Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Veterans Day Luncheon
Join the Office of the President, ROTC, and the Office of Military Services to celebrate and honor Veterans Day. Mason's annual Veterans Day Luncheon will take place on Friday, Nov. 10, at 11:45 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Center for the Arts lobby.
Mason community members who have proudly served the country are invited and encouraged to attend. Veterans, George Mason University salutes you. Registration is required.
Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 19
When the ground starts to shake, what do you do? On Thursday, Oct. 19, at 10:19 a.m., Mason will join millions of people participating in a nationwide earthquake drill: The Great ShakeOut.
This drill will be announced via Mason Alert. The goal is to prevent a major earthquake from becoming a catastrophe for you and the Mason community. To prepare for the drill, make sure your contact information is updated for Mason Alert at alert.gmu.edu and review the earthquake guide at ready.gmu.edu. We hope that you will join in practicing “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake!
Tuesday Treks: Fairfax Campus Connection
Faculty and staff are invited to embark on a journey of social connection, informal conversation, and enhanced well-being with the Tuesday Treks series. Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 17, the treks start at noon at Fenwick Library's main entrance on the Fairfax Campus.
This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, share meaningful conversations, and elevate your work-life balance. All abilities are welcome. The Tuesday Treks series is designed to accommodate everyone, so you can move at your own pace and comfort level. Visit the Human Resources website for more information.
Careers in Student Affairs Week: Wellness Walks
The University Life Training and Development Committee invites Mason faculty and staff to celebrate Career Development in Student Affairs Week from October 23–27.
Professionals in the field of student affairs understand the importance of self-care and building meaningful connections with colleagues. Discover a new dimension of career development at a Wellness Walk, taking place simultaneously across three campuses, on Tuesday, Oct. 24, from noon to 1 p.m.
Register to receive the meeting point for the walk at your campus. Contact Kerry Hentges with questions.
Mason Trunk or Treat
Join a family-friendly evening of spooky fun and sweet treats at the annual Mason Trunk or Treat. This event is open to all Mason families. Enjoy candy, games, music, and of course, fabulously decorated trunks!
Mason Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct. 21, from 4–6:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Parking Lot L
Sign up to host a trunk. This event is hosted by Mason Contemporary Student Services. Contact Matt McLaughlin with questions.
Prescription Drug Drop Box Available at Mason Police Headquarters
Do you have unused or expired prescription medications that you no longer need? Visit the Mason Police Department lobby to drop off medications in the CVS Drug Drop Box available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Mason Police and Safety Headquarters is located on the Fairfax Campus, in front of the Rappahannock Parking Deck.
Needles, sharps, and inhalers are not accepted. For questions, contact Lt. Michael Guston at mguston@gmu.edu.
MacOS Sonoma (14) Update
Information Technology Services (ITS) recently announced the release of Apple’s latest macOS, Sonoma (14). ITS is aware of incompatibilities and issues that may impact security tools and software (i.e., IBM SPSS and Vonage Contact Center) used across Mason. Therefore, ITS highly recommends that all Mason-owned Mac systems remain on macOS 12 Monterey or macOS 13 Ventura until more information is available.
Additionally, any Mac system running macOS 10.x presents a significant risk to the university. Beginning Monday, Oct. 30, systems still running macOS 10.x will be removed and blocked from the Mason network. If you require an exception, contact the ITS Support Center to initiate a request. Visit the ITS website for details.
Contact support@gmu.edu or 703-993-8870 for assistance.
Training and Professional Development
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day
Every year, Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day offers a chance for professional and personal development. This year's event will include workshops, a lunch and resource fair, and a chance to network with colleagues. All Mason employees are invited to participate.
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center
Workshops will center around the theme, "Mapping Your Future: Discovering Mason's Treasure." Supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility for their teams to attend.
This year's keynote speakers will be Lewis Forrest and Sheldon Tate, presenting "Navigating Transition: How to Get from Where We Are to Where We Need to Be.” Based on William Bridges's book, Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, this session will share a unique perspective on how those experiencing change—or facilitating change experience for others—can best approach it.
Fall 2023 Fiscal Transformation Bootcamp: From Surviving to Thriving
Do you find Mason’s fiscal policies and procedures complicated? Do you ever feel tangled in the web of workflows and tasks? Then join finance, operations, and administrative community members for the Fall 2023 Transformation Boot Camp: From Surviving to Thriving.
