Author: Brynn Boyer

John P. Broome, assistant professor in curriculum & instruction and director of undergraduate secondary education and preK-12 education in the College of Education, has been invited to present his study on civic engagement in an alternative learning environment at the American Montessori Society (AMS) 2013 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida on March 14^th, 2013.

The study entitled, “Reflecting on The Civic Mission of Schools: Lessons from a Montessori Middle School” examined how the Montessori curriculum and educational practices address civic engagement in a U.S. Montessori middle school. He further analyzed how the curriculum compared against U.S. civic education recommendations and investigated students’ observable civic engagement in that environment.

The American Montessori Society (AMS) is the foremost advocate for quality Montessori education in the United States. AMS sets the high professional standards that inform Montessori education as practiced in AMS-accredited schools and taught in AMS-affiliated teacher education programs. Founded in 1960, the organization has nearly 13,000 members worldwide.

On Monday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 25, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will meet at the University of Mary Washington.  Meetings will begin at 1 p.m. on Monday and continue through 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.  The meetings will be held in Lee Hall Rooms 411 and 412 on the Fredericksburg campus.

Included on the agenda is a joint meeting with the Council of Presidents, a group that is comprised of Virginia public college and university presidents.  President Hurley is currently vice chairperson of the Council of Presidents.  He also serves on the Higher Education Advisory Committee (HEAC).

For more information or to view the full agenda, visit http://www.schev.edu/council/AgendaBookIndex.asp.

Despite the threat of rain, countless students met at the Lee Hall terrace on Monday, Sept. 17 for the Study Abroad Showcase, the kickoff of the Center for International Education’s  second annual International Education Week. The week aims to expose students to a variety of opportunities abroad.

At the showcase, students who studied abroad in the spring semester or over the summer shared their experiences with other students and answered questions. The students represented 30 programs in 21 different countries.

“This is a show and tell for our students,” said Kate Jordan, study abroad program assistant in the Center for International Education.

Senior Jennifer Crystle helped organize and promote this year’s International Education Week. For her, similar events last year eased her “reverse culture shock” after a semester abroad in Spain.

“This can help them with their reintegration,” Jordan said.

The week also included seminars on internships and scholarships and financial aid. The Education Abroad Fair on Friday, Sept. 21 gave parents and students the opportunity to explore more than 50 study abroad providers and UMW programs. On Saturday, CIE hosted an open house from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Lee Hall, Room 434.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/396880400379881/.

University of Mary Washington staff formed four volunteer teams that participated in one of the Rappahannock United Way “Days of Caring” on Friday, Sept. 14.

A total of 42 UMW staff members volunteered this year, an increase from last year’s 28 volunteers. Participants came from UMW’s Facilities Services, Advancement and University Relations, Academic Services, and Student Affairs divisions.

The volunteers spent the day at the Boys and Girls Club in Fredericksburg, and helped with weeding, cutting grass, planting flowers, mulching and washing the vans that transport the children. UMW also donated used computers to the club.

UMW’s Director of Service, Christina Eggenberger, has helped involve staff in the Rappahannock United Way’s program for the past three years.

“It’s fun to hear each team name being called…and to show UMW spirit to the community,” she said.

Other local businesses and organizations volunteered, however UMW had the biggest group there, Eggenberger said.

Director of Campus Recreation and the Fitness Center, Mark Mermelstein, worked with other staff members to wash the vans.

“It’s a great opportunity to get out and work on something together,” Mermelstein said.

Rappahannock United Way expanded the opportunity for community volunteering when they changed the “Day of Caring” into “Days of Caring.” Likewise, Mark Thaden, director of alumni relations, has a similar mindset.

“I hope to see our numbers continue to grow every year in participation,” said Thaden.

Mehdi Aminrazavi, professor of philosophy and religion, gave the lecture “Reading Omar Khayyam’s Ruba’iyyat within Their Historical Context” at the Library of Congress on Thursday, July 19. The lecture is now available online through the Library of Congress at http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=5588.