Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Deadline is close of business Wednesday for inclusion in the following Tuesday's edition.
Campus Updates
Climate Action Plan Town Hall
The Mason community is invited to Mason's next Climate Action Plan (CAP) Town Hall to suggest ideas, offer feedback, ask questions, and learn more about the CAP process. Find out how climate action and social justice are tied together and how they affect Mason.
Climate Action Plan Town Hall
Wednesday, March 9, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register
Contact Ariel Sierra, Facilities, with questions.
Candidates for College of Education and Human Development Dean Position to Hold Public Presentations
The Mason community is invited to attend (in-person or virtually) public presentations by the five current finalist candidates for the position of Dean of the College of Education and Human Development. Those who attend will be asked complete an online survey to provide feedback regarding each candidate.
Each finalist candidate will discuss the following topic: “What do you see as the major challenges and opportunities facing the College of Education and Human Development, and what is your vision for addressing them as Dean of the College?”
All sessions will be recorded. RSVP to attend either in-person or virtually. All sessions will be hosted in Merten Hall, Room 1201:
- Tuesday, March 1, 9–10:15 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 2, 1:30–2:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 9, 1:15–2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, March 10, 10–11:15 a.m.
- Friday, March 11, 9–10:15 a.m.
Candidates CVs will be distributed 48 hours in advance of the presentations. For questions, contact gmuprov@gmu.edu.
The Mason Community Discusses the Ukraine-Russia War
In a series of three events from March 8–10, the Mason community is invited to engage in discussion with faculty experts from across the university.
The Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Schar Faculty Insights: A teach-in and panel discussion about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, led by Schar School faculty.
Tuesday, March 8, 6–7:30 p.m.
Multiple locations:
Arlington Campus, Van Metre Hall, Room 602
Fairfax Campus, Horizon Hall, Room 3010
RSVP via email to csps@gmu.edu. This event will be recorded.
The War in Ukraine: The Program in Russian and Eurasian Studies and the Program in Global Affairs invite you to a conversation about the war in Ukraine. Ask questions and engage in conversation with faculty from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences with a wide variety of expertise and backgrounds.
Wednesday, March 9, 5:30–7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Horizon Hall, Room 4012
Hybrid event (hosted on Zoom)
Registration required
Response to the War in Ukraine: Join the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution as a panel of Ukrainian experts discuss current developments and responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Thursday, March 10, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Virtual event hosted on Zoom
Register
25th Annual Health & Fitness Expo
Mason's 25th Annual Health & Fitness Expo will feature interactive health education activities, hands-on demonstrations, fitness instruction, and challenges. This event is free, open to the public, and promotes health, wellness, well-being, fitness, and disease prevention while introducing the Mason community to resources that can help them lead healthier lives and empower their well-being.
25th Annual Health & Fitness Expo
Thursday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
Save a life at the Health & Fitness Expo Blood Drive. Register using the information below:
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Visit redcrossblood.org and enter “GMUBLOODDRIVE” to schedule your appointment
Student VPN to Require 2FA
Students will be required to use Two-Factor Authentication to access the Student VPN starting Monday, March 14, at 11:30 p.m. This change brings the Student VPN up to the standard required for other Mason VPNs.
Students will use Duo 2FA to confirm their identity, which is also used to access Office 365 accounts. Those needing assistance may contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu.
Registration Open: Bike to Mason Days
Bike to Mason Days are back in person! Whether you bike to campus regularly for school/work or are contemplating starting to bike, this event is open to all Mason cyclists.
- SciTech: Tuesday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Colgan Hall Front Patio
- Fairfax: Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Merten Lawn
- Arlington: Thursday, April 21, 3–7 p.m., Founders Plaza
There will be food, resource information, and fun giveaways. Register today. Questions? Contact transpo@gmu.edu.
Seeds of Change: Community Recognition Event
Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) will host its annual Seeds of Change community engagement recognition event on Tuesday, April 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. in The Hub ballroom and through Zoom.
