Student Services

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

Cavalier Advantage Program
(Observatory Hill Dining Hall, 982-5735, www.virginia.edu/cavalieradvantage) This is a University program that allows students to use their University ID card to access and pay for University provided services. The Cavalier Advantage account is activated by making a deposit. Funds can be added by visiting the website and making an on-line deposit; by visiting or contacting the Cavalier Advantage Office; and by visiting the U.Va. Bookstore or TJ’s Locker. Deposits can also be made at one of the six cash deposit machines located Grounds-wide. Cavalier Advantage is accepted at University dining locations; bookstore locations; laundry, vending and copy machines; and a variety of other services on-grounds. For additional information, visit the website or contact the Cavalier Advantage Office.

Cavalier Computers
(Bookstore Branch: Fourth Floor, Central Grounds Parking Garage, 924-3475; Aquatic Fitness Center, TJ’s Locker Annex, 434-243-8886 www.cavaliercomputers.com) A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, Cavalier Computers is dedicated to supporting information technology at the University by providing students, faculty, departments, and staff with high-quality, educationally-priced computer hardware and software, along with outstanding customer support. Offering computers from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, & Hewlett Packard as well as printers from Epson, Canon and Hewlett Packard Cavalier Computers is an active participant in UVa’s Desktop Computing Initiative (DCI); it is the sole provider of net-ready computers configured to meet all UVa DCI established standards.

Cavalier Computers services all equipment that it sells, and its service personnel are factory trained and authorized. In tandem with ITS, Cavalier also provides user support on all equipment it sells.

The store accepts cash, personal and traveler’s checks, Visa, MC, Discover, AMEX, and Cavalier Advantage. Hours of operation, pricing, and ordering information are available on-line.

Consumer Information
(1939 Ivy Road, P.O. Box 400727, (434) 924-3417) The University’s Consumer Information Officer (CIO) is available to assist students or prospective students in obtaining information about financial aid programs, the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial aid under one of the many programs, the cost of attending the University, the refund policy currently in effect, the University’s academic programs, student retention data, and student program completion data (if available). The CIO may be contacted by writing to George A. Stovall, Director of Institutional Studies, 1939 Ivy Road, P.O. Box 400727, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4727; gstovall@virginia.edu.

Intramural-Recreational Sports
(434-924-3791, Fax: 434-924-3858, recsports.virginia.edu) Intramural-Recreational Sports provides comprehensive recreation facilities seven days a week with a variety of activities to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and their families. Activities include competitive intramural sports leagues and tournaments; fitness programs such as group exercise classes, yoga, strength training workshops, personal training services, and fitness assessments; recreation instruction in aquatics, racquet sports, martial arts, dance, First Aid and CPR; outdoor trips and workshops such as kayaking, rock climbing, bouldering, fly fishing and caving; challenge course; swim and tennis instruction for children; and approximately 70 student-organized club sports.

Facilities include the Aquatic & Fitness Center, Slaughter Recreation Center, Memorial Gymnasium, North Grounds Recreation Center, Outdoor Recreation Center, Snyder Tennis Center, The Park, Dell outdoor tennis/basketball courts and numerous outdoor playing fields. Together, these facilities house cardiovascular and strength training equipment; basketball, volleyball, squash, racquetball, handball and wallyball courts; indoor running tracks; swimming pools, whirlpools and saunas; multi-purpose rooms, showers and locker rooms; an outdoor equipment rental center with bouldering wall and resource library. Students also have access to the new University of Virginia McArthur Squash Center located at the Boar’s Head Sports Club.

Full-time University students are eligible to use facilities and register for programs using their student I.D. card. Student spouses must purchase a recreation membership in order to participate. Recreation memberships may be purchased in person, by mail, or by fax at the Intramural-Recreational Sports Business Office located in the Aquatic & Fitness Center, Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
(Washington Hall, East Range; 924-3200, www.virginia.edu/eop) This office is both an administrative unit of, and a resource center for, the University community. While EOP develops policies and procedures, it also provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of the University’s equal opportunity and affirmative action initiatives.

The University prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information. Students who believe that they have been discriminated against because of their status as listed above, or who have questions about prohibited conduct, are welcome to visit or call the office. Although the staff is always available to answer questions or provide information, appointments are recommended in order to better serve students’ needs.

