Work, Life, Well-being
VIMS and W&M are committed to creating a workplace that supports the success of faculty, staff and students in their pursuit of productive and fulfilling professional and personal lives.
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Schedule Ahead
Current Employees - Year at a Glance (W&M Human Resources)Quick Link: Year at a Glance Provides dates for key job-related events such as annual evaluations and open enrollment for health insurance. |
Events - VIMS & W&MQuick links: VIMS Internal Events; VIMS Public Events; W&M Featured Events From First Fridays, to visits by dignitaries and sporting events, there's always something interesting happening on our campuses! Did you know? At the bottom of every events calendar you will find links to other popular W&M events calendars (there's even a Free Food event calendar!), an option to view all calendars, and links to Williamsburg community event calendars. You can use the "View All Categories" feature on every page page to filter for specific categories of events, such as Health & Wellness, Sporting Events and Entertainment. Introducing Family & Friends to VIMS |
Holiday LeaveQuick links: Pay Dates & Holidays In addition to vacation time, full-time employees receive 13 paid holidays per year. You can view upcoming holidays on the Faculty & Staff Holiday Schedule calendar. |
Employee Benefits, Discounts & Perks
Did you know? As W&M employees, we are eligible for educational assistance, financial planning consultations, and a variety of discounts and perks. This is in addition to the benefits detailed on your pay stub.
Colonial Williamsburg Collegiate PassQuick link: W&M Collegiate Pass Employees of William & Mary are eligible for a free Colonial Williamsburg Collegiate pass which provides unlimited admission to Colonial Williamsburg and other discounts in the Historic Area and Merchants Square. Exclusive Pass Benefits*:
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Employee Tuition Assistance ProgramThe Employee Tuition Assistance Program at William & Mary offers eligible employees either tuition waivers or financial assistance for approved classes at W&M. This program covers up to 6 credit hours per semester, with a maximum of six courses allowed per calendar year. Eligible employees can receive up to $5,250 in tax-free benefits annually. |
Entertainment, Retail, Travel & Other DiscountsQuick link: W&M - Other Benefits & Discounts; DHRM - Employee Discounts Beneplace Retail Discounts Example offers (2024):
Visit W&M - Other Benefits & Discounts on William & Mary's HR website for a full list of benefits & discounts offered for employees. As state employees, we also have access to Virginia's DHRM - Employee Discounts. Example discounts: Sam's Club membership, Planet Fitness, Wholesale Cabinets, Adventure Park @ the Virginia Aquarium Top tip: To locate discounts for state employees, try using a search engine like Google or another search engine. For example: "planet fitness discounts for state employees virginia" may provide a direct link to an offer and/or a coupon code if one is available. More discounts for regional attractions, events and offers from local businesses in the Williamsburg area. |
Financial Wellness PlanningWilliam & Mary University Human Resources partners with CAPTRUST to assist employees with financial wellness. Their services are open to all William & Mary and VIMS employees and their families. As part of your benefit package, CAPTRUST can provide free consultation and advice on how to maximize your retirement and financial goals. CapTrust Areas of Financial Assistance
If you have questions on financial wellness and saving for health care, CAPTRUST has provided videos on retirement planning and investment advice: Financial Planning Made Easy and Saving for Health Care. CAPTRUST articles Investing In Yourself, and Setting Smart Financial Goals, can help you develop goals that are carefully planned, clear and trackable. William & Mary University Human Resources encourages all employees to contact CAPTRUST at 1-800-967-9948 for a free personalized consultation appointment. |
Newspaper, Magazine & Other Subscriptions (Swem Library)Quick link: Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions; Full List of Databases & Subscriptions William & Mary Libraries provides unlimited online access to the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic for current students, faculty, and staff. Once you set up your account, you can go directly to the newspapers' website to read their articles. Explore much more through the Full List of Databases & Subscriptions (A-Z). The list of options is very long and covers a wide range of genres. A few highlights: American Music, Ancestry.com (Library version), Chronicle of Higher Education, Consumer Reports, National Geographic (Magazine, History and Traveler editions), PBS Streaming Video Collection, Smithsonian Global Sound for Libraries (includes Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) |
Real Estate and Relocation ServicesLong & Foster provides real estate services and relocation support to new and existing employees. The program is free and includes a substantial discount and cash rebate opportunities. To learn more about this program, visit real estate and relocation services. |
Williamsburg Campus Child CareQuick link: Williamsburg Campus Child Care Williamsburg Campus Child Care (WCCC) is a nonprofit organization which has had a successful program in Williamsburg since 1981. William & Mary is proud to support the child care program which benefits area children and their families. There is a preferential application category for employees.
