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Washington elected to the National Academy of Engineering

Colleen Rich — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 02:12:13 +0000

Washington elected to the National Academy of Engineering Colleen Rich Wed, 02/08/2023 - 21:12

In This Story

Gregory Washington

George Mason University President Gregory Washington has been elected into the National Academy of Engineering, the highest engineering honor in the country, the academy announced Tuesday.

President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

Washington, who holds three mechanical engineering degrees, including his doctorate, from North Carolina State University, has held deanships at The Ohio State University and the University of California Irvine (UCI).

In electing Washington, the Washington, D.C.-based National Academy of Engineering cited his “advancement of technology at the interface of electromagnetics and materials, and dedicated leadership and service in engineering education.”

Washington was one of 106 new U.S. members elected to the academy Tuesday as announced by NAE President John L. Anderson. The newly elected class will be formally inducted at NAE’s annual meeting Oct. 1.

“I am tremendously honored to be elected into the National Academy of Engineering,” Washington said. “I proudly share this honor with the many mentors and colleagues at North Carolina State, Ohio State, UC Irvine and George Mason who have helped me along my journey.”

Among Washington’s main achievements in academia was extending the understanding of electromagnetic systems that incorporate smart materials and other active components in the emerging field of Smart Electromagnetic Structures (SEMS)—electromagnetic devices that are enhanced by the mechanical and electrical performance gains offered by smart materials. Washington is credited with one of the first uses of neural networks (machine learning) applied to electromagnetic systems.

As dean at UCI from 2011 to 2020, the first African American dean of engineering in the vast University of California system, Washington launched six research initiatives focused on helping faculty at all levels grow interdisciplinary research. These programs led to substantial growth in research expenditures and awards over a five-year period. Washington also led a multi-school team of faculty and administrators in establishing the Irvine Materials Research Institute, a $28 million research facility focused on materials characterization.

At both UCI and Ohio State, Washington instituted policies and procedures that led to the hiring of diverse faculty cohorts. Eight of 11 new hires at Ohio State and greater than 40% of his 58 new faculty hires at UCI were women or underrepresented minorities. Half of his department chairs at UCI were women and half of the associate deans were women or from underrepresented groups.

Washington developed global strategic relationships with key universities in Asia and U.S. multinational corporations and led in the establishment of a joint 3+2 program that allowed students from more than 14 universities to receive a BS from their institution and an MS from UCI simultaneously.

Washington founded and led the establishment of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Diversity Recognition Program, resulting in Inclusive Excellence Plans at institutions around the country. In addition, Washington established 17 new outreach and engagement initiatives for thousands of students and K-12 teachers in Southern California.

At both UCI and Ohio State, Washington developed and implemented initiatives to increase funded programs in interdisciplinary research. These included hiring of faculty along programmatic thrusts (not just departmental lines), hiring proposal coordinators, starting external proposal pre-submission review, and novel cost-share policies. He also led statewide economic development and engagement programs centered around advanced energy and manufacturing.

Washington has conducted research for National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, General Motors, Boeing, HRL, Eaton Corp, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the U.S. Army Research Office, among others and has served on many boards, including the U.S. Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, NSF Engineering Advisory Committee, Institute for Defense Analyses, the Sandia National Laboratory’s Engineering Science Research Foundation, and the National NIH Advisory Council for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering.

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Strategic Direction

Mason BOV adopts strategic direction, plus updates on workforce readiness, class modalities and science education

Colleen Rich — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:20:30 +0000

Mason BOV adopts strategic direction, plus updates on workforce readiness, class modalities and science education Colleen Rich Mon, 12/05/2022 - 16:20

In This Story

Gregory Washington

As George Mason University looks ahead to its next 50 years, the Board of Visitors has adopted a strategic direction that will serve as the blueprint for the onset of the university’s second half-century.

The five-year plan, titled “Mason Is All Together Different,” received BOV approval at the governing body’s Dec. 1 meeting. The plan identifies five broad priorities, with specific strategies and actions for each:

The Student Experience
Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities
Partnerships for Economic and Social Impact
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Faculty and Staff Success

You can read the plan here.

“The future of higher education belongs to those universities that can best adapt,” Mason President Gregory Washington says in the plan’s introduction. “The world we are entering will be fundamentally different than the one we are leaving. To adequately prepare future generations, society needs universities that are poised to be, as we say at Mason, ‘All Together Different.’”

The plan marks the culmination of a comprehensive year-plus process that included extensive outreach to a wide variety of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and industry leaders through a series of interviews, focus groups, town hall meetings and a survey that drew more than 2,000 responses. As Washington says, “Everyone and anyone should see themselves reflected in this plan.”

Ken Walsh, chief of staff and vice president for strategic initiatives, headed the strategic planning process and formulated a series of ways to measure strides made toward achieving the objectives.

“The roadmap takes lofty goals presented in the strategic plan and brings them down to detailed action steps, performance indicators and progress metrics so we can see direct progress over the next five years,” Walsh said.

Other items from the BOV meeting:

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, provided an update on the Tech Talent Investment Program in which the state invested $235 million in Mason to increase the number of bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates in computing over the next 20 years. Marshall reported that Mason is far exceeding the graduation targets for BS recipients and narrowly meeting its MS targets. Because the target numbers become more aggressive over time, meeting the MS targets is a challenge that Mason is addressing.
College of Science Dean Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm presented an overview of his college. One point he emphasized: 62% of undergraduates in the College of Science are female, a percentage two times or more than at some peer universities. In addition, 51% of graduate students in the College of Science are female.
Provost Mark Ginsberg’s report included the percentages of undergraduate face-to-face (70%), online (26%) and hybrid (4%) classes for the spring 2023 semester. For graduate courses, the percentages are 75% face-to-face, 21% online and 4% hybrid. Ginsberg said this is the third consecutive semester with a similar pattern.

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Board of Visitors

Strategic Direction

Washington, DC-area universities unite to address gun violence through research-based recommendations for action

John Hollis — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 19:12:46 +0000

Washington, DC-area universities unite to address gun violence through research-based recommendations for action John Hollis Fri, 07/22/2022 - 15:12

Washington, D.C., July 13, 2022 – The presidents of Washington, D.C. area universities and colleges* today announced they will gather experts from their institutions to advance promising, actionable solutions to reduce gun violence in the United States. The effort, entitled The 120 Initiative, named in honor of the more than 120 people who die on average each day from gun violence, will be coordinated by the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

America is experiencing an epidemic of gun violence, most recently witnessed in Buffalo, New York; Highland Park, Illinois; and Uvalde, Texas. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the United States has had at least 314 mass shootings since the start of 2022, and gun violence through suicide, domestic abuse, and other assaults has resulted in more than 23,500 deaths so far this year.

In launching this effort, Dr. Darryll Pines, President of University of Maryland, stated, “Today, we add university presidents to the call for change. Why? Because guns are now the leading cause of death for young people, and we are charged with shaping young minds to tackle the grand challenges of our time. Because we lead communities that are deeply affected by the mass slaughter of citizens, and some weeks it feels like the flags at our public institutions fly ceaselessly at half-staff. And because universities are often the source of change and progress.”

“We are encouraged by political leaders at all levels and in all parties continuing to collaborate to make meaningful progress on reducing gun violence in America,” said Dr. Gregory Washington, President of George Mason University. “At the same time, President Pines and I proposed this initiative because we know that there are a host of non-political solutions that are desperately needed if we hope to change the tragic and escalating epidemic of gun violence.”

Consortium members are dedicated to lead on developing nimble, substantive, and actionable solutions to this complex issue. The 120 Initiative will engage subject-matter experts in a wide range of areas, such as gun violence, public and mental health, polarization, business sector engagement, citizen advocacy, education, and technology. After analysis of available research, in approximately six months The 120 Initiative will share a series of evidence-based recommendations that provide all sectors practical, tangible steps they can take, individually and collectively, to drive down gun violence. Time is of the essence.

