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Affirmed: The Importance of Debate

By Mary Frances Forcier on May 21, 2013

The Debate Team's varsity squad. Photo courtesy of the Debate Team.

The George Mason University Debate Team is currently ranked first in the nation and since its debut in 1974, has consistently ranked among the top debate schools. The team regularly qualifies for the National Debate Tournament and has won or placed at almost every major tournament throughout its history. And, thanks to a $250,000 gift from Mason alumnus Burton Gray and his wife, Yardly, the debate team will gain additional scholarship support, travel expenses, and funding for coaches.

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Mason Lobby Day

Armed with maps, contact lists, and tons of Mason spirit, a busload of students, faculty, staff, and alumni descended on the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on February 7 to meet with Virginia legislators. The group of approximately 80 Mason representatives shared the story of the university and expressed gratitude to the legislators for all the work they do.

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Lending a Legal Hand

By James Greif, MPA '07 on May 17, 2013

Law Professor Laurie Neff meets with students in the legal clinic class. Photo by Alexis Glenn.

Military service members and their families often face many personal challenges as the result of their deployment or service in the military, including legal problems. In response to these difficulties, Mason’s School of Law established the Clinic for Legal Assistance to Servicemembers and Veterans (CLASV).

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Learning in a Flash

By Beth Pullias on May 14, 2013

Provost Peter Stearns speaks about happiness at a flash lecture outside Fenwick Library. Photo by Alexis Glenn.

You may have missed them entirely or even walked right through one. FOX5 TV came out to the Fairfax Campus and filmed one for the 5 o’clock news. You could say they came and went “in a flash” this semester. But what are “they”?

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Celebration of Distinction 2013

By Mason Spirit contributor on April 17, 2013

codatmasoninn

On Wednesday, April 17, the George Mason University Alumni Association recognized its most prestigious alumni, as well as Senior of the Year and Faculty Member of the Year, at an elegant dinner in the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel. For a look at the biographies of those honored that night, please take a look at the Celebration of Distinction 2013 Program available online.

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George Mason University Joins the Atlantic 10 Conference

By Mason Spirit contributor on March 26, 2013

Following the press conference, Mason men's basketball head coach Paul Hewitt answered questions from reporters. Photo by Craig Bisacre.

George Mason University has entered into a membership agreement to join the Atlantic 10 Conference beginning with the 2013-14 season, President Ángel Cabrera announced today. The Patriots officially will become members of the 21-sport league on July 1, 2013. “This is an exciting time for George Mason University,” says Cabrera. “After careful consideration, we have concluded that joining the A10 is the right move at the right time for Mason.”

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School of Management Upgrades PACE

By Corey Jenkins Schaut, MPA '07 on November 27, 2012

School of Management Techman students

Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation, the George Mason University School of Management’s Plan for Academic and Career Excellence (PACE) website received a much-needed upgrade before the 2012 fall semester.

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The Exit Interview

By Buzz McClain, BA '77 on October 31, 2012

Mason professors Jim Sanford and Lou Buffardi

When Louis C. Buffardi and James F. Sanford arrived at Mason in 1971 and 1973, respectively, parking was $2 for two cars for the year, hoagies sold in the cafeteria for 10 cents an inch, the computer was a room-sized punch card contraption, and the department secretary found typing on the new electric typewriter slower than on the manual. And Lou’s sideburns were hip. Now the associate psychology professors and best friends, who first met in graduate school, are retiring after more than 40 years of teaching together. Let the reminiscing begin.

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Student Giving Campaign Grows in Its Second Year

By Corey Jenkins Schaut, MPA '07 on October 31, 2012

student_giving_campaign_02

Mason students showed their class spirit while giving back to the university during the second annual Patriots for Patriots campaign this past spring. More than 1,200 students contributed upward of $3,200 over the two-month span, compared with 800 students giving more than $2,000 just a year ago.

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Top 5: Homework Tips for Parents, Teachers, and Students

By Mason Spirit contributor on October 31, 2012

Mason education professor Anastasia Kitsantas has found in her research that more homework doesn't always translate into greater achievement.

“Homework is the first ‘job’ for students with clear consequences if not completed,” says Mason educational psychology professor Anastasia Kitsantas. “It is a vehicle for students to assume responsibility and to learn that they are accountable for their own actions.” Recent research studies reveal that homework experiences increase students’ responsibility for learning and help them…

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