Traditions at the University of Virginia

Traditions at the University of Virginia:

Student Life and Everyday Life

The University of Virginia (also The University, Mr. Jefferson’s University, or Virginia; often abbreviated as U.Va/UVA) is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson. Planned by 1800 and established in 1819, it is the only university in the United States to be designated as a World Hermitage Site by UNESCO, and honor it shares with nearby Monticello. The University is notable and well known for many aspects of its intellectual environments and accomplishments and achievements. However, it’s the unique social atmosphere on “Grounds” that CREATES the UVA “vibe.” The many upholding traditions amongst the students bring a special UVA flavor to everything that is done. The traditions are also interesting and unique. The university is rich with history and tradition.

Streaking the lawn

At the University of Virginia it is an age-old tradition to streak the lawn in front of the Rotunda. Students start at the steps of the Rotunda and run down the grassy stretch and kiss Homer’s rump, and then proceed to run back to the Rotunda, and up the steps to say good night to Mr. Jefferson. Upperclassmen and lawnies use this opportunity to expose the gallant nudes. Using high beam flashlights and search spot lights, it is not unheard of to be put on the spot when running.

Steam Tunneling

Steam Tunneling is probably one of the most dangerous and least understood traditions at UVA. Despite the danger warnings, it is also tradition. The underground system of tunnels which brings heat to buildings around grounds is long and intricate. Passing through the New and Old system is a gamble that students are faced with. The risks of being caught are far out weighted by the thrills of pleasure so students continue to indulge in this tradition.

4th year 5ths

The old UVA tradition of being able to drink as much as you possibly can. The Virginia Wahoo is a fish that can drink twice its weight; and that is exactly what HOOS prove they can do when they participate in this fourth year spectacle. The tradition is to drink a 5th (750ml) of alcohol during the last home football game of fourth year and before half-time. One can only imagine the drunkenness that results from all the heavy drinking.

Girls in Pearls (sundress) and Guys in Ties

The University of Virginia has managed to keep up its traditional southern school image. The students and faculty have all embraced it as a way of life on Jefferson’s luscious campus. Therefore student’s attempt to live this lifestyle and this is portrayed easily in the way students dress on Grounds. It is not unusual to see girls wearing a sundress, high heels, hats, and pearls on any given day and guys in khakis, white or blue collared shirts and (bow)ties on Football game days. This is one of the many few things that made UVA stand out as a public university. Historically, the University used to be an all boys school. The Boys that attended were very traditional and wore the appropriate attire. The Girls were not yet allowed to attend and therefore remained in their roles as women in the home. These roles portrayed into the dress and attire of the day.

Foxfield

This is a Charlottesville tradition that has been adopted by the university students over the many years. Once more with the southern traditions, Fox field originated in 1978 in Charlottesville. And it is a steeplechase held twice a year; once in the fall and in the spring. Students and locals get dressed in their Sunday best and large sun hats to watch. As an old family traditional outing, it is nice to see that old past times are still remembered and honored. The steeplechase is a form of horse racing that originally came from 18th century Ireland.

Rugby Road & Beta Bridge

Rugby Road is where all of the fraternity house are. The infamous bridge of is located on the outskirts of the central campus. It is located across the street from the main campus and begins at the University Avenue. On most days of the week, one will see Rugby bubbling with social activity seeing as how a lot of social activity takes place there. The houses lining the street are magnificent in architecture and structure. There are also many important buildings on this Road, i.e. The School of Architecture, Mad Bowl, and Beta Bridge. The Beta Bridge is easily spotted and recognizable on Rugby Road. The Bridge is a vital component of the street. Originally it was constructed in the 1850s over the train tracks, and was renovated in 1923. The tradition of painting the bridge first came about in 1901. Students wrote praises, Birthday wishes, sports scores, etc in bright colors.

Lighting of the Lawn

The “Lighting of the Lawn” is more of recent vintage than a tradition. The Lighting of the Lawn brings together both UVA students and faculty and Charlottesville neighbors for a festive December evening. The night is filled with acappella music and good cheer-culminating in the brilliant display of light. What a sight it is to see the entire lawn lit up. The 215 strands of light wrap around the Rotunda and throughout the entire lawn.

First year vs. Freshmen

Another specialty that characterizes the university is the difference in how they classify the different years and students. Typically, schools rank the order of students as freshman, sophomore, Junior, Senior. However, at Thomas Jefferson’s enlightened academic village they refer to the students as First, Second, Third, and Fourth years. The reason for that being is, Thomas Jefferson believed that the term “Senior” implied that the person had reached a final stage in learning. Au contraire, Jefferson believed that learning was a “life-long progress,” and is not completed within the four years. Also, students who finishes don’t “graduate,” they take their degree. In addition, professors are called Mr. and Mrs. This is all in Thomas Jefferson’s hope to deter any type of merit based favoritism and preference based on stature.