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Living in the Area
Local CommunitiesQuick links: Gloucester; Hampton; Mathews; Newport News; Poquoson; York County (including Yorktown); Williamsburg & James City County; Accomack County - Eastern Shore The VIMS Gloucester Point campus is located in Gloucester County, Virginia. This suburban-rural community is part of Virginia's Hampton Roads region, the 37th largest metropolitan area in the country with a population of 1.7 million. Richmond, the state capital, is 59 miles west and Washington, DC is 153 miles north. Gloucester County website; Welcome to Gloucester County. The VIMS Eastern Shore Lab is in Wachapreague Virginia. Learn more: Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, VA, a 30-minute drive from VIMS. Williamsburg sits along Interstate 64 corridor midway between Richmond and Norfolk/Virginia Beach — at the center of the Eastern Virginia region, which has a population of more than 2.5 million. Greater Williamsburg, with its population of more than 94,000, has remained one of the fastest growing regions in Virginia over the past three decades. Learn more about Williamsburg. Hampton, James City County, Mathews County, Newport News, Poquoson and York County are nearby communities that are within a 30 to 40-min commute to VIMS. |
Local Schools (K-12)The Virginia Department of Education provides School Quality Profiles that contain information about student achievement, college and career readiness, program completion, school safety, teacher quality and other topics of interest to parents and the general public. Report cards are available for individual schools, school divisions and for the commonwealth. |
Local to Regional Events, Entertainment & ServicesQuick link: Virginia is for Lovers Virginia is for Lovers covers places to visit and things to do in Virginia and "About Virginia" includes almost everything you might want to know about the state. Visit Gloucester, Visit Hampton, Visit Newport News, Visit Yorktown, Visit Williamsburg and Visit Eastern Shore are on Facebook with information about local concert series, art shows, festivals, outdoor markets and more. The Williamsburg Yorktown Daily (WYDAILY on Facebook) will help you keep up with what's happening locally, even the locations of the areas most popular food trucks! You can sign up for a subscription through W&M's Swem Library. The Gloucester-Mathews Gazette Journal also has a Facebook page. In addition to providing information on events in Yorktown & Williamsburg, the Williamsburg Families website lists sports activities & classes, summer camps, and wedding venues, and provides advice on how to get the best deals on tickets for Busch Gardens & Water Country. Free movies in local parks! You can subscribe to their 'Burg Weekly or 'Burg Weekender, here. The website site is ad-heavy, but it's also a treasure trove of information. There are weekly outdoor markets in most communities - Gloucester, Hampton, Newport News (Hilton Village), Yorktown, Williamsburg. Have something to sell, or looking to buy? Check out the regional Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist (Hampton Roads/Norfolk) Need a plumber? Members of the VIMS community use the vims-misc list-serv to share information about local to regional events and services. Feel free to ask the VIMS community for a recommendation on anything from a chiropractor to a plumber to a restaurant. Restaurants, entertainment venues, grocery stores, transportation, places to worship and more. The School of Marine Science Student Quick Guide (intranet) contains useful information about living in the Gloucester, York County and Williamsburg areas, local resources and services. Scroll to the last section to find information on living in the region. The Guide is updated annually and is available to all VIMSers as a pdf via the VIMS intranet (on campus, or using VPN). |
Ways to Connect at VIMS
