Mason Autism Support Initiative
(MASI)
MASI is a comprehensive, fee-based program that provides additional intensive support services to students on the Autism Spectrum beyond typical higher education accommodations. MASI uses a team-based approach to assist students in achieving their goals in college.
Components of the MASI program include all of the following:
Learning Strategist
Graduate students or professionals that support students with developing strategies for academic and social success, making connections to campus resources, and facilitating communication with faculty. Learning Strategists meet with students 1-2 times a week.
Peer Mentor
Undergraduate students that support social needs of students. Peer Mentors meet with their mentees 1-2 times a week connecting them to the Mason community.
UNIV Courses
Each semester, students take ½ credit individualized UNIV courses that focus on topics related to the transition into college, campus resources, social skills, identity development, and career readiness with an emphasis on independence.
Social Events
Monthly social activities for students that consist of activities on and off campus, planned by the Social Event Planning Committee.
Upcoming MASI Information Sessions
Wednesday, February 8 3:30PM – 4:30PM (In Person)
Monday, February 20 9:00AM – 10:00 AM (Virtual)
Tuesday, March 7 2:00PM – 3:00PM (Virtual)
Friday, March 24 3:00PM – 4:00PM (In Person)
Thursday, April 13 2:00PM – 3:00PM (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 26 3:30PM – 4:30PM (In Person)
Application Process 2023-2024
The fee for the 2022-2023 academic year was $6800. There will be an increase to the fee for the 2023-2024 academic year. Once this information is available, we will update our website.
The application window for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open and will close Friday, March 17, 2023. If a student is accepted into MASI, they must pay a deposit to secure their space in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall fee.
MASI fees must be paid in full prior to the start of the academic year. Deadlines for the deposit and the remaining balance will be provided to students if they are offered, and accept, a spot in the program.
Completed applications are reviewed by a committee (i.e.: MASI staff and program partners). Selected applicants will be invited for an interview as completed applications are received. The application and all required components are due by Friday, March 17, 2023 by 11:59pm. Final MASI decisions will be sent out by Friday, April 7, 2023. A completed application includes:
- MASI Application 2023-2024 PDF
- $25.00 application fee – Submit payments here. Select “MASI Application Fee (New Applicants Only)”
- Documentation (Documentation Guidelines can be found in the application)
- Two Recommendation forms (submitted directly by the recommender) PDF
- High School/College Transcript (official or unofficial)
- GMU Acceptance Letter
- (Optional) MASI Fee-Based Program Assistance Application – Due Friday, April 21, 2023 PDF
If you are unable to access the PDF versions of the application materials, please contact us at MASI@gmu.edu.
MASI applications may be submitted at the same time as a student’s regular admission application to Mason. However, applications will NOT be reviewed for consideration until a Mason acceptance letter has been received.
If a MASI acceptance letter is received, students will have until May 1, 2023 to commit to the program and pay the required deposit. If the deposit is not paid by May 1, 2023, a student could lose their spot for the upcoming academic year.
After May 1st, if we still have space in the program, we will begin accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get more information about MASI?
In order to learn more about the MASI program, including the different components and the application process, we invite you to attend an informational session. Please visit the MASI page for details on upcoming dates and times for information sessions. Additionally, if you are interested in taking a tour of the George Mason University campus, please visit this link for details: Visit Mason. For any additional questions please call 703.993.2474 or email MASI staff at masi@gmu.edu.
How did the idea come about?
In 2014, Disability Services noticed a growing number of students expressing interest in having additional support services beyond the standard accommodations offered in higher education. The staff began researching and consulting with colleges and universities that had ASD support programs in place. In the Fall of 2014, the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI) launched as a pilot program with 8 students. Each year since then the program has grown and currently serves 47 students.
Are you hiring for the Peer Mentor/Learning Strategist positions?
If we have any openings in our office you can check out the Employment Opportunities page or Handshake and the job posting will appear there.
Testimonials
Location
4400 University Drive, MSN 5C9
Student Union Building 1, Suite 2500
Fairfax, VA 22030
Our hours
9:00 AM – 5.00 PM
Monday – Friday
Contact us
Phone: 703 993 2474
Email: masi@gmu.edu