UVa to halt classes for inauguration

The University of Virginia for the first time will suspend classes so students and staff can watch the presidential inauguration.

There will be no classes from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Tuesday, said Carol Wood, university spokeswoman.

“We have not done it before,” she said.

But she explained that there was “unprecedented” interest by UVa students, many of whom told officials they will be going to Washington to see Barack Obama’s inauguration in person.

University officials decided to allow students to “share in this national event,” Wood said.

About 5,000 students and staff staying in the area will be able to watch the inauguration at the John Paul Jones Arena, where a live feed via C-Span will be shown, Wood said.

Entrance is free, and the general public also may attend, though UVa students, staff and faculty are the first priority, Wood said.

There will be other places throughout Grounds to watch the inauguration.

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., six UVa library facilities will air the proceedings.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., the university’s alumni association also will open its ballroom to those interested in watching the inauguration there.

The Paramount Theater also will show the event, on a high-definition screen. The event is free, too, but all the tickets have been gobbled up.