In the final Mary Talk lecture of this academic year – on Wednesday, April 19, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. – we will hear from faculty in UMW’s College of Education. Kevin Good, Ph.D., assistant professor of special education, and Kristina Peck ’08, associate dean of clinical experiences and partnerships, will discuss “Making the Future.” The lecture will take place online via Zoom. Please register in advance. You will receive a link to the streaming video, which can be watched live or at a later time, and will have the opportunity to submit questions.

What do you see as the future? Who shapes that future, and how? Explore how STEAM education through a “maker mindset” can open doors for learners to be creators of their own destiny. Learn about UMW’s newly opened Makerspace, which gives students real-life practice in science and technology while encouraging creative problem-solving. Be inspired as you hear how the Makerspace engages local schools, making the future brighter for all Fredericksburg-area scholars.

The One Note Stand Spring Concert: WHO SUNG IT?

April 21, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Dodd Auditorium

Please join UMW’s The One Note Stand a cappella group for their annual spring concert. Admission is free.

Dear UMW Community,

Campus has come into bloom following spring break, and as our weather warms, we’re seeing signs of budding research projects, campus traditions, and new initiatives.

I hope you had a rejuvenating spring break, reconnecting with friends and family or exploring the world. I followed along with your travels via social media, noting that nearly 100 members of our community studied abroad from Brazil to Argentina, Bonaire to Guatemala, and London to Costa Rica. You ventured to the top of the mountains and dove into the oceans, and it’s truly astounding how much you accomplished in the week.  And locally, our student-athletes represented UMW during competitive winter and spring athletic outings, with women’s basketball hosting the C2C Championships. For the first time in school history, both the University of Mary Washington women’s and men’s basketball teams advanced to the NCAA Division III Tournaments in the same season. Our swim teams also represented UMW on the national stage. The women’s team captured the 2023 Metro Swimming Conference championship and junior Kinsey Brooks gained All-America status in three events at the NCAA national meet for the second straight year.

Locally, we recently celebrated the unveiling of the Civil Rights Trail: “Freedom, a Work in Progress” that showcases the initial results of a community-based collaboration with the City of Fredericksburg and UMW.  The project features two trails totaling nearly five miles of walking and driving paths that weave throughout Fredericksburg’s historic downtown district and the UMW campus, and it’s the culmination of years of work by our James Farmer Multicultural Center in collaboration with the Departments of Geography and Historic Preservation. Our students, faculty and staff put this trail on the map!  First-hand testimonials, Virginia historical markers, online photos and stories, etc. beautifully highlight sites of history-making sit-ins, neighborhoods marred by segregation, and locations that illustrate the efforts of Black artists, educators, entrepreneurs, students and others determined to make a difference.

March has become the month for student leadership, with the annual Social Justice & Leadership Summit, held March 11, providing engagement opportunities for area high school students, as well as Germanna Community College and UMW students that focus on awareness of social justice issues and effective strategies of response.  This event offers the unique opportunity to forge new trails ahead, as well as to remember, reflect and validate the past and recognize key individuals and groups who have inspired us. We also recognized many women leaders this month, from our namesake Mary Ball Washington, to the wonderful speakers and programming of Women’s History Month. Our Founders Day on March 14^th also marks our tremendous transformation and growth over the past 115 years.

We announced the largest gift in the University’s history this month, with $30 million from the Irene Piscopo Rodgers’ estate funding out-of-state scholarships and inspiring future scientists to study at UMW. She made a name for herself in the field of electron microscopy and helped pave the way for UMW graduates, especially women, to excel in STEM subjects of their own choosing.

As we look ahead to continue promoting bold new challenges and creating new pathways, we reaffirm our commitment to UMW’s Strategic Vision in all aspects of our operations, keeping us focused, grounded, and with purpose.  In support of this effort, it is critical that we have the essential staffing needed to achieve our goals.  Upon the retirement of Paul Messplay, we welcomed Craig Erwin, the new Vice President for Administration and Finance & Chief Financial Officer; Dr. Jeff McClurken ’94 is now the Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy; and, by the creation of a new position, we welcome Sandy Gregor ‘91 as Senior Assistant Attorney General & University Counsel.  These positions will assist with financial and strategic planning and resolution of legal matters as we embark on future pathways.

As we celebrate where we’ve come from, it’s exciting to showcase our future and where we’re headed. Every 10 years, schools reaffirm their accreditation with national accrediting organizations.  The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) will visit campus March 27 thru March 30 to perform this process.  For the past two years, UMW faculty, staff and students have been preparing for this reaffirmation process and have developed our unique Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), called “Life After Mary Washington: Preparing Students for Life and Career.”  The QEP directly connects to our Strategic Vision, boldly preparing students for success in life and in careers by building upon an already fundamental and robust undergraduate experience.