Office of Undergraduate Admission
(Peabody Hall, 982-3200, www.admission.virginia.edu) The Dean of Admission is responsible for implementing established admission policies. The services of this office and the guidelines for admission to the regular session of the University are set forth in the Admission to the University section of this Record.

Student Identification Card
(University I.D. Card Office, Observatory Hill Dining Hall, 924-4508; www.virginia.edu/idoffice) Each student enrolled in a degree program at the University is entitled to receive a student identification card. The privileges associated with the identification card depend on the amount of fees paid.  If you have a meal plan and/or Cavalier Advantage, your ID Card will be used to access these services.

Students are provided their initial I.D. card at no charge, usually during orientation. Lost, damaged, or stolen cards can be replaced at the I.D. Card Office in the Observatory Hill Dining Hall weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., for a fee of $15, payable by cash, check, or Cavalier Advantage. Credit cards, debit cards or student charge are not accepted.  Cards replaced due to normal wear, name change, or expired are provided at no charge with the return of the existing card.

Students in the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing who need access to medical facilities are provided a U.Va. Health System ID Badge by the U.Va. Health System Technical Services at www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/technology/departments/clinical-engineering/id-badge-services.

Student Legal Services Program
(Newcomb Hall, Room 460, 434-924-7524, www.student.virginia.edu/~stud-leg). The Student Legal Services Program provides legal counsel to those students who pay the student activities fee. One lawyer and an administrative assistant assist students with a variety of civil and criminal legal matters, including contracts, criminal/traffic, consumer, uncontested divorce, landlord/tenant, name change, nonprofit organizations, and wills. The program also provides referrals for matters it does not handle (e.g., bankruptcy, estates, immigration, real estate, personal injury, tax). The initial consultation is free, and subsequent fees are very low. The office does not offer any advice regarding conflicts between University students, nor in matters involving the University or the Commonwealth of Virginia.

University Child Development Centers
(Copeley Road, 293-6110 and Earhart Street, 977-3973, www.virginia.edu/childdevelopmentcenter) Child care services for faculty, staff, and students are available at the University’s Child Development Centers. Information on eligibility, the priority system and rates can be obtained from the Center’s Director or the website.

University of Virginia Bookstore

• Main location
  (Fourth Floor, Central Grounds Parking Garage, 924-3721, www.bookstore.virginia.edu) Owned and operated by the University, the University of Virginia Bookstore is the primary source of new and used textbooks and custom-published course materials for all classes (with the exception of the Law, Medical, and Darden schools). In addition to the sale of new and used print books, the Text department also offers the option to rent a wide range of titles and to download an ever increasing number of ebooks. Its general book department (The Bookshop) features the most extensive selection of academic and scholarly works in the area, as well as popular fiction and non-fiction, bestsellers, travel, and children’s books. The Bookshop also offers an out-of-print search service and a complimentary special order service for those books not normally in its inventory. All students qualify for free membership in its Frequent Reader’s Club: purchase 10 books from The Bookshop and receive a $5 discount on the next purchase. The Bookshop discounts BookSense Bestsellers (25%), staff recommendations (10%), and all titles in its New Fiction and New Non-Fiction sections (10%). It supports the University’s academic mission by hosting and sponsoring academic programs, lectures, and readings by new and established authors. It supports the Virginia Film Festival, The Virginia Festival of the Book, and the University’s radio station (WTJU).

  Rounding out the Bookstore’s offerings is a very extensive selection of UVa clothing and gifts, as well as toiletries, sundries, and school, office, and computer supplies. A branch of the UVA Medical Center Pharmacy is located in the Bookstore. Other services provided include a UPS packaging service, an engraving service, a dry cleaning service, and bus service to Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. It also accepts deposits made to Cavalier Advantage accounts. The Bookstore’s full service on-line store can be accessed at www.bookstore.virginia.edu.

  Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of merchandise at the Bookstore and Cavalier Computers directly supports AccessUVa, the University’s need-based financial aid program that provides educational opportunities for deserving students.  Proceeds from the stores’ operations also support book grants, student programming and philanthropy.

  The Bookstore accepts cash, personal checks, all major credit cards, Student Charge, and Cavalier Advantage. Hours of operation during the school year are 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday. A calendar of store events and hours is available on-line.

