# Dash for George Mason University students > Dash is an AI sidekick students at George Mason University (Fairfax, Virginia) text over iMessage and SMS for deadlines, Canvas, campus answers and admin. Independent; not affiliated with George Mason University. Start at https://textdash.ai/start Page: https://textdash.ai/virginia/fairfax/george-mason Checked: 2026-10-14 ## Key dates at GMU - Mon, Oct 26, 2026: Undergraduate full-semester selective withdrawal deadline — 100% tuition liability ([source](https://registrar.gmu.edu/calendars-2/fall_2026/)) - Wed, Nov 25, 2026: Thanksgiving Recess begins — university closed ([source](https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/calendars/)) - Sun, Nov 29, 2026: Thanksgiving Recess ends ([source](https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/calendars/)) - Mon, Dec 7, 2026: Fall 2026 last day of classes ([source](https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/calendars/)) - Tue, Dec 8, 2026: Fall 2026 Reading Day ([source](https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/calendars/)) - Wed, Dec 9, 2026: Fall 2026 exam period begins ([source](https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/calendars/)) - Wed, Dec 16, 2026: Fall 2026 exam period ends ([source](https://studentaccounts.gmu.edu/calendars/)) ## Tools and offices - Learning system: Canvas (https://canvas.gmu.edu) - After-hours crisis support: Call CAPS at 703-993-2380 and select option 1 for a ProtoCall crisis counselor when CAPS is closed, including holidays, school breaks, and 24 hours on weekends. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or Mason Police at 703-993-2810. (https://caps.gmu.edu/protocall-services/) - TimelyCare — 24/7 mental health support: Free for Mason students. TalkNow offers 24/7 on-demand emotional support. Students also receive 12 free scheduled counseling sessions per year. Register at Timelycare.com/gmu using your George Mason email address. (https://ulife.gmu.edu/timely-care/) - Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Free, confidential in-person and virtual mental health services for enrolled students. Visit SUB 1, Suite 3129, or call 703-993-2380. Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Wednesday 12:30–4:30 PM. Limited evening appointments may be available. (https://caps.gmu.edu/) - Office of the University Registrar: Registration, academic records, transcripts, enrollment verification, and graduation services. Phone: 703-993-2000. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. (https://registrar.gmu.edu/) - Mason Student Services Center: Central assistance for registration, enrollment, financial aid, billing, and academic records, with in-person and virtual services. Email: mssc@gmu.edu. Phone: 703-993-1000. Fairfax location: SUB I, Suite 1003, lower-level lobby; Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. (https://mssc.gmu.edu/) - Financial Aid: Assistance with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. All financial aid services are available through the Mason Student Services Center. (https://www.gmu.edu/financial-aid) - Canvas support: Log in with your Mason NetID and Patriot Pass Password. For Canvas questions, email courses@gmu.edu. (https://gmu.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/33/Portal/Requests/ServiceOffering/63/Learning-Management-Systems-Support) ## About GMU - Mason began in 1957 as a University of Virginia branch campus with one building and just 17 students. ([source](https://www.gmu.edu/about/legacy/history)) - George Mason became an independent university on April 7, 1972. ([source](https://www.gmu.edu/about/legacy/history)) - Mason is Virginia’s largest public research university, with more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. ([source](https://brand.gmu.edu/)) - Women’s soccer won Mason’s first NCAA national championship in 1985, defeating North Carolina 2–0. ([source](https://www.gmu.edu/about/legacy/history)) - Students rub the George Mason statue’s bronze left toe for good luck before exams and big assignments. ([source](https://www.gmu.edu/about/legacy/traditions)) - Student organizations design and paint benches on the quad outside Fenwick Library. ([source](https://www.gmu.edu/student-life/your-campus-community)) - IVth Night brings students to RAC Field for free food, carnival activities, and post-game fireworks. ([source](https://si.gmu.edu/events/)) - Mason Day celebrates the end of the academic year with carnival rides, games, food trucks, music, and a live concert. ([source](https://si.gmu.edu/events/)) - International Week celebrates students’ cultures and heritages and culminates in a longstanding dance competition. ([source](https://www.gmu.edu/student-life/your-campus-community)) ## Questions ### What learning system does GMU use? George Mason University uses Canvas (canvas.gmu.edu). Dash can read your courses and deadlines there once you sign in on Dash's secure page; Dash never sees your password. ### When is thanksgiving break at GMU? GMU's thanksgiving break is Nov 25–Dec 8, according to the school's academic dates. Dash can text you a heads-up the week before. ### When is the last day to withdraw from a course at GMU? Undergraduate full-semester selective withdrawal deadline — 100% tuition liability (Monday, October 26, 2026). Always confirm the deadline for your own courses with the registrar. ### When are final exams at GMU? Fall 2026 exam period begins starts Wednesday, December 9. Dash builds study plans around your own exam dates once it has them. ### How do I contact the registrar at GMU? Office of the University Registrar: Registration, academic records, transcripts, enrollment verification, and graduation services. Phone: 703-993-2000. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM. ### Where do I get financial aid help at GMU? Financial Aid: Assistance with grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. All financial aid services are available through the Mason Student Services Center. ### Is Dash affiliated with George Mason University? No. Dash is an independent AI sidekick made by Dash Inc. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by George Mason University. ### How do GMU students start using Dash? Text Dash from textdash.ai and tell it you're at GMU. Dash sets you up over text right away, no app to download.