Family Orientation

At George Mason University, we recognize the vital role you — our parents, family members, and supporters — play in your student’s growth and success. Your partnership matters, and we are committed to helping both you and your student experience a smooth, confident transition to Mason. 

Family Orientation is an essential part of that journey.

Families and supporters of new freshmen, transfer, and international students are invited to attend On-Campus Orientation alongside their students. The Family Orientation program runs concurrently with the student program and is designed to provide you with the tools, resources, and connections needed to best support your student’s success. 

To prepare for Orientation, please review the checklist and important information below. 

BEFORE ORIENTATION 

• Let Your Student Take the Lead! 
  • Ensure your student has paid their enrollment deposit and set up their Patriot Pass. 
• Register for Orientation 
  • If your email was designated on your student’s admission application to George Mason, you will receive an email to attend On-Campus Family Orientation. Orientation Registration will open mid-April for Fall Semester, and mid-November for Spring Semester. 
  • To register, your student will need to add you as their guest when completing their Orientation Registration form. 
  • There is a guest fee associated with all Orientation guests. Payment will be collected upon submitting the registration form. Any issues with payment can be directed to our office at [email protected] or 703-993-2475. 
  • Guests can also complete registration as a walk-in guest on the day of the student’s session. 

• Complete Pre-Orientation Modules for Additional Resources 
  • Prior to attending Orientation, students are required to complete online pre-orientation modules.  
  • Families are not required to complete this module, but have access to view the modules through the guest log-in. 
  • Log into Patriot Preview as a guest to see additional information from our various campus partners and resources 

• Join Mason Family Connection via gmu.campusesp.com
  • Unable to come to Orientation or want to stay connected? Join the Orientation Hub on Mason Family Connection! Mason Family Connection is our primary communication portal for families at George Mason. Through the portal, you’ll be able to receive newsletters, register for events and stay up-to-date for all things Geoge Mason. 

The On-Campus Family Orientation program is a one day, in-person experience, curated to provide the most essential information for those supporting a George Mason student. Family Orientation will run concurrently with the student program, meaning that students and families will largely be separated for the bulk of the program but attend on the same day. 

Throughout the day, families and guests will have the opportunity to connect with and ask questions to George Mason staff, current students, campus and Academic resources, and fellow George Mason family members and supporters. 

• New Student and Family Programs offers a one-stop shop parent and family portal for all students of the University. We encourage you to join the Mason Family Connection to begin receiving university announcements, newsletters, and read articles to continue supporting your Mason student. 
• Continue to log into Patriot Preview to reference information at your leisure. 

Looking for more information? Visit orientation.gmu.edu for detailed information about your student’s specific Orientation program. 

For questions, feel free to call our office Monday – Friday at 703-993-2475, send us an email at [email protected], or chat with our live virtual help desk on the bottom right hand corner of this website.