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University Academic Programs and Resources
University Libraries(703) 993-2250 AdministrationJohn G. Zenelis, University Librarian and Associate Vice President, IT Administrative and Professional FacultyAscencio, Brannon, Bushallow, Chase, Connors, Cowan, Ercolano, Euliano, Farley, Fishwick, Fleming, Garritano, Gibson, Grotophorst, Hannan, Hillson, Hirvonen, Jordan, Kelso, Kerr, Khater, Kifer, Killian, Koda, Lee, Palmer, Perry, Sheehan, Shelton, Simons, Stockwell, Suh, Vay, Walsh, Weaver, Wittig, Young Resources and ServicesResources and services of the George Mason University Libraries are housed in Charles Rogers Fenwick Library and the George W. Johnson Center Library on the Fairfax Campus, the Arlington Campus Library, and the Prince William Campus Library. (The School of Law Library at Arlington is administered separately.) The combined holdings of George Mason's libraries, including the law library, total 1 million books and bound journal volumes; nearly 12,000 current serial subscriptions; 2.56 million microform units; 354,000 government documents; 219,000 maps; 25,000 multimedia materials; 400 electronic databases (including several thousand online journals); and significant holdings of manuscripts, special collections, and archives. All of the libraries support instruction, learning, research and service, and outreach activities of students and faculty. George Mason's integrated library information system provides an online public access catalog, circulation, electronic reserves, and library processing services. The library information system can be used in the libraries, from campus locations on the network, or through the World Wide Web from off-campus locations. The University Libraries' web site, http://library.gmu.edu, offers access to a variety of networked digital resources and electronically mediated services, including virtual reference service. The library liaison program to academic departments and programs supports a variety of cooperative and collaborative activities. Liaison librarians work with academic departments and programs to develop print collections and electronic resources, as well as offering introductory and advanced information literacy competency instructional sessions, and advanced reference and research consultation services to students and faculty. Through membership and active participation in local, regional, and national library consortia, the George Mason University Libraries are able to better respond and meet the needs of the University's growing and diverse academic and research programs. Current inter-institutional affiliations include:
The Libraries provide an inter-campus delivery service for students and faculty requesting materials held at another George Mason campus library. Materials not held in the George Mason libraries can be obtained by direct borrowing from WRLC institution libraries via the Consortium Loan Service, interlibrary loan, or through commercial document services when required. Expanded academic support services of the University Libraries also include: Ask A Librarian Virtual Reference ServiceWeb: http://library.gmu.edu/research/ Ask a Librarian is a service that enables users and a reference staff member to chat online, in real-time. The service also allows the reference staff to share web pages and other helpful materials to assist students and faculty with their research, collaboratively and interactively. University Copyright Assistance OfficeJohnson Center, Rooms 120, 121 The copyright office provides guidance and assistance on copyright and fair use issues. The office staff advise the university community regarding copyright in areas such as classroom teaching and technology, online courses, distance education, university publications, university web sites, networked library collections and related services, electronic course reserves, and electronic database licensing. Copyright-related workshops are offered on a regular basis. University Dissertation and Thesis Services (UDTS)Web: www.gmu.edu.library/specialcollections/dtwebguide UDTS assists George Mason students and academic units in the dissertation, thesis, and graduate-level project process by helping students meet all university requirements and deadlines for submission of their works. The UDTS Web site provides useful tools such as the university's Thesis, Dissertation, or Project Guide, which contains downloadable templates of necessary elements; forms required for the submission process, and links to related Web sites. UDTS also assists graduate students through individual consultation and informational workshops. Statistical Support ServicesFenwick Library Government Documents Microfiche Room This office provides expert consultation services for students and faculty who need assistance with statistical software packages (quantitative and qualitative research design analysis). Fenwick LibraryPhone: (703) 993-2240 Fenwick is the main research library in the university library system. Fenwick holds most of the Libraries' book collections across disciplines, as well as current and bound journals, microforms, special collections and archives materials, federal and Virginia government documents, and maps. Instruction and reference classes are available in information search strategies, sources, and information technology. Additionally, publicly accessible computer workstations and data ports for laptop use enable access to the Libraries' electronic resources and associated services. Services available at Fenwick Library are provided by the Periodicals/Microforms, Circulation, Reference, Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery, Special