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.
Through this program, students have access to:
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.
Application process and fees
The application window for the 2020-2021 academic year is now closed. The fee for the 2020-2021 academic year is $6,800. Once a student is accepted into MASI, they must pay a $400 deposit to secure their space in the program. The $400 deposit is applied to the overall fee.
Completed applications are reviewed by a committee. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview as completed applications are received. A completed application includes:
- MASI Application
- Documentation
- Two Recommendation forms
- High School/College Transcript
- GMU Acceptance Letter
- (Optional) MASI Scholarship Application
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.
Once a MASI acceptance letter is received, students will have until May 1 to commit to the program and pay the $400 deposit. If the deposit is not paid by May 1, 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
Yes! 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. There are currently no upcoming info sessions. Please check back at a later date for dates as they are posted.
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.
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 39 students.
The Peer Mentor and Learning Strategist Application has now closed. Please check back at a later date and opportunities will be posted as they become available.