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Graduate Student Writing Spaces

George Mason University graduate students, who need dedicated quiet space for thesis and dissertation work on the Fairfax campus, may reserve the use of the Dissertation Writers Rooms (DWR) or the Graduate Student Reserved Carrels. Any graduate student is welcome to utilize the Silent Reading Room (5003) in Fenwick Library for silent work.

All graduate students who are in good standing with the University and University Libraries are eligible.

  • Fenwick Library Dissertation Writers Rooms

    Dissertation Writers Rooms offer short-term reservable desks in a shared space. They may be reserved for up to 45 days at a time, with a default reservation of 14 days.

    • Fenwick Library, 5th Floor
    • Twenty-five (25) carrels
    • Two desks in each room — one marked “A” and another marked “B” — each with a power strip available
    • Drawers and shelves are available, but storage of study materials is prohibited because the rooms are not secure
    • Restricted access with a unique door code or individual keys
    • Students may not specify which carrel they prefer

  • Fenwick Graduate Student Reserved Carrels

    Graduate Study Carrels are short-term reservable desks with power outlets and lockable storage cabinets. Any currently registered graduate student may reserve a study carrel. Carrels may be reserved for up to 45 days at a time, with a default reservation of 14 days.

    • Fenwick Library, 5th Floor, New Addition
    • Fifty-five (55) carrels
    • Desk with two (2) lockable storage units for research materials
    • Each study carrel has a key for its cabinets, which can be checked out at the Fenwick Information Desk with a Mason ID after placing a reservation. Desk staff will confirm graduate student status at the time of checkout.

  • Fenwick Graduate Student Silent Reading Room (RM 5003)

    This room’s intended purpose is for individual, silent study for graduate students.

    • No group study allowed
    • All patrons must follow Silent Reading Room policies posted within the room