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Events

Destress with Student Government

Finals are quickly approaching like many of you, we too are stressing out a bit. Each semester around finals week Student Government and various other groups on campus host destress events meant to help distract from (if not alleviate) the stressors of finals week.

In the past we have given away free scantrons and blue books. Donuts and dogs were at one time popular too. But in the age of online schooling some of these are simply impossible.

Our Academics Team, led by Moses Hunsaker on the Senate side and Mackenzie Nelson on the Executive side, put together an amazing week-long destress fest. Starting on Wednesday May 13 until Wednesday May 20, we will be posting on our social media Monday/Wednesday/Friday important tips, tricks, and more to help you destress.

Be sure you are following us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook at @masonstudentgov to stay up-to-date on the latest destress events.

From all of us at Student Government: Good luck on your finals. We hope to see many of you in the fall. To our amazing soon-to-be graduates, we wish you the best too!

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Uncategorized

New Administration, New Vision

Thursday, April 30 marked the first meeting of the 41st Student Senate. The meeting began with the swearing in of 27 new senators as well as Student Body President Shelby Adams and Vice President David O’Connell.

With the new leadership change comes new visions for the future of George Mason and student experience. Shelby and David, who ran on a platform of “Connect, Create, Commit”, had this to say about their immediate plans, “[we want] to make sure we sit down with each respective department to ensure we have a plan once the fall begins”. What is part of that plan for the fall? “[As a team we hope to] kickstart a free menstrual product pilot program in the Johnson Center,” said Shelby, “It has been an initiative that has been worked on all year, so we’re excited to see it come into fruition!”.

A new wave of change is coming in the Student Senate as well following the election of a brand new leadership team.

  • Speaker of the Student Senate: Cassidy Whitehurst
  • Speaker Pro Tempore: Natalia Kanos
  • Clerk of the Student Senate: Hunter Young
  • Chair of Admin & Finance: Solomon Fair
  • Chair of University Services: Jillian Bennett
  • Chair of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs: Catalina Correa
  • Chair of University Life: CJ Davis
  • Chair of Government & Community Relations: Dawson Weinhold
  • Chair of Academics: Moses Hunsaker

Dawson Weinhold, the new Government and Community Relations (GCR) Chair, said he was, “looking forward to strengthening [Student Government’s] relationship with the city and county of Fairfax and increasing civic engagement on campus.” Last October, Student Government hosted a very successful, family oriented Witch Watch event in Fairfax City, and we hope this year it can be even better. The annual Mason Lobbies trip also seems to be at the top of many GCR committee members’ minds.

We are all looking forward to the change this Student Senate and administration can enact on behalf of the student body. They follow in the footsteps of a productive 40th Student Senate and the leadership of the Layton/McLaughlin administration, but we are confident they’ll soar high.

At the next meeting, the Student Senate will vote to confirm many of the remaining Executive Cabinet positions.

Categories
Academics & Research

How Do I Professionally Contact a Professor?

So, you need to contact your professor. It is okay to be a little nervous. No matter what the reason for contacting them, this guide will provide a few tips for success.

Before we begin, ensure you have read the class syllabus! Many questions can be answered by reading the syllabus closely.

For additional tips, check out this page by the Office of Graduate Student Life.

Tip One: In person > Email

It is much easier to discuss problems, ask questions, or simply hold a conversation in person than it is in email. It is likely that the discussion will be more productive if it done in person. Luckily, professors should hold regular office hours or be willing to meet with students outside of class.

Office hours can usually be found in your class syllabus. If you do not see them listed check Blackboard or email the professor asking to meet.

Have a plan of action before your meeting. What do you hope to gain from talking with them? Be respectful and cognizant of their time (and other students’). If the conversation is drawing on too long, and there are other students waiting, consider requesting a follow up meeting.

Tip Two: Whether online or off, be clear with your request

If you are requesting a grade change or an extension on an assignment, be clear in your request. This is especially important in email chains, as unclear wording or requests will prolong the conversation.

Good: May I please have until May 4 to finish the final project?

Bad: Can I have some more time to finish the project? (Which project? How long?)

Tip Three: Email Etiquette

Email etiquette is an important skill to learn. A well written email will get you much further than a poorly worded email. If you are not comfortable with your written skills, ask a friend or a trusted individual to read over your email before you hit ‘send’.

Below is an example of an appropriate email requesting a deadline extension.

Professor Lastname, 

I hope all is well. My name is Firstname Lastname and I am a student in your GOVT-101 004 course. I am writing to request an extension on Assignment Four. If possible, may I please turn it in a day late on Sunday, March 4? 

[If you feel it is appropriate, write the reasoning here.] 

I understand this is not ideal. I appreciate any leeway you are able to provide me this one time. Thank you and I look forward to class on Monday. 

Thank you, 

Firstname Lastname
  • Use your @gmu.edu or @masonlive.gmu.edu email address.
  • Provide a clear subject line such as “[GOVT 101 004] Request for an Extension”.
  • Address the professor by their preferred title and last name.
  • State who you are and which course you are in (include course number).
  • Be clear in your request.
  • A reasoning may not always be appropriate, but be prepared to provide one if requested.
  • Recognize that the situation is not ideal and that it will not be a repeated occurrence.
  • Include a signature.

