UMW Graduate Student Opportunities
Graduate students at the University of Mary Washington are part of a vibrant campus community that extends far beyond academics. Whether you’re looking to build professional connections, stay active, explore cultural opportunities, access academic and well-being support, or simply find your favorite study spot and meal, UMW offers resources and experiences that enrich your graduate journey while helping you balance work, life, and learning.
Campus Life and Community
Dining on Campus
UMW Dining offers convenient options across campus for graduate students balancing classes, work and time with classmates. From quick grab-and-go meals to sit-down dining, students can enjoy a variety of food choices and comfortable spaces for studying, networking, or taking a break during a busy day. Dining locations on the Fredericksburg campus include the top of the Cedric Rucker University Center, as well as a Panera accessible from the Ball Circle entrance of the building. Grab-and-go options are available in the Eagle’s Nest in Woodard Hall.
See what’s on the menu with UMW Dining.
Student Activities and Events (SAE)
Graduate students are welcome to participate in many of the programs, traditions, and events coordinated by Student Activities and Engagement (SAE). Through more than 150 student organizations, campus-wide celebrations, leadership opportunities, and special events throughout the year, graduate students can connect with peers, expand their networks, and engage with the broader UMW community. UMW traditions such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and campus celebrations provide opportunities to build meaningful connections outside the classroom.
Find ways to get involved, start a club, or save the date for campus traditions on MyUMW.
Fitness Center and Campus Recreation
All students have access to UMW’s Fitness Center and Campus Recreation programs. Graduate students can take advantage of the fitness center, group exercise classes, personal training opportunities, intramural and recreational sports, outdoor adventures, and wellness programming. From a quick workout between classes to a more structured fitness routine, campus recreation offers convenient ways to stay healthy and active.
Stop by the fitness center in Goolrick Hall for more information or see the schedule for Campus Recreation online. Note that additional fees may apply for classes and trips.
Health and Wellness
UMW supports student well-being through a variety of health, counseling, and wellness resources designed to help students thrive academically and personally. Programs focused on physical health, mental wellness, stress management, and mindfulness help graduate students maintain balance while meeting the demands of work, family, and graduate studies. Visit the Health and Wellness website for more information.
Graduate students enrolled full-time in nine credits or more each semester can access TimelyCare virtually for mental health support and contact the on-campus Talley Center for Counseling Services and Student Health Center for concerns during business hours.
UMW Athletics
As a UMW Eagle, you’ll be part of a community that takes pride in its traditions, achievements, and school spirit. Graduate students are encouraged to attend NCAA Division III athletic events, campus celebrations, and university gatherings throughout the year. Supporting Eagle athletics is a great way to connect with fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Plus, all regular season home games are free! Bring friends and family — no tickets needed.
Cheer on the hometown team and see the UMW Eagles schedule online, with livestream options too.
Arts & Culture
UMW offers a rich cultural environment with performances, exhibits, lectures, and recitals throughout the year. Students can enjoy theater productions, music performances, guest speakers, literary events, and visual arts exhibitions that complement their academic experience and provide opportunities for inspiration and engagement. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to see UMW Theatre, the No. 12 theatre program in the country, right here in Fredericksburg, or take a theatre road trip to D.C. or New York City.
Find out what’s happening next on the Arts & Culture website.
Museums
Graduate students have access to unique educational and cultural resources through UMW’s museums and historic sites. These spaces provide opportunities to explore history, engage with special exhibitions, attend public programs, and connect with the university’s deep ties to the Fredericksburg region. Admission is free with a UMW EagleOne ID.
Stop by the UMW museums to explore local history.
Student Veterans’ Center
UMW is committed to supporting military-affiliated students through dedicated resources designed to help veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and military families succeed. The Student Veterans Center provides a welcoming space to connect with fellow student veterans, access guidance on educational benefits and campus resources, and build community with others who share similar experiences.
Locate the space in the Cedric Rucker University Center, Room 114A, or online.
Academic Support
Digital Knowledge Center (DKC)
The Digital Knowledge Center helps students develop the digital skills needed for academic and professional success. Graduate students can receive support with presentations, multimedia projects, website development, graphic design, video and audio production, digital storytelling, and emerging technologies. The DKC also offers equipment, collaborative workspaces, and one-on-one consultations.
Find online resource guides or stop by the DKC in the Hurley Convergence Center (HCC).
Speaking and Writing Center
Strong communication skills are essential in graduate study, and UMW’s Speaking and Writing Center provides personalized support for every stage of the writing and presentation process. Graduate students can work with consultants on research papers, presentations, capstone projects, professional communications, and public speaking skills in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Schedule an appointment with the Speaking and Writing Center in the Hurley Convergence Center (HCC).
Library Resources and Research Support
Beyond traditional library services, Simpson Library provides extensive databases, scholarly journals, research consultations, interlibrary loan services, study spaces, and technology resources that support graduate-level research and professional projects.
Connect with UMW librarians online or in Simpson Library on the Fredericksburg Campus.
Technology and Software Access
Graduate students benefit from university-supported technology resources, including access to productivity tools, academic software, research databases, campus Wi-Fi, printing services, and technology assistance through Information Technology and the Digital Knowledge Center.
Visit the IT website for tips, technology updates, and the IT Help Desk.
Professional Development
Coursera Career Academy
Graduate students can expand their expertise through UMW’s Coursera Career Academy, which offers access to industry-recognized microcredentials and certificates from leading companies such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Salesforce. These programs allow students to build practical skills in areas such as data analytics, project management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, helping them demonstrate career-ready competencies alongside their graduate degree.
Access Coursera Career Academy online.
Continuing Professional Credentials
UMW increasingly emphasizes industry-recognized credentials, certifications, and professional development opportunities that complement degree programs and help graduates stay competitive in evolving fields. Partnerships with credentialing organizations such as Coursera and CompTIA support ongoing skill development.
Visit the Continuing and Professional Studies website to learn more about courses offered.
Network Mary Wash
Network Mary Wash connects students with UMW alumni and professionals for mentoring, career advice, industry insights, and networking opportunities. Graduate students exploring a career change, seeking internship or job leads, or building professional connections can tap into a powerful community of Eagles across Virginia and beyond.
Center for Career and Professional Development
If you are coupling your graduate degree with career advancement, UMW’s in-house career services provide a significant benefit. Resume reviews, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, career coaching, networking events, and employer connections help students translate their graduate studies into professional opportunities. Mark your calendar for the Career & Internship Fair each semester, as an employer or a job seeker.
Visit the Center for Career and Professional Development online or in the Cedric Rucker University Center.
Alumni Network and Lifelong Connections
Graduate students join a community of more than 50,000 alumni who span industries, professions, and geographic regions. The UMW alumni network provides opportunities for mentorship, professional development, networking, and continued engagement long after graduation.
See what awaits in alumni benefits.
Location and Professional Access
A large part of the UMW advantage is our location. Situated between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, UMW provides access to one of the nation’s most dynamic employment corridors. Graduate students can leverage proximity to government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, school divisions, technology companies, and major employers while earning their degree and credentials that set them apart from peers.