News

Virginia drivers to face harsher penalties

Virginia drivers committing serious traffic violations can expect to pay up to $3,000 in additional fees starting July 1. The fees, which are known as "civil remedial fees," apply to both misdemeanors and felonies, including reckless driving and DUI, according to an explanation by the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. The purpose of adding these fees was "to charge activity that caused congestion," said Virginia Del.

U.Va. football player assaulted on the Corner

University football player Vic Hall was assaulted in a parking garage on Elliewood Avenue Saturday night, according to Charlottesville Police Capt.

University policy expands gym access

Under a new policy prompted by an opinion from the state attorney general, domestic partners of students, faculty and staff are now eligible to become members of the University's gyms. With the new Plus One program, faculty and staff receiving benefits and full-time students are able to select an adult member of their household to gain access to the University's gyms for a yearly fee.

BOV to create non-voting faculty position

After years of debate and discussion, the Board of Visitors approved a resolution that will allow a faculty representative to sit on three of its committees. According to University rector Thomas F.

Singletary to remain with Cavaliers for senior year

Senior guard Sean Singletary announced this week that he will return for a final season with the Cavaliers' men's basketball team after withdrawing from consideration for the NBA draft. "I believe this decision is the best one for me," Singletary stated in a press release.

A Rare Find

There are countless hidden treasures and gems in the many libraries around Grounds, but Alderman Library houses one of the University's best-kept secrets.

Cover Story: Changes on the Corner

Turning a Corner

Throughout the school year, student life is often so hectic that few notice the changing scenery of the Corner.

$1 million donation made to name courtyard for outgoing Dean David Breneman

A courtyard joining the existing and future Education School buildings will be named in honor of outgoing Education School Dean David Breneman. Construction of the courtyard will be funded by a gift of $1 million donated by Dan Meyers, chair of the Curry School of Education Foundation Board of Directors.

John Wynne to serve as BOV vice rector

The University Board of Visitors recently elected John O. Wynne vice rector of the University at its June meeting.

Cover Story: Summer in Charlottesville

Charlottesville in the summer

While many students participate in the grand exodus that takes place in Charlottesville each May, the draw of a more relaxed environment and no parents leads many students to continue to make the University their home for the summer.

John Paul Jones Arena

John Paul Jones Arena, the newest and largest indoor sporting facility in the Commonwealth, turns one year old this summer.

Former U.Va. lacrosse player charged with aggravated assault of Princeton student

Officers from the Princeton Borough Police Department arrested Adam Fassnacht, who recently finished his senior year playing lacrosse for the University, and a Princeton University lacrosse player, Nicholas Hermandorfer, for the severe beating of another male Princeton student June 1. The police responded to a call at 2:37 a.m.

Students face felony charges for stealing Hokie Bird statue

Nine University students now face felony charges for stealing a Hokie Bird statue in Blacksburg, Va.

University investigates security breach

University Police in association with the FBI and the Information Technology and Communication Office are currently investigating a security breach of a University Web site involving the private information of 5,735 current and former faculty members. A data table with the faculty members' names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth was mistakenly attached to a Web application in 2003 and was viewed on numerous occasions by hackers, said Shirley Payne, ITC director for security coordination and policy. "The University has never had a breach like this before," University spokesperson Carol Wood said.

Charges dropped in BB gun incident

Charges leveled against four students who caused a scare while using a BB gun as they filmed a class project around Wilsdorf Hall in April have been dropped pending completion of community service and repayment of incurred costs. The incident occurred April 23, coming one week after the Virginia Tech shootings.

City looks to improve schools with new budget

Charlottesville City Council members discussed their hopes to improve district schools and make housing more affordable in the coming year following the recent budget approval. The Council approved a 2007-08 fiscal budget of about $122 million April 10, which includes $4.3 million allocated for improvements to Charlottesville City Schools. Council member David Norris said the school system has experienced high turnover in superintendents recently and noted that the Council wants to assist academic programs implemented by Rosa S.

University meal plan rates slated to increase for upcoming academic year

On the menu for next year is a little less dough in University students' pockets after the Board of Visitors recently approved an average meal plan rate increase of 4½ percent. The rate increases, which differ for each type of meal plan, amount to a $40 to $150 increase. According to the Board's summary, about 8,400 University students purchased a meal plan for the 2006-07 school year. The University currently contracts with Aramark to provide dining hall services.

Honor plans to focus on outreach

Community outreach, faculty education and Semester at Sea may become the most talked-about issues for the Honor Committee in the next year. As this school year winds down, the Committee is looking ahead to a new semester and a new class of students and faculty who will need to be introduced to the honor system. The Committee plans to use the faculty survey completed last semester to gain a sense of community understanding of and involvement with the system. "It will have sweeping effects for our committee," Honor Chair Ben Cooper said.