A description of the graduate school of George Mason University, a suburban institution serving about 9,600 students in the urban suburban region of Northern Virginia, is provided in this paper. In the past five years the university has begun to direct its outlook to serve its student body which has become both culturally and intellectually diverse. The university minority population includes a relatively small rural black population, and a somewhat larger urban black population. There are also a significant number of foreign minority students. At the graduate level, George Mason has responded to the needs of the region by introducing master's programs that cater to the needs of graduate students who work full time while studying part time. Graduate programs are offered primarily during the evening hours. In addition, residency requirements, thesis requirements, and full time study requirements are flexible. To accommodate those students who are pursuing full time graduate study, there are graduate courses offered during the day. The most important task facing the university is that of maintaining both flexibility and integrity. This geographical region is one with a high concentration of people who find it important to obtain a master's degree in order to advance professionally. It becomes important, then, that the university accommodate the part time student but retain academic integrity. (Author/AM)