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CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 NOTICE

Mason will start the fall semester as scheduled on Monday, August 24, with a mix of in-person instruction, expanded online classes, and research activities. Review Mason's Safe Return to Campus Plan and explore College level resources. 

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George Mason University

Virtual STEM Bridge Program

STEM Camps Go Virtual

The Virtual STEM Bridge Program is an online learning experience for incoming freshmen. It includes lecture (synchronous and asynchronous), faculty office hours, and review sessions with current STEM Undergraduate Assistants. The program empowers students to succeed in science and math courses during their first semester and introduces them to STEM at Mason. 

Students at the 2019 STEM Bridge Camp

Summer Sessions 2020

Week-long sessions will be available through July 2020. This summer, the STEM Accelerator is offering: 

  • July 13 - 17, BIOLOGY
  • July 20 - 24, CHEMISTRY
  • July 27 - 31, MATH 1 (Algebra to CALC 1)
  • August 3 - 7 , MATH 2 (CALC 2 and beyond)

College of Science faculty from each discipline will lead each session, with current STEM Undergraduate Assistants to support student learning. 

Students can register for more than one session. 

Registration and Pricing

Prices for the virtual STEM program are as follows:

  • $150 for 1 session
  • $300 for 2 sessions
  • $400 for 3 sessions
  • $400 for 4 sessions (the fourth session is free!) 

Full and half scholarships can be provided upon request. Applicants must submit a 100-250 word explanation describing who they are and why they need this scholarship. The description must include the following commitment to attend, "I will be present at all sessions for which I am registered." These application statements can be sent to stemcos@gmu.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Who attends the virtual sessions?

The camps are for Mason students who will be starting at Mason in Fall 2020. 

What can I expect from the Virtual STEM Bridge Program?

Each week will focus on one topic area.  For example, biology week will be include biology content taught by Mason faculty.  Expect online lectures, readings, homework and discussions on specific topics.  There will be additional components such as navigating Mason's online Blackboard platform, working with the Achieve online learning program, participating in online discussions for Mason success, and collaborating with other students and with your undergraduate learning assistant.  Expect to spend eight hours a day on content with some work being synchronous (live participation) and some being asynchronous (at your own pace). 

What is a typical day like?

Each camp will be slightly different, but a typical day will be similar to the following schedule.

Regular font is asynchronous (done in your own time).  Undergraduate learning assistants will be available at these time.

Bold font is synchronous (live).  Recordings will be made of these sessions, but if you are present you will interact with Mason faculty and other incoming Freshmen. You will also be able to ask questions.

Achieve is an online learning program with readings, homework, videos etc.

Collaborate Ultra is the Blackboard online learning classroom.

Zoom is a second platform used via Mason for online meetings.  Participation is restricted to Virtual Camp participants

9:00am

11:00am

Independent Work

Achieve

11:00am

12:00pm

Class Meeting

Collaborate Ultra

12:00pm

1:00pm

Lunch Break

 

1:00pm

3:00pm

Independent Work

Achieve

3:00pm

4:00pm

Class Meeting

Zoom or Collaborate Ultra

4:00pm

6:00pm

Help Session with Peer Mentors

Collaborate Ultra

Can I register for more than one session?

Yes! You can register for as many sessions as you would like. 

Will the sessions be synchronous or asynchronous?

Sessions will be a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous learning. There will be scheduled times when the entire class meets with the professor. Participating students will also be given time to complete work at their own pace. 

Can I participate in the Virtual STEM Bridge Program and work?

The answer is yes, but you will miss out on some of the interactive learning.  It also will be 4-8 hours of additional work to learn this material for your fall semester. Learning goals for these camps include: meeting and working with Mason faculty;  interacting with other Mason freshman and Mason majors (undergraduate learning assistants) in your field of interest; building bonds for your freshman year and beyond; receiving tips from for student success at Mason, including learning techniques, time management skills, career opportunities, research opportunities at Mason, and your health and wellness.

Will scholarships be available?

Needs-based scholarships are available upon request. To request a full or half scholarship, applicants should email stemcos@gmu.edu with the following information:

  • Subject Line: Scholarship - Virtual STEM Program
  • 100-250 words describing who the applicant is and why they need a scholarship
  • Include the phrase: "I will be present at all sessions for which I am registered."

Please allow up to five business days for a response.  

Will there be a Math Boot Camp or STEM Bridge Camp for summer 2020?

Due to COVID-19 precautions, in-person STEM Bridge Camps will not be taking place on Fairfax campus in summer 2020. However, in these STEM virtual sessions, the STEM Accelerator will offer similar content: review of lab protocol, one-on-one interactions with Mason professors, tips for student success, and more! The virtual STEM sessions have the same goal as the annual camps, to ensure that participating students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in Mason STEM.