Category Archives: On Campus

Planning Using PACE Goals

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William & Mary has so much to offer in academics, wellness, career development and more. Trying to fit all aspects of the college experience into a daily schedule can be difficult, but consider trying the PACE goal guide when planning out your day. I created PACE goals during online learning as a way to maintain balance in my schedule throughout the day. PACE goals work by separating different tasks or goals into four main categories: personal, academic, creative, and exercise. I chose these four categories from figuring out what makes my day feel the most productive and complete. PACE goals are helpful because they allow for you to prioritize, organize, and create an overview of your balanced day. 

Prioritizing tasks and goals by choosing the most important helps separate the essential tasks for each day. 

P – Personal

  • Personal tasks and goals are those that are dedicated for you. 
  • Some examples of personal tasks could be journaling, reading, meditating, etc. 
  • The Wellness Center is a great resource for dedicating time towards personal tasks. 

A – Academic

  • Academic tasks and goals are those that are dedicated for school. 
  • Some examples of academic tasks could be completing a homework assignment, studying for an exam, etc. 
  • The Writing Resource Center is a great resource for strengthening writing and communication skills.

C – Creative / Career

  • Creative tasks and goals are those that dedicate time towards making something. These tasks are designed to minimize screen time and create anything from a small doodle to baking a cake.  
  • C could also stand for career. Career tasks and goals are those that dedicate time towards developing your career. Consider checking out the Cohen Career Center for assistance towards applying for jobs and professional development. 
  • Some examples of creative tasks could be drawing, painting, baking, crochet, etc. 
  • Some examples of career tasks could be creating a resume, taking professional headshots, applying for jobs, etc. 
  • The Makerspace in Swem Library is a great resource for a variety of creative projects. 


E – Exercise 

  • Exercise tasks and goals are those that dedicate time for movement. 
  • Some examples of exercise tasks could be specific workouts, minutes of movement, rest days etc. 
  • The Campus Recreation Center is a great  resource for exercise tasks. 

Example of a PACE goal

P: read 10 pages

A: study for my upcoming chemistry test

C: Bake cookies

E: 30 minutes of movement 

Tips On Getting Involved In Research

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Research is a core part of William & Mary. Getting involved in research with professors can seem intimidating at first, but here are a few tips on pursuing opportunities at William & Mary. 

  1. Timing is key 

The first step in solidifying a spot on a research project is figuring out when you would like to participate. Are you looking for a single semester project? Maybe a lab group to stick with for a longer time period? Asking these questions can help you and the professor you reach out to better understand what type of research position you’re seeking. 

  1. Make sure research aligns with your aspirations  

Participating in research related to your major or area of interest will not only contribute to your resume, but also provide you with useful knowledge and skills towards a future career. An email with more personal connections to the research can stand out to a professor. 

  1. Reaching out to professors 

There are a few things to include in your email to professors when asking about research positions. Make sure to research about the research the professor you are reaching out to has done / is currently working on. It can be helpful to include reasons why you are interested in working specifically with them and how you can contribute to the lab group / research. A brief description of your career goals and how they align with the research also is helpful to include. Setting up a time to talk in person can help the professor get to know you better and discuss what projects might be of interest. 

How To Avoid Academic Burnout

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Burnout is something most students experience and can stem from over-studying or an unbalanced schedule. It’s important to take care of our well-being to have a successful semester since it is multidimensional and requires physical, mental, and emotional care. Here are some quick tips to help you prevent and recover from academic burnout: 

  • Leave one day for minimal to no work: setting time aside for self care, personal activities, and a break from schoolwork might sound daunting at first. However, dedicating this time to yourself can be more beneficial than trying to work non stop everyday. Take the time to replenish your sleep, check in with your health, and do something you’ve been looking forward to!
  • Have 3-5 attainable goals a day: too many tasks can be overwhelming and unrealistic. Try limiting yourself to the tasks of highest priority each day.
  • Break tasks into smaller tasks: sometimes making tasks into smaller ones can give the impression of getting more done when checking off tasks. This can help you maintain motivation to get work done. 
  • Listen to your emotions: if you feel extremely overwhelmed, it’s time to take a break. Take time to rest and recharge so you can return ready. 
  • Set boundaries: learn to say no to things you don’t have time for / don’t want to do.
  • Reflect on what caused previous burnouts: how were previous burnouts sparked? What did you do to recover? How can you realistically avoid the causes in the future? 

