News

Va. ranks No. 18 for good mental health

Virginia is for happy people, according to a national ranking by Mental Health America. This analysis places the state in the top 20 of the nation, ranking the state as 18th for good mental health and 16th for low suicide rates. The ranking reflected statistical associations between states' access-to-care facilities and their mental health outcomes, such as suicide rates, according to the report. Paula Price, executive director of Mental Health America of Virginia, attributed the ranking to the fact that Virginians have a good deal of access to psychological treatments from both governmental and private providers.

Honor presents flex exam plan

Members of the Honor Committee gave a presentation to the Faculty Senate yesterday about its proposal for flexible exams, a new method still in the works that would change the way professors administered exams. College Rep.

Alum researches smoke effects

A University graduate Engineering alumnus has found concrete evidence that secondhand tobacco smoke has detrimental side effects.

Faculty weighs new school

The possible creation of a school of environmental science was a topic of interest at yesterday's Faculty Senate meeting that saw differing levels of support.

Plans to raze Beta House advance

Despite the concerns of several University and community members, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation's board formally has declared it will now begin construction of a planned Center for Jefferson Fellows, proceeding with plans that include knocking down what is known as the Beta House. The site of the center -- which will serve as a unique space for graduate-level study, symposia, office space and a flourishing of intellectualism, according to Foundation Executive Director James Wright -- is currently occupied by an almost 94-year old house that was designed by noted Charlottesville architect Eugene Bradbury and previously housed Beta Theta Pi fraternity. In February, the Foundation purchased the house -- formerly known as the Compton House, after ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Robert Compton, who commissioned its building -- for $3 million.

U.Va. celebrates Gies' receipt of high honor

The University's Spanish department is now home to two professors honored with a form of knighthood by the king of Spain after Prof.

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Universitas 21 gains new member

Universitas 21, an international network of leading universities including the University of Virginia, welcomed the University of Delhi as its 22nd member last week. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Universitas 21, which was founded by the University of Melbourne, according to University Law Prof.

University students charged with abduction

Two second-year Engineering School students were arrested and charged with abduction with intent to extort money last Wednesday after they allegedly bound and gagged a man and held him for ransom.

Inspecting

The recent high-profile, on-Grounds burglaries, incidents near the Corner and the murder of University alumna Jayne McGowan have increased awareness about crime in the University area, prompting student concern and leading University and Charlottesville officials to address the issue. According to University Police Lieut.

Upcoming rain may fall short of ending drought conditions

Rain showers are predicted for Sunday and Monday, but this rainfall will not quench the parched City of Charlottesville, according to Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority. The Albemarle County drought warning issued Aug.

Gilmore declares for U.S. Senate

Former Gov. Jim Gilmore (R) announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Republican Sen.

Student Council grants CIO status to three new student groups

Student Council approved the creation of three new Contracted Independent Organizations last night: Business World, Hoos For Beta and The Celtic Dance Society.

The Information Technology and Communication Office is working to address complications with the University's Central Mail Service, which began Monday evening and continued yesterday. Some students tried to log into their WebMail accounts and were told their passwords were incorrect, even though the passwords were correct.

U.Va. research may be used in ballistic armor

Future soldiers could one day drive humvee-like vehicles featuring ballistic armor manufactured from an advanced material created in the University materials science and engineering department.

StudCo releases environmental report

Though University students are used to Orange Fever, they may soon see the spread of a new color: green. Last week, the Student Council Environmental Sustainability Committee released its response to the University's environmental goals, which were laid out in the previously released Commission on the Future of the University's report. "The motive for the response was to present the administration with our thoughts on the plan for U.Va." said Ben Chrisinger, chair of the Student Council Environmental Sustainability Committee.

Meal supports local produce

For most University students and faculty, the Thanksgiving holiday was a time to eat plenty of turkey and pumpkin pie with the family.

University Cancer Center's patient nutrition initiative sees success

The University Cancer Center recently celebrated a milestone in a program aimed to reduce weight loss and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. In the past three years, the program has given about 2,500 cases of free nutritional supplement drinks to radiation oncology patients and achieved success in improved patient care. Radiation Oncology Assoc.

Van Halen to visit JPJ

Charlottesville residents and University students can plan to "Dance the Night Away" when Van Halen comes to John Paul Jones Arena Feb.

Rolls-Royce partners with Va. universities

With the help of Rolls-Royce, University Engineering and Commerce students will enjoy new opportunities from a partnership that is part of the company's statewide investment in the aerospace industry, Gov.