The new $43 million Thomas Jefferson Visitors Center and Smith Education Center at Thomas Jefferson?s historic Monticello estate officially opened earlier this week.
The Board of Visitors recently approved a $15.2 million project that will address maintenance issues in Newcomb Hall.
Researchers from several University schools recently developed a wireless sensory network technology designed to help doctors and researchers monitor the gait of patients and determine their risk for falls.Regina Carlson, director of development at the University?s Institute on Aging, said the sensor can be worn around the wrist and transmits real-time data on a patient?s gait via the internet.
Two years after the Virginia Tech shooting the events of April 16, 2007 continue to have an impact on those who remember the tragedy?s 32 victims, as gun regulation efforts remain a topic of much discussion.Omar Samaha, the brother of Reema Samaha, one of the 32 persons killed in the shooting, said he now is working to eliminate loopholes in the selling of firearms in Virginia.Alex Howe, spokesperson for Americans United for Safe Streets, said Samaha is working to require a background check for guns sold in Virginia.State laws currently require licensed gun dealers to run background checks on those purchasing firearms.
As Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., spoke yesterday in Politics Prof. Larry Sabato?s Introduction to American Politics class, he repeatedly stressed the need for Republicans and Democrats to face the nation?s issues together.Among these issues, he said, is healthcare reform and the current economic recession.?[This is] an economic meltdown that might get as serious as the Great Depression,? Warner said.Although the former Virginia governor took his Senate seat just more than 100 days ago, he said he has a good handle on the Obama administration?s plans for the country, including the stimulus package that allocated 40 percent of about $800 billion for tax cuts.
A recent Kaplan survey found that the economic recession has influenced the number of students applying to law school, said Jeff Thomas, Kaplan director of Pre-Law Programs.Kaplan surveyed 1,400 students after they took the February LSAT, Thomas said.
The University Patent Foundation honored John P. Mugler, III and James R.
Student Council passed a resolution last night condemning anti-gay violence in response to the recent assault against a University student and his guest.The resolution, sponsored by College representative Eugene Resnick, formally denounces violence against any member of the University based on sexual orientation or gender identity.Additionally, the resolution shows Council?s support to the University?s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community by funding $350 to provide 1,000 candles for a vigil to be held in the Amphitheater Thursday at 6:30 p.m.?We want to have something that?s tangible to show that we?re working together as a community,? Resnick said.Resnick also said members of the contracted independent organization Queer and Allied Activism needed funding for the candles for the unexpectedly large crowd who plan to attend.?Right now they?re experiencing an unprecedented amount of people who are going to be going to the vigil, so they don?t have enough funding to do that,? Resnick said.
Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris announced a proposal for a greener Charlottesville yesterday at Northeast Park.
The Board of Visitors approved tuition increases yesterday for the 2009-10 school year.
Third-year Education student Paige Deelsynder never applied to live on the Lawn, but that is one reason why she was selected to live in the Gus Blagden, or ?good guy? room on the West Lawn next year.?This room is reserved for a person who does not seek the prestige of the Lawn but earns it through the effects of their virtuous life on other people,? said third-year College student Kira Busch in her letter nominating Deelsnyder.
Although the Medical Center saw a 4.5 percent drop in patient admissions since January for the 2009 fiscal year, its revenue stream is still on pace to surpass the previous fiscal year?s.Larry Fitzgerald, the Health System?s chief financial and business development officer, said because of the economic situation, most hospitals across the nation are generating lesser revenue compared to previous years.?It is my impression that virtually all academic health centers and virtually all hospitals are experiencing activity in their hospitals that is less than it was in previous years as the result of the economic recession, high unemployment, individuals losing their heath insurance benefits, and individuals being resistant to paying co-insurance deductible amounts,? he said.
A University male student and his male guest were attacked by five white males on Grounds April 4, University Police Lieut.
The 2008-09 Honor Committee released statistics last week about the demographics of cases reviewed during its term.
The Guggenheim Foundation awarded fellowships to five University faculty members Wednesday.?To me, our faculty receiving five Guggenheim awards in one year is an indication of the depth and breadth of scholarship here at U.Va,? University Provost Arthur Garson stated in a University press release.
Users of the Internet browser Safari can now access the Student Information System, said Teresa Wimmer, SIS technical director and project manager.
International Dark Sky Week, a worldwide initiative begun by fourth-year College student Jennifer Barlow, will take place from April 20 to 26.
Take Back the Night held its annual vigil in the Amphitheater last night in a culmination of Take Back the Night Week, which aims to raise awareness about sexual assault in the University community.?The main goals are raising awareness and helping survivors to heal,? Vigil Chair Jenny Anderson said.At the vigil, survivors were able to speak out about their experiences anonymously, while fellow students and community members sat in support in the Amphitheater, many holding candles.
The University experienced a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000, according to a recent study conducted by three University students.
Members of Charlottesville City Council, Albemarle Board of Supervisors and Metropolitan Planning Organization are working to obtain funding for a proposed railroad project that would link Charlottesville with Crozet.Ann Mallek, vice chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said the idea for a train connection stemmed from an ongoing conversation throughout the past several years with John Pfaltz, a member of the technology committee for the MPO and research professor for the University.
