CAPS Internship: UVA Community

The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who outlined the institution’s purpose, designed its original buildings, supervised the construction, planned the curriculum and directed the recruitment of its first faculty.  As the first Rector of the University, Mr. Jefferson presided over the school’s governing body, known as the Board of Visitors.  James Madison and James Monroe were members of the Board of Visitors in the University’s early years.  Mr. Jefferson designed what he referred to as his “academical village” to house teachers and students alike in four long rows of rooms, with larger components (“pavilions”) providing classrooms.  The Rotunda, a half-scale version of the Pantheon, is the centerpiece of the historic Central Grounds.  In 1976 the American Institute of Architects voted the Rotunda to be the outstanding achievement of American architecture.  These historic buildings were named to the World Heritage List in 1988. Contemporary information about UVA is available here.

The University of Virginia is actively confronting the legacy of racial inequity and forced labor that is fundamental to appreciating the history and cultural impact on our University and municipal communities. The Racial Equity Task Force Report as well as The President’s Commission on Slavery & The University has a wealth of information about actions the University is taking regarding equity, diversity and identity at UVA.

The University of Virginia is made up of 12 schools in Charlottesville, plus the College at Wise in southwest Virginia. UVA offers 56 bachelor’s degrees, 91 master’s degrees, and 55 doctoral degrees. Five educational specialist degrees and two professional degrees, in law and medicine, are also offered. The University’s 12 schools include the School of Architecture, College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, Curry School of Education, Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, School of Engineering and Applied Science, McIntire School of Commerce, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and most recently, Data Science.

UVA’s total student enrollment is approximately 22,805 students, consisting of 16,034 undergraduate students and 6771 graduate and professional degree students.  The undergraduate class consists of 70% Virginia residents. Thirty-one percent identify as minority students with 5.3% international students. UVA students came from 50 states and 150 countries. Over 53% of students receive financial aid. The University of Virginia is proud to have one of the highest African-American student graduation rates of any major public university. UVA is ranked as the #4 Best Public National University (2020 US New and World Report) and #1 Best Value Public University (2019 Forbes, 2019 Princeton Review). Additional Facts & Figures are available.

James Ryan became UVA’s 9th President on October 1st of 2018. A respected and accomplished educator and legal scholar, Ryan earned his law degree from UVA and previously served on the School of Law faculty for 15 years. From 2013-2018, he served as dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Charles William Eliot Professor of Education.

The University of Virginia is located in the city of Charlottesville in central Virginia which, including surrounding Albemarle County, has a population of approximately 100,000.  Charlottesville is located 115 miles from Washington, D.C. and 70 miles from Richmond, Virginia’s state capitol.

Charlottesville is rich in cultural activities, including fine restaurants, an annual international film festival, and an array of musical and theatrical venues.  John Paul Jones Arena, completed in 2006 and home to the UVA basketball teams, also attracts many of the biggest acts in live entertainment, including Paul McCartney, Dave Matthews Band, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, The Police, Taylor Swift, Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Lady Gaga, Kenny Chesney, P!nk, Jimmy Buffett, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Urban, George Strait, The Dead, Phish, Jason Aldean, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The Charlottesville area is also replete with historically significant sites including Monticello, several civil war battle sites, and well-known colonial era sites such as Williamsburg and Jamestown.  Charlottesville is also known for the beauty of the countryside, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Appalachian Trail, only a 30 minute drive away.

For more details about the Charlottesville area, check out Visit Charlottesville.