Welcome to Mason!
Welcome to the Schar School! We are excited you will be joining us for the Spring 2026 semester. Orientation will provide you with all of the information you need to start your semester off on the right track. You will have the opportunity to meet your advisor, talk with professors, and learn about the policies, resources and programs that will guide you through your time at the Schar School.
Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with your Academic Advisor to get started. We are happy to welcome new graduate students personally and get you started on your academic journey, as well as connect you with representatives and resources from around the university.
SAVE THE DATE
Spring 2026 Orientation: January 14 - 17, 2026
Goals of Orientation
- Meet faculty, staff and your new peers
- Learn about the courses you will take in your program
- Understand the policies and procedures that affect your time as a student
- Connect you to resources inside the Schar School and around the university
- Get you started on the path to success in graduate school
Orientation Schedule
NON-DEGREE STUDENT ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 12 – 1 p.m. ET
Location: Zoom
Click here to access the non-degree student orientation webinar
ONLINE STUDENT ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Time: 5 – 7 p.m. ET
Location: Zoom
Click here to access the student orientation webinar
IN-PERSON STUDENT ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Location: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall
- 9:30 – 10 a.m. | Check-In & Breakfast (Van Metre Hall MPR 125/126)
- 10 – 10:10 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:15 – 10:55 a.m. | Master’s Program Sessions
- 11 – 11:40 a.m. | Success at the Schar School
- 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Information Fair & Welcome Reception
- 12:50 – 1:30 p.m. | Charting Your Path to Graduate Success
- 1:35 – 2:15 p.m. | Career Planning
- 2:20 p.m. | Closing Remarks
CERTIFICATE STUDENT ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Location: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall MPR
- 9:30 – 10 a.m. | Check-In & Breakfast (Van Metre Hall MPR 125/126)
- 10 – 10:10 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks
- 10:15 – 10:55 a.m. | Master’s Program Sessions
- 11 – 11:40 a.m. | Success at the Schar School
- 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Information Fair & Welcome Reception
- 12:50 – 1:30 p.m. | Charting Your Path to Graduate Success
- 1:35 – 2:15 p.m. | Career Planning
- 2:20 p.m. | Closing Remarks
We’re excited to have you join our Schar School of Policy and Government community. As you prepare to begin your studies, please be sure to register for the mandatory Schar School Orientation that corresponds with your specific program type:
- In Person Master’s or Certificate
- Online-only Master's or Certificate
- Non-degree
Each orientation is tailored to your program, so it’s important that you attend the correct one. Please be sure to RSVP for the appropriate orientation using the link below so we can plan accordingly. In addition to our Schar School Orientation, the Graduate Division and Graduate Student Life provide a range of resources to support you. You are also encouraged to complete the Graduate Online Orientation provided by the Graduate Division for all incoming students.
We look forward to seeing you at orientation and helping you kick off your studies on the right foot! If you have any questions about which orientation to attend or anything else, please feel free to contact us at schargss@gmu.edu.
To register for an orientation, please fill out the registration form here.
Orientation Guide
Explore the Schar School’s Orientation Guide to learn more about the Schar School and how to get started as a new student.
SUCCESS AT THE SCHAR SCHOOL
This video module is required for online and non-degree orientation students. The subject will be covered during in person orientation on January 17.
Dr. Bonnie Stabile, will discuss academic integrity and tips to help you launch into a successful graduate career. Be sure to complete the mandatory Student Guide/Honor Code Receipt & Emergency Contact by January 23, 2026.
- View Success at the Schar School video
- View the Honor Code
- View the Schar School Student Guide
- University Life Mason Square presentation
Other Admitted Student Resources
For additional information or questions, email schargss@gmu.edu.