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Junior Dominique Dowling has been working to enact social change since high school. She joined the GMU NAACP chapter in her second year at Mason, and now she is the group’s vice president.

Read the latest information on Mason's 2020 Winter Graduation ceremony, as well as CHSS events to celebrate our graduates!

All 2020 graduates, from spring, summer, and fall, are invited to participate in George Mason University’s 2020 Winter Graduation on Thursday, December 17, at 2:00 pm, on GMU-TV. Following the ceremony, CHSS graduates are invited to join the college for its own festivities.

This week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that it would discontinue visa exceptions for international students on F-1 visas who take all of their courses for the semester online. This decision could force hundreds of thousands of international students to leave the United States and threatens to interrupt the academic work of more than 3,000 students here at George Mason University.

Explore INTS 437: Critical Race Studies this Fall with Dr. Wendi Manuel-Scott

Words are failing all of us in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. When leaders reach for words like outrage, horror, or despair, they only do more damage when they are not matched by action

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences celebrates its graduates in the Class of 2020 with a message from Dean Ann Ardis, a musical tribute from the Green Machine, and more.

The celebration program on May 22 beings at 2:00 and at approximately 2:20 students and guests will be directed to the colleges' Marching Order pages. Guests and students will then be able to view CHSS specific videos and student slides there.

George Mason University will honor the largest and most diverse graduating class in its history with a virtual Celebration of the Class of 2020 at 2 p.m. Friday, May 22. There will be a special congratulatory message from Stacey Abrams, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, author, entrepreneur and voting rights advocate.

"No matter the circumstances you face, education is for everyone and education has no end. "

Jennifer Lebron, a doctoral student in the Higher Ed Program and GTA for SAIL, completed a 9-month consultancy for USAID. Her work culminated in the report "USAID Higher Education Landscape Analysis 2014-2018" in which she was lead author.

Summer Research Fellowships provide financial support to graduate students during the summer term, allowing students to devote significant time to their dissertation or thesis research. The intent of the award is to foster greater professional productivity and to assist in timely degree completion.

Five PhD students in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy received grants from the Cosmos Club Foundation to tackle a wide range of conservation efforts around the world.

George Mason University is committed to protecting the health of its community. Its resources include up-to-date plans and procedures, identification of student health services clinics, and attention to its study-abroad programs.

#MasonResearch highlights student-led research in new video

This spring the School of Integrative Studies awarded $7,000 in scholarships to our students! These scholarships are only available to students majoring in either Integrative Studies, Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Bachelor of Individualized Study.

The Well-being of Social Justice and Human Rights College Student Activists at the Washington Metropolitan Area: Cher Chen (College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Xiaomei Cai (College of Humanities and Social Sciences), and Graziella McCarron (College of Humanities and Social Sciences).

Registration is now going on for the Philippines Summer 2020 study abroad program, a 6-credit course in Human Trafficking and Community Engagement (Environmental Issues and Cultural Understanding). The program runs from June 24 (Arrival in Manila) and ends on July 25 (Return to the US or wherever your next destination will be). Dr. Al Fuertes is the program faculty director.

Two Mason alumnae known for their transformative work will be the featured speakers at the 2019 Winter Graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Dr. Al Fuertes, Associate Professor at the School of Integrative Studies just returned from Cambridge, MA after facilitating two workshops on Self and Community Care at Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership

What is life like along the southern border in today's political climate? Professor Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera went to the border to find out. Hear the border expert discuss her travels along the border on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd.

The Distinguished Professor of Restorative Justice from Eastern Mennonite University professor will discuss the challenges in defining and enforcing human rights in the 21st century in the annual School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution lecture series. Read more about his work.

Graduate Student, Katelyn Hedrick reflects on her experience in Italy studying leadership with Dr. McCarron and Dr. Zaccaro. Registration is available for this amazing summer study abroad trip!

Zainab Salbi, BIS ’96, is a humanitarian and author who founded Women for Women International, an organization that offers various supports and skill development to women survivors of war.

Al Fuertes draws on his personal experience growing up under martial law to inform his transformative approach to healing in displaced communities

GMU to erect memorial honoring more than 100 people enslaved by George Mason.

What tools work best for educating national park visitors? Mason research aims to find out

Dr. Van Sant started this fall semester in a tenure-track position focusing on environmental justice issues, particularly surrounding food, agriculture, and land conservation.

George Mason University senior Amini Bonane, studying finance, philosophy, and law in the bachelor of individualized study program, leads an extraordinary life of service. She said her gratitude drives her to give back.

Jarvis, who learned to sew from her grandmother as a child and has been making her own clothes for years, is now being commissioned to create wearable electronics for her friends who are circus performers.

The Bonner Leader program affords college students an opportunity to use their energy, talents, and leadership skills to engage in community service while providing developmental and financial support.

Read more about how access to clean beauty products is a social justice issue in the recent Allure Magazine article "How More Affordable Clean Beauty Products Mean a More Just Society"

The stories gathered by the students have been compiled in an online archive, also called the Enslaved Children of George Mason (ECGM). The project has also sparked a number of classes at Mason that integrate this research and the ideas it explored.

The George Mason University Board of Visitors today unanimously voted to appoint former Virginia Secretary of Education Anne Holton as the university’s interim president. The appointment will take effect August 1

Dr. Al Fuertes was awarded the 2019 Term Faculty Development Fund. Dr. Graziella McCarron & Dr. Aoi Yamanaka were awarded the 2019 NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Ed) grant.

On April 24th, the Sustainable Fashion Panel discussion took place at the MIX@Fenwick. An extraordinary panel of innovators, entrepreneurs and experts from various disciplines shared their perspectives on sustainability (economic, environmental, and social) and its importance in the fashion industry.

Wednesday, May 15th at 10:00 in the Center for the Arts. All graduating Integrative Studies, Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Bachelor of Individualized Studies students will be recognized on stage.

Outstanding teaching is an integral part of Mason’s mission and is deserving of significant recognition. The Teaching Excellence Awards are both institutional recognition and a monetary acknowledgment of the significant work that faculty members devote to course planning and preparation; curriculum development; and innovative teaching, advising, and undergraduate and graduate mentoring.

The Career Connection Faculty Award is an annual award celebrating Mason faculty and staff who make a positive impact on students' career goals, employment plans, or graduate school preparation. Recipients go above and beyond the expectations of their role and devote extra time and energy to helping students prepare for life after Mason.

A 2015 research study showed that 33 percent of Mason undergraduate students were first-generation, according to the homepage of firstgen.gmu.edu. The website, which launched in March, aims to help first-generation students and allies like parents, faculty and staff

Mason alumni, faculty and staff have the opportunity to unite and show a tangible sign of the strength and commitment of Mason Nation. Find out how to support the cause or program which means the most to you

The plan merges the humanities and social science fields with computer science and could become a national model for regional collaboration between universities and business.

Sibs & Kids Weekend is Saturday, April 27-Sunday, April 28, and we invite Mason faculty, staff, and students to register their kids and siblings ages 6-18 to experience the excitement of life as a Patriot! All Sibs & Kids Weekend participants must register at masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu. The cost is $15 for Mason faculty/staff members, $25 for participants (ages 6-18), and free for Mason students. All participants will receive giveaways, a Sibs & Kids Weekend t-shirt, entrance to all events on the schedule including meals, access to Mason Recreation facilities, and parking on the Fairfax campus.

Explore what is happening on campus for Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day at George Mason University! If you have any questions, please contact worklife@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2600.

George Mason University has formally launched a multidisciplinary institute to tackle one of the toughest issues facing the world—its future.

The First Gen Leadership Summit is specifically designed for Mason students who identify as first-generation college students. The summit is a one-day program focusing on leadership skill development through both large and small group experiences. Participants will have a chance to engage and connect with other first-generation college students around leadership, ethics, diversity, identity development, inclusion, and well-being. Register today for this incredible program!

In February 2019, you’ll be able to join the Patriot Activities Council, Mason Athletics, Student Involvement, and the Alumni Association for a week-long celebration! Check back for more information for the week of events, tailgate, and the game.

Open only to NOVA transfer students at Mason. Must be enrolled at Mason in Fall 2019 with a 3.5 Mason GPA or higher. DEADLINE: 2/22/19

While immigrants comprise 13 percent of the U.S. population, they make up only 11 percent of all teachers. This paper and infographic provide a statistical and demographic portrait of immigrant teachers in the United States and highlight differences between native- and foreign-born teachers as well as between postsecondary and non-postsecondary teachers.

Chase LaDue, a PhD candidate in environmental science and an applied ecologist is studying the behavior, physiology, and conservation of elephants. He uses integrative research to inform strategies that promote the welfare of these large mammals in in-situ (wild) and ex-situ (captive) environments.

BIS alumnus Jack Fahey has created a scholarship for current BIS students. BIS students can apply online for the "Giving Back" $1000 Spring 2019 Scholarship online.

Mason will honor 4,775 students from around the globe at two Winter Graduation events, Dec. 20 at EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax Campus.