Book Recommendations Based On Your Favorite Spot On Campus

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Wellness Center – If your favorite spot on campus is the Wellness Center, you probably enjoy reading self improvement books like Atomic Habits by James Clear. Atomic Habits is a personal development book that provides tips on making the most of each day. 

James Blair Hall – If your favorite spot on campus is James Blair Hall, you’ve got an eye for design. Blair Hall’s dark academia atmosphere makes it the perfect place to pretend you’re in The Secret History by Donna Tartt. The Secret History follows a group of students at a prestigious college who are investigating a murder of a close friend. 

Boswell Hall – If your favorite spot on campus is Boswell, you might enjoy haunted houses. Due to your attraction to all things scary, Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, a fast-paced thriller, might be an intriguing book for you. Rock Paper Scissors follows a couple on a trip away for their anniversary with various perspectives and plot twists making a quick read. 

Sunken Garden – If your favorite spot on campus is the Sunken Garden, you might appreciate the descriptions of nature in World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. This collection of short essays and poems about nature explores the innate beauty of the natural world. 

Tucker Hall – If your favorite spot on campus is Tucker Hall, you enjoy figuring out puzzles and the intriguing maze of stairs just like Piranesi by Susanna Clarke. In this short fantasy book, Piranesi explores his unending labyrinth in which he calls home.  

Swem Library – If your favorite spot on campus is the Swem Library, a book based in a library might appeal to you. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig explores a world where each book in a library provides a chance to experience another possible life you could’ve lived. 

Wren Building – If your favorite spot on campus is the Wren Building, you might enjoy the historical aspect of the university. The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson is a historical fiction that examines the past in a search for connecting with one’s identity and family. 

Swem Cafe – If your favorite spot on campus is the Swem Cafe, you might find yourself in search for a book based in a cafe setting like Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. In this short fantasy book, visitors of a small cafe in Japan have the opportunity to travel back in time, but must return before their coffee gets cold.  

Spotlight On School Traditions

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William & Mary participates in many traditions throughout the school year. Convocation marks the official beginning of the academic year. Having begun in 1993, the tradition of welcoming new students and celebrating the beginning of a new academic year is shared amongst all students, faculty, and staff. The president of the university leads new students through the Wren Building where they are greeted by cheers and high fives of current students, faculty, and staff. 

A little farther into the school year is Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. During this weekend in October, William & Mary Alumni and friends travel to campus to reunite within parties and receptions, attend department open houses, tailgate and watch a football game, and attend the Sunset Ceremony to honor alumni who have passed away in the previous year. Current students can utilize this time to network with alumni and enjoy the school spirit celebrations. 

Right before winter break, students gather in the Wren Courtyard to witness the Yule Log celebration. Full of festive live music, singing, readings, sugar cookies, cider, and a holiday reading from the university president, the Yule Log celebration is a time to reflect on the semester and prepare for the upcoming holidays. Students toss ceremonial sprigs of holly into the Yule log fire in the Wren Great Hall Fireplace for good luck and decorate trees with paper doves containing messages of gratitude. 

After the beginning of the spring semester on February 8th is Charter Day; the annual celebration of the granting of William & Mary’s Royal Charter in 1693 (the beginning of the university!) During Charter Day celebrations there are speakers, a concert, and distribution of honors and awards to students, faculty, and alumni. 

After spring break is One Tribe One Day (OTOD). This day is all about showing support for the William & Mary community by donating to university departments. OTOD celebrations include challenges, a variety of events, and a carnival in the Sunken Garden. For alumni, family, and friends not on campus, there are regional celebrations across the country to participate in this tradition. 

At the end of each school year, the Royal Ball is held under the stars in the Sunken Garden. Enjoy food, live music from student bands, and dancing to celebrate the end of the academic year. 

The Last Day of Classes (LDOC) is a highly anticipated day for students. A variety of celebrations are included such as the Sunken Garden party filled with free food, games, and live music. Enjoy fun activities like friendship bracelet making, massages, games, and more across campus to celebrate the end of the spring semester. Seniors have the opportunity to ring the ceremonial Wren Bell after finishing their last class at William & Mary. 

In preparation for commencement, seniors gather in the Wren Courtyard the night before graduation for the candlelight ceremony. During this ceremony a faculty member, administrator, and student elected by the class speak while light from a Wren Candle is passed from student to student. 