Continuing through the second half of the semester, I encourage you to intentionally contemplate, discern, and consider how you can take advantage of opportunities to enhance your academic, social, and personal experience at UMW.  Consider meeting with academic advisors to carefully review course selections, personalized research projects, etc.; meeting with coaches and advisors to learn time management tactics; or spending time with mentors to glean advice about practical life lessons such as building trustworthy relationships, managing money, selecting a career, etc.  If you’re looking ahead to learn more about jobs, occupations, internships, etc. consider attending the Job and Internship Fair on March 23^rd hosted by UMW’s Center for Career and Professional Development.  You can also mark your calendar for April 4^th, our sixth annual Mary Wash Giving Day, when we’ll come #TogetherUMW, and have many ways to give back and thank those who continue to contribute to our success.

And finally, along the way, take the time to acknowledge your efforts, thank those around you who support you, and strive to obtain a happy, healthy and mindful balance between your personal and professional goals.  I encourage you to look forward to all that this semester offers, including warmer weather and wonderful opportunities.

 

Troy Paino

The University Staff Council is currently accepting nominations for three University committees: University Staff Council, University Budget Advisory Committee and James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee. We want our representation to reflect all parts of the UMW community and we invite you to nominate a deserving colleague(s) or yourself.

• University Staff Council – eight openings: six AP, one Classified, and one Wage – three-year terms. The USC continues to advocate for staff concerns and partner with faculty and administration to tackle issues and build community. We want our representation to reflect all parts of our UMW community and nominations are open to all staff members across campus and at all UMW-affiliated organizations.
• University Budget Advisory Committee – a Faculty Council committee – three openings for one-year terms. Budget/Finance experience is preferred but not required. One available opening is reserved for a non-Finance staff member. UBAC works with campus leadership on short and long-term University budget priorities. These priorities are reviewed, summarized and presented annually to the UMW President.
• James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Committee – a Faculty Council committee – one opening for a one-year term. The committee works with the director and staff of the JFMC on planning and setting priorities, enhancing opportunities for multicultural learning through student programming and leadership development opportunities for all students.

Please visit the USC’s website for more information. Questions about the process? Please email usc@umw.edu.

• Nominations will be accepted through April 4, 2023. To nominate yourself or someone else for the USC, UBAC and JFMCAC, visit the USC Nominations Page or paste this URL into your internet browser: https://umw.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_54jlq4fUezP4hrE. All nominees will be contacted to accept their nomination prior to the election.

Thank you for your thoughtful participation.

USC Elections Committee
Beth Druvenga, Betsy Southern, Maureen Aylward, Michelle Pickham

Sexual Assault Awareness Month events include:

Dear Colleagues: Title IX Exhibition
On view through Friday, April 28
Main Lobby, Simpson Library
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education, Department of Athletics, Office of Title IX and ADA Compliance, and Simpson Library
A history of the 1972 Title IX Education Amendment and supporting guidance to showcase activism on and off the field within higher education. This exhibition will feature Title IX and related guidance through activism, athletics and legislation.

Trauma-Informed Yoga
Friday, March 31, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Studio 5, Goolrick
Sponsored by Campus Recreation, the Center for Prevention and Education, and the Talley Center for Counseling Services
Trauma-informed yoga is for everyone – survivors, supporters and advocates. Also, it’s for everybody and EVERY body. No fitness pass is required, and a free lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required by 8 a.m. on 3/27/23. Please visit Campus Recreation’s webpage to register for the event.

SAAM Tabling
Monday, April 3, 1 to 4 p.m.
Second Floor, Kiosk B, Cedric Rucker University Center
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education
Stop by the table to learn about upcoming events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Day of Action
Tuesday, April 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Patio, Cedric Rucker University Center
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education, Mary Washington Healthcare Wellness Program and Forensic Nurse Examiners, Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault and the Talley Center for Counseling Services.
Chances are someone in your life is a survivor of sexual harassment, assault or abuse, even if they have never shared their story with you. Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal – the color of sexual violence prevention. Rain location: HCC Lobby

Take Back the Night
Thursday, April 6,:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Lee Hall Patio (or top floor of Lee Hall in case of inclement weather)
The University of Mary Washington’s Center for Prevention and Education and Talley Center for Counseling Services are sponsoring Take Back the Night. HELP US SPEAK OUT against sexual violence! Join us for an empowering evening of support and healing for survivors and their allies. All are welcomed.

Navigating Relationships and Intimacy After Sexual Assault
Wednesday, April 12, 5 to 6 p.m.
Zoom
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education, RCASA and the Talley Center for Counseling Services.
Join the Talley Center for Counseling Services and Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault to learn more and ask questions in an anonymous format. This event will be shared in a panel format via Zoom to provide privacy. To receive the link, please use bit.ly/CPENavigate to register for the event.

