The rotunda at the University of Virginia is bracketed in scaffolding, with steps, ladders and platforms that workers need to do repairs. It could also be a tempting target for students looking to see UVA from a unique perspective, but not if the university has its way.
This summer a number of students and non-students were caught climbing the scaffolding. University police made eight trespassing arrests around the rotunda in August alone.
The university is ramping up security around the rotunda and warning students to keep their feet on the ground. Security personnel are guarding the rotunda around the clock and motion-activated lights have been installed to expose any trespassers. Police say anyone caught trespassing will be issued a warning and any second offenders will be arrested.
UVA President Teresa Sullivan made sure to warn students about scaling the rotunda, reminding them in her convocation speech to use the university's outdoor climbing wall when they had the urge to reach new heights.
Reported by Kristin Twiford
