Arts Learning Communities

The CVPA Learning Community is a unique residential opportunity for freshmen majoring in any of our visual and performing arts programs. All incoming freshmen majoring in Art and Visual Technology, Computer Game Design, Creative Writing, Dance, Film and Video Studies, Music, and Theater are encouraged to apply.

Through specialized interactive programming, first-year students in the CVPA LC explore innovation and creativity across the artistic disciplines. They expand their knowledge of the arts, support each other in creative work, and experience deeper connections among the George Mason and Washington D.C. arts communities.

First-year students in the CVPA LC have direct access to:

• Experience on-campus music, theater and dance performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, computer game expos
• Learn from faculty speakers and guest lectures
• Travel to Washington, D.C.’s many galleries, museums, and performances
• Work collaboratively with students across the arts

Why live in the CVPA LC?

96% of LC participants would recommend LCs to incoming students (from 2014 and 2015 surveys of LC participants).

Requirements

CVPA LC students must:

• Live in the LC residence hall
• Enroll in the LC course or first-year course identified for the community
• Participate in at least one LC program and activity per month
• Complete program assessments in the fall and spring

Students accepted to the CVPA LC will participate in periodic workshops/seminars offered by the College of Visual and Performing Arts covering important topics for new students, including identification of resources, thoughtful work around topics such as equity and inclusion, and introductory arts topics across the visual and performing arts. In addition, CVPA LC students are required to register for one of the following courses, depending on their majors:

• AVT 101: New Majors Colloquium (one-credit course). Provides a common core experience of the broad range of professional career options open to studio art majors. Lectures address practical concerns, and emphasize social, ethical, and philosophical aspects of visual arts professions.
• DANC 190: First Year Seminar (zero-credit course). Introduction to School of Dance, CVPA, and university resources available to dance majors. Weekly meetings focus on learning about opportunities for involvement in dance, the community, and adjusting academically. Classes address topics to assist dance majors in effectively transitioning to college life.
• GAME 210: Basic Game Design (3-credit course, also fulfills degree requirement) Introduction to computer game design and development including a brief history of the field and current industry practice and production. LC students enrolled in this course will also attend a supplemental academic advising workshop addressing college and university resources and advice for the first semester/year of college.
• MUSI 300: Recital Attendance (zero-credit course, also fulfills degree requirement) LC students enrolled in this course will also attend a supplemental academic advising workshop addressing college and university resources and advice for the first semester/year of college
• THR 150: Greeks to Restoration (3-credit course, also fulfills degree requirement) Examines the development of Western drama and the collective art of theater from its beginnings through Restoration. LC students enrolled in this course will also attend a supplemental academic advising workshop addressing college and university resources and advice for the first semester/year of college.
• UNIV 108: Mason Transitions: CVPA Learning Community (zero to one-credit). Freshman transition course for First Year CVPA LC students—priority registration for FAVS and Arts Undeclared majors, but open to all interested students.

Living in the CVPA LC

The CVPA LC will be housed in Dominion Hall. Although used exclusively for freshmen students, Dominion Hall incorporates the suite-style housing of our upper class halls. So CVPA LC students get the advantage of living with fellow freshmen while also living in a suite.

Dominion Hall has laundry facilities, group living areas, and dedicated maker spaces designed specifically for art students which provide materials and resources that foster community within the arts disciplines. All rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, dressers and closets. Carpets and window treatments are provided.

Dominion Hall is a non-smoking and alcohol-free housing area.

Dominion Hall is also home to other Arts Learning Communities; allowing students to connect with those enrolled outside the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Application Process for Incoming Freshmen

Space in the CVPA LC is limited, and resident selection is competitive. CVPA LC housing requests are in high-demand. Applications received early in the process are more likely to be granted housing preference. 

Upon acceptance of an offer of admission to George Mason University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts:

1. Pay your $550 deposit by May 1 ($250 enrollment deposit and $300 housing deposit).

2. Complete a housing application by May 1. Print a copy of the confirmation screen for your records. Look for your confirmation postcard in the mail at the end of May.

3. On your application, simply indicate your preference for the CVPA LC.

If you have already completed a Housing application, but would like to apply to the CVPA LC, please email us.

Retain copies of the confirmation screens for your records. Residential preference confirmation postcards are mailed at the end of May (June for fall applicants).

Computer game design students talk about their experience of living in the Arts LC.