November 22, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

A message from President Paino about the start of on-campus instruction

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A message from President Troy Paino:

 

To our faculty and staff,

Like you, I have been closely following recent trends with the COVID-19 virus. It goes without saying that the increase in the number of cases in Virginia and across the country gives us pause. We had hoped and believed, just a month ago, that we were headed in the right direction. However, after careful study of the most recent data, a thorough discussion of our options with the COVID-19 Implementation Team, consultation with our local public health and health care officials, and deliberation with my senior leadership team, we have made the decision to delay move-in and the start of on-campus instruction.

This means that we now aim for the following:

  • All classes will still begin on Monday, August 24, but in-person and hybrid courses will be conducted remotely for the first three weeks.
  • Residential students will return to campus by Monday, September 14 (move-in will take place September 10-13).
  • Classes on September 10 and 11 will be cancelled to support residential student move-in.
  • Residential students will still return home on Friday, November 20.
  • As previously announced, classes will resume remotely on Monday, November 30, and the semester will conclude with exams the week of December 7.

What has caused us to adjust our plans? Since we completed our plan – #ForwardUMW – and shared it with you at the beginning of July, the pandemic’s impact has worsened, both here in Virginia and around the country. The number of daily cases has gone up, as have hospitalizations and test positivity rates. We remain fortunate that our region (the Rappahannock Health District) has not witnessed the increases in cases and hospitalizations that are cause for alarm in other areas of our commonwealth. In addition, our health care partner, Mary Washington Hospital, continues to report that the demand remains low for intensive care beds – a key measure of hospital surge capacity. Nonetheless, we have observed that both here and nationally the availability of tests has tightened, while the return time on results has lengthened. Both of these conditions – trends in public health and the ability to test adequately – are critical to our ability to return fully to campus this fall. Today’s announcement provides a little more time to monitor and evaluate these conditions.

You might be asking, “why shouldn’t we just move the entire semester online at this point?” I understand this perspective. It would be an easier way forward and would provide the certainty that we would prefer to plan our courses, organize our labs, and design our assignments. It is not, at this time, the right approach for our students. Deciding prematurely to forego an on-campus experience for our students would deny them a critical opportunity for growth and development that is optimized through the residential experience. We have invested significantly and developed substantive engagement opportunities at every level of the institution this fall. Therefore, we need to extend, as much as possible, the chance for our students to have an experience that we all recognize as transformational.

To move forward, I have asked Provost Mikhalevsky, to work with the college deans and the leadership of faculty governance to recommend any adjustments to the academic calendar that this delay may require. I expect that those decisions will be made by the end of this week and shared with you as soon as they are final.

I know that for our faculty members who had planned to start their classes in-person, whether face-to-face or hybrid, this is difficult news. While our decision to start with remote learning is not something any of us were seeking, I know that your preparation and talents in the classroom will translate to our students,  regardless of modality. I am well aware of how much we have asked of you these past few months and am so very grateful for your continued dedication and commitment to our students.

And to our staff, who have been working so diligently to provide for an outstanding student experience, irrespective of whether our students are on campus or at home, I know that this is also disappointing news. However, I am confident that your efforts to engage and support students through advising, counseling, activities or events will be realized in new and different ways.

We are all here to welcome our students to the fall semester, regardless of modality or on-campus start date. We know that our students are eager to join us. We also know that their desire for residential living, despite the circumstances, remains high. We will do everything we possibly can to see that this is possible in what will now be a more compact on-campus experience. We do this because we know that residential living provides opportunities for growth, discovery, and personal development that cannot be realized in any other way.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge again what I have said previously, this pandemic has put us – along with our colleagues in higher education across the state and around the nation – in a precarious financial situation. This decision, made in the interest of public health, is the right one for us despite the fiscal challenges that it presents. Difficult decisions often don’t offer simple solutions.

We will continue to provide updates to keep you informed and are planning Q&A sessions with both faculty and staff, as well as students and their families, next week. In addition, we have focused on Tuesday, September 1, as a date to provide further updates about the fall semester.

So many have done so much in support of our return to campus this August, and we have done everything in our control to make this possible. And though we cannot foresee the future, we will continue to adapt and respond as new information is available. While this virus has repeatedly demonstrated that it doesn’t care about our best laid plans, I am confident that the strength of our community will prove resilient and ready.

 

Troy

UMW Chooses New Name for Building: James Farmer Hall

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The University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors today voted to change the name of Trinkle Hall to James Farmer Hall. With this action, the Board memorialized a beloved member of the Mary Washington community who spent most of his career fighting injustices.

University of Mary Washington’s Board of Visitors voted to change the name of Trinkle Hall to James Farmer Hall. Dr. James L. Farmer Jr., one of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement, spent his final years as a professor of history at Mary Washington. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

University of Mary Washington’s Board of Visitors voted to change the name of Trinkle Hall to James Farmer Hall. Dr. James L. Farmer Jr., one of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement, spent his final years as a professor of history at Mary Washington. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.