Tip Four: What if it doesn’t go the way I hoped?

Sometimes things will not go your way. Whether the professor was dismissive, rude, denied your request, or the conversation simply didn’t pan out as you hoped – it’s okay.

Hold your head high and continue to be respectful. If you feel there is an egregious issue that must be resolved, consider contacting the department chair. However, for most situations, you’ll simply have to take the loss with grace.

Categories
Academics & Research

How Do I Find My Classes?

Welcome to Mason! Finding your classes on such a big campus can be a little daunting, especially when construction routes seem to change daily. Fear not though! Whether you’re a fifth year senior or a first semester freshman, these tips and tricks will help make finding your classes a little bit easier.

Step One: Check your schedule.

Log into to PatriotWeb, click ‘Student Services’, ‘Registration’, ‘Registration and Planning’, ‘Register for Classes’, and then select the semester. On your screen you should see three panels: one to search for courses, one to view your schedule, and one to view the courses your are registered for.

If you do not see the above, click the ‘Panels’ button on the lower left. To find where your classes are located, click on a course title on the right side of your screen and click the ‘Instructor/Meeting Times’.

This course is located on the Fairfax Campus in the West building room 1008. Once you take note of the location of each of your courses, let’s go find them on a map.

Step Two: Check a map!

The most up-to-date maps of all Mason campuses can be found here. Locations on each map are given a number, which corresponds the building’s name at the bottom of the map.

When planning the best routes to go between classes, residence halls, or study spots, take into account construction delays and heavy foot traffic. A walk from Peterson Hall to the Engineering Building may take up to 15 minutes or more depending on the time of day and relevant path closures.

Step Three: Try your schedule.

A few days before classes start, it is always a good idea to do a mock run of your schedule. This allows you to safely try different routes without being late to class. On the first day of classes though, its a good idea to leave extra time to get from one place to another, especially if you are a commuter student.

And that’s it! Pretty easy right? If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask a passing student or email Student Government at sg@gmu.edu. See you on campus!

Categories
University Updates

Fall Registration is Open

Patriots –

Registration for the Fall 2020 term has opened, with Honors College and Graduate students registering May 1.

Fall 2020 Registration Dates

To find your specific registration time or for more details about fall registration, click here. The opening comes weeks after administrators delayed registration due to the uncertainty surrounding the fall term. Many students are reporting last minute changes to their classes, so be sure to plan ahead and check Patriot Web often.

Despite fall class registration starting, many students are concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the status of classes in the fall: online or in person? At this time the university has not given a concrete answer, but university administrators are consulting students, faculty, and staff (as well as public health officials) to determine the best route to go.

We will continue to keep you updated as Student Government learns more.

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Uncategorized

Quarantine Tips From Student Government

https://www.facebook.com/MasonStudentGov/videos/1635282716612429/
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Uncategorized

Student Government Moves Online

Hey Mason Nation!

Over the last few weeks Student Government, like many of our classes, has made the transition online. Despite this online format, we continue to advocate on behalf of the student body.

Over the last month we have made some amazing strides:

  • In partnership with Mason Facilities, we have created a brand new outdoor study space in the wooded area between the Enterprise Hall, the Arts and Design Building, Research Hall, and the Engineering Building. This new space will be called “The Grove”. Landscaping is already completed, and furniture will arrive soon. Thank you to Hunter Young, our Undersecretary for Facilities, and the whole University Services team.
  • In partnership with Parking and Transportation, we have paved the way for parking accommodations for Purple Heart recipients. Thank you to Kimberly Posada, our Senate Military Liaison.
  • Our University Life team has put together an amazing series of online events and activities for Patriots in Action, which helps raise awareness for sexual assault, consent, and more. Follow our social media (@masonstudentgov) for more details.
  • And more… check out our legislation log for full details, and don’t hesitate to reach out via email or social media.
“The Grove” before picnic tables arrive.
Patriots in Action flyer.
Categories
Events

Gold Rush 2019

Wow! Gold Rush 2019 was an absolute blast. This year Student Government partnered with the Patriot Activities Council and the Resident Student Association to host one of the most popular events of the fall semester. 

Gold Rush kicked off with a lively tailgate outside of EagleBank Arena followed by giveaways, games, and great pre-game activities at 5:30 PM. Well before doors opened there was already a line of eager students waiting to receive one of the free Gold Rush 2019 t-shirts, beanies, or caps. We gave away hundreds!

Parents, siblings, and relatives visiting for Family Weekend were treated to an extra special night of basketball madness. The Patriots won 76 – 65 against the Longwood Lancers. Check out one of our favorite moments from the game here.

Tonight’s success though wasn’t without months of preparation and handwork by all the partners involved. We want to specially thank both the Secretary for University Life, Logan Hoover, and the Chairman for the University Life Committee, David O’Connell, for their dedication over the last several weeks.

Most importantly, thank you Patriots for coming out and showing your support. Cheers to a successful Gold Rush 2019!

Questions, Suggestions, Concerns?

Success!