Student leaders weigh the future of self-governance after Ryan's departure
By Brendon Bordwine | July 10, 2025The University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
The University has a historical tradition of student self-governance, which allows students to take part in decision-making processes.
Following the news of University President Jim Ryan’s resignation under pressure from the Department of Justice, hundreds of University faculty and staff attended a town hall meeting July 2 to discuss how the University got to this point and what will come next.
The top Democrat in the Senate warned in particular about choosing former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, or any other candidate without a higher education background.
The Jefferson Council, a conservative alumni group, has advocated for Ryan’s removal for years, and now, Jefferson Council President Joel Gardner hopes that this “turning point” is taken advantage of.
During the conversation, faculty raised several questions about the external pressure that led to Ryan’s resignation, how concerned faculty may respond and how the process of finding a new President will be run.
Despite recent government actions, the Academic and Student Life Committee is not concerned with the strength of its 2027 submission to SACSCOC.
Here is a look at Board members’ political donations — all but one of whom has records of political donations which are overwhelmingly to Republican candidates and campaigns.
In their responses, many alumni criticized the Trump administration for overstepping its boundaries and abusing its power for political gains.
“Time is running short, and the Department’s patience is wearing thin,” the final letter read
The appointees officially mark the beginning of an entirely Youngkin-appointed Board.
At the time of publication, around 160 faculty members have signed an open letter condemning political interference.
The email did not specify when President Ryan would officially step down from his position, although when he announced his resignation he noted that he would step down no later than August 15.
In the wake of University President Jim Ryan’s resignation, The Cavalier Daily collected student reactions through a Microsoft Form
Surovell said any attempt by the Board to install a new, permanent president would not be viewed kindly by the Senate.
Rather than a Run With Jim, Saturday’s run was advertised by the class councils as a Run For Jim.
Following University President Jim Ryan’s resignation from his position Friday, The Cavalier Daily asked students to share their reactions via an online form.
The news drew hundreds of community members to the Lawn, with individuals using chants, speeches and signs to express their anger and fear at the federal government’s interference in higher education
Ryan said that choosing to remain in his position would threaten employees’ jobs, researchers’ funding and students’ financial aid and visa access.
The lawsuit is the Democrats’ next step in the political standoff regarding the legitimacy of the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee’s vote to deny eight of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s appointees to university boards June 10.
The Day of Silence Project, founded in 1996, encouraged students to remain silent for a day to protest the silence surrounding LGBTQ+ issues and to raise awareness about homophobia.