Welcome to Mason

The Preamble

 

Preamble 2024

Preamble takes place each fall prior to the start of classes for all incoming freshmen and transfer students. 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

Wednesday: August 21st, 2024

  • 9 AM–4 PM: Move-In (Freshman) & Family Far| Housing Specified Locations
  • 7 PM: RHA Welcome Event | The Ridge located in Sandbridge Hall

Thursday: August 22nd, 2024

  • 9 AM–4 PM: Move-In (Freshman) & Family Farewell | Housing Specified Locations
  • 6:30 PM: Residential Floor Meetings | Residence Halls
  • 7:30 PM: Residential Student Meet up | Residence Halls, Mason Pond Lawn
  • 8:30 PM–10:00 PM: Evening Hypnotist Show | Mason Pond Lawn

Friday: August 23rd, 2024

Remember to wear your Green Patriot Pride Shirt!

  • 9 AM–4 PM: Move-In (UC) | Housing Specified Locations
  • 10 AM-12 PM: Contemporary Student Reception | Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
  • 1PM: Residential Student Meet-Up (North & South Entrances) & Off-Campus Student Check-In (West Entrance) | Residence Halls, Eagle Bank Arena
  • 1:30-3 PM: New Student Convocation | EagleBank Arena
  • 3-5 PM: Resource Fair & Taking Care of Business | Parking Lot A/EagleBank Arena
  • 6 PM: Dinner on Own | And Catholic Campus Ministry Block Party at St. Robert Bellarmine Chapel (Starts at 5:30 PM)
  • 6-8 PM: Test Drive Your Patriot Pride (Off-Campus Students) | Johnson Center Dewberry Hall & Bistro
  • 6-8 PM: Mason Hillel Freshman Shabbat | Johnson Center 3rd floor, Georges
  • 8:30 PM: Residential Student Meet up | Residence Halls, Mason Pond Lawn
  • 9-11 PM: Club 4400 | Mason Pond Lawn, Rain Location: The Hub Ballroom

Saturday: August 24th, 2024

  • 9 AM–4 PM: Move-In (UC) | Housing Specified Locations
  • 1 PM: Lunch on Own (vouchers for off-campus students)
  • 2–4:30 PM: Field Day (Color Group Competition) | Various Locations
  • 6 PM: Dinner on Own
  • 7:30 PM: Residential Student Meet up and Bring to Events | Residence Halls, The Hub
  • 7–11 PM: Mason Mayhem | The Hub

Sunday: August 25th, 2024

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

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.

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New Student Convocation
Friday, August 23 | 1:30-3:00 pm | EagleBank 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 2024's entry into higher education and inducts them to a community of learners here at Mason. Students will receive a university sweatshirt and planner, followed by a lunch with faculty, staff, and students. Residential Students will arrive with their RA and building, Off-Campus students check in at the West Entrance, doors open at 10:15am.
Test Drive Your Patriot Pride (For Off-Campus Students!)
Friday, August 23 | 5 pm-7 pm | Johnson Center Dewberry Hall and Bistro

All off-campus freshmen are expected to attend this event. We also invite all transfer students and any sophomores who would like to attend. Get connected with other off-campus students, learn your way around campus, and practice your commute for the first day of classes! Students should park in Lot A.
Club 4400
Friday, August 23 | 9-11 pm | Mason Pond Lawn

Meet other students and enjoy this annual Mason tradition full of music and spirit!
Mason Mayhem
Saturday, August 24 | 8-11pm | The Hub

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

 

Shuttle Schedules

Bus

Depart Rappahannock

Depart Presidents Park

Arrival/Depart Fair Lakes

Arrive Rappahannock

Arrive Presidents Park

#1

4pm

4:30pm

5pm

#2

4:15pm

4:45pm

5:15pm

#1

5pm

5:05pm

5:35pm

6:05pm

#2

5:15pm

5:20pm

5:50pm

6:20pm

#1

6:05pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

6:10pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

6:40pm

7:10pm

7:15pm (End)

#2

6:20pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

6:25pm (arrival only; no on campus pick-ups)

6:55pm

7:25pm

7:30pm (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