Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
President’s Town Hall Meetings Scheduled for the Fall Semester
George Mason University President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town halls to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.
The first town hall, for Mason employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 3–5 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Hub ballroom.
The second town hall, for employees working in academic units, will take place on Monday, Nov. 6, from 1–3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.
For those unable to attend in person, both town halls will be livestreamed on Zoom. Please contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords.
Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 19
When the ground starts to shake, what do you do? On Thursday, Oct. 19, at 10:19 a.m., Mason will join millions of people participating in a nationwide earthquake drill: The Great ShakeOut.
This drill will be announced via Mason Alert. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you and the Mason community. To prepare for the drill, make sure your contact information is updated for Mason Alert at alert.gmu.edu and review the earthquake guide at ready.gmu.edu. We hope that you will join in practicing “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake!
Fall Flu Shot Clinics
Stay healthy and protect your community this flu season with the convenience of our on-campus flu shot clinics. Let's keep our campus safe and thriving! Sign up today to receive your flu shot at one of our on-campus events.
Appointments for the COVA flu clinics are available at Fairfax (Thursday, Oct. 12) and Mason Square (Thursday, Oct. 19). The SciTech clinic took place on Oct. 5.
Employees with Kaiser should register for the Kaiser clinic on Thursday, Oct. 19, at Fairfax, or visit kp.org/flu to find an in-network provider.
Flu shots are fully covered for those with COVA, Kaiser, or Student Health Insurance. Visit the Human Resources website for more information, including student flu shot information.
2023 Celebration of Distinction
Recognize the professional achievements and outstanding community service of Mason alumni at the Celebration of Distinction on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. Tickets are now available for purchase to celebrate the very best of the Mason Nation. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@gmu.edu or 703-993-8696 with questions.
University Survey Application Vendor Demonstrations
The university’s contract with Qualtrics expires in early 2024. To ensure continued alignment of the survey application portfolio with the changing needs of Mason, Information Technology Services (ITS) recently launched an acquisition project, which included a Request for Proposal (RFP) to evaluate and award a new multiyear contract for a survey application that supports the university’s goals.
Join ITS for vendor demonstrations from finalists (Qualtrics and QuestionPro) to learn about each platform and provide valuable feedback.
Presentation schedule:
- QuestionPro: Tuesday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to noon
- Qualtrics: Wednesday, Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to noon
Visit the ITS website for more details and Zoom links.
A Celebration of Legacy and Impact: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter – Peacemakers and Leaders for Change
The Carter School will host A Celebration of Legacy and Impact: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter – Peacemakers and Leaders for Change, a two-day symposium event on Monday, Oct. 16, and Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mason Square.
This event will commemorate the former President and First Lady’s contributions to making the world more peaceful, with a charge for how we can collectively continue their good works. Topics will include:
- The Camp David Accords: A First Step Toward 45 Years of Peace
- President Carter’s Key Foreign Policies and Their Influence Today
- The Nexus of Humanitarian Service: Policy, Religious Practice, and Education
View more information and RSVP. Registration includes breakfast, refreshments, lunch, and a celebratory reception at the end of the first day.
Tuesday Treks: Fairfax Campus Connection
Faculty and staff are invited to embark on a journey of social connection, informal conversation, and enhanced well-being with the Tuesday Treks series. Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17, the treks start at noon at Fenwick Library's main entrance on the Fairfax Campus.
This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, share meaningful conversations, and elevate your work-life balance. All abilities are welcome. The Tuesday Treks series is designed to accommodate everyone, so you can move at your own pace and comfort level. Visit the Human Resources website for more information.
Mason Trunk or Treat
Join a family-friendly evening of spooky fun and sweet treats at the annual Mason Trunk or Treat. This event is open to all Mason families. Enjoy candy, games, music, and of course, fabulously decorated trunks!
Mason Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct. 21, from 4–6:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Parking Lot L
Sign up to host a trunk. This event is hosted by Mason Contemporary Student Services. Contact Matt McLaughlin with questions.
Learn about the Ombuds at Anniversary Events
Ombuds services are available to Mason students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families. Join Mason's Office of the University Ombudsperson for a series of first anniversary celebration events during October:
Ombuds Open House: Stop by for conversation, apple cider, tea, snacks, a scavenger hunt, art, and a game to learn about ombuds services on Thursday, Oct. 12, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall, Room D170.
Tabling Events
Find out more about ombuds services, grab a snack, and speak with staff from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.:
- Tuesday, Oct. 10: Fairfax Campus, Wilkins Plaza
- Friday, Oct. 13: Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, lobby
- Tuesday, Oct. 24: SciTech Campus, Katherine Johnson Hall, lobby
Virtual Conversations—Thriving Together: This is a unique opportunity to connect with individuals from around Mason. During this confidential conversation, we will dive into a range of topics that are relevant to our lives, careers, and personal growth. Learn more and view the schedule. Contact ombuds@gmu.edu with questions.
October Is Campus Sustainability Month
Campus Sustainability Month is celebrated every October at Mason. Join University Sustainability and Mason Facilities, along with many partners, for a month of fun, educational, and engaging activities and events. Learn about Zero Waste Mason, food justice projects, sustainable agriculture on campus, enhancing recycling and composting, and much more.
Make a sustainable impact, celebrate success, and learn about ongoing initiatives and how you can get involved this Campus Sustainability Month.
On-Campus Internship Program Information Session
University Career Services has launched a new, on-campus internship program to create more experiential learning opportunities, particularly for international students and those limited to working on campus.
Could your office benefit from the support of a student to support functions such as data analysis, accounting, project management, or software development? Funding is available to help offset the cost to your department.
Learn more about the program for spring 2024 during a virtual information session on Friday, Oct. 13, from 10–10:30 a.m., followed by an open forum for questions. Contact Angelica Newham with questions.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Events
Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Patriots! Information Technology Services (ITS) is observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month with events all month long. The theme for this year’s observance is “Secure Our World” to remind computer users of simple steps they can take to protect themselves online.
- Cybersecurity Trivia Contest: Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Kiosk G. Prizes will be awarded for correctly answering cybersecurity-related questions.
- Cybersecurity Panel: Thursday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Room C. Paulo Costa, Peggy Brouse, and James Jones of Mason’s Department of Cyber Security Engineering will present their research and how it impacts cybersecurity.
- “Ask Me Anything” Reddit thread: ITS will close the month with an “Ask Me Anything” Reddit thread on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 1–3 p.m., answering questions and offering cybersecurity advice. Join the conversation.
Training and Professional Development
Manager Meetup: Difficult Conversations
Managers and aspiring managers are invited to join the University Life Supervision Collective for a virtual meetup, diving into the handling of difficult discussions with confidence and intention.
Manager Meetup: Difficult Conversations
Thursday, Oct. 12, from 1–2 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register
This session will use a LinkedIn Learning course, "Quick Scripts for Difficult Conversations," as the foundation for the shared conversation. The group will explore the content provided, discuss strategies for implementation, and engage in putting this work into practice. Whether it's addressing performance challenges or delivering tough feedback, this interactive session will help managers build skills to navigate conversations effectively and confidently.
Upcoming Writing Center Workshops
From Casual to Scholarly: Strategies for Elevating Your Prose
Tuesday, Oct. 17, 4:30–5:45 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register on Mason 360
In this Writing Center workshop, participants will gain tips and strategies for using language, grammar, and style to their best advantage as they work to elevate the level of formality in their academic writing.
Writing the Introduction: Strategies and Writing Moves for Positioning Your Research
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2:30–3:45 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Room 227 E and hybrid on Zoom
Register on Mason 360
In this Writing Center workshop, participants will learn strategies for planning and writing an introduction that positions one's research in rhetorically savvy ways. Discuss typical writing moves made in introductions, which apply to dissertations/theses, journal articles, and conference or research proposals.
Safe Zone+ Program Training
The LGBTQ+ Resources Center invites the Mason community to attend Safe Zone+ Program training this fall. The primary mission of Mason’s Safe Zone+ Program, like the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, is to create a safer, more welcoming and inclusive campus environment, and to strengthen community and encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting the well-being of LGBTQ people. All are welcome to attend. Register.
Resources for You
Take Action for the Future: Webinar on Finances and Estate Planning
For National Estate Planning Awareness Week, join a webinar about estate planning and the importance of financial well-being.
Take Action for the Future: Webinar on Finances and Estate Planning
Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Registration required
This event is hosted by Mason’s Office of Planned Giving, in partnership with the Student Support and Advocacy Center and the School of Business.
ProjectConnect Registration Closes Oct. 11
Registration for ProjectConnect is open through Wednesday, Oct. 11. This is an opportunity for Mason faculty and staff to get to know each other and build a stronger campus community. Participants will meet in small groups to engage in a series of fun activities over the course of five weeks.
The program is a great fit for faculty and staff who are:
- Community-builders who want to improve the workplace well-being at Mason
- Committed to participating in deeper conversations
- New employees or employees who want to expand their social circle at work
Visit the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being website to register and learn more.
Biking Resources
Bicycle Commuting 101
Bicycling to campus can be fun and great for your well-being. Join Delia Johnson, a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, for Bicycle Commuting 101 on Thursday, Nov. 9, at noon via Zoom. During this session, Johnson will share information to help you feel more confident about getting to campus on two wheels. This session is open to faculty, staff, and students. Register, and Zoom meeting details will be sent to you.
Route Planning: Biking to Mason
Live within biking distance of Mason? Planning a commute for this autumn? We have volunteers who can assist you in finding a biking route that is comfortable for you. For details and regions covered, visit the Biking Resources page and choose Bike Volunteer Contacts.
Collaborating with Government and Community Relations
Does your department want to connect with government officials, engage the business community, or share its expertise with the community? Contact the Government and Community Relations team for guidance as you advocate on Mason’s behalf and build relationships with community groups. Learn more at relations.gmu.edu.
Fall for the Book Festival Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The 25th annual Fall for the Book festival offers readers opportunities to connect with authors and literature in new and vibrant ways. Mason is an event host and one of the sponsors of the festival.
Events for all ages are hosted at the Fairfax Campus and at off-campus locations around Fairfax. Festival events happen Oct. 11–14. Events are free and open to the public. Learn more.
Washington Commanders: Virginia State Employee Day and Discounted Tickets
The Washington Commanders will celebrate Virginia State Employee Day at FedExField on Sunday, Nov. 19, against the New York Giants. Bring friends, family, and colleagues to enjoy a fun-filled day at the stadium.
Discounted tickets are also available for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles (Oct. 29). Learn more and purchase discounted tickets.
$5 of the proceeds from each ticket will be donated directly to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), the Commonwealth's only annual workplace giving program.
Ticket Discount: Cirque du Soleil, Echo
Virginia state employees are eligible for discounted tickets to Cirque du Soleil's Echo at Under the Big Top in Tysons through Oct. 22. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Searching for Home in African Literature: Chika Unigwe and Leila Aboulela
The Alan Cheuse International Writers Center invites you to experience readings from authors Chika Unigwe and Leila Aboulela as they take readers on difficult and heartfelt journeys spanning time and continents. Ungiwe and Aboulela will be in conversation with Helon Habila, professor, creative writing and fiction.
Searching for Home in African Literature: Chika Unigwe and Leila Aboulela
Thursday, Oct. 12, from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Meeting Room D
Contact Lauren Hornbuckle for more information.
Upcoming Arts Events and Performances at Mason
Coco in Concert
Friday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Disney and Pixar’s award-winning film Coco thrills the whole family when shown with a 20-piece Latin music ensemble performing the soundtrack live in Coco in Concert. The movie follows 12-year-old Miguel, an aspiring musician who wants to take the stage and astonish crowds like his musical idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. The music from the film includes the 2018 Oscar-winning Best Original Song “Remember Me” by songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and make new family memories this year with Coco in Concert.
JAZZ4JUSTICE: Celebrating the Legacy of Anthony Maiello
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The 22nd annual Jazz4Justice will include Distinguished Professor of Music Anthony Maiello as the special guest conductor. Established in 2001 by Fairfax attorney Edward L. Weiner and founder of Mason Jazz Studies Jim Carroll, Jazz4Justice is an award-winning annual concert presented by Legal Services of Northern Virginia (LSNV) and Mason Jazz Studies. Proceeds from the evening benefit LSNV to continue its mission of service to the community, and the Mason Jazz Studies department for scholarships, trips, recordings, and student projects.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE: King for a Day
Sunday, Oct. 15, at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The hugely popular Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood LIVE, based on the #1 PBS Kids series, has delighted live audiences on stages across the country. Now, in its fourth year of touring, your favorite characters are hopping back on board Trolley and coming to Fairfax. The beloved characters come alive on stage to captivate you with new songs to sing along to, magical moments, and surprise guests along the way.
Malpaso Dance Company
Friday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Since forming in 2012, this classically trained Cuban dance troupe has ascended to the top of contemporary dance with performances that are as technically brilliant as they are passionately expressive. Join Malpaso as they work to uplift and represent Cuban dance with “a blend of unfussy ballet technique and lushly earthy modern dance, spiked with now-soft, now-explosive capoeira” (Boston Globe).
School of Theater: 9 to 5, The Musical
Oct. 20–29, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
9 to 5, The Musical is based on the seminal hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic. Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with their lying, sexist boss; and, in a hilarious turn of events, they live out their wildest fantasy by giving him the boot.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington: Rebirth Garments
Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 2 p.m.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
How do you make/hack your wardrobe to make it fully celebrate the intersection of all of your identities? Explore the idea of radical visibility, a disabled queer dress reform movement based on highlighting the parts of us that society typically shuns. The founder of Rebirth Garments, Sky Cubacub, will host this interactive workshop. Participants will play Cubacab’s surrealist Garment Generator Game to brainstorm new designs through fun constraints. Bring your own clothes (nothing will be permanently altered).
Fall Choral Invitational: Songs of Unity
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The annual Fall Choral Invitational brings high school choirs to campus for the opportunity to take part in choral clinics and perform on stage with the Mason Choral Department. The repertoire selected for the concert includes selections from a wide variety of choral traditions.
Lightwire Theater – The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen
Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 and 4 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Gather the whole family for this imaginative story cleverly told with cutting edge electroluminescent puppetry, live dancers, and a creative mix of classical, jazz, and pop music. This innovative company brings Aesop’s classic fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, into a brilliant new light when the next generation navigates a whole new kind of race filled with modern distractions. Treat the whole family to this breathtaking live production that will leave everyone in awe and filled with a sense of wonder. Recommended for ages 4–12.
Visual Voices Lecture Series with Sherrill Roland
Mason School of Art and Mason Exhibitions
Thursday, Oct. 26, at 4:45 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Enterprise Hall, Room 80
Sherrill Roland’s interdisciplinary practice deals with concepts of innocence, identity, and community, reimagining their social and political implications in the context of the American criminal justice system. For more than three years, Roland's right to self-determination was lost to a wrongful incarceration. After spending ten months in prison for a crime from which he was later exonerated, he returned to his artistic practice, which he now uses as a vehicle for self-reflection and an outlet for emotional release.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Christian McBride
Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning bassist Christian McBride joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso saxophonist Jim Carroll, in an unforgettable night of jazz. For the past 20 years, McBride has been one of the most prolific and well-known figures of jazz and is the velvety voice behind NPR’s popular “Jazz Night in America” radio show.
Faculty Artist Showcase
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music presents its annual showcase featuring its accomplished faculty, including vocal, instrumental, and piano artists.
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: Power and Passion of Beethoven
Sunday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In Power and Passion of Beethoven, pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns to take his audience on a musical voyage of Beethoven’s life and music through two of the composer’s favorite sonatas: Piano Sonata No. 24 “for Therese” and Piano Sonata No. 23, Appassionata. An interactive question-and-answer session will conclude this program.