University Life

Author: Eleftheria Giannopoulos

Randomized testing is key to keeping Mason’s coronavirus rate low

George Mason University’s active cases of COVID-19 remain low, thanks to everybody doing their part. Active cases and testing data are available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

There are approximately 11,500 students enrolled in some type of face-to-face instruction this fall and 1,200 faculty teaching on campus.

A big reason that Mason has been able to maintain those levels is the randomized testing of asymptomatic community members at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center on the Fairfax Campus. An algorithm built by Mason faculty selects people to invite for testing from among those who have indicated they will be on campus at some point during the semester.

Read more about Mason’s COVID-19 Testing

Health and Well-Being Resources for Students

via the Provost’s Newsletter
Students across the country and at Mason are reporting mental health concerns in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing changes to campus life. Faculty and staff are hearing from students who feel isolated and anxious, and from some who are experiencing significant challenges maintaining their emotional well-being. University Life has a number of different services available to support the health and well-being of students, including:
  • Student Health Services offers both in-person and telehealth appointments to students.
  • Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers virtual individual and group therapy. CAPS also provides virtual mental health workshops, a drop-in supportive space for students in quarantine or isolation, virtual academic success workshops, and individual academic coaching. 
  • The Mason Care Network provides full-time, professional Success Coaches for incoming students.
  • Disability Services continues to support students with accommodations and offers virtual exam proctoring for students in quarantine or isolation.
University Life has also developed a number of creative options for student engagement, including:
  • The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being offers students the opportunity to complete a Resilience Badge and to participate in BurnAlong, a virtual platform with on-demand health and well-being classes and videos.
  • Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment + LGBTQ Resources continues to offer programs and services focused on advocacy and direct student support to strengthen equity and inclusion.
  • Mason Recreation continues to offer access to recreation spaces, fitness classes – both in-person and online, sports organizations, and more.
  • Student Involvement has launched its SI2Go truck events which have been highly successful in reaching students, sponsored drive-in movies, and trivia nights.
  • Housing and Residence Life developed Virtual Learning Communities to create opportunities for students to connect, engage, and learn with a group of other students who share common interests, majors, and identities.
More information can be found about these opportunities and others by visiting University Life and in articles from the George published earlier this year:
Finally, we express gratitude to our colleagues in the Psychology Department who have prepared this excellent resource: “Mentally Coping During Covid”, a Mason Impact talk by Profs. Robyn Mehlenberg and Keith Renshaw. Be sure to download all the available health and well-being resources for students.

Mason hosts Fall 2020 Virtual Career Fair Oct. 8-9

Mason's Biggest Career Fair

George Mason University’s University Career Services is expecting 100 employers to attend its Fall 2020 Virtual Career Fair held Oct. 8 and 9. The fair is intended for students of all majors interested in exploring internships, part-time jobs and full-time employment to meet with potential employers.  Students wishing to attend must register by Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Read more about the Career Fair

Board of Visitors recognizes student commitment to Mason’s Safe Return

George Mason University Board of Visitors Rector James W. “Jimmy” Hazel praised George Mason University’s successful return to campus amid the coronavirus pandemic during the Board of Visitors’ first meeting since campus re-opened for the fall semester. Hazel highlighted the university’s safety efforts and the dedication shown by Mason students.

Read more about Mason’s Safe Return

Mason 2020 Virtual Fall Career Fair Set for Oct. 8-9

Mason's Biggest Career Fair

Mason’s Career Services will hold its Fall Career Fair virtually from 11:00 – 3:00 p.m. on October 8 and 9. Undergraduate and graduate student will have the opportunity to interact with 50 different employers each day regarding internships, part-time jobs, and full-time positions. Students must register by Tuesday, October 6.

Flu shot clinic for Mason community scheduled for Oct. 13

Winter Wellness Flu Shot Clinic: October 13, 10am-3pm, Dewberry Hall

All members of the Mason community are strongly encouraged to get their flu shots this season to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community.

Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The flu vaccine will protect you and our community against influenza (flu) and also save health care resources for patients with COVID-19.

Read More about the Flu shot clinic

Mason lauded in editorial for fighting spread of COVID-19

students in masks. Photo by Evan Cantwell
The Richmond Times-Dispatch wrote that universities should serve as laboratories for COVID-19 best practices, and Mason is a good place to start. Read the editorial. Photo by Evan Cantwell

Soccer star Abby Wambach to speak at Mason Reads

Abby Wambach, photo by MAKERS
World-renowned soccer player and two-time Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach will virtually chat with Mason President Gregory Washington and the campus community on Sept. 28 about her book, “Wolfpack: How to Come Together, Unleash Our Power and Change the Game.” Find out more about the event.

Patriots are always up for a challenge

up for a challenge video thumbnail
Rose Pascarell, Mason’s vice president for University Life, says that without the willingness of the Mason community to follow all safety protocols, we wouldn’t be operating with the low COVID positivity rate we have today. Wearing a mask is important to keep everyone healthy. Learn more. Watch the video. 

A Statement on Governor Northam and First Lady Northam testing positive for COVID

The university was informed today that Governor Ralph Northam and First Lady Pamela Northam tested positive for COVID, shortly after the Governor attended an event this week on our Fairfax campus.

The Governor was on campus for a short time on Tuesday, wore a mask during his entire visit and came into close contact with a very small group of individuals.

The university is working to make sure that the Virginia Health Department knows who was in close contact with the Governor on Tuesday, and health department officials will contact those individuals directly. Anyone who has concerns about their exposure or health should contact their health care provider.

Michael Sandler
Associate Vice President, Communications

Julie Zobel
Assistant Vice President, Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management