George Mason University’s Nu Alpha Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education inducted 16 new members on May 9, in a ceremony in the Johnson Center Cinema.  Dean Mark Ginsberg and Associate Dean Ellen Rodgers welcomed new members and presented Kappa Delta Pi’s history, mission, and vision. They charged inductees with upholding the high standards and commitment to education that had prompted faculty members to nominate them for Kappa Delta Pi membership.

New members were chosen by current chapter members and CEHD faculty based on their GPA and coursework. In addition, all nominees have consistently exhibited worthy educational ideals, an intention to continue in the field of education, professionalism, and leadership attributes.

Nu Alpha Chapter co-counselors, Dr. Jennifer Hathaway and Ms. Rebekah Flis, assisted in swearing-in the new members:

Linsdey Carter

Elizabeth S. Cox

Stephen B. Dowell

Rebekah Flis

Renee Gokey

Melissa Hill

Melody Hoyt

Anne Marie C. Infantino

Benita J. Klein

Mary E. Luckenbaugh

Sydney R. Potter

Brandon M. Quiles

Kelly Scruggs

Sian V. Stephan

Mallika Thanasanti

Lydia To 

This year’s induction ceremony marked a reorganization and renewal for Mason’s Nu Alpha Chapter prompted by increased student interest in the many benefits of Kappa Delta Pi membership.  The organization offers a lifelong connection to its more than 40,000 active members and 1.2 million alumni from their early undergraduate years, through their professional progress, and even into retirement.  In addition to Kappa Delta Pi’s networking benefits, members have access to continuing education, scholarship and grant funding, and publication opportunities.

The CEHD Office of Student and Academic Affairs congratulates the newest members of Kappa Delta Pi and looks forward to sharing more news from the Nu Alpha Chapter in the fall.  Please contact to learn how you can become a member of Kappa Delta Pi.

Teachers of Tomorrow (TOT) may be an organization primarily focused on recruiting and promoting future educators among Mason undergraduates, but this spring, saw TOT members working hard on another aspect of their mission – service – in the form of their Annual Book Drive.  According to rising senior and TOT President, Bre’Ana Bryant, “The TOT Book Drive was our biggest event this semester.  The Teachers of Tomorrow have a strong belief in promoting literacy. “ 

TOT Members kicked off the drive in the beginning of March, placing decorated collection boxes at locations all over campus, asking for donations of new and gently used books for readers of all ages and abilities.  By the end of the drive on March 31, TOT had received over 500 books!  The fun really began as TOT members hauled boxes and sorted stacks of books, readying them for distribution to appreciative schools, churches, shelters, and community centers throughout Northern Virginia and the greater Washington D.C. area. 

In addition to hosting fellowship activities and professional development workshops, which the organization organizes regularly throughout the academic year, members hope to increase their service opportunities. “I want us to work toward making an even greater presence within our community and even increase membership along the way,” says Bryant. 

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed.  TOT was nominated for a Distinguished Quill Award for Student Organization of the Year in April.  TOT is open to all Mason undergraduates, regardless of major, who are passionate about education or wishing to learn more about teaching. Learn more HERE.

The first College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Writer’s Retreat was held on Saturday, February 25 at George’s in the Johnson Center. More than 20 graduate students gathered for an all-day retreat where they publicly committed to a day of high productivity. The retreat was open to CEHD graduate students only and provided an opportunity for students to make significant progress on conference proposals, theses, class assignments, portfolios, and dissertations as well as to form bonds with other graduate students currently “in the struggle.” The Writer’s Retreat started with a warm-up activity where students were encouraged to set realistic, achievable goals for the day. For example, one master’s student was determined to complete a literature review for a counseling and development class assignment, while another table of doctoral students were all determined to craft polished essays for their portfolio assignment. 

Students also had the opportunity to participate in two, hour-length workshops during the retreat. The first workshop, “Conquering the Writing Process”, was facilitated by Dr. Ivory Berry, Director of Student Success for the College of Education and Human Development. During this workshop, Dr. Berry shared 10 tips he learned as a graduate student that could help current students better understand and conquer the academic writing process. Dr. Berry encouraged students to “find the passion in their purpose,” “know their audience,” and “find the writing groove and ride it out.” The second workshop was led by Dr. Erin Peters-Burton, the Donna R. and David E. Sterling Endowed Professor in Science Education and Director of the Educational Psychology, Research Methods, and Education Policy Division. Her workshop was titled “Strategies for Becoming a Productive Academic Writer,” and students were provided with a variety of strategies to help them convert their research idea into a publication.

Consultants from the Writing Center were also on hand for the retreat. Students were able to schedule 30-minute one-on-one sessions with a consultant to get feedback on their writing as well as brainstorm projects.

Are you a CEHD graduate student seeking group accountability among peers when it comes to your writing? Stay tuned! Planning for the next CEHD Writer’s Retreat is currently underway.

Over 60 students shared their research at the 2017 College of Education and Human Development Student Research Symposium held on April 25 in Dewberry Hall in the Johnson Center.   The symposium included seven Oral Presentations, four Roundtable Panels, and 29 Poster Presentations reflecting scholarship at all levels, from undergraduate through doctoral study, and disciplines within the School of Education and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. 

