Diversity at Mason

Every year, the Volgenau School of Engineering invites students to the Dean’s Welcome Back Ice Cream social. Several student organizations are also on hand, such as the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers. Mason is filled with communities that will welcome you from day one.​

The Fenwick Library, which is centrally located on Mason's Fairfax Campus, features assistive technology labs with equipment such as screen-reading software, text-to-speech software, and screen-magnification equipment. The library also offers a wide variety of workshops on how to use the equipment and software to help with class and study needs. For more information, call Christal Ferrance at 703-993-5815.​

Cadets of Mason ’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program, the Patriot Battalion, participate in a performance. The Office of Military Services assists current or veteran service members. Coursework from the Air University, the Defense Language Institute, the Naval Academy, the Military Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Coast Guard Academy are considered for transfer if Mason offers a comparable course.​

Courtney Simmons and her service dog, Zido, walk to class. Simmons has a medical condition that the Labrador senses before she does. Trained service animals do not need permission to be on campus, although some people choose to notify the Office of Disability Services of their presence. Mason supports and accommodates the needs of students with disabilities to ensure they reach their full potential.​

Students pause for a selfie on their way to the New Student Convocation. U.S. News & World Report cited George Mason University as the top-ranked institution in Virginia for campus diversity in its 2018 rankings of colleges and universities. The university also moved up in the publication’s overall national rankings and is ranked as one of the nation’s best schools for creating an environment in which all students can thrive.​

Mason students from around the globe develop activities to showcase their countries and cultures, including a parade of nations, during International Week. Activities include dance parties, concerts, workshops, discussions, dining events, film screenings, culture nights, sporting events (cricket, soccer, badminton, bowling, billiards, table tennis), visa and employment workshops, and dance competitions.​

Volgenau School of Engineering Professor Nathalia Peixoto talks with the research assistant, PhD candidate Hossein Ghaffari Nik, about their work in the Neural Engineering Lab. Their studies include developing a way to use humming to enable smoother control of powered wheelchairs. Mason not only welcomes students with disabilities; we're also working to enhance their quality of life.

There are several schools and departments, including the School of Music, that require what is called second-gate admission. In other words, admission to Mason doesn't guarantee admission to the program. You're admitted based on your talent, skills, and academic achievements. Don't hesitate to make your dreams to be a nurse, a dancer, an engineer come true. We'll help you make it happen.​

You don't have to be the traditional college student to be welcome at Mason. We have many older students and have set up classes to accommodate those who have jobs and want to pursue a degree. For example, all post-graduate classes on the Arlington campus are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to suit the schedules of working adults.

Mason is a place where you can find yourself, find your place in the world, and find a community that will become like family. As the most diverse university in Virginia, and one of the most diverse universities in the country, Mason is a reflection of the real world. You won't find a better place to become a member of the global community, an important step in building a career.​