Freshman Orientation Guide 2012

B ROADSIDE Freshman Orientation Guide

Show Off Your Creative Spirit

by Bringing More ‘You’ to Your Dorm Room How to comply with fire safety guidelines while giving your room the color it deserves.

PAGE 20

Take Advantage of Everything the Capital City has to Offer Mason’s close proximity to Washington D.C. provides ample opportunity for offcampus fun.

PAGE 16

Basketball: The Wild Side of Mason Nation

The thriving traditions and proper etiquette at Patriots’ games according to one die hard fan.

PAGE 34

Table of Contents Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

See the World by Studying Abroad

Mason prides itself on being an institution for learning, as opposed to simply teaching. Students have the unique opportunity to expereience their education first-hand by studying abroad.

PAGE 4

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen

Somebody once said,” A year from now, you’ll wish you started today.” Do not let the temptation of an unhealthy lifestyle ruin your fit physique.

PAGE 12

June 19, 2012

Major Decisions: Choosing Your Academic Career

Instead of throwing darts at a wall, Mason recommends that students see an adviser to help choose their desired degree field.

PAGE 7

The Green Machine

Doc Nix and the Green Machine, Mason’s nationally recognized pep band, are the driving force of Mason basketball.

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3

Words of Advice: A Letter from the Student Body President & Vice President

President Alex Williams and Vice President Jordan Foster welcome freshman students to Mason Nation.

PAGE 8

Flying the Coop

Do not let homesickness deter you from having the best four years of your life. Get involved in campus life to ease your transition into college.

PAGE 28

Enjoying Fairfax

Looking for a good movie theatre, a place to eat or just a way to spend your free time in Fairfax? Heres a one-stop list of all the best places the area has to offer.

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Staff

Cody Norman Editor-in-Chief Colleen Wilson Managing Editor Stephen Kline Photography & Design Editor Rebecca Norris Entertainment Editor Aaron Locke News Editor Colin Gibson Sports Editor Hannah Smith Editorials Editor

Kathryn Mangus Director, Student Media Jacques Mouyal Business Manager, Student Media David Carroll Associate Director, Student Media Aram Zucker-Scharff Assistant Director, Student Media

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Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

See the World by Studying Abroad

One of the many options Mason has to offer is a diverse study abroad program. During their career at Mason, students have the opportunity to travel all over the world while earning college credits.

Sophomore Jade Toft chose to study abroad in Ecuador as a freshman to help her become a great Spanish teacher one day. Having never been to South America, and not sure about being away from home for too long, Toft chose a two-week program over winter break where she lived with an Ecuadorian family.

“When I was looking at colleges, it was very important to me that the

How to Contact the Center for Global Education Office Location: Second floor of the Johnson Center Phone: 703-993-2154 Email: cge@gmu.edu

college I would choose to go to would give me a lot of opportunities to study abroad and I knew George Mason would definitely give me those opportunities,” Toft said. “I know that at other universities, not many freshmen get the opportunity to study abroad.”

Nicole Grim works at the Center for Global Education at Mason in addition to participating in a summer abroad program to Israel/Palestine.

Next fall, she is studying at Oxford as a part of the honors program.

“I always love to talk about how our Center for Global Education is, in my opinion, one of the best in the nation,” said Grim, Conflict Analysis and Resolution major. “We have a multitude of programs that send students all over the world.”

Students can choose between a direct exchange program, a directenrollment program or going abroad in groups. A direct exchange program allows students to pay tuition at Mason, but pay room and board to their host university.

In addition, students directly exchange places with a foreign student, swapping universities, families and homes. A direct-enrollment program allows Mason students to enroll in select overseas universities. ere are

also internships offered to students wanting to study overseas. ese internships are semester long.

One of the benefits to studying abroad is the freedom it provides.

Students may choose a program with the independence factor they are looking for. Some programs have a faculty member present, while others do not. For the direct exchange and direct-enrollment programs, there is no Mason faculty member present.

“Over the weekend I went with some of my friends in a taxi to a mountain,” Toft said. “We took a trolley-like car up and saw the most beautiful view. It was fun to be out on the town without our professor or anyone.

We were literally free to do what we wanted in Ecuador. We had lunch downtown and explored the city.”

Full immersion programs are for skilled foreign language speakers, as everything will be done in the foreign language. Other options include some foreign language integration, or mostly English language.

“I was placed in the advanced class at the university with only me and three other students in it,” Toft said. “e classroom was super tiny and my teacher did not speak to us in English at all. She made the class super enjoyable because we would

meet out by the pond when it was nice outside or take a break and grab coffee. Instead of taking a final and doing worksheets, she just had us speak in Spanish and write an essay or two. e speaking was more conversational and it was fun. Even though the class was long, it was so much fun and it made me more comfortable about speaking Spanish.”

Students can choose to go for a summer, winter break, spring break or semester programs.

Students are welcome to study abroad at any point in their college career, yet it is most common during their sophomore or junior year.

