New Master's Student FAQ

1. What is new student orientation?
2. Where can I go for advising and assistance with planning my academic program?
3. Which courses should I take my first semester?
4. How many courses should I take?
5. How do I register for courses?
6. How do I make changes to my course selections?
7. How can I add my name to the waitlist for a course?
8. Where can I find the academic calendar?
9. How can I obtain my course syllabi?
10. Where do I buy my books?
11. Can I purchase a parking decal?
12. Where do I get my student id?
13. Do I need to activate my GMU email account?
14. Am I eligible for health insurance as a GMU student?
15. Who can I contact for career advising or information on securing an internship?

1. What is new student orientation?
   For those entering a degree or certificate program, New Student Orientation is held the Saturday before classes begin. This mandatory program will provide you with useful information about academic requirements, program policies, and important resources. You will also have the opportunity to hear from Dean Rhodes and meet faculty and current students. Orientation details are provided in your admissions materials.
   
   Students taking courses in non-degree status should not attend the above program. A separate program has been created for you that is generally held the first Friday of the semester. You will receive additional information about this program from the Office of Admissions.
   
   
2. Where can I go for advising and assistance with planning my academic program?
   Professional advisors in the Office of Student Services are available to assist students with an array of academic issues through an exploration of students' academic, career and personal goals. The Office of Student Services is located in the fifth floor or Founders Hall Building. Advisors will counsel students on issues related to course selection and registration, as well as academic policies and procedures. They will also help students track their progress toward degree completion. Advisors are assigned according to degree program:

Silva Pecini, Director of Student Services
specini@gmu.edu
703-993-4157
Master of Public Policy; Organization Development and Knowledge Management; Peace Operations; Health/Medical Policy

Matt Sacco, Assistant Director of Student Services
msacco@gmu.edu
703-993-4975
International Commerce and Policy; Transportation Policy, Operations & Logistics

1. Which courses should I take my first semester?
   You will find a list of recommended courses for your specific program in the mailing that you received after your offer of admission. If you have any questions about your registration options, you should contact your advisor.
    
2. How many courses should I take?
   Students who are studying full-time should register for three courses (9 – 12 credits) for their first semester, and part-time students should register for two courses (6 – 8 credits). We recommend considering a number of factors when choosing a course load:
   
   The amount of work required for each course - Syllabi are archived here.
   
   Commitments outside of class - It is recommended that students who will be employed full-time while taking classes take no more than two courses.
   
   Course availability - Please note that required courses are not offered over the summer. Students wishing to take a summer course should plan for an elective during the summer term.
    
3. How do I register for courses?
   Registration is completed via the Patriot Web system:
   https://patriotweb.gmu.edu/. Step-by-step instructions explaining how to register for classes via Patriot Web can be found in the mailing you received following your offer of admission. In addition to registering for classes on Patriot Web, students can also make tuition payments, review their academic record, and update contact information.
   
   Please note: a $125.00 late registration fee will be charged to the accounts of all students who do not register for at least one credit one day prior to the first day of classes. This late fee is not applicable to students who register prior to the start of the semester and make schedule adjustments after the semester starts. Refer to the University Registrar's Office for specific dates according to each semester.
   
   *TPOL distance learning students will be registering through their DOT coordinators.
    
4. How do I make changes to my course selections?
   Changes to registration can be made on Patriot Web in accordance with add/drop deadlines.
    
5. How can I add my name to the waitlist for a course?
   Certain classes in SPP have a waitlist option. If you attempt to register for a course that is full, and a waitlist exists for that particular course, Patriot Web will permit you to add your name to the waitlist. Each time a student drops a course with a waitlist, the first person on the waitlist receives an override permitting that student to register for the course. The override is in effect for three days. If the student fails to register for the course during the three day time frame, the next student on the list is issued the override. Students who are waitlisted should check Patriot Web on a regular basis to determine if such an override has been issued. For more information, students should review the waitlist FAQs posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://registrar.gmu.edu/students/registration/waitfaq.html.
    
6. Where can I find the academic calendar?
   The academic calendar is always available on the Office of the Registrar's website at: http://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars/
   Students should consult the academic calendar each semester for important information regarding registration and add/drop deadlines.
    
7. How can I obtain my course syllabi?
   Most syllabi are available on the SPP website here.
   If the syllabus for one of your courses is not found on the web, you can contact your professor to request a copy. Professors will also distribute the final syllabus during the first class meeting.
    
8. Where do I buy my books?
   Books may be purchased at the Arlington campus bookstore located on mail level of the Founders Hall Building (phone: 703-993-8170).
    
9. Can I purchase a parking decal?
   Students wishing to park on campus must register with Parking Services and purchase a parking decal. Parking Services is located in room 219 of the Founders Hall Building (phone: 703-993-8146). Additional information can be found at http://www.gmu.edu/univserv/parking/. Arlington parking decals are valid on the Fairfax campus, but Fairfax decals are not valid for the Arlington campus.
    
10. Where do I get my student id?
    Mason identification cards can be obtained on the second level of Founders Hall Building, Room 218 (phone: 703-993-9489). In order to obtain a Mason ID, a valid picture ID must be presented (driver's license, military ID, Passport, Visa), and students must be registered for the current semester. View the web site for additional information: http://photoid.gmu.edu.
     
11. Do I need to activate my GMU email account?
    Students are required to activate and regularly access their GMU email account. Activation is completed at https://mail.gmu.edu. Official information will be communicated to students only through this account and students are responsible for the information communicated to this account. If students wish to place an email forward on their GMU email accounts, instructions for doing so are available on the above link.
     
12. Am I eligible for health insurance as a GMU student?
    International Students (on F-1 and J-1 visas) are required to have health insurance and are automatically enrolled and billed through the university at registration time. International students who currently have a policy that meets certain conditions may be eligible for an exemption.
    
    Domestic Students registered for six or more credit hours are eligible but not required to purchase the GMU Student Health Insurance Plan.
    
    For more information, please visit the student health services website at http://shs.gmu.edu.
     
13. Who can I contact for career advising or information on securing an internship?
    SPP Student Services provides the full range of internship and career advising and can assist students with career exploration, the job search process, interviewing skills, resume building, and other professional development skills. The primary contacts for career advising are:
    
    Duane Bradshaw, Director of Career Development
    Fifth Level, Founders Hall Building
    dbradsha@gmu.edu (703)993-3188
    
    Heather Wright, Assistant Director for Career Development
    Fifth Level, Founders Hall Building
    hwright5@gmu.edu (703)993-8559