President Katherine A. Rowe
"As William & Mary’s Vision statement reads, people come here 'wanting to understand and change the world – and together we do.' At a learning institution, we do this by holding open spaces for respectful disagreement: recognizing that while we may not share the same experiences and perceptions, we are all part of this community, we all belong, and we are united by our shared mission of teaching, learning and research.
In order to grow in understanding, we make these commitments to each other: to engage civilly at times of heightened or difficult feelings, to acknowledge the humanity of those we are in conflict with, and to not demonize each other. We commit to safeguard together an environment where all can teach, learn, and make new knowledge without fear of bias, disruption, or barriers."
Related Series & Events
A consortium of faculty, working with Arts & Sciences and the Reves Center, is co-sponsoring a seven-part series on scholarly perspectives and diverse viewpoints on Gaza, Israel, Palestine and the wider Middle East. This is the first in a number of series that will be held over the coming years.
"There is something I deeply appreciate about William & Mary. It is the way we value the connections between research, teaching, learning and living as a way of understanding the world. This series is an example of those kinds of connections.” - Teresa Longo, executive director of the Reves Center and professor of Hispanic Studies.
Additional Events
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The New Social Journalism in Russia & Ukraine
March 21, 2024: Elena Kostyuchenko spoke at William & Mary as part of the Tepper Lecture Series: Human Rights and Social Justice.
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Screening of PBS Frontline's "20 Days in Mariupol"
February 21, 2024: This 2023 film is part of a student-run film series, and was introduced by Volodymyr Shalkivskyi, former Ukrainian diplomat.
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Vigil for Palestinian Lives Lost
October 17, 2023: William & Mary students held a vigil to honor Palestinian lives lost in the war.
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October 7th Prayer Vigil
October 10, 2023: Dozens of people, including students and faculty, gathered at William & Mary for a prayer vigil after the events of October 7th.
Expression on Campus
Expression on Campus
William & Mary supports free speech, both as a founding principle of our country and as an inherent part of our University mission. We encourage civil discourse around challenging subjects and strive to ensure a campus environment where every community member can participate openly, and we reject hatred and discrimination as contrary to our values of belonging and respect.
Learning how to engage in productive and respectful discussions about sensitive and complex issues is a hallmark of the educational experience. To that end, there are offices across campus that can help you hone your speech skills and offer you opportunities to become more effectively engaged:
- Civic & Community Engagement
- Student Unions & Engagement
- Student Leadership Development
- Self-Governance in Residence Halls
- Dean of Students Office
The university has also established content-neutral restrictions on the time, place and manner where speech can occur. Details on applicable restrictions can be found in the following policies:
Campus Resources
Resources are available to members of our campus community who may be experiencing difficulties in light of global events.
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Health & Wellness
Browse and select resources available to students.
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University Human Resources
Learn about the Employee Assistance Program for staff.
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Campus Recreation
Take out a canoe, do a fitness class, move your body.
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Campus Ministries United
A multifaith coalition of spiritual leaders enabling shared experiences.
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Counseling Center
When one-to-one or group therapy is needed.
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Timely Care
Online 24/7 counseling support.
Vision 2026: Democracy Initiative
At a time when communities around the world are deeply divided, we have the opportunity to rediscover the ideals that make pluralistic democracies strong. W&M has played a pivotal role in shaping democracy since the founding of the United States. As we prepare for our country’s 250th anniversary, W&M will ensure that our nation’s origin stories are expansive, honest and that they unite us in a commitment to knowledge as a public good. By studying, teaching and illuminating the rights and obligations of 21st-century citizenship, the Alma Mater of the Nation is uniquely positioned to ensure that democratic ideals thrive for generations to come.
W&M Global News Coverage
See all coverage in the W&M News
Media Links
Related Coverage
Law School Enters Alliance with Alliance University to Foster Collaboration and Academic Exchange
William & Mary Law School | April 1, 2024
Russians Face Lengthy Jail Terms for Voting at Noon
Newsweek | March 16, 2024
Putin is Stronger Than Ever—Why?
Newsweek | February 22, 2024
Enduring Friendships Transcend Borders: A Journey from William & Mary to Ukraine's Aid Efforts
Raymond A. Mason School of Business | December 19, 2023
Blue-Water Ambitions: Is China Looking Beyond its Neighborhood now it has the World’s Largest Navy
CNN | September 2, 2023
Media Outlets
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