In the second of several planned sessions on the condition of the University budget, President John T.
University students now will have a voice in budget cutting measures across Grounds through the formation of a new Student Council committee. Council officially announced yesterday the formation of the Student Budget Advisory Committee -- a group that will consult with and advise administrators on University budget cuts. The committee "allows students to voice their concerns and complaints and offer suggestions," Council President Micah Schwartz said. The student members will attend administrators' meetings and give a student perspective on proposed budget cuts, and also will voice the comments and concerns of their peers. The committee members will meet with several administrators to receive a briefing on the details of the budget shortfall, according to Colette Sheehy, University vice president for management and budget. Pat Lampkin, University vice president for students affairs, is "setting up a training session" for the student members, Sheehy said. "All of the vice presidents will think of ways for those students to work with the administration," she added. Training for the committee begins this week, as will the first public forum in which students will be able to voice their opinions to committee members.
RICHMOND -- A predictable outcome for an unusual race occurred yesterday as Republican incumbent Eric Cantor defeated Democrat Ben "Cooter" Jones in the 7th District Congressional race. Cantor received 70 percent of the vote to Jones' 30 percent. In a year in which much attention was focused on Congressional races because of the possibility of a shift in party control, the race drew national attention not because it was hotly contested -- Cantor was expected to keep his seat -- but because of Jones' celebrity.
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- With both parties vying for control of an evenly-split Senate in yesterday's elections, New Jersey voters handed an important victory to the Democratic Party by electing Frank Lautenberg over Republican challenger Douglas Forrester with 54 percent of the vote. An 18-year veteran of the Senate chamber, Lautenberg emerged from a two-year retirement five weeks ago to replace the state's Democratic incumbent Robert Torricelli, who abruptly withdrew from the race because of lingering questions about improper contributions he received that drew reprimand from the Senate Ethics Committee. "We squeezed 10 months into five weeks," Lautenberg said in a victory speech delivered to an auditorium packed with reporters, cameras and campaign supporters. "I'm here with a mandate to follow Democratic priorities," he added, standing behind a podium flanked by family members and fellow New Jersey Democrats, including Gov.
Republicans regained complete control of Congress last night, retaining their hold on the House and winning control of the Senate. All of the nation
BALTIMORE -- Democrats were the key in last night's Maryland governor's race -- Democrats for Ehrlich, that is.
Gov. Mark R. Warner approved a third set of recommendations from the Secure Virginia Panel on Monday, several of which suggest improvements to college and university safety plans. The report emphasizes that despite the state budget crisis, ample funding for improved campus security can be appropriated from non-state funds. "Most resources really need to come down from the federal level," Warner spokeswoman Ellen Qualls said. An executive order from Warner formed the Secure Virginia Panel in January of this year.
Virginia voters overwhelming approved the $900 million General Obligation Bond yesterday, and University officials couldn't be happier. "It's great news for every college and university in Virginia," University spokeswoman Louise Dudley said. With all precincts reporting, the bond passed with a 73 percent majority. The $68.3 million in bond money allocated to the University will allow officials to set out on a decade of building renovation and construction, University Provost Gene Block said. Bond money will be used partially to fund three new buildings: a new arts and sciences building behind New Cabell Hall, a new medical research facility and a $39 million research engineering building.Many of these projects also require private matching funds by the University. Also planned are renovations to teaching labs in Gilmer Hall and Fayerweather Hall and four infrastructure projects. But, before the University's nine planned projects can go forward, officials first must request a release of the funds from Richmond following the sale of the bonds, said Leonard W.
With the ongoing state budget crisis proving that state funding for higher education is unpredictable, University officials are committed to finding ways to make the University more self-sufficient.
In the midst of job application and interview season, there is one group on Grounds this week that is more interested in talking to fourth years about giving rather than getting money. All this week, the fourth-year class trustees are working the Lawn and calling classmates as part of the fall class giving campaign effort.
DANVILLE, Va. -- Republican Congressman Virgil Goode retained his seat in Virginia's 5th District Congressional race yesterday with a solid 64 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic opponent Meredith Richards. Goode, who was first elected to the Virginia State Senate in 1973, originally ran for U.S.
A smiling Meredith Richards greeted throngs of Democratic supporters at the Flower Market on Second Street last night to celebrate gaining 36 percent of the popular vote in the 5th District Congressional race -- a 5 percent increase over Republican Virgil Goode's 2000 challenger, Democrat John Boyd, who had 31 percent. "Over the past six months, we opened some eyes, and we changed some minds -- just not enough," said Richards, flanked by her husband and son.
Although a large number of University faculty are approaching retirement, the current economic malaise is forcing them to postpone their plans, according to Karen Ryan, associate dean for arts, humanities and social sciences. "I haven't heard anything" about faculty wanting to retire, Ryan said.
For students who were terrified of professors before coming to the University, the Women's Center's new Mentoring House, which officially opens tomorrow, may offer a chance to see instructors in a more friendly light. "A lot of students, especially first and second years, come in to U.Va.
Even as bulldozers clear out trees and plow through mounds of dirt to make room for the controversial 1,200 car parking garage, opponents of the project still remain optimistic that their efforts will help influence this and other projects in the community. Art Lichtenberger, president of the Lewis Mountain Neighborhood Association that has opposed construction of the garage near the intersection of Emmet Street and Ivy Road, said he hopes the media's coverage of his organization will make a permanent impact on how the University works with the community. "I think that it was very optimistic for us to think that we could completely stop the garage," Lichtenberger said.
Voters likely will flock to the polls today in greater numbers than usual, partially because of the much-publicized General Obligation Bond referendum, according to Sheri Iachetta, the general registrar with the Charlottesville Voter Registration Office. By its Oct.
Black leaders discuss Belafonte statement Black leaders responded to a remark Harry Belafonte made last month that Colin Powell was a "house slave" of President Bush, the Washington Times reported Monday. According to the Times, Belafonte had said, "There's an old saying, there were those slaves who lived on the plantation and were those slaves that lived in the house.
In an attempt to gain a standardized set of guidelines dictating affirmative action practices, 10 states have filed a joint brief to the U.S Supreme Court seeking clarification on the policy.
One of the final legal battles in Philip Morris' quest for a change of its name ended Friday as the suit against the conglomerate was dismissed in a Colorado federal court.
BALTIMORE -- Democrats were the key in last night's Maryland governor's race -- Democrats for Ehrlich, that is.
