Academic Support

Several studies show that the more often students connect with their academic advisor, the more likely they will graduate and graduate on time. Please encourage your student to meet with their academic advisor at least once per semester. Their advisor can review their course schedule, discuss academic goals and interests, transition to college and any other academic questions or concerns your student might have. Their advisor will assist them in navigating Mason and all the resources Mason has to offer.   

All Schools and Colleges across Mason are offering full academic advising services this semester. Most academic advising meetings and interactions will be virtual to ensure the most positive experience for both your student and the advisor. Virtual options allow flexibility in availability and times of appointments offered. In addition, it allows for mask-free interaction and the ability for the advisor to share their computer screen with your student. Limited in-person advising will be offered in some departments, in which case the advisor and your student will need to remain at least 6 feet apart and wear masks. 

Academic Advisors are assigned to students based on their declared major. Your student can learn all about Current Academic Advising Services for each School or College here: advising.gmu.edu/mason-advisors/keep-advising 

If your student does not know their academic advisor, they can use the Academic Advisor Locator to find their academic advisor: advising.gmu.edu/current-student/advisor-locator

Mason is committed to supporting holistic success across the student experience, connecting students to campus resources, and helping students set and achieve academic, career, and personal goals. ​ 

The Mason Care Network (MCN) provides full-time, professional Success Coaches for incoming students.  To guide and encourage the growth and development of each student’s knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs about their ability succeed in higher education as well as within their chosen field, Success Coaches work with students on: 

• navigating university life at Mason;  
• transitioning to college;  
• learning about Mason resources;  
• academic major fit;   
• career exploration;   
• balancing school, work, and life commitments;  
• managing physical and emotional health, and more.  

Success Coaches discuss all aspects of a student’s life that impacts their academic performance, including but not limited to the following 8 focus areas: 

• School community  
• Effectiveness  
• Commitment to graduation  
• Career  
• Managing commitments  
• Finances  
• Health & support   
• Academics and major fit 

The Mason Care Network’s highly trained Success Coaches meet with students to discuss, in depth, these eight focus areas and how they are influencing their student experience. Success Coaches work closely with campus resources, Academic Advisors, and the student to develop success plans to enhance and improve a student’s performance and confidence in each of these 8 focus areas. 

As mentioned, MCN provides Success Coaching for all incoming students – both Freshmen and Transfer students.​ MCN has provided helpful, interactive, and printable checklists at mcn.gmu.edu/checklists to assist new students as they organize and prioritize their to-do lists. Freshmen students have an assigned Success Coach and Transfer students can Opt-In to work with Peer Student Success Coaches.  

Students can locate their coaches via –  

• Freshman students – Mason Care Network 
• Transfer students – Peer Success Coaching 

Students are encouraged to meet with their Success Coach at least once per semester. However, the most successful students will want to meet with their Success Coach 2-3 times per semester. 

In addition to coaching, MCN also provides academic advising for exploratory, undeclared, and non-degree seeking students. Students who are unsure of their major or just not quite sure what field to pursue have an assigned Exploratory Academic Advisor, who also serves as their Success Coach. 

If you have any questions or concerns, contact masoncn@gmu.edu and check out the tab on their website specifically for families at mcn.gmu.edu/families.

Learning Services is a free service that offers experience-based learning opportunities. Learning Services provides Mason students with one-on-one peer academic coaching, academic success workshops, and online resources. Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach online. Please note due to COVID-19, Learning Services is not providing in-person services.

What is a Peer Academic Coach?
Peer Academic Coaches are committed to helping fellow students identify useful student strategies on a variety of topics, from time management to note-taking. Students can schedule a free appointment anytime throughout the semester.

What are Academic Success Workshops?
Achieving academic success depends on developing strong academic skills. Academic Success Workshops are designed for students to have a chance to learn, discuss, and practice study strategies geared toward overcoming obstacles that interfere with academics, such as getting beneficial sleep, taking effective notes, and managing time. Click here to learn more information about the workshops and view the schedule.

What online resources are available to my student?
Learning Services is committed to ensuring Mason students have access to online study videos, academic strategies, and information on campus tutoring. Be sure to visit learningservices.gmu.edu throughout the semester for new additions and study tips!