The University of Mary Washington welcomes new and returning students back to campus this week for the fall 2022 semester, starting with move-in for new students on Wednesday, Aug. 17, and culminating in the campus tradition of Eagle Gathering on Sunday, Aug. 21. Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 22.
Enrollment of both first-year and transfer students is up this year, with more than 750 expected to begin their college career at Mary Washington and about 300 switching from other schools. The 2022 entering class is the most diverse, with nearly 37% of incoming students identifying as racially or ethnically diverse. Twenty-five or so will travel thousands of miles, from as far away as Australia, Bangladesh and Uganda, and most new students will live on campus, with 85% making their college home in UMW’s residence halls. More than 70 will join the University’s prestigious Honors Program, celebrating its 10th year.
For first-year students, the fall semester begins with a First-Year Seminar (FSEM), with topics ranging from the art and science of human caring to working on democracy, and many more interdisciplinary offerings. Learning opportunities extend beyond the classroom as first-year students live with their FSEM cohorts. From academic and career exploration to rigorous coursework and co-curricular involvement, first-year students are immersed in an academic community that builds the knowledge, skills and habits of mind necessary for success at UMW and beyond. This innovative core curriculum was recently recognized in the 2023 Fiske Guide to Colleges.
New and returning students also have fresh programs, pathways and spaces to experience across the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business and Education, and beyond.
Certificate Program Focuses on Medical Spanish
UMW’s College of Arts and Sciences has launched a program for students interested in the Spanish language and the health professions. Recently approved by SCHEV, the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia, this curriculum will help meet a critical need in the medical field. Students will gain both bilingual proficiency and health-related knowledge in preparation for careers as healthcare administrators, practitioners and interpreters.
Pathways Give College of Business a Boost
Two recently signed partnerships give students more choices in pursuing business degrees, creating pathways from community college, through Mary Washington’s AASCB-accredited programs and into graduate school. Students enrolled in Germanna Community College’s “College Everywhere” program can transfer to UMW’s business major to earn an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in about two-and-a-half years, with a completely online pathway available for business administration majors. Mary Washington business graduates who want to pursue a master’s degree in accounting or business analytics through a residential program now have a direct pathway to the College of William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business. The agreement comes with guaranteed admission (with a specified GPA and faculty nomination), a streamlined application process and financial support.
College of Education (COE) Celebrates Vibrant New Home
Seacobeck Hall, new home to COE, will embark on its first full academic year since receiving a complete renovation. With exceptional visual touches, like a two-story forum that cuts through its core, the revived building includes simulations of real elementary classrooms and a curriculum lab filled with materials and manipulatives. There’s also a greenroom-like “Imaginarium” and a makerspace brimming with 3D printers, sewing machines and cutters.
E-sports Gets Everyone Into the Game
This year, e-sports joins Mary Washington’s athletics lineup, which includes 19 NCAA-sponsored sports and three team sports. Rather than rackets and bats, members will use video consoles to mash, peel and speed-boost their way to the top in this inclusive sport, featuring video game tournaments held face-to-face and virtually. Practice space and an arena are being configured in the Cedric Rucker University Center, recently renamed in honor of the beloved alumnus and dean of student life who retired this summer after devoting his professional career to student success.
Faculty Talent on Display in Opening Art Exhibit
The “UMW Studio Art Faculty Exhibition 2022” will be on view for most of the fall semester. Featuring works by 10 UMW faculty members, the exhibit runs from Sept. 8 to Dec. 4 in Mary Washington’s duPont gallery at 1913 College Ave. in Fredericksburg. Work on view will include paintings, sculpture, videos and more. There will be an opening reception Sept. 8, from 5 to 7 p.m., and an artist lecture Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. The duPont gallery is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is always free. To learn more, visit UMW Galleries.
Applications for the fall 2023 semester opened Aug. 1, with an early decision filing date of Nov. 1 and early action filing date of Nov. 15. For more information, visit UMW Admissions.
