Room assignments will be made in early July and communicated via the UMW Portal. Transfer students will receive their room assignments in early August.

Can I request to live in a specific building?

While we cannot guarantee placement in the residence hall of your choice, you have the opportunity on the Housing and Dining Services contract to indicate your top building preference. Please keep in mind that some buildings are requested more frequently than others. Alvey and Mason Halls have for a number of years been the most requested buildings for first year students.

Can I request to live with a certain person?

Absolutely! There is a section in the Housing and Dining Services contract that allows you to indicate your preferred roommate. Please keep in mind that these requests can only be honored if both individuals request each other on their respective housing contracts. If you want to indicate a roommate preference after you have submitted your Housing Contract you will need to submit your request in writing to the Office of Residence Life.

Can I request to have a certain room or certain style bathroom?

Unfortunately it is not possible for us to honor specific requests for room style, such as a double room, corner room, or suite bathroom. In order to make the room assignments fair for everyone all students have an equal opportunity of getting a particular room or bathroom assignment.

Please note that having a preferred roommate does not guarantee that you will be assigned to a double room. Room assignments are system generated.

How do I choose a meal plan?

Choosing a meal plan is up to the individual student. All first year residential students must have either the Super or 15 Meal Plan. This option is noted on the Housing and Dining services contract that the student fills out and returns to the Office of Residence Life. For more information regarding the meal plans available please see the Dining On-Campus section of the FAQs or refer to the Dining Services website at: http://www.umwdining.com/plans.shtml.

What is the FYE-GOLD Program and how can I get involved?

Please refer to information about this program posted to our web site at http://www.umw.edu/cas/residencelife/prospective/fye/default.php.

How do I get my student ID?

You can submit a properly formatted photo online and receive your card during Orientation check-in. If you are unable to do that, you can stop in to the ID Center while on campus this summer (during business hours) and have your ID photo taken. It is strongly advised that you have the ID photo either submitted or taken prior to your arrival in the fall.

When is move in?

Move-in for first-year and transfer students is Wednesday, August 20, 2008 from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Upperclassmen move-in Sunday, August 24, 2008 between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Early arrivals will not be permitted unless in connection with a University activity. Please plan accordingly. If you need to arrive in the Fredericksburg area early, please plan to make arrangements at a local hotel. Additionally, individuals will not be permitted to move belongings in early.

Will anyone be available to help move me into my building?

Yes. Our Orientation Leaders and upperclass student volunteers will be on hand to assist students in moving into the residence halls. Students will also meet in small groups with the Orientation Leaders to have any questions answered that they may have regarding life here at UMW.

When does Orientation begin?

Orientation begins right after move in on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, at noon.

What should I keep in mind for move-in day?

Virginia is very warm in August and move-in day can be made much easier by preparing ahead of time for the weather. Please remember to wear light-colored clothing and bring lots of water to drink during the day. If you live in a building that does not have air conditioning, remember to bring a fan. Additionally, parking close to the residence halls will be crowded so be prepared to unload your belongings and move your vehicle to ensure that everyone has access to the building entrances.

How many roommates will I have?

The Office of Residence Life cannot guarantee the specific number of roommates that a resident will have. We have doubles, triples and quad rooms on campus. Roommates are randomly assigned based on preferences noted on the Housing and Dining Services Contract. Every student has the same chances of being placed in a double, triple or quad room.

Can I install a window A/C unit in my room if my building does not have A/C?

No. Window A/C units are prohibited in the residence halls unless you have received an accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. If you have received an accommodation, you will receive a letter with further details regarding your window AC unit.

Is there smoking in the residence halls?

All residence halls are non-smoking. Additionally, while smoking is allowed outside of the residence halls, students are required to be 50 feet from the building.

Do all of the residence halls have elevators?

No. Virginia and Mason Halls are the first-year buildings that do not have elevators.

What are the bathroom facilities like?

Some residence halls have communal floor bathrooms where each floor shares a common area bathroom containing individual toilets and shower stalls which are cleaned by the house keeping staff. Other residence halls have suite-style bathrooms which are two rooms connected by a shared bathroom which are cleaned by the residents of the adjoining rooms. Both styles have their own unique advantages.

Is there a housekeeping service to clean my room and bathroom?

There is no housekeeping service to clean individual residence hall rooms or individual bathrooms. Housekeeping does clean hall bathrooms that are shared by an entire floor.

What is included in my room?

Each residence hall is unique, but some standard furnishings include: a twin bed frame and mattress, desk, and chair for each resident. Each resident also has dresser and closet space. Cable, local telephone and internet services are also provided. You will need to provide your own television, cable wire, telephone, answering machine, computer, and Ethernet card and cable.

