University Life

Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest

lclarkg — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:32:53 +0000

Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest lclarkg Thu, 05/21/2026 - 10:32

Mason Square hosted Clarendon FitFest on April 18, a community wellness event full of resources to promote active lifestyles, well-being, and meaningful connections between 91�� and the local Arlington community.

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

The event brought together more than 400 attendees including students, faculty, staff, community members, and local businesses for physical activity, wellness education, and accessible health resources.

The sun was shining as more than 150 runners and walkers participated in the Pacers 5K run and two-mile walk to kick off the event. Live fitness demonstrations occurred every hour on the plaza, including Zumba, barre, Pilates, yoga, and more. Local fitness and wellness businesses hosted booths with interactive wellness activities.

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

The event was a collaboration between 91��, Clarendon Alliance, and Pacers Running.

“Events like Clarendon FitFest are a great example of what becomes possible when a university is genuinely embedded in its surrounding community,” said Melissa Thierry, director of University Life Regional Campuses. “Mason Square is an urban campus, and that means the energy and vibrancy of the space depends on what we build together with our neighbors. The connection between campus life and the broader Clarendon neighborhood is a real asset to the student experience here.”

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

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Making space for well-being during finals

Katarina Benson — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:39:33 +0000

Making space for well-being during finals Katarina Benson Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:39

On May 7, with finals in full throttle, 91�� offered a space for students to slow down and reclaim rest as a form of restoration and renewal.

A student listens to Quiet Tech. Photo provided

The 2026 Heal Together event was hosted by the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC) in partnership with the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, Contemporary Student Services, the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, and Community Engagement and Civic Learning.

A clinician of 15 years, Shakila Melchior, director of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and outreach for OACC, framed the event around what she learned from practice. “Stress lives in the body, and it is so important for us to take breaks, especially in high-stress times,” she said.

Activities were held across campus. In the newly opened Spiritual and Interfaith Center, students could participate in Quiet Tech—a silent disco headphones and virtual reality experience—alongside positive affirmation cards, sensory grounding, painting, an aromatherapy bar, and herbal tea blending workshops.

Students at the aromatherapy station. Photo provided

For junior Angie Mendizabal, the combination of journaling and Quiet Tech opened up something new for her. “When you write down exactly what you know is best for you or what’s holding you back or what you’re feeling now…just writing it on a sheet of paper really helps,” she said.

Through Counseling and Psychological Services, Mind Spa offered 30-minute appointments in a zero-gravity massage chair with aromatherapy.

Human Resources offered Rest to Recharge, an educational room built around seven types of rest: mental, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, creative, and sensory.

Play to Restore set up board games, LEGO building, lawn games, and free play at the Corner Pocket.

Students painting during the 2026 Heal Together event. Photo provided

For sophomore Maddi Steen, the intentional programming reflected her George Mason experience. “I think George Mason does a really good job of reminding us that we matter as individuals and that we’re not in this alone,” she said. “I’m thankful to go to an institution that prioritizes mental health and community.”

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Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:55:20 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:55

When Duong Thuy Nguyen first emailed her graduate teaching assistant (GTA) for IT104 Introduction to Computing, she wasn’t sure what to call him—GTA Reddy or Professor Reddy? She was, as she puts it, “that naive.” She had just returned to college after years away, caring for her family, working full time, while carrying the weight of a culture that had pointed her toward a different life entirely. She wasn’t sure she could do any of it.

Duong Thuy Nguyen represents the College of Engineering and Computing as a Peer Mentor during a 91�� Visit Day. Photo provided.

This May, she’s graduating from 91�� with a 4.0 GPA, an Academic Excellence Award from her department, a Capstone team leadership under her belt, and two published feature articles about her work—and in the fall, she’ll be back as a graduate student in George Mason’s accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program.

Nguyen immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 2015. College, especially after a long pause, wasn’t the expected path for her. But her family pushed her toward it. “You have so much potential… just try,” she recalled being told.

Nguyen came to George Mason as a contemporary student. An immigrant adult learner who also works, she navigates the tension between family responsibilities and schoolwork in every classroom, every late night studying after work, and she often wondered whether someone like her belonged in a place like this. “I can feel both the excitement of going back to college and the worry of what if I couldn’t do this,” she said.

