The University reported a slight increase in the number of black students who enrolled with this year's first-year class, even as many other universities reported a significant drop.
Of the 3,096 members of the Class of 2008, 288, or 9.3 percent, are black, compared to 273 of 3,101 students in 2003 (8.8 percent) and 289 of 2,999 students in 2002 (9.6 percent).
Nationwide, however, the Washington Post reported Monday that many schools, including several public flagship universities, enrolled significantly fewer black students this year than in 2003.
At the University of Michigan, which following a May 2003 Supreme Court decision continues to use race as a factor in admissions but does not award extra points to minority applicants, 350 of 5,730, or 6.1 percent, of this year's freshman students are black, compared to 410 of 5,333, or 7.7 percent, last year. According to the Post, the percentage of applications submitted by black students dropped 28 percent, from 1,868 to 1,337.
Many other universities, including Penn State University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Ohio State University also reported significant decreases, according to the Post.
The University of Maryland also did not experience a decline. Black students account for 12.3 percent of this year's freshman class, compared to 12.9 percent a year ago and 11.7 percent two years ago.
Read More
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | 6 hours agoSheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 22 hours agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
Two senior U.Va. Health leaders quietly take new jobs without formal announcement
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoKibbe’s departure marks the end of an ongoing battle between U.Va. Health employees and their senior leadership.
