Orientation

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Comments

I was a 2018 Patriot Leader. I joined the team to make friends and experience what it's like to help others learn more about George Mason. I was looking for support, a learning experience, and opportunities to be more involved at Mason. And even though I made some connections along the way, it was rough. On orientation days, Patriot Leaders started their day at 6AM, and we didn't get to go back to our rooms until about midnight. I felt great knowing that I was making an impact at Mason and helping others with their transition from high school to college. But the daily schedule quickly led to burnout. I pushed myself to get used to the demanding schedule because I thought that in the end, I would be appreciated and remembered for my willingness to serve Mason and help other students. But the reason I'm writing this review now- more than two years later- is because people from the team are still having conversations about the mistakes I made. They still bring up situations in which I fell short, even today. And though working a 15+ hour shift would be challenging for anyone, it was particularly difficult for me to adapt because I had a medical diagnosis that I wasn't aware of until a year after the role ended. I wondered why I was having such difficulty getting through each of the shifts and others perceived my efforts as "less than." And the fact that they're still passing judgement on me for the ways that I fell short is unfortunate, especially since I've gone through years of treatment and self-help for my diagnosis. Because everyone on the Professional Staff team ignored me and rarely spoke to me through the orientation season, I felt even more alone. And the fact that they still view me as being in the state that I was in then is what especially hurts. I can't go back in time and ask for help and support from a team about a condition I wasn't not aware of. But the fact that this team was more willing to offer judgement and criticism than support really says a lot about who they are. I understand that a Facebook review is not the best way to communicate all of these thoughts and emotions. But I've done my part to have difficult conversations with the Professional Staff team. And it's gone nowhere. So here we are- more than two years later. I am misunderstood as being an employee who fell short. When in actuality, I was a Patriot Leader who wanted to strive to do the best she could to serve the team, but I was greatly limited by the lack of knowledge on a medical diagnosis I had at the time, which I didn't have the resources to get treated or diagnosed for. To the Orientation Leader Team, you made me feel alone. You made me feel judged. You made me feel like I didn't belong. You made me feel that my circumstances were my fault. And I needed to write this post to discuss that being on the Patriot Leader team was an incredibly isolating experience for me, which unfortunately led to more suffering. I hope you're proud of yourselves.

Is orientation live ? My son is online and it’s a series of videos that he watched last night. How does he register for classes after this ?

Can a freshman register for a second Orientation? Mine is "attending" hers right now but didn't know about prerequisites for it or signing up for a time slot with an advisor. She is visiting her dad right now which is hours away so I'm not much help and he's at work. She's horribly confused already and she's only 12 minutes into it. I think it would be best to just start over.

There are 7 days until applications close for the Patriot Leader role! If you're passionate about helping students in the mason community transition into college, then this is the perfect position for you! Apply by looking us up on Handshake, or by visiting us at greenpolo.gmu.edu!

Thank you for the fantastic orientation! It was very informative, high energy, and everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. You all did an amazing job and it was appreciated!!! G M U....What? Loved it!!!

We serve as the home for new students and families during their first year at George Mason Universit

New Student and Family Programs provides transition experiences for new undergraduate students and their families.

Operating as usual

11/07/2021

Orientation updated their business hours.

11/07/2021

Orientation updated their info in the about section.

04/01/2021

Happy Thursday, Patriots! New content will no longer be going on this page, however this page will remain available online for a little while longer. Looking for up to date content? Follow George Mason Family Programs !

03/31/2021

Tomorrow is the Big Day, Patriots! This page will be shutting down — so make sure you follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page TODAY! We are so excited to be making this transition, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring you more Family Program content, more Orientation content, and more Quill Camp content than ever before! We’ll see you over there!

03/30/2021

Two more days, Patriots! Remember: to stay up to date on all things Orientation follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page before April 1st!

03/30/2021

Thursday, April 1st we are excited to bring you the Third and final part of our Family Support Series: Our Well Being Session!

Register now at the following link: https://gmu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsf-uspz0iGNXmRoCXGbnY-DfW7m7fN5yP.

 We recognize that COVID and being in a virtual environment has contributed to a significant decline in mental, physical, financial and career health and success of our students and families.

Our participants will have the opportunity to learn from our campus partners about the most effective ways to support students and all of the resources available to help navigate this tumultuous time.

03/29/2021

Three more days until our big transition! Remember, Patriots, this Thursday, April 1st this page will be shutting down — make sure to follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page before then to stay up to date on everything Orientation and much more!

