Broadside News

Hillary Huber, Broadside Correspondent

George Mason University was the number one school to watch last year, and with a new Public Relations Committee, Student Government is proving why Mason deserves that title.

The committee will be responsible for any and all advertising, and according to the Student Government website is dedicated to “giv[ing] students professional experience while developing Student Government’s visibility within the Mason Community.”

Peter Danjczek, Student Government’s Chief of Staff and a senior government and international politics major, wants to make sure students are more informed.

“We really want to benefit students. As a student government, we have built the relationships with all of the administrators and staff on campus,” said Danjczek.

“If a student needs to know about something, we have other students that are specifically trained to know about a certain topic, and if for some reason that student doesn’t know the answer, we have all of the resources to quickly and easily get one for that student,” said Danjczek.

“Well, I never know when anything is happening so more advertising would help more people know about the events and lead to more people going to the events,” said freshman Jennifer Stenzel, a community health major.

The idea for this committee sprouted when Student Government was working on the Vote Van campaign, where they shuttled students to and from a voting precinct. Instead of being able to focus their energy on the details of the actual event, the overwhelming amount of PR work consumed much of their time.

Danjczek said he and other student government members realized how beneficial a committee dedicated strictly to PR could be.

“[The public relations committee] sounds like it will give other students the opportunity to be involved with the student government without holding a position and for people like me to get experience working in PR,” said Allie Hunter, a freshman communications major.

According to Danjczek, the goal is for students to gain work experience in fields that they are interested in, including areas such as graphic design, press releases, and campaign development.

Danjczek said he wants it to be a source that students can rely on to find out what is going on around campus, instead of reading about events after they happen.

“I think it would definitely benefit with helping find events, because now, finding anything that is happening on campus is chaotic,” said freshman Amanda Defee, an integrative studies major.

Student Government is currently working on a list-serve that would do just that.

Modeled after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s student government website, it would organize campus events according to interest in one place.

As of right now, a list-serve will be first on their agenda during website development.

Danjczek said other events the committee will be working on include Gold Rush, a school-spirit event that intensifies patriot pride, and other Student Government sponsored events held at Rathskeller’s.

The Student Government, said Danjczek, is predominantly made of seniors this year, and noted that they will not be around next year to witness the fruits of their labor.

“We’ve cut out what we want personally, to focus on what the students want. It takes the personal aspect out of it. This will really benefit the students, and we want them to take advantage of that,” said Danjczek.
He said the seniors’ legacy is that they want to further develop the executive system of student government on campus, making it professional and business-like.

Most importantly, he wants the Student Government to be a place where students can find answers about campus-related information.

Student Government is now taking applications, which can be found on its website, www.sg.gmu.edu.
All Mason students are encouraged to apply for a position within the new committee.

According to Danjczek, Student Government is looking for passionate, experienced students who are capable of dedicating time to the committee.

Brenda Shepard, Staff Writer

Imagine sleeping on cement. Now think about being hungry, alone and numb from the cold. This is how many people across the United States spend each day and night. While students on campuses across the country lie in their warm dorm rooms watching the latest reality show, these homeless men, women and children are simply trying to survive.

From Nov. 15 to the 21, students across Mason’s campus will have the opportunity to learn more about homelessness through the annual Hunger and Homelessness Action Week. Through a variety of activities, students will learn about homelessness from people who were and still are living without a roof each night.

“We live in one of the richest regions of the richest country in the world, so it’s easy to assume it’s not happening, but it is,” said Northern Virginia Lutheran Campus Ministry Director Ben Buss.

According to the event website, actionweek.org, “Hunger and Homelessness Action Week is an annual program of the GMU Campus Ministry Association. The goal of the week is to promote greater awareness of the needs of hungry and homeless people in our community, in the United States, and around the world.”

“We decided to have several events during HHAW that focus on innovative solutions to poverty, the main cause of hunger and homelessness, to expose students to novel, positive solutions to hunger and homelessness,” said junior Whitney Burton, an economics major and Presidet of Mason ChangeMakers.

On “Brown Bag Sunday,” Nov. 15, students are encouraged to join Catholic Campus Ministry to make lunches which will be taken to homeless men and women in Fairfax and D.C. Throughout the week, there will be the HHAW headquarters in the North Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where students can get information on events and make food in the Salvation Army’s “canteen” vehicle for delivery to those who need it.

On Monday Nov. 16, students will have the chance to hear what living homeless is really like when currently or formerly homeless men and women from the National Coalition for the Homeless will share their stories and take questions about their experience in the Student Union Building I’s Patriots Lounge.

On Wednesday Nov. 18, GMU Hillel, along with Alpha Epsilon Pi, Nashim (the Jewish women’s group) and Israel Club, will join forces with the help of a local synagogue, Congregation Olam Tikvah, to prepare tuna casseroles for So Others Might Eat, an interfaith, community-based organization in D.C. that, among other things, helps feed those who are homeless. One of the highly anticipated events of the week is the sleep out sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ. Students are invited to spend the night outside in order to experience a small dose of homelessness.

“A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to help out with a hypothermia relief effort here in Fairfax County—it blew my mind that the program I was involved in was a response to the fact that some people can’t survive a winter in Fairfax,” said Mark Dundon, a senior, philosophy major and student campus minister for CCM. With such a variety of activities being offered during HHAW, students can be involved in many different ways. Each group will be presenting their own interpretations of the issue of homelessness.

“You see similarities and differences in each of our faiths, but we all agree on the issue of helping alleviate hunger and homelessness,” said Buss. “All of our faith traditions have something about helping those in need, so we come together for this.”

Many different groups on campus have come together to spread awareness of homelessness that exists across the country. Students have the chance to learn from one another and work together to accomplish a good service to those in need.

“HHAW is especially meaningful since it is a collaboration of all kinds of faith groups toward a common goal,” said President of Hillel, Sarah Fort, a senior and government and international politics major. “We should probably combine our collective strength more often!”

According to the National Coalition for Homeless, “In a recent approximation, USA Today estimated 1.6 million people . . . used transitional housing or emergency shelters.” For more information on events during HHAW, visit www.actionweek.org or search “HHAW” on Facebook to join the group.

Matthew Harrison, Broadside Correspondent

Two feral cats sit outside Thompson Hall in a parking spot waiting for love and human attention. It is early in the morning so the cats feel more comfortable showing their presence. And of course, it is almost feeding time.

Students move slowly along the walkways of George Mason University’s Fairfax campus, never really noticing the cats that hide among them.

One cat straightens its back, perks its ears and focuses on the car slowly rolling into the empty reserved spot. Food and love could not have come at a better time.

They could not be happier.

“At first I didn’t want to tell the police where the cats where hiding,” says Colleen Bauer, one of several faculty and volunteer workers who take care of the feral cats. “But the police said if I didn’t say where they were hiding, they would catch every cat on campus and have them all tested for rabies.”

Bauer was first introduced to Mason’s feral cat community nine years ago when she was working in Krug Hall. She noticed a mother cat and her babies in a window well. Attempting to help the mother and her babies, Bauer was bit and later went to Student Health Services. Hesitant at first, Bauer later would identify where the cats where located. Police apprehended the feral cats and transported them to a veterinarian.

“After about a week, I called Animal Control to check up on the cats, finding out that the family had been killed without even being tested for rabies,” she replied.

Bauer felt horrible and made it a goal to join the Mason Cat Coalition.

Joan Ziemba, former director of University Publications, formed the Mason Cat Coalition in December 1994. Noticing an increase in feral cats located in Fairfax, Ziemba thought it was time Mason had its own cat organization. She got the idea from Stanford University’s Cat Network, which helps feral cats that were abandoned by students to live a more protective life.

Mason’s administration supports the group because it not only helps keep mice and other rodent populations down, but also offers these abandoned cats a safe haven, according to Becky Nemeth, a member of University Information on campus.

Policies at Mason prohibit pets, such as cats, in dorms, but some students continue to purchase animals, unaware of the responsibilities that follow.

“We try to feed and regulate the cats’ food every day because among the feral cats, other animals, like raccoons, steal food,” said Nemeth, a dedicated faculty member working every day for the cats.

Nine coalition members, including Nemeth, and eight other volunteers spend weekends and holidays volunteering time to take care of the feral cats.

“Our goal is not to have more feral cats on campus, but to control the population that has grown,” Nemeth explained.

