Off the Shelf -- recently published books by U.Va. faculty and staff

By Anne Bromley

They say money isn’t everything, but it is part of the package of a good faculty post. Although U.Va. Faculty count living in Charlottesville on the plus side, the lack of raises for two years is a growing concern.

Despite state budget cuts, the University is pushing projects that are of concern to faculty. Important building projects are proceeding, and collaborative work is being encouraged. Fund-raising efforts to boost support for graduate students, as well as faculty, are a high priority.

Although a recent American Association of University Pofessors report, “Quite Good News — for Now,” found that nationally, faculty salaries rose higher last year than they have since 1990, by an average of 3.8 percent, indications are that things are about to change. Many states are facing budget deficits, and higher education is one of the areas that can be cut.

Virginia gave no increases to faculty at public colleges and universities or to its state workers last year. An average 2.5 percent bonus is earmarked instead of raises this year. The financial picture doesn’t look good for the next fiscal year, either.

There are hopeful signs. The legislature’s approval of a bond referendum for new buildings, which will be on the ballot this fall, is one way the University could move ahead with its plans.

In his annual State of the University address, President John T. Casteen III announced that the University will give an average 5 percent raise to faculty who are promoted, a customary gesture that is also partly designed to prevent raiding by other schools. Full story.

U.Va. study reveals suburbs more dangerous than cities

By Jane Ford

Leaving home to go to work and other activities is more dangerous for residents of outer suburban areas than for many central city residents and for nearly all inner suburban residents, concludes a recent U.Va. study.

From Baltimore to Minneapolis to Houston, some sparsely settled outer suburban counties are the most dangerous parts of their metropolitan areas, according to a study by William H. Lucy, professor of urban and environmental planning, and graduate research assistant Raphael Rabalais. Their findings are contrary to the conventional wisdom that cities are dangerous and outer suburbs are safe.

The metropolitan areas examined in the study are Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The study used data for the years 1997-2000, when available. Full story.