2015 Fourth Estate Orientation Guide

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FOURTH ESTATE Summer 2015 | Orientation Guide George Mason University’s official student news outlet gmufourthestate.com | @IVEstate

2015 Summer Orientation Guide (COURTESY OF CRAIG BISACRE)

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Disability Services Disability Services supports individuals with disabilities including, but not limited to: medical , psychological, visual, learning, ADHD, deaf & hard of hearing, temporary disabilities and students on the Autism spectrum.

Disability Services provides academic and housing accommodations and support services to students with documented disabilities.

An office of University Life How to register with Disability Services

Submit Intake Form Submit Documentation of Disability Initial Intake Interview Accommodations Forms are available at ods.gmu.edu

Website: ods.gmu.edu Telephone: 703.993.2474 Email: ods@gmu.edu Student Union Building 1, Suite 2500

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*APY = Annual Percentage Yield as of 6/1/15 on balances up to $1500; subject to change at any time. For youth up to age 23 only. **APR = Annual Percentage Rates 9.90% as of 6/01/15; subject to credit worthiness. Members may retain the card for six (6) years or until age 25, whichever comes first. Members under age 21 are federally required to have a cosigner. See Terms & Conditions at AppleFCU.org/Visa. 1Other institutions may impose a foreign ATM fee surcharge. Membership eligibility requirements apply. EOL. Federally insured by NCUA.

Orientation Guide Summer 2015 5 IV Letter from the Student Body Letters from the Editors-inPresident and Vice President Chief GMUFOURTHESTATE.COM @IVESTATE

(COURTESY OF ALI ZAIDI)

Khushboo Bhatia, student body president (left) and Ali Zaidi, student body vice president (right) To the Class of 2019: Congratulations and welcome to George Mason University!

We are so excited for you to begin your journey as Mason Patriots! You have already made it far in your pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth.

Now that you are a part of the Mason community, you will have limitless opportunities and will meet the most amazing people! We encourage you to reach out to your fellow Patriots and take advantage of everything Mason has to offer!

The secret to success in college is simple – never let any opportunity pass you by.

College is the time in your life when you will be challenged to think independently and step out of your comfort zone. So take advantage of everything that this university has to offer you! Take advantage of the unique internship and job opportunities available only in this area, join one of the over 300 student organizations or create your own, develop your skills as a leader, and pursue your passions and open the doors to the rest of your life! Don’t view your next four years as simply a trip from point A to point B; but rather view this time as a journey, where the prize is not attained at the end, but is collected throughout your voyage.

Remember that the next four years are for YOU. This is the time for you to develop into the person that you want to be for the rest of your life; all decisions that you make need to be based on what is best for YOU – don’t take these decisions lightly! College is meant to be an exciting and challenging time of your life to help prepare yourself

for the future. If you find yourself feeling down or discouraged, keep your head up. Know that each difficult experience is meant to help build you into a stronger person, a stronger version of you. Embrace the moments in which you struggle, because these are the moments that will lift you up. We know you can do it and it’s important that you recognize that too!

Another secret to success is to be sure to share your journey with family and friends!

It’s imperative to have a strong support network as the people closest to you can sometimes offer the best advice in the event that you’re feeling unsure of what the next step should be.

Now it’s YOUR turn. Go out and have fun, learn from your mistakes, and achieve your goals! Remember that there will be people every step of the way to help you. You can find students and faculty in Student Involvement in The HUB, who love mentoring and informing students of the great services and opportunities Mason has for valuable, experiential learning. Our office is located there as well, so don’t be afraid to peek in, say hello, and ask any questions you may have. Now that we’ve gotten you excited and ready to go, put your helmets on and buckle up, because you’re in for an exciting ride!

WELCOME TO MASON! KHUSHBOO BHATIA AND ALI ZAIDI STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

Hi everyone,

Incoming Students,

Welcome to George Mason. I’m probably the 10,001st person to say that to you and you’re more than likely over it now so I’m glad we got that taken care of.

Thanks for taking the time to read not only this letter, but the entirety of this Orientation Guide from front to back! Just kidding. I don’t expect you to read this entire thing -- although bonus points if you do! -- but I do urge you to take notice of it.

I hope you’re enjoying your orientation.

Although if it was anything like mine, it’s most likely hot and humid and your Mason ID photo looks like you’ve never met a hair straightener in your entire life. Enjoy it for what it is though, even through the forced conversations you’ve already had with your group leader and members about yourself and expectations for college are cheesy, meeting new people is never a bad thing.

Most of you are probably somewhat, if not completely, anxious about coming to college (whether you want to admit it or not). It’s okay to be nervous, college is a completely new experience that nothing could have completely prepared you for.

And that’s really okay, that’s actually the fun of college. My best advice to you is to try new things and sorry I’m about to sound like a mom, but take healthy risks. Risks are great; I took one of the biggest risks of my life and joined a sorority and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. But maybe stay away from the risks that could land your crime report from Mason PD in Fourth Estate’s weekly police blotter. Just a suggestion.

Also go to class. You can sleep through a few or occasionally skip one to work on other things (I’m really guilty of that one), but make sure that, in the middle of trying new things and enjoying yourself, you don’t lose sight of why you’re here. These experiences are fun and important but so is making sure that you leave here in four years feeling accomplished in every sense of the word.

But for now, get excited for the best years of your life (so far anyways).

ALEXA ROGERS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @ALEXAAROGERS

Take notice of how each word builds together with other words to create stories, which then pieces together to create this guide. Understand how you are, in some ways, just like one of these words on this page, clumped together with other words just as you’re clumped together with your new orientation group besties. Talking and working together side-by-side, you form a story. And all of those stories and memories will work together to create a final project more extraordinary than any guide Alexa and I could’ve created: your life.

This isn’t meant to make you feel like you’re just an insignificant word on a page. Instead, this is meant to inspire you to make sure the word you choose to be is something worth reading. Find yourself even if it takes some trial and error. And don’t be afraid to create stories with the people around you, even if the words they identify with are completely different from your own. Live, grow, and learn not only from yourself but from others.

If I’ve learned anything to be true about Mason, it would be that your experience here is truly what you make it. So be sure to take notice of what’s around you, find yourself, and make the story you create something worth living.

SARA MONIUSZKO CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @SARAMONIUSZKO

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Student Media orgs you should know about

Mason Cable Network is the student-run broadcasting outlet, which features multiple shows including the Mason Cable News, Pressbox, and From the Cinema. Not only does MCN provide live streaming for sporting events and more, but it also allows students to get involve with many aspects of television productions such as camera work, video editing, and on-air reporting.

Chances are one of your tour guides pointed out where the Hub is on campus, but what they might not have mentioned (although we think they should have!) is that the Office of Student Media (OSM) is located right inside.

OSM is positioned right past the mailroom on the lower level of the Hub, and is home to Mason’s print, radio, television, and online media organizations – all of which are student run.

Although home to many Communication majors, OSM consists of students with over 30 different majors and has an even spread of different grade levels including the graduate level.

With skills like leadership, creativity and critical thinking being improved on a daily basis, knowing about OSM and getting involved is something worth considering as part of your Mason experience.

Here are just some of the media outlets you should be aware of: WGMU is Mason’s student-run radio station, which airs 80 hours of programming every week covering topics such as music, sports and news. You can also listen to WGMU online 24/7 where you’ll find streaming of your favorite top hits as well as some local, undiscovered artists.

Fourth Estate is the student-run newspaper that has all you need to know about campus news and community life. IV Estate publishes a print newspaper every Monday that can be found on newsstands all over campus. We also post current and breaking news on our online platform, gmufourthestate.com Since Fourth Estate is student-run, we are always looking for students to get involved as a staff writer reporting on news, lifestyle and campus culture, or sports. Starting off in a position like this can even lead to paid positions on our editorial staff.

Volition is Mason’s undergraduate creative literature and art magazine that publises student prose, poetry, art and more. Also look out for their open-mic nights throughout the semester where you can listen to some great talent while snacking on free food and drinks.

So whether you want to come say hello on a special trip to the office, or just drop by and see what OSM is all about after picking up your mail, we’d be happy to see you!

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A student guide to major campus buildings

every year, like Bruce Springsteen, the Ringling Brothers, and Fall Out Boy, who have all performed at the venue.

3) The Johnson Center: The Johnson Center is the main student center on campus. With four floors of food, books, and places to study, this building is always packed during the week. The main floor is where the food is, and there’s a wide range of options, like Freshens smoothies, Red Hot and Blue barbecue, and IndAroma. The upper floors are great places to get some work done especially because the higher you go, the quieter it gets due to soundproof padding on the balconies. This building also has a (free!) movie theater, the WGMU radio station, and a slew of other student services, like print labs, the bookstore, Patriot Computers, and even a meditation space.

ELLEN GLICKMAN | NEWS EDITOR

(COURTESY OF EAGLE BANK)

1) Alan and Sally Merten Hall: Here’s what you need to know about this five story, glass-sided building at the outskirts of campus. First of all, it has some the best food you will find on campus. There’s a large Einstein’s Bagels on the ground floor right next to a Panda Express. Manhattan Pizza is also in the building, which is my personal favorite (go with the garlic knots). Merten Hall is also home to top administration, like President, Ángel Cabrera, Provost, David Wu, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, J.J. Davis, and Vice President of University Life, Rose Pascarell. (Is this related to the awesome food? We haven’t been able to prove it so far…).

If you’re interested in some of the history of your new school, the building’s namesake is former president Alan Merten and

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his wife Sally. It was renamed from University Hall in May of 2014, two years after Merten retired and President Cabrera took his place.

2) EagleBank Arena: This 10,000 seat arena is Mason’s premiere spot for big-name entertainment as well as the home court for all Patriot basketball games. For the past 30 years, it was called the Patriot Center but changed to EagleBank Arena in July 2015 after Eagle Bank paid $6.6 million for the naming rights which are under contract to last for at least 10 years.

Eagle Bank is also offering scholarships and internships and is sponsoring a lecture series as part of its new partnership with the university. The former Patriot Center draws big names

4) Robinson Hall (A and B): The (slightly infamous) Robinson buildings…where to begin? Basically these buildings are filled with classrooms. Most students have at least one class in there every semester. Also, they are old, as old as the campus itself.

The incoming freshmen might be able to see the beginning of their much-needed renovation. Plans are in the works, and President Cabrera has called them a priority, but design just started this July. The project is expected to cost $102 million.

5) SUB I: If the college life or being away from home and on your own proves more difficult than you thought, SUB I is the place where you can find help. Student services in the building include LGBTQ Resources; Student Health Services; and Wellness, Alcohol, and Violence Education Services, among others. It’s also not a bad place to study, and the bottom level has some great food, like Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, and the Rathskeller.

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Best spots on campus ALEXA ROGERS | CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Pinning down the best places to do some of the most important things on campus, like eat, study and sleep, can be tricky your first semester. Check out my favorite spots so you don’t have to waste a minute.

STUDY. You’ll find out very quickly that each person needs to study in a completely different kind of atmosphere. Fenwick Library is the quietest place to study on campus, aside from any construction noise. It’s the best place to go if you really need to focus on your work with minimal distractions. Just make sure you charge up all your electronics before going, spaces with outlets are often the first spots taken. The JC library is a major study spot on campus and a better choice if you need background noise or want to study with friends.

The JC also has a lot of bigger tables for bigger groups or if you like to spread out all of your materials. Both libraries have study rooms that you can reserve online for working on group projects. If you want a more relaxed place to study or do some group work, you can try The Ridge, which is located on the bottom floor of Blue Ridge. The Ridge has big comfy chairs that you can curl up in while reading for a class or plug in your almost-dead laptop. The glass entryway on the second floor of Exploratory Hall also has a small study space with some great natural light. Stop by at night for a very calm and serene atmosphere. Mason has a lot of different places you can go to study, so be sure to try out a bunch of different places until you find the one that works best for you.

EAT. The number of food options on campus might seem overwhelming at first, but it’ll be easy to figure out your favorites in no time. For those of you that have an Anytime Dining plan, it’s very easy to get stuck in a food rut at your favorite dining hall so make sure you do your best to try new dishes, especially at lunch. My freshman year ended over a year ago and I still can’t look at a spinach wrap. Head to the other dining areas on campus, such as the JC Center Court or places in Merten Hall, when you need a little variety.

Lines there can get long fast in between classes so make sure you leave yourself enough time to order and wait for your food. I highly suggest using the Tapingo app to order your food ahead of time if possible. It’s especially helpful if you (COURTESY OF ALEXIS GLENN/CREATIVE SERVICES)

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only have 15 minutes in between classes and need to pop by Starbucks or Einstein’s for a quick snack or drink. Need a late night snack? A slice of pizza or some mac and cheese wedges from Pilot House is never a bad idea.

SIT OUTSIDE WITHOUT SWEATING TO DEATH. This might sound absurd but there’s really nothing worse than wanting to sit outside while you do homework and enjoy the weather to only 20 minutes (COURTESY OF CREATIVE SERVICES)) later feel like you’re about to burst into flames. One of my favorites spots is the patio outside the lower level of the JC. Tables have either umbrellas or a decent amount of tree coverage to keep you cool. If you need more a quiet study atmosphere, the old campus quad (the space between the Krug, Finley, East and West buildings) has very little foot traffic and nice benches and picnic tables where you can study or read under the shade of some very large trees. As a personal word of advice, do your best to get outside as much as possible while the weather is nice. Those fluorescent lights get so painful after awhile and it’s cold for a LONG time here (at least I think so). Savor the warmth while to can. Plus, if you’re pale, like me, you could probably use a little extra Vitamin D. PEOPLE WATCH. If this sounds creepy to you now, this is easily going to be one of the top reasons you take study breaks. In a high traffic area like the JC, try to snag a seat by the staircases to stop people moving through the levels of the building. New to people watching? Sit in the JC Center Court where you’re less likely to be noticed. The benches between North Plaza and Exploratory Hall are another great place to see who walks by, especially between peak class times.

NAP. There are tons of big chairs and dark corners on campus to slump in but really, the best place to sleep is at home. Which could be your dorm or your off-campus home but napping on one of those couches or big chairs in the JC will never be cool,

especially in the middle of the day when people are trying to find a place to sit to study, eat or relax in between classes.

Please spare everyone the scene of you leaving drool marks on their favorite study couch and wait until you get home.

CRY. Need a place to have a little cry after getting back a rough exam grade or a fight with your new best friend that you just met at orientation? Don’t worry, that happens sometimes in college and it’s really best to have a cathartic moment and just let it out (we won’t judge you, promise).

There are few benches that overlook Mason Pond that make for a very mellow place to shed some tears, as well as some spots in the art garden behind it. Both are just a short walk to the JC where, if it’s really a bad day, you can stop by Red, Hot & Blue for an entree mac and cheese meal to drown your sorrows. If it’s a successful cry, take a few extra steps to SUB I where you can grab a milkshake from Chick-fi-a to put some pep in your step.

