The Preamble

 

Preamble takes place each fall prior to the start of classes for all incoming freshmen and transfer students. Due to the staggered schedule for this year's move-in, many of the signature Preamble events will take place all day on Friday-Saturday.  For students arriving earlier, we have planned a number of fun and informative events throughout the Preamble designed to get you acquainted with campus and the Fairfax area.

Preamble Schedule Tracks

Wednesday: August 17th, 2022

  • 7 AM-4 PM: Move-In
  • 9 AM: Campus & Community Hunts Open (Goosechase App) GameCode: KMLDR8
  • 1-5 PM: Family Farewell (Global Center)
  • 5-7PM: Dinner on own (Dining halls)
  • 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls)
  • 9 PM: Mason Mingle (President's Park)

Thursday: August 18th, 2022

  • Breakfast & Lunch on own (Dining halls)
  • 1:30-3 PM: Coaching session* (Dewberry, Hub Ballroom)
  • 3-5 PM: Taking Care of Business, Office Drop-Ins, time with Residence Halls
  • 5-9 PM: Dinner on own & shopping trips (Rappahannock & President's Park shuttle stops)
  • 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls)
  • 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts)

Friday: August 19th, 2022

Remember to wear your Green Patriot Pride Shirt!

  • Breakfast on own (Dining halls)
  • 10-11:15 AM: New Student Convocation* (Eagle Bank Arena)
  • 11:30 AM-1 PM: All Campus Lunch
  • 3-5 PM: Self Others & Community *(Dewberry, Hub Ballroom, Eagle Bank Arena)
  • 5-8 PM: Dinner on own & shopping trips (Rappahannock & President's Park shuttle stops)
  • 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond)

Saturday: August 20th, 2022

  • Breakfast on own (Dining halls)
  • 10-11:15 AM: Speak About It* (Center for the Arts)
  • 12 PM: Lunch on own (Dining halls)
  • 4 PM: Community Meetings* (Residence Halls)
  • 4:30-8 PM: Explore Fairfax City & Dinner on own (Downtown Fairfax)
  • 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub)

Coming to campus? Don't forget these two important reminders...

