Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Welcome2Mason Events
The Welcome2Mason event series kicks off the fall semester, now through mid-September. Upcoming activities include:
- SciTech Campus Welcome Fair (Aug. 22) and Mason Square Fest (multiple events through Aug. 24)
- IVth Night, a carnival with food, games, and the annual Mason Fight Song T-shirt giveaway (Aug. 24)
- Get Connected Fair, where students can learn about university offices and student organizations (Aug. 30)
- And much more.
View the full schedule of events.
Fall Parking and Transportation Updates
As the fall 2023 semester begins, Mason students, faculty and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases, especially during the first few weeks of the semester. This campus parking and transportation guide with information on Mason Shuttles, visitor and non-permit parking options, biking, carpooling and other transit options will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.
Fresh New Features from Mason Dining
As Mason starts the fall 2023 semester, get ready for new culinary adventures with Mason Dining—fresh dining options, sustainability initiatives, and fun events.
Check out the top five food-related experiences to try this fall: Read more.
Staff Senate Election Results and September Meeting
The Staff Senate election took place in July, and the results are in. Check out the list of new and re-elected Staff Senators.
The September Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Andrew Lane, director or performance management and employee engagement, on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m. in Merten Hall, Room 1204, or via Zoom.
Meal Plans for Faculty and Staff
Elevate your dining experience with Mason Dining. Enjoy special meal rates with Byte Plans at Mason’s three dining halls, or indulge in the privacy and lounge vibe of the Mason Club membership. Save more as you purchase more meals. Plans are valid for both fall and spring semesters, starting as low as $100 per meal plan.
College Colors Day Is Almost Here
Let the countdown begin: College Colors Day is approaching on Friday, Sept. 1! Wherever you are, show your Patriot pride by wearing your green and gold.
You can receive a free Mason rally towel with your branded merchandise purchase at the bookstore, while supplies last. Follow @wearmason to also claim a free tote bag from the Wear Mason table in front of the Fairfax Campus bookstore in the Johnson Center on Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You also might just get a photo with the Patriot and be able say hello to the Mason cheerleaders and dance team. Remember, wear green and gold on Friday, Sept. 1, and every Friday after that for Spirit Fridays.
Fall Shuttle Schedules Available
The fall 2023 shuttle schedules are available at shuttle.gmu.edu. An overview of schedule updates is available.
Note: There will be very limited service on Mason Shuttles on Labor Day. Check the details.
If you have any questions, reach out to shuttle@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2828.
Carter School Peace Week Presents: International Day at Mason Square
As part of Fall 2023 Peace Week, the Carter School invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in celebrating the many nationalities represented at Mason. Mason Square’s inaugural International Day on Thursday, Sept. 21, will include an event on the plaza showcasing diverse cultures through live entertainment, food, crafts, and more.
The Carter School is seeking participants who are interested in showcasing their culture by hosting a table or performing on stage. Learn more about participating and sign up. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Aug. 30.
This year’s Peace Week theme is "Building Peace in Partnership." We hope you take this opportunity to connect with community members and share your voice.
Bio and Beer
Enjoy an evening of Bio and Beer with the Institute for Biohealth Innovation on Wednesday, Aug. 23, to discuss "The Future of Diagnostics" with Eric Van Gieson, program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). During his time with the agency, Van Gieson has initiated programs to use host-based methods to mitigate the impacts of emerging diseases, as well as optimize human performance. This event will be hosted at Mum Mum Thai restaurant on the SciTech Campus from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Training and Professional Development
Immersive Technologies Conference at Mason Square
On Sept. 7, a new immersive technologies conference, “The Learning Multiverse: Immersive Technologies (IM-TECH) in Training and Education,” will take place at at Mason Square in Van Metre Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by the Institute for Digital Innovation and the Division of Learning Technologies at the College of Education and Human Development, the conference aims to address the applicability of IM-TECH, also known as Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR), to workforce education in industry and higher education.
Throughout the day, a variety of panel discussions, real-time demonstrations, and keynote speakers will discuss several themes, including the infrastructure needed to adopt IM-TECH in workforce training and education, how AI can impact the design and implementation of IM-TECH, and how IM-TECH can support accessible and hands-on learning experiences, social learning, and safe environments for learning.
The conference is sponsored by Leidos, IEEE, and C2 Technologies.
Registration closes Aug. 31, 2023. Visit techconnectdc.org/imtech-conference to learn more and register.
Lunch and Learn Series: Positive Leadership
Join Miles Lowe, trainer and organizational development consultant, for a bite-sized workshop where we'll unpack Kim Cameron's positive leadership tools—research and industry-leading practices for fostering resilient, productive, and well-being-focused teams across Mason. This session will be offered on Thursdays through the remainder of August:
- Thursday, Aug. 24, 1:10–2 p.m. (virtual)
- Thursday, Aug. 31, 2:05–2:55 p.m. (Fairfax)
Registration is limited. Email hrlearn@gmu.edu with questions.
UndocuAlly Training
The Mason community is invited to participate in UndocuAlly Training, which teaches the history of undocumented communities and helps participants understand past and present legislation, as well as the realities and barriers they face. Register at attend training on Friday, Sept. 29, Friday, Oct. 27, or Friday, Dec. 1.
Resources for You
Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit
As part of Mason's comprehensive employee recognition program, a refreshed Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit is available to all Mason employees. The revamped toolkit includes:
- Tips for celebrating an employee using their workplace appreciation language
- Virtual appreciation tools, including Pats for Patriots, printable cards, e-cards, and virtual backgrounds for all occasions
- And more
Every day is a great day to appreciate a colleague. Start today by utilizing the resources in the toolkit!
