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BFC picks Herzenberg, Stephens as new Co-chairwomen

The Black Fraternal Council elected third-year College students Catherine Herzenberg, an Alpha Kappa Alpha member, and Marquita Stephens, a Zeta Phi Beta member, as its new co-chairwomen during elections held late Wednesday night. The BFC is the governing organization for three sororities and four fraternities.


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Budget bill lowers application fee

Next year's crop of incoming University students will save $20 on their admissions application fee, thanks to a bill passed yesterday by the Virginia General Assembly. The budget amendment, proposed by Gov.


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New University research shows world biodiversity at risk

The diversity of life on Earth is much more threatened by the extinction of animals and plants than previously thought, due to the non-random nature of extinction patterns, according to a study published in the April 14 issue of the journal Science. University Assoc.


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Underground streams may see daylight

In the future, students may return to the University to find a stream running through Grounds, as it did in Mr. Jefferson's time. A plan initiated by the University's Office of the Architect proposes the "daylighting" of Meadow Creek.


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Wilder addresses upcoming elections, minority campaigns

As the 2000 elections campaigns are heating up, former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder (D) provided living proof yesterday that elections are won by focusing on the people and not the polls. Although the former Virginia governor is celebrated as the first and only black governor in the United States, he said he reminds candidates they will not get elected for trying to make history. Wilder spoke before a crowded GFAP 101 class, taught by Larry J.


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Study suggests students oppose affirmative action

According to a survey commissioned by the New York-based Foundation for Academic Standards and Tradition (FAST), most American college students do not think institutions of higher education should use race as a factor in admissions. Although 84.3 percent of the survey's 1,004 respondents said they thought ethnic diversity on campus was important, 77.3 percent said "schools should not give minorities preference in the admissions process." In addition, 78.9 percent of the respondents said it was unfair to the student body as a whole to lower entrance standards for certain applicants, regardless of the reason. FAST President Marc Berley said the survey was unprecedented in its subject matter. "I think we asked questions that other surveys haven't asked," Berley said.


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Council holds open forum on parking issues

There are about 15,000 parking spaces on Grounds, but students think there still are not enough. Students discussed parking problems and other concerns with administrators and community leaders at yesterday's Parking and Transportation Forum. Several panelists told students it is difficult to raise money to build more parking areas because the state does not provide funds to do so.


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Officials use fundraising engine in effort to eclipse rival

College Dean Melvyn P. Leffler wants the University to be one of the top 10 schools in the nation -- public or otherwise. But after witnessing the University's state funding slow to a trickle in the early 1990s, Leffler and other officials were both worried about holding onto the University's academic reputation and anxious to lead the nation in specific areas such as medical research, business technology and entrepreneurial leadership. To get there, he and other administrators, including President John T.


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A Magic night

At last month's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Mateen Cleaves led Michigan State to its first national championship in 21 years.


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SCHEV appoints Palmiero as director

After nine months as the acting director of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Phyllis Palmiero officially was named SCHEV's director during its meeting at the College of William & Mary yesterday. The governor appoints SCHEV members to assess Virginia's colleges and make recommendations to the General Assembly to advance educational excellence. SCHEV spokesman Paul Nardo said making Palmiero director was not a "foregone conclusion" at first, but her productive tenure as acting director and the numerous letters supporting her appointment convinced SCHEV that she was the best applicant for the job. Prior to her appointment, Palmiero led an accomplished and widely praised career in public service.


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Egyptian diplomat calls for Middle East peace

As the peace process in the Middle East nears critical dates set by both sides, Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmy told an audience in the Rotunda yesterday that Palestine must have its own state for there to be peace in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak took one large step in that direction this week, telling President Bill Clinton he was willing to recognize a Palestinian state in the West Bank. The move is a "real watershed in Israeli mainstream political thought," said William B.


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Frank Batten adds to Darden's success

From newspaper reporter to businessman to founder of the Weather Channel, University alumnus Frank Batten Sr.'s resume includes an impressive list of accomplishments, the most recent of which is a landmark gift to the Darden School. In December Batten, a 1950 University alumnus, gave $60 million to the Darden School -- the largest single donation that not only the University, but also any graduate school of business has ever received. The donation propelled the University's Capital Campaign, the fundraising project created to replace waning state funding (see related article), over its $1 billion goal to $1.1 billion, racking up Darden's earnings to $180 million. Although Batten himself is a Harvard Business School graduate, he still has been instrumental in helping to shape Darden as a leading business school. "He's been a strong believer in the school and a strong supporter for over 40 years now," Darden's Director of Communications Phil Giaramita said. Batten, who hails from Norfolk, Va., was submerged in business and entrepreneurship from an early age. His father died when he was a baby and he and his mother had to move in with his aunt and uncle.


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Police investigate theft at knifepoint

As University students slumbered early Monday morning, two Charlottesville residents were robbed at knife-point as they tried to get into their car on University Avenue near University Hospital, according to University Police. The suspect brandished a knife at the victims, both women in their early 20s, and demanded they give him their purses around 2 a.m., University Police Capt.


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Gilmore to lead Republican Victory 2000 campaign

Virginia Governor James S. Gilmore III's (R) hard work for Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) in the presidential primaries has paid off. The Republican National Committee Friday named Gilmore co-chairman of its national Victory 2000 project, a project that directs Republican Party support to individual Republican campaigns across the nation to help Republican candidates win elections at all levels of government. The emphasis for Victory 2000 is placed on "helping the entire ticket," said Ed Matricardi, executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia. Matricardi offered the example of political yard signs to demonstrate the role of the Victory 2000 campaign.


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Board members to study Blue Ribbon report

The University's Board of Visitors formed a special committee Saturday to examine whether the Board must conform to recommendations set forth by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education's preliminary report. The recommendations are directed toward all Virginia college and university boards of visitors, but some University officials said they think many of the recommendations do not apply to the University of Virginia. The Commission, created by Gov.

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Latest Podcast

The University’s Orientation and Transition programs are vital to supporting first year and transfer students throughout their entire transition to college. But much of their work goes into planning summer orientation sessions. Funlola Fagbohun, associate director of the first year experience, describes her experience working with OTP and how she strives to create a welcoming environment for first-years during orientation and beyond. Along with her role as associate director, summer Orientation leaders and OTP staff work continually to provide a safe and memorable experience for incoming students.