My name is
Emily Miles, and I am an OSCAR research assistant in the Office of Global
Strategy. Under the guidance and
supervision of Dr. Svetlana Filiatreau, Manager for Global Learning
Integration, I am exploring the needs, interests, and barriers to Mason
students' study, service learning, or internships abroad. As we have about 59%
of transfer students and high % of students with federal grants, we suspect
that finances as well as duration of the programs may prevent students from
participation. However we do not have hard Mason data that would empower our
office to institute specific programs and scholarships. We strive to offer all
Mason students meaningful global experiences, and we hope that this study will
help us develop the best ways to do so. I also assisted in the creation of the
2015 Communication on Engagement which documented the results of the research
for submission to United Nations. This research
project determined George Mason’s commitments and accomplishments toward the
principles of the United Nations Global Compact from 2013 to present.
My
responsibilities change week to week based on which phase we are in for this
study. Right now we are contacting Mason organizations and to help circulate
our survey. For the United Nations Global Compact: Communication on Engagement,
I would document initiatives, commitments, courses, and accomplishments of
George Mason’s faculty, staff, and students toward the principles of the United
Nations Global Compact from 2013 to present. I then formatted the information
into a publisher file to be reviewed and approved by the University.
Over 70%
of George Mason Students live off campus, so I contacted Off Campus Programs
and services to help circulate our survey so all Mason students have the
opportunity to give their perspectives.
This
project has given me experience in a professional environment. It has been a great learning opportunity that
will help me with research projects in the future.
