George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or age. Mason shall adhere to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity/affirmative action statutes and regulations.
The university is dedicated to ensuring access, fairness, and equity for minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans (as covered by law) in its educational programs, related activities, and employment. Mason shall thus maintain a continuing affirmative action program to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in every phase of university operations.
Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited.
Students and employees should bring questions or concerns to the attention of the Office of Equity and Diversity Services, Mason Hall, Suite D105, 703-993-8730. The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Grievance Procedures list the various ways to file a complaint. Grievance procedures can be found at www.gmu.edu/equity/policies_grievance.htm.
It is the policy of the university to provide an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is contrary to the standards and mission of the university. Sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated. Each member of the university community has a responsibility to maintain an academic and work environment free from sexual harassment. The university will take whatever action is necessary to prevent, stop, correct, or discipline harassing behavior. Same-sex sexual harassment violates this policy and is subject to discipline under the same procedures.*
Sexual harassment is defined by law as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or other form of expressive communication of a sexual nature when submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or academic decisions, or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or sexually offensive work or academic environment. Examples of behavior that may be considered sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following:
Any student, faculty member, or staff employee who believes he or she is the victim of sexual harassment should report the incident promptly in the manner most comfortable to him or her. The Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Grievance Procedures list the various ways to file a complaint. Grievance Procedures can be found at www.gmu.edu/equity/policies_grievance.htm.
Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited.
Any employee who becomes aware of sexual harassment or other potentially discriminatory behavior must contact the Office of Equity and Diversity Services.
The Office for Equity and Diversity Services is responsible for administering and monitoring Mason’s equal opportunity/affirmative action policies and procedures. Inquiries about or complaints alleging violation of the university’s equal opportunity/affirmative action policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity Services, Mason Hall D105, 4400 University Drive, MS 2C2, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Phone: 703-993-8730; TTY: 703-993-8787.
* Note: Sexual harassment does not include verbal expression or written material that is relevant to course subject matter or curriculum, and this policy shall not abridge academic freedom or the university’s educational mission.
The university is committed to providing equal access to employment and educational opportunities for people with disabilities. Mason recognizes that individuals with disabilities may need reasonable accommodations to have equally effective opportunities to participate in or benefit from the university educational programs, services, and activities, and have equal employment opportunities. The university will adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as necessary to afford equal employment opportunity and equal access to programs for qualified people with disabilities. Applicants for admission and students requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability should call the Office of Disability Services at 703-993-2474. Employees and applicants for employment should call the Office of Equity and Diversity Services at 703-993-8730 or 703-993-8787 (TTY). Questions regarding reasonable accommodations and discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the ADA coordinator in the Office of Equity and Diversity Services.
The Mason community respects and protects the individual dignity, integrity, and reputation of all its members. All students, faculty, and staff must comply with the conventions and regulations of university life that are necessary to maintain order, protect individuals and property, and fulfill the purposes and responsibilities of a university. This includes ensuring our commitment to high standards of civility and decency toward all.
Students enrolling in the university assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the university’s function as an educational institution. The Code of Virginia (Section 23-9.2:3) confers upon the university the responsibility for maintaining order within the university and the right to exclude those who are disruptive.
The Office of Judicial Affairs is administratively responsible for supervising student conduct on campus. Questions regarding student conduct should be directed to the Judicial Affairs Office, SUB I, Room 302, 703-993-2884, judicialaffairs.gmu.edu.
Student Health Services provides high-quality health care to all currently enrolled students. There is no evaluation fee, but there are minimal charges for most tests and procedures. The staff includes physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, a medical technologist, and various levels of support personnel. Appointments are required for nonemergency services.
Offices are located on the Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington Campuses. Contact information is as follows:
Fairfax Campus: SUB I, Room 214, 703-993-2831
Prince William Campus: Occoquan Building, Room 229, 703-993-8374
Arlington Campus: 3330 Washington Boulevard, Room 150 F and I, 703-993-4863
Immunization policies are determined by legislation enacted by the Virginia General Assembly and recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American College Health Association. All students born after December 31, 1956, are required to provide documented evidence that they have been immunized against certain communicable diseases.
The required immunizations are as follows:
The Immunization Record must be submitted by October 1 for fall entrance and March 1 for spring entrance. Records can be sent to the Immunization Office, Room 215, in care of Student Health Services, SUB I, 4400 University Drive, MS 2D3, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Immunization records can also be faxed to 703-993-4053. The immunization record is included as a tear-out form in the orientation booklets that are mailed to all new undergraduate and transfer students when their application for admission to the university has been approved. For more information, call 703-993-2836, e-mail immunize@gmu.edu, or go to www.gmu.edu/student/hcs/imm.html.
