News

Language classes for SEAS expand

Faculty members and students from various organizations met last night to discuss study abroad and foreign language opportunities in the Engineering School that are part of a recent initiative encouraging Engineering students to gain international experience. Sponsored by the Engineering School International Programs Office, the University's International Studies Office and Student Council's Academic Affairs Committee, the meeting highlighted the need for Engineering students to share the same international opportunities as students in the University's other undergraduate schools. Currently Engineering students' schedules are designed with little room for international travel, said Dana Elzey, associate professor of materials science and engineering.

U.Va. hospital performs first intestinal transplant

Nearly six months after undergoing the University Health System's first-ever intestinal transplant surgery, Courtney Wagner of Monterey, Va.

RAIN, RAIN DON'T GO AWAY...

Police assess pedestrian safety

After an increase in car accidents involving pedestrians during the past year, Charlottesville Police and University Police are working together to increase pedestrian safety.

UTS representatives seek student input for new transportation plan

Tired of waiting for the bus? Representatives of University Transit Service addressed a small group of bus riders and drivers at a forum last night, introducing plans for new transit services and facilitating discussion about the current public transportation system.

U.S. Senate approves student mental health information amendment

Following investigations of the April shootings at Virginia Tech, the United States Senate unanimously approved an amendment to an appropriations bill requesting updated standards for the transmission of student mental health information to law enforcement officials.

peruvian pumpkins

U.Va. dominates Crimson War Blood Drive

Who says war never solves anything? The University Inter-Fraternity Council led the Greek-sponsored Crimson War Blood Drive against the University of Maryland last week, resulting in another defeat for the Terrapins.

University feels water pressure

In the wake of Gov. Tim Kaine's announcement last week that 93 Virginia counties and 34 cities are considered federal disaster areas because of drought, University officials are attempting to find creative ways to decrease water usage. Though their efforts have been commended by some independent organizations, members of student environmental groups on Grounds say there is still more to be done, especially in the area of informing students about the drought. A thirsty past Droughts are not new to Virginia.

Student arrested in case of Fayerweather Hall vandalism

University Police arrested fourth-year College student Zechariah Jones yesterday for an act of vandalism committed Oct.

University feels water pressure

In the wake of Gov. Tim Kaine's announcement last week that 93 Virginia counties and 34 cities are considered federal disaster areas because of drought, University officials are attempting to find creative ways to decrease water usage. Though their efforts have been commended by some independent organizations, members of student environmental groups on Grounds say there is still more to be done, especially in the area of informing students about the drought. A thirsty past Droughts are not new to Virginia.

U.Va. to alter employee health insurance policies

Come January, University employees will receive several new health care benefits. As part of an effort to increase the number of participants in the University's low-premium health care plan, the Board of Visitors also approved the reduction of low-premium prices and the increase of high-premium plan pricing. Under these new provisions, for example, the monthly insurance rate for a family decreases from $129 to $116 under the low-premium option and increases from $290 to $299 under the high-premium option. The low-premium plan, which is fairly new to the University, had 828 members in 2006 as opposed to the high-premium plan's 11,290 participants. "We think the low-premium plan is a good deal for our employees and we're trying to encourage more people to take advantage of that," said Susan Carkeek, vice president and chief human resource officer.

StudCo tables plan for new board

Student Council efforts to create a Rules and Ethics Board were delayed at last night's meeting because of concern about the selection process of the Board's members.

Tour to offer new view of civil rights

Many people may consider the civil rights movement to be a topic discussed in history class; however, History Prof.

UTS considers altering bus routes to enhance service

A revision-minded University Transit Service is in the driver's seat and is now set to start down the road to some significant route and schedule changes. According to Rebecca White, director of Parking and Transportation, UTS is planning alterations to its routes, schedules and service intended to be implemented by fall 2008. White said the proposed changes stem from five main issues such as a need to update routes and address traffic delays. "Number one, the blue-orange, the primary route that serves students, has not been revised since 1985," White said.

TALK TIME WITH DEAN RYAN

Charlottesville to see hike in Comcast prices

Comcast, the sole provider of cable in the Charlottesville area, will increase cable and Internet rates for its customers, effective Nov.

Free flu shots available to U.Va. employees

Beginning yesterday and continuing through Nov. 9, the University will offer free flu shots to its benefits-eligible employees, according to Susan Carkeek, vice president and chief human resource officer. Carkeek explained that full-time and half-time University employees who have health care plans through the University will be able to receive the free vaccinations.The only other vaccinations the University offers its employees at no cost are those for faculty members traveling internationally on sabbaticals, Carkeek explained.

walking for uganda

Beta Bridge may see paint removal

Following the recent collapse of layers of paint from Beta Bridge, University Facilities Management is currently deciding whether to remove all paint layers from the historic student canvas. According to Richard Hopkins, landscape superintendent of Facilities Management, the layers of paint fell off the bridge earlier this semester because of improper painting in the past. Analysis revealed there is a layer of green paint that never properly adhered on the ease side of the bridge, according to Hopkins.