April 8, 2026

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

UMW Receives ‘Tree Campus USA’ Recognition

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University of Mary Washington has earned recognition as a 2019 Tree Campus USA® by the Arbor Day Foundation. The honor goes to colleges and universities, and their leaders, for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

To obtain this distinction, University of Mary Washington met the five core standards for effective campus forest management: a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance and student service-learning project.

“Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe. “Because of University of Mary Washington’s participation air will be purer, water cleaner and your students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.”

A Message to the Class of 2020

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Class of 2020 President Eleanor Kilmon shared a moving message with her classmates.

To My Fellow Seniors,

One week ago, I sat down on Ball Circle surrounded by the bustle of excited students emerging from their residence halls ready to enjoy the first touches of spring in the air. I began writing the greeting I would share as we prepared to receive our diplomas on commencement day. And now, I sit on my bed in my sweatpants and an XL t-shirt surrounded only by my own emotions and an embarrassingly large amount of tissues. Still though, I am writing to my people, the UMW Class of 2020. Ironically, my speech was going to focus on what I like to call the “uncomfy” zone. The space where at Mary Wash where I have built my character as a friend, a leader, and a grown to be a better person. I was going to encourage you to find that growth in your own “uncomfy” zone as you move into an unfamiliar world where we don’t see our friends, professors, and mentors every day. Little did I know, we would all be thrust into an undeniable sense of uncertainty and uncomfortable so soon. While we mourn the loss of what could have been, I would like to share what I know for certain. The UMW community stretches beyond the brick and mortar of our beloved buildings. I find solace in my privilege of existing in these “uncomfy” times surrounded by a what I believe to be the best “Class of 2020” I could have imagined. I hope to see you all soon and celebrate IRL. By the way, what is stopping us from screaming IT’S FRIDAY, having a higher than average love of goats, or painting a rock in our yards?

Yours,

Eleanor Kilmon

Class of 2020 President

Letter from the President: Remote instruction continues through end of semester

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To all members of the Mary Washington community,

It would be difficult to overstate how unprecedented the last several days have been. Our lives and institutions have been disrupted in ways that we never could have imagined when the semester began. Like many of our colleagues across the Commonwealth and around the country, our decision to temporarily suspend face-to-face classes last week was done with the hope that such an interruption would be brief and that normal operations would return in a short period of time. It is now clear that this will not be the case as a more concerted national social distancing effort is needed.

Guidance from public health officials tells us that we should limit gatherings for several additional weeks as we all do our part to take the necessary steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, we have reached the very painful conclusion that we will not be returning to normal operations this semester. So, UMW will continue remote instruction through the end of the semester and final exams. In addition, all campus-based or sponsored events at Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Dahlgren are cancelled through May 15.

Remote instruction, academic advising and all other instructional support activity going forward will be done remotely through the end of the semester, with grades still being due on May 5. All current academic support areas, including the Teaching Center, Digital Learning Support, Library, Office of Disability Resources, Academic Services, Financial Aid, Registrar, etc. will continue at their current levels and hours.

Faculty and Staff

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and patience during this complicated time. Although we’re being challenged to alter the way in which we deliver instruction and conduct business, it is our intention and desire to keep our employees working and paid. Supervisors have been urged to make every effort to identify telework opportunities, even for positions that do not typically lend themselves to telework. These opportunities may include alternative duties, training and professional development, or both. We are also continually researching options for various types of leave and other resources that may become available as the state responds to the unique challenges employers are facing as a result of the spread of COVID-19. If teleworking faculty or staff need to return to their offices to pack up and take home additional materials, we encourage them to do that as soon as possible. When on campus, please observe social distancing and minimize interactions.

Students

Students will soon be receiving an email from Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair about the timeline and process for residential students to move their belongings out of their rooms and, for the students whose only option is to remain on campus, about the petition-to-remain process. Given CDC and Virginia Department of Health advisories and emergency actions and other advisories issued by the state and federal governments, we strongly encourage any student who can get home to do so as soon as possible. Public health officials are strongly recommending that people of all ages stay at home with limited outside contact with others.

Housing and Dining

UMW intends to give a credit or refund for housing and dining due to this announcement. However, we ask for your patience as we determine the appropriate amount of credit or refund for each student. With many of our employees working remotely and the variety of meal plans and housing fees to consider, this will take a little time to analyze.

