Category: Announcements

It is with regret that we inform you that Alice B. Rabson, former professor of psychology, died in Fredericksburg on Monday, Oct. 22, at the age of 92.

Born in New York City in 1920, Rabson taught at Cornell University, the Fels Research Institute, Purdue University and the Merrill-Palmer Institute before joining the Mary Washington faculty in 1969.

During her 15-year tenure at Mary Washington, Rabson traveled extensively and wrote and presented on the changing roles of women.

After her retirement from Mary Washington in 1985, Rabson joined the Peace Corps at age 65.

She was co-founder of and longtime counselor for the Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence (now known as Empowerhouse). She also served as president of the Fredericksburg chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and was on the state board of the National Organization for Women.

A memorial gathering will be held in Rabson’s honor at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 25 Chalice Circle, on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 3 p.m.

The Free Lance-Star remembered Rabson in the article “Rabson Leaves a Legacy of Activism.”

As a reminder, summer 2013 plans (other than summer school sessions) which involve use of UMW classrooms, residence halls, and/or outdoor spaces were due to Susan Knick, Director of Conferences and Scheduling, on 1Monday, October 15.  If you have not already notified Susan of your summer plans please do so immediately.  Contracts for summer 2013 uses are being written at this time.

Susan Knick, Director of Conferences and Scheduling
540-654-1234 or sknick@umw.edu

The flu clinics hosted by the University Health Center and Department of Emergency Management and Safety have passed. However, free flu shots are available at specified locations for state employees and their covered family members that are enrolled in COVA Care and COVA HDHP health plans.  For more information and a list of participating pharmacies, go to http://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/hbenefits/flushotinformation.html

Kaiser Permanente HMO plan members have access to free flu shots at participating Kaiser medical centers.

University Community: 

On Saturday night the Red Flag Campaign display that was hung around the fountain at Palmieri Plaza was partially burned.  The display was created by UMW student groups along with support from the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault (RCASA) to recognize issues of dating and domestic violence and provide support for survivors.  An investigation is underway.  If you have any information regarding this vandalism, please contact University Police at 540/654-1025.

While we do not know the motive of the person or persons who vandalized the display, there is never an excuse for such an act.  This showed disrespect for the efforts and free speech rights of others.  Although the damage to the display is done, we can take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to survivors of domestic violence and continue to make clear our support for those who may not have a voice. Remember that the Red Flag Campaign calls for “bystander intervention” strategy – say something when you see warning signs or “red flags.” 

The Red Flag Campaign and display symbolized many students’ pledges against dating violence and our community support for these friends and colleagues.  The University is committed to this program and stands together with victims and advocates to assist students in our University community who need support.

Thank you for your  awareness and support of this important topic. 

Doug Searcy 

Doug Searcy, PhD.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Mary Washington
540-654-1062

Faculty and Staff Colleagues, 

The following is information regarding UMW’s new approach to new student orientation.  As this process impacts the entire campus community we are providing this brief overview to outline the Purpose, Dates, Opportunity for Feedback, and Schedule.   A presidentially appointed, cross-institutional planning team has been working diligently to construct the proposed summer schedule.  Members include:  Doug Searcy (chair), Fred Pierce (co-chair), Chris Porter, Susan Knick, Nicci Surething, Joe Mollo, Marion Sanford, Megan Higginbotham, Marissa Miller, Erma Baker, and Lynne Richardson.  Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration of this project and its impact on our students and community. 

We anticipate a strong program as we engage our new students and welcome them to the University community.  Thank you in advance for your participation and feedback as the model continues to develop.

Sincerely, 

Doug Searcy 

Doug Searcy, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Mary Washington
540-654-1062 

Summer 2013 Orientation PURPOSE:  The purpose of the new orientation program is essentially threefold including: 

To make earlier, stronger connections with the student (and families).  This will aid in the students’ (and families’) understanding of the UMW community, engage our efforts to provide challenge and support, and limit the significant information overload and angst that comes at fall orientation.

To support students (and families) by providing an earlier opportunity to ask questions and receive information (in person).  The orientation process will provide academic registration and advising, personal financial information and business services, as well as details about residential services and campus life. 

To aid in University Admissions efforts. Building a strong connection with the student and providing clear communication positively impacts retention rates and higher yield.

Summer 2013 Orientation DATES – Sessions are two days long and begin early on day one and last through mid-day on the second day.  Sessions will overlap.  Coordination of resources and schedules makes this overlapping process more convenient and beneficial to the University while providing high-level service to families. (Please note the dates listing.) 

Session #1  June 17-18

Session #2  June 18-19

Session #3  June 19-20

Session #4  June 24-25

Session #5  June 25-26

Session #6  June 26-27             

Session #7  August 22 (one day) 

Transfer Session #1  June 21 (one day)

Transfer Session #2  June 28 (one day)

Summer 2013 Orientation OPPORTUNITY FOR FEEDBACK 

While we feel good about the recommended model, we need additional support and input to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered.  A widely reviewed plan will make a better program.  We value your input and support.  

With that being said, there are two ways to offer feedback to assist in our planning. 

 #1  We will have a campus-wide, open meeting on Tuesday, October 23, at 1:00 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium to review the plan and receive feedback.  We welcome your participation in this planning session.    

#2  You can simply call us…. Megan Higginbotham (Assistant Director of Student Activities and Engagement) has been asked to receive and share faculty and staff feedback about the program.  Megan will receive your call or e-mail (1444 or mhiggin3@umw.edu) and share all perspectives with the committee for review.  Thank you in advance for helping us make the program the best it can be for our incoming students.

Summer 2013 Orientation SCHEDULE  

As orientation impacts the entire campus community, it is likely that we all will be involved at some level (some more than others).  The attached schedule is the current draft of the two-day orientation program.  Once confirmed, the role of individual offices and staff can be fully defined.  We aim to have this clarity by mid-November. 

Thank you.