“First of all, studying abroad was one of the best experiences I have ever had and I can't wait to do it again,” Toft said. “I'm definitely considering studying abroad again in the future. Even though I was nervous about studying abroad as a freshman, the people in my group, the professor, and my family in Ecuador were some of the sweetest people I have ever met.”

While the opportunity is open to all students, there are some requirements. Students hoping to participate in a short-term program, either during winter, spring or summer breaks need to have a minimum 2.5 GPA before

leaving. Semester-long programs are only offered to students who have completed 45 credits.

Students interested in studying abroad are welcome to attend a Global Education Study Abroad 101 Information Session, which is offered several times a week.

“I'm so glad I had the opportunity to travel to South America and I can't wait to go back someday,” Toft said.

“I miss my family there and the food.

I made some great friends on the trip and learned a lot about a new culture.

It was definitely the experience of a lifetime.”

Alex Williams, student body president, participated in two study abroad programs through Mason. He has studied in Cuba and Mexico.

“Traveling abroad, facilitated by programs and directors through the CGE office, helps expand your perception,” said Williams, Government and International Politics major. “Plus, traveling abroad is easiest in college-you can get scholarships to help pay for it, you have a dedicated staff to assist you and you even earn credit for doing so. Later in life, the opportunities may still exist, but it may not be as easy nor inviting.”

STORY BY LINDSEY ENSLEN

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All freshmen will move-in on Thursday, August 23rd.

Q: When can I move-in?

A: Move-in for freshmen occurs Thursday, August 23rd. All freshmen will be assigned a move-in time and date. Be sure to check your Mason email for updates and instructions! Full move in details will be on our website in late July.

Q: Can I see my room?

A: Interactive floor plans and virtual tours are available on our website so you can see the general layout of your room.

Student rooms are used for summer school and conferences over the summer, so they are not available for viewing.

Q: What should I bring?

A: Check our website for a suggested packing list. Be sure to talk to your roommate(s) and coordinate who’s bringing what.

Yo q o a d e Oi Ho i & R i n Li

Q: How can I get information about what’s going on?

A: Follow the Office of Housing and Residece Life (OHRL) on Facebook at facebook.com/MasonOHRL and on Twitter at MasonOHRL. We post updates about upcoming programs and processes to keep you informed!

http://housing.gmu.edu/

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

Major Decisions: Choosing Your Academic Career Instead of throwing darts at the wall, meet up with an academic adviser for help in choosing a degree

One-third of college freshmen across the nation start their first semester without declaring a major. Of the two-thirds who seem to have it all figured out, half of them will change their major at least one time before they graduate.

“It’s not critical [for freshmen to] choose [their] major right off,” said Paul Bousel, Associate Director of the Academic Advising and Transfer Center. “It’s a process.”

Before they even think about declaring a major, most freshmen are simply concerned about which classes they are going to take.

To help with this task, an academic adviser is assigned to each student at orientation. Advisers are there to check in on their students and make sure they are doing everything they need to do in order to have a successful academic career.

Additionally, academic advisers introduce their students to the online resources that Mason has to offer, such as advising.gmu.edu. New this year is a comprehensive online workshop called Steps To Exploring Mason Majors (STEMM), which is run through the advising website. e workshop first helps students discover their interests and skills, then gives a list of realistic options for them to explore.

When it is time to choose a major, stu-

dents should pick an area that is of interest to them. According to Bousel, many students want to major in something because they think it is employable but do not necessarily like what the curriculum entails.

A majority of Mason students are enrolled in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, with the Volgenau School of Engineering coming in second. e College of Education and Human Development and the School of Management do not trail far behind.

In choosing a major, there are various aspects that students have to weigh, such as if they only want to go to school for four years or if they plan on seeking a higher degree.

Some companies are looking for broad education, so students should not suffer through classes they do not like just to look attractive to an employer.

To put it simply: “An undergraduate degree isn’t job training,” Bousel said.

If a student really feels the need to enhance their major, he or she can minor in a completely different field. For example, a student in the School of Management might want to improve their writing skills by picking up an English minor. Another option would be to explore internships in

Mason offers more than

77

order to enhance a resumé.

No matter what path students choose, the ultimate decision is their own.

Oftentimes, a college graduate will come back to school as an adult because they want to explore an area of interest that they did not previously get the chance to explore. To avoid wasting time and money, students should invest in their college education wisely. e first step to doing this is to get to know an academic adviser.

Advisers are there to help steer students in the right direction and make sure they are making good decisions. ey are not there to tell students what to do.

In order to stay on track, Bousel has very simple advice: See your adviser every semester.

different majors STORY BY JESSICA SMITH

Academic Advising and Transfer Center Office Location: Room 3500 of SUB 1 Phone: 703-993-2470 Website: advising.gmu.edu Walk-in hours (in-school): Mon, Tues, Thurs 1pm-4pm Tues, Wed 9am-12pm

Walk-in meetings are for those students that need less than 15 minutes, otherwise call to make an appointment.