Do I need to bring my own computer?

Computers are not required; however, they are strongly recommended. There are several 24-hour computer labs on campus where students can do research, type documents and have them printed. For more information on what kind of computer and software is most compatible at UMW please visit http://www.umw.edu/technology.

Will I need to bring a phone or answering machine?

UMW does not provide individual telephones or answering machines for students. Students will want to contact their roommates and decide who will bring the telephone and answering machine before arriving to campus. For more information on the telephone services offered to students, please visit the Voice Services Office online at http://www.umw.edu/technology/resources/voice.

I usually just use my cell phone. Can I bring it to UMW?

Many students on campus have cell phones and many elect to use them for long distance service. Reception in the area and in the campus buildings varies greatly by provider.

Even if you elect to bring and use your cell phone on campus, it is essential that you have a land-line phone and answering machine in your room both for emergency purposes (dialing x777 will put you in touch with the University Police emergency line from a campus phone) as well as a means of contact by both fellow students and University administrators.

Should I bring a loft?

The choice to purchase a loft is up to the student; however, because lofts are not permitted in Russell or the apartments at UMW we ask you please do not purchase a loft until you have received your room assignment. There are a number of companies that deliver the lofts on move-in day, including Timber Nest. Information on loft companies and the Loft Services Form are available on our website.

Where can I get a fridge for my room?

The University works with QPS Marketing to lease out 3.6 cubic feet refrigerators for on-campus students for a reasonable amount each year. Additional information will soon be posted to our web site about refrigerator rentals. Rentals will be available on move-in day. Many retail stores also have great deals on mini-fridges.

Where can I get a carpet for my room?

The University works with QPS Marketing to sell a variety of carpets appropriate for a residence hall room.The sale will occur on Wednesday, August 20th.

What size sheets should I buy?

All resident rooms have twin beds but many have extra-long mattresses. You will not know until move-in whether or not you have an XL mattress, so it is best to buy XL-twin sheets or twin sheets with "expanded" or "deep" pockets.

XL twin sheets can be hard to find, especially during the beginning of the school year. We have partnered with Residence Hall Linens to ensure you have sheets that fit our beds.

How do the meal plans work?

First-year students are allowed to choose from the Super Meal Plan (unlimited meals in the Seacobeck Dining Hall) and the 15 Meal Plan (15 meals per week). You can eat your meals in any of the dining rooms in Seacobeck Dining Hall or, if you have a 15 meal plan, you may utilize your meal allowance in the Eagle's Nest. Please note that meals you do not consume during the week do not roll over to the next. Both meal plans also include Flex dollars; the Super Meal Plan includes $50 of Flex per semester, and the 15 Meal Plan includes $100 of Flex per semester. Please refer to the Dining Services website at http://www.umwdining.com/plans.shtml for additional information.

My meal plan comes with Flex. What is Flex?

Flex is a lump sum of dollars-equivalent built into all of the meal plans. Though not real money, flex is a debit account for making additional food purchases at all of the dining operations and for catering on campus. Flex balances roll over from the fall to the spring semester. Unused balances at the end of the spring semester will be forfeited. If your Flex runs out earlier, it may be supplemented with EagleOne dollars.

What is a meal allowance?

Meal allowance is a provision built into the 15-, 9-, and 5-Meal Plans allowing you to eat any given meal at the Eagle's Nest rather than the Restaurants at Seacobeck. Meal Allowance can be used during specified hours at the Nest, and can purchase a variety of combo meals without the need of additional Flex, EagleOne or cash. If your purchase exceeds the Meal Allowance dollar value for that meal period, the balance may be paid with Flex, EagleOne or cash.

What are EagleOne Dollars?

EagleOne dollars may be purchased in increments of $25 or more throughout the academic year at the EagleOne ID Center (Woodard C.C.), the Office of Student Accounts, or by mail. You may also add money online at http://eagleone.umw.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp EagleOne may be used at the Restaurants at Seacobeck, the Eagle's Nest, and other campus locations such as laundry and vending machines. Purchases made with EagleOne are subject to applicable sales tax. Unused EagleOne dollars will remain in your account, but are only refundable under certain circumstances.

EagleOne can also now be used at certain restaurants off campus as well. Please visit http://www.umw.edu/eagleone/off_campus_eagleone_card/default.php for a list of restaurants accepting EagleOne.

Where can I eat on campus?

