News

StudCo reflects on semester's projects

Student Council will hold its last meeting of the calendar year next Tuesday in which Council members say they plan to carry over several projects and ideas implemented this fall into the spring semester. Council Executive Vice President Nicholas Jordan said he thought Council has improved from past years. "People are getting to know each other better," Jordan said, citing changes such as having committee chairs and representatives sit together at weekly meetings.

SAS names academic dean for fall '07

The M.V. Explorer will have a new scholastic captain at the helm for the fall 2007 voyage of Semester at Sea: Materials Science Prof.

Study: Job market growth continues for class of 2007

A newly released study on employment trends shows the job market continuing to expand for 2007 graduates. The report, released by the Collegiate Employment Research Institute at Michigan State University, includes data compiled from 864 companies. The data indicate a definite increase in hiring by employers, CERI Research Director Philip Gardner explained. "We're expecting about five percent on top of last year's market," Gardner said.

A Beautiful Sight to Behold

Group proposes loan forgiveness

The U.S. Department of Education has agreed to consider amending the regulations governing repayment of student loans.

Faculty Senate briefed on diversity initiatives

Faculty diversity, the University's libraries and state-enforced textbook cost restrictions were the main topics of discussion at the last Faculty Senate meeting of the semester yesterday. In his report, University President John T.

Acting Out Our Differences

Psychology prof. named AAAS Fellow

University psychology professor Dr. Judy DeLoache was named fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science last week.

Kaine announces Commission on Sexual Violence

Gov. Tim Kaine recently announced the appointment of 37 members to his Commission on Sexual Violence in an effort to review and improve the Commonwealth's ability to treat and prevent violent sexual offenses. "The Commonwealth has made considerable progress in the management of sexually violent predators," Kaine said in a news release.

On "Your" Honor...

The Honor Committee recently released a comprehensive survey asking the University teaching faculty about their feelings toward the honor system.

City ranks third in Digital Cities Survey

Charlottesville was recently ranked number three in the 2006 Digital Cities Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government, which composed a list of the top 10 digital cities in America. The city of Charlottesville spokesman Ric Barrick said the city was judged on its ability to use technology to better inform local citizens.

Greek councils discuss impact on student body

Presidents of the four Greek councils gathered last night to participate in a forum sponsored by Student Council Diversity Initiatives addressing inter-council relations. The leaders of the Inter-Fraternity Council, Inter-Sorority Council, Multicultural Greek Council and National Pan-Hellenic Council discussed topics ranging from how to improve mandatory diversity-related programs for members to whether the existence of four separate councils fosters self-segregation at the University. Ryan McElveen, panel moderator and chair of the Diversity Initiatives committee, asked the leaders to consider how the four councils can work together to influence the University community in the way the councils have worked together on philanthropic projects such as Mid-Autumns Carnival. ISC President Massie Payne noted that leaders of the four councils present a "united Greek front" to incoming students and also encourage University students to participate in their social and philanthropic events. Other presidents agreed, noting that their mutual goal is to ensure students feel comfortable taking part in the activities of an organization within any of the four councils. The panel members also agreed that the randomization of first-year housing could benefit their organizations. NPHC President Joyce Adelugba said randomized housing could allow members of organizations within the different councils to interact more and could encourage greater participation in each council's activities. The panel also discussed the issue of increasing diversity on Rugby Road. Incoming MGC President Jovian Ho said organizations within his council "can't dream of" purchasing a house on Rugby Road because small alumni bases limit their financial resources. Adelugba noted that because of younger councils' inability to afford houses on Rugby Road, the organizations within these two councils suffer from a lack of social space and affordable security options for social gatherings. Following a question from an audience member, the panelists discussed the possibility of the creation of a unified Greek council at the University.

Zelikow to resume teaching

Philip Zelikow, counselor to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former executive director of the 9/11 Commission, announced his resignation Monday and said he plans to return to the University.

Iraqi official speaks on country's progress

Last night, Quidad Talabani, son of the current Iraqi president and representative of the Kurdistan Regional Government to the United States, discussed the current political, social and economic progress being made in Iraq despite problems such as oil, internal conflicts and disputes with neighboring countries. Talabani said he hoped the United States will continue to aid Iraq and that Iraq would eventually be able to sustain a democratic government. Alex Hannagan, president of the University's Students Defending Democracy,explained the importance of Talabani's talk, stating he had an immediate understanding of Iraq's situation. Talabani "knows the stuff that is really going on," Hannagan said.

Clarification

In yesterday's News article "Honor releases faculty survey," it was stated that 42.7 percent of respondents expressed "their moderate support with reservations" for the Honor system.

Tidings of comfort and toys

Zelikow to resign from State Department, return to University

Philip Zelikow, counselor to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former head of the 9/11 Commission, recently announced his plans to resign from his government post and return to his previous teaching position at the University. The former director of the Miller Center of Public Affairs plans to return to his teaching post at the University at the beginning of next year. According to Zelikow's letter of resignation, his leave will take effect Jan.

Honor releases faculty survey

The Honor Committee released the results of its faculty survey Sunday. The results demonstrated mixed opinions about the current system. The survey was commissioned by last year's Committee and was conducted in February and March 2006.

University renews CBS multimedia agreement

Following a successful eight-year relationship with CBS Collegiate Sports Properties, the University has signed a new 10-year multimedia agreement with CBS valued at more than $33 million. The monetary commitments will primarily provide funding for new video boards for stadiums on Grounds. "There is already a new video board in Klöckner Stadium and there will be a new one in the baseball stadium by spring," said Jon Oliver, University executive associate athletics director.

U.Va. students score high on CPA exam

The University tied for 22nd nationally in performance on the Certified Public Accountant exam, according to recently released statistics from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. The 2006 edition of "Candidate Performance on the Uniform CPA Examination" ranked schools based on pass rate and divided the results based on the degree qualifications of candidates.