03/26/2021

It’s almost time! Next Thursday, April 1st this page will be shutting down! Make sure you follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page before then so you don’t miss out on any Orientation information!

03/25/2021

The countdown is on! This page will be shutting down on April 1st, Patriots. Make sure before then you follow us on our George Mason Family Programs Page, there you’ll find all the information about Orientation that you’re used to and so, so much more! We’ll see you over there!

03/24/2021

The big transition day is approaching, Patriots! Be sure to follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page before April 1st! Thought this page will be deleted, never fear! Over on our George Mason Family Programs page we’ll still be bringing you all the Orientation information you’re used to and much, much more!

03/22/2021

Another reminder! This page will be shutting down April 1st! If you haven’t already, make sure to follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page; over there you’ll get all of the information about orientation you’re used to and much more!

03/19/2021

Hey there, Patriots! This is your first of many reminders to follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page before April 1st. On April 1st this page will be shut down, so make sure to make the switch to ensure you’re still getting all of your Family Program, Orientation, Quill Camp information — not to mention everything else New Student and Family Programs will be bringing you!

03/18/2021

We recognize that COVID and being in a virtual environment has contributed to a significant decline in mental, physical, financial and career health and success of our students and families. Learn from our campus partners about the most effective ways to support students and the resources available to help navigate this tumultuous time.

Register here: https://gmu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsf-uspz0iGNXmRoCXGbnY-DfW7m7fN5yP

03/18/2021

CCEE is acknowledging the recent attacks against the Asian community in the Greater Atlanta area. We stand in solidarity with all APIDA members of the Mason family and strongly condemn these acts of violence.

Today, many people in the Mason Community woke up to fear, sadness, anger, anxiety, and uncertainty as they grappled with this very intentional act of violence. As of this morning, we have learned the names of just some of the victims and those injured:

Ms. Yaun, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Paul Andre Michels and Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz.

Tuesday’s killing is just one day of a spike in attacks against the Asian community in recent years. Again, we strongly condemn these attacks and are actively seeking means to safety and justice. We will be holding support spaces today and tomorrow for all of our APIDA students.

Visit go.gmu.edu/StopAsianHate for sessions, zoom links, and additional resources
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03/17/2021

We appreciate each and every one of you who follows us here and we’re hoping you will join us as we make a transition. Big changes are coming! This page will be shutting down on April 1st, but not to worry! Follow us on our George Mason Family Programs page before the April deadline and you won’t miss out on a thing! You can still count on that page to bring you all of the same excellent content and information about Family Programs, Orientation, Quill Camp, and more that you’re used to.

Here’s to new beginnings and our New Student and Family Programs page!

02/01/2021

Join us for some rounds of virtual Bingo!  Our last Bingo event was such a success we thought we would do it again! There are tons of prizes and opportunities to meet the Off Campus Advisors and other folks dedicated to supporting transfer students.  We can't wait to kick off the spring semester with you!

01/26/2021

Have you heard the news yet? Club Patriot is happening tomorrow!! now, you might be asking what yourself, what is club patriot? Well, it's an opportunity for you to have fun playing various games and interacting virtually on zoom with other students and the Patriot Leaders.

We hope to see you there!

https://gmu.zoom.us/j/96194481384

01/25/2021

Happy first Day of Classes, Patriots! We wish you luck in all of your classes and hope today is the start of a new excellent semester!

01/24/2021

1 more day until we kick off the spring semester 💚💛 We can’t wait to have you back!

01/23/2021

Two days left 👏 👏 Wishing good traffic and a smooth transition to any students moving in on campus this weekend!

01/22/2021

Three. More. Days. 😱😱 Are you excited? We're excited!!!

01/21/2021

4 Days left! 🎂🎂 Have you logged into your Mason email lately? Make sure to check it out before classes kick off!

01/20/2021

5 Days to go! 🤩🤩 We can count on one hand the number of days until the Mason Nation is back together for the spring!

01/19/2021

6 Days to go!🎉🎉 Have you finalized your class schedule? Make sure to log into PatriotWeb and make any final adjustments before the semester starts!

01/18/2021

7 days to go!🎉🎉 The spring semester is on its way, Patriots! We can't wait to have you back!

01/14/2021

Hello Mason Nation! We will be having another Winter Orientation Student Event where you can join the Patriot Leaders again for virtual study tips, getting involved, campus social life, campus resources, Q/A or even networking. We can't wait to see you there, see you soon!

https://gmu.zoom.us/j/98655595301

12/24/2020

Wishing everyone a safe, cozy, and Merry Christmas Eve!