“Our region arguably has the widest variety of public, private, and government expertise and Consortium universities and colleges are established leaders at the intersection of research, practice and policy, especially on national issues,” said Dr. Andrew Flagel, President and CEO of the Consortium. “The 120 Initiative will collectively leverage our expertise to spur substantive progress on behalf of the nation and the more than 400,000 students in Consortium institutions.”

*Consortium institutions participating in The 120 Initiative:

Affiliate members:

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Press Releases

Press Release

Upcoming Supreme Court decisions

Melanie Balog — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:59:22 +0000

Upcoming Supreme Court decisions Melanie Balog Wed, 06/22/2022 - 15:59

Dear Patriots:

In the coming days, the United States Supreme Court is expected to hand down several landmark decisions of a magnitude that may provoke vocal, public reactions from people on all sides of the issues being adjudicated. We also know the impact of those decisions may weigh differently, and have different consequences, for different community members.

We are writing to reaffirm that George Mason University is a community of active and engaged scholars, students, and professionals who embody our motto of Freedom and Learning. As such we strongly encourage everyone who is moved to raise their voices by whatever the Supreme Court may release to do so lawfully and safely.

Mason is proud to be a university that is recognized for fostering an environment that welcomes free speech for all. Mason consistently earns a top national ranking for its campus climate from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). In 2021 Mason ranked No. 12 nationally for encouraging free speech when FIRE assessed tolerance for liberal and conservative speakers, students’ comfort in expressing ideas and having difficult conversations, administrative support for free speech, and student tolerance of disruptive conduct.

To that end, Mason maintains online resources to guide legal and safe First Amendment expressions, which can be found on our Mason Climate web page and our Free Speech at Mason web page. We encourage everyone who may consider demonstrating either in support of or opposition to anticipated Supreme Court decisions to consult these resources in order to remain safe and within the laws governing our rights to peaceably assemble.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Mark Ginsberg
Executive Vice President & Provost

Rose Pascarell
Vice President, University Life

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You can read the full announcement here.

Germanna transfer students can join Mason Nation through the Mason Virginia Promise

John Hollis — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:37:40 +0000

Germanna transfer students can join Mason Nation through the Mason Virginia Promise John Hollis Wed, 06/08/2022 - 13:37

Mason President Gregory Washington with recent Germanna Community College graduates and incoming Mason students (from left to right) Amara Zavala, Michele Adjei-Fah, Grant Davis and William McDonnell at Germanna's Fredericksburg campus. Photo by Germanna Community College

Recent Germanna Community College (GCC) graduate William McDonnell traveled to Fredericksburg this week to meet with George Mason University President Gregory Washington and Germanna President Janet Gullickson to learn more about the Mason Virginia Promise (MVP) and the Mason Academy at GCC. Part of MVP initiative, the new Mason Academy at GCC is a localized guided degree transfer program.

“This is a great thing and I’m glad to be a part of it,” McDonnell said following Monday’s afternoon’s formal signing of the agreement between Mason and Germanna that brings the first Mason Academy to Virginia students as part of the Mason Virginia Promise (MVP) initiative.

“The Mason Virginia Promise is built on the belief that education and success should be available to everyone,” Washington said in his remarks. “This is a critical time in our nation for students and families with a shifting economy and rapid technologic growth requiring a new skilled workforce. Mason is redefining what it means to be inclusive and allow everyone to participate in a thriving economy.”

The new Mason Academy at Germanna delivers a locally focused and streamlined pathway for degrees in business, cyber security and other programs that can align with Germanna’s College Everywhere initiative. The Academy highlights one-time admissions and financial aid process, significant cost savings and access to additional grant programs, as well as a dedicated advisor for each student through their college journey to ensure success with no loss of credits.