Collections & Archives, and Collection Management Services departments. Johnson Center LibraryPhone: (703) 993-9060 The library is part of the George W. Johnson Center integrated learning environment. Electronic access to scholarly information is complimented by a print reference collection, multimedia collections, and a growing circulating book collection comprised of core texts and readings supporting the foundational and interdisciplinary emphases in the university's undergraduate curriculum. The Johnson Center Library especially supports interdisciplinary programs such as the Honors Program and New Century College through its collections and outreach programs. The library also holds designated discipline-based circulating book collections. The Johnson Center Library serves is the center for multimedia collections and services for the university library system. This library also provides course support through reserve materials (electronic, print and media) for students and faculty on the Fairfax Campus. The Libraries-wide electronic reserves service is also managed at this library. A collection of periodicals (foreign newspapers and general interest magazines and journals), and a leisure reading collection round out the Johnson Center Library's collections and services. Arlington Campus LibraryPhone: (703) 993-8818 The library is a full-service research facility supporting the teaching and research needs of George Mason faculty, students and staff on this campus. Consistent with the Arlington Campus' distinct areas of academic specialization at the graduate level, the library's collection emphasizes public policy, international commerce, economics, education, and nonprofit organizations management. The Arlington Campus Library holds a core of reference materials, and is a depository of European Union documents. Library staff provides reference assistance and instruction for students, faculty, and staff in identifying and using resources. Although "physical" library holdings continue to grow, a critical component of the Arlington Campus Library service is an emphasis on being a "virtual" library, with many of its resources and services available online. Prince William LibraryPhone: (703) 993-8340 This rapidly growing library supports faculty and students in the programs and courses offered at the Prince William Campus, including education, biotechnology, computer science, health, fitness and recreation resources, and administration of justice. The library provides access to all George Mason University library information technology systems and electronic resources. The library emphasis is on instruction and assistance with the use of electronic resources and computing applications. Notable holdings of the library include the concentrated holdings of scientific journals in bioscience and biomedicine. The library is fostering partnerships to provide information services to the rapidly expanding corporate and technology presence in Prince William County. University Scholars ProgramAdministrationStudent Academic Affairs University ScholarsEach year George Mason University awards four-year scholarships to top high school graduates who have shown superior academic achievement, leadership ability, and an exemplary record of school and community service. The University Scholars reside in a common residence hall their first year and share the University Scholars Center. Together the scholars form a dynamic learning community within the university known as the University Scholars Program. The program draws to George Mason a special caliber of student who is actively involved in all facets of academic and student life. In addition to excelling in their respective academic areas, the scholars have repeatedly emerged in a variety of student leadership positions and service-related activities. Intellectual dialogue is fostered between scholars, professors, and George Mason administrators through stimulating seminars, discussion groups, cultural activities, service projects, internships, campus events, and participation in organizations that complement the scholars' academic experiences. The peer interaction, faculty guidance, and academic focus of the University Scholars Program reflect George Mason's commitment to providing a stimulating and supportive environment that encourages academic excellence and personal growth. University CoursesUniversity (UNIV) courses are special academic seminars that appeal to a wide range of majors among undergraduate students. University courses are designated as transitional, interdisciplinary honors, and special topics courses. They are limited in size to encourage interaction between students and specialized faculty. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the courses, they sometimes can be applied toward the satisfaction of general education requirements. University Transitions CoursesThe University Transitions course series assists students with their transition through the various stages of college. University 100 (UNIV 100) focuses on academic skills, campus resources, and personal adjustment issues for the first year student. Many UNIV 100 sections relate to specific academic majors. UNIV 200 is a select topics course focusing on transition issues for sophomore students. UNIV 300, assists new transfer students with their transition to George Mason University. UNIV 400, for senior students, focuses on the transition from college to "life after college" with an emphasis on professional development, graduate school preparation, and life management issues. University Interdisciplinary Honors SeminarsThe University Interdisciplinary Honors Seminars are offered exclusively to students who have demonstrated strong academic performance. They are developed to give high-ability freshmen and advanced-standing students the opportunity to study with a senior professor in a small classroom setting. The Freshman Seminars (UNIV 190) are open to eligible first-year students and are taught exclusively by the Robinson Professors. Qualified students with 30 or more credits are invited to participate in the UNIV 390 seminars, which are taught by Robinson Professors and other distinguished faculty scholars. University Special Topics CoursesUpper-level university courses are open to all students unless specific prerequisites are indicated. They are usually repeated offerings. The following are regularly offered university courses:
