Campus Improvements (Construction)

Campus Notice: Parking and transportation guidance for the fall semester

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:59:15 +0000

Campus Notice: Parking and transportation guidance for the fall semester Lauren Reuscher Thu, 08/22/2024 - 12:59

As the fall 2024 semester starts, George Mason students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. The following campus parking and transportation guide will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.

During the first few weeks of the semester, we suggest allowing an extra 30 minutes to arrive on campus. Though some parking spaces are more convenient to your destination than others, the Fairfax Campus has more than enough spaces to accommodate all vehicles. However, many general parking permit areas fill at peak class times. Lots L and K are usually the last to fill and the best places to look if arriving to campus after 10 a.m. with a general permit.

Parking Permit and Visitor Parking
A valid parking permit (virtual or hangtag) is required to park outside visitor areas. Those without permits should use visitor parking in the garages or in various lots with daily parking options. Virtual parking permits are sold online only at parking.gmu.edu. Permits are sold with daily, weekly, monthly, and semester options.

Traffic Supervision
At times during the morning, late afternoon, and early evenings, campus police cadets will direct traffic around campus. Please be alert and follow the cadets’ directions.

Share the Road
Please be mindful of sharing the road safely with an increased number of pedestrians and vehicles, including scooters, motorcycles, bikes, cars and trucks. Get more tips on safely sharing the road on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Please never park or leave a scooter or bike on any sidewalk or blocking any pathway.

Event Parking Impacts
Campus Drive between Global Lane and Patriot Circle will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 6–11 p.m. for the IVth Night event at the RAC Field. Follow detour signs.

Shuttle Service
Check the Mason Shuttles webpage for fall semester schedules. Early in the semester, allow extra time to catch your shuttle, as buses may be full at peak times.

Mason IDs are required; no guest riders are permitted until further notice.
Every bus is outfitted with a bike rack, ADA accommodations, and Wi-Fi.
Shuttle Tracker: Get real-time arrival info for Mason Shuttles and local public transportation. Download the RideSystems app from Google Play or the App Store.

Sandy Creek–Vienna Metro Shuttle—Runs between Fairfax Campus and Vienna Metro Station with buses every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Friday, increasing to every 20 minutes from 4–11 p.m., and limited service on weekends from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Fairfax–Science and Technology Campus Shuttle—Connects Fairfax Campus with the SciTech Campus, operating Monday–Thursday from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with departures every 30–40 minutes and Fridays with departures every 70 minutes. Weekend service is every two hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Gunston Go-Bus—Provides service between various locations including the RAC, Sandy Creek Transit Center, and Fair Oaks Mall, among others.

Fairfax/Mason Square (Arlington) Shuttle—Operates between Sandy Creek Transit Center and Van Metre/Hazel Hall, with hourly service Monday–Thursday from 7:15 a.m. to 11:05 p.m. and limited Friday service; no weekend service.

West Campus Shuttle—Runs between West Campus Parking Lot and Presidents Park, with service every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday–Friday, and every 40 minutes thereafter. No weekend service; use the On-Demand Shuttle instead.

On-Demand Shuttles (weekends only)—Offers shared-ride service with designated pick-up and drop-off points focused around the Fairfax Campus; does not serve Mason Square or the SciTech Campus.

Fairfax City CUE Bus—Students and employees can ride any of the four Fairfax City CUE routes to and from the Rappahannock River Lane stop. The CUE bus travels throughout Fairfax City and to the Vienna Metro stop for free.

If you have any questions, reach out to shuttle@gmu.edu or by phone at 703-993-2828. Follow @MasonShuttles on X.

Virtual Permits
Your license plate will serve as your parking permit. No more hangtags. It is important that your vehicle is associated with your permit, not just your parking account. Read step-by-step instructions on how to assign your license plate to your permit here.

To remove vehicles that you no longer use, own, or possess, complete the Vehicle Deactivation Request form to remove the vehicles from your parking portal.