Commencement

We are aware that Virginia’s prohibition, as of today, of gatherings of 10 or more people and the CDC’s recent recommendation on gatherings over 50 people for the next eight weeks will affect UMW’s commencement. We are exploring potential options and alternatives. As we know more, we will reach out about how we can best and safely celebrate our amazing graduates.

Community Programming

UMW regrets that it must cancel all remaining community special events and programming through the remainder of the academic year.  Through at least May 15, University and privately sponsored arts, cultural, and general special events and functions will be cancelled, including exhibitions, performances, and lectures. This action will include the UMW Philharmonic performances, Great Lives and ElderStudy lectures, and other fee-based or complimentary services and gatherings.

Let me close by telling each of you how much I appreciate the sacrifices you have made to be a part of the UMW community in the first place, and especially during the disruptive, even traumatic, changes of recent days and weeks. Know that I am proud of us and what we have done as a community to come together (even from a safe 6-foot distance). I am confident that we will survive these challenges, and UMW will be stronger than ever once the crisis passes.

Be well and stay safe,
Troy

UMW announces new work protocols for all employees

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Dear Faculty and Staff:

Following the announcement of further Virginia guidelines and restrictions to manage the impact of COVID-19, effective today, March 16, 2020, UMW is implementing new working protocols for employees, whether their roles may be fulfilled virtually or must be done on-site. Please read this communication in full for further details as to how these protocols may affect your role.

First, and most importantly, the safety of the entire campus community is a top priority for UMW and the Commonwealth. The steps described in this email are being taken in an abundance of caution and because it is our public and social responsibility to help diminish the potential spread of COVID-19. Self-quarantine by a few members of our community is a safety precaution, not an  indication of a COVID-19 diagnosis. Please help reduce anxiety or fear by correcting and refuting rumors. There have been no reported or confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campuses.

At this time, several hundred students have registered to remain on the Fredericksburg campus; however, this number is fluid and changes day by day. Even as we continue to encourage students to go home, remaining on campus is the safest or only feasible option for many. We will continue to serve them to the best of our ability, providing for their physical, emotional, and academic needs. This said, UMW may need to modify the services we have provided to this point. If your department was previously designated to remain open, please consult with your supervisor as to any changes that may affect your work.

UMW is continuing with plans to begin online and virtual instruction today for all students. We have a duty to ensure that students can successfully complete their spring classes and make appropriate progress towards graduation.

Staff and Supervisors

Given the lack of clarity on how long Virginians will need to practice social distancing, supervisors will be expected to identify optimal ways to work with employees remotely and to be available for all typical guidance and direction.

In addition to establishing telework protocols and accountability, supervisors are encouraged to think creatively about new means of accomplishing core functions. Supervisors may also use this time to have employees work on strategic and tactical plans, complete professional development and training, participate in virtual meetings and team activities, or other duties as assigned. Supervisors will work with employees to make sure deadlines are met, duties are fulfilled, and responsibilities completed, albeit remotely.

Please read below for additional information on continuing our work and mission:

Supervisors should take steps immediately to contact their employees to notify them whether they are considered:

  1. Essential personnel—physical presence on campus,
  2. Essential personnel—physical and/or remote presence,
  3. Non-essential personnel—no telework option or
  4. Non-essential personnel—telework only.

Wherein possible, we are starting the process of redeploying all those employees who may work remotely, both essential and non-essential, to telework status. Decisions related to your designation or where your work may be completed are subject to change as circumstances evolve. Your supervisor will reach out as things change, so pay attention to your email and phone.

Supervisors (in consultation with their division VP) should be moving, as appropriate, all eligible employees to telework. Supervisors should consult with their employees about assignments and challenges to working remotely. Supervisors will email HR (Debra Wander – dwander@umw.edu) with a list of employees, job titles, brief summary of what each employee will be doing, while teleworking in their unit.

Supervisors will document telework assignments as follows: email each employee their telework status (see above for the four options), the nature of their remote work assignments, and procedures and dates for checking in with their supervisor or other team members.

All employees will continue to work, but the nature of different roles will require varying campus availability. In most cases, employees will be expected to work their normal shifts and/or complete their full hourly requirements whether remotely or on campus. Employees who need scheduling flexibility to address family or personal needs should contact their supervisors.

As usual, non-exempt employees should complete their time cards to reflect their actual working hours. If you cannot complete your timecard electronically via MyTime, submit your hours to your supervisor in written form via email or text. Employees will be fully compensated at their normal pay rate, assuming they are meeting their onsite or telework assignments and requirements as well as their standard number of working hours per pay period.

