Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
June Staff Senate Meeting
The June Staff Senate general meeting will feature guest speaker Mary Lucal, vice president of human resources and chief human resources 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.
High School Graduations at EagleBank Arena
Heavy traffic is expected on and around George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for regional high school graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena from May 29 through June 18, 2024.
EagleBank Arena will host up to three ceremonies on many days, so traffic will be entering and exiting campus from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Please allow extra travel time on and around campus. View the schedule.
George Mason faculty, staff, and students are advised to use the general permit area of the Rappahannock Parking Deck or the Field House parking lots to avoid delays. Shenandoah Parking Deck (levels 4 and 5) will be open for limited overflow student, employee, and event parking on weekdays when graduations occur.
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. View the complete schedule.
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.
Reminder: No Mason Shuttles Service on May 27
There will be no Mason Shuttles service on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. For summer schedules, visit shuttle.gmu.edu.
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
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
Mason Recreation Faculty/Staff Summer Membership Promotion
Mason Recreation is offering a summer membership promotion for George Mason faculty and staff. Sign up to receive a complimentary InBody Scan Fitness Assessment along with a 20% discount on an annual membership purchased for AY25.
Registration is now open and may be completed in person or online at connect.recreation.gmu.edu. The summer membership price is $75 (summer term is May 16 to August 15). Contact masonrec@gmu.edu with questions.
Discounted Subscriptions on Center for the Arts and Hylton Center Performances
Exciting performances are coming to the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center for the 2024–25 seasons. George Mason faculty, staff, and retirees can save 50% off subscriptions (custom packages of three or more performances). Present a valid Mason ID at the ticket office at the Center for the Arts or Hylton Center to claim the discount.
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.
Nano Boot Camp
Nano Boot Camp is a chance to explore a career in nanofabrication. Participants will gain entry-level skills that can open new doors in the tech field and lead to potential immediate employment. In this week-long workshop, participants will gain experience with cutting-edge clean room equipment, become knowledgeable about principles used to build devices, meet potential employers, and learn about additional programs. Nano Boot Camp is offered on the SciTech Campus from August 12–16 and September 9–13. Get more information about participation fee and application process. Contact Eleanor Wagoner, Institute for Biohealth Innovation, with questions.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Exhibition and Opening Reception – A Closer Look: Conflicted Art from Ukraine
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Mason Exhibitions is pleased to present A Closer Look: Conflicted Art from Ukraine at Mason Exhibitions Arlington until August 24. The exhibit presents artistic responses to war through the works of 13 contemporary Ukrainian artists. Through photography, video, painting, sculpture, and installation, these artists explore critical issues on the fault lines of conflict. Their works initiate a dialogue between viewers and the profound realities of conflict, encouraging and modeling resilience in the face of adversity. An opening reception will take place on Friday, May 31, from 5–8 p.m.
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.