Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia is one of the top-ranked public universities in the country. One of the major goals of the University is to create leaders through education. This mission is achieved by UVA’s outstanding professors and wide array of degree offerings and departments, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Curry School of Education, the McIntire School of Commerce, and the School of Nursing. UVA has produced many notable alumni, including President Woodrow Wilson, Senators Edward and Robert Kennedy, and broadcast journalist Katie Couric.
With the highest retention rate of any public college or university, it is clear that students enjoy their time at UVA. With 57 Greek organizations and hundreds of clubs (from the Charlottesville Community Food Project to the Classics Club), the University has something for everyone. Another signature aspect of the UVA is its honor system, a long-standing tradition. Administered by students, the system is based on the premise that lying, cheating, and stealing will not be tolerated. Students found guilty by a jury of their peers are expelled from the University.