In addition to feeding the cats, the organization traps, neuters and sterilizes the cats.

“Some of the cats are shy, but others, like Bert and Ernie, are usually friendly,” Nemeth said of the two cats that live behind Thompson Hall.

Currently, the Mason Cat Coalition takes care of 10 cats. They are all sterilized, healthy and very loving. Bert, the black cat, along with his companion Ernie, a white and black cat, are likely to be spotted stalking around Thompson Hall early in the morning.

The Mason Cat Coalition builds shelters that are safe, warm and protective. Members of the organization change hay, provide food and replace structural deformities to keep the houses neat and clean.

Nemeth has been working with the cats for more than eight years, making sure that every cat is tended to.
“Bert and Ernie always emerge from the woods once they hear my voice,” Nemeth said.

With more support, the group would be able to distribute volunteer time among more people, ultimately relieving overworked members.

“The more students that volunteer, the easier it will be to take care of the cats, giving each of the faculty members a bit of a break,” Bauer said.

Because the Mason Cat Coalition currently has no student volunteers, coalition members are working overtime to keep the cats happy and well fed.

“The Mason Cat Coalition is an important group of individuals,” said Keith Foederl, an undeclared sophomore.

Foederl owns one cat and believes students should be more active with helping the cats on campus.

“They have volunteered their time to increase the awareness of feral cats in our local ecosystem,” Foederl said of the group.

The Mason Cat Coalition website can give students more information at masoncats.gmu.edu. Students or faculty members can give donations that directly fund veterinarian services, testing and sterilization.
Instructors can make donations through payroll deduction, or make payments toward the University Foundation account located on the website.

The Mason Cat Coalition accepts information on the population of cats or injured animals. With the help of students and volunteers, the Mason Cat Coalition can continue to help feral cats that were abandoned.

This organization does not provide services regarding adoption but uses other clinics like Alley Cat, which can be found at www.alleycat.org, and Pender Veterinary at www.pendervet.com.

Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief

For many George Mason University students, recently deceased alumnus Brian Picone will live on as a role model, teacher and friend who dedicated himself to increasing visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning issues and always lived life to the fullest.

Picone was guest teaching in Leah Perry’s Queer Theory class last Monday when he collapsed according to an e-mail sent to faculty, staff and students by Suzanne Scott, associate professor of Women and Gender Studies. Picone was rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital where he was pronounced dead according to police records. He was 22.

Picone graduated from Mason last spring with his Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Gender, Society and Human Rights and a minor in Women and Gender Studies according to Scott’s e-mail. He was also given the top academic award from Women and Gender Studies.

Shocked friends took to Facebook to share their memories of Picone and grieve the loss of a treasured part of the Mason community.

On the “RIP Brian Picone” Facebook group, friends and family members remembered Picone as an outgoing young man with a larger than life personality who inspired all those that knew him.

As of press time Sunday, over 240 students had commented on the group’s wall.

“The best thing about Brian was that he was always himself and he wasn’t afraid of anything,” read one comment on the Facebook group.

Even those that didn’t know Picone personally knew of him or had seen him perform as his drag alter-ego Brianna Spice at the annual Pride Alliance Drag Show.

“Though we never met, I knew that you were an advocate for the LGBT community who sought to create change, something which I greatly admire,” said one group member.

“Brian was a part of a loving family who fully embraced his queer identity,” said Scott in her e-mail. “At the Women and Gender Studies award ceremony last spring, Brian’s mother, father and brother were models of what a just world should replicate in its many kinds of families.”

Picone’s funeral was held on Friday at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax and in lieu of flowers, family members asked that donations be made out to La Clinica del Pueblo or Tenants and Workers United.

“Brian taught everyone how to love themselves for who they were,” said Ryan Allen, a close friend of Picone’s. “He was a beautiful person on the inside and out and he will be missed.”

Hillary Huber, Broadside Correspondent

While government agencies and some work places have Election Day off, George Mason University students will still be setting their alarm clocks early on Nov. 3.

This presents multiple conflicts in the Mason community. Some students’ schedules are too crammed to fit in a trip to the polls; others think it creates an inaccurate representation in election outcomes.

Josh St. Louis, a junior government major and member of the College Republicans, said he would be in favor of having Election Day off, but does not think students will have a difficult time getting out of class.

