Family Weekend 2019 will be taking place this weekend, October 4-6th. This annual fall weekend at the University of Mary Washington brings family members and friends to campus to experience a slice of student life. A wide variety of events are happening and a complimentary trolley extends your visit to downtown Fredericksburg. Enjoy events throughout the weekend including Rocktoberfest, multiple athletic games, UMW Study Abroad Fair, and tours of Brompton, the historic home of the UMW President and Mrs. Paino.
More information can be found on the Family Weekend website, available here. A detailed schedule is below. We hope that you’ll help to welcome all of our UMW families to campus!
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 4
Open Class Sessions
8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. | Various Academic Buildings
Join your student for a class and get a taste of academic life at UMW. Students need to please make arrangements with the professor in advance.
Rocktoberfest
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Ball Circle
This free outdoor concert will include live music, food, a beer garden, and fun games!
Capitol Steps
7:30 p.m. | Dodd Auditorium
Always a big draw, The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-stafford-rotary-capitol-steps-tickets-68830579115.
Saturday, October 5
Tour of Brompton, Home of the UMW President
9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. | 704 Sunken Road
Described as one of America’s most historic houses, Brompton is famous for being at the center of the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. The home now serves as the official residence of the University president. Please access the house via the walkway on Hanover Street, across from the Jepson Alumni Executive Center (1119 Hanover Street).
Virginia Politics 2019
10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. | Monroe 346
A rundown of the latest in Virginia politics, presented by Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, UMW professor of political science and international affairs, and author of six books on the presidency, mass media, and public opinion.
Chocolate Chomp Challenge
10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. | Hurley Convergence Center, Digital Auditorium & Training Lab 130
Learn about Chomp and other fun math games! Chomp was developed by mathematician and economist, David Gale, and is played by calculating moves that involve eating a chocolate bar!
College of Business Alumni Panel
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Woodard Hall, Room 202
This event invites back College of Business alumni from varying classes and majors to discuss their career paths, as well as give advice to students for while they’re in college, after they graduate, and how they can break into their industries.
Campus Civil War Walking Tours
11:00 a.m. | Ball Circle
The UMW Historic Preservation Club will host half-hour student-led tours of the Civil War sites on campus. Tours will start at the Civil War Tours table on Ball Circle and run every 30 minutes, with the last tour at 2:00 p.m. Please visit the table for sign-up before the tour. Space is limited and there is a $5 charge. Table rain location will be in Lee Hall, 3rd Floor Lobby.
Family Fun
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Ball Circle
Join in the family fun – giant games will be available or just relax in one of our Adirondack chairs! In case of inclement weather, outdoor games will not be available.
Legacy Lunch
12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m. | Jepson Alumni Executive Center, Rappahannock Grand Ballroom
1119 Hanover Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The Office of Alumni Relations invites UMW alumni, students, and families with historic UMW legacy connections (grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.) to celebrate their shared experiences while enjoying a complimentary lunch. Update: The Legacy Lunch is currently full. If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please call (540) 654-1011.
Chemistry *Magic* Show
First Show: 1:00 p.m.; Second Show: 2:00 p.m. | Jepson Science Center, Room 100
Student members of the American Chemical Society and the Department of Chemistry invite you to come and see awe-inspiring and wonder-filled chemistry demonstrations in UMW’s newly expanded and renovated Jepson Science Center.
UMW Education Study Abroad Fair
10 a.m.-1 p.m.| University Center, Chandler Ballroom
A launch pad for your adventures abroad, the Education Abroad Fair is the perfect venue for students and families to meet with UMW Faculty-Led Program directors, representatives from UMW Approved Education Abroad Programs, Peer Advisors, Study Abroad Alumni, and Center for International Education staff to explore study abroad, volunteer, research, and internship opportunities all over the world. Come dream, explore options, and define goals for your abroad experience.
30th Annual Fredericksburg Welsh Festival
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 900 block of Charles Street, downtown Fredericksburg
Featuring traditional music, dancing, arts, crafts, and foods of Wales. The trolley will provide transportation between Double Drive and the festival. Although admission is free to students and families, donations are welcomed. Learn more at jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu.
Balfour – Class Ring sale
11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2nd Floor, University Center
On both Friday and Saturday, Balfour will be on campus showcasing class rings for purchase. For a preview, visit https://www.balfour.com/umw.
Sunday, October 6
Time on Your Own
Visit downtown Fredericksburg, have breakfast, go shopping, or just hang out with family members. Enjoy the day as you wrap up Family Weekend!
UMW Art Galleries
Visit the exhibitions at the University of Mary Washington Galleries, open Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Learn more at: www.umwgalleries.org. Free admission.
UMW Athletics
Field Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Women’s Rugby, and more UMW games are taking place this weekend! Visit https://www.umweagles.com/landing/index for the latest game times and opponents!
Simpson Library
Feel free to stop by UMW’s library for a demonstration of our 3D printers, library tours, free books for all, and kid-friendly activities. Library Hours – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – midnight.
UMW Museums
Museum admission is free to students and families during Family Weekend.
- Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
Gari Melchers Home and Studio is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
224 Washington St., Falmouth, Va. 22405
Learn more at garimelchers.umw.edu.
- James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
908 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The James Monroe Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more at jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu.
UMW Bookstore – Barnes & Noble
Download the My College Bookstore App for a 20% OFF UMW APPAREL ITEM COUPON along with additional exclusive offers. To download, visit www.appbnc.com
*Exclusions may apply. Must download app to claim offer. See offer in app for details.
Downtown Fredericksburg
Live music, antique shops, ghost tours, fantastic dining – check out everything that’s happening this weekend at https://www.visitfred.com/events/