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Mason Family Flash

Send your student a care package


Whether your student is away from home for the first time or they returned to Mason for another year, it is always a welcome surprise to receive a gift from home. There are multiple ways to stay connected to your student, including sending them a care package!

We are excited to partner with Campus Survival Kits again this year to offer you top-quality, Mason-themed care packages delivered directly to your student. You may choose from multiple kits that include a hand-packed selection of snacks, a personalized, handwritten note to your student, and topped with green and gold packing material. Kits are delivered to your student’s on-campus mailbox or off-campus housing in 24-48 hours (Monday-Friday).

Additionally, Campus Survival Kits is offers subscription plans to ensure that your student is set for the entire year. Care packages are sent out on pre-determined dates and arrive directly to your student. To view the pricing and delivery options offered by Campus Survival Kits, visit their website at www.campussurvivalkits.com.

Are you coming to Family Weekend? From Noon-5 p.m. on Friday, November 9 in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Lobby, you can create a custom care package during our Create-Your-Own Care Package Pop-Up Shop with Campus Survival Kits! All of the custom care packages will be delivered shortly after Family Weekend. Choose from a variety of snacks and fun items that are sure to evoke a smile and help your student through the end of the semester. Cash, check and credit card will be accepted on site.

Rebecca Stauffacher
Assistant Director of Family Programs
New Student and Family Programs

Categories
Mason Family Flash

Career development opportunities for your student


A full house of employers is expected for the 2018 Fall Career Fair on October 3-4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Dewberry Hall of the Johnson Center. Employer and student attendance at our fairs are at record levels! Encourage your student to take advantage of networking with more than 200 employers.

A range of national, regional and local employers are expected, including Accenture, General Dynamics, Freddie Mac, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen and other major employers from around the Northern Virginia area. Many federal and local government agencies are also registered, including the NSA, Defense, Homeland Security, Patent and Trademark Office and several branches of local county governments.  Nonprofits, including several prominent think tanks and charities from around the D.C. region are well represented among the employers attending.

Although the focus of the first day is Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and the second day is Business, Public Service and Nonprofit, many employers are hiring for a range of positions, so it is important for students to attend both days.

All students, from freshmen to seniors and recent graduates, are encouraged to attend the fair. Attendees can expect to be exposed to various career options and learn about the hiring needs of employers in their industry of interest. At the fair, many employers promote their online application tools, while some accept resumes and a few conduct screening interviews.

How can you help your student perform a self-evaluation before meeting employers? Here are our top tips for parents and family members:

  • Encourage your student to attend a preparation event before the Career Fair to practice speaking with employers and to have their resume reviewed. View the events calendar: careers.gmu.edu/events
  • Suggest they attend the Career Fair professionally dressed to make a strong first impression. Learn more about preparation: pinterest.com/masoncareer/workwear-business-professional-interviewing-attire
  • Students are invited to JC Penney at the Fair Oaks Mall from 7-10 p.m. on Sunday, September 30 for nearly 70% off all professional dress! Encourage your student to stock up on business casual essentials and suits. JC Penney is opening especially for Mason students, faculty, staff and alumni. There will be prizes! Find out more: facebook.com/events/487141928398467
  • Ask your student to research 6-8 companies before attending the fair. Employers do not like being asked what they do! They expect students to know this information. The list of participating employers is available within your student’s Handshake account, which can be accessed by clicking on the Handshake button on the top right of careers.gmu.edu.

Finally, we are here to prepare and connect career-ready students for post-graduate success. Make sure your student is making the most of this excellent Mason resource by using it early and often!

Bernadette Davey
Career Fair Manager
University Career Services

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Mason Family Flash

How can your student join a fraternity or sorority?


Has your student expressed interest in learning more about Fraternity and Sorority Life at Mason? If so, you may have questions about what types of organizations comprise the Mason Greek community. Fraternity and Sorority Life has been a dynamic part of the Mason community and student life since its inception. Beginning with two fraternities and one sorority, our community has grown to include four councils that are comprised of 41 Greek letter organizations with a diverse population of more than 1,800 students.

The fraternity and sorority community at Mason prides itself on teaching the pillars of leadership, service, philanthropy, friendship and scholarship. Last year, our members reported over 7,000 hours of service and were afforded the opportunity to participate in an alternative spring break trip. In addition, Mason fraternity and sorority members participate in and host a variety of activities that directly reflect our core values. Our students are leaders across campus in various roles including Student Government, Resident Assistants, Patriot Leaders and officers in more than 400 student organizations.

Membership in a fraternity or sorority organization is based on scholarship, leadership and community service. Fraternities and sororities host membership recruitment events and information sessions during the fall semester, which provide students with an opportunity to explore the organizations and get to know the members.

If your student is looking for a well-rounded collegiate experience, encourage them to consider membership in our fraternities and sororities! For more information about which Fraternity and Sorority Life organizations are currently active at Mason and to find out how your student can join, visit si.gmu.edu/greek.

Phil McDaniel
Associate Director
Student Involvement

Categories
Mason Family Flash

Talk to your student about making healthy choices


Although your student may be away from home now, you can still encourage them to make healthy and responsible choices around alcohol and drugs.

Talking with your student about alcohol is not as difficult as you may think. Try using a non-judgmental tone to ask questions to help your student reflect on their choices. For example, “What’s your plan for getting to and from the party?” versus “Make sure you have a designated driver.” Or “What happens to students if they are caught drinking?” versus “You know you will get into a lot of trouble if you are caught.” You may find that your student is more receptive to engaging in this type of conversation when using this approach.

As you may have experienced, “lectures” tend to shut down communication with your student. Use open-ended questions that help your student think and problem-solve out loud about how they plan to handle situations regarding alcohol at college.

Some conversation-starters include:

While most students drink responsibly, high-risk drinking is an alarming problem on college campuses. Parents and family members can help especially during those critical first weeks. Here are some resources with information and talking points for starting a family discussion about college drinking:

 Other ideas to consider:

  • Encourage your student to research the impact of alcohol on the body and one’s overall wellbeing.
  • Acknowledge your student’s rights and responsibilities to make decisions and also point out the consequences associated with those decisions (including family, university, financial and legal consequences)
  • Inform your student of any family history of substance abuse and, if so, the associated risk for developing substance-related problems.
  • Ask your student about their goals and suggest he or she reflect on how choices can impact those goals.
  • Be selective about sharing your own past substance use. The “wild and crazy” stories tend to glamorize drinking and may end up encouraging your student to continue the “family tradition” of partying hard.
  • If you have a concern, let your student know explicitly and directly, “I am concerned about your alcohol and/or drug use.” You can also encourage your student to consult a health professional and/or campus resources like the Student Support and Advocacy Center and Student Health Services to discuss further.

We encourage you to talk with your student about healthy relationships, drug and alcohol use, and sexual health. For more information on resources provided to students and families, visit ssac.gmu.edu or contact the Student Support and Advocacy Center at (703) 993-3686.

Kathryn Walker
Assistant Director
Student Support and Advocacy Center