News

Miller Center receives $2 M

The University's Miller Center of Public Affairs announced its acceptance of an unrestricted gift of $2 million from John and Rosemary Galbraith Friday. John Galbraith said in a press release that he hoped his donation -- the largest gift in the Center's history -- would play an important role in helping the Miller Center carry out its academic mission. The donation is "a vote of confidence in the fine work of the Miller Center," Galbraith said in a press release.

Expanded greek week focuses on community

Greeks around Grounds are hoping for victory against Maryland for more than one reason this week.

TRICK OR TREAT

UNC-Charlotte to offer

While the University recently crowned its own "U.Va. Idol," the University of North Carolina at Charlotte now is offering a course called "Examining 'American Idol' Through Musical Critique" after two North Carolina natives, Clay Aiken and Fantasia Barrino, won fame on the show. Beginning in January, students enrolled in the three-credit elective course will watch the television show twice a week and create their own rating system to judge contestants.

College to unveil new waiting-list procedure

The Course Offering Directory is out, and students are already preparing to grapple with ISIS and the perennial game of musical chairs that is class registration.

Report evaluates fairness in honor

Disparate rates of case initiations against certain groups of students but an unbiased trial process still result in a disproportionate number of international students, African-American students, male students and athletes being dismissed from the University for honor offenses, according to a Faculty Advisory Committee report released by the Honor Committee last night. The two committees conducted a statistical analysis of honor initiations and convictions between 1998 and 2003 last spring.

Adderall: a prescription drug for a reason

Last week was absolutely ridiculous. With four exams in five days, by the end of the week, I was at my wit's end.

Council proposes late-night bus route

A bus route proposed by Student Council would run from 12:30 a.m. to 3:20 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. The "Holiday Route" would service North Grounds, first-year dorms, JPA and the 14th Street/Rugby Road area.

Voters pass clean energy referendum

Polls for the fall student elections closed Wednesday at midnight. Ten percent of the entire student body logged online to select representatives to fill vacant positions and approve a referendum on renewable energy. "The elections went smoothly this year," University Board of Elections Chair Steve Yang said. Voter turnout decreased slightly from that of last fall's elections.

Employees adopt forum for dialogue

University employees will follow in students' footsteps next semester with the establishment of a Sustained Dialogue group specifically designed to open lines of communication among diverse groups of faculty and staff. Instructional Technology Manager John Alexander established the group along with Rachel Saury, director of the Center for Instructional Technology, and Daisy Rodriguez, assistant dean for Asian/Asian Pacific American students.

Students head to battleground states

In a last-ditch attempt to garner support for their respective candidates, both the University Democrats and the College Republicans are voyaging to the swing state of Pennsylvania, where the race for president currently is regarded as a dead heat. The University Democrats will be stationed in Pittsburgh, Pa., while the College Republicans first will arrive in Harrisburg, Pa., before "fanning out around the state," according to College Republicans President Ali Ahmad. The University Democrats, in conjunction with Cavs for Kerry, plan to bring about 50 students to partner with the organization PA Victory '04 in its get-out-the-vote efforts. "Pennsylvania has 21 electoral votes, and it's a really close election that's going to be a nail-biter no matter what," said University Democrats President Ally Gold.

Film festival kicks off with art gallery gala

The Virginia Film Festival began last night with the 17th annual Opening Night Gala at the University's Bayly Art Museum. The gala officially launches a festival for which ticket sales have dramatically increased this year. "Comparing Internet ticket sales from this year to last year, which was a comparable year, we have done twice as much," said Logan Byers, the Virginia Film Festival box office manager.

IN THE GROOVE

The Belly Dance Club performs in McLeod Hall last night at a concert benefiting Alternative Spring Break and the United Way.

Sabato's crystal ball predicts tight race

If the presidential election were held today, the breakdown of battleground states would probably give President George W.

Top hospital specialists recognized

Three new doctors from the University Medical Center were included in the recently published 2004 America's Top Doctors guide to specialists. Compiled and published by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., the book also includes 45 other previously listed University specialists.

Cell phone usage linked to tumor in Swedish study

Your mother may be right: Too much time on the phone may be detrimental to your health. A recent Swedish study shows that people who use mobile phones for more than 10 years could increase their risk of developing a tumor, University Wire reported.

Officials say voting machines ready

The Nov. 2 elections in the City of Charlottesville will be the sixth election to feature computerized eSlate voting systems, which were originally purchased by the city in order to accommodate handicapped voters. The eSlate takes the place of traditional lever or punch-card machines by providing a large electronic screen that can be manipulated with a wheel at the base of the machine. By turning the system's selection wheel, the voter then highlights election choices and presses a button to vote.

Albemarle County starts fund to buy new police dog

After the recent shooting of Albemarle County police dog Ingo, the Albemarle County Police Foundation has begun a fund to bring a new dog to the force, WINA Radio reported. Ingo was shot in the line of duty by alleged burglar Robert Lee Cooke of Goochland Sunday on Reservoir Road.

ROCKING THE WEST RANGE

To celebrate the opening of the University's new West Range Cafe, located near Garrett Hall, WNRN 91.9 radio visited the new dining location to play music and offer prizes to some lucky students.

U.Va. complies withVa. buying standards

The University now is in full compliance with new procurement requirements set by Virginia Gov. Mark R.