As thousands of Mason students choose to move off campus, many of the students choose to live in the City of Fairfax. The Office of Community and Local Government Relations and Off-Campus Student Programs and Services have joined forces to encourage our students to be responsible, law-abiding good neighbors where ever they choose to reside.
The education starts before many students even move off campus. At Off-Campus Housing Fairs hosted throughout the school year, students learn about what it means to be a responsible tenant and get coasters, playing cards, and magnets with “good neighbor” messages. Students are also directed to learn more about state and local laws through offcampus.gmu.edu.
As students return to campus in the fall, many programs exist to continue the strong relationship between the university and the surrounding communities. The kick-off to Welcome Week is the annual Relax in Fairfax event. This year the event will be held on Saturday, August 29, from 2 – 4 p.m. in the newly-remodeled University Mall on Braddock Road. Local elected officials, Mason officials, and Student Government will greet students with games, prizes, and food catered by Brion’s Grille. This year Mason will give back by collecting food for the Mason pop-up pantry for students experiencing food insecurity.
Throughout the year, off-campus students will have the opportunity to learn more about the communities they live in at High-5s, which are our parking lot programs held on any day that ends in a 5. Students can receive information on who to go to with tenant complaints, meet with elected officials, and learn about any changes to local ordinances.
We encourage all family members to pass along information to their students on how to be an active and accountable part of the community. If you have questions about local laws and tips to be a good neighbor in Fairfax, visit http://offcampus.gmu.edu/neighborly-advice/.
Emilie Dubert
Associate Director
Off-Campus Student Programs and Services