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Words of Advice 8

June 19, 2012

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

Student body president Alex Williams and vice president Jordan Foster welcome you to Mason Nation To the class of 2016,

Photo by Stephen Kline

Welcome to George Mason University and congratulations on becoming a Patriot! College is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, encounter different ideas and challenge yourself. At George Mason University, we hope to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to accomplish these feats and any you have your mind and hearts set on.

If there is one word of advice you will hear time and time again, it is this: get involved!

College is more than the classroom. Are the hundreds of

clubs and organizations we have not enough to suit your palette? Come on down to the Office of Student Involvement, located in “e Hub,” and talk with us about what more there is to do at Mason and how you can create your own club with just an idea and a few friends.

Innovation has become the tradition at Mason, where every student organization began with an idea and a group of motivated individuals. From engaging professors in a flash lecture on a plethora of topics to teams playing hockey at the bottom of a pool; from a dining experience catered to on and off-campus students to pas-

sionate debates on moral and ethical issues in the North Plaza. Each event, program, service, organization and idea began and continues to function of the spirit of motivated students. We challenge you, as our fellow Patriots, to join this process, add your voice and innovate your traditions.

As your Student Body President and Vice President, we are here to serve you and to help you achieve these goals. e role Student Government plays at Mason is as student lobby, a group that advocates on behalf of the more than 32,000 students to the faculty and administration. Recent

ideas that have come to fruition include Flash Lectures, the annual Academic Advising Expo, Gold Rush, and Witch Watch.

Our organization is hard at work to serve you and the needs of the Mason community; put us to work—as Patriots we hold you to a high standard, and we expect you to do the same for us. Our office is located in the Office of Student Involvement, in “e Hub.” Reach out, challenge us, ask questions and tells what you would like to see done—our door is always open!

Welcome to Mason, fellow Patriots!

MASON IS GOING

GREEN!

get involved! green.gmu.edu

S T U D Y. . .

Athletic Training Events Management Health Promotion Hospitality Management Kinesiology Parks and Outdoor Recreation Physical Education Sport Management Therapeutic Recreation Tourism Management …and other exciting fields

INTERN...

study what moves you

D.C. United Fairfax County Public Schools Inn at Little Washington Inova Health Care System Marriott International National Park Service National Rehabilitation Hospital Smithsonian Institution Washington Capitals Washington Redskins …and other awesome sites

WORK...

Athletic director Event planner Facilities manager Fitness director Health specialist Outdoor recreation manager Park ranger Resort manager Teacher Therapist Trainer …and other great careers

rht.gmu.edu

Majors, minors, and graduate degrees from the

School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism

Greek Life at Mason 10

June 19, 2012

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

Five Reasons to Join Greek Life

1. Connections: Going through recruitment, you will meet new people from all over the country. Being a part of a fraternity or sorority gives you an instant connection with a large group of people. The networking will continue to grow and grow. From the beginning, you will feel an instant connection that lasts a lifetime. You have the chance to become a leader and grow drastically as a person within your college experience. Even after graduation, your brothers and sisters will be with you as you grow older and could even help to find you a fulltime job.

2. Events: Greek life provides opportunities to engage in all kinds of events and activities, such as Homecoming Week and philanthropy events. By going to these events, you will never be bored and you have the opportunity to mingle with other organizations. Instead of just being a number at Mason, you can become involved and make a name for yourself.

3. Belonging: Being in a sorority of fraternity can become your home away from home. Whether you are in state or out-of-state you will have a new family and a large number of brother and sisters there to support you.

4. Philanthropy: No matter what organization you are in, some type of philanthropy will be near and dear to your heart. Raising money for a cause and spreading awareness is of utmost importance. The feeling of satisfaction, and knowing that you helped to make a difference in another’s life cannot be more gratifying.

5. Scholarship: Scholarship is one of the highest values in the Greek Community. Every chapter continues to promote and push academic excellence from their individual members. Whenever you need help with your homework or studying for an exam, there will always be a brother or sister to help.

Photos by Stephen Kline

For a complete list of the fraternities and sororities that are a part of the Mason community, visit

si.gmu.edu/greek-life/ councils-and-chapters

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

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Your Guide To a Successful Freshman Year Experience!

University 100: Freshman Transition University 100 is a one-credit course offered to assist first year students with their transition to college. This course helps students adjust academically, develop critical thinking skills, and learn more about services and opportunities for involvement at Mason.

OVER 40 GENERAL SECTIONS AVAILABLE! SPECIAL SECTIONS OFFERED: ◊ Athletes ◊ China 1-2-1 ◊ College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) ◊ College of Science (COS) ◊ Early Identification Program ◊ Election 2012 ◊ Honors College ◊ Living Learning Communities ◊ Off-campus Students ◊ Project Peak ◊ Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) ◊ University Scholars

Register Today!

Some topics we cover...

