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As the fall semester can be a busy time for both new and returning students, Mason offers a variety of programs and events to support the entire Mason community during the transition. For new students, learning to navigate campus, making connections with peers, and understanding university resources can be overwhelming, but Mason strives to aid students during this pivotal time. The Preamble and Welcome2Mason are a few of the first experiences in the fall semester that will usher in the 2017-2018 year. Welcome2Mason events begin on August 24 and end on September 16.

The Preamble, which will take place August 24-25, is Mason’s extended orientation program geared towards welcoming and acclimating new students to the Mason community. It brings together freshman and transfer students before the start of the fall semester to officially initiate their experience at Mason.

At the conclusion of The Preamble, Welcome2Mason will commence. This is a series of programs and events held during the first three weeks of the fall semester to bring together students, faculty, and staff as we kick off the new academic year. This is a great opportunity for new students to learn about Mason traditions and create connections with their peers and campus resources.

The Get Connected Fair will be held on September 6 at the Fairfax campus and will showcase various service opportunities, academic resources, student organizations, and recreational activities. Additionally, throughout the first week of classes, “Ask Me” tents will be posted across campus to answer questions, give directions, and provide important information to new and returning students.

Nearly 200 events will be sponsored across the university’s campuses during Welcome2Mason this year, engaging approximately 15,000 Patriots. These events include academic receptions, social events, involvement fairs, spirit rallies, educational development programs, and feature free food and prizes. Encourage your student to attend any of this year’s events to meet new friends, join an organization, or simply feel more confident as they embark on their college journey.

A list of events and information can be found at welcome2mason.gmu.edu. We are excited to welcome students back to campus and look forward to the start of fall 2017! #Welcome2Mason

Rick Gray
Associate Director
Orientation and Family Programs and Services

Whether your student is going to be away from home for the first time, or returning to school for another year, receiving a gift from home is always a welcome surprise. As this semester begins, we want to remind you that there are multiple ways to stay connected to your student while they are away from home.

We are excited to partner with Campus Survival Kits again this year as they offer top-quality, Mason-themed care packages delivered directly to your student. You may choose from multiple kits that include a hand-packed selection of snacks, a personalized, hand-written note to your student and is topped off with green and gold packing material.

Additionally, Campus Survival Kits is currently offering a sale on all subscription plans to ensure that your student is set for the entire year. Care packages will be sent out on pre-determined dates and arrive directly to your student. To check out all of the pricing and delivery options offered by Campus Survival Kits, visit their website here.

Lindsey Conner
Project Coordinator
Orientation and Family Programs and Services

If your student is registered for UNIV 100, then he or she can look forward to joining a wonderful community of like-minded students this fall! If your student has not yet registered for UNIV 100 but would like to, there are still a limited number of spots available, which students can register for via patriotweb.gmu.edu.

UNIV 100 is a discussion-based, 1-credit course specifically designed for first-year students to make for a smooth transition to the Mason community. These classes are co-taught by a faculty member and an upperclass peer advisor, and only enroll about 20 students each, allowing students to build a strong network with their fellow classmates. The Center for Academic Advising, Retention, and Transitions also offers a variety of UNIV courses and programs at the 100-400 levels. These include freshman/transfer transition, academic success, peer leadership, career education, and research and scholarly activities. There are plenty of options for your student to enroll in a course throughout their time at Mason.

If your student is unable to find a UNIV course to register for, or if you have any questions, please visit our website or contact Jackie Nash at jhilldru@gmu.edu or (703) 993-2470.

Jeannie Brown Leonard, PhD
Dean of Student Academic Advising, Retention and Transitions

All Mason families are invited back to campus in the fall for our annual Family Weekend celebration! This series of events will take place November 10-12, 2017. To confirm your spot, go to masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu and create an account by clicking the “Click Here to Register” button. Once you register and pay, you will be granted entrance into all the fun that is Family Weekend! The $5 access pass allows you to enjoy these perks throughout the weekend:

#1- Entrance to more than 55 events on the Family Weekend Schedule – a list of events can be found on the Family Weekend website

#2- Access to Mason’s three state-of-the-art recreation facilities on the Fairfax campus, including group fitness classes

#3- Discounts at select on-campus dining facilities and throughout downtown Fairfax

#4- Free parking on the Fairfax campus during Family Weekend

#5- Discounted tickets at the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center during Family Weekend

#6- Special discounts at the University Bookstore on the Fairfax campus

#7- Free-play at Corner Pocket including billiards, foosball, air hockey, table tennis and more

#8- Free entrance to the Family Weekend photo booth

#9- A special Family Weekend souvenir

#10- Last, but not least, memories with your family to last a lifetime!

Registration for Family Weekend 2017 will close at midnight on Sunday, October 29. To confirm your spot at all of the great Family Weekend events, register at masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu.

Questions? Please contact us at (703) 993-2475 or families@gmu.edu.

Lindsey Conner
Project Coordinator
Orientation and Family Programs and Services