Welcome2Mason

��AV welcomes the largest new undergraduate class in its history

Colleen Rich — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:12:26 +0000

��AV welcomes the largest new undergraduate class in its history Colleen Rich Mon, 08/26/2024 - 16:12

��AV leadership, faculty, and staff officially welcomed the largest and most diverse incoming freshman class in the university’s history. The incoming undergraduate class—combined freshmen and transfers—also reached an all-time high for George Mason.

Professor Michael "Doc Nix" Nickens takes a selfie during Friday's Convocation in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Photo by Office of University Branding

“You’ll learn how to talk to people who see the world differently,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington, whose remarks kicked off New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena on Friday. “You learn more by engaging with those who disagree…. Listening doesn't commit you to agreeing.”

This incoming class is notable for several reasons:

Largest incoming undergraduate class at more than 7,600 students
Largest freshman class, with more than 4,600 new first-year students
Most diverse freshman class—driven by growth in Hispanic and African American students
Most academically talented first-year class, with 1.5% more students with GPAs greater than 3.5 compared with fall of 2023
A three-year high for new transfer students—an increase of 4% over last fall
Almost 400 students enter from the high schools the university has targeted for direct admissions
Students in the university’s ADVANCE Program partnership with Northern Virginia Community College make up 16% of all new transfer students, up 2% from last year

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Student body president Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta, an international and first-generation student from Colombia, acknowledged the hard work required to earn a George Mason degree but told the newcomers at convocation that it will be a “euphoric, transformative, and deeply enlightening” experience.

“We start by jumping in the deep end by putting yourself in rooms that spark constructive discomfort, that challenge you and enable you to challenge others by speaking up in classes,” Cuesta said. “We collectively enrich our understanding and strengthen our ability to thrive in a world made by difference. Everywhere you go together, we create a more empathetic community.”

Incoming students are encouraged to engage faculty, academic advisors and success coaches, and also to use career services supports and mental health resources for when they feel like they need assistance.

“Talk with any staff member or faculty member. Talk with each other, whomever you're comfortable with,” Vice President Rose Pascarell of University Life said. “We'll get you to the right place, the right person, the right website, the right conversation. Patriots thrive together, and this is your community now.”

To close out the event, Doc Nix and the Green Machine gave new students a crash course on the university fight song, with an assist from a few of the university’s basketball coaches.

Join the Mason Nation

Topics

Students

Welcome2Mason

New Student Convocation

Strategic Direction

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:11:16 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory Lauren Reuscher Thu, 08/15/2024 - 12:11

Parking and traffic closures will occur on the Fairfax Campus from Wednesday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 25, to facilitate the move-in of nearly 6,000 residential students.

Key units across the university work together to make the move-in experience as efficient as possible. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we welcome the newest Patriots to campus.

Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck. Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in.

Refer to the Fairfax Campus map for parking lot and road locations.

For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu. Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousin g on X for updates.

Parking Closures and Impacts

Lots J and K will be used by students and families checking in for move-in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center and for post move-in parking.
Rappahannock Deck: General permit area on Levels 1–3 (including faculty/staff general area on Level 3) will be closed to all but move-in traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 25, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. From Tuesday, Aug. 20, through Saturday, Aug. 24, Levels 1–3 will be closed overnight at 11 p.m. Any vehicles left on these levels after 11 p.m. will be ticketed and towed.
- Rappahannock Deck reserved permit holders may park on reserved Levels 3–5.
- General faculty/staff permit holders may park only on the rooftop level from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 25.
- Student General permit holders should use other General parking areas, such as Lots A, C, L, and K.
- The reserved levels will only be accessible via the University Drive entrance on Level 2. The Patriot Circle permit entrance and exit will be closed. The reserved level gates will be open to accommodate families and students moving into the residence halls.
Lot I: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m.
Lot R: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m.
Short-Term Lots: Washington Lot near Presidents Park (off Shenandoah River Lane) will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. The short term parking lot by Eastern Shore will only be available to move-in traffic with disabled permits from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m.
Merten Lot will be used for oversized vehicles for move-in that cannot fit inside Rappahannock Deck.

