Graduate Life & Well-Being
We're here to support you!
William & Mary, School of Marine Science, VIMS and the VIMS Graduate Student Association (GSA) offer a range of activities, events and resources to support graduate life and your well-being. Learn more here and also keep an eye open for opportunities that are advertised in the weekly Academic Digest and other emails.
For useful information about VIMS, living in the area, and local resources, such as entertainment venues, grocery stores and places to worship, be sure to check out the SMS Student Quick Guide (intranet).
Ways to Connect at VIMS
Campus Center & Gathering Places on the VIMS CampusThe VIMS Campus Center is located in Clayton House, between Watermens 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. The second floor is a devoted student space with lounge, work, and meeting rooms. The adjacent Clayton House Annex is devoted student space, with workout, movie, and activity spaces as well as easy access to all of the games and outdoor equipment provided by the GSA. Other gathering places around the VIMS campus include the green space and pavilion on the Davis Hall lawn (waterside), the CBH and Acuff Center patios, and various seating areas in buildings around campus. 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! |
Graduate Student Association (VIMS GSA)Quick links: VIMS GSA, GSA Executive Committee The Graduate Student Association at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science is comprised of elected/volunteer representatives that make up a student government for students at VIMS. They work to ensure that graduate student interests and concerns are addressed in academic program committees as well as any on- and off-campus policy decisions, both at VIMS and William & Mary, and provide graduate students with information concerning decisions that are relevant to graduate student life. The GSA also hosts various events and parties throughout the year and coordinates with the four additional William & Mary graduate schools to provide a variety of social interactions. Some of most notable events on campus are hosted by the GSA, including: regular “TGI” events, Café socials, annual Chili Cook-Off, intramural sports teams, professional development events, and the Fall & Spring parties. All degree-seeking graduate students of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are members of the VIMS Graduate Student Association (GSA). The GSA website provides a full listing of GSA student committees, and information on GSA-sponsored funding opportunities, and housing and living options in the area. To help support graduate life, the VIMS GSA maintains a DEI resource page that provides links to a wide range of information and organizations. Various informal student groups support diverse students on the VIMS campus. Members of the VIMS GSA Executive Committee can help to connect you. |
GSA Professional Development Committee (PDC)Quick link: PDC The GSA's Professional Development Committee organizes and host events such as: Annual Alumni Networking Event, Peer Review and Writing Network, Scientist Walks into a Bar series, and Surviving Grad School series. Visit their page for details. |
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. |
National Student Organizations at VIMSSociety 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. Contact SWMS@VIMS for more information. The Aquaculture Collective (AquaCo)Quick Link: The VIMS chapter of the US Aquaculture Society. |
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 email for announcements. Community GardenQuick link: Community Garden contact The 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, send a message via e-mail and you will be contacted by an organizer with 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. |
Ways to Connect at W&M
W&M Graduate CouncilQuick link: W&M Grad Council The W&M Graduate Council is a codified branch of the W&M Student Assembly dedicated specifically to the governance of graduate student affairs. Graduate Council operates independently of Student Assembly, with its own executive leadership and representatives, but maintains a formal line of communication with both the Student Assembly Cabinet and Senate through two appointed Student Assembly Delegate officers. The Council is comprised of representatives from each of the school’s governing student organizations, including VIMS GSA. The Council aims to advocate for graduate students and plans and hosts social events specifically for graduate students. The W&M Graduate Council website provides more information on their initiatives and the social events they host. |
W&M Center for Student DiversityQuick links: Center for Student Diversity; LGBTQ+ Resources; Support & Advocacy; Spirituality & Faith
The Center for Student Diversity provides a space for all members of the William & Mary community to come together to celebrate and explore the diversity of our campus through meaningful human connection. Through support services and advocacy for historically underrepresented and underserved populations as well as initiatives promoting exchange and dialogue for all students, the Center for Student Diversity works to foster a community that supports the full diversity of the W&M Tribe. The Center sponsors events and programs throughout the academic year. |
W&M Reves CenterQuick link: Global Engagement @ Reves Center The Reves Center for International Studies advances international engagement at William & Mary. They host lectures, conferences, and forums that are open to students. |
W&M Student HappeningsQuick link: Student Happenings Student Happenings is an email digest of announcements and information about activities and items of interest to the W&M student community. The email is sent twice weekly, on Monday and Thursday. Distribution schedule may vary when classes are not in session. Postings are moderated (approved/denied) by Student Leadership Development. Students are automatically subscribed. Other members of the W&M community can request to be subscribed by contacting the W&M IT Technology Support Center at 221-HELP or support@wm.edu. |
W&M ClubsQuick link: W&M Clubs William & Mary has more than two hundred special interest clubs inspired by political engagement, religious faith, ethnic and cultural pride, environmental protection and endless geekery from quiz bowl to ping pong to heavy metal. |
Recreation
