University Catalog Info | Academic Action | Majors/Minors | Waitlist Procedures | Degree Audit
Exploring Minors | Math Placement Test | Transfer Students | Campus Resources for Students
Academic Standing and Retention Periods | Planning CONF Core Courses | Yearly Program Checklist
The University does not publish a hard copy of the University Course Catalog. Students should instead access the catalog online. It is essential that students review and are familiar with University policies as they will be held accountable to those policies. In particular students should be familiar with policies related to the following:
• Grades, exams, and requirements for retention and to remain in good academic standing
• Declaration of major and minors; degree requirements for majors and minors
• Responsible computing, alcohol and drug use, honor code, and issues related to behavior
• Academic load, study elsewhere, repeating courses, attendance and issues related to registration
Online University Course Catalog:
http://catalog.gmu.edu/
For course descriptions:
http://catalog.gmu.edu/content.php?catoid=19&navoid=4109
For the academic calendar (tuition deadlines, finals dates, add –drop, etc.):
http://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars/
To view the requirements for minors offered at Mason:
http://advising.gmu.edu/current-students/minors-at-mason/
Students in the S-CAR Undergraduate Program with academic action requests or concerns should make an appointment or email a S-CAR undergraduate academic advisor. Depending on the action, the request must have the approval of the S-CAR Undergraduate Student Services Director, the Director of the S-CAR Undergraduate Program, or the S-CAR Dean. Please check with the S-CAR Undergraduate academic advisor for the proper forms and level of approval.
Selection of a Major
For declaration of a major, a student should confer with the appropriate advisor or designate of the major program. To change majors, a student must have their new academic advisor sign off on the Change/Declaration of Academic Program.
Credit for More than One Undergraduate Major
Students seeking to graduate with a BA or BS degree in two or more subjects must meet departmental requirements for the major in each field. For each major, at least 18 credits used to fulfill its requirements cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of another major, a concentration, a minor, or an undergraduate certificate.
Students pursuing two or more concurrent majors must complete the Declaration of Second Major section of the Change/Declaration of Academic Program form, available in the S-CAR advising office, the Registrar’s Office, or at registrar.gmu.edu/forms. The applicant must present a detailed program of study for both majors and obtain the authorizing signature from the chair or director of the second program and from the dean or director, if required by the college, school, or institute. When required by a specific academic unit, department chairs and deans or directors must also approve all changes to the programs of study. Students may begin a program at any time that permits completion before the anticipated graduation date.
***Note: Students pursuing a major in Global Affairs or Government & International Politics cannot count their concentration courses for any other general education, major, or minor requirement. Concentration Courses must be unique to the major.***
Minors
Students may elect minor programs of study in addition to major fields by completing the Minor Declaration Form. Minors usually require between 15 and 21 credits of study, at least 8 of which must be applied only to that minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student’s major, concentration, an undergraduate certificate, or another minor. Students must complete at least 6 credits in their minor at Mason and achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA in courses applied to the minor. Students interested in a minor should consult the appropriate departmental chapters in the catalog.
- What is a waitlist?
When courses reach their set enrollment capacity (closed), departments may offer a waitlist option to allow students a chance to add the class if space becomes available.
- Do all courses have a waitlist option?
No, individual departments decide if they will offer a waitlist option for closed courses based on enrollment demand. Not all departments elect to use the waitlist option.
- How do I know if the closed course I want to add offers a waitlist option?
Patriot Web will notify you that there is a waitlist option available once you attempt to register for a closed section. If you do not receive the notification that you may add yourself to a waitlist for that closed section, then the option is not available for that section, and you should select an alternate course at that time.
- How will I know what number I am on the waitlist?
Patriot Web will notify you of your waitlist position when you attempt to register for the class. You will get the “Registration Add Errors” message. The text “Closed-0??-Waitlisted” or “Open-0??-Waitlisted” will appear below the error message. Your waitlist position is indicated by the number that starts with “0”. For example, the text “Closed-005-Waitlisted” indicates that five students have already waitlisted themselves for this course. You will be number six on the waiting list. You MUST click “Submit Changes” to waitlist yourself for this course.
- What is the difference between “Closed-0??-Waitlisted “and “Open-0??-Waitlisted”?
The “Closed Waitlist” message indicates that this course does not have any available seats. The message “Open Waitlist” indicates that students who were previously registered for the course have dropped and those seats are reserved for students currently on the waitlist that have been issued overrides. In either scenario, you may only waitlist yourself for the course.