Traffic Closures and Impacts

New resident students will be required to check in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center on Aug. 21–22. Expect heavy traffic on Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, and on Patriot Circle around Lots J and K.
Global Lane between Mason Pond Drive and Lot K (in front of the Global Center) will be closed to all traffic except disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 24.
Expect heavy traffic approaching the housing move-in areas around Rappahannock Deck and Presidents Park.
Patriot Circle will be closed in front of Rappahannock Parking Deck from Wednesday, Aug. 21, until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. Access the visitor section of the deck via Rappahannock River Lane and Patriot Circle.
Patriot Circle eastbound will be closed at George Mason Boulevard from Wednesday, Aug. 21, until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.
University Drive: Expect heavy traffic between George Mason Boulevard and Rappahannock Deck.
Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic except commercial deliveries and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.
Rivanna River Lane will be closed to all but service and delivery vehicles and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.

Additionally, from Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 p m. until Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7 a.m., the portion of Lot A in front of EagleBank Arena will be closed for New Student Convocation.

Topics

Campus Notice

Fairfax Campus Notice

Campus Improvements (Construction)

Construction

Housing and Residence Life

Welcome2Mason

Faculty and Staff News

Seven move-in tips for incoming and returning Patriots

Mariam Aburdeineh — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:44:06 +0000

Seven move-in tips for incoming and returning Patriots Mariam Aburdeineh Sun, 08/14/2022 - 22:44

Moving to college is an exciting time, full of mixed emotions. It will certainly be one of the most memorable days of your college career and perhaps your life. ��AV’s Housing and Residence Life staff have put together a few pointers to set your expectations and help you understand the move-in process.

1. Stick to Your Assigned Move-In Schedule

Avoid the temptation to come early and stick to your assigned move-in day/time. As you can imagine, lots of students will be checking in. All students are assigned a move-in date, time, and residence hall entry point. Check your Mason email (or the email listed on your Housing application) to ensure you have the right schedule for your move-in. Move-in times are also posted here.

2. Clearly Label EVERYTHING, and Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Accessible

Label the boxes with your name, hall, and room number. It makes it easier for our move-in volunteers—the Move Crew—to help you bring things up to your room. Please read the Mason Housing move-in packing list so that you are familiar with what to bring and what to leave behind. Clorox wipes, paper towels, hand soap, anything you need right off—make sure this is packed at the top of your list. Keep a box marked “Unpack First,” and have all your necessities there.

Move Crew at Freshman Move-In. Photo by Evan Cantwell / Office of University Branding.

3. Check Out the Move-In Guide

What does the check-in process look like? Where do I get my Mason ID card from? What about COVID regulations? Where do I park? How do I use the TV? Is there a laundry room? All these questions and more are answered in this step-by-step Move-In Guide. So take time to read it thoroughly.

4. Move Crew Is Here to Help You

The Move Crew is a team of student volunteers who welcome our new and returning students and their families, help unload, carry your items, and enjoy the energy that comes with move-in day. Please let them assist you—they are there to make you feel at home.

If you feel more comfortable moving your own items in, Green Bins are available and can be picked up near your assigned building to avoid multiple trips back and forth. Green Bins will be available at the Rappahannock Parking Deck, Ángel Cabrera Global Center, Liberty Square, and Potomac Heights.

5. Be Open to New Experiences!

Looking for a way to make friends this fall? Preamble is a series of campus events during move-in for incoming Patriots to enjoy and to learn more about the Mason campus! Also check out the Mason 360 App for ways to meet other students. Look at Mason Events.

Freshmen Move-In. Photo by Evan Cantwell / Office of University Branding.

6. You’re Not Alone

Mason Housing staff are there for you 24/7. When in need, contact one of our desk teams for any issues—they will connect you to the correct staff if you don’t know where to go.

7. Read Your Emails and Newsletters—and Follow Us on Social Media

To stay informed with the latest move-in information, processes and deadline dates, follow us on social media, check your emails regularly, and ask our staff any questions you may have. And take responsibility to share information with your roommates.