“Government classes are more flexible [with tardiness and absences] on Election Day because they understand students need to get to the polls,” said St. Louis. “Work places are usually more flexible, too.”

Smaller elections, such as Tuesday’s election, do not get a big enough turnout to need a day off from school, said freshman and business major C.J. Manapsal.

“The turnout wouldn’t even be big enough for the presidential elections, and the turnout is even lower for smaller elections, [so] there’s really no point in getting the day off . . . People wouldn’t take advantage of having the day off,” said Manapsal.

St. Louis agreed with Manapsal in that voter turnout amongst college students is low, but he stressed the importance of advertising absentee ballots, so students have an easier way of voting.

Other students feel as if the university should get the day off.

“Well, personally, I hate [having to go to school on Election Day] because last year I wanted to vote, and because of my schedule, I didn’t have the time to do it. So, I’m sure I’m not the only one at [Mason] that had that problem,” said Josh Deel, a sophomore and history major.

Some students think that not having Election Day off prevents the outcome of elections from being an accurate representation of the community’s vote.

“Since Mason students aren’t given Election Day off of school, that prevents a large chunk of the community from participating in elections because they can’t make it to the polls because of scheduling conflicts,” said freshman psychology major Imani Dugger.

Deel agreed, saying that “it’s a huge demographic that doesn’t get a true vote.”

Mason students developed ways that keep the campus involved in voting, despite the inconvenience of a daily school schedule.

Both College Republicans and College Democrats have campus-wide campaigns dedicated to educating students on candidates and reminding students to vote.

College Republicans are specifically pushing for absentee voting, so students who are affected by schedule conflicts still have the chance to cast their vote.

Student Government is continuing their shuttle service program. Vote Vans will be shuttling students from the Sandy Creek bus stop to Woodson High School, a local voting precinct, from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., in hopes of assisting students who want to vote, but are in need of transportation.

Students who want to learn more about absentee ballots, voting precincts and candidates can visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/.

Ethan Vaughan, Mason Votes Writer

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has a long history of championing conservative positions on social issues like gay marriage, but with Democratic opponent Creigh Deeds stating his belief that marriage is “between a man and a woman,” the campaign for the Governor’s Mansion is proceeding with a uniformity of opinion from both sides on one of the Commonwealth’s most divisive and emotional issues.

With neither side taking up the cause of gay rights, some voters feel as if their choices have been curtailed.

“I think Deeds is too conservative, but he’s the more liberal of the two,” said George Mason University senior economics major Phil Dudley. “I’m for gay marriage and I feel that gay people should have the same rights as straight people. As for the Virginia Marriage Amendment, I disagree with it. Gay people should be able to visit their significant other in the hospital, should be able to have access to insurance, should be treated the same as everyone else. Gay rights isn’t the deciding factor in my vote, but it’s something I would take into account.”

Most students were quick to voice opposition to the 2006 Virginia Marriage Amendment, which not only bars same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth but also declared that the state “shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage.” The amendment effectively outlawed civil unions.

“If you have two consenting adults, marriage is fine,” said freshman computer engineering major Kelly Harrington. “I’ve had teachers who were gay and known other people who were gay, and they deserve to get married if they want to.

“If there were a choice between the candidates, I would be more likely to vote for the pro-gay rights one, but with all the problems we have, that probably wouldn’t be the first thing I’d think about.”

Alejandro Asin, a co-chair with Mason’s Pride Alliance, said that while the group was primarily focused with providing a safe space for Mason students to discuss sexuality and gender issues, it nonetheless “supports gay marriage.”

“Forcing marriage won’t promote tolerance,” Asin said. “It won’t affect people staying underground their whole lives, but we’re very much for same-sex marriage.”

Asin decried what he saw as the lack of diversity among the candidates’ positions on the issue, saying he thought it left the gay community with no real representation.

“I don’t believe either party helps us,” Asin admitted. “But the democrats are a little bit better. Both political candidates are trying to play moderate, and it’s always been that way. Theoretically, the democrats are more in favor of LGBT . . . rights, but they keep moving close to the middle, trying to be in the center. They invoke civil rights, but they don’t want to go all the way because they’re worried about looking too liberal.”

