Dear New Students and Families,
Welcome to the George Mason University family! The Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services serves as the home for new students and parents during your first year at Mason. It's our job to help you connect your excitement about being a new Patriot to the endless opportunities that we have for you here in our academic community.
We create these connections through a variety of programs. We offer comprehensive orientation programs for freshmen and transfer students throughout the summer and in December and January for students enrolling for the spring semester. We also offer orientation for families that parallels our student program.
Transitioning to college from high school is an exciting and at times stressful experience for both students and parents. I can promise you that myself, members of the Orientation and Family Programs and Services Team, our student Patriot Leaders, and the rest of the Mason community will do everything in our power to make your first year and all years after filled with learning, discovery, and growth. There is no better time to be at Mason: world class faculty and staff, state of the art buildings, renowned performing arts, incredible athletic programs, and national and international recognition of our innovation and excellence. Mason is an exciting place, and we are excited to welcome you into our academic family.
Orientation and Family Programs and Services is proud to announce SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotels will be our preferred hotel for Family Weekend and Spring Orientation. Please visit their website to book your reservation:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotels 
Fairfax/Fair Oaks
$89/night plus applicable tax
11191 Waples Mill Road
Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: (703) 691-7880 or toll free at(888) 236-2427 http://www.springhillsuites.com/iadfr
E-mail: venita.gorham@marriott.com
If we can be of any assistance, please contact us on our hotline at 703-993-2475 or by e-mail at orientu@gmu.edu.
Sincerely,
Doug Little
Director, Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services
