Program Overview

New International Student Orientation

The New International Student Orientation is a mandatory program for all new international students in F-1 and J-1 status planning to attend George Mason University. The orientation is designed to provide students with essential information about immigration compliance, international health insurance, academic standards, and campus resources.

Orientation Dates and Times

The orientation dates for Spring 2026 are as follows:

• International Undergraduate Student Orientation: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Johnson Center Dewberry Hall, Fairfax Campus
• International Student Orientation: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Johnson Center Bistro, Fairfax Campus
• International Graduate Student Orientation: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm, Johnson Center Bistro, Fairfax Campus

Registration Information

Undergraduate Students

• All new F-1 freshmen and transfer students can register for virtual orientation by completing an online form.
• J-1 students, Mason Korea students, and INTO Mason International Year One students do not need to complete the online registration form and will be automatically registered for orientation.

Graduate Students

• All new master's and doctoral international students can register for the virtual orientation by completing an online form.
• The registration deadline for the International Graduate Student Orientation is Monday, January 12, 2026.
• GEO J-1 students and INTO Mason graduate pathway students do not need to complete the online registration form and will be automatically registered for orientation.

Program Details

The New International Student Orientation is mandatory for all new students (undergraduate, master's, and doctoral) except for Antonio Scalia Law School students. The orientation includes presentations on immigration compliance, international health insurance, academic standards, and many other campus resources.