International Programs and ResourcesGlobal Connections (International Degrees)Web: www.gmu.edu/global Strategically located in the national capital region, George Mason University is rich in international knowledge and expertise. A wide range of research, consulting, mediation, and exchange activities, as well as a student body drawn from many countries and cultures, serve to link the regional with the global. The university encourages internationalization and globalization throughout the curriculum, and offers a variety of academic programs that focus specifically on international or global issues. The university also provides a wide variety of activities and services for international students here and opportunities for students to study abroad. Academic programs focused specifically on international and global issues include the following:
See the Global Connections web site for new developments in this area: www.gmu.edu/global. Study Abroad: Center for Global Education (CGE)Phone: (703) 993-2154 CGE functions as the hub for international educational activities at George Mason University. It offers short-term intersession, semester- and year-long exchange and honors programs, and intensive language courses for all members of the academic community and the public. CGE hosts international visitors to the university and is the depository of all Memoranda of Understanding concerning educational exchange signed between George Mason University and institutions abroad. Center for Field StudiesPhone: (703) 993-1740 The center was created to oversee and coordinate field projects and promote and facilitate teaching, research, and study outside of the campus community. Its primary site for outreach activities is the Bahamas Environmental Research Center. Resources for International Students and ScholarsEnglish Language Institute (ELI)Phone: (703) 993-3660 AdministrationKathryn Trump, M.A., Director, Krug Hall, Room 202 ELI provides quality instruction in English as a second language, aimed at developing language and academic skills, as well as cultural awareness necessary for successful academic, personal, and professional life. ELI offers two programs: the Intensive English Program which serves international students who have come to the United States to study English in preparation for academic study at an American college or university; and the Support Services Program, which provides programs for non-native English speaking students newly admitted to George Mason University and other international members of the Mason community. In addition to the Intensive English Program and the Support Services Program, ELI provides contract services to private corporations, embassies, and government agencies. Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS)Phone: (703) 993-2970 OIPS provides immigration assistance to international students, visiting scholars, faculty and staff, and offers programs and activities that focus on intercultural themes for the entire university community. International Student Umbrella (ISU)Phone: (703) 993-2898 ISU consists of a variety of international student organizations that coordinate educational and social activities to promote cross-cultural understanding and international awareness. Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE)Fairfax Campus Office of Continuing Professional Education Prince William Campus Professional Development Office AdministrationJanet Niblock, Executive Director, Krug Hall, Room 211 OCPE serves as George Mason University's initial point of contact and referral for the business and professional community and responds to all professional development and continuing education inquiries, requests, and needs. Supported program activities include the following:
Courses are typically delivered through classroom settings, but increasingly through electronic modes such as video conferencing and the Internet. OCPE offices are strategically located at the Fairfax Campus in Krug Hall, at the Prince William Campus, and at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) in Herndon. Current continuing education program information, offerings, and capabilities can be reviewed on line at www.ocpe.gmu.edu. As the front office, the Krug Hall office serves as the primary point of inquiry and referral. It facilitates, promotes, and administers the delivery of contract credit courses and other specialized professional programs. This office also administers the award of CEUs, which are nationally recognized standard units of measurement earned for satisfactory completion of qualified programs of continuing education. OCPE provides this service to all George Mason academic groups that deliver noncredit professional development programs. Call (703) 993-2109. The Prince William Campus Professional Development