University of Virginia Library

University's Mission

Legislators told the student delegates that
the University has a mission to maintain a high
standard of education and a high standard of
life.

Legislators were especially concerned, it was
reported, with the consequences of growth
relating to the Honor System, University
housing and the Charlottesville community.

Mr. Chabot also said that students had asked
legislators whether they would put pressure on
the University to expand or to take more
in-state students. Many lawmakers stated that
growth was "the domain of the University and
that the legislature best stay out of it."
However, several legislators pointed out that
the number of out-of-state students at state
institutions was always a relevant topic for
discussion.

The possibility of cutting off state funds
used for University expansion was mentioned
by one participant. Mr. Smith advised some
University students that action such as this
would have to come from the Governor's office
of the budget and would not be handled by his
committee.

Mr. Chabot referred to the fact that
although the Board of Visitors had expressed
opposition to further University expansion, it
"was fearful of state pressure." He continued,
however, "I think we've found that there is
very little state pressure." Some legislators
suggested that the proposed growth was the
result of a "competition for size between VPI
and the University."