Introduction to Project Peak
Overview
Between August 17-22, a total of four teams, each consisting of approximately 18 students, a peer advisor, a classroom instructor, and an adventure trip leader, will embark on trips that will be remembered for years to come. Your adventure includes a one-day stay at Hemlock Overlook to complete the team development course and five days of adventure activities such as kayaking, hiking, whitewater rafting, swimming, and rock climbing. Your team will travel in a van to local areas that are best suited for these activities. You will camp in tents and cook on camp stoves. A sleeping bag and other personal equipment items are required.
Program Goals
- Help ease the transition into your freshman year at Mason by spending your first week engaged in fun outdoor activities with other incoming freshmen
- Help you meet future classmates in a fun, informal, and supportive community
- Help you feel more connected to the Mason community before your first day of classes
- Help you critically evaluate information, both in and out of the classroom
- Help you make valid, sound decisions on your own
- Help you achieve your maximum academic potential
- Help you be a responsible and involved member of the university community
- Help you actively explore your choice of academic major(s) and career options
- Help you be proficient in using technology available at Mason
- Help you to be safe
- Help you to be healthy, both physically and mentally
- Help you to live, work, and learn respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs
- Help you to be familiar with resources available at Mason
- Help you to feel comfortable and safe in your living environment
- Help you to develop a network of supportive peers, upper-class students, faculty, and staff
- Help you to enjoy your experiences in UNIV 100 and at Mason
- Help you to better understand yourself
Details
Moving into Residence Halls
Those students that indicated on their Project Peak registration form that they would like to move into the residence halls early, must check to either Eisenhower Hall (fi they will be living in Presidents Park), or Hanaver Hall (if they will be living in University Commons). Please check-in at the building front desk between 9AM-11AM on Sunday August 17. At this time, you will be issued your room key and permitted to move in. You may park in the Liberty Square parking lot. See enclosed GMU Fairfax Campus map for exact locations. Please be on time. The housing office will be staffing the check-in desk for only two hours that day. If you would like to move in early but did not indicate this on your registration form, please call us at The Freshman Center so we can get your information to the housing office.
Project Peak Check-in
Check-in will take place from 11pm-12:30pm on August 17th in front of the Krasnow Institute, located directly across Shenandoah River Lane if coming from Presidents Park. You may park in the parking lot in front of the building or walk from a nearby location. See enclosed GMU Fairfax Campus map for exact locations. We will be departing for Hemlock Overlook shortly after check-in so it is very important that you are not late. You will be dropped off at the Johnson Center between 1-3pm on Friday, August 22th. This schedule will give all students the opportunity to return to campus in time to participate in New Student Days activities, the first of which is a BBQ on Friday evening.
Food
Being physically active requires lots of good food. We will prepare all of our food over camp stoves. The diet is versatile and nutritious and offers combinations that are limited only by your creativity. Rice, pasta, beans, cereals, breads, nuts, cheese, fruits, and vegetables are among the ingredients. We will accommodate participants with special dietary needs to the best of our ability. Please let us know of any special dietary needs prior to arrival on Sunday Aug. 17th.
Money
We will provide all meals, snacks, etc. during your trip. A few opportunities will possibly arise where you may want some spending money. Some students may want to purchase small items such as sodas, snacks, or souvenirs. Plan accordingly. Students must keep track of their own funds. The Freshman Center is not responsible for any loss of personal property.
Valuables
Please leave your expensive watches and jewelry at home. The Freshman Center is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Cell Phone Usage / Emergency Phone Numbers
Cell phones distract from the group learning process and are therefore not permitted on your trip. In case of emergencies, instructors carry cell phones. They will also periodically communicate with the offices of The Freshman Center. If your family needs to get in touch with you, (ONLY IN CASE OF EMERGENCY), then have them call the Freshman Center at (703) 993-9082.