Joining McDonnell at the community college’s campus in Fredericksburg were additional graduates and Mason transfer students Grant Davis, Michele Adjei-Fah and Amara Zavala.

Adjei-Fah, an African native who plans to study biomed, said she was attracted to Mason from the outset. “It’s the diversity and the opportunity for an African woman like me of color,” she said.

Zavala cited Mason’s “accessibility, diversity and diversity of studies” as her reasons for attending Monday’s ceremony.

As part of financial aid, Mason will reimburse its tuition and fees for Mason Academy transfer students if they have met other grant-based scholarship and family household income level requirements.

"Germanna and George Mason are both committed to bringing higher education within reach of every Virginian. Earning an associate's degree at GCC makes the pursuit of a bachelor's degree more affordable,” Gullickson said.

Part of the Mason Virginia Promise initiative, the Mason Academy program will be available to select Virginia community colleges, and is an extension of the successful ADVANCE Program partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) that was launched in 2018.

Mason’s MVP initiative also includes training and financial support for all Virginians who aspire to start a business through Mason Enterprise’s suite of entrepreneur and small business programs, including 27 Small Business Development Centers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, five Northern Virginia technology incubators, and other federal, state and local support programs.

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Students

Summer COVID update

Melanie Balog — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:34:38 +0000

Summer COVID update Melanie Balog Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:34

Dear Patriots,

As we graduate our next class of Patriots into the world, I want to thank the entire Mason community for its contributions to the 2021-2022 academic year. Despite the persistence of COVID-19, we were able to successfully open our campuses and come together — in person — to learn, live, work, and thrive.

Now, the summer season is upon us, and as many of us look forward to time away with friends and family, we must remember that COVID isn’t taking a summer break. COVID case numbers continue to rise, and several local counties (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William) are in the MEDIUM transmission zone. Health department and other agencies project that despite the warm weather and time of year, our region may reach HIGH transmission levels at some point this summer.

As prevalence and community spread continue to increase, there is an increased risk of becoming infected during your daily activities. And while vaccines are very effective to lessen the severity of illness, you can still have a new COVID infection even if you are vaccinated and boosted. You can also have a new COVID infection if you have had a prior infection as new variants circulate.

The good news is that Mason Patriots know how to fight COVID and lower our risk. You can protect yourself, your family and friends, and vulnerable community members by voluntarily taking these steps:

Get your vaccine series and any eligible boosters to lessen your risk of severe disease. You can schedule an appointment to be vaccinated at Mason: vaccine.gmu.edu

Avoid very crowded places and opt to wear a mask if you must be in a crowded place or indoor area with others.

If you are not having symptoms but wish to test after a possible exposure/event, prior to seeing someone who is especially at risk, for general reassurance, or to help contribute to mitigation of spread on campus, please utilize our surveillance testing program at Fenwick A, Colgan Hall (SciTech), or Van Metre Hall (Mason Square).

If you are having symptoms, seek out a diagnostic PCR test. These are free and available to you on campus for students at SHS, and for employees at SEERM's drive up diagnostic site at the Peterson Clinic. Summer residential students will be required to test three times this summer starting this week. (Detailed information is being sent directly to residential students.) These appointments can be scheduled in your Medicat patient portal.

Consider utilizing an at-home rapid test if you have any questionable symptoms. (Vaccinated, low-risk people often have mild symptoms that can be mistaken for allergies, yet they are actually infectious and at risk of spreading COVID to others).

Continue to report COVID illnesses through the Mason COVID Health Check tool at: healthcheck.gmu.edu. This is a required step when utilizing Mason’s testing facilities.

As always, we will continue to monitor and keep you informed of changes.

