President Responds to Club Sport Conduct Code Violation

I would like to provide additional information related to the email I sent yesterday. At an off-campus party at the close of the fall 2014 semester, several members of the UMW men’s rugby club engaged in a chant that contained sexually explicit, derogatory, and violent language. Some students have now been exposed to those offensive and lurid lyrics due to posting by others on social media. No student on this campus should feel unsafe, ostracized, or threatened. Understanding that the offensive chant is antithetical to UMW values, and will not be tolerated, the University pursued action against the men’s rugby club.  At the beginning of the current semester, sanctions were imposed on the rugby club for willful violations of UMW’s code of conduct for club sports. After an appeal by the accused, the disciplinary process concluded on March 18 with this ruling: All rugby club activities have been suspended indefinitely. Further, each member of the men’s rugby club is required to … [Read more...]

Message to the UMW Campus Community

Our Statement of Community Values is a powerful document. It embodies the principles and ideals toward which we all strive. More than 107 years in development, these values have become a part of the fabric of the Mary Washington experience, and they are at the core of what contributes to that special, intangible feeling people get when they become a part of this university. I write today to encourage the university community to continue efforts to uphold these values and to end sexual assault, violence against women, and other forms of discrimination and harassment that prevail in our society. There is no room at the University of Mary Washington for such behavior. Gone are the days of accepting the status quo and continuing inappropriate actions cloaked in the auspice of tradition or business as usual. Achievement of excellence doesn't come without struggle; and even at Mary Washington, we have moments of pause to reevaluate and assess our own actions and to support a higher … [Read more...]

Thursday, March 28

The Strategic Resource Allocation study launched this week with three full days of meetings of the Academic and Support task forces. The task forces met individually and then together with Larry Goldstein, the president and CEO of Campus Strategies, LLC. In addition, Mr. Goldstein conducted two well-attended open sessions to provide information to the UMW community and to answer questions about the study. I commend the faculty, students, and staff members who are representing the University in this very important endeavor. Their commitment to this project is essential to advancing UMW’s position among the nation’s most outstanding public liberal arts and sciences institutions. … [Read more...]

Thursday, March 14

It is great to see all of the energy on campus this week as our students and faculty have returned after spring break. With only two months until final exams and commencement, the University calendar is packed with many exciting lectures, athletic contests, and community and cultural events. Spring is a great time to be a UMW Eagle! I recently traveled to California to meet with alumni and friends of the University. It is always wonderful to connect with those who share the same love and enthusiasm for Mary Washington. On March 9, the University of Mary Washington was a featured sponsor of the Richmond Forum program, “American Spirit,” presented by Captain Mark Kelly with former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. It was a special evening, with an opportunity to showcase UMW before a large and distinguished audience and to hear an inspiring message from these two extraordinary individuals. Later this week, I look forward to meeting with Mary Washington alumni at the Jefferson … [Read more...]

Thursday, February 28

As you may know, UMW is currently conducting a search for a new provost. Over the past week, two candidates visited the Fredericksburg and Stafford campuses as part of the ongoing provost search process. I want to thank the faculty, staff, and students who attended meetings and open forums with the candidates. This search is an important process for the University of Mary Washington, and the search committee appreciates the input from the UMW community. … [Read more...]

Tuesday, February 12

I am looking forward to the meeting of our Board of Visitors this week. The Board will arrive on Thursday for committee meetings on Friday and the Board meeting on Saturday.  Meetings will be held at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center. The agenda is available by selecting the “February 14, 2013” meeting in Board Docs. You can also learn about the Board by visiting their website, www.umw.edu/bov. On Friday, members of the Board of Visitors will be having lunch in the Faculty/Staff Dining Room in Seacobeck at 12 noon. Board members look forward to this opportunity to have informal conversations with UMW faculty and staff. … [Read more...]

Wednesday, January 30

There are many wonderful events at UMW this month, including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, which featured a thought-provoking and deeply moving address by author Steve Pemberton.  There are also exciting basketball contests in the Anderson Center, as well the start of the 10th season of the Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series programs in Dodd Auditorium. I am traveling to Florida this week to deliver a presentation at the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) conference.  I also will be speaking at UMW alumni events and meeting with friends of the University throughout Florida. Next week, I will travel to England to sign an agreement which will allow UMW students to study at Oxford University.  Studying abroad is such an important part of the UMW learning experience and I am pleased that this agreement will expand opportunities for our students. While in England, I also will spend time at the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, visit with Mary Washington … [Read more...]

Monday, January 14

Excitement and energy fill campus today as the University of Mary Washington starts a new academic semester. It is always a pleasure to see our students and faculty return after the winter break and to welcome new members of the UMW community. The University remains a dynamic scene full of academic, cultural, and athletic events. From the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, to Black History Month activities, to the Chappell Great Lives Lecture Series, UMW anticipates an array of unique activities for our students and community this spring. An overview of campus news and a schedule of events are available in the latest edition of the President’s Community Newsletter. As we begin a new semester today, we also honor the one month anniversary of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. The state flag of Connecticut will be flown from Lee Hall for the first week of classes to remember the victims and families of Sandy Hook Elementary School. … [Read more...]

Thursday, December 20

Happy holidays and best wishes to the University of Mary Washington community. I hope all of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff have safe travels and a peaceful winter break. See you in the New Year! … [Read more...]

Tuesday, November 20

Last week the University of Mary Washington hosted the Board of Visitors for the annual November meeting. The Board discussed university matters over two days of meetings. The agenda is available on BoardDocs, with minutes to be posted within the next few weeks. As the Thanksgiving holiday draws closer, the University of Mary Washington gradually becomes a quieter campus. Our students and faculty look forward to a break before the final stretch of the fall semester and exams – and our staff enjoys time off too. Have a happy Thanksgiving holiday and safe travels. … [Read more...]