News

University practitioners cited among

Over 100 University physicians were named among the "best doctors" in America by Best Doctor, Inc., according to a University Health System press release. The results were compiled through a biennial peer review survey of the medical profession. The 35,000 doctors, who were ranked among the best in their specialties in previous surveys, were asked the question, "If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer them?" The methodology of the poll mimicked the informal process by which doctors often refer patients to various specialists. The database, representing the top 5 percent of physicians in more than 400 medical specialties, aims to help people find appropriate specialists for their medical needs. --Compiled by A.J.

CAVALIERS FALL TO MARYLAND

Budget provision to raise freshman loans

President Bush sent a $2.4 trillion budget to Congress Monday that included an education proposal to raise federal college freshman loan limits, but few other increases in student financial aid. Bush's plan calls for an increase in first-year student subsidized Stafford Loan limits from $2,625 to $3,000, according to a White House press release. The current caps on Stafford Loans for upperclassmen are $3,500 for second years and $5,500 for third, fourth and fifth year undergraduates, according to the StaffordLoan.com Web site. "We think it is a step in the right direction," said Chris Simmons, assistant director of government relations for the American Council of Higher Education.

Judge deems abortion ban illegal

A United States District Court judge ruled Virginia's ban on late-term abortions unconstitutional Monday, declaring that the act violated women's right to privacy. "The act is unconstitutional on its face," Judge Richard L.

Addressing college concerns

As the remaining Democratic presidential candidates enter two hectic, make-or-break months of campaigning, they continue to refine their policy stands and initiatives.

Prof. commemorates 'Brown' ruling

Almost 50 years since the Supreme Court ruled the practice of separating black and white children in public schools unconstitutional, Urban Education Prof.

Student Council stands by Pep Band

Student Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution last night supporting the Virginia Pep Band's participation in certain athletic and University events. "Council supports the co-existence of two bands, the Virginia Pep Band and the U.Va.

Looking toward the White House

With the Democratic primaries in full swing and the eventual nominee still undecided, President Bush has been stockpiling his resources in preparation for November's campaign. At the end of 2003, he had raised $132.7 million, according to a finance report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Ethics board denies Ofori's Council appeal

Curtis Ofori was officially dismissed from Student Council Sunday after the Council Rules and Ethics Board denied his Thursday appeal to continue serving as a College representative. The board found Ofori in violation of Student Council by-laws requiring Council representatives to be enrolled as full-time students in their respective schools. "It was evident that Curtis was an excellent representative, and we lament the decision we had to make," Rules and Ethics Board Chair Lee Hark said.

Virginia primary a rare opportunity

For the first time in 16 years, Virginia Democrats are holding a presidential primary, which state party officials said they anticipate will have a meaningful impact on the race for the presidential nomination. Last year, the General Assembly approved pushing up the primary from Feb.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

Officials examine a burst pipe in the Newcomb parking garage last night. The pipe exploded with a bang that sounded like a "freight train," one bystander reported.

Making sense of the field

On May 31, 2002, an obscure Governor of Vermont named Howard Dean filed papers with the Federal Election Commission and became the first Democrat to announce his intention to run for President.

Web site calls for domestic partner benefits

Proponents of gay rights asked University President John T. Casteen, III yesterday to extend domestic partnership benefits to University employees, threatening to launch a Web site discouraging donations to the University if action is not taken. Visitors to the Web site, dubbed DontGiveToUVA, are encouraged to donate to the site's fund instead of to the University.

Promoting the party line

With the Virginia Democratic Primary fast approaching, student groups have entered the home stretch campaigning for their candidates heading into the election.

Getting out the vote

Despite the fact that all Americans over 18 are allowed to vote, statistics show that not all Americans exercise that right.

Honor nets $2 million in collective donations

In a recent outpouring of support for the Honor system, the Honor Committee now has received pledges for a $2 million endowment, a sum suggesting that Honor remains an important ideal to many people outside University borders. The pledges came from over 1,300 donors, and a portion of the fund was donated by the Board of Visitors,Committee Chair Carey Mignerey said. "The Committee is very proud of the support we have received from alumni and friends of the Honor system," Mignerey said.

Panel to investigate alleged sex parties

The University of Colorado at Boulder is dealing with allegations that its football program used sex parties to entice potential football players during recruitment trips to campus. U.C.

Activist group questions use of dogs in lab

Concern over the use of dogs in a University laboratory class has prompted discussion over appropriate teaching techniques. The course in question is Advanced Life Saving Techniques, which teaches students lifesaving procedures such as airway placement, catheterization of the jugular, femoral cut down and placement of a chest tube, said David Hudson, associate vice president for research and graduate studies. A total of 96 dogs, which the University purchased from a breeder, are used annually for the class. The Citizens for Humane Medicine disagree with the University's teaching techniques. Rooshin Dalal, co-founder of the group, urges the University to use alternative teaching methods. Alternative techniques include human cadavers, computer simulations and interactive operating room experience, Dalal said. One example of a computer simulation, a realistic, computer-operated model, mimics a live human patient.

University wins grant for insulin gene research

Raghu Mirmira, assistant professor in the division of endocrinology and metabolism, was awarded a $912,000 grant by the American Diabetes Association to study how insulin-producing cells form over the next five years, according to a University press release. Mirmira and his colleagues said they hope to find out if it is possible to "turn on" cells of the body to produce insulin. The ADA awarded Mirmira the grant in hopes that he can learn how to convert other cell types into insulin-producing cells. Mirmira and his research team know that though the insulin gene is present in every cell, its structure in the chromatin of beta cells is more open and different, making it perfect for their research. They also will research how insulin secretion is impaired in both types of diabetes. Mirmira's grant application impressed the ADA so much that they awarded him the Thomas R.

IFC pledge numbers increase significantly

The 31 Inter-Fraternity Council fraternities overall boasted significantly higher bid acceptances Saturday following annual bid day festivities. There are 413 IFC pledges this year, a 5 percent increase from 393 pledges in 2003, according to IFC Vice President for Membership Greg Moore. In addition, there were 705 total rush participants this year, a 13.7 percent increase from 620 rushees last year, Moore said. "We can attribute these numbers to the IFC's increased communication with Residence Staff and new publicity geared towards University men, like our comprehensive rush booklet," he said. IFC President Ryan Ewalt said he thinks the increase in pledges is most likely related to the IFC's more strict enforcement of "dirty rush." According to IFC policies, fraternities are not allowed to take potential rushees to large gatherings, or out of Charlottesville. Ewalt said eliminating dirty rush levels the playing field for all the men, giving rushees a sense of equality when they begin rush process. "Increased communication with Residence Staff and the heightened enforcement of dirty rush policies had talk of Greek life on the minds and tongues of first years," Ewalt added. Delta Tau Delta fraternity had its largest pledge class in four years.