:: Traditions

Patriot Jargon

Academic Advising
Professional staff that advises students on their area of study or on choosing a major. Located in SUB I, room 304

Bistro
A dining service located on the ground floor of the Johnson Center.

Ciao Hall
Cafeteria located in SUB II that offers a wide variety of all-you-can-eat food!

DRC
Disability Resource Center. The center implements and coordinates reasonable accommodations and disability-related services that afford equal access to university programs and activities. Located in SUB I, room 222.

DUCC
Area of housing that includes Dominion Hall, Commonwealth Hall and the University Commons

ELI
English Language Institute

Family Weekend
A fun-filled, family-friendly weekend in October

First (1st) Fridays
Takes place on the first Friday of each month. Free entertainment and food are provided!

Food Court
A centrally located food court with a collection of fast - food restaurants: Taco Bell Express, World's Fare featuring Charlie Chiang's, Sub Connection, Selona Grill, Fresh 'N Lite, Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, and Burger King

Freshman Center
Program that offers University 100 courses for credit, a place where new students can come for assistance. Located in the Johnson Center, Room 245.

George
The George Mason statue

George's
A dining establishment on the third floor of the Johnson Center

Green & Gold
George Mason's school colors!

Greek Week
A week in which fraternities and sororities take part in friendly competition and service to the community.

Gunston
George Mason's school mascot!

Homecoming
Celebrated every February in conjunction with the end of basketball season. The Program Board plans exciting activities throughout the week including a pageant, talent and comedy shows, a pre-game block party, and fireworks after the game!

Ike's
New diner connected to the Eisenhower building in Presidents Park.

Innovation Hall
An academic building that opened in Fall 2003 and has many advanced features, including a 140 seat computer lab and a wireless connection.

International Week
A spring celebration of the university's cultural diversity through several events including exhibits and food sales, a dance competition and a parade.

Jazzman's Café
Coffee shop located on the ground floor of the Johnson Center that offers a variety of flavored coffees, lattes, espressos, cappuccinos, pastries, smoothies and other frozen drinks. Open until 2:00 am, Monday through Saturday!

JC
Johnson Center

Liberty Square
A new single-bedroom apartment-style living complex that is available to upper class residents. Located between Presidents Park and the Aquatic Center

Mason Ambassadors
Students selected by the Admissions Office to interact with prospective students and their families, making their visit to GMU a positive one.

Mason Day
An all-day celebration in which local and national bands are brought in to celebrate George Mason.

Math Tutoring Center
A free tutoring service offered to all freshman/sophomore Mason students enrolled in math courses and is located on the third floor of the Johnson Center.

New Student Days
A fun-filled weekend of welcome activities designed exclusively for new students that includes a BBQ, a big screen movie, and a deck party.

ODPS
Office of Diversity Programs and Services

OL
Orientation Leader

PAs
Peer Advisors, an upperclass student at George Mason University who provides support and assistance to incoming students by serving as the teaching assistant for one section of University 100,

The Park
President's Park, a housing complex for freshmen only

Patisserie
A coffee shop located on the main floor of the Johnson Center offering a variety of coffees, lattes, and espresso drinks, along with fresh bagels, pastries, and sandwiches.

Patriot's Day
A fall outdoor festival event that includes several activities including a student organizations and academic department fair, novelty games, and bands. This is a great opportunity to leader about ways to get involved at Mason.

PB
Program Board, a student-run university activities organization.

Potomac Heights
A new housing complex for upperclassmen located between Liberty Square and the Aquatic Center.

PVs
Patriot Village, a housing complex behind the P.E. Building open to upper-class students.

Quad
The grassy area between SUB I and Fenwick Library. Also where the spirit benches are located.

RA
Resident Advisor

SGA
Student Government Association

Student Activities
Houses all student and Greek organizations. There are approximately 150 different clubs and organizations with which to get involved!

SUB I
Student Union Building I

SUB II
Student Union Building II

Take Back the Night
A march around campus involving students, faculty/staff, and the community that takes place in the fall to protest against sexual harassment, sexual assault and battery, domestic violence and rape.

TAP
Townhouses, student apartments, patriots village; an upperclass housing area providing four unique suite, apartment, modular and townhouse living options.

University 100
Freshman transition courses designed to help first year students succeed academically and socially at GMU. There are also transition courses available to upperclassmen in career development, and workplace and graduate school transitions.

Welcome Week
A course that assists freshmen with their transition to college life. Helps students adjust academically, develop decision-making skills, and learn about the services and opportunities for involvement at George Mason. (Team development at Hemlock Overlook is a component of every section).

The Writing Center
A service that is available to help students both academic and other types of writing.