The fall semester can be a busy time for both new and returning students. To help in this transition, Mason offers programs and events to support both new and returning students. For new students, learning to navigate campus, making connections with peers, and understanding university resources and services can be overwhelming, but Mason strives to aid students during this pivotal time. The Preamble and Welcome Week are a few of the first experiences in the fall semester to usher in the 2015-2016 year.
The Preamble is Mason’s extended orientation program geared toward welcoming and acclimating new students to the Mason community. The Preamble brings together freshman and transfer students before the start of the fall semester to officially initiate their experience at Mason. Programming begins for freshmen students on the evening of August 27 following residence hall move-in. Social events are held to engage students and facilitate fun interactions with their peers during this transition. The Preamble begins August 28 with Convocation in the Eagle Bank Arena, where faculty and staff formally address the Class of 2019 as new Patriots. Other experiences during The Preamble include relationship and team-building activities, learning about the Mason community, and Patriot Premiere!
Welcome Week is a series of programs and events held primarily during the first week of classes to bring together students, faculty, and staff to kick off the new academic year. This is a great opportunity for new students to learn about Mason traditions and create connections to their peers and campus resources. It is so exciting to see the campus alive with spirit and pride as we celebrate another academic year. This year, a giant fair will be held on campus showcasing 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.
Last year, over 115 events were sponsored across the university during Welcome Week and engaged approximately 15,000 Patriots. These events included academic receptions, social events, involvement fairs, spirit rallies, educational development programs, and featured 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. Welcome Week will be held August 29 – September 7, and a list of events and information can be found at welcomeweek.gmu.edu.
We are excited to welcome students back to campus and look forward to Welcome Week 2015. #Welcome2Mason
Rick Gray
Associate Director
Orientation and Family Programs and Services