NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University had its best-ever overall ranking in the history of the U.S. News & World Report survey in rankings released Thursday by the magazine.

Alexander Heard, an adviser to three U.S.

Though it usually leaves some students unsatisfied, the housing selection process for the 2009-2010 academic year has left more than usual frustrated with their future housing assignments.

"I've had 379 scheduled meetings with students as well as a large number of walk-ins in regards to students who want to talk about their housing assignment," said Director of Housing Assignments Jason Jakubowski.

Students purchasing music through iTunes may notice a cost increase that took effect last Tuesday.

Decision time is fast approaching for the accepted students of the class of 2013. To help them decide, there have been a number of opportunities over the past few weekends for accepted students and their families to visit campus.

However, it is usually difficult for the accepted international students to make their final decisions, due to the distance and expense of traveling.

A Vanderbilt University undergraduate is being treated for meningococcal bacterial meningitis today after being taken to the Vanderbilt emergency room overnight, according to an alert issued to students, faculty and staff.

The student is in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit. ǃÆǃÆ

Grace Powell, a first-year Arts and Science student and resident of Sutherland Hall on the Commons, was admitted to the hospital around midnight Monday, after she experienced a severe headache, rash and high fever, according to the alert. Powell is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. ǃÆ

Because of federal guidelines, the university does not typically release student health information, but the decision was made to include the name in this case because of larger public health concerns, according to university officials. ǃÆ

For a group of organizations centered on tradition, change could be coming.

The Delta Force, a task force of 10 Interfraternity Council men, presented a proposal to the IFC presidents Sunday night after more than a month of research and preparation.

Phi Delta Theta colony was closed by the national fraternity Sunday evening after two investigations into charges of hazing and alcohol policy violations.

The initial allegations were made during the colony's initiation week, according to the colony's president junior Yong Kim, when an anonymous report of hazing was put in to the Office of Greek Life.

Senior Ayo Ositelu was announced as the 2009 Young Alumni Trustee Tuesday afternoon.

Also by Hannah Twillman

Students packed the lobby of Sarratt Promenade Monday night to make posters in protest of a speech by Angela "Bay" Buchanan.

The former United States treasurer, who attended two events, the one in the evening being sponsored by the Vanderbilt chapter of Youth for Western Civilization, spoke about the need for immigration policy reform. Upon hearing about the speech, several campus organizations — including the Multicultural Leadership Council and Lambda — began to plan a protest against it. The Vanderbilt Law School's Federalist Society hosted Buchanan's earlier presentation.