Around Mason: Week of July 25, 2023

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Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.  


Campus Updates


IT Security Awareness Training Now Available

Information Technology Services (ITS) has assigned all Mason employees mandatory 2023 IT Security Awareness Training in MasonLEAPS. 

The training equips all employees, including contractors, affiliates and student wage workers, with knowledge about cybersecurity risks and online safety and security. 

All employees must complete the training by Tuesday, October 31, to avoid having their NetID disabled, which interrupts access to Mason’s IT services, including Patriot Web, Office 365, and Wi-Fi networks. 

If you have issues accessing the training, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu.


Purchasing Branded Promo Items?

To help with your branded promo needs, Mason has officially licensed vendors who have been authorized to produce merchandise bearing the university's trademarks, which include all graphic- and verbiage-based references to the university. Using officially licensed vendors is a requirement per University Policy 1130.  

Trademark Licensing is a unit within the Office of University Branding. Visit trademarks.gmu.edu to help navigate your way through the purchase of branded merchandise. Be sure to check out the Approved Vendors List.  

If you have questions, contact David Atkins, executive director of brand development and licensing. 


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.    


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. 


Fall Shuttle Schedules Coming Soon 

Mason Parking and Transportation is putting the finishing touches on the fall 2023 shuttle schedules, and they will be posted in early August at shuttle.gmu.edu.  

Summer service operates through Friday, August 18, on Sandy Creek to Metro, Fairfax/Mason Square, and Fairfax/SciTech.  

Gunston Mason only: Summer service operates through Friday, August 11, and fall service begins on Monday, August 14. 


Training and Professional Development


Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Call for Workshop Proposals

The Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) team in Human Resources is excited to announce this year’s Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 25. This year's theme, "Mapping Your Future: Discovering Mason’s Treasure," will guide the day’s learning.  

This in-person event (hosted on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center) provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth by exploring new paths, unlocking potential, and discovering hidden treasures within ourselves and our work.  

ODL is seeking innovative and engaging workshop proposals from faculty and staff. Read more about the workshop objectives and proposal requirements. Proposals are due Friday, August 18, at 5 p.m.


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.


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 28, from 1-2:30 p.m. for a discussion on the topic of “Mutual Aid, Labor Unions, and Solidarity Economics.” Weekly summer meetings will occur through August 4. This event is free and open to the public.