News

Upward Bound program faces possible elimination

Upward Bound, a federally funded college preparatory program for low income students, may be cancelled if the 2006 federal budget passes in its current form. The program is non-partisan and exists at approximately 800 public universities across the country, including the University. "The program helps low-income, first-generation and disabled high school students to go on to higher education," said Maurice Walker, Upward Bound program coordinator at the University. The University's chapter works with 12 high schools in Central Virginia, enrolling 75 students during the academic year and 60 students during the summer. According to Leah Puryear, Upward Bound program director at the University, the proposed federal budget does not set aside any funding for the program.

Better living through biology

There is a disturbing trend in biological research toward not just correcting disorders, but attempting to enhance certain human characteristics that are perceived as advantageous.

Council begins I.D. initiative

The University's plan to replace Social Security numbers as forms of student identification is underway.

University hosts research conference

Undergraduate researchers from around the world are gathering at the University this week to share their soon-to-be-published papers. The Universitas 21 Undergraduate Research Conference began yesterday with a welcoming by University Vice President and Provost, Gene Block. Each day of the four-day conference will offer eight to ten presentations within one of four areas of study, including public health, medical science, social science and sciences including physics, chemistry, engineering and math. Before speaking, Block expressed gratitude for the University having the opportunity to host the conference. "We're gratified that the group decided to meet here," he said.

Kilgore announces platform regarding education

Yesterday, former Attorney General and current presumptive Republican gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore announced his proposal for a Virginia Advanced Research Alliance. "I hope to see in the future Virginia businesses locating at or around colleges and universities and partnering with those colleges and universities," Kilgore said.

Reforming the system

The following four-part series chronicles the experiences of former University student Kathryn Russell, who, after accusing a fellow student of sexual assault in February of 2004, brought charges up with the University Sexual Assault Board.

Higher ed. restrucuturing passes

The Virginia General Assembly wrapped up this year's legislative session yesterday, approving Gov.

LOST?

Rec. facilities attract prospectives

The finalized Aquatic Fitness Center and the John Paul Jones arena are not only state-of-the-art recreational resources for students, but also recruiting tools for the University. CNN recently reported that universities are increasingly using campus recreational facilities, or future plans for them, to appeal to prospective students. According to the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, 75 percent of college students in 700 of the NIRSA member schools surveyed participate in some sort of recreational activity.

Free speech protected in teachers' disciplines

In an era when political correctness concerns reign supreme, a university must be careful to protect faculty members' rights to academic freedom, as well as the interests of the institution at large. This winter, the University of Colorado faced a compromising predicament when Department of Ethnic Studies Prof.

Academic 'bill of rights' laws spreading

The University has a long-standing reputation of being a conservative Southern school located in the heart of Virginia -- a state that continually votes Republican in presidential elections.

Inside the hearing

The following four-part series chronicles the experiences of former University student Kathryn Russell, who, after accusing a fellow student of sexual assault in February of 2004, brought charges up with the University Sexual Assault Board.

'Green' roof to atop new Comm School

What may appear to some students as a rooftop garden is an attempt by the University to be environmentally-friendly. University Architect David J.

Warner proposes permanent BOV commission

The Virginia General Assembly may authorize the creation of a permanent non-partisan commission today which would appoint members to the University's Board of Visitors. The independent commission already exists in a temporary form as created by Gov.

University retention rates remain higher than peers

With current high school seniors receiving admissions letters this week, colleges and universities nationwide are seeking to increase the retention rates of incoming students, The Washington Post reported yesterday. According to Dean of Students Penny Rue, the University continues to graduate students at a higher rate than its peer institutions. The University graduates 92 percent of its students in six years, which is a greater percentage than six of the University's peer institutions, including Boston College and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, according to College Results, a company that analyzes college retention rates. "We look for students who will come to the University and will become involved in the life of the University," Dean of Admissions John Blackburn said. Blackburn pointed out the correlation between the increase in the selectivity of the University and an increase in student retention rates. "We accept really bright students who can do the work," Rue said. Once students enter the University, however, the effort to encourage them to stay begins in earnest through residential and mentoring programs, Rue said. "The mentoring programs we have are strong," she said.

University to increase parking fees in May

The University Department of Parking and Transportation has decided to increase parking fees, beginning in May. Fees for the permits for premium reserved spots and parking on Grounds, which usually are purchased by University faculty and staff, will increase $5 per month.

Council vote passes I.D. alternatives

At its meeting last night, Student Council passed a bill to implement alternative forms of student identification.

Prosecuting the case

The following four-part series chronicles the experiences of former University student Kathryn Russell, who, after accusing a fellow student of sexual assault in February of 2004, brought charges up with the University Sexual Assault Board.

University buys additional housing

The University recently acquired three apartment complexes in an effort to increase on-Grounds housing for upperclassmen. The purchase of the University Forum Apartments, located off Ivy Road, and apartment complexes located at 411 Brandon Avenue and 405 Valley Road will add a combined 261 beds to the University Housing Division. The University purchased the University Forum Apartments for $6.95 million.

Grad programs earn top ranks

University graduate programs in law, business, history and English performed particularly well in the annual U.S.