- If I add myself to a waitlist, how will I be registered if space becomes available in the course?
You will never be automatically registered into a class. Once you add yourself to a waitlist, it is your responsibility to check your Patriot Web account daily to see if you’ve been issued an override if space becomes available in that course. Log into Patriot Web and select the “Registration Status and Time Ticket, Override Notification.” link. If you have an override, it will display just below your registration status information in a new box labeled, “Registration Permits and Overrides.” When this box appears, you must note the course listed in the box and select the “Register, Add, or Drop” link to drop that course from your schedule, Submit your changes, then re-add it using the Add Classes Worksheet on the registration page and Submit again. You will have 72 hours from the date the override notification appeared on your Patriot Web account to drop yourself from waitlist status and register for that course on your Patriot Web registration form. If you do not wish to register for the course, you may simply drop yourself from waitlist status at that time. If you do not change your status from waitlisted to registered within your 72 hour deadline, you will be automatically dropped from the waitlist. If you choose, you may add yourself back to the waitlist for that section, but you will be added to the end of the waitlist. Students may no longer waitlist for courses once the semester begins (see #7 for further information).
- Does wait-listing myself for a closed section guarantee a seat in that section?
No, students are never guaranteed a seat in a closed section; always choose alternate open sections of the course, if available. Also, if you receive an override notification when space becomes available, make sure that you are eligible to add that section (i.e. you have no holds that prevent registration, you satisfy restrictions that may be on the course, and that registration into the section wouldn’t put you above your allowable credit limit for the semester). If you get any error messages when you attempt to change your status from waitlisted to registered, you will have only the time remaining within your 72 hour deadline to resolve the error and secure your reserved seat in that section.
- What happens if I haven’t received an override notification by the time the semester begins?
The last overrides for students on a waitlist will be issued the Friday (at approx. 3:00a.m.) before the fall or spring semester begins. This also applies to students enrolling in any of the summer semester Sessions. Students may no longer waitlist a course once the last overrides have been issued. If you do not receive an override by that date, you will be automatically dropped from the waitlist on the Monday (at approx. 3:00a.m.) prior to the commencement of classes. You must follow the normal procedure for requesting permission to add a closed or controlled course (contact the department offering the course for details) once the semester, or summer session A, B, or C, begins.
Checking Your Degree Audit
This tool is available on Patriot Web. It is one of the best ways to independently monitor your progress as a student and to see if you are fulfilling the requirements of your academic program. Students may also complete a "What-if Analysis" which allows student to track their academic progress towards any major and/or minor. Directions are below:
Degree Works: For students with Fall 2012 or later catalog year
- Log on Patriot Web
- Select "Student Services and Financial Aid"
- Select "Student Records"
- Select "Degree Evaluation Menu"
- Select "Degree Works"
"What-If" Analysis Directions in Degree Works: Log on Patriot Web
- Follow steps #1 - #5 above
- Select "What-if Analysis" from left-hand menu
- Choose desired major, minor, concentration options
- Click "Process What-if"
CAPP - Curriculum Advising & Planning Program: For students Spring 2012 or earlier
catalog year
- Log on Patriot Web
- Select "Student Services and Financial Aid"
- Select "Student Records"
- Select "Degree Evaluation Menu"
- Select "CAPP"
- Select a term and click "Submit"
- Click "Generate New Evaluation"
- Click the bubble to the top left of the academic program
- Click "Generate Request"
- Select "Detail Requirements" and click “Submit.”
"What-If" Analysis Directions in CAPP: Log on Patriot Web
- Follow steps #1 - #5 above
- Instead of selecting "submit", select "What-If Analysis" at the bottom of the page
- Select a term from the drop down menu and click "Continue"
- Select your major from "First Program"
- Click "Submit"
- Click "Generate Request"
- Select "Detail Requirements"
- Click "Submit"
Students may elect minor programs of study in addition to major fields. Minors usually require between 15 and 21 credits of study. At least 8 credits of which must be applied only to that minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of the student's major, concentration, an undergraduate certificate, or another minor.
George Mason University has over eighty minors for students to choose from. View the complete list and each program's requirements on the Academic Advising and Transfer Center's website.
What is the Math Placement Test?
