First Year Issue - The Virginia Advocate
Transcription
First Year Issue - The Virginia Advocate
ADVOCATE e u s s I r a e Y t s r Fi Featuring: From a Graduate, With Love Also Inside: A Guide to Wahoo Sports To Frat or Not to Frat First-Year Tips A Letter From the Editors Dear Readers, This special issue of The Virginia Advocate is intended especially for incoming first-year students and transfer students. Welcome to the University of Virginia! We greatly look forward to meeting you and finding out how you will become a part of Mr. Jefferson’s academic community. The Virginia Advocate is a news publication organized and published by students of the University. We aim to provide a forum for news and discussion of events at UVa in a way that represents those members of the student body who are dissatisfied with the lack of choice in campus media and who feel marginalized by the narrow and institutionalized state of UVa publications in relevant discourse. Much of our support comes from the Collegiate Network, an organization facilitating independent college news publications serving to focus public awareness on the politicization of American college and university classrooms, curricula, student life, and the resulting decline of educational standards. Please enjoy this issue and be sure to consider if you may be interested in becoming a part of our publication. We are always looking for students to join our team! This semester The VaA has a number of positions that we are eager to fill with bright, new faces - underclassman and upperclassman alike. To get involved and learn more, come to one of our interest meetings: Tuesday 27th August 7:30pm - 8:30pm in the Newcomb Hall Gallery Wednesday 28th August 7:30pm - 8:30pm in the Newcomb Hall Gallery We are looking forward to meeting you and welcoming you to the team! Wahoowa! The Editorial Board The VIRGINIA ADVOCATE First Year Issue 2013 1 Wahoo Slang 3 The Wahoo Wardrobe Nicole Bailey 5 4 Websites All First-Years Should Master Devyani Agarwal 6 5 First-Year Tips Tatiana Lozano 7 Resident Advisors at UVa Anna Bickers 9 To Frat or Not to Frat Editorial Staff 10 Getting Aroung UVa Samara Brown G. Allen Turner II 13 From a Graduate, With Love Nicole Bailey 15 How Hoos Dine Jose de la Peña 17 With Honor and Justice for All Peter Finnochio 19 The Tapestry of Majors Sally Linden 21 6 Elements of a Badass Paper Gabriele Vogt 23 A Guide to Wahoo Sports Wayne Fullen Editorial Board Arrianne Talma Gabriele Vogt Editor-in-Chief On Grounds Editor Rebecca “Boo” Boodée Rob Mogni Executive Editor On Grounds Editor Samara Brown Managing Editor Lauren Sheridan Layout Editor Cédric Heckel-Jones Web Manager Yash Agarwal Business Manager Wahoo Slang Gregory Allen Turner II Staff Writer custom encourages students to never consider themselves a “senior” to learning but to think of life as a never ending quest for knowledge. This does not take away from the seniority tradition of university lifestyle but merely establishes a culture that encourages the lifelong pursuit of knowledge. From your very first day at UVa, you probably observed a significant use of unique vocabulary among those associated with the University of Virginia and the Charlottesville area. The new words and phrases can be overwhelming as it is not only expected that you will know these In order to pick up fast on the vocab of UVa terms but that they will also become assimilated culture, all first-years ought to be aware of into evthe University’s surroundings Making reference to the “campus” eryday and how they are referred to of the University of Virginia can speech. by students. First off, the word lead to awkward situations leaving “campus” is not employed at UVa. All throughout CharlottesIn order to people wondering if you even ville, the area that the Universimake your ty of Virginia sits upon is not referred attend school here. transition into UVa as smooth as possible, the following to as a campus like other colleges, but rather primer has been assembled, offering all first- “Grounds.” Making reference to the “campus” years a crash course on how to become a re- of the University of Virginia can lead to awkward situations leaving people wondering if you fined Wahoo without delay. even attend school here. To start, the average UVa student is both proud and knowledgeable of the founders of his Another commonly used term to denote one’s school. All too often, the reference to a certain location on Grounds is the Lawn. One of the “TJ” associated with the school is made within most eye-catching attractions to the University, the student body. Although this is a fairly regular the Lawn is the stretch of grass that sits in front name, “TJ” refers to the third president of the of the most famous building on Grounds, the Rotunda, United States and the founder of Although the official mascot of a structhe University, Thomas Jefferture deson. In his quest to establish a the University of Virginia is signed University with unique traditions, TJ made an uncommon change to the the Cavalier, from the day stu- by TJ to repreidentity of the student body. While dents are accepted here, onwards sent the most universities refer to their stuthey refer to themselves as authority dent body with nicknames such as of nature “Wahoos”. “freshman” or “seniors”, TJ strongly believed that no one can be a “senior” to learn- and power of reason that draws its architecturing and the quest for knowledge is a lifelong ex- al inspiration from the style of Neo-Classicism. perience. To symbolize this persuasion he devel- Combined with the beauty of the Lawn, it is one oped a tradition of referring to undergraduates of the major visual charms that draw people to as “first-year, second-year,” and so forth. This the University of Virginia. “ ” “ ” 1 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 Maybe the most surprising term is that which unofficially changes the identity of the University and its residents. Although the official mascot of the University of Virginia is the Cavalier, from the day students are accepted here, onwards they refer to themselves as “Wahoos”. The wahoo is a type of bass fish that is capable drinking twice its weight. Its rise in popularity as a nickname could come from the student body’s mentality of “work hard and play hard”, but whatever the reason, students embrace it as second nature in daily conversation, chants, songs, and other various social activities. As you traverse through the next few years on your academic journey, the social experience at UVa will be like none other, so take this study guide in arm and embrace the oncoming wave with a great cry of “Wahoowa!” Guess who’s on Facebook? We are, of course! Check us out at www.facebook.com/ vaadvocate First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 2 The Wahoo Wardrobe Nicole Bailey Former Editor-in-Chief The University of Virginia is not only well known for the style and taste of its architecture, but also of its students. Although most will have a strong sense of the Wahoo wardrobe by the end of first year, the following 10 closet staples will ensure that you start your undergraduate career off on top of the game. “Tempo Track” running shorts: These shorts may vary in color, but the style is unmistakable. They must be shorter on the outer sides and not skintight. The Nike brand name for it is Tempo Track, but a similar pair can be easily obtained in the UVa Bookstore. They can be worn anywhere – and are commonly worn to class or to the library. These are ideal for the girl who wants to hit the gym right before or after class and needs to pack lightly. Girls White short shorts: The brand may not matter, but the style is a critical part of the Virginia look - especially if you live in dorms without air conditioning! They effortlessly match a wide range of shoes and blouses, so pair these with your favorite shades and head outside on a sunny day. Longchamp solid color nylon travel purse: These bags come in a variety of colors but can be identified by their unique shape, zipped top, and brown leather handles. This accessory is not for all ladies, but many find it an aesthetic improvement over the traditional backpack. Skinny jeans + rain boots: When it rains it Charlottesville, it pours. Often, it pours suddenly. The rain is frequent enough that you will often be walking to work, class, and even social events in the rain. Women will find that almost every female at UVa owns at least one pair of rain boots. Skinny jeans are a common companion to the rain boots and function as a feminine complement to the generally unshapely footwear. 