The abuse of drugs and alcohol by members of the campus community is not compatible with the goals of the university. Mason attempts to prepare individuals to act responsibly by defining standards of behavior and providing educational programs to create an awareness of drug- and alcohol-related problems. Those in need of assistance in dealing with drug- and alcohol-related problems are encouraged to seek the confidential help of the university’s Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Health Education, adhe.gmu.edu.
The federal Drug-Free Workplace Act requires the university to inform all employees of the state that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace. The workplace consists of any state-owned, controlled, or leased property, or the site where state work is performed. Any employee who violates this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge and, at the discretion of management, will be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Employees must abide by the terms of this prohibition as a condition of employment and must notify their supervisor no later than five days after conviction of any criminal drug statute conviction occurring in the workplace.
Those who purchase, possess, and consume alcoholic beverages on campus must do so responsibly and must have reached the legal age of 21. All members of the university community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and their guests) are expected to comply with university-related regulations, as well as federal and state laws regarding the use of alcohol. Compliance also extends to university-sponsored activities held off campus. Students and employees are expected to take personal responsibility for their own conduct when making decisions regarding alcohol use.
Virginia law prohibits the purchase, possession, or consumption of beer, 3.2 beverages, wine, or distilled spirits by those under the age of 21. The law also prohibits purchasing for or serving such beverages to a person under age 21. Underage people who use or attempt to use a driver’s license that has been altered, forged, borrowed, or in any way deceptive in an attempt to obtain prohibited beverages shall have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of 30 days but for not more than one year. Consuming alcohol in unlicensed, public places or offering a drink to another in a unlicensed, public place is also a violation of Virginia law. The sale of alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person is prohibited. In addition, it is unlawful for an intoxicated person to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages. While purchase or possession by an intoxicated person is a misdemeanor, violators are subject to having their driver’s license revoked for one year.
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle, including mopeds, when a person has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. Individuals under age 21 who drive with a BAC of more than 0.02 percent but less than 0.08 percent risk having their driver’s license suspended for six months and being fined up to $500. If a person is arrested for driving with a license revoked or suspended under a prior driving-under-the-influence (DUI) conviction, the offender’s car is immediately impounded for 30 days. Following conviction, the court can impound the vehicle for an additional 90 days. If the car does not belong to the offender, the owner of the car may petition the court for release of the vehicle.
Sobriety spot checks to detect drunken drivers are legal. Refusing a breath test or having a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher may result in an individual’s driver license being revoked for seven days. The option to request a blood test instead of a breath test for an alcohol-related offense is no longer available.
It is illegal to serve alcohol from an unregistered keg, which is defined as a common container holding four gallons or more. Only University Dining Services or other authorized entity may serve alcohol from kegs.
Possession, use, sale, or distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, is a violation of federal and state laws, as well as university regulations. The 1988 federal Drug-Free Workplace Act also prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the workplace.
Students, faculty, staff, and sponsoring organizations found in violation of state or university regulations may be subject to disciplinary action, civil action, or loss of the privilege to reserve or use university facilities. Disciplinary action for students or student organizations will be conducted in accordance with the Mason Judicial System for Student Conduct, and civil proceedings may occur in certain situations. University sanctions are intended not to punish individuals but to provide education and rehabilitation services.
Sanctions depend on the severity of the violation. They range from written warnings to expulsion from the university. Most sanctions require the student to be evaluated by Substance Abuse Programs and Services personnel, who will assess the severity of alcohol and other drug problems and offer referrals to arrange community service hours. Employees found in violation of the university’s drug and alcohol policy may be subject to action by the appropriate administrative office.
Alcohol is a depressant that slows brain activity. Alcohol use can impair decision-making abilities and lead to negative consequences, including risky sexual behavior. Drinking alcohol should be avoided by pregnant women and anyone taking prescription medications or operating a motor vehicle. Long-term or heavy use of alcohol is linked to cancer, heart and liver damage, and other serious illnesses, and can lead to tolerance and physical and psychological dependence. Excessive alcohol intake can cause death because of alcohol poisoning. All students and employees are expected to respect those who choose not to drink.
