George Mason Task Force Works to Increase Visibility
Last spring, Traci Claar, Community Relations, was approached by two students with ideas on how to increase the visibility of the university throughout the surrounding community. Since then, the Student/Community Task Force was created to focus on ways to make George Mason a more prominent part of the Fairfax community.Each month, students meet with Intercollegiate Athletics, Alumni Affairs, Community Relations, University Life, and representatives from the City of Fairfax and the Braddock District to discuss new initiatives and plans.
Over the past nine months, the task force has succeeded in increasing George Mason's visibility around the community.
- George Mason flags were given to local businesses to display on game days and special event days such as the first day of classes, Commencement, Patriots Day, and George Mason's birthday.
- "Welcome to the City of Fairfax, Home of George Mason University" banners, designed by Design World on the Fairfax Campus, will be prominently displayed along Chain Bridge Road and Main Street at various times throughout the year. The banners, which include both the city and university seals, were paid for by the Downtown Fairfax Coalition.
- Roadside signage leading into the City of Fairfax will now include the Patriot logo at the top and the George Mason signature at the bottom, and read, "Now Entering Patriot Territory." Under existing signs that say "Welcome to the Braddock District," a second sign will now read "Home of George Mason University," with the Patriot logo at the top and the George Mason signature at the bottom. The signs were paid for with a donation by the City of Fairfax through City Signs and Signals.
Current projects of the task force include:
- Increasing George Mason paraphernalia and school colors at local businesses
- A community-wide Easter egg hunt on the Fairfax Campus
- Painted Patriot logos on streets entering campus
- A business discount program for students, faculty, staff, and alumni--with George Mason decals displayed in business windows to indicate that university discounts are offered there.