Communications

Date: August 23, 2007

To: All U.Va. Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President Chief Student Affairs Officer  <vpsa@virginia.edu>

Subject: Welcome Back - Important Reminders

Dear Students:

Welcome to a new academic year. And a special welcome to all our new students – first-years, those of you transferring into U.Va., and new graduate students.

This e-mail includes several updates and important reminders:

Sign Up for U.Va. Alerts Text Messaging – The University has adopted a new text messaging system to relay emergency notices about ongoing events that present a significant danger to the health and safety of our community, such as severe weather or criminal activity on or near the Grounds. Notices, which are expected to be infrequent, will be sent to your cell phone with brief information and reference to a Web site for specific details. You are encouraged to sign up for this service by going to https://www.virginia.edu/uvaalerts/.

New University ID Cards – As one means of minimizing the use of Social Security numbers, the University is requiring all students, faculty and staff to obtain new ID cards. In addition to serving as identification, the card will give you access to football games and various services, such as Cavalier Advantage. Please note:

* If you are a first-year or transfer student who attended Orientation this summer, then you already have received your new card. You do not need to get a new one.

* This ID card re-issuance does not include Health System ID cards or badges. If you are a student in the schools of Medicine or Nursing who needs to use a Health System ID, that particular card or badge will be re-issued at a later date. However, you still need to obtain a new University ID card in order to use many services on the Grounds.

* You will need to show an official form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to obtain your new University ID. A current U.Va. ID cannot be used, although you do need to return the old ID at the time you receive your new one.

* Complete information, including the schedule for obtaining a new ID, is available at http://www.virginia.edu/idoffice/. You also may call the ID Card Office at 434-924-4508, or e-mail uvaid@virginia.edu.

Off-Grounds Safety Reminders – If you are living in non-University housing, the beginning of the year is a good time to assess your residence for safety. A safety checklist, provided by the Off-Grounds Housing Office, is available at http://uvastudentcouncil.com/offgrounds/documents/personal_safety.pdf.

Of special note:

* Be sure you have smoke detectors in working order.

* If your home uses natural gas or is in any way susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure you have carbon monoxide detectors installed in strategic spots.

* Check locks on your doors and windows, and be sure to use them!

* Have your landlord trim bushes near entrances, repair broken locks, and take care of other safety concerns that a landlord rightfully should address.

* For more information, including how to obtain a courtesy safety inspection of your residence, see today's Safety Reminders for Students Living Off Grounds .

General Safety – While Charlottesville remains a relatively safe environment, crimes do occur in our community. The best defense is to be prepared and to take responsibility for your own safety and for that of your friends and fellow students. A few key reminders:

* Trust your instincts about a person or situation. If you feel uncomfortable, immediately report your concerns to police by calling 911.

* If you are on the Grounds and need help, just pick up one of the blue-light telephones. You automatically will be connected to University Police.

* Avoid walking alone at night. Use SafeRide (434-242-1122), walk with friends, or take a late-night weekend bus.

* Keep your doors and windows locked.

* Never allow strangers to follow you into a locked building and gain entry by “tailgating” you once you swipe the card reader. Also, never prop open card-reader doors.

* For additional safety tips from University Police, please see http://www.virginia.edu/uvapolice/prevention.htm#Residence.

Bias Incident Reporting – All members of the University community should feel welcome and supported here. If you or someone you know witnesses a bias incident, you are encouraged to report it. To learn more, please see www.virginia.edu/justreportit.

Update Your Address – If your local or permanent address has changed, it is your responsibility to update it in your University record. For more information, please see http://www.virginia.edu/registrar/address.html.

The Division of Student Affairs is here to support you and help you be successful in your daily life as a U.Va. student. If you ever need assistance, please remember staff members – ranging from your resident assistant to deans and directors in various offices – stand ready to help.

Again, welcome and best wishes for a happy, productive, and successful year.

Warm regards,

Patricia M. Lampkin

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer