Housing and Residence Life

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:11:16 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory Lauren Reuscher Thu, 08/15/2024 - 12:11

Parking and traffic closures will occur on the Fairfax Campus from Wednesday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 25, to facilitate the move-in of nearly 6,000 residential students.

Key units across the university work together to make the move-in experience as efficient as possible. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we welcome the newest Patriots to campus.

Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck. Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in.

Refer to the Fairfax Campus map for parking lot and road locations.

For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu. Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousin g on X for updates.

Parking Closures and Impacts

Lots J and K will be used by students and families checking in for move-in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center and for post move-in parking.
Rappahannock Deck: General permit area on Levels 1–3 (including faculty/staff general area on Level 3) will be closed to all but move-in traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 25, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. From Tuesday, Aug. 20, through Saturday, Aug. 24, Levels 1–3 will be closed overnight at 11 p.m. Any vehicles left on these levels after 11 p.m. will be ticketed and towed.
- Rappahannock Deck reserved permit holders may park on reserved Levels 3–5.
- General faculty/staff permit holders may park only on the rooftop level from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 25.
- Student General permit holders should use other General parking areas, such as Lots A, C, L, and K.
- The reserved levels will only be accessible via the University Drive entrance on Level 2. The Patriot Circle permit entrance and exit will be closed. The reserved level gates will be open to accommodate families and students moving into the residence halls.
Lot I: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m.
Lot R: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m.
Short-Term Lots: Washington Lot near Presidents Park (off Shenandoah River Lane) will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. The short term parking lot by Eastern Shore will only be available to move-in traffic with disabled permits from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m.
Merten Lot will be used for oversized vehicles for move-in that cannot fit inside Rappahannock Deck.

Traffic Closures and Impacts

New resident students will be required to check in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center on Aug. 21–22. Expect heavy traffic on Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, and on Patriot Circle around Lots J and K.
Global Lane between Mason Pond Drive and Lot K (in front of the Global Center) will be closed to all traffic except disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 24.
Expect heavy traffic approaching the housing move-in areas around Rappahannock Deck and Presidents Park.
Patriot Circle will be closed in front of Rappahannock Parking Deck from Wednesday, Aug. 21, until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. Access the visitor section of the deck via Rappahannock River Lane and Patriot Circle.
Patriot Circle eastbound will be closed at ��ӽ紫ý Boulevard from Wednesday, Aug. 21, until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.
University Drive: Expect heavy traffic between ��ӽ紫ý Boulevard and Rappahannock Deck.
Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic except commercial deliveries and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.
Rivanna River Lane will be closed to all but service and delivery vehicles and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.

Additionally, from Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 p m. until Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7 a.m., the portion of Lot A in front of EagleBank Arena will be closed for New Student Convocation.

Topics

Campus Notice

Fairfax Campus Notice

Campus Improvements (Construction)

Construction

Housing and Residence Life

Welcome2Mason

Faculty and Staff News

Giving surplus furniture a new life at another state university

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:13:22 +0000

Giving surplus furniture a new life at another state university Lauren Reuscher Thu, 08/03/2023 - 09:13

In This Story

Dr. Shannon Jordan

��ӽ紫ý recently partnered with Virginia State University (VSU) to transfer surplus furniture from Mason residence halls. Through the efforts of staff from Mason Facilities and Housing and Residence Life, more than 850 pieces of furniture were transferred to furnish newly opened residential spaces at VSU, an HBCU located near Petersburg, Virginia.

Photo provided by Facilities Communication

The surplus furniture included couches, dining chairs, coffee/end tables, and more. State surplus property policies allow for re-use amongst state agencies in an effort to reduce costs.

“Any surplus property needs to be managed appropriately. This transfer is classified as ‘re-use,’ and I am always looking to divert anything from a landfill,” said Steven Pulis, purchasing manager with Mason Facilities. “Finding a way to transfer the property from one [state] agency to another is a viable solution and a ‘win-win’ for both universities.”

Following the university’s core value of careful stewardship, Mason staff arranged for the responsible re-use of the surplus property. Kevin Brim, recycle/waste supervisor with Facilities, took the initiative to contact other state universities, asking if the furniture could be used elsewhere. VSU responded with gratitude, and the transfer was initiated.

