Academics & Student Life

Virginia statute (§ 23.1-400) mandates that a “religious or political student organization” may determine membership based on commitment to “the organization’s religious or political mission.”

News

Student leader in Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship ‘pushed’ to step down after disclosing his sexual orientation

By Ava MacBlane | November 28, 2020

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.

During the meeting, a debate took place over whether Chi Alpha and Young Life should be able to limit membership based on religious beliefs.

News

Student Council passes legislation denouncing discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students by CIOs

By Emma Gallagher | November 28, 2020

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.

With the recent uncertainty of international travel due to COVID-19, and the ability to access University classes online, the decision to live in Charlottesville is no longer the default for international students.

News

International students share logistics, challenges and bright sides of an unusual semester

By Sevy Van Der Werf | November 17, 2020

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.

So far, the fund has distributed $36,074 to 360 students.

News

U.Va.’s Mutual Aid Fund received over $12,000 in grant requests since start of semester

By Jamie Jeong | November 16, 2020

Since launching last spring, the fund has received 460 requests for aid, totaling $42,974.

The last day of classes is Nov. 24 and final exams will take place virtually from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

News

Professors implement anti-cheating software, diversify exam questions in effort to discourage cheating ahead of finals

By Sierra Martin | November 15, 2020

After administering many midterms online, professors reported difficulty with anti-cheating technology and juggling students' accomodations.

Wes Hester, deputy University spokesperson and director of media relations, said the University appreciates the Coalition’s initiative.

News

Student COVID Coalition delivers food, raises emergency funds for U.Va. and Charlottesville community

By Max Paley | November 13, 2020

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 Spring semester's instructional approach will largely mirror the fall semester — all classes will have an online component.

News

Students react to U.Va.’s decision to replace Spring Break with days off throughout semester

By Leigh Bierman and Ava MacBlane | November 11, 2020

The intended break days throughout the spring semester are Wednesday, Feb. 17; Tuesday, March 9; Monday, March 29; and Thursday, April 15.

The Thanksgiving recess begins Nov. 25 and ends Nov. 29, with final exams administered entirely online from Dec. 2 to Dec. 11.

News

U.Va. students prepare to travel home for Thanksgiving under COVID-19 guidelines

By Erin Rafferty | November 10, 2020

Students will not return to Grounds until the spring semester start date of Feb. 1 due to this year’s extended Winter Break.

One new addition to the event is that, for the first time since the tradition’s inception, both sides of the Rotunda will be lit.

News

Lighting of the Lawn celebration goes virtual in its 20th year

By Justin Carminucci | November 10, 2020

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.

Written by University Provost Liz Magill on behalf of the University, the comment stated that the proposal would have wide-reaching implications for higher education institutions in the U.S.

News

U.Va. urges withdrawal of proposed Department of Homeland Security rule

By Maryann Xue | November 9, 2020

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.

Taking classes with the credit/general credit/no credit grading system will not factor into a student’s GPA and will count towards major and graduation requirements.

News

U.Va. to extend fall grading policy to J-Term, spring semester

By Zach Rosenthal | November 9, 2020

"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.

Many fraternities and sororities held fundraisers and philanthropy events over the summer to benefit organizations that support the Black Lives Matter Movement and advocate for racial equity, but were also criticized for not doing enough.

News

Sorority, fraternity leaders implement reforms aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion

By Sierra Martin and Lauren O'Neil | November 5, 2020

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.

The University Democrats have gathered in open University spaces like the Lawn in masked and distanced groups of less than 10 to phone bank.

News

Political student groups at U.Va. work to get out the vote before Election Day

By Raghda Labban and Erin Rafferty | November 3, 2020

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.

Student participants posed questions on student engagement and hope amid the current political climate.

News

Students, community activists discuss issues of policing, abolition at Know Your Rights event

By Jacqueline Skalski-Fouts | November 2, 2020

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.

While the Commonwealth currently permits gatherings of up to 250 people, religious gatherings are exempt to this rule — however, attendees must practice social distancing and masking, among other rules.

