Benefits Open Enrollment, May 16 – 30
To all full-time employees:
Please be aware that the Virginia Department of Human Resources (DHRM) has changed this year’s Open Enrollment period to May 16 – May 30, 2025, and that informational materials will be emailed rather than mailed to employees’ homes. Please make sure to check your UMW email for Open Enrollment information from DHRM.
Supervisors – if you have employees who do not use email for work, please ensure this information is communicated to them.
Springston and Towery Represented UMW and ATI at Innovation Summit
Assistant Professor in the College of Education Danielle Springston
Academy of Technology and Innovation at UMW Director Rebecca Towery
Danielle Springston, assistant professor in the College of Education and Rebecca Towery, director of the Academy of Technology and Innovation attended the “Innovation Summit: Transforming Learning and Teaching for the Future Across Virginia” on April 22-24. This summit was part of the Virginia College Partnership Lab Schools Learning Exchange and was hosted by the Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity at Old Dominion University.
The Summit attendees represented higher education professionals, K12 partners, Lab School Leadership, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Education. The Summit provided opportunities for networking, problem solving, success sharing, and collaborative learning.
SCHEV Input Session at UMW, register by May 20
Help develop the next Virginia plan for higher education: The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will be hosting input sessions for stakeholders to share their thoughts on the next statewide strategic plan. Registration is required to attend.
June 3 | University of Mary Washington
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Register Here (Register by May 20)
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Register Here (Register by May 20)
Learn more about the strategic planning process:
Bonds and UMW Student Share Research and Perspective for Virginia Mercury
Associate Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds
Associate Professor of Sociology Eric Bonds and UMW student Viktor Newby (majoring in sociology with a minor in digital studies) shared research and perspective on the widespread use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in data center development. The two sent Freedom of Information Act requests to every Virginia locality with a proposed or existing data center project. They found that the vast majority (25 out of 31 localities) have at least one NDA with a data center company. The story, titled “Data centers, non-disclosure agreements and democracy,” can be found via this link and on the Virginia Mercury website.
VA State Employee Financial Wellness Info, May 2025
The Employee Financial Wellness Program continues to provide resources to help you achieve financial independence as your financial wellness remains a priority in the new year! Check out May’s financial wellness newsletter and the new items below to learn more about the financial education offerings and resources:
Virginia Retirement System (VRS). Renting vs. Buying. Spring brings change, so maybe you’re considering options for a new place to call home. Should you rent or buy? Read “Renting vs. Buying a Home” to learn about three situations when buying is a great option and three when renting may be the right call. Just log in to your myVRS account and select Financial Wellness.
Virginia Credit Union. Organizing Your Finances for Success. With all the paperwork surrounding your finances, what should you keep? What should you throw out? In this webinar, let’s get organized together. Virginia Credit Union will show you a quick, clear path to figuring out what you need. Register here and join us on Tuesday, May 13 at 12 p.m. for this virtual event.
BANZAI. This month’s rewards bundle focuses on goal setting and planning. As you progress through the activities for the month of May, you will have the chance to win cash and other giveaways. Most importantly, we aim to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with financial literacy and preparedness. Click on the link here to learn more.
Virginia Employee Discounts Marketplace. This May, celebrate Mother’s Day and Memorial Day by creating unforgettable memories and enjoying amazing savings. Shop now and embrace the season of adventure and relaxation! Come see what’s new here!
Rate (Mortage Webinar). Please join Joelle Maes from Rate on May 13 at 12 p.m. to learn all about what is currently happening in the mortgage market! Joelle will touch on topics like first-time home buying, qualifications, cash-out refinancing, loan products and much more. Register for the event here!
LegalShield. Live Webinar. LegalShield is affordable legal assistance for personal and professional matters. IDShield – Best-in-class identity theft protection, privacy and reputation management. A Will Questionnaire and guide will also be provided. Please register now for this virtual webinar on Tuesday, May 13. Learn how LegalShield’s valuable benefits can protect you and your family. Learn more here.
Employee Assistance Program. All health plans offered to state employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs). Included are up to four sessions at no charge for such services as mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, grief counseling and legal or financial services. Please learn more here!
Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF). The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis or an unplanned emergency/or unplanned event that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040. Visit the VSEAF webpage here.
Calling State Employees!! DHRM’s Commonwealth Mentorship Program (CMP) is searching for state employees to serve as Mentors, or learn new skills as Mentees, during the CMP the 2025-2026 cohort! The application is open now until July 31. The 2025-2026 cohort will kick off on September 3, 2025. Get ready to embark on your career development journey. Limited seats are available, so apply today here! Stay tuned for more information about the leadership development and financial mentorship sub-cohorts!
Rao Contributes to Article About AI and Academic Integrity
Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao
Professor of Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao contributed to a story written by UMW alum, Ryan Kailath, published in the Gothamist. Rao was quoted in the article titled “Columbia suspended him after he built a cheating app. Now he’s raised $5.3M for it” which was published in Gothamist and Hoodline. Kailath is a reporter with WNYC in NY. He saw Rao referenced in another article and reached out about this story. Read the article:
Farnsworth Co-authors Book Chapter on Political Humor
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, is co-author of a book chapter, “Ridicule in Late-Night Political Humor in the United States: Contours and Consequences,” published in the Wiley Handbook of Social and Political Conflict.
Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Virginia GOP: John Reid Controversy (DC News Now)
“Well, for Virginia Republicans, this is bad news on top of that,” said Stephe Farnsworth.
https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/capitol-review/virginia-gop-john-reid-controversy/
Youngkin’s record vetoes: a new approach to executive power, analysts say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Youngkin’s record vetoes: a new approach to executive power, analysts say (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
In a way, the difference between Youngkin’s use of vetoes and the approach of earlier governors mirrors what’s been happening over the years in national politics, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. And in Virginia, he said, “Two things explain this trend: first is the growing Washingtonization, as Democrats and Republicans are increasingly distant from each other … the second is a move to outsiders in executive positions.”
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_9930e5b0-7bb1-4c21-8f60-0eb9f1ee8cdb.html
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_9930e5b0-7bb1-4c21-8f60-0eb9f1ee8cdb.html
Future of retail marijuana market in Virginia likely depends on gubernatorial election (WHRO Public Media)
Political expert Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the director of its Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is skeptical that cannabis policy alone will drive voter turnout. However, he predicts Democrats will retain their majority in the House.
https://www.whro.org/virginia-government/2025-04-30/future-of-retail-marijuana-market-in-virginia-likely-depends-on-gubernatorial-election
President Donald Trump tests executive power in first 100 days (United Press International; Yahoo)
“The courts have already made it pretty clear that people in the country are entitled to due process, whether they’re in the country legally or not,” Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia, told UPI.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/04/29/trump-first-100-days-immigration-education-tariffs/2081745948785/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/president-donald-trump-tests-executive-181348458.html
Trump marks 100 days in office of second term (CTV Canada)
“Well, nothing has been quiet at all in these 100 days. The Trump administration has reached across all kinds of policy areas, transgressed all kinds of lines in terms of the way Congress and the President usually work together and has so created an environment where there are a huge number of law suits and a huge number of questions about what happens to some of these policies going forward,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://review.bellmedia.ca/view/690263675
Youngkin asks John Reid to withdraw from Lt. Gov. race, could this impact the GOP in VA? (WJLA; Loudoun Times-Mirror)
University of Mary Washington political scientist Stephen Farnsworth said Republicans are fighting a national tide, and party infighting may cost them.
https://wjla.com/elections/virginia-lieutenant-governor-race-candidates-gop-republican-john-reid-campaign-social-media-full-interview-glenn-youngkin-winsome-sears-primary-election-day-nominee-scandal-politics-commonwealth
https://www.loudountimes.com/0local-or-not/2state/in-deepening-va-gop-crisis-reid-accuses-youngkin-pac-of-extortion/article_1e05b2c8-312d-4f89-bf17-385b67f4aae3.html
Democrats clash over approaches as party still searches for an identity (The National Desk; Komo News; WPDE; CBS Austin; KATV; ABC 45)
Strategies Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, says, point toward the 2028 presidential election officially being underway. When you’re looking at the Democratic Governor’s in particular, they’re trying to make more of a name for themselves. They’re trying to reshape the vision of the party,” said Farnsworth.
