University of Mary Washington
EN-5: Civic Engagement

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) supports student civic engagement through several key programs: 

- Center for Community Engagement (CCE): Provides resources for volunteerism, service learning, and community-engaged research.
  https://academics.umw.edu/communityengagement/umw-votes
- UMW Votes: Promotes voter education, registration, and electoral participation. 
- Community Outreach and Resources (COAR): Offers weekly service projects and volunteer opportunities.
 https://academics.umw.edu/communityengagement/for-students/get-involved/
- Voting Ambassador Program: Trains students to lead voter engagement initiatives on campus.
https://compact.org/sites/default/files/UMW-Civic-Action-Plan-2019-1.pdf

These programs emphasize UMW’s commitment to fostering civic responsibility and active citizenship among students.

Community service is a hallmark of a Mary Washington education. Getting involved helps students learn more about the world around them, discover what they want to do with their careers and make a positive difference in the world.

Thanks to UMW's Center for Community Engagement and community-engaged (CE) courses, the University's emphasis on community service, social activism and citizenship is at an all-time high. CE-designated courses are a great way to make a positive difference in the community and gain valuable career and life skills.

The following are among the many ways community service is encouraged at UMW:

- COAR (Community Outreach and Resources) is a student-run service organization that supports several weekly volunteer projects and campus-wide events each year.

-UMW’s Alternative Service Break program supports students to spend spring break working with Habitat for Humanity to build or repair houses in a variety of locations across the U.S.

-UMW Votes is a nonpartisan voter education program that trains students to educate their peers about the voting process.

-Into the Streets is a day of service and volunteering with local nonprofits that happens every fall.

- Regular community service options allow students to sign up for activities like mentoring youth with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, volunteering at a community garden, and tutoring children through community programs. 

Employees are granted up to 16 hours of paid leave in any leave year to provide volunteer services through eligible non-profit organizations within or outside their communities. Such service may be provided as a member of a service organization or through authorized school assistance. All employees are encouraged to volunteer through community organizations to perform direct services in child development and to provide voluntary “hands-on” services as part of an organized community service project. Employees who serve with a volunteer fire department and rescue squad or auxiliary unit thereof are granted 24 hours of paid leave to serve in this capacity. This leave is not in addition to the 16 hours of paid volunteer service leave to provide other volunteer service or school assistance.

Employees are granted up to 16 hours of paid leave in any leave year to provide volunteer services through eligible non-profit organizations within or outside their communities. Such service may be provided as a member of a service organization or through authorized school assistance. All employees are encouraged to volunteer through community organizations to perform direct services in child development and to provide voluntary “hands-on” services as part of an organized community service project. Employees who serve with a volunteer fire department and rescue squad or auxiliary unit thereof are granted 24 hours of paid leave to serve in this capacity. This leave is not in addition to the 16 hours of paid volunteer service leave to provide other volunteer service or school assistance.

Faculty members at the institution have played a significant role in shaping local sustainability policies. Notably, one of our faculty members was instrumental in drafting the **Climate Action Plan**, which serves as a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. Their expertise in environmental policy and collaboration with local government agencies helped ensure that the plan aligns with both regional sustainability goals and broader climate commitments. Through research, advocacy, and policy recommendations, faculty and institutional affiliates continue to contribute to meaningful sustainability initiatives.

The University of Mary Washington (UMW) actively advocates public policies that advance sustainability through various initiatives and collaborations. UMW's Sustainability Policies and Practices document outlines the university's commitment to environmental stewardship, including efforts to reduce solid waste and promote recycling. This document emphasizes the importance of open communication with state, local, and federal agencies, as well as the public, to foster collaboration and exchange information on sustainability efforts.