Course Materials Adoption for fall 2018 are due April 20, 2018. On-time adoptions mean more used books available for students AND more money in students’ pockets through buyback. On-time adoptions also mean more materials are available before the start of classes.

Please submit textbook/course material adoptions to the UMW Bookstore by the due date so that the store can maximize payment to students for books they wish to sell, and increase the ability to fulfill students’ orders before the start of class.

There is a $2,500* Pepsi Textbook Scholarship fund for students, offered to the first department to reach 100% on-time adoption rate.

*In the event of a tie, funds will be divided.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio and the University of Mary Washington Music Department are partnering to present an evening of music on Wednesday, April 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  at Gari Melchers’ Belmont.

In celebration of National Guitar Month and National Jazz Appreciation Month, the UMW Guitar Ensemble will present a spring concert featuring arrangements of classical, jazz and contemporary works under the direction of Bruce Middle. The UMW Flute Ensemble will perform selections from Baroque to contemporary, including Latin American selections under the direction of Doug Gately.

Admission is free to the public. Please make reservations by contacting Meghan Pcsolyar at mpcsolya@umw.edu or 540-654-1848.

Gari Melchers Home and Studio is a 28-acre estate and former residence of the artist Gari Melchers and his wife, Corinne. The property, which is operated by the University of Mary Washington, is both a Virginia Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Located at 224 Washington St. in Falmouth, Virginia, a quarter mile west of the intersection of U.S. 1 and U.S. 17, it is open daily with an admission charge.

Human Resources and Campus Recreation presents the April edition of Mary Wash Moves, UMW’s faculty and staff walking challenge. It is not too late to join – we have 67 UMW employees already signed up and want to see how many more employees we can add to the teams! There are six teams to choose from – grab your co-workers, pick a team and start tracking your steps via watch, phone or pedometer!

Read details about Mary Wash Moves: April Edition, add your name to the team of your choice in the tracking document and vote on the winning team prize visit:

http://students.umw.edu/campusrec/be-active/mary-wash-moves/​

Let’s show the world how much Mary Wash Moves.

Keith Mellinger has been named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences for the University of Mary Washington. The announcement was made today by Provost Nina Mikhalevsky in an email to the UMW community.

Mellinger has served as interim dean since June, 2017, but his history of service and leadership at the University extends over the past 15 years. He started at UMW in 2003 as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics, where he served six years as chair. In addition, he has held positions as director of Academic and Career Services and director of UMW’s Quality Enhancement Plan, and he was instrumental in the development and success of the First-Year Experience program for incoming freshmen.

“Dr. Mellinger brings the necessary experience, skills, knowledge and genuine commitment to our students and faculty to provide the kind of leadership that will enable us to address our current challenges, strengthen and enhance our academic programs, and ensure the central and critical role of the College of Arts and Sciences in implementing our strategic vision and moving UMW forward,” according to Mikhalevsky.

A talented scholar and professor, Mellinger has a long record of accomplishments that includes encouraging and mentoring students in their research. More than a dozen undergraduate students have published research under his guidance. Author of nearly 40 peer-reviewed articles, Mellinger received a national writing award from the Mathematical Association of America and a research grant from the National Security Agency.

The University recognized him with the UMW Alumni Association Outstanding Young Faculty Member Award in 2008, and Millersville University honored him with its Young Alumni Achievement Award in 2013.

In addition to his B.S. from Millersville, Mellinger received an M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. He is an avid musician who has participated in the local music scene for many years.

Construction firm Kjellstrom and Lee has begun renovation work on Willard Hall, UMW’s oldest residence hall.

The first phase involves interior demolition and abatement and is expected to take five months. Most of the work and disruption will occur within Willard Hall and on the east side of the building where Dumpsters will be placed.

The entire project will take about 17 months and will also include steam relocation, repairs to building envelope and renovation/upgrade of interior spaces in time for August 2019 and the fall semester.

The Fire Access/Site Use Plan includes the approximate location of construction fencing. Should you have any questions, please contact Gary Hobson, Capital Outlay Director, at 540-654-1292.

It’s high school spring breaks throughout the state over the next two weeks.  As a result you will see increased visitors on tour beginning March 26 through April 6.  We encourage you to say hello and introduce yourself to our guests if the opportunity presents itself while the group may be visiting your building.  (Visitor parking is on Double Drive and additional spaces have been reserved in GW.) Our tours will be on campus beginning at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

On Friday, March 30, 2018, University of Mary Washington will host an Admissions Open House.  Approximately 300 prospective students (typically high school seniors, juniors, and sophomores, as well as transfers) and their families will visit and tour the campus between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.  The estimated guest count is 900 visitors.

A sample agenda is posted here.  Visitor parking has been reserved in the parking deck off of Route 1 and on Double Drive.  Primary event locations are the Anderson Center, Lee Hall, the Hurley Convergence Center, the University Center, and campus/residence hall tours in Mason. Expect to see increased foot traffic on campus and curious newcomers at the Top of the University Center (fourth floor), especially between noon and 2 p.m.

While the Office of Admissions sponsors these events, the entire campus assumes the role of host. Our visitors frequently comment on how “friendly, helpful, and engaging” our UMW community is.  Let them know they are welcome and we want them at UMW.

Thank you for your partnership in showcasing all that is great about UMW.

 

Former UMW Student President Jay Sinha ’07 emceed the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust’s (NVCT) annual luncheon on March 15 in Alexandria.

The meeting brings together some 200 officials and area leaders to celebrate the non-profit’s achievements, with a focus this year on how land conservation improves water quality in our region.

Sinha, one of Singh’s former political science students, recently joined the NVCT board, volunteering his time and talents to the nonprofit – one of many connections the university shares with the trust. Each year, UMW students participate in NVCT internships.

UMW has generously supported the NVCT and this event by sponsoring a table for the last two years. A group of environmentally-minded students – including Shelby Correia and Tommy White – joined Kathy Harrigan, executive director of Friends of the Rappahannock on March 15. The Center for International Education’s Ann Witkowski also took part.

 

Want to feel safer on campus? The UMW Department of Public announces three upcoming forums on safety. University Police Chief Mike Hall will offer tips and strategies, explain steps he and his officers are taking, and allow time for questions and answers.

Open to all faculty, staff, and students, these safety sessions will be offered:

Monday, March 26, 5-6 p.m., HCC Digital Auditorium

Friday, April 6, 1-2 p.m., HCC Digital Auditorium

Wednesday, April 11, 3-4 p.m., Stafford Campus, specific location TBD

If none of these times is convenient, please contact Campus Police at 540-654-1025. Other sessions can be scheduled.