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:
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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.
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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.
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 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
Virginia 529 Webinar: Saving for Education
Join Virginia 529 for a webinar on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 1 pm. to discover the benefits of the Invest529 savings tool. Learn about the versatile uses of an Invest529 account and its tax advantages. Gain insights on how to prepare for the future, whether for yourself or a loved one. Learn more and register.
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.
The remaining topic will be: “A Mindful Approach to Caregiving: Boost compassion for yourself and others through breathing, meditation and gratitude,” on Thursday, Aug. 1.
Participate in a Research Study on Work-Life Balance Norms
Lauren Kuykendall, associate professor of industrial-organizational psychology, and her students are recruiting participants for a research study on how workplace norms impact vacation experiences. They are seeking full-time employees who have an upcoming vacation for at least four consecutive work days. Learn more about eligibility requirements. (IRB #: 2198749)
Participants will be eligible to participate in a virtual webinar on well-being led by Kuykendall, along with the option to be entered into a raffle to win one of ten $100 gift cards.
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 “Black Joy: Black Gardens as Ecotherapy and Liberation” on Friday, Aug. 2, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.