Gradstravaganza

Gradstravaganza 2025

Gradstravaganza: Graduate Student Welcome 2025

Multi-Day, August 12-21, 2025, 5:30-7:30pm: Success Sessions (online)
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 12-3pm: Picnic (Wilkins Plaza, Fairfax Campus)

All new and continuing Mason graduate students are invited to Gradstravaganza, Mason’s annual graduate student welcome event! Gradstravaganza is a multi-day event: first, a fully virtual line-up of sessions spanning six evenings over two weeks, which will kickstart your graduate student experience, followed by an in-person picnic to celebrate the beginning of a new year and the beginning of your graduate and/or professional journey at Mason on Saturday, September 6 on Wilkins Plaza! Brought to you by Graduate Student Life, the Graduate Division, the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA)Mason Recreation, Office of International Programs and Services, UL Regional Campuses (Mason Square and SciTech), Student Involvement and University Life.

The Success Sessions will be held Tuesday, August 12 through Thursday, August 14 and Tuesday, August 19 through Thursday, August 21 in the evenings. These sessions will feature workshops highlighting strategies for success in graduate school.

The Picnic on Saturday, September 6 will feature FREE food, t-shirts, games, crafts, giveaways, and plenty of activities to enjoy! You will also have opportunities to connect with academic units, campus resources, and graduate student organizations. Families are welcome!

Registration instructions for Success Sessions and the Picnic are below. Contact Graduate Student Life with questions at gradlife@gmu.edu.

Gradstrav Success Sessions 2025

Gradstravaganza 2025 Success Sessions Agenda

August 12 - 21, 2025, 5:30-7:30pm (Virtual Sessions)

Registration is required. Please use the links provided to register for each individual session you wish to attend. [registration will be live by July 15, 2025]

Some sessions run concurrently. Please note the specific time, as well as date, for each session of interest to you.

Zoom links will be emailed out and made available through the Mason360 platform after you have registered.

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - 5:30-7:30pm

Pathway through the PhD, 5:30-6:40pm

Presenter: Dr. Julie Owen, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies in the School of Integrative Studies, and Dr. Julie Choe Kim, Director of Graduate Student Life

Are you wondering what to expect during a doctoral program? Although specific requirements will vary by graduate program, this session will provide an overview of the key benchmarks of a doctoral program and will highlight available resources to help you make the most of your journey.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284441

Strategies for Success in Your Master's Degree Program, 5:30-6:40pm

Presenter: Jill V. Deering, Senior Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Affairs at the Schar School of Policy and Government

Wondering what to expect during your master’s program? Whether you are a part- time or full-time student, come learn strategies to make the most of your master’s degree experience at Mason.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284524

Life in Fairfax: Housing, Transportation, and Life Hacks, 6:45-7:30pm

Presenter: Student Panel

New to the area? This session is your guide to navigating life as a graduate student in Fairfax! Learn about housing options (both on and off campus), transportation resources like shuttles and metro access, and insider tips on saving money, finding local gems, and adjusting to your new environment. Whether you're moving from across the state or across the globe, this session will help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your time at George Mason.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284553

Wednesday, August 13, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm

Academic Productivity & Time Management, 5:30-6:30pm

Presenter: Vicki Dominick, MSEd, Associate Director, Learning Services

As a graduate student, you are juggling multiple academic demands along with other priorities, including work, family, wellness, and more, all within a limited schedule. This session will guide you through proven productivity techniques, along with effective approaches to planning and managing academic responsibilities through intentional, goal-oriented time use.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284552

Resilience in Graduate School: Strategies to Support Your Thriving, 6:30-7:30pm

Presenter: Alexander Harrison, LPC, Associate Director, Clinical Services, Counseling and Psychological Services 

Although balancing the demands of graduate school and your personal life can be challenging, there are effective, evidence-based strategies for strengthening resilience. This workshop will provide you with tangible skills that you can use to manage stress and thrive both in school and in your personal life. 

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284519

Thursday, August 14, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm

Making the Commitment to Writing, 5:30-6:30pm

Presented by Jessie Wiggins, PhD Candidate in Writing and Rhetoric; Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Are you faced with large writing projects (such as a paper, thesis, or dissertation), but have trouble making progress? Join us to discuss frequent barriers to writing and strategies for overcoming them to achieve your writing goals.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284525

Beyond Google Scholar: Research Tools & Library Hacks, 6:30-7:30pm

Presenter: Margaret Calkins, Physical Sciences & STEM Data Librarian, Chris Magee, Social Sciences Librarian, University Libraries.

Discover the essential research tools, resources, and services available to George Mason graduate students in this session.

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify, access, and search databases for scholarly articles, journals, and data relevant to their field.
  • Navigate subject guides and connect with subject librarians for expert research support.
  • Learn about University Dissertation & Thesis Services (UDTS).
  • Take advantage of poster printing and data analysis support, as well as the Patriot Virtual Computing & Labs (PVCL), reservable study rooms, and more!

