Photos: Admitted Students Flock to UVA for ‘Days on the Lawn’

March 29, 2019 • By Caroline Newman, news@virginia.edu Caroline Newman, news@virginia.edu

March 29, 2019
Rotunda filled with people on its sidewalks watching students perform

Spring has officially sprung at the University of Virginia; it’s getting warmer, the Lawn is getting greener, and “Days on the Lawn” have begun.

Days on the Lawn events are designed for admitted students weighing their college decisions. This year, 9,787 students were offered admission to UVA’s Class of 2023, out of 40,869 total applicants.

It’s an exceptionally diverse and talented group. According to preliminary data, a record 40 percent of the accepted students are minorities – an increase of 5 percent from last year. Additionally, 11.5 percent will be the first in their families to go to college.

At Friday’s first 2019 Days on the Lawn session, some of those students had a chance to meet other admitted students; hear from current students, faculty members and staff; sit in on classes; and learn about programs and majors they might want to join.

There are six scheduled Days on the Lawn sessions, running from the end of March to the middle of April. More than 1,600 students registered for the first session on Friday; last year, approximately 6,000 students visited in all. 

Here are some highlights from Friday’s kickoff, which included a special appearance by the Cavalier Marching Band and a cameo from CavPup.

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Person holding a sign that reads: Days on the Lawn School of Architecture

Friday’s session drew a large crowd, as admitted students and their parents were welcomed by student ambassadors from UVA’s 11 different schools and other programs.

The Rotunda filled with people on its sidewalks and steps all pose together for a group photo

Dean of Admission Gregory W. Roberts called the group “a remarkable class of admitted students in every way.”

“We are particularly pleased that so many of the students who received offers will be the first in their family to attend college,” Roberts said when admission decisions were released this month. “It’s an honor to welcome this talented and richly diverse group of scholars to UVA.”

UVA color guard perform on the lawn

Festivities started on a high note Friday, with a performance from the Cavalier Marching Band that gave admitted students some their first experience of UVA favorites like “The Good Old Song.” The beautiful day didn’t hurt, either – it’s hard to resist a pretty spring day on Grounds.

UVA mellophones playing music on the Lawn

In addition to admitted students, many parents were in attendance. Days on the Lawn can be a family affair, with opportunities for parents to explore UVA and Charlottesville, too.

People standing laughing on the Rotunda steps

Much to the delight of students and parents (and anyone else passing by), CavPup, also known as Jack – the pet of admissions dean Jeannine Lalonde – made an appearance.

People petting a dog on the sidewalk

The golden retriever, a familiar presence on Lalonde’s popular “Notes From Peabody” admissions blog, has become something of an unofficial mascot for future and current students.

Woman rubs her dogs head as it sits on the Lawns sidewalk

CavPup was in a playful mood Friday, happily wagging his tail at student after student, and even sticking his tongue out for a photo.

All in all, it was a great day – an excellent way to kick off spring, and for the admitted students in the Class of 2023, a great way to start what may be many years of memories at UVA.

 

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Caroline Newman

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April 23, 2024

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