Our Culture

Shaped by extensive input from the college community, our mission and commitments define who we are and guide our behavior, ensuring that we intentionally shape our culture as a community.

Our Mission

The College of Education and Human Development is an inclusive community of scholars, educators, and practitioners dedicated to the lifelong pursuit of learning, development, and well-being. Through transdisciplinary collaboration, we innovate and produce research that positively impacts the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

Our Commitments

These guiding principles, alongside our mission and the George Mason University Core Values, represent what we do and how we do it. 

Fostering Collaboration and Community

• We create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, asking for help, and offering constructive feedback.
• We demonstrate mutual respect and trust which involves respectful communication, demonstrating humility, and being willing to compromise and adapt.
• We focus on shared goals and responsibilities – and hold selves and each other accountable for our work and outcomes.
• We work across traditional academic boundaries and integrate diverse perspectives that break down silos within the college and across the university to bring different fields of study together in a meaningful way.

Promoting Justice and Equity

• We actively challenge and address instances of bias, discrimination, and systemic inequities.
• We create a just and equitable learning environment by addressing systemic inequities, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
• We act with social justice as a guiding principle embedded in all aspects of the college's work, including as a universal lens through which all processes and decisions are viewed.
• We foster honest, open, and ongoing feedback and reflection to create a positive learning environment for all members of our community.

Advancing Research-Informed Practice

• We prioritize data-informed decision-making, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement in all aspects of learning and working.
• We design, incorporate, and reinforce real-world applicability into educational experiences.
• We translate research to support meaningful practice in a way that is accessible to all.
• We incorporate evidence-based practices into CEHD policies, procedures, and protocols.