University of Mary Washington- What Am I Missing?

[Anonymous]

There was an extensive survey of Virginia public institutions published by SCHEV of undergraduate alumni satisfaction by different measures. MWU came in overall at 7th out of 16 based on average response. It was behind
W&M, UVA, VMI, UVA-Wise, VT, and JMU. UVA-Wise and VMI are kind of special cases, so that is not bad. As others indicated, many won't consider or apply to MWU, and that is the issue they are dealing with.
https://research.schev.edu/downloads/virginia_educated_results/Virginia%20Educated%20Survey%202021%20Full%20Report%20no%20appendices.pdf

See page 96.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was an extensive survey of Virginia public institutions published by SCHEV of undergraduate alumni satisfaction by different measures. MWU came in overall at 7th out of 16 based on average response. It was behind
W&M, UVA, VMI, UVA-Wise, VT, and JMU. UVA-Wise and VMI are kind of special cases, so that is not bad. As others indicated, many won't consider or apply to MWU, and that is the issue they are dealing with.
https://research.schev.edu/downloads/virginia_educated_results/Virginia%20Educated%20Survey%202021%20Full%20Report%20no%20appendices.pdf

See page 96.

I mean, I guess but the differences between the top and the bottom numbers on the survey results are pretty small and really don’t count for much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was an extensive survey of Virginia public institutions published by SCHEV of undergraduate alumni satisfaction by different measures. MWU came in overall at 7th out of 16 based on average response. It was behind
W&M, UVA, VMI, UVA-Wise, VT, and JMU. UVA-Wise and VMI are kind of special cases, so that is not bad. As others indicated, many won't consider or apply to MWU, and that is the issue they are dealing with.
https://research.schev.edu/downloads/virginia_educated_results/Virginia%20Educated%20Survey%202021%20Full%20Report%20no%20appendices.pdf

See page 96.

I mean, I guess but the differences between the top and the bottom numbers on the survey results are pretty small and really don’t count for much.

USNWR differences (scores) also can be relatively small, but people still attribute a lot to those small differences.

I posted this because it is real data from verified amumni. It shows MWU perhaps should be in consideration more, but as previous people have indicated, they may have some branding issues.

[Anonymous]

to answer your question OP, what you are missing or failing to see is that UMW is a 3rd tier/mediocre school at best. It certainly has a role in the world and can offer the right kids a decent education.

but really, nothing more than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There was an extensive survey of Virginia public institutions published by SCHEV of undergraduate alumni satisfaction by different measures. MWU came in overall at 7th out of 16 based on average response. It was behind
W&M, UVA, VMI, UVA-Wise, VT, and JMU. UVA-Wise and VMI are kind of special cases, so that is not bad. As others indicated, many won't consider or apply to MWU, and that is the issue they are dealing with.
https://research.schev.edu/downloads/virginia_educated_results/Virginia%20Educated%20Survey%202021%20Full%20Report%20no%20appendices.pdf

See page 96.

I mean, I guess but the differences between the top and the bottom numbers on the survey results are pretty small and really don’t count for much.

The questions they are answering seem pretty relevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP,

I'm glad you liked it! My DD just finished her first year there. It has been a good fit for her. To answer your question about why it isn't more popular... I have a few ideas. In fact, they recently sent out a survey to parents, students, and alumnae to ask what the pros and cons were and what the image is, etc.

Here's my take.
(1) as a small school, it doesn't have the "big-U"-rah-rah sports image/marketing. They do have teams and the teams do well (soccer, basketball, volleyball, and clubs for rugby and others). But, if you as a parent went to a big-state-U type of school, you might steer your kid toward that dynamic.
(2) this is a big one: I really think the name "MARY..." turns off young men in the 17-18 yr old range. Honestly, I told them to LEAN INTO marketting themselves as "UMW" and minimize the "Mary" part. Yes, I'm a feminist, but in marketing, they need to look at who their audience is, and how the audience perceives them. Most male teens are not going to want to tell their friends they are going to "MARY..." Guys are going to want to tell their friends they are going to "Christopher Newport" or "Radford" before they want to say they are going to "Mary... U."

I know the alumni would have a fit if they changed the name altogether. But, I think in the service of staying relevant and solvent, they should seriously consider renaming themselves to "UVA-Fredericksburg" or "Univ. of Central Virginia" or something else. Even using JUST "UMW" would be a start.

3. They DO have a computer science degree... and that's CRUCIAL for attracting guys. They need to AMP UP the connections for that degree (i.e. internships, etc.)

