News

BSA elects new executive leadership board

The Black Student Alliance selected its 2003-2004 executive board in an election held in Clark hall last night. Third-year College student Myra Franklin was elected to serve as the organization's next president after three competing candidates removed themselves from consideration. Second-Year College student Vincent Pinkney used his allotted time to share his plans for the BSA with the assembly, but ultimately conceded his support to Franklin. "I will support your wholeheartedly," Pinkney said to Franklin, "provided you do the things you have promised to do." First-year student Aaron Smith, who also ran for president, said he felt he lacked Franklin's experience but hoped he would be considered for leadership positions in the future.

Future Resident Staff chosen for 2003-2004 year

Second-year College student Aisha Johnson eagerly checked her mail last week in anticipation of an offer to join the 2003-2004 Resident Staff, and her persistence was rewarded with an acceptance letter late last week. Johnson said she was accepted to be a Resident Advisor in the first-year dorms, but does not yet know in which dorm she will live in. Notices were mailed last Wednesday and those accepted must respond by Monday, according to Jason Shaffer, interim assistant dean of students. "We were looking for a successful role model and someone who is passionate about the University," Dean of Students Penny Rue said, citing the criteria for applicants.

Making the Grade

America's premier colleges and universities need to "come out of the closet" about grade inflation, according to Prof.

Region responds to Bush ultimatum

Following President George W. Bush's speech Monday night, Americans locally and nationwide are preparing for an increased domestic threat of terrorist activity due to the potential war in Iraq. The conflict in the Middle East poses a real threat for Americans at home, according to U.S.

NCAA will not postpone basketball tournament

NCAA President Myles Brand announced yesterday that tournament games will not be postponed due to an increasingly likely war in Iraq, ending several days of speculation over whether the NCAA and National Invitation Tournaments would be rescheduled. Following the Sept.

UJC seeks to educate students with Lawn days

In an effort to educate the University community about the judiciary process, members of the University Judiciary Committee will conduct an awareness campaign all this week, handing out information about issues that potentially will change the organization and answering questions about their effect on students. UJC members will be on hand on the Lawn several days this week to answer questions and provide information on changes in Virginia's hazing laws, as well as promoting the new mock sexual assault hearings. UJC has provided incentives to students to visit their tables this week by handing out green UJC t-shirts and cups on St.

MO LAUGHTER Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato faced off with the Daily Show's Mo Rocca last night before a crowded Old Cabell Hall.The event was sponsored by the Center for Politics.

Resolution advises P&T fee increase

Student Council unanimously approved a resolution last night which supports an increase in the comprehensive transportation fee.

Professors consider issues of fairness when deciding whether to curve exams

As the midterm season mercifully draws to a close and students enjoy the pre-finals lull, another group of people must spring into action - the graders. University professors and teaching assistants have numerous choices to make when grading, not the least of which is when, if ever, to use a curve. Associate Psychology Prof.

News In Brief

Women of Color Week begins with discussion panels and play The National Organization for Women began their "Women of Color Week" Saturday night with the play "Yo Soy Latina!" Event Coordinator Atima Omara-Alwala said the week's activities were planned to order to raise awareness, provide a forum for discussion, and encourage support for women of color. Sunday was Asian Women in Film Day.

Daily show satirist to match wits with Professor Larry Sabato

Mo Rocca, senior political correspondent for Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," will join Politics Prof.

Tech board resolution could limit assembly

In a closed session last week, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors unanimously approved a resolution that, if enacted, would prevent certain organizations from meeting on university property. Under the proposal, any person or group who endorses or has participated in acts of terrorism or domestic violence will be prohibited from holding events on campus.

'Fridays After Five' concerts to charge fee

Downtown Charlottesville's summer concert series, Fridays After Five, will charge admission to each of its concerts this spring for the first time in its 16-year history. Concertgoers will pay five dollars to see national bands and three dollars to see local bands.

Hospital reports success in half-year report

Figures for the first half of the 2003 fiscal year show solid financial improvement by the University's Medical Center compared to its performance in recent years and that of other academic hospitals.

Student groups discuss election endorsements

On Grounds organizations were an amplified presence in this semester's turbulent Student Council elections due to an increased number of endorsements and heightened campaigning by endorsing groups, according to elections officials. Six organizations, The Coalition, College Republicans, University Democrats, First Year Council, The Cavalier Daily and the Greek community representing the Multi-Cultural Greek Council, the Inter-Sorority Council, the Black Fraternal Council and the Inter-Fraternity Council, endorsed Student Council candidates with varying degrees of success. Candidates in contested races endorsed by the Coalition enjoyed a 71 percent success rate.

Frat party robbed at gunpoint Sunday

A joint fraternity party was robbed Sunday at the Sigma Pi house between 1:30 and 1:40 a.m. Alpha Phi Alpha, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma and Iota Phi Theta Fraternities, Inc. joined together to host the Saturday night party.

Students statewide react to Bush's plans for war

With President George W. Bush expected to make a final decision regarding war against Iraq later today, college students around the Commonwealth are taking part in debates, protests and vigils to make their voices heard on the divisive matter. "It's an old Texas expression, show your cards when you're playing poker," Bush said yesterday in a White House press release, alluding to the need for foreign leaders to declare their support or opposition for United States-led military action in Iraq. Sixty students at the College of William and Mary showed their cards against the war last week by engaging in an almost two-day-long fast that began at 8 a.m.

Police search for gunman

Albermarle Police are searching for a gunman who shot Deputy Steve Schifflect. Schifflect was shot in the abdomen while inspecting a suspicious car.

U.S. arrests Al-Qaida agent in Pakistan yesterday

Yassir al-Jaziri was on America's wanted list as a key terrorist and said to be a key subordinate of Osama Bin Laden.

Ludacris to perform at Spring Fling

The popular hip-hop artist Ludacris will perform at the University April 12 as a focal point for Spring Fling. Spring Fling is a series of events held annually for prospective African-American students and their families. The Lambda Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and PK German, a wing of the University Programs Council, are sponsoring the concert in an attempt to unify the community and to reach out to the visiting prospective students, group representatives said. The concert will be held at University Hall, beginning at 8 p.m.