• Academics • Alcohol, Drug & Sex Education • Campus Resources • Choosing a Major and Career • Communication Skills • Diversity • Health & Safety • Involvement on Campus • Leadership Development • Stress Management • Time & Money Management

Student Union Building I (SUB I), Room 3600 • 703.993.9082 • transitions.gmu.edu • trcdesk@gmu.edu

WELCOME TO

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Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

Avoiding the Freshman Fifteen Photo by Stephen Kline

The Recreation and Athletic Complex (The RAC) is one of several fitness centers on campus. The RAC is located on Patriot Circle next to the Mason Inn.

Campus Fitness Centers

The Recreation and Athletic Complex

Monday-Friday 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Aquatic and Fitness Center

Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Friday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Skyline

Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Saturday/Sunday 11:00 am to 12:00 am

A year from now, you will wish you started today As students enter their freshman year of college, many of them want to commit themselves to clubs and organizations, to setting and accomplishing goals and to creating a life for themselves here at Mason. ere are endless opportunities that freshmen can embark upon; however, one of the most prominent areas to connect with while starting this new chapter of your life lies within the range of health and fitness.

After all, who wants to be burdened by the freshman 15?

So, as incoming freshman,

let us not only get off on the right academic and extra-curricular foot, but also physically and athletically.

Pilot House, Ike’s, Southside and the Johnson Center all offer an array of food choices, some of which are healthier than others.

It is key to remember that your metabolism slows down throughout the day, so it is best to eat your biggest meal with the most carbohydrates for breakfast, and slim down as the day fades on.

Most importantly, never go to sleep hungry, for your body needs energy while you sleep.

If you have no substance for your body to be nourished it will attack your muscles before fat, and lastly your bone.

So when it is 2 a.m. and you are taking a study break or just going to Ike’s for the fun of it, be sure to make healthy decisions regarding what you eat because, more likely than not, your diet will end up being very different than the way you ate at home.

However, that’s not to say that you can not indulge in the fatty-fried-goodness every once in a while.

As you are establishing your fall semester routine, make

time for an hour at the gym, or merely a run around Patriot Circle.

It is essential to realize that escaping the freshman 15 is not only about eating right, but also exercising regularly.

College can constitute the best years of your life.

Pursue every available opportunity at Mason and ensure that these next four years will provide you with a lifetime of memories and leave you in the best physical shape of your life.

STORY BY REBECCA NORRIS

Transform Your Life with the CCT Program 14

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

Founded in 2009, the Center for Consciousness and Transformation (CCT) on the Fairfax Campus was made possible by a generous financial gift from Donald and Nancy de Laski.

“Don and Nancy wanted Mason students to have a chance to study topics such as mindfulness, happiness, positive psychology, creativity and transformation, both at personal and societal levels,” said Mark urston, senior fellow at the center. is type of program is unique to major universities. It is mainly a part of New Century College, yet the courses are open to all students. “e Center for Consciousness and Transformation was founded largely to help students explore the science and the practices that support well-being, mindfulness and a flourishing life of meaning and purpose,” urston said.

Students involved in the Center for Consciousness and Transformation take academic courses centered around helping students learn how awareness, mindfulness, and meaning play a pivotal role in the way that individuals, or-

ganizations and societies undergo transformational change.

Senior Integrative Studies major Jayme Walker is minoring in both Consciousness and Transformation Studies and Childhood studies. After taking a CCT course called Meditation and Mysteries of the Mind her sophomore year, Walker got involved with the Center for Consciousness and Transformation.

“Before taking the course, I did not know anything about meditation or any of the other concepts of the CCT program,” Walker said. “e course delves into the many different types of meditation and the benefits they posses, as well as the many different capacities of the human brain, such as consciousness. I truly loved the course and learned a lot from it.”

Walker has continued her involvement with the course throughout the remainder of her time at Mason. “e experiences that the courses have offered me have been unlike anything I had ever experienced prior to the CCT program,” Walker said. “e courses have shaped how I view and understand the world and more importantly,

how I view and understand myself.”

In addition to course work, yoga and meditation gatherings are offered several times a week. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the free self-exploration gatherings. A semester schedule for the gatherings is posted online at the CCT website. ese gatherings are on a drop-in basis and require no previous experience. In addition to being a great method of stress management, practicing yoga and meditation are great ways to get to know oneself on a deeper level.

For those students interested in CCT, there is a living-learning community called Mindful Living, in Piedmont Hall.

“A floor of Piedmont Hall is dedicated to students who share an interest in mindfulness practices and the other topics that are part of CCT,” urston said. “Watch in February each year for the housing enrollment opportunity related to this living-learning community for the following year.”

Minoring in Consciousness and Transformation is an option open to all Mason students, regardless of their major. Requirements for sat-

isfying the fifteen-credit program can be found on their website.

Among the fifteen credits, two courses are required three-credit classes. e other nine credits can be satisfied by a variety of electives.

