Follow the money
\nThe University's recent efforts to increase transparency are a welcome response to outside concernsWith the rapid growth of technology in modern times, the expectations for transparency have risen. For the first time, the University Health System has begun to post the financial interests of its doctors online as part of a push to increase transparency and reduce the appearance of bias. University doctors must now make available online ownership interests in any company that are greater than 3 percent, as well as any non-University income source that totals more than $10,000.
Over the summer, the American Medical Students Association gave the University a B grade for its conflict-of-interest policies, according to the organization's Web site. The AMSA cited that "there was no evidence provided that conflict of interest is covered by the institution's curriculum in a meaningful way ... [and] there was no policy provided governing industry support of scholarships and/or trainee funds." The University did not fare nearly as poorly as many schools - about 23 percent of the 149 medical schools surveyed received an F grade. Only nine institutions received an A.
Generally speaking, University officials are quick to say that rankings are merely incidental to the academic mission - though positive recognition is appreciated, outside rankings do not guide decisions. The rhetoric in this case proves no different. "We are moving forward based on what we think needs to be done, not what the student association thinks needs to be done," University Health System spokesperson David Foreman said.
The administration is prudent not to rely on rankings too heavily for feedback, nor to view high marks as goals in and of themselves. The University must make decisions with students, faculty, staff and the greater community in mind, not the next edition of the AMSA scorecard or any other report.
Nevertheless, external pressure can lead to positive changes. Although the University is reluctant to admit that AMSA feedback played a role in the Health System's recent transparency efforts, thoughtful criticism of this kind does merit consideration. Transparency is certainly commendable, but the broader significance is the University's willingness to make the necessary adjustments to remain a responsible member of the community. Administrators should continue to remain open to outside assessment. Imperfect grades are nothing to scoff at, but rather an opportunity to improve.\n
Slow-brewed success
\nStudent Council's collaboration with Dining Services to extend Wilsdorf Cafe's hours could build a foundation for future partnershipsStudent Council's Building and Grounds Committee recently reached an agreement with University Dining Services to extend Wilsdorf Cafe's hours of operation by two hours until 5 p.m. The new hours went into effect last Wednesday and will last until the end of the semester as part of a trial period.
Initially, Dining Services officials expressed financial concerns about the extended hours. The cafe will only remain open until 5 p.m. next semester if sufficient revenue is brought in during the trial period. The continuation of the extended hours is contingent upon the trial period's success, Dining Services Marketing Manager Nicole Jackson said.
The agreement is welcome news. First, it addresses an issue with a part of Grounds that often seems to take a back seat to other areas. University initiatives and improvements are often aimed primarily at Central Grounds and areas frequently inhabited by College students. It's encouraging to see the Engineering community supported through Council projects.
Most important, this undertaking presents an opportunity for Council to build a foundation for future collaboration with Dining Services. Food service is an aspect of University life that students will always have strong feelings about, so it stands to reason that future Council initiatives could benefit from a healthy working relationship with Dining Services.
To ensure the trial period's success, the extended hours must be thoroughly advertised. "U.Va Dining will be setting up table tents, putting up the flyers ... they're going to do a lot of publicity," Building and Grounds Co-Chair Kate Hartmann said.
Council should not rely entirely upon Dining Services to market the initiative, however. Hartmann implied that a University-wide e-mail blitz might be forthcoming. Similar steps should be taken to get the word out. By laying the groundwork for future cooperation, the success of this small project could have a more noticeable lasting effect than only the immediate outcome of extended hours.
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