Sources: 

“William & Mary Traditions.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/about/history/traditions/index.php. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

“Homecoming & Reunion Weekend oct. 19-22, 2023.” Homecoming & Reunion Weekend – William & Mary, homecoming.wm.edu/. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

“Yule Log Celebration.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/sites/yulelog/. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

“Charter Day.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/sites/charterday/. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

“About Charter Day.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/sites/charterday/about/index.php. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

“Events.” One Tribe One Day, otod.wm.edu/events/. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

“The Royal Ball.” TribeLink, tribelink.wm.edu/event/9044687. Accessed 28 June 2023. 

27 Things To Do Your First Year At W&M

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Welcome new students! Joining a college environment introduces you to a plethora of new experiences and opportunities. If you’re looking for something to do when bored or checking off must-have activities, try using this bucket list of 27 things you should do your first year at William & Mary.  

  1. Figure out how to pronounce Botetourt 
  2. Find the old Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre 
  3. Listen to an a capella group perform at Wren 10
  4. Take a class in a subject you’ve never learned about before
  5. Make an account on Tribe Careers
  6. Leave campus by figuring out the WATA bus system 
  7. Stop by your professors’ office hours to get to know them 
  8. Check out a book from Swem
  9. Photograph your favorite spot on campus during all four seasons 
  10. Learn a new campus fun fact when you walk by  a tour group
  11. Connect with Alumni over Homecoming weekend 
  12. Attend an event for a cultural organization that you’re not a member of
  13. Attend a group fitness class at the Rec or Wellness center
  14. Swim in the Rec Center or Adair Hall pool
  15. Try to play it cool after being startled by one of the many campus squirrels
  16. Get some flowers at the weekly Farmers’ Market
  17. Figure out your go-to Wawa order
  18. Submit a call-in order at the Cheese Shop to skip the lines and feel like a local
  19. Take a late night walk through CW
  20. Narrowly miss stepping in horse poop on DOG Street
  21. Travel Europe for the day by going to Busch Gardens
  22. Get your free student pass from Colonial Williamsburg
  23. Compare the fudge at Wythe and Kilwin’s and pick a favorite
  24. Take advantage of living in the city with the most pancake houses per capita
  25. Spend a day at the beach in Yorktown or Jamestown
  26. Collect as many free W&M t-shirts as you can
  27. Put together an IM sports team

Here’s a printout to keep track!

First-year-bucket-list.pdfDownload

COLL Classes Explained

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COLL classes were one of the things that confused me the most when entering William & Mary. Before registration, you take the College Studies course that gives you a background on academic expectations. During this course you are introduced to the concept of the university curriculum. Here are some of the main points that will help you better understand what exactly COLL classes are and why we take them:

COLL classes were created to allow you to branch out of your intended major and explore new topics that might interest you. COLL 100 and COLL 150 classes are taken in your first year at William and Mary. COLL 100 classes are designed to explore new concepts through creative presentation and COLL 150 classes consist of readings, writings, and group discussions. 

You are required to take three COLL 200 classes, with one in each knowledge domain; NQR, CSI, and ALV. During COLL 200 classes you explore the commonalities between academic domains and how they connect. 

After your second year, your COLL classes become a little more specific to your area(s) of interest(s). COLL 300 classes connect your major with global context. During your third year, you will have the opportunity to fulfill your COLL 300 requirement. You can complete this requirement on campus, study abroad, or take courses through the DC program. 

COLL 350 courses explore difference, equity, and justice. You’ll make connections between course material and contemporary life and social identities in America. 

COLL 400 courses are reserved for capstone projects. You will complete a project in your final semesters that incorporates knowledge from previous COLL courses and your major. To complete this requirement, you will attend seminars, complete honors projects, or participate in independent research. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the COL requirements:

COLL 100

COLL 150

COLL 200 ALV

COLL 200 CSI

COLL 200 NQR

COLL 300

COLL 350

COLL 400

This might seem overwhelming at the moment, but COLL requirements are spread out throughout your time at William & Mary. To find out which COLL courses are being offered the upcoming semester, input your intended COLL in the attribute area on the open course list. 

Where to find more information: https://www.wm.edu/as/undergraduate/coll/

A Short History Of William & Mary’s Mascot

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William & Mary’s mascot is a griffin, half lion and half eagle. However, the university has seen quite a few mascot changes in the past 150 years. Back in 1927, the mascot was a 17 foot alligator named Cal by the head cheerleader of the football team. In the late 1930s the mascot then changed to a pony named Wampo, short for William and Mary Pony. A campus contest to name the pony was won by Beverley Boone in 1937. Wampo was stolen in 1938 and eventually sold in 1944 during a war bond auction during World War II. Throughout 1950, the mascot was a man or woman dressed in a Native American costume. This evolved into WAMI, a Native American caricature which was discarded in the late 1970’s due to its racist and demeaning tones. A new green mascot with a tri cornered hat in 1992 only lasted a week. In 2001, a new unofficial green mascot emerged with the name Colonel Ebirt (tribe spelled backwards). After the many changes in mascots, the William & Mary mascot committee continued the search from 2001-2009. Mascot ideas were reviewed by alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and a pug, griffin, king & queen, and wren were the finalists for the position. Ultimately, in 2010 the Griffin was chosen to become William & Mary’s official mascot. In 2018 the griffin claimed the name Reveley in honor of William & Mary’s 27th President; W. Taylor Reveley III. 