“I commend the action of the Board today,” said Rector Heather Crislip. “We are talking about one of the most beautiful and iconic buildings on campus, and its name should reflect our community and our values.”

The vote to change the name of this building comes at a pivotal time in our nation’s history. Today’s action was precipitated by the exhaustive work of UMW’s Campus Environment Presidential Ad Hoc Committee. That group was charged in 2017 with evaluating campus art, monuments, and other representations of the University’s history and community in order to ensure that Mary Washington is a welcoming environment for all.

In its subsequent 74-page report presented to the Board in November 2019, the committee’s research revealed that certain works of art and artifacts present a one-dimensional interpretation of UMW’s history. The Board unanimously voted to endorse all 17 of the committee’s recommendations for addressing the issues, with the greatest urgency placed upon identifying a new name for Trinkle Hall, named for a former governor of Virginia who was an active proponent of eugenics and segregation. The board further directed that the new name provide an opportunity for celebration, positive growth, and affirmative identity of the campus.

Earlier this year, a Naming Committee of UMW alumni, faculty, staff, and students solicited nominations for consideration. The committee then narrowed the field by tallying the top five nominees, surveyed the community regarding these nominees, and conveyed the results to President Troy Paino, who voiced his support of the committee’s recommendation to the Board. Read more.

Executive Summary of #ForwardUMW – Return to Campus Plan

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Dear University of Mary Washington Community,

Thanks to everyone who has worked so hard in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced students, faculty, and most staff off campus back in March. Your efforts during very trying circumstances made it possible for our students to successfully complete the 2019-2020 academic year.

Since then, dozens of individuals have worked tirelessly to develop plans for the return of students to campus in August. This #ForwardUMW – Return to Campus Plan is a high-level summary of all the preparation that has gone into bringing our students back for face-to-face instruction this fall.

Developing this plan was extraordinarily complicated and exhaustive work. The Task Force I appointed to lead the effort was charged under the following guiding principles:

  1. Promote the health, safety, and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community
  2. Preserve the ability to fulfill our mission: teaching and learning that serves the public good
  3. Maintain those University operations that support student success and our ability to fulfill our mission
  4. Preserve the University’s financial capacity as well as its long-term financial health to fulfill our mission now and into the future
  5. Honor our community values (ASPIRE – Accountability, Scholarship, Personal and Individual Integrity, Inclusive Excellence, Respect and Civility, Engagement)

Please note that this plan to repopulate the campus must remain adaptable as circumstances change. Until there is a vaccine for the coronavirus, life on campus will not return to normal. Social distancing, face coverings, and methods to monitor and contain the spread of the virus will become part of everyday life at UMW. We will also make changes to the academic calendar to minimize the risk of transmission associated with breaks. To better protect the health and safety of our community, particularly the most vulnerable among us, we must remain diligent in adhering to the guidance issued by public health experts.

In the tradition of our Honor Code, we must take a pledge to do our part. We are fortunate to be a part of a community that understands that sometimes we must make sacrifices to contribute to the common good. Even still, it is important to remember that this plan is intended to mitigate the risk of exposure to the virus, but it cannot completely eliminate that risk.

Thanks again for everyone who has worked so hard during this stressful time. Even though we have operated in isolation these past several weeks, your response to this challenge has demonstrated the strength of this community. As we inch closer to the day we begin moving students back into residence halls, I am increasingly confident that the 2020-21 academic year will serve as a testimony to Mary Washington’s resolve and commitment to our students.

With gratitude,

Troy

 

#ForwardUMW – Return to Campus Plan
University of Mary Washington
Executive Summary
June 18, 2020

 

Overview

This is an executive summary of the work of the President’s Task Force charged with developing a “return to campus” plan for the University. It is designed to provide further details to the UMW community about the fall semester and is being released now to give our community the first preview of a much more detailed plan to be submitted to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) by July 6th. All institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth are required to submit plans for “reopening” which will be reviewed by SCHEV. The University’s final plan will be available to all members of the UMW community on umw.edu concurrent with its submission to SCHEV.

UMW’s campus plan follows the guiding principles outlined by President Paino[1] early in this process and is based upon the guidance of the Governor’s Forward Virginia Blueprint, the Higher Education Reopening Guidance, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), the American College Health Association (ACHA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The plan includes details for (1) repopulating campus, (2) monitoring health conditions to detect infection, (3) containment to prevent the spread of the disease when detected, and (4) shutdown considerations as dictated by severe conditions and/or public health guidance. It is important to note that the fluidity of this pandemic only allows for a snapshot, using the conditions and knowledge of this moment, as a framework. Planning and tactical implementation will necessarily evolve and change as circumstances warrant.

We are planning for multiple scenarios this fall. Faculty – with the support of the Center for Teaching, Digital Learning Support; the Office of Disability Resources; and the Library – are engaged in intensive work to support all forms of instruction, including accessible online instruction and remote learning. Regardless of the three campuses’ operational status, these will be features of our approach to instruction. Our intention is to support, to the extent possible, all of our students regardless of where or how they receive instruction.

