Mask mandate returns, some students skeptical
Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer Students across campus are feeling the full effects of a reinstated mask mandate with the fall semester beginning. Psychology graduate student Patricia Basta expressed disappointment with the return of the mask mandate. “It’s a little frustrating because you started getting used to having to not wear masks, and now they’re bringing […]
Dyad Strategies review recommends new policies for Greek life
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor Dyad Strategies released an independent review of Greek life at the beginning of August to provide VCU with recommendations for Greek life on campus. The university released its internal review a few days later. Senior economics and statistics major Michael Portillo of Phi Gamma Delta said he thought the independent review […]
University welcomes students back with multitude of events
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor Students gathered in Monroe Park as Rodney the Ram rode on the back of a pickup truck with the university’s pep band on Monday during New Student Convocation. Last year’s Weeks of Welcome activities were mostly virtual due to COVID-19, however, the university plans to host certain events in person this […]
Kicking Off: Men’s soccer looks to bounce back after a year filled with hiccups
Yanni Kouiroukidis, Contributing Writer VCU men’s soccer is returning this year with new challenges to face — this time, it’s the opponent. The team dealt with three cancellations and five postponements over the course of their season last spring and missed the Atlantic 10 tournament. Team injuries and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic also […]
After abrupt season ending, women’s soccer returns
Kaitlyn Fulmore, Contributing Writer A coin toss ended the VCU women’s soccer postseason hopes in the spring, leaving the team devastated, according to redshirt-senior goalkeeper Grace Young. “We thought it was really unfair and really unjustified,” Young said. “It felt like we were robbed of a chance to do anything.” The Rams were edged out […]
After taste of NCAA tournament, field hockey is back to defend A-10 title
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor The sting of losing last season’s NCAA tournament game in double overtime is still fresh for practically the entire field hockey roster. The loss to Bucknell was just under four months ago. “I think everyone is so fresh in their minds about how that loss felt,” sophomore midfielder Bridget McCormick said. […]
Hyland becomes third first round draft pick in VCU men’s basketball history
Joe Dodson, Contributing Writer When Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland was a freshman at St. Georges Technical High School, his coach, Rod Griffin, asked him what his five-year plan was. Hyland told Griffin a simple plan: graduate high school, play one year of college basketball and then get drafted into the NBA. The then-high school freshman’s dream […]
Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for Aug. 25
“Sound of Metal” (2019) This drama follows drummer and recovering drug addict Ruben Stone, played by Riz Ahmed, as he gradually loses his hearing and comes to terms with it. Director Darius Marder constructs the sound in order to make the audience understand Ruben’s perspective and the difficulty of losing hearing. Available on Amazon Prime […]
Alphonzo Billups, a top-100 recruit, commits to VCU men’s basketball
Noah Fleischman, Sports Editor For Varina High School senior Alphonzo Billups, the college recruiting process was tough. Coaches were in constant attendance at his games — sitting in the stands, watching his every move. The highly anticipated decision weighed on Billups, so much that Kenneth Randolph, his high school coach, could notice it was draining […]
VCU reinstates indoor mask mandate amid COVID-19 surge
Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer On Monday, VCU announced an indoor mask mandate throughout the university and a continuation of the mandate in health system facilities, effective immediately. The more contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has called for updated public health policies, such as reinstating indoor mask requirements for vaccinated individuals, according to the […]