This is the second in a four-part series on geomimicry by renowned author and George Mason University professor Dr. Gregory C. Unruh

Godlewski, said she would like to focus on the office being a fiscal watchdog for taxpayers, investing in the state's future and being a financial advocate for Wisconsinites.

Mason student, Jason Deters, is completing his INTS 490-Internship with the Washington Redskins.

George Mason’s Department of Communication and the Insight Committee host the annual communication forum, Pathways to your Future, on Tuesday Oct. 23, 2018. The venue is Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center on Mason’s Fairfax campus. Sports broadcaster, Lindsay Czarniak, gives the keynote address. All students are welcome to attend.

Recent rankings comparing college majors have touted the financial benefits of certain programs of study. But for some students, changing the world is more important than earning a high salary

Interest in integrative studies programs has risen as academics, organizations and students recognize the value of engaging in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning. These types of degrees equip students with a wide-range of knowledge as well as the critical and analytical skills needed to be successful in the workforce.

A team of researchers from George Mason University has received a National Science Foundation grant to introduce a more active-learning approach that would improve student understanding, increase retention and increase the numbers of women and minorities in STEM fields

Mason tied for 25th nationally for diversity and tied for 28th for innovative learning. It also moved up to tie for 67th overall among public institutions.

Nearly 17 million students head to college this fall. About half are financially independent from their parents, and nearly 1 in 4 is a parent caring for a child.

George Mason University is ranked No. 6 nationally by Washington Monthly Magazine as a best four-year college for adult learners. Since 1975, the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) program has been Mason's adult degree completion program focused only on adult learners and their individual situations

Ann Ardis came to Mason from the University of Delaware, where she was senior vice provost for graduate and professional education. She is a proponent of multidisciplinary, project-based learning

College Colors Day is nationally organized by our partner, IMG College Licensing, and was first celebrated in 2005. It always falls on the Friday before Labor Day. College Colors Day seeks to celebrate and promote the spirit that makes college traditions great, such as “back-to-school”, by encouraging students, faculty/staff, alumni and fans to wear apparel of their favorite college throughout the day of Friday, August 31, 2018.

A Libyan student confronts the uncertainties of Trump’s travel ban, with a Harvard education at stake

Mason faculty and staff are invited to join President Cabrera, Provost Wu, and the senior administration in welcoming incoming freshmen and transfer students as they start their Mason experience!

The Mural Brigade came to Mason to bring large scale, high quality art to campus. We are a student organization that provides an opportunity for students to gain hireable skills and build a larger network in arts management and related fields while leaving a noticeable mark on campus. Free kick off event on Sept. 7th from 3-7 pm at the Skyline Pavilion.

This seed grant program supports the generation of innovative curricular ideas and pilot programs that enhance Mason Impact and other cross-unit, multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate curriculum development activities.

Under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Unruh, this fall the minor in Social Innovation is available to all Mason undergraduate students (all majors).

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers language placement tests in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Persian, Russian, and Spanish. The department administers these tests to determine placement into the most appropriate course. Students who have prior experience with a foreign language in their high school and plan to register for courses in that language at George Mason should take the test before registering. Students transferring foreign language courses from other higher education institutions may not need to take the placement test.

A star-studded lineup of poets, historians and novelists includes (left to right) Tayari Jones, Congressman John Lewis, Elizabeth Strout, Elizabeth Kostova and Angie Thomas. The four-day event is at Mason and locations around Northern Virginia. Learn more about the festival, including a new book prize.

The School of Integrative Studies (SIS) curriculum allows students to integrate research, theory and practice across numerous disciplines and experiences. Students access all the resources offered at Mason and draw the critical connections they will need among the topics they study, the experiences they have, the personal reflections they create and the careers they pursue. Integrative studies encourages students to identify today’s complex problems and pursue opportunities inside and outside the classroom, synthesizing theory and practice.

At its degree celebrations, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences sends off its doctors, masters, and bachelors with an enthusiastic salute.

Dr. Suzie Carmack, who serves on Mason’s adjunct faculty developing and teaching well-being courses for the School of Integrative Studies and the Department of Global and Community Health, recently won Outstanding Graduate Alumnus of the Year award for the 2017-2018 academic year from Mason’s Department of Communication for her distinguished work.

Dean Ann Ardis joins Mason from the University of Delaware, where she is senior vice provost for graduate and professional education. She begins her new job on Aug. 1.

Among those graduating from NOVA May 12 were husband-and-wife duo James and Elizabeth Williams, who returned to school at ages 31 and 26, respectively, and plan to continue their education at Mason. James will be starting his BIS program this summer.