3 Pearls + sundress + flat sandals: All of the above is needed for football games. However, the pearls-sundress-flat sandals combo is a must-have for a typical weekend afternoon shopping at Barracks, a lunch on the corner, or even taking homework outside on a sunny day. Black leggings + brown boots: Pants are often replaced with black leggings The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 during the cooler months in Charlottesville. Sometimes they are worn with a long cardigan, but even a T-shirt or blouse suffices. Black leggings, when worn without a skirt or shorts, are almost invariably paired with brown boots. Although these boots vary in specific styles, materials, heights, shapes, and embellishments, they are usually always tan or brown. Both Full suit: Both gentlemen and ladies will make good use of a suit (or other formal business attire) during their undergraduate careers. Some will wear them to OGIs, or On Grounds Interviews. Some will use them to make the best impressions at the multiple annual career fairs hosted at UVa. Some might even join a club like The Burke Society with a dress code. Students who have this item in their closet will already be Guys Boat shoes: Running sneakers just don't cut it a step ahead of the game. anymore for the Wahoo dressing to impress. Everyone from Comm Schoolers to frat stars is UVa Swag: Hit the UVa Bookstore by Newsporting an alternative to the previously ubiqui- comb Hall or on the Corner to stock up on UVa tous sneaker. (Look out for this trend rising with T-shirts, sweats, and more. Whether lounging around or rushing to class, UVa Swag is always women, as well!) a safe bet. Salmon shorts: A color many men do not find in their wardrobe prior to coming to UVa can be seen everywhere in the spring and fall in the form of salmon shorts. Some are printed, and some are not. They vary in specific style, material, and length. Yet salmon shorts are a commonplace gateway clothing item to the world of pastels for many UVa gentlemen. Blazer + bowtie: The blazer and bowtie combo will serve a young Cavalier well in more places than the Scott Stadium bleachers alone. It functions as standard attire at a wide range of events including garden parties, frat events, concerts, Neon everywhere: Regardless of whether you look forward to going Greek yourself, particiand dinners. pation in Greek culture demands neon. Guys and girls will find themselves with neon jerseys, neon caps, neon sweatbands, neon socks, and even neon shoes. From highlighter parties to fundraisers, neon is an essential component of the fashion forward first-year wardrobe. First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 4 4 Websites All First-Years Should Master Devyani Agarwal Staff Writer students to compare professors for classes, making the choice to pick a class with a certain professor much easier. Professors newer to UVa, however, may not be listed on the site, and some reviews may be very biased due to personal opinion. Welcome to all first-years and transfer students! A particularly difficult aspect of being new to UVa can be figuring out which websites to use as your academic career begins. The University provides many websites to help All students should familiarize themselves with students get through while at UVa. Many students use Lou’s List Cavlink all of college’s intriCavlink is regulated instead of SIS because of its by University Career cacies. Navigating some Services (UCS), and is simple user interface. may be tougher than others, Photo courtesy of Arrianne Talma designed to help UVa but there are a few websites that every Hoo students find jobs, internships, and dates for should know. career fairs. Students can set up an account, list their major, and start searching. The jobs Lou’s List is an unofficial UVa course schedullisted are targeted toward UVa students and ing website which provides information similar provide them with on Grounds interviewing to what the Student Information System (SIS) information, job search agents to automate job provides, such as class descriptions and presearches, resumes, cover letters, and transcript requisites. Many students use Lou’s List instead storage to assist with job applications, as well of SIS because of its simple user interface. as email notifications for job applications. After Lou’s List also gives a list of classes that fulfill logging in, students have several options in gorequirements for the College of Arts and Sciing about their job searches. They can choose ences to help students better plan their coursto search for jobs, internships, or externships. es and is run by one of UVa’s world-famous They can also search for jobs with employers professors, Lou Bloomfield, a professor in the who come directly to Grounds for on Grounds Physics Department. interviews. “ Along with Lou’s List, The Course Forum is a great tool for students to utilize during class registration. It gives student reviews of professors in nearly every department at UVa. The website is not an official UVa website, but shows posts by UVa alumni and students. It is open to all students, who can set up an account for free. Course Forum provides a breakdown of grades for some of the listed classes, showing the percentage of students who got an A, A-, B+, etc. The site lists the prerequisites required for the different undergraduate schools at UVa and gives direct links to the reviews for those classes. It also allows 5 ” Finally, the most pivotal site for every UVa student: Student Information System (SIS). While SIS can be complicated to navigate at first, it can be mastered. The website provides a tutorial on its use for those who have difficulty with it. Nearly all course enrollment takes place via SIS. Grades at the end of every semester are posted on the student’s personal homepage, and can be found on a dropdown. On the sidebar of the homepage are Holds (on enrollment), and items on the To-Do list, something students should always pay attention to. If an Advisor Hold is in place, students cannot The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 sign up for classes until the hold is removed. Similarly, items on your To-Do list may keep you from class registration or, importantly, financial aid. On the dropdown on the home page, students can see their course history, their transfer credit report, and their unofficial transcripts. They can use an academic planner to organize area requirements, and create a “what-if” report, letting a student see what would happen if they were to change their area of study. Finally, Students use SIS to apply for graduation when all academic requirements have been fulfilled! Despite the challenges of understanding and successfully using SIS, it is the most important website to master while at UVa. Be sure to explore all of these websites, which you will be sure to use often throughout your time at UVa. 5 First-Year Tips Tatiana Lozano Staff Writer With the excitement of college comes the strangeness of a new environment, and lectures, homework, food and socializing can cause a great deal of anxiety when everything is new territory. Take this as your guide to conquering first-year fears. Tip #1: Be Bold Accept the changes and embrace them. College will no doubt be four very challenging years of your life but they will also be some of the most exciting. You will have an opportunity to learn, grow and blaze your own trail. Set goals and go after them! Tip #2: Get Involved One of the most overlooked changes from high school to college is extracurricular activities. No one is going to take your hand and drive you to soccer practice anymore. Some will love that freedom; but for others, those once busy afternoons become a little empty. Everyone should go to the Student Activities Fair to see hundreds of clubs vying for your membership. Everything you did in high school is available to you again at UVa, and more. Club sports, intramural sports, musical groups, volunteer organizations, literary and debate societies - everything from A to Z is just a signup sheet away. Clubs are one of the hearts of social activity at UVa and act as a great complement to life outside of class. First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 6 Tip #3: Meet new people Meeting new people can be terrifying, but it can also be incredibly exciting and fun. During the first few months at UVa, it will be normal to approach strangers in your dorm and ask them to grab food in the nearest dining hall and vice versa. Take advantage of that! If someone is going to live next to you for the next year, quit stalling and say hello! Things can be scary and a bit awkward for some during that first month, so any act of friendliness