FAQs
Prospective Students FAQ
UNIV 100 offers many sections of small discussion-based classes with approximately 20 students. Classes take a holistic approach and are student centred. This course is designed to give students a snapshot of how to be successful at George Mason University and supports first year students’ transition from high school to college life. It covers topics including resources and engagement opportunities at Mason, connecting to faculty and your Academic Advisor, how to register for classes, study skills, time management, and overall strategies for a successful first-year experience.
Is UNIV 100-level courses required?
No, this course is not required, but strongly encouraged for all first-year students.
Do students receive a letter grade and/or credit for taking UNIV 100?
Yes, this class is a 1 credit elective course that will count towards your degree. Students who enroll in a UNIV 108/150 special program course have the option to take the course for 0 or 1 credit. And yes, students will receive a grade for the course using an A-F grading scale. Please note that if a student decides to take UNIV 108 or UNIV 150 for 0 credit they will still earn a letter grade for the course, but it will not be calculated into the GPA. Also, the course and grade will appear on your transcript.
What is the cost of taking UNIV 100?
Students who include UNIV 100/108/150 in their schedule which brings them to a total between 12-15 credits will not incur any extra cost beyond the full-time tuition fee. If this class is taken in addition to 15 credits, the price will be based on the cost per credit. For more information on tuition cost, visit:
https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/tuition-fees/.
What’s the difference between UNIV 100/108/150?
- UNIV 100 – Introduction to Mason focuses on academic skill-building, educational planning, career preparation, and much more.
- UNIV 108 – Mason Transition is the same as UNIV 100, as it introduces you to Mason, but is identified for special populations (specific colleges, STEP, EIP, out of state students, etc).
- UNIV 150– First-Year Learning Communities are for students who participate in this program. This course mirrors UNIV 100, however, it is specifically taught in the theme and/or academic discipline of the various Learning Communities.
What do students learn in the course?
Students learn what to expect as they begin their transition into college; how to navigate and utilize resources on campus (e.g., the Writing Center, the Student Advocacy Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Library Services, etc.); how to connect with faculty and campus staff; how to manage their time effectively to be successful, not only in college, but for their lives beyond college; how to get involved in campus life, especially student interest groups and clubs; how to manage stress for those inevitable stressful times in college; drug and alcohol safety; resumé building; how to manage and resolve conflict with peers, and so much more!!
What are the benefits of students taking the course?
Students are offered the opportunity to have a Peer Advisor who offers relevant, real-time advice and guidance through the college experience. These Peer Advisors have gone through the initial transition to college, sometimes within months of teaching the course. Research shows that taking UNIV 100 means a more seamless college experience, in that you are given critical tools to navigate not only in college but also in life beyond college. There is essential practicality in the way the class is taught and in the information that is shared in the course. So, not only will students learn how to be successful during their time at George Mason, they will have the chance to meet and build community with a diverse group of their peers.
This course is co-taught by a Peer Advisor (PA) who is a current undergraduate student leader at George Mason, and a faculty member. Most faculty members are George Mason staff members, or Mason alumni, or other community member around campus.
Where can I learn more about UNIV 100?
For more information, email us at univ@gmu.edu.
Current Students FAQ
How can I learn more about being a UNIV Peer Advisor (UNIV PA)?
To learn more about being a UNIV PA, students should visit https://transitions.gmu.edu/peer-advisors-new/. Additionally, UNIV PAs host monthly events throughout the Fall semester for the entire Mason community to participate. At these events, PAs can share information about their experiences with all who are interested. They are super friendly and knowledgeable!
Peer Advisors must have completed at least one semester at Mason at the time of application. Candidates for the UNIV PA positions must submit their applications through the link on UNIV’s website, have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application, attend an information session in the Fall semester, and take part in group and individual interviews. If selected for the PA position or as an alternate, hired PAs are asked to take the 0-1 credit training course (UNIV 330), which is offered every Spring semester. For more information, visit https://transitions.gmu.edu/peer-advisors-new/ .