News

University feels water pressure

In the wake of Gov. Tim Kaine's announcement last week that 93 Virginia counties and 34 cities are considered federal disaster areas because of drought, University officials are attempting to find creative ways to decrease water usage. Though their efforts have been commended by some independent organizations, members of student environmental groups on Grounds say there is still more to be done, especially in the area of informing students about the drought. A thirsty past Droughts are not new to Virginia.

Student arrested in case of Fayerweather Hall vandalism

University Police arrested fourth-year College student Zechariah Jones yesterday for an act of vandalism committed Oct.

University feels water pressure

In the wake of Gov. Tim Kaine's announcement last week that 93 Virginia counties and 34 cities are considered federal disaster areas because of drought, University officials are attempting to find creative ways to decrease water usage. Though their efforts have been commended by some independent organizations, members of student environmental groups on Grounds say there is still more to be done, especially in the area of informing students about the drought. A thirsty past Droughts are not new to Virginia.

U.Va. to alter employee health insurance policies

Come January, University employees will receive several new health care benefits. As part of an effort to increase the number of participants in the University's low-premium health care plan, the Board of Visitors also approved the reduction of low-premium prices and the increase of high-premium plan pricing. Under these new provisions, for example, the monthly insurance rate for a family decreases from $129 to $116 under the low-premium option and increases from $290 to $299 under the high-premium option. The low-premium plan, which is fairly new to the University, had 828 members in 2006 as opposed to the high-premium plan's 11,290 participants. "We think the low-premium plan is a good deal for our employees and we're trying to encourage more people to take advantage of that," said Susan Carkeek, vice president and chief human resource officer.

StudCo tables plan for new board

Student Council efforts to create a Rules and Ethics Board were delayed at last night's meeting because of concern about the selection process of the Board's members.

Tour to offer new view of civil rights

Many people may consider the civil rights movement to be a topic discussed in history class; however, History Prof.

UTS considers altering bus routes to enhance service

A revision-minded University Transit Service is in the driver's seat and is now set to start down the road to some significant route and schedule changes. According to Rebecca White, director of Parking and Transportation, UTS is planning alterations to its routes, schedules and service intended to be implemented by fall 2008. White said the proposed changes stem from five main issues such as a need to update routes and address traffic delays. "Number one, the blue-orange, the primary route that serves students, has not been revised since 1985," White said.

TALK TIME WITH DEAN RYAN

Charlottesville to see hike in Comcast prices

Comcast, the sole provider of cable in the Charlottesville area, will increase cable and Internet rates for its customers, effective Nov.

Free flu shots available to U.Va. employees

Beginning yesterday and continuing through Nov. 9, the University will offer free flu shots to its benefits-eligible employees, according to Susan Carkeek, vice president and chief human resource officer. Carkeek explained that full-time and half-time University employees who have health care plans through the University will be able to receive the free vaccinations.The only other vaccinations the University offers its employees at no cost are those for faculty members traveling internationally on sabbaticals, Carkeek explained.

walking for uganda

Beta Bridge may see paint removal

Following the recent collapse of layers of paint from Beta Bridge, University Facilities Management is currently deciding whether to remove all paint layers from the historic student canvas. According to Richard Hopkins, landscape superintendent of Facilities Management, the layers of paint fell off the bridge earlier this semester because of improper painting in the past. Analysis revealed there is a layer of green paint that never properly adhered on the ease side of the bridge, according to Hopkins.

Honor debates proposal to alter appeals process

Members at last night's Honor Committee meeting debated proposed changes in bylaws regarding appeals in the post-trial process. Submitted by the ad-hoc Committee on Procedures, the proposal seeks to simplify the appeals process and further involve non-Executive Committee members. Currently, the five-member Executive Committee, composed of the committee chair, vice chair for investigations, vice chair for education, vice chair for trials and the vice chair for community relations, decides whether there is a substantial basis for appeal. The proposal aims to change the members of the Appeal Review Committee from the five Executive Members to two executive members and three Committee members who are not part of the Executive Committee. Members of the ad-hoc Committee on Procedures said they felt this was a beneficial change that would allow "fresh eyes" on an Honor case, noting that Executive Committee members follow cases from the time they are reported to the trial. "The 'fresh eyes' idea stands out as a major point, because the Executive Committee is privy to a lot of information from previous cases," Commerce School Representative Eric Flow said.

U.Va. issues spring COD

While Friday marked the release of the spring 2008 Course Offering Directory for University students, the date also marked the culmination of months of planning on departmental and University levels.

Constitutional crisis?

Should we the people of the United States of America rewrite our Constitution by holding another Constitutional Convention?

Info. sessions offered in Spanish

In an effort to reach out to Hispanic and Latino applicants, the Admissions Office plans to hold information sessions in Spanish at four Northern Virginia high schools this week.

County eases water limits

The Albemarle County Service Authority has adjusted drought restrictions to allow more water usage under certain conditions and reduce the financial stress on companies depending on this use, according to Gary Fern, executive director of the Albemarle County service authority.

ITC wins award for internet security video

The University's Office of Information Technology and Communication recently won a national award for a video demonstrating how information posted on the Internet can lead to problems in professional settings. According to ITC systems analyst Scott Crittenden, the Special Interest Group on University and College Computing Services of the Association for Computing Machinery selected the University's 70-second video, titled "The Job Interview," as "Best of Category" in the promotional video/audio category Oct.

Jeff. Foundation may forego $3 million bond

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation may not seek an additional $3 million bond from Charlottesville City Council in its effort to construct a new headquarters, adding to the controversy that it might demolish a 93-year-old building. The Foundation, formed by the Alumni Association to offer merit-based scholarships to top University students, purchased the property located at the intersection of Maury Avenue and Clarke Court in February.

U.Va. profs. rank high onstudent site

As students peruse the new Course Offering Directory released today, they can expect to glean positive teacher recommendations when they check RateMyProfessors.com, since the Web site ranked University faculty 15th in the country. Faculty Senate Chair Ricardo Padron was pleased and not surprised that the University was rated so highly, because "there is a lot of good teaching here." The popular Web site, which is owned by MTV, is the largest online professor ranking site for universities.