“Being able to repurpose materials versus [sending them to the] landfill or incinerator is always best practice toward our Zero Waste Goals,” said Brim. “Supporting an HBCU was just the icing on the cake, with the cherry on top.”

The furniture transferred to VSU included lounge furniture from Eastern Shore, Dominion, and Commonwealth halls, as well as the dining chairs from Liberty Square.

“We typically replace a portion of the thousands of desks, chairs, beds, wardrobes, and other furniture in the dorms every year due to end of life or wear and tear,” said John Rogers, associate director of housekeeping with Housing and Residence Life.

The staff involved expect to find more opportunities to maximize the use of surplus furniture in the future. “I am so happy the furniture could be given a second life at Virginia State,” said Shannon Jordon, Chief Housing Officer and associate dean of Mason Housing and Residence Life.

Topics

Sustainability

Facilities

Housing and Residence Life

Faculty and Staff News

residence halls

Dr. Shannon Jordan

Mhyke Eugenio — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 03:11:18 +0000

Dr. Shannon Jordan Mhyke Eugenio Sat, 03/04/2023 - 22:11

Associate Dean and Chief Housing Officer

Contact Information

sjorda5@gmu.edu
(703)993-2270

Biography

Associate Dean and Chief Housing Officer. She/Her/Hers

Five reasons for students to work on campus

Colleen Rich — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:51:10 +0000

Five reasons for students to work on campus Colleen Rich Fri, 10/28/2022 - 11:51

Check out Handshake

Learn more about working in HRL

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

When you’re looking for a job in college, the most important thing you need is flexibility. Working at ��ӽ紫ý makes it easy to balance your classes with work. That’s why on campus jobs at Mason are great—we want you to focus on being a student first.

Did you know that working on campus can be one of the most memorable times of your college career? Mason’s Office of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) shares our top five reasons students should consider working on campus.

1. Flexibility

Campus positions are designed with student schedules in mind. Campus employers also know that life as a full-time student can get hectic with midterms, project deadlines and finals. Most positions at Mason offer flexibility to help you prioritize your school work. You can also trade shifts with other student workers to ensure you have the necessary time to focus on your school work as well as participate in campus activities. To top it off, if you’re living on campus, your work commute is a breeze.

2. Boost your Resume

Students who work on campus end up building relevant skills that will serve them after graduation, such as balancing work life with school.

"On-campus employment is an accessible and enriching way for students to develop transferable skills, gain real-world experience, and successfully prepare for their careers."
—Janae D. Johnson, associate director of student employment and enrichment for the Office of University Branding.

3. Personal Satisfaction

Students who work on campus, in addition to earning a paycheck, say they have a more satisfying college experience and that they are more prepared for the future.

“In my three years working in HRL, I have learned how to balance work and school while having fun at my job and making important connections. I have been able to build working relationships with professional staff. I have learned the importance of teamwork, which has helped me both in my classes and internships. I also made lifelong friends who I will always share these memories with, and I cannot thank HRL enough for giving me these opportunities and skills.”
—Sarah Rabinowitz, community assistant, Housing and Residence Life

4. Stay Connected

Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications

Whether you work at the University Libraries, as an IT assistant, in the dining halls, as a lifeguard, a campus tour guide, as a fitness receptionist, a videographer, or a graphic designer, working on campus helps students connect with students, faculty, and staff who might be outside of their field of study. Developing these relationships enriches students’ on-campus experience.

5. Develop Lifelong Friendships

Working on campus is a great way to meet new people. Like many on-campus employers, Housing and Residence Life is looking to hire student staff for the next academic year. Find out more here. HRL Student Staff applications opened on October 24, check out Handshake for more information.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of a community of leaders making a positive impact in the lives of Mason students every day! Check out all future positions on Handshake, and make an appointment with University Career Services to help with your resume and cover letter!

Every Student Succeeds!

