The greater Fredericksburg region and the UMW campuses continue to make progress in recovering from the significant winter storm that slammed the area yesterday. The good news is that water has been restored campus-wide. However, many area roads remain impassible; power, internet and phone service disruptions continue; and downed trees and branches are slowing snow removal.
As a result, all three University of Mary Washington campuses will be closed again tomorrow, January 5, in order to further support recovery operations. Employees who can work from home should do so. Those unable to work remotely should contact their supervisor.
We are grateful for your patience as we work to resume normal operations and prepare for the arrival of students for the spring semester.
As previously announced, the University will welcome residential students back to campus on Sunday, January 9, with classes beginning on Monday, January 10. Virtual instruction will take place on January 10, 11, and 12 in support of the University’s COVID-19 testing protocols. In-person instruction will begin on Thursday, January 13.
Students planning to arrive earlier than Sunday, please beware of possible disruptions due to storm recovery efforts. If possible, it would be advisable to delay your return until Sunday.
Public safety and emergency management continue to closely monitor the potential for additional inclement weather in the coming days. Should any adjustments to operations be necessary, updates will be shared promptly via email and on the UMW homepage.
In addition, our public health team continues to evaluate the challenges of COVID-19. They expect to provide some additional guidance before the end of the week about how we can return to campus and work together to mitigate the risk of the virus and protect the health and safety of our community. This will also be shared via email and posted at the COVID-19 section of the UMW webpage.