On Saturday, April 18, the University of Mary Washington will host Destination UMW, a high-profile event welcoming admitted students to campus with the goal of enrolling them for the 2015-2016 academic year. About 405 prospects and their families will visit, with a total guest count of approximately 1,000 people.
The Destination UMW schedule includes events from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event features opportunities to learn about the University up-close and first-hand. Students will participate in an academic session with a professor (class or lab) and a student engagement activity with Dean Rucker and current student leaders. Two tracks will offer an opportunity to message differently to students who have already committed to attend UMW in the fall and those who are still deciding among their college options. More than half of the students registered have already paid their enrollment fee, so the goal will be to affirm their decision by sharing their first-year seminar and residence hall assignments. Others will be able to take these next steps the day of the event if they make their decision on-site. The welcome session includes greetings from President Hurley, Student Government Association President Samantha Worman and alumni highlighting outcomes of a successful UMW graduate.
A sample agenda is posted here. Visitor parking has been reserved in the George Washington (GW) lot and along Double Drive with overflow to other lots along College Avenue. Primary event locations are Dodd Auditorium, Lee Hall, Monroe Hall, Seacobeck Dining Hall and campus/residence hall tours. Expect to see increased foot traffic on campus and curious newcomers in Seacobeck. Help them know their presence is a pleasure by anticipating the crowds and responding warmly, especially in the dining hall where crowds will peak between noon and 2 p.m.
While the Office of Admissions sponsors these events, the entire campus should assume the role of host. Please extend every courtesy and generous hospitality to these visitors. Their impression and decision to attend UMW depends on how they feel while they are here, so thank you for your commitment to perpetuating our brand, our mission, and our sense of the UMW family. One way to show your support is to tweet to @UMWAdmissions and/or post to Instagram and tag @UMWAdmissions. We would like to see #UMW19, #MyMaryWash, and/or #BestDecisionEver trending throughout the day.
Saturday is the final Destination UMW event this spring. The Office of Admissions appreciates your involvement in and support of these signature programs that shape the Class of 2019.
If you’d like to be involved in future Admissions events, please contact Admissions at 540-654-2000 or email admit@umw.edu.