Many processes can be governed by multiple policies, involve various systems, and require coordination across many offices within the university. The Fall Fiscal Transformation Bootcamp will attempt to “pull back to the curtain” on many of these procedures, demystify processes, and learn from subject matter experts.
Attendees may participate virtually on Nov. 13–14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sessions will also be recorded and made available online for later viewing.
This unique professional development opportunity will provide a chance to refresh or update important information, provide a better understanding of processes and procedures, develop and encourage university best practices, and more. The agenda and information on all sessions will be available soon on the Fiscal Services website. Registration is available in Mason LEAPS.
Safe Zone+ Program Training
The LGBTQ+ Resources Center invites the Mason community to attend Safe Zone+ Program training this fall. The primary mission of Mason’s Safe Zone+ Program, like the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, is to create a safer, more welcoming and inclusive campus environment, and to strengthen community and encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting the well-being of LGBTQ people. All are welcome to attend. Register.
Upcoming Writing Center Workshops
Writing the Introduction: Strategies and Writing Moves for Positioning Your Research
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2:30–3:45 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Room 227E and hybrid on Zoom
Register on Mason 360
In this Writing Center workshop, participants will learn strategies for planning and writing an introduction that positions one's research in rhetorically savvy ways. Discuss typical writing moves made in introductions, which apply to dissertations/theses, journal articles, and conference or research proposals.
Online Resources for Improving Word Choice and Grammar in Academic Writing
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 3:30–5 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Register on Mason 360
In this Writing Center workshop, participants will learn to use a variety of online tools for improving word choice and grammar in academic writing.
Resources for You
CommonHealth Webinar: Shake Your Sugar Habit
Did you know that excess sugar consumption can wreak havoc on your well-being? Join CommonHealth’s "Sweet Surrender" webinar on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. to transform your relationship with sugar. Unravel common misconceptions about sugar and make healthier choices without sacrificing the sweetness in life. Register via Zoom.
Employee Discount: Pet Insurance
Do you have a Patriot Pet? Virginia state employees are eligible for a discount on Spot pet insurance. Visit the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management website for details.
HallowZines Workshop
Have you ever wondered what a ZINE is? Do you like archives? Do you love Halloween and the forces of spookiness and fun?
Join University Libraries on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from noon to 3 p.m. In Fenwick Library, Room 2001 (Main Reading Room) to celebrate with HallowZines, a brown bag crafting session where participants will learn how to makes zines.
In conjunction with the Virginia Archives Month theme, “Community Made: Zines and Self-Published Material,” HallowZines is an opportunity to learn and get crafty by making your own zine, contribute to a group zine (which will be archived in the Special Collections Research Center), or just learn and have fun.
No zine experience necessary. Materials and snacks will be provided. Costumes welcome! RSVP.
Ticket Discount: The Rose in Concert
Discounted tickets are available to The Rose: Dawn To Dusk World Tour at EagleBank Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m. Valid Mason ID required to receive the discount. Contact the box office at 703-993-3000 for more information.
Take Action for the Future: Webinar on Finances and Estate Planning
For National Estate Planning Awareness Week, join a webinar about estate planning and the importance of financial well-being.
Take Action for the Future: Webinar on Finances and Estate Planning
Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Registration required
This event is hosted by Mason’s Office of Planned Giving, in partnership with the Student Support and Advocacy Center and the School of Business.
Change Up Your Commute with MasonCommutes.com
Save time behind the wheel and spend less on your commute. Ridesharing also reduces CO2 emissions— and that saves a lot more than time and money. Create an account at masoncommutes.com.
Washington Commanders: Virginia State Employee Day and Discounted Tickets
The Washington Commanders will celebrate Virginia State Employee Day at FedExField on Sunday, Nov. 19, against the New York Giants. Bring friends, family, and colleagues to enjoy a fun-filled day at the stadium.
Discounted tickets are also available for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles (Oct. 29). Learn more and purchase discounted tickets.
$5 of the proceeds from each ticket will be donated directly to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC), the commonwealth's only annual workplace giving program.
Staying Safe: Traveling at Dusk
A reminder from Parking and Transportation that the days are growing shorter and it’s getting darker earlier. As we prepare to “Fall Back” on Sunday, Nov. 5, keep in mind that it is difficult to see and be seen at dusk. Exercise care whether you are driving, biking, scootering, skateboarding, or walking.
