Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
New Procedures for Trash Collection and Cleaning in Campus Offices
George Mason University is implementing new procedures for trash collection and cleaning in campus offices. These changes support the university's efforts to increase efficiency and cut costs. Starting on Aug. 1, 2024, these changes will go into effect in university offices at the Fairfax, Mason Square, and Science and Technology campuses:
- Faculty and staff will be responsible for emptying the individual trash can in their workspace into larger trash receptacles in common areas. Housekeeping staff will no longer empty personal trash cans located at desks/cubicles/private offices.
- Workspaces/offices will be cleaned weekly.
Common spaces and high traffic areas will be cleaned daily, and trash will be removed from common area trash receptacles at least once daily. The cleaning schedule will not change in restrooms, kitchens, and common areas.
These changes are being implemented after a pilot program was conducted on the SciTech Campus and in Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus during the 2023–24 academic year. Read more about the changes.
Fairfax Campus Notice: Section of Patriot Circle Closed July 22–28
A section of Patriot Circle between Campus Drive and Aquia Creek Lane will be closed from Monday, July 22, through Sunday, July 28, so a culvert can be installed to address flooding issues along that part of the road and in Lot I. The sidewalk along this section of Patriot Circle will also be closed. Read more.
Summer Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact
The Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) will host the Summer 2024 Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact on Friday, Aug. 2, from 1–3:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Fenwick Library Main Reading Room (2001).
Undergraduate students who participated in OSCAR summer programs will share their projects and research findings. The Mason community of scholars, faculty, staff, and students are invited to this event to celebrate student research accomplishments. Light refreshments will be provided. Learn more and RSVP.
Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K
Registration is now open for the annual Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K. The race will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, on the Fairfax Campus. All proceeds from the event will benefit the George Mason University Student Mental Health and Well-Being Fund. Learn more and register.
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.
Parking Services Offices Closed Aug. 6 for Training
All Parking Services offices will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 6, for staff training. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Contact parking@gmu.edu or 703-993-2710 with questions.
Training and Professional Development
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Call for Proposals
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (FSED) is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15. This year’s event will focus on faculty and staff engagement, guided by the Gallup Q12. To make this professional development event a success, organizers are seeking innovative and engaging workshop proposals from faculty and staff. Learn more about proposal guidelines. Proposals are due Friday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m.
New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop
The upcoming New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, Aug, 17. This workshop helps new adjunct faculty transition into their role at George Mason with professional development support, resources, and some friendly faces on campus. Departments should share the registration link with adjunct faculty as they are hired.
All new adjunct faculty hires should be entered into Banner to ensure they can obtain their faculty ID and NetID and participate in the important Blackboard and Patriot Web training on the day of the workshop. Learn more. Contact Faculty Affairs and Development at facaffs@gmu.edu with questions.
Resources for You
Queer Parents/Caregivers Social
The LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is hosting a Queer Parents and Caregivers social meetup on Friday, July 26, from noon to 1 p.m. This 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 in the Women and Gender Studies Center (Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Room 240K).
Coffee and tea will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring a lunch. For questions, contact Holly Mason Badra.
Mason Square Market
Visit the Mason Square market on Tuesday, July 23, from 3–7 p.m. on the plaza. Find handmade items, sweet treats, art, and more. The market is sponsored by Mason Square and Mason Dining, in collaboration with Arlington Economic Development. Additional dates are scheduled through November. Find out more.
Kaiser Permanente Webinars: Caregiver Series
In this four-week series offered by Kaiser Permanente, participants will explore caregiver resources and learn tips to manage their time and care for themselves, while caring for others. Register today. You do not need to be a Kaiser member to participate.
Topics include:
- Caring for Loved Ones: Discuss caregiver challenges and explore resources available to help with caregiving.
- Owning Your Time as a Caregiver: Learn 10 practical tips to balance caregiving with other responsibilities and lessen stress.
- Coping with Caregiving: Learn ways to overcome caregiver burnout and take care of you, while caring for others.
- A Mindful Approach to Caregiving: Boost compassion for yourself and others through breathing, meditation and gratitude.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Summer Sessions
The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet on Friday afternoons this summer. Kritikos engages in discussions on writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. Learn more.
Join them for the topic “James Baldwin and the White Liberal” on Friday, July 26, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Mason Exhibitions Hosts 'Citizen Joy: A Celebration of Democracy'
Join Mason Exhibitions for “Citizen Joy: A celebration of democracy focused on agency, harmony, and gratitude” on Friday, July 26, from 4:30–6 p.m. at Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia). This event will feature the new exhibit, A Closer Look: Conflicted Art from Ukraine, along with music, poetry, and more. The Citizen Joy program takes place at art installations across the country and celebrates the joy of participating in the voting process. RSVP.
This event is organized by Mason Exhibitions in collaboration with the College of Visual and Performing Arts, School of Art, School of Theater, and Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music.
ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre: Anastasia the Musical (Youth Edition)
Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 27, at 2 and 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
This dazzling production transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s. Follow Anya, a brave young woman who sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.