News

Pitt dropped Semester at Sea due to safety concerns

Though the University of Pittsburgh ended its affiliation with the Semester at Sea study abroad program because of ongoing concerns about safety, University officials say they have no problems with the program's health and safety procedures. In December, the University began its partnership with Semester at Sea, a study abroad program directed by the Institute for Shipboard Education where students from many universities can spend a semester studying aboard a cruise ship. William Brustein, the director of Pitt's University Center of International Studies, said safety concerns were the major reason for the break between Pitt and Semester at Sea. "As with many relationships, the parties moved apart," Brustein said.

StudCo candidates debate, field questions

The University Board of Elections sponsored Student Council candidate debates for the spring elections last night.

Law professor receives award

University law professor Caleb Nelson is this year's recipient of the Paul M. Bator Award from the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, an award that recognizes his contributions to the field of law as both a scholar and teacher. Nelson will receive the award at the society's annual student symposium, to be held at Columbia Law School Feb.

Honor, UBE dispute student population

A dispute over the definition of the term "student body" at the University has arisen in meetings of the Honor Committee and University Board of Elections in advance of spring elections where the issue dictates the prospective application of a referendum known as the "consensus clause" Josh Hess, a member of Students for the Preservation Honor, whih supports the consensus clause, said he recognized an incongruity between his percentages concerning student approval of the consensus clause and those previously given by the University Board of Elections. Specifically, Hess said he believes that 42 percent of the student body turned out in last spring's elections, not 32 percent as maintained by the UBE.

Sources say Cavs star Brooks off team this spring

Virginia football linebacker Ahmad Brooks, a 2004 All-American and Butkus Award candidate, failed a drug test within the past two weeks and will not be practicing with the team this spring, according to two sources close to the team.

Study suggests AP courses do not fully prepare students for college

Advanced Placement courses in biology, physics and chemistry do not prepare students for the rigors of introductory college courses, according to a survey conducted by Education Prof.

Honor seeks to provide info on referenda

The Honor Committee discussed possible methods of educating the student body on upcoming referenda Sunday night.

UBE publishes finalized spring referenda

With issues ranging from the wages of University employees and contractors to adding the word "triviality" in the Honor constitution, six spring referenda have been finalized and will appear on the ballot when polls open this Friday.

University among top recipients of private aid

Private contributions to universities around the nation have significantly increased in 2005, according to a survey conducted by the Voluntary Support of Education Institution of the Council of Aid to Education. The increase in donations was not the same across the board, the survey stated. While giving from private foundations and alumni increased, corporations were not as charitable to universities nationally, the survey found. Additionally, the survey reported that while the number of alumni providing voluntary support to colleges and universities decreased, the total amount of money given by alumni increased.

Faculty express concern over Semester at Sea

College Dean Edward Ayers is meeting this morning with the department chairs in the College of Arts & Sciences to discuss faculty concerns regarding the Semester at Sea program. In December, the University announced its partnership with Semester at Sea, a study abroad program that allows students to travel aboard a cruise ship to multiple locations throughout the world while taking courses. The meeting between faculty members and Ayers was partly in response to a declaration drafted by the Council of Chairs of Arts & Sciences expressing uncertainty over the academic integrity of the program.

Sources say Cavs star Brooks off team this spring

Virginia football linebacker Ahmad Brooks, a 2004 All-American and Butkus Award candidate, failed a drug test within the past two weeks and will not be practicing with the team this spring, according to two sources close to the team.

Colleges see higher levels of applications

While universities nationwide saw a spike in the number of freshman applicants seeking admission for the class of 2010, the University's applicant pool remained relatively stable, growing by 1.6 percent according to Admissions Dean John Blackburn. According to an article this past Monday in USA Today, some schools are recording as much as a 21 percent increase in applications, prompting admissions deans around the country to reduce the proportion of acceptances. "I can tell you the [University's] numbers are up slightly -- about 1.6 percent," for regular admissions, Blackburn said. For early decision, the number of applications received is not significantly different than last year, Blackburn added. Because of the modest increase in applications, Blackburn said he thinks getting into the University this year will be slightly more difficult. "Since we're going to be looking for the same size class, we will be slightly more selective," Blackburn said.

Equality in sacrifice?

Senate passes smoking ban

The Virginia Senate recently passed a bill which, if successful in the House of Delegates, would amend the current state Clean Air Act by prohibiting smoking in many indoor public places. According to Courtney Hyres, legislative aid to Sen.

Study explores graduate student success

A recent study found relationships with faculty have a large impact on students' success as graduate students, said Daniel Denecky, director of best practices at the Council of Graduate Schools. The findings were published by Michael T.

UJC votes to endorse hate referendum

The University Judiciary Committee voted unanimously last night to endorse a proposal that would increase sanctions against students convicted of hate-motivated violations of the Standards of Conduct. The proposed change to the UJC constitution will now be voted on by the student body in the spring elections. Should students approve the change, Article III, Section B of the UJC Constitution would add "Any violation of the University Standards of Conduct motivated by the age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation or veteran status of the victim will be deemed an aggravating circumstance, and will result in a more serious sanction up to, and including, expulsion from the University." Before the Committee made its decision, community members were given the opportunity to voice their opinions. "Hate crimes affect everyone.

Correction

The Feb. 16 News article "City consultants explore plans for improvements to Route 29" repeatedly misspelled the name of the town Ruckersville as "Rutgersville." The article on the Web site has been changed to reflect this correction.

College standardized tests considered

The Commission on the Future of Higher Education, recently appointed by the Bush administration, is discussing the implementation of standardized testing in universities and colleges. Gary Cox, a member of the State-National Information Network Advisory Committee, which is a cooperative member of National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, explained the commission's plans. "The objective would be to measure the success of students," Cox said. Officials have expressed differing views over whether or not it would be beneficial to use standardized testing to assess students' performance in colleges and universities. Bill Arceneaux, formally a board member of the NAICU, said he is adamantly opposed to the standardized testing and does not see any advantages in it. "You have schools of art, you have schools of design, you have music colleges.

University plans Latin American study abroad

In conjunction with faculty members from the Spanish department, the International Studies Office will be offering its first study abroad program in Costa Rica this summer. The six-credit course is directed at students who are hoping to complete their language requirements in Spanish 201 and 202.

Economics prof. testifies in front of Congress on new housing initiatives

University Economics Prof. Edgar O. Olsen presented testimony on low-income housing on Capitol Hill yesterday.