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The Center for Global Education (CGE) provides a wide array of study abroad opportunities for both students and the general public and functions as the hub for international educational activities. CGE offers short-term, semester/year long, honors study abroad, international internships and intensive language programs and houses all information about its programs and learning opportunities at http://www.gmu.edu/departments/cge/.
The Center for Service and Leadership (CSL) promotes positive change and civic engagement by combining academic study, leadership development and direct community service. CSL is a resource for leadership education and service-learning initiatives. Volunteer opportunities, events, and activities are available via the website at http://www.gmu.edu/student/csl/.
- Alternative Spring Break (ASB) bridges the relationship between social issues and self-discovery through education and purposeful action. ASB encourages teams of college students to engage in service with communities facing complex social issues such as discrimination, inadequate housing, hunger and poverty. Team members learn from the people and organizations they encounter, and gain a better understanding of the world. Look at the various programs offered at http://www.gmu.edu/student/csl/alternativebreak.html.
- The Certificate in Leadership Studies (CLS) is designed to provide a broad understanding of leadership in contemporary times. In order to understand current issues the CLS emphasizes theory and historical perspectives as well as provides an environment for the application of leadership skills. For program requirements visit http://www.gmu.edu/student/csl/certificate.html.
- Service-learning is engaging in learning activities that address human and community needs. Academic credit is offered to students in classes where faculty include a service-learning component. For more information see http://www.gmu.edu/student/csl/servicelearning.html.
Get Involved at Mason is a web page of the offices of University Life that offers suggestions for involvement to enhance in- and out-of-class experience, to facilitate interaction with faculty, staff, and other students. To browse opportunities and involvement in special events, clubs, movies, and other celebrations on all three campuses visit http://www.gmu.edu/departments/unilife/getinvolved.html.
The Office of Diversity Programs and Services (ODPS) serves students, cultural organizations, and the Mason community by promoting an environment that fosters and values human understanding and diversity. The goal of ODPS is to provide a campus environment where diversity is valued, appreciated, and celebrated. A variety of programs and services are in place to aid students in becoming the best they can be and a listing of activities and events is posted online and ALL students are welcome to participate. Visit http://www.gmu.edu/student/msaf/events.html.
The Counseling Center's Multicultural Peer Empowerment Program (PEP) provides emotional support and outreach services for students from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Some objectives include addressing cultural issues that can negatively affect a student's transition into an institution of higher education; facilitate understanding of the university as a multi-cultural community; encourage student participation in campus and community activities; and assist with or develop workshops, programs and special activities based on student interests and concerns. Please see http://www.gmu.edu/student/peer/ for more information.
Student Activities strives to create a holistic learning community designed to complement academic studies and enhance the overall educational experience of the student. Student Activities offers a variety of events for the Mason community to enjoy. The activities listed below are some of the Mason traditions that help foster school spirit as well as provide entertainment on campus. All events are FREE to students and are updated at http://sa.gmu.edu/about.html.
- The Film Club is one of the four Program Board committees and specializes in programming Film Events for the student body. One of the Club's responsibilities is choosing the movies that will be shown weekly in the Johnson Center Cinema. The club selects films that they believe will appeal to the most groups on campus and are chosen to coincide with special events such as Family Weekend or Black History Month. In general, movies shown on Thursday are usually independent or educational films picked with the help of other departments while Friday and Saturday night films are usually Hollywood hits. The Film Club puts on events such as sneak previews and the Uber Film Festival featuring films created by students. Get involved or check showings at http://www.programboard.gmu.edu/film.htm.
- Program Board is a student run program that promotes campus unity through activities that are entertaining, interactive, and educational. Program Board believes that bringing diverse events means representing the multiple cultures of the university community and sets out to deliver events through four committees: Concerts and Weekends, Film Club, Homecoming, and Special Events. To get involved or for a listing of events check out the web site at http://www.programboard.gmu.edu/.
- Greek Life at George Mason University is comprised of a community of 15 fraternities and 12 sororities. Throughout the year, Greek organizations contribute to campus life by sponsoring educational, service, and social activities for the University and surrounding communities. The organizations encourage high academic standards and provide opportunities for campus involvement, networking, and leadership development. For answers about involvement visit http://www.gmu.edu/student/sa/greek_life_faq.html#.
- Homecoming provides many opportunities for students to get involved and show their school spirit. To get involved, attend the events, participate in the activities or simply just show Mason pride. Check the calendar of events located online at http://www.gmu.edu/homecoming/.
