Gilman Scholarship delay leaves students waiting for promised funds
Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Several VCU students awarded the federal Gilman Scholarship said they are still waiting for funds that were paused earlier this year due to administrative review. The Gilman International Scholarship is a need-based federal award designed to help Pell Grant recipients study abroad. This semester, the scholarship experienced a 15-day pause — […]
VCU opens public comment period for speech and expression policies
Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Virginia Commonwealth University is inviting public comment on its interim free speech and expression policies from Feb. 3 to Friday, Feb. 28. The university introduced these policies in August 2024. Students, faculty and staff now have the opportunity to provide feedback before any final decisions are made. More about the policies […]
New coffee shops open to serve the neighborhood
Max Walpole, Contributing Writer Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Two new coffeehouses are joining the neighborhood’s circle: Abi’s Books & Brews on Cary Street and Qahwah House on Franklin Street at the Chesterfield Apartments. Abi’s, a combination coffee shop and bookstore, opened on Nov. 23, 2024. Keith Duffin, who co-owns the shop with his wife, said […]
Guest speaker emphasizes peace, justice amid war in the Middle East
Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Palestinian anthropologist and professor Sa’ed Atshan visited VCU’s campus on Oct. 9 for a guest speaker event titled “On Faith, Peace, and Justice: Reflections from a Queer Palestinian Quaker.” Atshan spoke about trying to instill peace and creating a peaceful environment in the Middle East and beyond. He said this starts […]
Virginia Governor, legislators work to ban cell phones in schools
Annabel Granger, Contributing Writer Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 33 this past summer to keep phones out of the classroom to create a more focused and successful educational environment for Virginia students, according to a press release. The goal is to “protect the health and safety of students in Virginia’s […]
Richmond citizens to choose how $3 million is spent in new initiative
Max Walpole, Contributing Writer Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer The city launched its People’s Budget program on Sept. 10 at Abner Clay Park which encourages residents of Richmond to submit ideas for new buildings, beautification projects and infrastructure to improve their community, according to its website. It has an overall budget of $3 million, split among […]
How students stay healthy on campus
Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Food is one of the top concerns among college students alongside mental health and stress, according to Medicat. Only 17% of students reported eating three servings or more of fruit, and 29% reported eating three or more servings of vegetables daily, according to a study conducted by the American College Health […]
VCU announces new residence hall amidst increased housing demand
Abdullah Karabatek, Contributing Writer Katie Farthing, Managing Editor VCU recently announced plans to open up housing on the 700 block of West Grace Street alongside the Facilities and Financial Services Building, according to the VCU Master Plan website. The project, which is still in the “pre-planning phase of study,” will replace the 518 beds in […]