The people who showed up

From left, Alayna M. Brooker, Duong Thuy Nguyen, and Mansi Puthenveettil serve as Peer Mentor panelists during a College of Engineering and Computing Spotlight Day event at Dewberry Hall. Photo provided.

She took an academic leave in the spring of 2023 after family duties became too overwhelming. When she returned, she felt the distance from her peers acutely—older, quieter, uncertain of her place. What pulled her forward was a support system at George Mason that refused to let her disappear.

Professor Irina Hashmi gave her credit for quiz answers lost to a frozen screen, taking her word for it when she didn’t have to. Professor Scott Lewis listened to her story in his office hours when exhaustion broke through, and gave her career advice instead of sending her away. Professor Gene Shuman stayed after every class to work through concepts she was still wrestling with. Professor Massimiliano Albanese chose her for a cybersecurity internship that eventually opened the door to her current position at the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

“The whole Mason Nation, like every single one that I work with or study with…they are so supportive,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen and Associate Dean Jill Nelson of the College of Engineering and Computing. Nguyen calls Nelson “the most supportive and amazing supervisor.” Photo provided.

That support gave her enough ground to start taking risks. As a Peer Mentor for the Office of Undergraduate Studies at the College of Engineering and Computing, she showed up to her first event expecting to greet prospective students at a table. Instead, she found herself on stage as a panelist, fielding interview questions alongside an associate dean, sweating through her nerves in front of a room full of people. She made it through. After that, she became one of the program’s recurring panelists—the woman who’d been too shy to speak up in class, now telling prospective students to join organizations early and reach out before they think they need to.

From the audience to the stage

The biggest test came in her capstone project, a two-semester sequence she entered convinced she wasn’t cut out to lead. Her accent, she assumed, meant people wouldn’t listen. It was easier, she had always believed, to do everything herself than to ask for help and risk depending on someone.

Capstone—and Professor Gail Therrien, who designed the program—changed that by making her team lead. She learned to divide responsibilities, to speak up, to give her teammates room to show their own strengths. When her team’s work began to accumulate across two semesters, she arrived at something she hadn’t expected: that she is, indeed, “good enough.”

Nguyen and her Capstone teammates following their presentation. Photo provided.

Beyond the classroom, she built a life on campus — joining Contemporary Student Services, Women in Cybersecurity, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in tech.

“I realized that the first person who needs to believe in me is me,” she said. “If I don’t trust myself, I can’t earn the trust of others, and I certainly can’t lead a team to success.”

Today, she works full-time and cares for her family. She still sleeps two or three hours during the hard weeks. Somewhere in between, she is running on coffee and the same determination that got her here in the first place. She is still, in many ways, doing everything at once.

“I never in a million years thought that I could get this far,” she said.

Note: This story was written by Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, and edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. It was originally published on 91��'s University Life website.

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Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:36:42 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:36

When Simeon Omorodion crossed the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon this April for the first time, he wasn’t just completing a race. He was confirming something he’d been building toward for years—that running wasn’t a hobby or a side pursuit, but a core part of who he is.

At 91��, that identity never existed in isolation. An Honors College student and long-distance runner, Omorodion found the same logic threading through both pursuits: structure, persistence, and a tolerance for discomfort that eventually becomes growth.

Simeon Omorodion runs the 130th Boston Marathon. Photo provided.

This May, he earned his degree in information technology, specializing in cybersecurity with a minor in Japanese studies.

This pairing surprises people. But for Omorodion, it makes perfect sense. His interest in cybersecurity comes down to problem-solving under pressure—the same discipline that gets a runner through mile 20.

His passion for Japanese studies dates back to childhood, when anime introduced him to stories of perseverance and the impossible becoming possible. He joined the Japanese Student Association his freshman year and studied in Japan in the summer of 2024. “Why don’t I just learn this beautiful language?” he said, “this language that has allowed me to see visions of impossibles becoming possible.

Omorodion (right) with classmates at the conclusion of a Japanese language presentation during his summer 2024 study-abroad program in Japan. Photo provided.

