Around Mason: Week of Nov. 28, 2023

Body

Faculty/Staff Announcements

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


Campus Updates


Faculty and Staff Holiday Party

Thanks to the hard work of faculty and staff, Mason achieved great heights this year. Now it's time to celebrate! RSVP for the holiday party at your campus through the following links:

Mason Square 
Monday, Dec. 4, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Van Metre Hall

SciTech Campus 
Tuesday, Dec. 5, noon to 1:30 p.m., Beacon Hall

Fairfax Campus
Thursday, Dec. 7, 1–3:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall


COVID Vaccine Clinic Available on Dec. 6 for Students, Faculty, and Staff 

Student Health Services and Employee Health and Well-Being are partnering with Giant Pharmacy to provide the updated (2023/2024) Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccine to Mason faculty, staff, and students. The clinic will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Hub ballroom. Register for an appointment

Eligibility 
Students, faculty, and staff who have not yet received the 2023/2024 updated COVID vaccine are eligible to receive this booster. For more detailed information on eligibility, refer to information published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Insurance Coverage 
Vaccines are fully covered for students with Aetna Student Health Insurance and faculty/staff with COVA insurance. Updated COVID vaccines are generally covered through private health insurance when given by an in-network provider. Need to find a covered vaccine provider? Those with Kaiser insurance can visit kp.org to find vaccination locations. 

Adults without health insurance or without full insurance coverage may visit vaccines.gov to find a provider who participates with the CDC’s Bridge Access Program to get COVID vaccines at no cost. 

Those with other insurance plans should verify coverage before getting vaccinated at this event. Student Health Services and Employee Health and Well-Being cannot guarantee coverage or payment by your insurance company. 

Registration 
Register for the vaccine clinic. This event is first come, first serve, and is only open to Mason students, faculty, and staff. 

Contact Jamie Klepek, Employee Health and Well-Being, at 703-993-6001 with questions.


$5 Friday for Faculty and Staff at Dining Halls: Dec. 1 

On the first Friday of the month, Mason faculty and staff are eligible for a $5, all-you-care-to-eat lunch at all campus dining halls—Southside, Ike’s, The Globe, the new vegetarian dining hall (The Spot), and even The Commons in Front Royal. Valid Mason faculty/staff required. The next $5 Friday is Dec. 1. 

For more information about dining on campus or how to sign up for a faculty/staff dining plan, visit Mason Dining’s website.


Share Your Feedback: Parking and Transportation Surveys

Commuting and Transportation Survey: Deadline Extended
Help University Sustainability measure Mason’s greenhouse gas levels by answering a short survey about your commute. The survey will help Mason understand how students, faculty, and staff get to and from campus. The deadline has been extended. Those who complete the survey by Sunday, Dec. 3, may enter an optional raffle for a chance to win a prize. 

Fairfax/SciTech Shuttle Survey: Those Who Ride, and Those Who Don’t
Faculty, staff, and students are invited to complete a short survey on the Fairfax/SciTech Shuttle. We are interested in hearing from those who currently use the shuttle, as well as those who live in Prince William County (or points further west) and do not currently use the shuttle. The survey should take less than five minutes to complete. Note: No changes to the shuttle route are currently in development. The survey will be open through January 2024. Take the survey.

Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or shuttle@gmu.edu.


Volunteers Needed for Winter Graduation

Don't miss your opportunity to celebrate Winter Graduation with our graduates, their families, and friends! Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to assist at the ceremonies. Commencement and Degree Celebrations are happening on Thursday, Dec. 14.

Sign up for a specific ceremony and time frame on the Winter Graduation volunteer sign up.    

This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our newest alumni in an upbeat, positive setting full of Mason spirit. Contact University Events with questions.


December Staff Senate Meeting with Rector Blackman

The December Staff Senate meeting will feature Rector Horace Blackman as guest speaker. Rector Blackman leads the George Mason University Board of Visitors. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 6, with the guest speaker from 10–11 a.m. and the general meeting from 11 a.m. to noon. 

Constituents are invited to attend in person on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom.


