News

Council urges changes to early decision policy

Last night Student Council unanimously passed a resolution to recommend replacing the University's early decision admissions policy with "Exclusive Early Action." The policy would allow prospective students a non-binding opportunity to apply early to the University. "I think this acts in the best interests of both students and the University," Representative Matt Straub said.

ISC finds Kappa, Theta not guilty of violations

After two separate trials last night, the Inter-Sorority Council found Kappa Kappa Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta sororities not guilty of violating the non-discrimination clause of their Fraternal Organization Agreement.

Night lightfor the Academical Village

Wayne Russell is a man not easily shaken from the task at hand. Even as a naked student on a bicycle rode down the center of the Lawn on a chilly late afternoon, Russell gave the incident little more than a shake of his head as he went about his work. There was no time to waste -- the University's second annual Lighting of the Lawn is just days away and Russell, the University's electrical maintenance supervisor, and his two man crew still have thousands of lights to hang before the switch can be thrown Thursday night at 9. Sponsored by the Fourth-Year Class Trustees, tomorrow evening's event is expected to draw somewhere around 4,000 University and community members.

Warner aims to maintain school funds

Gov. Mark R. Warner announced Monday that he will not cut state funding to Virginia's K-12 public schools in the budget he will unveil to the General Assembly on Dec.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Professor earns University $1.5 million from award In honor of his significant contributions to teaching and research, English Prof.

An exerpt from the poem that will be read this year by Men's Basketball Coach Pete Gillen at the lighting ceremony.

"Two Weeks Before Break" By Eston E. Melton IV & Brooke C. Bakun 'Twas two weeks before break and all through the Grounds People looked forward to their trips out of town. From TAs to first-years, professors and staff We yearned for a break from course-adding gaffes. But before we could leave and enjoy a nice rest We all had to survive a last round of tests. Wahoos a-plenty picked up all their books Off to Alderman Stacks they went for last looks But as we sat down, there arose such a clatter We put down our coffee to see what was the matter. And to our surprise, we all saw a great pit Inside of which the Rotunda would fit Unable to study with all of the din We ran off to Clemons, and tried to squeeze in. Alas, before long, people started to shout, "Evil!Fraud!Deception!My print quota's run out!" A few grabbed Cav Dailys to escape from frustration But the budget cut headlines gave no relaxation. From garages to drought to a hiring freeze, Their heads filled with anguish but got no reprieve. Since bookwork was out, we went out to a bar, But in putting back drinks, we didn't get very far; Wallets and purses were all a touch lighter: Tuition, you see, had inched a bit higher. "What a rotten semester," said one gal, irate. "Blame the administrators," offered her date. It didn't take long before word started to spread, "Out with Casteen!The BOV!We'll have all their heads! We traipsed up the Corner, all headed for home When someone caught sight of a jolly old gnome. He wore glasses and tweed and looked quite serene. "My gosh!" someone said."It's John T.

State raises prepaid tuition program rates

Rates for Virginia's Prepaid Education Program will go up by 25 percent for the enrollment period beginning Feb.

Burglars rob Fashion Square, flee from police

A burglary early Monday morning at Charlottesville's Fashion Square Mall left a mess of merchandise in the mall's parking lot and Albemarle county police searching for suspects. Albemarle County spokeswoman Lee Catlin said the burglars broke into three stores. "There's several thousand dollars worth of merchandise missing," Catlin said. Police believe that an undetermined number of individuals entered the mall through an unlocked door, possibly the door under construction next to the Red Robin restaurant. The burglars damaged display windows and took items from Sea Dream Leather and Foot Locker.

Officials seek student input on Morven Farms

The University administration is considering how to make use of more than 4,000 acres of farmland south of Charlottesville, and they've asked students and faculty for help. Administrators are asking faculty and students to submit proposals for how to use Morven Farms, the property donated in 2001 by University patron and media mogul John W.

IFC finds fraternities not guilty of misconduct

In separate trials yesterday, Zeta Psi and Kappa Alpha Order fraternities were found not guilty by Inter-Fraternity Council judges on charges of disorderly conduct following the controversy over a joint Halloween party in which several students were dressed in blackface.

Sniper trials to test Virginia terrorism law

Virginia's contribution to the generation of anti-terrorism laws passed in the wake of the Sept.

Supreme Court to review affirmative action

The Supreme Court announced yesterday that it will hear two cases that could provide a broad and decisive ruling on the future of affirmative action in higher education. The cases, Grutter v.

News In Brief

Authors sign on for Virginia Book Festival The ninth annual Virginia Festival of the Book, scheduled for March 18-23, announced last week the names of several authors who have agreed to participate. Novelists Lee Smith, Jill McCorkle and George Singleton will discuss Southern fiction at the headlining event at Culbreath Theater. "Crime Wave," at the Omni Hotel March 22, will feature mystery and thriller novelists, including Stuart Kaminsky, Rita Mae Brown, S.J.

New publications explore cultural voices

The numerous student-run publications that line the entrances to libraries and dining halls included two new publications this year, both based in cultural groups looking to add their voice to the literary community. Last spring marked the creation of Sur, a magazine written in English, Spanish and Portuguese that focuses on Latin America.

Officials discuss eliminating three credit courses

Deans and faculty reviewing the College's curriculum this year have begun to discuss the possible elimination of three-credit courses in favor of four-credit courses, which would reduce the number of courses required to graduate. If this idea is implemented, students would complete their 120 credit hours by taking 30 four-credit courses.

SEASON OF LIGHTS

IFC to try KA and Zeta Psi fraternities

The Inter-Fraternity Council announced its decision yesterday to bring both Kappa Alpha Order and Zeta Psi fraternities to trial for charges of racially offensive acts. Allegations of improper conduct first surfaced Nov.

Meningitis vaccine taken from shelves

The pharmaceutical company Aventis Pasteur Inc. issued a nationwide recall yesterday of its meningococcal vaccine, which may have been administered to University students who received the vaccine after Jan.

Students hold 5K to prevent fourth-year fifth

Before going to Scott Stadium and cheering the Cavaliers to victory over Maryland on Saturday, many students participated in events aimed to deter them from drinking the fourth-year fifth. In the fourth-year fifth, as tradition goes, fourth-year students attempt to drink four-fifths of a liter of alcohol before their final home football game. Events geared toward preventing the continuation of this tradition included the 11th annual Fourth-Year 5K, which included more than 400 runners, and a free tailgate in the Amphitheater. With specific statistics still unavailable, however, it remains unclear whether the Fourth-Year 5K and subsequent tailgate had any impact on the number of students partaking in the fourth-year fifth.