Illicit drugs have more than legal consequences; they have specific health and ethical risks that can cause dangerous consequences and unhealthy, dependent behavior. Use of alcohol (or any other drug) in a manner that leads to impairment or intoxication is unhealthy and risky, and should be avoided and discouraged. The potential for health problems can also develop from the use of nicotine or caffeine products.
Those who need assistance in dealing with alcohol and other drug problems are encouraged to seek the confidential services of the resources listed in the Campus and Community Resources section listed below.
University regulations prohibit the possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage on university grounds unless the university has sanctioned the location and conditions for possession or consumption, such as the Bistro. For more information, please review the comprehensive guidelines for alcohol service available in the Office of Substance Abuse Programs and Services.
Fairfax Campus—Health and Wellness Education Resource Room: SUB I, Room 220, 703-993-3686, and SUB I, Room 219, 703-993-2830
State Employee Assistance Service: 804-786-6741
Alcoholics Anonymous: 703-993-3686 for campus meetings; for other locations, 703-876-6166
Narcotics Anonymous: 703-532-1255
The drug and alcohol policy outlines university regulations on substance use and abuse. This policy is distributed annually to all employees and students to inform the campus community of alcohol and drug laws, health risks, and campus and community resources. University regulations regarding the drug and alcohol policy have been developed by a committee of faculty, staff, and students. This policy statement is available in the Office of Substance Abuse Programs and Services, Health and Wellness Center, SUB I, Room 219K. This policy is also distributed through the student and faculty and staff handbooks and the university newspaper, Broadside.
The Responsible Use of Computing (RUC) policy applies to all academic and operational departments and offices at all George Mason University (Mason) locations owned and leased. The policies and procedures provided herein apply to all Mason faculty, staff, students, visitors, and contractors.
The university provides and maintains general computing services including web and Internet resources, as well as telecommunication technology, to support the education, research, and work of its faculty, staff, and students. At the same time, Mason wishes to protect all users’ rights to an open exchange of ideas and information. This policy sets forth the responsibilities of each member of the Mason community in preserving the security, confidentiality, availability, and integrity of Mason computing resources. To accomplish these ends, this policy supports investigations of complaints involving Mason computing abuse, including sexual harassment, honor code, federal, state, applicable industry, and local law violations.
University faculty and staff members, as state employees, are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, §2.2-3700, et seq., of the Code of Virginia, and all applicable state and federal rules and regulations. While this policy endeavors to maintain user confidentiality it cannot create, nor should faculty or staff members presume, any expectation of privacy.
Violations of this policy may result in revocation of access, suspension of accounts, disciplinary action, or prosecution. Evidence of illegal activity will be turned over to the appropriate authorities. It is the responsibility of all users of Mason computing resources to read and follow this policy and all applicable laws and procedures (user sign-on agreement).
To report violations of this policy, or any related university policy, e-mail the Security Review Panel (SRP) at StopIt@gmu.edu or abuse@gmu.edu.
Mason Computing Resources. All computers, systems, workstations, networks, networking equipment, peripheral devices, servers, and any other university property attached to Mason’s web site or Internet network. These resources include all software, files, documents, and databases stored in Mason computing systems. The Mason web site includes all web pages that reside on servers owned by Mason. The Mason web site does not include servers or other resources owned by Internet Service Providers or personal resources owned by members of the Mason community who may use the resources to access Mason computing resources.
System Administrator (SA). Anyone who has the responsibility to maintain, configure, operate, or repair Mason’s computing resources. System administrators have special privileges and special responsibilities under this policy.
Information Technology Unit (ITU). The organizational entity that is responsible for IT equipment and services within the Mason campus system. The ITU is headed by the vice president for Information Technology (VPIT), who is administratively responsible for this policy.
Technology Council. A group of Mason faculty and staff members that provide advice and recommendations to the VPIT regarding the selection and architecture of technologies used to provide IT services.
System Administrator. The SAs have extraordinary powers to override or alter access controls, configurations, and passwords. This power should be exercised with great care and integrity. SAs’ actions are constrained by this policy and by the policies of local administrative units.
Data stewards of Mason units who employ SAs are responsible for ensuring that the SAs comply with and enforce the requirements of this policy in the systems for which they are responsible. SAs who violate this policy or who misuse their powers are subject to disciplinary action.
If an SA observes someone engaging in activities that would seriously compromise the confidentiality, availability, or integrity of a Mason system, network, or electronic Mason data, the SA may take immediate action to stop the threat or minimize the damage or contact the ITU Support Center to activate the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). SAs who observe suspected violations of law should immediately alert the Mason Police.