Upcoming Arts Events and Performances at Mason
Mason Exhibitions: Faces of Resilience
Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery
Faces of Resilience is on view until Nov. 3. The exhibit features work by artists who are currently and formerly incarcerated at a maximum-security prison in Pennsylvania. Event: Art of Incarceration film screening on Friday, Oct. 20, from 7–9 p.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema. Food will be served. This event is hosted in partnership with the Native American and Indigenous Alliance (NAIA) and BIPOC Well-Being Week.
Fall Choral Invitational: Songs of Unity
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Oct. 21, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The annual Fall Choral Invitational brings high school choirs to campus for the opportunity to take part in choral clinics and perform on stage with the Mason Choral Department. The repertoire selected for the concert includes selections from a wide variety of choral traditions.
Lightwire Theater – The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen
Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 and 4 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Gather the whole family for this imaginative story cleverly told with cutting edge electroluminescent puppetry, live dancers, and a creative mix of classical, jazz, and pop music. This innovative company brings Aesop’s classic fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, into a brilliant new light when the next generation navigates a whole new kind of race filled with modern distractions. Treat the whole family to this breathtaking live production that will leave everyone in awe and filled with a sense of wonder. Recommended for ages 4–12.
Visual Voices Lecture Series with Sherrill Roland
Mason School of Art and Mason Exhibitions
Thursday, Oct. 26, at 4:45 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Enterprise Hall, Room 80
Sherrill Roland’s interdisciplinary practice deals with concepts of innocence, identity, and community, reimagining their social and political implications in the context of the American criminal justice system. For more than three years, Roland's right to self-determination was lost to a wrongful incarceration. After spending ten months in prison for a crime from which he was later exonerated, he returned to his artistic practice, which he now uses as a vehicle for self-reflection and an outlet for emotional release.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Christian McBride
Saturday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning bassist Christian McBride joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso saxophonist Jim Carroll, in an unforgettable night of jazz. For the past 20 years, McBride has been one of the most prolific and well-known figures of jazz and is the velvety voice behind NPR’s popular “Jazz Night in America” radio show.
Faculty Artist Showcase
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music presents its annual showcase featuring its accomplished faculty, including vocal, instrumental, and piano artists.
Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: Power and Passion of Beethoven
Sunday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In Power and Passion of Beethoven, pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns to take his audience on a musical voyage of Beethoven’s life and music through two of the composer’s favorite sonatas: Piano Sonata No. 24 “for Therese” and Piano Sonata No. 23, Appassionata. An interactive question-and-answer session will conclude this program.
Jazz Workshop Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Jazz Workshop explores the intersection of improvisation and composition in the tradition of the great dance and studio jazz bands. Enjoy rare and beautiful arrangements by jazz legends from many eras of jazz history. New original compositions by Mason students and faculty will be featured.
ASL Storytime with Arlington Public Library
Friday, Nov. 3, at 4–5 p.m.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Arlington County Library will lead a story time with books that shine a light on disabled stories. An American Sign Language Interpreter will be onsite.
Fall: New Dances
Mason School of Dance
Nov. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Step out of the cool autumn weather and into the theater for a concert of diverse choreography performed by talented dancers.
Weaving Demonstration with Arlington Weaves
Saturday, Nov. 4, noon to 2 p.m.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Arlington Weaves will bring portable looms for fiber art weaving and demonstrate paper weaving. Materials will be provided. Arlington Weaves is a program supporting individuals with disabilities. Participants within the program learn to weave and produce handcrafted woven art, including color tote bags, pencil cases, and more.
Disability Film Festival
Saturday, Nov. 4, from 2–4 p.m.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Join Mason Exhibitions Arlington and ReelAbilities Film Festival: Northern Virginia for a film screening of short films and one feature film documenting the various lives of those who identify as disabled, promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities.
Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens: American Railroad
Sunday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Returning for their second of three years as a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Silkroad Ensemble presents American Railroad, an initiative that maps American music through the various immigrant communities involved in building the late-1800s Transcontinental Railroad. Artistic Director and 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winner Rhiannon Giddens joins the ensemble for this performance, which is told through the stories and sounds of African American, Chinese, Irish, Mexican, and Native American communities. Traditional instruments cross paths with fiddles, bones, tambo, and banjo to remind audiences of America’s intricately interwoven history.