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This year presented many challenges, but 2020 is also proof of what the George Mason University community can collectively do when it works together.

The global pandemic has resulted in unprecedented economic hardships, and Mason students haven’t been immune to its adverse effects. Faculty, staff, parents, alumni and community donors have come together in the Patriots Helping Patriots initiative, created by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations to provide urgent help to those in financial need.

Read more about the initiative

Family Weekend includes faculty speakers, a virtual cooking class, an evening under the stars, and meetings with Mason leadership, including a conversation with President Gregory Washington. Learn more about the program.

Although we are unable to provide our traditional, in-person events, we are committed to helping you create your own Family Weekend 2020 experience!

Event Highlights

We are offering live events that you can participate in from the comfort of your home. Online registration is required for most events, and the registration links are listed within the Schedule of Events at MasonFamilyEvents.gmu.edu.

• Faculty Spotlights
  • Oct. 23, 7 p.m.: #LivingWhileBlack: Social Justice in the Age of Social Media featuring Dr. Shayna Maskell
  • Oct. 31, 7 p.m.: Inside the Real Criminal Minds featuring Dr. Mary Ellen O’Toole
  • Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m.: Exploring Emerging Infectious Disease and COVID-19 featuring Dr. Amira Roess
• Events with Senior Leaders
  • Oct. 30; 5:30 p.m.: Meet Rose Pascarell, Vice President for University Life
  • Nov. 9; 1 p.m.: Lunch with Provost Mark Ginsberg
• Virtual Cooking Class: Oct. 25, 12 p.m.: Let’s Do Brunch! featuring Mason Dining Chefs
• Theme Week: Dress up and take fun and silly pictures with your Mason family! Take pictures in your outfits of the day using our online photo booth with frames and filters made specifically for Family Weekend 2020. Post them on your socials and hashtag #VFW20
  • Oct. 26: Mason Spirit Monday (Mason-related items and colors)
  • Oct. 27: Touchdown Tuesday (athletic apparel from your favorite sports team)
  • Oct. 28: Time Warp Wednesday (clothing items synonymous with specific decades)
  • Oct. 29: Vacay Thursday (vacation wear)
  • Oct. 30: Fantasy Friday (favorite fictional television, film, comic, or book character)
  • Oct. 31: Halloween (costume or fall apparel) 

Digital Activity Guides

In addition to our scheduled events that will be held in real time, we encourage you to explore our Digital Activity Guides. Whether you’re exploring NoVA or staying home, engage in your own activities to make this Family Weekend one you won’t soon forget! These guides include local activities that are good for social distancing, dining, and shopping that will keep your Mason family entertained throughout the fall season.

2020 Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award

Mason students are encouraged to nominate their family for the 10th annual Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award! Students can submit either a written essay or a creative work of art discussing why their family is worthy of being the Family of the Year. The winning family will receive a $100 gift card to the University Bookstore, a featured article on gmu.edu, and be featured on the cover of the 2021-2022 Mason Family Calendar. Applications are open now and close on Nov. 6.

If you have any questions regarding Family Weekend, visit MasonFamilyEvents.gmu.edu or contact New Student and Family Programs at [email protected] or (703) 993-2475.

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

George Mason University improved its already strong ranking as one of the nation’s most diverse universities in the  U.S. News & World Report 2021 Best Colleges rankings.

Mason is ranked 15th nationally in ethnic diversity, up nine spots, best in the Washington, D.C., area. Mason is also the top Virginia school for innovation, and 35th nationally, in the U.S. News 2021 Best College rankings, released Monday, Sept. 14.

Read more about Mason’s rankings

For many of those who attended the ADVANCE welcome event on Sept. 2, the virtual orientation was a family affair. Around 150 students, their parents and supporters logged in to kick off the journey that will bring them from Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to George Mason University.

Read More about the ADVANCE program

Family engagement is a key part of student success, and we recognize the important role you play in your student’s development and success at Mason. We are committed to supporting and engaging you through our Virtual Family Initiatives.

Read more about Virtual Family Support Opportunities

When the coronavirus pandemic shut down her school, Meeha Bhuiyan, a rising senior at Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, struggled. But Bhuiyan had mentors from George Mason University upon whom she could rely.

“I texted my mentors when I was down, and they would text me back encouragement,” said Bhuiyan, who plans to apply to several colleges, including Mason. “And I was also able to do one-on-one sessions with them virtually.”

Read more about the Early Identification Program