https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/democrats-clash-over-approaches-party-still-searching-for-an-identity
https://komonews.com/news/nation-world/democrats-clash-over-approaches-party-still-searching-for-an-identity
https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/democrats-clash-over-approaches-party-still-searching-for-an-identity#
https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/democrats-clash-over-approaches-party-still-searching-for-an-identity
https://katv.com/news/nation-world/democrats-clash-over-approaches-party-still-searching-for-an-identity
https://abc45.com/news/nation-world/democrats-clash-over-approaches-party-still-searching-for-an-identity
Swing state GOP in explosive disarray as Republican’s PAC is accused of extortion (MSN; Virginia Mercury; Yahoo; Royal Examiner)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said the turmoil surrounding Reid’s candidacy highlights deeper challenges for Virginia Republicans heading into a critical election cycle. “The biggest challenge that you have as a first-time statewide candidate is getting your name out there in the public,” Farnsworth said. “That’s not going to be a problem for John Reid.” But, he cautioned, the downside is significant: “This controversy won’t help Reid or the Republican ticket.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/swing-state-gop-in-explosive-disarray-as-republican-s-pac-is-accused-of-extortion/ar-AA1DNtBr
https://virginiamercury.com/2025/04/28/in-deepening-va-gop-crisis-reid-accuses-youngkin-pac-of-extortion-is-a-legal-battle-ahead/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/deepening-va-gop-crisis-reid-220037292.html
https://royalexaminer.com/in-deepening-virginia-gop-crisis-reid-accuses-youngkin-pac-of-extortion-is-a-legal-battle-ahead/
Could Lt. Gov. furor give Republicans a do-over on N.Va. candidate? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“Republicans need somebody to speak to Northern Virginia and this ticket doesn’t really have that,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. Youngkin’s effort to push Reid off the ticket could give Republicans a do-over with a candidate from Northern Virginia, but only if it works, Farnsworth said.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_22e38b52-9a34-4b01-9d23-603afd1ce8ba.html
Schapiro: Virginia GOP betting on a DEI ticket? (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“Filling in the diversity box is not particularly more important for Republicans than the state of the Virginia economy this fall,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political analyst at the University of Mary Washington and director of its Center for Media and Leadership Studies.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_6de8b963-64a4-4a06-918c-27b787663219.html
Virginia’s future retail marijuana market likely depends on gubernatorial election (Virginia Business)
Political expert Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the director of its Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is skeptical that cannabis policy alone will drive voter turnout. However, he predicts Democrats will retain their majority in the House.
https://virginiabusiness.com/virginia-marijuana-retail-veto-youngkin-2025/
Senator Durbin’s exit seen as chance for generational shift in Democratic leadership (The National Desk; Fox 4 Beaumont; Baltimore Sun; News 4 San Antonio)
What Durbin is doing is helping create that generational shift in the party,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. Farnsworth believes a big challenge the Democrats face right now is an identity crisis.
https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/se-dick-durbin-d-il-not-seeking-reelection-could-accelerate-shift-in-democratic-party-david-hogg-joe-biden-younger-democrats-activist-dnc-leaders-we-deserve#
https://fox4beaumont.com/news/nation-world/se-dick-durbin-d-il-not-seeking-reelection-could-accelerate-shift-in-democratic-party-david-hogg-joe-biden-younger-democrats-activist-dnc-leaders-we-deserve
https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/04/24/durbins-exit-seen-as-chance-for-generational-shift-in-democratic-leadership/
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/nation-world/se-dick-durbin-d-il-not-seeking-reelection-could-accelerate-shift-in-democratic-party-david-hogg-joe-biden-younger-democrats-activist-dnc-leaders-we-deserve#
Va. future retail marijuana market likely depends on gubernatorial election (Virginia Scope; The Patriot; The Virginian-Pilot)
Political expert Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and the director of its Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is skeptical that cannabis policy alone will drive voter turnout. However, he predicts Democrats will retain their majority in the House.