Annual EventsChili Cook-Off: All VIMSers are invited to this event which is hosted by the VIMS Graduate Student Association. Students, staff, and faculty go head-to-head to show off their chili and cornbread recipes. Vegetarian options are also available. This event is in February or March. Spring Party: All VIMSers and their families are invited to this event which is hosted by the VIMS Graduate Student Association. This ticketed party has been a campus tradition since at least the 1970s. It's an all you can eat fish fry with all the sides and beverages, as well as music and fun activities for the kids. This event is usually in April. Commencement Weekend: The main commencement ceremony takes place on the Williamsburg campus and is a ticketed event. The VIMS community recognizes and celebrates our graduates and their achievements during the School of Marine Science Diploma Ceremony and Reception on the VIMS campus. All are invited! This event takes place in May. Annual Photo Contest: For over two decades, the VIMS Photo Contest has recognized the most noteworthy images captured by VIMS faculty, staff, and students while in the field and laboratory. This event usually takes place in the spring. The photos are on Flickr: Winners & Honorable Mentions 2023, Winners & Honorable Mentions 2022 Annual Awards Ceremony: This late spring (late May to early June) gathering recognizes and honors years of service and exemplary performance by faculty, staff, and students during the previous calendar year. Marine Science Day (MSD): For one day a year only, in late spring, nearly every corner of our campus is open to the public to speak to our scientists and students while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the important research and advisory services VIMS provides to the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond! Marine Science Day photo albums on Flickr: MSD 2023, MSD 2019 Marine Life Day: Marine Life Day is a public open house event offering the opportunity to the Eastern Shore community (and beyond) to explore marine organisms found in the region and meet researchers who are active on the Eastern Shore. It offers interactive and educational activities for all ages. This event is in early fall. Marine Life Day photo albums on Flickr: Marine Life Day 2023 Fall Party; Hosted by the VIMS Graduate Student Association, but all VIMSers and their families are invited. This ticketed party has been a campus tradition since at least the 1970s. It's an all you can eat Pig Roast with all the sides and beverages, as well as music and fun activities for the kids. This event usually takes place in October. Holiday Gathering: VIMS faculty, staff, students and guests gather in early December to celebrate community. Dancing encouraged! |
Campus Center & Gathering Places on the VIMS CampusQuick link: VIMS campus map The VIMS Campus Center is located in Clayton House, between Watermen's Hall and Davis Hall. VIMS faculty, staff and students share the first floor where they have access to a full kitchen, seating and dining areas, and two comfort rooms. When the weather is nice, you can eat lunch at a picnic table under impressive shade trees on the water side of Clayton. Can you find the pomegranate tree? Other gathering places around the VIMS campus include the green space and pavilion on the Davis Hall lawn (waterside), the Acuff Center patio, and various indoor and outdoor seating areas in and around campus buildings. Some of the outdoor seating areas have fire pits that you are free to use. Pull up a chair and strike up a conversation! |
First FridaysThe VIMS Dean & Director’s Office sponsors First Fridays on the first Friday of every month. Speakers make brief (15-20 min) presentations on topics that are of interest to a broad swath of the VIMS community. The reception following the presentation is an opportunity to connect for conversation and meet new people in the VIMS community. We hope to see you there! |
Inclusion & Belonging at VIMSVIMS Diversity & Inclusion Committee (known as Dive-In) sponsors Pop-Up socials that will help you meet faculty, staff, and students on the VIMS campus. They also sponsor trainings that are open to everyone at VIMS. Watch your VIMS email for events, announcements and DiveIn Updates, or contact DiveIn@vims.edu for more information. Follow DiveIn on social media: Daniel Ogunyemi is VIMS' Director of Inclusive Excellence & Belonging. Did you know? The VIMS Principles of Community were endorsed by faculty, staff and students in 2016. |
Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS)Quick link: National SWMS website VIMS hosts a local chapter of the national Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS). SWMS is a membership organization that is open to students, staff and faculty. Watch your email for events or contact SWMS@VIMS for more information. |
Other Ways to Connect at VIMSMembers of the VIMS community regularly offer opportunities to participate in group yoga, Zumba, beach clean ups, crafting, gardening, and much more. Watch your VIMS email for announcements. Community GardenThe community garden provides the larger VIMS community with access to small plots to grow and maintain produce. Plots are 8’ x 10’ and are rented for the entire year for a small fee ($30 per year, or split between 2 people, $15 each). If interested, contact Dave Wilcox for more details. Green TeamQuick link: Green Team VIMS students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community have come together to address our impact on both the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the planet as a whole. The VIMS Green Team also works to make the campus greener by using energy and water-conservation measures and green products, along with a host of other activities. |
Ways to Connect at W&M
Affinity Groups @ W&M |
Inclusion & BelongingQuick link: W&M Diversity & Inclusion VOICES Newsletter provides an update on the university's diversity efforts in facilitating and supporting diversity and inclusion. W&M Diversity & Inclusion celebrates inclusive excellence champions and supports professional development through a Lunch & Learn series, IDEA grants, Cornerstone Learning and an Annual Diversity & Inclusion Symposium. |
Wellness & Recreation
CommonHealth & Weight WatchersQuick links: CommonHealth @ W&M; Weight Watchers CommonHealth is the employee wellness program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since 1986, the Commonwealth has offered CommonHealth to promote wellness in the workplace. Programs and campaigns cover a variety of health topics and are available in a range of formats to meet the needs of different workplaces. Special Weight Watchers pricing is available to state employees, spouses and adult dependents through Virginia's CommonHealth program. In addition, reimbursement for half of the cost of Weight Watchers services before taxes is open to W&M employees currently eligible to enroll in state health plans. W&M Human Resources provides additional information and instructions. |
W&M Health & WellnessQuick links: Campus Recreation; Wellness & Recreation Centers William & Mary Health & Wellness provides programs, services and facilities to support the wellbeing of the W&M community. The Department of Campus Recreation provides recreational opportunities on the Williamsburg campus to all members of the William & Mary community, including VIMS faculty, staff and students. The Bee McLeod Recreation Center has standard gym equipment, offers classes and training and has a pool, climbing wall, racquetball & squash courts, and a sauna. The Campus Recreation Tennis Courts, which are located off of Campus Drive next to the Cafeteria, are first-come, first-serve. Current faculty, and staff members at William & Mary, including VIMS, have a valid membership to the Bee McLeod Recreation Center. In addition, the Center is currently allowing family members & community members (18 years and older) to use the facility during Family Recreation Hours. Restrictions may apply. If you're interested in taking fitness and wellness classes, such as Yoga, Body Pump, Cycling and Step, faculty and staff members can purchase a FitWell Membership (annual or summer only) for an average of 80 classes per week during the academic year. View a schedule of classes on http://www.wm.edu/rec/fitness. Go to http://campusrec.wm.edu and click on "memberships" to purchase a membership. The McLeod Tyler Wellness Center offers yoga and mindfulness meditation training, creative art therapy, and has meditation alcoves, and various gardens that might be a nice place to decompress between meetings on the Williamsburg campus. Reservations for classes and facilities are made using the Campus Recreation Reservation Portal. |
In the RegionRecreational opportunities abound in Virginia.
