News

City defers $21M bond over Beta House concerns

Charlottesville City Council has deferred the Jefferson Scholars Foundation's request for a $21 million revenue bond to build a graduate student center and office facility, citing an interest in preserving the city's architectural history. In February, the foundation purchased property from the University on which to build the center; however, the plot of land is home to the former Beta Theta Pi fraternity house, previously known as the Compton House.

Professor analyzes racist discourse found online

As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latino Student Union joined with Sur Magazine and La Alianza last night to host a speaker who warned against the pervasiveness of white supremacist discourse on the Internet.

Virginia Quarterly Review nominated for 'Eddie' award

For the third consecutive year, the Virginia Quarterly Review has been nominated for an "Eddie," an award given by Folio magazine for editorial excellence. The Virginia Quarterly Review defines itself, according to editor Ted Genoways, as a national journal of literature and discussion, merging traditional aspects of a literature magazine with other topics such as travel, music, art and science.

Slow start for text alert sign-up

Students, faculty and staff have been slow to enroll in the U.Va. Alerts program, a security measure designed to keep the University community safer by enhancing communication capabilities in the event of an emergency situation. Associate Dean of Students Bill Ashby said about 9,500 people have signed up for the service so far, out of about 33,000 who are eligible.

Student Council members approve annual budget

Student Council passed its annual budget at last night's meeting, providing an estimate of the amount of money Council committees and Council as a whole will spend this school year, "We can switch things later," Chief Financial Officer Jeff McLaughlin said.

We Come from Old Virginia?

Originally from Georgia, fourth-year Engineering student Matthew Goodhart has lived in Virginia independently since his first year.

Experts square off in troop surge debate

Only a week after Gen. David H. Petraeus, the senior American commander in Iraq, testified before members of Congress, military and political commentators visiting the University argued for and against the recent troop "surge" in the war-torn country.

Architecture graduate students receive national recognition

The American Society of Landscape Architects? recognized four Architecture School graduate students through its student awards program for their excellence in design and communications. Architecture graduate student Toshihiko Karato received the Award of Excellence in the General Design Category earlier this month for his project titled "Plugging In: Bringing the Stream Back to Watts." According to Jim Lapides, ASLA manager of public relations, this award is the society's highest honor. "It's a big honor to receive this award," Karato said, "I was really pleased to see that the project received some attention because landscape architecture can play an important role in impacting local communities." Karato said his project involved designing an environmental education center for a Washington D.C.

Community remembersAndrew Lane

Part-time College student Andrew Lane, 24, passed away Saturday in Staunton, Va. after battling Duchenne muscular dystrophy since the age of 3.

Student to face charges for false police report

University Police Chief Michael Gibson said charges will be filed against a University student for making a false police report. According to the Code of Virginia, filing a false police report can result in the sentencing of a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Gibson sent out a police alert Monday to the University community stating that a robbery had occurred "shortly after midnight near Brown College and Tucker residence hall." The e-mail provided brief descriptions of two suspects, as well as a list of "basic precautions" for students to follow. Several hours later, Gibson issued a retraction by e-mail, stating that "the University of Virginia Police Department has determined that the robbery incident reported on Sept.

'Rainy-day fund' causes budget storm

The Virginia General Assembly's decision about whether to use the Revenue Stabilization Fund to mitigate the effects of the Commonwealth's budget deficit could affect proposed budget cuts at Virginia higher education institutions, including the University. The Commonwealth's Revenue Stabilization Fund, a $1.2 billion reserve, often referred to by lawmakers as the "rainy-day fund," might be used to help cover part of a projected $640-million shortfall in the Commonwealth's two-year budget, Deputy Secretary of Finance Manju Ganeriwala explained. Gov.

University report reveals success of post-9/11 program

After Sept. 11, border security became a key priority in the United States, one that has been addressed effectively by the Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, according to a report released last week. The University's Center for Survey Research released the results of a study on the development and effectiveness of the program indicating that it has been "very effective," according to former CSR Director David E.

last colors of fall

Kaine looks to combat energy problems in Va.

In response to calls to make Virginia more environmentally friendly, Gov. Tim Kaine released a new state energy plan last Wednesday calling for changes that could both protect the environment and save Virginians money. Kaine's press aide, Jeff Tiller, said this plan is a response to the General Assembly's demand last year for a 10-year energy plan.

Members react to concerns about VPO

For the past six months, Student Council has quietly, but consistently, been dealing with a controversy surrounding the job performance of Vice President for Organizations Catherine Tobin.

Public calls for Beta House preservation

As the Beta Theta Pi house approaches its 94th anniversary, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is in the process of applying for its demolition.

Darden founding cosponsor dies at 87

Sture Gordon Olsson, one of the founding sponsors behind the Darden School and a devout patron of the University, died last week at the age of 87. University acquaintances remember Olsson as generous and amicable businessman with a strong, unwavering commitment to the University.

Students Begin Semester of Service

U.Va.'s Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health improves diagnostic of immune infertility

The University's Center for Research in Contraceptive and Reproductive Health recently made strides toward a better diagnostic of immune infertility, a condition which prevents many people from conceiving. Immune infertility occurs when the sperm is exposed to the immune system of either the male or female, according to Jagathpala Shetty, a researcher in the University's department of cell biology. "The immune system considers the sperm as foreign cells," Shetty said.

Outreach meeting sees low turnout

Last night's open Honor Committee meeting, aimed at generating discussion of Honor among first-years, saw a low turnout but valuable discussion, according to committee chairs.