That said, their biology dept. is very strong. My DD is in that dept. They have so many great international opportunities. It IS a lot easier to get to know your advisor and professors, and they do have research opportunities. If you want to apply to medical, dental or law school, or really any grad program later, having professors who actually KNOW you is going to make a huge difference in the quality of the recommendation letters they can write on your behalf.

My DD likes the size of the campus. She likes the food. She likes the size of the classes. The campus is pretty, and it's easy to get involved in clubs/activities. It is a campus that is accepting of diversity without the typical "toxic masculinity" that you see at "big-state-U." They students are just good people.

If you are confident enough to do your own thing and not follow the pressure of the crowd that says "you must go to X, Y, or Z college" then you can have a very good experience at UMW. If you need Greek life or football Saturdays -- then this isn't going to be a good fit.

I find it incredibly offensive that men won't attend a school named after a woman but we have attended schools named after them for centuries. Talk about inequality and not taking half the human race seriously. Where have parents gone wrong that a young man born in the 2000's has not gotten past that mindset? It really stuns me to hear this.

There are MANY subtle messages still in the environment every day. You would be mistaken to think that equality of the sexes was achieved in the 70s. I am old enough to remember when Janet Reno became the AG. I hadn't ever thought about it before, but it really had an impact on me to see a WOMAN take that position for the first time. We SAY "girl power" all the time, but until girls SEE women in power, it doesn't really resonate.

As for boys and the "Mary" name -- I mean, look... we're talking about 17 and 18 yr old guys. They are entering their peak years of defining and being the most "masculine" that they will be for their whole lives. I can't expect them to be so evolved. Sure, some boys are fine with it. But, if you are in charge of marketing a college to teen boys, you might find out that they do not feel strong and proud about a "Mary" in their college.

Deal with the world as it is, not as you wish it to be!... that's what the marketing people need to do.

+1
I'm a UMW alum and was asked in a survey what I would suggest to market the school more effectively. I responded that they HAVE to show more young men in their marketing material. Everything I was getting from them, for years, made it look like it was an all-women's college. I think they have started featuring more men - after all, they have great men's sports, so they need to sell that.

Just went to their web page and the majority of pictures are of men. They took your advice I guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP,

I'm glad you liked it! My DD just finished her first year there. It has been a good fit for her. To answer your question about why it isn't more popular... I have a few ideas. In fact, they recently sent out a survey to parents, students, and alumnae to ask what the pros and cons were and what the image is, etc.

Here's my take.
(1) as a small school, it doesn't have the "big-U"-rah-rah sports image/marketing. They do have teams and the teams do well (soccer, basketball, volleyball, and clubs for rugby and others). But, if you as a parent went to a big-state-U type of school, you might steer your kid toward that dynamic.
(2) this is a big one: I really think the name "MARY..." turns off young men in the 17-18 yr old range. Honestly, I told them to LEAN INTO marketting themselves as "UMW" and minimize the "Mary" part. Yes, I'm a feminist, but in marketing, they need to look at who their audience is, and how the audience perceives them. Most male teens are not going to want to tell their friends they are going to "MARY..." Guys are going to want to tell their friends they are going to "Christopher Newport" or "Radford" before they want to say they are going to "Mary... U."

I know the alumni would have a fit if they changed the name altogether. But, I think in the service of staying relevant and solvent, they should seriously consider renaming themselves to "UVA-Fredericksburg" or "Univ. of Central Virginia" or something else. Even using JUST "UMW" would be a start.

3. They DO have a computer science degree... and that's CRUCIAL for attracting guys. They need to AMP UP the connections for that degree (i.e. internships, etc.)

That said, their biology dept. is very strong. My DD is in that dept. They have so many great international opportunities. It IS a lot easier to get to know your advisor and professors, and they do have research opportunities. If you want to apply to medical, dental or law school, or really any grad program later, having professors who actually KNOW you is going to make a huge difference in the quality of the recommendation letters they can write on your behalf.

My DD likes the size of the campus. She likes the food. She likes the size of the classes. The campus is pretty, and it's easy to get involved in clubs/activities. It is a campus that is accepting of diversity without the typical "toxic masculinity" that you see at "big-state-U." They students are just good people.

If you are confident enough to do your own thing and not follow the pressure of the crowd that says "you must go to X, Y, or Z college" then you can have a very good experience at UMW. If you need Greek life or football Saturdays -- then this isn't going to be a good fit.

I find it incredibly offensive that men won't attend a school named after a woman but we have attended schools named after them for centuries. Talk about inequality and not taking half the human race seriously. Where have parents gone wrong that a young man born in the 2000's has not gotten past that mindset? It really stuns me to hear this.

