Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Coastal 61 on Wesleyan Drive

The main entrance of Virginia Wesleyan University from the clubhouse at Oxford Village.

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Monday, June 29, 2020

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

This week begins a new academic and fiscal year--one that promises to see our continued prominence locally, regionally, and nationally. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to be Coastal Virginia's Premier University of the Liberal Arts and Sciences. I am proud of the Marlin Family as they have rallied together to address challenges and plan for the future. Please continue to check the COVID-19 website for updates and resources. 
With the beginning of each new fiscal year on July 1, I always like to provide an update on a variety of areas.  The Board of Trustees reelected officers for the 2020-2021 year at the May meeting--John Malbon, Chair; Susan Goode, Vice Chair; Mavis McKenley '11, Secretary; and Tim Bailey '83, Treasurer. Ron Kramer completes his final term as an active Trustee tomorrow and joins the ranks Trustee Emeritus. Ron and his family have been strong supporters of the University for several decades. Our thanks to all of our talented Trustees for their commitment and service to our institution. 
We officially welcome two new deans, Dr. Steven Emmanuel (Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities) and Dr. Leslie Caughell (Birdsong School of Social Science), and look forward to their leadership in this capacity. We also thank Drs. Travis Malone and Linda Ferguson for their respective service as deans, and we are delighted to continue to benefit from their talents on our faculty.
As has been my annual practice, the first Nota Bene of the new academic year includes relevant links regarding campus leadership and policy documents (please note these are subject to change).
Additional resources are available throughout the Virginia Wesleyan website at vwu.edu, but please do not hesitate to reach out to your supervisor or the Office of Human Resources with any questions.
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As we move to Governor Northam's Phase III re-opening plan on July 1, we will also accelerate two important searches that have been stalled during the COVID-19 crisis. The University has invited finalists for the positions of Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics to campus in late July.
My sincerest thanks to Lori Harris '94, Associate Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni Relations, for stepping up to lead the Center for Advancement since the passing of Dr. Mort Gamble in January. Special thanks also goes to Joanne Renn for returning on short notice to provide interim leadership for Intercollegiate Athletics. 

ET CETERA
 
A new look for two Campus Life programs: UREC and Off the Hook 
After several months of discussion and planning, two programs within the Campus Life division each have a new administrative location, a refreshed focus, and an updated look. Formally known as RecX and the Wesleyan Activities Council (WAC), VWU's Recreation and Wellness program (UREC) and Off The Hook student programming board have been redesigned to enhance the student experience through participation and leadership opportunities in programs, activities, and events. This redesign aligns itself to support components of the institutional strategic plan.

UREC at Virginia Wesleyan University will provide quality wellness education and recreational
opportunities to the campus community regardless of skill or experience. Willie Harrell '97, Director of Recreation and Wellness, will lead the UREC program with the primary mission of promoting personal growth, social fellowship, and healthy lifestyle choices through participation in challenging and fun activities. Stop by the UREC office, located across from Scribner University Store to checkout equipment, sign up for intramurals, and to find out more about the exciting opportunities to get active.

The Office of Student Activities also has a new look and a new home (located in the Alumni Galleria across the hall from the Office of Finance and Administration). Students can get involved through Greek Life, Mobile Marlins (commuter services), and the new Off The Hook program. Off The Hook, VWU's primary programming board, will provide social, educational, and community-building activities on campus, with a focus on weekend events. Off The Hook will provide quality entertainment for the VWU community and promote campus traditions including the beloved Mud Games, Christmas Tree Lighting, and Late Night Breakfast. Sign up here to become an Off The Hook volunteer.

Employment opportunities with UREC and Off The Hook will be available for students through VWU's new Work and Learn Program (WLP). The WLP is dedicated to providing students with meaningful work opportunities that allow them to better engage with the Virginia Wesleyan University community. Students will develop the skills and experiences necessary to be competitive in today's job market while also having the opportunity to actively contribute toward the cost of their education. 

