Molly Christianson, Contributing Writer There have been many posts about how Generation Z is the “sober curious” generation popping up on my social media feeds recently. People are misunderstanding the label. Being “sober curious” does not actually equate to sobriety.  Ruby Warrington wrote a book in 2018 titled “Sober Curious,” in which she defined sober curiosity as “questioning every instinct, every invitation and every expectation to drink versus going along with the dominant drinking culture.”  In the past few years Gen Z has been statistically proven to be consuming less alcohol than previous generations; drinking culture has less of a hold over our social lives.  What people seem to be forgetting is that sobriety goes beyond abstinence from alcohol, but also other substances such as Gen Z’s drug of choice — marijuana. Gen Z is the first generation to exist in a world where marijuana is widely legalized. Virginia legalized recreational marijuana use in 2021 for individuals over 21, along with 23 other states and the District of Columbia.  Marijuana’s widespread legality naturally means that people are going to be consuming it more freely. Data by a marijuana research firm found 69% of people aged 18-24 prefer marijuana to alcohol.

Don’t let people say they ‘didn’t know’ about ICE — they’re in our backyard

February 4, 2026

Shiny Chandravel, Assistant Opinions Editor The most prominently displayed poem at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is the famous “First They Came” by Martin Niemöller. The poem is a recollection of events in which a powerful government comes again and again for different groups of people. As several groups are taken, the poet stood silently — until the Nazi regime finally came for him.                                            Only then did the poet become appalled, realizing no one was left to help him. William Vermie, an Army veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart, was tackled to the ground and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for eight hours with no attorney.  A city plow worker with legal authorization to work in the United States was detained in an El Paso, Texas Detention Center. His wife has been desperately trying to get him his medication.  Off-duty police officers had guns drawn on them by ICE agents, demanding to see their paperwork.  Native American tribe members have reported numerous attacks on Indigenous people by ICE agents, with some of them being detained

The Rundown

Spectrum

New VCU theatre group takes the stage

February 4, 2026

Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor  Maeve Bauer, Spectrum Editor  Staged, a new, student-led theatre organization focusing on small-scale, staged readings debuted their first production last weekend with “The Bonespurs.” Founded in October 2025, Staged is run by a team of eight cast and crew members. “The Bonespurs” ran for a total of 30 minutes with no intermission.  The organization focuses on character development from actors, rather than flashy set design and costumes, according to Novella Edwards, director of “the Bonespurs.” “There’s blocking, but most of the character buildings like it’s mostly focused on the actor’s voice on selling the character,” Edwards said.  Staged is joining VCU Shafer Alliance Laboratory Theatre (VCU S.A.L.T) and Doomsday Theatre Company as independent, student-led theatre outlets outside of the Mainstage productions.  Those involved with Staged hope to bring a new light to theater, Edwards said.  “I guess that staged is still a really new organization, but we’re just looking to do theater a different way,” Edwards said. “And just for people to be, I don’t know, just get ready to get weird.” The story of “the Bonespurs” follows a stereotypical 1950s American family living life like all is well, when in actuality they are stranded

Bygones boutique makes buying decades-old garments inclusive

February 4, 2026

Devynn Alston, Contributing Writer Bygones Vintage Clothing is a boutique in Carytown with pieces dating from the 1800s to 1976. The owner Maynee Cayton prides herself on creating an inclusive space — bringing old Hollywood glamour right to Richmond. Since opening their doors in 1979, the store’s staff has looked to buy and sell vintage and antique pieces to and from Richmonders — to gain a lot of its antique pieces, they will have buying appointments with anyone who has something special to sell.  In these buying appointments, the owner, Maynee Cayton, and her employees get to see one-of-a-kind antiques ranging from clothes, accessories and jewelry. The knowledgeable staff has the ability to pinpoint the different eras of the items that get brought into their store, according to Cayton.  “When people come in for buying appointments, that’s always cool, because they’ll pull all these boxes out of their attics that have been in there for years and years, and you get to dig through them, and see history that hasn’t been touched for however many decades,” Bygones employee Emily Pricenski said. “It’s always a surprise.”  Princeski has been a collector and studier of vintage for a long time, Bygones is

Sports

Men’s basketball sets up no fly zone at the Stu

February 7, 2026

Malachi Keys, Contributing Writer VCU routed the University of Dayton with a score of 99-73 in an electric atmosphere at the Stu this snowy Friday night. Riding a six game winning streak, the Rams were looking to continue their momentum against a formidable Atlantic 10 opponent in the Flyers.  The cold outside did not stop the Black and Gold from heating up early offensively, jumping out to a quick 11-5 lead. Additionally early in the first half, the Rams stifled the Flyers on the defensive end of the floor.  Although shot blocking is not considered VCU’s expertise, the Rams had four blocks collectively in the first 10 minutes of gameplay; three of them coming from third-year forward Lazar Djokovic. “We were adjusting our defense a little bit, so I was allowed to drop back so I could wait for them to go up,” Djokovic said. “I got help, and guys were staying in place so I got to block shots.” On the offensive side of the court, the Rams were hot.  Redshirt fourth-year guard Jadrian Tracey and second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. were a big help on the offensive end with 12 and 11 points in the first half respectively. 