The two halves of his life at George Mason reinforce each other in ways he didn’t anticipate. “It’s like a symbiotic relationship,” he said. “Without the athletics, it’s hard for me to engage within the academics. With the academics, it helps me to engage in athletics.”

Those connections extended beyond the classroom and the track. Through the Patriot Run Club and his role in Housing and Residence Life as a resident assistant, he found the sense of belonging that made everything else easier. “It made me feel connected,” he said, “connected to this environment, to the George Mason culture.”

Omorodion celebrates at the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon, medal in hand. Photo provided.

To students still on the fence about getting involved and pursing what they are passionate about, his advice is direct: do it, and don’t expect to regret it.

After graduation, Omorodion plans to continue merging the passions he discovered during his time at George Mason. He will work for the global sportswear company ASICS in Boston as a marketplace operations coordinator, a role that would keep him rooted in the running world while building a career.

He arrived at George Mason without a clear plan. Through running and his academics, Omorodion leaves with a deeper understanding of himself and what drives him—and a conviction that not having it figured out from the start was never the problem.

“You are going to transform a lot during college,” he said, “and that could be a very positive transformation.”

Note: This article was written by Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, and edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. It was originally published on 91��'s University Life website.

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Mason Day 2026 marks 61 years of community and tradition

ckearney — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:11:50 +0000

Mason Day 2026 marks 61 years of community and tradition ckearney Thu, 04/30/2026 - 16:11

Mason Day, 91��’s largest and longest-standing tradition, brought the community together for a carnival with games, rides, food, and music. This year’s concert headliner was hip-hop artist JT from City Girls, with support from indie pop band The Aces. The event—sponsored by University Life’s Student Involvement unit and free for George Mason students, faculty, and staff—occurs every April before final exams. This year, the festival attracted a record-setting 7,420 attendees.

This year’s Mason Day also included activities developed and implemented by students taking the event management course TOUR 221 Event Implementation and Evaluation, expanding the long-running event with a vital student perspective.

President Washington (center in green) catches up with students at Mason Day. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Mason Day has always been designed to accommodate everyone—energetic and overstimulated, celebratory and exhausted, longtime Patriots and first-time visitors. This year, attendees could decorate tote bags, make stuff-a-fluff plushies, and line up for carnival rides, while those who needed a quieter moment could step into an expanded sensory tent and reset with fidget toys and puzzles.

Lauren Long, executive director of Student Involvement, said accessibility was one of the major goals of the event. “In addition to the traditions students have come to expect, this year’s attendees experienced a Silent Disco, expanded Low Stimuli and Sensory tents, roaming artists, and a larger vendor fair. While Mason Day has changed over time, the true spirit that started 61 years ago to present live music and bring students together in community is still the center point of the event today.”

Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Senior Bethel Tessera, a psychology major, made it to Mason Day for the third time, and brought her friend Lily Velapatino up from Richmond for the occasion. After a busy semester taking 18 credits, Tessera said the timing couldn’t have been better. The two started the afternoon decorating tote bags in the sun and decompressing after a long semester. Velapatino, taking it all in as a first-time visitor, said she was “very jealous of all the free activities and fun rides Mason Day has to offer.”

Vendors are also a big part of Mason Day, many of them students or alumni. Among the vendors this year was Hanieh Faani, a fine arts senior debuting her small business featuring handmade Iranian art, embroideries, and prints. The business is a family affair: Faani’s mother, Mahina Rajaei, a master’s student in counseling at George Mason, was there alongside her. A third generation will soon attend Mason as well—Rajaei’s granddaughter is set to enroll in fall 2026 to study physics.

“The proximity to our home and the tolerant environment makes Mason such an anchor in our family,” Faani said.

The rain didn't diminish the enthusiasm of the crowds at the evening concert. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

When the rain came in that evening, it didn’t faze the crowd. People gathered at the center stage with glow sticks and Mason Day swag, singing along with JT as the lights cut through the dark. By the time the concert ended and the carnival came down, Mason Day had done what it has done for 61 years: made room for all.

