On Record

Episode Notes Dr. Anne Rotich, Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of African American and African Studies, informs us about her J-term course, Swahili Cultures Then and Now, which takes the students across the globe to Kenya. Dr. Rotich discusses the new knowledge and informational experiences students gain through her course, traveling around Kenya, and how she provides opportun...

Episode Notes Charlotte Walden, Public Relations Chair for the Student Docent Executive Board and fourth-year College student, discusses museum education, diversity in art history and the future of the Fralin Student Docents.

Episode Notes The Peer Health Education program is made up of student Peer Health Educators, who work to empower other students to develop healthier habits. Evie Liu, current Outreach Coordinator of PHE and fourth-year college student, discusses the role of PHE in promoting a “community of care” in the student body and expands on the organization’s various initiatives.

Episode Notes Brenda Gunn, the director of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library and the Harrison Institute for American History, Literature, and Culture, explores how students can discover when approaching the collections with curiosity, and how this can deepen their understanding of history. From exhibitions to the broader museum world, she reflects on the vital work of archiv...

Episode Notes Ahead of its Fall 2025 issue, V MAG co-editors-in-chief Rachel Mulvaney, fourth-year Batten student, and Kieran Warner, third-year Commerce student, give a deeper look into what it takes to lead an arts publication, the collaboration and creativity that shape each issue, and the inspiration behind the upcoming edition. This episode explores the importance of an arts magazine as a pla...

Episode Notes David Leblang, Director of Policy Studies at the Miller Center, analyzes how the Center has remained a nonpartisan institution during a particularly divisive time in politics. He delves into the various programs, events, and policy proposals associated with the Center, and how they are making an impact at UVA and beyond.

Episode Notes In this episode, Mona El Khafif, an Associate Professor of Architecture, explains biophilic design: the integration of nature into urban and architectural spaces. Through her work on the Biophilic Region Exhibition and her emphasis on the role of educational collaboration, she highlights the importance of shaping architecture and learning for an environmentally conscious future, even...

Episode Notes Loaves and Fishes has grown to be the City’s second-largest distribution partner of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, supported by more than 100 volunteers. Executive Director Jane Colony Mills discusses the behind-the-scenes operations — from sourcing food to the work of their dietitian and volunteers — and reflects on why it’s important for students to learn about the city they live i...

Episode Notes Co-president Armelle Worrel gives a behind-the-scenes look at UVA’s club pickleball team, highlighting the welcoming culture, national championship success, what it’s like to lead such a large team, and partnerships and sponsorships that help the program thrive. This episode explores what makes UVA pickleball a trailblazer and a vibrant part of student life on Grounds.

Episode Notes The Organization of Young Filipino Americans is one of many identity and cultural Contracted Independent Organizations at the University. OYFA’s mission is to create a supportive community for Filipino students. Danella Romera, the current president of OYFA and fourth-year College student, discusses the importance of OYFA as a cultural organization and how OYFA plans for this year’s...

Episode Notes Parker Sims, president of Outdoors Club and fourth-year College student, discusses her presidency, the club's student self-governance and its diversity and sustainability. She highlights breaking down barriers to the outdoors and the importance of not only getting outside as a student, but doing so with a community, such as the Outdoors Club.

Episode Notes All University students are required to live on Grounds in their first year, but they have many on and off-Grounds housing options going into their second year. Students face immense pressure to decide on housing as soon as possible, and this high demand has strained the capacities of both on and off-Grounds accommodations. Lauren Seeliger and Brandon Kile, two third-year Cavalier Da...

Episode Notes With the fall season underway, Cavalier Daily Sports members Victoria Blankenship and Ryan Weiner discuss the University’s Sabre Points System, how it works and why it matters for Virginia athletics. From football Saturdays to volleyball courts, they share how the system strengthens student turnout and shapes the athletic experience on Grounds.

Episode Notes ** **The University’s Orientation and Transition programs are vital to supporting first year and transfer students, though much of their work goes into planning summer orientation sessions. Funlola Fagbohun, associate director of the first year experience, describes her experience working with OTP and how she strives to create a welcoming environment for first-years during orientatio...

Episode Notes TEDxUVA is an entirely student-run organization, hosting TED-style events under official TEDx licensing. Reeya Verma, former president and fourth year College student, describes her experience leading the organization when its ability to host TEDx events was challenged, working to regain official TEDx licensure, and the True North conference, which prominently featured University alu...

Episode Notes **Since the Contemplative Commons opening April 4, the building has hosted events for the University community. Sam Cole, Commons’ Assistant Director of Student Engagement, discusses how the Contemplative Sciences Center is molding itself to meet students’ needs and provide a wide range of opportunities for students to discover contemplative practices that can help them thrive at the...

Episode Notes In a time of tense politics with increasing polarization, we will be talking to CDI president Jack Siegel and CDI co-media chair Marty Dwyer, about the value of civil discourse and how CDI aims to responsibly promote respectful conversations about controversial subjects.

Episode Notes Indieheads is one of many Contracted Independent Organizations at the University dedicated to music, though it stands out to students for many reasons. Indieheads President Brian Tafazoli describes his experience and involvement in Indieheads over the years, as well as the impact that the organization has had on his personal and musical development.

Episode Notes The Muslim Students Association at the University strives to create an inclusive and supportive environment for Muslim students, with a special focus on the holy month of Ramadan. Vice President of MSA Amirah Radwan shares insights into the events and initiatives organized by the organization, as well as her vision and goals for MSA's future.

Episode Notes In light of recent developments on Grounds, Chanel Craft Tanner, director of the Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center, highlights the Center’s mission, resources and ongoing initiatives.

Episode Notes Hashim O. Davis, the assistant dean of the OAAA and director of the Luther Porter Jackson Black Cultural Center, discusses the relevance and importance of  “Celebrating Resilience,” OAAA’s theme for this year’s Black History Month celebration. EDITOR'S NOTE: This episode was recorded on Feb. 17, so some impending celebratory events mentioned in the podcast have already passed.

Episode Notes ** Following the revival of the Sex and Relationship Column, Life desk editors Kate Johnson and Dana Douglas reflect on the process of developing and producing the new column as well as the importance of having safe spaces on Grounds to discuss often stigmatized and taboo topics.**

Episode Notes With the Virginia Quarterly Review’s 100th Anniversary approaching Executive Director Allison Wright and Senior Editorial Intern Michael Newell-Dimoff, reflect on the magazine’s last hundred years, their own experiences with VQR and the celebration for the magazine’s 100th anniversary!

Ahead of Lighting of the Lawn, Riley McNeill and Chelsea Huffman, co-chairs of the Lighting of the Lawn Committee and fourth-year College students, and Peter Mildrew, the president of the Hullabahoos and third-year Commerce student, discuss the festive tradition which brings the community together year after year. From planning the event to preparing performances, McNeil, Huffman and Mildrew eluci...

Episode Notes With Election Day looming overhead, students are faced with questions about how and why this election, and their vote, matters. Ella Nelsen and Blake Boudreaux, presidents of University Democrats and College Republicans, respectively, and fourth-year College students, delve into the changes that student advocacy and political involvement are facing this election season