Men’s tennis swats Richmond to open A-10 play

February 6, 2026

Ben Martindale, Staff Writer VCU men’s tennis took the court against the University of Richmond on Friday.  The matchup followed a narrow defeat to East Tennessee State University. The Rams started their 2026 campaign with an even two wins and two losses. VCU second-years Nicolo Consonni and Gervog Mnatsakanyan won their doubles match 6-3 to get VCU rolling. Shortly after, VCU second-years Erwann Bouchet and Mats Bredschneijder won 6-3 to give the Rams their first point of the match and a 1-0 lead. The third doubles match was not finished as the Rams had already won the point, but VCU second-years Kostiantyn Mantach and Leon Zaorski put together a good performance. They were leading their match 5-4 by the time it ended. VCU carried its momentum into singles play as Mnatsakanyan beat Richmond second-year Otto Sewell in straight sets, extending the VCU lead to 2-0. Richmond second-year Charlie Burdell scored Richmond’s first point of the evening after beating Zaorski 6-4, 6-2. VCU bounced back, riding Bouchet’s straight set victory against Richmond third-year Paxton Pritchard to a 3-1 lead. On court one Consonni and Richmond fourth-year Davis Wiley slugged it out, going back and forth in a thrilling match that would

VCU women’s tennis extends winning streak with 7-0 win over Morgan State University

February 5, 2026

Tyrese Perkins, Contributing Writer  The Rams entered their fourth game of the 2025-26 season facing off against Morgan State University on Wednesday, Feb. 4.  VCU was the first team to win two out of three doubles to be awarded the first point of the match. In the first doubles set to conclude, VCU second-year Sara Alba and first-year Viktoria Lackova defeated Morgan State’s third-years Amira Bargaoui and Angelina Joao, 6-0. “Sara and I practice a lot of doubles together, so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses the best,“ Lackova said. VCU second-years Andrea Magallanes and Sofia Jane Thorne won the second doubles match, beating Morgan State’s fourth-year Lauryn Hall and third-year Marta Serra Carles, 6-2. With the match going unfinished in the first set, VCU’s third-years Mariam Ibrahim and Elicia Kim were up 5-2, against Morgan State’s first-year Damla Arsian and second-year Tyler Williams. VCU third-year Elicia Kim debuted as a Ram, scoring VCU’s first point in the singles matchups after defeating Damla Arslan. Kim finished her first set 6-0 and second set 6-2. “I’m adjusting pretty great; Overall I love the team, the environment is great, I love the coaching staff, I’m loving it here,” Kim said.  Ibrahim

RVA-native baseball phenom Jacob Lee returns after record-breaking rookie year

February 4, 2026

Jenny Allen, Staff Writer  Second-year catcher Jacob Lee went beyond expectations during his debut collegiate season in 2025. He delivered unanticipated performances while setting records that will be hard to beat.  Lee began receiving his collegiate recognition during the 2025 preseason, during which he was ranked No. 2 among the Division 1 Baseball Preseason Atlantic 10 Impact Freshmen and No. 92 out of the D1 Baseball Preseason Top 100 Impact Freshmen.  Lee was then named Freshman All-America First Team by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and Freshman All-American Second Team by Baseball America, D1 Baseball and Perfect Game.  The star catcher is a native of Chesterfield, Virginia, and is the first player in VCU Baseball history to be named to four Freshman All-American teams in one season, according to VCU Athletics. “His value; you probably couldn’t put a number on it,” Head Coach Sean Thompson said during a press conference. Lee has set standards high for the upcoming season after proving himself last year.  Lee was recently ranked No. 7 among the D1 Baseball Preseason Top 50 catchers in the 2026 preseason.  “Lee’s looked really good, I think this is some of the best he’s swung the bat since

FEB. 4 RECAP: How every VCU team did this week

February 4, 2026

Hayden Braun, Staff Writer  Drew Thompson, Sports Editor Men’s basketball vs. University of Richmond VCU jumped out early and held off a late rally to defeat Richmond 77-69 on Tuesday night at the Siegel Center. Five Rams scored in double figures, led by third-year forward Lazar Djokovic and second-year guard Terrence Hill Jr. with 14 points each, according to VCU Athletics.  Women’s basketball vs. Fordham University VCU had a dominant 69-58 win over Fordham on Wednesday at the Siegel Center behind balanced scoring and defensive pressure. Third-year forward Lucy Ghaifan had 14 points and seven rebounds while second-year guard Cyriah Griffin led the Rams all around with 11 points, eight rebounds and six assists as VCU controlled the game for most of the night.  Men’s tennis vs. DePaul University  The Rams escaped with a narrow 4-3 victory over the Blue Demons. The two teams were locked up at three in the singles matches, but a clean sweep from VCU in doubles paved the way for the win. Second-years Mats Bredschneijder and Erwann Bouchet won their doubles, with Bouchet also winning his singles. Second-year Gevorg Mnatsakanyan got the decisive win for VCU in his singles performance after a three set performance

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