Students are welcome to take a few courses without minoring in the program. “e program puts a lot of focus on mindful awareness, which I feel is extremely important,” Walker said. “rough mindful awareness and the guidance the CCT program has provided me with, I am a transformed person. I am so grateful for everything Mark, Mary Elizabeth, and the courses have taught me. Before these courses, I was merely going through life, allowing superficial and external facets of life to control me. Now, I know I am in control of my life and I am guided by my core values. I could literally go on for days about how great this program is and how transformational it has been for me. I highly recommend it to anyone, it is life changing.”

STORY BY LINDSEY ENSLEN

Best Wishes for a Transformative 2012-13 Year!

T

Explore the City 16

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

As Mason students, we are fortunate to be in the Fairfax area that already has a million things to do to get off campus, but in a larger spectrum we are nearly neighbors to the nation’s capital. We even have our own metro stop on the orange line for the Metro which is Vienna/GMU. We have easy access to Washington D.C. to all the different events and places that are located within the city. From daytime to nighttime activities there are a wide range of places to go that would suit any personality.

STORY BY MARY KELLY

Rosslyn Metro

Vienna Metro

Mason’s most convenient Metro stop

Photos by Stephen Kline

Georgetown Cupcake

Ever heard of the TLC hit show DC Cupcakes? Well, if you enjoy watching the show and have a big sweet tooth for baked goods, take a trip to Georgetown to visit the bakery and the cute boutiques that surround the area. Georgetown is a cute college area where you can munch on the many flavors of cupcakes and shop til’ you drop. Just ride the orange line to Rosslyn and walk across Francis Scott Key Bridge and you’ll arrive in Georgetown to eat, shop, and have a fabulous day with your friends.

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

U Street Metro

June 19, 2012

17

The 9:30 Club

For those who like to go out clubbing at night the D.C. area offers many different clubs such as Lotus and the 9:30 Club. The 9:30 Club is a favorite amongst many Mason students for inexpensive concerts with many different types of music.

Archives Metro

The Newseum

Smithsonian Metro

The Smithsonian

The Smithsonian Museums offer a free adventure into 19 different museums and galleries. There is a completely different experience for each person within each museum and the Smithsonian’s are a great way to escape and further culture yourself with the different museums. These are great for a weekend activity with friends at any time of the year.

The Newseum is located on Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest near the Archives Metro stop. The Newseum is the perfect museum to go to when you have the entire weekend free. The $21.95 ticket is a two-day pass to explore all that the museum offers. The Newseum is centered on the progression of News and the history of how news was spread in different eras.

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Dorm Decorating 101 20

June 19, 2012

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

Transitioning to college can be an overwhelming and confusing time, so making your dorm room feel more like home can make a huge difference in how you settle in during your freshman year.

Depending on which residence hall you live in, rooms can range from cramped cinder block walls to spacy six-person suites. Either way, the blank white walls can feel cold, sterile and impersonal when you first move in.

Luckily, this can be fixed with a few easy decorations and personal touches. Keep in touch with your roommate over the summer so that you can discuss whether you want to have a color theme in the room and if you plan on splitting big ticket items like televisions, mini fridges and rugs.

BY COLLEEN WILSON

Five Tips to Make Your Dorm Yours

1. Bed linens are usually the pivotal point when decorating your dorm. Talk to your roommate to make sure that you won’t clash, but don’t feel like you have to match perfectly.

Reversible comforters are a great way to change up the style of the room mid-semester if you’re easily bored with your settings.

2. Standard overhead lighting can be harsh, create some ambiance by bringing in your own light sources. Desk lamps can be useful when your roommate is sleeping and you still have to stay up late to study. String lights are great for creating a relaxed atmosphere. Recycle some old Christmas lights for the same effect.

3. An area rug can cover bland carpet and transform your room into a different space. Coordinate with your roommate to match with comforter colors to pull the room together.

4. Personalize your space with wall decor. Posters, tapestries and wall decals all bring color and personality to your walls and make the space a fun and comfortable place to study and hang out in. Pictures of you with your friends and family help to make your new room feel more like home and to keep those homesick nights at bay .5. Create some extra space with shoe organizers in your closets and small free standing shelves. Storage ottomans offer extra seating for guests and a place to keep clutter hidden. Collapsible storage bins are another way to add color and store away anything from clothes to school supplies.

D.I.Y. Calender

Keeping your calendar straight can be a challenge during your first year of college. For the first time in your life, school won’t be organized neatly into seven hour blocks five days a week. Some days classes may start at 8 a.m., other days you may not start until 7 p.m.

Add in club meetings, social events and appointments and keeping your schedule organized can easily become a headache.

This do-it-yourself calendar is a cheap and easy way to make sure that you have a handle on your schedule from week to week. This project cost less than $6 to make and is a great pop of color for your room. You can color coordinate the calendar to match your dorm decoration or to color code out your schedule.

Supplies needed: -cheap picture frame with glass front (available for $2-$5) -paint chips (available for free in the paint department) -scissors -glue stick -dry erase marker

Housing Hazards Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

Pay attention to these tips from the Office of Housing and Residence Life to make sure that your dorm decorations are safe and won’t leave with a hefty fine at the end of the year Don’t try to loft your bed. Even though it may save you some space, lofting kits are not allowed on campus for safety reasons. Bed risers, available in the campus bookstore are a good option for increasing the height of your bed for more storage and space in your room.

Don’t put holes in the wall. To hang heavier items, such as string lights or clothes, your best bet is removable wall hooks. 3M hooks, available at the campus bookstore, even make models that are finished with silver for a classier look, or clear to blend right in.

Cut the paint chips into color blocks and arrange in neat rows in a pattern. Glue the rows down, making sure to keep the rows straight and even.

Don’t create a fire hazard. According to fire code, only 50 percent of the walls are allowed to be covered. All decorations must be 18 inches below the silver sprinklers so that the water is able to reach all flammable material in case of fire. Make sure to check your room; some dorms have sprinklers in the ceiling while others are hung high on the wall.

Don’t use duct tape. Your best option to hang photos and posters is blue painter’s tape, available wherever you can find duct tape. Scotch tape doesn’t have enough stick and duct tape could rip the paint off your walls, leaving you with a hefty end of the year damage fine.

Don’t bring a medusa lamp. Additional lighting, like string lights or desk lamps are perfectly fine, but medusa style lamps with bendable extended arms are banned by the university for fire safety reasons.

Remove the glass front from the picture frame and flip the stock photo over to the blank white side.

21

If you’d like, label the rows with the days of the week. Recurring commitments, like classes, can be labeled on the paint chips permanently.

Replace the glass front on the picture frame. You can now use the dry erase marker to note your calendar each week with appointments, meetings and events to remember.

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June 19, 2012

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

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Stay Active with Intramural Sports

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

Four reasons to get involved with recreational sports on campus

Stay fit: Does the freshman 15 have you scared already? Put your worries aside by joining a team or activity at Mason to help you stay in shape and keep those extra pounds away. Join a Co-Rec soccer team or get in on the flag football action to cover your cardio needs, or sign up for an ultimate Frisbee tournament and test that throwing arm. The supportive environment of Mason intramurals combined with the support of teammates will keep you motivated and focused throughout the year.

Meet new people: Whether you’re a social butterfly or a reserved personality, joining intramural sports at Mason is the best way to make new friends and get to know the community. Team oriented sports like volleyball can give you that sense of belonging and camaraderie you might be looking for, or signing up for activities like Battleship tournaments can match you against competitive spirits like your own. All students are looking for the new and exciting experience, so share yours with intramurals.

Be involved: The key to overall success at Mason is to be involved with the school, community and all it has to offer. Sure, classes and schoolwork can be a lot to handle over the course of the days, weeks and months, but getting involved with an intramural sport will dramatically improve your overall college experience. Think you might have too much to handle with just classes? Don’t worry, joining intramural sports will help you manage your time and schedule more efficiently, helping you to stay focused, organized and motivated.

Have fun: Take a break from all of the stress that college brings about naturally. Classes, homework, professors, roommates, it can all be too much to take at one time. Take a break from the constant stresses of your day by running around the basketball court with your teammates. Blow off some steam before a big test by getting some kicks in on the soccer field. Squeezing in some “me” time every now and again is encouraged and what better way to do it by playing a sport you love with some Mason students.

BY COLIN GIBSON

June 19, 2012

25

For more information on Mason’s intramural sports program, visit

recreation.gmu.edu/ intramural-sports

in the campus community. There are many ways to be creative during your time here. We want everyone to contribute ideas and think of new ways they may enhance campus and their experience at Mason.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all up to you to make the most of your experience! Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playing pool in the Corner Pocket, hanging out in the Rathskellar, getting involved in or creating your own student organization, you can decide how you make your mark as a Patriot on our campus!

visit or call us

The HUB (SUB II)

Room 2300

703.993.2909

si.gmu.edV t gmu.collegiatelink.OFU t Twitter: MasonPaUSJPUT t Facebook: MasonInvolvement

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

The Green Machine June 19, 2012

27

A look at the driving force behind Mason spirit College basketball fans across the nation packed into the Quicken Loans Arena last March. Expecting to see great basketball, those fans were greeted with a welcome surprise. A strange man in a funny suit danced along the stands, directing his band in such a unique fashion that people far and wide lined up for photographs with a regular in the post-tournament rendition of “One Shining Moment.”

Despite the Patriots’ nail-biting victory over Villanova in the second round, or even despite the gutwrenching defeat at the hands of Ohio State in the subsequent round, George Mason University won the 2011 NCAA Tournament.

At least in the mind of Doc Nix. “In the realm of Ws and Ls and stats on the box score, we didn’t win,” Doc Nix said. “But in terms of showing up and representing ourselves and

what we’re about, I think we did win.”

Known for his Mason-themed zoot suits, Dr. Michael Nickens, more commonly known as Doc Nix, has attracted a nation- wide audience and has, in many ways, become the face of Mason basketball.

