Author: Rebecca McCrory

Finding a job on campus is an important part of the first weeks of the semester, but can also be something that brings you and your student stress. At University Career Services, we want to help make your students’ job search as simple as possible by sharing a few important resources.

Hire Mason
If your student is interested in working on campus, one of the best and easiest things you can do to help is to refer him or her to HireMason. HireMason is our exclusive database that hosts a variety of positions, including on-campus jobs and research opportunities. By the first day of classes, your student will automatically receive a HireMason account. At that point, all your student needs to do is log in and create a profile to begin searching for on-campus employment opportunities.

Another helpful tool is the University’s human resource webpage, which lists job opportunities available on campus.

On-Campus Job Fair
Each fall, University Career Services hosts its annual On-Campus Jobs Fair. This job fair is another great way for your student to connect with employers from various departments within the University! This year’s fair will be on August 31 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Dewberry Hall.

Helpful Hints and Advice
In addition to a variety of campus resources, you can also be a great help to your student by helping him or her answer questions and providing advice on how to navigate the job search. A few important topics you can share with your student include:

1. Listen to your student’s career interests and try to be supportive as they may change throughout your student’s academic career.
2. Talk with your student about your industry, employer and job.
3. Share with your student which of their strengths, values and traits you most admire.
4. Provide personal referrals for your student to have career conversations or shadow contacts in your network.
5. Encourage your student to make an appointment with University Career Services early on in their time at Mason!

We hope this helps you and your student navigate the on-campus job search! If you have additional questions, you can visit our website or reach out to us by email at careers@gmu.edu or phone at 703-993-2370.

Carolyn Kleiman
Career Counselor
University Career Services

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- askpafc@gmu.edu

Last year we launched the askpafc@gmu.edu 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 askpafc@gmu.edu 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