Top Q&A About U.Va.

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About U.Va.

Who is the president of U.Va.?
The president of U.Va. is Teresa Sullivan, who came to U.Va. in August 2010 from the University of Michigan where she served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. She is the University's eighth president, preceded by John T. Casteen (1990-2010). President Sullivan's biography can be found on the President's Office Web site.

When was U.Va. founded?
The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson. The cornerstone of the University's first building was laid in 1817, with Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe in attendance. The first class entered U.Va. in 1825, and the first degree was conferred in 1828. See also the Short History of UVa

What programs and activities does U.Va. offer for the community?
The University's Community Relations Office works to engage with the community through numerous outreach efforts including those that involve area residents, students, and schools. To learn more, visit www.virginia.edu/communityrelations. The University's Outreach Virginia is an online database that provides access to information about more than 480 public service and outreach programs offered by the University. The database is searchable by program type, keyword, region, and interest area. www.outreachvirginia.org

How can I tell what is going on at U.Va. on a particular day?
To find out more about what is happening at U.Va. on a particular day, visit the University's calendar of events around the Grounds and beyond. Or you can visit the UVa Today website, which features news and events of interest.

What are U.Va.'s colors and mascot (and what is a Wahoo)?
Orange and blue were adopted as the University of Virginia's official athletic colors in 1888. The University's mascot is a Cavalier. Although the Cavalier is the official mascot of the University, the Cavaliers are also often referred to as the Wahoos. Legend has it that Washington and Lee baseball fans dubbed the Virginia players "Wahoos" during the fiercely contested rivalry that existed between the two in-state schools in the 1890s. By 1940, "Wahoos" was in general use around the Grounds to denote University students or events relating to them. The abbreviated "Hoos" sprang up later in student newspapers and has gained growing popularity in recent years.

When is graduation?
Final Exercises are typically scheduled for the third weekend in May.

How do I find/apply for a job at U.Va.?
U.Va. offers a work environment that attracts, develops, and retains an outstanding and diverse workforce. In 2009-10, the University employed 9,552 people. Information on applying for faculty, staff, temporary, and student employment is available through the Human Resources website. You can search for faculty and staff job openings and learn more about student employment.

How many students does U.Va. have?
In the 2009-10 school year, the University enrolled a total of 20,895 students: 14,297 undergraduates, 6,598 graduate students. More detailed information on enrollment is offered in the enrollment section of U.Va.'s Online Data Digest.

What does U.Va. do to promote diversity?
The University of Virginia envisions and cultivates a community of understanding, tolerance, and respect. U.Va. partners with the Charlottesville community to encourage a welcoming environment for all students, residents, and visitors. Throughout the year—on the Grounds and elsewhere in Charlottesville—you'll find various opportunities to celebrate diversity and engage in efforts to foster a strong sense of community for people of diverse backgrounds. To learn more about U.Va. diversity, visit: UVa Diversity | VP and Chief Officer for Diversity and Equity.

Academics

How many schools does U.Va. have, and what degree programs do they offer?
The University of Virginia has eleven schools: the School of Architecture, the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Nursing all offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. The Darden School of Business, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine offer graduate studies and several other programs as well. The Curry School of Education offers graduate degrees and a 5-year dual degree program with the College of Arts & Sciences through which students receive both an undergraduate degree and a master's of education. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers an undergraduate degree program and many other programs and graduate study. The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy trains students for public service careers in both domestic and international arenas. Graduates of the Batten School will assume leadership positions in government, in the non-profit sector, in consulting firms, and in selected private sector firms.

Does U.Va. have a major in ...?
For a list of majors, please see our Degrees Offered page. You may also want to view our list of Schools, Departments, and Academic Programs.

Does U.Va. offer part-time degree programs?

In early 2001, the University of Virginia introduced the bachelor of interdisciplinary studies (BIS) degree, offered through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The curriculum for the degree has four components: liberal studies seminars, a concentration, elective courses, and a capstone project. All elective courses for the BIS are upper-level courses currently taught in the regular undergraduate programs of the College of Arts & Sciences, the McIntire School of Commerce, and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. For more information, visit the School of Continuing and Professional Studies BIS page.

Since 1983 the School of Engineering and Applied Science has offered a part-time engineering master’s degree program called the Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (CGEP). This program makes available regular master's degree courses via computer link to students in Virginia and beyond. The classes are synchronous (real time) and students connect from their personal computers. Classes are scheduled in late afternoon and early evening hours. All courses required for the degree are available through this program.

In 2009, the School of Engineering and Applied Science initiated the part-time, undergraduate Engineers PRODUCED in Virginia program, in partnership with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). Through this program, the Engineering School is reaching out to bring undergraduate engineering education to communities throughout Virginia. Through the PRODUCED program, a student can earn an Associate of Science in Engineering degree (or equivalent) from their local community college and then a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Science from the University of Virginia, all without leaving their home community.

Admission

When can I apply to U.Va.?
U.Va. welcomes applications from first-year candidates, as well as from applicants seeking to transfer from other accredited universities or colleges. First-year candidates typically apply during their final year of high school; the postmark deadline is January 1. Transfer candidates may apply after one or two years of college work elsewhere; the postmark deadline is March 1 for enrollment in fall semester (available in all six of the undergraduate schools) or November 1 for enrollment in spring semester (available only in the College of Arts & Sciences). For further information about the application process, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission website.

If you are interested in applying to one of U.Va.'s graduate schools, select the appropriate link on U.Va.'s Graduate Guide page.