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Education Careers Week brings jobs, inspiration to George Mason’s future educators

ckearney — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:43:51 +0000

Education Careers Week brings jobs, inspiration to George Mason’s future educators ckearney Wed, 04/29/2026 - 14:43

Educators are in high demand, and the field offers myriad avenues for job seekers to explore. Given that demand and the diverse career opportunities, University Career Services (UCS) at 91�� expanded its annual Education Recruitment Day into a full week of programming in February. Education Careers Week featured a week of career exploration, collaboration, and learning for students interested in teaching, human development, or careers working with children.

Designed for the George Mason community to make connections and explore evolving career paths, the week included workshops, panels, a networking mixer, and a visit to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the ninth-largest school district in the nation. The week also featured an on-campus recruitment track, giving students the chance to interview directly with education employers. At least four students who participated received job offers.

Education Careers Week concluded with a site visit to the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center in Falls Church, Virginia. Photo provided

The week concluded with a site visit to the FCPS Gatehouse Administration Center in Falls Church, Virginia. The first-of-its-kind collaboration between George Mason and FCPS gave students an inside look at one of the nation’s largest school systems. Participants met with administrative and human resources professionals to learn about hiring timelines, interview strategies, and professional development programs such as the Great Beginnings Summer Institute, a four-day professional learning opportunity for teachers new to FCPS. The visit provided a clear view of the many roles—both inside and beyond the classroom—that drive a vibrant public school community.

“I loved learning about the different career paths and trajectories,” said graduate student Jia Liu, who is working on a master’s in social work. “There was no linear path, which I thought was interesting and inspiring.”

Throughout the week, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni lent their time and expertise as panelists and moderators, providing students with firsthand insight into education as both a calling and a career. Alumni from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Alumni Chapter helped moderate sessions, highlighting the lasting connection between graduates and current students.

“The George Mason community came together to make Education Careers Week a success,” said Saskia Campbell, UCS executive director. “That collaboration made it possible to expand our programming and networking opportunities for students.”

Event attendees represented many of the university’s schools and colleges, spanning majors in education, business, government, STEM, and more. Half of the attendees were graduate students, indicating that the education sector attracts talent from across disciplines and at every stage of career development.

“I decided to attend Education Careers Week to gather information about the type of education career I wanted to pursue,” said graduate student Valeria Alejandra Reyes-Chain, who is working on a school psychology degree. “I gained valuable insights that guided me throughout the job application process.”

Education Careers Week highlighted that career growth is about continuous learning. From student teaching to leadership, each experience builds toward a career that can evolve across roles, grade levels, and even industries.

Additionally, it served as an important reminder that community makes the difference. Students, alumni, and partners supported each other in the pursuit of meaningful work, demonstrating George Mason’s culture of shared purpose. No matter your major, experience level, or background, a career in education is a way to make a difference in the world.

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New Activities Building creates opportunity for campus community connections

Katarina Benson — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:52:09 +0000

New Activities Building creates opportunity for campus community connections Katarina Benson Wed, 04/22/2026 - 18:52

The new Activities Building on 91��’s Fairfax Campus officially opened its doors on April 16 with a ribbon cutting and community celebration also attended by alumna Charniele Herring, BA Economics ’93, majority leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, and members of the Board of Visitors.

Students playing basketball at the opening event. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Students and guests enjoyed food, live music, gaming and esports, and recreational activities that showcased the building’s versatility.

George Mason President Gregory Washington spoke about what the building represents. “Students who are involved—who find ways to connect, who plug into campus life—they’re more likely to stay. They’re more likely to succeed. They’re more likely to feel like they belong here. And that matters,” he said. “Belonging does not come from where you sleep. It comes from where you connect. And this building is meant to be one of those places where that connection can happen every day.”

Activities Building ribbon cutting. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell noted, “When we step back and look at what this building represents, it really comes down to one thing. At the center of all this is engagement: creating space for students to come together and be part of something that matters. And that is what will ultimately shape how students experience their time at George Mason.”

The 25,000-square-foot building features two large multipurpose spaces with collapsible dividers to allow flexible use. There are small, medium, and large conference rooms, all providing event space for Registered Student Organizations, student engagement activities, the Green Machine pep band, and recreation activities. The additional space will host activities such as the Health and Fitness Expo, Career Fair, and IVth Night.