Thomas Francis, a missionary at the Fellowship of Catholic University Students at Mason, said that he “heartily supports” the Virginia Marriage Amendment.

“I support the traditional understanding of marriage, namely that it is limited to one man and one woman,” Francis stated. “The Catholic Church loves and cares for everyone with an attraction to members of the same gender. It wants for them what it wants for every person: To find true happiness in a close relationship with Jesus Christ and to [lead a] holy life according to the way of life that Jesus revealed.”

Francis conceded that many young people seemed to be in favor of gay marriage, but was adamant that this fact did not change his views.

“My faith plays a central role in my life,” said Francis. “It’s a set of beliefs I subscribe to, and I shouldn’t have to change it based on what sphere I’m in.”

Brach Cobb, a fourth-year artist certified instrumental performance graduate student, agreed.

“I don’t see the candidates’ opposition to gay marriage as a problem,” he said. “I believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and I hold that in higher esteem than gay marriage. I don’t have a problem with gay people. I’m a Christian and that’s where I stand from a biblical viewpoint, and my faith plays the main part in that.”

Reuben Jones, Broadside Correspondent

After asking students around campus whether they have been following the 2009 race for governor, there were two responses that became very apparent: No, students are not following the election, and yes, education is the most important issue to students this election.

“I registered but I don’t know anything about the candidates,” said sophomore and economics major Rufaro Mandizvidza. This could be because the race for governor between Democrat Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell has yet to fire up many Virginians.

Specifically, college-aged voters are expected to come in low numbers to the polls tomorrow as there has not been much excitement surrounding Virginia’s race, a state that forbids a governor from running for more than one term consecutively.

“Drop-off is going to be sharper for younger adults,” said Assistant Professor of Communication Stephen Farnsworth. “Creigh Deeds has yet to motivate younger voters,” a group that Farnsworth says was “excited” when Obama ran, and a group that typically votes more democratic.

According to students, they are not as interested in the election this year as they were for last year’s presidential race. Sophomore Trinh Ngo, a biology major, said he is not informed because he’s “not interested in politics.”

Farnsworth explains that these are normal behaviors during a governor’s election because college students “tend to not have a long-term commitment to Virginia and they have a tendency to focus more on national elections.”

Although students are not closely following the election, many students agree that the most important issue currently is education. “[The cost of ] college is too high,” said undeclared freshman Gabe Hamilton.

In an economy that is not making it easy for students to afford college, the State Council of Higher Education expects Virginia undergraduate students to pay on average 5.2 percent more in 2009 through 2010 than they did the prior year on tuition. With numbers like these, education is an issue candidates cannot afford to ignore and as a result they have each proposed individual higher education plans.

McDonnell’s plan consists of adding 100,000 additional Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees over the next 15 years, a goal to restructure the educational system for affordability and employability, and to cut down on the cost of textbooks by using electronic reading devices, such as a Kindle.

Deeds’ plan aims to establish a “Virginia Promise Fund” to curb tuition increases during tough economic times, increase need-based tuition assistance by at least $40 million, and to pursue public-private partnerships that connect job training at universities with the local business needs.

Both candidates agree education is going to be an important issue in the next several years for governor and that there needs to be a greater emphasis in colleges on science, technology, engineering and mathematic degrees.

Each candidate’s full higher education plan can be found on their respective websites.

Throughout the campaign, Deeds has consistently emphasized the conditions in which he was raised in. He repeatedly tells the story of when his mom sent him off to college with only $100, a story that is becoming more common in a tough economy.

It has been published that Deeds has emphasized in debates and repeated in television commercials his intent to target college-aged voters.

McDonnell also needed financial support when going to college. He went to Notre Dame University on a full Army ROTC scholarship, eventually graduating with a law degree from Regent University in 1989.

Deeds went to Concord College and received a law degree from Wake Forest University in 1984.

Whatever the reason, many college-aged students around Virginia have not followed the election. The few young voters who do participate in the election will end up having an extremely important role in the outcome.

Amanda Cheek, News Editor

Since 2002, the office of Governor of Virginia has been held by a Democrat. Mark Warner won the election in 2002 and Tim Kaine has been in office since 2006. In this year’s election, Bob McDonnell seems to be in the lead. This gubernatorial election has also been considered to be representative of the country’s reaction to the presidency. Will the Republicans come back with a vengeance after Obama won the White House or will the Democrats hold strong with the support of the new president?

