Author: Rebecca McCrory

Although many students are off for the summer, Orientation and Family Programs and Services is in full swing preparing to welcome new students and families to Mason! Whether you are new to the Mason Family Association, or have been a member of our network for some time, we recognize the important role you play in your student’s success and want to provide ways to connect you not only with Mason, but with one another.

Ask a Patriot Parent Email- [email protected]

Last year we launched the [email protected] email address as a new way for you to connect with a current Mason parent to ask questions that would be most helpful from a parent perspective. Members of the Mason Parent and Family Council, a group of parent volunteers, respond to each email sent to [email protected] and are excited to share their experiences with current and prospective families.

Social Media- #askpafc

In addition to connecting with a member of the Mason Parent and Family Council, we want to create an interactive opportunity for virtual conversation among Mason families. Throughout our summer orientation sessions as well as into the fall semester, we will be encouraging families to share their questions on Facebook using #askpafc! We hope this will provide a space conversation and provide everyone with the opportunity to ask questions and share helpful tips.

How it works: Using a hashtag on Facebook or Twitter allows followers to sort a page and look for common topics or themes. If you have a question you would like members of our Mason Parent and Family Council to respond to, include #askpafc and a member(s) of the Council will engage with you on Facebook. Beginning this conversation on social media will allow other Mason families to see common questions and weigh in! See below for an example:

My family is planning to attend Family Weekend in October. What was your favorite event during Family Weekend? #askpafc

We hope these tools provide you with a way to stay in touch with us, and each other, throughout the summer and semester!

Kaitlin Cicchetti
Associate Director
Orientation and Family Programs and Services

 

July 4	Independence Day (University Closed)
July 5	Summer Recess (Classes do not meet)
July 6	Final drop deadline (50% Tuition Penalty) - Summer Session C
July 27	Last Day of Classes - Summer Session D
July 28	Last Day of Classes - Summer Session C
July 28-30	Exam Period - Summer Session D
July 29-30	Exam Period - Summer Session C

Family Weekend events are designed to give your family a glimpse into your student’s life at Mason, including both on and off campus events. In order to give you a taste of some of the unique experiences that Mason’s close proximity to Washington, DC and other area attractions affords students, we have organized a number of bus tours to various DC area attractions. Whether your family is interested in visiting the National Mall; learning more about the home of our namesake, George Mason; or enjoying a hike outdoors, there is something for everyone!

DC Bus Tour
The Washington, DC bus tour is a must for those interested in sightseeing and learning more about the nation’s capital. The tour will take participants all around the monuments and special landmarks of DC and will make one stop where participants can get off the bus and explore the monuments by foot.

Gunston Hall
Gunston Hall is the home of our namesake, George Mason. Located in Lorton, VA, guests will receive a guided tour of the mansion with outbuildings, 550 acres of grounds and hiking trails to visit.

Great Falls
Great Falls is one of Northern Virginia’s most popular hiking destinations. With over 800 acres of land just 15 miles from the Nation’s Capital, the park is filled with rich history and beautiful landscapes. Families will enjoy a short hike guided by staff and students from Mason Outdoor Adventure.

If you are interested in attending one of our four bus trips, make sure to register your family early as these tours tend fill up quickly! For more information about the Family Weekend schedule of events and to register your family, visit masonfamily.gmu.edu/familyweekend.

Kaitlin Cicchetti
Associate Director
Orientation and Family Programs and Services

Registration is open for Family Weekend 2016! Mark your calendars for October 14-16 and click here to register to take part in this university-wide celebration. Family Weekend is an opportunity to attend events designed to allow families to meet one another, become familiar with university staff and administrators, and spend time with their students.

The schedule of events for Family Weekend includes student performances, beer and wine tasting, athletic events, bus tours of the surrounding area, Mason Madness, a 5K run/walk, theatre performances, and so much more! By purchasing a $5 Family Weekend Access Pass, you can enjoy the fun that is Family Weekend and gain entry to more than 30 events that do not require special event tickets. Visit our website for more information on the schedule of events and special event ticket pricing .

If you need hotel accommodations during Family Weekend you can book now at one of our four partner hotels that are offering discounts for Mason families. Rooms do fill up quickly, so we encourage you to book early if you know you are attending Family Weekend!

We will continue to add events to the Family Weekend schedule throughout the summer so stay up-to-date on our latest additions by liking the George Mason Family Association on Facebook. To see our current schedule of events, pricing, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website at masonfamily.gmu.edu.

Kaitlin Cicchetti
Associate Director
Orientation and Family Programs and Services