Dear UMW Community,
We are looking forward to the spring season on campus, and all that is about to bloom, from the numerous scholarly projects in our classes and labs, to the beautiful landscaping that makes this place one of a kind.
I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our Facilities Services staff, who worked tirelessly to clear campus of the snow and ice in February and keep our buildings heated during some of the coldest days of the year. As the temperatures rose above freezing, we had a warm welcome for prospective students and their families at our Feb. 16 Open House. In March, we’ll host admitted students for Majors & Mentors Day on March 13 – a new event that offers an academic showcase and ways to connect with student peers and possible faculty advisors in areas of study. Saturday, March 14, is a Destination UMW Day, and our Founders Day. We’ll host another Open House on Friday, April 3 and Destination UMW on Saturday, April 18. Thank you for sharing what you love about UMW during these signature events.
As we reflect on our history, from our 1908 founding when the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation establishing the State Normal and Industrial School at Fredericksburg, to our ongoing dedication to the liberal arts and sciences, we also look toward the future. The Strategic Action Plan Implementation Process continues this spring semester. Following feedback from the campus community, the planning groups are working to develop SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) goals for each priority.
We have communicated our legislative priorities, including continuing previously appropriated operating funds and student financial aid. We have specific requests for a feasibility study for Simpson Library, as well as increased campus maintenance funds to address some of our most immediate building repairs. As part of our technology infrastructure, we’ve asked for another year of funding for implementation of our Enterprise Resource Program Planning (ERP), as we begin implementation of Workday. We are requesting a second year of funding for the Master of Science in Nursing program, which is now accepting applications. In addition, as you all know, we are in the preliminary planning stages for a medical school and have requested planning funds as we partner with Mary Washington Healthcare on the next steps. All of these requests have made it into at least one of the House and Senate’s initial budget bills, and we will follow up as they move forward into the budget conference.
The next phase of the new theatre project is in progress, as we bid farewell to Marshall and Russell Halls to prepare the site for construction. The new locker rooms at the Battleground Athletic Complex are scheduled to arrive in March, with an opportunity to name a locker happening now. Accessibility improvements are ongoing in Ball Hall, and we appreciate everyone navigating around the site, which may include a temporary path closure on Ball Circle for the accessible ramp installation. During spring break, we’ll begin several upgrades along Campus Walk, including new wayfinding signage, along with sidewalk cleaning to remove debris and materials from the winter weather treatments. Later this spring, we’ll be adding in new benches too.
We start spring break by welcoming the Science Olympiad back to campus for its annual high school competition. The coming months will certainly be busy, not just with March Madness for basketball, but with numerous cultural events and campus traditions. Hear more about one of the strongest seasons for men’s basketball in our latest podcast episode. Mark your calendars now for Mary Wash Day, March 25-26, ASPIRE Week, April 13-18, and an extended Research and Creativity Week starting April 20 in celebration of 20 years of Research and Creativity Day. Plus, it’s the 100th anniversary of Devil-Goat Day, and our alumni can join in the challenge this year. Check out the themes each month.
I also encourage each of you to reorient yourself with resources on campus. We recently announced SCHEV grant support for the Gwen Hale Resource Center, and our Health and Wellness colleagues continue to offer programs and expanded awareness for a variety of opportunities. Students can access on-demand, free mental health services any time via TimelyCare, online or via the app. Go to timelycare.com/umw to get started. For faculty and staff, information about the Employee Assistance Program may be accessed through the Human Resources website.
I hope you have a restful and rejuvenating spring break, whether it’s filled with family and friends, or travel and adventures. Should you seek additional ways to learn more, I’ll share a quick reminder of our Business Acumen Series offered through Continuing and Professional Studies, which has partnered with the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts to share a convenient Intro to AI course. UMW students, faculty, staff and alumni also have complimentary access to Coursera Career Academy to earn industry-designed microcredentials. These courses can complement coursework or provide professional development pathways. I can’t wait to see what each of you accomplishes next.
Go, Eagles,
Troy Paino
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