Dozens of students and community members gathered at the Rotunda for an interfaith prayer vigil last night, coming together to express their reaction to war from a variety of religious perspectives. The Student Council religious affairs committee organized the vigil.
Suspense novelist Tom Clancy will address the Jefferson Society tomorrow night at 8:30 in Jefferson Hall.
A group of mystics is saying that the keys to world peace may be hidden in a vault buried under Colonial Williamsburg's historic Bruton Parish Church. The group led by Fletcher Richman, a former Williamsburg resident, attempted unsuccessfully to locate the reputed 10-by-10-foot vault previously in 1992. Believers say the vault includes the writings of Sir Francis Bacon, who they claim was the editor of the King James Version of the Bible and of all plays now attributed to Shakespeare. They also say that Thomas Jefferson and America's other founding fathers were aware of the vault's presence. Richman said his group is again active because the beginning of World War III or Armageddon is near.
After recent events concerning on Grounds security, University students have taken initiative to combat crime. The Student Watch program, started in December 2002 by Chief Ronnie Mayhew and Chief Designate Will Sowers, was designed to get students to become actively involved in making their own environment safe, Mayhew said. "To me there is no greater way to live up to the ideals of student self-governance than by stepping up and volunteering to help make our community a safer place in which to live, learn and grow," Mayhew said. The program, with its 12 active members, watches the areas surrounding Grounds and provides students with on-foot escorts. Any student at the University is welcome to join, Mayhew said. Mayhew and Sowers strongly encourage diversity in the Student Watch program. "It is our goal that we would have many students of diverse backgrounds willing to help increase the state of safety at the University," Mayhew said.
Vandals struck University Navy, Army, and Air Force ROTC offices early Tuesday morning, defacing property with anti-war messages. Maury Hall, the location of Navy ROTC offices, sustained the most damage of the three buildings, according to reports from University Police Sgt.
In a presentation at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Marsha L. Green, founder and president of the Ocean Mammal Institute, warned that low frequency sonar, used by the Navy to detect submarines, is dangerous to marine mammals.
Although University international studies programs currently remain largely unaffected by heightened conflict in the Middle East, State Department travel warnings, coupled with high national security, may jeopardize students' future plans to study overseas. According to William Quandt, vice provost for International Affairs, there are no students currently studying in the Middle East with University-sponsored programs.
As bombs fall on Iraq, a student walkout followed by an anti-war march originating on the Lawn will occur today at 2 p.m. The march will be the beginning of an increased effort by anti-war protesters to impact daily life at the University. "This isn't going to be just another protest," said third-year College student Jessica Forman, a co-founder of the University Anti-war Coalition.
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.
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.
America's premier colleges and universities need to "come out of the closet" about grade inflation, according to Prof.
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 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.
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.
Student Council unanimously approved a resolution last night which supports an increase in the comprehensive transportation fee.
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.
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.
Mo Rocca, senior political correspondent for Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," will join Politics Prof.
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.