RELAX. There’s truly nothing like doing absolutely nothing after a long week of midterms, projects and papers. Need to blow off some steam? Head to the AFC for a workout followed by a trip to the hot tub or sauna. It’s a great way to rest your mind in the middle of the week. For a quick way to destress before a big exam, stop by the Northern Neck Starbucks and snag a coffee and comfy leather chair for a little pick-me-up. If you’re looking for a relaxing way to start off the weekend, stop by Corner Pocket to unwind and play a game of pool with friends. And if you’re totally not up for any human interaction whatsoever (sometimes it’s what you need) check out the movie schedule at the JC Cinema and catch that new movie you missed because you couldn’t lift your head out of a book long enough to go see it.

And my personal favorite, the best place to pick up a copy of Fourth Estate. If you’re coming from one of the freshman neighborhoods, you can grab one before you cross the street from Presidents Park or after breakfast at Southside.

Forget? Don’t worry, there’s a stand at each entrance to the JC. Fourth Estate is new on stands every Monday.

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Putting Mason on the map RYAN THRONTON | STAFF WRITER

George Mason’s location gives students access to a wealth of opportunities and resources to set the tone of their undergraduate tenure.

The location won’t mean anything, though, unless you take advantage of it. Fourth Estate is here to help.

Washington, DC’s metro can be daunting at first, especially for those who aren’t from a big city. However, it’s actually incredibly simple and easy to use, despite being the second busiest metro system in the United States -- behind only New York City.

There are six lines that connect every part of Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the entire District of Columbia.

Mason is at one end of the orange line, closest to the Vienna / Fairfax-GMU metro stop. Hop on a Mason-to-Metro shuttle bus from any of the stops on campus and you’ll be there within 15 minutes. Popular orange line stops include McPherson Square, just a short walk from the White House, as well as Smithsonian for the National Mall and Capitol South, which will put you on the southern face of the Capitol.

Alternatively, switch from the orange to the red line at Metro Center to experience the nightlife at DuPont Circle or explore Chinatown, or take the green line to Navy Yard / Ballpark to catch a Washington Nationals game. You can also catch the new silver line via East Falls Church and do some serious shopping at Tyson’s Corner.

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At Rosslyn, the last stop on the orange line before crossing into DC, riders can switch to the blue line and take it south to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery, catch a flight home from Reagan National Airport, or walk down the quaint King Street to the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria.

The metro will take you into and around Washington, DC, but there are also plenty of local attractions here in Fairfax.

The Fairfax CUE buses (an acronym for City-University Energysaver) all cycle through the Rappahannock stop on (FOURTH ESTATE ARCHIVES)

campus and take different routes to the Vienna metro station.

Take any of the four into Old Town Fairfax for unmissable restaurants and eateries, quaint shops, and coffee shops that aren’t Starbucks (the Fourth Estate staff gives high ratings to De Clieu).

Blend in: tips and tricks so you can look and feel like a local WMATA has great tools on its website; in particular, the Trip Planner can help you map out which lines you need to take and the exact timing of your trip.

The CUE buses are free with your Mason ID -- always remember to bring it with you! And if you find yourself wondering when the next bus will arrive, you can use NextBus to get a real-time prediction. Simply enter a nearby stop number and it will tell you how far away a bus is.

You can purchase a Smartrip metro card at most general stores. These make entering and exiting stations quicker and charge reduced fares, and you can add money to your card using the fare machines at the side of each station.

When using the escalators in metro stations, always stand on the right side and walk on the left.

The official language of DC is acronyms (not actually… but actually.)

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DO’S and DON’TS of Parking Though the Fairfax campus has a total of 12,400 parking spots available, the number of vehicles that come and go are increasing as the university expands. Expansion leads to growing pains, namely construction, and the intersection with the large office and residential community that is Fairfax has that effectively increase traffic around the university. Those factors alone might be enough to deter the incoming student from even attempting to drive to campus.

However, if you’re stubborn like most of us and choose to endure the grueling pain that is northern Virginia traffic, here’s what to do to and what not to do to make your commute the most painless:

Although Lot A and the Rappahannock Deck are often the most coveted lots for being closest to a majority of the class buildings on campus, DON’T always default to them. Most people do and it fills up quickly.

DO Park closest to your LAST class of the day; this makes for a quick getaway and helps avoid traffic on campus from everyone leaving at the same time.

DON’T be the person who quickly rolls into a parking spot crooked or over the lines; everyone will hate you, and Parking Services WILL ticket you.

DO make sure that your permit is visible from the outside of your car; Parking Services will give you at least a $50 citation.

DO roll down your window and be nice about asking if they’re leaving or staying. If yes, ask if you can follow them to snag their spot.

Yes, it’s awkward and kind of creepy but EVERYONE has done it at least once, and usually people will help you because they’ve done it before too.

HOWEVER, DON’T car-stalk people after the sun goes down. That’s creepy and that person will either call the cops or pepperspray you.

DO Put on your lowlights when driving in parking decks, but DON’T turn on your brights; Not cool.

DON’T be the person that doesn’t let pedestrians cross Patriot Circle. I promise your professor/friend/mom will be less upset if you’re late than if you hit someone with your car.

DON’T use the Ox Rd. entrance. It’s ESPECIALLY backed up because of the construction there, so avoid it like the plague.

DON’T park your car in the middle of the Patriot Circle to let your friend out; that’s why the Sandy Creek bus circle, 30 minute and 5 minute parking exist.

DON’T be afraid to car-stalk people because if you don’t follow the above rules, that will be your only option.

Prince William and Arlington campuses Getting to the Prince William Campus Certain Mason classes, as well as the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center and Hylton Performing Arts Center, are in Prince William County, Va. The campus includes three parking lots, Occoquan, King and Discovery, for students, faculty and staff. Parking permits for any of the three campuses are honored at Prince William, however students that only have classes exclusively at Prince William can purchase a seperate pass.

The campus is also accessible by shuttle services from the Fairfax campus. Be sure to check out the schedule online and plan your travel ahead of time.

Getting to the Arlington Campus Mason’s School of Public Policy is housed in Arlington, Va. The campus includes two parking options, at Founder’s Hall deck and Metropolitan Building garage. Students with classes in Arlington who already have a general parking permit for the Fairfax campus must take their schedule of classes to Parking Services (Founder’s Hall, 2nd Floor) to receive a pass for Arlington.

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2 PHOTOS: (COURTESY OF ALEXIS GLENN/CREATIVE SERVICES/GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY)

The worst times for parking availability for the general parking lots is Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to around 3 p.m. when most off-campus student have classes. DO Come before those times and leave after those times to avoid at least 5 minutes of searching for a spot.

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The campus is also accessible by Metro at the Virginia Square stop on the Orange Line and also houses a Capital Bikeshare station.

Shuttle Schedules and other Information can be found at shuttle.gmu.edu

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Guide to visiting D.C. All of these locations are available via metro and/or bus but you can also join Capital Bikeshare which gives you access to bikes throughout the city. You can join for a day, month, or year.

It’s a great way to get around or do a fun group activity. You can sign up online and receive your key in the mail or register in person at one of the many bike kiosks.

If you don’t feel like taking public transportation around the city, download the Uber app on your smartphone and take your

WOODLEY PARK / ADAMS MORGAN National Zoo: Another free of charge attraction, go see the pandas, giraffes and more!

Adams Morgan: Adam’s Morgan is a bit of a walk from the metro, but it is home to some cool restaurants, hookah bars, and hang out spots.

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own private car. The basic Uber car is typically cheaper than a cab ride. Uber usually only goes around D.C. and not from the suburbs in, but you may be able to find one floating around. A similar app is Lyft.

If you like these ideas but want a little more of a professional touch, Washington Walks offers tours of various D.C. areas for a price of just $15.

U-STREET/AFRICAN AMERICAN MEMORIAL 9:30 Club & U Street Music Hall Get tickets to some of your favorite artists and DJs at these two D.C. staple venues. Acts range from small artists to more recognized names such as Florence and the Machine.

