August 7, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Larus Discusses All Things China on Podcast

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Professor and Chairman of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus

Professor and Chairman of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Freund Larus

Elizabeth Freund Larus, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs discussed her book Politics & Society in Contemporary China (Lynne Rienner 2020) on Ryan Ray’s Inside the War Room podcast. Professor Larus shared her insight on pressing issues in China’s politics, economy, foreign relations, and China-U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Listen to the podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/60-elizabeth-freund-larus/id1566250068?i=1000537665276

 

Stop Hunger Campaigns Launch

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Junior Caitlin O'Leary helps at last year's food drive.

Junior Caitlin O’Leary helps at last year’s food drive.

Stop Hunger University Dining/Sodexo, the University Staff Council, UMW Athletes, and local businesses and churches are partnering together to host our annual Stop Hunger Food Drive, from October 13 through November 1, and they are looking for your support. All of the food and monetary donations will go to benefit the UMW Eagle Resource Closet and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank.

Anyone wishing to support the drive with food, monetary, or meal plan/Flex donations will find details on the University Dining web site.

Swipe Out Hunger Meal Plan  University Dining/Sodexo has donated 3,600 meals to create a new Swipe Out Hunger meal plan for the benefit of UMW students experiencing food insecurity. This new plan will be administered by the University Host, Chris Porter, with assistance from Leslie Martin, who coordinates the Eagle Resource Closet, Patty Land in the EagleOne Card office, and with Rose Benedict, the University Dining/Sodexo Swipe Out Hunger champion. Chris has established a Google nomination form that students can use to apply for meals through the Swipe Out Hunger meal plan. When approved, these students will have meals loaded onto their EagleOne cards, and they will be able to swipe in at the Top of the UC in the same way all other students who are on meal plans swipe in. There will be nothing in the process that identifies these students as being recipients of meal assistance. All information is kept confidential.

Everyone who has been working to bring this new assistance option to UMW is eager to have any and all students who need nutritional support apply for these meals. Please help spread the word about the availability of this new dining plan to your friends, colleagues and students.

For more information about applying for meals, contact Chris at cjporter@umw.edu. For more information about the Swipe Out Hunger program and Sodexo’s partnership with that organization, contact Rose Benedict at rbenedic@umw.edu.

If you, or a student you know, would like to apply for meals, please use this LINK.  It will take you directly to the application form.

UMW Galleries Upcoming Exhibitions

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Where Earth Meets Sky: Reflections on Nature from UMW’s Permanent CollectionRidderhof Martin Gallery
Where Earth Meets Sky: Reflections on Nature from UMW’s Permanent Collection
October 28–December 5, 2021
Tuesday-Friday: 10-4, Saturday-Sunday: 1-4
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 28, 5-7 p.m.
www.umwgalleries.org

The University of Mary Washington Galleries is pleased to present Where Earth Meets Sky: Reflections on Nature from UMW’s Permanent Collection. This exhibition features landscape scenes in a variety of media, including works by Chase Chen, Brett Livingstone-Strong, and Herb Jackson. Created by UMW Interns Andrew Elliott, Carolyn Riley, Madeline Williams, Meredith Glasco, and Sophia Maldonado, this show aims to provide a space for the viewer to contemplate their relationship with nature. These seniors from the Department of Art History and Department of Historic Preservation hope to engage the UMW and larger Fredericksburg communities with these works, reminding viewers of the power of nature and the importance of creating experiences within it.

Dan FinneganduPont Gallery
Dan Finnegan–Potter
October 28–December 5, 2021
Tuesday-Friday: 10-4, Saturday-Sunday: 1-4
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 28, 5-7 p.m.
www.umwgalleries.org

UMW Galleries is pleased to present Dan Finnegan–Potter, a solo exhibition by the celebrated local artist, in duPont Gallery from October 28 through December 5. This exciting show documents Dan’s 40 years as a potter in Fredericksburg Virginia, featuring pottery and sculpture from throughout this time period. While Finnegan has lived and worked in Fredericksburg since 1980, this is the first retrospective exhibition of his work at the University of Mary Washington. Several events will coincide with the show, including a reception on October 28th from 5-7 p.m., and a lecture by the artist on October 29th at 12 noon in the Hurley Convergence Center and via Zoom (check www.umwgalleries.org for the link).

