December 5, 2025

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

A message for Student Employee Supervisors about graduating seniors

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A message for Student Employee Supervisors:

The Office of Student Activities and Engagement has opened up the graduation cord nomination process for this year’s graduating seniors. As an update from past years, thanks to sponsorship from the Inter-Club Association/Finance Committee and the area of Student Involvement, we are able to provide seniors their involvement cords for free as a gift. This likely won’t be possible in future years, but we thought it would be a nice gesture this year.

Graduating seniors who have worked on campus for at least one year are eligible to receive an orange Involvement cord and/or a green Leadership cord (if they have been in a manager/leadership position as a student employee). In order for them to be eligible to pick up a cord from SAE, we ask that you fill out this form with the names of any graduating seniors in your department. Additional information about graduation cords can be found here.

Click here to complete the form.

Later in March, eligible students will receive an email notifying them to come pick up their cord(s) from SAE. If possible, please complete this form by Wednesday, March 17.

Questions can be directed to ssutphin@umw.edu.

Eagle Award Nominations Open Through 3/14

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Time is running out! There are less than two weeks left to submit nominations for the 2021 Eagle Awards. Help us recognize outstanding students and programs that have continued to persevere this year. You can find out more information about the Eagle Awards on our website.

The nomination form will be open through Sunday, March 14. Please submit nominations here.

We are also currently looking for faculty, staff, and students to serve on the selection committee. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Sandrine Sutphin at ssutphin@umw.edu.

The virtual award ceremony will be air in late April through SAE’s YouTube channel.

Eagle Awards 2021 — Submit Your Nominations Now!

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Eagle Award Nominations are now open! Help us recognize outstanding students and programs that have continued to persevere this year. You can find out more information about the Eagle Awards on our website.

The nomination form will be open through Sunday, March 14. Please submit nominations here.

We are also currently looking for faculty, staff, and students to serve on the selection committee. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Sandrine Sutphin at ssutphin@umw.edu.

The virtual award ceremony will be air in late April through SAE’s YouTube channel.

 

MMDC Perks — Help Spread the Word!

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Have you heard about the new MMDC Perks program? This program recognizes Eagles who are doing a great job following MMDC guidelines and completing the Eagle Heath Journal. Students who complete the Eagle Health Journal every single day will be entered to win small prizes (like shirts, yoga mats, snuggies, and other freebies), and big prizes (like $250 towards books, a reserved parking spot, or graduation pictures with Sammy D. Eagle).

You can also nominate students to win prizes if they have done an awesome job following the MMDC guidelines.  Complete the nomination form here.

Please continue to encourage students to follow MMDC guidelines, complete the Eagle Health Journal every day, and remind them that if they do, they’ll be eligible to win free stuff!

Questions? Email ssutphin@umw.edu.

First-Year Leadership Program Inspires Student Success

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Stephen Covert ’93 sees information about all kinds of collegiate leadership programs cross his desk as principal of Pine View School for the Gifted in Osprey, Florida. An email from his alma mater stood out. It described a program that “will serve as a springboard for already stellar students to learn from leaders and use […]

Tradition Reinvention: Iconic UMW Events Go Virtual

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Online trivia, virtual dance parties and outdoor fitness classes are in this fall. High fives, handshakes and hugs are out, at least for now. Activities and engagement are as much a part of college life as academics. That’s why staff and student volunteers at the University of Mary Washington have worked tirelessly this summer to […]

DMV Connect Spring Dates, Including Thursday, Feb. 20

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Still need to get your REAL ID? The University of Mary Washington will host DMV Connect, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ “office in a suitcase,” on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 10am-3pm in the UC Colonnade Room. Virginians can visit DMV Connect to upgrade their driver’s license or identification card to a REAL ID, or complete any other DMV transaction except vital records and testing. Additional upcoming DMV Connect dates include Monday, April 13, also from 10am-3pm in the UC Colonnade Room.

DMV Connect services include:

  • Drivers’ licenses — reminder, an upgrade to the REAL ID Drivers’ License will be required to fly domestic starting 10/1/2020
  • Identification cards (adult & child)
  • Disabled parking placards
  • Vehicle titles
  • Address changes
  • and more!