This summer, faculty are participating in a newly offered four-week instructional design workshop with the goal of ensuring the best aspects of the UMW experience – substantive interactions, collaborations, and connections between faculty and students – are infused in every class. The topical focus of this workshop will include (a) structure and communication, (b) assignments and feedback, (c) content creation and curation, and (d) student engagement. This tremendous effort by our faculty will ensure that we maintain the same high standards and quality, regardless of modality. Ultimately, a quality educational experience is about the knowledge and expertise of the faculty and how much time and attention they give to their students’ development and work, as well as students’ commitment to learning.

In order to support the many different needs of students and faculty, as well as the University’s social distancing requirements, UMW will offer myriad types of classes this fall. We know students value in-person experiences, so the majority of our fall 2020 classes will be just that, with “social distancing” incorporated. For sure, all courses will employ some aspect of virtual experiences, if for no other reason than the fact that following Thanksgiving, the final week of instruction and finals will be conducted remotely. All classes, regardless of modality, will continue the Mary Washington tradition of valuing close interactions between faculty and students.

Throughout campus, staff also are actively and energetically preparing their areas for a return to campus under the guiding principles set forth by President Paino. With direction and support from Human Resources and the Office of Equity and Inclusion, staff members are finalizing plans for review by their respective vice presidents and the Task Force. The guiding force in all preparations is support for the institution’s educational mission and commitment to the UMW student experience.

Fundamental to a return to campus will be an invigorated sense of community responsibility with behavioral expectations to support the health, safety, and well-being of all. Each one of us – faculty, staff, and students – will need to share in this collective task. Consequently, many of the steps outlined in this plan will be successful only through a shared sense of purpose, a commitment to equity, and communal action that aligns with our expressed values. In this respect, ASPIRE (Accountability, Scholarship, Personal and Individual Integrity, Inclusive Excellence, Respect and Civility, Engagement) serves as a critical element to anchor our efforts as we seek to return to campus. #ForwardUMW will make an educational campaign around these values a central element of our return to campus.

 

Public Health Conditions and Considerations for Reopening Campuses

UMW’s return to campus plan assumes several “gating conditions,” which are necessary prerequisites for the campus to open, as outlined in the Higher Education Reopening Guidance issued by Governor Northam. They include:

  • Positive trends in public health in the Fredericksburg region consistent with the Forward Virginia Blueprint
  • Health care capacity in which local health care facilities are operational and capable of serving the regional population if there is a surge in cases
  • Adherence to sound public health principles – namely that we have a plan in which the UMW community will support and embrace safety precautions that include washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and generally agreeing to keep each other safe
  • A campus preparedness plan developed and consistent with the guidance set forth by the Commonwealth

Consistent with CDC principles, UMW’s plan seeks to minimize the risk of transmission by offering some virtual-only learning options and utilizing social distancing for all in-person classes, activities, and events. UMW will not hold full-sized, in-person classes, activities, or events for the foreseeable future. Even during Phase Three of the Forward Virginia Blueprint, in-person events are likely to be limited until a vaccine is widely available.

 

Repopulation Plan

To reduce the risk of transmission and community spread of COVID-19, UMW will alter its academic calendar to eliminate breaks, reduce travel, and utilize limited remote instruction and other curricular modalities and options. For fall 2020, this means that we will hold classes on Labor Day, will not have Fall Break, and will not return after Thanksgiving. The final week of classes and exam week will be conducted remotely. Definite decisions about the spring schedule will be announced as soon as possible.

Leadership for UMW’s continuing response to the COVID-19 pandemic will involve establishing the temporary role of a COVID-19 coordinator and the creation of a COVID-19 team that will be responsible for working closely on all aspects of the University’s ongoing, coordinated efforts. The COVID-19 coordinator will be a temporary reassignment of an existing employee. This team, which will include representation from Emergency Management, Student Health Services, Human Resources, Facilities Services, Student Affairs and Academic Affairs will coordinate closely with public health officials in the Rappahannock Area Health District and Mary Washington Healthcare. 

At this time, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) does not recommend campus-wide testing of students, faculty or staff upon arrival or at certain set intervals. It is not at all clear that a sufficient number of tests would be available even if indications were that this would be an effective strategy. Testing is further complicated by the likelihood of false positive or false negative test results. Instead, UMW will rely upon diagnostic testing of symptomatic individuals and asymptomatic close contacts as described below in the monitoring and containment plans.

In accordance with the Commonwealth’s guidelines, many UMW staff will continue to telework. Prior to the return to campus, members of the community will complete an initial education and training which will be part of a larger communication and shared responsibility campaign on COVID-19.  The “Mary Washington Pledge” will be a precondition for returning to campus this fall. In this pledge, each member of the UMW community will agree to (a) regular self-monitoring and attestation of symptoms, (b) agree not to come to campus if sick, (c) accept University requirements for wearing face coverings, practicing good hygiene, and adhering to social distancing expectations. As part of the campus effort to prepare for repopulation, individual offices are developing their reopening plans in accordance with both CDC and Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) guidance.