How do I transfer to U.Va. from another university or college?
The University of Virginia welcomes applications from students seeking to transfer from other accredited colleges and universities. Each year more than 700 transfer students enroll; a quarter are nontraditionally aged, and a third come from the Virginia Community College System. Admission information for transfer applicants.

Does U.Va. offer campus tours and prospective student interviews?
The Office of Admission welcomes visitors to the University and is especially pleased to host prospective students and their families. The deans of admission offer hour-long information sessions throughout the year; these sessions are followed by guided tours of the Grounds. A schedule of sessions and tours is available on the Undergraduate Admission page. While the Office of Admission neither requires interviews nor uses them in the evaluation process, the deans of admission do meet with students on an individual basis to answer questions and to provide counseling. Such appointments do not affect the admission decision. Prospective students who wish to stay overnight in a dormitory should contact the Monroe Society, an undergraduate organization that hosts prospective students.

What does U.Va. look for in prospective students?
The University of Virginia values intellectual ability, academic achievement, and personal qualities that would contribute to the University of Virginia community. All applications are welcome. Although U.Va. is a state-supported school, it has always carried out Thomas Jefferson's wish that it be an international university, bringing together students from around the world to foster that broadening of perspective encouraged by a varied and cosmopolitan environment. Accordingly, while the Committee on Admission expects both intellectual ability and academic achievement from all successful applicants, it also strives to understand each applicant in personal terms, seeking evidence of good character, imagination, leadership, facility in self-expression, commitment to service, and any other qualities that would contribute to the University community.

Tuition & Financial Aid

How much does it cost to attend U.Va.?
Visit the following sites to acquire information about the cost of attending the University of Virginia: Student Financial Services (estimated cost of attendance) | Facts-at-a-Glance (tuition & fees chart) | Data Digest (detailed statistics).

What is Access U.Va.?
Access U.Va. is an ambitious financial-aid program—unprecedented among U.S. public institutions—designed to keep higher education affordable for all students who qualify for admission, regardless of economic circumstance. Learn more about Access UVa

Finding People/Contacts

What is U.Va.'s central telephone number and mailing address?
The central telephone number for U.Va. information is (434) 924-0311. The University of Virginia does not have one zip code or a central mailing address. However, there is an online listing of the most frequently requested addresses and telephone numbers.

How do I find a current U.Va. student, professor or staff member?
Use the University's people search or the U.Va. online telephone directory to find currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff.

How do I contact a U.Va. alumnus?
The University has an alumni e-mail directory that can help you contact alumni. Reunion information, alumni news, and membership information are on the Alumni Association website.

How can I find a physician from U.Va.'s medical center?
The Directory of Physicians is an easy central way to find a physician at U.Va. The directory is searchable by physician name or by keyword. View other medical center services from the Health System website.

Visiting

Can I take a tour of the campus?
A schedule of sessions and tours for prospective students is available on the Undergraduate Admission site. For historical tours, free guided tours of the Rotunda and Lawn are provided year-round. Tours meet daily (except during the three-week holiday break in Dec.-Jan. and during the final exam period during the first three weeks of May) at 10, 11, 2, 3, and 4 at the Rotunda entrance facing the Lawn. Call (434) 924-7969 for more information. Tours are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, and interpreters are available for the hearing impaired. The Rotunda has brochures with walking tours of the Academical Village and the Rotunda. You can also take one of several virtual tours from our About the University website.

Where is U.Va. located, and where do I park when I get there?
The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, approximately 120 miles southwest of Washington, DC. Two major highways, Interstate 64 and US 29, intersect close to the University Grounds. Detailed directions to the University and maps of the University are available for online viewing.

The University's central hourly visitor parking garage is on Emmet Street, about a block south of the intersection with University Avenue. Visitor and patient parking is also available in two University parking garages—one on Lee Street across from the University Hospital and the 11th Street Parking Garage behind the Lee Street Garage. The University's garages have parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities. There is also hourly parking on "The Corner" in municipal garages on Elliewood Avenue, Fourteenth Street, and Wertland Street.

What is Charlottesville like?
Charlottesville, located in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, is home to more than 41,000 residents with a metropolitan population nearing 200,000. For more demographic information, see Charlottesville's community profile and quality of life profile.

Charlottesville is a small, thriving city, 120 miles from Washington, D.C. The city has a community symphony orchestra, a light opera company, a variety of vocal groups, and celebrates the Film Festival every fall and the Festival of the Book every spring. The downtown area is an eighteen-block, brick-paved pedestrian mall with more than thirty outdoor cafes and restaurants, numerous modern theaters as well as several music venues. From April through October, Charlottesville celebrates Fridays After Five downtown, with free live music at its amphitheater, the Charlottesville Pavilion. The John Paul Jones Arena at the University is home to U.Va. men's and women's Basketball teams and host to a number of attractions including concerts, family shows, and community events. Performers like the Rolling Stones, U2, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Charlottesville's own Dave Matthews Band, and the Flaming Lips have all been a part of the Charlottesville music scene. News about what's happening is available at the Charlottesville and Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau http://www.visitCharlottesville.org/ or visit Exploring the University and Charlottesville for more information.

The countryside around Charlottesville and neighboring areas, especially in the spring and fall, ranks among the most beautiful sites in the nation. The area offers numerous Civil War sites and historical road markers detailing more than two hundred years of history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, named Charlottesville to its 2007 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. Charlottesville was selected from 63 destinations in 27 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities. Read more.

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Last Modified: 11-Feb-2013 13:41:05 EDT

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