“Taking it up a notch and wearing something that stands out just gives everyone that cue and gives me permission to get in front of people and encourage them to clap and sing along,” Doc Nix said. “It’s kind of a code for, ‘Pay attention to this. is is part of the performance.’”

While continuing his work as an assistant professor in the School of Music, his alter ego has charmed the NCAA landscape for six years, bringing doubt to which persona is the most real. “It’s like asking, ‘Is Bruce Wayne the real guy or is Batman the real guy? Is Clark Kent the real guy or is

Superman the real guy? Is Dr. Michael Nickens the real guy or is Doc Nix the real guy?’ It’s hard to say what’s what,” Doc Nix said.

As a drum major at West Potomac High School, Doc Nix noticed that, as a member of the marching band, he could control an entire football stadium from one spot on the field.

He brought the idea to Fairfax just one year after Mason’s historical run to the Final Four and continues to breathe life into a crowded arena.

Despite the Patriots’ inability to unseat No. 5 Notre Dame in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament, Doc Nix made a huge splash in the college basketball landscape as the Green Machine was recognized by a number of sports writers as the most spirited pep band in the nation.

“We were at one game – and we were never really in the game,” Doc

Nix said. “We were at one game and lost, but we still made enough of an impact to earn that kind of shoutout. Man, that feels so good.”

Last season, Doc Nix and a number of other band directors within the CAA began hosting an event called “Breakfast with the Bands” that is held on the Saturday morning of the CAA Tournament in Richmond.

Providing a unique link between music and athletics, the Green Machine won the 2006 NCAA Final Four “Battle of the Bands” and were named the 2008 and 2009 CAA “Best Pep Band” by CAAZone.com all the while providing one of the best home court advantages in the entire nation.

Doc Nix and the Green Machine have been a driving force behind the Patriots’ incredible success inside the Patriot Center. ey played an integral role in the Patriots’ 18-game home

winning streak that lasted almost two full years. eir flawless renditions of “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “Killing in the Name” echo throughout the arena, giving Mason what Paul Hewitt called a “solid 5-point advantage.”

“In a league where most conference games are decided by 10 points or less, that’s big,” Hewitt said. “is is as good of a home field advantage as I’ve been around. is is as good as it gets.”

Wherever the band may travel, they always return with more fans.

And, according to Doc Nix, they return home with more people who recognize Mason as the school that has “that strange guy that wears the funny suits directing their band.”

STORY BY CODY NORMAN

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28

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

Flying the Coop For the first time you’ll be on your own, here’s how to handle the homesickness you’ll feel College is a big deal. ere is no doubt that you spent most of the summer shopping at Target’s annual dorm sale, packing up your best clothes and going haywire over the thought of not seeing your family and high school friends everyday.

For most freshmen, being away from home for the first time is the biggest change. Millions of questions run through your mind: Who will I hang out with? Will people think I am weird? Will I get along with my roommates? “e first month of being here I called my mom every day,” said rising sophomore Kaitlyn Turner. “It was really hard not seeing her in the beginning but once I started meeting people the calls switched from every day to every other day because I was having so much fun.” ere are numerous times during the first week of college that many freshmen just want to call their parents and go home. But, as strong as the urge may be, waiting it out will be beneficial in the long run.

At one point or another, everyone experiences being homesick. Do not feel like you are alone.

It might be helpful to bring things that remind you of home. ings like pictures, stuffed animals and special gifts from family members that decorate your dorm may even turn out to be great conversation starters with your roommates.

But there is a happy medium here.

Make sure you do not bring so many things from home that you get so caught up with the past that you forget to actually enjoy your new-

found freedoms in college. Asking your parents for a care package every now and then is a great way to get a taste of home without actually leaving campus.

“Being an out of state student, it wasn’t as easy for me to go home on the weekends, even on three day weekends,” said rising sophomore Shelby Redd. “I found it helpful to just be around people because that way I didn’t feel so alone.”

One of the best ways to get over being homesick is by socializing.

Instead of doing your homework alone in your dorm, try going to the Johnson Center or Fenwick Library to study. Just being around other people will make you feel better.

After your homework is done, it is important to take time out and enjoy the opportunities that being in college offers, especially when you are homesick.

“Mason cures homesickness in multiple ways,” said Billy Leucht, a resident advisor. “Freshmen should get out and go to events and programs offered on campus by the Office of Student Involvement. Free and discounted tickets to performances and free entry at Mason sporting events are available to students and help rid any homesickness.”

To make it easier to meet new people, join one of the many clubs at Mason that interest you. Work for student media, rush for a fraternity or sorority or simply just start a conversation with someone on your floor or in one of your classes.

Do not worry about feeling awkward because countless other freshmen will be looking for that friendly

face to talk to as well.

“When the weather is nice outside, you can always find someone outside playing football or lying in the grass,” said rising sophomore Briana Haygood. “It’s a perfect way to meet new people. Plus, there are always events happening right outside Eisenhower which makes socializing easier.”

