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.
August
Preamble: Field Day
Saturday, August 23rd | 9am-1pm
Cost: Free! Location: Merten Lawn and HUB Ballroom
Welcome to Campus New Patriots! Join Welcome2Mason as we continue to celebrate Preamble at this fun Field Day event. Come compete with your fellow new Patriots in different color groups at a variety of games for all ability levels to win points to see which team has the most Mason spirit! This event is open to all new students including students living off-campus or transfer students.
Register on Mason 360, using the link below, or walk in to attend!
First Year Meetup – IVth Night
Thursday, August 28th | 5:30pm-6:15pm
Cost: Free! Location: Check in at JC Kiosk A
Want to attend the Corner Pocket Welcome Back Party but don’t have anyone to go with? Want to meet other new students? Join First Year Connections to meetup before walking over to the event together! This event is aimed at first year students as a way for you to better connect with your other first year students and learn more about where things are located on campus.
Register on Mason 360, using the link below, or walk in to attend!
September
Transfer Nation
Thursday, September 4th | 3pm-5pm
Cost: Free! Location: JC Bistro
Join New Student and Family Programs and Welcome2Mason at this Welcome event for Transfer students! This event is open to new transfer students or returning transfer students.
At this event you will be able to meet other transfer Patriots, make a vision board to visualize all of your goals for the semester, enjoy some popcorn, and prepare for the upcoming Fall semester! Stay for a bit or the whole time!
Register on Mason 360, using the link below, or walk in to attend!
PL Legacy Reunion
Tuesday, September 9th | 2pm-4pm
Cost: Free! Location: JC George’s
Join New Student and Family Programs and Welcome2Mason at this special legacy event.
At this event you will be able to reunite with your Patriot Leader (PL) and all of the friends you made at Orientation while enjoying snacks, creating a mood board, and more! Stay for a bit or the whole time!
Register on Mason 360, using the link below, or walk in to attend!
First Year Meetup – Corner Pocket Welcome Back Party
Wednesday, September 10th | 5:30pm-6pm
Cost: Free! Location: Check in at HUB Room 4
Want to attend the Corner Pocket Welcome Back Party but don’t have anyone to go with? Join First Year Connections to meetup before walking over to the event together! This event is aimed at first year students as a way for you to better connect with your other first year students and learn more about where things are located on campus.
Register on Mason 360, using the link below, or walk in to attend!
First Year Meetup – 9/11 Day of Service
Wednesday, September 10th | 11am-12pm
Cost: Free! Location: Check in outside of Dewberry, Service Projects inside Dewberry Hall
The 13th Annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service will take place on Thursday, September 11th in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Want to come but don’t know anyone? Want to meet other new students? Stop by for this meetup and complete a service project with other first year students from 11am-12pm! Stick around after the service project for lunch!
Register on Mason 360, using the link below, or walk in to attend!
October
Shenandoah River State Park Camping Trip
Saturday, October 4th through Sunday, October 5th
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. Equipment is included in the cost of the trip. 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, equipment retail, and camping supplies.
Participants will leave GMU around 9am on Sat. Oct. 4th , and will return to campus around 12pm on Sun. Oct. 5th.
First Year Meet Ups
Coming soon!
November
First Year Meet Ups
Coming soon!