As a token of his appreciation for the continued hard work and dedication of state employees in their service to the citizens of the Commonwealth, Gov. Robert McDonnell has approved an additional eight hours of leave during the holiday season.

UMW’s Revised Holiday Schedule:

• Winter break begins Wednesday, Dec. 22 through Thursday, Dec, 30

• New Year’s Day is observed Friday, Dec. 31

Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday,

Sabrina C. Johnson
Associate Vice President for Human Resources and AAEEO

In an effort to raise money for the 2010 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, UMW will hold an Office Decorating Contest. There will be a $5.00 entry fee.  Please go to the Administration and Finance Office, George Washington Hall, Room 105 to sign up.  Judging will take place on Friday, Dec. 17^th, and the winning office will receive a morning surprise!  (Please see – http://www.umw.edu/training/safety/fire_training/default.php for safety guidelines.)

On Friday, Dec. 10^th, donate $5.00 and wear jeans to work! To stay in accordance with the UMW Dress Code Policy, please be sure to seek approval from your supervisor to participate.  Also, please remember to keep a professional appearance.  All proceeds from both fundraisers will go to the Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund.

Upcoming Deadlines –  You can donate online through EmployeeDirect by visiting the CVC website and clicking on the “Give Now” green button in the middle of the home page: http://www.cvc.vipnet.org/index.html.   Please send completed pledge cards to the Administration and Finance Office in George Washington Hall, Room 105.

• Monday, Dec. 20 (5 p.m.) – deadline for ONLINE – PAYROLL DEDUCTION gifts via EmployeeDirect
• Wednesday, Jan. 5 (5 p.m.) – deadline for PAPER PLEDGES – PAYROLL DEDUCTION
• Thursday, Jan. 13 (5 p.m.) – deadline for PAPER PLEDGES – CASH, CHECK, CREDIT CARD
• Thursday, Jan. 20 (5 p.m.) – deadline for ONLINE – CREDIT CARD gifts via EmployeeDirect

Please note: Donations DO NOT automatically roll over. You must complete a new pledge card or make your donation online each year. For pledge cards or questions please contact a CVC team member: Priscilla Sullivan, Rick Pearce, Anika Wilson, Laura Tabler-Allison and Tember Smith.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Leah K. Cox as special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion.

In this newly created position, Dr. Cox will focus on the university’s mission to promote a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff.   She currently serves as assistant dean of academic services as well as director of the James Farmer Scholars and the Student Transition Program (STP), both of which provide support to underrepresented students. In addition to her new role, Cox will continue to oversee the James Farmer Scholars Program and teach classes in support of STP initiatives.

Dr. Cox has the ideal credentials and has demonstrated her commitment to the issues of diversity and inclusion through her leadership of the programs she currently oversees.  She will help us build on our continuing efforts to enhance and embrace diversity, moving UMW closer to the goal of being the best public liberal arts university in the nation.   As special assistant, she will serve as a member of my executive cabinet and assist in the coordination of current diversity programs and new initiatives that best meet the needs of the UMW community.

Dr. Cox received a bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland College, a master’s degree from the University of Arizona and her doctorate from the University of Maryland.

Richard V. Hurley
President

UMW will install eagle logos on the pavement on College Avenue adjacent to the Fredericksburg campus, beginning as early as this weekend. A total of twelve logos will be installed.

“Eagle pride is spreading throughout the campus,” said Vice President Rick Pearce. “The eagle logos on College Avenue will make a statement that can be enjoyed by our students and the community as well as the many visitors and prospective students who come to Fredericksburg.”

The City of Fredericksburg has approved the installation of the logos after an extensive review of the design, including size and color, as well as the specific locations.

“We understand that the logos need to be visible to motorists traveling on College Avenue, and we’ve worked with UMW staff to ensure that they will be installed only in locations where motorists will not be likely to confuse them with regulatory markings,” said Fredericksburg Public Works Director Doug Fawcett.

President Rick Hurley announced today that UMW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with George Mason University, Germanna Community College, Stafford County and defense contractor MTCSC to work together to explore the feasibility of creating a higher education/research center at Quantico.  Mary Washington is taking the lead in examining the potential from an academic perspective, and George Mason will  focus primarily on the research opportunities.  All three higher education institutions have been clear in stating that any such venture must be self-supporting.