#Welcome2Mason

Topics

Students

University Career Services

University Life

Employment

Housing and Residence Life

Dovan "Ace" Willis

Lynn Tierney — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:03:40 +0000

Dovan "Ace" Willis Lynn Tierney Fri, 09/23/2022 - 17:03

Community Director - Liberty Square

Housing and Residence Life

Contact Information

Phone: (703) 993-9241

Email: dwillis4@gmu.edu

Seven move-in tips for incoming and returning Patriots

Mariam Aburdeineh — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:44:06 +0000

Seven move-in tips for incoming and returning Patriots Mariam Aburdeineh Sun, 08/14/2022 - 22:44

Moving to college is an exciting time, full of mixed emotions. It will certainly be one of the most memorable days of your college career and perhaps your life. ��ӽ紫ý’s Housing and Residence Life staff have put together a few pointers to set your expectations and help you understand the move-in process.

1. Stick to Your Assigned Move-In Schedule

Avoid the temptation to come early and stick to your assigned move-in day/time. As you can imagine, lots of students will be checking in. All students are assigned a move-in date, time, and residence hall entry point. Check your Mason email (or the email listed on your Housing application) to ensure you have the right schedule for your move-in. Move-in times are also posted here.

2. Clearly Label EVERYTHING, and Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Accessible

Label the boxes with your name, hall, and room number. It makes it easier for our move-in volunteers—the Move Crew—to help you bring things up to your room. Please read the Mason Housing move-in packing list so that you are familiar with what to bring and what to leave behind. Clorox wipes, paper towels, hand soap, anything you need right off—make sure this is packed at the top of your list. Keep a box marked “Unpack First,” and have all your necessities there.

Move Crew at Freshman Move-In. Photo by Evan Cantwell / Office of University Branding.

3. Check Out the Move-In Guide

What does the check-in process look like? Where do I get my Mason ID card from? What about COVID regulations? Where do I park? How do I use the TV? Is there a laundry room? All these questions and more are answered in this step-by-step Move-In Guide. So take time to read it thoroughly.

4. Move Crew Is Here to Help You

The Move Crew is a team of student volunteers who welcome our new and returning students and their families, help unload, carry your items, and enjoy the energy that comes with move-in day. Please let them assist you—they are there to make you feel at home.

If you feel more comfortable moving your own items in, Green Bins are available and can be picked up near your assigned building to avoid multiple trips back and forth. Green Bins will be available at the Rappahannock Parking Deck, Ángel Cabrera Global Center, Liberty Square, and Potomac Heights.

5. Be Open to New Experiences!

Looking for a way to make friends this fall? Preamble is a series of campus events during move-in for incoming Patriots to enjoy and to learn more about the Mason campus! Also check out the Mason 360 App for ways to meet other students. Look at Mason Events.

Freshmen Move-In. Photo by Evan Cantwell / Office of University Branding.

6. You’re Not Alone

Mason Housing staff are there for you 24/7. When in need, contact one of our desk teams for any issues—they will connect you to the correct staff if you don’t know where to go.

7. Read Your Emails and Newsletters—and Follow Us on Social Media

To stay informed with the latest move-in information, processes and deadline dates, follow us on social media, check your emails regularly, and ask our staff any questions you may have. And take responsibility to share information with your roommates.

Follow Mason Housing on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Best of luck in your move-in and #Welcome2Mason.

To learn more about move-in and Housing and Residence Life, check out the move-in guide.

For additional questions, call 703-993-2720 or email housing@gmu.edu.

Topics

New Students and Family Programs

Housing and Residence Life

Housing

Meet the Class of 2026

Retro Mason: Student Apartments 1977

Colleen Rich — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 18:25:18 +0000

Retro Mason: Student Apartments 1977 Colleen Rich Wed, 07/06/2022 - 14:25

The Student Apartments, ��ӽ紫ý's first on-campus housing, opened in October 1977 and housed 498 students.

The two-, four-, and six-person apartments were originally reserved for exchange students, athletes, and students with physical disabilities. The remaining spaces were open for out-of-state and commuter students.

A student moving into the Student Apartments in 1977 captured by Broadside photographer Kerry Miller.

Construction delays caused the university to house students in Fairfax City hotel rooms and run shuttles to the Fairfax Campus. Five of the nine buildings were opened on October 15, 1977, and those residents were finally able to move in.

The Student Apartments were closed at the end of the spring 2018 semester and razed in July of that year.

