By Michele McDonald
The Mason Inn becomes the Mason Global Center this fall. Photo by Evan Cantwell
The Mason Inn is making room for students and adding to new dining options on the Fairfax Campus when it becomes the Mason Global Center this fall.
The Mason Global Center will be home to the first incoming group of INTO Mason students as well as Mason’s upper-class students. Mason recently announced a joint venture with INTO University Partnerships to bring more international students to campus.
About 275 students, two-thirds from the INTO Mason program and one-third from Mason’s traditional student body, are expect to live and go to class at the Mason Global Center. The double rooms will look much the same as they do now, says Thomas Calhoun, vice president of facilities. INTO Mason students also will live in other residence halls on the Fairfax Campus.
While INTO Mason students are here to learn what life is like at an American university, they also bring a global perspective to campus that can enhance Mason’s culture.
INTO Mason will offer pathway programs that combine academic coursework and English language training to help international students adapt to an American university environment and prepare for future success as degree-seeking students at Mason.
The Mason Inn’s conference rooms will be converted into classrooms. The Mason Global Center will be ready for students, faculty and staff in August, Calhoun says. The $4 million conversion cost is being shared by Mason and its INTO partner, he says.
More dining options offering different cuisines are part of the new mix, says Gregg Toney, assistant vice president of auxiliary enterprises.
The Mason Global Center will have the Globe, which takes the place of the current Boxwoods restaurant and The Well. The Globe will serve halal meats and Pacific Rim cuisine along with a noodle bar and a coffee bar. “We’re working in real time with dietary experts,” Toney says.
The Globe will be open during all campus breaks to accommodate international students who may not be able to return to their home country during summer and winter breaks.
The Southside dining facility will serve up “anytime dining” and be open 24 hours during the fall and spring academic semesters. Southside will accommodate the special needs of diners with food allergies and specialize in vegetarian cuisine.
Ike’s, formerly a popular destination for the late-night crowd, is returning this fall as a 24-hour eatery to serve the Shenandoah Housing/Taylor Hall area. Ike’s will be the place to go for pizza and pasta.
Each dining option around the Fairfax Campus — The Globe, Southside, and Ike’s — will have its own focus but still offer multiple entrée selections, salads, desserts and soups.
“We want these dining options in strategic locations where students, faculty and staff can find a tasty meal that’s steps from their door,” Toney says.