Random testing of students, faculty and staff is just one of the ways Mason is fighting the spread of COVID-19. Learn how you can do your part. Watch the video.
Author: Eleftheria Giannopoulos
Dear Patriots,
George Mason University has implemented a new Title IX/sexual and interpersonal misconduct policy and procedure for employees and students in response to new federal Title IX regulations – Policy 1202: Sexual and Gender Based Misconduct and Others Forms of Interpersonal Violence. In May of 2020, the U.S. Department of Education issued new regulations mandating how colleges and universities must investigate and adjudicate sexual misconduct cases under Title IX, the federal law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities. As a result, all educational institutions that receive federal funding, including George Mason University, were required to update their policies related to sexual and interpersonal misconduct by August 14th, 2020.
George Mason University continues to take sexual and interpersonal misconduct seriously and is committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and welcoming educational and working environment for all members of its community. The University’s goal is to meet its responsibilities in a manner that ensures compliance with federal law while best fulfilling our commitments to safety, wellbeing, and equity.
The new policy includes a single procedure for handling allegations of sexual misconduct in both student and employee cases. The updated Title IX website provides additional information regarding resources and the new policy and procedure, which were effective August 14th, 2020.
Under the new policy, conduct of a sexual nature that previously constituted a violation of University policy will continue to constitute a violation of University policy. The University will also continue to address reports of misconduct falling outside the jurisdiction/scope of federal Title IX regulations.
Other important aspects related to GMU’s Title IX/sexual and interpersonal misconduct policy include:
- University policy continues to apply to off-campus sexual misconduct between two members of the University community when the conduct has continuing adverse effects on or creates a hostile environment for an individual while on the University’s campus or other property owned or controlled by the University or in any University employment or educational program or activity.
- The preponderance of the evidence standard (more likely than not) continues to apply in student and employee matters.
- A complaining party has the option to request a formal resolution process. The formal resolution process includes an investigation and a live hearing with the opportunity to cross examine (conducted by parties’ advisers).
- Parties who do not wish to participate in the University’s formal resolution process may have an option to participate in a voluntary informal resolution process.
- Individuals may obtain supportive measures (such as No Contact Orders, academic support, safety planning, or housing changes) through the Title IX Coordinator regardless of whether they initiate or participate in a formal or informal resolution process.
To report sexual misconduct, discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex or gender in any of the University’s education programs or activities or to obtain assistance with support measures, please contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator or complete the online reporting form: https://diversity.gmu.edu/titleix-webform.
Angela Nastase, University Title IX Coordinator
Compliance, Diversity and Ethics, 373 Aquia Building
4400 University Drive, MS 2C2
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-8730
[email protected]
The Title IX Office continues to remain open, functioning remotely or via appointment during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit GMU’s Title IX website for more information. For immediate safety concerns, please call 911.
Sincerely,
Angela Nastase, JD
Title IX Coordinator
Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics
Mason professor Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens, director of the Green Machine pep band, does his part to help Patriots fight COVID-19. Watch the video. #DoYourPartMason
This year’s Mason Nation 9/11 Virtual Day of Service is scheduled for this Friday, September 11, and although it will be a little different given the impact of COVID19, we are committed to providing our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Mason family members, with the opportunity to make a difference and give back to community. A variety of service projects will be available to choose from and participate in.
Family engagement is a key part of student success, and we recognize the important role you play in your student’s development and success at Mason. We are committed to supporting and engaging you through our Virtual Family Initiatives.
The largest and most diverse public university in Virginia is overhauling how it handles issues of race on campus.
After a summer of protests and public health crises, George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, is piloting an aggressive anti-racism agenda that school officials hope will become a model for the nation.
| The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives. |
What does social justice look like during a pandemic and a time of racial turmoil?
George Mason University’s John Mitchell Jr. Program for History, Justice and Race (JMJP) has been busy answering that question.
“We started off trying to figure out a way to promote racial healing,” said JMJP founder and Carter School professor Charles Chavis. “Our work is twofold: promoting narrative change and social transformation.”
President Gregory Washington has revealed the members of his Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Task Force, a major university-wide initiative that will examine practices and traditions at George Mason University to see if racial biases exist.
The task force, which was first announced in July, is also charged with building intentional systems and standards of anti-racism that will keep racial injustices from regenerating.
Dear Fellow Patriots:
I am pleased to announced that Mason’s Reaffirmation Leadership Team, with input from the Mason community, has chosen Transformative Education through Equity and Justice: Anti- Racist Community Engagement as the university’s next quality enhancement plan (QEP) proposal. The QEP, which is an important component of our upcoming reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), specifically focuses on improving student learning/student success. The topic reflects on the strengths of the original Civic Engagement proposal, addresses opportunities for qualitative improvement in student success, engages academic and co-curricular communities across Mason, and positions our students and faculty to respond to current social issues.
Members of the QEP Development Committee, led by co-chairs Kristen Wright (Director of Civic Engagement) and Dr. Justin Sutters (SACSCOC Faculty Fellow and Director of Mason’s Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education program), now begin the process of developing the specifics of a comprehensive five-year plan. The five-year QEP will be rooted in Mason’s mission, driven by our institutional assessments, and connected to our Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence initiative. Information and progress updates are located on the QEP website. Because the success of our QEP hinges on the engagement of the entire Mason community—faculty, students, staff, and administrators—I hope you will all contribute as involved partners as we move forward.
Sincerely,
Gregory Washington
President
When the coronavirus pandemic shut down her school, Meeha Bhuiyan, a rising senior at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, struggled. But Bhuiyan had mentors from George Mason University upon whom she could rely.
“I texted my mentors when I was down, and they would text me back encouragement,” said Bhuiyan, who plans to apply to several colleges, including Mason. “And I was also able to do one-on-one sessions with them virtually.”