The popular one-stop shop concept expands to Mason Square (formerly Arlington Campus) with afternoon and evening hours, as well as virtual assistance, to answer student questions.
If you or your someone you know needs help, call 800-273-8255.
For more about student mental health, read this piece by Professor Peter Stearns in the Chronicle of Higher Education, and learn what U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy said at recent higher ed mental health summit.
Campus Pride, the preeminent resource for LGBTQ+ leadership development, diversity inclusion and advocacy within higher education, announced on August 24th the annual Best of the Best Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ students in the United States, naming George Mason University to this year’s list of campuses creating a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff alike.
“Campus Pride created the Best of the Best List to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of these colleges and universities, creating safer, more welcoming campuses for LGBTQ+ people,” said Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride Executive Director. “Students, prospective students, and their families, along with faculty and staff members, deserve to know whether they will be safe on campus, so they can make the best choices for their own academic success – and by creating inclusive, safe environments these colleges are taking responsibility for all students.”
The announcement from Campus Pride features 40 four-year campuses from across the country. These campuses have achieved 5 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index (CPI), the definitive national benchmarking tool measuring LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices. To earn a ranking of 5 out of 5 stars, campuses receive a percentage score from 90 to 100 based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs, and practices. The methodology to determine this year’s Best of the Best List was based on an overall score of 93 percent or higher.
“We are seeing more and more colleges earn 5 stars because campuses are doing more to support their trans students,” states Dr. Genny Beemyn, the coordinator of Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse. “While all colleges can and should do more to be trans-inclusive, many institutions are taking important steps forward.”
“The work Campus Pride does every day to foster safer, more welcoming campuses across the country is creating positive change for students, staff, and faculty, as this year’s Best of the Best list reflects that with 40 colleges represented, up from 30 last year,” said Tom Elliott, Campus Pride Board Chair. “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and other civil rights are under assault in states across the country, including Texas and Florida, it is as important as ever to recognize the campuses in these states working to create spaces where the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders can learn and flourish.”
University Scholar Charly Dutton plans to major in government and international politics and aspires to one day run for office, maybe in her home state of New Jersey.
STEP students. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University
Mason incoming freshmen Jacie Hernandez, Linh Vu, and Neyda Gonzalez spent six weeks on campus this summer as a part of the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP).
We are welcoming Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and University Offices/Departments to be present at our largest involvement fair to help students connect with around 350 Student Organizations and our many excellent offices.
The Get Connected Fair allows your group to talk to students as they walk to class! Limited spaces, sign-up before midnight, August 26th. When: Wednesday, August 31st, 11:00am – 2:00pm Where: Wilkins Plaza (Outdoors) How do we sign up? Fill out our Mason360 form to reserve a table: https://cglink.me/2d7/s70799
Any questions please reach out to Aya Leonhardt, Assistant Director for Student Involvement, [email protected].
Mason students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to participate in College Colors Day on Friday, Sept. 2. College Colors Day seeks to celebrate and promote school spirit by encouraging Mason fans to wear green and gold. College Colors Day also kicks off another school year of Spirit Fridays where individuals show school pride by wearing Mason gear. Be sure to join in the celebration between 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Wilkins Plaza. Bring your $25+ bookstore receipt for branded merchandise to claim a free t-shirt.
New Student and Family Programs invites your family to join us for Family Weekend 2022 – October 14-16! Online registration is now open and will close on Friday, September 16 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
Family Weekend is an opportunity to come together to connect, have fun, celebrate and make new memories, become familiar with the institution, and spend time with your student, which is why our schedule includes events for people of all ages. Family Weekend features several events that showcase the best of Mason and all it has to offer, including a signature athletic event, faculty spotlights, student performances, area tours, service opportunities, and much more! There will also be opportunities to tune into Family Weekend events from the comfort of your own home if you are unable to come to campus.
Kick off the academic year by welcoming our newest Patriots to the Mason Nation, and enjoy the best of Mason talent with student performances and our very own Green Machine with Doc Nix!
Friday, August 19, 2022 10–11:15 a.m. at EagleBank Arena
