News

Law professor consideredone of greatest Virginians

University Law Prof. A.E. Dick Howard is considered one of the greatest and most influential Virginians in the 20th century, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch and Virginia Library survey. Virginia Library Senior Editor Brent Tarter said he and Times-Dispatch Commentary Editor Cordel Faulk surveyed between 40 and 50 political scientists, historians and journalists about the greatest and most influential figures in each century of Virginia's existence.

A legacy's leg up?

They move in herds, led across Grounds by a well-dressed University Guide. Prospective applicants come to the University each day to tour Grounds and to ask questions about the application process. Both the Office of Admission and the Alumni Association offer special services for prospective first-year and transfer students.

University reclaims title as No. 1 producer of Peace Corps volunteers

The University saw 72 of its graduates become Peace Corps volunteers in 2007, regaining its ranking as the No.

Bill may increaseprivacy for donors

Benefactors of the University may be granted greater privacy if the Virginia General Assembly passes legislation introduced earlier this week that would allow donors to request anonymity.

Student Council reflects on successes, lessons learned

In the words of Student Council President Lauren Tilton, Council has had its fair share of both triumphs and "tribulations" this past semester.

U.Va. continues to phase in IDs

One semester after receiving new identification cards, some students have questioned why Social Security numbers are still in use. The University distributed new ID cards with randomly-generated student identification numbers at the beginning of the semester as part of an effort to phase out Social Security numbers and make students' personal information more secure, according to Shirley Payne, director for security coordination and policy in the Office of Information Technology and Communication. "This was a major step in an initiative to minimize the use of Social Security numbers for business processes within the University," Payne said, noting that the previous ID cards had sensitive information embedded in the magnetic strip on the back. She stressed that it will take time to fully transition to University ID numbers, but that the University has already phased out Social Security numbers for some of its operations. "Previously when a student signed on to ISIS, he or she had to give their Social Security number to gain access to that," Payne said.

Gov. Kaine to join in opening of U.Va. ecoMOD housing project

Gov. Tim Kaine will join the University community Monday to cut the ribbon on the ecoMOD/SEAM house, an energy efficient affordable housing module and historical preservation project spearheaded by University students and faculty.

Honor touts increased outreach efforts in fall term

One of the biggest initiatives the Honor Committee focused on this semester was outreach, not just toward students but faculty as well.

End of semester marks beginning of dean searches

The two committees in search of a new College dean and dean of students will start the first round of interviews in January.

State contract aims to reduce energy use

The Commonwealth has joined with EnergyConnect, Inc., a third-party energy consultant, in a contract to reduce pressure on Virginia's electricity grid by employing a demand-responsive system. The system will focus on reducing power use at Commonwealth facilities such as the University, and EnergyConnect will provide payments to state agencies to encourage them to participate in the program, Gov.

OH, THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL

LED lights to alert drivers of pedestrians

Because of accidents involving pedestrians along Emmet Street, University officials have elected to embed high-tech LED lights -- similar to those used on airport runways -- into the road to provide a safer crosswalk.

Local officials conduct emergency recovery drill

The University took part in an emergency drill along with the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County communities Tuesday that included flood and tornado simulations.

Receptions permitted at Lighting of the Lawn

Despite the ban on Lawn receptions before the Nov. 24 Virginia Tech football game, receptions for tonight's Lighting of the Lawn will be permitted.

MCAT registration opens for students

Start your studying soon, prospective medical school students: MCAT registration for the April and May test dates opened yesterday. According to a Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions press release, students ready to take the "all-important medical school admissions exam" should register as soon as possible, so as to avoid not being able to sign up for a desired day or testing location. Kaplan MCAT Program Manager Amjed Mustafa said because of the "rolling" admission programs found at most medical schools, it is in test-takers' best interest to take the exam as soon they are ready. "As the number of students who have applied increases, the number of medical school spots decreases," Mustafa said.

The Microsoft Exchange system will fully replace Oracle Calendar in January as the University's centralized calendar service offered to students, faculty and staff. James Hilton, University vice president and chief information officer, explained that Microsoft Exchange provides an integrated environment for schedules that better supports e-mail, calendars and mobile devices such as Blackberries. "The beauty of being in an exchange environment is when you look at your calendar, it's all the same," Hilton said.

StudCo rejects CIO application after group's title sparks concerns

Student Council rejected a contracted independent organization application last night for an organization called the Honor Commission aimed at discussing the meaning of honor at the University.

Another Way Of lighting the lawn

ISC elects new '08-'09 executive board

The Inter-Sorority Council held its annual elections last night, voting into office an executive board whose members say increasing sorority involvement in philanthropy events will be one of several goals for their 2008-09 term. Third-year College student Stuart Berkeley was elected to serve as president of the ISC.

Change of date for open Honor trial

The open Honor trial, which was scheduled for Jan. 26, has been rescheduled for Jan. 20 at 10 a.m.