• Courts and Commerce
  (First Floor, Slaughter Hall, North Grounds, 924-3333) A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, servicing the University of Virginia School of Law. The store provides new, used and rental textbooks for all classes at the Law School as well as an extensive selection of law study guides and reference material. Courts & Commerce carries a full line of office and school supplies, greeting cards, law clothing and gifts. It also offers fax services, UPS, dry cleaning, and postage stamps. Each year, operating surpluses from the UVa’s bookstores and Cavalier Computers directly support student programing and AccessUVa, the University’s need based financial aid program that provides educational opportunities for deserving students. General information as well as a selection of our clothing and gifts may be viewed on-line at www.courtsandcommerce.com. Courts & Commerce accepts cash, personal and traveler’s checks, major credit cards, student charge, cavalier advantage. Hours of operation during the school year are 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday. Fax: (434)924-3444; candc@virginia.edu.

• Darden Exchange
  (North Grounds, West Wing of Sponsors Executive Residence Center, 243-5515) A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, Darden Exchange is the provider of textbooks for classes at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. The store also features an extensive selection of general business books, many recommended by the Darden Faculty. Each year, operating surpluses from UVa’s bookstores and Cavalier Computers directly support student programing and AccessUVa, the University’s need based financial aid program that provides educational opportunities for deserving students. Additional surpluses from these stores’ operations support student programming. Darden Exchange carries a full line of office and school supplies, greeting cards, and Darden imprinted gifts and clothing. It also offers fax services, notary services, postage stamps, UPS package delivery, and dry cleaning. General information as well as a selection of our clothing and gifts may be viewed on-line at www.dardenexchange.com. Darden Exchange accepts cash, personal and traveler’s checks, major credit cards, Student Charge and Cavalier Advantage. Hours of operation during the school year are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and during the summer are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• T.J.’s Locker
  (1st Floor, Aquatic and Fitness Center, 924-0628) A division of the University of Virginia Bookstore, T.J.’s Locker supports the activities of the Aquatic and Fitness Center, as well as faculty, staff, and student life on the West Grounds. T.J.’s prides itself on enhancing life at the University through sponsorship of academic and athletic programming. Each year, operating surpluses from UVa’s bookstores and Cavalier Computers directly support student programing and AccessUVa, the University’s need based financial aid program that provides educational opportunities for deserving students. T.J.’s carries a full line of swimwear and accessories from Speedo and a wide variety of other sports equipment. In addition, T.J.’s offers a selection of school and office supplies, snacks and health and beauty products, and University of Virginia gifts and clothing. It also offers tennis racquet restringing, dry cleaning, and tickets for the Home Ride bus service to Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. Inside T.J.’s is a Cavalier Computers Showroom with computers and computer essentials along with a drop-off location for the Cavalier Computers Service Center. The on-line store can be accessed at www.bookstore.virginia.edu. T.J.’s accepts cash, personal checks, all major credit cards, and Cavalier Advantage. Among its most popular methods of payment is Student Charge, which enables students to charge their purchases using their student ID card. Bills are sent home on a monthly basis. Hours of operation and a calendar of T.J.’s events are available on-line.

University Ombudsman
(Washington Hall, East Range; 924-7819; www.virginia.edu/ombudsman) The ombudsman is a confidential resource available to assist students with unresolved problems or complaints. The Ombudsman assists in identifying University resources or departments that address specific problems or concerns; explains University policies or procedures; and aids in resolving problems or complaints through inquiries or other informal means. The goal of the Ombudsman is to see that all members of the University are treated fairly.

Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer
(Pavilion V, alley level, 434-924-7984, vpsa.virginia.edu). This office provides administrative leadership and shapes the U.Va. student experience by supporting and complementing the academic and service mission of the University. The office seeks to expand the intellectual, social, and cultural horizons of the student body through a broad range of support services and programs that parallel the University’s formal academic curriculum. The Division of Student Affairs supports a diverse student community that consists of high-achieving students from the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond. It is committed to expanding the educational opportunities that maximize student learning and promote student development. The Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer oversees the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of African-American Affairs, the University Career Center, and the Department of Student Health.

Department of Student Health
(Elson Student Health Center, 400 Brandon Avenue, www.virginia.edu/studenthealth). Student Health provides outpatient care in general medicine, gynecology, and counseling and psychological services; disability services; and public health prevention programming to enrolled students. Confidentiality is strictly observed, consistent with applicable law. When necessary, students are referred outside Student Health for specialty services and hospitalization.

