This is part of a monthly series that informs George Mason University’s faculty and staff how the Office of Admissions and its collaborators are working to build and support a diverse student body that reflects our world and future.
For the 2023-24 admissions cycle, the Admissions Events team saw a record number of admitted students participate in its spring events. Across its eight largest events, including a newly revamped Spring Preview, more than 4,300 students registered to connect with the students, faculty, and staff of the George Mason community.
Getting a chance to see what life is like on campus, meeting with faculty, and learning how students come together and express themselves in hundreds of organizations has an incredibly positive effect on students’ decisions to enroll. Data from the spring 2023 cycle shows that 75% of the 1401 students who registered for Spring Preview submitted an enrollment deposit, which accounts for nearly one-third of the incoming freshman class of for that academic year.
These events are one of the best ways units can connect with prospective students to answer their questions about programs and help them feel a sense of belonging, and the Admissions Events team provides a couple ways to get involved.
To leverage the central marketing and outreach for large events, it is recommended units request an add-on; a specialized period during these events where students can interact with units directly. Units may also set up stand-alone events, which are supported by a small set of communications. Before submitting a stand-alone event request, your college’s Recruitment Action Council (RAC) representative must connect with their admissions liaison to determine the student population you are looking to invite.
The admissions events calendar for 2024-25 academic year will become available in June. The deadlines to request add-ons or standalone events are August 1 for fall events and November 1 for spring events. Units will receive additional communications about events and opportunities over the summer and as these dates approach.