can go a long way. Tip #4: Commit to learn and engage Classes will likely be a great change from high school to college. Professors will not line the halls taking away cell phones or decorate their rooms with shiny multiplication tables and tacky posters. No one will run after you for your homework or send you to the principal’s office. It is your choice to wait for another half-intelligible tweet or to take notes behind that laptop screen during lecture. Remember that your first year will leave its mark on your GPA, so go to lecture and speak up in discussion. Talk to professors at office hours when your Webwork assignment is about to make you punch a hole in the wall. Stay a minute after lecture if your professor mumbled his way through a bunch of slides. In the words of Kurt Cobain, “the choice is yours, don’t be late.” Tip #5: Breathe In the midst of the craziness of your first few months at UVa, it is easy to get caught up and become incredibly busy. However, you should also find moments to relax and enjoy the freedom! You’ve gotten into an incredible school and you’ve worked really hard to get here so take a moment to bask in the awesomeness of it all! Go out with new friends, have a picnic on the Lawn, explore downtown - you deserve it! 7 Resident Advisors at UVa Anna Bickers Staff Writer UVa has a great team of amazing and dedicated Resident Advisors (RAs) in its Residence Life Program. Most of these individuals are deeply committed to providing wonderful dormitory experiences for their residents, are always there when they are needed, and know how to handle a crisis. RAs have the potential to change your life, and can help make your first-year experience at UVa absolutely amazing. They do, however, also have the potential to have a negative effect on your first-year experience. “ Most RAs are passionate about their jobs and about helping people in general. ” Like any system, the Residence Life Program has its flaws; some RAs have weaseled their way into the system simply for the free room and board. Other RAs actively try to micromanage residents’ lives, and some RAs ignore their duties entirely. If you are a first-year with one of these RAs, do not worry. There are plenty of resources for advice and general help, and many people that you can go to if you are in a tough spot. If your RA is significantly over- or underwhelming, the first person that you can go to is your Senior Resident (SR); this person oversees all of the RAs in your residence area, and has been on resident staff for several years already. If you feel the need to report your RA for any transgressions or violation of their responsibilities, this is the place to go. Your SR is a great resource, even for issues unrelated The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 to your RA. Feel free to go to your SR with any or psychological, UVa offers Counseling and problems you may have with your personal Psychological Services (CAPS). The profesor academic life. They may be intimidating, sionals at CAPS offer counseling sessions for but these people are also RAs, and you should students, as well as other supportive services. feel free to talk to them, since they are here to help out their residents as well. Even if you Resident Advisors are supposed to provide a don’t have RA problems, it’s a great idea to get safe haven for their residents to return to at to know your SR. the end of the day, lend a Other RAs in your If your RA is significantly helping hand, and give adresidential association over- or under- whelming, vice when needed. They are are also happy to be the first person that you can go supposed to handle available to you as a crises with calm and to is your Senior Resident... resource. If you have a ease, and make your friend with a great RA, it would not be a bad college experience wonderful and safe. If your idea to ask them for assistance. Most great RA fails to do these things, and your friends RAs are passionate about their jobs and about can’t help you with what you need, do not helping people in general, and would be more hesitate to find help wherever you feel comthan happy to take another honorary resident fortable. There are plenty of loving and open under their wing. You could even go to another people at UVa who are always willing to help. RA on your hall or in your building. If your problem seems very serious or is personal “ McCormick Road Dorms by Laura Knowles First Year Issue 2013 ” Photo courtesy of Eris Qian The Virginia Advocate 8 To Frat or Not to Frat Editorial Staff member for years to come. The busy nature of the typical fraternity or sorority means you will have frequent reason to hang around a particular group of people and develop ties to them, as well as others who engage in activities with your chapter. Whether this unfolds in parties, charity events, athletic competitions or just residence life, the window to great experiences is wide open in the Greek world. Con: The Fiscal Squeeze As fantastic as Greek life may seem, it does come with a fairly hefty price tag. Larger fraternities and sororities in particular can demand significant investments in membership dues, housing costs, and other expenses. Membership costs can range from $400 to over $1000 per term, and living in a Greek group’s house increases the bill further. Although the housing rates are in some cases quite competitive, dues in particular can fluctuate over school years, putting forward a large total that certain students may not be so keen to sign off on. Pro: The Resume This point might seem a bit laughable considering the culture that the toga world is known for, but in truth many fraternities and sororities can provide the backdrop for advancement both within the University community and a career beyond graduation. Many groups for A toga-party-goer in his natural habitat example sponsor charitable events such as marathon runs, fundraisers, and community One of the most important choices students will make after matriculating to UVa is whether outreach efforts, giving you an opportunity to soar along with fellow brothers or sisters or not to dive into the sea of togas, parties in a particular chapter. According to the Uniand friendships that often come with getting involved with Greek Life at UVa. Belonging to a versity’s Fraternity and Sorority Life website, close-knit group in the Greek life world means chapters during the 2011-2012 school year performed 84,000 hours of community service experiencing both the advantages of commuand raised over $320,000 for charitable causes, nity, friendship and teamwork, and the comshowing the positive impact of Greek life. mitments that they all entail. In order to assist with that eventual choice, here are some of the Since Greek organizations are also structured with leadership positions, there is the possibilpros and cons regarding membership in the ity of getting a respectable bullet on your Greco-parties on Grounds. resume for involvement in the activities such as the aforementioned, which can help with apPro: Friends and Memories plications for the Comm School, interdisciplinPerhaps the best aspect of participation in ary majors, or even graduate programs. Greek life is the opportunity to forge strong friendships and memories that you will re9 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 Con: Time Loss One of the greatest downsides of Greek life is the time drain. Typical members of the Greek community will have to balance a tight schedule of weekly chapter meetings, weekend activities, classes, and other commitments. For those planning to hold a job or participate in various student organizations, the time demands of a fraternity or sorority may become problematic, forcing the sacrifice of one, both, or even worse, academic performance. Living in one of the rowdier chapter houses can also make studying difficult, so those hoping for tranquility may wish to pick a smaller group or discard the option altogether. Pro: The College Experience Perhaps the most undeniable advantage of becoming one with Greek life is its fulfillment of most everything about being a Wahoo. The community of fellowship which fraternities and sororities offer – both in of themselves and between one another – presents you with a secure way of touching the different facets of college life in organized fashion. Be it streaking the lawn, attending football games, or partying up life, the brotherly and sisterly love of Greek chapters wrap everything about Wahooism up for you, whilst adding a dash of friendship. No matter your decision, the intersection of Greek life and everything else on Grounds is unavoidable, so you may become an