Why not try grabbing some suitemates and checking out a basketball, soccer ball, Frisbee or volleyball from the front desk and starting up a game

outside?

If desires to go home become too overwhelming, students are strongly recommended to visit Counseling and Psychological Services in Student Union Building I. Once you get over being homesick, you are in for four incredible years at Mason.

“In the past year, nearly 700 students have visited my office with some degree of loneliness or homesickness,” said Karen Bagley, a counselor in Counseling and Psychological Serv-

ices. “Students should realize that being homesick is normal. Everyone has experienced some degree of loneliness so it’s about recognizing it and figuring out how they dealt with it in the past.”

If anything, just remember to be yourself and everything else should fall right into place.

STORY BY MEGHANN PATTERSON

Reach. Achieve. Succeed.

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Around the Town in Fairfax

30

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

After exhausting all ideas of the fun things you can do on the campus, take a break by exploring your surroundings in the Fairfax community. Some attractions are within walkind distance of campus while others will require a short car or bus ride.

STORY BY MEGHANN PATTERSON

Fairfax Corner

Looking for a place to take a girl out on a first date? Look no further than Fairfax Corner. This is a perfect location to bring that girl who you are crushing on for a classic dinner and a movie date. There are many restaurants to choose from such as P.F. Changs, Coastal Flats and Uncle Julio’s. Catch a movie at Rave Motion Pictures Theater.Fairfax Corner can be reached by driving or by taking the Gunston-Go bus from campus.

Islands in the Park Mini Golf

Photos by Stephen Kline

Just off of Braddock Road, the park offers a batting cage and a miniature golf course during spring, summer and fall. Equipment for both the batting cages and the mini golf course are available for rent.

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

Fair Oaks Mall

June 19, 2012

31

Fair Oaks Mall is within reach for you to find to spend your money on some fashionable new wardrobe pieces. For those freshmen who don’t have their car on campus, the Gunston-Go bus will transport you to and from the mall. Fair Oaks Mall has many stores including a two-story Forever 21, American Eagle, H&M, F.Y.E. and Lids.

University Mall

University Mall Theater is located next to campus and is in easy walking distance.

If you don’t feel like walking, the Gunston-Go bus will take you there. If you’re low on cash and feel like getting out of the dorms on a Friday night for a movie, University Mall Theater is perfect to get a good bang for your buck. With a Mason ID, it will only cost $3 to see a movie. On Two Buck Tuesdays, popcorn and a movie ticket are included for just $2. Frozen yogurt, McDonalds, Giant and Dunkin’ Donuts are also located at University Mall.

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June 19, 2012

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

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June 19, 2012

Section 124: A View from the Platoon

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

One basketball junkie gives you his tips on how to get the most out of a game

Welcome to Mason Nation! Basketball is part of our everyday life here in Fairfax. From checking out new recruits to watching every game, Mason hoops are an essential part of our university life.

To a non-Patriot, it might just look like we are simply attending basketball games.

But for us, heading to the Patriot Center is a ritual. e easiest way to get hyped up for a game is to get decked out in as much Mason gear as possible. I like to call it Mason “swag.”

At almost every game and campus event, you can pick up some sort of free green and gold flair. It is probably a smart idea to just go ahead and dedicate a drawer now to Mason shirts, bags, beads and any other school spirit you acquire.

After a while of picking up random pieces of Mason gear, you’ll certainly figure out what your regular game “uniform”

consists of. Personally, I go with five sets of beads (two green, two gold and one mixed), a Mason headband, an armband on my left arm and a Mason sleeve on my right arm.

I guess you could call me bit superstitious.

If you decide you want to go to a lot of games, sit with the craziest fans and get special benefits, I highly recommend checking out the Patriot Platoon. Once you’re in the Platoon, some of the perks include getting into each game early to pick out your perfect seat, road trips to away games and meet and greets with the team. ere is also a point system in which students are award prizes at the end of the year for attending the most games.

Once you’ve picked your perfect seat, there is etiquette to cheering.

You’ll quickly learn all of the cheers that go on during the game. Obviously, cheer as loud as possible when we’re on

defense. Make sure you get a roster before the game starts because some of the best chants come at the expense of the opposing players. Another thing you’ll notice is that students will throw little pieces of paper in the air when something big in the game happens. A great way to kill time before the game starts is to make yourself a little paper collection.

Overall, the best place to see some true student spirit is inside the Patriot Center. We come together like no other place on campus. You get to make some amazing new friends and celebrate with people you don’t even know.

No matter if you decide to be the biggest fan or just go to games casually, Mason basketball will just be another roller coaster ride in the amusement park that is your college experience.

COLUMN BY DANIEL ZIMMET

Broadside Freshman Orientation Guide

June 19, 2012

GEORGE MASON STUDENTS t,K s Z ^ / d, Z ͛^ EK ^h , d,/E' ^ &Z >hE ,͍͊ Grab your BFF and head on down to our Fairfax restaurant , located at 10296 Main Street to take advantage of this special offer.

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