State Senator Petersen's Bill on GMU Branch Campus in S. Korea Passes Senate

From the Office of State Senator Petersen

February 11, 2010

CONTACT: Julia Kim
804-698-7534

Richmond, Virginia - February 11, 2010 - Sen. Chap Petersen's Senate Bill 712, allowing for the formation of a George Mason University branch campus in Inchon, South Korea, was unanimously approved (40-0) by the Virginia Senate on Wednesday.

SB 712, which is supported by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, would give GMU students the opportunity to study abroad and Korean students the chance to study at the Fairfax, Virginia campus.

"George Mason, with its proximity to Washington, D.C., its focus on international policy and its links to a large Korean-American community in Fairfax, is a perfect partner for South Korea's elite universities," said Petersen, adding that this deal would also have a positive economic impact on Fairfax County.

In response to questions on funding and scope Petersen has stated that this proposal will not take money from the state General Fund or deny any educational opportunity to Virginia students. It will expand the opportunities for Mason students who want to study overseas.

"The potential partnership between George Mason University and the Republic of Korea could be one of most exciting developments in the history of GMU, especially considering the dynamic growth in that part of the Pacific Rim," said Petersen.

The House of Delegates will vote on SB 712 in the coming weeks.

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

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