Move-in for residential students will be staggered over several days to permit social distancing, and participation by family and friends will be strictly regulated. Students will be encouraged to bring fewer personal belongings to campus this fall. Most events for new student arrival will be virtual (e.g. Honor Convocation) so as not to exceed gathering size requirements and physical distancing guidelines.

UMW will employ several strategies related to physical (social) distancing. First, we will generally adhere to an 8×8 (64 square foot) per person constraint on classroom and meeting spaces. This includes all computer labs, dining facilities, common areas, and other gathering spaces on campus. Practically, this will involve moving some larger classes online and moving smaller classes to larger spaces, including facilities that have not typically been used for classes, such as Dodd Auditorium, Jepson Alumni Center Ballroom, and Chandler Ballroom. Second, we will adhere to American College Health Association (ACHA) guidance for gatherings, which will be limited to 30 for the foreseeable future. Third, UMW Dining will utilize more “grab and go” meal options, eliminate buffets, reduce capacity in dining spaces, expand outdoor dining, while simultaneously creating more spaces for pick up (for example, offering sushi pickup in the Underground).

The University will provide support for increased hygiene practices and make greater use of cleaning and disinfecting. More than 1,000 no-touch hand sanitizing stations will be strategically placed across UMW properties and plexiglass barriers will be installed in high-use windows and reception desks (e.g. Lee Hall, UC, HCC, and Simpson Library). Self-cleaning of desks and work surfaces will be part of the UMW plan, even as Facilities Services increases rotational cleaning of bathrooms and other high-touch areas. Sanitizing wipes will be available in all classroom and meeting spaces, and ubiquitous throughout UMW buildings, including offices. The time between classes has been increased to 20 minutes to permit self-cleaning of learning spaces. Facilities Services will adhere to CDC guidelines for all cleaning protocols and is purchasing 40 electrostatic spray cleaning guns to support enhanced and efficient disinfecting and cleaning.

Residential living will be different this fall. Some residence halls will have lower densities, and all will strictly reduce use of kitchens and common areas. Residence Life staff will receive increased training and new guest policies will significantly limit traffic into and through the residence halls. Student life is investigating creative means of insuring safe social interaction, entertainment, and wellness activities to encourage engagement and community building.

Vulnerable individuals (e.g. those 65 years or older, those with underlying health conditions) will be supported through options that mitigate exposure to risk, including the use of telework and moving approximately one-third of all classes to online learning. Students should work with the Office of Disability Resources, and faculty and staff should contact their supervisor and the Office of Human Resources for additional supports. International students will be required to follow CDC guidelines for quarantine prior to entering campus.

Face coverings (masks and, in some cases, face shields) will be worn by students, faculty, staff and visitors. Training and education will incorporate the face covering imperative. All members of the UMW community will be required to do this when in public spaces with others, including when at least six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained and in shared office spaces, hallways, and stairwells.

The University is exploring options to enhance student health services to support both typical health services as well as COVID-19 needs, such as oversight of quarantine and isolation spaces. All health services staff will have medical-grade PPE for COVID-19, which will be used even for basic operations and typical health services. A working group has been formed around enhancing mental health services with a report due in early July.

UMW Athletics is planning to welcome student-athletes this fall. The department has a core planning team that is focused on ways to provide sport participation in a safe, healthy, and equitable way. Ongoing planning for Athletics will align with UMW’s broader planning, and adhere to local, state and NCAA guidelines. Facility-specific health and safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), administrative controls and other applicable distancing and sanitation guidelines are being addressed. Updates for return to play protocols will be communicated to head coaches and the UMW community as information becomes available.

 

Monitoring Plans

UMW will utilize a daily symptom self-reporting tool to monitor the health of the campus populations and will make available self-check temperature stations on campus. All members of the community, who are physically on a campus, will be expected to participate in and support campus disease surveillance. The University will also have a series of protocols for all students, faculty, and staff, which includes testing as recommended by public health.

 

Containment Plans

UMW will partner with the Rappahannock Area Health District of the Virginia Department of Health for contact tracing in order to support the rapid quarantining of individuals who are suspected to have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed positive with COVID-19. UMW is converting appropriate residence halls into dedicated quarantine and isolation space to support the containment of COVID-19 on campus. Such spaces will be outfitted with medical amenities (e.g. thermometers, pulse oximeters), refreshments and snacks, and supplies (e.g. linens) to support a 14-day quarantine. Sodexo will be providing meal delivery to individuals in these spaces.

