Building the Sciences
Winter 2007
At its October meeting, the Board of Visitors endorsed a comprehensive approach to enhancing the sciences when it approved three major research buildings—one for Medicine, one for Engineering, and one for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Full Text.
Building "Useful Sciences" for a New Century
October 9, 2007
Described as early as 1813 as a place "where all the useful sciences should be taught," U.Va. is recommitting itself to science as it rounds out its second century. A Commission on the Future of the University has identified science and technology (among other areas -- the Commission's recommendations address what is learned and taught broadly) for attention now to build strength and further distinguish U.Va. The core reasons: determination to push forward the frontiers of knowledge in research that contributes to Virginia's and the nation's vitality, to use scarce resources effectively and efficiently, and to adopt the best known practices to deliver to students at all levels education and training second to none. Full Text.
U.Va. TV Spots
October 1, 2007
The University has created three new video spots that will air during televised football and basketball games this fall and winter. You may view the spots online now. Full Text.
Responding to Tragedy
Fall 2007
As students, faculty, and other members of our University family prepare for the beginning of the fall semester, our memories of the mass murder at Virginia Tech last spring remain vivid: televised images of police officers swarming the Blacksburg campus; details of the massacre emerging in bits and pieces; grief and disbelief mounting as the immensity of the tragedy slowly took shape. Full Text.
Statement Against a Call by a British Labor Union for a Scholarly or Academic Boycott of Universities in Israel
June 21, 2007
President Casteen's response to two recent statements that draw attention to an effort by a newly formed British membership organization that styles itself Britain’s University and College Union to promote a “boycott” of Israel’s universities. Full Text.
An Eye to the Future
Summer 2007
"Summertime in Charlottesville this year will be a respite between semesters and also a time of hard work as we continue a significant planning project that has to do with both the ongoing capital campaign and the University's longer-term future.." Full Text.
Candlelight Ceremony to Remember Those Killed at Virginia Tech
April 17, 2007, McIntire Amphitheater, 7:00 p.m.
We have gathered here over the years, from time to time, when momentous events pull us together as a community. The last time I recall was the night of 9/11 and 9/12 and 9/13. We sat silently as you sit silently. We came together as a community to focus on issues that had to do with the lives of those who were lost and also with our, and especially, your futures. Full Text.
Statement from President Casteen on Events at Virginia Tech
April 16, 2007
The shootings this morning at Virginia Tech have turned a seemingly normal day into one filled with grief and disbelief. For U.Va., especially on this day, Virginia Tech is family. Many of us have parents, daughters and sons, sisters and brothers, and friends who study, teach, or work in Blacksburg. Many of us are Tech alumni. Full Text.
University of Virginia Statement on Sustainability in Response to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment
March 21, 2007
During the last several weeks, University officials have reviewed a document entitled the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. Contrary to what its title may imply, this document is not a reflection of a significant agreement reached among college and university presidents. It is an effort by environmental activists, many of whom we know and admire, companies that earn their profits by selling environmental services, and others to gain commitments from college and university heads to agendas set outside of higher education. Full Text.
President Casteen's Annual State of the University Address
Delivered February 7, 2007
Read the Full Text.
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Search for the Dean of the College and Graduate School
Winter 2007
"This is a first report on the search for the dean of the College and Graduate School who will succeed Dean Ayers when he becomes president of the University of Richmond next summer. My purposes here are to explain the process, to express gratitude to Mr. Ayers for uncommon leadership in uncommon times, and also to ask for your advice about several issues related to the College's future and about the search. In this note, I am using College to refer to both the College and the Graduate School." Full Text.