Office facilitates a variety of open enrollment and contract programs (both noncredit and credit) that support the strengths of the programs at the Prince William Campus. Programs are targeted to meet the professional development needs of the business community of the Prince William area, as well as Northern Virginia local and state government communities. Call (703) 993-8335. The Herndon office and training center, located in the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) in Northern Virginia's high-tech corridor, facilitates a variety of professional development programs targeted to the area's business and federal government organizations. This office reaches out to the business community by designing, marketing, and delivering non-credit training courses and in-depth certificate programs. Public seminars and customized contract training programs are targeted to respond to the needs and interests of managerial, technical, and professional employees in private, nonprofit, and public organizations located in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Call (703) 733-2800. The CIT is located at 2214 Rock Hill Road, Herndon, near the intersection of the Dulles Toll Road and Route 28. New Professional Studies, M.A./M.S.AdministrationTojo Thatchenkery, Director The Master of New Professional Studies program was established in 1996 to provide graduate education for working professionals. The highlights of this innovative interdisciplinary degree are as follows: Meeting the needs of the working professional. The course activities are designed to adapt to the demands of working professionals with a variety of obligations. Through innovative use of information technologies and flexible course scheduling, participants are able to balance the demands of work with an intensive learning experience. Linking theory and practice. The degree incorporates action-oriented group learning as a way to integrate theory and practice. Grouped into teams, candidates are immersed in the practical problems of organizations and at the same time engage each other through collaborative technologies. By dealing with practical organizational issues, participants gain deeper insight into how complex organizations work and how to affect them. Building a learning community. The program produces a tightly integrated learning experience and focuses on building a learning community. Participants will work on projects as teams and will gain an understanding of how to develop team-based organizations. Integrating collaborative technologies. Collaborative technology skills developed early on are used throughout the degree program. They enable a high degree of collaboration and interaction between students. New Professional Studies is an umbrella degree program with six tracks:
Four core courses (12 credits) are common to all tracks:
The remaining elective courses (21 credits) are selected from participating disciplines. For information about the forensic biosciences, biotechnology, and bioinformatics tracks, see the School of Computational Sciences; for the organizational learning, and the transportation policy, operations, and logistics track, see the School of Public Policy; for the teaching track, see the Graduate School of Education. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)Phone: (703) 993-2707 AdministrationLieutenant Colonel Maurice L. Guyant Army ROTCThe U.S. Army ROTC program at George Mason is an elective program of instruction and training that offers qualified students the opportunity to earn a commission as an officer (second lieutenant) in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, or U.S. Army Reserve, while pursuing a baccalaureate degree as a full-time student. The program emphasizes student learning and participation in applied leadership, leadership theory and assessment, decision making, management skills, time management, ethics and military law, logistics, military roles and national objectives, strategic and tactical planning and principles, and basic military knowledge and skills. EnrollmentEnrollment in military science (MLSC) courses is open to all students. Freshmen classes (MLSC 100 and 101), sophomore classes (MLSC 200 and 201), and junior classes (MLSC 300 and 301) are awarded 1 credit each. Senior classes (MLSC 400 and 401) are 3 credits each and count toward degree completion as elective credit. No service obligation is incurred by enrolling in Army ROTC. Courses can be dropped or added, just as any elective course at George Mason. The four-year program is organized into two successive phasesthe Basic Course and the Advanced Course. For students seeking the opportunity to earn a commission as an officer, several entry methods and participation strategies can be used. A minimum of four semesters must remain in the student's academic curriculum to complete commissioning requirements; these semesters may be part of either an undergraduate or graduate level degree. Course descriptions appear under Military Science (MLSC) in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Basic Course CurriculumThe Basic Course curriculum is a four-course series (MLSC 100, 101, 200, 201), usually taken in the freshman and sophomore years. Each Basic Course class awards 1 academic credit. The Basic Course trains students in the types of topics listed above as well as such applied topics as map reading, land navigation, first aid, physical fitness and health, writing, briefings, and more. Each lecture class meets once a week for 80 minutes. Textbooks are provided free of charge to all enrolled students. Uniforms and equipment are also issued (lent) to students at no