Initially, 400 meaningful work opportunities will give students the ability to earn up to $2,500 per academic year--a concept that will also serve as an effective recruitment and retention tool. Students awarded federal work-study will continue to receive bi-weekly paychecks while other positions will receive tuition credits applied directly to their student accounts. Similar to federal work-study and Opus, students will engage in on-campus work between 10-15 hours per week in exchange for their earned tuition credit.

VWU Trustee Emerita Joan Brock recognized with naming of new Sentara Brock Cancer Center 
A recent feature in Virginia Business highlights the opening of the Sentara Brock Cancer Center in Norfolk, just a few miles from campus. The patient treatment and care facility broke ground in March 2018 and officially opened its doors on June 1. The Center is named for VWU Trustee Emerita Joan Brock and her late husband Macon. A three-time cancer survivor, Joan Brock was treated within the Sentara Cancer network. We are grateful for Joan, her generosity, and continued support of our community. 

Deadline nears: Still time to make a fiscal year-end gift
As noted above, the fiscal year officially ends tomorrow, June 30. If you have not made a gift to the University and would like to, I encourage you to please consider doing so before July 1 by visiting vwu.edu/giveonline. 

Jacob Pilarski earns statewide recognition
Congratulations to Jacob Pilarski of the VWU baseball team who was named to the 2020 College Division All-State team by VaSID! The shortened spring season was his last with the Marlins before he graduated in May. Given the unique circumstances, the NCAA recently granted exemptions, allowing Jacob to enroll in graduate school and use his extended fifth year of eligibility at NCAA Division I The Citadel in South Carolina. Read more at vwuathletics.com.

AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
 
Campus construction projects continue:
  • The main dining room and service area in the Boyd Dining Center have been gutted, and renovation has started. Completion of this phase is expected by August 5. View recent photos here.
  • Renovation began recently on Susan Beverly Hall (formerly the Fine Arts Building). The front area of the building--containing The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation Ensemble Rehearsal Room The Alison J. and Ella W. Parsons Fund Fine Arts Entrance & Lobby, and The James A. Hixon Music Studios--has been gutted and the new central heating and cooling system is nearing completion. Installation of the new roof will be finalized this month. The building will be renovated in thirds to accommodate ongoing building use and work. 
  • The three-week installation process on the stands at TowneBank Arena continues. We look forward to seeing the finished product soon. View recent photos here.
  • Coastal 61 at Oxford Village is progressing beautifully, and our partners at The Franklin Johnston Group have provided new information about apartment availability at coastal61.com. The complex is a Public Private Partnership (P3) of the University and is designed to provide housing for VWU graduate students and faculty/staff, as well as the Virginia Beach community. View recent photos here.
  • Lastly, modifications continue on the plans for the construction of DeFord Manor. Final plans are expected to be completed and submitted through the City of Virginia Beach planning process in the next two months. Construction is expected to begin in late fall. 
A warm welcome back to campus to our longtime partner Camp Red Feather of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads. The program has been an important part of the summer culture on campus for a number of years. The camp is operating in a scaled-back format, consistent with state mandates.  

Congratulations to our friends at TowneBank for jointly acquiring the current Norfolk Southern Corporation headquarters--one of the tallest buildings in downtown Norfolk. Although we're disappointed that Norfolk Southern is leaving for Atlanta, we're pleased to see TowneBank occupying the beautiful iconic structure.  Both TowneBank and Norfolk Southern Corporation have been long-time supporters and friends of the University. A number of leaders from both organizations have been VWU Board members through the years. Read more in The Virginian-Pilot.

STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
 
PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.
 
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez
Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez
Instagram: @prezscottmiller
Flickr: Scott D. Miller
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) 

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Have a great week!

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Sunday, June 28, 2020

Happy Pride Month

In celebration and support of all LGBT members of our VWU family, our community, and this nation, we are proudly flying a Pride flag on our campus, adjacent to the American flag and Virginia state flag. We continue to focus on fostering an inclusive culture at Virginia Wesleyan and wish everyone a Happy Pride Month!

















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Happy birthday to our namesake!



