Scholars participate in many intellectual, cultural, and social activities that allow them to build lifelong friendships and provide support to their peers in a variety of settings. Being actively engaged in the community is central to the scholars' experiences.
Scholars Mentoring Program
To assist incoming first-year scholars with their transition to Mason, the University Scholars Office provides a mentoring program that pairs upper-class scholars with new scholars to assist with questions or concerns of any nature, whether academic, social, or personal.
First year Living and Learning Community and the University 100 course
First-year scholars are required to live in the University Scholars Living and Learning Community and participate in a lively fall-semester course, University 100. This course includes lessons regarding college success, personal achievement, and community building, and is designed to help ease the transition to college life.
First-year scholars are also supported by a trained upper-class Resident Advisor and upper class Peer Advisors who are also scholars. The Resident Advisor serves as a resident leader and the Peer Advisors help to lead the University 100 course.
Scholars use their first year to make important contacts and to form lasting bonds that will serve them well during the remainder of their college experience.
Upper Class Residential Community
Many scholars continue to be interested in having a shared living and learning community beyond the first year. They continue to live with one another in order to maintain close friendships and a vibrant and active living and learning community during their sophomore, junior, and senior years. This residential experience is optional for upper-class scholars.
Scholars Orientation
The University Scholars Orientation Program formally welcomes and introduces new scholars and parents to the University Scholars Program and to the larger George Mason University community of leaders, faculty, and staff. Scholars receive critical academic, social, and personal advice from our faculty, staff, and upper-class scholars.
The Dr. Noreen McGuire Prettyman University Scholars Lounge
The Scholars Lounge is dedicated to Dr. McGuire Prettyman, a former director of the Scholars Program who remains in contact with the Scholars community. Dr. McGuire Prettyman is especially appreciated for her positive contributions to the Scholars Program and to the lives of the University Scholars.
The lounge is accessible only to members of the Scholars community. Each scholar has a personal key code to access the lounge. The lounge is open 24hours a day, 7 days a week, and scholars can be found there at all times of the day and night.
Renovated and updated in the spring of 2005, the lounge is designed to be accessible for a variety of uses. The University Scholars Community is dedicated to keeping the lounge up-to-date, and new additions are always being made.
A few notable features of the University Scholars Lounge are:- group study areas that provide a comfortable setting for scholars to work together
- a conference area to host various gatherings of scholars, faculty, and distinguished guests
- a dining area that includes a microwave oven and full-sized refrigerator
- a well-equipped computer lab with high-speed internet access on eight PCs and free access to a high-speed laser printer
- free WiFi that allows scholars with a standard 802.11b network adapter to surf the web wirelessly from anywhere in the lounge
Scholar Retreats
Each year, staff and students combine their efforts to provide retreats for scholars in both the fall and spring. The Scholar Fall Retreat focuses on integrating new scholars into our community through fun and interesting group-building activities. This retreat takes place in the beautiful woodland areas in Virginia.
The Spring Retreat is an annual year-end community-building experience, usually held at Virginia Beach. At this retreat we reflect on the year as a group, recognize the special contributions made by scholars in their various leadership roles, and thank everyone for making a positive difference in the Scholars community. We also conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the program and agree as a whole on what changes will improve and help the program achieve its vision and mission.
Town Hall Meetings
Once a month, all scholars come together for regular Town Hall meetings. Scholars receive updates on University and University Scholars programs, policies and procedures, as well as reports from scholar committee leaders. There are also presentations on different topics, such as new research, programs, educational opportunities, internships and social events. We recognize accomplishments and outstanding individuals in the community, as well as discuss challenges and ways to continually improve both our community and our program.
Cultural Events
During the spring semester, scholars participate in an annual cultural activity by attending a performance together at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Homecoming
Each year during the month of February, George Mason University puts on one of the largest social events of the year. Led by the Alumni Affairs and University Life offices, the University Scholars Program holds a fun and festive reunion for scholar alumni to welcome them back to campus. This event, filled with fun, festivities, food, and friendships, draws many students and alumni out for pre-game activities in support of the Mason Men’s Basketball team. At the end of the homecoming party, Mason fans head to the basketball game to cheer our team on to victory.
Convocation
This formal ceremony recognizes each scholar and his or her accomplishments at George Mason University. Mason’s senior leaders, distinguished faculty, family, and friends come together to highlight the achievements of the graduating scholars, to congratulate them on their success and legacy at Mason, and to welcome them as alumni of George Mason University.
Senior Spotlight
At the end of their 4 years at Mason, scholars participate in one final farewell program called Senior Spotlight. At this exciting and moving event scholars take time to acknowledge faculty, staff, parents, and other family members for their support during their time at Mason. Scholars have expressed that this is the perfect way to bring closure to their Mason experience as well as to inspire them to continue their commitment and involvement as alumni.