cost. While only one section is listed per MLSC class, small sections or individual tutorials are offered when scheduling conflicts exist. The George Mason Army ROTC program has numerous experiential aspects. MLSC LAB 201, Leadership Laboratory, encompasses several different activities. Students enrolling in any ROTC lecture class must enroll in the required, nongraded lab section. Only the ROTC director can dismiss LAB 201 enrollment in certain circumstances (such as scheduling conflicts) All LAB 201 sections meet as a combined unit on Tuesdays, 3 to 4:20 p.m. During this time, the unit trains in a variety of hands-on, practical military tasks ranging from drill and ceremonies to squad and platoon tactics. Upper-class cadets lead drills and training as part of their leadership training and experience. Other experiential aspects of LAB 201 include field training exercises (FTXs) and physical training (PT). Participation in one FTX per semester is required and involves some type of training on a weekend day at a nearby military base. PT classes are conducted every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7 to 8 a.m., at the Field House. Physical training for Basic Course students can be waived in certain circumstances; Army PT standards must be met no later than the beginning of the junior year. Over the four-year program, there are progressive requirements for meeting physical fitness standards, weight limits, and leadership positions. Much emphasis is placed on cadets to meet established academic standards. A student must maintain an overall GPA of at least 2.0 to participate in and complete ROTC. Army ROTC also organizes numerous optional adventure and social events including, rappelling, orienteering, and helicopter orientations. A battlefield visit is offered every year, and a formal Military Ball is offered during the spring semester. The unit has an organized Color Guard and a Ranger Challenge Club. Airborne and Air Assault training, among other Army formal schools, is available to enrolled cadets. Enrolled students typically become progressively more involved to enhance their training, develop esprit de corps, and take part in social aspects of the program. Advanced Course CurriculumThe Advanced Course consists of a four-course series (MLSC 300, 301, 400, 401) taken during the junior and senior years. MLSC 300 and 301 award 1 credit each, while MLSC 400 and 401 are 3 credits each. Normally, Advanced Course cadets contract to become commissioned officers, and thus incur a service obligation upon graduation and commissioning. An active duty tour is not guaranteed, although most cadets request and receive active duty tours upon graduation. ROTC also offers guarantees of entering either the Army Reserve or Army National Guard to students so inclined. The 300-level courses emphasize squad and platoon leadership, tactics, and preparation for the National Advanced Leaders Camp (NALC). NALC is a five-week training and evaluation activity required for contracted students. Cadets attend NALC in the summer between their junior and senior years. A salary, travel expenses, and room and board are all provided during camp. NALC is a critical part of the ROTC program that students must pass to receive a commission. There are also professional military education requirements: contracted cadets must take and pass courses in written communications, computer literacy, and military history. These courses come from the general course offerings of the university and may also fulfill the student's general education or academic major requirements at the same time. Because all students may enroll in ROTC classes, students wishing to take an upper-level course have to declare their intentions when seeking enrollment approval from the ROTC director or instructor. Prerequisites exist for upper-level courses (see the "Course Descriptions" chapter). "Noncontract" students who wish to take MLSC 400 and 401 must have junior or senior standing in their majors and meet the appropriate prerequisites. Course requirements will be established between the ROTC director and students to tailor the class to the students' interests and needs. The 400-level courses are considered to be the "transition to lieutenant" phase. The courses focus on staff operations, logistics, military law, and ethics. Seniors are expected to organize and attend an additional one-hour staff and training meeting per week as part of their leadership experience and duties. Planning and implementation of training becomes the primary focus for seniors in LAB 201. Methods for Completing Program and Earning a CommissionStudents may enter Army ROTC to seek and earn a commission as a second lieutenant upon graduation by several methods:
Students who complete the ROTC program may take up to two years to complete their baccalaureate studies, and education delays for graduate study also may be approved for graduating cadets before commissioning. Graduate students and resident aliens who become U.S. citizens by a certain time may become commissioned officers. Scholarship ProgramsTwo- and three-year ROTC scholarships are available to sophomores and freshmen in all majors on a competitive basis (minimum 2.500 GPA to apply and under age 27 when graduating, unless they are active duty veterans). Scholarships pay 100% of tuition, a book allowance ($450/year), and a stipend of at least $300/month during the school year, all tax free. A student does not have to be enrolled to apply, and there is no service obligation incurred when applying. A two-year Reserve Forces Duty scholarship is available that guarantees reserve duty upon graduation and