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George Mason welcomes record number of incoming students for fall 2025

Colleen Rich — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 19:28:59 +0000

George Mason welcomes record number of incoming students for fall 2025 Colleen Rich Mon, 08/25/2025 - 15:28

�� welcomed the largest incoming class in university history at New Student Convocation on Friday, with administrative, faculty and student speakers encouraging the newcomers to take full advantage of their academic and social opportunities, including robust campus involvement.

Students gathered in EagleBank Arena for the New Student Convocation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Students like you come to George Mason to receive a world-class education, graduate with little or no debt, and land a fantastic job on the back end,” President Gregory Washington told the enthusiastic throng at EagleBank Arena. “That is the reason why George Mason is No. 1 in the state…for upward mobility. It does not matter where your Point A is. We get you to a spectacular Point B.”

Washington reminded students that they now attend the largest and most diverse public university in Virginia, a top-tier research institution that has leapt 110 spots in the Wall Street Journal rankings since 2020 and is one of only two universities in the nation to be both top 20 in free speech and a five-star �� Pride Index university.

“We don’t just look different,” Washington said. “We think different. We act different. And you know what? We figure out a way to make it all work together, and we do that better than anyone else in the country.”

Isaiah Grays, student body president, shared his experiences as an out-of-state student. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Washington advised students to use PatriotAI as a strategic tool and not a shortcut, and to find ways to get involved with the Grand Challenge Initiative by studying the six areas of focus and working alongside faculty members who are tackling these issues.

Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, told the incoming students that the communication, problem-solving and other skills they learn will enable them to adapt and switch jobs and careers—including occupations that do not yet exist.

“It’s not your major that’s going to dictate where you will or will not go,” Renshaw said. “It’s what you do with your major, and what you do with the opportunities you can take advantage of here. At George Mason, we don’t want you to just gain knowledge. We want you to use knowledge.”

Keynote speaker Randy Lioz, founder and consultant for Depolarizing Organizational Cultures, encouraged students to move beyond the isolation of a “phone-based life” to engage with others, particularly fellow students of different backgrounds, to promote greater understanding and spur new connections.

“The research is unmistakable,” said Lioz, who is pursuing a master’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution at the university. “The more we avoid each other, the more we misunderstand each other. That avoidance is taking a very personal toll, especially on our relationships. What I want you to realize about being at a place like George Mason is it’s about the people who surround you and the opportunities they bring to broaden your view of the world.”

Undergraduate student body president Isaiah Grays echoed that theme. Grays recalled coming to the university last year as an out-of-state freshman full of uncertainty about what life might be like in his new environment. All students, he said, should realize they have at least one thing in common—George Mason as a “shared destination.”

“Many of you may feel a sense of apprehension from the unknown,” Grays said. “But your college experience is shaped by your willingness to branch beyond what you are familiar with.”

Students learned about the many physical and mental health resources available to them, as well as the university’s more than 500 registered student organizations, from Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell.

“You are going to thrive here, and we’re going to do everything we can to support you in that,” she said.

They also got a crash course from Doc Nix and the Green Machine on learning the university fight song,

“You’re in a family now,” Washington said. “We affectionately call it ‘the Mason Nation.’ And you’re a big part of that.”

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�� welcomes the largest new undergraduate class in its history

Colleen Rich — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:12:26 +0000

�� welcomes the largest new undergraduate class in its history Colleen Rich Mon, 08/26/2024 - 16:12

�� leadership, faculty, and staff officially welcomed the largest and most diverse incoming freshman class in the university’s history. The incoming undergraduate class—combined freshmen and transfers—also reached an all-time high for George Mason.

Professor Michael "Doc Nix" Nickens takes a selfie during Friday's Convocation in EagleBank Arena. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Photo by Office of University Branding

“You’ll learn how to talk to people who see the world differently,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington, whose remarks kicked off New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena on Friday. “You learn more by engaging with those who disagree…. Listening doesn't commit you to agreeing.”

