News

First-year class boasts higher average SAT score than in 2007

The average SAT scores of Virginia?s graduating high school seniors remained nearly the same as last year?s average, as recently reported by the College Board, while the average SAT score of the incoming first-year class at the University is up 15 points from last year.This year, the average total SAT I score in math and reading for a first-year University student is 1322, compared to last year?s average of 1307.

Student Council announces

Student Council announced the theme of the 2008 University Unity Project yesterday: ?Charlottesville: Beyond Our Grounds, Within Our Community.? The project is intended to bring students together while simultaneously improving the University and Charlottesville community throughout the fall semester.?The unity project is based on the idea that all of the students at the University want to come together and direct all of their talents and resources towards a common vision,? Project Committee Chair Rob Atkinson said.

Safety alerts to be announced through sirens

University restricts water usage in dry weather

In anticipation of a dry fall, the University is implementing new measures to cut down on its water usage.

University maintains high status in 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings

Though many high school juniors and seniors will likely pore over the recently released 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings of national universities, University Dean of Admissions John Blackburn

Study looks at drinking social norms

Students tend to overestimate their peers? consumption of alcohol and are less likely to drink excessively or participate in risky, alcohol-fueled behavior if they are made aware of certain social norms, according to a recently released six-year study conducted at the University.Dr. James Turner, executive director of Student Health; Jennifer Bauerle, director of the National Social Norms Institute at the University; and H.

Third-year student Crouse passes away

Rising third-year College student Shannon Crouse, 27, passed away in early August, most likely as a result of natural causes resulting from a pre-existing medical condition.

IT program receives high marks

In the business world, everyone is looking for the next ?IT? thing. But for students enrolled in the Commerce School master?s program in management of information technology, that desire may be within reach.

Presidents sign on to drinking age initiative

More than 100 college and university presidents across the nation have signed a statement claiming

Signs allow students to track buses by phone

University Transit Service recently introduced new signs at bus stops across Grounds that could allow riders to better estimate their wait time.

Athletic department bans signs, banners

The University athletic department recently banned the use of signs at sporting events, including during the upcoming football season, in order to promote a more sportsman-like atmosphere on Grounds.

Merritt named Women

Jennifer Merritt, a former Education School faculty research associate, was appointed director of mentoring and diversity for the University?s Women?s Center this summer.Merritt was selected

Admissions

Despite having eliminated the early decision option for students applying to the University in order to attract low-income students, the Office of Admissions reported only a small increase in the number of incoming first-year students considered low-income.As of early August, the Class of 2012 had 185 enrolled low-income students, which is five more than the Class of 2011, and according to Associate Dean of Admissions Greg Roberts, a ?handful? more than the average number of low-income students in a class.?We certainly hoped to see a much greater change,? Dean of Admissions John Blackburn said.

StudCo plans for busy semester

This fall, Student Council plans to unveil and implement a number of projects developed this summer, including off-Grounds safety measures and the new University Unity Project.President Matt Schrimper said Council has been working on ?safety initiatives that empower students to take ownership of their own safety in off-Grounds areas.? This includes expanding the options students have as they travel to and from Grounds late at night, working with students and their landlords to improve off-Grounds lighting and better educating students about their personal safety.

U.Va. graded on

The National Wildlife Federation?s Campus Environment Report Card recently revealed that although the University is not ranked as one of the top environmentally friendly schools nationally, it leads the commonwealth in its effort to support environmental sustainability.According to Mary Burnette, NWF associate director of communications, the report card was the final result of the NWF?s sustainability and environmental performance survey, which measured participating schools? progress in terms of environmental operations, such as energy and water conservation, as well as institutions? efforts to educate students about environmental issues.The goal of the survey was to ?asses to see what progress has been made and review areas that need the most improvement? since the NWF last completed this report in 2001, Burnette said.

Tailgating to resume on Lawn

Tailgates will once again be allowed to take place on the Lawn before football games this fall, Lawn residents were informed today.After removing the privilege last year, the University is allowing the tradition to continue this fall, but with some modifications.According to Lawn resident Jason Moran, residents will have to inform Lawn head resident Christian West if more than 17 people will be attending their tailgate.

BOV approves tuition increases

The Board of Visitors approved an undergraduate in-state tuition increase of 9.9 percent and a 6.6-percent increase for out-of-state students for the 2008-09 school year in late April in order to compensate for state budget cuts and to support the funding needs of AccessUVa, according to Melody Bianchetto, assistant vice president for budget and financial planning. A Virginia resident will now pay $7,498 for tuition, which includes educational and general fees but excludes student activity and auxiliary fees.

O-Hill chef travels to Olympic Games

Later this summer, thousands of miles from the University students he feeds on a daily basis, Steve Biery, Observatory Hill Dining Hall executive chef, will be helping to cook up almost a thousand recipes for hungry media representatives and others attending the XXIX Olympic Games in Beijing, China. As of early July, Biery will be putting his cooking skills to the test in a media tent in preparation for the Games.

Making tracks to public service

Through a program the Provost's Office is currently developing, students interested in public service could soon formally follow the example of the University's founder by pursuing the "Jefferson Track." The University's Board of Visitors approved the initial plans for the program -- which would take an academic approach to public service -- at this month's meeting, said Megan Raymond, acting director of University Outreach. Students from many fields of study could participate in the interdisciplinary program, according to Milton Adams, University vice provost for academic programs. "Almost any field, from engineering to architecture to religious studies, could have a part of this," Adams said. A new perspective The Jefferson Track is meant to offer a unique perspective on the University experience by bringing student interests into the classroom.

Former U.Va. students sentenced to four years

Two former University students who pled guilty in April to abduction with the intent to gain pecuniary benefit were sentenced June 6 to serve at least four years in the Virginia penitentiary system, according to Asst.