Whether your student is heading to Mason for the first time in the fall or returning for another year, it is important to talk with them about the upcoming academic year. To help, we have compiled a few questions to start the conversation about your student’s transition to Mason.
Have you thought about joining any student organizations?
This question can lead to further discussions around your student’s interests, their hobbies, and ways they can take advantage of opportunities at Mason to further explore those interests. Mason has a variety of student organizations, leadership positions, and student jobs that present unique opportunities. Encourage your student to check out Student Involvement for a list of registered student organizations and University Career Services’ Handshake for a list of on-campus employment opportunities.
How are you feeling about your living situation?
Whether your student is planning to live on campus or off campus, their living situation can be an area of both excitement and anxiety. To assist students, Mason offers a number of housing-related resources.
If your student is living on campus, Housing and Residence Life offers a multitude of programs and services designed to encourage students to engage with the university community and to promote Mason’s appreciation for diversity among residents. To learn more about Housing and Residence Life and Move-In Day, encourage your student to visit housing.gmu.edu.
If your student is living off campus, encourage them to check out Off-Campus Student Services, which serves as a centralized resource for academic and social engagement opportunities for off-campus students.
If your student is still searching for housing options, encourage them to check out the off-campus housing locator and make plans to attend the Off-Campus Housing Fair on Thursday, July 18 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Lobby. For more information about off-campus housing, advising and programming, visit offcampus.gmu.edu.
How do you plan to manage your well-being?
It is important for students to consider their well-being as they manage the stress of college. Mason Recreation values the holistic well-being and development of students and encourages the achievement of positive wellness goals, general fitness, social engagement, emotional well-being and fun. Encourage your student to visit recreation.gmu.edu to learn more about the services offered.
The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being also offers resources for well-being practices, including meditation, positive psychology, and leadership. To learn more about well-being programs and services, visit wellbeing.gmu.edu.
What is your transportation plan?
Mason offers a wide variety of transportation options such as shuttles, carpools, and Zipcars for students. Learn more by visiting transportation.gmu.edu. If your student plans to bring a car to campus, make sure they purchase a parking permit online at parking.gmu.edu. Parking passes for the 2019-2020 academic year are available for purchase beginning on Monday, July 29 at gmu.t2hosted.com/Account/Portal. Quantities are limited and subject to change.
It is important that your student feels prepared for the year ahead. These questions can spark a conversation, stimulate excitement, and prepare them for their time at Mason and the many opportunities in store!
Rebecca Stauffacher
Assistant Director of Family Programs
New Student and Family Programs
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