Thank you for your commitment and diligence to keeping yourself and our community healthy and safe this summer.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

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Covid-19

The Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial is dedicated in ‘a landmark day for the university’

Melanie Balog — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 21:59:30 +0000

The Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial is dedicated in ‘a landmark day for the university’ Melanie Balog Mon, 04/04/2022 - 17:59

Wendi Manuel Scott addresses the crowd gathered for the dedication of the Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial on Monday, April 4. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Kye Farrow had previously walked through the Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial, and felt proud.

Farrow, BA History ’19, MS Management ’20, was one of the five Mason students whose research into the enslaved children of George Mason IV led to the construction of the memorial, which is the cornerstone of the reimagined Wilkins Plaza on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus.

But on Monday, as several hundred people assembled on the plaza for the monument’s dedication, Farrow, who would later speak at the event, said he was “just happy overall.”

“Studying history is what makes history not repeat,” Farrow said. “Being aware of history is what makes people have informed decisions and do things from a thoughtful perspective. So to have the opportunity to learn about the namesake of our university and for what it means to the student body, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

The event on Wilkins Plaza, named for Roger Wilkins, the late Black former civil rights leader, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and beloved Mason professor, was uplifting and reflective, and kicked off Mason's 50th anniversary celebration.

Mason President Gregory Washington called it “a landmark day for the university,” and praised the students who were involved in the original research — Farrow; Alexis Bracey, BA Global Affairs ’19; Ayman Fatima, BS Systems Engineering, BA Government and International Politics ’21; Farhaj Murshed, BS Statistics ’20; and Elizabeth Perez-Garcia, BS Criminology, Law, and Society ’19.

Those students joined a project launched in the summer of 2017 by Wendi Manuel-Scott, a professor of integrated studies and history; Benedict Carton, a faculty member in History and Art History; and Mason alum George Oberle, Mason’s history librarian and a term faculty member in the Department of History and Art History.

All are leaders in the Center for Mason Legacies, an interdisciplinary and collaborative research center established by the University Library and College of Humanities and Social Sciences that encourages student research to preserve and examine the legacy of George Mason IV. The university’s namesake penned the Virginia Declaration of Rights but also enslaved more than 100 people at his home, Gunston Hall.

Associate Professor of Public History Gabrielle Tayac and Mason students from the University’s Native American and Indigenous Alliance Domi Hannon, Sara Jefferson, and Kayleigh Seng participate in a traditional Native American Water Ceremony during the Dedication of the Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

“The Enslaved People of George Mason Memorial represents so much about who we are as a university,” Washington said. “Inquisitive students who seek truth, undergraduate research programs that support these academic pursuits, faculty who collaborate, nurture and challenge our students, and a university community fueled by the shared thrill of discovery and the determination to turn their efforts into positive and sustainable change. … We grow wiser from examining our full truths, no matter how complicated or messy or discomforting they might be.”

Added Trishana Bowden, vice president of Mason’s office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, and president of the George Mason University Foundation: “This project has allowed our students to educate us, to enlighten us and to teach us how to keep moving forward, and how to remember our past.”

That included a water ceremony in which water from the Potomac River was poured into the Wilkins Plaza fountain, which contains stones in a pattern that symbolize an African custom of gathering and prayer. The ceremony, led by Gabrielle Tayac, an associate professor of public history and a Piscataway tribal citizen, also acknowledged that the land on which the university was built was originally inhabited by indigenous people.

"The memorial for all of us was about replacing erased history through silenced voices of the enslaved people in relation to and in dialogue with the traditional voices,” Manuel-Scott said. “We hope that folk who visit the memorial, that it forces them to think about the relationship between the past and the present."

Rev. Jeffrey O. Johnson Sr., pastor at nearby Mount Calvary Baptist Church, said he hopes the memorial will push other universities and institutions to move forward and “that we will not bring the founding fathers down, but in pride and dignity, we will lift their servants up.”

