Editor’s note: Jenna Johnson is covering the murder trial of former University of Virgina student George Huguely. Follow @WPjenna on Twitter and read more about the trial.

CHARLOTTESVILLE — As a defense attorney for former University of Virginia lacrosse player George Huguely vetted potential jurors for a first-degree murder trial this week, she asked several questions about personal experiences with domestic violence.

Huguely is accused of breaking into the bedroom of his ex-girlfriend, Yeardley Love, in May 2010 and beating her to death. He is charged with first-degree murder, among other things, and could face a life sentence. On Monday, Huguely pled not guilty to all of the charges against him.

Rhonda Quagliana, an attorney for George Huguely V walks to the Charlottesville Circuit Court for the second day of jury selection. (Sabrina Schaeffer - AP) The details of the events that led to Love’s death are expected to be presented in court this week, but advocates against domestic abuse are already using this trial as an opportunity to spread information about college dating violence and available resources.

“Unfortunately, it’s more common that anyone realizes,” said Sarah Ellis of Shelter for Help in Emergency in Charlottesville, which assists victims of domestic violence and runs a 24-hour hotline. ”People need to learn the signs.”

On the evening of Valentine’s Day next week, Shelter and a recently formed group called Teens Against Dating Abuse plan to host a vigil in downtown Charlottesville, just a few blocks from the courthouse and rows of satellite television trucks.

Soon after University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love was found dead in her apartment in May 2010, and her ex-boyfriend George Huguely V was charged in her death, U-Va. police officer Angela Tabler received a new assignment.

Instead of writing parking tickets and directing traffic, Tabler was given the full-time job of educating students, faculty and staff about domestic and dating violence, alcohol abuse and how the university police can help when they or someone they know is in trouble.

Tabler also is in charge of assisting students who are the victims of
Yeardley Love and George Huguely. (AP) crime by explaining their options, connecting them with resources, helping them obtain protective orders, holding their hands through the often intimidating court process and frequently calling to check in.

“I look at the community a little differently now,” Tabler said. “People will say to me, ‘Are you the same officer?’ I’m not.”

Tabler’s new job is one of many changes at U-Va. prompted by Love’s death. The university also sponsored a “Day of Dialogue” in September 2010 to discuss dating violence, safety and changes needed in campus culture.

Nearly two years ago, the University of Virginia mourned and tried to comprehend the death of Yeardley Love, a fourth-year student from the Baltimore area who played on the lacrosse team. On Monday a trial is set to start for her ex-boyfriend George Huguely V, who also played lacrosse at U-Va. and is charged with her murder.

The University of Virginia draped the columns of its iconic Rotunda in black for a "Day of Dialogue” in September 2010 following the death of Yeardley Love. (Andrew Shurtleff - Associated Press) The trial is expected to dominate campus conversations for weeks to come and arouse strong emotions for some students, coaches, faculty and staff members, so university officials are urging them to reach out for help if they need it.

“As the trial proceeds, details emanating from the courtroom may create or compound emotional distress for students or others with whom you live, socialize or have classes,” Chief Student Affairs Officer Patricia M. Lampkin wrote in an e-mail to students on Wednesday. “If you sense that someone in your circle — a friend, classmate, hallmate, apartment-mate — needs attention or help, then we encourage you to call upon the resources available here at the University. It is important not to ignore those around us who may be experiencing difficulty.”

Huguely, 24, is charged with the first-degree murder of Love. If found guilty, he could face a life sentence. Huguely is also charged with felony murder, robbery of a residence, burglary, entering a house with intent to commit a felony and grand larceny. One of Huguely’s attorneys said in 2010 that Love’s death was “an accident with a tragic outcome” but not an intentional criminal act.

The boom in the number of students applying to college through early decision or early action programs in recent years has resulted in more students asking questions like: What happens when you get deferred?

The answer to those questions varies from school to school, but here are seven basic tips for what to do next:

1) Remember that a referral is not a rejection — but it’s also not an acceptance. Many universities will only keep an application in the pool if the student has a shot of getting in during the regular admissions process — so congratulations on making it to the next round. With that said, you need to have a back-up plan and apply to other schools before their deadlines hit.

2) Update your application with any relevant information. A lot has probably happened since you sent in your early application in October or November, so make sure that you update that application with all relevant information. “Relevant” means your first semester grades and major accomplishments, like being named class president or receiving a national award. (Things that are most likely not relevant: being named “student of the week” in your Spanish class or joining the foreign film club.) You can also use this as an opportunity to submit an updated letter of reference, especially if your favorite teacher (or a teacher who has recently become your favorite) was unable to write a letter in time for the early deadlines.

As soon as the clock hit 4 p.m. on Friday, Bianka Zalenska logged into the Vassar College Web site to see if she had been accepted through its early decision program. It was her reach school, a place she wasn’t sure that would accept her — but then they did.

She called her mom screaming, “I got in! I got in!” Then she told all of her friends. “She was ecstatic. She was so happy,” said her mother, Margaret Zalenska of Northern Virginia. “It was her dream college.”

Then Vassar admissions officials realized they had made a mistake. They had accidentally posted an acceptance letter where a denial letter should have been. By the time the mistake was corrected about 30 minutes later, 76 students had incorrectly been told they had gotten in.

“Each of those students was informed of the error and received our deepest apologies,” said Vassar President Catharine Hill in a statement. ”We are full of regret and we will be making changes to our notification system.”