Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
The Mason Club for Faculty and Staff Re-Opens for Fifth Year
The membership-driven Mason Club for faculty and staff re-opens Monday, August 22, in its temporary location: the Blackstone Room at Southside dining hall.
The Mason Club, with floor-to-ceiling windows, padded chairs, and seating for 26, is designed for single diners to meet colleagues, as well as groups up to eight. Space is limited, and reservations are encouraged by using the widget on Yelp.
Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday–Friday, with a server on the premises. Membership is $25 each semester and can be paid online or in person during the first visit to the club. The buffet is $11; reduced prices are possible with the university’s Byte meal plan.
Discover Mason: A Guide to Services and Resources for the Community
Does your office provide a service or resource to the external community? If so, submit the information for inclusion in Discover Mason: A Guide to Services and Resources for the Community.
Discover Mason showcases the variety of ways the external community (business, residential, and government) can engage with the university, even if they do not attend school here.
If your department would like to be included, submit the following information to Traci Kendall, Government and Community Relations, by September 8:
- Title of service/resource
- Phone number
- Website link for more information
- One-sentence description of the service/resource available to the community
Parking and Transportation Updates for the Fall Semester
Mason students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. The following campus parking and transportation guide will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.
A valid parking permit is required to park outside of visitor areas. Semester and short-term permits may be purchased online at parking.gmu.edu. Information about permit sales is posted on the Parking and Transportation website.
During the first few weeks of the semester, we suggest allowing an extra 30-45 minutes to arrive on campus. The Fairfax Campus has more than enough spaces to accommodate all vehicles. However, many General parking permit areas fill at peak class times.
A new ridesharing program called Mason Commutes is now available to help the Mason community find and share rides and to find carpool partners.
At times during the morning, late afternoon, and early evenings, campus police cadets will direct traffic around campus. Please be alert and follow the cadets’ directions.
Read more about parking, shuttles, and alternative transportation options in the complete update.
New Dining Options on the Fairfax Campus
Mason Dining updates for fall 2022 include new dining concepts, expanded grab and go options, electric food carts, and more:
- Johnson Center: Halal Guys is taking over the space previously occupied by Garbanzo. Freshens is moving to the old Apple Federal Credit Union space and will reopen this fall as a new concept, FLIP Kitchen, offering a rotating menu of healthy wraps, salads, bowls, smoothies, and more. Express has gotten a makeover to offer a new and improved shopping experience.
- Electric "Godegas": Two electric “Godegas” will sell quick-service meals, snacks, grab and go items, and drinks. These vehicles will move around the campus on different days and times.
- The Hub: Spice Kitchen is replacing Wing Zone with Indian fusion dishes, Halal options, and eclectic flavors of chicken wings, fries, and other late-night fare.
- Fenwick Library: Argo Tea will reopen this fall, offering an expansive new menu featuring classic teas, seasonal drinks, “teappuccinos,” and bubble teas.
Check out the complete fall dining update and the updated hours of operation.
September Staff Senate Meeting
The September Staff Senate meeting will feature Andrew Lane, director of Performance Management and Employee Engagement, joined by members of his team, including Tamira Colbert, faculty/staff engagement assistant, and Stacey Ellis, faculty/staff engagement consultant, to discuss goals and initiatives following the results of the recent Gallup survey of Mason employees.
Wednesday, September 7, 10 a.m. to noon
Hosted on Zoom
Questions are being collected in advance of the session. Submit your questions through the form by August 31.
College Colors Day
College Colors Day is coming up on Friday, Sept. 2. We want to see everyone wearing green and gold to show their Patriot Pride!
Visit the We Are Mason tent from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wilkins Plaza for free swag. Bring a receipt for $25+ spent on branded merchandise from the bookstore to receive a free T-shirt.
Mason Shuttles During Labor Day Weekend
There will be limited service on Mason Shuttles during Labor Day weekend. Visit shuttle.gmu.edu for details.
See an overview of Mason Shuttles fall service. Contact shuttle@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828 with questions.
Training and Professional Development
Changes to the IT Security Awareness Training Program
Information Technology Services (ITS) is making important changes to Mason’s IT Security Awareness Training Program. This year’s training opens Wednesday, September 28, and will close Wednesday, Nov. 16. Notification will be sent when the training is assigned.
Employees who fail to take the training by the deadline will have their accounts disabled, and their supervisors or manager will be notified. If your account is disabled, you will need to contact the ITS Support Center to re-enable the account to take the training.
Employees who handle sensitive information will be required to take additional role-based training.
The training provides information about protecting Mason’s IT systems and employees’ information, which is a priority for ITS. Read more about the training.
Register Now for Active Threat Training
Faculty and staff are encouraged to enroll in a 90-minute, in-person Active Threat and Stop the Bleed training on Wednesday, September 14, or Friday, September 30.
The training gives an overview of how to identify and respond to an active threat event and how to provide emergency first aid to a person who is wounded by an armed assailant.
Trainings will occur in Fenwick Library, Room A214. Register today (select Active Threat/Stop the Bleed).
For details, resources, and training videos regarding active threat response procedures at Mason, visit the Mason Ready website.
Resources for You
Arts Alive!
Arts Alive! is a co-production of the Prince William County Arts Council and the Hylton Performing Arts Center. This annual family-friendly arts festival features community performers and fine artists. Enjoy hands-on activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances, and more on Sunday, September 11, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Celebrate your local arts community! This event is free and open to the public. Visit the website for more details.
Working Moms Support Group
The Support Group for Working Mothers at Mason is one way faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps spur changes on campus.
The group is celebrating its 20th year of group meetings, which will include a mix of in-person and virtual formats this fall.
The first meeting will be on Wednesday, Aug. 31, at noon via Zoom. If you are interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers, join via Zoom. Those interested may also join the group channel in MS Teams.
Visit the website for more information, or contact Heather Aleknavage.
Patriot Bike Check Out Program
Did you know that you can check out a bike with your Mason ID from either the RAC or the Aquatic and Fitness Center, and return it to either location at no cost for one day?
If you check it out on a Friday, you can have it all weekend. Rental includes the bike, day lights, a helmet, and lock. For details, visit bike.gmu.edu.