The following message is from the UMW Office of Emergency Management and Safety:

The University of Mary Washington will conduct a test of all alert notification networks on Tuesday, March 22, at 9:45 a.m., in conjunction with the statewide tornado drill.  At that time, the University will test the Area Warning System and AlertUMW on the Fredericksburg and Stafford campuses. For more information, contact Christopher D. Cash, emergency systems integrator, at ccash@umw.edu or by calling him at 540-654-1579.

To find out more about tornado preparedness, visit http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stay-informed/tornadoes/preparingfortornadoes and http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia/stayinformed/tornadoes

The following message is from the Office of Admissions:

The Admissions Office will host Destination UMW, a premiere yield event for admitted students, on Saturday, March 19 and Saturday, April 16 with the goal of yielding them for the 2016-2017 academic year.

On Saturday, March 19, about 350 prospects and their families will visit, with a total guest count of approximately 900 people.  Finalists for the prestigious Washington and Alvey Scholarships will be among the attendees.

The Destination UMW schedule includes events from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event features opportunities to learn about the University up-close and firsthand. Students will attend a sample lecture with a professor and a student engagement activity with Dean Rucker and current student leaders. Two tracks will offer an opportunity to message differently to students who have already committed to attend UMW in the fall and those who are still deciding among their college options. About one half of the students registered have already paid their enrollment fee, so the goal will be to affirm their decision by sharing their first-year seminar and residence hall assignments. Others will be able to submit their enrollment deposit if they make their choice on site. The welcome session includes greetings from President Hurley, Student Government Association President Hannah Tibbett, and alumnus Jay Sinha, highlighting outcomes of a successful UMW graduate.

A sample agenda is posted here.  Visitor parking has been reserved in the George Washington (GW) lot and along Double Drive with overflow parking in the Parking Deck. Primary event locations are Dodd Auditorium, Lee Hall, Monroe Hall, Woodard Hall, the University Center, and campus/residence hall tours. Expect to see increased foot traffic on campus and curious newcomers in the University Center.  Help them know their presence is a pleasure by anticipating the crowds and responding warmly, especially in the dining hall where crowds will peak between noon and 2 p.m.

While the Office of Admissions sponsors these events, the entire campus assumes the role of host. Please extend every courtesy and generous hospitality to these visitors. Their impression and decision to attend UMW depends on how they feel while they are here, so thank you for your commitment to perpetuating our brand, our mission, and our sense of the UMW family. One way to show your support is to tweet to @UMWAdmissions and/or post to Instagram and tag @UMWAdmissions. We would like to see #DestinationUMW trending throughout the day.

The Office of Admissions appreciates your involvement in and support of these signature programs that shape the Class of 2020.

If you’d like to be involved in future Admissions events, please contact Admissions at 540-654-2000 or email admit@umw.edu.

The following message is from the Office of Student Affairs: 

Dear UMW Community: 

As we move into the spring season, we welcome the warm weather and encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors.  

We want to alert you, however, of risks associated with two increasingly popular outdoor activities: hammocking and slacklining.  As you may be aware, last evening a student was seriously injured in a hammock-related accident in the amphitheater.  Therefore, we are providing you with the following safety issues to consider: 

1)            Hammocks and slacklines are forbidden in the amphitheater, which is under renovation. 

2)            Hammocks and slacklines should not be attached to buildings or other campus structures.  The age and strength of columns and structures vary across campus. 

3)            Not all trees can support hammocks or slacklines and the risk of an accident increases significantly when hammocks are stacked or hung from branches rather than from tree trunks.  

4)           Using protective straps will help prevent damage to the tree’s bark.   For guidance on trees and possible damage to trees, please contact UMW’s Director of Landscaping and Grounds, Joni Wilson, at jwilson@umw.edu or 540-654-2088. 

Thank you for helping to spread the word about these issues to increase awareness of the potential risks to student safety and the surrounding environment.  Please email me directly with any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely, 

Juliette Landphair

Vice President for Student Affairs

 

The following message is from  the UMW Bookstore: 

In-store or Online?  Digital or printed textbook?  

We want to know what you think when it comes to course materials and technology. Share your thoughts with us, and you could win cash prizes of up to $1,000! At least one $50 gift card winner will be awarded on each campus! 

Gift card prizes are sponsored by indiCo, Pepsi, and your UMW Bookstore. 

Click here www.studentwatch.org to complete the survey.

Deadline:  March 18, 2016 

Your thoughts will help us serve you better!

Survey Length: 20 minutes  

Thanks for sharing your opinions with us, 

Kathy Sandor

UMW Bookstore