November 27, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Author Keynote and Workshops: Supporting Youth Mental Health, Jan. 11

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Sarah Rose Cavanagh

Sarah Rose Cavanagh

Sarah Rose Cavanagh, author of “Mind Over Monsters: Supporting Youth Mental Health with Compassionate Challenge,” will be on the UMW campus on Thursday, January 11, for an interactive keynote and workshops with faculty and staff. She is the Senior Associate Director for Teaching and Learning in the Center for Faculty Excellence at Simmons University, where she also teaches in the Psychology Department as an Associate Professor of Practice. Sarah’s research considers the interplay of emotions, motivation, learning, and quality of life. Her most recent research project, funded by the National Science Foundation, convenes a network of scholars to develop teaching practices aimed at greater effectiveness and equity in undergraduate biology education. She is the author of four books, blogs for “Psychology Today,” and writes essays for venues like Literary Hub and “The Chronicle of Higher Education.”

The 90-minute interactive keynote address will begin at 9 a.m., and the 75-minute workshops will begin at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All events will take place in Chandler Ballroom C at the Cedric Rucker University Center. Registration is required for all events.
Information about the keynote address and workshops, including registration, is available at UMW Learn or by contacting Victoria Russell, Director of UMW’s Center for Teaching, at vrussel3@umw.edu.

Upcoming Cultural Events

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Upcoming Cultural Events

Call for WHM 2024 Program Proposals:

We invite members of the University of Mary Washington community to submit program proposals for the annual Women’s History Month Celebration. Proposals are due by Friday, December 8, 2023. The deadline for open-class proposals is Friday, January 12, 2024. The sponsor(s) will be notified promptly. Approved programs will be included on the Women’s History Month calendar, as well as in print and electronic publications. Preference will be given to programs and events relating to the 2024 theme, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.”  All programs must secure their source of funding, if applicable.The program proposal form can be found at https://students.umw.edu/multicultural/programs/womens-history-month/. Please include as much information on the form as possible.

2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration:January 16 – January 27, 2024As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, we are reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King’s sacrifice was an example to all. Despite the tense opposition he and other activists faced, his vision of bending the arc of justice in the right direction for historically marginalized groups was unbreakable. Even though the work is unfinished, his nonviolent approach to organizing and activism continues to be the blueprint for generations to achieve their goals and objectives. Join the James Farmer Multicultural Center as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The University of Mary Washington Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Speaker: Tylik M. McMillan | Wednesday, January 24 | 7 p.m.  | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University CenterInternationally recognized young civil rights activist and movement strategist Tylik McMillan is a native of Lawrenceville Virginia, by way of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and a proud HBCU graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Tylik works to educate lawmakers and stakeholders from the White House to corporate c-suites on the challenges and opportunities facing communities, by advocating for more resources and policies that help invest and advance economic and social equality.

For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.

Online Counseling Resources and Public Health Reminders

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The following message is from the Division of Student Affairs:

Students, Faculty, and Staff,

With the end of the semester, we wanted to share a few reminders for exam week and winter break.

TimelyCare, an online, on-demand service for mental health, continues to be available to UMW students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This free service extends beyond the hours of the Talley Center for Counseling Services, and is available via an app on your phone or online at any time, even breaks.

As part of UMW’s partnership with TimelyCare, students have access to services such as:

  • TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors.
  • Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that best works for you. (12 visits per year from August 1 to July 31)
  • Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness.
  • Psychiatry: Appointments are available through referrals.
  • Self-Care Content: Visit the “Explore” page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content, including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as group conversations with our providers on a variety of health and well-being topics.

Students will need to complete a quick health form upon the first log in, so check it out now, and it will be downloaded and ready when you need it.

Go to timelycare.com/umw or download the TimelyCare app to access care.

Download via Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

TimelyCare uses single sign-on so you’ll access it with your UMW NetID – just using umw.edu at the end (mail.umw.edu will not work). 

More information and resources are available on the Talley Center website.

For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program, which is available at no cost with state employee health insurance plans, may be accessed through the Human Resources website.