UMW Galleries is free and open to the public. Check www.umwgalleries.org for updates regarding pandemic related policies and/or changes to our schedule. Please contact the galleries in advance if you plan to visit with a group. While our mission is to bring excellent artwork to the community, the safety and health of our patrons, staff and students is our top priority.

 

 

Halloween Fun Run!

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Join Campus Rec for a Halloween Fun Run on October 30th at 2 pm. Start at the Bell Tower and finish at the Fitness Center. Win prizes for the first 3 to finish the run and for best costume! Costumes are encouraged!Join Campus Rec for a Halloween Fun Run on October 30th at 2 pm. Start at the Bell Tower and finish at the Fitness Center. Win prizes for the first 3 to finish the run and for best costume! Costumes are encouraged!

Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Sociologist Marta Tienda, October 25-26, 2021

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Tienda PosterPhi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Marta Tienda will visit the University of Mary Washington virtually on Oct. 25 and 26. Dr. Tienda is the Maurice P. During ’22 Professor of Demographic Studies and a Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at Princeton University. Her UMW visit will feature virtual classroom visits and a Zoom Webinar Public Lecture on Monday, October 25, 2021 at 5:00 – 6:15 p.m., titled “Restoring the ‘P’ in U.S. Public Education:  From Equity to Adequacy.”

Please find below the Zoom link to Dr. Tienda’s public lecture on Monday, Oct. 25th at 5 p.m.

The Zoom link to the public lecture can be accessed on the attached poster as well.

 

For more information about Dr. Marta Tienda:

 https://www.pbk.org/Marta-Tienda

https://sociology.princeton.edu/people/marta-tienda

 

********************************************

Here is the link for the attendees of the Public Lecture:

 

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.

When: Oct 25, 2021 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Marta Tienda

 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://umw-sso.zoom.us/j/83701269809?pwd=K2N1RWdaTDA3a0U0Z1FtaEFHYzRBZz09

Passcode: 300663

Or One tap mobile :

US: +13126266799,,83701269809#,,,,*300663#  or +16465588656,,83701269809#,,,,*300663#

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 6833  or +1 253 215 8782

Webinar ID: 837 0126 9809

Passcode: 300663

International numbers available: https://umw-sso.zoom.us/u/kfBPZlqef

Updates from the Center for Community Engagement

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Hi y’all, happy fall – Here are some upcoming events from our corner of the community:

  1. a. Interested in including community engagement in your courses, but not sure how to connect with a community partner?

On Thursday, Oct 14th at 4pm, please join the Center for Community Engagement for a panel on Establishing Community Partnerships!

Are you interested in exploring community engaged teaching or research, but wonder how to create a good partnership with a community organization? How do you look for possible partners? What are good strategies for approaching them? What types of communication help keep the wheels turning smoothly (or “smoothly”)? What are crucial things to know in starting & maintaining a relationship?

Come hear from an interdisciplinary panel of faculty as they describe their experiences, and then settle in for some Q/A and discussion.

Meeting via zoom; please register through this form, and we will send you a link.

  1. Looking for new opportunities to support some of our community members?

Fredericksburg City Public Schools are looking for volunteers this year to help in the classrooms. They are eager to find people to help out in the Kindergarten classes at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, but have other opportunities available as well. Please fill out this form and we will be in touch to set up your volunteer times.

Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program is working hard to welcome a large number of refugees from Afghanistan. They are looking for some passionate volunteers who could commit to a 10 hours training, and 3 hours/week of work, helping families do important things like registering children in school, seeking housing, etc. Does this sound like you? If so, complete this form, we will connect you with their coordinator.

  1. THANK YOU for all of your support of the school supply drive for Loisann’s Hope House sponsored by University Staff Council. Back packs and school supplies overflow the donation boxes!!

We are still collecting donations of menstrual supplies, in partnership with Women’s, Gender & Sexuality studies – to give to FCPS teachers, for students in need. Donation boxes are outside the Center for Community Engagement on the 3rd floor of the UC, Combs Lobby, and Monroe 340.

  1. Don’t forget election day is Tuesday Nov. 2nd. Early voting is open! UMW Votes will be providing rides to the polls and information tables on election day, and keep your eyes open for Day on Democracy programming on campus.
  2. If you, or folks you know, are in need of financial assistance the Rappahannock United Way ALICE fund can provide assistance with one-time/short term housing needs, car repair, child care needs, or other types of crisis assistance.

Hope you’re all well – please holler if we can be of help.