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Saturday, June 27, 2020

The Wesleyan Review: June 26, 2020

Our newest issue of the Wesleyan Review is now available. Read about the latest VWU news and events here: https://conta.cc/31dHZpe
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Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Announces All-State Baseball Team

Congratulations to Jacob Pilarski of the VWU baseball team who was named to the 2020 College Division All-State team by VaSID! Read more here: vwuathletics.com/sports/bsb/2019-20/releases/20200622ntki5a
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Virginia Wesleyan Joins ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge

Proud to sign the #PresidentsCommitment in support of Virginia Wesleyan leading nonpartisan student voter engagement and civic learning. This includes a pledge to ensure all eligible students are able to register to vote. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2Z5HjPW

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Monday, June 22, 2020

Nota Bene: Weekly Update

Last week I shared the first of a series of communications outlining our plan for reopening this August. These details follow Governor Northam's official announcement regarding Virginia higher education for the fall (view here) and the submission of a detailed plan to the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV).

I would again like to highlight these important changes to the academic calendar. Due to the unique circumstances, the start date for the fall semester has been moved up two days to Monday, August 24. Additional details are as follows: 
 
Fall 2020 Semester
  • Classes begin Monday, August 24.
  • Classes will be held on Labor Day (September 7).
  • Fall Break (October 12-13) has been eliminated and classes WILL MEET on those days.
  • In-person classes will end on Friday, November 20, for Thanksgiving Break. All students will vacate the residence halls at that time and WILL NOT return to campus after Thanksgiving Break.
  • The semester WILL CONTINUE after Thanksgiving Break with remote instruction from November 30 through December 4.
  • Final examinations will take place in a remote format December 7-11.
  • The fall semester will end on December 11. 
Move-In Information
  • Incoming residential students (First Years and transfers) will move in on Friday, August 21.
    • Marlin Nation Orientation for all new students will occur on August 22-23.
    • New Batten Honors College Fellows/Scholars will receive additional information soon in a separate email.
  • Returning students will move in on Sunday, August 23.
Other Important Information
  • Information regarding the format for January Term will be released in the near future.
  • Specific information regarding opening activities for the Batten Honors College, fall intercollegiate athletics, and other groups will be forthcoming.
This information is not fully comprehensive, and the Emergency Response Team continues to develop and implement policies and plans that will promote a safe environment for the entire VWU community this fall. The Office of Academic Affairs has plans to ensure that all classes are taught while maintaining safe social distancing. Professors have been working diligently and creatively to plan for a somewhat different, but still rigorous and engaging, fall semester. Campus Life and Operational Management has also developed plans that encompass every aspect of our student experience.

Throughout the summer, a series of email communications will outline the full details of the University's operational plans for fall. In addition to these emails, plans will be archived on the University's COVID-19 website (www.vwu.edu/coronavirus) for your easy reference.

Special thanks to Dr. Keith Moore, Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, for leading the development of the document submitted to the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). And my continued thanks to Dr. Moore; Dr. Maynard Schaus, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Jim Cooper, Vice President for Finance and Administration; and Jason Seward '05, Associate Vice President for Campus Life and Operational Management, for their tireless leadership during the COVID-19 crisis. We look forward to our students' safe return in August. The full video message shared with campus last week can be found here.

# # #

The Administration and Finance Committee of the VWU Board of Trustees met recently to accept the downsized budget for the current fiscal year and to approve a recommended FY '21 budget to the full Board. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, I am pleased to share that both budgets are balanced. 

Following the meeting, I hosted a series of discussions with the various University divisions to provide a candid analysis of where we are and where we are going. Special thanks to members of the President's Cabinet for facilitating the discussions.
ET CETERA
 
SCOTUS Allows DACA to Continue
In 2017, out of concern for how policy shifts would affect our students, I joined the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. We are an alliance of American college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses and communities. We support policies that create a welcoming environment for immigrant, undocumented and international students on our campuses.

Last fall, Virginia Wesleyan was proud to join 165 public and private higher education institutions from 32 states and the District of Columbia as signatories on an amicus brief for the Supreme Court case regarding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). On November 12, 2019, the Court began hearing oral arguments on a series of consolidated cases to determine whether the administration's rescission of DACA was lawful.   
 