12/24/2020

Wishing everyone a safe, cozy, and Merry Christmas Eve!

12/18/2020

Congratulations on all of your hard work this semester Mason Nation!! Enjoy your well deserved break and we'll see you again after a Happy Winter Break!!

12/11/2020

From our NSFP family to yours, wishing all of our Patriots a Happy Hanukkah!

12/09/2020

Hello Patriots! We will be having Winter Orientation Student Events where you can join the Patriot Leaders for virtual study tips, getting involved, campus social life, campus resources, Q/A or even Networking. We will be having more events throughout January and at the beginning of February, so looking for those opportunities! We hope to see you soon!

https://gmu.zoom.us/j/98198375932

12/09/2020

Final exams are finally here! Stay focused, stay hydrated and from all of us at NSFP: Good Luck, Patriots!!

12/04/2020

Congratulations to everyone in the Mason Family on finishing another semester strong! We wish you Good luck on getting ready for exams, have a Happy Last Day of Classes 🎉🎉🎉🥳

11/13/2020

“No matter what, this family is my number one. They give me the time I need to study and take classes. They come to my club football games. We are a simple family with a simple goal to show our children that no matter how old you get, you can still follow your dreams. I am still following mine, at 36 years young, with this gorgeous family by my side.” - Raymond Neiderhausen
Neiderhausen and his family were the recipients of the 2014 Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award. Neiderhausen’s essay excerpt embodies the meaning of the Family of the Year Award: “families are an essential part of the support network for our students.” If you have a family that has supported you throughout your collegiate journey and is deserving of this accolade, nominate them to be the 2020 recipients before tonight’s 11:59 p.m. deadline. For contest rules and entry guidelines, visit https://masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu/gallery/.

11/12/2020

, in addition to a $100 gift card to the George Mason University Bookstore and being featured on the 2021-2022 Family Calendar, as the 2020 Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award recipient, you and your family’s story will be featured in the Mason Family Flash, the weekly family e-newsletter, and on the official George Mason University website. Be sure to apply before tomorrow’s 11:59 p.m. deadline for an opportunity to celebrate your family and win all of these great prizes! For details and instructions on how to apply, visit https://masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu/gallery/.

11/11/2020

“There were many times where I lost my way, but my mother was always there to pick me up and get me back on track. Where she found herself lacking financially, she made up with faith and an astounding dedication to excellence, for herself and her daughter. She has pushed me to be all I can be and then some. I attribute my successes simply to my mother and I could never give back to her all that she has given to me. I could never express my gratitude in a way that fully displayed how grateful I am that she was chosen to be my mother.” - Maya Brandon

Brandon and her family were the recipients of the 2015 Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award. Through nominating her mother and son, Brandon is the perfect example that the family experience is unique and this award is for everybody. We accept nominations based on what “family” means to you!
Apply to be this year’s award winner at https://masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu/gallery/.

11/11/2020

International Programs and Services is excited to celebrate the 2020 International Education Week, which will begin on Monday, November 16 and continue through Friday, November 20. This week-long celebration is hosted by the Office of International Programs and Services and this year they have collaborated with the Global Education Office, Career Services and the LEAD Office to put one some engaging and educational programs!!
International Education Week at Mason aims to promote global learning, intercultural understanding, and global awareness as essential components for civic and career readiness for ALL Mason students regardless of major or intended field! All of their programs will be virtual this year!

For more information about each event and how to join in visit: https://oips.gmu.edu/iew/

11/10/2020

Did you know that you and your family could be on the 2021-2022 Family Calendar? Every year, the award recipients of the Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award are given a professional photoshoot on George Mason’s scenic campus and their photo is featured on the cover of the year’s Family Calendar, which is available to Mason families globally! Apply to the Family of the Year Award by this Friday, November 13 at 11:59 p.m. for an opportunity to see your family pictured on the next calendar! For details on how to apply, visit https://masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu/gallery/.

11/09/2020

Good News! The application deadline for the Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award is being extended until Friday, November 13 at 11:59 p.m.! The Family of the Year Award was created to celebrate families’ crucial role in supporting their student’s academic journey at George Mason University. Written essays or creative works that exhibit an enthusiasm for Mason and evidence of familial support are accepted. Apply now for your chance to win a $100 gift card from the George Mason Bookstore. For more details and the application form, visit https://masonfamilyevents.gmu.edu/gallery/.

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