Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Update
Transportation Survey Underway: Feedback Requested
Mason's 2022 Transportation Survey is underway through Friday, May 6. Take a few minutes to share how you get to, from, and around campus. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
After completing the survey, you may opt-in to a raffle for 10 prize packages, valued at $40 each. Ten participants will be randomly selected from those who opt-in.
As background to the survey, 30 percent of Mason’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributed to commuting. By participating in this survey, you will help us understand and improve how Mason commutes, while sharing your feedback about key issues.
Participate in the survey. Contact transpo@gmu.edu with questions.
Staff Senate General Meeting
The May Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speakers Provost Mark Ginsberg and Matt Smith, director of accreditation, who will discuss Mason’s most recent re-accreditation process and an update on the future of in-person, hybrid, and virtual learning.
Staff Senate General Meeting
Wednesday, May 4, 10 a.m. to noon
10–11 a.m.: General business meeting
11 a.m. to noon: Guest speakers
Hosted on Zoom
Staff may submit questions/comments for the guests speakers in advance of the meeting through the online form. Please submit questions by Friday, April 29. If time permits, live questions will be addressed.
Contact staffsenate@gmu.edu for more information.
Bike to Work Day
Celebrate the Washington region’s Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 20. Start your day off cycling. Pit stops will be provided all over the Virginia, DC, and Maryland area. For details and to register, visit biketoworkmetrodc.org.
Mason Shuttles Summer Schedule Coming Soon
Spring Mason Shuttles service operates through Friday, May 20. Summer service begins on Monday, May 23. Parking and Transportation is currently updating the Mason Shuttles schedule for Summer 2022, which will be available soon. Please check shuttle.gmu.edu for updates.
There will be a reduction in service for summer on all routes. Burke VRE will not operate after May 20 until further notice. The West Campus Shuttle will stop for summer with Friday, May 13, being the last day of service until fall. From May 9 through May 13, West Campus service will be every 30 minutes. Lot M/P permit holders may begin parking in general lots on the East Campus for the summer beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, and West Campus permit holders can begin parking on the East Campus effective at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 5. For more information, contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or shuttle@gmu.edu.
Victims' Rights Run/Walk
Join Mason’s Annual Victims' Rights Run/Walk (VRRW) 5K on Wednesday, April 27. In addition to the 5K, other activities are planned across Mason campuses—including yard games, yoga, and meditation. #5KYourOwnWay by choosing a physical activity that’s right for you.
Funds raised through VRRW will support student survivors through the Mason's Victims of Violence Fund. This fund provides Mason student survivors with trauma therapy, emergency housing, safety planning support, and many other resources. Learn more and register today.
Training and Professional Development
Student Loan Repayment Information Session for University Employees
Join the Student Support and Advocacy Center virtually on Wednesday, April 27, from noon to 1 p.m. for a Student Loan Repayment Information Session for university employees.
This is an informational session to make sure university employees are prepared for when the COVID deferment on student loan payments expires. This session is open to all Mason faculty and staff.
You do not need student loan debt yourself to attend this session, as it is also important to understand what Mason students face with repayment. Attendees will end the session with the confidence to get started on a path to successful student loan repayments. Register today.
Fiscal Transformation Training
Mason’s Chart of Accounts (COA) Redesign Project team has been working hard for the past two years to redesign the structure currently used to record financial transactions, in order to improve reporting, analysis, and efficiency. More than 150 staff and consultants are currently rehearsing the transition that will begin mid-May and continue through August.
To prepare for these coming changes, the university will be offering robust training opportunities, beginning with an all-day “Boot Camp” on Wednesday, April 27. This virtual event is open to all faculty and staff and will provide live seminar-style training and discussions.
To register, visit Fiscal Transformation Boot Camp. Space is limited, so those interested should register as soon as possible.
To learn more about the COA project, please visit coa.gmu.edu. If you have any questions, please reach out to the project team directly at COAProj@gmu.edu.
Resources for You
Prescribe to Thrive: Exercise is Medicine at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center
The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center has received a community grant from Sentara Community Health and Wellness Partnership. This grant will help accomplish the goal of improving the health of the Prince William County community by reducing the impact of sedentary lifestyles through Exercise is Medicine (EIM), a community-based exercise and lifestyle change program.
Through Mason, community health care systems, and the Freedom Center, the EIM model will help establish a standard of care where local health care providers are consistently making referrals to qualified community prevention programs to:
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Implement a clinical exercise and lifestyle change program for those at risk for chronic disease
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Empower patients to become responsible in managing their health and increase self-efficacy to perform and maintain new healthy behaviors, resulting in improved quality of life
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Improve biometrics
The Freedom Center offers a comprehensive, 12-week program that provides an accessible, low-cost option to help guide and encourage sustainable lifestyle changes for improved activity levels and overall well-being.
For more information, contact Tammy Rowland.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Mason Opera Presents Giacomo Rossini’s La Cenerentola
Dewberry School of Music
Multiple performances, April 29 to May 1
Harris Theatre
Mason Opera is delighted to bring Giacomo Rossini’s La Cenerentola to vibrant and sparkling life. Composed in 1817, La Cenerentola is a charming, operatic dramma giocoso in two acts, which premiered at the Teatro Valle in Rome on January 25, 1817. In addition to the beautiful music and the exquisite sets, costumes, and lighting, Mason’s exciting spring opera production will feature the talents of the vocal and instrumental students from the Mason Opera and the Mason Symphony Orchestra. Join us for an evening of exciting artistry as we retell the beautiful Cinderella story.
Leslie Odom, Jr.
Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Known globally for his Tony Award-winning performance as Aaron Burr in the hit musical Hamilton, Broadway superstar Leslie Odom, Jr. presents a thrilling concert for the Hylton Center's 12th Anniversary Gala. Odom, Jr. is a multifaceted performer whose career spans theater, television, film, and Grammy Award-winning music. Music fans will not want to miss this celebrated performer live in the Hylton Center’s Merchant Hall.
International Jazz Day Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Share the vibrancy and vitality of jazz music with Mason Jazz students and faculty. International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts on all continents to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future, and impact.
Matinee Idylls: John Bullard Featuring Markus Compton
Tuesday, May 3, at 1:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
In a delightfully unusual pairing, banjoist John Bullard and pianist Markus Compton perform folk-classical fusion music. The charming blend of sound harkens back to the combination of harpsichord and lute, transforming the works of Bach and Vivaldi with the artful and folksy banjo. “What Segovia did for the classical guitar John Bullard may well do for the five-string banjo; elevate it to a respected classical instrument!” (Wireless Catalog).
Spring: Dance Innovations
Mason Dance Company
Friday, May 6, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 7, at 8 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Mason choreographers present a showcase of new dances performed by the Mason Dance Company.
A Concert Presentation of The Boy Detective Fails
Mason School of Theater
Friday, May 6, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The Boy Detective Fails, based on Joe Meno’s acclaimed novel, tells the story of Billy Argo, “boy detective.” In a world akin to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, young Billy becomes famous for solving mysteries, until he faces a mystery he can’t comprehend—the shocking death of his young sister, Caroline. Ten years later, a 30-year-old Billy returns to his quiet New Jersey town determined to solve the mystery of Caroline’s death and right old wrongs. The School of Theater is thrilled to premiere this new and updated version by book writer Joe Meno and composer Adam Gwon.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, May 8, at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Join the Dewberry School of Music for their spring finale concert featuring the Mason Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Soo Han and the university choirs under the direction of Lisa Billingham.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Broadway’s Best
Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents a musical tribute to Broadway in an evening of popular melodies, timeless ballads, and nostalgic favorites. Maestro Anthony Maiello reunites with Broadway veteran and soprano Lisa Vroman, “one of American Musical Theater’s most beautiful voices” (Sir Cameron Mackintosh). This performance is family-friendly.
Dewberry School of Music Honors Recital
Sunday, May 15, at 3 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The Honors Recital is a premier recital opportunity for Dewberry School of Music students, representing each instrument area, who auditioned and were selected to perform by a faculty panel. This performance is free and open to the public.