George Mason University’s Class of 2022, at 3,700 students, is the largest incoming class in school history and brings the total enrollment past 37,000 students for the first time.
Minority students now comprise more than 50 percent of the incoming freshman class, making this the most diverse class in school history. On top of that, the average SAT score for this group is 1212, 15 points higher than the previous class, and the incoming freshman GPA rose from 3.66 to 3.70.
In addition, we welcomed the largest number of transfer students in school history—3,139 students, up nearly 25 percent from just three years ago. This is a credit to our partnership with Northern Virginia Community College.
The group made their way to EagleBank Arena on Friday, Aug. 24, for their New Student Convocation. There was music by the Green Machine and welcoming speeches by university administrators that stressed inclusion and proactive learning in preparation for the start of the 2018-19 academic year.
The Green Machine, considered the nation’s top pep band, set an upbeat tone as the students entered the building.
“Patriot Pride” was sung by the Patriot Quartet (left to right) Nancy-Jane McClain, Ross Hedlund, Andrew Naioti, and Joi Harper.
Mason President Ángel Cabrera presented students with his top-10 best pieces of advice. He also showed off his technology skills by explaining to students how to use their phones to call their moms … once a week.
Student body president Bekah Pettine, a senior majoring in government and international politics, encouraged her fellow students to get involved on campus and take charge of their futures.
Professor Angela Hattery, director of Women and Gender Studies, gave a passionate presentation that stressed the benefits of learning and cultivating relationships in a diverse environment.
The Green Machine kept things rocking with multiple renditions of the Mason Fight Song, and a playlist that kept the crowd cheering.
September 20, 2018 / Adapted from a story on news.gmu.edu