https://www.virginiascope.com/va-future-retail-marijuana-market-likely-depends-on-gubernatorial-election/
https://pcpatriot.com/earle-sears-spanberger-split-on-cannabis-as-youngkin-vetoes-retail-sales/
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/04/23/future-of-virginia-marijuana/
Announcing SGA 2024-2025 Elected Student Leaders
The Office of Student Activities & Engagement is excited to announce the 2024-2025 elected student leaders for Student Government Association, Class Council, Honor Council, Student Conduct Review Board, and Finance Committee:
SGA:
President: Amira Said
Vice President (Senate President): Allie Davis
Senate Vice President: Katherine Armstrong
Class of 2026 Senator(s): Bethanie Hackett, Hank Leighty, Josiah Schlechty
Class of 2027 Senator(s): Brenna Pope, Lucy Whealton, Remington Newhart, William Goodman
Class of 2028 Senator(s): Maso Moses, Nhi Nguyen, Syndey Hawes
Class Council:
Class of 2026 President: Torres
Class of 2026 Vice President: Ashley Lam
Class of 2026 Treasurer: Amira Said
Class of 2026 Promotions Director: Josiah Schlechty
Class of 2027 President: Brenna Pope
Class of 2027 Vice President: Allie Davis
Class of 2027 Treasurer: Sophia Heinbach
Class of 2027 Promotions Directors: William Goodman
Class of 2028 President: Sydney Hawes
Class of 2028 Vice President: Maso Moses
Class of 2028 Treasurer: Lia Slyvester
Class of 2028 Promotions Director: Alexi Wirpel
Honor Council:
President: Adam McAninely
Class of 2026 Representative(s): Adelaide Gill, Dave Patton
Class of 2027 Representative(s): Frankie Wulf, Abigail Powers, Alle Garcia Aguirre, Madeline Marshall, Maggie Winters
Class of 2028 Representative(s): Ellie Sedor, Shane Maguire, Sydney Hawes
Finance Committee:
Nhi Nguyen, Haley Miller, Alle Garcia Aguirre, Everette Vegso, Frankie Wulf, Genevive Benton, Josiah Schlechty, Max Redman, Lia Slyvester
SCRB:
Representatives: Allie Davis, Genevive Benton, Lucy Whealton, Shane Maguire
ICA:
ICA President: Olivia-Lena De Veaux
ICA Vice President: Sydney Hawes
RHA:
Matt Snow
Foss Joins Editorial Board; Publishes Book with UVA Press
Professor of English Chris Foss
Professor of English Chris Foss has accepted an invitation to serve on the editorial board of Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture, which publishes interdisciplinary work, both scholarly and creative, authored by autistic people and allistic allies.
In addition, Foss published a new book with UVA Press titled The Importance of Being Different: Disability in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales. See book.
Over the course of his remarkable career, Oscar Wilde published two volumes of fairy tales: The Happy Prince and Other Tales and A House of Pomegranates. Both collections feature numerous stories with protagonists who may be said to be disability-aligned, owing to their pronounced physical differences.
In Foss’s book he explores the way that Wilde’s stories problematically replicate many of the Victorian era’s typical responses to disability but also the ways they diverge, offering a more progressive orientation—both through more sympathetic identifications with disability-aligned characters and through a self-conscious foregrounding of the mechanisms of pity and the consumption of pain. The first ever monograph to examine Wilde’s work through a disability studies lens, this groundbreaking book encompasses all of his fairy tales as well as his writings during and after imprisonment. Even though Wilde unflinchingly represented the extent to which these peculiar bodies suffered rejection by society, he encouraged his readers to embrace them and to advocate for emotional responses that engage love and kindness toward both individual transformation and social change.
Foss will read from his newly published book on April 24 at 5:00 p.m. in Combs 139. He’ll talk about and read from the book for about 30 minutes and take questions from the audience. Refreshments provided.
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- Foss’s newly published book, The Importance of Being Different: Disability in Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales
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- Cover of Fall 2024 issue of Ought: The Journal of Autistic Culture