Preamble Schedule Tracks - Color Groups

PREAMBLE 2022. TANGERINE GROUP. Wednesday, August 17th. 7 AM to 4 PM: Move-In. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). 1 to 5 PM: Family Farewell (Center for the Arts Lobby). Afterwards, Dinner on own (Dining Halls). 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls). 9 PM: Mason Mingle (President’s Park), Rain Location: Hub Ballroom. Thursday, August 18th. Breakfast & Lunch on own (Dining Halls). 1:30–3 PM: Coaching Session (Hub Ballroom). 3–5 PM: Taking Care of Business, Office Drop-Ins, Time with Residence Halls. 5–9 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls). 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10–11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE NORTH ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 3 to 5 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Hub Ballroom). 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10–11:15 AM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 12 PM: Lunch on own (Southside). 4 PM: Community Meetings (Residence Halls). 4:30 to 8:30 PM: Explore Fairfax Event & Dinner on own (Downtown Fairfax). 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble 2022. Lime Group. Wednesday, August 17th. 7 AM to 4 PM: Move-In. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). 1 to 5 PM: Family Farewell (Center for the Arts Lobby). Dinner on own (Dining Halls). 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls). 9 PM: Mason Mingle (President’s Park). Rain Location: Hub Ballroom. Thursday, August 18th. Breakfast & Lunch on own (Dining Halls). 1:30 to 3 PM: Coaching Session (Dewberry). 3 to 5 PM: Taking Care of Business, Office Drop-Ins, Time with Residence Halls. 5 to 9 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls). 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 to 11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE NORTH ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 3 to 5 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Dewberry). 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 to 11:15 AM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 12 PM: Lunch on own (Ike’s). 4 PM: Community Meetings (Residence Halls). 4:30–8:30 PM: Explore Fairfax Event & Dinner on own (Downtown Fairfax) 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble 2022. Teal Group. Wednesday, August 17th. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). Thursday, August 18th. 7 AM to 4 PM: Move-In. 1 to 5 PM: Family Farewell (Center for the Arts Lobby). 5 to 9 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls). 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 to 11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE SOUTH ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 1 to 2:30 PM: Coaching Session (Hub Ballroom). 3 to 5 PM: Taking Care of Business, Office Drop-Ins, Time with Residence Halls. 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 AM to 12 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Hub Ballroom). 12 to 1:15 PM: Boxed Lunch Provided at Hub Ballroom. 1:30 to 2:45 PM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 4 PM: Community Meetings (Residence Halls). 4:30 to 8:30 PM: Explore Fairfax Event & Dinner on own (Downtown Fairfax). 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble 2022. Violet Group. Wednesday, August 17th. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). Thursday, August 18th. 7 AM to 4 PM: Move-In. 1 to 5 PM: Family Farewell (Center for the Arts Lobby). 5 to 9 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 7 PM: Check in with RA (Residence Halls). 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 to 11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE SOUTH ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 1 to 2:30 PM: Coaching Session (Dewberry). 3 to 5 PM: Taking Care of Business, Office Drop-Ins, Time with Residence Halls. 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 AM to 12 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Dewberry). 12 to 1:15 PM: Boxed Lunch Provided at Dewberry. 1:30 to 2:45 PM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 4 PM: Community Meetings (Residence Halls). 4:30 to 8:30 PM: Explore Fairfax Event & Dinner on own (Downtown Fairfax). 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble 2022. Sapphire Group. Wednesday, August 17th. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). 9 PM: Mason Mingle (President’s Park) Rain Location: Hub Ballroom. Thursday, August 18th. 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 to 11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE SOUTH ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 1 to 2:30 PM: Coaching Session + Small Group (Dewberry). 3 to 5 PM: Taking Care of Business & Office Drop-Ins. 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. Breakfast on own (Dining Halls). 10 AM to 12 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Dewberry). 12 to 1:15 PM: Boxed Lunch Provided at Dewberry. 1:30 to 2:45 PM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 4:30 to 8:30 PM: Explore Fairfax Event & Dinner on own (Downtown Fairfax). 6 to 8 PM: Test Drive (SUB I Quad) *For Off-Campus Students Only. 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble 2022. Green Group. Wednesday, August 17th. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). 9 PM: Mason Mingle (President’s Park) Rain Location: Hub Ballroom. Thursday, August 18th. 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. 8:30 to 10 AM: Taking Care of Business & Office Drop-Ins. 10 to 11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE WEST ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 1 to 3 PM: Taking Care of Business & Office Drop-Ins. 1 to 3 PM: Transfer Reception (Bistro) *Transfer Students Only. 3 to 5 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Eagle Bank Arena). 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. 1:30 to 2:45 PM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 3 to 4:30 PM: Coaching Session (Hub Ballroom). 4:30 to 8:30 PM: Dinner on own & exploring (Downtown Fairfax) *Transfer Students Only. 5 to 6 PM: Dinner (JC Atrium). 6 to 8 PM: Test Drive (SUB I Quad) Rain Location for Playfair. 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble 2022. Gold Group. Wednesday, August 17th. 9 AM: The Hunt Opens (Goosechase App). 9 PM: Mason Mingle (President’s Park) Rain Location: Hub Ballroom. Thursday, August 18th. 9 PM: Hypnotist (Center for the Arts). FRIDAY, August 19th. 8:30 to 10 AM: Taking Care of Business & Office Drop-Ins. 10 to 11:15 AM: New Student Convocation (Eagle Bank Arena) USE WEST ENTRANCE. 11:30 AM to 1 PM: All Campus Lunch (Wilkins Plaza). 1 to 3 PM: Taking Care of Business & Office Drop-Ins. 1 to 3 PM: Transfer Reception (Bistro) *Transfer Students Only. 3 to 5 PM: Self, Others, & Community (Eagle Bank Arena). 5 to 8 PM: Dinner on own & Shopping Trips (Rappahannock & President’s Park Shuttle Stops). 9 PM: Club 4400 (Mason Pond). Saturday, August 20th. 1:30 to 2:45 PM: Speak About It (Center for the Arts). 3 to 4:30 PM: Coaching Session (Dewberry). 4:30 to 8:30 PM: Dinner on own & exploring (Downtown Fairfax) *Transfer Students Only. 5 to 6 PM: Dinner (JC Atrium). 6 to 8 PM: Test Drive (SUB I Quad) Rain Location for Playfair. 8 PM: Mason Mayhem (Hub).

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Preamble Event Highlights

Students should register for events in advance to ensure you have a spot for the event and to receive the login information if applicable. All registrations will take place via Mason360.

Mason Mingle
Wednesday, August 17 | 9 pm | President's Park

Meet your fellow first-year students at the Mason Mingle! We'll have a DJ and some snacks, along with opportunities for you to chill with other new Mason students.

Hypnotist
Thursday, August 18 | 9-10:30pm | Center for the Arts

Meet fellow students and enjoy a hypnotist show!