As you prepare for winter break and gathering with friends and family, we also encourage you to take care of your health. Self-tests for COVID continue to be available to pick-up on campus. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by the Student Health Center in Lee Hall, suite 112, during business hours to pick up the kits, which are free. Visit the SHC website to learn more about COVID precautions and what to do if you are exposed or have symptoms.

We hope you stay well through exams and the holidays and have a wonderful winter break.

If you have questions, contact Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair at jlandpha@umw.edu.

 

UMW Included in Princeton Review’s ‘2024 Guide to Green Colleges’

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UMW made Princeton Review's 2024 Green Colleges List

UMW made Princeton Review’s ‘2024 Guide to Green Colleges.’

A strong commitment to sustainability and a student body energized by opportunities to support and enjoy the environment are part of the culture at the University of Mary Washington.

Those factors and others have earned the University a spot among the greenest campuses in higher education. UMW is among 474 institutions nationwide – and 14 in Virginia – included in the Princeton Review’s 2024 Guide to Green Colleges.

The educational rating organization based its list of institutions on surveys of administrators and students at U.S. and international colleges and universities, weighing sustainability policies, practices and programs, and considering campus experiences and attitudes.

“We are proud to shine our light on these exceptional schools,” said Princeton Review Editor-in-Chief Rob Franek. “We recommend them enthusiastically to students who want their ‘best-fit’ college also to be a green one.” Read more.

Towery Discusses ATI at UMW on ‘Town Talk’

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Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW Director Rebecca Towery

Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW Director Rebecca Towery

Rebecca Towery, director of the Academy of Technology and Innovation at the University of Mary Washington, shared information on the new school with radio host Ted Schubel on WFVA’s Town Talk. Towery also spoke about the school’s goals and previewed its first open house, held Dec. 5 at the school’s new home at the Stafford UMW campus. Hear the episode.

Farnsworth Lectures on Virginia Midterm Elections

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Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented several community lectures on the 2023 Virginia Midterm Elections, including talks for Mary Washington Elderstudy, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Farnsworth’s analysis of the 2023 elections was published in The Conversation, a leading source of political analysis. Read the article.

In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:

Hunter Biden Defies Subpoena (CTV News)
Based on what we know right now, there has been no evidence that the Republicans have been able to release that suggests that whatever Hunter Biden did in his financial arrangements had anything to do with the president. Remember, the question is really about the president.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828084

The Numbers Behind Virginia’s Most Diverse General Assembly (Williamsburg Young)

“The legislature that takes office in January will look a lot more like Virginia than previous legislatures,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
Representation in Virginia’s General Assembly tilts toward diversity with historic numbers (WHRO; The Henrico Citizen)
“The legislature that takes office in January will look a lot more like Virginia than previous legislatures,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
Americans for Prosperity Endorses Haley Campaign (CTV News)
“What we are talking about here is a coalition of people who do not want Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee working together,” said Stephen Farnsworth.

Grace Anne Braxton Leads Fredericksburg Christmas Parade

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Grace Anne Braxton

Grace Anne Braxton

Longtime UMW Dining employee and Panera cashier Grace Anne Braxton served as the Fredericksburg Christmas parade’s grand marshal. The announcement was published by the news outlet ‘Fredericksburg Today.’

Grace Anne is a Fredericksburg native and distinguished athlete who has played golf for more than 30 years. At age 8, she became involved in the Special Olympics and has competed on the global stage, including finishing second at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. She was a member of Team USA for the 2019 Solheim Diversity Cup and won the 2021 U.S. Disabled Golf Association Women’s Championship.
Last year, Braxton was also inducted into the Virginia State Golf Association’s Hall of Fame. When she is off the greens, Grace Anne works for the University of Mary Washington in food service, where she is beloved by all.
When she is off the greens, Grace Anne works for the University of Mary Washington in food service, where she is beloved by all. Read more.

Moon’s Report on Zoning Covenants Cited in ‘ALX Now’

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Professor of History and American Studies Krystyn Moon

Professor of History and American Studies Krystn Moon’s report on restrictive zoning covenants was referenced in an article titled “Alexandria discloses list of ‘racially restrictive’ covenants on city-owned properties,” which ran in ALX Now. Moon, who the city hired to gather information on the history of the covenants, found dozens more properties, in Alexandria as well as Arlington and Fairfax counties. Read more.

UMW’s Tuition Promise Extends Full Tuition Awards for Qualifying Virginia Students

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https://www.umw.edu/news/2023/12/11/umws-tuition-promise-extends-full-tuition-awards-for-qualifying-virginia-students/

https://www.umw.edu/news/2023/12/11/umws-tuition-promise-extends-full-tuition-awards-for-qualifying-virginia-students/

The University of Mary Washington now offers a tuition promise for Pell-eligible Virginia students, closing any gap in tuition funding for in-state students who qualify for Federal Pell Grants.

Students who qualify for the program at the University of Mary Washington through Pell-eligibility as determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will receive direct financial assistance toward their undergraduate degree in the form of full tuition funding and are eligible for immediate, responsive assistance for short-term emergencies too, thanks to additional grant support, from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

The initiative opens the door to more students having access to a high-quality, affordable college experience, at a public liberal arts and sciences college with a mission of student success, from expert in-class instruction with faculty and industry experts (no teaching assistants) through experiences beyond the classroom, including study abroad, internships and undergraduate research.

“UMW has long been committed to student success from entry to completion and even life and career after graduation,” said UMW Provost Tim O’Donnell. “This grant energizes these efforts because it provides both the financial and human resources to help students stay on track to realizing their goals.” Read more.

Winter Weather Reminders for Changes in Campus Operations and Class Schedules

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The following message is from the Office of University Communications:

UMW Campus Community,

We want to remind campus about the potential for winter weather and resulting changes to campus operations and the class schedule. In the event of inclement weather that impacts normal operations at UMW, we’ll communicate to the campuses (Fredericksburg, Stafford, Dahlgren) via email and post updates to the UMW website, umw.edu. We also will update the University Information Line, which can be reached at (540) 654-2424. You should check these communication channels as your first source of information, as updates to external sites, social media and traditional media are secondary and may be delayed. Severe storm updates will come from the National Weather Service via text messages in UMW Alerts, but you’ll need to check email for changes to class schedules and campus operations.

Every effort will be made to post an inclement weather announcement by 6 a.m. on the day of closing or delayed opening. A decision about evening class changes will be made by 3 p.m. on the day in question if possible. A class schedule delay or cancellation includes all modalities of classes – in-person and online. When UMW campuses are closed for inclement weather, public events are also canceled during that time.

Even when campus is closed and classes are canceled, many campus services remain open and accessible to students, but may modify hours or services depending on the situation. UMW Police and Public Safety remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Please check the following for updates:

Snow emergency parking regulations may also be implemented. In most cases, these regulations go into effect when there is a threat of snow, sleet, hail, freezing rain, or ice and begin at 10 p.m. preceding forecasted inclement weather or as otherwise announced.

Students and employees should assess the weather conditions in your location. If campus continues normal operations, but you are impacted by weather and road conditions in your area, please contact your instructors and supervisors with any changes to your schedule and to make arrangements for missed classes or work.

During inclement weather that impacts campus and results in a change to campus operations, employees who can work from home (telework) should do so.

Those unable to work remotely should contact your supervisor for options:

  • Supervisors will add Emergency Closing Leave, as necessary, to timecards of non-essential fulltime and quasi-fulltime employees who are not able to telework.
  • If an employee has the means to telework but chooses not to, another leave type must be requested. (For more information on leave, supervisors should go to pages 29 and 30 of the MyTime Supervisor Manual.)
  • Employees who are designated as essential and required to work on campus during authorized closings are paid their regular rate of pay for hours worked and granted compensatory leave for the hours worked. For some inclement weather events, Facilities Services Alternate Shift Pay Policy E.1.3 may be in effect for employees engaged in snow/ice removal working outside their normal schedule.

Please check with your supervisor if you are unsure of your designated employee status. Supervisors are reminded to communicate with employees regarding expectations during changes to campus operations for inclement weather.

For more information, please visit https://www.umw.edu/news/information-hotline/.

Thank you for preparing for winter weather and staying informed.

Amy JesseeExecutive Director of University Communications

This email is being sent to you in accordance with the UMW Broadcast Email Policy. Please do not respond directly to this message with comments or questions, but instead to the office or individuals listed above.