Press Releases - George Mason University http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/ The George Mason University Office of Media and Public Relations represents and promotes the university and its faculty, students, and programs to a variety of internal and external audiences. The office serves as a liaison between news media reporters and Mason representatives. en-us Office of Media Relations 2009-11-05 <![CDATA[George Mason University Study Shows Deep Anti-Immigration Sentiment in Pockets of Prince William County]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/783/ FAIRFAX, Va.—A study by George Mason University researchers has found that a majority of residents in two Manassas neighborhoods express deep-seated anti-immigrant sentiments, though fewer than half say immigration has affected them personally. The survey, which included life history interviews, was conducted from Spring 2008 to Summer 2009 to attain an in-depth understanding of the forces inciting a local movement to adopt legislation to "crackdown" on illegal immigration in Prince William County.

Forty-six percent of those surveyed indicated that immigration had had either no effect on them personally or has had a positive effect.  A total of 79 percent stated that they like their neighborhoods and 56.9 percent said that they planned to stay in their neighborhood in the next 5 years.

Yet, 53 percent of residents in the Weems and Sumner Lakes neighborhoods surveyed stated that the U.S. should take decisive action to deport illegal immigrants, and/or blamed them for depleting local resources such as health care and education. Some expressed strong anti-immigrant sentiments as indicated by the statements: “The place is being barraged with Latinos…Everywhere you go, there are swarms of them,” and, “Can I send them on a bus and load it up until they all speak English?” Others were more moderate in their sentiments, citing the issue of immigrants having entered the country illegally as a key concern.

“Our research suggests that the changes that have taken place in Manassas in the last 20 years have been unsettling for some residents," says Debra Lattanzi Shutika, assistant professor of English at Mason. "Many of these residents seemed to be experiencing what I have identified as a type of ‘localized displacement'—they feel out of place in their home community. In some cases, residents told us that they found it difficult to adapt to the changes taking place around them, and that these changes that made their 'home' seem unfamiliar.”

Interviews were conducted in selected neighborhoods revealed by Census tract data and press accounts to have become home to both white, native-born Americans and Latino immigrants in the preceding decade.  An unknown number of immigrants are alleged to have entered the U.S. without documentation. The survey employed an in-depth sampling strategy, the ethnosurvey, which requires in-person interviews at randomly-selected street addresses. The survey produced 104 responses for face-to-face interviews of approximately one hour in which residents were asked their opinions on a number of neighborhood quality of life measures. These findings were followed by 21 life history interviews that were taped and transcribed verbatim.

Shutika and colleague Carol Cleaveland are examining the discrepancy between the perceived high quality of life for most residents and the expression of strong anti-immigrant sentiments. One explanation, the researchers note, might be the patterns of residency – in particular the use of residential property to house large groups of men. Neighbors believed the men had been recruited for the construction industry, which had flourished in the area prior to the recession. Sixty-six percent of those interviewed complained of overcrowded houses, and 59 percent stated that too many cars are parked on streets as a result of this crowding. Fifty-three percent said some homes in their neighborhood were poorly maintained. Seventy percent cited foreclosures as a problem in their neighborhoods.

“Homeowners naturally want their investments to appreciate,” says Cleaveland, a faculty member in Mason's Department of Social Work. “What becomes problematic is turning this discussion into one about the presence of a particular group of people, and creating a social issue in which a certain segment of the population is targeted. We would have hoped for a debate and response that concerned trash pick-up, parking and overcrowding, instead of one in which a particular group is singled out as problematic."

Both researchers emphasize that that the work they’ve done is not meant to be a representative sample of the larger population in Prince William County. "Our intent was to gain a more in-depth understanding of how the controversy broke out in Manassas, and to understand how residents interpreted the events happening in their community," says Shutika.

About George Mason University

Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

 

]]> 2009-11-05 <![CDATA[George Mason University Receives 2009 Governor’s Technology Award]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/782/

Mason’s Virtual Computing Lab Wins Award for Innovative Use of Technology in Higher Education

FAIRFAX, Va.,—George Mason University was recently congratulated by Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine for winning a Governor’s Technology Award. The awards are given annually to Virginia-based companies and institutions for excellence in use of information technology.