Both Warner and Kaine have made decisions that have affected the state of Virginia and its citizens, but how will the next governor continue or change those actions? On Nov. 3, Virginia will vote and we will see.

Bob McDonnell

Higher Education
-Supports initiatives to Cut Textbook Costs by using digital resources such as Kindle
-100,000 Additional Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees over the Next 15 Years
-Comprehensive Workforce Training or Re-Training Led by Our Community Colleges

Energy Plan
-Explore and Drill for Oil and Natural Gas off Virginia’s Coast
-Support Virginia’s Coal and Nuclear Industries
-Support Alternative and Renewable Forms of Energy and make Virginia a “Green Jobs Zone”

Transportation
-In Northern Virginia, widening I-66 inside the beltway, completing the I-495 HOT lane project on time and on budget
-Beginning the process of I-395 and I-95 HOT lanes to
Fredericksburg, rail to Dulles, high speed passenger rail and Route 7 improvements.

Veterans
-Establish a Virginia Compact with Veterans
-Statewide Coordinated Effort to Help Military Vets Find Jobs
-Real estate tax relief for disabled vets

Trash Talk
-Called Deeds a “Negative Nancy” repeatedly. Also called Deeds a “meanie.”
“We had a good working relationship for three years, until his job came to be to beat the tar out of me,” McDonnell said.

Quote taken from: http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/state_regional/state_regional_govtpolitics/article/DEEDGAT30_20090930-103802/296468/

Creigh Deeds

Higher Education
-Guaranteed loans for Virginia community college students.
-Increase need-based tuition assistance by at least $40 million.
-Establish a “Virginia Promise Fund” to curb tuition increases during tough economic times.

Energy Plan
-Adopt a mandatory renewal portfolio standard of 15 percent by 2020 and of 22 percent by 2025.
-Provide incentives for large-scale wind projects.
-Establish a 19 percent Energy Efficiency Standard.

Transportation
-Expand freight and passenger rail.
-Utilize bus rapid transit.
-Expand the capacity of critical Hampton Roads water crossings and emergency evacuation routes.

Veterans
-Support Virginia’s Wounded Warrior Program
-Build a world-class support network for veterans treatment
-Provide tax relief for disabled veterans

Trash Talk
-Checked McDonnell’s bibliographies on all his papers from grad school to fifth grade.
Deeds then responded: “I didn’t write when I was 34 years old that working women are a detriment to the family. I didn’t write when I was 34 years old that ought to be overturned. I didn’t write when I was 34 years old that contraception decisions ought to be subjected to the government.”

Quote taken from: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/09/mcdonnell-at-debate-i-support-working-women-deeds-no-hes-lying.php

Information on candidates in topics other “Trash Talk” gathered from www.bobmcdonnell.com and www.deedsforvirginia.com. Compiled by Amanda Cheek, News Editor.

Yasmin Tadjdeh, Asst. News Editor

With the election looming closer and closer, some students may not know what their rights as voters are. Whether it is that they are denied to vote because of lack of identification or even because of intimidation, the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia has for the last several years been passing out Voters’ Rights Cards in the hopes of informing voters of what their rights are come Election Day.

“The cards and hotline came about because people from around the state have contacted the ACLU of Virginia with election-related questions and concerns. For example, there have been concerns about voter intimidation, the need for identification at the polls, and college students registering to vote in the locality where they attend school rather than their hometowns.

In the past decade, the ACLU of Virginia has advocated on behalf of college students at the University of Mary Washington, Virginia Tech, Radford, Norfolk State and even filed a lawsuit on behalf of students at William & Mary,” said Elizabeth Wong, associate director of the ACLU of Va.

According to Wong, the ACLU of Virginia has been passing out Voters’ Rights Cards for the last dozen years. This year alone, the ACLU of Virginia has passed out over 35,000 cards in English and Spanish. Last year, during the presidential election, the organization distributed more than 50,000 cards. When distributing cards, the ACLU of Virginia has tried to focus on reaching historically disenfranchised groups.

