Off-Campus & Community

Chain Bridge Road construction to heavily impact commutes in March

This spring, commuter students may notice condensed traffic around Chain Bridge Road. The City of Fairfax will begin the demolition and replacement of an existing 90-year-old bridge over Accotink Creek in late March or early April.

"The existing bridge is about 90 years old and it's functionally and structurally obsolete, it's had its useful life but the concrete is starting to weaken and we need to replace it so it can carry the present day vehicle loads," said Director of Public Works, David Summers.

Mason community lobbies for greater support from state legislators

In an effort to push state officials for more funding, members of the Mason community traveled to Richmond on Jan. 30 to discuss the importance of higher education with members of the General Assembly.

Five higher ed problems that will face Virginia’s next Secretary of Education

As Anne Holton, wife of Virginia Senator Tim Kaine, prepares for her new job as Secretary of Education for the Commonwealth, she'll be faced with a number of issues ranging from early childhood development to university research funding. Here are a few challenges that she'll find in Virginia's higher education system:

1. Meeting the financial needs is becoming a huge problem

General Assembly to address burdensome interstate online education regulations

Incorporating online education into Mason’s academic programs was a key component of the strategic plan that was adopted in December of last year.

Eight things to know about Mason’s impact on NoVa’s economy

In October, Mason’s Center for Regional Analysis released a study of the university’s impact on the region’s economy. Universities are regularly cited as economic engines for surrounding communities, but just how much value does Mason generate?

1. All in all, Mason produces $1.14 billion in economic activity.

Dispute on new parkway sparks conflict on sustainable transit

The proposed bi-county parkway between Loudoun and Prince William counties is dividing area officials who believe the highway will ease traffic and advocates of sustainable transit.

The parkway, which is planned to connect Loudoun County Parkway and the Route 324 bypass in Prince William County, will allegedly ease traffic in the west of Fairfax and will be one of the only major north-south highways in the region.

Fairfax community works to fight homelessness, hunger

Senior Yara Mowafy first thought of the idea of donating unused meal plans to homeless students while working on a project for a communication class.

Two years later, donating meal plans is out of the question, but Mowafy has managed, along with senior Jordan Bivings, to set up a Meal Plan Assistance Fund for homeless students. The fund is located in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs.

Students in need of emergency meal assis­tance are either referred to the Office of Case Management and Student Support or can self-identify to this office.

2013 Election Overview

With an election precinct at University Hall, voting in the general election has never been easier for Mason students. On Nov. 5, Mason students will be able to vote for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and the Virginia House of Delegates. To vote, students will need to present valid identification. Acceptable identification includes:

Federal budget cuts affect scientific research

Recent budget cuts have had a severe impact on scientific research conducted at Mason. The National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases and the Department of Molecular and Microbiology failed to receive a grant from the National Institute of Health in May because of the NIH’s tight budget.