Survey Closes Friday, Feb. 4 at 5 p.m.

Dear UMW faculty, staff, students, and alumni:

The University of Mary Washington is undertaking an important process to update, refine, and reaffirm our reputation, with particular attention to how the University is perceived both externally and internally.  I encourage you to participate by giving us your candid and confidential responses to a few important questions.

This process will help us enhance UMW’s visibility regionally and nationally; motivate community members and individuals to become involved and offer financial support; and ensure that the public understands what we stand for, what we offer, and why they should associate themselves with us.

The first step in preparation for a comprehensive reputation enhancement effort is to assess – and update when necessary – the messages we use when talking about the University.  We need to define what makes us unique and special. This step is critical, and I need your help to make it successful.

It will take only a few minutes of your time to complete this survey.  Please respond by February 4 to ensure that we include your thoughts.  We’ve also established a web page at which you may track the project’s progress and add additional input to share in UMW Blogs.

Your confidential comments are critical in articulating UMW’s unique and compelling identity.  Over the coming weeks, our entire community will have the opportunity to contribute thoughts and ideas. Once these messages are developed, we will be able to speak with a unified voice about the qualities that make the University of Mary Washington distinctive.  This is one step on the path to becoming the best public liberal arts university in the nation.

Later this spring, those of you who are alumni will receive a separate survey that will help us gain a better understanding of who UMW graduates are. Not only will this help us know you better, it will allow us to celebrate and publicize your successes.

I urge you to complete this survey now.  Thank you for your participation.  If you have any questions, please contact Director of Communication George Farrar or Director of Marketing Sabrina Brown.

Sincerely,

Rick Hurley

President