Frequently Asked Questions

What is William & Mary planning for Commencement?

Our goal is to host two grand celebrations in May 2021 for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021, with all the joy and the cherished traditions that make W&M Commencements special. Public health conditions permitting, the Class of 2020 will celebrate May 14-16, 2021, with the main ceremony on Saturday, May 15. The Class of 2021 will be the following weekend, May 21-23, with the main ceremony on Saturday, May 22. More details are available on the Commencement website.

Updated: 9/21/2020

What is W&M doing to plan for Fall 2020?

The university has developed Path Forward: Fall 2020 guidelines and resources to facilitate a safe and healthy return to campus for all members of the community.

Added: 6/29/2020

Is information available about COVID-19 testing and cases at William & Mary?

William & Mary's COVID-19 dashboard provides available public data on regional, local and campus trends regarding COVID-19 testing, results and cases. 

Added: 10/5/2020

How are you supporting the health and wellness of students, faculty and staff during this time?

Necessary PPE is available to employees through Facilities Management.

For Fall 2020, all students and employees were issued a wellness kit consisting of washable masks, hand sanitizer, wipes and an educational pamphlet. Additional masks or face shields will be available for employees as appropriate to their roles and work environment.

The departments of Health & Wellness have developed a virtual wellness center, which includes articles, videos and information on virtual fitness classes.

See additional measures on the Path Forward website.

Updated 9/21/2020

Do the state's guidelines regarding face coverings apply on campus?

Yes. All individuals on campus are required to wear a cloth face covering in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained and in all shared areas of buildings.

Updated: 7/14/2020

What will state budget restrictions mean for the PBK renovation and the music building?

Construction on William & Mary’s new performing arts facilities is continuing this fall after being delayed early in the calendar year due to unforeseen increases in construction costs. The expected completion date is now fall 2022.

Updated: 10/5/2020

Does William & Mary qualify for federal stimulus money?

William & Mary was informed in early April that it would be allocated roughly $3.95 million in federal stimulus funding authorized by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act. Half of that — $1.97 million — was awarded as direct emergency aid for students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, such as course materials, technology, housing, food, health care and child care. Prioritizing students with the greatest financial need, William & Mary began outreach to affected students on May 7. Visit the financial aid office website for more information on CARES Act funding distribution. The other half of the federal allocation is to be used by the institution to cover costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction.

Updated: 5/8/2020

How do the university’s finances work?

Amy Sebring, Vice President of Finance & Technology, explains William & Mary’s finances (video). More information can be found at Finance's COVID-19 page.

Updated: 4/28/2020

I heard that Virginia's governor asked state agencies to cut their budgets, anticipating a recession in the commonwealth. What does this mean at William & Mary?

In early April, Gov. Ralph Northam directed agencies to "eliminate discretionary spending for the remainder of the current fiscal year, prepare for budget reductions [as early as July 1] … and re-examine funding for new initiatives."

The ability to limit spending now will give W&M flexibility to address further downturns in revenue as the community, state, nation and world respond to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We know that COVID-19 will have far-reaching financial impacts for W&M students, employees and campus partners. We are asking all employees to evaluate purchases in light of the crisis and to curtail those that aren't mission-critical. This includes all new purchases (with the exception of externally funded research and Emergency Management Team directives). More information can be found at Finance's COVID-19 page.

William & Mary is looking to faculty and staff for creative ideas on cost reductions. If you have ideas on how to reduce expenses, don't hesitate to contact your supervisor or department head.

Updated: 4/27/2020

What does "mission-critical" mean?

Mission-critical activities are those that have university-wide impact, including those that

• Ensure our ability to deliver the essential elements of W&M's curriculum, or to meet obligations of externally funded research;
• Support student enrollment as W&M's primary source of revenue;
• Sustain or enhance W&M's ability to generate positive net revenue, both in the near- and long-terms; and
• Uphold the legal obligations and accreditation standards of William & Mary.
• Many activities aren't mission-critical; they are mission-optimal, enhancing programs or events that advance William & Mary under normal operating circumstances.

More information can be found at Finance's COVID-19 page.

Updated: 4/27/2020

Can W&M use endowment money to offset losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect faculty and employees?

When a donor gives to an endowment, the principal gift isn’t spent; it’s invested. The annual income from that investment is available for the institution, but its use is almost always restricted. That vast majority of endowment assets that benefit William & Mary are restricted in purpose and cannot be redirected to support the university in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch Understanding William & Mary’s Finances for more information.

Added: 4/10/2020