honorary brother or sister without even knowing it. Visit our website at www.thevirginiaadvocate.com Getting Around UVa Samara Brown Managing Editor If you were one of the people that listened intently at orientation, you’d probably know that as a first-year you are not allowed to have a car on Grounds. If you didn’t know that, it may be a good idea to move your car off the street - immediately. Incase you missed the options available to you, don’t panic! Whether it is exploring the city, heading out to Barracks Road Shopping Center, or just trying to get home, UVa and Charlottesville have an excellent variety of safe transportation available to UVa students. University Transit System (UTS)- If you are not one of the first-year students fortunate enough to live in McCormick dorms then it’s likely that you are looking at a 10 to 20 minute walk to central Grounds. Thankfully, UTS can help cut down that time giving first-years living in Gooch-Dillard or Alderman dorms a bit more time to sleep. The Northline has stops in front of Gooch, behind Runk Dining Hall, and down towards the Alderman dorms of Kellogg, Balz-Dobie and Watson-Webb. The Northline also takes students to the Barracks Road Shopping Center. The Inner U-loop route stops in front of Gooch-Dillard, near the AFC, then heads on towards central Grounds, Rugby Road, the Corner and Jefferson Park Avenue. The Outer Uloop route also stops in front of Gooch-Dillard but heads in the other direction towards South Lawn and continues to Jefferson Park Avenue, the Corner, Rugby Road and central Grounds. The buses come in 10 to 15 minute intervals starting at 7:30 am Monday through Friday. If you decide to use UTS, make sure to down- First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 10 load the TransLoc app which allows users to see real time maps of UTS buses, estimated arrival times, routes and updates. The TransLoc app is available to download on Apple, Android and Blackberry mobile devices. Even if you don’t have a smartphone, the app allows you to get all the information you need through text messages. A similar app that you can download is called Hoosbus. Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT)- The city of Charlottesville’s public bus service is free to all UVa students with a valid student ID. The Free Trolley goes right through central Grounds stopping in front of Gooch and the AFC. You can also catch Route 7 on University Ave. and Emmet St. It stops at Barracks Road Shopping Center and also goes on to Fashion Square Mall. Route 5 can also be taken from Barracks Road Shopping Center to get to Fash11 ion Square and Walmart, although be warned that Walmart can take about an hour to get to. Zipcar- If the need for more individual transportation should arise, Zipcar is an excellent choice. Zipcar is a service that allows students to borrow a car for a number of hours or days, then return it when finished. The cars are available on Grounds 24/7. Students must sign up with Zipcar and can do so for $25. Students can sign up at the Students Activities Fair or online. Students must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Safe Ride- If you are heading home after a long night of studying at the library or a friend’s house, Safe Ride is a great way to ensure you arrive safe and sound at home. Safe Ride is a university service that will transport Photostudent courtesy ofID Erisback Qian to any UVa student with a valid The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 their dorm room. Safe Ride will only transport students home and not elsewhere. It operates from midnight to 7 am Sunday through Wednesday, and 2:30 am to 7 am Thursday through Saturday. Their number is 434-2421122. Taxi Services- The city of Charlottesville has several taxi services available. Yellow Cab is one which is frequently used by university students and it has a special arrangement with the University for student safety and convenience. Yellow Cab allows students with a valid student ID to ride and pay later at the Office of the Dean of Students. Be aware, however, that taxis can sometimes be late so you should try to request a cab a few minutes earlier if you need to be somewhere on time. If you need a ride immediately or need a safe way home call Yellow Cab at 434-295-4131 and pay later. Another option is to download the Taxi Magic app, which is available for download on both Apple and Android products. Taxi Magic allows users to request a cab immediately or for a time in the future. You are also able to choose your preferred cab service and can set up your credit or debit card to avoid the hassle of paying with cash. Getting Home- Need a short break from college life? There are multiple ways to get you home! For students from the state of Virginia, the Home Ride of Virginia bus service is a convenient way to commute to Northern Virginia, Richmond or Hampton. Home Ride usually leaves on Friday afternoon and returns Saturday night. It has additional services for Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break. Prices and additional information can be found on the website: www.homeride.com. The Amtrak train station is located at 810 West Main St. which is approximately half a mile away from Central Grounds. The Free Trolley stops directly in front of the train station or students can call a cab. The Charlottesville Albermarle Airport is located at 100 Bowen Loop, approximately 20 minutes away from central Grounds. Students can call a taxi to get to the airport at any time. Photo courtesy of Laura Knowles First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 12 From A Graduate, With Love Nicole Bailey Former Editor-In-Chief Dear First-Year, More people than you will ever remember are about to extend their welcomes, so I will spare the formalities. Instead, I would like to share with you a story - my story. It is one that will most likely seem strange to you now. Yet, with a little bit of work and a lot of luck, by the end of your fourth year my story may not seem so foreign to you any longer – it could very well be your own. Despite the excitement of college and the new accompanying lifestyle, I moved to Charlottesville with a sense of confidence about my ability to manage my new reality. My first year, I tethered that reality to a series of supposedly unchanging truths: my long-term, long-distance relationship; my ambition to pay my own way through college in the face of intimidating loans; my passionate aversion to alcohol; my unshakeable family life; and even my ideological convictions. Whatever your hesitations, I am sure you must have a similar optimism about what lies ahead or you would not be here. For me, that foundation seemed impervious. By extension, I was invincible. Lesson 1: All About Opportunity Every single one of the aforementioned “unchanging truths” of my first-year collapsed under a much more powerful truth: I knew nothing and was simply very, very fortunate. I made plans on the basis of reasons that later became obsolete, but those same plans worked to my benefit in unexpected ways. They provided me with opportunities that shaped the path to who and where I am today. Though your situation may be different than my own, you should expect to embrace new and even unsettling options. An internship may prove to you why the field you’ve always dreamed to enter will never work out. An alternative spring break may leave you feeling dissatisfied about American student volunteerism. You may decide after receiving your first job offer that you do not need a Ph.D after all. Those situations will have something to do with what you plan and much more to do with what you do not. Lesson 2: All About People At UVa, what your group of individuals looks like can vary wildly. Some will have drinking buddies, roommates, volunteer partners, sorority sisters or fraternity brothers, teammates, or peer mentors. It was cruOf course, if those conceptions had endured then I would have no wisdom cial for me to always have a friend nearby, either in the same dorm to share in this article. My first year sense of self eventually broke down complex or a short walk away. After in three ways, and therefore my story all, proximity is not so easily manipuhas three lessons. lated in the real world. The adventures I shared with my friends - from 13 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 watching shooting stars to exploring Charlottesville to hiking to travelling around the world - are by far my most precious memories of college. I also found the best of the faculty to be surprisingly accessible, and I am grateful to have formed meaningful, lifelong connections with Lesson 3: All