Eligibility and Costs Students who pay the comprehensive student fee are eligible to receive care at the Student Health Center. The following students do not pay the comprehensive fee and therefore are not eligible for receiving care at Student Health:

• nonresident and non-degree-seeking students,
• students enrolled in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and
• students enrolled in certain special degree programs, including the Darden MBA for Executives, Commerce MIT (16 months), Commerce MIS graduate plans, and the BIS undergraduate plan.

Disability services are available to all enrolled students regardless of fee status. Any student with questions regarding eligibility should contact Student Health Medical Records at 434-924-1525. Professional visits with a care provider have been pre-paid through the payment of the comprehensive student fee; however, there are charges for medications, lab tests, supplies for certain treatments, immunizations and allergy injections, and copies of student medical records. Student Health will file insurance claims only on behalf of students who are insured by the Aetna Student Health plan.  Students with other health insurance plans will be billed directly for these charges via their student accounts. Please call 434-243-2794 if you have billing questions.

Hours of Operation Student Health is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. During breaks and summer session, Student Health is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students are advised to make an appointment in order to be seen in a timely manner. When Student Health is closed, after-hours telephone consultation is available for urgent advice and health questions (call 434-972-7004). The University of Virginia Hospital Emergency Department will provide emergency treatment.

General Medicine The clinical care staff in General Medicine provides primary care services to students for a wide range of medical problems. In addition to diagnosis and treatment of illness, health education and disease prevention are emphasized. Referrals are made to providers outside Student Health if the need for consultation or specialized care is indicated. Acute care is available without an appointment for students with urgent medical problems, but others are urged to make appointments in order to be seen in a timely manner (434-982-3915).

Gynecology The clinical staff provides comprehensive preventive and problem-oriented primary care gynecology services to students. Referrals are made within Student Health for non-gynecologic problems detected during the visit or to providers outside Student Health if the need for consultation or specialized care is indicated. Appointments can be made by calling 434-924-2773.

Harrison Bowne “Tersh” Smith, Jr. Memorial Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) CAPS provides a broad and comprehensive range of counseling and mental health services, including psychological and psychiatric assessment; individual and group psychotherapy and referral; crisis intervention; psychiatric medication services; after-hours and weekend crisis consultation; and consultation to University administrators, faculty, students, families, and allied professionals. CAPS provides outreach and preventive education to faculty and student organizations across the Grounds. CAPS also provides formal advanced training programs for doctoral students in counseling and clinical psychology as well as for psychiatric residents. For an appointment, call 434-924-5556. For an after-hours emergency, call 434-972-7004.

Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) SDAC provides a range of services to students with disabilities. Such disabilities may include, but are not limited to, mobility impairments, sensory loss, or impairment related to a medical condition or learning, attention, or psychiatric disorder. The SDAC coordinates disability accommodations such as alternate text formats for course material, peer note-taking, extended time for tests, direct support for assistive technology, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and other hearing services, housing arrangements, and other reasonable accommodations. Students who are experiencing academic difficulties may seek a preliminary consultation at SDAC if they are eligible for Student Health services. Students with disabilities must submit appropriate documentation in support of a request for accommodations. Additional information is available on the SDAC website at www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/sdac.html. The SDAC can be contacted by calling 434-243-5180/voice or 434-465-6579/video phone or by fax at 434-243-5188.

Office of Health Promotion (OHP) OHP works in partnership with students, helping them acquire the skills and knowledge needed to achieve optimal health. Through direct services, collaboration, and evidence-based interventions, OHP targets college health issues and builds and supports a healthier university community. Services include health consultations, nutrition consultations, research and social marketing, academic and other courses, patient education, outreach, data collection, and special events to support risk-reduction and general wellness. Services are provided by health promotion and student affairs specialists, a nutritionist, as well as trained peer health educators and interns. For information or appointments, call 434-924-1509.

In addition, the Gordie Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (http://gordiecenter.studenthealth.virginia.edu) in the Office of Health Promotion creates and distributes evidence-based prevention and educational programs and materials related to substance abuse in order to decrease the adverse consequences associated with hazardous drinking and illegal drug use among students. By supporting peer education and providing resources, the Gordie Center aims to increase knowledge and awareness of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug issues and to challenge attitudes that accept hazardous drinking and hazing behaviors. For information, call 434-924-5276 or visit the website. 

