Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
March Staff Senate Meeting
The March Staff Senate meeting will feature David Farris, executive director, Safety and Emergency Management, and Angela Chezem, medical director, Employee Health and Well-Being.
Wednesday, March 1
10–11 a.m.: General Meeting
11:15 a.m. to noon: Guest Speakers
Hosted on Zoom
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, the senate addresses 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. Learn more.
Annual Statewide Tornado Drill on March 7
Mason employees are encouraged to participate in the Annual Statewide Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 7, at 9:45 a.m. This regional emergency drill provides a good opportunity to review response procedures if a tornado warning is issued for one or more Mason campuses or sites. To prepare for the drill, review Mason’s guidance on severe weather and tornados.
This drill will be announced via Mason Alert email and text message and will conclude at 10 a.m. If you have any questions about how you, your department, or classroom can participate, contact Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management at seerm@gmu.edu or 703-993-8448.
$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 remaining spring semester dates are:
- March 3
- April 7
- May 5
Performance Self-Evaluation Learning Labs
Performance evaluation season is here. Human Resources is offering self-evaluation learning labs that will equip you with the tools and knowledge to strategize your career growth, advocate for your workplace wins, and foster a collaborative and constructive relationship with your supervisor.
Both virtual and in-person sessions are available. Contact leaps@gmu.edu with questions.
Vision Series Lecture: Justice in an AI-Mediated Society
The next Mason Vision Series lecture will feature Mason Professor of Computer Science Sanmay Das on Thursday, Mar. 9, at 7 p.m. The event will be livestreamed on GMU-TV.
In his presentation, "Justice in an AI-Mediated Society," Das will address the functions of artificial intelligence in helping society, as well as ethics and the controversies surrounding its use. Learn more and register.
Registration Open: Bike to Mason Days
Celebrate cycling at Mason! Whether you bike to campus regularly for school or work or are contemplating starting to bike, Bike to Mason Day is open to all Mason cyclists.
- Bike to Mason, SciTech: Tuesday, April 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Colgan Front Patio
- Bike to Mason, Mason Square: Wednesday, April 19, 3–7 p.m., Founders Plaza
- Bike to Mason, Fairfax: Thursday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Merten Hall Lawn
There will be food, resource information, and fun giveaways. For planning purposes, let us know you are coming. Register at bike.gmu.edu. Questions? Contact transpo@gmu.edu.
Cops on Campus: A Conversation with Police Chiefs
As a follow-up to the community forum and listening session held in fall 2022, the George Mason University Police Advisory Board (PAB), with the support of the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Initiative (ARIE), is excited to host Cops on Campus, a conversation with police chiefs from around the country.
Cops on Campus
Monday, March 6, from 4–6 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center Cinema and Zoom
RSVP required
Participants will discuss the value of community and police relationships on university campuses in the context of local events and the national climate. We will hear from campus chiefs with unique experiences at different types of institutions in a moderated discussion, followed by a Q&A session.
RaShall M. Brackney, distinguished visiting professor of practice in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Police Advisory Board co-chair, will moderate the conversation.
Panelists include:
- Deputy Chief Tommye Sutton, Vanderbilt University
- Chief Kimberly Spears-McNatt, The Ohio State University
- Chief Eric Holmes, Duquesne University
- Former Chief David L . Perry, senior research associate, Institute for Intergovernmental Relations
- Representatives from the George Mason Department of Police and Public Safety
Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties
Support the Mason Men’s Basketball team at the Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties this spring. Cheer on the Patriots during the team’s upcoming away game:
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March 4: Velocity Wings Fairfax, noon (Mason at Richmond)
Bring a Mason ID or Alumni Association Member Card to receive exclusive discounts. Plus, there will be free Mason spirit items and giveaways provided by the Patriot Perks program. Grab your friends, colleagues, or family to come celebrate and cheer on the Patriots! RSVP today.
Game Mason 2023: Two-Day Gaming Convention
Calling all gamers and gaming enthusiasts! Mason’s Student Involvement and the Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Mason’s Computer Game Design program, and GMU Esports, team up once again for Game Mason 2023 (Gaming, Appearances, Meet-and-Greets and Experiences), an engaging two-day gaming convention on Friday and Saturday, March 3–4, on the Fairfax Campus.
Game Mason 2023 will feature guest speakers from the industry, educational sessions, free arcade play, tabletop and console gaming, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality demonstrations, an artist alley featuring work by Mason students, vendors and businesses from across the game industry, and more.
Tickets are free for Mason students, faculty, and staff. Tickets are available for purchase by the general public. Visit the website for tickets and schedule information.
Grad Fair
The George Mason University Bookstore will host a Grad Fair from Feb. 28 to March 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Encourage your graduating students to stop by for all things grad-related! Contact the bookstore with questions at 703-993-2666.
Training and Professional Development
Register for a Safe Zone+ Program Workshop
Mason’s Safe Zone+ Program, facilitated by the LGBTQ+ Resource Center, strives to create a safer, more welcoming, and inclusive campus environment. Safe Zone+ is an evolving education and ally development program. Currently, it consists of four workshops that help participants on their own allyship development journeys.
