News

Education Dept. issues ruling on assault policies

In response to a 2004 complaint filed by the non-profit organization Security on Campus, the Department of Education has ruled that aspects of the University?s sexual assault policies at the time requiring confidentiality violated federal law.Security on Campus filed the complaint on behalf of Annie Hylton, a former University student who was sexually assaulted and chose to bring her case to the Sexual Assault Board, an autonomous subcommittee of the University Judiciary Committee.

University auctions off used property on Web site for government agencies

The University began using an eBay-like Web site last week to auction off its used property, including items such as LCD screen monitors, copy machines, stainless steel carts, fire extinguishers and a massage table.The site, Govdeals.com, is designed for local and state government agencies wishing to auction off surplus and confiscated goods, according to owner Liquidity Services? Web site.

Faculty Senate discusses financial concerns

The Faculty Senate met yesterday to discuss an agenda heavily influenced by concerns pertaining to the global economy and the implications it could hold for current University operations.

Librarian provides donation

A lifelong teacher and school librarian decided before her death in 2006 to make a final commitment to the world of education, including to the University?s Education School.

Honor, students debate single-sanction policy

In an effort to create a dialogue about the single sanction, students and Honor Committee members discussed some of the pros and cons of the policy during an open forum hosted by the Single Sanction Ad-hoc Committee last night.Sam Leven, member of the ad-hoc committee and president of Hoos Against Single Sanction, said the single sanction creates a black-and-white distinction between right and wrong.

Report reveals John T. Casteen, III is third highest-paid public president

President John T. Casteen, III was the third highest-paid public University president in the country last year, according to a recent report by the Chronicle of Higher Education.Despite the struggling economy, Casteen?s almost $800,000 salary will be the same next year, University spokesperson Carol Wood said, explaining that despite decreases in commonwealth funding imposed by Gov.

Test sees e-mail difficulties

The Office of Emergency Preparedness tested the University?s emergency notifications systems yesterday afternoon from 2:30 p.m.

Google Earth teams with U.Va. IATH

The University?s Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities recently teamed with Google Earth to bring the institute?s three-dimensional recreation of ancient Rome to the masses in a more innovative and involved way.Rome Mayor Gianni Alemanno hosted an event Nov.

Bond chooses not to seek NAACP reelection

University History Prof. Julian Bond will not seek reelection as chairman of the NAACP when his term ends in February, the NAACP announced Tuesday.?I thought it was time for a new generation to take over the leadership,? said Bond, who has served as chairman since 1998.

Va. Tech

In its first emergency warning since April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech experienced problems with its alert system last week when sending out a campus-wide emergency notice concerning reports of gunshots heard on campus.Larry Hincker, Virginia Tech associate vice president for university relations, said someone reported a sound like gunfire near a dormitory Thursday.

Student discussion on issue of single sanction continues

Lie, cheat or steal and face the single sanction: expulsion. Some students think it is a brutal concept, while others have said instituting a uniform punishment that eliminates bias is ideal for the community of trust.

A number of University groups held two screenings of the documentary film ?HAZE? in the Newcomb Hall Theater last night, highlighting the dangers of alcohol poisoning.The film, set to coincide with Substance Abuse Awareness Week, was co-sponsored by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team peer educators, the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Inter-Sorority Council and the University Programs Council, said Susan Bruce, director of the Center for Alcohol and Substance Education.

AMA publishes U.Va. Alzheimer

A study led by Medical School Dean Steven DeKosky and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association yesterday found that gingko biloba is ineffective in treating Alzheimer?s disease.

Council begins Free Ride program

Last night Student Council?s Safety & Wellness Committee formally announced the creation of the Free Ride program, which provides students with free taxi cab service seven days of the week between midnight and 4 a.m.

U.Va. ranks No. 14 for study abroad numbers

The Institute of International Education announced Monday that the University is ranked 14th among U.S.

Children

The University Children?s Hospital?s Fitness Clinic is one of 16 hospitals chosen by the National Association of Children?s Hospitals and Related Institutions to take part in a collaborative focus group to combat childhood obesity through research and treatment, the University recently announced.The study, funded by Mattel Children?s Foundation, will continue for 18 months and will include three meetings with representatives of the participating hospitals as well as daily sharing of information through e-mail and telecommunications, explained Susan Cluett, a Children?s Fitness Clinic nurse practitioner and program director.The goal of the focus group is to bring together an interesting and diverse group of people to address the issue of childhood obesity in the United States, NACHRI Child Advocacy Director Karen Seaver-Hill said, describing obesity as being ?among the most vexing health problems facing children today in the world of preventative health.?Seaver-Hill added that this research is important because children today face adult diseases as a result of obesity.

U.Va. prof. sees research breakthrough

After four years of research, Pharmacology Prof. Fraydoon Rastinejad has made a significant breakthrough in his research on nuclear receptors, the University Health System announced Monday.

City receives

Charlottesville City Council announced at its meeting last night that the Virginia Municipal League certified the City of Charlottesville this fall as a ?green government? through its Green Government Challenge.The challenge sought to encourage localities in Virginia to make their communities more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprints.Charlottesville also won first place in the competition among midsize localities in Virginia as well as $3,000 in prize money.

UJC debates CLAS representation

The University Judiciary Committee is currently considering increasing the number of College representatives from three to five.

Pi Lambda Phi fraternity seeks IFC readmission

Pi Lambda Phi fraternity, which left the Inter-Fraternity Council last spring, is currently re-organizing in an effort to be readmitted to the IFC.Every year, fraternities within the IFC must fill out a fraternal organization agreement to be included in the body.