Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
June Staff Senate Meeting
The June Staff Senate 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
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.
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.
MESA to M365 Migration Update
Information Technology Services (ITS) is migrating the current enterprise file storage system, MESA M: Drive, to Microsoft 365 (M365) by Sunday, June 30.
As a reminder, a survey has been sent to all shared drive administrators that will inform their department’s migration experience. If the survey is not completed by Friday, June 14, ITS will automatically migrate the department’s data to M365.
To provide additional support, ITS is holding weekly office hours and training via the Collaboration Collective MS Team – MESA Migration Project channel. Join the space for dates and times of the next session. For project details, visit the MESA to M365 Roadmap.
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
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.
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.
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.
National Community Band Festival
Dewberry School of Music, Fairfax Wind Symphony, and sponsored by American Music Abroad
Saturday, June 1, at 4 p.m.
Sunday, June 2, at 1 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The 5th Annual National Community Band Festival will feature seven bands from around the Washington, D.C., area. Guest artists and soloists are scheduled to appear with many of the bands. The Fairfax Wind Symphony will be the final concert on Sunday, June 2, at 3:30 p.m., celebrating its 25th anniversary. A gala reception will follow Sunday’s performances.
ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical
Friday, June 28, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre presents SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical, based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg. Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and is the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! Audiences will delight in this brilliant, bright, hilarious, and brand new musical.