Staff Senate Winter Virtual Trivia

The Staff Senate has partnered with District Trivia to host a Winter Virtual Trivia event on Monday, Dec. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. Teams will be assigned randomly, encouraging networking and developing new connections with staff across locations and departments. Get ready for fun and entertainment—this event will have trivia questions for all, covering many genres!

Registration is required and space is limited. RSVP by Thursday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m.


Parking and Transportation Holiday Donation Drive   

Parking Services is hosting its annual holiday donation drive to benefit the Patriot Pantry. Reduce the cost of an outstanding parking citation by donating items at any Parking Services office to benefit the Patriot Pantry by Wednesday, Dec. 13. For important details, visit transportation.gmu.edu/donation.


Staff Senate Holiday Donation Drive

For the 2023 holiday season, the Staff Senate is encouraging the Mason community to support four organizations in our local communities. Learn more about the charities and ways to give. Contact staffsenate@gmu.edu with questions.


Mason Shuttles and Parking Permit Updates for End of Semester

Fall shuttle service operates through Friday, Dec. 15, on all routes except the West Campus shuttle and the On-Demand Shuttle:  

  • West Campus Shuttle: The last day of regular fall service on the West Campus shuttle is Friday, Dec. 1. From Monday, Dec. 4, through Wednesday, Dec. 13, there will be modified West Campus service with service every 40 minutes beginning at 7 a.m. The last departure from West Campus will be at 7:40 p.m.  
  • On-Demand Shuttle: Operates weekends only. Last day of fall service is Sunday, Dec. 10.  

Winter Break will bring major changes to the shuttle schedules. Details will be posted at shuttle.gmu.edu.   

Parking updates for the end of the semester:  

  • General Resident Lite and Lot M/P permits will be valid in unrestricted spaces in Student General Lots starting Thursday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m.  
  • West Campus permits will be valid in unrestricted spaces in Student General Lots starting Thursday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m. Contact parking@gmu.edu with questions. 

Training and Professional Development


ASPIRE: Inclusive Excellence Professional Development Opportunities

Understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial for creating an inclusive workplace for faculty and staff. By embracing diverse perspectives and ensuring access to opportunities, faculty and staff promote a sense of belonging within an inclusive learning environment that empowers learners to navigate cultural complexities, cultivate empathy, and develop the necessary skills to thrive in a diverse and interconnected global economy.    

In support of Mason’s broader strategic goals and academic units’ Inclusive Excellence Plans, the ASPIRE learning and development opportunity offers multiple pathways for individuals and teams. Learn more. To schedule professional development for yourself or your team, contact Inclusive Excellence at masonIE@gmu.edu.


Apply for Mason’s Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series

Human Resources is accepting applications for the 2024–25 cohort of the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series through Nov. 30. This program is designed to support supervisors as they:  

  • Develop a leadership mindset 
  • Create and implement a vision for their own leadership and their team 
  • Lead a high-performing team 
  • Learn tools and strategies to grow their self-awareness, relationships, and communication skills, which will support the above three objectives 

Application guidelines and instructions are available on the Human Resources website. Contact Jennifer Beck-Wilson with questions.


Resources for You


Queer Parents and Caregivers Group Meetup 

The LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is hosting a Queer Parents and Caregivers Group meet-up on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 9:30–11 a.m. This in-person event is open to all faculty, staff, and GTAs/GRAs who are LGBTQ+ parents, caregivers, and/or queer individuals in the process of building a family. The group will meet on the Fairfax Campus at the Johnson Center Starbucks. Bring coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or other morning beverages and enjoy some casual conversation with colleagues/friends! Contact Andrew Lane with questions.


Commuter Choice Benefit Increasing in 2024 

Beginning in January 2024, the maximum Commonwealth Commuter Choice benefit at Mason will increase by $15 to $315 per month. Currently, an Executive Order gives full-time state employees in Northern Virginia up to $300 per month to commute by eligible transit or vanpool. This is a tax-free benefit paid by the university.   

To take advantage of this increase beginning with the January benefit, submit your Commuter Choice Monthly Benefit Request by Thursday, Dec. 7. If you are new to the program, please also submit an Enrollment Form. For more information and the forms, visit the Mason Transportation website.