Ayman Fatima (left) and Kye Farrow, both part of the original team of five students researching the enslaved people at Gunston Hall, greet each other at the Enslaved People of George Mason dedication ceremony. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

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Masonat50

Mason offers support for Ukrainian students

Melanie Balog — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:16:28 +0000

Mason offers support for Ukrainian students Melanie Balog Fri, 03/04/2022 - 13:16

Dear fellow Patriots:

Earlier this week I began to receive personal messages from Ukrainian students at George Mason University, and their words have moved me to reach out to the entire community.

“I came to the GMU seven months ago from Ukraine,” wrote one PhD student. “All my family members and friends are in bomb shelters in Odesa, Kyiv, and Kharkiv right now. It's been six days already since Russian Federation attacked my home.”

I cannot conceive of what Mason’s Ukrainian students must be enduring today as their country faces a brutal and unprovoked invasion. First and foremost, we join the chorus of nations, companies and organizations in condemning the violence. I want our Ukrainian students to know that we hear their calls for support, and we are answering that call.

As we focus on Ukraine, it is also important to remember that a number of Russian students are enrolled at Mason. They are not responsible for or even connected to this war. They, no doubt, will also feel the impact of this war and, as Mason Patriots, if they need our help we will be here to assist them as well.

What these Patriots need most

We understand Ukrainian students are likely experiencing crisis in four primary forms, and here is what we are doing to help:

Emotional trauma – The violence in Ukraine and the sense of isolation here in Virginia is taking an overwhelming toll. For this we offer our Counseling and Psychological Services.
Financial emergencies – These students are likely cut off from their families and finances in their home countries, potentially leaving them unable to pay living expenses. The Ukraine Crisis Student Support Fund has been established to help these students cover expenses.
Personal fears for safety – These students fear personal retribution for those who may have animosity toward their home country. Our Office of International Programs and Services is staying in contact with these students to monitor their safety and wellbeing.
An uncertain road home – These students join nearly 30,000 Ukrainians who are temporarily in the United States, on work or student visas. Should this crisis stretch beyond their visa expirations, they should not be forced to return to their home country if it is not safe. I support those who encourage the Biden Administration to extend Temporary Protective Status for these students and all Ukrainians who are here temporarily.

What we do best

Our motto is “freedom and learning.” At our core, we are a place to teach, learn, and improve our understanding of the world. For most of us, this sudden turn of violence is confusing and frightening, and we need help to make sense of what is unfolding. That’s where our faculty are second to none. At the bottom of this message are links to articles, videos, and upcoming symposia, all hosted by our faculty in order to help the public understand this unfolding situation.

Beyond George Mason University, I encourage you to consider helping Ukrainians as you can. There are a number of worthy organizations to contact, and I offer several resource links below as a starting point to help.

A values moment: We thrive Razom

As we rally the services of the university to bear for these students, let’s also offer our hearts. One core value of Mason is “We thrive together.” This core value is now being put to the test. The Ukrainian word for “together” is “razom,” and I challenge us to approach this moment with the spirit of razom – togetherness – for our fellow Patriots in need. Because today, razom is what it means to be a Patriot.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

Ways to help

Razom – This organization that fosters connections between the United States and Ukraine is accepting emergency donations for medical supplies and emergency communications equipment inside Ukraine.
US Embassy & Consulate in Poland – For those seeking information on humanitarian assistance and visa information for Ukrainians who have evacuated to Poland.
CNN Impact – Donation portal for 20 nonprofit organizations working to assist Ukrainians.

Faculty links explaining the war and its implications

Schar School of Policy and Government

VIDEO – The Ukraine Crisis: What It Really Means – The Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy.
UPCOMING SYMPOSIUM – The Ukraine-Russia Crisis – The Center for Security and Policy Studies will host the faculty symposium on Tuesday, March 8, 6-7:30 pm. Viewable on the Arlington Campus in Van Metre Hall 602, and on the Fairfax Campus in Horizon Hall 3010.
NEWS ARTICLE – Russian money flows through US real estate – Louise Shelley, Director of the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center, explains to NBC News how Russian oligarchs, real estate, and money laundering factor into the wider conflict.
COLUMN – Why America’s Middle Eastern allies haven’t condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine – Schar professor Mark Katz writes for The Hill.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

ESSAY – What the Montreux Convention is, and what it means for the Ukraine war – Dean Alpaslan Özerdem explains the role this convention plays in keeping the Ukrainian war from being even worse.

