State Senator Petersen's Bill to Establish GMU Campus in S. Korea

From the Office of State Senator Petersen

January 28, 2010

CONTACT: Julia Kim
804-698-7534

Richmond, Virginia - Senator Chap Petersen's legislation, Senate Bill no. 712, allowing for the formation of a George Mason University branch campus in Inchon, South Korea was unanimously passed by the Senate Higher Education Sub-Committee on Thursday.

Senate Bill no. 712, which is supported by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, would give Korean students the opportunity to take classes at the S. Korean branch campus then transfer to the Fairfax campus. Additionally, GMU students in Fairfax would also able to study abroad in Korea.

"This partnership will establish a long-term alliance between GMU and South Korea, and effectively have a positive economic impact in Virginia," said Petersen.

According to the George Mason University Provost, Peter Stearns, if this educational program comes to fruition, the GMU campus could ultimately attract upwards of 2,000 students from various areas. He has added that this is one of the most ambitious international education projects thus far mounted anywhere.

The full Senate Education and Health Committee will hear the unanimously passed bill in the coming weeks.

Senator Chap Petersen represents Virginia's 34th State Senate district, which includes Fairfax City and much of Fairfax County.

###