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Members of the university community gathered on the Fairfax Campus for spooky fun at the 5th annual ��ɫ��Ƶ Trunk or Treat on October 24. University offices and departments, student groups, local businesses, and community organizations hosted festive and frightful trunks for George Mason families.

Staff in , part of University Life, started the trunk or treat tradition at George Mason. The event is an opportunity to create a sense of belonging for student parents and caregivers, while also inviting the local community to campus.

Contemporary Student Services offers programming and resources to support the success of post-traditional students who balance life responsibilities, work, and their education. These students are often age 25 and older, care for dependents, work full-time jobs while enrolled, or have military experience. 

“Contemporary Student Services connects student parents and caregivers to each other as well as to the campus and community,” said Joisanne Rodgers, director of Contemporary Student Services. “We work to make sure student parents and caregivers know they are a valued part of the George Mason community and have advocates who understand the unique pressures they face.”

This fall, more than 800 newly enrolled George Mason students identified as student parents.

The George Mason Trunk or Treat has grown each year and is now organized by a committee of campus partners, including Contemporary Student Services, Student Involvement, Student Centers, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Graduate Student Life. 

“Events like the George Mason Trunk or Treat contribute to student parents feeling seen and cared for,” said Matthew McLaughlin, assistant director of Contemporary Student Services. “It's also a chance for them to come to campus as both a student and parent, without having to leave their identity as a parent, or the kids, at home.”

This year’s event had more than 1,200 attendees and 30 trunks.

“What sets this event apart from anything else we do for student parents is that faculty and staff from offices, departments, and student organizations show up to make the event happen,” said McLaughlin. “At the Trunk or Treat, student parents feel seen, supported, and valued.”