For Students

1. I think I'm sick. What should I do?

If you have a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath:

Do not attend classes, work or university events. Avoid contact with others. Stay home except when seeking medical care.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and stay well hydrated/drink fluids.
Cover your cough, and avoid close contact with others.

For more information, please visit the website for https://masonkorea.gmu.edu/corona/if-you-have-symptoms

2. One of my roommates just returned from an area that has been affected; what should I do?

Students returning to campus from areas with high rates of infection are subject to quarantine or self-monitoring protocols to help prevent the spread on the IGC campus of the virus that causes COVID-19.

All students returning from international destinations must adhere to stipulated protocols mandated by the authorities at the airport in addition to campus protocols.

It is important that we respect the diversity of our community and do not single out any one kind of person for concern about disease transmission. Viruses do not know nations or places.

However, if you suspect your roommate, yourself, or anyone you know might be infected, it is imperative that that person self-isolates and follows these steps. If he or she is not doing so already, urge your roommate or anyone else to do so. If they do not, let student affairs know about the situation. Upon request and if possible, student affairs can work with either students to find temporary on campus accommodations.

3. What’s going on with study-abroad trips? Domestic travel?

All study abroad trips sponsored by George Mason have been canceled. Students at George Mason Korea as part of the Global Gateway or study abroad programs have been given the option to remain at Mason Korea for the remainder of the semester, or to return to the US and continue their education from there, in an online format.

Mason Korea recommends against all non-essential domestic or international travel, particularly to areas with high rates of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19. Students who travel to those areas in Korea will need to self-quarantine for 14 days following and observe whether they develop any symptoms.

4. Will student evaluations of instructors still be conducted?

Yes, they will be.

5. Am I still responsible for course assignments and exams as stated on a course syllabus?

Yes, unless you hear otherwise from your instructor.

6. Will online classes affect my graduation?

Mason Korea has moved courses online, but has not changed the start or end dates of the semester. Assuming by June it is safe to gather in larger groups, graduation will occur as planned.

7. Does this situation affect registration for summer or fall?

Currently, we plan on holding face-to-face classes in the summer and the fall, and the registration dates have not changed.

8. If I need to selectively withdraw, change my major, or perform other registration activities, will I still be able to come to campus for these purposes?

These activities can be handled through the office of academic affairs through email or video chat, rather than coming to campus. Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs(mkaa@gmu.edu).

9. What if I want to leave the university?

MK students who are considering withdrawal from the university should contact the Office of Academic Affairs(mkaa@gmu.edu) and confer with a staff member.

10. I do not find the experience of online learning comparable to face-to-face classes. What is Mason Korea going to do about that?

Converting courses to online takes some time to accomplish, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. Your faculty are working overtime to do so. We also have brought in experts in online learning from George Mason Fairfax and drawn on faculty at Mason Korea with this expertise to help their colleagues develop their online courses.

You play an important part too: let your professors know what is working and what is not. Think about how you might have to engage differently in an online course. Active learning of the sort that is central to a Mason Korea education means that students take charge of their education. Increasingly, workplaces conduct their business online. Use this experience as a way of learning how to function in the professional online space. Finally, if you find a particular course in which the online teaching seems insufficiently effective, let us know which course it is and what the problems are, so that we can work to improve it. We will seek to preserve your anonymity if you wish. You can write the Office of Academic Affairs (mkaa@gmu.edu) to let us know about particular courses.

For international students

1. What should I do at the Incheon International Airport upon arrival?

Leaving the Incheon International Airport: Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN), all passengers are tested for COVID-19. Passengers will be directed to a government facility until their results are available within 24 hours.

If the test result is negative, passengers will be permitted to leave the airport for their domicile in Korea, then begin their 14-day quarantine requirement.
If the test result is positive, the passenger will be directed to a medical facility for treatment.

For detailed information, you may visit the following link: Incheon International Airport

2. How do I complete the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine?

1. Leaving the Incheon International Airport: Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN), all passengers are tested for COVID-19. Passengers will be directed to a government facility until their results are available within 24 hours.

If the test result is negative, passengers will be permitted to leave the airport for their domicile in Korea, then begin their 14-day quarantine requirement.
If the test result is positive, the passenger will be directed to a medical facility for treatment.

2. Self-Quarantine Process: All persons flying into Korea regardless of country of origin are required to self-quarantine for 14 days and self-report through a self-diagnosis app for a 14 day period. Information about how to download the app and what is expected during the self-reporting period will be provided at the airport. If you want to check this in advance, click here: http://ncov.mohw.go.kr/selfcheck.

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO HAVE YOUR SMARTPHONE READY TO DOWNLOAD SELF-DIAGNOSIS APP TO REPORT.

On-Campus Residents:

All on-campus residents will be temporarily assigned to a self-quarantine room for the 14-days. All meals will be provided by the Office of Student Affairs during self-quarantine. Students will not be allowed to leave their self-quarantine room under any circumstances. At the end of your 14-day quarantine, you will be allowed by IGC Housing to check in to your designated room.

If you have not submitted your Chest X-Ray TB Test, you will be permitted to self-quarantine on-campus, but will be unable to move into your permanent assignment until you have completed this requirement. At the end of your quarantine, the Office of Student Affairs will assist the student with obtaining the Chest X-Ray TB test.

For any questions regarding the Chest X-Ray TB Test, please contact the Office of Student Affairs (mksa@gmu.edu).

Off-Campus Residents:

The Ministry of Education now requires all university personnel—faculty, staff, and students—to self-quarantine and refrain from coming to campus for a two-week period after return to Korea on an international flight. This means you are not permitted to enter the Mason Korea building or any other facility on campus.

3. How do I access WIFI for international call or to download the Self-Diagnosis App?

The Incheon International Airport provides free Wifi connection. If you have any questions about the WIFI connection, you may inquire to the Information Desks.

4. I am preparing to leave Korea indefinitely. What should I do?

Inform the Office of Student Affairs of your departure date at mksa@gmu.edu.
Arrange your check-out date with your Resident Advisor. Your Resident Advisor will check the status of your room to make sure the room is in good condition.
Close your bank account and cellphone account.

5. What should I do with my Alien Registration Card?

You need to submit your Alien Registration Card at the airport before your flight departing Korea. For more information, contact the Immigration Contact Center.

(Update: 2020-06-12)