Diversity

Finding a great group of people with different goals, aspirations, and ways of thinking is one of the keys to a rich and rewarding college experience.

Become involved in a student organization focused on diversity. Here are just a few of them. At Mason Engineering, students with their own individual identities—nationality, ethnicity, gender, faith, traditions, and abilities—come together to share ideas and experiences, and to learn from each other as well as the faculty.

Several organizations at the school support our diverse student population.

Mason Engineering students greet one another at the annual welcome back ice cream social

Students from all over the world come to Mason. Each fall they reconnect with old friends and make new ones at the annual Welcome Back Ice Cream Social.

Student Groups

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation

Who Should Join

Minority students interested in an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM).

Benefits to Getting Involved

Gain access to stipends in fall and spring semesters as well as summer courses.
Take advantage of mentoring and tutoring resources, internships, summer research experiences, and a summer bridge program for members of the incoming freshman class.
­­­­Participate in an annual symposium to present research and projects. 

About LSAMP 

The alliance, which is funded through fall 2022 by the National Science Foundation, is named after Louis Stokes, who was the first African American congressman from Ohio and co-founder of the Congre­­­ssional Black Caucus.

Contact: Alok Berry, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Who Should Join

Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics majors of all backgrounds, but the group is not limited to STEM majors.
Anyone who would like to grow professionally.

Benefits to Getting Involved

Attend informational events sponsored by well-known companies.
Benefit from multiple networking and career-development opportunities.
Participate in social activities such as movie nights, ice-skating, and laser tag trips.

About NSBE  

NSBE's goal is to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and have a positive impact on the community. 

Contact: gmu.nsbe1@gmail.com

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Who Should Join

Although the organization name includes the words Hispanic and engineers, the group welcomes all ethnic backgrounds and majors.

Benefits to Getting Involved

Attend professional development events such as résumé workshops and job-information sessions.
Participate in barbecues, study sessions, and other activities that include free games and catered food.

About SHPE

SHPE's mission is to change lives by empowering members of the Hispanic community to realize their full potential and to have an impact on the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. The group’s vision is a world in which Hispanic people are highly valued and influential as leading innovators, scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

Contact: shpe.gmu@gmail.com

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

Who Should Join

Open to all students, especially those with a major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math field.

Benefits to Getting Involved

Receive encouragement to establish a successful career in engineering.
Gain access to research and internship opportunities, as well as networking with professionals in the industry. 
Connect with other women who are interested in STEM through leadership activities and mentor programs.

About SWE

The Mason Engineering SWE chapter encourages women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity. 

Contact: gmuswe.president@gmail.com