SOCIAL LIFE AND ACTIVITIES
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The University Life Planning Calendar is the calendar of programming events for the academic school year. New events will be added as they are finalized so check this calendar regularly at http://www.gmu.edu/departments/unilife/programs/calendar.html.
Student Activities strives to create a holistic learning community designed to complement academic studies and enhance the overall educational experience of the student. Student Activities offers a variety of events for the Mason community to enjoy. The activities listed below are some of the Mason traditions that help foster school spirit as well as provide entertainment on campus. All events are FREE to students and are updated at http://sa.gmu.edu/.
- Welcome Week and New Student Days are the kick-off events
welcoming both new and returning Mason students. The events held during
New Student
Days are primarily focused on providing activities for students who
will be living on campus. However, all students are welcome to attend
the
events. Events from the past include an outdoor movie, a Bar-B-Que,
picnic on the plaza, the deck party, and karaoke. The Office of Student
Activities
sets up a tent on the Johnson Center Plaza during Welcome week at
which students will find FREE Day Planners (produced by Student Activities),
FREE Grab'n Go Breakfast, Games sponsored by Recreation, and many
other
activities listed online at http://sa.gmu.edu/welcome_week.html.
- HOMECOMING provides many opportunities for students to get
involved and show their school spirit. Students can get involved by
attending
the events, participating in the activities or simply showing your
Mason pride. Check the calendar of events located online at http://www.gmu.edu/homecoming/.
- Intercollegiate Athletics are sponsored by George Mason University
and include men’s baseball, golf, and wrestling; women’s
softball, lacrosse, and rowing; and men’s and women’s basketball,
cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field, soccer, swimming
and diving, tennis, and volleyball. For sports information updates
call the
Sports Hotline at 703-993-4074 or visit the website at http://gomason.collegesports.com/.
- Student Organizations are a part of college life that include
an out-of-class experience that support your academic career. Mason
has over 150 student-led organizations crossing an array of interests.
In
addition to the organizations recognized by the Student Activities
office, there are other areas of involvement including Student Media
groups and
Club Sports represented online at http://sa.gmu.edu/student_orgs.html.
- Program Board is a student run program that promotes campus
unity through activities that are entertaining, interactive, and
educational. Program Board believes that bringing diverse events means
representing
the multiple cultures of the George Mason community and sets out
to deliver events through four committees: Concerts, Every Freakin
Friday, Film
Club, Homecoming, and Special Events. To get involved or for a listing
of events check out the web site at http://www.programboard.gmu.edu/.
- The Film Club is one of the four Program Board committees
and specializes in programming Film Events for the student body. One
of the
Club's responsibilities is choosing the movies that will be shown
weekly in the Johnson Center Cinema. The club selects films that they
believe
will appeal to the most groups on campus and are chosen to coincide
with special events such as Family Weekend or Black History Month.
In general,
movies shown on Thursday are usually independent or educational films
picked with the help of other departments while Friday and Saturday
night films are usually Hollywood hits. The Film Club puts on events
such as
sneak previews and the Uber Film Festival featuring films created
by students. Get involved or check showings at http://www.programboard.gmu.edu/film.htm.
- Greek Life at George Mason University is comprised of a community
of 15 fraternities and 12 sororities. Throughout the year, Greek
organizations contribute to campus life by sponsoring educational,
service, and social
activities for the University and surrounding communities. The organizations
encourage high academic standards and provide opportunities for campus
involvement, networking, and leadership development. For answers
about involvement visit http://www.gmu.edu/student/sa/greek_life_faq.html#.
- In addition to student organizations, fraternities and sororities, Program Board, Student Funding Board, and the Council of Student Umbrella Leaders, there are other opportunities on campus for student involvement. These other opportunities are not coordinated through Student Activities but can be explored via the following links. For opportunities through Housing and Residence Life, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, Student Services and Organizations for the School of Law, and Army ROTC, visit http://sa.gmu.edu/other_involvement.html# for information and links.
The Office of Diversity Programs and Services (ODPS) serves students, cultural organizations, and the Mason community by promoting an environment that fosters and values human understanding and diversity. The goal of ODPS is to provide a campus environment where diversity is valued, appreciated, and celebrated. A variety of programs and services are in place to aid students in becoming the best they can be and a listing of activities and events is posted online and ALL students are welcome to participate. Visit http://www.gmu.edu/student/msaf/events.html.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts is a community of artists, actively engaged in the learning, teaching, practice, and development of a wide variety of art forms. From painters and computer animators, actors and dancers, singers, composers and playwrights, critics, arts managers, and scholars all are working in close proximity to each other in an atmosphere of collaborative exploration. The College houses an award-winning resident professional theater, which makes great new drama available to the community (free to students!); and, above all, exciting student performances in all shapes and guises, from modern dance to opera, to multimedia. To gather information on attending a performance or exhibition visit http://www.gmu.edu/cvpa/performance_exhibition.html.
