Digest
Daily News About U.Va.

NASA taps U.Va., other schools to lead new research center
The University’s research enterprise received a major boost last Thursday with the announcement that U.Va. and five other schools had been selected to lead the National Institute of Aerospace, a NASA-funded research center based in Hampton Roads. The center is expected to bring hundreds of high-tech jobs to Virginia, plus prestige and millions of dollars in research funding to the participating schools, which also include Virginia Tech, Maryland, N.C. State, North Carolina A&T and Georgia Tech.

Computer back-ups offset thefts at Cabell
Not so long ago, reports of a theft of computers from University faculty might raise the specter of someone losing his or her life’s work. But thanks to backups and hard copies, last week’s burglaries in New Cabell Hall were more inconvenient than tragic. University Police are still investigating the crime.

Nobel Laureate discusses ozone depletion
A chance encounter at a California dinner led to two days of visits to U.Va. by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Sherwood Rowland, credited with raising awareness of atmospheric ozone depletion and its effects on Earth's environment. Rowland came to Grounds at the invitation of U.Va. chemistry professor Cassandra Fraser, whom he met at a conference. During his stay, Rowland gave two lectures and met with undergraduate students interested in research.

First-year car ban to ease parking crunch
It’s something that has been talked about for decades, but now another University tradition is coming to an end: on-Grounds parking for first-year students in the spring semester. Citing the scarcity of University parking — which will only get worse as more parking lots are replaced with buildings — U.Va. vice president and chief operating officer Leonard W. Sandridge announced Friday that permits will no longer be issued to first-year students, effective with next year’s incoming class. Previously, first-year students were able to purchase permits in their second semester.