About Who You Are I thought I knew what was important in college from the start. If you are like I was, you want to be important, successful, and recognized. You are smart, ambitious, and excited to meet a lot of If I had not pursued people like them. Without a doubt, I my own discomfort, my you. If you are believe the single most like I rewarding part three years in Charlottesville was, of college is the would have been very different. you people with whom you will stay in touch with afterwards. will think all of those things are a As significant as they seem right now, lot less important by the time you even your achievements will fade with graduate. It does not matter what time while those individuals will not. you are. After all, because so much I was unable to understand this fact of your plans will be out of your until tragedy struck my life, and I expe- control (See: Lesson 1) and because rienced the greatest pain I have ever what you do is not as enduring as known. it seems right now (See: Lesson 2), the best you can do is invest in yourI like to think that it is not necessary self as a human being rather than as to suffer to attain this truth, but I mya doctor, lawyer, or writer. Most of self was ignorant of it until the sudden all, my time at UVa showed me how death of my best friend, role model, to prioritize the development of my and protector: my father. After that character. devastating shock, my research, jobs, and final exams all became so trivial. I discovered that true diversity is My Senior Resident and former RA absolutely critical to self-improvedropped everything she was doing ment. Everyone should experience when I got the phone call to drive me a dimension of diversity at UVa that to the hospital and skipped the rest of he or she had never faced before. her classes that week to support my The concentration of incredible and family. My favorite professor shared driven individuals with so many varher similar experiences with ...the best you can do is ied international experiences, me as I cried invest in yourself as a human family dynamin Starbucks being rather than as a doctor, ics, mental and on the Corner. physical illnessEntire classes and stulawyer, or writer. es, and even dent organization sent philosophical principles showed sympathy cards. I am not exaggeratme how non-universal my habing to confess that it was the care of its, gestures, principles, and even outstanding individuals including my ways of thinking were. Everyone dean, my advisor, many faculty memhas a group of people in which bers, and my peers in the UVa comthey would be uncomfortable munity that enabled me to return and seek out that group. If I had not go on with my undergraduate career. “ “ ” ” First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 14 pursued my own discomfort, my three years in Charlottesville would have been very different. I grew from a know-it-all to someone who admits her ignorance openly and often. Without diversity, perceiving your own ignorance is impossible. I hope my words have not weighed you down, but rather helped you remember what is important and why you are here. After all, you are being thrown head first into the beginning of a new chapter of your story. Your life will change, your days will be filled with adventures, and you will surround yourself with people who truly care about you; these riches of life are now yours for the taking. Maybe you will find out the UVa experience is a lot more like my story than you could have imagined at your Orientation or even at the time of your reading this article. Maybe you, knowing these lessons in advance, will have an advantage. Maybe you will take more risks and make larger mistakes and learn much more than I did. And maybe, someday, you will care to share your story with the next generation of Wahoos and grow together... just as you and I did. Sincerely, A Graduate “Let’s all join hands and give a yell for dear Old U-V-A...” How Hoos Dine Jose De La Peña Staff Writer There are few things better than good food, and as the semester starts up again, one is reminded of the sad fact that evenings filled with mom’s home-cooked meals every night are over. When August rolls around, returning UVa students resign themselves to dining hall food, microwaved dinners and cold sandwiches, and as entering first years, you will likely be familiar with this menu very soon. Although it may not have been something that you may have considered when applying to UVa, dining becomes an important aspect to many students and brings forth a lot of questions for first-years. UVa has three dining halls, Observatory Hill (also known as O-Hill), Newcomb, and Runk. Runk is considered to be the best dining hall, but while it is very near Gooch-Dillard, it is a very long distance from central Grounds, so many students do not bother taking the long trek out there. O-Hill and Newcomb, while not having the illustrious reputation of Runk, are preferred because of their close proximity to first-year dorms and central Grounds. Each of the three dining halls has its own specialized cuisine. O-Hill is known for its stir-fry bar where chefs make dishes by student request. Students usually discover O-Hill’s delicious stir-fry in their first-year and it becomes one of their favorite features of the dining hall. Runk has a sandwich and wrap bar which most students find to be quite delicious. Newcomb Dining Hall was renovated this past semester and has received many positive reviews for its grill station. Students have varying opinions about the dining halls. Adrian, a third-year student, described Photo"some courtesythings of UVa Dining the dining halls doing reallyFacebook well, 15 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 but others really badly. I never really leave quite satisfied. The food can be really crappy, but I really value my meal plan for convenience sake. I really like the people who work there.” Jenny, a second-year, mentioned the other op- the Corner is reasonably priced for a great bargain, which any broke college student can appreciate. “ Obviously, one should never choose a school based solely off the quality tions around Grounds. Charlottesville has more of its food, but it cannot She said, “First semesdenied that the qualter, I ate there [dining halls] a restaurants per capita be ity of a school’s food is a lot because I did not find betmajor concern for incomthan New York City... ter places around Grounds to ing students. UVa may not eat at until second semester, but I still ate there be known for its amazing dining, but food is [dining halls] for convenience sake. I found conveniently available for students and there is Newcomb to have the best variety of foods.” a wide variety of non-meal plan options. With Kate, another second-year explained that “dinoptions such as the meal-exchange and places ing halls are decent for mass-produced food, but I’m definitely looking forward to not having like Crossroads, the Castle, and the Corner, there are several excellent alternatives to the a meal plan next year.” dining halls. In the end, students have to try out different options for themselves and decide There are more locations to catch a bite to which one fits with their own needs and tastes. eat outside of the dining halls. These locations A few may even end up being quite fond of offer what students consider better quality dining hall food! Eat happy and healthy! Enjoy! food than that found within dining halls. While students frequently eat at dining halls for their convenient locations, most prefer to eat at some of the other food spots on and around Grounds. One program that makes it easier to purchase outside the dining hall is the meal-exchange program. Through the meal-exchange program students can still use meal swipes at non-dining hall food options. Some of these places include the Pavillion XI, Crossroads, The Castle, and West Range Cafe. On certain days at particular times, students can get a combination of food items and use meal swipe in the same way you would swipe into the dining halls. The meal-exchange has been very popular with students, who find the exchange to be incredibly useful and convenient. In addition to the on-Grounds options, there are a variety of eating alternatives off Grounds as well. Charlottesville has more restaurants per capita than New York City, so finding a bite to eat is not a problem for UVa students. The most popular off Grounds place for students is the Corner, a strip of restaurants and stores visited commonly by UVa students. The Corner has several amazing restaurants with a wide variety of options. Most food found on ” Photo courtesy