Student Health Requirements: See Non-Academic Regulations in the University Regulations section of The Record.

For questions related to the health of students, email Student Health at StudentHealth@virginia.edu or visit the department’s feedback page at www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/feedback.html for more information.

Office of African-American Affairs
(Luther P. Jackson House, 4 Dawson’s Row, 434-924-7923, www.virginia.edu/oaaa). Established in 1976, the Office of African-American Affairs (OAAA) ensures that Black students have a culturally sensitive environment to serve their academic and non-academic needs at the University of Virginia. The overarching strategic positioning of the office is to align the high graduation rates with correspondingly high graduating grade point averages. The intent is to ensure that students advance into graduate and professional schools as well as competitive workplaces. Mentoring programs support academic success through culturally sensitive outreach. For example, the Peer Advisor Program facilitates adjustment by connecting successful upperclass and entering students with formal and informal activities throughout the year. The GradSTAR program complements the Peer Advisor Program by sustaining a successful academic climate in which students can achieve their fullest potential through leadership and service. Three components support GradSTAR: Raising-the-Bar tutoring program, Faculty-Student Mentoring Program, and pre-professional advising and preparation. In areas of cultural growth, OAAA’s Luther Porter Jackson Black Cultural Center offers University-wide workshops, lectures, performances, and exhibitions related to the African-American experience. This center houses such nationally-recognized and award-winning programs as The Luther P. Jackson Black Male Initiative. The Nat Turner Library and the Harris-Bland Computer Laboratory offer opportunities for study and research. In addition, Project RISE (Resolving Issues through Support and Education), a student-run, peer-counseling program housed in OAAA, connects students to support resources from the University’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the UVa Parents Committee. Finally, the Office of African-American Affairs Parents Advisory Association offers parents of enrolled students an opportunity to connect with the University through a variety of activities that include annual meetings with University administrators, faculty, and students; get-acquainted events for the families of first-year and entering transfer students; and social events during Family Weekend.

Office of the Dean of Students
(Peabody Hall, Second Floor, 434-924-7133, www.virginia.edu/deanofstudents). A unit of the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) works with individual students, student organizations, families, and faculty members to provide information, advice, and assistance in solving student problems. The main office is located in Peabody Hall and oversees the following units located elsewhere on Grounds: Orientation and New Student Programs; Housing and Residence Life; Student Activities; Fraternity and Sorority Life; and several student activity spaces, including Newcomb Hall and Ern Commons. Associate/Assistant Deans and Program Coordinators provide outreach and advising to targeted populations, including Asian and Asian Pacific American students; Hispanic/Latino students; Native American students; Middle Eastern students; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning students (including oversight of the LGBTQ Center); international students; AccessUVa students; and transfer students. The Dean-on-Call program, providing 24/7 support for students and incident response within the University community, is managed out of Peabody Hall, as is the Parent Help Line. In addition, the Peabody Hall office provides support services for students who have been the victim of sexual and gender-based violence and provides investigative and follow-up on reports of incidents of bias and hazing.  See the Just Report It website for more information.

Fraternity and Sorority Life (Newcomb Hall, First Floor, 434-924-7430, www.virginia.edu/fsl). A unit of the Office of the Dean of Students, Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) works closely with the four Greek governing councils and their respective chapters: the eight National Pan-Hellenic Council chapters, seven Multicultural Greek Council chapters, 31 Inter-Fraternity Council chapters, and 16 Inter-Sorority Council chapters, as well as their alumni/ae and general headquarters staff.

FSL was founded in 2001 by an initiative of the Board of Visitors to educate and support students in recognized chapters by promoting principles of scholarship, leadership, service, diversity, and honor. FSL is committed to strengthening student self-governance and leadership on the individual chapter and governing council levels.

Housing and Residence Life (Dabney House, 434-924-3736, www.virginia.edu/housing). Housing and Residence Life, a unit jointly managed by the Office of the Dean of Students and University Business Operations, provides services and programmatic direction for all on-Grounds residential students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty, staff, and conference guests. With more than two million square feet of residential space, Housing and Residence Life strives to create inclusive environments that support the academic, cultural, and social goals of the University. Specific living and learning programs include language immersion houses, three residential colleges, a transfer student-focused community, and a comprehensive first-year experience. Residential environments encompass a diverse array of building styles, including traditional residence halls, apartment complexes, townhouses, and single-family homes. An off-Grounds housing liaison is located in Housing and Residence Life, providing students with support and information on off-Grounds residential issues and concerns. Housing and Residence Life also supports the University community through summer conference and year-round event planning services.

