WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HAVING AN INVESTITURE?
Universities hold investitures to accomplish several goals. The occasion celebrates the university’s achievements, goals, and endeavors, and authenticates the president’s role as leader of the academic community. At Mason, we view Dr. Washington’s investiture as opportunity to welcome a new era and celebrate as a community.
WHO IS INVITED TO THE INVESTITURE?
All faculty, staff, students, alumni, contract employees, and other community friends of the university, as well as those who have been invited as official delegates and special guests, are welcome.
HOW LONG IS THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY?
The Investiture Ceremony is set to begin at 1 p.m. and will conclude by 2:30 p.m.
WHO IS INVITED TO MARCH IN THE PROCESSION?
All Mason faculty and selected student representatives will have the opportunity to march in the procession. In addition, delegates from other educational institutions and the entire platform party have been invited to process.
WILL FACULTY MARCHING IN THE PROCESSION BE REQUIRED TO WEAR REGALIA?
Yes, all faculty are asked to wear regalia. Deadline for faculty to order regalia is Thursday, September 30. Faculty will need to contact the University Bookstore if they need to rent regalia.
Please email sm366@bncollege.com or visit the bookstore on the Fairfax Campus. If you've rented before, the bookstore will have your information. If you have not previously rented, please provide your height, cap size, degree earned, and which college/university you attended.
If you rent regalia for the Investiture ceremony, you may keep it to wear at the Winter Graduation, and return it to the University Bookstore no later than December 17, 2021.
WHEN SHOULD FACULTY PARTICIPATING IN THE PROCESSION ARRIVE?
Faculty who are processing in the Investiture Ceremony should arrive at 11 a.m. at the South entrance of EagleBank Arena where they can attend a pre-ceremony luncheon and robing on the East Concourse. Faculty participating in the procession are also invited to a post-ceremony reception.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER INVESTITURE EVENTS THAT FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS, AND/OR THE COMMUNITY CAN ATTEND?
A series of Investiture events begins on Friday, October 15, and continues through Friday, October 22, with the investiture at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 21. Get the complete schedule here.
ARE THERE ANY COSTS TO ATTEND ANY OF THE EVENTS?
No, there are no costs associated with attending any of the Investiture events.
ARE PAPER TICKETS REQUIRED FOR THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY?
Paper tickets will not be required for the Investiture, although you must register to attend.
IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF GUESTS I CAN BRING TO THE INVESTITURE?
No, there is no a limit to the number of guests you can bring to the Investiture.
WHY DO I NEED TO REGISTER?
Registration is currently required for all events on campus.
Attendees must complete Mason COVID Health Check and receive a “green light” status on the day of the event in order to be admitted.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS? IS THERE A MASK REQUIREMENT?
Mason requires masks in all indoor areas and when physical distancing can’t be maintained outside.
Every attendee must complete the Mason COVID Health Check and be prepared to show their green status email to enter the event.
ARE CHILDREN WELCOME?
Children are welcome to attend the Investiture festivities.
WHERE SHOULD I PARK FOR THE INVESTITURE CEREMONY ON OCTOBER 21?
Guests should park in any surface lot on the Fairfax Campus. Lots A and L are closest to the EagleBank Arena.
IS THERE A COST FOR PARKING?
There is no cost for parking in any surface lot on October 21.
DISABLED PARKING
Designated disabled parking is available in Lot A on the south side of EagleBank Arena. Please show your DMV issued “Handicapped” Parking (blue or red permit) to parking personnel as you enter the campus. They will guide you to Lot A.
WHERE IS THE GENERAL ADMISSION ENTRANCE?
For the Investiture Ceremony the general admission entrance will be at the South entrance. Please park in Lot A or L.
IS THERE ACCESSIBLE SEATING AT THE INVESTITURE?
Accessible wheelchair seating is available for guests (plus an attendant) in the four main portal areas on the concourse level, Portals 4, 8, 13 and 17. All seating at the concourse level around the arena has been reserved for those needing easy access.
WILL THERE BE ASL INTERPRETERS DURING THE CEREMONY?
ASL interpreters will be present at the ceremony
FACILITIES
Accessible restrooms are located on the concourse level. Accessible water stations are located near the restrooms.
PROGRAMS
Programs will be available at the door and online at the Investiture website, president.gmu.edu/investiture
WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DRESS FOR THE DAY?
Business attire is recommended. The ceremony will be held indoors at the EagleBank Arena. Please be sure to wear comfortable shoes if processing.
I AM TRAVELING FROM OUT OF TOWN. IS THERE A LIST OF HOTELS IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA? AND WHERE DO I FIND DIRECTIONS TO THE INVESTITURE?
Room block dates at both hotels are good for October 18 to 24.
Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks
Address: 11787 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033
Virtual Tour Link: https://visitingmedia.com/tt8/?ttid=fairfax-marriott-at-fair-oaks#/360?group=0&tour=0
To Book:
- Booking Link: (https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1631797047147&key=GRP&app=resvlink).
- Call 1-888-236-2427 and reference George Mason University Presidential Investiture and the date of October 21.
Rate: $129/night
- Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 13%) in effect at the time of check in.
Amenities: Free parking, on-site restaurant/bar, fitness center, complementary wi-fi
Hilton Fairfax
Address: 12777 Fair Lakes Cir, Fairfax, VA 22033
- Please note, this hotel is undergoing renovations in the main lobby. All services are still operational.
To Book:
Rate: $99/night
- Hotel room rates are subject to applicable state and local taxes (currently 13%) in effect at the time of check in.
Amenities: Free parking, on-site restaurant/bar, fitness center, business center, pool (UNDER RENOVATION), and pet-friendly rooms, complementary wi-fi
WHERE AND WHEN SHOULD DELEGATES AND SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS ARRIVE?
Delegates and special invited guests can park in Lot A, in reserved spaces, and attend the President's Luncheon on the East Side Tent, EagleBank Arena, per personal invitation.
I'M A UNIVERSITY DELEGATE AND MARCHING IN THE PROCESSION. WHERE WILL WE ASSEMBLE TO DON OUR REGALIA?
All official delegates and special guests marching in the procession will don regalia in the Hospitality Room following the President's Luncheon at the tent outside the EagleBank Arena, Lower Level East entrance.
- 11 a.m. Arrive for lunch in the Hospitality Tent, Lower level, east side of arena
- 12:30 p.m. Robing in hospitality room; guests escorted to seats if not processing
- 12:45 p.m. Line up for processional
- 1 p.m. Procession/Ceremony begins
- 2:30 p.m. Ceremony concludes; return to Hospitality Room & Tent
Parking Information: Special guest parking is located in Parking Lot A, near the loading dock, located off Mattaponi River Lane. Signage will indicate the Special Guest Reserved parking area. Parking attendants will be available to assist.
Enter through the tent on the lowest level of EagleBank Arena.
IS THERE SPECIAL GUEST SEATING AT THE INVESTITURE?
There will be seating reserved for Investiture special invited guest and those participating in the processional. For all other guests, seating will be on a first come, first-served basis.
HOW CAN A GUEST CONNECT TO THE CAMPUS WI-FI?
Please follow the instructions here: its.gmu.edu/knowledge-base/guest-wi-fi-self-registration.
IF I CAN'T ATTEND, CAN I WATCH THE INVESTITURE LIVE? IF SO, HOW?
The Investiture is livestreaming for those unable to attend in person. Click to watch the ceremony: gmutv.gmu.edu/live/
IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS, IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN CONTACT?
All questions can be directed to the Investiture team at gmuevent@gmu.edu.
Check the website at president.gmu.edu/investiture for more details.