University Policies
Statement of Non-Discrimination:
UMW includes sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sex in our non-discrimination policy for both students and faculty/staff. For information on who to contact about inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies please visit https://www.umw.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Statement of Community Values and Behavioral Expectations in the Faculty Handbook
Statement of Community Values and Behavioral Expectations in the Student Handbook
The Values that Unite Us
As a public, liberal arts university, the University of Mary Washington community is dedicated to providing a diverse, accepting, and supportive environment that holds all of its members to the highest standards of conduct, scholarship, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and engagement. Through a commitment to these values, we strive to transform our academic community into a place where all will learn, thrive, and grow. As faculty, staff, and students of the UMW community, we are committed to upholding these common values
- Accountability – we promote practices, behaviors, and attitudes where individuals take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
- Scholarship – we promote intellectual inquiry by engaging ideas and one another in order to gain better understanding and contribute to knowledge.
- Personal and Institutional Integrity – we are honorable in our academic and work endeavors as well as our interactions with others.
- Inclusive Excellence – we strive for all members of the community to have equitable access to opportunities for participation and the resources necessary for success.
- Respect and Civility – we foster an environment in which every individual is treated with dignity at all times by valuing the inherent worth of all identities, abilities, and differences.
- Engagement – we develop engaged members of our community who actively participate in the community through responsible leadership and service.
We ASPIRE to live these values and work to support our collective and individual successes.
Our Principles on Diversity and Inclusion
UMW embraces its obligation to serve the educational aspirations of all communities and seeks to reflect the diversities of all people in its students, faculty, and staff. This philosophical approach to diversity and inclusion strengthens our community and is essential to our academic mission and institutional excellence. UMW is committed to its responsibility to be a model of fairness, inclusivity, equity, access and equal opportunity, providing intellectual and institutional leadership regarding diversity, and maintaining a welcoming, inclusive environment of mutual respect for its members of all backgrounds and identities. In keeping with these tenets, the University is committed to a system of responsibility, accountability, and recognition of all of its members, and seeks to carry out these principles of diversity and inclusion in all of its operations, goals, and objectives.
We Stand by our Beliefs
At the University of Mary Washington the principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action are practiced. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors in recruiting, admitting, enrolling students or hiring and promoting faculty and staff members. Complaints of discrimination should be directed to the AA/EEO officer of the University.
Pronouns Matter!
Why do pronouns matter?
Pronouns are everywhere and we use them every day! Using someone’s correct pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment. By introducing yourself with your pronouns or by including your pronouns in your email signature, you will help contribute to a climate in which asking about and respecting pronouns is commonplace.
What steps can I take?
You can (1) introduce yourself with your name and pronouns; (2) list your pronouns in your email signature, on your nametag, course syllabi, business cards, etc; (3) if you use Canvas, select your pronouns under account settings so they display to other users along with your name; (4) start meetings by providing time for all participants to share their names and pronouns; (5) request a pronoun button kit from Safe Zone; (6) attend a Safe Zone training..
Is it really necessary to do all of these things?
Yes! UMW has a strong commitment to creating a diverse, accepting, and supportive environment. We ASPIRE to achieve these goals. To learn more, please see the UMW Community Values.
How can I get my pronouns listed on my official UMW name tag?
Go to https://adminfinance.umw.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/welcome-new-employees/name-badge-request/. Complete the necessary information and in the box that says “Department” you can list your pronouns. For example, you could type she/her in that box. Your name tag will then have your name on the first line and your pronouns on the second line.
Faculty, staff, and students can display their pronouns in Canvas by following these steps:
1. Log in to Banner.
2. Click the Personal Information button
3. Click My Profile.
4. Click the Personal Information button
5. In the top section, click edit.
6. Select the pronouns from the drop-down menu.under Personal Pronoun
7. Click Update.
UMW Preferred Name Policy
All UMW students may designate a preferred first name to be used in many university systems regardless of whether or not they have legally changed their name. Preferred names cannot be used for official university student records purposes such as enrollment verifications, transcripts, financial aid, student accounts and other instances where the legal name is required by law.
Students who wish to designate a preferred name may do so using the Personal Information tab in Banner self-service. A preferred name may take several days to appear in all university systems that display preferred names.
Faculty and staff will not automatically be notified when a student specifies a preferred name, so students should talk to faculty and staff so that they are aware of this change and can use the correct name.
You can find details about this policy, a link to forms needed for letting UMW know about a legal name change, and a list of the University systems where the preferred name will be displayed here: bit.ly/UMWpreferredname
EagleOne Cards
EagleOne cards, starting in Fall 2022, use a template where preferred name is shown on the front and legal name on the back. If your EagleOne card uses the older template and it’s important for you to move to the new template, reach out to Dr. Laura Wilson (lwilson5@umw.edu), the Interim Director of Safe Zone. She will help you navigate the process of changing over to the new template.
FAQ:
How long does it take for the updated preferred name to appear?
It can take a few days for all of the systems to update and for the name to appear across the systems.
Will my parents know I have indicated a preferred name?
On the preferred name webpage, you can find a list of all places your preferred name will appear.
Can I update my UMW email address to reflect my preferred name?
At this time, no, you cannot change your UMW email address. However, you can change your email display name.
Can I update my Eagle One card to reflect my preferred name?
Can I update my Eagle One card to reflect my preferred name?
Yes! You can go to the Eagle One card office and get a new card printed with your preferred name. There is a $20 fee to receive a new card for any reason.
Can I update my official UMW picture?
