George Mason UniversityStudent Guide

Academic dates, campus language, housing, and student-life references for George Mason University. Core organization is free for students.

Public Research University in Fairfax, VA. Operating on a semester system.

Looking for dorms? Scroll for the dorm and housing breakdown below.

Fairfax, VA
40K+ students
@gmu.edu
65 syllabi analyzed
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40K+

Total Enrollment

Research University

Institution Type

48

Housing Buildings

Student guide · Fall 2026 16 Week Session (S4)

The semester, explained for George Mason University

Dates from the active academic calendar, plus the campus language and local details students actually need. Every entry comes from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Relevant term
Fall 2026 16 Week Session (S4)
Campus terms
26
Local details
15

Academic calendar

Fall 2026 16 Week Session (S4) runs Aug 24, 2026 – Dec 14, 2026. Calendar aliases that share a date range are grouped together, with every source term still shown.

174 entries
  1. Fall 2026 First HalfFall 2026 First Half (1F)Fall First Half (1F) 2026
  2. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session I
  3. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session I (751)Fall 7.5 Week Session IFall 7.5 Week Session I 2026
  4. Fall 2026 8 Week Module I (S1)Fall 2026 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session I 2026
  5. Fall 2026 16 Week Session (S4)Fall 2026 16 Week Session IFall 2026 16 Week Session I (S4)Relevant now
  6. Fall 2026 Independent Study (1I)Fall Independent Study (1I) 2026
  7. Fall 15-Week Session
  8. Fall 2026 Middle HalfFall 2026 Middle Half (1M)Fall Middle Half (1M) 2026
  9. Fall 2026 Last HalfFall 2026 Last Half (1L)Fall Last Half (1L) 2026
  10. Fall 2026 7.5 Week Session IIFall 2026 7.5 Week Session II (752)Fall 7.5 Week Session IIFall 7.5 Week Session II 2026
  11. Fall 8 Week Session II
  12. Fall 2026 8 Week Module II (S2)Fall 2026 8 Week Session IIFall 8 Week Session II 2026
  13. Winter 2027 IntersessionWinter Intersession 2027Winter Intersession 2027 (1W)
  14. Spring 2027 8 Week Session ISpring 2027 8 Week Session I (S1)Spring 8 Week Session I
  15. Spring 16 Week Session (S4)Spring 2027 16 Week Session ISpring 2027 16 Week Session I (S4)
  16. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session I
  17. Spring 7.5 Week Session I 2027
  18. Spring 7.5 Week Session I
  19. Spring 2027 First HalfSpring 2027 First Half (1F)
  20. Spring 2027 Independent Study (1I)
  21. Spring 15 Week Session
  22. Spring 2027 Middle HalfSpring 2027 Middle Half (1M)
  23. Spring 7.5 Week Session II
  24. Spring 2027 7.5 Week Session II
  25. Spring 7.5 Week Session II 2027
  26. Spring 2027 8 Week Session IISpring 2027 8 Week Session II (S2)Spring 8 Week Session II
  27. Spring 2027 Last HalfSpring 2027 Last Half (1L)
  28. Sum 7 Week Sess ISummer Session I: 7 Week
  29. Sum 8 Week Sess ISummer 2027 8 Week Session I
  30. Summer 2027 7 Week Session I
  31. Summer 2027 14 Week Session (S4)
  32. Sum 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2027 14 Week Session (S4)
  33. Summer 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 14 Week Session (S4) 2027
  34. Summer Session A (5 Week) 2027
  35. Summer Session A (5 Week)
  36. Sum Session A: 5 WeekSummer 2027 Session A (5 Week)
  37. Summer Session E (7.5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week) 2027
  38. Sum Session E: 7.5 WeekSummer 2027 Session E (7.5 Week)
  39. Summer Session D (10 Week) 2027
  40. Sum Session D: 10 WeekSummer Session D: 10 Week
  41. Summer 2027 Session D (10 Week)
  42. Summer 2027 Full Summer Session
  43. Summer 12 Week SessionSummer 2027 12 Week Session
  44. Summer 12 Week Session 2027
  45. Summer 2027 Degree Conferral CycleSummer Session A (5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week)
  46. Summer Session B (8 Week) 2027
  47. Summer 2027 Session B (8 Week)
  48. Sum Session B: 8 WeekSummer Session B: 8 Week
  49. Sum 8 Week Sess IISummer 2027 8 Week Session II
  50. Summer 2027 Session C (5 Week)
  51. Summer Session C (5 Week)Summer Session C (5 Week) 2027
  52. Sum Session C: 5 Week
  53. Summer Session C (5 Week)
  54. Summer 7 Week Session II 2027
  55. Sum 7 Week Sess IISummer 2027 7 Week Session II
  56. Sum Sess F: 5 Week (Online)Summer 2027 Session F (5 Week Online)Summer Session F: 5 Week (Online)
  57. Fall 2027 7.5 Week Session I
  58. Fall 7.5 Week Session I 2027
  59. Fall 2027 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session IFall 8 Week Session I 2027
  60. Fall 2027 16 Week Session (S4)
  61. Fall 15-Week SessionFall 7.5 Week Session I
  62. Fall 2027 7.5 Week Session IIFall 7.5 Week Session IIFall 7.5 Week Session II 2027
  63. Fall 8 Week Session II
  64. Fall 2027 8 Week Session IIFall 8 Week Session II 2027
  65. Spring 2028 8 Week Session ISpring 8 Week Session I
  66. Spring 16 Week Session (S4)
  67. Spring 7.5 Week Session I 2028
  68. Spring 2028 7.5 Week Session I
  69. Spring 7.5 Week Session I
  70. Spring 15 Week Session
  71. Spring 7.5 Week Session II
  72. Spring 2028 7.5 Week Session II
  73. Spring 7.5 Week Session II 2028
  74. Spring 2028 8 Week Session IISpring 8 Week Session II
  75. Sum 7 Week Sess ISummer 2028 7 Week Session ISummer Session I: 7 Week
  76. Sum 8 Week Sess ISummer 2028 8 Week Session I
  77. Summer 2028 14 Week Session (S4)
  78. Sum 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 2028 14 Week Session (S4)
  79. Summer 14 Week Session (S4)Summer 14 Week Session (S4) 2028
  80. Summer Session A (5 Week) 2028
  81. Summer Session A (5 Week)
  82. Sum Session A: 5 WeekSummer 2028 Session A (5 Week)
  83. Summer Session E (7.5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week) 2028
  84. Sum Session E: 7.5 WeekSummer 2028 Session E (7.5 Week)
  85. Summer Session D (10 Week) 2028
  86. Sum Session D: 10 WeekSummer Session D: 10 Week
  87. Summer 2028 Session D (10 Week)
  88. Summer 2028 Full Summer Session
  89. Summer 12 Week SessionSummer 2028 12 Week Session
  90. Summer 12 Week Session 2028
  91. Summer Session A (5 Week)Summer Session E (7.5 Week)
  92. Summer Session B (8 Week) 2028
  93. Summer 2028 Session B (8 Week)
  94. Sum Session B: 8 WeekSummer Session B: 8 Week
  95. Sum 8 Week Sess IISummer 2028 8 Week Session II
  96. Summer 2028 Session C (5 Week)
  97. Summer Session C (5 Week)Summer Session C (5 Week) 2028
  98. Sum Session C: 5 Week
  99. Summer Session C (5 Week)
  100. Summer 7 Week Session II 2028
  101. Sum 7 Week Sess IISummer 2028 7 Week Session II
  102. Sum Sess F: 5 Week (Online)Summer 2028 Session F (5 Week Online)Summer Session F: 5 Week (Online)

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Campus language

Search the full glossary. Nothing is sampled or hidden when the search field is empty.

26 terms

B

Bonus Bucks
Dining-specific funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail eateries like Starbucks or Panda Express.

C

CAPS
Counseling and Psychological Services, providing mental health support to students.

H

HR
Shorthand for Hampton Roads, a suite-style residence hall.

