About

Welcome to the George Mason Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECIL). Whether you are a student, community partner, faculty or staff member, our hope is that this website is an important tool to help you learn more about the range of programs, campus partners, and initiatives that demonstrate Mason’s dedication to community engagement and civic learning.  

Formally launched in 2021 as part of Mason’s Quality Enhancement Plan titled “Transformative Education through Anti-Racist Community Engagement”, the CECiL Office seeks to provide opportunities for members of the Mason community to engage in intentional, meaningful, and reciprocal collaborations with community organizations. Some of these opportunities may take place in the context of an academic course through community-based learning, others may be through co-curricular programs like Civic Fellows, Engaged Summer, or Mason Votes. All CECiL programs are designed to deepen student and faculty engagement with community-based organizations and civic learning connected to Mason’s broader goals around anti-racism and inclusive excellence. 

Since its founding, George Mason University has committed to graduating engaged and well-rounded scholars who are prepared to act, and our newly launched CECiL Office is an embodiment of that commitment. Our CECiL team is here as a resource to help you explore civic and community engagement, identify ways to get involved with issues you are passionate about, and to connect those passions with academic and career interests. We look forward to learning and collaborating with you across campus and in our communities. 

In partnership, 

Kristen Wright 

Director, Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning 

Shauna Rigaud 

Associate Director for Student Programs, Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning 

Cara Snider

Program Manager for Engaged Learning, Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning

Shanelle Highsmith

Program Manager for Outreach and Partnerships

Our Values

Our Mission

To connect Mason students and faculty with community to support student learning and the development of civically engaged and well -rounded scholars committed to positive social change through partnership with community.  

Our Vision

By embedding community and civic engagement into academic and co-curricular experiences, we will equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to: 

• Understand themselves as agents of change. 

• Identify and disrupt racist practices. 

• Work collaboratively towards positive social change.