Housing and Residence Life prides itself on maintaining a residential program firmly rooted in the spirit of student self-governance. To this end, Housing and Residence Life recruits and selects more than 240 students to serve as peer leaders and a support resource to their fellow students. These Resident Staff members, who work closely with a group of dedicated professionals, seek to establish the residence halls and apartments as welcoming, secure living areas by representing and promoting high standards of achievement and conduct expected of students. In total, more than 260 individuals invest their time and talent to create a dynamic learning experience in U.Va.’s residential communities.

Newcomb Hall/Student Activities (Newcomb Hall, 434-924-3601, www.virginia.edu/newcomb). Located centrally on the Grounds and managed by the Office of the Dean of Students, Newcomb Hall is a meeting place for students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University. Newcomb provides a lively and comfortable atmosphere for many services and events that are an essential part of University life. Recently renovated, Newcomb houses several offices that provide a range of judicial, cultural, social, and recreational programs, including the University Programs Council, Student Council, the LGBTQ Center, the Honor Committee, and the University Judiciary Committee. Newcomb Hall is also the location of the following units of the Office of the Dean of Students: Student Activities; Fraternity and Sorority Life; Orientation and New Student Programs; and the Program Coordinators for outreach and support of Asian and Asian Pacific American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Native American, and LGBTQ students. In addition, staff located in Newcomb Hall manage other activity spaces for students across the Grounds, including Ern Commons, the Student Activities Building, Lambeth Commons, O-Hill Forum, and the Runk Green Room.

Orientation and New Student Programs (Newcomb Hall, First Floor, 434-982-4555, www.virginia.edu/orientation). A unit of the Office of the Dean of Students, Orientation and New Student Programs works with other University departments to implement Summer and Fall Orientation for first-year and new transfer students. The unit also coordinates other programs, events, and services throughout the academic year, including; the Transfer Student Peer Advisor program; Project SERVE, a community service program that introduces new students to service opportunities in Charlottesville; Family Weekend; and the First-Year Seminar.

Transfer Student Peer Advisor Program (Orientation and New Student Programs, Newcomb Hall, First Floor, 434-982-4555, www.virginia.edu/orientation/transfer/tspa.html). The primary goal of the Transfer Student Peer Advisor Program (TSPA) is to assist transfer students with integration into the University community. Every year, approximately 40 students are selected to serve as TSPAs. Each TSPA initiates contact with 15 to 20 transfer students during the summer and then serves as a primary resource and guide for these students as they transition into life at the University.

University of Virginia Career Center
(Bryant Hall at Scott Stadium, 434-924-8900, www.career.virginia.edu). The primary mission of the University of Virginia Career Center is to support U.Va. students in achieving their career-related goals, whether those goals are to continue their education, secure employment, or some combination of the two. The Career Center accomplishes this mission by providing a variety of programs and services designed to help students explore career options, identify effective career-decision-making steps, gain experience in potential work environments, learn effective job-searching strategies, plan for graduate and/or professional school, and make connections with employers.

Within the context of exploring career options, students have the opportunity to first assess their personal values, interests, and skills – a foundational process often referred to as self-exploration. To support students in this self-exploration process, the Career Center offers individual career counseling as well as interactive small-group workshops to help students identify connections between their academic major and potential career paths with the goal of determining next action steps in their unique process. To ensure students gain an accurate perspective on specific career paths, the Career Center manages an extensive library of print and online career resources. Students also have access to a network of thousands of U.Va. alumni who have volunteered to provide career advice to currently enrolled students.

The U.Va. Career Center offers several programs that allow students to experience future work environments as they continue to clarify their career goals. Many students use Career Center resources to seek internships to gain experience in a career field they wish to explore or intend to pursue after graduation. A number of programs and services support both externships (job shadowing) and internships, including job/internship fairs in the fall and spring. Approximately 400 employers from a variety of fields visit the Grounds annually to meet students who may be invited to work for their organizations. Additionally, through the generous sponsorship of the U.Va. Parents Committee, the Career Center is able to provide a limited number of grants each year to students who secure unpaid public service internships. Each semester, a variety of alumni and employer panels provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about a variety of career fields including, but not limited to, communications, government, consulting, environmental sciences, research, law, and health professions.