Mason received the Innovative Use of Technology in Higher Education Award for implementing the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL). The VCL is a time-, energy- and cost-saving initiative that enables faculty and students to access specialized software from any computer with an internet connection anywhere in the world at any time. The VCL resolves many challenges associated with physical labs such as limited lab hours, limited space, travel time to campus, as well as the availability of complex tools for distance learners. 

"What we’ve done is create a new computing environment," says Sharon Pitt, executive director of Division of Instructional Technology at Mason and director of the VCL. "Anyone can access software such as Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, Mathematica or GIS from their home, residence hall or local coffee shop any time of the day or night. The idea is that it will no longer be necessary to come to campus during lab hours to use these applications." 

The code for the VCL was developed at North Carolina State University and made openly available for other institutions to use. In addition to being recognized for the improvements it made to the system, Mason was also praised for coordinating and hosting the other Virginia institutions using the VCL, including the College of William & Mary, James Madison University and Virginia Commonwealth University. As host, Mason provides the system management software and the technical infrastructure for those institutions.

Mason is trying to accommodate the many private and public universities across the state that have expressed interest in accessing the VCL. The system’s popularity is evident on Mason’s campus, attracting an additional 300 new student users within the past two weeks.

"Clearly the VCL has become an effective and convenient tool that focuses on students and helps faculty enhance the learning environment," Pitt says. "We are hopeful our success, coupled with the recognition of this award, will help us build the momentum we need to keep the system growing in size and scope." 

The Governor’s Technology Awards were presented at the eleventh annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium in Williamsburg, Va. Honorees were determined independently by a judging panel of Virginia government information technology professionals. Judges included representatives of state, local and educational government interests.

About George Mason University

Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

 

 

]]> 2009-11-02 <![CDATA[George Mason University to Undergo NCAA Certification]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/781/ FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason University President Dr. Alan G. Merten announced today that the university will begin an 18-month, campus-wide effort to study its athletics program that will enable Mason to maintain its certification by the NCAA Committee on Athletics Certification. Specific areas the self-study will cover are academic integrity, governance and commitment to rules compliance, as well as a commitment to gender/diversity and student-athlete well-being. All Division I athletics programs must undergo certification every 10 years. 

The steering committee responsible for the study will be chaired by Martin Ford, acting dean of the College of Education and Human Development and includes President Merten and various members of the faculty and staff, athletics department personnel and the community. A member of the NCAA membership services staff recently conducted a one-day video orientation with the Steering Committee and its subcommittees.

George Mason University completed its first certification self-study in 1994. At the 1997 convention, the Division I membership voted to change the frequency of athletics certification from once every five years to once every 10 years. Thus, the current self-study will be the third in the certification process for George Mason. The last certification was completed in 2001. Both of the Mason’s previous certifications were found without conditions.

While academic accreditation is common in colleges and universities, this program focuses solely on certification of athletics programs. Following a pilot project, the Division I membership overwhelmingly supported the program and its standards at the 1993 NCAA Convention.

The certification program's purpose is to help ensure integrity in the institution's athletics operations. It opens up athletics to the rest of the university community and to the public. Institutions will benefit by increasing campus-wide awareness and knowledge of the athletics program, confirming its strengths and developing plans to improve areas of concern.

Within each area to be studied by the committee, the program has standards, called operating principles, which were adopted by the association to place a “measuring stick” by which all Division I members are evaluated.

Once the university has concluded its self-study, an external team of reviewers will conduct a two-day minimum evaluation visit on campus. Those reviewers will be peers from other colleges, universities or conference offices. That team will report to the NCAA Division I Committee on Athletics Certification, another independent group. The committee will then determine the institution's certification status and announce the decision publicly. For institutions that fail to conduct a comprehensive self-study or to correct problems, tough sanctions can be imposed.

The three options of certification status are: (a) certified; (b) certified with conditions; and (c) not certified. While universities/colleges will have an opportunity to correct deficient areas, those universities/colleges that do not take corrective actions may be ruled ineligible for NCAA championships.

