Brian Baker, Executive Director for Economic Development, spoke in Reedville, Va., on the topic of entrepreneurship at the quarterly meeting of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, Chesapeake Bay Region Partnership and the Northern Neck Tourism Commission. The UMW Center for Economic Development will launch a new entrepreneur program this fall. It will address ideation, commercialization, business modeling, business planning and pitch preparation. The three-month program is designed to nurture entrepreneurs in the facets of business formation. The program will have three tracks to support pre-college, college and post-college entrepreneurs.
Cooperman, Patterson, Rigelhaupt Publish in Political Science Journal
Professors Rosalyn Cooperman, Melina Patterson and Jess Rigelhaupt published an article titled “Teaching Race and Revolution: Doing Justice to Women’s Roles in the Struggle for Civil Rights,” in the July 2016 issue of P.S.: Political Science & Politics.
Virginia Sales Tax Holiday
On Aug. 5, 2016, the UMW Bookstore will observe the sales tax holiday on qualifying merchandise. The list of qualifying school supplies, clothing and footwear can be found here: http://www.tax.virginia.gov/sites/tax.virginia.gov/files/LIST%20OF%20QUALIFYING%20SCHOOL%20SUPPLIES%20AND%20CLOTHING.pdf.
While the tax holiday extends through the weekend, the UMW Bookstore will be closed on Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7.
Finlayson Publishes Cover Photograph in Southeastern Geographer
Caitie Finlayson, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, published the cover photograph and cover art essay in the Southeastern Geographer, Volume 56, Number 2, which is available through Project Muse (https://muse.jhu.edu/article/622279). The photograph of Providence Canyon in Stewart County, Ga., was taken last fall as UMW geography students and faculty traveled to the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Division of the Association of American Geographers in Pensacola, Fla.
Summer 2016 FitBit Challenge
Human Resources, in conjunction with the SAC, is offering a FitBit Challenge to all employees. The challenge will run from July 24 through Aug. 20. For more details visit our page: http://adminfinance.umw.edu/hr/employee-relations/worklife/summer-2016-activity-tracker/
The Office of Events and Human Resources have challenged each other to see which department can exercise the most. We encourage you to find a co-worker or another department and have a little friendly competition with each other!
Any questions? Contact Jennifer Cooper at jcooper4@umw.edu
Center for Economic Development Releases 2016 Business Guide
The University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development Business Reference Guide was first compiled in 2006 as a business intelligence tool for small companies in Virginia. Since inception it has more than doubled in size and has become a staple for business clients and professionals both locally and statewide. The Guide systematizes internet resources in a hierarchical taxonomy for quick access. Users will find three new business categories in the 2016 edition that include resources for veterans, rural communities and international engagement business themes.
The Business Reference Guide is a living document that is updated annually and provides representatives from business, education and government with quick access to information. Users are invited to submit new resources and categories that support the health and vitality of Virginia businesses.
The University of Mary Washington Center for Economic Development collaborates with business, government, education, and private parties to promote personal, professional and economic growth by advancing knowledge through entrepreneurship, small business development, innovation and competitiveness, research and analysis, and outreach and engagement.
http://economicdevelopment.umw.edu/files/2016/07/2016-Business-Reference-Guide.pdf
Inventory is Underway
Procurement Services manages the physical inventory of University fixed assets on a year-round basis. The summer months provide a nice window of opportunity to visit certain buildings with minimal disruption of academic schedules. We ask all departments to welcome Mary Frances Gallagher into your department. Mary Frances replaces John Romine, who retired in April. Thank you in advance for assistance and cooperation. Questions may be directed to Dale Elethorp, ext. 5872, or Erma Baker, ext. 1228.
SAC News
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
UMW’s SAC is coordinating with a local school again this year to provide needed school supplies. Please fill the donation boxes in your area! Your donations are appreciated!
FIT BIT CHALLENGE RETURNS
Get your walking shoes and workout gear ready! Another FitBit Challenge is coming your way!
