To the campus community:

I am pleased to announce that pending further review, the College of Education will continue to admit new students to the music and art tracks of the five-year PreK-12 pathway. The prior decision to suspend new admissions to these tracks was based on their low enrollments.  As previously indicated, we will continue to discuss the long-term future of these tracks, engaging faculty and administrative staff from both the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences in those discussions.  We also welcome the voices of students and alumni.  In the meantime, we are continuing to admit new students into these tracks, including those who applied to begin this year. We remain committed to ensuring that all students admitted to these tracks receive appropriate opportunities to complete all required coursework, even should we eventually decide to suspend or close these tracks.

To clarify any confusion or misinformation, the previously announced suspension would have had no impact on majors and other general education and elective offerings in the College of Arts and Science’s Music or Art and Art History. These CAS programs are not and have not been under review.

I want to thank the deans of the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, the chairs of the relevant departments in these colleges, and the many students, faculty, staff, and alums who have expressed their support for these programs. I anticipate that discussion about the future of these programs will continue into the next academic year.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Levin Provost

The following message is from the Office of Admissions:

On Saturday, March 21st, the University of Mary Washington will host Destination UMW, a high-profile event welcoming admitted students to campus with the goal of yielding them for the 2015-2016 academic year. About 360 prospects and their families will visit, plus their families so total guest count will be about 900 people.  Finalists for the prestigious Washington and Alvey Scholarships will be among the attendees.

The Destination UMW schedule includes events from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Visitor parking has been reserved in the George Washington (GW) lot as well as along Double Drive with overflow to the Parking Deck.  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.

A sample agenda is posted here<http://admissions.umw.edu/youarein/files/2014/02/Destination-March-21-2015-Track-Two.pdf>.   If you’d like to be involved in future Admissions events, please contact Admissions at 540-654-2000 or email admit@umw.edu.

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 #DestinationUMW trending throughout the day.

Saturday is the first of two Destination UMW events this spring.  The 2nd event is April 18th.  The Office of Admissions appreciates your involvement in and support of these signature programs that shape the Class of 2019.

Beginning immediately, the University is issuing a change of use in the Alvey Drive Deck. The top level of the parking deck will be reserved for campus visitors only, while levels 1-3 will be available for any UMW decal (as is the status of the other surface lots beyond the deck).

Deck painting and signage will be updated shortly to reflect these changes.

March is Procurement Month !

Governor McAuliffe has issued the 2015 proclamation to recognize March as Governmental Purchasing Month in Virginia. Each year, March is set aside as a time to advocate the role of the public procurement profession, and acknowledge the professionals that make a difference in governmental efficiency and effectiveness each day. Procurement professionals purchase and manage materials in a way that is responsible, ethical, and cost-effective, handling a variety of duties from contracting the best services and suppliers, managing materials, and engaging with community, be it here on campus or with local vendors.

Did you know…

In FY14, our UMW Procurement Services team delivered direct savings of $238,788 to the University.

UMW discretionary spend with small, women, and minority-owned business met the 40% statewide goal.

Special thanks to members of UMW Procurement Services Team!