As students complete their academic programs and prepare to embark on the next phase of their future, some pursue graduate or professional schools, while others seek employment opportunities. The Career Center provides services and programs to support both. Students pursuing admission into graduate or professional schools often take advantage of the health, law, and graduate school advising services. Students pursuing employment after graduation participate in such programs as On-Grounds Interviewing, the Fall and Spring Job and Internship fairs, the Government and Nonprofit Career Expo, and other career fair programs, as well as online job posting services. They may also attend numerous workshops covering topics from writing professional resumes to conducting effective job and graduate school interviews.

Information about all Career Center programs and services is available on the website (career.virginia.edu) along with a calendar of upcoming panels, programs, and workshops. This site also connects students to worldwide career and job search information and employment listings, graduate school databases, and the affiliate career services offices supported by the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Curry School of Education, the School of Architecture, and the U.Va. Alumni Association.

Students with Disabilities (voice: 434-243-5180,  video phone: 434-465-6579, fax: 434-243-5188, email: sdac@virginia.edu,
www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/sdac.html). Students who have physical, learning, or psychiatric disabilities that may require reasonable accommodation at the University should contact the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC), located in the Elson Student Health Center. Such disabilities may include, but are not limited to, mobility impairments, sensory loss, or impairment related to a medical condition or learning, attention, or psychiatric disorder. The SDAC coordinates disability accommodations and provides direct services, such as housing arrangements, alternate text formats for course material, peer note-taking, extended time for tests, direct support for assistive technology, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and other hearing services, along with other reasonable accommodations. Students who are experiencing academic difficulties may seek a preliminary consultation at SDAC if they are eligible for Student Health services. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the University of the need for accommodations, and students must submit appropriate documentation in support of a request for accommodations. All accommodation requests should be submitted in a timely manner, preferably before the semester begins, and no later than three weeks into the semester. While every request is reviewed on an individual basis and every effort is made to be responsive to student needs, time limitations and University policy may limit accommodation activation for late requests. For requests involving on-Grounds housing, appropriate deadlines set by Housing and Residence Life should also be met. For more specific information about services and policies, including guidelines and forms for documentation, see the SDAC website at www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/sdac.html.

The International Studies Office (ISO) is a University-wide resource that supports U.Va.’s international mission by developing and coordinating programs, activities, and services designed to create and enhance a globally aware, culturally diverse education and research environment. The ISO manages the International Student and Scholars Program, Education Abroad, and the International Center. The success of ISO programs and services helps ensure the University is a destination of choice for international scholars and students, as well as for American students who seek an undergraduate or graduate education guided by international perspectives.

The International Students and Scholars Program (ISSP)

The International Students and Scholars Program addresses the unique needs of the international student and scholar community, including cultural, social, educational as well as legal issues in regard to immigration status. Additionally, the ISSP administers the F and J visa programs on behalf of the University. ISSP supports all students, researchers, faculty, and official short-term visitors who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S. by:

• Certifying eligible internationals for participation in the above mentioned visa programs
• Advising on matters related to acquiring and maintaining legal presence in the U.S.
• Supporting transition to American society and culture
• Offering guidance on policies and procedures
• Providing assistance for crisis intervention

ISSP collaborates with University divisions and departments by informing them of the U.S. immigration laws and regulations. The ISSP’s comprehensive website includes information and forms for international students, scholars, and international employees, as well as information for departmental use: www.virginia.edu/iso/issp.

The Lorna Sundberg International Center

The Lorna Sundberg International Center is a unit of the International Studies Office. Since its founding in 1972, the International Center has promoted inter-cultural awareness and respect by providing a comfortable environment for the sharing of cultures. The IC offers programs and services to enhance the experience of U.Va.’s international undergraduate and graduate students, research scholars, faculty and families; and opportunities for intercultural exchange and enrichment for members of the University and the greater Charlottesville and Albemarle communities.  The IC offers non-credit English classes and discussion groups, cooking classes, social and cultural events, an international speakers program, a bi-weekly email of multicultural events, meeting and reception facilities, and six guest rooms for short-term international visitors to U.Va.