University Scholars Program prepares emerging leaders for the 21st century and a global community
Hot topic on Leadership provided by Erek Perry, Director, University Scholars
The George Mason University Scholars Program is a four year undergraduate merit based scholarship program. The program currently enrolls approximately one hundred outstanding students that have demonstrated an excellent commitment to academics, service, leadership and community. Our vision is to prepare emerging leaders for the 21st century and a global community. To realize this vision, our mission is to provide enriched, dynamic and contemporary educational, intellectual, cultural and social programs for scholars, and to help them gain the requisite knowledge and skills to lead successful and productive lives in an interconnected world. In addition, we hold the personal growth of scholars as important to our mission, thus, we support each scholar in his or her aspirations for life and work in today's society.
Preparing Emerging Leaders for the 21st Century and a Global Society
With increasing interdependence among nation-states and the need for greater cooperation within our interconnected world, as a critical component of the educational experiences for students enrolled in the University Scholars Program, we provide opportunities for students to learn more about themselves, their nation and their world. In addition, the program places emphasis on the importance of engaging in undergraduate research and the use of information technology so that students develop and nourish the capacity to conduct complex research with the goal of continually growing in their knowledge, understanding and skills regarding research methodology and equip themselves in a way that allows them to meet new challenges and seize opportunities in today?s society. In the end, our aims are to graduate future leaders that are ready to engage in life and work in a global 21st century.
The Four Pillars
The four pillars that serve as the cornerstones of the University Scholars Program are service, leadership, scholarship and community. Many activities, events, programs and educational experiences provided by the office reflect these four pillars. As members of the University Scholars community, scholars will have numerous opportunities to participate in programs that both promote and realize the pillars.
- Service - Scholars are encouraged to be actively engaged in the world around them and are deeply committed to making a difference in people's lives. The university and the metropolitan Washington D.C. area offer innumerable service opportunities.
- Community - Scholars participate in many intellectual, cultural, and social activities that allow them to build lifelong friendships in a variety of communities and to serve as a source of support to their peers. Being actively engaged in the community is central to the scholars' experiences. During their first year, scholars share a special living and learning community and have an upper-class scholar mentor that supports their transition to Mason.
- Leadership - Making constructive changes, realizing goals, and solving problems are very important values for scholars. They are motivated and empowered by these challenges and provide an invaluable example of what it means to make positive contributions to the community.
- Scholarship - Intellectual growth, undergraduate research, global understanding, and academic excellence are enthusiastically embraced by scholars. Scholars are energized by the development of knowledge and work to prepare for life in a global community.
Educational Opportunities and Benefits
The central feature of the program is the vibrant living and learning community in which Scholars come together to share their experiences, ideas, diverse perspectives, knowledge and interests with faculty, University leaders and supportive group of peers. University Scholars receive a four-year tuition scholarship. This scholarship is the largest merit-based award that George Mason University offers its undergraduate students. As one of the more prestigious perks available to University Scholars, the competitive George Mason University School of Law will give special consideration in the J.D. admissions process to Mason Scholars who meet certain minimum requirements. In addition, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine and George Mason University have established an agreement that gives special admissions consideration to undergraduate students that are selected for and enroll in the University Scholars program at George Mason University.
For more information about the University Scholars Program: University Scholars Website