On April 21, 2021, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed into law House Bill 2312 and Senate Bill 1406 legalizing the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana in Virginia beginning July 1, 2021. However, the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act prohibits the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana at institutions of higher education that receive federal funds (including the University of Mary Washington) and requires them to have policies prohibiting marijuana on university property and at university-sponsored off-campus events.

Therefore, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, the University of Mary Washington continues its existing prohibition of the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana on University property or at University-sponsored events.

For questions about policies and procedures regarding students and UMW drug policies, please contact Dr. Ray Tuttle, Director of the Office of Student Conduct and Responsibility (OSCAR). For questions regarding employees and UMW drug policies, please contact Human Resources.

Dear Colleagues,

Here are a few COVID-related reminders and updates as we head into the first week of August:

• Thank you to everyone who has responded to the Employee Vaccination Survey. As previously announced, all faculty and staff who are not fully vaccinated, or who have not responded to the survey with proof of vaccination, will be required to participate in weekly prevalence testing beginning the week of August 23. Testing details will be provided the week of August 9 to those faculty and staff who are required to complete weekly testing. If you have not completed the survey and need to do so, please click here.  Please reach out to Human Resources or COVIDvaccination@umw.edu with any questions.
• In keeping with CDC guidance, all unvaccinated employees, students and visitors are still required to wear masks inside any university building and are encouraged to do so when outside in group settings.
• The latest guidance from CDC also raises concern about the high transmissibility rate of the Delta variant and recommends that anyone in substantial or high transmission rate regions wear masks while in public indoor spaces. Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and Spotsylvania County all fall under the “high transmissibility” category. As such, UMW is strongly recommending for now that all employees, students, and visitors regardless of vaccination status, wear masks when indoors where social distancing is not possible. We will continue to monitor this guidance and local conditions and will announce modifications as appropriate.
• Masks must be worn by all individuals, regardless of vaccination status in the Student Health Center, Talley Center for Counseling Services, the Athletic Training Room, and in any university operated/sponsored shuttle, bus, or van where there are multiple occupants.

A detailed COVID-19 Preparedness Plan will be available next week.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep our community safe and healthy,

 

Jeff McClurken
Chief of Staff

Beth Williams
Executive Director for Human Resources

Good morning,

We understand that there was some confusion generated by the July 6 message regarding returning to work on campus.  The information below is intended to help clarify the message and expectations.

• Our goal for fall is for our students to return to an active and vibrant campus, and to that end, the primary work location for most employees is expected to shift back to campus by August 2.  During COVID most employees’ primary work location was at home with an occasional presence on campus.   Beginning August 2, this will shift for many employees, particularly those who are in student or public-facing positions.  This does not, however, preclude the option of telework within our workforce.
• Supervisors and employees are encouraged to discuss individual situations and determine if some level of telework is still appropriate given the role of the department and the employee’s position.
• As our overarching goal is to revive our campus and return it to a thriving community, decisions regarding work flexibility should be made with this objective in mind.
• The telework agreement has been revised to make it more user-friendly while remaining within the parameters of the DHRM telework policy (last updated in 2019).  The Telework Policy and Procedure page on the HR website contains the revised Telework Agreement form and additional guidance regarding telework and alternative scheduling options.   You will also find links to helpful telework resources for supervisors and employees.
• If the employee and supervisor agree that telework is an option, they should complete the Telework Agreement form, which should be signed by the employee, supervisor and Cabinet VP, and then forwarded to the Human Resources Department.
• We will be offering training for supervisors which will focus on assessing workplace flexibility options and managing a hybrid work environment.
• The Future of Work group will continue its work to explore options and advise Cabinet on evolving workplace matters.

Sent on behalf of the President’s Cabinet

Beth Williams
Executive Director for Human Resources
University of Mary Washington
(540) 654-1294
bwilli22@umw.edu
1301 College Avenue
George Washington Hall, Room 203
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Effective this Wednesday July 21, all executive branch state agencies, including state institutions of higher education, and their contractors (who operate on their campuses) shall discontinue buying, selling, or distributing these specific items:

• disposable plastic bags
• single-use plastic and polystyrene food service containers
• plastic straws and cutlery
• single-use plastic bottled water
• Glitter/confetti
• Plastic table cloths
• Balloons of any type

Existing inventories, purchased prior to this communication may be distributed until supplies are exhausted.

Additionally, please consider immediately finding alternatives to the following items:

• K-cups or single use beverage “pods”
• Single use plastic promotional items

Have specific questions?

Contact GreenUMW@umw.edu

The following message is from Facilities Services.

The Pedestrian Bridge over U.S. 1 will be closed for cleaning and repainting, beginning today, July 22. All indications are that the work will be completed by next Wednesday, July 28, and that the bridge will reopen by July 29th.

During that time, please use the crosswalk at the corner of College Avenue and U.S. 1.