Security Review Panel (SRP). This policy establishes an SRP that is responsible for reviewing SAs’ decisions, responding to complaints, providing security advice, and periodically reviewing this policy. The SRP consists of the Director, IT Security, three faculty members, two members of Mason’s Technology Council, one representative from the Faculty Senate, one graduate student, one undergraduate student, one ITU staff member, and one non-ITU system administrator. The VPIT appoints the SRP members. The SRP chair will be one of the faculty members and will be appointed by the VPIT.
The SRP is responsible for periodically reviewing the RUC Policy and recommending improvements and clarifications as needed. All modifications to the policy will be made after full public disclosure and a reasonable period for public comment.
The SRP will establish a dispatching procedure for routing StopIt complaints to the appropriate official or staff member for action.
Access to Mason’s computing resources is a privilege granted on a presumption that every member of the Mason community will exercise that privilege responsibly. Because it is impossible to anticipate all the ways in which individuals can damage, interrupt, or misuse Mason’s computing resources, this policy focuses on a few simple rules. These rules describe actions that users should avoid and the principles behind them. Each rule is followed by a non-exhaustive list of examples of actions that would violate the rule.
Rule 1: Use Mason computing resources consistently with the following intended purposes:
Rule 2: Do not use computer accounts for illegitimate purposes.
Account usernames identify individuals to the entire international Internet user community. Users may be held responsible for actions in the account. If that person violates any policies, his or her actions will be traced back to the username and the account holder may be held responsible.
Forbidden:
Rule 3: Honor the privacy of other users.
Mason respects the desire for privacy and voluntarily chooses to refrain from inspecting users’ files, except as described below in Section V. System administrators who carry out standard administrative practices, such as backing up files, cleaning up trash or temporary files, or searching for rogue programs, do not violate privacy. Some examples of privacy violations are:
Rule 4: Do not use any account except the one you have been authorized to use.
If a user has a legitimate reason to give someone else access, it should be strictly temporary. The account holder should change the password after another user finishes using the account.
Rule 5: Do not use Mason’s computing resources to violate other policies or laws.
The list below is not comprehensive. In case of doubt, ask the Security Review Panel (SRP), or e-mail stopit@gmu.edu.
Personal e-mail, electronic files maintained on Mason equipment, and personal web sites are part of a unique electronic information environment. This environment creates unique privacy issues that involve federal and state laws as well as Mason policies.
Mason reserves the right to inspect user files and communications for all lawful purposes, to include investigating allegations of illegal activity, violations of Mason policies, or to protect the integrity and security of network systems.
Web pages. Mason will investigate all complaints involving personal web sites and will remove or block material or links to material that violate federal or state law or university policy.
The StopIt Process. The process described here, called “StopIt,” uses a graduated approach to handle violations of this policy. This policy distinguishes between incidents that pose no immediate dangers to persons or to system integrity, and incidents that do. The three-step StopIt process described below is for cases in which there are no immediate dangers.
Incidents posing immediate dangers to persons or systems require immediate action. These include active system break-ins or intrusions, denials of service, and incidents or criminal activity conducted using Mason computing resources. In these cases, the responsible SA may take reasonable actions to deal with the threat, such as temporarily disconnecting the system from the network, temporarily suspending accounts, and calling law enforcement officers. The SA taking such actions will notify his or her supervisor and the ITU Support Center as soon as practicable.
The StopIt process rests on two foundations:
Wide distribution of policy information: Notices describing the essence of the RUC policy will be displayed in academic computing labs on Mason premises; the same information will be provided to the community at least annually. By logging on to the Mason network, users are agreeing to the conditions of the RUC policy (user sign-on agreement).
Standard reporting mechanism: The StopIt e-mail address is monitored regularly by individual(s) appointed by the SRP. Harmful or disruptive behavior should be reported to the StopIt e-mail or to the Mason Police. The individual who responds to a complaint will normally forward it to the SA of the system on which the infraction apparently occurred. That SA will investigate the complaint, determine its validity, and take appropriate actions (see below).
The steps of the process are:
StopIt 1: First Warning
The SRP member handling a case (or SA, if the case is delegated) will send a warning letter or email to the alleged perpetrators of improper use of Mason computing resources, harassment, or other uncivil behavior. The letter will have this form:
“Someone using your account did [description of offense].” This is followed by an explanation of why this behavior violates which policy. “Account holders are responsible for the use of their accounts. If you were unaware that your account was being used in this way, it may have been compromised. Your system administrator can help you change your password and secure your account. If you are aware, then please make sure that this does not happen again.”
