Mason hosting town halls for input on strategic vision

Cabrera is currently on a "listening tour" to get ideas from the Mason community on the vision of the university (Photo by Dakota Cunningham).

In an effort to create a new vision for the future, George Mason University is hosting a series of town halls that will allow students, faculty and staff to provide input on what they believe should be included in the strategic vision.

“We really do want to be as inclusive as possible,” said Carrie Klein, project manager for President Angel Cabrera’s office. “And reach as many people on campus as we can.”

In Oct. 2012, Cabrera sent an email to Mason explaining that the Board of Visitors has tasked him with creating a “new strategic vision for the university in collaboration with the faculty and key internal and external stakeholders.” The town halls are part of this process.

Several working groups were created to focus on different aspects of the university. For example, funding and resources, student value and affordability, and online and executive education each have their own committee. Every working group is charged with reaching out to the university and proposing a vision relating to their specific issues.

“All of the information that is gathered at these [town halls]… will be used in creating the Mason vision,” Klein said. The town halls are a way for “the Mason community to give their feedback on anything relating to the group charges.”

The town halls will be held on different dates between Nov. 27 and Dec. 5.

“We’ve gotten good turnout,” Klein said. “And a lot of useful information.”

Klein said that if anyone was unable to attend a vision town hall, they are encouraged to email their ideas to vision@gmu.edu or any of the working group chairs. Additionally, all the information about the vision process and specific working groups can be found at vision.gmu.edu.

Thursday, November 29:

1:30-3:30 p.m. in The HUB (SUB II), Front Ballroom
Theme: Online & Executive Education working group

Friday, November 30:

12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center, George’s
Theme: Global Strategy working group

Monday, December 3:

3-5 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry South
Theme: Mission, Values & the Mason Graduate working group

Tuesday, December 4:

3:30-5:30 p.m. on the Arlington Campus in Founders Hall 113
Theme: Regional Strategy working group

Wednesday, December 5:

2-4 p.m. on the Prince William Campus in the Verizon Auditorium
Theme: Regional Strategy working group

6-8 p.m. in The HUB (SUB II), Student Involvement Office
Theme: Mission, Values & the Mason Graduate and Student Value and Affordability working groups