Great Performances at Mason is a program of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The mission of the College of Visual and Performing Arts is to make the arts an intrinsic part of the lives of every George Mason student and area resident. The Great Performances at Mason Series is integral to the College’s mission, providing a diverse program of challenging and entertaining cultural experiences for the entire University community, as well as Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. area. The College’s professional presenting division plays an important role in many campus and community outreach activities throughout each season. The "Free Tickets for Mason Students" program provides many opportunities for Mason students to become part of the spirited professional and University-sponsored performances at its venues. For information on already scheduled and upcoming programs visit http://www.gmu.edu/cfa/calendar/.
The Counseling Center's Multicultural Peer Empowerment Program (PEP) provides emotional support and outreach services for students from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Some objectives include addressing cultural issues that can negatively affect a student's transition into an institution of higher education; facilitate understanding of the university as a multi-cultural community; encourage student participation in campus and community activities; and assist with or develop workshops, programs and special activities based on student interests and concerns. Please see http://www.gmu.edu/student/peer/ for more information.
The Student Media Group is part of University Life and integrates fee-funded student media organizations within a learning community. Students gain invaluable media knowledge and skills through experiential learning, internships and special projects by working with the various media organizations including Broadside, WGMU, and MCN. Visit http://www.gmu.edu/departments/unilife/studentmedia/.
The Women's Studies Research and Resource Center at George Mason University provides referrals and resource information to students, faculty, and staff. Topics covered include women's health and empowerment, sexual assault, sexual harassment, feminism, racism, sexism, and homophobia. In addition to providing a library, the Center hosts lectures, conferences, and other public events to promote a sense of community on campus and to raise awareness of women's issues. To see a listing of events visit http://jcweb.gmu.edu/communities/wrc/events.htm.
Broadside is the student newspaper, published on Mondays. The student voice of the university, Broadside not only provides news and information on current activities and events, it also provides an excellent opportunity for fledging journalists to learn their trade, and for those interested in the day-to-day operation of a newspaper to gain experience. Check out their web site for more information on the above at http://www.broadsideonline.com/.
The Student Handbook is a tool to help find practical information about the university, its policies, procedures, and traditions. To read more on getting involved in the pursuit of excellence, visit http://sa.gmu.edu/pdfs/Handbook2004.pdf. <back to top>
Citysearch is a leading local search service, providing the most up-to-date information on restaurants and retail to travel and professional services. Citysearch empowers users to make informed decisions about where to spend their time and money by delivering more than one million editorial and user reviews. To plan a weekend, evening or next getaway, visit http://washingtondc.citysearch.com/.
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) offers a wide variety of program choices to allow an individual to pick the best personal program to increase personal fitness levels. Yoga, kickboxing, aerobics and Pilates are all options to fit different styles, interests and abilities. Exercise and fitness instructors have different teaching styles, and some classes combine various fitness regimens. Men and women are welcome at all classes. It is recommended to check with a doctor before beginning an exercise program. Information on locations, times, and fees can be found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/classes/fitness.htm.
At the FCPA Park News web page, http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/news.htm, individuals may find information on county parks, recreation centers, special events, campgrounds, trails, and fitness, exercise and recreation venues in Fairfax County.
The City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation web site offers listings of parks, trails, pools, athletic fields, and recreation centers at http://www.ci.fairfax.va.us/ParksRec/ParksRec.asp.
Times Community Newspapers is a group of 18 contiguous Northern Virginia newspapers with a combined circulation of 260,000 featuring local print and Internet news of each community served. From McLean to Middleburg, the company is established today as the dominant vehicle for local and national news and events seeking to reach the diverse communities of Northern Virginia. For information on activities across VA see http://www.timescommunity.com/site/index.cfm?brd=2553. <back to top>
WashingtonPost.com, the online edition of a national newspaper, The Washington Post offers a complete guide for entertainment, recreation, and leisure in the metropolitan area, as well as points of interest in the mountain and coastal regions. It contains information on many of the national exhibits and scheduled events occurring in the Nation’s Capitol. To find out more about activities and opportunities, explore this site at http://www.washingtonpost.com/. <back to top>