News

University officials question state faculty salary goals even after funding increase

A 6.5 percent increase in state funding for faculty salaries went into effect Thanksgiving Day, but questions remain over whether this boost will be enough to keep the University on top of its competitors. The increase is the final step in a state plan to bring the average faculty salary up to the 60th percentile of the average salary among its peer group institutions, which include Boston University, Duke University and the University of California at Berkeley, among others (see box). Members of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, who proposed the 60th percentile benchmark in the late 1980s, created the peer institution list. But University and state officials disagree over whether the 60th percentile truly is the best target for which to aim. "I don't think the 60th percentile is an adequate goal.

Charlottesville and Albemarle County officials continue to negotiate problems in their fire services contract as the December deadline for renewal approaches.

Hospital employee fights to wear pin

The Labor Action Group sent letters to two top administrators yesterday to request support for a University Hospital cafeteria employee's right to wear an $8 living wage campaign pin under freedom of speech laws. Richelle Burress, a Hospital cafeteria cashier, was sent home Wednesday after refusing to remove her $8 pin.

Lloyd pleads guilty to sorority break-in

Orange County resident James Garnett Lloyd pleaded guilty to breaking into the Delta Zeta sorority house in March during Charlottesville Circuit Court proceedings Wednesday.

Student wins slot to appear on Jeopardy!

While sitting in her U.S. Military History Class before Thanksgiving, fourth-year College student Molley Jesse found herself faced with a Charlottesville television crew.

Center gets $1 million in funds for youth program

The Center for Governmental Studies will receive $1 million in funding from the federal government to use to further develop its Youth Leadership Initiative -- a program designed to introduce young people to politics. The million-dollar appropriation was attached as a part of the Department of Education's budget for the 2000 fiscal year, Center Program Director Alex Theodoridis said. But the government funding is less than half of the amount needed to implement the Initiative on a state-wide level, Youth Leadership Initiative Director Ken Stroupe said.

Blue Ribbon Commission calls for funding changes

Gov. James Gilmore, III's (R) Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education is recommending that all state public institutions of higher learning should receive funding based on how well the colleges and universities meet performance standards.

Vandals damage student artwork, Buddha figures

Following the vandalism of a Chinese mosaic outside Brown College last Tuesday night, the University students who worked on the project hope to put the incident behind them and finish building the piece. The vandalism occurred between 12:30 and 1 a.m.

Study abroad participation increases

An increasing number of University students are considering study abroad programs this year, Overseas Study Advisor Jessica Roberts said yesterday. Roberts said she anticipates about 20 to 25 more students will study in a foreign country in the spring semester.

Virginia drives past Terps for 34-31 victory

Go to the Cavalier Daily's report of Virginia's 34-30 defeat of the Maryland Terrapins.

Forum addresses women in business

The McIntire Women's Business Forum, in conjunction with the Commerce Student Affairs Office, held its annual fall workshop Saturday in Monroe Hall. Sixty first and second-year women interested in applying to the Commerce School participated in the four-hour workshop, which also was attended by Commerce students and faculty members.

Students start new financial web site

If history repeats itself, three University students may be looking at a very prosperous future.

Couric wants more funds allotted to schools

State Sen. Emily Couric (D-Charlottesville) said she wants to devote state lottery funds solely to education yesterday during a speech to several Education School honors candidates in the Dome room of the Rotunda. Couric said she disagreed with the General Assembly's decision to divert lottery funds from education in favor of other projects. "The electorate was told that the lottery money would be going solely to education.

University restructures vice presidential duties

University President John T. Casteen III announced plans Thursday to reorganize the top echelons of the University's administration in preparation for development in the coming century. "President Casteen has been in the long-range process of looking at how the University is structured," University Relations Director Louise Dudley said.

City considers ending drive for town status

The city of Charlottesville is considering ending its five-year campaign to revert to town status. Charlottesville Mayor Virginia Daugherty announced last week that City Council would consider a resolution to reject the transformation of Charlottesville from an independent city to the largest town in Albemarle County. Daugherty, Vice Mayor Meredith Richards and Councilman David J.

House legislation proposes $175 Pell Grant cap increase

Students receiving Pell Grants may see up to $175 more in aid from a provision in the fiscal spending package now under consideration in Congress.

Cultural Programming Board explores event ideas, funding

The Cultural Programming Board held its first informational meeting yesterday for student groups interested in applying for funds.

Kory seeks $1.25 million in lawsuit

In response to the attack that he suffered above Ruffner Footbridge while walking home to his first-year dorm in the early morning of Nov.

Bonfire mishap kills nine Texas students

At least nine Texas A&M University students died yesterday morning when they were trapped under logs as they prepared a bonfire to kick off their Nov.

City, University address issues

University, Charlottesville and Albemarle County officials assembled yesterday at the Planning and Coordination Council meeting to continue a dialogue on issues facing the Charlottesville area.