The NCAA is a membership organization of colleges and universities that participate in intercollegiate athletics. The primary purpose of the Association is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. Activities of the NCAA membership include formulating rules of play for NCAA sports, conducting national championships, adopting and enforcing standards of eligibility, and studying all phases of intercollegiate athletics.

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.  Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

 

]]> 2009-10-16 <![CDATA[Television Has Less Effect on Education about Climate Change than Other Forms of Media]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/780/ Xiaoquan Zhao

FAIRFAX, Va.--Worried about climate change and want to learn more? You probably aren't watching television then. A new study by George Mason University Communication Professor Xiaoquan Zhao suggests that watching television has no significant impact on viewers' knowledge about the issue of climate change. Reading newspapers and using the web, however, seem to contribute to people's knowledge about this issue.

The study, "Media Use and Global Warming Perceptions: A Snapshot of the Reinforcing Spirals", looked at the relationship between media use and people's perceptions of global warming. The study asked participants how often they watch TV, surf the Web, and read newspapers. They were also asked about their concern and knowledge of global warming and specifically its impact on the polar regions.

"Unlike many other social issues with which the public may have first-hand experience, global warming is an issue that many come to learn about through the media," says Zhao. "The primary source of mediated information about global warming is the news."

The results showed that people who read newspapers and use the Internet more often are more likely to be concerned about global warming and believe they are better educated about the subject. Watching more television, however, did not seem to help.

He also found that individuals concerned about global warming are more likely to seek out information on this issue from a variety of media and nonmedia sources. Other forms of media, such as the Oscar-winning documentary "The Inconvenient Truth" and the blockbuster thriller "The Day After Tomorrow," have played important roles in advancing the public's interest in this domain.

Politics also seemed to have an influence on people’s perceptions about the science of global warming. Republicans are more likely to believe that scientists are still debating the existence and human causes of global warming, whereas Democrats are more likely to believe that a scientific consensus has already been achieved on these matters.

"Some media forms have clear influence on people's perceived knowledge of global warming, and most of it seems positive," says Zhao. "Future research should focus on how to harness this powerful educational function."

For a full copy of the paper, or to talk with Zhao, contact Tara Laskowski, Public Relations Manager, 703-993-8815 or tlaskows@gmu.edu.

 

 

]]> 2009-10-16 <![CDATA[Care for Baby Boomers Gets Boost with New Geriatrics Education Program]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/779/ FAIRFAX, Va. – With baby boomers starting to turn 65 in only two years, the U.S. Census Bureau projects the nation’s older population to double to 71.5 million by 2030. Created in response to this population shift, the new Partnership for Education in Gerontology (PEG) at George Mason University will prepare nursing faculty to train students to manage the unique needs of older adults.

Robin Remsburg, associate dean of Mason’s School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services who is also a gerontological nurse, notes that older patients who are hospitalized are much more likely to develop conditions such as delirium, hospital acquired infections and adverse reactions to medication that can prolong their hospitalization and exacerbate the original medical issues for which they were being treated.

“There are special needs to be considered when caring for older adults in various health care settings. Developing faculty expertise will allow us to meet the growing demand for nurses who know how to minimize the likelihood of complications by giving the best quality of gerontological care to patients,” says Remsburg.

Beginning on Oct. 24, approximately 24 nursing faculty members from Northern Virginia nursing schools including Mason will undergo two 15-hour seminar courses, a two-week summer practicum, a three-day certification review course and follow-up booster sessions in order to be able to teach their undergraduate students how to provide treatment to older adults. As early as fall 2010, graduates from schools across the region may benefit from this faculty education program as nurse-educators begin to incorporate new PEG content into course materials.

The program, which will eventually be made available to other nursing schools outside of the region through online courses, is supported by a three-year Health Resources and Services Administration grant totaling almost a half-million dollars. AARP, the West Virginia Geriatrics Education Center, and the Fairfax County Health Department are collaborating with the university on the project.

“As we join forces with community stakeholders and partners, the School of Nursing will do our part to fend off a potential public health crisis in Northern Virginia by helping older patients in hospitals or nursing homes receive the best possible care. Ultimately, patients will benefit and that’s what this is all about,” says Remsburg.