 

Shutdown Plans

In consultation with local and state public health officials, a campus dismissal (return to remote learning) or shutdown (closure of campus offices) would be necessary under several conditions. For example, such conditions could include:

  • Sustained negative trends in public health data, including a return to Phase Two under the Forward Virginia Blueprint for the Rappahannock health district,
  • Concern from local health systems that hospital bed capacity is limited and/or testing capacity is insufficient,
  • Broadscale breakdown in adherence to sound public health principles, and
  • Supply chain or capacity constraints which undermine UMW’s repopulation, monitoring, and containment plans (e.g. insufficient cleaning supplies, lack of PPE, or exceeding quarantine capacity).

 

Technology Investments

To support these plans and the continuity of operations, the University has extensively surveyed students, faculty and staff to more fully understand gaps in hardware and internet access, which were manifested when classes were forced to go remote with little warning in the spring semester. That feedback is being used to make decisions and a number of investments, including securing WiFi access spots for individuals (students, faculty, and staff) with limited home access, an enterprise site license of Zoom for all students, faculty, and staff, as well as the installation of webcams and document cameras in classrooms. Jabber, a remote access phone client, is available through the Help Desk so that individuals working remotely can answer their office phone from their computer irrespective of their location. Other investments are under investigation, including the creation of virtual computer labs so that members of the University community have access to licensed software from anywhere (thereby reducing reliance on dedicated computer labs with reduced occupancy).

 

Next Steps

Further details of this plan will be developed in the coming days as UMW prepares its full plan for submission to SCHEV. That plan will be posted on the UMW website prior to July 6, 2020. We know that many of you have questions. We do as well, and we will continue to refine our answers even as we encounter new questions. This is especially relevant to “move-in” dates and course modality. We anticipate having further answers to those questions by the time we submit our plan in July.

Thank you for your continuing support and commitment to reopening UMW.

 

[1] (a) Protect the health, safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community, (b) Preserve the ability to fulfill our mission – teaching and learning that serves the public good, (c) Maintain those university operations that support student success and our ability to fulfill our mission, (d) Preserve the University’s financial capacity as well as its long-term financial health to fulfill our mission now and into the future, (e) Honor our community values (ASPIRE—Accountability, Scholarship, Personal and Individual Integrity, Inclusive Excellence, Respect and Civility, Engagement).

A message from President Paino regarding ICE decision on international students

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The University of Mary Washington is alarmed by the recent decision from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency barring international students from entering or remaining in the United States in the event that they are able to enroll only online this fall. UMW has and will continue to welcome international students as valuable members of our community. These changes to student visa policies are arbitrary and damaging to the University, our students, and our region.

While the University is and will continue to monitor the situation, ongoing developments, and current legal actions, UMW is also taking specific steps in response:

  • The University, with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office, is exploring how best to support the Harvard/MIT lawsuit challenging the forthcoming rules that bar online study for international students.
  • The University’s Director of the Center for International Education, Dr. Jose A. Sainz, is closely following developments and has been in communication with and providing support to all UMW students likely to experience impact from these policy changes.
  • International students may continue to avail themselves of academic and social support services such as advising, virtual access to the library, the James Farmer Multicultural Center, and the Talley Center for mental health as long as they are enrolled at UMW.
  • As part of UMW’s plan to reopen this fall, and as documented in our submission to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), UMW has committed to materially supporting international students in meeting federal guidelines for self-quarantine following entry into the United States prior to the start of classes.

To start the 2020-2021 academic year, UMW intends to offer courses delivered in multiple modalities: online, hybrid, and face-to-face. The process of deciding which courses will be taught in which modality is ongoing and evolving as circumstances change. Such choices will always be made in the interest of public health, the well-being of our faculty, staff and students, and our commitment to high quality instruction.

A particularly pernicious aspect of the Department of Homeland Security’s decision is that it irresponsibly pressures institutions to make decisions about teaching modalities that have nothing to do with health or pedagogy. Institutions of higher education must remain flexible in order to best respond to trends in public health data and the wellbeing of students and employees. If circumstances warrant, courses that are currently scheduled to meet face-to-face on campus must have the ability to go online without derailing the educational attainment of international students.

Fall 2020 is clearly an exceptional one for the entire world. Higher education has repeatedly assured students and other stakeholders that this environment is an anomaly and adversity mitigated only when we share responsibility and work together as a community. Yet this ruling seems to indicate that international students are secondary contributors to American education. It is a misguided framework, and most educators will attest to their experience that international students stand equal with U.S. students in their intellectual, social, and financial impact. The richness and diversity of thought brought by a variety of cultures are crucial to a global perspective that benefits all students and this nation. Either we stand together during this pandemic or we are all fundamentally weakened and vulnerable.

Update on UMW’s Police Community Advisory Panel

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A message from the Office of the President.

To the campus community:

As a follow up to my recent email about formation of a Police Community Advisory Panel (CAP), I wanted to remind you of this group’s charge and to announce the committee’s membership. As part of my commitment to a complete and open accounting of the events surrounding the May 31 Fredericksburg community protests, I pledged to create an independent panel to fully examine the actions of our police. I have asked members of the CAP to thoroughly review the incident and to make recommendations as to how our police can better align with UMW’s community values.

