March 2013

OPINION: General education is vital to the ultimate success of university students

As a freshman, my courses this year are varied; many of them are not particularly relevant to my major—this being a product of the dreaded general education requirements at Mason, or “gen eds.” Overall, many students feel that gen eds are an unnecessary waste of time. I, quite honestly, beg to differ.

Top 5 Weekend Picks March 28

Every week Connect2Mason will offer five entertainment picks for your weekend. Ranging from on-campus to off-campus events, Connect2Mason's Top 5 will give you a jump start on your weekend. Here are the Top 5 picks for this weekend:

MyMason to update Blackboard for summer 2013

As the Class of 2013 walks across the stage at the Patriot Center on May 18, the information technology department will be busy rolling out new changes to Mason’s online learning management system, Blackboard.

“We are going to release it right after the spring semester, so actually during graduation. Summer classes start that Monday and we would like to have it available then,” said Joseph Balducci, manager of online learning resources.

Pro-Life group offers free ultrasounds to discourage abortions

Every other Wednesday, an unmarked camper RV is parked out front of Southside with a sign that advertises pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.

Inside are two women, Kirsten Ball and Angela Clarke. Clarke is a Mason alumna and executive director of the mobile ultrasound and resource center, A Best Choice.  Ball is registered with the state as a geriatric physician who works in a general practice office and performs the ultrasounds. 

The two say they are affiliated with no organization or program and are offering the services independently.

VIDEO: My Two Cents - Mike De Robbio on "Prop 8"

Government and International Politics major Mike De Robbio, a junior, gave his two cents yesterday on the Supreme Court's hearing of Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act.

"Hair|Heir" art thesis focuses on the power of memory

Running from Monday, March 25 until March 29, George Mason University’s School of Art will be showcasing Stephanie Booth’s thesis exhibition, “Hair|Heir” in the Fine Arts Building’s first floor gallery. The exhibit focuses on Booth’s unique blend of mixed media within mediums of photography, video, and fiber art.

Currently a graduate lecturer at Mason and an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College, Booth has spent over two years on her project.

Mason withstands Houston's OT comeback to advance to the CBI Tournament semifinals

Amid the announcement of Mason's move to the Atlantic 10, the men's basketball team had business of their own to take care of in the quarterfinals of the CBI Tournament against the University of Houston. 

In a thrilling overtime finish at the Patriot Center Monday night, the Patriots advanced to the semifinals, defeating the Cougars, 88-84. Junior guard Sherrod Wright led all scorers with 29 points on 7-of-12 shooting and 4-of-6 from three-point range. 

First Annual Gmu Fashion Week

Attention ladies and fashion lovers everywhere:

The Fashion Society here at Mason is hosting the first annual GMU Fashion Week!

Starting March 25th-28th , they've set up a ton of fashion-filled events both on and off campus! From a networking party filled with bloggers, photographers and potential employers, to a fashion flash mob. These events will surely satisfy any fashion enthusiast's senses.

Although most people look at New York, London and Paris for fashion, I believe that the best fashion is oftentimes found in the streets. So why not begin here at our beloved Mason campus?

Check out Mason's Fashion Week schedule here!

Fashion Week Schedule and Overview

(Photo courtesy of GMU Fashion Society)

Schedule Overview

Tuesday, March 26th- Fashion Night In

Overview of March 20 Board of Visitors meeting

Dining contract delayed

At a March 20 meeting, the Board of Visitors delayed a final decision to its ongoing dining contract negotiations. The university had been deciding whether or not to renew Sodexo’s contract or to choose a new company, Chartwells.

As of December 2012, Sodexo has been working with Mason for 25 years.