President Ángel Cabrera (far left) and Jack Wood (second from the right) present the John C. "Jack" Wood Award for Town Gown relations to Eric Forbes (second from the left), Zeponic Farms, the Media Literacy and Civil Dialogue Skills Workshops partnership between the School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution and Fairfax County Public Libraries, Niyati Dhokai and Toni-Michelle Travis.

Each year Social Action & Integrative Learning (SAIL) have Alternative Spring Break trips that focus on issues ranging from Ecosystem Restoration in Florida to Education, Literacy, and Community Development in Guatemala. The purpose of these trips is to critically engage students in social justice work through education and community service.

The second annual symposium, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Research Hall, Room 163, on the Fairfax Campus, will advance understanding of the international and domestic aspects of our most basic and critical needs – an abundant and reliable supply of water and energy. The event is hosted by Richard Kauzlarich and Paul Houser, co-directors of Mason's Center for Energy Science and Policy. The event is free but registration is required. Find out more.

Stefanie Brown James has dedicated her life to empowering people to organize and advocate for equality and expanded opportunities in their communities. Stefanie is the CEO and Founding Partner of Vestige Strategies, LLC – a Washington, DC based community engagement firm that specializes in grassroots community and civic engagement strategies. Stefanie builds engagement programs for campaigns, causes and companies to move their audiences to take action while strengthening leaders and achieving tangible results in the process.

Unilever CEO Paul Polman, who has been recognized for his commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, will be the featured speaker at Mason’s Spring Commencement. Learn more about what drives him.

Join the Teachers of Tomorrow in collecting books for students in the DMV area from April until the end of May 2018.

Looking to launch your environmental career? Or know a young person who is? Soon-to-be college grads and high school seniors interested in a gap year can gain vital green jobs skills and build a network of connections in the environmental field through the Chesapeake Conservation Corps program.

The event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 18, pairs local makers with the Mason entrepreneurial community in a family-friendly atmosphere. Hands-on demonstrations will include woodworking, blacksmithing, drones, 3-D printing and soldering. The events will be held indoors and outdoors and spread out among different venues at the MIX, the Johnson Center and the Hub

Curriculum impact grants, designed to encourage innovative programs with interdisciplinary, cross-unit curriculum, offer students new ways to consider some of the most critical issues facing our society. College faculty are involved with eleven of the newly funded programs.

In spring 2018, Mason’s Bachelor of Individualized Studies Program returns to its home within the School of Integrative Studies.

BIS awards Spring 2018 Jack Fahey Giving Back Scholarship.

Bachelor of Individualized Study student Arwa Sawan, already a successful newscaster, is enhancing her skills through the BIS program, honing her abilities to present compelling stories.

IIR co-hosts discussion with Middle East Institute about the contributions made by immigrant artists to the United States

Guest speaker, Dr. Justin Gest, will share his findings on white working class politics in an age of immigration and inequality.

The BIS Transfer Transition Course - listed as UNIV 304 - is continuing to grow in popularity among new and continuing BIS students.

The annual BIS award winners were announced at the Senior Capstone Presentation Reception held on May 9th.

BIS students, faculty mentors, family and friends are invited to attend the BIS 491 Senior Capstone presentations highlighting the individual projects of this semester's graduating students. Reception and Awards ceremony immediately following the event.

Marianne McKone, a BIS major, has received funding for her research study on the lives of post-incarcerated women, and will work with CLS Professor Dr. Danielle S. Rudes as her mentor.

The Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) hosted Tom Gjelten, correspondent for National Public Radio and author of A Nation of Nations: A Great American Immigration Story, at the April colloquium. Mr. Gjelten shared his insights on how the landscape of America has changed over the past fifty years with the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, as told through the experiences of families in one suburban county in Virginia.

Current and former students, faculty, and families gathered in November to celebrate the Bachelor of Individualized Study program's first 40 years. More than 3000 graduates proudly bear BIS degrees from George Mason.

For her capstone project, recent graduate Sami Engle BIS '15, studied the topic of compassion fatigue in veterinary and human health care. She's taken her research and designed an AAVSB approved continuing education workshop for practicing veterinarians!

The last year has been a busy one for Dr. Scott. In addition to defending her dissertation, and in an effort to expand her focus internationally, she also received two grants.

BIS student, Tracy Shevlin, is conducting this survey to investigate whether Mason is meeting the needs of their adult student population.

BIS Senior Laura McDonald writes on her interdisciplinary approach to citizen science and urban ecology. Laura sees herself as "a rare species – a native of Fairfax County and a witness to the ever-expanding growth and development that has occurred over the past four decades."

Hampton Brown (BIS '10) was recently honored as a CHSS Distinguished Alumnus.