Now in its second year, the annual symposium saw a dramatic increase in submissions, presenters, and guests.   According to Brandon Quiles, Student Engagement Coordinator for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the increased interest in the symposium reflects George Mason University’s strong commitment to valuing research.  “Students who engage in research are better equipped with critical skills that make them engaged citizens and well-rounded scholars and practitioners.”

The entirety of the Student Research Symposium (SRS) was intended to introduce students to the process of conducting, submitting, and presenting their research at a professional conference.  The CEHD Office of Student and Academic Affairs put out the call for submissions in the fall and early spring.  Interested students submitted an abstract and chose a format for their presentations which were then reviewed by a faculty committee.  The presentation sessions were styled after what students might experience at a professional conference, albeit in a smaller and less intimidating setting.  Presenters even received written feedback forms from the audience to help hone their research and presentation skills.

Faculty support for the 2017 SRS played a pivotal role in its success.  By mentoring students through the process, and with some faculty even integrating the submission process into their courses, students reaped the benefits of their professors’ experience as research professionals.  Faculty attendance at the event was high, and many encouraged their classes to attend as well.

Congratulations to the following student researchers on their participation in this year’s event:

Oral Presenters

Sarah Prigmore – MEd, Curriculum and Instruction

Tameka Parker – MSW, Social Work

Samantha Hacherl – BS, Athletic Training

Michelle Gnoleba – PhD, Education

Patricia Kelshaw – PhD, Education

Sara Birkhead – PhD, Education

Ricardo Sanchez – PhD, Education

Sarah Bogdewiecz – PhD, Education

Megan Sims-Fujita – MEd, Special Education

Round Table Presenters

Beth Dalbec – PhD, Education

Letty Guzman – PhD, Education

Tami Carsillo – PhD, Education

Heather Andrews – PhD, Education

Ahmed Atef – PhD, Education

Kudirat Giwa-Lawal – PhD, Education

Melissa Hauber – PhD, Education

Lily Lopez-McGee – PhD, Education

Anthony Ray – PhD, Education

Jessica Pope – PhD, Education

Stuart McCrory – PhD, Education

Mariel Crawford – PhD, Education

Terrie Galantie – PhD, Education

Monique Apollon Williams, PhD, Education

Daria Gerasimova, PhD, Education

Poster Presenters

Karen Wrightsman – PhD, Education

Amanda Estep – PhD, Education

Gisselle Brown – PhD, Education

Lauren Field – BS, Athletic Training

Christie Byers – PhD, Education

Jennifer Fields – PhD, Education

Elisabeth Chan – PhD, Education

Laura Tokarczyk – PhD, Education

Diana Delfin – PhD, Education

Thuy Thi-Minh Tu – PhD, Education

Amanda Garrett – MS, Sport and Recreation Studies

Sungshim Choi – PhD, Education

Michele Colandene – PhD, Education

Janelle Companion – BS, Athletic Training

Doaa Dashash – PhD, Education

Victoria Fauntroy – BS, Athletic Training

Massa Gongbay – MEd, Counseling and Development

Rachel Hammer – PhD, Education

Melissa Hauber – PhD, Education

Boshra Zawawi – PhD, Education

Cassandra Hynus – MS, Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion

Talisa Jackson – PhD, Education

Christina Lee – PhD, Education

Bryndan Lindsey – MS, Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion

Greer Mancuso – PhD, Education

Sean Martin – BS, Athletic Training

Kathleen Matson – PhD, Education

Daria Gerasimova – PhD, Education

Hannah Park – MEd, Curriculum and Instruction

Mirella Saldaña – MEd, Counseling and Development

Matt Prebble – PhD, Education

Burnette Scarboro – MEd, Education Leadership

Jordan Goffena – PhD, Education

Nicole Van Oort – BA, Mathematics, Kinesiology Minor

Welcome to the Student Success Blog!  The CEHD Office of Student and Academic Affairs believes that students who are engaged are successful students. That’s why we offer so many ways for you to get connected, get involved, and stay informed.  Of course, you’re already hearing from us via your MasonLive email account, and we hope you remember to check it every day for official communications from CEHD and university administration.  This year we’ve added a Twitter and Instagram presence to compliment the college’s existing Facebook connection.  We also publish The 2300, a weekly digest in two versions, tailored for our undergraduate and graduate communities.  This month, we launch a revamped version of our quarterly newsletter, ENGAGE, highlighting all that you, our current students, have achieved in partnership with CEHD faculty and staff.

With so many existing ways to connect with students, you may ask, “Why a blog, too?”.  Let’s think of it as a home base.  If it’s news, new policy, or just celebration, you’ll see it here.  If we can’t say it in 140 characters, or a single photo, or even a Facebook post, we’ll link it back to here.  If you missed a newsletter or a digest in your inbox, you can find it here.  Hopefully, you’ll stop by this page often.  We know every student has their own favorite way to stay connected, and we hope you’ll pick your favorites and follow us on them.  And no matter what else you do, READ THAT MASON EMAIL EVERY DAY!