At the University we share a common language, different from that used at any other institution of higher learning. Here we explain some of the most notable terms in that language.
Academical Village
The buildings in Thomas Jefferson’s original design for the University: the Rotunda, the Lawn, the pavilions, pavilion gardens, the ranges and the hotels. Ranges should be lowercase unless referring to a specific one.
Grounds
Refers to the land upon which the University is built and the buildings, architectural design and signature elements that define it. These would be called “the campus” at other schools. North Grounds is home of the Law and Darden schools. Central Grounds is the main part of the University, generally between University Avenue and Alderman Road. The Arts Grounds are located along Rugby Road.
Hotel
University building that is among the range rooms. Use cap if referring to a specific hotel as in “Hotel A,” but lower case otherwise. And make “range” lowercase, unless referring to “West Range” or “East Range.”
Hoos Not ’Hoos
No apostrophe.
Lawn
The grassy area at the center of Thomas Jefferson’s original Academical Village, between the Rotunda and Old Cabell Hall. It also refers to the student rooms that line the Lawn, arranged between the pavilions used by faculty members.
The University of Virginia
Use this designation when referring to the University for the first time. “The” should only be capitalized when appearing at the beginning of a sentence or headline.
The University
Use this designation after having formally acknowledged “the University of Virginia.” “University” should always be capitalized, and “The” should only be capitalized when appearing at the beginning of a sentence or headline.
UVA
Use this abbreviation after having formally acknowledged “the University of Virginia." We use the capital VA because UVA is the flagship public University for the Commonwealth of Virginia and VA is the official abbreviation of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Pavilions
Originally designed as faculty residences and classroom spaces, these 10 buildings flank the Lawn. Most are still in use by faculty, as originally intended. Individual pavilions are designated by Roman numerals: Pavilion I, Pavilion II, with both the “P” and Roman numerals in caps.
For a complete UVA nomenclature guide, visit the Alumni Association.