Mason Night at Nationals Park
Let's play ball! Mason Night at Nationals Park is Wednesday, Sept. 6. The Mason community is invited to purchase access to a pre-game reception and discounted game tickets, which include a new, limited-edition Mason/Nats branded quarter-zip pullover. Learn more.
Patriot Bike Check Out Program
A reminder that you can check out a bike with a valid Mason ID from either the Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC) or the Aquatic and Fitness Center, and return it to either location at no cost for one day. Check it out on a Friday and have it all weekend. You’ll receive the bike, a helmet, and lock. For details, visit bike.gmu.edu.
Encore Learning Announces its Fall Semester
Encore Learning’s fall 2023 semester is offering 35 courses, including 28 new courses with both virtual and in-person classes. Encore Learning is an Arlington-based nonprofit that provides college-level courses, clubs, and special events for those over 50. Many classes are hosted at Mason Square.
Join them on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 9:30 a.m. for the Fall Course Preview via Zoom, where you can learn more about courses you might be interested in and meet the instructors.
Fall 2023 course registration begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11. Classes will begin on Monday, Oct. 2. To review all of the information about Encore Learning’s fall semester, check out the courses page.
Arts Alive! at the Hylton Center
Arts Alive! at the Hylton Performing Arts Center is an annual, family-friendly arts festival featuring Prince William County Arts Council members and other community performers and fine artists. Enjoy activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances (indoors and out), and more.
Join the celebration on Sunday, Sept. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. on the SciTech Campus. Arts Alive! includes:
- Live performances and exhibits by local artists and art organizations
- Visual art on display and for purchase
- Local authors reading and selling their work
- Hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages
- Food and beverages available for purchase
Come celebrate your local arts community. This event is free; no tickets required.
Commute Together with MasonCommutes.com
What is MasonCommutes? It’s the go-to site for planning your commute to Mason. Going home for the weekend? See if others want to join you. Looking for someone with whom to share a ride? See who might live in your general area and come to campus at similar times. Looking for a bike buddy to ride with? Want to track your commutes and see how much CO2 you’re reducing?
You can do all this on MasonCommutes.com. Create an account and check it out.
Book Signing Event with William Louis Gross Jr.
Join the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center on Thursday, Aug. 24, at 10:30 a.m. for a book signing with William Louis Gross Jr., author of An Uncertain Journey: A Memoir. Light refreshments will be provided.
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.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Mariwô Project Concert with Juan Megna Group
Sunday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Join Mason alum Juan Megna and the Juan Megna Group for a concert of his upcoming album, Mariwô Project. The music is inspired by traditional melodies and rhythms coming from the Afro-Brazilian religion known as Candomblé. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Following the performance, Megna and the group will participate in a Q&A session with the audience. Megna received the 2023 Young Alumni Commissioning Award from the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Young Alumni Commissioning Project.
Grand Piano Celebration
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Grand Piano Celebration opens the fall 2023 performance season and honors Mason's All-Steinway School. This concert of student and faculty artists will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Exciting and dramatic solo piano, duo-piano, and collaborative piano works will be performed. Mason's faculty piano ensemble (eight hands) will also be showcased.
The Mason Players: The Originals!
Sept. 15–16, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheatreSpace
Join an evening of original new works featuring Mason School of Theater’s talented student playwrights and students. The Originals! offers Mason’s creative artists the chance to share their work in a variety of forms. Whether it’s a musical or the traditional 10-minute play structure, explore the brilliant imaginations of our students as they present this year’s originals.
Voctave
Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center
Experience the delightful harmonizing of musical arrangements from some of your favorite hit Broadway musicals, Disney films, and jazz standards. Since forming in 2015, this a capella ensemble has rocketed to international fame through its live performances and popular recordings. Voctave’s 11 members possess a wealth of diverse musical experiences from musical theater, contemporary Christian music, and barbershop to pop and choral music.
Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band: FUSION
Tuesday, Sep. 26, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Mason Wind Symphony opens the 2023–24 performance season with its first concert titled FUSION, celebrating the unique ways artists draw inspiration from different sources to create a masterpiece that goes beyond its parts. The Mason Wind Symphony is excited to welcome the Fairfax Wind Symphony, a community band directed by Stan Schoonover, to share the Center for the Arts stage for this season opener.
2023 ARTS by George!
Saturday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
This annual benefit event supports student scholarships at Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. ARTS by George! has raised more than $2 million since it began in 2006. The evening begins by showcasing the remarkable talents of Mason students alongside a delicious buffet dinner and drinks and culminates with a performance by Renée Elise Goldsberry in the Center for the Arts. The Presenting Sponsor for ARTS by George! is Sandy Spring Bank.
Renée Elise Goldsberry in Concert
Saturday, Sep. 30, at 8:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Tony, GRAMMY, and Emmy Award-winning star of stage and screen Renée Elise Goldsberry takes centerstage as the 2023 ARTS by George! headliner in a dazzling concert featuring Broadway hits and American songbook classics. Goldsberry is best known for her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton. As a member of the original cast, she also received a GRAMMY Award when the original cast album won Best Musical Theater Album in 2016, featuring her show-stopping rendition of “Satisfied.” In addition to her Broadway appearances in The Color Purple, Lion King, and Rent, audiences will also recognize Goldsberry for her many television roles on shows including ABC’s One Life to Live, CBS’s The Good Wife, Peacock’s Girls5eva, and Disney+’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.