Sources: 

“History of W&M Mascots and Nicknames.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/about/mascot/history/index.php. Accessed 25 June 2023. 

“A Mascot for the Tribe.” William & Mary, www.wm.edu/about/mascot/index.php. Accessed 25 June 2023. 

“Mascot.” Special Collections Knowledgebase, scrc-kb.libraries.wm.edu/mascot. Accessed 25 June 2023. 

Things You’ve Never Tried Around Campus

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Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a returning senior, there are still some things around campus that you might have never tried. Here’s a list of some hidden gems in and around campus. 

  • Watch a play at Playhouse theater 

Did you know that Colonial Williamsburg (CW) has a theater? Right next to the Governor’s Palace is the Playhouse theater. This open air theater has been around since the 1700s! The Jug Broke Theater Company performs shows daily.

Learn more here: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/living-history/spirit-18th-century-theater/

  • Get a pastry from Raleigh Tavern Bakery  

Also located in CW is a somewhat hidden bakery. Tucked away off the Duke of Gloucester Street, the Raleigh Tavern Bakery contains a variety of sweet treats, baked goods, and drinks.  

Learn more here: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/locations/raleigh-tavern-bakery/

  • Kayaking on Lake Matoaka 

Not only is Lake Matoaka a beautiful view, it can also be utilized for fun adventures! The Tribe Adventure Program rents out kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes so students can take a paddle down the lake. 

Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/outdoorrec/index.php

  • Get a massage at the Wellness Center

The McLeod Tyler Wellness Center is known for its beautiful glass windows and waterfall, but did you know that the Wellness Center also offers massages? Students can register for a 60 minute massage at the Wellness Center for only $50! 

Learn more here: https://www.wm.edu/offices/wellness/campusrec/programs/fitwell/massage/about/prices/index.php

  • Take a class on a unique topic

William & Mary’s COLL program allows students to branch out of their comfort zones and explore new topics you might otherwise overlook. There’s a multitude of  interesting classes to explore such as Rave Music (MUSC 100 02), Age of Dinosaurs (GEOL 203 01), The Mafia (FMST 330 02), and German Fairy Tales (GRMN 221 01).

  • Swim in the Rec Center pool

The ground floor of the Bee McLeod Recreation Center is home to a 25 yard, 8 lane pool open to all students. Try going for a quick swim next time you visit the rec center!

Returning To Campus As A Not-So-New Student

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This fall I’ll be returning to William & Mary as a sophomore. Since I was a spring transfer whose first semester was last spring (2023), I still feel relatively new to the W&M community. It’s been difficult finding a place in campus in such a short period of time, yet now I’m almost halfway through college. There’s pressure to make friends, maintain high grades on every assignment, network and get involved, and find jobs in such little time. 

Summer has been a time for reflection about the change coming as each class moves up a year. There’s unspoken feelings about unbecoming the youngest class on campus. Sophomores and juniors can feel unimportant as they lack the ‘bookend’ status that freshman and seniors possess. The focus is on freshmen as they need the help transitioning to the new environment and seniors as they prepare for their last year before graduation. This leaves two remaining classes. What is it that sophomores and juniors have to look forward to? 

Moving up the class ladder has its benefits and disadvantages. As you move up a year in college, classes become more challenging, the academic load increases, free time decreases, and the time before graduation ticks away. However, the more time spent working on your academics provides you with more opportunities, experience, and knowledge that will help you in your future career. You’ll strengthen the bonds between friends and create lifelong connections. You’ll network with professors and alumni who can advance your professional career. You’ll move into an air-conditioned dorm if you remain on-campus. You’ll explore a new level of independence in your home away from home. And most importantly, you’ll serve as role models to those new to William & Mary. 

It’s crucial to remember that college is a multiple year experience. There is plenty of time to work towards all of your goals and also have fun in the process. While you’re not the youngest of the school anymore, you can take your new status as an opportunity to help those who are.