Getting Started | Getting Started for Students | Getting Started for Employees | Knowledge Base | Service Catalog |

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 or returning student at Mason, the information below will help familiarize you with Mason IT services, resources, and support to help you settle into your academic life. Download the PDF version of our Student Technology Services guide by clicking or tapping on the image.

How to Get Help

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

Resident Students

Apogee is Mason's service provider for wired, Wi-Fi, and cable access in the Residence Halls. Please see gmu.apogee.us for set-up information and to get support.

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 students in one convenient and easy-to-find location. Go to the myMason service page for more information. Once you log into myMason, you will be able to access your Blackboard courses.

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

Activate Your Patriot Pass Account

Protect Your Security
Antivirus Software License
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 keeping 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 into Blackboard,LinkedIn Learning, or library databases. It's Mason in the palm of your hand. Go to the Mobile Mason service page for more information.

Set Up Your Email
Your email is your NetID@gmu.edu. Follow How to Log in to Office 365 Email for the First Time.

Set Up Your Computer
Computer Set-Up
For help installing and configuring Microsoft Office or other Mason-supported software or getting on the network, please contact ITS Support. Office 365 is available at no cost to students. Other free software is available for students to download and can be found with their associated services in the Service Catalog.

Registering & Authenticating Devices
To use the wired network, your device must have an Ethernet interface and cable to connect to an active jack. To use the wireless network, your device must have a Wi-Fi interface and be able to see Mason's wireless networks. For devices that do not support 802.1x Authentication, you can register up to 5 devices on mydevices.gmu.edu. For instructions on registering devices, please see How to Register a Device for Network Access.

Residence Hall Assistance
If you are a resident student, Apogee, the vendor of the ResNet network inside Residence Halls, is available to assist with technology issues. For assistance, please see gmu.apogee.us.

Collaboration Tools
The following collaboration tools are available at Mason:

  • Class Collaborate (formerly Blackboard Collaborate Ultra) 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 (MS) Teams is an enterprise-wide collaboration suite that lives within Mason’s Office 365 environment.  At its core, MS Teams provides chat, audio calling, video calling, screen share, and more with individuals and groups outside of a team structure.
  • Zoom is a cloud-based web conferencing tool for video and audio conferencing, collaboration with people within and ttps://its.gmu.edu/service/zoom/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 Blackboard Instructional Technology Support for Students.

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 students. The 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 student use.
Citrix Virtual Lab
The Citrix Virtual Lab provides remote access to academic software. Students and faculty with a VPN connection can access the necessary software needed to support online coursework. 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.