This warning ensures that the alleged perpetrators are aware that a policy violation may have occurred and that there was a complaint. It offers them an opportunity to desist without having to admit guilt and secure their account against unauthorized use.
StopIt 2: Second Warning
If there is a second offense from an account that received a first-warning letter, the SRP member will issue a second warning and may require that the account holder come to a mandatory interview. The SRP chair can authorize the temporary suspension of access to the user’s account if the individual fails to arrange for a mandatory interview. The user can request a hearing before the full SRP.
StopIt 3: Disciplinary Procedures
If the previous StopIt stages do not convince the perpetrators to desist, the matter will be turned over to the appropriate Mason authority designated for that type of offense. The SRP will make available all information and evidence it has on the case to that authority.
If it appears from the evidence that any federal or state laws may have been violated, the SRP may recommend suspension of the account pending the outcome of the Mason or law enforcement authorities’ investigation.
All amendments to the Responsible Use of Computing Policy Number 1301 are to be reviewed and approved by the Office of the Provost and the Office of the Senior Vice President.
The policies herein are effective October 20, 1997 and were revised December 17, 2007. This policy shall be reviewed and revised, if necessary, annually to become effective at the beginning of Mason’s fiscal year, unless otherwise noted.
Sandy Creek Parking Office
Phone: 703-993-2710
Web: parking.gmu.edu
All faculty, staff, and students who park on property owned or operated by the university must display a valid permit or park in a parking deck and pay an hourly or daily rate. On the Fairfax Campus, the decks are located on Mason Pond Drive and Sandy Creek Way off Patriot Circle. Visitors and guests must park in the deck or at a meter unless special arrangements have been made through Parking Services.
Permit enforcement runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Metered parking is designated for short-term use and is monitored from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Broken meters are considered closed parking spaces; any vehicles parked in such spaces are subject to citation.
Restricted areas such as yellow curbs, crosswalks, sidewalks, landscaped or barricaded areas, loading zones, disabled spaces, and fire and emergency lanes are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To avoid receiving a substantial fine, students, faculty, and staff should purchase a permit as soon as they arrive on campus. Parking permits are available on annual or semester basis. Permits may be purchased online at parking.gmu.edu or at the Parking Services sales office, located in the Sandy Creek Parking Office. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. Current parking permit fees and citation fine amounts, as well as information pertaining to the Arlington and Prince William Campuses, are listed on the Parking Services web site.
Disabled parking is available at a number of convenient locations at Mason facilities. A Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) disabled placard or license plate must be displayed along with a university permit; a DMV placard or license plate alone is not sufficient for parking in disabled spaces in university lots. A visitor with a DMV placard or license plate may park in a parking deck at prevailing rates. Parking in or blocking access to a disabled space carries a fine at the prevailing rate.
Some parking lots have designated spaces reserved for faculty and staff, resident students, special permit holders, or service and repair vehicles. Please read all signs posted at entrances to the parking lots. All vehicles must be parked in a marked space. Complete parking regulations can be found at the Parking Services web site. For more information, call the Parking Services Office at 703-993-2710 or e-mail parking@gmu.edu. Please check the Parking Services web site for special announcements and changes to the policy.
Phone: 703-993-2715
The Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) is designed to assist drivers who have minor car problems. Trained MAP personnel are available to help with dead batteries, and can contact lockout or towing services at the driver’s request and expense. MAP is available at the Fairfax Campus from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Sunday. To access this service, call 703-993-2715.
Mason Shuttles: 703-993-2828
Transportation: 703-993-4156
Web: shuttle.gmu.edu
transportation.gmu.edu
The following shuttles are operated by the Mason Shuttle program free of charge to the user:
For more information and current shuttle schedules, go to shuttle.gmu.edu, call 703-993-2828, or e-mail shuttle@gmu.edu.
Mason faculty, staff, and students may also ride the City of Fairfax CUE bus for free by showing their Mason ID card. For schedule information, go to www.fairfaxva.gov/CUEBus/CUEBus.asp. For other transportation information, go to transportation.gmu.edu or e-mail transportation@gmu.edu.
The following policy applies equally to all members of the Mason community: students, faculty, administrators, staff, contract employees, and visitors.
The university is committed to providing an institutional environment where all people may pursue their studies, careers, duties, and activities in an atmosphere free of threat of unwelcome and unwanted sexual actions. It strongly condemns sexual offenses, will not tolerate sexual offenders, and supports those who have been victimized.