You can learn more about the university’s first housing complex on Vault 217, the University Libraries' Special Collections Research center blog.

Photo credit: University Libraries' Special Collections Research Center, ��ӽ紫ý Photograph Collection, 1950s-1999

Did you know...

The land once occupied by Student Apartments now is home to a campus food forest.

Learn more about this new project >

See What Mason Housing Looks Like Now

New Democracy Lab fosters networking, growth for first-year students

Mariam Aburdeineh — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 16:17:13 +0000

New Democracy Lab fosters networking, growth for first-year students Mariam Aburdeineh Tue, 10/05/2021 - 12:17

In This Story

Gregory Washington

Peter Mandaville

Mason President Gregory Washington speaks to freshmen from the Schar School's new Learning Community, Democracy Lab, about how anti-racism and inclusive excellence relate to the broader challenge of democracy in America. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

With thousands of people and countless opportunities, there’s a lot to take in at Virginia’s largest public research university. To help ��ӽ紫ý students find community and boost their on-campus experience, Housing and Residence Life created Learning Communities (LC), where students with common interests live and learn together during the academic year.

Democracy Lab is one of the newest LCs. More than 60 freshmen from the Schar School of Policy and Government are enrolled for its inaugural year.

Peter Mandaville. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

“[LCs] allow students to immediately have a network of peers and friends with common interests that can help them to feel a greater source of community,” said Peter Mandaville, Democracy Lab’s faculty director. “In some aspects, it makes a large university have the feel of a small liberal arts college.”

Mandaville said the lab’s name comes from the idea that democracy in America continues to be an ongoing experiment.

“Democracy is facing a whole set of challenges that we, as a nation, need to work through,” he said, mentioning issues like the effects of misinformation and social media, racism, socioeconomic inequality and political polarization. “This is a space where students can explore and talk about those issues.”

Democracy Lab students are enrolled in an Introduction to Democracy course. While the lab’s activities don’t formally follow the syllabus, students explore how larger philosophical questions discussed in the classroom relate to real-world challenges.

“Being in an LC with other people who share the same interests, goals and passions that I do has helped me grow as a person,” said Aarush Sivaram Jambunathan, a freshman studying government and international politics. “Everyone has a wide variety of viewpoints, but is respectful of [differing] views, and I truly feel the connections I’ve made here will last for the rest of my life.”

The experience can be transformational, said Gretchen Curry, the Schar School’s undergraduate programs manager and Democracy Lab co-coordinator.

“[LCs] allow students to have that one-on-one with faculty and staff, but also develop students’ personal interests,” she said. “Students enhance their academic experience, and grow as humans in the process.”

The lab’s fall semester focuses on major issues and debates, Mandaville said, while the spring semester shifts to what can be done about those issues and project-oriented work.

Students also hear from high-profile guests in the Washington, D.C., area and distinguished faculty.

The group’s inaugural event took place in August, with Mason President Gregory Washington speaking about how anti-racism and inclusive excellence are integral to democracy.

The lab connects students to opportunities.

“We want to help [students] get a better sense of the wide range of resources and expertise present in our faculty, and help them feel like they’re citizens of the school,” Mandaville said, mentioning the Schar School’s 90 full-time faculty.

Curry said the role of LCs is especially important in 2021.

“We’re offering this intentional experience for students when they’re coming off of a year and a half of a pandemic,” she said. “I’m hopeful and excited this is going to be an opportunity for them to really connect with each other and feel they have a place personally and professionally.”

A freshman from Democracy Lab engages in a discussion about how anti-racism and inclusive excellence relate to the broader challenge of democracy in America. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Strategic Communications

Topics

Campus News

Students

Schar School

Schar School of Policy and Government

Government and International Politics

LLC

Schar Faculty

Housing and Residence Life

Schar School News October 2021

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Democracy Lab

Democracy Lab Learning Community

Aysha Puhl is May Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:46:45 +0000

Aysha Puhl is May Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Fri, 04/30/2021 - 08:46

Aysha Puhl. Photo provided

Aysha Puhl, associate director for ��ӽ紫ý’s residential student education and engagement, can’t wait to have more students back on campus.

