Dear W&M Colleagues, 

This quarterly newsletter arrives at a special time in the fall semester. Settled into the academic rhythm, William & Mary is engaged in scholarship and practice. The university community welcomed friends, family, and alumni during Family Weekend, and we look next to Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. Signature events at William & Mary shine in part due to a friendly, engaged community. It’s also because of hard, quiet work behind the scenes.

You may have noticed that signage around campus is going through a transformation. The Office of the University Architect, in collaboration with University Marketing and Strategic Space Planning, is adopting new wayfinding signage designed to help students, staff, and visitors navigate the campus. It’s the kind of project that, when successful, morphs the environment to our needs seamlessly.

Think of the model of Historic Campus, constructed entirely out of Lego bricks. The project laid the first bricks in August of 2025. More than a year later, the model is just over 25% complete. More than 1,600 builders have helped build using over 65,000 pieces. This summer, three generations of William & Mary alumni in a single family participated in the build. The model is our community in microcosm — built with intention, together.

We propagate this intentionality with our students, who are nationally recognized among the most engaged and service-minded, consequently ranking No. 1 in making an impact. I believe the work of every staff and faculty member – like the thousands of bricks that compose the real and model Wrens both – scaffolds these recognitions.

Later this month, thousands of friends, family, and alumni will arrive on campus for Homecoming 2026. This year, let’s celebrate together the many tiny layers that forge our university.

Yours in William & Mary success, 

Mike Todd
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

To contribute to the LEGO model of Historic Campus, please email Charles Fulcher, director of Wren Operations & Events, for individual or departmental options.

University Human Resources offers a dedicated integrated team to help your school, department or unit. By understanding the needs of your area, UHR can offer consistent support and help solve organizational challenges involving the university’s most precious resource – our people. The integrated teams dedicated to areas across the university are now listed online (pdf).

The Workday Student project team, a cross-functional team of academic, administrative, and technical experts, continues to progress through the readiness phase, uncovering potential impacts to the campus environment and laying the foundation for a successful project kickoff in January. Implementing Workday Student marks an important step toward modernizing student systems at William & Mary.

To learn more about the project and what's next, the campus community is invited to attend the remote Workday Student Town Hall from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11. During this information session, the change management team will share an update on readiness activities, discuss what to expect as the project officially launches, and answer questions. Attend virtually by accessing the Microsoft Teams Meeting in the event posting.

Mobile Tribe Card is a free, digital option for using your Tribe Card on campus, allowing you to access your official university ID and scan into campus buildings on your mobile device. Faculty and staff are able to choose either mobile credential or a physical card; shortly after installing Mobile Tribe Card, your physical card will deactivate. Mobile Tribe Card is now the default identification for students.

Why choose Mobile Tribe Card? 

Easy Access 

Simply tap your device to make purchases or open doors.

Added Security

Built-in biometric or passcode features keep your data secure and prevent unauthorized usage.

Sustainability

Reduce plastic use on campus and never worry about needing to replace a lost card.

Visit Auxiliary Services’s robust Frequently Asked Questions for guidance and help troubleshooting when exploring Mobile Tribe Card.

Beginning November 1, William & Mary will recognize Compliance Week under the theme "Compliance is Everyone's Responsibility." A strong culture of compliance is sustained by everyone understanding the expectations connected to their role and doing their part.

Compliance Week will bring together campus compliance partners to share information, engage, and help members of the university community better understand available resources and responsibilities.

Created in 2005 by Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics, Compliance Week is dedicated to highlighting compliance & equity and helping employees understand how to report violations and do the right thing.

Watch the W&M Digest for more information throughout October. The Compliance & Equity team will share the week's agenda, registration information, and a Compliance Week webpage. Expect activities to include hybrid information sessions, trivia, and features on different compliance areas across William & Mary.

"This is a particularly thoughtful and considered addition to an historic campus. ...The subtle alignment of new brick pier/walls with existing structure behind offers a modern edifice worthy of our highest honors.”

—  Jury comment regarding W&M's Fine Arts & Performing Center

W&M Architecture Wins Awards for Excellence

The Office of the University Architect recently shared exciting news: the American Institute of Architects Virginia honored two W&M projects in this year’s architectural excellence awards. 

From 126 total nominations, the jury recognized only 30 projects with either honor, merit, or honorable mention awards. In the architecture category, W&M's Fine and Performing Arts Center earned the Award of Honor. For extended use/historical preservation, the jury honored the restoration and preservation of the Wren Building with an Award of Merit. 

The American Institute of Architects Virginia's Design Awards "celebrate projects no older than seven years that contribute to the built environment and are clear examples of thoughtful, engaging design." The AIA Virginia presents Awards of Merit to projects "worthy of recognition" and Awards of Honor to projects "deemed ... truly exceptional."

Register for Upcoming Events

October 16 | 11th Annual Inclusive Excellence Symposium | Learn more

University Events & Closures

October 8 - 11 | Undergraduate Fall Break 

October 22 - 25 | Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 

November 3 | Election Day | Offices closed. No undergraduate classes scheduled.

November 11 | Veterans Day

November 23 - 25 | University Recognition Days | Offices closed. Remote instruction.

November 26 | Thanksgiving Day | University closed.

November 27 | Day After Thanksgiving | University closed.