There are two dining hall options on campus. The Restaurants of Seacobeck are open from 7:15a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and offer three rooms with various menus and specialty items and cooking stations. The Restaurants at Seacobeck are buffet-style eating and include a number of vegetarian and vegan eating options. Eagle's Nest is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and is an a la carte style facility featuring several stations including a deli, pizzeria, Tex-Mex, Grill, coffee shop, and salad bar. For more information on dining options, please browse the Dining Services website at http://www.umwdining.com/.

I have special dietary needs. Whom do I contact?

You can discuss your questions or concerns with Dining Services at 540.654.2230 or talk to any of the chefs or managers in the dining halls. They will be happy to work with you.

Where can I find the nutritional information about the food?

Any of the chefs or dining managers should be able to answer questions regarding the food choices at both Seacobeck Hall and the Eagle's Nest or visit http://umwdining.com/nutrition.html.

I don't think my roommate and I are going to get along. How can I change rooms?

We strongly encourage you to make an effort to get to know your roommate. You may find that you have more in common than you expected. However, should the need to change rooms arise, room changes will be approved after the first two full weeks of classes each semester. You would need to speak with your RA first to get the process started.

I am not happy with my schedule, how do I change classes?

During drop/add period, in the first week of classes, you may access Banner and change your schedule with your login codes electronically. Once drop/add has ended you may contact the Office of the Registrar in George Washington Hall for schedule changes.

I don't think I have enough/I have too many meals. How can I change my meal plan?

Meal plans can be changed during the first two weeks of school by going to the Office of Student Accounts in George Washington Hall.

I don't want to continue with the major that I was interested in when I came. Is that okay?

You may find that as you progress here at the University your choice of major will change several times. Don't worry. It is estimated that the average college student will change his or her major as least three times in their college career. You are not required to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year. Mary Washington's rigorous general education program will expose you to many fields of study which you may find an interest in and decide to pursue as a major.

I have lost my ID. What do I do?

Make sure that your ID is actually lost and not just hidden somewhere. Make an effort to look for your ID card and if you still cannot find it then you must contact University Police in Brent House or report the loss at http://eagleone.umw.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp. Then go to the EagleOne ID center located in the Woodard Campus Center to get a new ID card. The cost for replacing an ID card is $20.

I have lost my room key, what do I do?

Make an effort to find your missing key and if it is not found, file a report with the University Police in Brent House. Please make sure to also tell your RA that you have lost your key. You will be fined for the replacement key and resultant core changes.

What is a Resident Assistant and how can they help me?

Resident Assistants are specially trained upperclass residents who live in the building and assist each resident in their adjustment to University life. They provide everything from work orders and maintenance requests to social and educational programming. They are available to answer any question a resident might have about life here at the University. They also serve as a resource for valuable information about campus activities and awareness.

What is my EagleOne card used for and how do I add money to it?

Your EagleOne card is a part of your student ID and allows you to use money for vending, laundry, and copying machines around campus without having to carry cash. You can use either cash or EagleOne dollars to transfer funds onto your card by going to the EagleOne ID Center in Woodard Campus Center or by using the 24-hr ID reader next to the EagleOne ID Center. For more information visit https://eagleone.umw.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

What are community standards and how are they created?

Community standards are the rules and regulations for each residence hall, on which residents vote for at the beginning of the year during the first hall meeting. Community Standards relate to visitation, quiet hours, or any other issue which affects everyone in the community. Some community standards are also revised at the beginning of the spring semester. As a member of your residence hall community everyone is expected to uphold and enforce them.

Can I have a pet in my room?

While you are allowed to have a pet in the residence halls, the only animals allowed are of the underwater variety (fish only). Please note that only one tank no larger than 20 gallons is permitted in each room.

Residents found in violation will be fined and will be given 24 hours to remove the animal from the premises. If the animal is not removed, we have no option but to turn it over to Animal Control and file judicial charges.

Can I have overnight visitors in the residence halls?

First-year students are not allowed to have overnight visitors the first semester of their freshman year. This regulation is reviewed in the spring semester and residents of each building will vote on whether to allow visitation second semester as part of the community standards.

My advisor is not in my major department, does that matter?

For your freshman year, your academic advisor is normally assigned based on your academic interests that you expressed on your application. When you declare your academic major your sophomore year, you will be reassigned an advisor within your major. But before then, all faculty members have been trained to advise you in your scheduling and filling your general education assignments. If your advisor is unable to answer your questions, then another option is to talk to the Office of Academic Services in George Washington Hall.

What classes can I take pass/fail?