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.  Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

]]> 2009-10-13 <![CDATA[EMBA Students Travel to Wall Street to Discuss Economic Crisis with Key Financial Decision Makers]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/778/ Global residencies provide comprehensive integrated learning experience

FAIRFAX, Va.,—As many Americans are searching for relief in an uncertain financial market, George Mason University Executive MBA (EMBA) students are heading straight to Wall Street for an inside perspective on the current economic crisis during the second of three global residencies.

A hallmark of Mason’s School of Management (SOM) EMBA program, required global residencies in Asia, the United Kingdom and New York provide an important experiential learning opportunity.

“At a time when our business interactions are becoming increasingly global, it is imperative that universities extend learning beyond the classroom to the global stage by integrating these types of residencies,” says Jorge Haddock, dean of SOM. “The importance of understanding how the U.S. economy affects the rest of the world is all too evident from this most recent global financial crisis. It’s our duty as educators to prepare these students and their companies to effectively weather this storm and learn to lead in the new economy.”

For their first global residency, these students spent 10 days in May in Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam studying global markets, competition, business strategy and international business opportunities from the Asian perspective. In March 2010, they will also participate in a one-week residency at Oxford University’s Mansfield College examining financial practices in the European Union and exploring regulation and the variety of European cultures and approaches to doing business.

The New York residency presents an opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intersection of financial markets and regulation. From Oct. 12-15, students will spend time in the heart of Wall Street meeting with influential decision makers including:

*Charlie Gasparino, on-air editor, CNBC
*Glenn Eckert, senior vice president, Moody’s Investors Services (SOM alumnus)
*John Succo, co-founder and partner, Vicis Capital
*Michael Lipper, president, Lipper Advisory Services
*Mickey Levy, chief economist, Bank of America


Other meetings and site visits will take place at, or with officials from, the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Reserve Bank of New York. EMBA students will experience first-hand the inner workings of financial institutions and regulatory agencies. Also on the agenda is a trip to the NASDAQ opening ceremony where they will witness an IPO go live.

“The New York residency is the culmination of the financial markets course and focuses on contemporary economic developments,” says Karen Hallows, SOM’s EMBA academic director. “Our time on Wall Street has always focused on recent events in the financial world­. This year we will examine the financial crisis with new eyes and study the various proposals for ensuring it does not happen again.”

About the School of Management
The School of Management (SOM) is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International and educates future business leaders through world-class teaching, innovative academic programs and strategic business partnerships. With the SOM curricula and research rooted in entrepreneurship, corporate governance and global business education, the school prepares students for increased globalization through a range of academic programs and international alliances. The school is ranked in the top 15 percent of all AACSB accredited business schools by U.S. News & World Report.

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.  Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

]]> 2009-10-12 <![CDATA[George Mason University Passes Fall Enrollment Target by 1,500 Students]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/777/ FAIRFAX, Va.– George Mason University, one of the largest universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia, has surpassed its fall enrollment target by 1,500 students. The official enrollment for the university stands at 32,504, the highest number in its history.

Each year, the enrollment team at the university determines enrollment targets based upon institutional historical data for freshman and transfer students, as well as retention rates for existing students.
 
This year, the university enrolled about 1,000 more undergraduate students than targeted, and 500 more graduate students.

"George Mason University's higher-than-anticipated enrollment increase is reflective, in many ways, of a growing appreciation of the connection between a quality education and one's ability to obtain viable employment in today's economy. This reality is seen in the upswing in students in a number of our academic areas such as teaching, engineering, the health professions and information technology. The enrollment increase in those fields, particularly among in-state students, also reflects the increased recognition of the quality of Mason's programs in these and other academic areas," says Mason President Alan G. Merten.

According to university officials, the increase is due to a larger freshman class, a greater number of transfer students and higher retention of students, particularly at the sophomore to junior level.

Following are specifics on fall enrollment trends:
* New first-time freshmen: There is a 3 percent increase over target. More than three-quarters (78.1 percent) are in-state students. Fifty-one percent are from the Northern Virginia area, while 26 percent are from other parts of the state. Less than a quarter, (21 percent) are out-of-state students. Additionally, the number for first-time freshmen in the Honors College doubled. 

