We are less than 40 days from Family Weekend 2018 and less than 30 days until online registration closes on Sunday, October 28! All family members must purchase a $5 Family Weekend access pass to attend the weekend’s events. Access passes are free for Mason students! This pass allows you to join in on the fun that is Family Weekend and grants you entrance into the more than 50 events that do not require special event tickets. Check out some of the free events below:
All Weekend
Free Play at Corner Pocket
The Hub, Corner Pocket
Enjoy free billiards, table tennis, video games, air hockey, foosball, and more!
Recreation Open House
Use Mason’s state-of-the-art recreation facilities on the Fairfax campus – the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC), Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC), and Skyline!
Friday, November 9
What’s Buzzing at Mason?
Noon-2 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Lobby
German Perilla, Director of the Honey Bee Initiative at the School of Business and College of Science, will host a honey tasting and exhibition showcasing the Mason honey bee program. Come see what all the buzz is about!
Photo Booth
Noon-6:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Lobby
We know you’ll want to remember this weekend, so stop by our photo booth to capture the moment with your family in front of some unique Mason backdrops!
True or False? Uncovering Fake News
2-3 p.m., Johnson Center, Gold Room
Join the Mason Libraries for a fun, family-friendly workshop on identifying fake news. This interactive session addresses the many faces of news today from the slightly misleading to the biased to the truly outrageous.
Academic Receptions
3:30-5 p.m., Various campus locations
You are invited to stop by to mingle with Mason faculty and staff from the following academic Colleges and Schools:
- Center for Academic Advising, Retention, and Transitions
- College of Health and Human Services
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Science
- Schar School of Policy and Government
- School of Business
- School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- Volgenau School of Engineering
Patriot Tech Open Game Play
4-6 p.m., Johnson Center, Patriot Tech Store
Join other Mason students and families in video game open play! Multiple games on XBox 1, PS4 and a raspberry pie gaming unit will be available. Snacks and board games will also be available.
Patriots Unplugged
9 p.m., Johnson Center, Bistro
It’s open mic night! Our talented Mason Patriots will showcase their skills in improv, spoken word, voice and more. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, November 10
Mason Families Give Back
10 a.m.-Noon, Johnson Center, 1st Floor Atrium
Join fellow Mason students and families for various service projects – stay for the entire time or drop in to help these great causes! We will make animal chew toys for rescue animals in foster care at Operation Paws for Homes. We also encourage you to bring items for the Patriot Pantry or contribute monetarily to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund.
Faculty Spotlight: Inside the Real Criminal Minds
1-2:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Cinema
Ever wonder what goes on inside the real criminal minds? Come listen to Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole, Director of the Forensic Science program, share her experience as one of the FBI’s most senior and accomplished profilers. During her career, she worked on many high-profile cases, including the Elizabeth Smart abduction, the Unabomber case, the Green River Killer, and the Natalee Holloway investigation.
Little Patriots Lounge
1-4 p.m., Johnson Center, Bistro
Calling all future Mason Patriots! Mason students can bring their siblings, cousins and friends to enjoy crafts, Wii games, giveaways, and more! Feel free to drop Little Patriots off here and explore other programming like our Faculty Spotlights!
Regatta de Cardboard
1:30-3:30 p.m., Aquatic and Fitness Center, Competition Pool
Want to prove yourself to be the best on the water? Put your sailing skills to the test in the Regatta de Cardboard! Participants will create sea-worthy vessels out of only cardboard and duct tape, and then race across the AFC competition pool.
Play the Patriot Way
2-4 p.m., Skyline
Play the Patriot way and join us for an afternoon of interactive games and activities, including corn hole, four square, and giant jenga!
Do you need to make accommodations? We have partnered with our friends at Marriott to offer a variety of discounts at local hotels that we encourage your family to take advantage of as you plan for Family Weekend:
- Courtyard Fairfax Fair Oaks: Book by October 15
- Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks: Book by October 18
- Residence Inn Fairfax City: Book by October 18
- Springhill Suites Fairfax Fair Oaks: Book by October 25
Check out our full schedule of events for the weekend! Visit masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu and download our schedule app at familyweekend2018.sched.com to create your custom schedule. To reserve your family’s spot, create a Family Weekend account or log back in at https://secure.visualzen.com/vzfamilyweekend/gmu/.
Questions about Family Weekend? Call (703) 993-2475 or email families@gmu.edu.
Rebecca Stauffacher
Assistant Director of Family Programs
New Student and Family Programs