The FitBit Challenge begins Sunday, July 24, and ends Saturday, Aug. 20. Walk, run, swim, bike or participate in whatever exercise you like. Each week you need to submit the number of times you work out to be eligible for the weekly prize. Employees who submit their workouts by 8 a.m. Aug. 22 will be eligible for the grand prize. For more information visit the HR website.
UMW DAY OF ACTION
The UMW Center for Honor, Leadership and Service is spearheading the effort to get together a UMW team for the Rappahannock United Way Day of Action, Friday, Sept. 23. Sign up to be part of an amazing one-day volunteer event that will change our community! Hundreds of volunteers from local businesses will come together to take on projects around the Fredericksburg region. Volunteers will be matched with nonprofit organizations throughout the community to help complete vital projects. Don’t forget – you may be able to use part of your 16 hours of Community Service leave to participate in this event! For more information about the Day of Action, go to the Rappahannock United Way Day of Action website. Click HERE to register to be part of the UMW team for the Day of Action. The deadline to register to be a Day of Action volunteer is Aug. 10. For more information, contact Christina Eggenberger at the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service.
FLSA CHANGES AND YOU
Look for information about the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) changes. HR will be hosting open sessions to discuss the changes and answer your questions.
SAC MEETINGS
SAC’s next meeting is Thursday, July 21, at the Stafford campus. Paul Messplay, Executive Director of Budget and Financial Analysis will present the 2016-17 operating budget, discuss new fiscal year project and changes, and field questions. Meetings are open to any UMW faculty or staff member who’d like to attend. For more information visit http://sac.umwblogs.org/
EXCELLENT EAGLE EMPLOYEE
Don’t forget to nominate your co-workers, supervisor, or employees for the Excellent Eagle Employee award. To recognize someone for excellent work simply send an email to eenominations@umw.edu with Excellent Eagle Employee in the subject line. Be sure to provide the person’s name, department, and work location with the most convenient parking lot, and the reason they should be recognized.
CONTACT THE SAC!
Click here to submit ideas, comments, questions, suggestions, or issues you’d like SAC to address. If you wish to remain anonymous, please put “Anonymous” for the name and leave out the email address.
Blue Without You
Dear UMW Students,
While you’re away this summer, we’re sitting here on this quiet campus, remembering the times we’ve shared.
You come to us to capture memories and make new friends. We support you along the way, whether you’re celebrating a victory or having a tough day.
You kick back on our wooden slats to do research and write papers – or just take a break between classes. We stand sturdy as you fret over pop quizzes and projects, tackle rigorous academics and spend hours buried in books.
You bring your families to our seats (and sometimes even your pets), taking time to reunite and share your life on campus. We hold you warmly during the emotional moments, like when you said goodbye to your parents that first year.
You come and go, but one thing never changes – it’s always better when you’re here. Because you’re part of our Mary Washington story, just like we’re part of yours.
We’re listening as the Bell Tower announces the passing hours, its notes echoing across campus. Only 42 days and 15 hours until you’re back. But who’s counting?
Holding a seat for you,
The UMW Benches
A Message from President Paino: State Budget
Dear Colleagues,
The state budget passed by the 2016 General Assembly included funding for a 3% salary increase for faculty and staff effective November 10, 2016. The allocation of these funds, however, was contingent upon the state meeting specific revenue thresholds for the 2015-16 fiscal year. Although fiscal year revenue collections grew from the prior year, the growth was not sufficient to meet the financial benchmark required to move forward automatically with the planned salary increase.
The Governor and the General Assembly have made salary increases for state employees a top priority, so we now await their collective response to news of this shortfall. Absent any additional action in the next few months, funding for employee salary increases will likely become part of the state budget process for amending the budget in the next regular session of the General Assembly (January 2017).
We will continue to monitor the situation and pass along any additional information as it becomes available to us.
Please let me or Rick Pearce, Vice President for Administration and Finance & CFO, know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Troy