The Math Placement Test determines readiness for one of seven GMU courses. MATH 106 and STAT 250 do not require taking the Math Placement Test. If you are interested in taking a higher-level math course, please consult the Q&A on the Mathematics department's website.
University-wide general education requirements: Can be found at http://provost.gmu.edu
/gened/approved-course-listing/.
Upper level university-wide general education requirements: ENGL 302 and synthesis.
Status of Transfer Student |
Mason General Education Requirements |
S-CAR Requirements |
With AA, AS, or AA&S degrees from the Virginia Community College System* | Have met all lower level requirements; remaining will be ENGL 302 and synthesis | Transcript is evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which requirements have been met |
With AA, AS, or AA&S degrees from other institutions
| Transcript is evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which requirements have been met. | Transcript is evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which requirements have been met |
With a bachelor’s degree from a accredited institution
| Have met all requirements | Transcript is evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which requirements have been met |
With 60 or more credits at time of first enrollment after admission | Transcript is evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which requirements have been met | Transcript is evaluated on a course-by-course basis to determine which requirements have been met |
Western Civilization Requirement approved substitution:
o Transfer students can substitute the following courses for HIST 100 or 125.
o Transfer students who have credit that has been re-evaluated on their Mason transcript as any one of the following courses are considered to have already fulfilled the HIST 100/125 requirement.
o Students with CLEP, IB, or AP credit equivalent to any of the following courses are considered to have already fulfilled the HIST 100/125 requirement.
HIST 101 Foundations of Western Civilization
HIST 102 Development of Western Civilization
HIST 301 Classical Greece
HIST 302 Classical Rome
HIST 304 Western Europe in the Middle Ages
HIST 305 The Renaissance
HIST 306 The Reformation
HIST 308 Nineteenth Century Europe
HIST 309 Europe In Crisis (pre requisite: 45 credits or permission of Instructor)
HIST 314 History of Germany
HIST 321 Early Modern England
HIST 322 Modern Britain
HIST 388 Topics in European History
HIST 435 Society and Culture in Early Modern Europe
HIST 436 European Society and Culture: 19th and 20th Centuries
HIST 480 Alexander the Great
Academic Computer Labs: (703-993-3446): https://itservices.gmu.edu/services/services-students.cfm
- A guide to computing services
Counseling and Psychological Services: Room 3129, SUB I, (703-993-2380): http://caps.gmu.edu/
- Individual counseling for students who have concerns with academics, adjustments to the university, relationships, anxiety, depression, diversity issues, physical appearance and weight management, etc.
- Support groups for personal growth
- Workshops on anger management, stress management, relaxation techniques, communication skills and assertiveness, etc.
Learning Services: Room 3129, SUB I, (703-993-2999): http://caps.gmu.edu/learningservices/
- Workshops on overcoming procrastination, managing performance anxiety, overview of study strategies, time management, etc.
- Academic skills certification
- Tutoring referral information
Office of Disability Services: Room 2500, SUB I, (703-993-2474): http://www.gmu.edu/depts/unilife/ods/
- Provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented disability
Math Learning Center: Room 344C, Johnson Center, (703-993-1483): http://math.gmu.edu/tutorcenter.htm
- Free math tutoring for first and second year math courses
- Literacy center for students preparing to get into Math 105, 106, 110, 111, 108 or Math 113
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME): Room 2400, SUB I, (703-993-2700): http://odime.gmu.edu/
- Mentoring programs
- Counseling for students who feel they are being discriminated against
- Workshops and lectures for those interested in diversity issues
Student Financial Aid: SUB I, (703-993-2353): http://financialaid.gmu.edu/
- Answering questions related to financial aid
- Information about scholarships
- Information about work study
Writing Center: Robinson A114, (703-993-1200): http://writingcenter.gmu.edu
- Assist with writing assignments for all subjects
- Strategies to overcome writing anxiety, organize ideas, and editing your work
Academic Standing and Retention Periods
Good Academic Standing
Students are in good academic standing unless they are academically dismissed, suspended, or on probation. Students on academic warning are still considered to be in good academic standing.
