Scholarship Opportunities
Dear Friends,
At the University of Mary Washington, we work everyday to put students first. As counselors yourselves, you obviously value that investment. Indeed, the 2014 book by Daniel F. Chambliss and Christopher G. Takacs, How College Works, concludes that what matters most in college is how and when students interact with people: one another, faculty, and staff. At UMW, students are the lifeblood of the institution.
UMW has its unique qualities. Founded in 1908 as a normal school, Mary Washington welcomed students eager and grateful to get their degree in order to make their lives, and their family situation, better. That mission has never left us. We have expanded from a small teaching college into a liberal arts and sciences university that offers courses across education, business, and arts and sciences, including historic preservation, economics, and language development and literacy. Still, our roots as an institution committed to students and their great promise continue to ground us. The Division of Student Affairs works with students in finding their place at UMW and in thriving here. The expansive offerings of student organizations and leadership development opportunities reflect our mission to help students enjoy and appreciate their college experience: to find their friends, to find their place. Four principles—inclusion, campus engagement, learning, and wellness—guide our work. Mary Washington faculty have always nourished and encouraged the intellectual curiosity of students by engaging with them one-on-one. Our staff meanwhile keeps current with contemporary realities of student lives and challenges in order to support them in achieving their academic mission. We know, for instance, that finding friends soon after entering college matters deeply to students. Therefore, even before classes begin, we find ways to connect new students with social opportunities. And with a robust Division III athletics program and expanding recreational and civic engagement connections with the surrounding—and growing—city and region of Fredericksburg, Virginia, students find several ways to integrate their learning and experiences across and outside the institution. UMW puts people first. We take student success and belonging seriously. We do this because it makes students’ lives, and our world, better. Sincerely, Juliette Landphair, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
The Dorsey Scholars Program is a renewable scholarship opportunity for incoming freshmen. Students selected as Dorsey Scholars commit their time and talents over their four years to furthering the mission of diversity, service, and leadership on the UMW campus and in the greater Fredericksburg community. Eligible Dorsey Scholarship candidates will have: • Submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 • Demonstrated financial need • Diverse backgrounds including gender, race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, and geography • Demonstrated commitment to community service, citizenship, and leadership qualities • A commitment to serving the UMW community and the greater Fredericksburg region To apply, students should submit a resume (include all related activities and full name, address, phone number, and email address) and a statement detailing their commitment to diversity, community service, citizenship, and leadership (250-500 words) to Paula Zero at pzero@umw. edu by March 31. The Washington Scholars Program annually recognizes high school seniors (Virginia residents) with exceptional academic credentials. The Alvey Scholars Program recognizes an exceptional out-of-state student. Semi-finalist candidates are required to attend a banquet on Friday, March 18, as well as interview with the Selection Committee on Saturday, March 19. All candidates are then invited to attend the Destination UMW event scheduled that day. Scholars receive an award equal to full tuition, fees, room, and board. A total of four scholars will be selected for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Special Programs Overnight Campus Experience This Multicultural Overnight Visit Experience (MOVE) to be held on April 8-9 provides culturally diverse admitted students an opportunity to shadow a UMW student host, attend classes, eat in the dining hall, learn about student life at UMW, and spend the night in a residence hall. Students are welcome to enjoy the 26th Multicultural Fair with their families the following day. The fair brings thousands of people to campus every year. Students can register to attend at umw.edu/youarein and selecting Admitted Student Events.
Campus Renovations Renovations on Woodard Hall and Mercer Hall were just completed this semester. Woodard is now home to the College of Business. Some features of the new renovations include, new furniture, 31 private faculty offices, five team rooms, five classrooms, a student copy center, a computer lab, a large collaboration breakout room, and a scroll bar displaying news updates for the College of Business and the stock market. In addition to these features, Woodard is attached to the Eagle’s Nest, the WMWC Radio Studio, and post office. Mercer Hall is now home to Psychological Science..Many convenient features were added, including 24 faculty offices, three large classrooms, two eye tracker labs, two social development labs, two quiet testing rooms, two computer labs, a cognitive lab, a control room, a physiology lab, and media lab.
university of MARY WASHINGTON
Student Transition Program The Student Transition Program introduces students to the expectations of college life at UMW. STP begins with a five-week summer residential program where students enroll in two courses toward their UMW degree at no cost. UMW covers summer session tuition, room and board, and text books (equal to approximately $3,000). Experiencing the classroom introduces students to expectations and provides opportunity to develop and practice skills that will be integral for academic success. Students learn the campus by using university resources such as the library, the Hurley Convergence Center and the University Center, as well as explore Fredericksburg and more through various cultural-enrichment activities. And throughout STP, students will have opportunities to meet many great new friends. We’ve found that participation in STP makes for a smooth, confident transition into the fall semester. The benefits don’t end upon fall arrival. STP continues through the first year of college. A student success course in the fall and small group and individual academic advising and seminars in the spring are designed to support students in navigating the academic processes and expectations as they continue into their sophomore year. We invite students to visit the STP website at diversity.umw.edu/stp in order to develop a more in-depth understanding of our vision for student success at UMW and beyond.