Admitted Non-Degree Graduate Students
Congratulations on your offer of admission to non-degree studies at the Schar School of Policy and Government!
It is a pleasure to welcome you to George Mason University. We look forward to your arrival and to assisting you in your time at the Schar School. This page will provide you with important next steps in your journey to becoming a Mason Patriot.
Next Steps
Step 1 > Confirm Your Enrollment
Confirm your intent to enroll through your application portal.
Step 2 > Activate Your Mason NetID
Activate your Mason NetID and password here. More detailed information on setting up your Patriot Pass can be found on the Information Technology Services (ITS) website. Prompt activation of your Mason NetID and password is important in order to access your Mason accounts and register for classes in a timely fashion.
Step 3 > Activate and Check Your Mason Email
Activate your MASONLIVE email account here. Additional information on logging into your MASONLIVE email can be found on the Information Technology Services (ITS) website. Once you have set up your email, check your account for any important information. All official information from Mason will come to your Mason email. You should also send correspondences from this account.
Step 4 > Register for Classes
The academic advising team is here to help you as you prepare to begin coursework. You will not be able to register for classes until:
- You have confirmed enrollment online through your application portal.
- You have activated your Mason NetID and password. Details about account activation can be found above in Step 2. (Note that you will need to wait 1-2 business days after confirming your enrollment online before you can activate your NetID and password.)
Once you have completed the above steps, you can log on to PatriotWeb to register for classes (a PatriotWeb student guide can be found here).
If you applied directly for non-degree seeking status, but are planning to move into degree-seeking student status, please review the Course Registration Information sheet for course selection details. You will find the name of the appropriate academic advisor in the aforementioned document, and are encouraged to contact an advisor to introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have pertaining to course selection and registration.
If you received a course contract with your notification of admission, the contract outlines which courses students must take in order to move from non-degree status to degree-seeking status. If you have questions about this contract, please contact the relevant academic advisor.
Step 5 > Register for New Student Orientation
REGISTER HERE
The Schar School New Student Orientation is held at our Arlington Campus prior to the start of classes every semester. The session will provide you with important information about the Schar School, the university, and the services you will use throughout your graduate program. Orientation is mandatory for incoming non-degree students.
Step 6 > Submit Immunization Records
Turn in your Immunization Record Form to Mason Student Health Services by August 1, 2020. Virginia law requires ALL admitted university students to submit immunization documentation.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, record forms can only be submitted through the online patient portal. Please note that at this time, no late fees or holds will be applied in Fall 2020 until a safe decision is made for the university to re-open. Students can additionally submit documentation to be transcribed by Student Health Services at no cost.
Step 7 > Obtain Your Mason Student ID Card
Electronic photos for your Mason ID/Card can be submitted to the Mason Card Office. Please review the submission process and guidelines beforehand.
The Mason ID/Card Office is located in Van Metre Hall, Room 220 (located in the Campus Administration suite) on the Arlington Campus or in Student Union Building 1, Room 1203 on the Fairfax Campus. Hours of operation and other details can be found on their website.
Additional Resources
Student Guide
Please review the Schar School Student Guide. The document contains important policies and procedures for the Schar School's master's programs, university resources, and the appropriate contact information for all campus entities, including your program director.
Tuition and Funding
Tuition can be paid through PatriotWeb or through the Student Accounts Office.
Please note that non-degree students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. The Schar School maintains a list of external funding opportunities that you may browse and apply to independently.
Parking and Transportation
PARKING
Decals can be purchased through the Parking Services Office. You must have a Mason student ID card and be registered for classes when purchasing a parking permit. Please note that Fairfax passes are not valid on the Arlington Campus, but Arlington passes are valid on both campuses.
METRO
The Arlington Campus is conveniently located a short walk from the Virginia Square Metro station on the Orange and Silver lines. The Fairfax Campus is accessible by Mason shuttle or CUE bus from the Vienna/Fairfax Metro station on the Orange line.
PILOT ARLINGTON SHUTTLE (SPRING 2020)
Mason's Shuttle Services currently provides free transportation between the Fairfax and Arlington campuses for students with a valid Mason ID. For further information and updates, visit the Parking and Transportation website.
Housing
Off-campus housing information can be found here or through the Arlington Campus Housing Guide. Additional information can be found through the Housing and Residence Life website.
Health Insurance
Eligible students can enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan during Open Enrollment periods. If you currently have health insurance that meets Mason's criteria, you can apply for an exemption. Exemption applications must be received by Student Health Services before tuition payment is due. Please visit the Student Health Services website for more information.
Campus Information
You may familiarize yourself with the Arlington and Fairfax Campus maps. We are located on the 5th floor of Van Metre Hall on the Arlington Campus and the 3rd floor of Research Hall on the Fairfax Campus.
ARLINGTON
Campus Address: 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22201
Arlington is consistently ranked by Niche as one of the best cities to live and work in the entire U.S., and we know as a Schar School student you will have a rewarding experience in this vibrant neighborhood of Washington, D.C. We encourage you to get connected with Mason's University Life Arlington Office and the other resources on the Arlington Campus. For more information about events and services, visit the University Life Arlington website.
FAIRFAX
Campus Address: 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Mason's Fairfax Campus is located just 15 miles outside of Washington, D.C., giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll enjoy all the benefits of living near the nation’s capital, while also feeling safe and right at home at one of the largest and most beautiful residential campuses in Virginia. University Life Fairfax provides further services and resources to support students on the Fairfax Campus.
Career Services
The Career Development Office offers career and professional development services to help support students during their time at the Schar School. Please visit the Career Development page to view available resources and upcoming events and webinars.
Get Connected on Social Media
Stay up to date with the latest news and events at the Schar School by following our social media. Share your excitement and use the hashtag #ScharSchool - we would love to feature you!
You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel for past event highlights or join our LinkedIn group for networking and professional development.
The Schar School of Policy and Government has dedicated student services and career development teams to help you throughout your coursework.
MEET THE TEAMPlease check our master's FAQ page for additional information regarding course registration and other resources. You may also contact an academic advisor who will be happy to assist you as you begin your coursework.
READ FAQ