The last time most University students took a tour of Grounds, they were probably registering for their first courses during summer orientation.
Now, a few years later, one has to wonder how many students can actually remember that the school's Grounds is one of the only campuses in the United States registered on the World Heritage List and that the University was the first state school constructed around a library rather than a chapel. But University students will have the chance to familiarize themselves again with rich heritage Thomas Jefferson left behind. History Week, sponsored by the student-run University Guide Service Oct. 25 to 28, will allow students to revisit the school's tradition and culture through daily events.
"We want students to take interest in how amazing the University experience is and encourage students to take a step into the Rotunda," UGS Historian Carolyn Browder said.\nHistory Week begins with "GHOST TOURS of the University." Guides will offer spooky, mythical tales about the Academical Village Oct. 25 anytime from 7 to 10 p.m. Free cider also will be provided.
The 'Famous Faces Tour' Tuesday seeks to acquaint current students with famous and successful figures associated with the University from Jefferson's time to present. Then, guides will commemorate the 115th anniversary of the 1895 Great Rotunda Fire by offering candlelit tours of the Lawn and free s'mores Wednesday. Finally, guides will work with the Minority Rights Coalition to highlight history of minority involvement with the University. UGS will conclude its tours Thursday with an open forum in the Rotunda co-sponsored by Sustainability Dialogue.\nBessie Bucholz, University Guide and class giving campaign co-chair, described History Week as a means to celebrate the University's rich history and get current students more involved with UGS. She hopes to "strike a nostalgic cord with people who come to the event."
Another History Week program with this goal in mind is "Picturing the University Art Competition," which allows any student to submit a visual picture of University as they see it for a chance to win between $50 and $100 cash prizes. The submitted art work will be displayed in the lower oval room of the Rotunda where students will have the chance to vote for their favorite perspective via ballot box.
"We are really working to engage the student body," Browder said.
Daily tours appeal more to tourists and prospective students, Browder noted, making it difficult for guides to involve the overall student body. Moreover, UGS is perceived often as insular and exclusive from the rest of the student community, she said. UGS is not under Student Council's umbrella, for example, and as a result does not receive funding for planning activities that might allow the organization to reach out to the entire student body.
To combat this criticism, University Guide Molly Beauchemin said the group allows potential guides to try out as many times as they choose.
"Several current guides had to try out multiple times ... which is in itself is evidence that this is not an exclusive organization. If we were an exclusive organization, students would never get the option to try again," she said.
But Beauchemin agreed outreach is an important factor of History Week. "We want as many current students as possible to appreciate the rich history that came before them."
Echoing Beauchemin's sentiment, UGS Diversity Chair Ryan Stevens said History Week is one of many programs guides have implemented to interact with on-Grounds organizations.
Co-sponsoring with Sustainable Dialogue to host the diversity forum, for example, is one way UGS hopes to be more responsive to the student community.
"History may seem stagnant for some people, but I definitely think the historical significance of this place could not be more dynamic. We are consistently uncovering new information about the University, and oftentimes this information plays an important role in shaping modern-day education, policy, politics and goals for historical preservation," Beauchemin said.
Furthermore, the fact that the current study body has a role in molding the University's history is simply more reason for students to take an interest in it.
"[When giving] admissions tours, we shouldn't be the only voice. We are here for the whole University," Browder said. "Students have a voice in influencing how and what we tell our visitors"
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | January 8, 2025Whether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | January 6, 2025What the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
