Community

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We believe that creating a culture of community through rituals, symbols, traditions, and heroes is needed to insure quality educational experiences. A larger and more integrated vision of community in education is needed to ensure a quality educational experience in and out of the formal classroom setting. Campus culture that reflects cultural components should be used to reinforce healthy, positive behaviors and to change those that are destructive to personal development and the educational mission.

How important is community to you? Take The Quiz

Characteristics of a Healthy Community (Handout - Word Document 481 kb)

Bookmark (Word Document 481 kb)

Download the the Healthy Expectations Community Screen Saver compiled of community based photos and quotes.

GMU Related Links:

These are links to programs and services at GMU that promote the development of community. The resources are a mix of programs, services, and organizations that shape the community at GMU. Many of these resources provide opportunities for students to get involved.

GMU Democracy Project: This project is an exciting opportunity for our entire campus community to reflect on the democratic principles of inclusion and participation that have shaped our own nation and that of other nations around the world. The project is an opportunity to think about how we educate students to understand democracy as a system that involves rights and responsibilities of civic engagement in one's community, nation, and world.

GMU Student Government: Links to the homepages of GMU Student Government

GMU Freshman Center: The Freshman Center is a place where all new students can come for assistance, study, check e-mail, have lunch, or just hang out.

GMU University Services: This is organized as a family of programs that consists of both contracted services (i.e. Food Service, Patriot Center) and self-operated activities (i.e. Print Services, Child Development Center). Our primary goal is to provide services and activities that complement and enhance student learning and provide necessary support to the Academic Community.

GMU Patriot Center: Central location for GMU sports as well as concerts and other entertainment.

GMU Center for Global Education: This Center provide information and support for students interested in studying abroad

GMU Office of Equity and Diversity: The OEDS is committed to the equitable management of human resources to ensure access to study or employment opportunities afforded by the university, including all benefits and privileges, are accorded to each person--student, faculty or staff member--based on individual merit and will not be limited by race, color, religion (for employees only), national origin, veteran status, disability, sex including sexual harassment, sexual orientation, or age. Consequently, the OEDS drives the university's continuing commitment to the idea that the university must act affirmatively and equitably to ensure employment and educational opportunities operate in an environment free from discrimination.

GMU Office of Housing and Residence Life: The Office of Housing and Residence Life (OHRL) strives to provide a student centered community focused on supporting the academic mission of the University. By providing a variety of safe and comfortable living options, the OHRL promotes personal growth and an appreciation for diversity among residents.

GMU Office of International Programs and Services: The Office of International Programs and Services strives to encourage global awareness by promoting the integration of international students, researchers, and faculty into the campus community.

GMU University Life: University Life provides academic, career, social, and health services that are integral to students' educational success and to the fostering of a unified community.

GMU Student Activities: This site serves as a gateway to involvement at Mason and provides an introduction to the wide variety of involvement opportunities that await you. With over 150 different clubs and organizations to choose from, we hope you will find one that interests you.

Other Related Links:

Commonwealth of Virginia: Virginia aspires to be the best-managed state in the nation.

The Center for Civic Education: The mission of the Center for Civic Education is to promote an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries.

Democracy Matters: Democracy Matters informs and engages college students and communities in efforts to strengthen our democracy. With campus-based chapters throughout the country, we focus on the issue of private money in politics and other pro-democracy reforms.

U.S. White House: Administrative branch of the U.S. Government.

U.S. Senate: Legislative branch of the U.S. Government.

U.S. Supreme Court: Judicial branch of the U.S. Government.

U.S. House of Representatives: Administrative branch of the U.S. Government.

U.S. State and Local Government: Connection to government organization at the state and local
levels.