of UVa Dining’s Facebook page First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 16 With Honor and Justice for All Peter Finnochio Staff Writer Our system of student self-governance at UVa is one of the most unique and fascinating things about life at Mr. Jefferson’s University. Here, students are held accountable to fellow students. Depending on the offense, students are either tried by the Honor Committee or the University Judiciary Committee. The Honor Committee is charged with investigating honor offenses, for which the only penalty upon a finding of guilt is expulsion from the University. The University Judiciary Committee investigates a broad range of student misconduct other than those which would be considered breaches of the honor system, and has a broad range of penalties, from verbal admonition to small fines to permanent expulsion. Every student at the University has pledged not to lie, cheat, or steal. Committing one of these three actions is considered an honor offense, the only punishment for which is expulsion from the University. If a student admits guilt to having committed an honor offense before without having any reason to believe he is under investigation, he is able to reenter the Community of Trust. This provision, added a few decades ago, is known as the conscientious retraction. As of an amendment which passed just last semester, an accused student can now make what is known as an “informed retraction,” an admittance of guilt during an investigation but before trial, which will result in suspension for a year rather than permanent expulsion from the University. Historically, the Honor System began on July 4, 1842, when Law Professor Henry St. George Tucker appealed to students’ ideals of honor to urge them to hold each other accountable 17 for dishonest deeds. In the University’s early years, student behavior was a grave concern and even threatened the closure of the University. When the Board of Visitors and University faculty sought to punish students of ill repute, their fellow students would protect their peers, vowing on their “honor” not to turn them in. As a result, the Board of Visitors abandoned Jefferson’s original vision of minimal student regulations, implementing a curfew, imposing uniforms, and disbanding a student militia group. However, with each new rule, students would riot. In 1840, a professor was murdered on the “anniversary” of an earlier riot. Thanks largely to the leadership of Tucker and many students, honor ceased to be an excuse to rebel and became the cornerstone of selfgovernance. As students began holding fellow students accountable for dishonorable practices, relations with faculty improved and the Board’s strict regulations of student behavior were repealed. Jefferson’s original vision of minimal governance of the student body was able to flourish as students accepted responsibility for their actions. This is the lesson of the University’s turbulent early years. Over the 20th century, the Honor Committee continued to evolve, and continues to do so. In 1912 a permanent Honor Committee was created. In the 1970’s a student jury was added. Today an accused student has the right to choose to be tried by a jury of randomly selected students, a jury consisting entirely of Honor Committee representatives, or a combination of the two. The University Community has kept Honor alive by maintaining it as a central part of student dialogue, reforming it to preserve its relevance in a changing environment while leaving its central tenets unchanged. The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 Fourth-year Honor Counsel, Will Lovell, empha- In the University’s first year, its founder and sized that point, telling The Virginia Advocate father Thomas Jefferson remarked that “the that he observed “an overarching community rock which I most dread is the discipline of that united every student at U.Va” on his very the institution.” He bemoaned the “incipient first day on Grounds. Lovell sees the purpose irregularities” of early student conduct and of the Honor System “to maintain that commu- wrote that it had caused them to deserve nity, often referred to “much government.” The University Community Early attempts by as the Community of Trust.” faculty to rein in the has kept Honor alive by behavior of students maintaining it as a central part failed. Yet when the The University Judiciastudents began to ry Committee (UJC) was estab- of student dialogue. discipline themselves, lished in 1954 as a nine-member Judiciary Committee to investigate student a momentous shift occurred. Now, student misconduct and oversee the reporting and self-governance and self-discipline at UVa have imposing of penalties for student discipline. become a central tenet of the University and UJC hears all cases involving violations of the an integral part of why the University continStandards of Conduct, which includes transues to flourish. gressions such as physical assault, damage to property, and disorderly conduct. Student self-governance today is only possible because students have accepted alongside Jonathan McMann, a UJC Nursing School their rights, the corresponding responsibilities. Representative, described the UJC as existHonor and UJC are the courts in which stuing “to maintain and promote a community of dents hold their fellow students accountable respect, safety, and freedom. Its commitment for their actions. to educating accused students while not compromising the integrity of the standards of These are the cornerstones of self-goverconduct is noteworthy.” nance at Mr. Jefferson’s University. “ First Year Issue 2013 ” The Virginia Advocate 18 The Tapestry of Majors Sally Linden Staff Writer When you meet someone new at UVa, he or she will almost invariably ask you some version of the same three questions, “What’s your name?” “Where are you from?” and “What are you majoring in?” The first two questions are easy enough – of course, you know your name and your hometown. Answering the third question, however, can be a bit more difficult. Maybe you are planning on applying for Political and Social Thought, a competitive-entry, interdisciplinary program, with a Philosophy minor but working towards a degree in Government in case you do not get into the program. Perhaps you think you might want to study Computer Science, but are torn between a double major with Economics or Anthropology. Maybe you, like many other underclassmen, are just plain undecided. Whatever the case, “I don’t know” may seem like an unsatisfying answer, especially when it feels like everyone else already has the rest of their lives planned out in incredible detail. it can be easy to forget that the University does, in fact, offer majors that do not require students to spend copious amounts of time completing lab reports or creating financial statements for fictitious companies. Students have many different majors to choose from, ranging from the popular, like Foreign Affairs and Psychology, to the more obscure, such as East Asian Studies and Archaeology. Although choosing just one or two can be a daunting task, it certainly does not have to be. UVa has plenty of resources that can help guide students towards different areas of studies. Many departments at the University are affiliated with at least one Contracted Independent Organization (CIO), and participation in these groups can give students a better idea of what a degree program in that department might entail. Some departments also host frequent lectures and presentations that can help spark interest in a field of study. Perhaps most importantly, people at the University can be great resources to use when it comes to getting information about personal experience in a particular major. Though it may seem intimidating to bombard an upperclassman or proThe reality, however, is that there is nothing fessor with questions wrong with going There is a reason the University about various majors, into college withwe have all been in gives most students two years out a solid idea of position before and what you want to to declare a major. No one is your we are more than happy study. In fact, startexpected to come to college to answer your ing out with an open questions. knowing what they want to study... mind can give you “ a chance to study topics you might not otherwise take a class in. You might even discover a passion for an area of study that is completely new to you. Considering the number of first-years who identify as either “pre-med” or “pre-comm,” ” There is a reason the University gives most students almost two years to declare a major. No one is expected to come into college