- Nov 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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the dieting of the students should be left to private boarding houses, of their own choice, and at their own expense; to be regulated by the visitors from time to time, the house only being provided by the university within its own precincts, and thereby of course subjected to the general regimen, moral or sumptuary, which they shall prescribe
Diet remains a persisting struggle for many college aged students, whether it be over eating or not eating enough. There did not appear to be many directions in order for diet, presuming that students could manage it on their own. However, today resident staff put a lot of weight on the importance of a healthy diet and the dining hall making changes to their options. It's interesting to consider the flaws which occurred from the system at the time in the "private boarding houses". Eating is an extremely prominent aspect of life and has a very strong influence on the success and wellbeing of students. -nan m
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These exercises with antient nations, constituted the principal part of the education of their youth. Their arms and mode of warfare rendered them severe in the extreme
It is interesting to consider how this subject would be treated differently in present day UVa. This paragraph shows the dramatic change in era as the intention of their exercise was for the protection and warefare of their people, rather than general health and development. It is curious to know whether individuals were pressured to exercise, leading to a shunning of an individual when they didn't, especially as it was an all-male environment which could have caused many self-esteem issues and confusion. It's interesting to see the way patriotism plays a role in the "duty" of a student by holding up their role in warefare. -nan m
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- Oct 2017
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engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu engagements2017-18.as.virginia.edu
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To harmonize & promote the interests of agriculture, manufactures & commerce and by well informed views of political economy to give a free scope to the public industry.
This passage emphasizes the shift in values regarding environmental practices interwoven with economical studies. Although an industrial shift justifies the trivialization of the importance of learning about agriculture, I don't think it's rightful for the entire sect to be ignored. While learning about agriculture has decreased, the McIntire School has grown drastically. Surrounding the entire University are forests and farms and most civilians are not in touch with such a lifestyle. In this passage, Jefferson is describing the importance of these two being promoted in harmony. I think this needs to be reevaluated in the University today- informing students more of the environment around them. -nan marsh
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The 1st. duty enjoined on them was to enquire & report a site in some convenient & proper part of the state for an University, to be called the “University of Virginia
Why was determining the location of the University the most important action, before establishing values and goals of the establishment itself? Having a physical space may have been an important first step in determining just that- allowing the Commissioners to visualize what sort of academia they wish to develop, in regards to the physical space it takes up and surrounds.
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