Student Retention Categories
Credit Level | Warning | Probation | Suspension |
Attempted | Cumulative | Cumulative | Cumulative |
Credit Hours | GPA Range | GPA Range | GPA Range |
7–16 | 0.00–1.99 | – | – |
17–29 | 1.75–1.99 | 1.00–1.74 | 0.00–0.99 |
30–59 | 1.85–1.99 | 1.25–1.84 | 0.00–1.24 |
60–89 | 1.95–1.99 | 1.55–1.94 | 0.00–1.54 |
90+ | – | 1.85–1.99 | 0.00–1.84 |
Periods of Academic Suspension
Students in degree status who incur a first suspension following a spring semester or summer term serve a period of suspension through the next fall semester. Students who incur a first suspension following a fall semester serve a period of suspension through the next summer term. A second suspension is for one calendar year: two semesters and a summer term. Students returning from suspension are on probation for one academic period. Course credits earned at other colleges during the period of suspension from Mason (for academic or non-academic reasons) are not accepted for the degree program.
Nondegree undergraduate students placed on suspension have no specified rights of return to the university. Nondegree students who have been suspended and wish to resume their studies after a period of absence must qualify for readmission through the Office of Admissions.
Academic Dismissal
A third suspension results in academic dismissal, a status that is usually permanent. In exceptional cases, students who have been dismissed may apply for readmission after a minimum absence of three calendar years from the university, but only if they meet one or more of the following conditions after having been dismissed:
- Demonstrate academic success (2.50 GPA or better) in at least 18 credits of classes taken during the period of dismissal at an accredited two- or four-year college or university. Such credits may be considered for transfer back to Mason, but there is no guarantee of acceptance of the credit.
- Provide other evidence of a renewed ability to achieve academic success.
- Provide evidence that all degree requirements will be met once an additional 12 or fewer credits are complete.
Meeting the above requirements does not guarantee a return. The Office of Admissions and the appropriate school or college dean will make individual decisions in the best academic interests of the student and the university. For students seeking readmission to a new school or college, the new dean will make the decision in consultation with the former dean and the Office of Admissions. For more information, see the Academic Clemency section of this chapter.
The table below indicates the suggested semester in which CONF core courses should be taken. The schedule of Concentration and Mason Core courses will vary depending on the student.
|
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
Freshman | CONF 101 | CONF 210 |
|
Sophomore | CONF 300 | CONF 302 |
|
Junior | CONF 301, CONF Bridge (320/330/340) | CONF Bridge (320/330/340) | Field Experience (Study Abroad/ Internship) |
Senior | CONF Bridge (320/330/340) | CONF 490 |
|
Credit Overload Requests
It is very important for students to assess all of their commitments (e.g. employment, family, social, extra-curricular) when requesting a credit overload. Students working 20 hours a week are discouraged by the University from enrolling as full-time students. It is recommended that students working 40 hours a week take no more than 6 credits a semester. Additionally, students submitting an overload request are expected to attend an advising session with an S-CAR Undergraduate advisor. The student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. A request will not be considered if the student has any remaining Incompletes from the previous semester. Only students highly motivated academically will be approved for overloads. If approved for an overload, the student is responsible for adding the additional class(es) by the deadline as listed in the Schedule of Classes.
Checklist for each Year of Program
S-CAR offers many ways to get involved with the community. Valuable experience can be gained outside of the classroom. Following the suggestions below will help you succeed at S-CAR as well as provide you with the networks and preparation that you will need to succeed after you graduate.
Every Year you should…
· Meet with your advisor
· Meet your professors outside of the classroom
· Attend Brown Bag Lectures
· Participate in Dialogue and Difference Events,
· Attend Mason Events
· Check Degree Evaluation
Freshman
« Identify interests and goals
« Explore possible minors
« Take University 100
« Verify that you are receiving S-CAR Newsletters and announcements
Sophomore
« Explore Career goals
« Research Field Experience Options
« Start Minor
« Seek opportunities for leadership roles on campus
Junior
« Plan and Apply for Field Experience Opportunities (Internship/Study Abroad)
« Seek networking opportunities at S-CAR and around Mason
« Attend Career Fairs and Career Panels
« Visit Career Services at Mason
Senior
« Submit intent to graduate
« Take University 400
« Build Resume
« Maintain networks and relationships with Professors
« Attend Career Fairs and Career Panels
« Apply for job
The university’s minimum standard for satisfactory academic achievement is 2.00 on a 4.00 scale. Students with at least 7 attempted credits and a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00 fall into one of three categories: warning, probation, and suspension. All notations of academic standing are included in a student’s permanent record. The cumulative GPA range that defines each of the categories varies according to the credit level, as noted below: