Ryan Silver

Review of George Mason Review

Mason is very diverse, which is pretty much the ma...

Mason is very diverse, which is pretty much the major crowning achievement it has as a university. Tons if international students, the Mason LIFE program, etc. They allow a lot of individuals to have an inclusive college experience.

However, there is little school spirit among the students, and many
departments are incredibly disjointed and disorganized. There's a phenomenon at this university called the "Mason Shuffle" where someone will get passed from department to department, office to office, just to have one simple question answered, form signed, etc. As someone who used to be employed here, I can say that this doesn't affect students, but also staff members. The university grew so fast, but its infrastructure didn't quite grow to the same level, and as a result it's hard to get essential things done.

It's still largely a commuter school, which is great for locals who want to live at home and not have to pay for an [expensive] room on campus, but this further contributes to the feeling of the lack of community on campus.

Mason talks about how they're right up there with Virginia Tech and UVA, but they still have a very long way to go to be at the same level of academia and recognition. They frequently tout that they made the Final Four for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament...in 2006! Over a decade ago! If that isn't living off old glory I don't know what is.