One of the most appealing features of the University of Virginia is the vibrancy of its student organizations. Indeed, even as a graduate student, I've found myself drawn to student organizations on Central Grounds. Many of the University's most venerable traditions have their roots in student organizations. Prestigious student groups such as the Honor Committee, University Judiciary Committee and The Cavalier Daily have had a profound and enduring role in shaping the University's culture.
Given this, I am somewhat surprised and concerned that the University does not support or encourage involvement in student organizations in as substantive a way as some other peer institutions do. Many students spend hours on end working with student organizations during their University career, with little to tangibly show save for a line on their resume.
Some would say that's enough; after all, the rewards of student involvement should be personal, not material. Well, not really, if you ask me.
In fact, the University's lack of concrete recognition of an individual's active involvement in student organizations is a deficiency which ought to be remedied. Additionally, I would say that the University should go one step further and reward students for their involvement in such organizations. In this spirit, I offer three suggestions for consideration.
First, the University should grant a half credit per semester for active involvement in a recognized student organization, with a maximum of one academic credit per semester. This is not a new idea - merely a revival
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