Capturing the second half

Students begin a new semester after Nov. 13th shooting

Students returned to the classroom for the start of spring semester as the University continued to honor the three lives lost in the November shooting — second-year College student Devin Chandler, fourth-year College student D’Sean Perry and third-year College student Lavel Davis Jr. Two other students, third-year College student Mike Hollins and second-year College student Marlee Morgan, also suffered non-fatal injuries. The University has requested an independent review of the University’s response and threat assessment which should be ready late spring or early summer. In the meantime, students walk to and from classes over Beta Bridge — where the three victim’s names remain painted along with hundreds of hearts and personal messages.

Senator Bernie Sanders discusses healthcare and the economy during book tour speech

Senator Bernie Sanders (I- Vt.) discussed his goal to establish Medicare for all, as well as the current state of the United States economy at a book tour event at Old Cabell Hall Thursday with over 800 attendees. This event was one stop on Sander’s national tour to promote his new book “It’s Ok to Be Angry About Capitalism.” Sanders said one goal he has with his book is to break through the irrelevant discussions that take place in American politics.

In the wake of continued gun violence, University seeks best path forward

In light of five gun-related homicides in Charlottesville since 2022 and an increase in violence around Grounds, students and community members have expressed concerns over solutions to improve safety and prevent further violence. Timothy Longo, associate vice president for safety and security and University chief of police, said that while long-term initiatives are still being worked out, short-term solutions for gun-violence include increased patrols and security cameras. Although he has faith in the short-term benefits of his proposals, Longo stressed the need for a deeper understanding of root causes and wider community change such as public investments and after-school programs.

1.18

ISC concludes first fully in-person recruitment since 2020

The University’s Inter-Sorority Council chapters celebrated the end of a fully in-person recruitment process with bid day on Madison Bowl Field Sunday. Current members of each sorority met new members with balloons and colorful signs in hand after new members opened their bid cards together without the presence of COVID-19 gathering restrictions that had moved much of recruitment online in previous years.

A legacy for the ages: Mark Mincer’s impact on Grounds

From eager prospective students after their first tour of Grounds to fourth-years looking for that final perfect memento of their time at the University, Mincers on the Corner is the go-to Wahoo store which sells everything from University-branded Teddy bears to classic t-shirts. A longtime Cavalier and involved Charlottesville resident, Mark Mincer was a man who bled blue and orange. Mark passed away Jan. 30 at 60 years of age — he is remembered by friends, family and the larger community for his passionate support of University athletics and students.

Tichara Robertson wins presidential election, Honor Committee’s historic multi-sanction system passes

Third-year College Tichara Robertson was elected Student Council President in a contested election, earning 56 percent of the vote. Students also voted to pass the referenda put forth by the Honor Committee, which outlines a multi-sanction system, one of the single largest changes to the Honor system since its adoption of a formal constitution in 1977. The highest turnout University-wide was on the Honor referendum, with 23.7 percent. Of the 6,138 students who voted, 5,444 or 88.7 percent voted in favor.

4.15

Waka Flocka Flame, Baby Tate and NLE Choppa perform at Springfest

Hit artist behind the exhilarating single “No Hands” Waka Flocka Flame performed at Ting Pavillion along with Baby Tate and NLE Choppa at University Program Council’s Springfest concert. The inclusion of three artists — hinted at by the UPC writing “2/3” in their earlier announcements — represents a break in a longstanding tradition of solo performances. Drew Pitter, director of UPC’s Concert committee and fourth-year College student, said th e committee decided to bring in multiple names in order to find artists with lower fees instead of one headliner with a higher cost.

In response to rising opioid-related fatalities, the Food and Drug Administration recently approved naloxone for over-the-counter sales. In 2021 alone, there were 70,601 synthetic opioid-related deaths. Narcan — the most popular brand of the medicine naloxone — can reverse opioid overdoses. The University needs to be proactive, especially now that the Drug Enforcement Administration is strongly warning college students to be wary of unintentionally consuming fentanyl-laced pills. While the University must ensure naloxone is accessible for all students on Grounds, putting naloxone in residence halls is a necessary first step to ensure student safety as the national opioid crisis worsens.

Students are at increased risk for both intentional and accidental consumption of opioids — and naloxone is a feasible solution the University can provide to mitigate these risks. While opi -