Faculty/Staff Announcements
Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.
Campus Updates
Staff Appreciation Events
The Mason Staff Senate will host Spring Staff Appreciation Events for classified and non-student wage employees, featuring refreshments from Rita’s Ice and giveaways from the Staff Senate. RSVP for the event on your campus:
- SciTech Campus: Tuesday, May 14, from 1–2 p.m., Katherine Johnson Patio
- Fairfax Campus: Wednesday, May 15, from 1–2:30 p.m., Wilkins Plaza
- Mason Square: Thursday, May 16, from 1–2 p.m., Plaza
June Staff Senate Meeting
The June Staff Senate general meeting will feature guest speaker Mary Lucal, vice president of human resources and chief human resource officer.
Wednesday, June 5
9:40–10 a.m.: Staff Senate Recognition Ceremony
10–11 a.m.: General Business Meeting
11 a.m. to noon: Guest Speaker
The Staff Senate will collect questions in advance for consideration. Submit a comment, question, or concern by May 27. Live questions may be accepted, time permitting.
Parking Lot Paving and Closures on the Fairfax Campus
This summer, parking areas on the Fairfax Campus will be milled, paved, and striped. The schedule is subject to change based on weather and existing conditions. Signage about closures will be posted at parking lot entrances. Closures start the week of May 13–17. View the complete schedule.
University Requirements for Programs Serving Minors
As the summer season begins, many departments are gearing up to host programs, events, or camps (PEC) serving minors. University policy requires that all PECs go through a registration process, as well as other requirements. Read more about the criteria on the Camps and Youth Programs website. Contact Buz Grover, Auxiliary Services and Operations, at 703-993-5784 with questions.
New Duo Mobile Verification Code
On Tuesday, May 14, Information Technology Services (ITS) will begin a phased rollout to turn on Duo Mobile Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) verification codes to provide additional protection against phishing attacks.
The change requires users to input a three-digit code when using Duo push notifications to authenticate applications. ITS will notify users in advance of verification codes being activated on their Duo accounts.
For details on what to expect and what the Duo verification codes look like, visit the ITS website. If you have questions or need assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu.
Mason Square Market
Visit the Mason Square Market on Wednesday, May 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Discover a variety of handmade items, sweet treats, art, and more on the plaza. The spring market will be hosted on the third Wednesday of each month, March through June. Don’t miss out, there will be something for everyone!
Training and Professional Development
Prospective Staff Senator Information Session
Ever wondered what it is like to serve on the Staff Senate? Have a general interest in how the senate sets and achieves its goals? Want to learn about how the university functions from a new perspective, contribute to the well-being of your colleagues, and network across departments?
The Staff Senate will host an information session for Mason classified and non-student wage staff interested in learning about the nomination and election process and the work of the senate. Attendees will learn about the structure of the senate, how its committees work, the time commitment expected of senators, and have a Q&A with current representatives.
Prospective Senator Information Session
Wednesday, May 29
10–11 a.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Workshop: Successfully (Re-)Designing and Proposing a Mason Core Course
Join the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning on Friday, May 17, via Zoom from 1–3 p.m. for a workshop: Successfully (Re-)Designing and Proposing a Mason Core Course.
The Mason Core Committee is seeking course proposals for courses in the revised Global Contexts category and the new Just Societies flag. Faculty interested in proposing a course for Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Community Engaged Learning status are also welcome.
Participants will review the new learning outcomes, receive a guide to the proposal process, and the opportunity to compose a first draft of a proposal and receive early feedback. Come on your own or bring colleagues who will help design or teach the course. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming course design and student engagement workshops, especially to support Just Societies courses. Register.
'How to Thrive at Mason' Boot Camp
Registration for the spring 2024 “How to Thrive at Mason” Boot Camp is now open. This virtual learning opportunity will take place on May 14–16 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Sessions are open to all Mason employees—from newcomers to long-timers.
