News

Manta ray vehicle research nets hefty Navy grant

A University professor recently received a U.S. Office of Naval Research grant valued at about $6.5 million for her research on a proposed underwater vehicle with similarities to a manta ray. Hilary Bart-Smith, a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor, who received the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative Program grant last month, said she and her team of researchers from the University, West Chester University and Princeton University, are trying to create an unoccupied vehicle that will imitate a manta ray in its movement.

Medical Center, Culpeper hospital may join forces

The University Medical Center and Culpeper Regional Hospital have taken initial steps toward a new partnership slated to begin in January 2009. "We've established a statement of shared values and principles and we have both signed [a] letter of intent about what we want to do," said R.

Magazines rank Charlottesville a top business city

If you're looking to start a new business or pursue a new career, the City of Charlottesville is one of the best places to be, according to recent rankings released by Fortune Small Business and Forbes magazines.

Census shows increase in homeless population

The homeless population in the Thomas Jefferson Planning District has increased 12 percent? during the past year, with an increase of 109 percent in the number of children reported homeless, according to census results released by the Thomas Jefferson Area Coalition for the Homeless this week. According to the results, 231 adults and their 46 dependent children were reported homeless by shelters in the City of Charlottesville and surrounding areas when the census was taken in January. This is the sixth year a homelessness census has been issued by TJACH and other service organizations in the area, said Jeffrey Cornelius, homeless management information systems administrator of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission.

City Council votes to limit building heights downtown

The City Planning Commission of the City of Charlottesville passed a proposal yesterday to rezone several Downtown districts and limit the height of buildings in the area, a decision that could affect off-Grounds housing options for University students. The proposal divides the Downtown area into three districts: the Downtown Corridor, the Water Street Corridor and the South Street Corridor.

StudCo debates new committee

Last night Student Council proposed resolutions that would create an Ad-Hoc Committee on International Student Affairs to research issues and problems that impact international students at the University as well as an ad-hoc committee to organize a University Unity Project. "If you look around Grounds you will see international students are a unique group, and currently there is not a mechanism to voice their concerns and effect change," former Council Rep.

Student groups debate political issues

As the 2008 presidential election approaches, the University Programs Council and the argHOOers, a student debate group, sponsored a debate between the College Republicans and the University Democrats last night.

Tossing around the old pigskin

Profs. impact withdrawals

First-year college students are more likely to withdraw from school if they take large introductory classes from part-time or adjunct professors, according to the results of a new study. Audrey Jaeger, assistant professor of higher education at North Carolina State University , and University of California, Los Angeles graduate student M.

April Showers may Bring Flowers

Jefferson Trust announces grants to be awarded to several institutions

The third annual Jefferson Trust grant recipients were announced Friday, with a total $470,000 to be dispersed among various University schools, departments and organizations. Jefferson Trust Executive Director Michael Clarke?

Council holds public hearing to deliberate allocation of budget

Charlottesville City Council held its second and final public hearing last night regarding its plans for the 2008-09 city budget.

Athletic department leading fundraising initiative

The athletic department is a leading player in meeting fundraising goals for the University's Capital Campaign, while academic departments report they are satisfied with their progress toward similar fundraising goals. Each part of the University is responsible for a portion of the Capital Campaign, which intends to raise $3 billion by Dec.

Honor rejects change to transcript status

During last night's Honor Committee meeting, Committee members voted against a proposal to change the transcript status of students who leave the University admitting guilt from "Enrollment Discontinued" to "Withdrawn" and adopted two other proposals regarding investigation interviews and trial schedules. Josh Hess, outgoing vice chair for community relations, explained the transcript status proposal aimed to tackle several issues the Committee currently faces. "First there is a moral hazard that provides a powerful incentive to postpone trial, and it is irrational to LAG [leave admitting guilt] because you have some chance to be acquitted and gain more credits," he said. An incentive, however, does not exist for students to LAG, according to Brian O'Neill, outgoing vice chair for trials, because the notation of "Enrollment Discontinued" is noted on transcripts of students who LAG and of students found guilty at trial. O'Neill noted the cost of delaying trials is very minimal, saying the status change of "Withdrawn" would balance the costs, as it is the status given to University students leaving because of other circumstances, including medical, financial or psychological reasons. Graduate College Rep.

Lacrosse helmet protects student hit by local driver

A University student was hit by a car Friday morning at 12:21 on Gordon Avenue. The student, first-year College student Jacob Hallman, suffered only minor injuries. According to Charlottesville Police Sgt.

Delve into 2012

As about 3,000 admitted students prepare to swarm the University for Days on the Lawn, the University is reflecting on the impact of eliminating early decision admissions. Associate Dean of Admissions Gregory Roberts said the elimination of early decision admissions significantly changed the admissions process compared to last year, when of 6,273 admissions offers given, 965 -- or about one-third -- were awarded to early decision applicants.

Sunset Melodies

Students receive Goldwater scholarship

Two University students were among 321 students nationwide to receive the Goldwater Scholarship last week, an honor that recognizes undergraduate excellence and potential in mathematics, engineering and the natural sciences.

Diversity on rise for H.S. grads

A recent national study suggests racial diversity of high school graduating classes across the country is on the rise, indicating a projected increase in the number of Latino students graduating from high school while the overall number of high school graduates decreases.

Greek council elects new executive board

The new executive officers of the University's National Pan-Hellenic Council chapter were announced at a transition ceremony yesterday evening. Third-year College student Sabrina Mendez will serve as president of the University's NPHC chapter for the 2008-09 term, along with second-year College student Isaac Bawuah as executive vice president, second-year College student Brittany Collins as assistant vice president, third-year College student Lisa Allen as secretary and third-year College student Leslie Lambert as treasurer.