Yes, but there may be a fee associated with the change.
UMW Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
UMW Gender Inclusive Restrooms & Gender Inclusive Policies [PDF]
| Buildings with Gender-Inclusive Restrooms | Location(s) |
| 1004 College Avenue | Basement, 1st Floor, & 2nd Floor |
| 1201 William Street | 1st Floor |
| Amphitheater | Stand-along building (not always unlocked) |
| Anderson Center | 1st & 2nd Floors |
| Arrington Hall | Lobby |
| Ball Hall | 1st Floor |
| Bushnell Hall | Lobby |
| Combs Hall | Basement |
| George Washington Hall | Basement |
| Goolrick Hall | Basement, 1st Floor, & 2nd Floor All include a restroom & shower |
| Hurley Convergence Center | 1st Floor (in an area accessible to “authorized personnel”)
3rd Floor (off the hallway connecting to the Library) |
| Jefferson Hall | 1st Floor |
| Jepson Center | 1st Floor |
| Katora | both bathrooms are all-gender |
| Lee Hall | 1st Floor |
| Link | —- |
| Madison Hall | Basement |
| Marye House | 1st Floor (and 2nd Floor for Staff) |
| Mason Hall | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Floors |
| Mercer Hall | 2nd & 3rd Floors |
| Monroe Hall | 1st & 4th Floors |
| Randolph Hall | 1st, 2nd, 3rd,4th, & 5th Floors |
| Cedrick Rucker University Center | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Floors |
| Seacobeck Hall | 1st Floor & Basement Floor |
| Simpson Library | 3rd Floor (off the hallway connecting to the HCC) |
| Virginia Hall | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Floors Those on the 2nd and 3rd floors include a shower |
| Westmoreland Hall | Basement |
| Willard Hall | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Floors
At least one on each floor includes a restroom and shower |
| Woodard Hall | 1st Floor |
If you know of additions or corrections that should be made to this list, please email Laura Wilson (lwilson5@umw.edu)
UMW Housing Information and Policies
LGBTQ Learning Community
The LGBTQ Learning Community is a community housed in Madison Hall which embraces the concept of gender-inclusive housing within the university setting. Members provide peer support and educate the campus community through programming and social initiatives that increase awareness about gender identity. While this community brings about awareness and support around gender identity, individual housing units (bedrooms) are still assigned based on sex assigned at birth unless students opt into the Flexible Housing program.
See https://bit.ly/LGBTQlearningcommunity
Flexible Housing
Flexible Housing is an option in which any students, regardless of gender, may choose to share the same room, suite, or apartment. Flexible Housing provides a range of options that respond to students’ diverse backgrounds, interests, preferences, and needs with the goal of improving retention and student success. Flexible Housing is a fully opt-in housing option for upper-class students. A unit (room, suite, apartment) must be filled with students who are willing to live together. All students must not only opt into Flexible Housing, but they all must approve their roommates. Students are not placed randomly with other students in Flexible Housing. No student will be assigned to a gender-neutral living situation without their express consent. UMW discourages students who are in a romantic relationship from living together.
Gwen Hale Resource Center
Gwen Hale Resource Center – a food resource for any UMW community member who needs it. This volunteer-run closet (stocked by donations; NO tuition funds are used in this effort) has basic foods & toiletries.
If you or someone you know could use help meeting needs – please head to: https://www.eagleresourcecloset.com/. We will operate through online ordering & contactless pick-up during the COVID pandemic.
If you would like to volunteer to support the effort – or if you have questions – please email eagleresourcecloset@gmail.com.
This Closet is the result of a collaborative effort by staff, faculty and students across many units of the University. Thanks to all for helping bring this to fruition.
Health & Wellness
Free At-Home Anonymous HIV Tests, Condoms, and Educational Materials:
Please contact the Mary Washington Healthcare Wellness Program for a free at-home anonymous HIV test or condoms. You can also contact them with questions or for educational materials. https://www.marywashingtonhealthcare.com/Our-Services/The-Wellness-Program-HIV-and-AIDS.aspx
On Campus LGBTQ Resources/Organizations
James Farmer Multicultural Center: Aims to create an educational environment that broadens our understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice. Sponsors and plans great events throughout the year, such as the gender and sexual minorities and allies celebration.
PRISM: Student-led organization that promotes the values of diversity and acceptance of students of sexual and gender minorities
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
For a list of Gender Inclusive Restrooms, please visit Gender Inclusive Campus Restrooms.
Additional On Campus Resources
Talley Center for Counseling Services: Provides both individual and group therapy, including a GLBQ therapy group.
You Are Not Alone: Provides resources and assistance for UMW survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
LGBTQ Community and National Organizations
PFLAG (Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBT People to move equality forward): Fredericksburg advocacy group that supports and educates people about the LGBT community.
Equality Virginia: A statewide, non-partisan education, outreach and advocacy organization seeking equality for LGBTQ Virginians.
Human Rights Campaign: The largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender American.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network: A national organization that advocates for LGBTQ students.
Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Awareness: A national coalition of educators and administrators that advocate for LGBTQ inclusion on college campuses across America.
Trans Student Education Resources: Webpage managed entirely by trans students and is dedicated to raising awareness of transgender issues.
Additional National Resources
Trevor Lifeline
A crisis intervention and suicide prevention services available 24/7.
Phone: 1.866.488.7386
Chat: thetrevorproject.org/chat
Text: 1-202-304-1200
Website: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Laura Wilson (lwilson5@umw.edu).