“This effort reflects an extraordinary level of coordination, collaboration, and commitment from teams across the university," said Pam Patterson, associate vice president for University Life. "While this building was designed to bring people together, our work now is to bring that vision fully to life.”

Senior Amanda Leach, an integrative studies major and Green Machine member, said she sees the extra space for student groups as a huge asset. “Having that space just for student groups will make running the groups so much easier,” she said. “It will foster people’s interest in those groups knowing that they have a dedicated space to think of as their own.”

Other students said they appreciated the expanded recreation offerings that the new building can accommodate, as well as additional communal space. “I think it’s great to see the university prioritizing students’ well-being in terms of encouraging us to spend time together outside of class,” said Chloe Chong, a graduate professional assistant with the Office of International Programs and Services. “I think that really benefits us and improves mental health.”

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George Mason’s student parent and caregiver meetups earn national recognition

Katarina Benson — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:55:03 +0000

George Mason’s student parent and caregiver meetups earn national recognition Katarina Benson Wed, 04/01/2026 - 20:55

More than 30% of 91�� students who participated in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) this year reported spending time caregiving each week—for children, siblings, parents, or other family members. That’s a significant portion of the student body navigating coursework alongside responsibilities that many campus programs weren’t built to acknowledge. University Life’s Contemporary Student Services (CSS) unit is working to change that.

Student parent and caregiver events provide important community. Photo provided

CSS’s monthly Student Parent and Caregiver Meetups are designed to foster connection and build support networks; research shows these activities are linked to increased student retention and success. CSS was recognized with the NASPA Adult Learner and Students with Children Knowledge Community’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student Parent Program award for these meetups.

The NASPA award honors innovative approaches to supporting the specific needs of student parents in higher education. “Supporting student success means recognizing those realities and meeting students as learners and caregivers at the same time,” said Joisanne Rodgers, CSS director. “Each student and staff member involved gives care, time, support, to ensure that George Mason student parents and caregivers have a place to gather, be in community, and know they belong and matter.”

George Mason alumna Veronica Vassar, MA Higher Education and Student Development ’25, said, “This space was one of the biggest contributors to my sense of belonging at George Mason.”

The meetups, conceived of and hosted by CSS associate director Shyama Kuver, began as virtual gatherings during COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020. By fall 2022, the initiative had grown into an in-person program, co-led by undergraduate student parent and FamilyU Fellow Valeria Fernandez. After her fellowship, Fernandez continued her work with CSS as a contemporary student ambassador, helping grow the program alongside Caroline Simpson, then CSS coordinator and now New Student and Family Programs assistant director.

When Fernandez graduated, undergraduate student parent and CSS Ambassador Chathrini Sirisena stepped into the leadership role. Today, the meetups continue to flourish thanks to CSS student ambassadors Mahjabeen Rahman and Kaitlyn La; Ryne Kimlick, an undergraduate student parent and CSS peer mentor; and Maria Garin Jones, CSS coordinator.

That continuity—students carrying the work forward for other students—speaks to what the program has built over the years.

Some attendees of the student parent and caregiver meetings. Photo provided

“As a student parent, being there with others just like me was so meaningful,” Sirisena said. “That feeling of not being alone in the experience is so important, and I am grateful we have been able to create that for our student parents.”

For Kuver, the recognition reflects something she has believed since the beginning. “The CSS meetups were my first program implementation at George Mason,” she said. “I believe in their importance and in their evolution. I believe in the spirit and necessity of horizontal support networks for our student communities.”

91�� is also a proud recipient of the FamilyU Seal, a national certification recognizing the important work done every day to help student parents pursue their education, access economic mobility, and thrive.

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George Mason’s Teaching Kitchen offers students cooking tips and community

Katarina Benson — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:10:30 +0000

George Mason’s Teaching Kitchen offers students cooking tips and community Katarina Benson Tue, 03/24/2026 - 17:10

In February, 91�� Dining, in partnership with the Office of New Student and Family Programs, hosted a Teaching Kitchen designed specifically for first-year and transfer students. The 50 available spots filled immediately, a clear signal that today’s students are looking for connection, not just consumption.

