The fall 2023 semester is underway – in a big way – at the University of Mary Washington, with lots of new students on campus and plenty of fresh opportunities on tap for the 2023-24 academic year.
Of the more than 1,000 new students in the incoming class, 260 transferred to Mary Washington from other schools. New students hail from Virginia and 21 other states like Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas, and from Washington, D.C. They also come from as far away as Austria, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Japan and the UK.
As they settle into classes, they’ll begin to explore Fredericksburg, pursue internships and service projects, study abroad and complete undergraduate research. These types of hands-on experiences are expanding with enhanced funding in the sciences, thanks to a $30 million gift – the largest in University history – from alumna Irene Piscopo Rodgers ’59, and continued contributions to the Beyond the Classroom endowment.
“New students can expect more opportunities over their college years to participate in mentored research experiences,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Keith Mellinger. “The gift is truly transformational in terms of UMW students’ exposure to the types of hands-on learning experiences that can lead to successful careers. No other institution can claim such a focused investment.”
Fresh offerings from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education (COE), the College of Business (COB) and all across campus are in store this semester. Here’s a glance at some of what’s new:
New law and philosophy minor preps students for law school and beyond
The Department of Classics, Philosophy and Religion is rolling out a new law and philosophy minor, designed to examine the intersection of the two disciplines and prepare students for law school and careers in public service, the environment, medicine and more. The program delves into concepts like logic and ethics, teaching participants to develop arguments and question assumptions on a quest to explore hard-hitting topics.
Accelerated master’s degree lets teachers dig deep into expertise
The College of Education’s accelerated master of education for instructional improvement program puts teachers with a current professional license on a fast track toward an advanced degree. The 30-credit program lets participants with particular professional interests pursue expertise in either literacy or special education. A hybrid format combines in-person and online coursework and includes a culminating research project. For more information, contact Graduate Admissions at 540-654-5862 or graduate@umw.edu.
Thirty-credit MBA program gives business students a boost
The College of Business has reduced the number of required credits to offer managers, entrepreneurs and financial leaders an opportunity to earn a 30-credit MBA in about a year. There are no prerequisites, submitting GMAT scores is optional, and students can complete the coursework entirely online. The program teaches participants to combine creativity with theory and practice to gain an understanding of essential skills and best practices in the competitive business landscape. For more information, contact Graduate Admissions at 540-654-5862 or graduate@umw.edu.
‘Business Acumen Series’ supports growing professionals
Designed to address identified needs in the Fredericksburg region’s growth goals, a series of one-day seminars lets local professionals develop leadership skills and includes topics like building a culture of innovation, skills for the adaptive leader, and executive presence and credibility. “When you sign up your business for these seminars, you are giving your employees premier access to our University’s best and brightest professionals,” said UMW Associate Provost for Career and Workforce Kimberly Young. For more information, contact Continuing and Professional Studies at 540-286-8098 or tsegelke@umw.edu.
Constructive Dialogue program speaks to valuable skills for first-year students
First-year UMW students began digging into an increasingly critical topic this summer, thanks to a partnership with State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI). A blended learning program by CDI called Perspectives teaches the art of thinking through ideological differences to facilitate productive conversations between people with different views. Students have worked through online modules and engaged in peer-to-peer exercises, to learn how to work collectively with others. “Engagement with others is critical to the success of our world,” said Associate Provost for Equity and Inclusion Shavonne Shorter. “We’re excited to see how students expand their perspectives.”
Campus construction upgrades utilities
Unfolding at the heart of campus on Ball Circle, site of Commencement and other key student traditions, are the final phases of a three-year construction project that has replaced more than 5,000 linear feet of waterlines and steam pipes on the Fredericksburg campus. Zigzagging from Mason and Randolph halls all the way to Woodard Hall, the Underground Utility Project will improve the efficiency of UMW’s water and heating systems. Valve assemblies, fire hydrants, manholes and more have been replaced or revitalized during the venture, which will boost heat for comfort, cooking and showers.
New ‘Blue Crew’ pep band pipes up on the UMW athletics scene
A new UMW pep band is ready to make some noise for the Eagles this fall! Described by UMW Athletics as a “super-charged bunch of student supporters,” the new Blue Crew Pep Band promises plenty of rooting – and tooting – for UMW athletes. Under the leadership of Adjunct Professor of Percussion Matt Case and a student director, the paid ensemble will wield a collection of wind and percussion instruments, including a drum set and sound system purchased last semester, spouting spirit at (mostly basketball) home games.
Find the schedule of upcoming games to cheer on the Eagles at umweagles.com.
