Freshman orientation gets off to a roaring (and crowded) start

The first group of students showed up at George Mason University Monday for freshman orientation, and Rick Gray, associate director for orientation and family programs and services, said the first-session attendance of 850 (500 students and 350 family members) set a busy tone.

“We’re growing like crazy,” Gray said. “We’re anticipating 550 students per session from here on out.”

Tours start in the Center for the Arts with a bit of apprehension, Gray said, as students meet their new classmates and start their first in-depth look around campus.

“But through the program and connections they make they leave feeling a lot more confident,” Gray said. “The energy is palpable for sure.”

Creative Services photographer Evan Cantwell captured some of the action.