Each user (team member) working on a project creates his own MAPSET(s)

mycomputer 1> grass5

Click on "Create New Location"

                            GRASS 5.0.0pre1

LOCATION: This is the name of an available geographic location.  -spearfish-
          is the sample data base for which all tutorials are written.

MAPSET:   Every GRASS session runs under the name of a MAPSET.  Associated
          with each MAPSET is a rectangular COORDINATE REGION and a list
          of any new maps created.

DATABASE: This is the unix directory containing the geographic databases

         The REGION defaults to the entire area of the chosen LOCATION.
         You may change it later with the command: g.region
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

LOCATION:   ______________             (enter list for a list of locations)
MAPSET:     PERMANENT_____             (or mapsets within a location)

DATABASE:   /home/helena/grassdata____________________________

           AFTER COMPLETING ALL ANSWERS, HIT ESC ENTER TO CONTINUE
                           (OR Ctrl-C TO CANCEL)

Type-in the existing LOCATION (e.g. spearfish) and the new name for MAPSET (student), then hit ESC ENTER, and you will get:

Mapset < student > is not available

Mapsets in location < nclidarspft >
----------------------
(+)helena              (+)PERMANENT           

note: you only have access to mapsets marked with (+)
----------------------

Would you like to create < student > as a new mapset? (y/n) 

Type y and you will enter GRASS

Welcome to GRASS 5.0.1  
.......
This version running thru the Bash Shell (/bin/bash)
Help is available with the command:      g.help
See the licence terms with:              g.version -c
If required, restart the graphical user interface with: tcltkgrass&
When ready to quit enter:                exit
GRASS>