Further, employees, whether working on site or remotely, essential or non-essential, should expect to assist wherever needed during these extraordinary circumstances. Many or all may be expected to complete tasks outside their normal job description.

Resources about telework and working remotely can be found at HR’s site and the Help Desk’s advice on working remotely. Additional links will be added as available.

Faculty

Faculty will continue with remote instruction. Department chairs, associate deans, and deans are available to help assist with your general academic questions. The Center for Teaching, Digital Learning Support, Digital Knowledge Center, the Library, and other support centers remain available to assist faculty and students.

All Employees

This transition to telework, where possible, will support the social distancing strategy recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and will follow guidance from the Virginia State of Emergency declared by Governor Ralph Northam.

The UMW community’s response to this fast moving and ever-changing situation has been professional and positive, and we are grateful for the way all of you have put the needs of students above personal impact. Your flexibility and agility have been evident, and we will continue to call upon them and your best nature. In times like this, the strength of our community is truly demonstrated, and we thank you for your commitment.

Paul Messplay
Vice President for Administration Finance

Nina Mikhalevsky
Provost

In keeping with ASPIRE, we are committed to a learning environment that supports the wellbeing of all students, staff, and faculty free from harassment, discrimination and unfair bias. If you who have questions or concerns are encouraged to report a bias incident or may contact Terri Arthur at tlockhar@umw.edu or Sabrina Johnson at sjohnson@umw.edu, directly.

University of Mary Washington Postpones 2020 Giving Day

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The University of Mary Washington has postponed its fourth annual day of online fundraising, Mary Wash Giving Day, originally set to take place Thursday, March 19.

In light of the unparalleled impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on UMW, the Fredericksburg community – and the nation, the University instead encourages its constituents to focus on each other, their loved ones, and their communities.

The generosity of UMW alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends during past Giving Days has made a vast impact on the University’s mission and ability to serve students. The University will consider rescheduling Giving Day at a future point in time.

Themed “Come Together,” Mary Wash Giving Day 2020 will be poised to do just that. It will bring together those who care about UMW and all it stands for – education, empowerment, integrity, caring and compassion.

In the meantime, the University of Mary Washington encourages its campus and community to work together for the common good and to “come together” in ways that reflect UMW’s commitment to humankind.

Watch the video message from President Troy Paino:

 

Message from the President: Campus Environment Presidential Ad Hoc Committee Final Report

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To the campus community:

In 2017, the Board of Visitors asked me to appoint a Campus Environment Presidential Ad Hoc Committee to evaluate the campus environment and make recommendations to ensure that Mary Washington is welcoming to all.

After a nearly two-year exhaustive study of art, monuments, and other representations of the University’s history and community, the committee identified incidences where the portrayals are inaccurate, historically incomplete, or inconsistent with UMW’s public education mission and community values.

As the committee looked at campus, it became clear that the University’s history and its depiction of UMW life was frozen in time. Select murals and buildings present a one-dimensional interpretation of UMW’s history.  Further, they reflect only a fragment of its students and alumni. The final 74-page report, which was further shaped by the input of the campus community and alumni, was presented to the Board of Visitors at its November 15 meeting. A copy of that final report accompanies this email.

Following the presentation, the UMW Board of Visitors unanimously voted to endorse all of the committee’s 17 recommendations. Effective immediately, the Board authorized the President to convene a new standing committee to develop a plan that is expedient, but judicious and fiscally responsible, to implement these recommendations. Among the specific actions to be undertaken are:

  • Reinstituting the full names associated with campus buildings, thus recognizing the contributions of leaders, particularly women, over the University’s history. For instance, Lee Hall would return to its given name of Anne Carter Lee Hall.
  • Identifying a new name for Trinkle Hall in 2020, utilizing this opportunity for celebration, positive growth, and affirmative identity of the campus.
  • Explore avenues of contextualization, concealment, or relocation of select murals and providing insights on the cost and logistics of these options.
  • Commission the development of new and inclusive murals focused on UMW as it exists today and in more recent history, ensuring broad representation of its community. 

In endorsing the recommendations, Rector Heather Mullins Crislip ’95 said, “This is an important moment for Mary Washington. The Board of Visitors took action to deepen our roots while communicating that we are an inclusive and welcoming environment for the students of the future.”

