The accreditation process, which began more than two years ago, included developing implementing new policies and procedures to meet the 214 rigorous standards administered by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission (VLEPSC). Standards include all policies involving administrative, operational, personnel and training activities.

A three-member accreditation team completed a two-day assessment in June of Old Dominion's compliance with state standards by reviewing department files, touring police facilities and talking with officers.

The commission's report was submitted to the executive board June 28, and the board's approval for accreditation was made July 12.


Physical therapy boasts 98 percent pass rate
Students in the College of Health Sciences continue to top both state and national averages in licensure exam pass rates.

Of the 58 Old Dominion students who took the physical therapy licensing exam for the first time in 2000-01, 98.3 percent passed, according to the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

The first-time pass rate of accredited schools in Virginia was 96.8 percent and 91.9 percent for accredited schools across the United States. Overall, the pass rate for students at both accredited and nonaccredited schools was 86.9 percent.

Earlier this year, Old Dominion's nursing students had the highest pass rate of all baccalaureate programs in Virginia, 96 percent, on the National Council Licensure Examination. In addition, Elizabeth Ahern, a medical technology student who graduated in December, recorded the nation's highest score on the American Society of Clinical Psychologists National Registry Exam.


West named asst. GM for NBA's Phoenix Suns
Old Dominion alumnus Mark West '83 was recently named assistant general manager for the National Basketball Association's Phoenix Suns.

In his new role, West will work with team president and general manager Bryan Colangelo and carry out a range of duties focusing on the business of basketball, player relations and development, and community representation.

West, who has been a licensed stock broker since 1992, was a member of the Suns from 1988-94 and then again in the 1999-00 season.

He currently ranks second in NBA history in field goal percentage (.580), trailing only Artis Gilmore's .599 rate. West led the NBA in 1989-90 when he shot .625 from the field.

While at Old Dominion, West earned Honorable Mention All-America honors three straight years. He led the nation in blocked shots twice.

West was inducted into the Old Dominion Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and his jersey #45 was retired in 1984. He graduated with a degree in business/financial management.


Tuition reduced for in-state physical therapy students
Students in the physical therapy master's program are now paying less in tuition and fees following the rescission of a flat tuition/fee by the Board of Visitors Executive Committee.

Citing an unfair burden on in-state graduate students, the committee agreed July 16 to rescind a previous measure which had set tuition and fees for in- and out-of-state students at $30,000. In-state students will return to paying about $22,000 for the 88-credit, four-semester program.

University officials are hopeful the measure will help boost in-state student enrollment in the nationally ranked program.


Wine Appreciation course begins Sept. 11 on campus
How's your wine IQ? If it's lower than you'd like, you may want to sign up for the continuing education course on Wine Appreciation this fall.

Taught by R.L. Williams, professor of chemistry and biochemistry and an expert on wines, the 12-week class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. each Tuesday, beginning Sept. 11, in the Norfolk Room of Webb Center.

The cost is $199, which includes five wines per evening, along with bread, grapes cheese and weekly handouts.

To register call 683-4686 and ask for course number 200115-90438. For more information call Williams at 683-4091.


University-hosted symposia issue call for papers
Old Dominion faculty are encouraged to contribute papers for two upcoming international symposia sponsored by the College of Arts and Letters.

"Jewish Culture - Western Civilization - and Beyond" is scheduled for April 5-6, 2002, while "Music and Literature: The Universal in Foreign Languages," will take place April 4-6, 2003.

For more information about either symposium, contact Frederick A. Lubich, chair of foreign languages and literatures, at 683-3981 or flubich@odu.edu.


Stahl leads U.S. lacrosse to another world title
The U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team, under the leadership of Old Dominion lacrosse coach Sue Stahl, defeated Australia, 14-8, to win the IFWLA World Cup. The competition was held July 15 in High Wycombe, England.

The U.S. has won every championship in which Stahl has been the head coach, making her the first person to win four world titles in lacrosse. Team USA has won 12 straight matches in World Cup competition.

This past collegiate season her Lady Monarch squad ranked 15th nationally.


Hoops Club to sponsor golf tournament Sept. 7
Old Dominion's Hoops Club will sponsor a golf tournament Sept. 7 at Cypress Point Country Club, with proceeds going to the men's basketball program.

The cost is $100 per person; $400 per foursome; or $600 per foursome with hole sponsorship. The event will begin at noon with a shotgun start.

To sponsor a hole and receive four post-tournament party tickets, the cost is $250. Nongolfers may attend the party, from 5:30-8 p.m., for a minimum donation of $5.

Various prizes will be awarded, and participants will have a chance to win a new Jeep Liberty, a one-week Norwegian cruise, two American Airlines tickets to anywhere in the continental United States and a set of Ping Eye 3-irons. (compliments of Greenbrier Chrysler Plymouth).

To register or for more information call Mark Benson, director of the Big Blue Club, at 683-5696.

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