Beginning October 1, federal identification requirements are changing for domestic air travel. Virginians who want to continue to use their state-issued driver’s license or identification card as the ID required for this purpose will need to upgrade their current credential to a REAL ID. You can also present an alternative form of federally approved identification such as a passport or some military IDs.

REAL ID also affects access to secure federal facilities and military bases. Because these facilities have the ability to set their own entry requirements, DMV advises Virginians to verify the identification needed for access prior to their visit. Effective immediately, some military bases may no longer accept non-REAL ID compliant credentials displaying “Federal Limits Apply.”

More than one million Virginians have already obtained a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card. The documents needed to apply for a REAL ID are similar to those needed when individuals applied for their original Virginia driver’s license or ID. All applicants for a REAL ID compliant credential, including current Virginia credential holders, must apply in person and provide DMV with physical documentation of:

  • Identity and Legal Presence (e.g. unexpired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate or unexpired Permanent Resident Card);
  • Social Security Number (e.g. Social Security card or W-2 form displaying full nine digits);
  • Residency – two proofs required and must display name and current Virginia residential street address (e.g. recent utility bills, mortgage statements, valid Virginia driver’s license); and
  • Proof of any name changes (e.g. marriage certificates or divorce decrees). Note: If the name on your identity document is different than your legal name, you must show proof of your name change. Multiple documents may be necessary if your name has changed more than once.

There are a variety of acceptable documents; a complete list is available at dmvNOW.com/REALID. You may also use DMV’s interactive document guide.

Obtaining a REAL ID is optional in Virginia. It is available for a one-time $10 fee, in addition to standard driver’s license or identification card fees. For example, a standard driver’s license renewal costs $32, while a replacement driver’s license costs $20.

To learn more about REAL ID, visit dmvNOW.com/REALID.

DMV Connect Returning to Campus November 6

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Staff from the DMV will be coming to campus on Wednesday, November 6 from 10am-3pm in the University Center Colonnade Room. Why go to the DMV off campus and wait in line when you can get everything done on campus without the wait?

DMV Connect offers:

  • Drivers’ licenses–reminder, an upgrade to the REAL ID Drivers’ License will be required to fly domestic starting 10/1/2020
  • Identification cards (adult & child)
  • Disabled parking placards
  • Vehicle titles
  • Address changes
  • and more!

Family Weekend 2019

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Family Weekend 2019 will be taking place this weekend, October 4-6th. This annual fall weekend at the University of Mary Washington brings family members and friends to campus to experience a slice of student life. A wide variety of events are happening and a complimentary trolley extends your visit to downtown Fredericksburg. Enjoy events throughout the weekend including Rocktoberfest, multiple athletic games, UMW Study Abroad Fair, and tours of Brompton, the historic home of the UMW President and Mrs. Paino.

More information can be found on the Family Weekend website, available here. A detailed schedule is below. We hope that you’ll help to welcome all of our UMW families to campus!

Schedule of Events

Friday, October 4

Open Class Sessions

8:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. | Various Academic Buildings
Join your student for a class and get a taste of academic life at UMW.  Students need to please make arrangements with the professor in advance.

Rocktoberfest 

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Ball Circle
This free outdoor concert will include live music, food, a beer garden, and fun games!

Capitol Steps

7:30 p.m. | Dodd Auditorium
Always a big draw, The Capitol Steps began as a group of Senate staffers who set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them.  Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-stafford-rotary-capitol-steps-tickets-68830579115.

Saturday, October 5

Tour of Brompton, Home of the UMW President

9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. | 704 Sunken Road
Described as one of America’s most historic houses, Brompton is famous for being at the center of the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862. The home now serves as the official residence of the University president. Please access the house via the walkway on Hanover Street, across from the Jepson Alumni Executive Center (1119 Hanover Street).

Virginia Politics 2019

10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. | Monroe 346
A rundown of the latest in Virginia politics, presented by Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, UMW professor of political science and international affairs, and author of six books on the presidency, mass media, and public opinion.

Chocolate Chomp Challenge

10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. | Hurley Convergence Center, Digital Auditorium & Training Lab 130
Learn about Chomp and other fun math games!  Chomp was developed by mathematician and economist, David Gale, and is played by calculating moves that involve eating a chocolate bar!