New Student Convocation
Friday, August 19 | 10-11:15am | Eagle Bank Arena

New Student Convocation, a bookend to Commencement (aka. graduation), is George Mason University’s official welcome for all new students. As one of only a few times all members of the class will convene, this event celebrates the incoming class of 2022's entry into higher education and inducts them to a community of learners here at Mason.

Club 4400
Friday, August 19 | 9-11pm | Mason Pond Lawn

Meet other students and enjoy this annual Mason tradition!

Explore Fairfax
Saturday, August 20 | 4:30-8:30pm | Old Town Fairfax Square

Free shuttles will take students downtown, leaving from the Rappahannock Shuttle Stop. There will be a DJ, giveaways, major discounts and more! Students are encouraged to get food to-go and then come hang out and listen to the music on Old Town Fairfax Square.

More information can be found here: https://fairfaxcityconnected.com/2022/07/explore22/

Test Drive Your Patriot Pride
Saturday, August 30 | 6pm-8pm | SUB I Quad

All off-campus freshmen are expected to attend this event. We also invite all transfer students and any sophomores who would like to attend. Plan to arrive at 5pm for dinner.

Mason Mayhem
Saturday, August 20 | 9-11pm | The Hub

Meet students and enjoy games, karaoke, crafts, inflatables, live music, tasty food and more!

Area Shopping Trips

Just moved in and still need some supplies to get your room setup? Mason has many shuttles and route options that will take you to local shopping centers. During Preamble, we have coordinated shuttles that are express to and from the shopping centers versus having to wait at each stop of a normal bus route.  

Shuttles will be offered on the following days and times at both the Rappahannock shuttle stop and Presidents Park shuttle stop

  • Thursday, August 18th from 5-9pm 
  • Friday, August 19th from 5-8pm

Shuttles will take students to the Fair Lakes Shopping Center, which includes multiple retail stores including Wal-Mart, Target, and Home Goods. Each shuttle can hold 32 passengers each and there will be two shuttles on a rotation.

For students who want to go to other shopping centers, many options are available on traditional Mason shuttle routes and can be found at https://transportation.gmu.edu/ All routes are free with a valid Mason ID.

Shuttle Schedules

Thursday, August 18, 2022: 5–9:30pm

Bus

Depart Rappahannock

Depart Presidents Park

Arrival/Depart Fair Lakes

Arrive Rappahannock

Arrive Presidents Park

#1

5pm

5:05pm

5:35pm

6:05pm

#2

5:10pm

5:15pm

5:45pm

6:15pm

#1

6:05pm

6:10pm

6:40pm

7:10pm

#2

6:15pm

6:20pm

6:50pm

7:20pm

#1

7:10 pm

7:15pm

7:45pm

8:15pm

#2

7:20pm

7:25pm

7:55pm

8:25pm

#1

8:15pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

8:20pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

8:50pm

9:20pm

9:25pm (end)

#2

8:25pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

8:30pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

8:55pm

9:25pm

9:30pm (end)

Friday, August 19, 2022: 2: 5–8:30pm

Bus

Depart Rappahannock

Depart Presidents Park

Arrival/Depart Fair Lakes

Arrive Rappahannock

Arrive Presidents Park

#1

5pm

5:05pm

5:35pm

6:05pm

#2

5:10pm

5:15pm

5:45pm

6:15pm

#1

6:05pm

6:10pm

6:40pm

7:10pm

#2

6:15pm

6:20pm

6:50pm

7:20pm

#1

7:10pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

7:15pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

7:45pm

8:15pm

8:20pm (end)

#2

7:20pm (arrival only: no on campus pick-ups)

7:25pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

7:55pm

8:25pm

8:30pm (end)


The Hunt

The Hunt is a fun and interactive way to learn more about navigating Mason and what it has to offer for students!

Using the GooseChase app, a student or team of student friends can complete Mason “missions” by solving riddles and unlocking clues that will earn them points towards each Hunt.

This year, there are two Hunts - a Virtual Hunt and an On-Campus Hunt - and each will have a grand prize that will be announced on New Student and Family Programs’ social media accounts during Wecome2Mason.

Download the GooseChase app and follow these instructions to begin.

The Hunt will begin on 8/18 at 9:00am ET and close on 8/22 at 11:59pm ET

#1 Complete the Mason COVID Health✓™

For more information visit: https://www2.gmu.edu/mason-covid-health-check

#2 Face Coverings Required Indoorspicture of mask with language to wear a face covering

*updated on 8/11 based on university announcement