July 17, 2023
Good morning, |
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We’re excited for the new VWU Online programs rolling out next month, including two new master’s degrees and a degree-completion associate’s degree.
The Master of Environmental Studies (MEnvs) is designed to prepare students for careers in environment and sustainability fields by combining a rigorous academic foundation in environmental studies with coursework that develops practical real-world skills in the field, including environmental problem solving, environmental policy and justice, sustainability assessment, and more.
The Master of Arts in Human Services (MA Human Services) is designed to prepare current and aspiring human services professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to further their growth and development in areas such as social services and community resource and policy programs, and community-focused, health-related, public safety, and administrative positions.
Additionally, Virginia Wesleyan is offering an online associate's degree program aimed at adult learners looking to start or complete their journey in higher education. This program is entirely online and offers a flexible path for working adults to gain college experience and credits that will help to advance their careers and create new opportunities.
Courses for all programs will start in August and are enrolling now. For the new graduate programs, students with degrees in any major are welcome to apply.
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The complete 2022-2023 President to President thought leadership series is now available to download here.
This year’s series, titled “ The Well Campus: An In-Depth Look,” offers a thoughtful examination of what it means to have a “well” campus. Beyond broad strokes about well-being, we explore the various dimensions and applications of wellness and examine the various dimensions of a “well” campus, which include physical and mental health, as well as academic, intellectual, moral, and interpersonal well-being. By taking a holistic view of campus culture, enrollment and retention, finances, and legacy, this year’s authors focused on all of the moments and experiences that make time spent in higher education meaningful and long-lasting.
I would like to thank each of the authors for contributing their perspectives on these important topics and to everyone who reached out after the loss of my esteemed Co-Executive Editor, Dr. Marylouise “Weezie” Fennell.
President to President strives to inspire readers to explore new approaches to addressing the challenges on their own campuses, and we hope you have found value in reading each chapter. We're already working on next year's President to President series, which will take a thoughtful look at the environmental priorities and campus strategies for a sustainable future. |
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On June 30, VWU Human Resources emailed students, faculty, and staff regarding mandatory Title IX training. If you haven’t already, we ask that you review the presentation materials and complete the online test no later than Monday, July 31, 2023. The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights requires every institution of higher education to define our responsibilities under Title IX. Whether we are a member of the student body, faculty, or staff, understanding our roles in matters involving Title IX is a priority for each of us. |
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The news last week from Northwestern University is disturbing. As we gear up for the upcoming academic year, I want to take a moment to highlight Virginia Wesleyan University's unwavering stance on hazing. We believe in fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all of our athletes, coaches, and administrators.
With our zero-tolerance policy firmly in place, we are dedicated to preventing hazing throughout all of our athletic programs. By fostering a culture of respect, trust, and camaraderie, we ensure that every team member can thrive and reach their full potential.
Together, let's champion our commitment to a hazing-free environment and set an example for other institutions to follow. I thank our entire Marlin community for your continued efforts in upholding our values and ensuring a positive experience for all. |
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AROUND TOWN AND ACROSS CAMPUS |
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Wesleyan Engaged Newsletter Please enjoy our first-ever newsletter from Wesleyan Engaged: Center for Civic Engagement and Service Learning highlighting our wonderful programs and partnerships that make VWU so special. |
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Virginia Beach District 4 Community Meeting Dr. Keith Moore, Senior Vice President, and I were proud to represent Virginia Wesleyan during a productive Virginia Beach District 4 Community Meeting hosted by Virginia Beach City Council member Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond at The Renaissance Academy. (District 4 is VWU’s city district.) Keith and I are pictured with Charles Rigney, Virginia Beach Director of Economic Development, and Dr. Ross-Hammond. |
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Meeting with VBCPS Senior Administrators We are so fortunate in Virginia Beach to have an excellent public school system with outstanding leadership in key positions, including School Board Chair Trenace Riggs (center left) and soon-to-be acting Superintendent Donald Robertson (center right). Virginia Beach Vision President Delceno Miles (far right) and I met with them last week in Virginia Beach Town Center to discuss strategic priorities and issues impacting education in Virginia’s largest city. |
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Elevate Your Leadership We’re delighted to host “Elevate Your Leadership” with Bob Pizzini on campus this week. Bob developed his program in 2019 as a leadership experience that refreshes and energizes seasoned executives, develops new leaders, and builds high-performing teams. In 2022, he authored his first best-selling book titled "Elevate Your Leadership". For these accomplishments, Bob was awarded the Hampton Roads Chamber Leadership Award. |
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Coastal 61 Partnership Flourishes As a part of our public/private partnership for the operation of Coastal 61 on the north end of campus, residents will be able to enjoy recreational walking, jogging, or biking on campus. They will show their key fob as a way of identifying themselves as members of the Coastal 61 community to gain access to campus.
The Coastal 61 complex is an eight-building, 244-unit luxury housing complex with approximately 610 residents. |
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Wesleyan Wednesday: August 9 Save the date for our next Wesleyan Wednesday on August 9 on the lawn of the Bayville Farms location of Taste. The event is free and open to all Marlin alumni, faculty, staff, and their families on Wednesday, August 9 from 5-7pm. There’ll be live music and great food. We hope to see you there! |
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Save the Date: State of the University, August 18 The 2023 State of the University Address will take place on August 18 at 12:00 p.m., which immediately follows our annual luncheon. We look forward to welcoming our Trustees, faculty, staff, and many friends in-person for the event. The address is an opportunity to recap our previous academic year and look ahead to the next academic year.
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Gordon Robertson Named Chancellor, Regent University Gordon Robertson, son of Regent University founder and long-time Chancellor/CEO Pat Robertson, has assumed the Chancellorship of the University following his father’s passing earlier this summer. Learn more.
2023 United Methodist Church Annual Conference Reports With tremendous change occurring in the United Methodist Church, UM News provides the following posting of the 2023 annual conference reports. I share it here to keep you abreast of important issues. |
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STAY CURRENT ON VWU NEWS AND FEATURES |
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Hope you’re having a great summer, Marlins!
Sincerely, |
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-- Scott D. Miller, Ph.D. President Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Phone: 757.455.3215 |
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