All new international students in J-1 status are required to complete the New International Student Check-in Form for J-1 Students upon arrival in the US in August and January.  This is the key step to let Mason know you have arrived. Not doing so could cause problems with a variety of administrative requirements.

Link to form: https://oips.gmu.edu/international-student-check-in-form-for-j-1-students/

Patriot Pass is your online credential that allows you to access a variety of Mason online systems, such as Patriot Web (course registration, tuition bill, etc) and Blackboard (a web-based learning management system that allows faculty to add resources for students).

Patriot Pass uses your NetID (also called your username) which is your personal online identifier. Your NetID is the portion of your Mason e-mail address in front of the @ symbol. For example, the Mason NetID for jdoe@masonlive.gmu.edu would be jdoe. Your Mason NetID is not the same as your G Number. Your NetID along with a password that you create make up your Patriot Pass credentials.

To sign up for Patriot Pass, change your password, get a new password, or get more information, go to:

1. http://strongpassword.gmu.edu
2. Click on “I’m new to Patriot Pass
3. Enter your G Number and PIN/Claim Code**

** Your default claim code is your 6-digit birthdate in the format of mmddyy (month month day day year year).

To activate your Masonlive email account, go to:

1. https://password.gmu.edu/
2. Click on the link in step 5

Note: you need to activate your Patriot Pass before you can activate your Masonlive email account.

If you experience any trouble activating your Patriot Pass or Masonlive Account, please call the ITU Support Center at 703-993-8870 or email support@gmu.edu.

To register for classes, go to http://patriotweb.gmu.edu

Prior to orientation/course registration, we recommend you review the following information:

1. Review the Course Registration Guide

• The Course Registration Guide explains how to register and drop classes in Patriot Web (link: http://registrar.gmu.edu/topics/registration-guide/)
• You will log in to Patriot Web (link: http://patriotweb.gmu.edu) in order to register for classes

2. Review the rule "Full-Time Enrollment Requirement"

• Immigration regulations require international students in J-1 status to take a full course of study in the Fall and Spring.  Undergraduate students MUST register for a minimum of 12 credits in Fall and Spring.
• Do not count any fully online courses towards your full-time status.  J-1 students can only register for a fully online course after registering for a minimum of 12 undergraduate or 9 graduate in-person courses.  Online courses are marked as "distance education" in the Course Catalog and the venue of the course is marked as "On-line/Internet NET" or "TBA." Please note that online courses are different from hybrid courses.   In a hybrid course the professor and students will meet both on campus and online.  International students can take as many hybrid courses as they wish.

3.  Download the app Blackboard App for Students on your smartphone

• Blackboard App for Students is a free mobile and tablet-optimized app for iOS, Android, and Microsoft. This app gives Mason students access to their Blackboard course content on a variety of mobile devices. The first release of the Blackboard App includes the ability to access courses, view the course content, take tests, participate in discussions, and join Collaborate sessions.
• Link: https://its.gmu.edu/knowledge-base/how-to-install-the-blackboard-mobile-learn-app/

You must withdraw from courses during the drop/add period (Final day Spring 2022: Monday, February 14, 2022, for 50% refund).  If you fail to drop your classes, you are responsible for any fees incurred. In addition, contact the Student Health Insurance Office at insure@gmu.edu to cancel your health insurance.  If you fail to do so, you are responsible for any fees incurred (including late fees).

The "New to Mason" guide is now available on the OIPS website!  Click on the links to learn more:

Contact the Global Education Office at intlex@gmu.edu for information about on-campus housing and move-in dates.  Usually students can move in the day prior to orientation.

• Pick up your Mason ID card.  To learn more, go to https://masonid.gmu.edu/about-mason-id/
• All Mason students born after December 31, 1956, must provide proof of compliance with immunization requirements mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and George Mason University.  To learn about immunization requirements and translation resources, go to the Student Health Services website or send an email to immunize@gmu.edu.  The immunizations forms should be submitted by the deadline: Tuesday, January 4, 2022.
• Drop off your immunization documents at the Immunization Office located in SUB I, room 2347/2348.

COVID-19 International Orientation Update: With the health and safety of  the university community being our main priority, George Mason University has made the decision to move our international student orientation online for Spring 2021. Though a virtual format, students must still register for Orientation. On Monday, January 3, 2022, we will be releasing pre-recorded virtual content for students to view at their own pace. All content should be viewed and the final assessment should be completed no later than Sunday, January 23, 2022. Information about the virtual orientation process will be sent to students who register for orientation via their Masonlive email.

Welcome to Mason and we are very excited for you to be joining our dynamic international student community!

More information about Mason’s response to COVID-19 is available at http://www.gmu.edu/coronavirus

Questions? Email OIPS at oipsprog@gmu.edu

All new international students are required to check in with the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS). This is the key step to let Mason know you have arrived. Not doing so could cause problems with a variety of administrative requirements.

Things to bring to check-in:

• DS-2019
• Passport and Visa
• International Student Check-In Sheet