The University of Virginia draws students from around the world, but each year, as a new academic session begins, UVA leaders get similar questions from parents.
UVA Today reached out to four experts across Grounds for their seasoned advice.
Jennifer “J.J” Wagner Davis is acting president and executive vice president and chief operating officer. She has been at the University since 2018. (Photo by Kelly West, University Communications)
We started with Acting President and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer “J.J” Wagner Davis, who will return to her original portfolio as EVP/COO Monday. She said safety on Grounds and dining services are two areas parents ask about.
“We take the safety, security and wellness of every student very seriously,” she said. “The University Police Division is staffed 24/7 by sworn law enforcement officers and unarmed security staff who are committed to student well-being and utilizing a relational policing model.”
Davis encourages parents to look at the multiple safety and security resources available to students. Parents can also sign up for UVA Alerts to receive critical information and instructions for what to do in response to an emergency notification.
“If your student has dietary restrictions or food allergies, rest assured UVA Dine is ready to address their specific dietary needs,” Davis said, noting dining halls feature a True Balance station, where teams prepare delicious dishes from ingredients without the nine most common food allergens – eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, fish, sesame and gluten.
“Our dining team is ready to meet with your student and develop a plan to help them find the best solution regarding their meal plan,” she said.
Nicole Hall, senior associate vice president and dean of students
Nicole Hall, dean of students, greets a new student at a summer orientation session. “I admire our students in so many ways,” she said at the time. “Ensuring their development, well-being and future success will be the highlight of my career in higher education.” (Photo by Lathan Goumas, University Communications)
Hall said she is looking forward to the beginning of the fall semester. Here are some of the most frequent questions she fields.
Q. My incoming student is unsure of what major to pursue. What steps should they take?
A. Students should stay in touch with their adviser and seek their advice. They should meet with an adviser at the Career Center to gain an understanding of how majors tie to career options. Talking with upperclassmen about their major choices can be very insightful. I also suggest taking classes that interest them to try out different academic areas.
Q. What are some of the best ways my student can get involved?
A. The residence hall is home base, so engaging in events and programs there is a great start. We have more than 750 clubs, so joining one or two that match a student’s passions can be an important gateway to making friends and developing new skills. Community service is highly valued at UVA. Whether through the community, the University, or Madison House, the independent volunteer center for UVA, students can find hundreds of opportunities to serve others.
Dr. Christopher Holstege, senior associate vice president for Student Health and Wellness
In addition to directing Student Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Holstege is a professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics in UVA’s School of Medicine, the University’s chief of the Division of Medical Toxicology and director of the Blue Ridge Poison Center. (Photo by Erin Edgerton, University Communications)
Holstege has directed Student Health and Wellness since 2013. These are two questions he hears frequently from parents.
Q. What kinds of care can my student get at Student Health and Wellness?
A. Student Health and Wellness is your on-Grounds medical home. We provide primary health care, mental health services, immunizations, nutrition support, sexual and reproductive health care, substance use counseling and more, all in one place. The Student Health and Wellness team also helps to coordinate students’ care with UVA Health if you need specialty care.