Here are the members:

Students
Maya Jenkins
Salem Smith

Faculty
Danny Tweedy

Staff
Arin Doerfler

Community Members
Pamela Jones
Claire Cole Curcio

BOV Members
Rhonda VanLowe
Allida Black

Alumni
Marc Tate ‘92
Zaya Ahmed ‘18

Ex Officio
Davis McCrory, Internal Auditor

I am grateful for the willingness of each member to serve and undertake this important task, and I will keep you updated as their work progresses.

President Troy Paino

 

March and Resolution Demonstrate Mary Washington’s Stance

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Several hundred University of Mary Washington students, faculty and staff marched from Campus Walk to Market Square in Fredericksburg last week in support of racial equality and Black Lives Matter. Photo courtesy of Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker.

Several hundred University of Mary Washington students, faculty and staff marched from Campus Walk to Market Square in Fredericksburg last week in support of racial equality and Black Lives Matter. Photo courtesy of Dean of Student Life Cedric Rucker.

Eight minutes and 46 seconds.

After walking from the University of Mary Washington campus to downtown Fredericksburg’s Market Square, a contingent of several hundred UMW protesters became silent as march organizer Kyree Ford ’21 set the timer on his iPhone. He directed the marchers to quietly observe the length of time a Minneapolis police officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck, ultimately terminating his life.

Unimaginable, is the way Ford, incoming president of the UMW Student Government Association (SGA), described it. The UMW Board of Visitors, in a meeting yesterday, shared that sentiment in a resolution stating that on May 25 “for eight minutes and forty-six seconds an officer knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck, as Mr. Floyd called out for his life saying, ‘I can’t breathe.’”

Further, stated the Board resolution, “around the world people from all nationalities, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and walks of life have assembled to protest, march and rally to mourn Mr. Floyd’s death and express their outrage with the social injustice of systemic racism that has led to the deaths of George Perry Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown and so many more.”

The resolution, which passed unanimously, resolved that the Board supports the family of George Floyd and “stands with the thousands in our country and around the world, including members of the Mary Washington community, who have engaged in peaceful protests to affirm that Black Lives Matter, and to call for an end to the social injustice and systemic racism that permeates the fabric of our country.”

Ford said he and the SGA Cabinet “felt moved to do something during this very difficult time.” How crazy, he said, that in the midst of a deadly pandemic, “we have to go out and fight for our lives.”

Last Friday’s hastily organized march drew students, faculty, staff and administrators, many carrying signs. President Troy Paino and his family joined in. Ford said he was overwhelmed by the turnout. What that level of participation, even in a time of social distancing, says to him is: “Mary Washington is on the right side in terms of race relations.”

The Board resolution reinforced that sense for Ford. Also impressive, he added, is the step taken by President Paino and his wife Kelly to initiate with a $5,000 challenge gift a scholarship in memory of George Floyd. The scholarship, which has a goal of $100,000, is designed to promote the development of leadership skills for students committed to addressing societal issues disproportionately affecting black and underrepresented communities.

Ford said the SGA has called upon various campus groups to create a video and will plan other events later in the summer and after students arrive on campus. “We want to reaffirm that everyone has a place at Mary Washington.”

Vice President of Student Affairs Juliette Landphair, who participated in the march, praised the activism and initiative of the SGA. “It was a powerful reflection of our community values and the energy of our students.” She added, “As Dr. James Farmer once expressed, ‘freedom and equality are inherent rights in the United States; therefore, I encourage young people to take on the task by standing up and speaking out on behalf of people denied those rights.’”

Memorializing George Floyd: UMW Board Passes Resolution, President Seeds Scholarship

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In its June 10 meeting, the Board of Visitors of the University of Mary Washington unanimously passed a resolution declaring solidarity with the family of George Floyd and the scores of protesters who are making their voices heard. “We stand with the thousands in our country and around the world, including members of the Mary Washington community, who have engaged in peaceful protests to affirm that Black Lives Matter, and to call for an end to the social injustice and systemic racism that permeate the fabric of our country,” the resolution stated.

UMW’s Board of Visitors passed a resolution declaring solidarity with the family of George Floyd and those engaged in peaceful protests to affirm that Black Lives Matter.

UMW’s Board of Visitors passed a resolution declaring solidarity with the family of George Floyd and those engaged in peaceful protests to affirm that Black Lives Matter.

In addition to the Board action, President Troy D. Paino announced that he and his wife Kelly Paino will seed a new scholarship in the memory of George Floyd. The scholarship will promote the development of leadership skills for students committed to addressing societal issues disproportionately affecting black and underrepresented communities. Their initial gift of $5,000 will serve as a challenge to members of the University community to financially assist Mary Washington students who are emerging leaders dedicated to driving action around social issues. The Painos’ challenge was quickly matched by Board member Allida Black and her wife Judy Beck, who will issue their own $5,000 challenge for the fund. The scholarships goal is $100,000.