“I miss them so much,” she said.

Puhl, who is May Employee of the Month, works diligently to ensure students have meaningful experiences at Mason. Her coworkers also praise her drive and leadership skills.

“In all her work, Aysha keeps her eye on excellence,” said Devon Janes, assistant director of residential academic engagement. “Her incredible leadership, student-centered focus and innovative approach to change make her an excellent Mason employee.”

Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Puhl graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Maryland. She’s worked at Mason for 13 years, switching jobs until she landed at Housing and Residence Life.

“I like to know that I am having a significant impact on the student experience,” Puhl said. “Working in this job, we see students at their best and sometimes at their most vulnerable, so it means a lot to me that we are able to create trust, help them and provide them with a positive residential experience.”

Puhl’s job entails ensuring that residential students have opportunities to grow and challenge themselves. Puhl has helped develop and strengthen Mason’s Living Learning Communities model in which students take a class together and live in the same residential hall. In addition to common coursework, students have activities together. With the pandemic, the program had to reinvent itself and move to a virtual platform and welcome nonresidential students.

“She continuously surrounds herself with folks from different backgrounds, perspectives and expertise and welcomes them to spaces to support her team’s work,” said Christian Rafael, assistant director for staff development, engagement, and on-boarding. “Aysha takes time to create buy-in, to understand the needs of others, and it is because of that, we have been successful.”

How she got to Mason:

I’m from the Northern Virginia area. After my mother died, it became really important to me to come home and be with my father and the rest of my family. I started looking for jobs in Northern Virginia, and so it made sense for me to look at Mason. While I’ve changed jobs over the years within the university, Mason is my home.

Best day on the job:

The first day of the academic year is one of my favorite days every year. I miss the students in the summer, and I love the energy when they come back, so full of possibilities.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

The culture of innovation and the diversity of the students. The culture of innovation means if I go to a supervisor or a colleague and say, “Let’s try something new,” the answer is, “Let’s try it.” I also like that the students come from diverse backgrounds, and many of them are first-generation students. I can make a difference in their success in life.

What she does when not working:

I spend time with my family, taking my kids to soccer practice and dance. I love to cook. I cook a lot of Cuban and Puerto Rican dishes because they remind me of my family and my heritage. I also love home décor, so will just completely turn over a room in our house when I feel like it needs a refresh. Before the pandemic, I loved throwing parties, but I haven’t done that in a while.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Housing and Residence Life

Employee of the Month

Mason creates Virtual Learning Communities to safely foster community connections

Colleen Rich — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:05:32 +0000

Mason creates Virtual Learning Communities to safely foster community connections Colleen Rich Fri, 08/07/2020 - 05:05

Topics

Housing and Residence Life

Virtual Learning Communities (VLC)

University Life

coronavirus; COVID-19; News; Editorial

Students

Housing and Residence Life

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory

Parking Closures and Impacts

Traffic Closures and Impacts

Topics

Giving surplus furniture a new life at another state university

Read more stories about sustainability at Mason

In This Story

Topics

Dr. Shannon Jordan

Contact Information

Biography

Five reasons for students to work on campus

Check out Handshake

Learn more about working in HRL

1. Flexibility

2. Boost your Resume

3. Personal Satisfaction

4. Stay Connected

5. Develop Lifelong Friendships

Every Student Succeeds!

Topics

Dovan "Ace" Willis

Contact Information

Seven move-in tips for incoming and returning Patriots

1. Stick to Your Assigned Move-In Schedule

2. Clearly Label EVERYTHING, and Keep Your Cleaning Supplies Accessible

3. Check Out the Move-In Guide

4. Move Crew Is Here to Help You

5. Be Open to New Experiences!

6. You’re Not Alone

7. Read Your Emails and Newsletters—and Follow Us on Social Media

Topics

Retro Mason: Student Apartments 1977

Did you know...

See What Mason Housing Looks Like Now

Related News

See More Retro Mason

More from Mason Spirit Magazine

New Democracy Lab fosters networking, growth for first-year students

In This Story

Topics

Aysha Puhl is May Employee of the Month

Topics

Mason creates Virtual Learning Communities to safely foster community connections

Topics