News

Prof. Sabato unveils new global democracy program

Politics Prof. Larry Sabato, who also serves as director of the University?s Center for Politics, presented the center?s new international initiative ? called the Global Perspectives on Democracy program ? last week in London.Sabato stated in an e-mail that he and the center created the program ?to assist marginalized citizens in particular, in utilizing the tools of their democracy to better appreciate the system and benefit more directly from it.?He stated the center wanted to try and expand its initiatives to other countries through this program.?We focus a great deal of our time and effort on government and politics in the United States,? Sabato stated, but added that he?s ?never imagined [the Center for Politics?] mission as being limited just to this country.?Although the center has participated in other global outreach programs, such as the Youth Leadership Initiative, Sabato stated that he hopes the new program will help increase the center?s international outreach, making it possible for interested parties to better explore pressing political issues around the globe.?The Center for Politics exists to teach people how to actively engage in politics and government,? Sabato stated.

University revamps sirens

The Office of Emergency Preparedness recently upgraded the University?s siren system and tested it during Spring Break, Director of Emergency Preparedness Marge Sidebottom said.Sidebottom said there was nothing functionally wrong with the old system.?It?s the same system, it?s just broadcast over a different frequency,? Sidebottom said.The new frequency, UHF, is licensed and owned by the University, unlike the old VHF frequency.?We wanted to use what we already had in place,? Sidebottom said.Sidebottom noted that her office also tested the new frequency during Spring Break to keep the sirens from disrupting University life.

Student Systems Project aims to teach students about new ISIS replacement

Capital campaign remains on track despite economy

Despite the increasingly troubled economic climate, the University?s ?Knowledge is Power? capital campaign remains on track, said Alison Traub, assistant vice president for development and director of the campaign.The University started the campaign in 2006 with an original goal of raising $3 billion during the course of three years, $1.865 billion of which already has been met through gifts and pledges, Traub said.

Study reveals housing markets mostly stable

A recent study conducted by University Urban and Environmental Planning Prof.

Partnership creates online database

The University Library and the Heritage Microfilm Company recently teamed to make Alderman Library?s international newspaper microfilm collection available in a searchable online database.

Research indicates water flowed on Mars

An ongoing study headed by Environmental Studies Prof. Alan Howard recently determined that water flowed across the surface of Mars for at least a period of 10,000 total, non-consecutive years.The study, which has been running for more than a year, involves an investigation of the amount of water and precipitation early in Mars? history, Howard said.

Length of time abroad may not affect students

The length of study abroad trips does not affect the degree to which students become globally engaged later in life, according to a study presented at the Forum on Education Abroad, held Feb.

Hospital renovation, cancer center construction begins

The University Hospital will soon begin a series of long-planned renovations and construction projects, including the continued construction of the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center and the addition of 72 private rooms to the hospital, Chief of Environmental Care Tom Harkins said.The hospital also is planning for a new pediatric outpatient facility, as well as a bridge over Lee Street connecting the hospital to the new cancer center, which will serve as an outpatient clinical cancer facility, Harkins said.He noted that a significant number of renovations will take place inside the main University Hospital building, including the refurbishment of all patient rooms, a major renovation to the radiology suite and the construction of new operating rooms and nine new procedure rooms for interventional cardiology.

Voting bill fails to pass Va. House

A bill that would have simplified voter registration for Virginia college students was voted down in a House of Delegates subcommittee Friday afternoon.Sen.

Obama team names Cannon to EPA

Barack Obama?s presidential administration announced Monday that it plans to nominate University Law Prof.

Prepaid tuition plan extends deadline

The Virginia College Savings Plan extended its deadline Monday for families to enroll in the Virginia Prepaid Education Program to March 15 because of an increase in the number of families enrolling in the program.

Environmental Science Dept.notices increased popularity

The University?s environmental science department ? now in its 40th year of existence ? and major program has seen significant growth and diversification in the past several years because of factors including increased participant interest and a growing curiosity among students in the department?s lower-level classes, chair Joseph Zieman said.

Council debates ITC outsourcing decision

University students attending last night?s Student Council meeting debated the relative merits and downsides of the Information Technology and Communication office?s proposal to phase out student consultants later this year.Student Information Technology Consultant Seth Kaye spoke out against ITC?s proposal.?The physical support that we offer here on Grounds and in libraries like Clemons and Alderman ... can?t be solved over the phone,? Kaye said.Kaye also noted that the introduction of new computing systems at the University, such as the Student Information System, which will replace ISIS, will result in an influx of help requests.

McAuliffe talks energy, business

Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and a Democratic candidate for the 2009 Virginia gubernatorial race, held a roundtable discussion yesterday in the University?s Kaleidoscope room in Newcomb Hall.

Student Council denies additional funds for Virginia Women

Student Council heard an appropriations appeal from the Virginia Women?s Chorus last night to provide additional funding for the group?s upcoming trip to the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., but voted to uphold the Appropriation Committee?s decision to decline the request.Chorus members Kelly McVicar, a third-year College student and Gabby Garcia, a student in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, said the money requested would have funded additional hotel expenses.?We were granted $162 per room and we?re asking for the remainder of $200 per room,? McVicar said, adding that the organization is completely student funded.

Image Awards honor students

The Office of African-American Affairs, the Black Leadership Institute and the Black Student Alliance hosted the University?s second annual Image Awards last night in the Newcomb Hall Ballroom.The event ? which third-year College student Kadeem Cooper said ?really brought together our community? ? was meant to recognize University students and faculty members for their expressed commitment to the University?s black population and conclude Black History Month celebrations.

Students elect Nelson Council President

Third-year College student John Nelson officially was named the next Student Council president last night, while second-year College student Colin Hood and second-year Engineering student Nikhil Panda also secured positions on Council?s executive committee.?I?m very excited,? Nelson said.

New Honor, Judiciary reps hope to improve outreach

Representatives for the University?s two sanctioning bodies were named last night, as a week of both contested and uncontested elections came to a close.Third-year students Mary Siegel, JJ Litchford, Robert Atkinson, Alex Carroll and Jennifer Newsome were elected as the Honor Committee?s College representatives last night, while third-year students Pev Ahdout and Greg Corkran and second-year student William Bane were chosen as College University Judiciary Committee representatives.While one of the most common goals the new representatives share is maintaining transparency and communication between the two committees and students, many of the newly elected members also have specific goals of their own.?My goal since the very beginning has been to make UJC respond more to students? needs and make students feel like they have ownership over the committee,? Ahdout said.

Students reject multiple-sanction honor referendum

Student voters rejected the referendum to create a multiple-sanction honor system, as seventy percent of total voters voted against the referendum, while only 28 percent voted for it.Hoos Against Single Sanction proposed the initial referendum, which sought to implement a system of less strict sanctions, such as suspension from the University, in conjunction with the current single sanction, in which the only punishment is expulsion.