Mason community members are invited to sign up for a spring 2023 Safe Zone+ Program workshop. All are welcome to attend.
Learn more about the program. Contact lgbtq@gmu.edu with questions.
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Join Disability Services and the University Life Supervision Collective Committee for facilitated conversations focusing on neurodiversity in the workplace. This session will occur on Wednesday, March 8, from 11 a.m. to noon in the Johnson Center Bistro.
By attending this session, participants will better understand neurodiversity and develop strategies for fostering an inclusive workplace for neurodiverse employees. If there is anything we can do to make this workshop more accessible to you (i.e., accommodations), contact Kim Dao.
Free Webinar: Well-Being at Work
Join Mason’s next free Leading to Well-Being Speaker Series webinar, “From Self-Care to We-Care: Insights from CEOs, Employees, and Health Care Professionals,” on Wednesday, March 29, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
This session will feature business leaders Laura Hamill and Michael McCarthy, who help host the Happy at Work podcast, where they interview organizational leaders, human resources professionals, and positive psychology researchers about creating more positive workplaces. Register today.
Intersectionality 101 Trainings
Mason’s Women and Gender Studies Center is offering a basic training for students, faculty, and staff interested in applying intersectional theory to their work. Throughout this online module, participants will learn about intersectionality and how it can be applied in various areas of social justice work.
Intersectionality 101 Training
Tuesday, April 4, 4:30–7 p.m.
Register
Contact wgst@gmu.edu with questions.
Resources for You
Aging Parents Employee Support Group
Join other Mason employees navigating the challenges related to having aging parents. This group is for employees with aging parents who are looking to connect with others, share advice, and be part of a supportive community. The group will meet monthly over Zoom on Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. If you are interested in joining or have questions, contact Laura Winkler.
Check out a list of other Employee Resource Groups at Mason.
Visiting Filmmakers Series: Rise with Director Akin Omotoso
Friday, March 3, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Johnson Center Cinema
Register
Rise is based on the true story of three young Nigerian-Greek brothers, Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas Antetokounmpo, who emigrate to the U.S. and rise to fame and success within the NBA.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group
The College of Visual and Performing Arts welcomes the Mason community to the Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group, which meets on Fridays from 1–2:30 p.m.
The group holds a commitment to relationship-building, awareness, reimagining, transformation, and action around anti-racist practices, racial justice, the creation of conversations, as well as systems of compassion and healing. The group continues to focus on anti-Black racism and its effects on society.
Join the meeting on Friday, Mar. 3, for the following topic: “Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture." Spring semester meetings will occur through March 31 (no meeting March 17). This event is free and open to the public.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Mason School of Theater: The Night Knights
Friday, March 3, at 8 p.m. (ASL-interpreted and talkback)
Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. (sensory-friendly) and 2 p.m. (audio-described)
de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheatreSpace
Follow the Night Knights on their quest to put the kingdom to bed. What story will the princess want to hear tonight? Will the dragon need a glass of water? This order of knights is prepared for any bedtime demand. But will they ever get to go to sleep? Designed for younger audiences, this whimsical, family-friendly play brings the battle for bedtime to silly, exuberant life. Created by Mimsi Janis and devised by The Mason Players from favorite fairy tales and bedtime stories, don’t miss this world-premiere.
Dewberry School of Music: University Singers Concert
Sunday, March 5, at 4 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Under the direction of Lisa Billingham, the University Singers is a select choral ensemble at Mason dedicated to the performance of advanced vocal chamber music ranging from Renaissance to contemporary and commissioned works.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Songs We Love
Sunday, March 5, at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Under the direction of Wynton Marsalis, Jazz at Lincoln Center has brought the art form of Jazz from the heart of New York City to over 446 cities in more than 40 countries. The virtuosic rising stars of Jazz at Lincoln Center will inspire confidence in the future of the uniquely American art form while riffing on its storied past. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Dewberry School of Music: Symphony Orchestra Concert
Monday, March 6, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
The Mason Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Soo Han, is comprised of outstanding string, wind, and percussion players from throughout the Dewberry School of Music. This concert features winners of the student concerto competition.
Mason School of Theater: 1,001 Plays
Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Virtual Event
1,001 Plays is an annual 10-minute play festival presented by Global Partners worldwide, the first international new play exchange of its kind. Students write, perform, direct, and dramaturg original works for the stage, exploring multiple perspectives on a single idea. These short student works are performed live online and followed by a talkback, allowing both students and audiences the opportunity to share, reflect and respond.
Virginia Opera: La Traviata
Saturday, March 11, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 12, at 2 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Featuring one of the most demanding, sumptuous, and recognizable scores of all time, Virginia Opera concludes its season with Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata. Verdi’s three-act tragic and romantic opera follows a sophisticated courtesan, Violetta, who falls in love with a man she cannot have, Alfredo Germont. La Traviata will hold you spellbound from the first to last note. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.