Faculty/Staff Announcements
Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.
Campus Updates
Help Mason Choose a New Learning Management System (LMS)
Faculty and staff are invited to help Mason choose its new Learning Management System (LMS) through a series of in-person and virtual presentations. Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to ask the vendors questions—Canvas, Blackboard Ultra, and Brightspace—and then provide feedback. Those unable to attend will be able to watch recordings and still provide feedback.
The Canvas session was hosted on Monday, May 8. Remaining sessions include:
- BrightSpace – Tuesday, May 9, from 9–10:30 a.m., Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom
- Blackboard Ultra – Wednesday, May 10, from 9–10:30 a.m. Merten Hall, Room 1202, or via Zoom
Mason COVID Testing Centers to Close, Vaccination Clinic by Appointment Only
America’s COVID-19 emergency will formally end May 11. As a result, George Mason University’s COVID-19 testing program will conclude Thursday, May 18.
Starting Monday, May 22, the university will offer COVID vaccines by appointment only at the Employee Health and Well-Being clinic at David King Hall. Hours will vary based on vaccine demand, and appointment slots will be opened weekly. Vaccines will be available to students, faculty/staff, and community members.
To make a vaccine appointment starting May 22, visit the Safety, Emergency, and Enterprise Risk Management website. If you have questions or need assistance making an appointment, email ehw@gmu.edu.
Mailing Addresses for Amazon Deliveries on Campus
Purchasing and Operations and Business Services have been working with Amazon to address delivery issues for Amazon parcels, particularly those addressed using Mason mailstops. Mason faculty and staff placing orders with Amazon should follow these steps to ensure a successful delivery:
- Use the appropriate building’s physical street address for Amazon deliveries. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) maintains a list of these building addresses.
- When placing an order on Amazon, use the first address line for the street address (as shown on the EHS site) and the suite number. The second address line can be used for any additional address information needed. Add the city, state, and ZIP code to complete the delivery address. The “note” section can be used to mention any other unique delivery needs.
- Update the saved address information in your Amazon Business account. Mason users should make sure the address information indicates that they cannot accept weekend deliveries, unless that department is indeed staffed during weekend delivery hours.
- If your department has more than one delivery address, be sure to follow these steps for all delivery addresses.
If you find a parcel left in a public area or otherwise misdelivered, please take a photo of the package label and email it to Buz Grover. Include the package location.
Mason will continue working with Amazon to ensure timely delivery of parcels. Contact Buz Grover with questions.
Commencement Volunteers Needed
University Events is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to assist with the Spring 2023 Commencement ceremony on May 18.
Check out the volunteer form for locations, times and a brief description of each volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will receive additional information about their specific duties prior to May 18. Thank you for supporting our 2023 graduates!
Requirements for Summer Programs Hosting Minors
Departments hosting summer programs, events, or camps (PECs) attended by participants under the age of 18 who are not currently enrolled at Mason must follow Mason policies and procedures when working with minors, including University Policy 1138 Minors on Campus.
Information about specific PEC procedures, including the required PEC registration process, is available on Mason’s Camps and Youth Programs website. Questions? Contact Buz Grover, Operations and Business Services.
Share the Career Plans Survey with May Graduates
The Career Plans Survey collects data of new graduates' first destination after completing their degree, including full-time work, part-time work, further study, military duty, or significant service opportunities (e.g., Teach for America, Peace Corps, etc.). All May graduates (bachelor's, master's, law, and doctoral) are encouraged to complete the Career Plans Survey and share their success with Mason. Faculty and staff should encourage their graduating students to participate.
For questions, contact Stephanie Lampron, University Career Services.
Candidate Presentations: Senior International Officer (SIO)
The Mason community is invited to listen to public presentations by the final candidates for the senior international officer (SIO) and executive director of study abroad position. Each candidate will address the following topics:
- How would you help lead Mason’s global efforts as senior international officer and as the head of units like the Global Education Office and Office of International Enrollment Partnerships?
- How would you advance global engagement with various partners at Mason, especially students (current and prospective) and faculty?
Presentation schedule (Mason log in to SharePoint required to view candidate CV links):
- Thomas Tyner: Friday, May 12, from 2–3 p.m. (Merten Hall, Room 1204)
- Kristof Zaba: Monday, May 15, from 1–2 p.m. (Merten Hall, Room 1202)
- Christine Gettings: Tuesday, May 16, from 10–11 a.m. (Merten Hall, Room 1202)
- Chrishon Blackwell: Wednesday, May 17, from 10–11 a.m. (Merten Hall, Room 1203)
Attendees may also join the presentations virtually. No registration is required, but to receive a calendar invitation, fill out the request form. The invitation will also include a link to join the presentation virtually.
The George Mason University Innovation Awards Reception
The George Mason University Innovation Awards Reception will be hosted on Tuesday, May 9, from 4–6 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. This event recognizes some of the most innovative and entrepreneurial minds at Mason.