* Transfer students: There is a 14 percent increase over target—about 330 more students than projected. Seventy percent of Mason's 2,600 transfer students are from two-year institutions and 30 percent are from four-year institutions, including a large number of transfers from other Virginia four-year institutions. Additionally, 91 percent of community college transfers are from Northern Virginia Community College.

* Retention: Rates are up over fall 2008 for almost every level of student.  This increase in retention accounts for about 500 more undergraduate students than projected. The most encouraging trend is the significant increase in the sophomore to junior retention rate at Mason—nearly 17 percent more students than projected elected to continue their education at George Mason University after their sophomore year. In addition, Mason is 3 percent over projection for students seeking master’s degrees and 4.6 percent over the projected number of doctoral students.

Finally, data indicate that Mason has an increased number of students concentrated in degree programs geared toward high-need workforce areas, such as teaching, engineering, information technology and the health professions. Academic units offering high-need degrees are 8 to 10 percent over enrollment targets.

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.  Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

]]> 2009-09-16 <![CDATA[AARP Names Mason One of Best Places to Work for Those 50 +]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/776/ FAIRFAX, Va.– For the third year in a row, Mason has been named one of the 50 best places to work for persons 50 years of age and older by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

According to the AARP, Mason is ranked tenth in the organization's annual recognition program that awards companies and organizations whose best practices and policies address the issues affecting the aging labor force and create roadmaps for the workplaces of tomorrow.

"Mason is honored to be recognized for a third time as one of AARP’s Best Employers for Workers Over 50," says Linda Harber, associate vice president in the Office of Human Resources and Payroll.

"We strive to maintain a creative, enthusiastic environment for faculty and staff of all ages.  It is the energy and dedication of our tremendous university community that makes Mason a great place to work and learn."

Boasting a total workforce of 5,371 faculty and staff, the AARP recognized Mason for providing a supportive workplace culture; opportunities for employees that include a life planning and eldercare seminar series for those interested in learning more about caring for an elderly relative, planning retirement or aging in place; support groups, information and referral services regarding eldercare; individual and family long-term care coverage—the same benefits that current employees receive—to retirees of any age; flexible work schedules; and opportunities for retirees to continue participating in campus life activities.

Mason also has a commitment to work-life balance and encourages its employees to take advantage of the cultural and recreational discounts on campus. Employees receive special pricing at Patriot Center events, including basketball season tickets, as well as for subscriptions to performances at the Center for the Arts. In addition, Mason employees can maintain a work-life balance through the university's many transportation options including free shuttles, van and car pools.

Employers who applied for the AARP "Best Employers for Workers Over 50" award submitted a comprehensive application that included questions about their human resources practices and policies. Some of the areas of consideration include recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development, workplace accommodations and benefits for retirees.

For the complete list, visit http://www.aarp.org/money/work/best_employers/best_employers_list_2009/.

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.  Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

]]> 2009-09-10 <![CDATA[George Mason University Vision Series Spotlights Top Scholars]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/775/ Lectures focus on topics relevant to today's society

Fairfax, Va. – Eight Mason scholars and researchers will share their work and insight at the fourth annual Vision Series. The event will take place at George Mason University and begins on Monday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall on the Fairfax Campus. The lectures will continue into next year.

Designed to educate the community about issues relevant to people's lives in the 21st century, topics of the lectures are varied and include subjects such as global warming, racial politics, character development and crime prevention.

"The Vision Series lectures are aimed to draw from diverse sectors of the university, inspiring and facilitating creative discussion among students, faculty and staff, and the wider reaches of the community," says Mason Provost Peter Stearns.

All Vision Series lectures will be held on Mondays at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Tickets are required.

