Welcome to Mason!

We've put together this Getting Started resource guide to get you up and running as quickly as possible here at Mason. In addition to this page, you can:

Whether you're a new faculty or administrative staff member at Mason, the information below will help familiarize you with Mason IT services, resources, and support to help you settle into your new role. Download the PDF version of our Employee Technology Services guide by clicking or tapping on the image.

How to Get Help

The ITS Support Center serves as a central point of contact for the Mason community to request IT support or information. Go to the ITS Support Center information page for contact information.

Quick Support Reference

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Access the Network
One of the first things you will need to do is access Mason's network. For more information on Mason's wired and wireless networks, please see the following information:

Log Into myMason
The myMason portal puts the resources used by Mason staff, faculty, and students in one convenient and easy-to-find location. Go to the myMason service page for more information.

Enroll in Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA is required to access most Mason applications and the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Students are also required to use 2FA. Go to the Two-Factor Authentication service page for more information.

Activate Your Patriot Pass Account

Protect Your Security
Antivirus Software License
Faculty and Staff have antivirus software installed on their Mason-owned equipment. Mason suggests specific free antivirus software for use on personal computers. See Does Mason provide antivirus software? for more information.

Be Aware of Phishing Messages
Never give out your Patriot Pass Password or other personal information via email. Mason will never ask for personal information over email. If you receive a suspicious email, delete it. If you aren't sure, forward it to support@gmu.edu so it can be assessed.

IT Security Office
The IT Security Office provides information, current tools, and guidelines to keep your computer secure. For information on how to keep your computer and information protected, please go to the IT Security Office webpage.

Responsible Use of Computing
Please take a few minutes to read and review University Policy 1301: Responsible Use of Computing that explains what constitutes acceptable and appropriate use of campus computing and network resources.

Download Mobile Mason
Stay connected with Mason news, events, Patriot sports scores, shuttle and Cue bus schedules, and much more! Use Mobile Mason to find a building, computer lab, or print location and log in to Blackboard, LinkedIn Learning, or library databases. Go to the Mobile Mason service page for more information.

Activate Your Mason Accounts & Telephone
Email
Your email is your NetID@gmu.edu. Follow the How to Log In to Office 365 Email for the First Time.

Telephone & Voicemail
All telephone and voicemail requests must be processed through your department's Telecom Coordinator.

Set Up Your Hardware, Software & Internet
ITS-Approved Endpoint Devices
ITS requires that faculty and staff use Mason-managed endpoint devices for their work and research. For assistance with configuring a computer system, please contact the ITS Support Center. For more information, go to:

Computer Installs
Your department's Telecom Coordinator must place requests for installs.

Software
Select software is available without charge for faculty and staff. Microsoft Office 365 is available for installation on personal computers and devices.
View installation instructions for Microsoft Office 365.

Software on Managed Mason-owned Computers
Software is available through System Center Configuration Manager-SCCM (for PCs) or Jamf Pro (for Macs).

Software on Unmanaged Mason-Owned Computers
Please contact the ITS Support Center.


Collaboration Tools
The following collaboration tools are available at Mason:

  • Blackboard Collaborate is Mason’s Learning Management System (LMS) and is used to deliver online or web-enhanced courses and includes tools like discussion forums, text-based and real-time chat, a secure course grade book, quizzes, and exams.
  • Microsoft Teams provides chat, audio calling, video calling, screen sharing, and more. Team members have access to all of that and several additional Office 365 shared features: email; calendar; notebook with OneNote, shared file storage with Sharepoint integrated with your OneDrive, Planner, and more within team sites. MS Teams is available via web browser, desktop app, and mobile app.
  • Zoom is a cloud-based web conferencing tool for video and audio conferencing, collaboration with people within and outside Mason, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. To log in to Zoom, go to gmu.zoom.us/signin.

Getting Started with Blackboard
For more information on Blackboard, please see the Blackboard Courses service, Just in Time videos, and Blackboard Instructional Technology Support for Faculty. Mason’s Blackboard support staff is available for help during snow and other emergency days by putting in a request.

Printing on Campus
Mason has partnered with Canon to provide solutions for all your printing needs. Self-printing can be accomplished through the Pay-for-Print (PFP) network across all three campuses. The PFP network is accessible from Mason-owned computers or your own device. Please see printing driver downloads and instructions.
Learn About IT Resources at Mason
Equipment Checkout
Audiovisual equipment is available from the Classroom Support Offices on all campuses. A valid Mason ID is required. Go to the Video Production Equipment Checkout service page for more information.

Online Training
In partnership with LinkedIn Learning, Mason provides unlimited online training without charge to faculty, and staff. The LinkedIn Learning online subscription library offers thousands of videos on a broad range of subjects, with new courses added weekly. Go to the LinkedIn Learning service page for more information.

Computer Labs
ITS offers both specialized and general computer labs for faculty and staff use.

Citrix Virtual Lab
The Citrix Virtual Lab provides remote access to academic software. To use the Citrix Virtual Lab, see How to Sign in to the Citrix Virtual Lab.

Collaborative Learning Hub (CLUB)
The CLUB is a software assistance and group collaborative study space. Go to the Collaborative Learning Hub service page for more information.

Student Technology Assistance and Resources (STAR)
The Student Technology Assistance and Resource (STAR) Lab is a state-of-the-art multimedia computer facility. Go to the STAR Lab service page for more information.

General Computer Labs
General access to computers and printers is available at all campuses.

      • Fairfax Campus
        Johnson Center, Room 342
        703-993-3446
      • Mason Square
      • Van Metre Building, Room 211
        703-993-8226
      • Science & Technology Campus
        Katherine G. Johnson Hall, Room 250
        703-993-8499

See the Computer Labs service page for more information on what software is available in these labs and their hours of operation.