commissioning (no active duty tour). Contact the ROTC director to determine eligibility. Four-year scholarships are available for high school students, but they should apply by December 1 of their senior year for a scholarship that would start in the fall semester of their freshman year. Call the ROTC Director for details. Many students participate in ROTC as non-scholarship cadets. A non-scholarship cadet cannot contract to receive a commission until the junior year. For the junior and senior years, non-scholarship contracted students receive the monthly stipend for the school year. The George Mason Army ROTC "Patriot Battalion" began in 1981, achieved independent status in 2000, and frequently conducts training jointly with Georgetown University and the University of Maryland Army ROTC. Air Force ROTCAdministrationAFROTC Detachment 330 EnrollmentThe Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (AFROTC) provides two programs for college men and women to earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force while completing their university degree requirements. To enter the AFROTC program, students should contact (301) 314-3242 or www.inform.umd.edu/afrotc. George Mason students register for the appropriate courses through the consortium office located on the fourth floor of Enterprise Hall. Attendance at courses, located at the University of Maryland, is mandatory. Car pools among George Mason cadets are usually available. Four-Year ProgramThis program is comprised of a General Military Course (GMC) and a Professional Officer Course (POC). The first two years (GMC), normally for freshmen and sophomores, give a general introduction to the Air Force and its various career fields. Students enrolled in the GMC program incur no obligation and may elect to discontinue the program at any time. The final two years, the POC concentrate on the development of leadership skills and the study of U.S. defense policy. Students must compete for acceptance into the POC. Students enrolled in the last two years of the program receive $1,000 per semester and $150 per month, tax free. Students in the four-year program who successfully complete the first two years of the program and are accepted into the POC program must attend four weeks of field training at a designated Air Force base during the summer after their sophomore year of college. Two-Year ProgramThis program is normally offered to prospective juniors but may be taken by seniors and graduate students. The academic requirements for this program are identical to the four-year program, and students receive the same benefits (approximately $4,000 annually). During the summer preceding entry into the program, all candidates must attend five weeks of field training at a designated Air Force base. Students should start the application process as soon as possiblenot later than the summer before attending field training. ScholarshipsAFROTC scholarship programs provide eight-, six-, and four-semester scholarships to students on a competitive basis. Scholarships are available in many fields and are based on merit. Those selected receive tuition, lab expenses, incidental fees, and a book allowance, plus a nontaxable monthly allowance of $150. Any student accepted by George Mason University may apply for these scholarships. AFROTC membership is required to receive an AFROTC scholarship. AFROTC AwardsAFROTC cadets are eligible for numerous local, regional, and national awards. Many of these awards include monetary assistance for school. Oak Ridge Associated UniversitiesChristopher T. Hill, Vice Provost for Research Since 1993, students and faculty of George Mason University have benefited from membership in Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). ORAU is a consortium of 85 colleges and universities and a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ORAU works with its member institutions to help their students and faculty gain access to federal research facilities throughout the country; to keep its members informed about opportunities for fellowship, scholarship, and research appointments; and to organize research alliances among its members. Through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), the DOE facility that ORAU operates, undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, and faculty members enjoy access to a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Students can participate in programs covering a wide variety of disciplines including business, earth sciences, epidemiology, engineering, physics, geological sciences, pharmacology, ocean sciences, biomedical sciences, nuclear chemistry, and mathematics. Appointment and program length range from one month to four years. Many of these programs are especially designed to increase the numbers of underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in science- and engineering-related disciplines. A comprehensive listing of these programs and other opportunities, their disciplines, and details on locations and benefits can be found in the ORISE Catalog of Education and Training Programs, which is available at http://www.orau.gov/orise/educ.htm, or by calling either of the contacts above. ORAU's Office of Partnership Development seeks opportunities for partnerships and alliances among ORAU's members, private industry, and major federal facilities. Activities include faculty development programs, such as the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards, the Visiting Industrial Scholars Program, consortium research funding initiatives, faculty research, and support programs as well as services to chief research officers. |