Category: Mason Family Flash

On April 26-27, 2014, we are inviting Mason siblings ages 6 – 18 to campus to join us for Mason’s third annual Siblings Weekend. Mason students are encouraged to invite their sibling(s) to stay with them and experience what life is like at Mason.  Registration is available until April 18 at 5 p.m. (EST) at masonfamily.gmu.edu.  If your student is still unsure if they are inviting their sibling(s) to Siblings Weekend, encourage them to check out five reasons why they won’t want to miss out on the fun:

1. The schedule is full of exciting activities designed with Mason students and siblings in mind
   Siblings Weekend is full of exciting activities such as a scavenger hunt, science lab experiment, video games, fun water games in the pool, movie night, and much more! To view the full schedule, visit masonfamily.gmu.edu.
2. Siblings ages 12-18 are invited to stay overnight in their student’s residence hall
   Siblings between the ages of 12 and 18 are allowed to stay overnight with their Mason student in the residence hall on Saturday, April 26!  For siblings ages 6-11, we encourage families to arrange alternative overnight accommodations.  Orientation and Family Programs and Services is pleased to offer discounted accommodations at Courtyard Marriott Fairfax Fair Oaks for Siblings Weekend. Click here for more information and to book your room.
3. Free entrance to all athletic events
   Siblings Weekend wristbands will grant your Mason student and their sibling entrance into any Mason sporting event on our schedule!
4. Meals are on us!
   As part of the registration fee all of the meals including lunch and dinner on Saturday and brunch on Sunday are covered for siblings.  Additionally, we encourage all family members to join us Sunday, April 27 for brunch in Southside!  Family members, excluding siblings, will be charged $9.50 to attend the brunch.
5. Quality bonding time
   This is a great opportunity for siblings to experience what life at Mason is like and for siblings to spend valuable time with their Mason student.

For information about event details, registration and restrictions, please click here.

For weekly updates about Siblings Weekend, “like” the George Mason Family Association on Facebook!

Rebecca Kurihine
Graduate Assistant
Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services

“Work hard, play hard!” is often a saying heard on college campuses, especially during the period leading up to the spring break holiday. For college students across the nation, the spring break tradition promises hard-earned fun and relaxation away from the stressful demands of school.  Most students use this time to relax and recharge for the rest of the spring semester.

However, for some students the “work hard, play hard” slogan can also represent a time of high-risk behavior.  As students anticipate the mid-semester break, now is the time for you to speak openly and honestly with your students about the facts surrounding high-risk behavior.  With raised awareness and increased knowledge, your student has the power to prevent serious and harmful repercussions.  Utilize the tips for families below to help prevent high-risk behavior during the spring break holiday:

• Start the conversation: Having a discussion around sensitive topics can be difficult.  Approach your student – show him or her that you are supportive and can be trusted.  Students are most receptive when families use a non-judgmental tone and ask questions that encourage reflection on his or her choices (e.g. the question “What’s your plan for getting to and from your destinations?” may be more effective than the statement “Make sure you have a designated driver.”)  Bring up some of the risks your student may encounter while on his or her trip and ways to be safe.
• Make a plan together: Your student may feel they will need your assistance over spring break and it is important to discuss what those situations may be.  For example, set up an emergency plan.  Exchange contact information of people, resources and locations where your student will be visiting so there is no problem contacting each other.  Discuss the open line of communication between you and your student and consider a schedule of calls and texts while your student is on break.
• Explore WAVES as a resource: Wellness, Alcohol and Violence Education and Services staff is available to consult with any member of the Mason community about alcohol or drugs issues, sexual health, nutrition, stress management, or interpersonal violence issues such as stalking, intimate partner violence or sexual assault.  To find out more about WAVES and if it is the right resource for your student, visit waves.gmu.edu.  Each year, WAVES hosts Safe Spring Break Awareness Week, a variety programs with different campus offices the week before spring break.  We focus on giving students the tools to make the most of their well-deserved break by relaxing in a safe and healthy manner.  Recommend the week to your students and find out more on our website!

When discussing a safe spring break with your student, consider the tips below in order to encourage choices that will keep him or her healthy and ensure a fun and safe time:

• Travel safety:  Encourage your student to research the laws and environment of the spring break destination.  Also, remember it’s not all about the destination, suggest using caution on the transportation to and from destinations.
• Alcohol safety:  There are many ways to be safe around alcohol.  Talk with your student about not drinking too much, slowing down, eating something, avoiding drinking games, and having a designated non-drinker.
• Sexual health safety:  Discuss the benefits and risks involved with sexual activity.  Know the facts about forms of protection and sexually transmitted infections. Help your student decide what types of birth control or options are right for him or her.
• Relationship safety:  During this break many are traveling or meeting up with groups of friends and partners.  Assist your student in understanding consent, effective communication, and boundaries.

Spring breakers need not place themselves at risk to have fun.  Making smart choices can go a long way toward enjoying a well deserved get-away with friends while simultaneously being safe.  For additional information, contact Mason’s Wellness, Alcohol and Violence Education and Services Office.

Mary Ann Sprouse, Director
Kathryn Walker, Coordinator for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Education
WAVES – Wellness, Alcohol and Violence Education and Services

March 1:	FAFSA priority filing deadline
March 1:	Immunization record deadline
March 1:	Siblings Weekend registration opens at masonfamily.gmu.edu
March 5, 7 p.m.:	Family Webinar – Understanding the Academic Advising Process
March 10 – 14:	Spring Break
March 10:	Summer 2014 class registration begins

Calling all siblings! For over a decade, the Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services (OFPS) has hosted our annual Family Weekend celebration.  In 2012, OFPS started a new tradition of hosting a weekend for a special population of the Mason community – siblings! On April 26-27, 2014, we are again inviting Mason siblings ages 6 – 18 back to campus to join us for Mason’s third annual Siblings Weekend.

During the weekend Mason students are encouraged to invite their siblings to stay with them and experience what life is like at Mason. Saturday, April 26 will be a day full of exciting activities such as a scavenger hunt, service event, movie night, and much more! Siblings ages 12-18 are invited to stay overnight in their student’s residence hall Saturday night.  For siblings ages 6-11, we encourage families to arrange alternative overnight accommodations.  All family members are then invited to join us Sunday, April 27 for brunch in Southside!  Family members over the age of 10 not registered as Siblings Weekend participants will be charged $9.50 plus tax to attend the brunch.  All family members under the age of 10 are free.

This is a great opportunity for siblings to experience what life at Mason is like and for siblings to spend valuable time with their Mason student.  As the Mason community continues to grow, we are looking forward to seeing even more faces on campus!

For information about event details, registration and restrictions, please click here.

For the most up-to-date information about Siblings Weekend, “like” the George Mason Family Association on Facebook!

Rebecca Kurihine
Graduate Assistant
Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services