Off-Campus & Community
Mercatus Center project rates states on freedom
|The Mercatus Center at Mason has released the results of the Freedom in 50 States project, a study aimed to show how states match up to each other in terms of freedom.
The Mercatus Center, located in Arlington, conducts research on political and economic issues.
The Freedom in 50 States project was conducted and authored by William Ruger and Jason Sorens and ranks states based on different aspects of freedom.
Parking Services provides transportation alternatives for commuter students
|For George Mason University student Julia Jazynka, who lives near the Vienna metro station, alternative transportation makes sense.
"I live right next to the metro so it's cheaper to just take the shuttle than have to pay for parking or anything," Jazynka said.
Not every student needs to live near a major metro station to have access to public transportation. Mason provides students with many options to avoid having a car on campus, most of which are either free or much cheaper than maintaining a car.
UPDATE: Tank explosion near Prince William Campus
|A hydrogen tank exploded around 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 23 in Manassas, Virginia, minutes from Mason's Prince William Campus. According to InsideNoVa.com, one person was injured and their condition is unknown.
The tank exploded at 9441 Innovation Drive, a building that belongs to Ultron, a defense company that builds weapon launchers for the military.
BREAKING: Manassas explosion near Prince William Campus
|Utron employees say no one was injured in explosion of whats thought to be a hydrogen tank at #Manassas offc pic.twitter.com/ohUBHlBqAD
Virginia higher education system plays major role in state economy
|According to a new study, every dollar spent by Virginia public higher education institutions is associated with an additional $1.29 in state revenue and adds $17.40 to the state gross domestic product.
The study, released by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, was created for the Virginia Business Higher Education Council.
Mason looking to extend economic development program to Fauquier County
|After successful trials in Fairfax and Leesburg, the Mason Enterprise Center may soon be partnering with Fauquier County to establish a business incubator program.
Fauquier County Economic Development Director Miles Friedman outlined three potential sites for the program, which is designed to assist startup companies by providing office space and other services.
The County Board of Supervisors expressed support for the program, but decided to wait for a more detailed financial outline before committing to funding.
City of Fairfax takes steps to embrace Mason community
|As Fairfax takes steps to embrace George Mason University, questions are raised about the changing relationship between the university and the community.
Construction on new fields, pavilion continues on West Campus
|As another school year begins, students and staff can expect to see orange construction cones lighting up Ox Road and Campus Drive, as efforts to reconstruct West Campus are finally taking shape.
The construction is a part of the West Campus Connecter project, a community and statewide effort to reduce university traffic at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123.
McDonnell touts higher education accomplishments at Mason
|Governor Bob McDonnell (R) visited George Mason University on Aug. 15 to talk about higher education in Virginia and the progress that his office has made in conjunction with state universities, special interest groups and private industries.
“Ultimately we want to get young people graduating, paying off student loans and getting a good job,” McDonnell said. Speakers commended and highlighted the success of McDonnell’s 2009 higher education proposal, which he announced in the same room in Mason Hall four years earlier.
Mason road decals to be added to major Fairfax intersections, university entrances
|As students return to George Mason University for the fall semester, they may see a difference driving through Old Town Fairfax.
By August 9, five Mason logos will be painted at major intersections throughout the city as drivers approach the university. The green and gold road decals read “We Are Mason,” and were planned in collaboration between Mason and the City of Fairfax.