This Board of Visitors has stated its commitment to creating an environment that attracts students of every background and affirms the campus as a welcoming, vibrant community. The Board is cognizant of the faculty, staff, and students’ deep connection to the campus and recognizes they must have an active voice in planning and implementing these changes. Thus, the Board has charged me with establishing a standing committee with up to nine diverse representatives of these groups. Independently, a committee of alumni and campus members will be selected and charged with soliciting input and making recommendations for the Trinkle Hall renaming.

The Board expects demonstrable progress towards all the goals within three years, but leaves it in the hands of me and the administration to define the timeline and sequence of events to occur. It anticipates the first report of the standing committee, as well as recommendations from the committee on Trinkle Hall’s renaming, by April 2020.

The Board of Visitors’ intent is not to reinterpret history but, rather, to expand upon it, by fully conveying the stories – plural – of the people who make and have made UMW extraordinary. The goal is to share the entirety of its account and to ensure that it provide an environment where students of any backdrop and persuasion can thrive. The Board’s acceptance of the Campus Environment report allows UMW to open its doors wider and to confidently know it is truly serving its public mission.

I look forward to announcing the memberships of the standing and naming committees in short order after consulting with our institutions of shared governance. 

Finally, I want to thank publicly all of the members of the Campus Environment Presidential Ad Hoc Committee for all their work over the last two years.

Troy 

Get Involved in COAR’s Head Start Gift Box Drive

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It’s time for COAR’s annual Head Start Gift Box Drive! Each year we ask students, faculty and staff to fill boxes full of necessities and toys for children 3 to 5 years old in the Head Start programs in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania schools.

Boxes can be checked out now through Nov. 22 in the University Center Lobby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or in the Center for Community Engagement (Suite 320) during normal office hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We can also deliver boxes to you at your office and pick them up as needed. If you would like a box delivered or picked up, please email us at coarumw@gmail.com.

All gift boxes that are checked out will need to be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 5 p.m.

Required items for the boxes are hats, gloves, scarves, small toys, coloring books, crayons and markers, and small books (all of these items will need to fit inside a shoe box-sized box).

We appreciate your continued support of service at UMW. Thank you and happy holidays!

Grothe Pens Article on El Niño in ‘Geophysical Research Letters’

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UMW Assistant Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences Pam Grothe has published a paper – Enhanced El Niño‐Southern Oscillation Variability in Recent Decades – in Geophysical Research Letters. The biweekly peer-reviewed scientific journal of geoscience is published by the American Geophysical Union.

The article includes the following plain language summary:

Recent modeling studies suggest El Niño will intensify due to greenhouse warming, Grothe’s paper states. Here, new coral reconstructions of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) record sustained, significant changes in ENSO variability over the last 7,000yrs, and imply that ENSO extremes of the last 50 years are significantly stronger than those of the pre‐industrial era in the central tropical Pacific. These records suggest that El Niño events already may be intensifying due to anthropogenic climate change.

“In short, this work suggests that El Nino events may already be more extreme than before the industrial era,” Grothe said, “suggesting that anthropogenic climate change may be the reason, as the climate models predict.”

Richardson Column in The Free Lance-Star

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College of Business Dean Lynne Richardson’s weekly column in The Free Lance-Star discusses the dynamic of hiring for optics. Read HIRING FOR OPTICS.

College of Business Dean Lynne Richardson

College of Business Dean Lynne Richardson

RICHARDSON: Hiring for optics

I WAS talking with someone recruiting for a newly created position with fairly structured duties. The organization chose to do an internal search, wanting to promote from within.

The message from the supervisor of the person I was talking to is that he needs to hire a woman. It wasn’t that he needs to hire a woman if she’s the best qualified for the position, it was that he needs to hire a woman.

OK, so I’m a woman. And I can tell you that I never have wanted to be hired because I am a woman.

So let’s unpack this. When we hire people into positions in our organizations, in my opinion, we should first and foremost hire the people who are the best qualified to do the work required. These hires are generally people who have done similar work or have transferable skills to ensure they can successfully perform the tasks assigned.

Of course, in order to select the best fit for our position, we must create as diverse a pool of candidates as possible. This may be more difficult for internal hires, but less problematic for external hires. If we cast a wide net, we’re likely to have a robust group of candidates to select from.

If we don’t hire the most prepared or best qualified candidate, we are most likely going to hurt the organization. Or, as a supervisor, we are either going to be micromanaging or dealing with the results of poor performance. Neither works for me, for either the supervisor or the organization. Read more.