Short-Term Parking
Students, faculty, and staff who do not require parking on campus regularly may want to consider daily, weekly, and monthly options:

Parking garage visitor parking: $5-19 daily
Lots L/K: $11.50/day
Lot P (Field House): $8.50/day
West Campus Lot/Rapidan River Road: $5.50/day
General Lot Evening (valid after 4 p.m.): $8.50/day
SciTech Campus Daily: $8.50/day
Lots L/K Weekly: $35
Lots L/K Monthly: $85

Daily permits are available online at parking.gmu.edu. You can purchase them in advance on the parking portal or via ParkMobile when you arrive. Pay stations are available near the exits of parking garages and decks and in Lot P only. They accept Mason Money, MasterCard, Visa, prepaid validations, and cash.

Science and Technology (SciTech) Campus Parking

Fairfax–SciTech General, Lot I, Lot J, Lot R, and reserved parking deck permits are valid in the Occoquan, King, Discovery, Hylton, and Tower parking lots at the SciTech Campus. Please follow signage in these lots, as parking spaces may be designated for various uses or permits.
The Shops parking lot in front of Beacon Hall has faculty/staff, event permit, and 30-minute parking on the northwest side. The southeast side of the lot (left side facing the building) is for retail parking only.
At the SciTech Campus, daily parking permits are available online for $8.50/day, or via ParkMobile at $2 for the first hour and an additional $1 per hour, to the $8.50 daily maximum.

Mason Square Parking (Arlington)
You must work or be attending class at Mason Square to be eligible to purchase a Mason Square parking permit. Access cards are needed for both the Van Metre and Vernon Smith garages. Hourly visitor parking is only available in the Van Metre Garage. For more information, go to the Mason Square parking webpage.

Please use caution when approaching both garages with the ongoing construction of the new Fuse building.

Fairfax–SciTech Campus permits are not valid at Mason Square without authorization from Parking Services.
In Vernon Smith Garage, Mason Square general permit faculty/staff and student parking is available on levels B3–P1 and on level B4 after 6 p.m.
- There is no guarantee of space in the general permit parking area.
- Please pay careful attention to signage, as some spaces are designated for retail use only.

Alternative Transportation Options

Bicycling
As a recognized bicycle-friendly university, George Mason has more than 1,400 bicycle parking spaces around the Fairfax Campus, as well as plenty of bike racks at the regional campuses. Go to bike.gmu.edu for more information.

Covered bike parking is available under shelters around campus and on Levels 1 and 2 of Rappahannock River Deck.
George Mason’s bicycle registration program offers registrants free bike locks and bike lights.
The Patriot Bikes check-out program is available at the RAC and the Aquatic and Fitness Center.
There is a dismount zone between the East Building and Enterprise Hall. Golf carts are not permitted in the dismount zone, and those using bikes, scooters, skateboards, or skates must dismount and walk. This is for everyone’s safety.

Carpooling Options
Students and employees may qualify for a 20–40% rebate on their reserved parking permits by carpooling. Go to the carpool/vanpool page for more information.

The Carpool Zones provide designated locations for share riders to drop off between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., Monday–Friday. To park in a carpool zone, you must have at least two people in the car, including the driver, and a general student or faculty/staff parking permit.

Lot A Carpool Zone: Accessed off of Mattaponi River Lane
Rappahannock River Deck Carpool Zone: The first level of the Rappahannock River Deck General permit area

MasonCommutes: Find carpool partners or a bike or transit buddy within the Mason community. Propose a trip or request rides on Mason Commutes, the go-to place for Mason ridesharing.

Sign up with your Mason Net ID and password on MasonCommutes.
Carpooling can be a great way to save money and to reduce Mason’s carbon footprint.

Electric Scooter Parking
Electric personal scooters and shared mobility scooters do not require a permit. They must be parked at a designated scooter corral parking area located around campus or at or adjacent to a bike rack. Get more information.

Please remember that electric bikes, scooters, and other electric personal transportation devices cannot be brought indoors at George Mason.

Zipcar
Zipcars on the first level of the Rappahannock Deck and in Lot R and are available for rental by the hour. Get more information and sign up for George Mason discounts for Zipcar.