Town Danceboutique This LGBT-focused nightclub is 18+ on Fridays (21+ on Saturdays) and only has a $10 cover charge. Go out dancing to some great Top 40 hits and get there early for the Drag Show. Town (as it is casually called) regularly features performances from contestants of Logo’s reality television show “RuPauls Drag Race”. Some events at the nightclub are ticketed so make sure to check their website.

Ben’s Chili Bowl: One of the most famous eats in D.C., Ben’s Chili Bowl serves home style half pork, half beef smoked sausage in a hot dog bun with a variety of toppings

DUPONT CIRCLE Dupont Circle is the home of many great attractions and restaurants, not to mention it is a beautiful area of the city to visit.

GALLERY PLACE/ CHINATOWN Explore the shops and restaurants around this cultural hot spot and even catch a show, basketball, or hockey game at the Verizon Center.

Ultrabar Ultrabar is a five floor dance club, bar, and lounge that is available to those 18+ on certain nights.

Each floor features different music. It is a little pricier, but make sure to check their Facebook page/Website for promotions. Women often get in for a cheaper price and be wary of their dress code.

FOGGY BOTTOM/GWU Georgetown/M-Street Only about a 15 minute walk from the metro stop, shop around the various stores on M-Street or eat at one of Georgetown’s amazing restaurants (Pizzaria Paradiso is a must!). If you’re willing to wait in line, you can snag a cupcake at Georgetown Cupcakes, the basis for TLC’s show "DC Cupcakes." If you’re not into long lines for a small bite, “Baked & Wired” offers a bigger bite for your dollar. The area is also the center of various ghost stories and you can even take a ghost tour courtesy of D.C. by Foot! Don’t forget to climb up the step at the end of M-Street where the final scene from "The Exorcist" was filmed. Then, take a walk off of M-street to relax on the Georgetown Waterfront as well.

EASTERN MARKET SMITHSONIAN Monuments One of the biggest and most well known attractions in the D.C. area are the monuments spread throughout the National Mall. This includes the Washington Monument, which you can now ride to the top of for a spectacular view of the city.

There are also countless other monuments in honor of Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., World War II, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the famed Lincoln Memorial. There is even one dedicated to our namesake George Mason! The Capitol building and the White House are only a short walk from the metro stop and the National Mall itself is also a perfect place to sit down and relax with friends.

Force yourself to get up at least once on a weekend and go out to this fresh produce, craft, and artist market.

Outdoor Movies Many D.C. neighborhoods host outdoor movies in the summer months, but Capitol Riverfront’s “Canal Park Thursday: It’s A Whole New Ballgame” extends their film schedule into September.

Check their website for the schedule. It is about 4 blocks from Eastern Market but is also accessible from the Navy Yard metro stop.

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Free, on campus resources for students

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MACKENZIE BAILEY | STAFF WRITER

Orientation can overwhelm you with new information about different opportunities on campus. However, one of the most important things to learn about when coming to school is all of the resources and facilities that are offered at every college student’s favorite price: free.

So why not take advantage? These Mason students and alum want to make sure everyone knows about the most convenient, and more importantly their favorite, resources.

Rising junior Ashley Guy takes note of the campus gyms and free classes they provide to students. The Aquatic Center has free fitness classes, different exercise equipment, a pool, and a hot tub. The RAC and Skyline gyms both provide a variety of exercise equipment and gyms for students to utilize. Interested in trying out yoga? Don’t get too excited about the classes, Guy warns, they cost extra. ·Maggie Jackson, another rising junior, is impressed by the CPR/First Aid certifications and access to free athletic training for injuries. As a club athlete, Jackson has seen fellow athletes use the athletic training for injuries and noticed how helpful they were.

Jessica Melton, a recent graduate of Mason, found the career services on campus to be very helpful in giving her somewhere to start when it came to finding a job after graduation.

Carolyn Schorr, a 2014 graduate, found the counseling services on campus to be a great addition to the school. CAPS or WAVES are great ways to help students manage stress, depression, or any other emotional issues.

Additionally, after attending free psychological appointments with CAPS, they can assist you in setting up an appointment with a professional in the Fairfax area if needed.

Colin Nackerman, a rising senior, believes the STAR Lab is something that students should be more aware of. He says there are “nice

video cameras and editing equipment you can use for free, which come in handy when filming or editing video projects and presentations.

Rising senior and art student Camillia Elci finds the open labs in the art buildings to be of great assistance to her major. The open labs are available for art students to express themselves and also finish any projects they may be working on.

Other free resources include the writing center, where qualified students can help you edit and improve your essay writing skills, or free math tutoring for those of us who are not as good with numbers. Additionally, the libraries on campus are also available for students to study in, or take out any books as long as they have their student ID. No matter your major or your interests, there are numerous facilities and resources on campus that can help cater to your success.

Incoming Freshmen! Check out improv comedy at GMU through…

(PHOTO BY AMY ROSE/FOURTH ESTATE)

Students have the opportunity to speak with future employers and get interview experience at numerous career fairs held throughout the year.

THE HISTORY MAJOR AT MASON Learn practical skills and prepare for a career while studying what you love!

• • • •

Wide variety of classes Committed teachers Simple requirements, lots of choices Abundant internships

Contact the History undergraduate office: FIN D US O N FACEBOOK Facebook.com/GMUimprov

(703) 993-1249

or go to our website: http://historyarthistory.gmu.edu/programs/la-ba-hist

Share a ride, bike, or take the shuttle for a greener commute to campus.

Parking and Transportation * transportation.gmu. edu * transpo@gmu.edu * 703.993.2828

RIDESHARE CARPOOL ZONES in Lot A and Rappahannock Parking Deck, Level 1

Carpool to campus and park in a carpool zone. The carpool zones are available at 6am-11am on Mon – Fri to anyone with a General Parking Permit, more info at: transportation.gmu.edu/lota

Student Carpool Program

Join a carpool and save up to 40% on the parking permit.

Find out more info at transportation.gmu.edu/studentspool.

Zimride

Have a car? Need a ride? Zimride is Mason’s private rideshare network. Sign up for free with your Mason email address and password at zimride.gmu.edu. The service will match you with others who are traveling the same way that you are.

Zipcar

Need a car? Mason has three Zipcar vehicles on campus which can be rented by the hour or day. Sign up at zipcar.com/zipgmu, new members will receive $35 in free driving credit. Gas and insurance are included in the rental rate.

BIKE PROGRAMS

Mason has over 1300 bike parking spots on campus, bike pumps, fix-it it stations and is a “Bicycle Friendly University”. To find out more about bicycling to campus and to see a map of all facilities, please visit bike.gmu.edu.

Bicycle Registration Register your bicycle at bike.gmu.edu and receive a free U-lock, registration sticker, and coupons to bike shops.

SHUTTLES & RAIL

Visit shuttle.gmu.edu for updated shuttle schedules and to learn more about green transportation options which save you money and help lower CO2 emissions.

Coming soon! An app that will show bus arrival times for all Mason Shuttles. Check our website this Fall for more information.

Mason to Metro Shuttle

The shuttle runs between Fairfax Campus and Vienna Metro station. On the weekend, the shuttle also stops at Mason Townhouses (at Chain Bridge Road & West St.) and Fairfax Circle (at Lee Highway & Circle Woods Drive).

Schedule 6:00am – 11:00pm 6:00am – 3:00am 8:00am – 3:00am 8:00am – 11:00pm

Monday – Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Metro Express

The shuttle runs between Rappahannock River Ln, Fairfax Circle (at Lee Highway & Circle Woods Drive) and Vienna Metro.

