Digest -- U.Va. Top News Daily

New data necessary to study firearm safety
In order to prevent violent crime and accurately measure the effect of firearms, a new approach must be taken. According to a new study, a comprehensive research program on firearms is needed if criminal-justice and crime-prevention policy is to have a sound basis. John Pepper, associate professor of economics, was among those who participated in the study, conducted by the National Research Council. Some of today’s most pressing policy issues in this area cannot be tackled with existing data and research methods, which are weak, the report said. For example, there is no credible evidence that “right-to-carry” laws either decrease or increase violent crime; there is almost no evidence that violence-prevention programs intended to steer children away from guns have had any effects on their behavior, knowledge or attitudes regarding firearms; and research has found associations between gun availability and suicide with guns, but does not show whether such associations reveal genuine cause and effect patterns. (Dec. 16)

Matt Kelly

2005 makes some fare changes

To spice up the new year, a new eatery has opened in Hospital West. Wahoo! West Café had its opening ceremony on Dec. 20, and is replacing the cafeteria that was previously located in the hospital. The café is sports-themed, and is open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and has plans to serve about 1,400 meals per day to roughly 1,200 employees. (Jan. 4)

Center for Undergraduate Excellence reports to provost

The Center for Undergraduate Excellence has moved from the College of Arts & Sciences to the Provost’s office. The change, which took place Dec. 25, will make the center more open to the entire University. The center administers a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation grant for the University Guides Program as well as the Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards, and helps students apply for national awards and scholarships, such as the Mitchell, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, Fulbright and Rhodes scholarships. “Part of our mission is to do outreach to the entire University community,” said Nicole F. Hurd, assistant dean and director of the center. “It’s doing a great job,” said J. Milton Adams, vice provost of academic programs, to whom the center will now report. “It is incredible what it has accomplished in a short time. This change is part of the evolution of a very successful program.” The center’s office will remain in the Mary and David Harrison Institute for American History, Literature and Culture. “We are excited to have the opportunity to work with all of the undergraduates in the various schools of the University,” Hurd said. “Undergraduate research, fellowship competitions and the other programming in the center aims to enhance the experience for our entire undergraduate population.” (Jan. 10)