While you can take any class pass/fail, there are some guidelines. All classes that count toward your general education, across-the-curriculum, or major requirements must be taken for a letter grade. The only exceptions are physical education requirements which are all taken pass/fail. Additionally you can only sign up for one pass/fail class per semester.

I didn't get into any classes for my major, what do I do?

Most majors on campus are designed to be completed in less than four years, giving first-year students time to work on their general education requirements first. If you did not get into any classes in your major and are concerned that you will be behind in your requirements, then make sure to discuss your concerns with your advisor or a faculty member in the department.

I need help with my class, who can I talk to?

If you are having difficulty with your class then your first step should be to talk about your problems with your professor. All of our professors keep office hours during the week, and most also take appointments if their hours are not convenient. Most importantly, they are here to help their students and are always willing to listen. If you require help in an academic study area, apply through the Office of Academic Services for free tutoring, academic workshops, or advising.

Are there any offices on campus that can help me with my papers or presentations?

Mary Washington students and staff are always available to help students in need. The school has many free resources to help in these situations including a Writing Center where student staffers help revise and review your papers before they are due, and a Speaking Center where the staff can help your presentation and public speaking skills before a presentation. The Academic Services Office also has a number of free services including tutoring and academic skill workshops available to all students.

How do I get around without a car?

We understand that this can be a real concern! Not only can students ride the Fredericksburg Regional Transit Bus or "FRED" for free with their student ID, but the University also worked with the City of Fredericksburg to develop a weekend "FRED Express" which travels from the campus to downtown Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania Mall, and Central Park Shopping Center, on a rotating hour schedule. The FRED Express schedule is located in your campus directory, which you will receive on move-in day. Additionally, students are a very short walk from historic Downtown Fredericksburg and the Fredericksburg Park and Shop Shopping Center.

How do I get involved on-campus?

The possibilities are endless. There are over 100 clubs and organizations at UMW including sports, religious organizations, student government, hall council, and special-interest clubs. Most of these clubs are open to everyone and will be involved in the annual "Club Carnival," held the first week of September, where they will recruit new members. Organizations like Hall Council are run through the residence halls and will involve elections announced during hall meetings. Finally, Class Council, Judicial Review Board, and Honor Council all have class-wide elections at the beginning of the year and will publicize information. For questions about a certain organization, check out the Student Activities website at www.umw.edu/osacs.

Does UMW offer weekend entertainment for students?

Every weekend is different at UMW. We offer many feature programs, dances, movies, and other free or inexpensive events open to the students. The Office of Student Activities organizes a late-night Friday programming series involving anything from drive-in movies to themed dances and barbecues. Many clubs and organizations plan weekend events, host speakers, and offer fun activities for the students. Class Council organizes the annual events and school dances. Giant Productions brings bands and comedians to campus and Cheap Seats Cinema shows recently released blockbuster movies in Dodd Auditorium. For more information on what's going on, check out the Student Activities website at www.umw.edu/osacs.

Is there anything open late in the area?

On-campus the Eagle's Nest offers its "late-night" service as a pub alternative from 11:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Additionally we are not far from Central Park shopping center where there are a number of late-night or 24-hour eating/shopping establishments.

I live far away, how can I arrange transportation home?

UMW is minutes away from both a Greyhound bus station and an Amtrak rail station that many students use to travel far away. Additionally, the school is 50 miles away from Washington, D.C. where you can also catch a train at Union Station or access Reagan, Dulles, or BWI airport for your traveling needs. It is recommend that students apply for student advantage discount cards through Amtrak, and work out their holiday travel plans in advance. Another option is to check out the "rides wanted/needed" bulletin board in the Campus Center, next to the Eagle's Nest. On this board students post their travel needs and dates/locations. Carpooling is always an option at UMW.

Is there a cheap and easy way to go into D.C.?

UMW is a short walk from the Fredericksburg Regional Transit train station where students can ride the Virginia Railway Express (or VRE) to Washington, D.C. for an inexpensive ticket price during business hours. Please refer to the VRE website at http://www.vre.org/ for more information.

I need to get a job. Can the school help me?

If, like many college students, you are short on money and need to find employment that will fit in with your school schedule, contact student employment through the Office of Financial Aid or Sodexho Catering Services in the dining hall or via email. On campus employment opportunities include broad areas not limited to, working in the dining hall, Eagles Nest, and offices across campus. Residence Life has opportunities for students to be residential assistants and desk aides. Applications for student employment are available at the Financial Aid Office in Annex – B, the module unit located on College Avenue next door to Human Resources located in the white frame house. The Office of Careers Services in George Washington Hall offers jobs-listings binder full- and part-time jobs in the area.