Leslie

Faculty Director, Center for Community Engagement
Associate Professor of Sociology
University of Mary Washington

Notice of publication of UMW’s annual security report

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The following message is from UMW Public Safety.

The University of Mary Washington’s Annual Security Report has been published for 2021. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by UMW, and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Also included is information that addresses UMW’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security. For example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses or sexual misconduct are included.

You may obtain a copy of this report at the UMW Police Department at Brent Hall, phone number 540-654-1025, or by accessing the following website:

https://www.umw.edu/police/2021-annual-security-report/

If you have any questions regarding this year’s Annual Security Report, please contact Chief Mike Hall by email at mhall2@umw.edu.

Policy Update: Public Health Emergency Leave

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Dear UMW Faculty and Staff,

The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management has modified the Public Health Emergency Leave (PHEL) policy regarding approved use of PHEL and new documentation requirements. The changes are highlighted below and you may view the entire updated policy here:

Criteria for using PHEL:

  • PHEL may be used to attend to an employee’s own illness due to a confirmed positive test for COVID-19. The employee’s return to the workplace must comply with UMW’s protocols.
  • PHEL may be used to care for an immediate family member in the same household who has contracted COVID-19 through a confirmed positive test.
  • Up to 8 hours of PHEL may be used to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine and/or recover from side-effects resulting from obtaining the vaccine.
  • Once the allotment of PHEL is used, employees may use appropriate and available leave balances (Traditional or VSDP Sick Leave, Family-Personal Leave, Annual Leave, Compensatory Leave, Overtime Leave, Recognition Leave) or Leave without Pay

Additional information:

  • Medical documentation is required to access PHEL leave. Medical documentation of a positive test should be submitted to Denise Frye, Benefits Manager  (dfrye2@umw.edu).
  • Employees who are positive for COVID-19 but asymptomatic may telework for the isolation period, provided the position’s duties are suited for telework.

It is important to note that PHEL may not be used due to COVID-19 exposure (quarantine).

Unvaccinated individuals who are identified as a close contact of an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 will need to quarantine for a period of fourteen days.

Vaccinated individuals who are identified as a close contact do not need to quarantine unless they are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. In that case, the individuals should get tested immediately and quarantine until they receive a negative result.

As a reminder, details regarding UMW’s COVID protocols are available in the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan.

 

Thank you,

Beth Williams
Executive Director for Human Resources
University of Mary Washington
(540) 654-1294
bwilli22@umw.edu

Virginia Schools Receive Largely Positive Marks for COVID Response

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A new University of Mary Washington statewide survey revealed that Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively. Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels.

A new University of Mary Washington statewide survey revealed that Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively. Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels.

Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively, a new University of Mary Washington statewide survey reveals.

Asked to rate COVID policies in their local school districts on an A-to-F scale, where A is excellent, C is adequate and F signifies a failure, 12 percent of respondents gave their local districts an A, 22 percent said B, and 27 percent favored a C grade. Only 11 percent offered an F grade, while 11 percent said their local district deserved a D grade for its COVID policies. The rest were undecided.

The 1,000-person poll of Virginia adults was conducted for UMW by Research America Inc. from Sept. 7 to 13.

“For weeks we have been seeing and reading in the news about parents angrily protesting local COVID policies,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “This survey demonstrates that those loud voices are very unrepresentative ones.” Read more.

Gubernatorial Candidates Locked in Close Contest, UMW Survey Shows

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Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin remain locked in a tight contest for governor of Virginia, a University of Mary Washington statewide survey shows. The poll, conducted by Research America Inc. Sept. 7-13, included 1,000 Virginia adults. Of those, 885 were registered voters and 528 were likely voters.

Among likely voters, 48 percent favored Youngkin and 43 percent backed McAuliffe.

Liberation Party candidate Princess Blanding received the support of 2 percent of likely voters, with others undecided.

Among registered voters in the survey, McAuliffe had the support of 46 percent, compared to 41 percent for Youngkin. In the entire survey, 43 percent backed McAuliffe compared to 38 percent favoring Youngkin. Blanding received the support of 2 percent of registered voters and among all respondents.

The differences between the two major party candidates among all adults, among registered voters, and among likely voters are all within the margins of error, meaning neither candidate has a clear lead.

“To borrow from Mark Twain, the reports of the end of Virginia’s status as a swing state are greatly exaggerated,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “The large number of undecided voters at this stage demonstrates that either major party candidate can become the next governor of Virginia.” Read more.