First-Year Programs are designed to facilitate meaningful connections among first-year students, faculty, staff, and campus resources. These programs aim to enhance student engagement and support academic and personal growth throughout a student’s first year at Mason. Through a series of unique experiences both on campus and in the DC Metro area, students will have the opportunity to build lasting relationships, gain valuable insights on their collegiate journey, and fully integrate into the university community.
September
Mason Night at Nationals Stadium
Tuesday, September 10 | 5:00PM – 11:00PM
Cost: $20
Join us for George Mason Night at Nationals Park! Watch the Washington Nationals take on the Atlanta Braves and get a special edition Nationals baseball jersey just for coming. We’ll take care of transportation to and from the game, so you can just relax and enjoy the night with your fellow Patriots. Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity to connect, cheer on the Nat’s, and represent Mason pride!
Cost to attend includes your game ticket and transportation to and from the game. Click HERE for registration and more event information.
Transfer Nation
Wednesday, September 18 | JC Bistro | 3:00PM- 5:30PM
Cost: Free!
Transfer Students! Welcome to “Transfer Nation” at George Mason University! Join us for an exciting event where you’ll discover essential campus resources to ease your transition into the Mason community. Meet and connect with fellow transfer students, create a vision board for the semester, and enjoy our DIY popcorn bar. It’s your chance to build connections, snack on delicious popcorn creations, and dive into the Mason experience together.
Register for this event on Mason 360 HERE.
Overnight Camping Trip to Westmoreland State Park
Saturday, September 28- Sunday, September 29
Cost:$25
Get ready for an adventure with our overnight camping trip, in partnership with the Outdoor Adventures office at George Mason University! This is the perfect opportunity for first-year students to connect with each other and enjoy the great outdoors. Expect to go hiking, build campfires, experience tent camping, cook outdoors, and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a complete beginner, this trip is open to all levels of camping experience. Don’t have your own gear? No worries! Camping equipment is available to rent from the Outdoor Programs office. Join us for a fun and memorable experience under the stars!
Cost of trip includes transportation to campsite, campsite reservation feeds, food for the weekend, and camping supplies. Click HERE to register and get more information.
October
Well-Being Bingo & Inside Out 2
Wednesday, October 9 | JC Cinemas | 6:00PM – 9:00 PM
Cost: Free!
Get ready for a night of fun and self-care at our Wellbeing Bingo and Movie Night for first-year students at George Mason University! Join us for a chance to win awesome prizes while learning how to take care of yourself during college and discovering the campus resources available for support. After the exciting bingo games, kick back, relax, and enjoy popcorn while we screen “Inside Out 2” together. It’s a perfect evening to unwind, connect with new friends, and prioritize your wellbeing!
Register for this event on Mason 360 HERE.
Day Hike to Catoctin Mountain
Sunday, October 27 | 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Cost:$10
Ready to hit the trails? The Outdoor Adventures team for an intermediate hike on Catoctin Mountain in Maryland. You’ll get to enjoy some stunning overlooks along the way! It’s the perfect chance for first-year students to meet new friends and bond over a love for the great outdoors. So, gear up for an exciting adventure, and we can’t wait to see you on the trail!
Cost of trip includes transportation to Catoctin Mountain and a hike snack. Click HERE to register and get more information.
November
First Gen First Year Students Networking Dinner with Faculty and Staff
Friday, November 8 | 5:30PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: Free!
Link to sign up: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2275224
Join First Year Connections within New Student and Family Programs and the First Gen + Center for this networking dinner! This is a chance for First Generation students in their first year (freshman or transfer undergrad students) to meet and connect with faculty and staff who were also First Generation students! There is no cost to attend and dinner will be provided.
Afterwards students have the option of continuing to connect with each other by attending an Escape Room together!
Transportation to the Escape Room will be provided and students can purchase their $5 ticket to the escape room here: https://secure.touchnet.com:443/C20788_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2911&SINGLESTORE=true.
Please contact Caroline, Assistant Director for New Student Programs (csimpso@gmu.edu) with any questions!
First Gen Escape Room
Friday, November 8 | 8:00PM
Cost: $5 (transportation included!)
Please note that you need to purchase a ticket to attend this event at: https://secure.touchnet.com/C20788_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2911&SINGLESTORE=true.
Join New Student and Family Programs for this First Year Student trip to an Escape Room! This is a chance for first generation students in their first year at Mason (freshman and transfer students) to connect with each other and de-stress! If you’d like additional chances to connect please join us at a First Gen Faculty and Staff dinner before leaving! More details about that event can be found: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2275224.
The cost of this trip will cover your transportation to/from the Escape Room and entry into one of the rooms. Note that this event is for students who are in their first year as an undergraduate student at Mason.
Please contact Caroline, Assistant Director for New Student Programs (csimpso@gmu.edu) with any questions!