Zipcar: Short-Term Car Rental Available on the Fairfax Campus

Need a car to run errands or pick someone up? Check out Zipcar. Located on the Fairfax Campus, you can rent a car for a short trip or a long one. Cars must be returned to the pickup location. For details, visit the Mason Transporation website.


Exhibit – ‘Slideshow: An Image, a Light, a Lens, and an Audience’

This exhibition at the Special Collections Research Center in Fenwick Library examines the history of the slideshow, beginning with the earliest forms of slide projection, to the magic lantern, to today’s LCD projector, while featuring images from many of the Special Collections Research Center’s photographic collections. 

Slideshow: An Imagine, A Light, A Lens, and an Audience will be on display through February 2024. Contact speccoll@gmu.edu or 703-993-2220 with questions.


Upcoming Performances at Mason

Mason Symphonic Band Concert
Dewberry School of Music   
Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts  
 
The Mason Symphonic Band is an ensemble comprising music majors and non-music majors from across myriad disciplines at Mason. This ensemble performs historical and contemporary works from diverse composers spanning multiple genres and styles.   

Mason Wind Symphony Concert: Enigma   
Dewberry School of Music   
Thursday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts   

The Mason Wind Symphony concludes the fall portion of the 2023-24 season with Edward Elgar’s beautiful yet mysterious composition, Enigma Variations, transcribed for wind band. The Mason Wind Symphony will complement this work with a premiere of Hilary Purrington’s latest composition, and Florence Price’s Adoration, transcribed for wind band by Sheldon Williams.   

Staged Reading: La Belle Indifference   
Mason School of Theater   
Friday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Bistro 
  
A play by April E. Brassard, directed by Nathan Tilley. Free and open to the public.   

Fall: Dance Innovations   
Mason School of Dance   
Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre   

A program of new works created and performed by the Mason Dance Company.    

Mason Opera: An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan   
Dewberry School of Music   
Friday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m.   
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater  
 
Mason Opera presents An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan, featuring Trial by Jury and favorite Gilbert and Sullivan scenes from: H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, and Iolanthe. Enjoy an evening with Mason’s talented vocal students in collaboration with an instrumental chamber ensemble.   

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas   
Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts   

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy return to the Center for the Arts for a Celtic experience like no other. In A Celtic Family Christmas, the charming duo invites you and your family into their holiday traditions on Cape Breton Island with charming stories of family, food, and plenty of music.    

Artist-in-Residence: The Legendary Ingramettes   
Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.   
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall  
 
Celebrate the holidays with one of Virginia’s premier gospel ensembles, The Legendary Ingramettes, as they sing their family favorites. Richmond’s “first family of gospel” was formed six decades ago by “Mama” Maggie Ingram, who found inspiration in Black gospel male quartets of the 1940s and 50s. With her harmonizing singers, Ingram broke new ground with her female-driven quartet.  

Mason Symphony and Choirs Holiday Concert   
Dewberry School of Music   
Sunday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts   

Showcasing Mason’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, this evening will feature holiday favorites and festive new works performed by extraordinary student artists.   

Fall: Studio Series   
Mason School of Dance   
Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 6 and 8 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts 
  
A showcase of new dances created and performed by the Mason Dance Company.   

American Festival Pops Orchestra – Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season   
Friday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center (SciTech Campus)   
Saturday, Dec. 9, at 4 p.m. at the Center for the Arts (Fairfax Campus)   

Gather round for this annual concert that is sure to warm hearts and spread cheer. Now in his second season, Artistic Director and Conductor Peter Wilson welcomes old and new friends to the stage for a festive program of musical favorites, including an uplifting audience singalong of beloved carols.    

Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna   
Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.   
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall  
 
Made up of boy sopranos and altos from ages 8–14, the Vienna Boys Choir transports you to the snowy Alps, where the air smells sweet and twinkling lights brighten the night sky. Their program, Christmas in Vienna, balances a mix of Baroque classics, contemporary popular hits, sacred songs, Austrian folk tunes, polkas, waltzes, and traditional holiday favorites.    

Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas   
Sunday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m.   
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts   

Representing a new generation of mariachi artists, Latin GRAMMY-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México is propelling the art and traditions of mariachi music to new heights. For the holidays, the ensemble brings the Latin American tradition of Las Posadas to the Center with songs of the season.