“This year, for the first time, we sent it to hundreds of college student organizations throughout the state,” said Wong. “The cards are available to anyone who requests them, but we work to distribute them to organizations who work with low-income families and other communities that have historically had problems at the polls. The NAACP, as one of our co-sponsors, is one of the prime distributors of the cards. Knowing that language can be a barrier at the polls, we also produce the cards in Spanish and work to distribute them to Latino advocacy and civic groups,” said Wong.

Anyone wishing to view a Voters’ Rights Card can download one at acluva.org. If anyone has problems at the polls on Election Day, they are encouraged to call the ACLU of Virginia hotline at 804-644-8080.

Lauren Jost, Connect2Mason Reporter

Student Health Services will be distributing H1N1 Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine nasal spray for free with a Mason ID on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Dewberry Hall.

Seasonal flu vaccines are no longer available at SHS. The last 45 doses of the vaccine were administered on Thursday, much to the chagrin of students and faculty.

Originally scheduled until November, seasonal flu vaccines clinics – $15 for a shot – have been cancelled until further notice due to a shortage of the vaccine. Additional seasonal flu vaccines have been ordered and SHS are awaiting the delivery.

Thursday’s seasonal flu vaccine clinic, along with all previously scheduled clinic dates, were slated to take place in Student Union Building I between 1 and 4 p.m. However, students queued up in the SUB I lobby as early as 12:30 p.m. leaving those unable to show up early without a chance to take advantage of the vaccine.

“I didn’t get the flu shot here,” said senior, English major Jessica Tibbs. “I live in Fredericksburg so it was easier to get it at Walgreens, even though it was $25.”

In light of having no more vaccines, SHS has prepared by informing students and faculty about seasonal flu vaccine clinics offered at off-campus locations, though for a higher price.

A nearby seasonal flu vaccine clinic at Safeway Pharmacy on Willard Way offers the vaccine for $30 although the price may vary depending on insurance plans. A complete list of off-campus flu clinics can be found on the SHS website.

On a weekly basis, SHS is averaging about 15 students that are seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms — more students than at the same time in previous years.

Administrative Assistant of Student Health Services Rachel Benner says that H1N1 testing is available if patients are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, but isn’t going to make much of a difference for students, unless they suffer from chronic illnesses.

Benner explained that during this Fall 2009 flu season SHS is dealing with two different strains of the flu, which are essentially the same. Because symptoms for H1NI virus are virtually the same as seasonal flu symptoms, it is almost impossible to distinguish between the two – unless a test is taken.

“H1N1 testing is available now, however, the test is about $200 and takes about four days to get the result,” said Benner. “The quick influenza test is not sensitive enough to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of H1N1.”

H1N1 testing has been available for the past few weeks, and the lofty fee applies to everyone – no student discount is available.

Benner also stressed a recommendation from the Center for Disease Control’s pamphlet, which accompanied paperwork for the seasonal flu vaccine, that unless a patient suffers from a weakened immune system, muscle or nerve disorders, chronic illness, has long term aspirin treatment, lung complications, or is pregnant, H1N1 will likely affect the body the same as a seasonal flu virus.

“According to the CDC, symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include some combination of fever higher than 100° F, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, headache, body aches and/or fatigue,” said Benner.

The same pamphlet states that mild problems and side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine are symptoms such as hoarseness, fever, aches, and a cough. While these are flu-like symptoms, it does not mean you have the flu but that your body is getting used to the vaccine. Also, because the flu vaccine is grown in eggs, people with severe egg allergies should not obtain the vaccine.

Students and faculty exhibiting flu-like symptoms are strongly encouraged to stay home and rest. Residential students, however, have a bit different guidelines.

“Residential students who live close to George Mason University should return home to their permanent residence for the duration of their illness,” explained Benner. “[In order] to limit the spread of flu in university residence halls.”

Mason is accommodating students with flu-like symptoms by providing “meals to go” available for $10.99 at Southside between 7 a.m., and 11 p.m. daily. Meals contain a combination of soup broths, ginger ale, gelatin, saltine crackers, fruit juices and assorted sandwiches.

A sick student can call 703-424-6421 to request meals, but must wear a mask if planning to pick-up a meal in person.

For more information regarding the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine visit the Student Health Services website at shs.gmu.edu.