Parking 101 – Some Tips to Help Get You Started

 Parking lots fill up fast. Allow extra time, especially the first few weeks of class to find a space.  Tuesdays and Thursdays (including the evenings) are the busiest days on campus.  On the busiest of days, it is recommended that those arriving to campus later in the morning park at the Field House, a 15 minute walk to the Johnson Center, as the lots on east campus will often fill. Also, don’t forget that general lot permits are valid on Levels 1-2 of Rappahannock River Parking Deck (but not in the visitor area).  Parking permits are required to park in any lot on Mason property.  Always read the signs to know if a lot or area is restricted to a certain type of permit. Do not park in reserved, service/repair, state vehicle, faculty/staff and administrative spaces.  Parking lots are enforced all year round, including the 1st week of classes and even when classes are not in session. Don’t believe the myths and rumors about a grace period.  Check the parking website parking.gmu.edu for the latest information regarding hours of enforcement and other important news affecting parking on campus and even when classes are not in session.  Visitor parking is available in Mason Pond, Shenandoah, and Rappahannock River Parking Decks as well as metered lots.  Pay attention to your Mason email as students are often emailed about temporary lot closures. Also, check building.gmu.edu for updates on events and construction.  Information about permit sales and online citation appeals and payment options is available online.  Always contact Parking Services if you have questions or concerns! We’re located in the Parking Services building next to the Shenandoah Parking Deck.

You can also call us at 703-993-2710 or email us at parking@gmu.edu.

SciTech Campus Shuttle (formerly Prince William Campus)

The SciTech Campus shuttle runs seven days a week between the Fairfax and SciTech campuses. On Mon-Thu, the shuttle runs every thirty minutes during the day. The shuttle also stops at Manassas Mall.

Schedule 7:00am – 10:15pm Monday – Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm Saturday – Sunday

Gunston’s Go-Bus

The Gunston’s Go-Bus picks up at Sandy Creek shuttle stop and provides service from Fairfax campus to University Mall, Fair Lakes Center, Fair Oaks Mall, Ridge Top Road, Fairfax Corner, and Old Town Fairfax.

Schedule Mason Route 6:40am – 9:45pm Monday – Friday 3:00pm – 9:45pm Saturday – Sunday George Route 3:00pm – 9:00pm Monday – Sunday

Metro Rail

Schedule 7:15am – 10:35pm Monday – Thursday Abridged Service on Friday

The closest Metro stop in Fairfax is Vienna Metro station on the Orange Line. The Orange Line also goes to various locations in Washington, DC. To visit the Arlington campus, take the Orange Line to Virginia Sq-GMU Metro station.

Metro Rail Map: wmata.com/rail/maps/map.

Burke Centre VRE Express – FREE GARAGE PARKING

NEW Silver Line on Metro Rail

The shuttle runs between Burke Centre VRE train station and Sandy Creek shuttle stop on the Fairfax Campus. The shuttle only runs when the VRE train is in service. Free garage parking is available at the train station.

Schedule 7:10am – 10:45am Monday – Friday 2:45pm – 7:50pm Monday – Friday

West Campus Shuttle

The shuttle runs between West Campus, Field House, Rappahannock River Lane, Presidents Park, and Sandy Creek. At 7am-10am and 3pm-6pm service will be every 10-15 minutes, and every 20 minutes during all other times.

Schedule 7:00am – 12:00am Monday – Friday No Service on Saturday 2:00pm – 12:00am Sunday

The Silver Line is a new metroRail line in Northern Virginia and connects Reston, Tysons Corner, and other stops to the East Falls Church stop on the Orange Line.

CUE Bus

All City of Fairfax CUE Buses are FREE with Mason ID. The CUE Bus picks up on Fairfax campus at Rappahannock River Lane and can take you to various places in Fairfax with all routes winding up at the Vienna Metro Station: cuebus.org.

@MasonShuttles @MasonParking

Mason Parking & Transportation

STUDENT DISCOUNTS! Memberships start at $10*

端 Monthly with no contract 端 Fitness classes available 端 Personal training FOLLOW US!

端 Open 24hrs

(703) 934-6677 www.worldgym.com Facebook.com/worldgymfairfax

10201 Main Street Fairfax, VA 22030 @ the corner of Main St. and Locust Ln. *Some restrictions apply

YOU ARE LIVING ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TIMES IN YOUR LIFE! YOUR UPCOMING YEARS WILL BE FILLED WITH NEW PEOPLE, NEW EXPERIENCES, AND MANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS. COLLEGE IS THE TIME TO NOT ONLY STUDY, BUT TO LEARN ABOUT WHO YOU ARE!

Student Involvement The Hub, Suite 2300 | 703.993.2909

Student Involvement ignites the spirit of campus. si.gmu.edu MASONInvolvement @MasonPatriots

300 REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS organizations also include over 30 FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE chapters - all of which are coordinated REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

getconnected.gmu.edu Mason is proud to have over 300 student organizations. These organizations meet a variety of interests that serve the campus community in various ways.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

sg.gmu.edu Student Government represents students and advocates on the behalf of the student body. This organization is designed to provide an open and welcoming environment for students to have their voices heard and be understood and serves as a venue for an exciting leadership experience.

TEDX

tedx.gmu.edu TEDX George Mason University is a division of TED made for self-starters who want to execute their own conference and present “Ideas Worth Spreading.” The organization’s primary goal is to present some of the brilliant minds that have compelling ideas on how to better our world.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE

si.gmu.edu/greek-life Fraternity and Sorority Life is a dynamic community of over 1,700 members.

The community is comprised of over 30 national and international fraternities and sororities. These organizations contribute to campus life and surrounding communities by sponsoring educational, service, and social activities. They set high academic standards and provide opportunities for campus involvement, networking, and leadership development.

PATRIOT ACTIVITIES COUNCIL

pac.gmu.edu The student programming area is the Patriot Activities Council (PAC).

PAC is responsible for providing activities and events on campus during Welcome Week, De-Stress Fest, and Homecoming. They are also charged with the planning of Patriots Day, Hoopla, the Red Alert Fashion Show, comedy shows, and lots of other awesome events throughout the year. There are many opportunities for students to get involved with PAC through committee work and hands-on experiences.

WEEKENDS AT MASON

weekends.gmu.edu Weekends at Mason provides weekend fun for the Mason community. Our website houses a calendar for everything happening on campus Thursday–Sunday and a local happenings calendar for things going on in the DMV. Additional programs include Mason on Location, ½ price DC weekends, and WAM on the Town - a programming series that highlights local fun such as: snow tubing, Kings Dominion, the Spy Museum, the Washington Nationals, and more.

Getting involved in at least one organization outside of the classroom can such as better time management skills, providing an outlet for stress, making a big campus seem small, and building a network of friends that will last a lifetime.

SI FILMS Movie screenings Thursday - Sunday showcase Hollywood movies and special screening events. SI Films also competition for students each year.

Life f fe

UNIVERSITY

Your Success Is Our Success.

We are here for you.

University Life @MasonULife is with you every step of the way.

The Division of University Life is here to help you succeed. We connect you to others, help you stay healthy, provide opportunities to learn in multicultural and global settings, and help when you need support. Through involvement in opportunities and guidance from our expert staff, we help prepare you for success at Mason and beyond.

University Life University Career Services

Counseling and Psychological Services

Living Learning Community Development

Dean of Students

Mason Recreation

Disability Services

Off-Campus Student Programs and Services

University Life Assessment, Research, and Retention

Academic Integrity

Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education Early Identification Program Graduate Student Life Housing and Residence Life International Programs and Services Leadership Education and Development Learning Services Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Resources (LGBTQ)

Orientation and Family Programs and Services

University Life Arlington

University Life f Loudo fe Loudoun University William iversity Life f Prince W fe

Student Centers

ness, Alcohol, and Viol Wellness, Violence cation and Services Education

Student Conduct

men and Gender Studies C Women Center

Student Involvement Student Health Services Student Media Student Support Technology Integration

ulife.gmu.edu

GET CONNECTED! ENGAGE

in a variety of different activities, organizations, and programs on campus. Get Connected provides a listing of incredible opportunities.

