Elizabeth Freund Larus, Professor Emerita of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs, offered commentary on Russia’s war in Ukraine on Vietnam News. Dr. Larus claimed that Ukraine and Russia are locked in a war of attrition and that the war is going to last months or perhaps years. Dr. Larus indicated that supplying Ukraine with NATO arms will help Ukraine fight against Russia but will not lead to a decisive victory, and that it will be difficult for Ukraine, even with NATO arms, to undo the success that Russia has had in taking Mariupol and other areas in the east. Her comments begin at 13 minutes into the program.
Yakabouski Talks College Costs in Article Yarn
Director of Undergraduate Admissions Melissa Yakabouski commented in 10 Financial Aid Tips for College Students | Paying For College in Article Yarn. “It can be tempting to disregard a college based on its high price tag,” Yakabouski said. “But in almost all cases, the sticker price is not what a student is actually going to pay. Read more.
Palmwood Comments on Romantic Relationships in PsyPost
Assistant Professor of Psychological Science Erin Palmwood Contributed to a PsyPost article, Having an unsupportive romantic partner is associated with neurophysiological changes in error processing. “Romantic relationships are a huge part of many people’s lives, but there is still so much that we don’t know about how they impact our day-to-day experiences,” said Palmwood, who also is a licensed clinical psychologist. Read more.
Schiffrin Shares Thoughts in Journal of Child and Family Studies
Professor of Psychological Science Holly Schiffrin contributed to an article, “A 4-year-old can run errands alone … and not just on reality TV” in the Journal of Child and Family Studies. “The biggest gift parents can give their children is the opportunity to make their own decisions,” Schiffrin said. “Parents who ‘help’ their children too much stress themselves out and leave their kids ill-prepared to be adults.” The article was picked up by WUNC, NPR and Wisconsin Public Radio.
Blevins’ Book Chapter Featured at Mid-Atlantic Writing Center Association Conference
Assistant Professor of English Brenta Blevins co-authored a forthcoming book chapter, “Leveling Up with Emergent Tutoring: Exploring the Ludus and Paidia of Writing, Tutoring, and Augmented Reality.” Her co-author, Lindsay A. Sabatino, associate professor of English and director of the writing center at Wagner College, delivered the conference keynote keynote address at the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Writing Center Association Conference at the University of Maryland, College Park. Read more.
University Staff Council opportunities
The University Staff Council is currently accepting nominations for three University committees: University Staff Council, the University Budget Advisory Committee, and the James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee. So that our representation reflects all parts of the UMW community, we invite you to nominate a deserving colleague(s) or yourself.
- University Staff Council: seven openings – six Classified, one Wage – for three-year terms. The USC continues to advocate for staff concerns and partner with faculty and administration to tackle issues and build community. We want our representation to reflect all parts of our UMW community and nominations are open to all staff members across the three campuses and at all UMW-affiliated organizations.
- University Budget Advisory Committee: a Faculty Council committee with three USC openings for one-year terms. Budget/Finance experience is preferred but not required. One available opening is reserved for a non-Finance staff member. UBAC works with campus leadership on short and long-term University budget priorities. These priorities are reviewed, summarized, and presented annually to the UMW President.
- James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee: a Faculty Council committee with one USC opening for a one-year term. The committee works with the director and staff of the JFMC on planning and setting priorities, enhancing opportunities for multicultural learning through student programming and leadership development opportunities for all students.
Please nominate a deserving colleague or colleagues OR yourself through the following link: Committee Nominations. Or you can copy/paste the following URL into your browser https://umw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5arS0e8RX3KK7jw. Visit the USC webpage for more information about the elections and USC activities.
Nominations will close on April 26, 2022, for all three committees. All nominees will be contacted to accept their nomination prior to voting. Voting is scheduled May 3 through May 14.
All UMW community members – staff and faculty – are encouraged to nominate eligible UMW staff members for these committee positions.
Faculty Early Retirement Program
Dear Colleagues,
For several years, faculty members have been asking UMW to offer a Faculty Early Retirement Incentive Program (FERIP), and we are now at a point where it makes strategic sense to put such a plan in place. In response, UMW has designed a program that will provide an incentive to eligible faculty members who may be thinking about retiring but need some short-term financial assistance to make it work. At the same time, the proposed plan will provide the university with some additional flexibility in strategically allocating faculty positions that align enrollment and academic program demand.
A proposed plan was approved by the Board of Visitors at its meeting on February 18, 2022, but implementation of the plan is contingent upon a multi-layered state approval process, which is ongoing; for this reason, UMW’s FERIP is not yet considered final.
The proposed plan offers approved participants 100% of their final base salary payable monthly over a two-year period.
The application period is tentatively planned for this fall with a required retirement date of May 15, 2023. Per the requirements in the Code of Virginia, only teaching faculty are eligible to apply for the FERIP. Additional eligibility criteria include : tenured status; at least 60 years of age; employed full-time in a non-classified teaching position at UMW for at least 10 years, and agree to withdraw from active membership in the Virginia Retirement System.
The proposed early retirement plan is entirely voluntary and eligible faculty must apply to participate. Applications will be assessed by a committee comprised of the Provost, Deans, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Diversity Officer and the Executive Director of Human Resources. Further details about the application and approval process will be provided once we receive final state authorization to move forward with implementation of the proposed plan.