The event will feature welcome remarks from the provost, followed by an exciting lineup of awards presentations. Awards include the Innovator of the Year Award, the Mason Start-up Award, and the Mason Licensed Technology Awards, recognizing current Mason researchers who have commercialized technologies. Additionally, the ICAP/ICORPS Recognition Awards and Disclosure and Patent Recognition Awards are also included.
Support your colleagues and learn about the exciting research at Mason. Network and connect with some of the most innovative minds at Mason. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to celebrate the innovators and entrepreneurs in our community.
Parking and Transportation's Patriot Pack Out Donation Drive for Patriot Pantry
Would you like to help someone in need? Through Wednesday, May 17, at 4 p.m. make an in-person donation at any Parking Services office to benefit the Patriot Pantry and reduce the cost of an outstanding parking citation by $15, $20, or $30. For important details, including the donation/credit framework, visit transportation.gmu.edu/donation.
Kaleidoscope: Spring 2023 Art and Design Senior Show
Kaleidoscope, the spring art and design senior show, runs from Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mason community is also invited to the closing reception on Saturday, May 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., which is free and open to all students, faculty, staff, and the general public. Refreshments will be provided.
The show will take place on the Fairfax Campus in the Art and Design Building.
Reminder: Summer Parking Permits on Sale
Summer parking passes went on sale Thursday, May 4 (online sales only). Visit parking.gmu.edu for details. Contact parking@gmu.edu with any questions.
Training and Professional Development
2023 Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Seed Funding
The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, is excited to announce the second annual ARIE Seed Funding Call for Proposals.
This seed funding emerged as one of the recommendations from the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Task Force’s research committee and is funded by the ARIE Initiative. This funding will support research, scholarship and creative activities addressing the myriad issues on the theme of anti-racism and inclusive excellence. For more information, visit the website.
Summer Professional Development Series: Enhance Your Online and Hybrid Courses
The Office of Digital Learning is excited to host a series of professional development opportunities for faculty of all ranks and levels to enhance their online and hybrid courses. Join them this summer to explore a diverse set of projects, thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, enhance engagement, and foster collaboration across disciplines. Seize this season and create lasting projects that support our growing digital landscape. Register by May 12.
Resources for You
Apply for the Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship
Applications are now accepted for the Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship. This $250 annual award was created to encourage and advance continuing education for Mason faculty and classified staff. For eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions, and to apply, visit the Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship webpage. Applications are due Friday, June 9.
Employee Perks and Incentives Page
Human Resources is excited to announce the brand-new Employee Perks and Incentives page, a one-stop shop for information on all the benefits, discounts, and complimentary resources that come with being a Mason employee.
The page includes information on health insurance, retirement, and leave; tuition exemption and student debt relief; discounts on and around campus; family and personal care resources, and more.
Metro Orange Line Platform Work this Summer
Construction work will occur on Metro’s Orange Line over the summer. Stations between Ballston and Vienna will be affected from June 3 to July 16. For information on the project, including WMATA shuttle service while some stations are closed, visit the WMATA website. An overview of all planned Metrorail track work is available. Contact Mason Transportation to learn about alternate transportation options.
Pre-diabetes Research Study
The Individualized Nutrition Therapy Study is seeking participants. This study, conducted by researchers in Mason’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and led by Raedeh Basiri, is a randomized, controlled trial that provides adults aged between 45–65 who are at risk of type 2 diabetes either an individualized nutrition therapy intervention that contains individualized dietary goal-setting components, or a standard-of-care generalized dietary recommendation.
The researchers aim to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular diseases.
The study is seeking participants with a BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2 and HbA1c between 5.7 to 6.4. If you do not know your BMI or HbA1c, they can measure them for you.
The results of this study may support the role of individualized nutrition therapy as an effective way to improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular disease in individuals with prediabetes. For questions, contact Raedeh Basiri via email or 703-993-6575. IRB #1825534-7.
Virginia529 Seminar: Saving for Education
Thinking about saving for education? Join Virginia529 for a special webinar on Wednesday, May 17, at 11 a.m. via Zoom.
Saving for future education expenses for a child, a grandchild, or even yourself can seem overwhelming. In this seminar, you’ll learn how an Invest529 account can help you save for tuition and other costs, take advantage of tax-free earnings, and meet your savings goals.
As a bonus, Mason employees who attend this webinar will receive an exclusive offer: a $25 gift code to open a new Invest529 account. Register to attend.
Regional Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 19
Celebrate the Washington region’s Bike to Work Day! Start your day with cycling. Pit stops will be open all over the Virginia, D.C., and Maryland area. For details and to register, visit biketoworkmetrodc.org. Contact transpo@gmu.edu with questions.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Dewberry School of Music: Honors Recital
Saturday, May 13, at 7 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Join the Dewberry School of Music for their spring finale concert featuring the Mason Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Soo Han.
CAMMO Voices
Saturday, May 13, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
CAMMO Voices joins with Mason’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative to present a concert that honors our servicemembers and families. The celebration includes music honoring Mother’s Day from the American Military Spouses Choir, made up of military spouses from all branches and from across the United States. Feel the healing power of music infused with a message of hope and community when CAMMO Voices takes to the stage. This performance is appropriate for all ages.