Sexual assault includes the attempt or act of rape (sexual intercourse without consent or with a child under the age of 13, by a stranger, an acquaintance, or an intimate), forced sodomy (forced oral or anal sex), or the forced penetration by a foreign object either animate, such as a finger, or inanimate. Nonpenetration sexual assault includes the act of touching an unwilling person’s intimate parts such as genitalia, anus, groin, breast, or buttocks, or the clothing covering these parts, or forcing an unwilling person to touch another’s intimate parts.
The above acts constitute sexual assault when they are committed against a person’s will as evidenced by refusal of consent; through the use of force, threat, manipulation, or intimidation; or against a person who, by virtue of mental incapacity or physical helplessness, is unable to give or withhold consent. This includes, but is not limited to, incapacity or helplessness caused by alcohol or other drugs. Intoxication of the assailant shall not diminish the assailant’s responsibility for the sexual assault.
The university will respond promptly, fairly, and decisively to all reports of sexual assault. Members of the university community accused of sexual assault will be subject to university disciplinary procedures when the alleged incident has occurred on campus or the incident has occurred off campus and materially affects the learning environment or operations of the university.
Sexual assaults are serious violations of the university’s student judicial code, faculty standards, and university employee policies. They are crimes under state law and punishable by fines or imprisonment. In addition, these actions are subject to civil suit for damages.
Mason is compliant with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act) as amended in 1998, which requires all postsecondary institutions to publish and distribute certain information regarding campus crimes, including reports of campus sexual assault, sexual assault policies, and security programming to all current students, employees, and any applicant who so requests.
Through the Office of Sexual Assault Services, 24-hour assistance is available to those who have been affected by sexual assault.
For more information, contact Sexual Assault Services at 703-993-4364.
Stalking is a crime under Virginia state law (18.2-60.3). Incidents of stalking outside the Commonwealth of Virginia may be admissible in court if they are relevant to the case and may be punishable as a misdemeanor or a felony. Stalking behavior is prohibited and will not be tolerated by Mason.
The university defines stalking as a series of behaviors that in context intend to place or have knowledge that the behaviors might place another person in reasonable fear of his or her safety or mental or physical well-being. Such behaviors include nonconsensual (unwanted) communication or contact, including face-to-face, telephone calls, voice messages, electronic mail, instant messaging, written letters, and unwanted gifts; harassment, either by the individual or through a third party; use of threatening gestures; pursuing or following; surveillance or other types of observation; use of electronic devices or software to track or obtain private information; trespassing; vandalism; and nonconsensual (unwanted) touching.
Some behaviors may result in separate criminal charges. While certain acts can be classified as crimes, others that do not rise to criminal behavior may still be subject to the campus judicial process. The university can take action and has the right to impose sanctions on an offender. Incidents occurring on or off campus are subject to university discipline when such actions materially affect the learning environment or operations of the university.
Legal options available to victims of stalking include reporting to the campus or local police, seeking a remedy through civil proceedings, and using the campus judicial process. Additional support is available from Sexual Assault Services.
This policy applies equally to all members of the Mason community: students, faculty, administrators, staff, contract employees, and visitors.
The university is committed to protecting the right of all individuals to pursue their intellectual, vocational, and personal interests without harassment or interference. The university is also committed to providing an environment in which visitors to and members of the campus community are treated with dignity, respect, and regard for their welfare and learning needs.
For more information on stalking issues or this policy, call Sexual Assault Services at 703-993-4364.
Mason’s 2007 Annual Security Report is available on the University Police Department web page. This report contains the previous three years of crime statistics and includes policies concerning campus security such as sexual assault, stalking, and other matters that pertain to safety on campus. To view a copy of the report, go to www.gmu.edu/police/annualsecurity.htm. Paper copies of this report are available at any police facility.
The unauthorized possession, storage, display, or use of any kind of ammunition, firearm, firework, explosive, air rifle, air pistol, or other lethal instrument is prohibited on university property. For more information, call University Police at 703-993-3840.
Smoking is not permitted in any building on campus.
Bike racks are provided at various on-campus locations for the convenience of students who bike to and from campus. For resident students, bike racks are located in the residential complexes. Bikes and skateboards are not permitted on sidewalks, stairs, ramps, footpaths, or grassy areas of the campus. They also are not allowed inside university buildings.
No pets, except those assisting people with disabilities, are permitted in university buildings at any time. Pets on campus grounds must be on a leash and under supervision at all times.
Except on official business with the university, solicitors and salespeople are not permitted on the campus without prior approval of the University Services Office.