I

Ike's
Ike's Dining Hall, located in the President's Park area, known for being open late.

M

Mason Day
The university's longest-standing tradition, an annual spring festival with carnival rides and concerts.
Mason Money
Prepaid funds on the Mason ID card used for laundry, printing, and at various on-campus and off-campus vendors.
Mason Pond
The central pond near the Center for the Arts, a popular spot for graduation photos and relaxation.

O

OSI
Office of Student Involvement, the hub for student organizations and campus life.

P

PAC
Patriot Activities Council, the student-led organization that plans major campus events like Mason Day.
Patriot
The official moniker for a George Mason University student.

R

RHA
Residence Hall Association, the representative body for students living in on-campus housing.
Rubbing the Toe
The tradition of rubbing the gold-colored toe of the George Mason statue for good luck on exams.

S

SciTech
The Science and Technology campus located in Manassas, Virginia, often reached via the shuttle.
SG
Student Government, the representative body for the Mason student population.
SI
Student Involvement, often used interchangeably with OSI.
Southside
The main dining hall located near the center of the Fairfax campus.
Starships
The fleet of autonomous delivery robots that transport food from campus eateries to students.
Starships
The autonomous robotic delivery fleet used to bring food to students across campus.

T

The Clock
The clock tower located near the North Plaza, a common landmark for meeting up.
The Commons
A residential area consisting of Amherst, Brunswick, Carroll, Dickenson, Essex, Franklin, Grayson, and Hanover halls.
The Globe
The dining hall located within the Mason Global Center.
The JC Food Court
The collection of retail dining options located on the ground floor of the Johnson Center.
The Park
Short for President's Park, a residential neighborhood primarily for freshmen including halls named after U.S. Presidents.
The Ridge
A residential area including Blue Ridge, Sandbridge, and Piedmont halls.
The Statue
The George Mason statue located on Wilkins Plaza, a central landmark and meeting spot.
The Woods
A residential cluster on the Fairfax campus consisting of buildings named after trees like Alder, Birch, and Cedar.

Places and practicalities

Buildings, logistics, and other local references drawn from the approved campus snapshot.

15 details
AFC
Aquatic and Fitness Center, the gym featuring the university's Olympic-sized pool and sauna.
Bonus Bucks
Dining-specific funds included with meal plans that can be used at on-campus retail food locations.
CUE Bus
The Fairfax City bus system which Mason students can ride for free by showing their Mason ID.
Exploratory
Exploratory Hall, a key building for science labs and the College of Science.
Fenwick
Fenwick Library, the primary research library on the Fairfax campus.
G-Number
The unique student identification number starting with a 'G' used for all official university business.
Horizon
Horizon Hall, a modern academic building located on the Wilkins Plaza.
Mason Alert
The emergency notification system that sends texts and emails regarding campus closures, weather, or safety issues.
Mason Money
A prepaid debit account linked to the Mason ID card used for laundry, printing, and off-campus partners.
Mason Shuttles
The university-operated bus system connecting the Fairfax, SciTech, and Mason Square campuses, as well as the Metro.
Merten
Merten Hall, the main administrative building housing the admissions and registrar offices.
Patriot Web
The self-service online portal where students register for classes, check grades, and manage financial aid.
The Hub
A student union building housing the bookstore, student media, and various administrative offices.
The JC
The George W. Johnson Center, the central hub for student life, dining, and the main library services.
The RAC
Recreation and Athletic Complex, one of the main campus fitness centers located on the west side of campus.

Quick answers

Useful facts students can verify from the guide above.

What academic term is relevant now?
Fall 2026 16 Week Session (S4) runs Aug 24, 2026 – Dec 14, 2026.
How much campus context is included?
26 approved campus terms and 15 local details are included in full.
Are all approved campus terms included?
Yes. The complete approved glossary is available in the scrollable, searchable campus-language section.
Where does this guide come from?
Calendar dates, campus terms, and local details come from DormWay's approved campus reference library.

Class of 2030 · George Mason University

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What we’ll email you about

  • Jul 1

    Final High School Transcripts Due

    Required · source

  • Aug 1

    Mason Card Photo Upload

    Recommended · source

  • Aug 1

    Immunization Record Submission

    Required · source

  • Aug 19

    Fall Move-In Begins

    Required · source

  • Aug 24

    Tuition and Fees Payment Due

    Required · source

One email per real deadline. Source link cited every time. We re-check 7 days before each one fires.

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Find a few communities to try at George Mason University

These are things we discovered from public campus sources. We are constantly looking for more.

Tell us what we missed

64 mapped items from 30 public sources

Interest filters
  • Major-aligned clubs, pre-professional groups, and research communities.
  • Performing arts, visual arts, student publications, film, and music.
  • Cultural orgs, identity communities, and faith-based groups.
  • Volunteer groups, civic engagement, mutual aid, and student government.
  • Outdoor clubs, intramural sports, club sports, and rec center programs.
  • Entrepreneurship, hackathon teams, makerspaces, and engineering project teams.
  • Casual hangouts, interest groups, and open events without applications.

Worth a look

Acting Club at George Mason University

Provides a space for students interested in acting to practice their craft, participate in workshops, and perform.

Open to all

Alpha Phi Omega

A national co-educational service fraternity organized to provide community service, leadership development, and social opportunities.

American Society of Civil Engineers at George Mason University

The student chapter of the professional organization for civil engineers, focusing on professional development, networking, and practical experience.

Open to all

Club Baseball

Offers students the opportunity to continue their baseball careers at a competitive collegiate level.

Tryout required

Source: recreation.gmu.edu · Verified 2 months ago

Learn More

Equestrian Club

A competitive club for riders of all levels, competing in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) in both Hunt Seat and Western disciplines.

Source: recreation.gmu.edu · Verified 4 months ago

Learn More

Easy to try first

Astronomy Club

Promotes the study and enjoyment of astronomy within the Mason community. The club hosts stargazing events, guest lectures, and trips to the campus observatory.

Drop in any time

Source: mason360.gmu.edu · Verified 2 months ago

Join

Baking Club at GMU

A club for students who love to bake or want to learn. The club holds baking workshops, socials, and participates in bake sales for charity.

Drop in any time

Ballroom Club at Mason

Teaches various styles of ballroom and social dancing to students of all skill levels and competes in collegiate competitions.

Drop in any time

Collective of Visual Arts (COVA)

A community for students interested in visual arts, providing a space to create, collaborate, and showcase work.

Drop in any time

Computer Science Club

A community for students interested in computer science to learn, collaborate on projects, and prepare for careers in tech.

Drop in any time

Resources & spaces

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Provides free and confidential mental health services for enrolled students, including individual and group counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis support.

Open to all

Recent George Mason University Syllabus Analyses

Browse syllabus breakdowns from George Mason University courses

101

Untitled Course

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis

ACCT 303

Accounting for Decision Making

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

ARTH 101

Introduction to the Arts

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

ASTR 103

Astronomy

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

AVT 104-008

2D Design & Color

Fall 2026

View Full Analysis

BIOL 213

Cell Structure and Function

Spring 2026

View Full Analysis
Browse all George Mason University courses

Using DormWay at George Mason University

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Free student access

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George Mason University on DormWay

Current DormWay activity for this campus

56

Active Students

65

Syllabi Analyzed

53

Courses on DormWay

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Popular Courses

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AstronomyBIS-300-DL3BUS-200-002Business Analytics ICHEM 211HEALTH EQUITY & JUSTICEIntroduction to Business Information SystemsIntroduction to Composition

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Life in Fairfax for George Mason University Students

Everything you need to know about living and studying in Fairfax.

Timezone

Eastern Time (ET)

Median Rent

$2,100

Cost of Living Index

150

Student Population

37,000

City Transportation

Walkability

70

Bikeability

65

Public Transit

Fairfax Connector bus system, Metrobus, Washington Metro (nearby Vienna/Fairfax-GMU station)

Nearest Airports

Washington Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Climate Averages

Climate

Humid subtropical

Avg Annual Temp

55°F

Avg Snowfall

22 in

Campus Operations Snapshot

Parking and Transit

Rappahannock Parking Deck

garage • General and visitor availability

LPR technology used for enforcement.

