March 2013

Students, Mason officials agree to keep polling location at University Hall for coming year

After an hour long discussion between students and George Mason University officials, both parties agreed to keep the on-campus polling location at University Hall for another year.

“I don’t feel like we have enough information to make a different decision than one we have at this point,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, at the March 29 meeting. “I think this needs to stay at University Hall for the next year until we have enough information for a reliable alternative.”

Mason Police survey gives students a voice

Over the past month, many George Mason University students have seized the opportunity to express their opinions about the Mason police department through the Mason Community Police Survey. While the results are not expected back for another week, the survey already has students talking.

 According to an email by President Ángel Cabrera, the survey was developed by the Police-Community Advisory Council to collect important information to improve the performance of the police force.

Some Pride with that? A look into Mason's 2013 Pride week.

As April comes around, so brings on the “month of weeks.” Each April, George Mason University’s Fairfax campus turns into a celebration of the diversity that our campus holds.

Kettler gains experience, confidence while at NCAA Wrestling Championships

Two losses ended sophomore heavyweight Jake Kettler’s long trip to the NCAA tournament.

In the preliminary round Kettler lost to Indiana University’s Adam Chalfant. This moved him to the consolation bracket, which pitted him against Dan Scherer from Stanford University.

With vision approved, Mason administration to determine student growth

On March 20, George Mason University’s Board of Visitors passed a resolution to approve President Ángel Cabrera’s new strategic vision for the university. With the approval, the university will begin planning to fulfill the goals laid out in the vision.

Though the vision provides broad guidelines for how the university will grow, the administration has yet to establish details on how to accomplish this goal.

According to Provost Peter Stearns, one of the first questions the university will explore is how to increase the student population.

Record breaking snowstorm surprises mason

(Photo courtesy of Nick Stasiak)

In my previous blog post, I mentioned the possibility of another snowstorm blowing through the area. I had never imagined we would get a record-breaking storm though. Indeed, the 3.5 inches of snow that George Mason University saw on Monday morning set a record in Fairfax and DC.

Monday morning, we all witnessed the latest snowstorm for the Metro area in 23 years. The last time DC saw over 3 inches of snow this late in the year was back on March 24, 1990. Not only did Monday’s storm break that record, but it ended the longest inch-free streak for DC ever recorded. The last time DC had a single inch of snow was on January 26, 2011. Who would have thought the largest snow accumulation recorded this year would be in the beginning of spring?

Mason Dining seeks new solutions for waste management and sustainability

Mason Dining hosted a meeting on Monday, March 25 to brainstorm ideas with students on the future of local food purchasing and food waste at George Mason University.

Ben McElhaney, Mason Dining’s sustainability coordinator, led the meeting in order to hear suggestions for improving the university's food waste reduction system and continuing sustainability on campus.

The current Southside Food Waste Project uses a pulper, hydro-extractor and dehydrator to turn dining waste into a powdered substance.

VIDEO: Connect2Mason speaks with Fairfax County Supervisor John Cook

On March 28, Connect2Mason sat down with Fairfax County Supervisor John Cook to discuss the relationship between the university and the community, his initial impressions of President Ángel Cabrera, and upcoming renovations to University Hall.

Cook was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2009. 

 

Mason wins PINK Representatives, chance for GMU PINK merchandise

Mason remained in first place in the PINK competition for three weeks (photo courtesy of GMU PINK Nation). 

After retaining the lead in a Victoria’s Secret PINK competition, Mason qualified to be in a PINK Representative Program.

“This means free parties, PINK events, concerts, merchandise giveaways and the opportunity to be included in the Victoria's Secret PINK Collegiate Collection,” said Brianna Carey, founder of the GMU PINK Nation campaign,  in an email.

The Victoria’s Secret website announced on Tuesday the top ten schools with the most online votes, which include Virginia Commonwealth University and James Madison University. The top ten schools win two PINK representatives for fall 2013 and the chance to have PINK apparel with their school's logo.

Mason men's basketball advances to the CBI tournament championship series against Santa Clara

The George Mason University men’s basketball advanced to the finals of the CBI Tournament Wednesday night, downing the Western Michigan Broncos, 62-52 in front of a Patriot Center crowd of 1,684.

Junior forward Jonathan Arledge led all scorers with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Sherrod Wright, who had an off night by his standards, attributed nine points for the Patriots.