At VIMSThe Campus Center's annex has GSA-equipped workout and activity spaces as well as easy access to all of the games and outdoor equipment provided by the GSA. There's a portable basketball hoop just waiting for a pickup game in the Triangle Parking Lot. VIMS students have a long history of engagement in intramural sports and there's a rumor that volleyball was once a regular activity on the campus. Ask around! |
At W&MQuick link: W&M Campus Recreation, McLeod Tyler Wellness Center Recreation Center: W&M Campus Recreation provides quality recreational opportunities to all members of the William & Mary Community to enhance and foster a lifelong appreciation for health, wellness and recreation. The facility offers numerous activities, such as cardio areas with machines, weight machines, a group fitness studio, a climbing wall, racquetball and squash courts, a 25-yard pool, sauna, and more. Students on Research Graduate (RG) status are not automatically eligible to use the rec center; however, the Office of Academic Affairs will pay for membership for any RG student who makes that request when completing the Application for Research Graduate Status. McLeod Tyler Wellness Center: Yoga classes are offered through the Wellness Center. |
In the regionQuick link: SMS Student Guide Recreational and cultural opportunities abound in this region of Virginia. The SMS Student Guide provides information and links in the Living in Virginia and Local Area Resources sections. |
Health & Well-Being
Counseling at VIMSFree and confidential counseling services 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. |
Counseling through W&MThe W&M Counseling Center offers a range of in-person and remote mental health services to students that are free of charge to full-time students. Counseling Center staff are on-call 24 hours a day during the academic year to respond to psychological emergencies. Appointments can be made by calling the W&M Counseling Center at (757) 221-3620. William & Mary students, staff, and faculty also have access to TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform, at NO COST (regardless of insurance status). Schedule counseling sessions, access TalkNow, a 24/7 on-demand access to a mental health professional to discuss any level of concern (in the US or abroad) or engage in health coaching services. To access this resource, go to TimelyCare or download the TimelyCare app. Register with your W&M email address through the mobile app or your desktop and select from their menu the type of service you are interested in using. |
W&M Student Health CenterThe W&M Health Center offers a full-range of primary care services. All fulltime students are eligible to receive care. Academic Studies provides a temporary W&M parking pass to any VIMS student who needs to visit the Health Center. Appointments can be made by calling the W&M Health Center at (757) 221-4386. |
Personal Support Resources
The "Big List" of Resources - VIMS GSAQuick link: GSA DEI Resource List Topics covered include: 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 |
The Haven at W&MQuick link: The Haven The Haven is a confidential, welcoming and inclusive resource center for those impacted by sexual violence and harassment, relationship abuse and intimate-partner violence, stalking and other gender-based discrimination. At The Haven, you can meet with a peer-advocate or the professional staff. They welcome all who may have questions or concerns, who need support and resources, and who are seeking guidance and connection. |
VIMS Office of Academic AffairsQuick link: Academic Affairs The Office for Academic Affairs is the central administrative office for the School of Marine Science academic program and engages in the holistic support of SMS students. Connect with Academic Academic Affairs at any time. You can contact us via email at academicaffairs@vims.edu or feel free to stop by the Academic Affairs Administrative Suite in Watermen’s Hall. |
VIMS Graduate Program OmbudsQuick link: Ombuds Faculty ombuds and student peer advisors are available to help graduate students resolve issues and address concerns that arise within the university setting. Acting as an advocate for fairness, a member of the team can provide information about institutional policies and work to help you manage a conflict, understand the university system, and find productive ways of communicating. |
W&M Care Support ServicesQuick links: Care Support Services (W&M Dean of Students Office), Submit a Care Concern Care Support Services provides outreach, advocacy, and support services that assist and empower students in identifying and managing interpersonal, academic, and wellness concerns. When students face significant challenges to their mental, physical, and social health, we help in identifying and accessing resources both on and off campus to meet students' needs. Care Support Services can help students through:
Any member of the VIMS or W&M community who has a concern about a student may submit a Care Concern to Care Support. |
W&M Dean of Students OfficeQuick link: W&M Dean of Students The William and Mary Dean of Students Office on the Williamsburg campus is a support center for all students. They assist students in their efforts to reach full personal and academic potential through advocacy and support. |
W&M Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs (ISSP, Reves Center)Quick link: ISSP The Reves Center's Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs serves William & Mary's thriving community of international students, scholars, faculty, staff and their families. |
W&M Student Accessibility ServicesQuick link: Student Accessibility Services W&M Student Accessibility Services (SAS) offers reasonable accommodations upon request on an individual basis through the interactive process. They strive to foster student independence, to encourage self-determination, to emphasize empowerment and accommodation over limitation, and to create a comprehensive, accessible environment to ensure that individuals are viewed on the basis of contribution, not deficit. They offer support to students requesting accommodations and services as well as resources for expanding and adapting academic skills as well as access to campus life. |
Financial Hardship
If you are dealing with extenuating circumstances due to a financial hardship, there may be resources available to help. Contact Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Jennifer Dahnke (x7256) for further information.
last update: 6/10/24 by LCS