Category: Mason Family Flash

Even though we just finished finals week and Commencement celebrations, we are already gearing up for Family Weekend which will take place October 17-19. A long-standing Mason tradition, Family Weekend is a time for families to take part in the same spirit that embraces our students on campus throughout the year. This weekend of fun-filled events gives you a glimpse into your student’s life, including a showcase of Mason’s academic excellence and the energy of our vibrant campus.

The schedule of events includes student performances, Mason Madness, a 5K run/walk, theatre performances, athletic events, and so much more! Also, be on the look out for an opportunity for your student to nominate your family for the Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year award which will be presented during Family Weekend.

Registration will open on June 1, 2014 at masonfamily.gmu.edu. Be sure to register early because several of our popular events reach capacity quickly.

Events will continue to be added 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 and “follow” us on Twitter! To see a tentative schedule of events, pricing, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website at masonfamily.gmu.edu.

We look forward to seeing you at Family Weekend in October!

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

Every year, Orientation and Family Programs and Services conducts an end of the year survey for family members in order to create a space for family members to share their feedback on the programs and services we offer.  We utilize the results of this survey to make changes in order to better serve the families of Mason students and encourage you to provide your own feedback by participating in the 2014 end of the year family survey.  Please click here to access the survey.

If you complete the survey by May 23 at 5 pm (ET), your name will be entered for a chance to win a $200 gift card to the George Mason bookstore!  Thank you in advance for assisting Orientation and Family Programs and Services as we work to grow and develop our program and services for Mason families.

Rebecca Kurihine
Graduate Assistant
Orientation and Family Programs and Services

This time of year can be extremely hectic as students cram for exams and arrange plans to leave campus for the summer.  Therefore, we have compiled information to help you and your student living on campus plan for summer break.  For additional information please visit housing.gmu.edu/moveout.

All students must move out of their on-campus housing assignment within 24 hours of their last final or by Thursday, May 15 at noon, whichever comes first.  Exceptions to this timeline include:

• Graduating seniors
• Students officially participating in Commencement (band members, volunteers, etc.)
• Students living in summer housing for summer school or internships
• Essential campus employees, Patriot Leaders and conference staff

Students seeking an exception (including those staying for the reasons listed above) must apply for an extended stay.  The extended stay application is available here (link “here” to: http://housing.gmu.edu/moveout/extended.cfm).  Graduating students must move out by May 17 at 6 p.m.  Students living on campus for the summer will move in to their summer space (with a few exceptions) on May 18.

Check-Out
Students have two options for check-out: standard check-out and after hours check-out.  With both options Housing and Residence Life staff will evaluate the condition of the room/unit and charges will be assessed to residents for damages or cleanliness issues.

Standard Check-Out
Standard check-outs occur from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.  All students will complete a standard check-out with a Resident Advisor, unless their check-out time needs to occur after hours.  During the standard check-out students will be present with the Resident Advisor during the room inspection to assess damage and cleanliness.  Students should attend their floor meetings to discuss specific check-out procedures for their neighborhood.

After Hours Check-Out
After hours check-outs are only available from 10 p.m. – 9 a.m.  If a student needs to complete their check-out process after hours they can request this process with staff.  To request an after hours process the student should set up a pre-check meeting with staff during standard check-out hours.  During the pre-check meeting the RA will go over the condition of the room, discuss any issues, and answer questions that the student may have.  Once the student is ready to check-out of his or her room, he or she will go to the neighborhood desk location to complete their check-out paperwork.  Staff will then do a final walk-through of the room and complete the room condition report during standard check-out hours.  Students who participate in an after hours check-out waive their right to appeal charges if the room/unit/common areas are found to be damaged or not sufficiently cleaned.

Parking and Loading Vehicles
Parking and loading vehicles can also be a bit hectic during move-out.  Once a student is ready to load his or her vehicle, he or she can go to the specified neighborhood location to get a loading pass.  These one-hour loading passes will allow students and families to park in designated areas for ease of move-out.  Please note that Parking and Transportation will continue to ticket vehicles that are left beyond the one-hour limit or are in a space that is not designated for move-out.

We encourage students to complete their move-out early in the morning or in the evening to avoid traffic and to have greater access to moving bins.  For additional information, please visit housing.gmu.edu/moveout.

Melissa Thierry
Assistant Director of Housing Services
Housing & Residence Life

May 6:	Makeup day for university closing on Thursday, Feb. 13
May 6:	Off Campus Housing Fair, 2 – 5 p.m.
May 7:	Makeup day for university closing on Friday, Feb. 14
May 8:	Makeup day for university closing on Monday, Mar. 3
May 9 – 14:	Final exam period
May 14-17:	Individual school and college convocations
May 17:	Commencement
May 19:	First day of classes for Summer Term A
May 26:	Memorial Day – University Closed