University Life

Month: May 2021

Mason announces new safety guidelines

Dr. Gregory Washingon, president of George Mason University. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services.

Dear Patriots,

We have just completed one of the most challenging times in the history of George Mason University, and I am grateful for the important role that everyone played in making this year a tremendous success.

This week, I am pleased to share that we are reporting just one active case of COVID-19 on our campuses. Think about that for a moment. That’s an amazing accomplishment for our community and it is a testament to the number of people who have been vaccinated.

As we turn our attention to the Fall Semester, we must all continue to do our part and work together to keep Mason safe. This starts with new policies for COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking. Below is a summary of what we will require, so please read this carefully.

COVID-19 Vaccination  

  • Students: Mason will require that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 by August 1.  This policy does not apply to students who take online courses only and do not come to any campus, or to individuals who have an approved medical or religious exemption.Plan ahead: Depending on the type of vaccine you receive, you may have to receive your first dose no later than July 4 to meet the August 1 requirement.Upload COVID vaccination documentation to the Health Services Patient Portal. Visit the  Student Health Services website for FAQs, information on how to upload your COVID vaccine documentation (all students), or submit your Mason Immunization Record Form (newly admitted students).  If you are an international student with limited access to COVID vaccines, please email [email protected] to request an extension. Students with approved extensions must get vaccinated when they arrive in the United States.
  • Faculty and Staff: All faculty and staff are expected to be fully vaccinated in time for the Fall Semester, and are strongly encouraged to receive vaccines over the summer. All employees are required to disclose whether or not they have been vaccinated in   Mason Covid Health Check by June 11, 2021.   Those who have been fully vaccinated will be required to upload vaccination documentation into the Health Services Patient Portal before August 1. We anticipate full FDA approval of at least one COVID vaccine over the summer. At that time, we anticipate requiring that all employees receive the vaccine. An exemption process will be made available.We encourage everyone to learn about the vaccine and get immunized. Mason will continue to host vaccination clinics on campus at no cost through the fall semester. To set up an appointment, go to vaccine.gmu.edu.

Masking

  • Mason will lift mask requirements for all fully vaccinated individuals on campus as of May 29 – except in medical facilities, public transit, child care facilities and in accordance with the Governor’s policy. 
  • Unvaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks on campus, per the Governor’s new executive order. Masks may be removed while eating, drinking, playing instruments and for other exemptions allowed. 
  • Mason will encourage everyone to wear masks in classes and indoors this summer, to allow more time for people to get vaccinated, and will support anyone who wants to continue wearing a mask after that. 
  • See Mason’s updated mask policy.
     

Testing  

  • Unvaccinated individuals will be required to participate in COVID testing at least once a week and as frequently as three times a week, depending on conditions.
  • Vaccinated faculty, staff and students may be required to participate in less frequent testing, based on the guidance from public health officials and testing capacity.  
  • Symptomatic individuals, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, should still self-isolate and seek evaluation and diagnostic testing.

Additional Safety Policies 

  • Physical Distancing: Mason will require physical distancing of three feet during the summer; in the fall, we anticipate being able to remove physical distancing requirements once vaccination rates exceed 80 percent
  • Mason COVID Health Check: Mason will continue to require everyone’s participation in the daily health check this summer; we will reassess the need for continuing in the fall, based on the vaccination data received. 

We have made tremendous strides during this extraordinary time. I continue to be amazed by the resilience of the Mason Nation. Let’s keep working together to keep Mason safe.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Vaccine Available for Adolescent Dependents and Mason Community May 22

immunization form and stethescope

Dear Patriot,

Mason is offering a vaccine clinic this Saturday, May 22, at EagleBank Arena for adolescent (ages 12 to 18) dependents of Mason faculty, staff, students, contractors, alumni, families, and friends.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) approved the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in everyone ages 12 or older. You can read more about this news from the CDC here, and review the Pfizer Patient Information Sheet.

This clinic is not exclusive to adolescent dependents.  We encourage all members of the Mason Community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Mason faculty, staff, students, alumni, contractors, families, and friends can also schedule an appointment on May 22.

To make a vaccine appointment for you, your family, or adolescent dependent on May 22. A list of all upcoming clinics at Mason is available online here.

Please note, all minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of their vaccine appointment. Unaccompanied minors will be denied entry to the clinic.

If you have questions about this announcement or Mason’s involvement in vaccine distribution, please email [email protected].

Sincerely,

Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management

Mason continues to require masks on campus

Dr. Gregory Washingon, president of George Mason University. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services.

Dear Patriots,

By now most of you have heard news that the Governor’s Office has lifted mask requirements in most situations for those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This came about as a result of the sudden reversal of CDC recommendations, and has prompted many questions about what this means for George Mason University.

Our public health and the instructional continuity teams are working to assess which situations these relaxed guidelines apply to, among our many campus spaces and populations, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

As we consider these factors and review the changing protocols, we will continue to require masks when on campus, just as we have done this past year.

We will update the campus with definitive guidance when we have it. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Mason’s largest and most diverse class of graduates ready to tackle world’s challenges

President Gregory Washington

George Mason University on Friday afternoon honored its largest and most diverse graduating class in history with its 54th Spring Commencement.

The virtual event, livestreamed on GMU-TV, featured recorded remarks from First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and was a part of a week of that included well-attended, in-person graduation recognition events for Mason’s schools and colleges.

Read more about Commencement

Senior of the Year graduates as a leader at Mason and at home

Senior of the Year Isabella Bah began her Mason journey as a student in the Early Identification Program. Photo provided

Isabella Bah, who graduates this month with a degree in accounting and a minor in entrepreneurship, is described as a motivated and determined leader by her mentors at George Mason University.

Bah “is special because she embodies resilience and perseverance,” said Rhina Alvarado, associate director of Mason’s Early Identification Program (EIP), in which Bah, a first-generation student, participated beginning in the eighth grade.

Read more about the Senior of the Year

MSSC Expands Virtual Services

On April 25, the Mason Student Services Center (MSSC) expanded its virtual services with a new resource to help students get answers to their questions 24/7. The Mason Student Services Center Knowledge Community is a new tool powered by a knowledgebase of more than 600 articles providing answers to a huge variety of FAQs. Students can search by keywords or topic to quickly find the answers they need related to services from all MSSC partner offices: 
  • Admissions 
  • Financial Aid 
  • Student Accounts 
  • Registrar 
  • University Life 
  • General Student Service 
The MSSC, located in the lower-level of SUB I on the Fairfax Campus, is Mason’s one-stop for many student service requests. Andrew Bunting, Executive Director of Enrollment Services, notes: “MSSC will continue to offer in-person service by appointment, as well as virtual service through our website request forms. This new resource offers another way to serve our students through self-service, which saves time and gets them to resolution faster.” Email questions to Kim Shumadine, Director of MSSC.

Aysha Puhl is May Employee of the Month

Aysha Puhl headshot

Aysha Puhl, associate director for George Mason University’s residential student education and engagement, can’t wait to have more students back on campus.

“I miss them so much,” she said.

Puhl, who is May Employee of the Month, works diligently to ensure students have meaningful experiences at Mason. Her coworkers also praise her drive and leadership skills.

Read more about Aysha Puhl