Doing My Part Through Art
Monday April 17, noon to 4 p.m.
Second Floor, Kiosk B, Cedric Rucker University Center
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education
Pick up our SAAM coloring page and crayons. Tag us on Instagram with your completed artwork or send us a DM via @UMWCPE. We will have prizes for the top three submissions.

Hour 2 Empower
Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m. to noon
Colonnade Room, Cedric Rucker University Center, Room 315
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education, Community Outreach and Resources and UMW Athletics
Supporting ASPIRE Week, please join this hands-on service-learning event. Volunteers will learn more about supporting survivors while assembling Fear 2 Freedom kits that will be donated to local service providers. Please use bit.ly/CPEevents to register for the event.

Denim Day
Wednesday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Second Floor, Cedric Rucker University Center
Sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Education, and Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault
Make a social statement with your fashion statement by wearing denim. Stop to pick up buttons and write an empowering message to survivors of sexual violence. Meet for a campus picture at noon on the steps of the Cedric Rucker University Center inside on the second floor.

For more information, please contact prevention@umw.edu.

2023 Islamic Cultural Celebration
As Muslim Americans, we live very different lives than our fellow non-Muslim brothers and sisters. These differences feel the most difficult when we are misunderstood.  Although practicing Islam in the West brings its fair share of difficulties, we are proud to represent this religion and culture. As we approach the holy month of Ramadan we ask you to join the Muslim Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center as we celebrate and acknowledge our fellow Muslim Americans.

Islamic Cultural Celebration Kickoff Dinner | Tuesday, April 4 | 5 p.m. | Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost: 1 Meal Swipe; $11.00 Flex; Eagle One or credit card $13.50
Co-sponsored by University Dining
Join us for traditional food from predominantly Muslim countries and listen to a variety of multicultural music.  Before you leave, ask us about any additional information about upcoming events.

The Art of Henna | Wednesday, April 5 | 5 p.m. | Cedric Rucker University Center, 2nd floor lobby
Join MSA for henna designs, snacks, and an evening full of cultural music and fun.

Take Back the Night | Thursday, April 6 | 6:30 p.m. | Lee Hall Patio
Take Back the Night is a unifying event designed to stand against sexual violence in all forms. Survivors and their allies gather as survivors boldly speak out, sharing their truths in a supportive and inclusive environment. Join us for this event of survivor empowerment and healing to Take Back the Night!

Islamic Cultural Celebration Banquet Speaker: Sumayya Tobah | Thursday, April 6 | 7 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom
Co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association
Sumayya Tobah is a political producer based in Washington DC. She has worked for ABC News, TRT World, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and currently works for Aljazeera English.

Friday Jummah Prayer | Friday, April 7 | 2 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center
As Muslims, it is obligatory to pray five times a day.  Jummah is a congregational prayer that is held every Friday in place of the Dhur prayer.  MSA invites any and all faiths to respectfully observe and/or participate in this prayer with us.For more information, contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or umwjfmc@gmail.com. You may also visit students.umw.edu/multicultural. Please email us at umwjfmc@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.

In order to serve you better, University Dining wants to hear from you! You are invited to provide feedback about the food and services by taking the Spring 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey.

You could win a $100 Visa Card!

Everyone who takes the survey will have the option of entering a random drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card!  The odds of winning are based on the number of UMW students, faculty and staff who take the survey – much better odds than in most prize drawings! Additionally, members of the University Dining team will be popping in at the Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center, Panera Bread, and the Eagle’s Nest this week offering candy and other treats to students who show the “Thank you for your participation in this survey” message on their phone. They’ll also have laptops available that you can use to complete the survey, if needed.

The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete, and you only need to answer those questions that are related to your experiences. The information you provide will be used for research purposes only and will be kept confidential. It will not be used to sell or market to you in any way, and you will not be contacted as a result of completing this survey. The information you provide will assist them in determining future enhancements to the dining program so that you and all of their guests will have exceptional dining experiences.

For contact info or more information, visit UMW Dining.

University of Mary Washington was named a Voter Friendly Campus, one of 258 campuses in 38 states and the District of Columbia, by Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. The initiative recognizes institutions that have planned and implemented practices that encourage their students to register and vote in the 2022 elections and in coming years.

The mission of the 2023 Voter Friendly Campus designation is to bolster colleges and universities’ efforts to help students overcome barriers to participating in the political process – every year, not just during years featuring federal elections. UMW was evaluated based on a written plan for how we planned to register, educate and turnout student voters in 2022, how we facilitated voter engagement efforts on our campus, and a final analysis of our efforts.