George Mason University President Alan G. Merten and Provost Peter 
Stearns today announced the decision to cancel all classes at the 
University’s three Northern Virginia campuses on Tuesday, January 20, 
2009. This decision was made after much consultation and deliberation by 
administrators, deans, and officials across the University. Although 
Mason was originally scheduled to hold classes, growing concerns about 
the ability to get to campus in a safe, timely manner, in light of 
recently announced Inauguration-related traffic and transportation 
restrictions, ultimately led to the decision to cancel classes. Classes 
will be held on May 5th in order to complete the academic calendar; and 
on April 23rd for the School of Law.

The campuses at Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun will be open; the 
Arlington campus will be closed because the campus is directly impacted 
by road and bridge closures. It is essential that sufficient employees 
be available to provide minimal coverage to conduct institutional 
business and student services as necessary at all four campuses. 
Managers will make these staffing decisions. For those who work at the 
campuses which will remain open, we strongly encourage all managers to 
make arrangements for people to work from home or utilize flexible work 
options. Designated employees at the Arlington campus can discuss 
timekeeping questions with HR (3-2600) and can discuss their designated 
status with their supervisor.

All Inauguration-related events that have been planned for students on 
campus will be held as scheduled. Go to 
http://ulife.gmu.edu/pages/inauguration.html for more information.