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.  

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 the Bonner Leader Program, 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 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 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.  

The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.