On Record

Episode Notes It’s been 200 years since Edgar Allan Poe was a student at the University. Dr. Annie Persons, curator of the new Special Collections exhibition “Edgar Allan Poe at the University of Virginia,” speaks about Poe's time on Grounds and takes listeners through the curation process behind the exhibition.

Episode Notes Politics Lecturer Carah Ong Whaley analyzes how the electorate can become more engaged, particularly youth voters. She delves into the efforts of her seminar class, PLAP 3500, 2026 Election, to encourage high turnout in this year’s Midterms, and her thoughts on the future of our democracy as a whole.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Ceramics Club co-presidents Amaira Seth and April Nguyen, who detail the organization’s mission and upcoming events.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Grace Craig and Ava Mae Swafford, this year’s transfer transition coaches. They discuss their experiences as transfer students, mentorship and the transfer student community.

Episode Notes As the fall semester is underway across Grounds, Special Olympics at the University is kicking off its new season. Beyond training for the upcoming Shenandoah Super Games, the student-led volunteer organization plays a vital role in connecting University students with local Charlottesville residents through sports. On this episode of On Record, Grant Supancich, Special Olympics presi...

Episode Notes Tim Longo, associate vice president for safety and security and chief of police, explains the operational mechanics behind U.Va . Alerts, how U.Va . Police verifies threat credibility, how to manage widespread information during an incident and how students can take proactive measures to remain safe this year.

Episode Notes As the school year begins to pick up, Dr. Eileen Chou, interim dean of the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, discusses some of her plans for the school and shares her background. Chou spoke about leadership, the excitement surrounding the opening of Batten’s new building and a bit about how she will balance her duties as interim dean while also staying connected wi...

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, Marketing Fellow Shirley Ngyung shares how the U.Va . Recreation social media team turns creative post ideas into engaging content. From promoting recreational sports and classes to supporting U.Va . recreation-sponsored events, the team helps students discover everything that U.Va . recreation can offer.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with local SPCA Executive Director Libby Jones, who discusses the organization’s role in promoting animal welfare and how CASPCA’s mission and philosophies guide their services.

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, Dr. William Brady, professor of emergency medicine and co-founder of U.Va . EMS, discusses the creation of the University's first student-run emergency medical service. From improving emergency response times and working alongside local first responders to providing hands-on experience for student EMTs, Dr. Brady explains how U.Va . EMS is enhancing camp...

Episode Notes As this year’s newest Meriwether Lewis Fellows are beginning their summer session, Julie Caruccio, a MLI director and assistant vice president for research on the student experience, discusses the goals of the fellowship. Caruccio shares the history of the program and how it has evolved to continue to fit student’s needs and expectations. Additionally, she describes the cohort’s curr...

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, Professor Ran Zhao, a Chinese professor and director of U.Va . in Shanghai, highlights how the program empowers students to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture with intensive instruction and fun opportunities to explore the city. After all, learning a language means experiencing its culture firsthand.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Vera Abbate, director of the Summer Language Institute. Abbate discusses how the program builds fluency, confidence and community through intensive study and practice.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Lela Garner, sustainability manager of student outreach and engagement at U.Va . Sustainability. Garner discusses sustainability initiatives on Grounds, the 2030 U.Va . Sustainability Plan and Earth Month celebrations.

Episode Notes On March 19, the Federal Communications Commission authorized Nexstar Media Group to finalize its acquisition of TEGNA Media Group, potentially creating the most expensive and largest broadcast media company in U.S. History. However, there have been many appeals of the decision, as it could have lasting implications for the media that students at the University consume and study.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Layne Parker, First Year Players director and third-year college student. Parker discusses the importance of building community through an inclusive space for new students, and looks ahead to FYP’s upcoming musical production.

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, we hear from Dr. Amanda Lloyd, director of the Virginia Prison Education Program, which offers Virginia’s first bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated individuals. Dr. Lloyd discusses how and why the University chose her to lead this historic initiative.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Ava Wolsborn, University Dance Club vice president and third-year College student. Wolsborn discusses the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and sisterhood within the club. Additionally, she highlights UDC’s upcoming showcase in April.

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, we sit down with Special Collections Director Brenda Gunn to discuss the University’s copies of the Declaration of Independence. Listen to hear about the importance of having physical copies, the unique story of the McGregor Copy and how students can get involved with Special Collections.

Episode Notes With the women’s team working to maintain a five year championship streak in the College Club Swimming National Championships, Club Swim at U.Va . hosts a thriving swimming culture at the university. Colin Sartori, Club Swim president and third-year engineering student, discusses the history, events and upcoming meets of the organization, including the National Championships in April...

As the Cavalier Marching Band wraps up an exciting season, Drum Major Taran Gupta discusses the energy, creativity and leadership behind CMB. From halftime performances to long rehearsals, Gupta reflects on how the band contributes to game day atmosphere and strengthens the sense of community across Grounds.

Episode Notes Carolyn Dillard, the Community Partnership Manager for the University’s Center of Community Partnerships, discusses the legacy Dr. King left us through his 1963 speech at Old Cabell Hall and the annual MLK Day celebrations and community events. Highlighting the most memorable moments of the keynote event by Dr. Imani Perry, Dillard explored the importance of Dr. King’s lasting messag...

Episode Notes James Torgerson, WXTJ co-event director and second-year Data Science student, discusses WXTJ’s history, community and house shows.

The Lorax Society is one of U.Va .'s many organizations with a focus on sustainability. The society’s mission is to preserve the natural biodiversity of Charlottesville. Maddie Foreman, the current president of the Lorax Society and second-year College student, discusses upcoming changes to the organization following the election of a new executive board, as well as her plans for new events and in...

In this episode of On Record, UJC Chair Allison McVey discusses the Committee’s 70th anniversary, an unusually heavy caseload this past fall semester, and the responsibilities that come with student-led adjudication. From navigating serious health and safety cases to training new members and launching a new endowment, McVey explains how the UJC continues to adapt while remaining grounded in UVA’s...