How to get started: • Log in to getconnected.gmu.edu • Create your profile

GROW

as an individual by joining student organizations, taking part in outside of classroom educational programs and enhancing your personal leadership and career development.

THRIVE

by challenging yourself to experience all that Mason has to offer. Track your participation and showcase all of your amazing experiences!

• Check out over 300 student organizations • See all the events happening at Mason • Begin adding to your Involvement Record • Want more? Learn about the Patriot Experience at patriotexperience.gmu.edu

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES ü Individual Counseling ü Group Counseling ü Faculty/Staff Consultation ü Parent or Friend Consultation ü Psychiatric Services ü Referral Services TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OR SPEAK WITH A COUNSELOR:

703-993-2380 CAPS.GMU.EDU call

University Life

manage your time. study smart. ace tests.

LEARNING SERVICES 1-on-1 Peer Academic Coaching

Academic Skills Workshops

TO LEARN MORE, CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE:

caps.gmu.edu/learning-services

Online Academic Skills Videos

University Life

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What to do if...

How to handle sticky situations you may encounter in your freshman year TAYLOR WICHTENDAHL | STAFF WRITER

You Oversleep and miss a class: This depends on your professor. If he or she is someone who takes attendance and marks it against you for being absent, you need to talk to them and see if there is anything you can do.

Some professors will be understanding, others will not. If your professor does not take attendance, your only focus needs to be finding someone to get the notes from. Make sure on the first day of class that you get a number or email from someone, so if you do miss class, you can get notes from them.

You Fail a Test:

You don’t like the class you’re in: This sucks, but luckily you have a couple of options! You can drop the class. If you drop the class, you need to make sure that you are still enrolled in at least 12 credits in order to be eligible for housing and other benefits. In the event you need to add a class, you only have a limited time, known as the “add/drop

(FOURTH ESTATE ARCHIVES)

The first thing you need to do is look on the syllabus. How much does the test count? You should look to see how high you need to score on the other tests or assignments in order to achieve the final grade you want. If you feel like you are struggling with the material and will not be able to do as well in the class as you want to, you need to meet with your professor.

Go during the scheduled office hours or email him or her for an appointment. Professors love when students come to their office hours, and they are usually ready and willing to help when you need it. You also have the option of meeting with a teacher’s assistant or learning assistant. Most classes have one of these (sometimes multiple). They typically hold office hours as well and are available via email. period.” Look for these dates in your syllabus. If you are interested in getting tuition back, you need to drop before the drop deadline. The longer you wait, the more tuition you will lose.

This should also be noted in your syllabus. If you wait too long, you will need to use a selective withdraw. You will not get any tuition back, and use these wisely, because you only get three of these during your time (FOURTH ESTATE ARCHIVES) here at Mason and they will appear on your transcript.

You lose something important on campus: Hopefully you remember the last place you had it.

If it was in your neighborhood, try your neighborhood desk. If not, try the nearest lost and found. There are lost and founds located at every information desk, such as in the Johnson Center or the Hub. These items are delivered regularly to the Mason Police where they are stored and held until they are picked up by their owners. You should also try posting in your class’ Facebook page. One of your peers may have been the person to find your item and will know which

desk it is at and can save you some time! If you lose something extremely valuable, such as a laptop or a phone, you will need to contact Mason police at (703)993-2800 and report the item stolen. The Mason Police building is located next to the Rappahannock parking deck. If you can use apps or anything to locate the item missing, try that as well.

You get locked out of your room, lose your key, or your ID: If you get locked out of your room but you know your key and/ or ID are inside your room, you can go to your neighborhood desk and check out a temporary key/ID card. While this is free, make sure to return these keys within 24 hours, or they will charge you. If you lose the hard key that allows you access to your room, you will need to pay to have the door knob and all the keys for your roommate(s) and you replaced. This is also and expensive fee! If you lose your ID card, you will need to go to the Mason card office in SUB 1 and get a new ID. They will charge you $20 for this, but it is important to do this soon because your meal plan and access to your hall is attached to your ID and you do not want people using that. When they give you a new ID, they will deactivate your old one.

If you encounter a new situation and you can’t figure out what to do, try to talk to your Resident Advisor, a Peer Mentor, a Resident Director, a Professor, a Teacher’s Assistant, or a friend.

Best of luck in your freshman year!

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MELISSA MOORE | STAFF WRITER

With classes fast approaching, so are deadlines for several campus construction projects.

First up, the highly anticipated Fenwick Library addition has been expected to be completed and ready for use in Jan. 2016 on the Fairfax campus, though the project is currently running ahead of schedule and early completion can be expected by the end of this summer.

According to the facilities website, the project team is working on revising furnishing and move in plans in accordance with the updated occupancy date.

The $60 million project started in Nov. 2012 and is set to “re-purpose the existing Fenwick Library to meet the demands of Mason’s growing, increasingly residential undergraduate student population; a strong focus on graduate education and research; and a higher caliber of undergraduate and graduate students” according to the project’s description on the facilities website.

(GOPI RAGHU/FOURTH ESTATE)

Those traveling to Mason’s Prince William Campus can expect construction on the Hylton Center, where an $8.6 million addition began construction this past May with expected completion next November.

Finally, a $71 million College of Health and Human Services building will start going up on the Fairfax campus this summer, starting in June with completion set for July 2017.

The new building will provide academic and research space for CHHS programs and will consolidate students of the college into one location on the Fairfax campus. It is also said to provide “opportunities for community outreach and industry collaboration within the included clinic” according to the project’s description.

According to the facilities website, this project will also free up much-needed space in Robinson Hall that “can be used to renovate and right-size existing university classrooms and consolidate the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.”

Field House renovations were completed this past spring semester, a $5.8 million project that included updating building systems and critical infrastructure improvements as well as the

facility’s general appearance.

Also recently completed was the construction on Campus Drive, which runs from the West Campus parking lot entrance to Patriot Circle near the RAC. An underpass was created to run from the main part of the Fairfax campus, under Route 123 and into the sports complex area creating for easier and safer access to the fields.

Updates on campus construction projects can be followed on facilities.gmu.edu.

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Fourth Estate is looking to fill paid staff positions for fall 2015.

Specfically anyone interested in sports coverage of Mason.

We are also willing to provide internship credit for anyone interested in becoming a member of our editorial staff.

We are also always looking for volunteers across all sections -- news, lifestyle, opinion and sports -- as well as on our visual team with opportunities in photography and digital art.

For more information, visit our website gmufourthestate. com under the ‘Work at Fourth Estate’ tab.

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Alcohol rules for residents ALEXA GOHL | STAFF WRITER

At Mason, there are plenty of rules and policies in place to ensure the safety of all students, faculty and staff on campus. Alcohol is no exception.

According to the Office of Housing and Residence Life (OHRL) Residential Handbook, “the OHRL prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol… Residents are accountable for their decisions regarding their use of alcohol as well as their behavior that occurs as a result of these decisions.”

On campus, there are alcohol-free areas or what we like to call, “dry” areas. These areas are any rooms or suites where all residents are under the age of 21.

Students of legal age should be drinking responsibly at all times.

According to the Residential Handbook, residents 21 years of age found intentionally or inadvertently providing alcohol to underage students may be removed from the residence halls.

