Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Volunteers Needed for Winter Graduation and Patriot Procession
Don't miss your opportunity to celebrate Winter Graduation with our newest graduates, their families, and friends! Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to assist at the celebrations.
Events begin with the Patriot Procession from Tuesday, Dec. 13, to Thursday, Dec. 15, with the Winter Commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. Select a date and time on the Winter Graduation volunteer sign up.
This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our brand new alumni in an upbeat, positive setting full of Mason spirit. We hope to see you there!
Contact University Events at gmuevent@gmu.edu with questions.
You’re Invited to the 2022 Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Come celebrate with fellow faculty and staff during the 2022 holiday party! Join us for food, music, games, and prizes. Select your campus below to RSVP:
Mason Square
Monday, Dec. 5, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Van Metre Hall, Multipurpose Room
SciTech
Tuesday, Dec. 6, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Beacon Hall
Fairfax
Thursday, Dec. 8, 1–3:30 p.m.
Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
Don’t forget: The Staff Senate invites you to support the Winter Food and Toy Drives.
Parking and Transportation Holiday Donation Drive
Would you like to help someone in need? Parking Services is holding its annual holiday donation drive. Now through Dec. 15 at 4 p.m., you can reduce the cost of an outstanding parking citation by making a donation to benefit the Patriot Pantry. Donations may be dropped off at any Parking Services office. For important details, visit the webpage.
ITS Support Center Thanksgiving Hours
In observance of Thanksgiving break, the ITS Support Center will close on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 5 p.m. and re-open and resume normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 28, at 8 a.m.
If you have an emergency while the ITS Support Center is closed, call 703-993-8870 and listen to the prompts to be connected to a representative. Up-to-date information regarding alerts can be found on the ITS alerts page.
Training and Professional Development
Faculty Matters Workshop Series Continues Nov. 29
The Faculty Matters Workshop Series, co-sponsored by the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development and Research Development, addresses key issues central to faculty development and success. The next workshop will focus on managing the political messiness of academic life:
How to Navigate Politics in Academia
Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom
Participants will have the chance to win a free book, Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, by Nedra Glover Tawwab.
Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to help people you know who are suffering from a mental health crisis. Discover ways to reduce the stigma and develop a strategy for helping through an upcoming Mental Health First Aid session for Mason students and employees.
Participants must attend two consecutive days of training to receive certification:
- Dec. 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Register
- Jan. 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Register
Contact Katie Clare with questions.
Faculty Writing Retreat: Registration Now Open
Hoping to start the new year off with some new writing momentum? Register for the Winter Faculty Writing Retreat from Jan. 11–13, 2023. This two-and-a-half-day event offers a supportive and collegial community of peers to boost your writing productivity. Participants work on a variety of research, creative, and scholarly projects at all stages of completion.
Registration is open through Sunday, Dec. 11. Contact wac@gmu.edu with questions.
UndocuAlly Training
Faculty and staff are encouraged to take UndocuAlly Training to understand the history of undocumented communities, past and present legislation, and the lived realities and barriers our undocumented communities are fighting.
The UndocuAlly training team aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for undocumented immigrants through education and advocacy. This training is facilitated by student trainers who are skilled and informed on the experiences of undocumented students, current policy and legislation, as well as allyship and opportunities for advocacy at Mason and beyond.
UndocuAlly Training
Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Bistro (lunch included)
Register
Contact undocua@gmu.edu with questions.
Re-Learn to Relax: Meditation Seminar
Life moves fast, and moments of quiet relaxation can seem few and far between. Luckily, there is a way to slow down and get some real mental and physical health benefits: meditation.
CommonHealth is excited to offer a webinar on Nov. 30 about meditation and mindfulness for the busy beginner. Meditation is the simple, scientifically proven brain exercise that helps you be more tuned in to your day and relax by rewiring your brain to deal differently with stress. Contact engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.
Crucial Conversations Workshop: Mastering Dialogue
Join the Organizational Development and Learning team on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn how to turn disagreement into dialogue for improved relationships and results.
Facilitated by certified trainers, Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue is an engaging classroom course rich with group discussion, real-time practice, and coaching.
Resources for You
Post Black Friday Closet Exchange
Got any extra garments, or want new ones? Students, faculty, and staff are invited to drop off and grab clothing items at the Post Black Friday Closet Exchange on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 1–6 p.m. at the Corner Pocket in The Hub.
This event is hosted by the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Office to promote sustainability, fair trade, and green consumer decisions at Mason. Contact lead@gmu.edu with questions.
Winter Fest and Market at Mason Square
Join a day of merriment and shopping at Mason Square on Monday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Support local "Made in Arlington" businesses as you sip hot cocoa and enjoy festive music. Join us for fire pits and s'mores on the plaza starting at 3 p.m. Contact University Life Mason Square at ularl@gmu.edu with questions.
Washington Commanders Celebrate Virginia State Employee Day with Discounted Tickets
The Washington Commanders will celebrate Virginia State Employee Day at FedExField against the New York Giants on Dec. 18. Bring friends, family, and colleagues to enjoy a fun-filled day at the stadium.
Discounted tickets are also available for the game against the Dallas Cowboys in January.
Five dollars from each ticket sale will be donated to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, the commonwealth's only annual workplace giving program.
Check out the full list of state employee discounts, including theme park tickets, vacation packages, entertainment, flowers, and more. Be sure to check back often for updates on discounts for you and your family.
Moving Story Musical Theater Intensive
Mason Community Arts Academy and Moving Story are excited to announce the Moving Story Musical Theater Intensive workshop hosted in January 2023.
In this two-day workshop, students and performers ages 15–20 will have the opportunity to partake in musical theater professional development including vocal master classes, Broadway choreography, a special Q&A session with actress Rachel Bay Jones, and more. Students receive a discount. Contact academy@gmu.edu for more info.
"Lives Shatter on Impact" Street Smart Safety Campaign Exhibit
With the recent time change, it’s more important than ever to pay attention while walking, biking, and driving. More than 75 percent of pedestrian fatalities occur at night.
That is why the Street Smart “Lives Shatter on Impact” safety exhibit will return to Mason on Nov. 29 in the Johnson Center Atrium. Part of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Street Smart Safety Campaign, the objective of the exhibit is to educate and remind drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists about the importance of watching out for each other. The display shares heartfelt testimonials from area residents whose lives have been upended when they or their loved ones have been struck by drivers.
Contact Mason Transportation with questions.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
The 5 Browns: Christmas with The 5 Browns
Saturday, Nov. 26, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The 5 Browns, a quintet of talented pianists and siblings—Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra, and Desirae—all simultaneously attended The Juilliard School. They rose to acclaim in the early 2000s after being featured on Oprah and 60 Minutes. Indulge in a festive celebration of the piano that New York Post calls “the biggest classical music sensation in years.” This performance is appropriate for all ages.
The Queen’s Cartoonists: Holiday Hurrah!
Family Series
Sunday, Nov. 27, at 3 p.m.
Center for the Arts
This festive performance is set to live projected clips in sync with the music, and it runs the gamut from traditional holiday vocal numbers such as “White Christmas,” “Hanukkah Oh Hanukkah,” paired with jazz arrangements and classic cartoon characters including Betty Boop, Bugs Bunny, Popeye the Sailor Man, Porky Pig, and more. Experience your holiday favorites anew in Holiday Hurrah! Recommended for all ages.
Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas
Sunday, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Join us in our tradition of ushering in the holiday season with peace, joy, and a cappella! Chanticleer’s 12 male voices, from soprano to bass, blend together perfectly in spellbinding harmony. Since forming four decades ago, Chanticleer has sold more than one million albums and won two GRAMMY Awards. “Chanticleer fascinates and enthralls for much the same reason a fine chocolate or a Rolls Royce does: through luxurious perfection” (Los Angeles Times). This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Steel Pan Ensemble and Braddock Road Brass Band Concert
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Join the Steel Pan Ensemble (Director Victor Provost), Latin American Ensemble (Director Juan Megna) and Braddock Road Brass Band (Director Graham Breedlove) for an evening of music from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans.
Jazz Combos Concert
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m.
de Laski Performing Arts Building, Rehearsal Room
Professor Wade Beach directs the Mason Jazz Combos in their fall performance.
Wind Symphony Concert: Music for Uncommon Times
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Thursday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Over the past two years, society has experienced a collision of significant events and phenomena unimagined by previous generations. COVID-19 and social unrest are two experiences that have impacted how we live today and dream of tomorrow. In this concert, the Mason Wind Symphony presents works by living composers Valerie Coleman, Katahj Copley, and Joel Puckett that respond to these uncommon times with remembrance, reflection, and hope. There will be a 7:30 p.m. pre-concert discussion.
Mason Opera presents Amahl and the Night Visitors
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Dec. 2–3, at 3 and 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
This celebrated operetta by Italian-American composer and librettist Gian Carlo Menotti tells the classic story of the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem.
Fall: Dance Innovations
School of Dance
Dec. 2–3, at 3 at 8 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Step out of this cool weather and into the theater for a performance filled with diverse choreography and talented dancers. Join us in supporting the School of Dance as we present Fall: Dance Innovations.
Soweto Gospel Choir: HOPE – It’s Been A Long Time Coming
Friday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Direct from South Africa, welcome the three-time GRAMMY Award-winning Soweto Gospel Choir for an exuberant night of African Gospel, spirituals, reggae, contemporary pop, and holiday music. For more than 20 years, Soweto’s awe-inspiring 20-member ensemble has spread its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes, and infectious spirit around the globe. Enjoy holiday renditions of “Silent Night,” an exhilarating take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” and many more performed as only Soweto Gospel Choir can. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Mason Symphony and Choirs Holiday Concert
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Join us for a joyous concert celebration as we ring in the holiday season! Showcasing Mason’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, this evening will feature holiday favorites and festive new works performed by extraordinary student artists.
December Studio Series
School of Dance
Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 6 and 8 p.m.
de Laski Performing Arts Building, Dance Performance Studio
Studio Series is an intimate black-box experience showcasing new dances by George Mason University's School of Dance.
Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna
Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The holiday season isn’t complete without the return of the Vienna Boys Choir melting hearts with their heavenly voices. Admired across the globe for their pure sound and technical mastery, the cherubic ensemble features boy sopranos and altos from ages 8–14, representing 31 countries and harmonizing their incredible vocals for an unforgettable night. Make new family memories or continue a cherished annual tradition with the Vienna Boys Choir’s Christmas in Vienna this holiday season. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
American Festival Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Friday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center
Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. at the Center for the Arts
Come out for timeless holiday favorites with the American Festival Pops Orchestra. This beloved tradition celebrates the season with treasured classics that warm the heart and soul. Join us as we welcome newly appointed Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson, along with a special guest appearance by Conductor Emeritus Anthony Maiello, among other musical treats. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
A Celtic Christmas with Seán Heely
Sunday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Seán Heely, U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and folk singer, returns for an encore performance to celebrate the holiday season with Celtic Christmas music. Take a magical winter tour through the Scottish Highlands and across the rugged Irish coast with Gaelic carols and songs. With fiddles, bagpipes, tartans, kilts, and Scottish and Irish dancing, Seán Heely’s A Celtic Christmas is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. This performance is appropriate for all ages.