George Mason University

George Mason University is relatively young for a university of its size.  Founded initially in 1972, it now has campuses in four counties of Northern Virginia, with the principal campus and administration site at the campus in Fairfax.  For additional information about GMU, please use this link to the University’s history.

The Greek system at GMU

George Mason University recognizes 15 fraternities and 12 sororities as part of the fraternity and sorority community.  Chi Psi was admitted to the IFC in 2006  -- but we were established as a Colony in the summer of 2002 and became an Alpha in November 2003.

The Lodge

The Greek system at George Mason University is relatively young, particularly when compared to what most Chi Psi alumni have experienced.  While many Alphas have historic Lodges and others have Lodges that are large enough to function well for the Alpha, Omega Delta (like all fraternities at GMU) does not have such housing options at this point.  Like their counterparts, Omega Delta’s Lodge is a rented house where current actives live; the Corporation is neither the owner nor lessee of the property. 

Omega Delta has had two Lodges in its brief history, and both have been quite close to campus, in contrast to other fraternity houses that are miles away.  The original Lodge was at 4219 University Drive in Fairfax, VA, about four blocks north of the campus.  One of several virtually identical 1950s-era structures that predated the University. At some time in its history, the house had been enlarged by adding a room over the carport and a screened porch at the rear.  This extra space provided just enough room for meetings.  This became the residence of several members of the interest group and then the Colony and then, when the new Alpha was created in November 2003, it became the first Lodge and remained such until August 2005. 

The second Lodge was two blocks closer to the GMU campus than the first – literally the last house on University Drive before you reach the campus (4300 University Drive.  Slightly larger and with more functional space – both inside and outside – actives moved in as renters in August 2005 and it became the Alpha’s second Lodge. 

While GMU’s interest in developing a strong Greek system clearly is growing, the prospect of campus housing for fraternities and sororities (other than dedicated floors of dormitories) is not a near-term possibility.  The Board is beginning to work with the Alpha on near-term possibilities that might result in a better Lodge while also putting more attention into the mid-to-longer term possibilities on the campus itself by working with the GMU administration. If you have interest, contact us.