This opportunity focuses on helping faculty and staff connect, collaborate, and break down silos across the university. Register today (Mason login required). Topics will include MicroStrategy, an update on the Mason brand, skill advancement at Mason, and many others. Sessions will be recorded and published at a later date. Previously recorded Boot Camp sessions and additional information are available on the Fiscal Services website. Contact thrive@gmu.edu with questions.
George Mason Toastmasters Open House
George Mason Toastmasters will host their last open house of the 2023–24 academic year on Wednesday May 22, from noon to 1 p.m. Guests can learn about Toastmasters both in-person and virtually. The meeting will occur on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 3300, or via Zoom.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive environment, members prepare and deliver speeches, respond to impromptu questions, and give/receive constructive feedback. Through this regular practice, members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals.
Resources for You
Cinema on the Plaza: ‘Encanto’
Join Cinema on the Plaza at Mason Square for an evening of family fun on Friday, May 17. This free, outdoor movie night will feature the film Encanto. This event is free and open to the public. Costumes or accessories encouraged!
Bring chairs, blankets, and snacks. At 5 p.m., Old Blue BBQ will start offering movie concessions (food and alcohol) for purchase. Check out Encanto-themed crafts and special guests from 6:30–8 p.m. The film will be shown from 8–9:30 p.m. For questions, contact Mary O’Connor, University Life Mason Square.
Apply for the Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship by May 24
The Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship provides $250 to put toward class supplies and books. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolled in a George Mason degree or graduate certificate program
- GPA of 3.0+
- At least one year of service as faculty/staff at Mason
- A recent performance rating of Successful or Outstanding
Include a written statement (maximum of 500 words) detailing program of study, educational and professional goals, how the scholarship will benefit these pursuits, and how you uphold the George Mason graduate values of being an engaged citizen, a well-rounded scholar, and one who is prepared to act. Submit the form by Friday, May 24. Contact awards@gmu.edu with questions.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Romeo and Juliet
May. 17–19, multiple performances
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Manassas Ballet Theatre’s season concludes with the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet. As the Montague and Capulet families feud, Romeo and Juliet seek to unite in love, but conflict and despair lead to death. Watch their tale unfold in dance set to live music by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Melodies of the Soul
Saturday, May 18, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Heralded by the New York Times as a "composer of uncommon gifts and unusual methods," English composer Anna Clyne has masterfully crafted a new musical language, drawing inspiration from the words of 13th-century Persian poet Rumi. Her composition, a captivating dance for cello and orchestra, transports listeners to ethereal realms through its enchanting melodies. This extraordinary concerto, performed by Israeli-American cellist Inbal Segev, has garnered immense praise, with its opening movement amassing more than 3 million plays on Spotify and earning a place among NPR Music's "Favorite Songs of 2020."
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: An Evening of Magic, Lyricism, and Fate
Friday, May 24, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Magic. Lyricism. Fate. These are the themes that permeate this evening of music. Verdi's Overture to La forza del destino, Stamitz's Sinfonia concertante No. 20 (featuring violin/viola duo Marcolivia), and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 will move and delight concertgoers.
Manassas Chorale: Musical ‘Pearls’ from Three Decades
Friday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Take a musical journey with the Manassas Chorale, its ensemble, orchestra, and the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir for an evening celebrating 30 years of repertoire performed as a group. Student singers in grades 2–8 join adults in a performance that closes Manassas Chorale’s 30th season and is sure to have you humming all the way home!
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: Celebrating Gershwin at 100
Sunday, June 9, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Pianist Jeffrey Biegel takes you on a musical journey celebrating the Gershwin Centennial and unveiling the regional premiere of Peter Boyer's "Red, White, and Blue" for piano and orchestra. With his masterful interpretations, Biegel pays homage to the genius of George Gershwin, showcasing iconic compositions that have defined American music. This concert of musical discovery also features the brilliance of Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony, premiered by the Boston Symphony in 1896, and was the first symphony published by an American woman composer. Join an unforgettable season finale honoring the past and embracing the future of American classical music.