Holly Schiffrin was recently quoted in a story in The New York Times called Homework Therapists’ Job: Help Solve Math Problems, and Emotional Ones.
Rosalyn Cooperman Named Expert Contributor to Gender Watch 2018
Political science professor Rosalyn Cooperman has been named a regular expert contributor to Gender Watch 2018, a non-partisan project that will track, analyze and highlight gender dynamics in this year’s election.
The Barbara Lee Family Foundation (BLFF) and the Center for American Women in Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University announced the launch of the project as record numbers of women run for office.
“Gender Watch 2018 will follow their journeys, offering real-time analysis and insight into the impact of gender on this historic election year,” Barbara Lee, president and founder of BLFF, said in a statement.
Cooperman will be among the contributing scholars to “inform the public dialogue and enhance public understanding of the myriad ways in which gender shapes political campaigns and campaigning,” according to a news release.
Cooperman was also part of the Presidential Gender Watch program in 2016. For more information, and to read more about expert contributors, visit www.genderwatch2018.org.
Work Begins on Willard Hall
Construction firm Kjellstrom and Lee has begun renovation work on Willard Hall, UMW’s oldest residence hall.
The first phase involves interior demolition and abatement and is expected to take five months. Most of the work and disruption will occur within Willard Hall and on the east side of the building where Dumpsters will be placed.
The entire project will take about 17 months and will also include steam relocation, repairs to building envelope and renovation/upgrade of interior spaces in time for August 2019 and the fall semester.
Fire Access/Site Use Plan
The Fire Access/Site Use Plan includes the approximate location of construction fencing. Should you have any questions, please contact Gary Hobson, Capital Outlay Director, at 540-654-1292.
Open Enrollment for Tuition Reimbursement, April 1-23
Open Enrollment for Tuition Reimbursement under our policy for courses starting July – December 2018 is April 1-23, 2018. The complete policy and procedures are posted online but here are important and key provisions to have in mind. You may contact Jennifer Cooper at jcooper4@umw.edu with any questions.
Program Purpose:
Eligible employees enrolled in a degree seeking program at other accredited institutions of higher education will be provided with tuition reimbursement up to a specified amount for courses after completion of the course and submission of proof of grade.
Eligibility:
This policy applies to classified, wage, administrative professional faculty, and other non-faculty part-time employees. Graduate Assistants who are required to be enrolled in UMW graduate programs are not eligible for this program. Eligible employees must be continuously employed by the University for a minimum of one year prior to their application for reimbursement and job performance must be satisfactory or at the “contributor” level. Tuition up to the approved amount will be reimbursed upon receipt of proof of completion of approved courses. Employees who receive tuition reimbursement must remain employed at the University of Mary Washington during the term of the courses taken and for one year after receipt of tuition reimbursement for those courses(s) or be subject to terms for repayment as described in the written agreement.
Important Information to Know:
• The open enrollment period for courses taken July2018 – December 2018 is April 1 – April 21 (since April 21 is a Saturday enrollment is open till April 23).
• The program’s funding will be limited to $50,000 per calendar year; $25,000 will be budgeted for each period January-June and July-December.
• Each eligible employee may receive up to $2,500 in assistance each period. The amount of assistance will vary depending on the number of requests and the available funds for that period i.e. where $25,00.00 is available, 20 requests may each be awarded $1,250.
• A Tuition Reimbursement Request form is required to be submitted to Human Resources during open enrollment for courses starting July 2018- December 2018.
• The Finance office will notify the employee the Tuition Reimbursement Request Form has been approved within 2 weeks of the open enrollment timeframe closing and request the following:
a) Proof of enrollment in a degree granting program
b) Schedule of the institution’s fees
c) Proof of payment
• The assistance awarded will then be reimbursed to the employee upon submission of evidence of course completion with a minimum grade of “C” or “PASS” if a Pass/Fail course. Submission of grade must be within 30 days of semester end. The employee will receive reimbursement within 10 business days of grade submission to the Finance Office.
Conservation Trust Luncheon Highlights UMW Connections
UMW contingent pose at NVCT luncheon.
Former UMW Student President Jay Sinha ’07 emceed the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust’s (NVCT) annual luncheon on March 15 in Alexandria.