Contact Us

Website: Transportation website | Office Hours and Locations

Email:
Parking: transpo@gmu.edu or parking@gmu.edu
Shuttle: shuttle@gmu.edu

Follow Mason Parking and Transportation on Facebook, X (@MasonParking and @MasonShuttles), and Instagram.

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Faculty and Staff News

Around Mason (E-Files)

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

Fairfax Campus Notice

Housing and Residence Life

Welcome2Mason

Faculty and Staff News

Fairfax Campus Notice: Section of Patriot Circle Closed July 22–28

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:59:15 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Section of Patriot Circle Closed July 22–28 Lauren Reuscher Thu, 07/18/2024 - 09:59

A section of Patriot Circle between Campus Drive and Aquia Creek Lane will be closed from Monday, July 22, through Sunday, July 28, so a culvert can be installed to address flooding issues along that part of the road and in Lot I. The sidewalk along this section of Patriot Circle will also be closed.

Those entering campus from Campus Drive will be forced to turn right onto Patriot Circle toward Mason Pond Drive. Those entering campus from University Drive and Aquia Creek Lane will be forced to turn left onto Patriot Circle toward George Mason Boulevard, or to go straight on Aquia Creek Lane toward Mason Pond Deck.

As a reminder, Lot I is still closed for repairs through August 12.

View the Fairfax Campus map for location details. Please pay attention to signage and use caution. For questions about this project, contact parking@gmu.edu. For questions related to accessibility, contact the ADA Office at ada@gmu.edu.

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Fairfax Campus Notice

Faculty and Staff News

Virtual townhall for updates on West Campus

Melanie Balog — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:18:04 +0000

Virtual townhall for updates on West Campus Melanie Balog Mon, 01/22/2024 - 14:18

��AV will host a virtual townhall on Monday, January 29, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to present a West Campus update for community feedback, comments, and questions.

The update will include members of the Washington Freedom and details on a proposed temporary stadium that would bring cricket, the second-most watched sport in the world, to the region, strengthen the local economy, and improve the university’s baseball program facilities.

Attendees can use the following link and do not need to pre-register to attend the virtual discussion. Please enter the Zoom meeting with your video off and mics muted. Questions and comments will be shared through the Chat feature. Zoom link.

This Zoom meeting can accommodate up to 1,000 attendees and will be recorded and posted to construction.gmu.edu.

Stream restoration on Fairfax Campus will create scenic pathway

Colleen Rich — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:15:48 +0000

Stream restoration on Fairfax Campus will create scenic pathway Colleen Rich Mon, 08/01/2022 - 12:15

Map showing the restoration project. Photo provided by Mason Facilities

Work has begun on the “Necklace Phase One and Stream Restoration” project on ��AV’s Fairfax Campus, Mason Facilities announced.

The project includes the restoration of the main stream channel, as well as adjacent tributaries, beginning at the southwestern corner of the Patriot Circle/Aquia Creek Lane intersection and finishing at the northern end of Mason Pond.

It represents the next phase in Mason’s Master Plan, which is the framework that guides decisions concerning the university’s physical environment.

Illuminated, paved and mulched pedestrian trails will be constructed in addition to the restoration. Once this project is completed in late 2022, the Mason community will be able to enjoy a curated, scenic pathway from the intersection of Patriot Circle/Aquia Creek Lane to Mason Pond Drive.

Photo provided by Mason Facilities

The restoration process will ensure that Mason continues to be in compliance with state stormwater regulations, which support the revitalization of the Chesapeake Bay, while showcasing Mason’s forward trajectory within the Master Plan. In addition to following these laws, Mason’s goal is to achieve an environmentally sound and aesthetically vitalizing stream restoration for long-term stability and enjoyment.

Natural features and techniques were utilized to develop a design that will mimic the characteristics of a stable, natural environment. Those features will also help stabilize the degraded stream. After removal of invasive foliage, a diverse mix of native vegetation and trees will be planted to reforest and help minimize erosion and improve water quality.

