The Go Local program was made for Chinese international students who couldn’t or didn’t want to travel to Grounds during this period of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
Compared to the fall, 600 more students are planning to live on-Grounds this semester, as resident staff and organizations like Hoos Connected work to help these students adjust.
Some students, wary of the distractions taking final exams from home would pose or simply unable to return home, decided to remain in Charlottesville for exams and Thanksgiving.
Though the fall semester officially began Aug. 25, first-year students and other on-Grounds residents completed the first two weeks of classes from home.
“Despite some challenging moments, the progress this semester has been encouraging for our ability to work together to provide students an experience that is challenging and rewarding, academically and socially,” University Spokesperson Wes Hester told The Cavalier Daily.
The guide was developed over two years and includes financial and academic information. In addition to sections on financial aid, insurance, and personal finances, the guide includes mentorship opportunities, academic advice and study abroad tips for FGLI students.
In October, third-year College student Alex Briegel said that leadership in Chi Alpha approached him privately and “pushed” him to step down as a leader in the Core Group when he told them he had a boyfriend. Briegel believes this action stemmed from his sexual orientation, and felt “distraught” by the conversation he had with Chi Alpha.
The University’s CIO Agreement states that student organizations may not restrict membership based on sexual orientation and a number of other factors — however, student organizations may limit membership based on political or religious affiliation, in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Even if visa laws remain stable in the U.S., international students also have to worry about their ability to return home due to measures other countries are taking to control the entry of travelers from the U.S.
Since launching last spring, the fund has received 460 requests for aid, totaling $42,974.
After administering many midterms online, professors reported difficulty with anti-cheating technology and juggling students' accomodations.
The Coalition is currently working on several initiatives that they believe will positively impact both Charlottesville and University communities alike, such as the Virginia Threads Project and the Coalition’s food delivery service.
The intended break days throughout the spring semester are Wednesday, Feb. 17; Tuesday, March 9; Monday, March 29; and Thursday, April 15.
Students will not return to Grounds until the spring semester start date of Feb. 1 due to this year’s extended Winter Break.
While LOTL has traditionally been held during the first week of December before the start of finals, this year’s event was moved up to account for the condensed semester and so that students are still able to enjoy the tradition regardless of their physical location.
Stephen D. Mull, vice provost for Global Affairs, said in an interview with The Cavalier Daily that part of being a global university is hosting international students.
"We sought to balance serious concerns raised by students, faculty and staff about the effects of this pandemic on many of our students, while at the same time honoring the views of those students and faculty who seek to give or receive standard grades,” Provost Liz Magill wrote.
In the past, fraternities and sororities on Grounds have been critiqued for cultural appropriation, poor conduct amongst chapters during recruitment and social events and being financially inaccessible due to the high cost of dues and other fees associated with joining Greek life.
Though COVID-19 has impacted each group’s operations this semester, club members have been gathering outdoors in masked and socially-distanced groups, as well as virtually over Zoom, to participate in campaigning events.
Events included a “Policing and Protests 101” information session Oct. 26 and an undocUVA training Wednesday which discussed community issues of policing and the roles of the three organizations in their activist work.