It is important that students of legal drinking age are aware of the ages of the others they are drinking in the presence of. It is illegal to drink in the presence of minors and is illegal to provide alcohol to those minors.

Residents of legal drinking age may possess alcohol in their assigned living space that can be considered as personal consumption. Residents of legal age may possess no more than twelve 12 ounce beers, 1,500 milliliters of wine or 750 milliliters of distilled liquor. Also, residents of legal drinking age may only consume alcohol in living spaces that are assigned to residents 21 years of age or older when those residents are present.

The Residential Handbook also states that drinking games, common source containers and/or containers designed for rapid consumption of alcohol (punches, “beer pong” tables, beer bongs, funnels, tubing, etc.) are not permitted in or around the residential communities as that will lead to disciplinary action.

When it comes to alcohol and underage roommates, residents that are 21 years of age may possess alcohol for personal consumption but are not permitted to provide alcohol to their underage roommates/residents. Residents that are legal drinking age may store their alcohol in the common area refrigerator.

Even if students consume alcohol off-campus, as soon as they return to the residence halls, they will be considered to be in possession of alcohol and will be disciplined according to disciplinary plan of OHRL. According to the Residential Handbook, residents are responsible for their guests’ compliance with the alcohol policy, including not consuming in dry areas regardless of age to ensure the safety of all students.

The handbook specifies that any student in a location containing alcohol may be considered to be in possession of alcohol.

Roommate 101: tips to avoid dorm disaster For some of you, college will be the first time you will have to share a room with another person; let me start by telling you, it’s not always a walk in the park. While not all of you will be lucky enough to pull your roommate out of the laundry room trashcan at 2:30 a.m. on a Thursday night (seriously, this happened and I will never let her live it down), these four tips should help you make it through the school year.

Don’t expect your roommate to be your best friend.

Some of you will become best friends with your roommate, and some of you will become archenemies. It’s really the luck of the draw. It is easy to become fast friends with your roommate, especially during Welcome Week when hall events are mandatory. If you do become best friends, try to find a way to keep some kind of distance. Living with someone that you spend every moment with outside of class can get difficult. However, don’t get offended if you two grow in different directions. College

is about experiences and sometimes, the experiences you want might not be the same as your roommate’s. While it’s great to have a good relationship with your roommate, don’t feel any pressure to become best friends, just do your best to co-exist.

Take your roommate contract seriously.

After a few weeks on campus, your RA will stop by to talk with you and your roommate about setting ground rules for living in the dorm.

Even if some of the questions seem silly, this is the best time to have a mediated conversation with your roommate. Talk about any possible issue that could arise like borrowing clothes, overnight guests and if its really okay that your gallon box of Goldfish is already gone when you haven’t touched it. Set these boundaries early so that if you truly do have an irreconcilable problem, you can defer to your RA and the contract to fix it.

Respect your roommate’s time and space (and make sure they respect yours too).

It’s always important to remember that you’re sharing a living space with someone else, so do your best to be respectful of them. Sleeping is a really valuable asset in college. So when your roommate can’t seem to understand that binge watching Netflix at 2 a.m. isn’t great for your REM cycle, just politely ask them to turn off the TV or watch it somewhere else.

I once drove off campus to sleep at a friend’s house because my roommate wanted to have a private conversation with her boyfriend late at night. Even though it prevented a disagreement, I shouldn’t have had to accommodate her discussion when I had a 9 a.m. the next morning. Don’t be afraid to speak up and stand your ground.

Always communicate.

The key to any successful relationship is communication, especially with the person

(or people) you live with. Whether your roommate is in your top three on Snapchat or you only talk when the mess on their side of the room is out of control, make sure to establish a communication structure that works for the both of you. Having open communication is important when you need to address problems, or when you need to politely ask if you can have the room to yourself for a while. It will make living with your roommate a lot easier.

Most importantly, remember that this is a new experience for the both of you. You’re both living on your own for the first time, which can be both fun and scary. Try to make the most out of dorm life, without stressing out in the process.

ALEXA ROGERS CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Perks of Mason recreational facilities MACKENZIE BAILEY | STAFF WRITER

Coming to college, new students fear gaining the “Freshman 15.” But luckily, keeping those extra pounds off can be easy at Mason, since students have access to three different recreation centers on campus: the Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC), the Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC), and Skyline Fitness Center.

The AFC Perks: -Offers workout classes such as Zumba, spinning, and bootcamp classes -Has two pools, a hot tub and a sauna A rising senior, Brenna Cannon, takes advantage of the free classes at the AFC. “I take spin classes at the AFC as well as workout,” she said. When it comes to the spin classes she takes, she says, “the teachers are all so energetic and it’s a great environment! The lights are turned down, the music is blaring, and you spin to no end! It’s not as treacherous as it sound.”

The RAC Perks:

(COURTESEY OF ALEXIS GLENN/CAREER SERVICES

and I have used it since I was a freshman.”

-Largest gym on campus -Has a variety of exercise equipment -Also used for its different open courts for intramural sports or to just play with your friends.

-Also used for many different philanthropy events and tournaments for different campus organizations such as Mason’s Relay for Life.

Rising Senior Austin Milam is a supervisor for Mason intramurals and has seen the way other students use the gyms.

“At the RAC, many people use the courts for various racket sports, volleyball, and or course basketball. Branch out and see what works best for you,” Milam said.

Skyline Perks: -Located right in the midst of many campus dorms.

-Has a basketball equipment.

court

and

exercise

-Open long hours (Drawback: can be packed after night classes have let out) “My favorite gym to workout at is Skyline” Milam said. “I have been using this gym in particular because of all my lifting buddies

Pete Jaworski just graduated from Mason, and worked at the gyms for the 2014-2015 school year at the front desk at the AFC and then at the Skyline Fitness center.

Jaworski has found that students use the weights and cardio machines the most at the gyms, and when it comes to convenience, having a gym near classes makes it easy to meet up with friends considering they are open for most hours of the day.

“It’s not surprising to catch a late night game of basketball at the Skyline basketball court, it’s always packed.”

Jaworski also says he believes students should utilize the classes and personal training sessions, as they help to adapt to each individual person.

“I think the greatest part of the gyms is the amount of opportunity students have.

Members of the student staff are always happy to help and enjoy seeing others stay

Gym Hours

(COURTESEY OF ALEXSIS GLENN/CAREER SERVICES)

Aquatic & Fitness Center

Recreation & Athletic Complex

6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Skyline

9 a.m. to 12 a.m.

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The who’s-who in administration...

Angel Cabrera | President Recognized by “The Financial Times” as one of the top 20 business school leaders in the world, President Angel Cabrera began his term in July 2012. Before becoming Mason’s sixth president, he served as president of Thunderbird School of Global Management, and as professor and dean of IE Business School in his native country, Spain. Cabrera is highly active on social media,

and frequently tweets using the handle @CabreraAngel about everything from politics to soccer. In addition to his administrative responsibilities and his busy life on social media, Cabrera has published a book on leadership in global business. Furthermore, he serves on a variety of boards including the Fulbright Scholar Program and the ESSEC Business School while frequently speaking at many international forums.

J.J. Davis | Senior Vice President for Administration & Finance Innovation, expansion and subsequently, construction are all an integral part of Mason’s school identity. J.J Davis, senior vice president for finance and administration, oversees the administration and direction of finances that fund the numerous construction projects on campus. In addition, she oversees transportation and parking services, human resources and

payroll and facilities management. Davis held a similar position at the University of Delaware, where she served as Vice President of Finance and Administration. Her resume also includes working for State of Delaware in a variety of administrative positions, such as budget director and deputy secretary of education.

