| July 21 | Last day of classes- session B |
| July 22 | Exam period- session B |
| July 22 | Parking permits go on sale |
| July 29 | Exam period- session C |
| July 30 | Last day of classes- session C |
Category: Uncategorized
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 Mason’s conservation efforts, or enjoying a hike outdoors, there is something for you!
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.
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
The Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation is Mason’s conservation biology facility located on 3,200 acres of land in Front Royal, VA. Guests will receive a van tour of the facility with stops at several locations where guides will review the history of the animals on site as well as current research projects and the facilities.
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.
Kristen Wright
Graduate Assistant
Family Programs and Services
| July 1 | Last day to add/drop- session C (no tuition penalty) |
| July 3 | Independence Day Observance (No Classes) |
| July 4 | Independence Day |
| July 21 | Last day of classes- session B |
| July 22 | Exam period- session B |
| July 29 | Exam period- session C |
| July 30 | Last day of classes- session C |
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- [email protected]
Last winter we launched the [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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!
Kristen Wright
Graduate Assistant
Family Programs and Services