knowing what they want to study, and the two-year time frame gives students plenty of time to try out new courses in a plethora of different subject areas in order to find what 19 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 truly interests them. Taking introductorylevel classes can be a great way to find out more about areas that you might want to study because they tend to give an overview of what kinds of topics upper-level courses in the department will cover. Some of these courses, like Principles of Economics: Microeconomics (ECON 2010) and Introduction to Statistical Analysis (STAT 2120), actually count towards graduation requirements for numerous different majors. Even if you think you are absolutely certain that you are going to major in something like Physics, you should strongly consider taking a class or two in a completely unrelated department. For those who have to fill area requirements, which are required for most degree-seeking students, these classes can be a great way to do so. Additionally, taking classes outside your intended field of study might even allow you to develop an interest in a new subject that you may not have discovered otherwise. UVa is a respected institution with more than a handful of highly ranked programs. The downside to this, however, is that some of these programs, including Media Studies, Public Policy and Leadership, and Political Philosophy, Policy, and Law, and Global Development Studies require students to apply for a limited number of spots. The competition might seem pretty stiff, but admission to these programs is certainly possible, particularly for those who keep their grades up and demonstrate a continued interest in the subject area by taking courses and participating in extra-curricular activities that are relevant to the program in question. If you are planning on applying for a selective major, whether it is Global Development Studies, a major in the Curry School of Education, or another one of UVa’s many programs, check with the corresponding department to make sure that you are aware of any prerequisite courses that must be taken prior to admission. If you can, take classes in the department or attend information sessions about the program that you are interested in. This can be a great way to establish a personal relationship with one or more of the faculty members in the department you are interested in, which can work to your benefit if you ever need someone to write a letter of recommendation for a program to which you plan on applying. Several degree programs at UVa, including Cognitive Science, also offer what are called “Distinguished Majors Programs.” These programs are available to students who have a First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 20 keen interest in a field of study which they want to study in even more detail than offered by the typical major programs. Entry requirements and program specifications vary by department, but they are definitely worth investigating, especially if you would like to do further research on a specific topic within a major. College is a chance to step outside your comfort zone, experience new things, and learn about yourself in the process. There is no reason to feel rushed into choosing a major; take your time and take advantage of the vast array of courses offered by the University. If you are like the majority of UVa students, much of your third and fourth years will be taken up by advanced courses related to your field of study. Now is the perfect opportunity to take classes that sound interesting to you. Do not limit yourself to taking classes related to your intended major because you will have plenty of time for that later. Use your first few semesters here to find something you have a genuine interest in. Just remember, there is nothing wrong with being undecided. Follow us on Twitter! @TheVaAdvocate 6 Elements of a Badass Paper Gabriele Vogt Staff Writer No matter what your major is at UVa, at some point the task of writing a paper will present itself, spelling either glory or defeat depending on which approach is taken. Because this duty is so unavoidable and at times quite challenging, it is helpful to keep in mind a simple set of rules which can help structure your piece and deliver the needed high marks to keep your GPA sailing high above the water. These pillars of strength are compiled below. 1. A Thesis. Now. Fans of classical literature may have in the past tried to ramrod down your mind the idea that a paper can be written backwards, with the thesis only emerging amidst the last throes of its printed existence. This is both unhelpful and can seriously threaten your performance on even more advanced written assignments. Rather than attempting to be bold and nonconformist, insert your thesis and supporting points in the last or second to last sentence of the introductory paragraph. Doing so gives the reader a clear roadmap and prevents your mission with the article from becoming undermined by flurries of aimless sentences. 2. Structure is Good Just as centering your thesis in the intro helps give direction, providing a guide throughout the piece keeps it on message. To achieve this, rely on very basic but evident transitions from one paragraph or point to the next. A system of paragraph openings and transitions attune to “First, Second, Next, Third," and "Finally,” make it brutally obvious when a new topic is being discussed and thus grants the argument of the paper far more clarity. Long and meandering transitions on the other hand make you Photo courtesy of UVa McIntire Commerce School Facebook come off as arrogant and incapable of getting 21 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 to the point, which will have more influence on your grade than how sophisticated you appear on paper. If you are writing a longer paper, place headings to divide up the sections and eliminate the maze which is uninterrupted text. On this note, remember to put yourself in the shoes of the TA or professor who will be grading your paper and of course those of many others; they don’t want to spend the weekend muddling through oodles of sluggish prose because you’re determined to prove some egotistical opinion that is irrelevant to the purpose of the assignment. Make the grader’s life easier, and they will be more inclined to dole out a respectable letter for your paper. 3. No Empty Quotations Quotes and their block relatives are a fantastic way to give oomph to most any piece provided they are employed correctly. If you happen to find a winning quotation, make sure to follow up with an analysis of your own. Simply quoting a source does not make an argument, and can in some cases dishevel it if no succeeding discussion is provided. Putting forward some reasonable analysis of your own shows the work is not simply being slapped together in the panic room as reality sprints giddily towards the deadline. 4. Cite Properly citing sources seems like a no-brainer, but the practice remains a central pillar to any strong paper. At UVa a strong emphasis is placed on the Honor Code, which sees plagiarism as an especially serious offense. Whenever you use someone else’s work for a quotation or source, be sure to properly cite it in-text and then include either a bibliography or works cited page at the end of the paper. If you are unsure of whether a quote or historical fact needs to be cited, go ahead and do so and then consult with your instructor. It is far better to be on the safe side than end up committing plagiarism. Citations only take a few minutes to write up, and they make an essay far more convincing. And as luck would will it, the Information Age has severely reduced the hassle of compiling proper citations with free online services like EasyBib and BibMe, which automatically format citations so that only copying and pasting is required. 5. You are NOT Impervious to Improvement As a first-year, it can be easy to get a big head, and this is exactly why humility is so important when writing a paper. No matter how bright you may be, there is nothing wrong with speaking to your professor about drafts before making the final submission. When you go to office hours and speak with a professor to get his insights about a paper, a message is sent showing both respect for his advice and a desire to learn. Most academics went into the field because they wanted to gain knowledge and share it, so seeing students who are eager to glean from them is always uplifting. Conversely, pupils who act as though they are above criticism come off as disconnected and even rude. When it comes down to marginal grades, the former example student is more likely to come out on the high end because they showed how much they value the professor’s opinion. 