Fall 2015
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St Andrews William & Mary Joint Degree Programme Family Newsletter
Dear Families,

The Joint Degree Programme between William & Mary and the  University of St Andrews is a unique and wonderful academic opportunity, and we are thrilled that your student is a part of it. The goal of this newsletter is to keep you updated about the programs and events within and surrounding the Programme. We hope you find it enjoyable and informative! Additionally, we would appreciate feedback on what you would like to hear about in these newsletters. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions or suggestions!

Sincerely,

Mark Sikes
Director of Parent & Family Programs
College of William & Mary 
St Andrews World Rank Soars
The University of St Andrews rose 20 places to 68th in the QS World Ranking of the world's top 100 universities. Notably, St Andrews was ranked 19th globally for its ability to attract international students.
Yule Log 
Right before William & Mary students take off for Winter Break is the long-awaited Yule Log ceremony. On a chilly Williamsburg night, the whole student body squeezes into the Wren Courtyard, where they are treated to live holiday music and student speeches explaining international holiday traditions.
Raisin Weekend 
The 18th and 19th of October brought Raisin Weekend to St. Andrews! This is an event where children are entertained by their parents and are encouraged to play pranks and silly games.
BA International Honors Event
Ongoing events are hosted for our students throughout the year to connect the communities between Williamsburg and St Andrews! On Friday, October 9th, St. Andrews hosted an event for BA International Honors students at the Beacon Bar of the Students' Association. The purpose of this event was to bring together all the cohorts and check in with them. At the beginning of the semester, William & Mary's Dean of Students Marjorie Thomas along with Associate Dean of Students Mark Sikes traveled to St Andrews to host a reception for the incoming students and families. In addition, St Andrews' own Academic Registrar Ester Ruskuc, Head of Academic Partnerships and International Experience Samantha Lister, and Deputy Head of School and Pro Dean Curriculum Rebecca Sweetman traveled to Williamsburg to visit with students and families during William & Mary's Family Weekend. 
Mock Interviews 
On Wednesday, November 11, William & Mary Career Services held 30-minute mock job interviews for students in the W&M/St Andrews Joint Degree Programme .These interviews allowed students to practice articulating their cross-cultural adaptability and other skills they have learned in their unique degree program, with feedback from an experienced interviewer.
Grand Illumination 
" In the 18th century, illuminations, which included the firing of guns and lighting of fireworks, were held to celebrate major events, such as great military victories, the anniversary of the reigning sovereign's birth, or the arrival of a new colonial governor. Join Colonial Williamsburg for this special day." Williamsburg's 2015 Grand Illumination will take place on December 6th from 5:00pm-7:30pm.
Dunhill Cup
Thorbjorn Olesen recently won the 5th Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews. This event is a big deal at the University of St Andrews, with many celebrities being spotted in restaurants and pubs by students!
The Haven Open House  
On October 23rd  The Haven celebrated its one year anniversary and hosted an open house for the William & Mary community. For the past year,  The Haven has served as a confidential resource for advocacy, education, and acceptance to anyone impacted by sexual violence and harassment. If you would like to learn more about the program, please visit their website or email [email protected].
Guy Fawkes Night 
"Remember, remember, the fifth of November!" Guy Fawkes night is an annual celebration that marks the arrest of Guy Fawkes in 1605. Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was caught guarding explosives put under the House of Lords. In St Andrews this year, the night was enjoyed by students through setting off fireworks and with bonfires lining East Sands.
We want to hear from you!
You and your students are important to us. How can we better serve you? Please let us know if there's information you need or topics you'd like to see addressed in future newsletters.
Contact us at  [email protected].
The Joint Degree Programme is a unique partnership between William & Mary and the University of St Andrews. Through a balance of academic, social and pre-professional programs Joint Degree students are learning to thrive no matter where they are in the world. Support our students in their journey by making gift to the William & Mary/St. Andrews Program Fund.

Your gift will support: 
  • Summer Research Funds
  • Career Exploration Opportunities
  • Need and merit-based travel awards
  • Emergency financial aid
  • And many additional opportunities for students
  Support our students with a gift to the William & Mary/St. Andrews Program Fund today!
 
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P.O. Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187

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