- Intercollegiate Athletics include men’s baseball, golf, and wrestling; women’s softball, lacrosse, and rowing; and men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball. For sports information updates call the Sports Hotline at 703-993-4074 or visit the website at http://gomason.collegesports.com/.
- Other opportunities on campus are possible for student involvement that are not coordinated through Student Activities include opportunities through Housing and Residence Life, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, Student Services and Organizations for the School of Law, and Army ROTC visit http://sa.gmu.edu/other_involvement.html# for information and links.
- Student Government represents and advocates on behalf of the student body. As a part of Student Government, students are directly involved in issues that concern the Mason community. From fighting for more parking, to increasing school spirit, to gaining more funding students will have an opportunity to make their mark on Mason. All branches of Student Government are in need of motivated student leaders to lead the University as it continues to grow and change. See http://www.gmu.edu/org/sg/.
- Student Organizations are a part of college life that include an out-of-class experience that support your academic career. Mason has over 150 student-led organizations crossing an array of interests. In addition to the recognized organizations, there are other areas of involvement including Student Media groups and Club Sports represented online at http://sa.gmu.edu/student_orgs.html.
The Student Media Group is part of University Life and integrates fee-funded student media organizations within a learning community. Students gain invaluable media knowledge and skills through experiential learning, internships and special projects by working with the various media organizations including Broadside, WGMU, and MCN. Visit http://www.gmu.edu/departments/unilife/studentmedia/.
The Women's Studies Research and Resource Center at George Mason University provides referrals and resource information to students, faculty, and staff. Topics covered include women's health and empowerment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, feminism, racism, sexism, and homophobia. In addition to providing a library, the Center hosts lectures, conferences, and other public events to promote a sense of community on campus and to raise awareness of women's issues. To see a listing of events visit http://jcweb.gmu.edu/communities/wrc/events.htm. <back to top>
The American Red Cross helps people in emergencies including disaster victims and sick children through the help of volunteers who learn the benefits of lending their assistance. Red Cross "everyday heroes" come from all walks of life and all age groups. Everyone has something special to offer. Thr local Red Cross can provide rewarding experiences, whatever the volunteer’s schedule. Search thousands of one-time and ongoing Red Cross opportunities by zip code, category, and date on VolunteerMatch's online database or visit the local website at http://www.redcross.org/where/search.asp.
The State Board of Elections (SBE) is a bipartisan agency responsible for ensuring uniformity, fairness, accuracy and purity in all elections in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The agency promotes the proper administration of election laws, campaign finance disclosure compliance, and voter registration processes in Virginia by promulgating rules, regulations, issuing instructions, and providing information to local electoral boards and general registrars. In addition, the agency maintains a centralized database of statewide voter registration and election related data. For voter registration services and more information visit http://www.sbe.state.va.us/. <back to top>
Alpha Phi Omega is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit fraternity organization assembling college students in a national service fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Law of the Boy Scouts of America. These principles strive to develop leadership, to promote friendship, to provide service to humanity; and to further freedom. Alpha Phi Omega is the single most representative undergraduate, intercollegiate organization in the United States of America. Browse colleges and universities all across America involved with Alpha Phi Omega, their students, their campuses and their communities and view program information available at http://www.apo.org/. The local link for the Alpha Phi Omega chapter is http://www.gmu.edu/org/apo/.
The Center for Civic Education is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational corporation dedicated to fostering the development of informed, responsible participation in civic life by citizens committed to values and principles fundamental to American constitutional democracy. The Center specializes in civic/citizenship education, law-related education, and international educational exchange programs for developing democracies. Programs focus on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights; American political traditions and institutions at the federal, state, and local levels; constitutionalism; civic participation; and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. For more information browse the website at http://www.civiced.org/index.php.
Study Abroad.com is a great place to begin when thinking of studying abroad. The website has information about academic semester and summer programs, internship programs, as well as an array of practical information about things like financial aid, housing, discount airfare, telephone services, health insurance, and consumer tips. There is also a discussion board and newsletter available that can be accessed at http://www.studyabroad.com/.
The U.S. Department of State is focused on accomplishing America's mission of diplomacy at home and around the world. Here, the web site talks about learning how and where this important work is performed, the Foreign and Civil Service bureaus, as well as the details about history. Each year, the U.S. Department of State assigns Senior Foreign Service Officers to the position of Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at certain colleges and universities throughout the United States. The DIR program is central to the effort to recruit the best and brightest to represent America's rich diversity to the world. For more information on leadership, visit http://www.careers.state.gov/general/index.html. <back to top>