This event celebrates and recognizes impactful and incredible efforts with and through our local community. Graduating seniors will be awarded with the Community Engagement Medallion, and several wonderful partnerships among faculty, staff and students will also be recognized.
Consider nominating a changemaker for these awards. For more information, visit the website. Contact sail@gmu.edu with questions.
Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations
Mason’s Office of Government and Community Relations presents the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations to recognize faculty, staff, students, businesses/not-for-profits, community members, and elected officials/staff who demonstrate leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community.
The award is named in honor of former Fairfax Mayor Jack Wood, a driving force for town-gown relations between Mason and the local community.
Nominate yourself or someone else by March 25. Award recipients will be notified by April 7, and an award ceremony will be held on May 5 in conjunction with the Board of Visitors meeting.
Note: Those with community relations/outreach as a primary responsibility in their job description are not eligible.
Contact Traci Kendall, Community and Local Government Relations, with questions.
Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) Application Open
Applications for the summer Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) are due March 15.
URSP gives undergraduates an authentic research, creative, or scholarly experience under the guidance of a mentor. Students can submit proposals semesterly to apply to get funding for their independent research projects and a living stipend. They will work one-on-one with a mentor expert and participate in seminars while completing their research or creative activity.
Students can find more information and the application at oscar.gmu.edu. Please encourage your students to apply.
Mason Shuttle Updates
Spring Break will bring some modifications to the Mason Shuttle schedules. Details are available at shuttle.gmu.edu.
Mason Transportation is also offering Spring Break regional transportation for Mason students. Check the details and list of available destinations.
Note: Masks are still required on Mason Shuttles, per the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) mask requirement for public transit. This remains in effect at least through March 18. See the details from the FTA.
Contact shuttle@gmu.edu with questions.
Transit Driver Appreciation Day: March 18
Mason Shuttles is celebrating Transit Driver Appreciation Day! It’s a wonderful time to celebrate our dedicated shuttle drivers. Help us say “thank you” by sending kind words about your experiences on Mason Shuttles. Your email compliment will enter you into a drawing for a $20 Starbucks gift card. Visit the website for details.
Training and Professional Development
Sign-Up for Mason 101
Mason 101 is a one-time, two-hour workshop for Mason staff and faculty to learn more about the history, organization, resources, and future of George Mason University.
The next session takes place this Friday, March 11 via Zoom from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sign up is available at masonleaps.gmu.edu:
Log in with your Mason ID.
In the search bar, type "Mason 101" and press the Return/Enter key.
On the screen that opens, click "Mason 101."
Click on an available Mason 101 date.
Click the "Request" button next to your preferred date.
For questions or more information, contact Philip Stamper, Office of University Branding, at pstamper@gmu.edu or 703-993-5308.
Leading to Well-Being Speaker Series Webinar: Kevin Fenton
Learn the well-being implications of how COVID-19 has impacted the world and how you can help bring positive change as a leader in Mason's next free Leading to Well-Being Speaker Series webinar.
Senior public health expert Kevin Fenton will join us Tuesday, March 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Register today.
Resources for You
Brown and Brown Distinguished Speaker Series: Heather McGowan and the Future of Work
Join the School of Business for the Brown and Brown Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Heather McGowan, future-of-work strategist and co-author of The Adaptation Advantage.
Brown and Brown Distinguished Speaker Series
Wednesday, March 23, 6:30–8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, The Hub ballroom
Live streamed on GMU-TV
Register
Spreading Kindness: Give a Pat to a Pat Today
The Mason Chooses Kindness Committee is conducting the Pats for Pats program, an initiative to spread kindness throughout the campus by giving shout-outs and recognition. Pats for Pats are a free and easy way to thank, recognize, and show appreciation for a Mason colleague or student who has taken the time to do something kind, generous, or thoughtful toward others. Learn more and nominate someone today.
Azar Nafisi and Joanne Leedom-Ackerman: A Reading and Conversation
The Cheuse Center for International Writers and Solid State Books are pleased to present a conversation between bestselling author Azar Nafisi (Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books) and novelist and journalist Joanne Leedom-Ackerman on March 10 at 7 p.m. This virtual event is free and open to the public.
Nafisi and Leedom-Ackerman will read from their new books and speak about the power and importance of literature and free expression, especially during turbulent periods of political strife and censorship. Matthew Davis, founding director of the Cheuse Center, will moderate this conversation.
Visit the website for more information and to register.
Velocity Wings Fairfax Now Accepts Mason Money
Velocity Wings Fairfax in University Mall now accepts Mason Money and is a Patriot Perks member, offering all students, faculty, staff and alumni a 15 percent discount. Check them out at 10697 Braddock Road or visit their website.
For questions about Mason Money or Patriot Perks, contact Aliya Rinaldi, Operations and Business Services.
Order Your Branded Mason Alumni Blazer
Mason has partnered with My Haberdasher to offer Mason alumni and fans a branded blazer. The blazer’s stunning green lining is embellished with the athletic and mascot head logo. The exterior of the blazer is available in two colors: green and blue. A vest option is also available. My Haberdasher offers standard sizes as well as custom fittings.
Contact David Atkins, executive director of business partnerships and licensing, with questions.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Mason Artist-in-Residence: SW!NG OUT
Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Co-commissioned by the Center for the Arts, SW!NG OUT is a full-length multidisciplinary work showcasing the Lindy Hop, a swing dance style born in 1930s Harlem. Live music by Eyal Vilner’s Big Band accompanies the dancing and choreography created by the acclaimed Caleb Teicher with Lindy Hop champions Evita Arce, LaTasha Barnes, and Nathan Bugh. This performance is family-friendly.
Hylton Family Series: The Okee Dokee Brothers
Sunday, March 20, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Bluegrass and American roots music fans, bring your youngins’ to experience the down-home Americana folk music you love with the GRAMMY Award-winning duo, The Okee Dokee Brothers. “The Okee Dokee Brothers' album celebrates everyday explorers, young and old, who rediscover that notion daily” (NPR’s All Things Considered). Recommended for ages 3–12. Face coverings are required indoors for patrons ages two and up.
Veterans and the Arts Initiative
Exploring Self & Social Identity with Women Veterans: A Hybrid Mixed Media Workshop
Tuesdays, March 22 to April 5, from 7 to 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center and online via Zoom
This three-part hybrid workshop, in-class or virtual, explores Women Veterans’ self and social identity through mixed media. Andi Benge, School of Art instructor, will teach participants how to combine several art mediums. Participants will create a work that can be shared within a supportive environment to help reflect not only on personal identities, but identities within the community. Note: Registration required. This workshop series is free and open to Women Veterans. Space is limited.
Mason School of Dance: Mason Dance Company 2022 Gala Concert
Friday, March 25, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 26, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The Gala Concert is the highlight of the Mason Dance Company season. Featuring City of Rain, by Camille A. Brown; Silent Ghost (excerpt), by Alejandro Cerrudo; a premiere by Larry Keigwin; and a premiere by Christopher d’Amboise, performed by talented dancers at the start of their professional careers.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Storytelling in Tones
Sunday, March 27, at 2 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Become a classical music insider with virtuoso pianist Jeffrey Siegel. Popular with classical music lovers and newcomers alike, his unique “concerts with commentary” format gives the story behind the music. In this concert, you will hear the vibrant works of Scott Joplin, Aaron Copland, Manuel de Falla, and Carl Maria von Weber. This performance is family-friendly.
Edgar Meyer and the Scottish Ensemble
Sunday, March 27, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning bassist and composer Edgar Meyer joins the acclaimed Glasgow-based Scottish Ensemble for a unique program that spans the ages from the Baroque to the present day. A musical innovator, Meyer is credited with relocating the bass from the back of the orchestra to the front, making it the musical centerpiece in his reimagined and original compositions.