UMW has received a grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to refocus work-study jobs to internship experiences, enhancing on-campus employment experiences.

The University of Mary Washington has received a $24,994 grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to refocus work-study jobs to internship experiences. The one-year grant provides start-up funding for a transformational process, one which starts with student feedback and aims to better understand the data and insights around student employment on campus.

UMW’s Center for Career and Professional Development leads the grant-funded project, in collaboration with the University’s Student Employment Work Group, which aims to find the best ways to enhance the student employment experience by convening the people, process and technology needed to support career development for students. The insights discovered in the process of completing this grant project will enhance on-campus employment experiences, particularly for students who rely on federal work-study as part of their academic funding.

“This grant funds an important part of our strategic effort to prepare our students for Life After Mary Washington,” says Kimberly Young, associate provost for career and workforce. “We know that students who participate in internships have the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge and reflect on their experiences which in turn builds their competence as they approach their careers in our regional economy and beyond.” Read more.

The University of Mary Washington reviews early decision applications in October and November, allowing prospective students to learn their application status and get a jumpstart on beginning their college journey.

As favorite fall traditions of homecomings and festivals fill up calendars for high school seniors, there are a few important dates to save and steps to take to complete college applications. For those seniors looking to get a head start on their search, October is the perfect time to apply early.

Starting Oct. 1, UMW reviews early applications and begins awarding decisions, which may be available at upcoming regional receptions or fall open houses for students who register in advance.

Sign up for a regional reception for high school seniors.

UMW experts in admissions share their tips, from building a list of colleges to checking off first-choice schools and getting top consideration for scholarships. Check out their ideas for getting started this fall. Read more.

UMW will host Saturday Open Houses on Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 9.UMW will host Saturday Open Houses on Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 9.

Now that school is in session this fall, Saturday Open Houses on Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 9 are the perfect opportunity to get to know the University of Mary Washington. With an early Open House event date in September, UMW can be a family’s first visit on their college search, the first choice for students, and for many, the first to let students know they are in.

UMW Open Houses are free for students and families to attend and recommended for high school juniors and seniors as well as transfer students. High school seniors who have applied early to UMW can also sign up for an expedited application review and on-the-spot admission decision during any of the Open House dates. Read more.

Nearly 90% of UMW graduates have secured employment, started graduate school or decided to serve in the military, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps within six months of graduation.

Each year, the University of Mary Washington surveys the newest graduates to learn about their first destination following Commencement. With results from 91% of the Class of 2023, an outstanding knowledge rate well above the National Association of Colleges and Employers benchmark of 65%, UMW knows recent grads are actively planning for the future and well on their way to life after Mary Washington.

“One very important way to assess our students’ outcomes is by looking at where they land after graduation and what their intentions were,” said Associate Provost for Career and Workforce Kimberly Young. The goal is to hear from new alumni within six months of graduation either by the survey or through social media updates, and within this time, nearly 90% of UMW graduates have secured employment, started graduate school or decided to serve in the military, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps.

UMW students do great things in the region and across the nation and significantly contribute through non-profit and public service. For alumni careers, of the 67% who answer they are employed, about half go into for-profit organizations, about 21% work in the nonprofit sector, and a notable 23% choose public service professions. Read more.

Applications for admission to the University of Mary Washington are now open for the incoming class of fall 2025 and transfer students.

Applications for admission to the University of Mary Washington are now open for the incoming class of fall 2025 and transfer students. Students can apply to UMW via the Common Application or apply directly to UMW online. Completing the application early gives students the greatest opportunity to earn scholarships, know their admission decision before the spring semester and maximize their senior-year timeline.

“Check it off early, so there’s more time to visit campus, plan your undergraduate experience and make Mary Washington your college home,” said Dean of Admissions and Associate Vice President Melissa Yakabouski.

Nearly 60% of incoming first-year students for fall 2024 applied via early action or early decision to UMW. With the Common Application, it’s even easier to add the University of Mary Washington to a college list early and complete the process.

Common App essay questions include several options, giving students a prompt to discuss an accomplishment, reflect on their thinking, recount lessons learned or define what matters to them. Each is an opportunity to share their experience and goals. In addition, students who complete a “Taking Flight” interview as part of their application process will also be considered for a $1,000-$2,000 scholarship. Registration for the “Taking Flight” interviews is open now and fills up quickly. Read more.