There are MANY subtle messages still in the environment every day. You would be mistaken to think that equality of the sexes was achieved in the 70s. I am old enough to remember when Janet Reno became the AG. I hadn't ever thought about it before, but it really had an impact on me to see a WOMAN take that position for the first time. We SAY "girl power" all the time, but until girls SEE women in power, it doesn't really resonate.

As for boys and the "Mary" name -- I mean, look... we're talking about 17 and 18 yr old guys. They are entering their peak years of defining and being the most "masculine" that they will be for their whole lives. I can't expect them to be so evolved. Sure, some boys are fine with it. But, if you are in charge of marketing a college to teen boys, you might find out that they do not feel strong and proud about a "Mary" in their college.

Deal with the world as it is, not as you wish it to be!... that's what the marketing people need to do.

+1
I'm a UMW alum and was asked in a survey what I would suggest to market the school more effectively. I responded that they HAVE to show more young men in their marketing material. Everything I was getting from them, for years, made it look like it was an all-women's college. I think they have started featuring more men - after all, they have great men's sports, so they need to sell that.

Just went to their web page and the majority of pictures are of men. They took your advice I guess.

UNC Chapel Hill is something like 61% female, 39% male. Not uncommon for schools without engineering. UMW has more of a perception problem.

[Anonymous]

Not good for any school to be 61 / 39.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not good for any school to be 61 / 39.

It’s really not unusual now.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in Virginia, and UMW used to be considered a much better school and was much more selective. I don’t know what happened, though I’ve always thought the lack of a football team is a problem.

As a graduate of William and MARY, I can tell you that “Mary” really throws people off.

1. They think it is a women’s college. Yes, W&M.
2. They think it is Catholic. They hear “Mary” and they think “Virgin Mary.”

Sorry to say, I think the school should become University of Fredericksburg. It’s a great school, but they need to stay afloat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in Virginia, and UMW used to be considered a much better school and was much more selective. I don’t know what happened, though I’ve always thought the lack of a football team is a problem.

As a graduate of William and MARY, I can tell you that “Mary” really throws people off.

1. They think it is a women’s college. Yes, W&M.
2. They think it is Catholic. They hear “Mary” and they think “Virgin Mary.”

Sorry to say, I think the school should become University of Fredericksburg. It’s a great school, but they need to stay afloat.

But in VA, University of Fredericksburg would make it sound like a private school. Like University of Richmond.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in Virginia, and UMW used to be considered a much better school and was much more selective. I don’t know what happened, though I’ve always thought the lack of a football team is a problem.

As a graduate of William and MARY, I can tell you that “Mary” really throws people off.

1. They think it is a women’s college. Yes, W&M.
2. They think it is Catholic. They hear “Mary” and they think “Virgin Mary.”

Sorry to say, I think the school should become University of Fredericksburg. It’s a great school, but they need to stay afloat.

But in VA, University of Fredericksburg would make it sound like a private school. Like University of Richmond.

I agree they need rebranding and unfortunately can't just drop "Mary" since there's already a University of Washington, Washington University and Washington College. I'd go with UVA Fredericksburg like the UC system just names different campuses. But I don't know how that would fly with how the public Us in VA are administered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in Virginia, and UMW used to be considered a much better school and was much more selective. I don’t know what happened, though I’ve always thought the lack of a football team is a problem.

As a graduate of William and MARY, I can tell you that “Mary” really throws people off.

1. They think it is a women’s college. Yes, W&M.
2. They think it is Catholic. They hear “Mary” and they think “Virgin Mary.”

Sorry to say, I think the school should become University of Fredericksburg. It’s a great school, but they need to stay afloat.

But in VA, University of Fredericksburg would make it sound like a private school. Like University of Richmond.

I agree they need rebranding and unfortunately can't just drop "Mary" since there's already a University of Washington, Washington University and Washington College. I'd go with UVA Fredericksburg like the UC system just names different campuses. But I don't know how that would fly with how the public Us in VA are administered.

I think UVA Fredericksburg might throw people off, but UV Fredericksburg could work.

[Anonymous]

Does William and Mary have the same problem? They have a Mary in their name.

[Anonymous]

My son was not interested at all. We visited twice hoping he would get a different vibe each time- no luck.

All tour guides were female with various colors of hair and gender expression. I personally love the look as I was very similar at that age, but when it’s the only one you see, you don’t get a feel for other sides of the community.

At admitted student day, I was excited that they finally had a parent talk about their son’s experience but it turned out the main draw and passion for her son was theatre. Again, very cool, but again skews to attract a certain group.

My athletic, straight, non-white male son could not see himself fitting in and I agreed with him.

If that’s the only type of student body UMW wants, then they’re doing a great job. If they want to attract other types of students, then they need to rethink their marketing strategy.