The resolution was the first priority on the agenda during the Board’s regular meeting. Members also recommitted themselves to the University’s Statement of Values and adherence to policies and practices that promote equity, fairness, access and an inclusive environment of mutual respect for all members of the Mary Washington community. Further, they stated their dedication to “rooting out any practice within our community that stems from implicit bias, or systemic racism.”

The resolution, submitted by Board member Rhonda VanLowe, comes on the heels of a number of steps the University has taken over the last several years to ensure that UMW is fully welcoming and inclusive. Following the adoption in 2017 of the strategic vision drafted by President Paino, UMW organically developed a community values statement known as ASPIRE. The University established the new role of Vice President for Equity and Access and focused on hiring more diverse employees, as well as created additional campus-wide opportunities for dialogue around, awareness of, and training about racism, implicit bias and microaggressions.

The James Farmer Multicultural Center (JFMC) continues to serve as a resource for programming and center of support for all students. Additionally, the JFMC offers opportunities for experiential learning such as a social justice leadership summit and the fall 2018 and 2019 social justice trips that followed the path of the original Freedom Rides. In 2020, the University launched a year-long celebration marking the 100th anniversary of James Farmer’s birth and helping preserve the legacy of the civil rights icon and former Mary Washington professor.

Message #4 from the Task Force

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A message from the President’s Task Force.

Colleagues,

This is the fourth in a series of weekly messages from the COVID-19 Task Force. And while every week since the pandemic began has been difficult in its own way – from first learning about an abrupt pivot to remote instruction and telework and hearing challenging budget news, to our collective sadness about not being able to properly celebrate the accomplishments of our students – the Task Force pauses to acknowledge this especially painful week of violence and injustice in our community and across the nation. Yet, because higher education is both a force for social justice and a powerful antidote to individual and systemic racism and the anti-democratic impulse, we bring renewed determination to our efforts to return to campus this fall.

For the Task Force, the pace has quickened as the full-scope of fall planning comes into view. Our first attempt has undergone revision as we receive additional guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and consult with colleagues across the Commonwealth. Late last week, VDH released directions regarding testing and contact tracing. Contrary to the claim from some universities across the country that they will have large scale testing of all members of their community on reentry while using random sampling throughout the semester, VDH is urging institutions to focus scarce testing resources on symptomatic individuals and contacts of those who test positive. On Tuesday, Governor Northam introduced the Virginia Blueprint’s Phase II Guidance, which has many instructions for organizations and their operations and we are working to incorporate these best practices in our situation, even if the distinctive nature of a residential university like ours must be more restrictive than these phases. And, looking ahead to next week, we expect to receive additional guidance from the Governor’s Office and the state-wide education task force. Considering all of these inputs, we will then need to adapt UMW’s plan.

Also, you should know that we are planning for multiple scenarios, and striving to build a plan that is flexible and capable of adapting as circumstances change. As an example, we are modeling out different “COVID capacities” for our classrooms and learning spaces. We have seen estimates from other schools set the bar at 100 square feet/person while others have settled on 36 square feet/person. Our entire room inventory is being recalibrated and mapped to maximize opportunity for participation while minimizing the risk of transmission. We look to share those new capacities in the next week or two so that faculty and staff can continue the important work of reimagining the spaces in which we teach, learn, and work.

One thing is clear: The campus and the campus experience will be very different this fall. From an employee perspective:

  • We will wear masks
  • We will self-monitor our symptoms
  • Many of us will continue to telework and offices will develop rotations for employees to help ensure social distancing
  • Many of our reception and information desks/windows will be protected by plexiglass or similar barriers
  • Zoom will continue to be our meeting room for gatherings large and small

For our students, things will also be different:

  • On-campus dining will be grab-and-go, rather than gathering around a table
  • Common spaces in our residence halls will be limited and some halls will be empty, set-aside as quarantine and isolation spaces
  • Classrooms will be at lower capacities to account for social distancing
  • Some students will participate remotely
  • Events will be smaller and some of our traditions like Honor Convocation will be virtualized
  • Many meetings and office hours will be conducted virtually
  • And masks will be worn

And therein lies our challenge. What we know about what matters most in college – connections with others and deep learning experiences – are in many ways in direct conflict with the plans we are putting in place to return to campus. How then can we maximize opportunities, connections, and experiences while prioritizing the health and safety of all members of our community? How then even as we put up plexiglass and develop protocols for separation can we are introduce new ways of gathering and interacting?

Harnessing our collective creativity and energy to adapt to what we know matters is the task ahead. It is the work of the next weeks, months, and indeed, the next year. So, as always, if you have thoughts, concerns, or questions, you may reach out to us or other members of the Task Force. (For previous messages, go to EagleEye.) At the same time, we also really want to hear your ideas for how we might meet the challenge before us.

 

Jeff McClurken and Tim O’Donnell

Members of the President’s Task Force

Virtual Town Hall Addresses Campus ‘Hurt’

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UMW President Troy Paino addressed an audience of concerned students yesterday afternoon during a virtual town hall meeting.

