UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (UVA)

University of Virginia, Charlottesville (U.Va.), is a public research university that was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. One of the original public "ivy colleges," it is considered to be among the top 25 best universities in the United States, and is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the second best public university in the nation.

The University of Virginia is comprised of eleven schools at it Charlottesville location, in addition to its College at Wise in southwest Virginia. The university offers more than 50 bachelor's degrees, 84 master's degrees, six educational specialist degrees, 57 doctoral degrees, and two professional degrees (law and medicine). The University of Virginia Health System, located adjacent to the U.Va. Charlottesville campus, is considered a top medical center that provides training for medical care professionals and excellent patient care.

One of the goals for which Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia was to develop leaders and foster leadership through many areas of study. The illustrious alumni of the University of Virginia include many great leaders, such as President Woodrow Wilson; Senators Robert and Edward Kennedy, John Warner, Charles Robb, and George Allen, among others.  The U.Va. is known for producing a great number of Rhodes Scholars.

Jefferson was also a strong supporter of the arts, and the university has educated many leaders in drama and literature, including Mark Johnson (the movie producer of Rain Man and Good Morning, Vietnam), Henry Taylor (the 1986 Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry), and Edgar Allan Poe.  The U.Va. offers excellent programs in drama, music and visual arts, and the Department of Drama has modern facilities and two theatres, while the McIntire Department of Art has a well-known art gallery. The University of Virginia Art Museum exhibits a notable permanent collection as well as changing exhibits.

History

When Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, his vision was to create a university that was publicly supported and dedicated to educating leaders in public service. Jefferson undertook the university project near the end of his life, and he was very involved in the planning of the curriculum, recruitment of the faculty, and the design of the buildings and campus.  One of the more noteworthy buildings Jefferson helped to design is the Rotunda, which stands at the north end of the Lawn.

The U.Va. opened its doors in 1825, with 68 students enrolled and a faculty of eight. The curriculum in 1825 included ancient and modern languages, mathematics, philosophy, chemistry, law and medicine.

Academics 

The academic calendar for the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters. It also offers an accelerated January Term. 

The Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine follow different academic calendars, and students should contact those schools for further information.

Colleges and Schools 

• School of Architecture
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
• Curry School of Education
• Darden Graduate School of Business Administration
• School of Engineering and Applied Science
• McIntire School of Commerce
• School of Law
• School of Medicine
• Basic Medical Sciences
• School of Nursing
• School of Continuing & Professional Studies

Student Life 

There are hundreds of student clubs and organizations available for involvement at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Nearly every interest is represented, whether it is academic, political, professional, cultural, social, service-oriented, athletic, artistic, religious, or otherwise. The Greek Life on campus is very active, with many local chapters of fraternities and sororities, as well as inter-fraternity and inter-sorority councils, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and more. 

On campus housing is available, including in "residential colleges," and there is a wide range of on campus dining to choose from. University Avenue is a hub of student life at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, with a collection of student shops, bookstores, restaurants, cafes and more. Newcomb Hall, the student union, has a selection of snack shops.

Traditions

The school colors for the University of Virginia are navy blue and orange, with white as an accent color. The mascot is the cavalier. 

The University of Virginia has several traditions for which it is known, including the reference to the campus as "the Grounds." The students are referred to as "first year," "second year," "third year," and "fourth year," rather than as freshmen, sophomores, junior and seniors. 

There is a tradition of "secret societies" at Virginia, which have operated for many decades and are noted for leaving their painted marks on the university buildings. Many of the societies perform good works and service activities, though their efforts are unpublicized.

Athletics

The Virginia "Cavaliers" athletic teams compete in 25 intercollegiate sports for men and women, and all sports at U.Va. are very highly ranked. The U.Va. is one of only 15 schools to finish in the top 30 in the Learfield Sports Directors Cup standings. Intercollegiate sports at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville include:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross County
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Wrestling 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field

Satellite Campuses 

The University of Virginia has its primary campus in Charlottesville, with a satellite campus at College at Wise in southwest Virginia. The University of Virginia Health System has its buildings and facilities adjacent to the primary U.Va. campus in Charlottesville.

Community Life

The city of Charlottesville was named for the wife of George III, Princess Charlotte, when it was settled in the 18^th century. Today, this metropolitan city offers rich historical and cultural charm, and is considered one of the most desirable places to live in America. 

The U.Va. campus itself is a big attraction for visitors, and a nearby attraction is Monticello, the home of the university's founder, Thomas Jefferson. Also nearby, are the homes of presidents James Monroe and James Madison. Other attractions in the area include the University of Virginia Art Museum, a city sculpture garden, and many local theater groups. 

Many university and community ensembles and performance groups can be found in Charlottesville, including a chamber choir and orchestra, symphony orchestra, swing orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, opera workshop, and various singing groups.