Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Register for the University Life Day of Service
University Life (UL) will host its Summer Day of Service on Wednesday, July 26, with a variety of in-person and virtual service projects. This daylong event is an opportunity for faculty and staff to make a positive difference and give back to the communities surrounding Mason.
Individuals are encouraged to participate in as many service projects as they would like and need to register on the UL Gives Back webpage. The deadline to register is Monday, July 24. Email questions to Amy Snyder, Meeghan Milette, or Lisa Snyder.
Staff Senate Election
The Staff Senate election is underway from July 10–21. Classified and non-student wage employees received a link to the ballot via email on Monday, July 10.
Nominations for open senate seats were accepted in June. Contact staffsenate@gmu.edu with questions.
Congratulations to the 2023–24 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Winners
Human Resources (HR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023–24 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship, which grants each winner $250 in support of continued academic studies. The scholarship is open to full- and part-time faculty and classified staff who are enrolled in a Mason degree or graduate certificate program.
This year's recipients and their programs of study:
- Kelly Kim, Bachelor of Individualized Studies with a concentration in Accounting and Communication
- Jordan Mason, Master of Business Administration
- Faiza Shaikh, Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance
- Zi Wang, Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics
View the full announcement on the HR website.
Kind of a Big Dill: Pickleball Courts Grand Opening Event
Join Mason Recreation for the grand opening of Mason's new pickleball courts. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting, learn-to-play sessions, drills, and open play—along with giveaways and prizes.
Pickleball Courts Grand Opening
Tuesday, July 18, from noon to 9:30 p.m. (ribbon-cutting at 12:45 p.m.)
Fairfax Campus, near the RAC/corner of Campus Drive and Patriot Circle
RSVP
Mason Square Café Now Open
The Mason Square Café is now open and ready to serve the campus community. This new, go-to spot for on-campus dining includes coffee, teas, and a variety of other beverages as a We Proudly Serve Starbucks location. The Mason Square Café is also proud to introduce build-your-own bowl options, featuring fresh ingredients to create a personalized and wholesome meal.
The Mason Square Café is located on the first floor of Van Metre Hall.
Mason Square Café: Summer Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mark your calendar for a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, August 16, from noon to 2 p.m. Experience a delightful blend of flavors and connect with the campus community. Check out exclusive offers and promotions and share feedback on what menu options you would like to enjoy at Mason Square Café.
Contact Mason Square Administration at arlops@gmu.edu with questions.
The Science of Cars
Check out The Science of Cars show on Sunday, August 13, from noon to 4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Car enthusiasts can enter to showcase their vehicles and be a part of the Best in Show contest.
The net proceeds of this car show will benefit the Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund to support graduate students in Mason’s College of Science.
Family of the Year Nominations
Know an awesome Mason family? Nominate them to be Mason's 2023–24 Family of the Year. The Dr. Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award recognizes the critical role families play in the student experience at Mason.
The award will be presented during Family Weekend 2023 (October 13–15). Learn more and submit a nomination.
Training and Professional Development
Mental Health First Aid Training
The Mason community is invited to participate in Mental Health First Aid Training—helping someone suffering from a mental health crisis, increasing mental health literacy, and dismantling the stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. Register now for sessions on August 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Email questions to Katie Clare.
Career Influencers Network Training
University Career Services will hold its Career Influencer Training workshop series in August and September for those who teach, advise, mentor, or supervise students and play a vital role in preparing career-ready graduates.
This 4.5-hour training includes practices that support students on their path to success. You must register and participate in all the series' workshops to complete the training.
- August 9, 10, 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each day (Zoom)
- September 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in-person)
Resources for You
Mason Night with D.C. United
Join your fellow Mason Patriots for an exciting evening with D.C. United as they take on the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, August 26. If you've never seen a Major League Soccer match in person, this is an experience you won't want to miss. Mason’s seats are in the south stand of Audi Field with multiple ticket options available.
NASCAR Cup Series
Join members of the Mason Nation for the NASCAR Cup Series Race at the Richmond Raceway on Sunday, July 30. Discounted ticket options are available for Mason alumni and friends.
The Midway opens at 9 a.m. and will feature vendors, performances by local artists, and other fun activities. Track gates open at 11:30 a.m. Purchase tickets. For questions, reach out to John Betters, NASCAR.
On-Campus Produce Pickup
Mason's Greenhouse and Gardens are offering free produce pickups at three locations on the Fairfax Campus. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables grown at Mason.
This program is offered in partnership with the Patriot Pantry to help address food insecurity on campus. All members of the Mason community are welcome to participate.
Registration is required. Visit the University Sustainability volunteer portal and create an account if you do not have one. Log in and select "Event Calendar," and then sign up for a pickup date/time.
Mason Discount: 'Disney on Ice' at EagleBank Arena
Disney on Ice
Multiple performances, October 5–9
Fairfax Campus, EagleBank Arena
Mason discount: Tickets are $25 for select seats with a valid Mason ID, with no fees.
Discount available in-person at the EagleBank Arena box office. Limit of 8 tickets per valid Mason ID. Box office is open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
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. on Zoom.
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, July 21, from 1-2:30 p.m. for a discussion on the topic “Black Feminisms.” Weekly summer meetings will occur through August 4. This event is free and open to the public.
Participate in a 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, email Raedeh Basiri or call 703-993-6575. IRB #1825534-7.