The Fourth Annual We the People National Invitational competition looks forward to welcoming parents and visitors from around the country! The following information will help you better understand and enjoy the competition and events.
Information Desk > Learn More
Hearing Rooms > Learn More
Student Briefing Room > Learn More
Awards Ceremony > Learn More
Visitors must register at the Center’s information desk on Saturday and Sunday.
Information Desk Location:
Enterprise Hall
Visitors will be issued a name or state badge that should be worn at all times during competition events. Your name or state badge ensures your access to hearing rooms. Visitors without name badges will not be admitted into the hearing rooms.
Saturday and Sunday
The hearings will take place on the campus of George Mason University. Because the hearing rooms are limited in size the number of open seats depends on the class size and number of parents and visitors. Every effort will be made to ensure that parents and visitors who have come to see a particular student testify will be seated in the room during that student’s unit hearing. Parents and visitors may stand in the back of the room unless otherwise directed due to fire codes and at the discretion of the teacher or Center staff. As usual, classes that have a large number of parents and visitors may have to devise rotation schedule. To ensure that the hearings are not interrupted, parents and visitors will be admitted to the hearing room at appropriate break times (between units) and after the judges have left the room.
To ensure fairness anyone affiliated with a competing class (teachers, coaches, students, chaperons, parents, friends, relatives, etc.) may not enter the hearing room of any other competing class. Once a class hearing is completed, floor supervisors and Center staff will help direct classes and visitors exit in a timely fashion.
Parking at George Mason University on Saturday and Sunday
If you are driving to campus, note that most GPS devices only recognize the 4400 University Drive address for George Mason University. Once on campus, you will need to follow the signs or a campus map. Commuters may use the Mason Pond Parking Deck for a fee.
Metrorail Information to and from George Mason University
The closest Metrorail stop to George Mason University is the Vienna Orange Line metro stop. Click here for information on a free shuttle available to and from the metro.
Monday
Our top three middle school classes that advance to the final round of competition will testify on Monday, May 2 at the Sheraton Reston Hotel. The hearings will be extended to 12 minutes (4 minute opening statements and 8 minutes of follow up questions). Because of the large number of students participating in this year's event, only the top three classes and their guests will be able to observe the final round of hearings.
On the Saturday and Sunday there will be a twenty-five minute briefing at Enterprise Hall, Room 80 for all classes before the hearings begin. Robert Leming, Director of the We the People Programs and Mark Molli, Director of Governmental Relations will officially welcome students, teachers, parents, and visitors to the Fourth Annual We the People High School National Invitational and address the students about important matters concerning the competition. Upon arrival floor supervisors and Center staff will direct students to the Orientation room. Parents and visitors are welcome. At the end of the briefing, floor supervisors and Center staff will direct classes to their hearing rooms. Once all classes have been dismissed, parents and visitors will be directed to the hearing rooms.
Awards Ceremony
The ceremony is the culminating event of the Fourth Annual We the People National Invitational. This is the time to celebrate the accomplishments of all of the students and teachers participating in the national invitational. The Awards Ceremony will be in the Diamond Ballroom at the Sheraton Reston Hotel from 7:30-9:00 pm. All students, teachers and guests are welcome.