6. Incrementalism Works Something that tends to hurt longer essays is when writers wait until the deadline is near and then attempt to barrel through 8-10 pages with the help of late night time blocks and a hefty supply of caffeine. While this might seem normal in college, a good way to reduce both the stress of a major assignment and avoid making significant errors last minute is to write in short and contained stints, averaging perhaps 400-500 words per session. Whether it occurs between classes, before a major event on the weekend, or even part-time on break, this casual method can quickly level the page count of a term paper without subjecting you to the frustration which is sitting down in front of a computer and attempting to punch out a full-length essay as distractions and diversions abound. Of course some editing will be needed at the end, but that part is trivial when all the grunt work has been completed. Now go write your paper! First Year Issue 2013 The Virginia Advocate 22 A Guide to Wahoo Sports Wayne Fullen Staff Writer The University of Virginia has an excellent tradition of athletics. In almost all NCAA-sanctioned sports, UVa is competitive and successful. Here is a guide on the state of some of the University’s sports programs including a little of their histories, recent performances, and a look ahead into the upcoming seasons. Football Virginia football is emerging from a rough, 4-8 season that left fans wondering what is next for their Cavalier squad. After a second straight season with a dual-quarterback system, David Watford was named the 2013 starter by Mike London, after beating out redshirt freshman Greyson Lambert. Phillip Sims, the highly-touted Alabama transfer, was ruled academically ineligible and transferred to WinstonSalem State. During the offseason the Virginia coaching staff received a massive makeover. Coaches Tom O’Brien and Steve Fairchild, two figures with considerable experience at both the collegiate and professional level, were added. O’Brien and Fairchild’s experience will hopefully lead to success for this year’s Cavalier squad. Both men were hired to jumpstart Virginia’s offense in this upcoming season. There are a few players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball that are sure to have promising seasons. Senior defensive tackle Brent Urban is a huge presence on the Cavaliers' defensive lineup. He recorded 20 tackles and 2 sacks last season. Expect the 6’7”, 290-pound Cavalier to stop the run and aggravate the opposition’s quarterback. Junior tight ends Zachary Swanson and Jake McGee are also certain to be scoring threats for Virginia this season, creating a more explosive and efficient offense. Basketball After a solid performance (23-12) by the Cavaliers this year, Coach Tony Bennett is looking forward to the 2013-2014 season. Virginia displayed one of the most efficient defensive performances in college basketball this season, consistently ranking in the top five in the nation. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers had difficulty with consistency throughout the season. Virginia’s best performances were against ACC titans such as Duke, North Carolina, and NC State at home; however, the same Cavaliers team lost to George Mason, Delaware, and Old Dominion. Virginia’s losses unfortunately cost them a trip to the NCAA Tournament. As a consolation, the Cavaliers received a No. 1 seed in the National Invitation Tournament, but with Madison Square Garden on the line, the Cavaliers fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the quarterfinals and concluded their season. Joe Harris and Akil Mitchell will return for their final season on the Cavaliers squad. Both these players led Virginia in points and rebounds, and are sure to lead the team during the 2013-2014 season. In addition, first-years such as Mike Tobey and Justin Anderson have been able to step up and perform when needed. It is safe to say that this coming year’s Men’s Basketball team will have a respectable array of depth and talent under the coaching of Tony Bennett. The women’s basketball squad started their season strong, but finished in the middle of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Toward the end of the season, the Cavaliers started to slip, going 2-8 in their last ten games and losing to 23 The Virginia Advocate First Year Issue 2013 Boston College in the ACC Tournament, one of the lowest-ranked teams in the conference. Like the men’s team, the women’s squad did not make the NCAA Tournament, leaving Head Coach Joanne Boyle and her team to think about improvements for next season. Virginia Women’s Basketball fans can expect top-tier basketball next season with the addition of three first-years. Faith Randolph, Raeshaun Gaffney, and Jaryn Garner will be vital additions to both the shooting guard and point guard positions. Coach Boyle and the Virginia squad will face large hurdles in order to topple ACC giants such as Duke and Maryland. Lacrosse The Men’s Lacrosse team is perhaps one of the most decorated teams at the University of Virginia, bringing home five national titles since 1972. The current coach, Dom Starsia has brought four NCAA titles and dominated the ACC for over 20 years. However, the 2013 squad was not as strong as those from years past. After starting 5-1 against some of the nation’s top competitors, Virginia dropped several games, dropping them from the rankings and eventually leading to their exclusion from the NCAA tournament for only the second time since the year 2000. The Cavaliers had only one win in conference play and did not finish the season with a winning record. Hopefully, the 2014 Cavalier men’s team can leave the uncharacteristic 2013 season in the past and get back to its winning ways. Julie Myers has led the Women’s Lacrosse team for 18 seasons, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament every year. In her tenure, the Cavaliers squad is consistently ranked amongst the top teams in the nation. During the 2013 the Cavalier team was good, but not among the top ranked teams in the country. The Virginia women’s team made the NCAA tournament as a twelve seed and lost to third seeded North Carolina, and finished the season with a final record of 11-10. Baseball The Cavaliers' baseball team has had great suc- cess over the past few years. Under the leadership of Coach Brian O’Connor, Virginia has consistently appeared at the top of the ACC rankings. During the 2013 season, the University boasted one of the best records in the nation, defeating several ACC opponents including Maryland, NC State, and Miami. As a result, the Cavaliers were consistently ranked in the Top 10 in the nation. After dominating at home all season long, it is likely Coach O’Connor will do the same at Davenport Field in the upcoming season. The team lost to Mississippi State in the 2013 NCAA Charlottesville Super Regional. The Cavaliers finished the season with a 50-2 record, which was the third fifty-win season in the program’s history and the team’s third in the past four seasons. The 2014 should see a continuation of the Cavaliers' incredible success. Soccer The Cavalier Men’s soccer team, led by head coach George Gelnovatch, is consistently successful. The 18-year coach led the Virginia Men’s soccer team to a solid 10-7-4 season in 2012-2013, recording wins against Duke and NC State. The Cavaliers' struggle to win away from Klockner Stadium resulted in a losing record in the ACC. Unfortunately, the men’s team did not advance past their first two games in the ACC Championship; both games, against Wake Forest and North Carolina, ended in ties. Likewise, Virginia was not able to get far in the NCAA Tournament, losing in the Second Round to New Mexico, 3-1. The UVa Women’s Soccer team is decorated with accolades from ACC championships to a large amount of NCAA Tournament appearances. Head Coach Steve Swanson has led the Cavaliers' to excellence both in the ACC and against national competition. The Women’s Soccer team had an 18-5-1 record in the 20122103 season, finishing with an impressive 6-3-1 conference record. In the postseason, Virginia beat Maryland 4-0 to claim the ACC Tournament title. However, Virginia lost in the third round of the NCAA Tournament to ACC opponent Duke 3-1. First Year Issue 2013 Photo courtesy of Arrianne Talma The Virginia Advocate 24 Contact The Virginia Advocate: Newcomb Hall SAC Box 334 P.O. Box 400715 Charlottesville, VA www.thevirginiaadvocate.com info@thevirginiaadvocate.com Cover art courtesy of Brendan Rijke