Lot K

surface_lot • Last to fill (best for late arrival)

General permit required.

Shenandoah Parking Deck

garage • Visitor and student permit parking

Centrally located near SUB I.

Campus News

Latest updates from George Mason University

George Mason Breaks Ground on Basketball and Academic Performance Center

University leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of a 34,000 square-foot facility dedicated to enhancing student-athlete development and academic support services.

Oct 20, 2026

Read More

New Course Explores Accessibility with Audio Description Pioneer

Adjunct professor Joel Snyder brings his expertise in translating visual arts into spoken language for the blind to a new specialized course.

Oct 20, 2026

Read More

Researchers Begin Crash Tests for National Park Service Bridge Railings

The Center for Collision Safety and Analysis has initiated testing of safety hardware to improve bridge safety in national parks.

Oct 20, 2026

Read More

Research Links Caregiver Strain to Sleep and Emotional Distress

A study by researcher Kyeung Mi Oh highlights how physical health and poor sleep impact the burden on family caregivers.

Oct 19, 2026

Read More

No Mason Alerts within the last 24 hours.

No Mason Alerts within the last 24 hours.

Read More

Upcoming Events

What's happening at George Mason University

Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert: Fall 2026

October 22, 2026

Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus

The Mason Jazz Ensemble presents a selection of jazz standards and contemporary works.

Compagnie HERVÉ KOUBI

October 24, 2026

Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus

A powerful dance performance exploring roots and identity through a mix of contemporary dance and urban styles.

George Mason School of Theater: Urinetown

October 28, 2026

Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus

The School of Theater presents the Tony Award-winning musical satire through November 1, 2026.

Gold Rush Festival and Game

November 6, 2026

Fairfax Campus

A campus-wide festival celebrating school spirit followed by a home game.

Dorms & On-Campus Housing at George Mason University

Various dorm and housing options are available for students.

46 known dorm and housing options. The first 24 are shown below; the rest are available in the expandable list.

Adams

Amherst

Angel Cabrera Global Center

Capacity: 300

Room types: suite

Beacon Hall

Capacity: 200

Room types: apartment

Blue Ridge

Capacity: 400

Room types: suite

Blue Ridge and Sandbridge

Capacity: 400

Room types: suite

Brunswick

Carroll

Commonwealth Hall

Capacity: 240

Room types: suite

Dickenson

Dominion Hall

Capacity: 240

Room types: suite

Eastern Shore

Capacity: 200

Room types: suite

Essex

Franklin

Graduate Residence Halls

Room types: apartment

Grayson

Hampton Roads Hall

Capacity: 450

Room types: suite

Harrison

Jackson

Jefferson

Kennedy

Liberty Square

Capacity: 500

Room types: apartment

Lincoln

Madison

Show the remaining 22 housing options

Mason Townhouses

Room types: apartment units

Masonvale

Room types: apartment

Monroe

Northern Neck

Capacity: 300

Room types: apartment

Piedmont

Capacity: 350

Room types: suite

Piedmont and Tidewater

Capacity: 350

Room types: suite

Potomac Heights

Capacity: 500

Room types: apartment

Presidents Park

Capacity: 1,000

Room types: traditional

Rogers

Capacity: 300

Room types: apartment

Roosevelt

Sandbridge

Capacity: 400

Room types: suite

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Room types: apartment

Taylor Hall

Capacity: 300

Room types: Single, Double, Triple

The Commons

Capacity: 500

Room types: traditional

The Townhouses

Capacity: 100

Room types: apartment

Tidewater

Capacity: 350

Room types: suite

Townhouses

Capacity: 150

Room types: townhouse units

Truman

Upper-Level Residence Halls

Room types: suite, apartment

Washington

Whitetop

Capacity: 300

Room types: suite

Wilson

Campus Details

Academic System

Semester

Control

Public

Email Domain

@gmu.edu

Official Website

Visit Website →

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