These new features will be a welcome addition to Mason’s nationally accredited Arboretum, which includes labeled outdoor signs on Mason’s campuses.

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Hylton Parking Lot Closure at SciTech Campus

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:42:22 +0000

Hylton Parking Lot Closure at SciTech Campus Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/13/2022 - 14:42

The Hylton Parking Lot will be closed starting Sunday, July 17, to accommodate construction activity on campus. The entire lot will be closed for the next six weeks while crews complete the following activities:

Install a new permanent entrance to the parking lot adjacent to the Hylton Center
Install fencing around the perimeter of the construction site
Prepare for construction of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building (LSEB)

Disabled parking is available in both the Discovery and Tower lots. The new entrance into the rear of the Hylton Lot should open on or around September 1. However, parking will only be permitted in the last row of parking spaces during construction of the LSEB (approximately 20–24 months).

Occupants of the Institute for Advanced Biomedical Research (IABR) should park in the Discovery Lot until the opening of the new entrance into the back of the Hylton Lot. Hylton Center occupants should park in the Tower Lot during this period.

The shuttle stop in the circle at the Hylton Center will continue to operate normally.

View the SciTech Campus map for details. Contact Colby Grant, SciTech Operations, with questions.

Topics

Parking

Parking Lot Paving and Maintenance on Fairfax Campus: July 2022

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 14:01:07 +0000

Parking Lot Paving and Maintenance on Fairfax Campus: July 2022 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 07/08/2022 - 10:01

Parking lots around ��AV's Fairfax Campus will undergo paving and repairs from July 11–30. The following schedule is subject to change, based on weather and conditions:

July 11: Fenwick Library Loading Dock and Tallwood (on Roberts Road) will be closed.
July 12: Buchanan Hall Lot and RAC Parking Lot will be closed. Disabled parking in front of the RAC will be closed, but patrons may use the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Alternate disabled parking will be located on Mason Pond Drive.
July 13–14: Finley Lot and Thompson Hall Loading Dock will be closed.
July 15: Peterson Hall Lot and Rogers Lot (in front of Subway) will be closed.
July 18–26: West Campus Lot will be closed.
July 22: Police and Safety Headquarters Lot will be closed.
July 27–30: Lot L will be closed.

View the Fairfax Campus parking map for locations. Information will be updated on the Mason Transportation website and @MasonParking on Twitter.

Contact parking@gmu.edu with questions. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as repairs are made to support the campus.

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Mason Square Traffic Signal Replacement: Washington Blvd. and Founders Way North

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:22:29 +0000

Mason Square Traffic Signal Replacement: Washington Blvd. and Founders Way North Lauren Reuscher Thu, 05/26/2022 - 09:22

Parking and traffic advisory for Mason Square (formerly the Arlington Campus):

Arlington County is replacing the traffic signal at the intersection of Washington Blvd. and Founders Way (near the Giant grocery store) on Wednesday, May 25, and Thursday, May 26.

During this work, the entrance to the Vernon Smith parking garage will remain open. Traffic control personnel will be present to direct the flow of traffic.

For questions, contact Arlington Administration at arlops@gmu.edu.

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Traffic Advisory: High School Graduations at EagleBank Arena, May 26-June 17

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 26 May 2022 13:16:41 +0000

Traffic Advisory: High School Graduations at EagleBank Arena, May 26-June 17 Lauren Reuscher Thu, 05/26/2022 - 09:16

Starting Thursday, May 26 and continuing through Friday, June 17, heavy traffic is expected on the Fairfax Campus for regional high school graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena. EagleBank will host up to three ceremonies on many days, so traffic will be entering and exiting campus from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Please allow extra travel time to and from campus. View a complete list of upcoming ceremonies.

Mason faculty, staff, and students should use the general permit area of Rappahannock River Parking Deck or the Field House parking lots to avoid delays. Shenandoah Parking Deck levels 4 and 5 will be open for limited overflow student, employee, and event parking on weekdays when graduations occur.

Follow Parking and Transportation on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Contact Parking Services at parking@gmu.edu or 703-993-2710 with questions.

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