Mason Engineering graduates can win prizes in video contest

Dean Ken Ball is hosting a video contest for 2020 Mason Engineering graduates.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 22

Mason Engineering graduates take note. To celebrate your accomplishments Dean Ken Ball is hosting a video contest. This is an opportunity for you to share how you are celebrating graduation this year, test your video skills, and win prizes. 

Engineering bachelors, masters, and PhD students who are graduating this year may participate individually or in socially-distanced teams. If you are entering as a team, your team must include at least one person from Mason Engineering, but students from other schools can participate as well.

Here are the rules: Submit a video of 60 seconds, at the most. It can be shorter. The video should showcase how you will celebrate graduation. Feel free to include any technology that will help you celebrate. Do you have a favorite robot who could deliver a message? Is there something that you assembled that captures your Mason spirit? Did you develop an app that is appropriate for the occasion? Think of different ideas and try them out, be creative, and show everyone how engineers innovate.

Some basics for a better video:

  • If you are using a mobile device, remember to shoot landscape.
  • Make sure the exposure is not too high or there aren’t too many shadows.
  • Make sure your video is recording at 1080p HD at 30 fps, this will allow for the most optimal video quality while not making the files too big. For iPhones, this can be changed in your camera settings where it says “record video.”
  • Use a tripod or other device to hold up your phone, shaky cameras make videos instantly harder to watch.
  • Show your Volgenau School and Mason spirit. Wear university apparel, and you will also receive extra points from the judges.
  • You can check out previous award-winning engineering videos here

How to enter: 

  • Come up with your idea.
  • Create your video.
  • Upload your video to YouTube.
  • Submit your video by email to Martha Bushong with the subject line: Spring 2020 Celebration Video Contest.
  • Include your name and/or the names of the team, and program majors and the YouTube URL in the body of the email.

Entries must be received by May 15. We plan to announce the winners and award prizes after the Celebration of Graduates on May 22.

Questions? Contact Martha Bushong.

Fine print: By submitting the video you and or your team grant permission to George Mason University the absolute and irrevocable right and permission, with respect to the videos, and audio taken or made of you and /or comments made by you or in which you may be included with others; to use, re-use, and publish the same in whole or in part in any and all media including use on the world wide web, now or hereafter, and for any purpose whatever for illustration, promotion, art, recruitment, publication, advertising, and trade, and if appropriate, to use your names and pertinent education and/or biographical facts as George Mason University chooses.  Use of videos, is granted without any restriction as to changes or alterations (including but not limited to composite or distorted representations or derivative works made in any medium) and you waive any right to inspect or approve the finished versions incorporating the video, audio recording, and/or comments including written copy that may be created and appear in connection therewith. 

You agree that George Mason University owns the copyright in these videos, and/or audio recordings and hereby waive any claims based on any usage of the works derived therefrom. You release and discharge George Mason University and its employees, assigns, licensees, successor in interest, and legal representatives from any and all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with the use of these videos, audio recordings, and/or comments, including without limitation any and all claims for libel or invasion of privacy.  The videos, audio recordings, and/or comments will not be sold to any other firm or organization.