Coming to Mason as a first-generation freshman, I had no clue how many resources were available to me as a student. All I knew was that I had to go to class, buy textbooks, and that I would eat all my meals at the dining hall.
Being super shy as it is, I feared looking like a lost puppy – so basically just a college freshman. That prevented me from asking questions, stopping to look at posters, going to events, and wandering around parts of campus and buildings I didn’t have a class in. When I needed it, however, I found myself at the beginning of a long path through a large amount of resources on campus – starting in the police department’s office.
If you’re anything like me, a convenient list and broken-down info on the major offices, what each one does, and how that affects you is the perfect thing for feeling included and confident at college.
Academic Advising
Advising is offered through each of the schools within GMU, depending on which major you are in. If you are undeclared, there are advisors specifically for you too! Simply search the website for your school, then academic advising. There will be office hours that take either appointments or walk-ins. You can go here for help in planning your classes, understanding prerequisites (or getting around them), and any info you need about your major, minor, classification, and school.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – SUB 1 Room 3129
CAPS offers a TON of resources. You can go in their office for an intake appointment, then talk to a specialized counselor on your issues. There is a “mind spa” that you can go to relax in between classes, information on things like Alcoholics Anonymous, academic workshops, and group counseling.
Related: In Hindsight: What I Learned Freshman Year
Disability Services – SUB 1, Room 2500
This office requires a bit more work before they can assist you, but the first step would be to talk to them about the steps you need to take. I avoided this office for a while, diminishing my issues as “not that bad” or “not a disability”. However, after some encouragement from SSAC (see below), I filled out my forms and was approved. Mental health issues (that have been diagnosed) often qualify, and they can give your professors what I call a “heads up” at the beginning of the semester, and everyone will work to help you succeed. Who would’ve known that all it takes is a little communication?!
Fenwick Library
The biggest kept secret at GMU: You don’t have to buy all your textbooks. Mason keeps a vast majority of required books in the library, and you can rent them out for 2 hours, or stay in the library and read them. You also have access to any software the school possesses (I’m using the library computers for a government software project this semester instead of purchasing it). It’s common for groups of classmates to rent a study room in Fenwick to work together before an exam. Try and get there earlier, because you’ll soon find that the library fills up more than ever the week of finals…
George Mason Police Department
The campus police department acts just like any other county, but specifically for campus. What I’m really here to inform you about is their app, RaveGuardian. I used this a lot when I worked off campus, got home late, and parked in Rappahannock. You can set timers and share your location with phone contacts, and if you don’t turn the timer off before it ends, it alerts your contacts. Set it for your roommate, your mom, your significant other – they’ll all be notified if you can’t access your phone in the time it takes you to walk to your dorm. There is also an emergency button that will alert campus police to your location!
Housing and Residence Life (HRL) – Piedmont/Tidewater Hall Ground Floor
Hopefully, you’ve met and communicated with your Resident Advisor (RA), but you should know that they are not your only contact within your dorm. There are higher-ups, like Community Directors, Resident Directors (RD), and the office of HRL. Serious roommate issues when your RA is either unavailable or not enough help can be taken to these people, and the overnight RD can help you when your RA is asleep. You can typically find those contacts at your neighborhood desk.
Related: 15 Things I Learned From My First Semester at Mason
Off-Campus Student Services – The HUB, Room 1014
In a little corner in the HUB is an office built specifically for commuters. If you’re moving off-campus, they can help you find roommates and a home. If you commute from home already, they offer a lounge to relax in during classes and many other socialization opportunities.
Office of Student Conduct (OSC) – SUB 1, Room 4100
OSC is where you go if you need to report any students that are breaking policy. Things like alcohol in dorms, harassment, serious roommate issues, etc. You can go in person, or submit a form on their website to report something, and they’ll contact you.
Student Health Services – SUB 1, Room 2300
If you don’t have a car and you get sick, this is the office for you (keep in mind that any student can use this resource). Think anywhere from flu shots, nutrition counseling, weird skin things, and STD tests. Go on their website and make an appointment to expedite your waiting time – unless it’s an emergency!
Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) – SUB 1, Room 3200
SSAC has quickly become my favorite office on campus. Luckily, I got set up with an amazing advocate, so I guess I’m biased! They offer “educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of sexual and interpersonal violence, personal wellness, and alcohol and drug use. We assist students in encountering barriers to personal success.” I’ve seen people go here for condoms, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, mental health struggles, academic struggles, and general confusion of who they need to go to for help on campus.
Title IX – Aquia Building, Room 373
This is the office you report any sexual harassment, assault, or behavior concerns. A common misconception, but they are for the entire student body, not just the athletics. This semester they debuted an online report form.
There are far more resources on campus than I could hope to list in one article. These are the ones I personally needed my freshman year and struggled to either find or feel like my situation was “bad enough” to use them (which just isn’t a thing in reality). However, you should be able to find more detailed and specific resources that are available to you by starting at any related one I’ve listed. Good luck and always remember that there is at least one person on campus that is going to be able to help you with whatever you bring to them!