The meeting brings together some 200 officials and area leaders to celebrate the non-profit’s achievements, with a focus this year on how land conservation improves water quality in our region.
Sinha, one of Singh’s former political science students, recently joined the NVCT board, volunteering his time and talents to the nonprofit – one of many connections the university shares with the trust. Each year, UMW students participate in NVCT internships.
UMW has generously supported the NVCT and this event by sponsoring a table for the last two years. A group of environmentally-minded students – including Shelby Correia and Tommy White – joined Kathy Harrigan, executive director of Friends of the Rappahannock on March 15. The Center for International Education’s Ann Witkowski also took part.
Forums on Campus Safety Scheduled
Want to feel safer on campus? The UMW Department of Public announces three upcoming forums on safety. University Police Chief Mike Hall will offer tips and strategies, explain steps he and his officers are taking, and allow time for questions and answers.
Open to all faculty, staff, and students, these safety sessions will be offered:
Monday, March 26, 5-6 p.m., HCC Digital Auditorium
Friday, April 6, 1-2 p.m., HCC Digital Auditorium
Wednesday, April 11, 3-4 p.m., Stafford Campus, specific location TBD
If none of these times is convenient, please contact Campus Police at 540-654-1025. Other sessions can be scheduled.
Open Forums Announced About Community Value Statement Drafts
After meeting with, and hearing from, students, staff, faculty, alumni, and members of the broader community, the Committee to Review the Statement of Community Values and the Statement of Guiding Principles on Diversity and Inclusion offers three new draft statements of community values, and two draft statements on diversity and inclusion.
Feedback on the Drafts. We will hold two open forums to discuss your thoughts about the drafts (see below), and will solicit feedback through our online comment form (http://diversity.umw.edu/statement-of-community-values-feedback/). Members of the committee will also plan to meet with a variety of campus groups, including the Staff Advisory Council, the Student Government Executive Board, the Student Senate, the Multicultural Leadership Council, the University Faculty Council, College of Arts & Sciences Department Chairs in CAS and faculty in the Colleges of Business and Education.
We will hold two open forums over the coming weeks:
• Thursday, March 22, 4-5 p.m. in Lee Hall, Room 412
• Wednesday, March 28, noon-1 p.m. in the Hurley Convergence Center’s Digital Auditorium
Recommendation to the Board of Visitors. After discussing the drafts and options with the campus community through the month of March, the committee will work on developing a final recommendation for the Board of Visitors, to be presented at its April 19-20, 2018, meeting.
Sincerely,
Anand Rao and Cedric Rucker, co-chairs
Committee to Review the Statement of Community Values
- Cedric Rucker (Dean of Student Life), co-chair
- Anand Rao (Professor of Communication), co-chair
- Janet Asper (Associate Professor of Chemistry)
- Bianca Hightower (Staff Advisory Council Representative)
- Ekta Kapoor (student representative)
- Marion Sanford (Director of Multicultural Affairs)
- Holly Schiffrin (Professor of Psychology)
- Alda White (community representative)
8th Annual Arab Culture Night Set for March 22
The 8th annual Arab Culture Night will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.
The event will feature Arab cuisine from Aladin’s Restaurant, a Moroccan wedding, camel ride, cultural showcase, henna and live music.
The cost is $1 for UMW students and $3 for all others. Children 3 and younger are free. Cash or EagleOne card only.
Christine Henry Featured in Urban History Association blog
Christine Henry, assistant professor of historic preservation, was recently featured as the member of the month on the Urban History Association blog.
Read more here: https://themetropole.blog/2018/02/27/member-of-the-week-christine-henry/.
Athletics Story Wins Special Olympics Spotlight Poll
A UMW Athletics story is the winner of the February NCAA Division III Special Olympics Spotlight Poll.
The poll is a story-telling initiative that features three new stories per month, each highlighting a Division III and Special Olympics joint activity or event.
The winning story — UMW Athletics Welcomes Special Olympics Virginia Athletes to Basketball Doubleheader — got 49 percent of the votes.
The university will get $500 toward its next Specialty Olympics activity, in addition to be recognized in the NCAA Division III Monthly Newsletter and on NCAA Division III social media channels.