This session is designed to empower graduate students with the knowledge and skills to efficiently leverage George Mason University’s robust academic infrastructure, ensuring success throughout their research journey.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284549

Tuesday, August 19, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm

LinkedIn & Personal Branding for Graduate Students, 5:30-6:30pm

Presenter: Carolyn Kleiman, Career Advisor, University Career Services

Join us for an engaging session designed to help incoming graduate students build a strong online presence through LinkedIn and personalbranding. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling profile, develop a clear professional narrative, and use LinkedIn strategically to support your academic and career goals. This session is ideal for students from all disciplines who want to stand out in today’s competitive market.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284547

Building Your Network Now for Your Job Search Later, 6:30-7:30pm

Presenter: Kristin Leonato, Associate Director, Programs and Outreach, University Career Services

Graduate school provides an opportunity not only to build your knowledge, but also to build your network of professional contacts and colleagues. Whether you want to expand your existing network or build a new network from the ground up, we've got tips to help you maximize the connections you'll make during your time at Mason.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284526

Wednesday, August 20, 2025; 5:30-7:45pm

Access and Inclusion for Disabled and Neurodivergent Students, 5:30-6:45pm

Presenter: Jamilah Anderson, Associate Director, Disability Services, and Morgan Thompson, Analyst for Education and Strategic Initiatives, Disability Services

Join us for a rich discussion about fostering accessible and inclusive experiences for disabled and neurodivergent graduate students. Attendees will learn about resources available to disabled and neurodivergent graduate students and strategies that promote student engagement and contribute to an inclusive thriving community.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284443

Imposter Syndrome & the Inner Critic, 6:45-7:45pm

Presenters: Phil Eiseman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist Clinician, Inclusive Community Building 

This event explores the common but often unspoken experience of imposter syndrome: the persistent feeling of self-doubt and fear of being “found out” as a fraud. Together, we'll discuss how to recognize and quiet the inner critic, reframe negative self-talk, and develop a healthier, more compassionate mindset.  

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284551

Thursday, August 21, 2025; 5:30-7:30pm

Finding External Funding While in Graduate School, 5:30-6:30pm

Presenters: Dr. Megan Bruening, Director of the Office of Fellowships

Funding is one of the greatest challenges graduate students face as they plan studies. This session will offer an overview of funding opportunities and support available to Mason grad students. The session will help graduate students learn how to identify funding opportunities from external sources, including government agencies, foundations, professional associations, and more. The session will also provide information on support and advising services available to students through the Office of Fellowships, which assists Mason students seeking external funding in support of research, training, or professional development opportunities.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284520

Navigating On-Campus Student Employment as a Graduate Student, 6:30-7:30pm

Presenter: Kaylie Wray, On-Campus Employment Specialist, University Career Services

Finding an on-campus job can be both time-consuming and overwhelming. Join us for an informative session where University Career Services will be reviewing: 

  • Different types of on-campus employment opportunities and where to find them (Graduate Assistantships, Student Wage, ect.) 
  • Job application best practices (resumes, cover letters, interviewing) 
  • Handshake 
  • How to determine if you are a good fit for a position

Whether you are seeking financial support, professional growth, or a chance to become more involved in the George Mason community, this webinar will give you the knowledge to determine the next steps of your on-campus job search.

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284523

Gradstrav Picnic 2025

Gradstravaganza Picnic

Saturday, September 6, 12:00-3:00pm on Wilkins Plaza, Fairfax Campus

Rain location: TBD

Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2284521

Saturday’s picnic will feature FREE food, t-shirts, games, crafts, giveaways, campus tours, and plenty of activities to enjoy! You will also have opportunities to connect with academic units, campus resources, and graduate student organizations. Families are welcome!

When you first arrive, please check in at a Graduate Student Life Tent. Please have your Mason360 ticket QR code or the Mason360 app downloaded (and logged in!) and ready in order to expedite the check-in process. All non-Mason guests (adults and children) should remain accompanied by their Mason graduate student host. 

NOTE: All food, giveaways, and this year’s graduate student t-shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, as quantities are limited. While the food, activities, and general giveaways are open to all Picnic guests, the t-shirts are for Mason graduate and professional students only.

Menu

Coming August 1, 2025! 

Parking

If you have a George Mason parking permit for the Fairfax Campus, you may park in your assigned lot/garage. Students with a Mason Square or SciTech permit are permitted to park in General Parking areas on Fairfax Campus.

If you do not have a parking permit, you may register for free weekend parking in Lot K using the Parking Portal. Use your GMU credentials to log in and scroll down to select the Weekend Permit option for $0.00 for the appropriate date. You will need to register your vehicle’s license plate number.

The closest paid parking option for Gradstravaganza is the Mason Pond Parking Deck. You may view hourly parking deck rates here; payments may be made at the pay-on-foot machine on Level 2 near the exit by Wilkins Plaza or at the exit gate.

View the Fairfax Campus Parking Map here.

Get Your Mason ID

The Mason ID is George Mason University's official ID card and your key to life on campus! You can choose between a physical ID card and the Mason Mobile ID. Visit the Mason Card Office website to learn more and make plans to get your ID.

In Case of Inclement Weather

A decision to move the Gradstravaganza Picnic due to forecasted inclement weather will be made on Friday, September 5. If that happens, the announcement will be posted on this webpage and on social media (@MasonGradLife on Instagram); in addition, all participants registered for the picnic on Mason360 will receive an email about the location change.

Photography Release

I hereby release and agree to hold harmless the Photographer and George Mason University

assigns, licensees, successors in interest, legal representatives and heirs from any liability by

virtue of any blurring, distortion, alteration, optical illusion, or use in composite form whether

intentional or otherwise, that may occur or be produced in the taking of the photographs, or in

any processing tending toward the completion of the finished product, unless it can be shown

that they and the publication thereof were maliciously caused, produced, and published solely for

the purpose of subjecting me to conspicuous ridicule, scandal, reproach, scorn, and indignity.

I agree that George Mason University owns the copyright to these photographs and I hereby

waive any claims I may have based on any usage of the photographer works derived therefrom,

including but not limited to claims for either invasion of privacy or libel.

The photographs will not be sold to any other firm or organization, will not be used to solicit

funds, and will not be used by George Mason University or the photographer in any way other

than stated. I am of full age and competent to sign this release. I agree that this release shall be

binding on me, my legal representatives, heirs, and assigns.  

I have read this release and am fully familiar with its contents