News

Honor Committee to create faculty advising program

The Honor Committee's Faculty Advisory Committee and the Diversity Advisory Board updated the Committee on their outreach efforts to faculty and students at last night's meeting. Faculty Advisory Committee Chair Adam Trusner announced the creation of a faculty contact program consisting of faculty members from different schools within the University who will serve as peer advisers to other faculty in their departments.

Officials explain low voter turnout

Most City of Charlottesville voters stayed away from the polls on Election Day, with only about a quarter of registered voters choosing to cast a ballot.

And All that Jazz

Lawnies react to tailgate concerns

Lawn residents met yesterday afternoon to discuss their role in upholding the standards of the Lawn community with regard to the ban University officials recently placed on Lawn tailgates before the Virginia Tech game.

Report suggests need for AP, IB program improvement

A report released Friday by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute examined the effectiveness of the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs in educating high school students, citing room for improvement in the areas of history and mathematics. According to the institute's communications director, Jeff Kuhner, the purpose of the study was essentially "to do an overview of the AP and IB programs and see if they deserve the reputation they have in the wider public." Researchers examined four core areas of study: biology, English, mathematics and history, with each area receiving a grade based on courses' content, rigor and clarity.

Students react to 'not gay' chant

A resurgence of the "not gay" chant during renditions of the "Good Ol' Song" at home football games has elicited a strong response from students who find the practice offensive. Student response came to a head at the Nov.

New Va. voter database may pose problems

Despite updates to the current Virginia Election and Registration Information System, several area registrars have voiced concerns about the system's ability to function adequately. The Help America Vote Act was passed in 2002, requiring states to have an interactive voter database, Charlottesville General Registrar Sheri Iachetta said.

A Change in Sight

Disorder prompts ban on Lawn tailgates for Virginia Tech game

In reaction to unruly behavior on the Lawn before the Wake Forest football game, University administrators in conjunction with the Lawn resident advisor have decided to prohibit Lawn tailgates before next week's Virginia Tech football game.

Rainfall prompts Kaine to lift statewide burn ban

Gov. Tim Kaine's office lifted the statewide ban on open burning yesterday after widespread drought conditions were mitigated by rainfall throughout the Commonwealth. The ban was issued Oct.

Rate of on-site injury higher for public sector workers

The private sector experienced a lower rate of workplace-related injuries and illnesses than the local government in 2006, according to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's annual report.

Mayor Brown opts not to seek re-election

After four years as mayor of Charlottesville, David Brown has decided not to run for re-election.

GIVING THANKS

Med School to partner with EVMS

The University Medical School expects to see research opportunities expand thanks to a new partnership with the Eastern Virginia Medical School. University researchers will benefit from access to the large number of residents who live in eastern Virginia via the EVMS partnership, according to Ronald Turner, associate dean for clinical research at the University. "One of the weaknesses that we see is we have a small patient population," Turner said.

Scientists create hydrogen-storing material

University Assoc. Physics Prof. Bellave Shivaram and graduate student Adam Phillips have developed a mixture of metals and carbon that is said to absorb a record-breaking amount of hydrogen.

Clemons construction to improve outdoor study space, repair roof

Although construction on Clemons Library is expected to restore the third-floor roof and improve study space in the plaza adjacent to the library's entrance, students have expressed mixed reactions to the project. The project, which began during Homecomings weekend, will include "replacing the roof membrane to secure the room below the terrace from any leaks," according to University Landscape Architect Mary Hughes.

Shooting on Gordon elicits city, U.Va. police response

Charlottesville and University police responded to a shooting reported early Wednesday morning near the intersection of 11th Street and Gordon Avenue.

A Student's Right to Register

Though the most recent local election was only a week ago, the Center for Politics and local officials are already urging students to participate in the 2008 presidential and state elections through a provision that allows University students to register to vote locally rather than in their hometowns.

StudCo focuses on CIO assets

Student Council approved a resolution last night that aims to hold contracted independent organizations accountable for the money they spend. The resolution expresses support for the creation of an asset management system that will enable Council's Board of Audit and Management to classify and assess assets that CIOs accumulate through the use of Student Council-allocated Student Activities Fee.

Police make arrests in homicide of University alumna

Two men were apprehended and charged with capital murder early yesterday morning in connection with the homicide of University alumna Jayne McGowan, according to Ric Barrick, director of communications for the City of Charlottesville.