We have upgraded UMW Blogs to the latest version of WordPress Multi-User, which has been nick-named “Coltrane” after the late, great Jazz musician. This version has a very different user interface on the administrative backend, and it may be a bit confusing at first glance. However, we have documented the whole thing for you in the support section here, so be sure to take a look there if you get lost. Also, if you have any specific issues or questions please contact Jim Groom at 654-1997, or use the contact email form here. Finally, take a look at the video above which provides a quick overview of the latest version of WordPress.

Click on image to view poster.

On January 19, 2009, which is both Martin Luther King Jr. day as well as the eve of the Inauguration of America’s 44th President, UMW’s nationally recognized Debate Team–lead by the fearless prof. Tim O’Donnell—will be part of a landmark Inaugural Debate Series sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. At 11:30 a.m. UMW debaters will be facing off against the University of Southern California debate team on the priorities of the next administration, more specifically on the the topics of health care and the economy–should be a doozy!

Find more information from the Smithsonian Institute site here.

Lecture Renewing America’s Promise: First Inaugural College Debates
Inaugural Activities: Three Collegiate Debates

To celebrate the 56th Presidential Inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, six college debate teams, in three 75-minute debates, argue the priorities of the new Obama administration. Presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture in cooperation with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

• 9-9:30 AM: Introductory Remarks

• 9:30 AM: Energy and Climate Change: Michigan State University vs. Wake Forest University: These two schools represent the pinnacle of intercollegiate debate, both having won the National Debate Tournament (NDT) — America’s most historic and prestigious national debate championship — in the last three years.

• 11:30 AM: Health Care and the Economy: University of Mary Washington vs. the University of Southern California: These two institutions have long traditions of excellence in intercollegiate debate.

• 2 PM: Foreign Policy: Fayetteville State University vs. Voorhees College These two HBCUs are committed to making debate education central to their educational mission. This debate marks the 100th anniversary of the first intercollegiate debates between HBCUs.

• 3:30-4 PM: Closing Remarks

Cost: Free
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Location: Natural History Museum Baird Auditorium