Preston Williams

George Mason University President Gregory Washington and a host of Mason student, faculty and staff representatives welcomed the largest incoming class in the university’s history at two convocations Friday, Aug. 20.

A key component of George Mason University’s return to campus this month is addressing the mental health of students and employees and providing additional resources for those who might feel anxious about coming to campus or who are struggling to deal with the ongoing pandemic.

As George Mason University strives to be a national leader in anti-racism and inclusive excellence, a few changes in line with that goal have been implemented for the fall semester.

Mandatory vaccinations and a return to wearing masks indoors on campus are two of the primary tools George Mason University will use this fall to provide a safe living, learning and working environment.

George Mason University President Gregory Washington last week outlined his goals for the coming academic year, including the establishment of the Mason Virginia Promise to “be the institution for all Virginians” and implementing a five-year plan for Mason to climb more than 40 spots in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam last month appointed a new member to the George Mason University Board of Visitors and reappointed three others. All will serve four-year terms on the 16-member body.

Mason is launching a brand awareness called “The Secret’s Out,” which aims to reintroduce Mason to Northern Virginia and to remind the on-campus community, alumni and supporters how Mason has emerged as an educational, cultural and economic driver over the past half-century.

George Mason University grew its number of Pell Grant-receiving students by the fifth-largest total in the country over the past five years, the American Talent Initiative announced last week in a progress report that tracks enrollment of lower-income students at the ATI’s 130 member institutions.

The “complicated” life of George Mason IV ties directly to George Mason University’s “profound” standing today as Virginia’s largest and most diverse public university, Mason President Gregory Washington said Thursday at a Town of Vienna Liberty Amendments Month event that celebrated constitutional freedoms.

George Mason University on Friday afternoon honored its largest and most diverse graduating class in history with its 54th Spring Commencement.