News

GMU, JMU Forensics Host 'Virginia Is For Lovers' Spring 2008

By Connect Mason Reporter James D. Mink

Each year, the forensics teams at George Mason University and James Madison University come together to present the Virginia Is For Lovers Spring Swing, a weekend-long competition in which students from across the eastern United States perform in various public-speaking categories.

The Spring 2008 tournament took place on George Mason's Fairfax campus last Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16-17. The schools alternated hosting duties between the days.

Dogs Search For Explosives

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary

A recent investigation discovered that Labradors are being trained to search for explosives in the Patriot Center as part of Federal Protective Services and Homeland Security emergency training.

Mason Professor’s Research Shows No Decline in Voter Turnout Since 1972

By Broadside Staff Writer Edwin Mora

The U.S. Election Project, led by an assistant professor at George Mason University, aims at extending research on voter turnout rates in this country by calculating the turnout rate for eligible voters.

Michael McDonald, an associate professor of Public and International Affairs, has made calculations that show that the decline of voter participation is a result of the formula used to measure it.

Human Rights Forum Calls on Dedicated Students

By Broadside Staff Writer Erica Terrini

Amnesty International held a forum on Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Patriot’s Lounge in Student Union Building I. Mason students gathered with Amnesty’s leaders, President Erin Neff, Vice President Monica Johnson, Secretary Emily Croke, Treasurer Samim Atmar, Publicity Chair Jessica Shaw, as well as research assistants Kim Merritt and Ashley Stone.

SDS Questions Use of Sweatshop Materials

By Broadside Staff Writer Tina Miller
Photo by Courtney McCarrick

On Wednesday, Feb. 13, about 15 George Mason University students participated in a rally, marching from the ground floor of the Johnson Center toward a stage in front of the university bookstore. To a student-filled JC, they said, “We want to make Mason sweatshop free! We have the power, as students, to make a stand.”

BLOGGER: Fairfax Shopping Center Catches Fire

By Mason Blogger Natalie Bedell

On my way home from the office today, I noticed fire trucks racing towards this shopping center off of Lee Highway. I had my camera with me and figured I'd pull over and try to find out what happened.

Project Nur, Students Rally for Release of Journalist

Audio by Connect Mason Reporter Paula Salamoun
Photos by Connect Mason Managing Director Dane Styler

Project Nur rallied today to protest the death sentence of 23-year-old student journalist in Afghanistan.

Among them were Mason students: Samar Ahmad, a senior majoring in conflict analysis, Meriana Alrabadi, a senior majoring in government and international politics and Jana El Horr, a doctoral in conflict analysis. Sana Saeed, Mason alumnus and Project Nur Campus Coordinator, spoke up as well.

William & Mary President Resigns Amid Controversy

By Connect Mason Managing Director Dane Styler

After two and a half years as the College of William & Mary's president, Gene R. Nichol resigned yesterday, February 12, from his position after he was told that the university's Board of Visitors decided against renewing his contract, according to a statement Nichol emailed to the college community.

Rooftop Observatory Viewings Offered

By Broadside News Editor Asma Chaudhary
Photo by Broadside Photographer Josh Griset

George Mason University’s Research I Astronomy Observatory officially opened on Jan. 24 of last year; students are now allowed to visit the rooftop telescope with their science classes to learn more about the universe. Although this has occurred, it is only with special permission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy that students are allowed in otherwise.

Obama, McCain Stand Out in Virginia, DC, Maryland

By Connect Mason Reporter John Koblan

Obama and McCain stand out as the front-runners of their respective parties after last night's Virginia, DC and Maryland primaries.

Here's the breakdown:

On the Republican Front