Antonin Scalia Law School

COLUMN – If Russia invades Ukraine, what’s next? – Joshua Huminski, visiting fellow at the National Security Institute, outlines what must be done in response to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
ANALYSIS – Experts paint dark picture for region, global order if Russia invades – Jamil Jaffer, founder of the National Security Institute, comments on Russia’s economy.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

COLUMN – Tyler Cowen: Cancel Culture against Russians is the new McCarthyism – The economics professor and director of the Mercatus Center warns of the damage of condemning all things Russian.

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President Washington announces COVID next steps

Melanie Balog — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:42:36 +0000

President Washington announces COVID next steps Melanie Balog Mon, 01/31/2022 - 14:42

Dear Fellow Patriots:

At long last, it can be said: George Mason University is winning the battle against COVID-19. We have not won yet, but we are close. I am writing to share with you steps that we are preparing to take as the omicron variant’s presence continues to fall.

At the approach of the two-year anniversary of COVID-19’s arrival, Mason is seeing light at the end of this very long tunnel. As we have seen throughout the pandemic, Mason continues to maintain some of the lowest rates of transmission of any university in the nation, making it one of the safest places anywhere to weather the pandemic. This did not happen by accident.

We are here because our approach worked, and so did you. Guided by CDC recommendations, we realized early that only by requiring masking, frequent testing (including pretesting of our on-campus students), isolation and quarantine, and full vaccination would we have a shot at keeping COVID-19 in check. In turn, you took those measures seriously and observed them in unity.

Today, nearly 93 percent of the campus community is fully vaccinated, which far exceeds Virginia’s 69 percent and the nation’s 64 percent full vaccination rates. What’s more, our positivity rate from all sources of testing is down to 2.4 percent and dropping.

Given our high vaccination rate, the continued decline of the omicron variant, the Governor’s recent executive orders and directives, and the recent Attorney General’s opinion, we will now strongly encourage vaccination protocols for all Mason students, faculty, and staff, though we no longer require them. We also strongly encourage everyone to upload their vaccination status so we can continue to understand the effect of the virus on campus community.

In addition, I am very pleased to share that we are setting a university goal of Friday, March 4 as the day we can consider lifting university-wide masking requirements. The weekend spring break starts will mark the two-year anniversary since COVID-19 first disrupted our campuses, and so early March will be a fitting time to consider changing course. We would, however, continue to strongly encourage masking indoors and when required for isolation or quarantine, per CDC guidance.

To get there successfully, we will need to keep a consistent positivity rate among our tests of 4 percent or less for the next five weeks. Testing will remain a requirement for students who are at higher risk for transmission, such as those in our residence halls, athletic programs, and the unvaccinated. In order to accomplish our goal, I strongly encourage everyone to continue the four steps that have gotten us this far: keep masking, get vaccinated and boosted, stay home when sick, and keep testing when you receive an email reminder.

I understand the concept of personal freedom. But we must also understand the need for collective responsibility, and just because we can do something does not mean that we should. We have shown that we can manage COVID-19 and keep people safe, and you have stuck with us on this journey.

If we can hang in there for just five more weeks, we can finally make COVID-19 controllable so it stops controlling us. Once we reach this milestone we can consider reducing our masking protocols to encourage people to wear masks as they see prudent. Should unforeseeable conditions arise and bring a return of COVID-19 to pandemic levels at Mason, we will need to reverse course.

Can we power through the next five weeks? Of course we can. As we have proven for two years straight, we know what to do, what it takes to do it, and what the outcomes are when we pull together to get the job done. So, fellow Patriots, let’s finish the job.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

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