The event – planned for an hour but extended by 15 minutes to allow more students to speak – was called in light of protests taking place throughout the country and in the Fredericksburg area since the May 25 murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

“I just wanted to let you all know that my mind and my heart have been with you over the past week and a half, and really since we left each other back in March,” Paino said at the start of the session, hosted live via Zoom.

While a number of faculty and staff members expressed interest in participating, President Paino wanted to have an exclusive conversation with students. Their concerns centered on the presence of UMW Police Sunday night during a protest when city police used tear gas to displace protesters. Other topics included the university’s stance on systemic racism and on the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Black lives do matter,” said Vice President for Equity and Access Sabrina Johnson, who joined Paino yesterday as a panelist, along with UMW Police Chief Mike Hall. “I want to mention the names our leaders mention: Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd. I want their names to be in this space during this very important discussion.”

Just hours before Floyd’s first memorial service was set to be begin in Minneapolis, students took their turns onscreen to pose questions to Paino, who told them that he has lined up discussions with Fredericksburg officials, including the police chief, city manager and mayor. The university is committed to working through what happened, he said, and to maintaining transparency in communicating those findings.

Paino pledged that UMW will continue its efforts to recruit a more diverse faculty and to live by its code of community values, also known as ASPIRE. He acknowledged his intent to join in solidarity with students who planned a peaceful walk from Mary Washington to Fredericksburg’s Market Square this afternoon. The march, officially announced in a UMW email today from Student Government Association President Kyree Ford,was meant to support students of color and “to show the campus community that black lives matter and hate has no home at Mary Washington.”

“I stand with you.” A message from President Paino

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To the University of Mary Washington Family:

Thank you for living our community values in your everyday lives in the midst of a global pandemic. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to social justice on campus, in the Fredericksburg community, and beyond. Thank you for lending your voices to righting wrongs and addressing the challenges of the past with a keen eye toward the promises of the future. Thank you for working tirelessly to make this world a better place for everyone.

Over the past few days, I have heard from several members of the Mary Washington community concerning a host of issues – most stemming from the systemic racism that’s embedded in the fabric of our nation – and the resulting injustices that have manifested themselves time and again throughout our troubled history. These injustices have caused immense pain and anguish for generations of African Americans. To our African American students, faculty, staff, and alumni, we stand in solidarity with you during these troubling times and we boldly proclaim that black lives matter.

We denounce the senseless killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, George Floyd, and a multitude of men and women who have died unjustly simply because of the color of their skin. We denounce police brutality, unfair judicial practices, and all forms of institutionalized racism that have created deeply entrenched racial disparities in this country.

We stand by our Guiding Principles and Values. UMW is dedicated to providing a diverse, accepting, and supportive environment that holds all of its members to the highest standards of conduct, scholarship, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and engagement. We live this by fighting against explicit and implicit bias and for equity and access.

Our students of color must feel safe and valued on the entire campus and not just in “safe places” like the James Farmer Multicultural Center. I have heard students tell me that seeing more faculty who look like them, who have their shared experiences, would go a long way toward creating a more inclusive community. The progress we have made on this front over the last couple of years is just a start, we must continue those efforts by recruiting and retaining more faculty of color.

At yesterday’s town hall with students and throughout the week, I have heard great disappointment, hurt, and anger regarding the presence of UMW police when city police used tear gas and other means to disperse protesters on the streets of Fredericksburg. We will conduct a full and independent review of the incidents this week to determine the role of UMW police. In the days to come, I will announce the nature of that review and will commit to transparency throughout the process. I have reached out to city officials, including the police chief, mayor, and city manager, to ensure that UMW can work with the city toward a better understanding of what happened that evening.

What I do know is the individuals we have assigned to the regional crisis response team are not certified to deploy tear gas. Chief Mike Hall and the police report indicate that our officers were called in to protect a building and did not participate in any efforts to disperse the crowd. If engagements are found to have taken place outside established protocols, I will take action. Our police officers are public servants who have taken an oath to protect and serve. Chief Hall and the UMW police force hold themselves to a higher standard because of the critical role they play in helping all members of our community go safely about their daily lives. We expect them to stand by the principles of good community policing, and we pledge to be transparent in all law enforcement matters as not to erode public trust.

On April 25, 2020, I published a column in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. In it, I expressed hope that we come out of the pandemic with a better understanding of how meaning and purpose grow in direct proportion to how much we invest in other people’s lives. I expressed how grateful I am for this opportunity to lead an institution whose mission is to prepare students to contribute to a community built on values of justice, equal opportunity, and love for one another. I stated that “it is not by accident that the first pillar of UMW’s vision, An Investment of Hope for the Future, is to promote the values of service, community, and civic engagement.” Those are the means by which we build that “Beloved Community” envisioned by Dr. King.

During this great time of pain and sorrow, I have been so proud of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have stood up against systemic racism and for social justice. I stand with you as we carry on this fight in the name of love.

Sincerely,

Troy Paino