When Mark Friese’s son was diagnosed with autism, he found limited resources to help plan for his child’s future. Today, he uses his financial expertise and the knowledge he gained to help other families of children with special needs and to advocate for their financial health. Mark uses his BIS concentration to support the research and writing necessary to make an impact.

BIS has extended learning opportunities to Mason in Loudoun, which will soon celebrate the Grand Opening of their new co-location with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) at Signal Hill Plaza.

Paul Hurley (BIS '12) excelled in indoor "erg" competitions and moved on to high-stakes world rowing championships.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences rolled out a red carpet for its alumni over the course of two evenings during the university's Alumni Weekend. The Distinguished Alumni Reception recognized some of the contributions made by college alumni, and a social event, open to all college alumni, combined scholarship and relaxing fun.

The 2014 issue of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences' alumni magazine Cornerstone features an article about Tuan Nguyen, BIS '12.

James and Gayle “Gigi” Green, BIS ’00 and MA ’09, are passionate about education, basketball and Mason. Recently, the Greens combined all three to create a significant and lasting means of support for some deserving students.

In the next few weeks, prestigious honor society Phi Beta Kappa will invite its first George Mason University students to join the university's new chapter. The college looks forward to congratulating these scholars!

It's time to show your appreciation! BIS is accepting nominations for outstanding faculty mentors and student project awards for 2012-2013

BIS 2011 graduate Laura Poisson was selected for the 2012 BIS 390 Proposal Writing Award and the Outstanding BIS Project in the Public Interest!

Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and Douglas Greenberg, Executive Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University, are the featured speakers of the 2012 College of Humanities and Social Sciences convocations.

Three BIS student's diverse topics land special recognition as project and writing award winners are announced!

Former student's research project was accepted for presentation at the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) conference in Denver, Colorado.

BIS alumni describes how his interdisciplinary degree has helped him to move from "soldier to scholar."

Ron Adams used his work experience to gain portfolio credit and recommends BIS students consider doing the same.

John Miller's article in the National Review features Professor Walter Williams.

Mason alumna Judy Kelly, who graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Individualized Study degree with a concentration in women’s social movements, created a permanent exhibit for the Women’s Suffrage Museum at the Occoquan Workhouse.

Dr. Jeannie Brown Leonard, BIS Director, co-authored an article that was recently published in the Journal of Higher Education.

Current BIS student, Julie Allstrom, was featured in Forbes.com article for her internship with AARP.

Nayantara Sheoran, a cultural studies PhD student and bachelor of individualized study instructor, recently won a highly competitive Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grant from the National Science Foundation. The award will give her up to $15,000 for research in India.

Each year, departments and programs present awards to their outstanding students. The college is proud to announce the recipients of these awards for 2009-2010. Congratulations to all the department's students for their outstanding achievements.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to announce the speakers for this year’s convocation ceremonies. Warren Brown, the founder and owner of successful bakery CakeLove and Love Café’, and poet and author Robert Pinsky are the speakers for this year’s convocation ceremonies.

While many of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences' students will travel abroad this winter, 20 of them are headed to places likes Israel, Palestine, London, Switzerland, Greece, and Turkey thanks to awards from Mason's Center for Global Education.

Bob Nissen arrives at 6 a.m., long before the first-period bell sounds. On his belt, a ring holds the keys to 49 doors. Each morning brings something different—a leak in the ceiling, a cracked window. At night he takes classes at George Mason University, where he is pursuing a bachelor of individualized study degree with a concentration in educational psychology. One day that degree will lead him to the classroom he has yet to see: the one where he's the teacher.

Susan Kennedy-Orr, a military police officer who became a bodyguard for Department of Defense officials, was able to apply her military experience as she pursued a bachelor's degree of individualized studies in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University. The college recently caught up with Kennedy-Orr. Here’s what she had to say:

Senior Robin Brahmbhatt, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Individualized Study degree with a sport management concentration, has been studying the prospects of basketball in India, a country dominated by cricket.

Karen Griffin Roberts, a George Mason University Bachelor of Individualized Studies graduate who was recently featured in a video compiled by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was featured in a local newspaper article.

Karen Griffin Roberts graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor of individualized study and returned on scholarship to pursue a master's degree in early childhood special education. After spending nearly 20 years as an educator and raising a son with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism, Griffin Roberts realized she had a unique insight into the disorder, and she used that insight to write and research her BIS senior project, "Modifying the Preschool Classroom to Include Children with Autism: A Manual for General Education Preschool Teachers." The College of Humanities and Social Sciences recently obtained a copy of Griffin Roberts' ground-breaking project (linked) and also held a question and answer session with her. Here's what she had to say: