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.
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.
$5 Fridays at Ike’s and Southside
Every first Friday of the month, Mason Dining offers a discounted $5 lunch to faculty and staff at Ike's and Southside. The last date for the fall semester is Friday, Dec. 2.
December Staff Senate Meeting
The December Staff Senate meeting will feature David Burge, vice president for enrollment management, to discuss the higher education market in Northern Virginia.
Wednesday, December 7
10 a.m. to noon
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting
Hosted on Zoom
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, they address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents. Find more ways to engage with the senate.
Vision Series with Djola Branner – Real Characters, Imagined Events: Celebrities and Historic Figures as Fodder for the Stage
The next Vision Series event will feature Djola Branner, director of Mason's School of Theater, on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 7–8 p.m. From ancient Greek myths to Broadway musicals such as Hamilton, Tina, and Evita, audiences love stories rooted in historic fact. Branner will examine how contemporary playwrights and directors are weaving fact and fiction and creating theater that is entertaining, thought provoking, and inspiring.
The Vision Series will be live streamed through GMU-TV. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion by submitting questions via email or Twitter using #VisionSeriesMason. RSVP.
MyHub for Office 365
Information Technology Services (ITS) recently launched MyHub, a new tool within the Office 365 environment that serves as a convenient, one-stop shop for managing existing workspaces and creating new ones.
In January 2023, MyHub will become the standard way to create new workspaces. To prepare and begin using MyHub, see Getting Started: Creating a Workspace with MyHub. To learn about the different workspaces you can create, review MyHub Team Types.
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu.
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.
Mason Shuttles and Winter Break
Winter Break brings some major changes to the Mason Shuttle schedules. Details are posted at shuttle.gmu.edu.
Training and Professional Development
New Sessions Added: Engagement Strategies for Supervisors
Supervisors are encouraged to join an interactive session focused on faculty and staff engagement. Participants will take part in discussions surrounding Gallup survey engagement data and current best practices as well as learn new strategies to enhance the faculty and staff experience at Mason.
View the schedule and register for an upcoming session. Contact Faculty and Staff Engagement at engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.
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.
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. Whenever you’re not getting the results you want, it’s likely that an important conversation either hasn’t happened, or hasn’t been handled well. In fact, both personal and organizational success are largely determined by how quickly, directly, and effectively we speak up when it matters most.
Resources for You
Commuter Choice Benefit Increasing in 2023
Beginning in January 2023, the maximum Commonwealth Commuter Choice benefit at Mason will increase by $20 to $300 per month. Currently, an Executive Order gives full-time state employees in Northern Virginia up to $280 per month to commute by public transit or vanpool. This is a tax-free benefit paid by the university.
To take advantage of this increase beginning with the January benefit, be sure to submit your Commuter Choice Monthly Benefit Request form by Thursday, Dec. 8. If you are new to the program, please also submit an Enrollment Form.
For more information and links to the forms, visit the Mason Transportation website.
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.
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. Register now, as spots are limited. Students receive a discount. Contact academy@gmu.edu for more information.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
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.