The session was led by Chef William Weaver, director of student engagement, and Chef George Charbel, campus executive chef. Together, they guided students through three hands-on stations focused on practical, confidence-building skills. The first was chocolate mug cakes, which introduced foundational baking techniques. The second, overnight oats, reinforced nutrition and smart meal planning. The last station was elevated ramen, used to teach students how to transform a staple food item into a balanced, intentional meal.

Students created three recipes. Photo provided

But the real outcome wasn’t the recipes. It was community.

“We chose to offer this Teaching Kitchen class to give first-year students a fun opportunity to learn a new skill, connect with their peers, and begin building a sense of community early in their college experience,” Jonathan Holcomb, associate director of New Student Programs.

The Mason Dining Voice and Vision survey made it clear that dining is one of the most powerful touchpoints for belonging for students. Of the first-year students surveyed, 60.6% said dining helps them adjust to college life, and 53.1% said dining helps them feel welcome on campus.

For first-year and transfer students especially, the transition to campus can feel isolating. A teaching kitchen changes that dynamic. The shared experience sparks conversation and builds confidence among students, turning strangers into peers.

“I loved this event,” said George Mason first-year student Esther Agbara, who participated in the event. “I liked how everyone was cooperating with each other.”

The Teaching Kitchen is part of Mason Dining’s ongoing engagement-based programming. The team hosts monthly events centered on different themes. Throughout the year, Mason Dining also offers a variety of experiential events, including its Supper Club series, a fine-dining-style experience hosted in the dining halls.

Mason Dining and the workshop students. Photo provided

At George Mason, dining is more than a service. It is a strategy for belonging—one intentionally designed to support student transition, build confidence, and reinforce the university’s commitment to helping every student succeed.

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Transfer Nation 2026 builds community for transfer and contemporary students

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:29:10 +0000

Transfer Nation 2026 builds community for transfer and contemporary students Katarina Benson Mon, 03/02/2026 - 13:29

On February 4, Transfer Nation 2026 welcomed transfer and contemporary students for an afternoon focused on connection and reflection. As part of 91��’s First-Year Connection programming, the event emphasized community-building and highlighted the academic and personal support systems available across campus.

George Mason's New Student and Family Programs office offers a mid-year Orientation in the fall for students joining the university in the spring semester. Students pictured are at Orientation in November 2023. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

First-Year Connection initiatives are designed to enhance engagement, strengthen academic success, and support personal growth for students new to George Mason. For transfer students who often have less time to acclimate than first-year students, the need for early connection is especially critical.

“This particular event is really a chance for transfer students to meet each other and learn that they are not alone in their experience here,” said Caroline Simpson, assistant director of New Student and Family Programs (NSFP). “They’re not the only ones going through different challenges or struggles. They have community.”

Simpson noted that the gathering also encouraged students to set goals early in the semester—an important step for transfers navigating a new academic environment on a compressed timeline.

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Richard Tenia, who transferred from Northern Virginia Community College, entered George Mason in fall 2025 with plans to refine his academic focus in arts and visual technology. Adjusting to a larger campus proved challenging at first, he said, but support from his resident advisors (RAs) and attending Mason360 events helped him build connections quickly.

Zell Preston, a transfer student from Laurel Ridge Community College, highlighted the university’s diversity and campus involvement as central to her experience. She credited her success coach with helping her move from forensic science to criminology, and benefited from connecting with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The breadth of support at George Mason, she said, made a significant difference in the transition.

Transfer Nation also showcased available support for working adults balancing professional and family responsibilities. Jennifer Rogel, who manages two full-time jobs while enrolled as a full-time student, credited transfer-focused programming for the ease of her transition.

After attending two transfer events in November, she gained clarity on course registration and access to follow-up resources. Receiving a free laptop through the Student Support and Advocacy Center also proved instrumental.

For Rogel, the experience underscored an important point: Resources only matter if students know how to access them. “I believe there are resources for everybody,” she said. “The thing is, are we taking advantage of them? Do we know those resources exist?”

Transfer Nation addressed that gap directly. By making support visible—and personal—the event helped ensure that services did not remain abstract listings on a website, but tools students felt confident using.

For students who arrive at George Mason mid-journey, connection is not incidental. Transfer Nation reflects a broader institutional commitment: that at George Mason, every student succeeds—including those who began somewhere else.

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