News

Springfest to host Ben Folds

Singer/songwriter Ben Folds will be the main act at this year's Springfest, hosted by the University Programs Council Special Programs Committee and PK German. Fourth-year College student Jenn Root, chair of the Special Programs Committee, said a contract with Folds was finalized Tuesday. Root explained that when selecting a main act for Springfest, her committee considered which performers might be available to perform on dates when the Springfest venue, Nameless Field, would be available for use. Folds was the committee's first choice for Springfest's main act, Root said, adding that the committee has tried to sign Folds in past years. Tenacious D was also on the list of possible performers, according to second-year College student Brandon Rothenberg, a member of the UPC Comedy and Variety Committee. Springfest will be held from 12 to 7 p.m.

Darden symposium discusses issue of poverty

The Darden School held a symposium on poverty yesterday aimed at informing MBA students about the issue and discussing how they can affect change. Sponsored by several organizations, including the Boston Consulting Group and the Darden Student Association, the event was open to both students and community members. The symposium opened with a video and discussion informing the attendees the state of poverty, both locally and globally.

Faculty Senate discusses job vacancies

The Faculty Senate addressed replacing Edward Ayers, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, and Provost Gene Block as well as creating a committee on the future of the University and other goals for the upcoming year at its first meeting of the semester yesterday. University President John T.

Fraternity at FSU suspended for hazing

Four members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Florida State University were arrested Saturday at 1:30 a.m.

Engineering prof. selected as finalist in NASA contest

NASA recently recognized Engineering Prof. Robert E. Johnson when his team was selected as a finalist in a competition to fully develop a mission to orbit Mars.

U.Va. Environmental Science prof. named Outstanding Scientist

Gov. Tim Kaine, in conjunction with the Science Museum of Virginia, announced University Environmental Science Prof.

No Place for Professors?

At the start of this year's Virginia congressional session, the Senate's Education and Health Committee considered a bill that would have required the board of visitors of each public institution of higher education to provide a seat for faculty.

Student Council passes diversity pledge aimed at first-year students

Student Council passed a resolution last night to institute an undergraduate pledge against prejudice. The legislation is designed to give students a chance "to reflect on issues of community diversity and multi-vocality after first-year orientation" and recognize "the history of institutionalized inequalities at the University." Diversity Initiatives Co-Chairs Ryan McElveen and Yvonne Ng sponsored the legislation along with Executive Vice President Nick Jordan. "We want to give first years a chance to personally reflect on diversity and on how they fit in to the culture at U.Va.," McElveen said. During debate of the legislation, several representatives expressed concern over whether the names of the pledge's signatories should be available to the public. Law School Rep.

Constructive Changes

Plan approved to revamp Rotunda

Last week the University approved a six-year plan allowing for renovations to the Rotunda. These will be the first renovations made to the Rotunda since the 1970s, according to Brian Hogg, senior preservation planner in the Office of the University Architect. University Architect David Neuman will be heading the preliminary stage of what is currently known as the Capital Plan. "Rather than doing a piecemeal series of repairs, the University has decided to take a comprehensive look at the building that will let us address the many different aspects," Hogg said. Hogg added that there are no specific designs or layout plans for the renovations at this time. "Nothing has been planned yet," Hogg said.

New ISC Executive Board to take office Friday

The ISC Executive Board will transition to new leadership on Friday, following elections held in December and the announcement of its newest chairs yesterday. The ISC chose its president and four vice presidents in the December elections and appointed its various chair positions this past Sunday. In previous years, the ISC held elections in February after the end of sorority rush, but according to current ISC President Massie Payne, that system did not allow new officials to become accustomed to their positions before Spring Break. Payne added that having elections earlier would allow newly elected Executive Board members to shadow outgoing officials during rush and gain valuable experience for the coming year. "Now that we're transitioning on Friday, I think we'll be able to get a lot more done before Spring Break," Payne said. In addition to the move from February elections, current ISC Public Relations co-chair Marci Stewart said the ISC has made a few changes regarding informal rush in order to attract more transfer students and women who may feel excluded from the Greek system. As a result of these changes, Stewart explained that more houses will be encouraged to take part in informal recruitment, which is held each fall for second years and transfer students.

Two U.Va. students sexually assaulted

Two University students were victims of attempted sexual assault in two separate incidents reported early Monday morning.

Grisham to give commencement speech in May

The University announced yesterday that bestselling author and Charlottesville resident John Grisham will serve as the commencement speaker during Graduation Weekend. Grisham's name first surfaced when the Public Occasions subcommittee of the University's Commencements and Convocations Committee made a list of possible speakers, according to Alexander G.

University student arrested

First-year College student Derrick Deal was arrested Jan. 25 at approximately 1 a.m. in connection with several incidents at Dabney House, according to a press release issued by the University Police Department. The incidents included a Jan.

Student Council hosts forum to discuss housing and diversity

Student Council hosted a panel of administrators and student leaders yesterday in order to discuss issues of housing and race as a part of its forum, "Is it Really Random?

Faculty, students participate in retreat

The Office of the Provost and the Office of Student Affairs hosted an all-University retreat Friday at Newcomb Hall.

Cavalier Daily elections usher in 118th year of paper production

The Cavalier Daily elected its 118th Managing Board, Senior Board and Junior Board Saturday. The new staff commenced its leadership duties yesterday. Former Executive Editor Herb Ladley, a third-year College student, was elected editor-in-chief. When asked about his plans for the upcoming term, Ladley explained that he wants to make The Cavalier Daily "not only a forum for students, but a place they can see themselves fitting in." He emphasized his intent to focus on the transparency not only of The Cavalier Daily, but also of other University organizations. Other members of the new Managing Board include third-year College student Dan Keyserling, who was elected executive editor after having served as an Opinion associate editor. Third-year College student Caroline Freeman, former News editor, was elected managing editor. The position of operations manager will be undertaken by Margaret Bonner, a third-year Engineering student and previous News senior associate editor. Second-year College student Elizabeth Mills, former Opinion editor, will serve as chief financial officer. Members of the new senior board include third-year College students Sam Stollar as online manager and Jordan Buller as ads manager. Engineering graduate student Tyson Baldridge, was re-elected director of information technology. Second-year College students Kristin Hawkins and Maura O'Keefe, former News associate editors, were selected to serve as assistant managing editors. Assuming the role of News editors are two former News associate editors, third-year College student Whitney Gruenloh and second-year College student Maggie Thornton. Other members of the new Junior Board include Opinion editors A.J.

UNC-CH sends errant acceptance e-mails

Over 2,700 regular admission applicants to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill received an e-mail Jan.

Honor evaluates representation

Honor Counsel Brian O'Neill, a third-year College student, introduced a proposal to change the representation of students on the Honor Committee in yesterday's meeting.