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Strategic Planning Committee outlines its vision for the future

Throughout September and October, the Strategic Planning Committee is holding a series of town hall meetings discussing the strategic vision for George Mason University accepted in March. Whereas the vision represented the "why", President Ángel Cabrera termed the current planning process as the "what", or the changes in store regarding growth, research, and more. The "how" is yet to come in the form of the implementation process, which will begin after the "Strategic Plan 10-Year Goals" is approved. Cabrera hopes this will be in December, but if changes are proposed by the George Mason University Board of Visitors, he expects to present the revised plan in February.

University offices promote cultural curiosity among all students

Mason ranks in the top 50 most diverse schools in the nation in U.S. News and World Report's ratings. Mason received a 0.63 diversity score, in which closer to 1.0 means more diverse based on campus ethnic diversity, for 2012-2013. The diversity is evident by just walking around campus at peak hours; students and faculty of ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, sexuality and ideological differences are abundant.

BREAKING: Manassas explosion near Prince William Campus

Kappa Sigma brother represents fraternity in Richmond NASCAR race

For most kids growing up, you learn to crawl before you learn to walk. Mason senior Ryan Ellis, meanwhile, took to four wheels before he took to two feet.

“When most kids were sleeping with teddy bears, I would sleep with toy cars and toy motorcycles,” Ellis said. “I used to crawl up to my Power Wheels and drive that around before I could actually walk. My whole life I have wanted to be a race car driver and nothing else.”

LIVE BLOG: Mason forum on Trayvon Martin case

The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Eduction hosts a discussion on the verdict in the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin case. Connect2Mason will be bringing you live coverage of the forum. Coverage begins at 3:00 p.m. 

According to a flyer released by ODIME, the discussion is meant to allow members of the Mason community a chance to express thoughts and feelings about the case, its outcome, and what to learn as members of a diverse community.

Mason to study new William & Mary tuition freeze

In an effort to address the rising cost of higher education, the College of William and Mary approved a “tuition freeze” on April 19 for current students, meaning tuition rates will not be raised during a student’s four-years at the college, except to account for inflation. To help pay for the new policy, incoming freshmen will pay 14 percent higher tuition in the 2013-2014 school year.

Audio: Interview with Mason Day peformer Andy Grammer

With roots in New York, musician Andy Grammer has worked hard to get to where he is today. Having performed on the streets of California before "making it big," Grammer is both humble and aware of the luck of his success. With hits such as "Keep Your Head Up," "Fine By Me" and "Miss Me," Grammer is the musician who will be performing at this year's annual Mason Day concert.

Chief applicants present their visions for Mason Police Department

In the first two weeks of April, finalists for the chief of police at George Mason University met with students and held presentations about their vision for the future of the department.

Three finalists were selected to give presentations: Drew Tracy, who is currently serving as interim police chief, Larry Volz and Eric Heath.

Tracy was selected to fill in as interim chief after former chief Mike Lynch decided to switch roles at the department, but ultimately decided to retire. Lynch had been with the department for 13 years.

Mason Student Government holds spring elections

Students have until 11:59 p.m. on April 3 to cast their vote for student body president, vice president and 30 senators (photo courtesy of George Mason University Student Government).

This week marks the end of the Spring 2013 elections, in which a new president and vice president will be elected.

One executive ticket includes Jordan Foster and Samantha Wettesinghe, two current members of student government. The other executive ticket includes write-in candidates Donald Garrett and David Noyes.

Garrett, a student senator from 2010 to 2012, is running for president while David Noyes, a senator from 2012 to 2013, is running as his vice president.

Though Garrett is a write-in candidate, he believes that he has an equal chance of winning.

“We’ve found that talking to people face to face is better than throwing events,” Garrett wrote in an email. “Building rapport with students this way is the best path towards victory.”

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.