Sincerely,
Timothy M. O’Donnell Beth Williams
Interim Provost Executive Director of Human Resources
Flexible Summer Work Arrangements
Dear Colleagues,
As we near the end of the academic year, it’s a good time to send a reminder about flexible work arrangement options, particularly for departments where work demands will change after students leave for the summer. When possible, supervisors are expected to permit and encourage flexible work arrangements in their departments, especially from May 9 thru August 5. Such arrangements include:
- Alternative work schedules, such as four 10-hour days with one day off per week; or four nine-hour days and one four-hour day per week with the remaining half-day off each week;
- Increased telework opportunities for eligible positions. See the Telework Policy and Procedure page.
Full-time employees are expected to work their full 40 hours per week (unless taking approved leave) and alternative schedules must adhere to Federal and state regulations as they relate to employee class and schedule period (see the UMW Hours of Work webpage).
Because we will still have some students on campus during the summer as well as a variety of events and activities taking place during those months (e.g. orientation and STP), a department’s summer flexible work arrangements may need to vary from week to week, depending on its employees’ role in student services and planned campus activities. Any changes to in-person service hours must be clearly and widely communicated to avoid negatively impacting student services.
In addition to work flexibility, the dress code will also be relaxed. From May 9 thru Aug 5, jeans will be permitted during the week (not just Fridays!).
Thank you for all you do every day. We hope you are able to enjoy some additional comfort and work flexibility during the summer months.
Beth Williams
Executive Director for Human Resources
University of Mary Washington
Staff and Faculty Professional Development Opportunities
Dear UMW Staff and Faculty,
This May, there will be several professional development opportunities focused on two areas of student need: mental health and inclusive environments. Each session is designed for faculty and staff to work together to better support our students. Staff from the Talley Center; Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and the Center for Teaching will facilitate discussions and activities. Session descriptions and registration information follow.
The registration deadline for all sessions is Wednesday, April 27th at 5 p.m. Registrations received after April 27th will be accepted on a “space available” basis.
This email is intended for new registrants only. If you have previously registered for sessions, we have already confirmed your attendance and you do not need to register a second time.
THURSDAY, MAY 5
10 a.m. to noon: You Can Help – Recognizing and Responding to Student Mental Health Needs
Host: The Talley Center for Counseling Services
Location: In-person in the HCC Digital Auditorium
Description: Join Talley Center staff for an overview of what staff and faculty should know in order to identify a student who may be struggling with a mental health (or other) challenge and how to support them.
Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/WHNikezUuu
TUESDAY, MAY 10
10 a.m. to noon: Inclusive Language in Academic Space
Host: The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Sponsor: The Provost’s Office
Location: Virtual; limited in-person viewing available at the HCC Digital Auditorium
Description: In this webinar, staff and faculty will learn about the importance of language in all academic spaces. Special emphasis will be placed on appropriate language across multiple intersections of identities.
Registration Link for In-Person Viewing: https://forms.office.com/r/WHNikezUuu
Registration Link for Virtual Viewing: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inclusive-language-in-academic-spaces-tickets-311183055897
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11
3:30 to 5 p.m.: What Do I Do? High Risk Behaviors
Host: The Talley Center for Counseling Services
Location: In-person in the HCC Digital Auditorium
Description: Students experiencing distress may show us through words or actions that they are escalating into crisis, including behaviors that may be harmful to themselves and/or others. These signals may evolve over time or happen “in the moment.” Join Talley Center staff to discuss appropriate actions and sources of support for students at-risk for or engaging in high-risk behaviors.
Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/WHNikezUuu
We hope to see you at these events!
Dr. Shavonne Shorter, Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Victoria Russell, Director, Center for Teaching
UMW Galleries Presents THREE New Exhibitions
Timmerman Daugherty, “In Shining Armor,” 2016. Ceramic mosaic, beaded fabric, sequins, found objects. UMW Permanent Collection.
The University of Mary Washington Galleries is pleased to present our last three shows of the Spring 2022 season!
The Annual Student Art Exhibition, currently featured in the duPont Gallery; the Intern Curated Exhibition: Women by Women, currently featured in the Ridderhof Martin Gallery; and the Senior Exhibition, currently featured on the first floor of the University Center.
Hours & Admission:
All three of these exhibitions are currently open. The Annual Student Art Exhibition and the Intern Curated Exhibition are open Tuesday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm, also Saturday and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The last day to view these shows is Sunday. The Senior Exhibition is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The last day to view this show is Thursday the 28th. Admission is always free.
Contact Us:
If you have any questions, please call (540) 654-1013, or email us at gallery@umw.edu. The attached images are from the Intern Curated Exhibition: Women by Women, which will be on display until September. If you would like to schedule a private tour outside of regular gallery hours, please email Rachel at rbailey@umw.edu.
Featured Artwork:
Timmerman Daugherty, “In Shining Armor,” 2016. Ceramic mosaic, beaded fabric, sequins, found objects. UMW Permanent Collection.
Annual Student Art Exhibition 2022 Award Winners:
Jenell Poling, “Egg” won an Award of Excellence.
Emma Bower, “Obstructive Obsessions” won an Award of Excellence.
Paula Zuleta, “Escape” won an Award of Excellence.
Shanna Aberle, “Coopered Door Stand” won an Award of Excellence.
Colleen Cragun, “The ZuZu Channel” won the Ann Elizabeth Collins ’73 Memorial Art Award.
Jasper Drilling, “Hiding” won the Emil Schnellock Award for Excellence in Painting.
Emily Warren, “Two Hearts” won the Melchers-Gray Purchase Award in Studio Art.
Sophia Maldonado won the Melchers Award for Excellence in Art History.
Maya Kirkpatrick won the Art History Award for Outstanding Research.