George Mason University (GMU) is taking advantage of its nation's capital proximity by launching a new program in tourism and events management, as a minor for several of its degree programs.
Founder Russell Brayley enlisted Dr. David Weaver, an eco-tourism specialist, who was brought in from Australia to add his expertise. He previously taught at Griffith University in Queensland.
"We take a very broad attitude toward tourism," he said.
This year, as the program expands, they're bringing in Maggie Daniels from Clemson and Heather Brown from Texas A&M, as well as his wife, Laurie Lawton.
"We've got this instant department. We're quite determined that we're going to be the best undergrad program in the state," he said.
Public information specialist Patty Snellings noted the proximity of an area that has many associations and government-related organizations. It is prime for annual meetings and legislative gatherings.
"It's a prime conference area. Our proximity to Washington, it's the demographics of the area," she said.
The official kickoff was last year, but this coming fall semester, a few more classes were added. This year's class list includes Sustainable Tourism, Introduction to Tourism Management, Tourism on Public Land and Terrorism and Tourism.
THE ONLY SIGN of the program besides internal promotion is a banner in the Johnson Center in the food court. That's how economics major Pouya Rasson found out, but he is open to learning some part of that industry.
"I saw the flag hanging in the Johnson Center. That is something that seems beneficial to know," he said.
Criminal justice major Kristin Logan wasn't familiar with the option. Although it wouldn't be part of her degree requirements, she would consider it for an elective.
"I know I definitely will be a police officer. I might take just a class for an elective," but she feels it may be more suited for "maybe a business major or even hotel management," she said.
Weaver noted the cross-training that accompanies other specialties.
"You can take it as a minor. Management students at Fairfax have found it beneficial," he said.
Although GMU is centered in Fairfax off Braddock Road, there are two other campuses in the area where classes are held, in Arlington and Prince William County, near Manassas. They are accessible by a university shuttle. This new program is at the Prince William campus.
Logan is a Herndon resident but can't avoid going to the Prince William campus.
"Next semester, I have to go there. It's pretty far, but I like their campus," she said.
Rebecca McKenzie was a theater major and now is undecided. "It seems like a communications thing," she said.
As far as leaving the Fairfax campus is concerned, "I avoided that," she said.