This incoming class is notable for several reasons:

Largest incoming undergraduate class at more than 7,600 students
Largest freshman class, with more than 4,600 new first-year students
Most diverse freshman class—driven by growth in Hispanic and African American students
Most academically talented first-year class, with 1.5% more students with GPAs greater than 3.5 compared with fall of 2023
A three-year high for new transfer students—an increase of 4% over last fall
Almost 400 students enter from the high schools the university has targeted for direct admissions
Students in the university’s ADVANCE Program partnership with Northern Virginia Community College make up 16% of all new transfer students, up 2% from last year

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Student body president Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta, an international and first-generation student from Colombia, acknowledged the hard work required to earn a George Mason degree but told the newcomers at convocation that it will be a “euphoric, transformative, and deeply enlightening” experience.

“We start by jumping in the deep end by putting yourself in rooms that spark constructive discomfort, that challenge you and enable you to challenge others by speaking up in classes,” Cuesta said. “We collectively enrich our understanding and strengthen our ability to thrive in a world made by difference. Everywhere you go together, we create a more empathetic community.”

Incoming students are encouraged to engage faculty, academic advisors and success coaches, and also to use career services supports and mental health resources for when they feel like they need assistance.

“Talk with any staff member or faculty member. Talk with each other, whomever you're comfortable with,” Vice President Rose Pascarell of University Life said. “We'll get you to the right place, the right person, the right website, the right conversation. Patriots thrive together, and this is your community now.”

To close out the event, Doc Nix and the Green Machine gave new students a crash course on the university fight song, with an assist from a few of the university’s basketball coaches.

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Fairfax �� Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:11:16 +0000

Fairfax �� Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory Lauren Reuscher Thu, 08/15/2024 - 12:11

Parking and traffic closures will occur on the Fairfax �� from Wednesday, Aug. 21, to Sunday, Aug. 25, to facilitate the move-in of nearly 6,000 residential students.

Key units across the university work together to make the move-in experience as efficient as possible. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we welcome the newest Patriots to campus.

Traffic impacts will occur around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck. Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in.

Refer to the Fairfax �� map for parking lot and road locations.

For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu. Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousin g on X for updates.

Parking Closures and Impacts

Lots J and K will be used by students and families checking in for move-in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center and for post move-in parking.
Rappahannock Deck: General permit area on Levels 1–3 (including faculty/staff general area on Level 3) will be closed to all but move-in traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 25, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. From Tuesday, Aug. 20, through Saturday, Aug. 24, Levels 1–3 will be closed overnight at 11 p.m. Any vehicles left on these levels after 11 p.m. will be ticketed and towed.
- Rappahannock Deck reserved permit holders may park on reserved Levels 3–5.
- General faculty/staff permit holders may park only on the rooftop level from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Sunday, Aug. 25.
- Student General permit holders should use other General parking areas, such as Lots A, C, L, and K.
- The reserved levels will only be accessible via the University Drive entrance on Level 2. The Patriot Circle permit entrance and exit will be closed. The reserved level gates will be open to accommodate families and students moving into the residence halls.
Lot I: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m.
Lot R: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m.
Short-Term Lots: Washington Lot near Presidents Park (off Shenandoah River Lane) will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. The short term parking lot by Eastern Shore will only be available to move-in traffic with disabled permits from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m.
Merten Lot will be used for oversized vehicles for move-in that cannot fit inside Rappahannock Deck.

Traffic Closures and Impacts

New resident students will be required to check in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center on Aug. 21–22. Expect heavy traffic on Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, and on Patriot Circle around Lots J and K.
Global Lane between Mason Pond Drive and Lot K (in front of the Global Center) will be closed to all traffic except disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, through Saturday, Aug. 24.
Expect heavy traffic approaching the housing move-in areas around Rappahannock Deck and Presidents Park.
Patriot Circle will be closed in front of Rappahannock Parking Deck from Wednesday, Aug. 21, until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. Access the visitor section of the deck via Rappahannock River Lane and Patriot Circle.
Patriot Circle eastbound will be closed at George Mason Boulevard from Wednesday, Aug. 21, until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.
University Drive: Expect heavy traffic between George Mason Boulevard and Rappahannock Deck.
Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic except commercial deliveries and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m.
Rivanna River Lane will be closed to all but service and delivery vehicles and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.

Additionally, from Thursday, Aug. 22, at 11 p m. until Saturday, Aug. 24, at 7 a.m., the portion of Lot A in front of EagleBank Arena will be closed for New Student Convocation.