News

Higher Ed. on the High Seas

As students finalize summer plans, including travel and summer school, approximately 400 students from colleges nationwide anticipate an experience that will be a fusion of the two -- the Semester at Sea program. Administrators recently announced the faculty members who will accompany and instruct students and are finalizing plans for the first Semester at Sea program entirely run by the University. This summer, the University will send students sailing along the western coast of Central and South America.

Kaine declares state of emergency before ice storm Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency yesterday for the entire Commonwealth as a result of an impending ice storm, according to a press release issued by his office. The primary reason for the declaration of emergency is not to prepare the entire state for emergency but to free up resources by "facilitating the purchasing and deployment" when swift action is called for,said Bob Spieldenner, the director of public affairs at the Department of Emergency Management. It is estimated that the northern and western portions of the state will receive between one quarter and one half inch of ice accumulation.

Honor hosts forum on single sanction

Representatives from Hoos Against Single Sanction, Students for the Preservation of Honor and the Honor Committee debated options for changing the single sanction during a forum held by the Committee last night. Josh Hess, founder of Students for the Preservation of Honor, Rachel Carr, vice president of Hoos Against Single Sanction and Vice Chair for Trials Jay Trickett presented arguments for and against the single sanction, as well as alternative sanctioning systems such as informed retraction or multiple sanctions. "We wanted to discuss different proposals and examine the pros and cons," said Laura Holland, chair of Honor's single sanction ad hoc committee. Hess, who argued for the single sanction, admitted that the single sanction as a punishment is tough, and that emotional and intellectual frustration can result from it.

jack frost returns to grounds

Correction

The title of yesterday's article "Nine Va. Tech honor justices step down" was incorrect and should have read "Five Va.

Clarification

Yesterday's article "Honor reapportionment plan sent to ballot" reported that the proposal would run on the ballot for the last two days of the election, based on discussion at the meeting.

No honor investigations currently pending

The Honor Committee presented an overview Sunday of the low number of investigations it dealt with last month.

Report supports call for national database of academic records

The Lumina Foundation for Education, a private, independent foundation, recently released a report regarding the use of student unit record databases, or state records that contain information from college and university registrars on student enrollment.

UBE implements structural changes

The University Board of Elections is updating its election system by moving the endorsement process away from paper registration in favor of a streamlined online procedure.

Fire department explores potential gas leak over 10-block area

The Charlottesville Fire Department received a call at 4:18 p.m. yesterday alerting the department of a potential gas leak in the area of 14th Street. According to David Hartman, Charlottesville Fire Department battalion chief, several units were dispatched to the Corner to locate the source of the odor. While searching for the potential natural gas leak, Hartman said someone pulled the alarm at the old University Hospital because of a similar odor. "There is an odor around here that is going through a 10-block area," Hartman said. The department, with the help of other area law enforcement officials, investigated all buildings and storm sewers in the area but was unable to locate the source of the leak. "We've completed [the search] and could not find a particular source," Charlottesville Battalion Chief Peter Sweeney said. At press time, there were no other reports of suspicious odors after the initial two, Sweeney said. -- compiled by Andy Mullan

GW University raises tuition; yearly cost is reportedly highest in nation

George Washington University's Board of Trustees announced a 3.8 percent increase in tuition last week for undergraduates entering the university in the 2007-08 school year.

Memorial held at chapel for former BOV rector

A memorial service was held yesterday at the University Chapel for former University Rector Hovey Slayton Dabney, who died Friday from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, according to family members.

Study finds more women serving as college presidents

Harvard University announced the appointment of its first female president in the school's 371 year history this weekend.

Board of Visitors announces new student representative

The Board of Visitors announced its newly chosen student member and discussed the proposed School of Public Health at its final session of the month Friday. First-year Law student Carey Mignerey was selected during last week's executive session to serve as the Board's student member for the upcoming year. Born in Atlanta, Mignerey received his bachelor's in government and foreign affairs from the University in 2004.

Five Va. Tech honor justices step down

Amid constitutional controversy and issues surrounding efficiency and effectiveness within the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Honor System, former Associate Chief Justice Amanda Beringer was promoted to the position of chief justice, through what some have said is an unconstitutional action, following the resignation of former Chief Justice Greg Sagstetter.

Honor reapportionment plan sent to ballot

The Honor Committee voted last night to place a proposal on the spring ballot that would amend its constitution by adding two representatives from the College of Arts & Sciences to the Committee. The goal of the reapportionment proposal is to increase representation of students from the College so it is proportionate to increases in the College's enrollment.

ISC hosts sexual assault program

The Inter-Sorority Council and the University's Women's Center joined efforts to sponsor a sexual assault education program which was held this weekend.

Philip Morris donates $25M to U.Va.

The Board of Visitors announced a gift of $25 million granted to the University by Philip Morris USA in a press conference Friday. The gift will support tobacco research at the University on addiction and disease and represents "a significant deepening of the partnership" between the two institutions, according to Mike Szymanczyk, chairman and CEO of Philip Morris USA. Philip Morris USA gave the donation at the University's request, according to Brendan McCormick, senior director of corporate communications at Philip Morris USA. "Approximately $20 million will support research and projects at the University," Szymanczyk said.

U.Va. launches new program for employees

University Human Resources will institute a new 13-week employee development program beginning Feb.

Gallaudet sees federal rating improve despite 2006 protests

Despite student protests and a tumultuous change of leadership at Gallaudet University, the internationally known school for the deaf and hard-of-hearing recently received an improved rating of "adequate" performance from the Department of Education. The higher ranking has had a positive effect on the student body, according to Gallaudet spokesperson Mercy Coogan, who said students are "proud to be Gallaudet students." In October, Gallaudet students protested the selection of former Gallaudet Provost Jane K.