Traditions

Teams and Team Launch

One of the first significant days in the life of a Mason School of Business student, is the team launch and the revelation of team assignments. During the Integrated Foundation Semester, students are strategically placed in teams of four or five. Together, these students will complete numerous projects and presentations in almost every area of business: Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, Computer Skills, and Business Perspectives & Applications, throughout the first semester of the business major's program. While teams may have their ups and downs throughout the semester, many students find this immersive experience to be their favorite in the business program.

At the Team Launch, each team is given a student mentor to guide them through the team-building process.  The mentor is a student who has already completed the Integrated Foundation Semester and their role is to lead the group through a team building exercises, focusing on positive team experiences.

Simulation Week

Towards the end of the Foundation Semester, classes are canceled for four days and students participate in the infamous Simulation Week. In their teams, students create and run a business through an online simulation. Making decisions such as to what products to sell and where to open stores to how frequently to run advertisements and employee health benefits, students get an introduction to operating a business.

After several days and a simulated five quarters competing in the industry, the team must create an annual report for their company. They also must give a formal presentation of their results to two William & Mary Executive Partners, distinguished business professionals who share their expertise with the College. At the end of the week, teams are ranked according to their results and prizes are given out to the winners. While Simulation Week can be time consuming and lead to late nights, often students find the experience enjoyable and very rewarding.

MasonFest

After students in the Foundation Semester complete Simulation Week, the entire Undergraduate Business Program celebrates their success at MasonFest. Students enjoy a German-style buffet lunch in the courtyard and are joined by other business students, faculty and staff. There are also fun outdoor games, like Corn Hole, leading to friendly competition between participants. MasonFest is a time of celebration and an opportunity to get to know classmates and professors outside of the classroom, helping to further build community in the business school.

Holiday Study Break

During the winter exam period, the Business School provides some much needed stress relief by hosting a Holiday Study Break. Students can watch classic holiday films, eat snacks, drink hot chocolate and even decorate a ginger bread house! This fun holiday tradition provides students with a much needed study break and an opportunity to visit with friends.

Senior Appreciation Dinner

One of the highly anticipated end of the year events is the Faculty-serve-the-Seniors Appreciation Dinner. Business faculty members put on their favorite aprons and serve dinner to both the majors and minors in the Business School. While the event does take place in the Business School, it adds a new dimension to the student-professor relationship and is a fun evening for everyone involved!

Commencement Dinner

The annual Commencement Dinner is an opportunity for faculty, seniors, and their families to celebrate graduation together over a meal. This catered dinner is served the night before commencement in the beautiful Miller Hall and allows friends and families to see where the students have spent much of their time. It also provides a chance for graduates to introduce their friends and families to their favorite professors!