I am thrilled to report that last week the Supreme Court upheld DACA--handing a dramatic victory to immigration advocates and allowing continuation of the program that has permitted about 650,000 "Dreamers" to stay and work in the U.S. legally. Read more here.
 
ALL IN Commitment
On behalf of the University, I recently joined 160 college presidents in committing to full student voter registration and participation in all elections through the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN). ALL IN and its Higher Education Presidents Council launched this call to action for higher education presidents and chancellors as a way to fully engage students in our electoral process.  
 
We are committed as a group to working with campus stakeholders to increase participation in 2020 and beyond. As an institutional leader, I value this opportunity to empower all eligible voters at Virginia Wesleyan to register and turnout to vote. A full list of ALL IN signatories can be found here.
 
Virginia Wesleyan Offering Free Online Continuing Education Classes
Thanks to WAVY TV 10 and reporter Jason Marks '98 for helping us spread the word about our free online continuing education courses. I encourage you to take advantage of these offerings or share them with a friend. Enroll by June 30 for 90-day access. Courses include:
  • Fundamentals of Supervision and Management
  • Keys to Effective Communication
  • Individual Excellence
  • Personal Finance
  • Managing Customer Service
  • Creating Web Pages
  • Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search
  • Creating WordPress Websites
  • Marketing Your Business on the Internet
  • Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring
The courses are among the hundreds of non-credit personal and professional development continuing education programs offered via VWU Global Campus, headed by Dean Paul Ewell.

#VAHigherEdTogether
VWU mascot Bob Marlin joined friends from across the commonwealth to express pride in our current and prospective students. Watch the full video here and look for him at 2:03.
 
Student-Athlete Achievements 
Six Marlin student-athletes were named to the 2019-20 Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) All-Academic Team for their combined performance both in the classroom and on the playing field. Kudos to Amber Matalus, Jacob Pilarski, Jenna Whitener, Destiny Kinka, Skyler Lattuca, and Hanna Hull. Read more here.
 
Three members of the Virginia Wesleyan softball team were named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) 2020 College Division All-State softball team. Congratulations to Jessica Goldyn, Hanna Hull, and Maria Weddle! Read more here.
 
Virginia Wesleyan graduate Josh Currier, Class of 2016, has been signed by the professional Archer Lacrosse Club from the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). We are so proud of our Marlin Family. Read more here.
 
AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS
 
Congratulations to Virginia Wesleyan housekeeper Brenda Moore who's retiring after 28 years of service to the University. We presented her with a special VWU captain's chair during a celebration luncheon at our Facilities Management office last week. Thank you, Brenda!

VWU's Dr. Benjamin Dobrin (Dean of the D. Henry Watts School) and Chris Stuart (Vice President, Top Guard Security) participated in an interview and discussion with VWU alumna Alisa Crider '10 and Doug Smith, both of the 757Alliance, on the challenges of reopening businesses from a Public Health and Public Perception standpoint. Enjoy the discussion at 757Recovery.com. Ben and Chris also presented to the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce recently which can be viewed here.

Progress on our TowneBank Arena continues. New signage was recently added and installation of the stands is currently underway (view photos).

Coastal 61 at Oxford Village is looking great across from our main entrance on Wesleyan Drive. View some of the latest photos of the new apartment community here.

The east/west roadway inside of Oxford Village has been named Coastal Point Drive. Heading north, University Avenue accesses Coastal Point Drive just beyond the first row of apartments.

Many have asked about accessing campus using the East Gate. For health, safety and security reasons, we'll not be using that access point for the foreseeable future. It will continue to be used by emergency vehicles. 

Stay connected and updated through the latest issue of Virginia Wesleyan Alumni eNews.

Our newest issue of the Wesleyan Review is available. Read about the latest VWU news and events here.
 
STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES

REFLECTIONS
I hope you find these links useful to my recent columns and publications:
 
PRESIDENTIAL EVENTS
I invite you to stay updated on these activities here.
 
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter: @vawesleyanprez
Facebook: @ScottDMillerprez
Instagram: @prezscottmiller
Flickr: Scott D. Miller
(Be sure to subscribe to Dialogue for daily updates via email) 

# # #
 
Have a great week!
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