The SMS Student Guide (intranet or VPN) provides additional information and links in the Living in Virginia and Local Area Resources sections. |
Personal Support Resources
CounselingQuick link: TimelyCare TimelyCare is a free, confidential, virtual health and well-being platform available 24/7 for William & Mary students, faculty, and staff. Log into Timelycare.com/wm or download the TimelyCare app to access care. You will use your W&M email/SSO (single sign-on credentials and DUO) for secure access to services. This support is available at no cost and provides 24/7 access for employees to providers from anywhere in the U.S., regardless of insurance status. Available services include:
Visit TimelyCare's website for additional information. Free and confidential counseling services on the VIMS campus are available to the VIMS community by calling Dr. Donna Haygood-Jackson at (757) 367-9137 to schedule an appointment. Please note she is not available for crisis calls or situations that require immediate response. Range of services include stress management, personal, and family issues. |
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Quick link: EAP All health plans offered to employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs). Included are up to four sessions at no charge. EAP counselors are available to assist employees with problems related to addictions (alcohol, drugs, gambling), health, finances, housing, child care, elder care, spousal/child/parent abuse, workplace, retirement, family, legal, mental health, grief, or career planning. In general, care must be authorized in advance. Visit the W&M Human Resources EAP webpage for details. |
Employee Reasonable AccommodationQuick links: ADA Accommodation Request; Employee Reasonable Accommodation Policy & Procedure William & Mary provides reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is an accommodation that enables the employee to perform the essential functions of their position, is medically necessary, and does not create an undue hardship on the institution. Some accommodations can be approved at the department level and others require a formal interactive process. (read more...) |
Leave Donation/ShareQuick links: Leave Share Policy (W&M); |
Quiet Spaces (Gloucester Point Campus)Quick link: VIMS Gloucester Point Campus Map VIMS offers comfort/quiet rooms that may be used for a personal break, prayer, meditation, nursing and other quiet space needs. As of 2024, there are two rooms on the first floor of Clayton House and one room in Chesapeake Bay Hall (room 208). Amenities include window shades for privacy and lockable doors. The VIMS GP campus map shows the locations of these rooms on the VIMS Gloucester Point campus and will be updated as new rooms are added. If you're looking for a quiet space to work or think, Hargis Library offers study/group meeting rooms, work tables, carrels, comfortable chairs and a million dollar view. For more of a coffee shop vibe, pull up a chair in Clayton House. If you need some fresh air to clear your head or need to stretch your legs, take a step outside. The Gloucester Point campus offers many wonderful green spaces that come with seating and the opportunity to watch the dolphins swimming by in the York River. |
Single-Occupancy RestroomsQuick link: VIMS Campus Map; W&M Campus Map Gender-inclusive and accessible single-occupancy restrooms are located throughout campus. Refer to the VIMS campus map for locations. W&M provides a list and campus map showing the locations of all-gender and accessible, single-occupancy restrooms on the Williamsburg campuses. |
Supporting StudentsQuick link: Graduate Life and Well-Being
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The "Big List" of Resources - Compiled by the VIMS Graduate Student AssociationQuick link: GSA DEI Resource List Includes: Campus-wide Resources, Resources for People with non-US Citizenship, Marine Science-Related Communities, LGBTQIA+ Resources, Asian/Pacific Islander Resources, Black/African American Resources, Jewish/Semitic Resources, Latino/Latina/Latinx/Hispanic Resources, Native American/First Nations/Indigenous Peoples Resources, Resources for People with Disabilities, Resources for Women, Veteran/Military Resources, Childcare/Pregnancy/Lactation Resources, Resources for Low-Income Students, Resources for First-Generation Americans, Resources for International Students, Interfaith Resources, Resources for Neurodivergent Students and General Wellness, Resources for People with Incarcerated Loved Ones |
Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF)Quick link: VSEAF website Part-time or full-time classified state employees who have been employed with the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least 12 months are eligible. The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis as a result of an unplanned emergency/or unplanned event that impacts the employee or family members living in the residence of the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3) charity member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), Code 203040. Check to see if you qualify for assistance here. |
W&M University OmbudsQuick links: Ombuds Office; DIY Resources The W&M Ombuds office offers confidential consultations on work-related concerns to all faculty and staff members. The office serves as a confidential, independent, and informal resource for all categories of employees and faculty who would like to talk about any work-related concern, no matter how big or small. The ombuds can also consult in confidence on managing workplace conflict. The W&M Ombuds office can be contacted at ombuds@wm.edu or you can leave a message at 757-221-2222. Their DIY Resources, such as a conflict resolution worksheet and articles on topics such as "Leading While Young" and "Dealing With Abrasive Behaviors", may be helpful if you are attempting to navigate a workplace issue. |
Your Suggestions & Comments
Contact Us!Quick link: VIMS Suggestions & Comments If you're having trouble finding an answer to a question, have a suggestion for improving the portal, or have any general comments, you can let us know by using the VIMS Suggestions & Comments form for faculty, staff & students (VIMS login required). |
last update: 11/1/24 by LCS