The 2009-10 Vision Series schedule is as follows:

Monday, Sept. 21, 2009
Global Warming: Science, Adaptation and Mitigation
Jagadish Shukla, Distinguished University Professor, Department of Atmospheric Oceanic and Earth Sciences

Monday, Oct. 19, 2009
How We Learn: Human Exceptionality and Cognition
Margo A. Mastropieri, Professor, College of Education and Human Development

Monday, Nov. 9, 2009
What Happens When Water Is Cleaner? Tracking Transitions in Global Health
Kathryn H. Jacobsen, Assistant Professor, Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services

Monday, Dec. 7, 2009
Racial Politics in a ‘Post Racial’ America
Michael K. Fauntroy, Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy

Monday, Jan. 25, 2010
Myths, Archetypes, Campbell and Jung: An Actor’s Tools in Creating the Arc of Character
Edward Gero, Associate Professor, Department of Theater

Monday, Feb. 15, 2010
Location, Location, Location: Hot Spots of Crime and Crime Prevention
David L. Weisburd, Distinguished Professor, Administration of Justice

Monday, March 29, 2010
The Financial Crisis: Where It Came From and Where We Are Headed
Tyler Cowen, General Director/Professor, Economics, Center for Study of Public Choice

Monday, April 19, 2010
Fire and Be Damned: The Militia in Nineteenth Century Riots
Zachary Schrag, Assistant Professor, History and Art History

Editor's Note:

For more information and to reserve tickets, visit http://gmu.edu/cfa/vision/

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.  Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university.

 

]]> 2009-09-10 <![CDATA[Green Production Guidelines Give 'Road Map' for New Administration]]> http://eagle.gmu.edu/newsroom/774/ DarnallFAIRFAX, Va.—With good directions, anyone can find the right path. That's what George Mason University Professor Nicole Darnall is hoping with her new report that gives clear guidelines on how the government can help businesses "go green" and how being green will even help companies financially in the long-run.

According to Darnall, companies don’t green their production processes because there are unclear and mixed messages about how doing so will benefit them and their bottom line.

"Many companies want to 'do the right thing' and undertake green production in some form, however they don't know how or lack a compelling reason to do so," says Darnall, an associate professor of corporate sustainability and public policy.

In her report, "What the Federal Government Can Do to Encourage Green Production," which was commissioned by the IBM Center for the Business of Government, Darnall provides a "road map" for the new administration and the Environmental Protection Agency as they encourage more widespread green production. She outlines strategies, provides recommendations and warns of challenges to success.

"Economic prosperity need not be at odds with the environment," says Darnall. "A key issue for the new administration is to convey why undertaking green production is in business’s best interest, and why consumers should purchase green products. We need stronger leadership that emphasizes both the company’s and consumer’s role in creating a cleaner, greener economy."

One of Darnall's recommendations is that the new administration establishes a mandatory environmental product label policy. Like the nutrition labels that are required on all food products, this eco-profile would give consumers and investors information to scrutinize and compare the environmental footprints of the products they buy. Information provided would include things such as the natural resources and energy consumed and wastes produced in the manufacturing of an item.

Some companies are seeking ways to provide green labeling information on their own. "Wal-Mart is trying to create a universal rating system that scores products based on their environment and social impacts," Darnall says. She believes that only a handful of companies will provide consumers with environmental information if a product label policy is not required. "History has shown repeatedly that companies do not wish to publicly disclose their environmental information."

"Yet most U.S. consumers are concerned about our environmental future, and more than one-third indicate they are prepared to change their lifestyles to tackle environmental concerns," says Darnall. "Too little market information reliably informs their product choices."

Darnall also suggests the Environmental Protection Agency should develop more tools and services to help businesses implement sustainability practices. Tools such as online environmental accounting calculators would help companies better understand the costs and benefits of undertaking a green production change.

A full copy of the report can be found here:

http://www.businessofgovernment.org/publications/grant_reports/details/index.asp?GID=320

About George Mason University

Named the #1 national university to watch in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in the heart of Northern Virginia’s technology corridor near Washington, D.C., Mason prepares its students to succeed in the work force and meet the needs of the region and the world. With strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, dance, organizational psychology and health care, Mason students are routinely recognized with national and international scholarships. Mason professors conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, climate change, information technology and the biosciences, and Mason’s Center for the Arts brings world-renowned artists, musicians and actors to its stage.  

 

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