David Wu | Provost David Wu will assume the role of Provost and Executive Vice President this fall, following an extensive selection process. Wu previously served as Dean of Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, where he promoted research and global studies for his students. Wu bring his expertise

in these fields of study as Mason looks to grow. First and foremost, Wu hopes to institute more multidisciplinary programming, something he advocated during his time at Lehigh. Ideally, this will generate new research opportunities across disciplines, which will generate both relevant research questions while providing the university with research funding.

Anne Schiller

Rose Pascarell

Vice President for Global Strategies

Vice President of University Life

With the recent opening of Mason’s international campus in Songdo, South Korea, Vice President for Global Strategies Anne Schiller has been busy. With Mason’s recent focus on internationalization and creatings a global-oriented campus, new initiatives have been launched. Those initiatives include Mason’s

Mason has a diverse student body, and Vice President Rose Pascarell works to maintain balance and mutual understanding on campus. Pascarell’s time at Mason has been spent building “just communities,” as well as increasing student engagement and success.

Songdo campus and the INTO partnership, which will increase the number of international students on Mason’s campus, both of which Schiller supervised.

Her work on building community includes teaching workshops on race, class, gender and sexuality. Like President Cabrera, Pascarell is active on Twitter (@RosePascarell), often tweeting about the Mason community.

Combo Meals

Now Available

EVERY DAY!

Served with Seasoned Fries and Coca-Cola Freestyle® Regular Drink

1

Cheeseburger Meal Single Cheeseburger 9.99

2 Cheesesteak Meal Thinly sliced ribeye steak or chicken breast 10.99

1

3 Chicken Tenders Meal 3 Piece Tenders and choice of dipping sauce 8.99

4 Chicago Dog Meal

Nathan’s Famous All Beef Dog 7.99 ®

GREENBRIAR TOWN CENTER | 703-657-0050 13061 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy

FAIRFAX CORNER | 571-323-2500 11861 Palace Way

Student Accounts Office E-mail Communication - Students are responsible for university communication sent via email, and are required to activate their Mason email account and check it regularly.

Bill and Payment System – Bills are only provided electronically through the Bill and Payment System. Please be aware that electronic bills will not be provided for schedule adjustments or for any charges that may be added after the bill is received. Students can view bills, make payments, and set up authorized users (parents, employers, etc.) through the Bill and Payment System. Authorized users will only have access to financial information and payment options, and will not be able to access academic information. Additional Bill and Payment System information is available at http://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/.

Enroll in Direct Deposit – For faster refund processing, students must enroll in Direct Deposit.

The form is available at: http://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/RefundRequest.pdf.

FERPA Form – Students can complete a FERPA form to allow our office to discuss their account in detail with a third party (i.e. parent or organization paying on their behalf).

The form is available at: http://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/FERPA.pdf.

Financial Responsibility - By registering for classes, students accept responsibility for the semester charges. Students must confirm the withdrawal from all classes that they do not intend to complete by the deadlines listed in the Academic Calendar. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the student from financial responsibility. NOTE: Classes are not dropped for nonpayment or nonattendance.

Please call the Student Accounts Office at (703) 993-2484 with any questions. http://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/

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Microwaveable meals for your dorm HAMNA AHMAD | STAFF WRITER

With a culinary arsenal of mini fridge, microwave, and Mason innovation, every student can whip up his or her favorite snacks without ever having to leave the dorm. *Note that cooking time will vary slightly for every microwave.

Café au Lait Save time and money by steaming the milk in the microwave. ·

½ cup milk (2% works best)

·

¾ cup coffee

1.

Fill an 8 oz. Mason jar halfway with milk.

2.

Tightly fasten the lid of the jar and shake it vigorously.

3.

Remove the lid and microwave on high for 20-second intervals, making sure the milk does not bubble over.

4.

Carefully remove the jar from the microwave. Pour the milk into the coffee and spoon the foam on top.

Macaroni & Cheese Better than Easy Mac. Adapted from The Kitchn. ·

½ cup short cut pasta (elbow macaroni, small shells, etc.)

·

½ cup water

·

¼ cup milk

·

½ cup shredded cheese, variety

1. Combine the pasta and water in a microwave safe mug or deep bowl.

2. Microwave the pasta in two-minute intervals, stirring constantly, until cooked. Drain the water.

3.

Stir in the milk and cheese. Microwave an additional 30 seconds.

Steamed Vegetables A healthy and unbelievably simple way to snack.

Nachos This is nacho regular dorm food—it’s better. ·

1 cup corn tortilla chips

·

¾ cup shredded cheese, variety

·

Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc.

1.

Place chips on a large plate. Top with cheese.

2.

Microwave until cheese is melted, approximately 90 seconds.

3.

Add additional toppings.

·

1 cup desired vegetable

·

water

Fluffy Pancake

1.

Place chopped vegetables in a bowl. Add enough water the cover the bottom of the dish.

A quick breakfast for busy mornings. Adapted from Kirbie’s Cravings.

2.

Cover with plastic wrap or a plate.

·

¼ cup pancake mix

3.

Microwave until desired doneness.

·

2 tablespoons milk

·

Optional mix-ins: blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, etc.

·

Optional toppings: butter, syrup, honey, etc.

1.

Combine pancake mix and milk in a microwave safe mug. Stir in mix-ins, if desired.

2.

Microwave for 60-90 seconds. Serve with toppings, if desired.

Fr. Peter Nassetta, Chaplain pnassett@gmu.edu (or facebook me!)

703-425-0022

www.gmuccm.org

JULY 12

R5

SOMETIME LAST NIGHT TOUR

JACOB WHITESIDES RYLAND

Limited availability!

PUNCH BROTHERS BÉLA FLECK & ABIGAIL WASHBURN

THE PAIN KILLER TOUR

DAVID NAIL

COUNTING CROWS

SOMEWHERE UNDER WONDERLAND TOUR

CITIZEN COPE

GILL LANDRY

HOLLIS BROWN

JULY 22

MOVE FEATURING DEREK & JULIANNE HOUGH JULY 3

AUG 20

DISNEY IN CONCERT

WITH WOLF TRAP ORCHESTRA MAGICAL MOMENTS FROM THE MOVIES

©DISNEY

AUG 21

JULY 30

NEEDTOBREATHE’S

STUDENT DISCOUNT

NEEDTOBREATHE SWITCHFOOT DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS COLONY HOUSE

Students receive 50% off one in-house ticket with valid student ID when purchased a half hour before showtime!

TOUR DE COMPADRES

KISHI BASHI

AUG 11

AND MANY MORE!

WOLFTRAP.ORG

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

UNDER THE SUN TOUR

Limited availability!

BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS

GUSTER

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA

SUGAR RAY BETTER THAN EZRA UNCLE KRACKER EVE 6

BJ THE CHICAGO KID

JULY 29

JUNE 26-28

AUG 13

JILL SCOTT

TONY AWARD-WINNING ROCK “N” ROLL MUSICAL Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis

SEP 6

ASHLEY MONROE

FIRST AID KIT

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

JULY 16

LITTLE BIG TOWN

BRANDI CARLILE

DAVID GRAY AMOS LEE

JUNE 16

AUG 15

JULY 15

SUMMER 2015

1.877.WOLFTRAP

Korea

Study at Mason Korea

http://masonkorea.gmu.edu Contact Jim Burke, jburke23@gmu.edu masonkorea

CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND THE HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER welcome you to Mason with FREE TICKETS to more than 100 PERFORMANCES this year.

Full-time Mason students are eligible to get free tickets for music, dance, opera, theater and more. Details at

CFA.GMU.EDU/STUDENTS HYLTONCENTER.ORG/STUDENTS Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus • cfa.gmu.edu/students Hylton Performing Arts Center, Science and Technology Campus • HyltonCenter.org/students