College of Business Alumni Panel

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Woodard Hall, Room 202
This event invites back College of Business alumni from varying classes and majors to discuss their career paths, as well as give advice to students for while they’re in college, after they graduate, and how they can break into their industries.

Campus Civil War Walking Tours

11:00 a.m. | Ball Circle
The UMW Historic Preservation Club will host half-hour student-led tours of the Civil War sites on campus.  Tours will start at the Civil War Tours table on Ball Circle and run every 30 minutes, with the last tour at 2:00 p.m.  Please visit the table for sign-up before the tour.  Space is limited and there is a $5 charge.  Table rain location will be in Lee Hall, 3rd Floor Lobby.

Family Fun

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Ball Circle
Join in the family fun – giant games will be available or just relax in one of our Adirondack chairs!   In case of inclement weather, outdoor games will not be available.

Legacy Lunch

12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m. | Jepson Alumni Executive Center, Rappahannock Grand Ballroom
1119 Hanover Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The Office of Alumni Relations invites UMW alumni, students, and families with historic UMW legacy connections (grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.) to celebrate their shared experiences while enjoying a complimentary lunch. Update: The Legacy Lunch is currently full.  If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please call (540) 654-1011. 

Chemistry *Magic* Show

First Show: 1:00 p.m.;  Second Show: 2:00 p.m. | Jepson Science Center, Room 100
Student members of the American Chemical Society and the Department of Chemistry invite you to come and see awe-inspiring and wonder-filled chemistry demonstrations in UMW’s newly expanded and renovated Jepson Science Center.

UMW Education Study Abroad Fair

Education Abroad Fair

10 a.m.-1 p.m.| University Center, Chandler Ballroom
A launch pad for your adventures abroad, the Education Abroad Fair is the perfect venue for students and families to meet with UMW Faculty-Led Program directors, representatives from UMW Approved Education Abroad Programs, Peer Advisors, Study Abroad Alumni, and Center for International Education staff to explore study abroad, volunteer, research, and internship opportunities all over the world. Come dream, explore options, and define goals for your abroad experience.

30th Annual Fredericksburg Welsh Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 900 block of Charles Street, downtown Fredericksburg
Featuring traditional music, dancing, arts, crafts, and foods of Wales. The trolley will provide transportation between Double Drive and the festival.  Although admission is free to students and families, donations are welcomed.  Learn more at jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu.

Balfour – Class Ring sale

11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2nd Floor, University Center
On both Friday and Saturday, Balfour will be on campus showcasing class rings for purchase.  For a preview, visit https://www.balfour.com/umw.

Sunday, October 6

Time on Your Own

Visit downtown Fredericksburg, have breakfast, go shopping, or just hang out with family members. Enjoy the day as you wrap up Family Weekend!

UMW Art Galleries

Visit the exhibitions at the University of Mary Washington Galleries, open Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m. Learn more at: www.umwgalleries.org. Free admission.

UMW Athletics

Field Hockey, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Women’s Rugby, and more UMW games are taking place this weekend!  Visit https://www.umweagles.com/landing/index for the latest game times and opponents!

Simpson Library

Feel free to stop by UMW’s library for a demonstration of our 3D printers, library tours, free books for all, and kid-friendly activities.  Library Hours – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – midnight.

UMW Museums

Museum admission is free to students and families during Family Weekend.

  • Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont

Gari Melchers Home and Studio is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
224 Washington St., Falmouth, Va. 22405
Learn more at garimelchers.umw.edu.

  • James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library

908 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The James Monroe Museum is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.  Learn more at jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu.

UMW Bookstore – Barnes & Noble

Download the My College Bookstore App for a 20% OFF UMW APPAREL ITEM COUPON along with additional exclusive offers.  To download, visit www.appbnc.com
*Exclusions may apply. Must download app to claim offer. See offer in app for details.

Downtown Fredericksburg

Live music, antique shops, ghost tours, fantastic dining – check out everything that’s happening this weekend at https://www.visitfred.com/events/

Last Call to Submit Events to the Family Weekend Schedule!

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Family Weekend 2019 will take place Friday, October 4-Sunday, October 6. We will be accepting submissions for events you would like to have included on the schedule through Monday, September 2.

Please submit your events here.

Questions pertaining to Family Weekend can be directed to Sandrine Sutphin at ssutphin@umw.edu.