News

Religious CIOs opt to follow U.Va.’s public health recommendations despite exemption from gathering restriction

By Sevy Van Der Werf | October 29, 2020

The size limit on gatherings was originally five people, but the University raised it to 10 as of Oct. 13.

Around 70 professors have signed a pledge to not give exams on Election Day, along with more than 100 students signing in support.

News

U.Va. community members call for classes to be canceled on Election Day

By Zach Rosenthal | October 29, 2020

“Given the adjustments we have made to the fall academic calendar due to the pandemic, we will not be canceling classes on Election Day," Coy said.

At the event’s closing, chants of “This is what democracy looks like!” filled the air.

News

Students demonstrate at the Rotunda in response to President Ryan’s statement about Jefferson’s legacy

By Kristin O’Donoghue | October 28, 2020

The evening’s agenda included a series of student speakers, community-building discussion groups and a concluding exercise wherein students were invited to write responses to a series of prompts about Ryan’s statement.

The University has constructed nine tents throughout Grounds at various locations, costing approximately $650,000.

News

Outdoor tents provide students an escape from isolation

By Justin Carminucci | October 23, 2020

The University has constructed nine tents throughout Grounds at various locations, costing approximately $650,000.

Formal recruitment will occur virtually for the safety of those involved and to allow all interested students to participate.

News

Greek organizations to host spring recruitment virtually, hopeful for in-person bid day

By Sierra Martin and Lauren O'Neil | October 21, 2020

With recruitment events held online, presidents and recruitment chairs are struggling with learning new technology, generating excitement about Greek life, and conveying safety guidelines from the ISC and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to members and potential new members.

The restrictions require that students not gather in groups greater than five, adhere to mask gathering rules and not travel outside the Charlottesville community.

News

U.Va seeks to enforce its tightened COVID-19 restrictions

By Luke Stone | October 19, 2020

While the University would prefer people gathering outside to inside, student behavior sometimes does not align with administrative expectations.

Student leader in Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship ‘pushed’ to step down after disclosing his sexual orientation

Student Council passes legislation denouncing discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students by CIOs

International students share logistics, challenges and bright sides of an unusual semester

U.Va.’s Mutual Aid Fund received over $12,000 in grant requests since start of semester

Professors implement anti-cheating software, diversify exam questions in effort to discourage cheating ahead of finals

Student COVID Coalition delivers food, raises emergency funds for U.Va. and Charlottesville community

Students react to U.Va.’s decision to replace Spring Break with days off throughout semester

U.Va. students prepare to travel home for Thanksgiving under COVID-19 guidelines

Lighting of the Lawn celebration goes virtual in its 20th year

U.Va. urges withdrawal of proposed Department of Homeland Security rule

U.Va. to extend fall grading policy to J-Term, spring semester

Sorority, fraternity leaders implement reforms aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion

Political student groups at U.Va. work to get out the vote before Election Day

Students, community activists discuss issues of policing, abolition at Know Your Rights event

Religious CIOs opt to follow U.Va.’s public health recommendations despite exemption from gathering restriction

U.Va. community members call for classes to be canceled on Election Day

Students demonstrate at the Rotunda in response to President Ryan’s statement about Jefferson’s legacy

Outdoor tents provide students an escape from isolation

Greek organizations to host spring recruitment virtually, hopeful for in-person bid day

U.Va seeks to enforce its tightened COVID-19 restrictions

September Book Club: Challenging books to train the brain

Country roads lead to Charlotte blues as Mountaineers reclaim long dormant rivalry

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett discusses legal doctrines, emergency docket

YOUNIS: SJP’s criticism is not hysteria — it is a challenge to U.Va.’s standards

Heading back to Charlotte, the Cavaliers hope to do away with the memories of old

Cavalier Clusters — Sept. 23

With midterm elections approaching, Miller Center experts share foresight

Honor Committee continues to debate changing appeals process

University Medical Center nears top safety grade, looks to improve in November

From a rooftop to the stage — ‘Third Floor Window’ finds its place in the student music scene

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