Efforts to increase minority interest in the University and raise minority application numbers are noticeably underway this week.
Fall Fling, for prospective black high school students and their families, was held Saturday, and Fall Blast for Hispanic, Latino and Latin-American students and parents will be held today.
Both events, held by the Outreach Office of the Office of the Dean of Admissions, aim to provide minority students with more information about the University and the college admissions process in general.
"We want to introduce U.Va. to underrepresented student groups and provide information on what the University has to offer academically and socially," said Assistant Dean of Admissions Valerie Gregory, director of the outreach office. "A lot of these students are wondering what is it like for me, what activities and academics are available."
Saturday's Fall Fling organizers hailed the event as a great success. There was an increase in turnout from last year, with close to 900 students and parents in attendance this year.
"I was delighted, we had wonderful turnout," Dean of Admissions John A. Blackburn said.
"It was the most well organized event I've seen in a long time," Dean of African-American Affairs M. Rick Turner said. "I've never seen more enthusiastic parents."
As college admission becomes increasingly competitive, such events keep minority students informed of what they need to do to be strong candidates.
Faculty members work with students and advise them on writing admissions essays and maintaining strong class schedules throughout their high school careers.
Fall Fling and Fall Blast also highlight programs at the University, such as peer advising and ethnic group societies.
"It is a recruitment event where we answer questions. We don't just cover surface information, but try to make human connections," Assistant Dean of Students Pablo Davis said. "We have a special sensitivity for their concerns."
Fall Blast will hold sessions in Spanish for students and parents for whom English is not a first language.
"Though many speak conversational English, understanding technical issues of admissions such as credit hours can be difficult," Davis said.
The University receives close to 1100 applications from black students each year and 400-500 from Hispanic, Latino and Latin American students.
Through programs like these, the University hopes to increase those numbers every year. Black students make up 9.5 percent of the student body. Hispanic, Latino and Latin American students represent 3.5 percent.
"Minority students have many choices these days. They are a very competitive body of students who go to top schools. We want to entice them to come to U.Va. and help them make the right decision," Turner said. "We are a very competitive school, and black or white, we take the best."
"Everyone involved does a wonderful job giving students a first hand look at what the university has to offer," Gregory said.
"I think we give a very positive impression to students and make them feel comfortable," she said.
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