Thousands of students to start lives as Patriots this summer

Freshman and new Patriot Brandon Edlow receives directions on how to to get to the next orientation location from Patriot Leader Roshni Dhillon. (Kevin Loker) 

Close to 5,000 new students and family members will get a glimpse of campus life as a Patriot this summer through university orientations.

About 4,600 incoming George Mason University freshmen and transfer students will go through programs designed to familiarize students with campus, Mason life and university services, according to a representative from Orientation and Family Programs and Services, which runs the programs. The number of incoming freshmen for the fall is close to 2,600, according to Andrew Flagel, dean of admissions.

Schedules for the two-day programs include informational and advising sessions, opportunities to learn about student groups and social activities. Separate schedules exist for students and their family members, though some events overlap.

Patriot Leaders Live, for example, is a production open to students and family members that presents information about different offices and services on campus in a fun (or “dramatic”) manner. The show is put on by the Patriot Leaders, a team of 36 current students who assist in the orientation experience. This year’s theme involves Harry Potter references and other magical movie and story allusions, such as the Wizard of Oz.

Other special events include a “Mason Family Dinner,” a barbeque dinner with student organization members and faculty and “Park After Dark,” a nighttime activity for students held in President’s Park with Live Rock Band Karaoke, games, music and free Dippin’ Dots.

The first freshman orientation, held for students in the university's Honors College, began on Monday, June 27 and concluded Wednesday, June 29. Five more freshman orientation sessions will take place before the start of classes. Two of four transfer student orientations have already taken place.

Check Connect2Mason’s Facebook page for photos from the summer orientations.