Almost all colleges and universities have their own traditions, whether its singing certain songs, calling locations by nicknames, or even dressing a certain way for special occasions. The University of Virginia is no different, and with over 200 years of history, there are plenty of traditions on Grounds! Read on for a primer on the various traditions — old and new — upheld by thousands of Wahoos.
Beta Bridge: Students, individually or with organizations, paint slogans, messages, and advertisements for events around Grounds on Beta Bridge. The paint is several inches thick, as the bridge is repainted as frequently as a couple times a week. An entire project is dedicated to photographing the different sayings on the bridge.
Foxfield: At the end of the spring semester, some students head to the Foxfield races to hang out and watch the horse races.
The Good Old Song: At many sporting events, students, faculty and alumni link arms and sway while singing “The Good Old Song” after each UVA score and at the conclusion of the game.
Guys in Ties, Girls in Pearls: For decades students dressed up to go to football games. This tradition has since relaxed, but it is not unusual to see students dressed nicely at games in the fall.
Honor Societies: UVA has a proud tradition of housing academic societies that are dedicated to honoring academic success and service to the University. These include the Raven Society and Phi Beta Kappa, among others.
The Lawn and “Lawnies”: The large, terraced grassy court at the historic center of Thomas Jefferson’s Academical Village and home to the iconic Rotunda. Fourth-year students live in the rooms that line the Lawn (and are often nicknamed ‘Lawnies’), and academic deans and professors live in the ten Pavilions. The Lawn is also a popular place for students to hang out on warm days.
The Lighting of the Lawn: An annual event that brings together UVA students, faculty and our Charlottesville neighbors for a festive December evening of acapella music and good cheer, culminating in a brilliant display of light.
Midsummers: Between two of the academic summer sessions, students often return to Grounds to visit friends and enjoy Charlottesville in the summer.
Rings and the Ring Ceremony: Held each fall, the Ring Ceremony brings together third-year students and their families for a program celebrating their time at the University. At the conclusion of the event, participating students put on their UVA class rings. Another UVA tradition involves placement of the ring’s emblem. While a student, one wears the ring with its Minerva emblem facing inward; upon conclusion of Final Exercises, the ring is worn with Minerva facing outward to the world.
Rotunda Sing and Dorm Sing: The Rotunda Sing is an a cappella showcase that happens at the start of each semester, while the Dorm Sing involves different acapella groups performing in front of Old and New Dorms to welcome new students.
Secret Societies: Many secret and semi-secret ribbon and ring societies have been established at the University of Virginia, including the Seven Society, IMPs, Zs, 21, Thirteen, P.U.M.P.K.I.N., T.I.L.K.A., Rotunda Burning, Purple Shadows, and Eli Banana. Members are selected or “tapped” based on demonstrated achievement in the eyes of current members of each society. Most societies have service and love of University at their heart.
Student Self-Governance: The University Judiciary Committee, Honor Committee, Student Council, Lawn Selection Committee and many others are staffed and governed solely by students.
Trick or Treating on the Lawn: UVA and Charlottesville community members gather in costume on the Lawn to celebrate Halloween. Lawnies hand out candy from their rooms!
Walking the Lawn: A commonly used term to refer to the most iconic aspect of UVA’s undergraduate commencement exercises. Soon-to-be graduates participate in an academic procession down the Lawn to officially become alumni — and they’re also welcomed officially into the UVA Alumni Association!
This is just a sampling of some of the traditions proudly maintained by generations of Wahoos. Take a look at the Office of the Dean of Students’ rundown on more of the unique and long-held institutions at UVA.