Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Deadline is close of business Wednesday for inclusion in the following Tuesday's edition.
Campus Updates
Homecoming 2022: Brave, Bold, and BACK
Let’s join together for Homecoming 2022, which kicks off Mason's year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary!
Upcoming event highlights:
- Feb. 9: Day of Service
- Feb. 12: Tailgate/Festival
- Feb. 12: Men’s Basketball vs. VCU
- Feb. 13: Women’s Basketball vs. Saint Joseph’s
- And much more!
For complete event details and registration/ticket information, visit homecoming.gmu.edu.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening of Reflection
The Mason community is invited to celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening of Reflection with Mason's Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment (CCEE) and The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee.
Martin Luther King Evening of Reflection
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 6–8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, The Hub Ballroom
Live streamed on GMUTV
Register
This year's theme, “Dangerous Unselfishness,” reflects on Dr. King’s last iconic speech, “Mountaintop.” This year, our hope is to center coalition-building while reflecting on the work that still needs to be done on our campus and in our communities and nation to reach Dr. King’s idea of the “promised land.”
Hours of Operation Webpage
Mason offices and departments are encouraged to post their hours of operation on the university's Hours of Operation webpage.
Please check hours.gmu.edu to find out if your office's hours are currently listed. If any changes are needed, or to add your department’s listing, submit the information using the online form. You may list in-person, virtual, and/or phone contact hours.
Valentine's Day Pop-Up Shops at the Arlington Campus
This Valentine's Day, enjoy special pop-up shopping at the Arlington Campus, featuring gifts by Made in Arlington. Discover unique items by local artisans and makers to treat yourself, your family, or a friend!
Stop by vendor booths in the lobby of Van Metre Hall on Monday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Faculty/Staff Spouse and Dependent Tuition Benefit Survey
In response to the Faculty Senate’s and Staff Senate’s joint resolution supporting tuition benefits for spouses and dependents of Mason employees, Human Resources and Payroll is working toward understanding the implications and developing an implementation plan. Take this brief survey that will allow the university to gauge the degree to which this benefit might be used.
Final Call for Outstanding Achievement Awards Nominations
The 2022 Outstanding Achievement Awards nomination deadline is fast approaching. If you would like to recognize a faculty or staff member’s dedication and contributions to Mason, be sure to submit the nomination by Feb. 25. (Note that the departmental awards may have different deadlines.)
Visit the Outstanding Achievement Awards website for more details.
The ceremony is scheduled for April 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Questions? Contact awards@gmu.edu.
Brown & Brown Distinguished Speaker Series Featuring Richard Bynum
Join the School of Business for the Brown & Brown Distinguished Speaker Series, a fireside chat with Richard Bynum and Dean Maury Peiperl.
Wednesday, Feb. 16, 6:30–8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, The Hub Ballroom
Live streamed on GMU-TV
Register
Richard Bynum is the chief corporate responsibility officer with the PNC Financial Services Group. In his role, Bynum is leading the implementation of PNC’s $1 billion commitment to help end systemic racism and support the economic empowerment of African Americans and low- to moderate-income communities.
Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award: Deadline Extended to Feb. 28
The Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award honors Rick, “the Mason bike dude,” who passionately advocated for and encouraged active transportation at Mason and beyond. Nominations are open for this new award. The recipient will be honored at the Outstanding Achievement Awards in April.
If you know a faculty or staff member who embodies Rick’s enthusiasm and commitment, submit a nomination. Check more details on the Parking and Transportation website.
Contact transpo@gmu.edu with questions.
Training and Professional Development
4-VA@Mason Call for Proposals
Calls for proposals are now open for Mason faculty interested in launching pilot research projects in conjunction with colleagues at one or more of the universities within the 4-VA system in Virginia (which includes William & Mary, James Madison, Old Dominion, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Military Institute, Virginia Tech, and the University of Virginia).
The portal to submit proposals is open through March 31, with funding available July 1 through the 2022–23 academic year. Interested faculty may view the application, review associated policies and procedures, and read previous successful proposals on the 4-VA@Mason Collaborative Research Grants page.
Bank on Your Success: All About Banking Webinar by TRUIST BANK/BB&T
This webinar for Commonwealth of Virginia employees will review banking basics, monetary instruments, how you can create personalization for better budgeting, alerts, and more.
Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6–6:45 p.m.
Register online
Virtual Workshop Series: Faculty Fridays with the Libraries
Join University Libraries for Faculty Fridays with the Libraries, a virtual workshop series catered to research and library-related instruction needs. In these workshops, participants will get an introduction to the tools, services, and people that will help them be more efficient and organized researchers and instructors. View upcoming workshops and register.
Resources for You
Join Mason's Next Rx Racial Healing Circle on Feb. 16
Be part of a powerful well-being conversation in Mason's next Rx Racial Healing Circle, happening Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. The circle will be hosted online and is open to all Mason students, faculty, and staff. Learn more and register.
Reminder: Sustain & Save Program
Sustain & Save is a program offered by Commute66 to assist in reducing traffic along I-66 and improving daily commutes. Enrolled participants will receive $100 each month they participate in a sustainable commuting mode.
To join Sustain & Save, you must be a full-time faculty or staff member at the Arlington Campus, currently drive along I-66 and pay tolls, and willing to switch to an eligible commuting mode (public transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, or biking).
For more information, visit the website.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
Center for the Arts Family Series: Saturday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hylton Family Series: Saturday, Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Direct from the Vegas Strip, it’s Popovich Comedy Pet Theater! The whole family will be awe-struck by the juggling feats of Gregory Popovich, along with the circus tricks of his adorable and spotlight-stealing furry and feathered friends. Voted the “Best Family Attraction in Las Vegas,” it's absolute circus fun. Recommended for all ages. Note: Face coverings are required indoors for patrons ages two and up.
Ballet Hispánico
Saturday, Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Founded by National Medal of Arts recipient Tina Ramírez, Ballet Hispánico is a renowned Latinx dance organization, recently recognized by the Ford Foundation as one of America’s Cultural Treasures. Ballet Hispánico brings communities together to celebrate and explore Latinx cultures through innovative dance performances, transformative dance training, and enduring community engagement experiences.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Jason Vieaux and Aaron Clay
Saturday, Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
GRAMMY-winner Jason Vieaux is “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone). NPR wrote Vieaux is “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” Mr. Vieaux joins Aaron Clay in a performance of the U.S. premiere of “Bruromano,” by Czech composer Sylvie Bodorová. Clay serves as principal bassist for “The President’s Own" United States Marine Band and the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. He commands great respect as a performer in both the classical and jazz worlds.
Pilobolus: BIG FIVE-OH!
Sunday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts
In their 50th anniversary celebration, Pilobolus turns their traditions sideways in a thoroughly engaging new way. Pilobolus puts the “Oh!” in BIG FIVE-OH!, as they continue to morph into audiences’ hearts and minds. From the vintage and visionary to the recent and electrifying, Pilobolus continues to wow audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen. This performance contains partial nudity.
Mason Jazz Festival
Saturday, Feb. 26
Fairfax Campus (multiple locations)
The Mason Jazz Festival is an invitational event open to middle school, high school, collegiate, and community Jazz ensembles. This festival will take place Saturday, Feb. 26, on the Fairfax Campus. Sponsored by Mason Jazz Studies and the Jazz Education Network, participating groups will perform a 20–30 minute set, followed by a clinic by Mason Jazz faculty and special guests. The closing festival performance ensemble will be the United States Army Blues Jazz Ensemble at 7 p.m. in Harris Theatre. All performances are free and open to the public.