Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
New Student Convocation: Friday, Aug. 23
George Mason faculty and staff are invited to attend Fall 2024 New Student Convocation, the event that formally welcomes all new students to George Mason University. This year's event will emphasize the importance of embracing the rich diversity at George Mason by encouraging students to engage with those different from themselves and to seek out faculty and staff for support.
Convocation will be held on Friday, Aug. 23, from 1:30–3 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus in EagleBank Arena. Following the event, join the new students for free ice cream outside the arena. Learn more and RSVP.
Host a Table at the 2024 Get Connected Fair
George Mason offices and departments are invited to sign up for a table at the Get Connected Fair, happening Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. This event is a valuable opportunity to help students connect with your department and will occur across Wilkin's Plaza, Fenwick Lawn, SUB I, and the SUB I Quad.
Rain date is Thursday, Sept. 5. Tables are limited—sign up on Mason360 today (log in required). Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Aug. 28.
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. These changes went into effect on Aug. 1 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.
Training and Professional Development
Learning Multiverse Conference: AI-Enabled Immersive Technologies (IM-TECH) in Workforce Training and Education
The 2024 Learning Multiverse Conference: AI-Enabled Immersive Technologies (IM-TECH) in Workforce Training and Education will be hosted on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Mason Square.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how IM-TECH, partnered with AI, is revolutionizing workplace training and education. The conference will feature relevant use cases and demonstrations that illustrate the transformative role of these technologies in training and development. Researchers and practitioners from academia, government, and industry will share their expertise and discuss the implications of pairing IM-TECH and AI, and the enhanced ability to augment learning and transform workplace educational methodologies.
This conference is a collaborative event organized by George Mason's Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, and the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA), along with LEIDOS, SEI-DC, the Defense Acquisition University, and other government agencies in the region. Registration is free and open to the public. Learn more. Contact Nada Dabbagh with questions.
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
Enhance Workplace Well-Being through ProjectConnect
Join a Faculty/Staff ProjectConnect Group
Get to know other faculty and staff at George Mason by joining a Faculty/Staff ProjectConnect group. Form connections with colleagues in a small group setting. Registration is open through Wednesday, Aug. 28. Groups will meet online on Fridays at noon this September and early October. Learn more.
ProjectConnect Book Discussion Group
Faculty and staff are also invited to join a ProjectConnect book discussion group based on Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek Murthy. Registration is open through Friday, Aug. 23. Participants will receive a free copy of the book to read before the online discussion on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from noon to 1 p.m. Learn more.
Patriot Packout’s Swap and Hop Event
Shop items donated during Patriot Packout for free, swap items you don’t need/want, or donate like-new or gently used items at the Swap and Hop event on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Southside Dining Patio.
Registration is required. All George Mason Patriots are invited to participate. The Patriot Packout is George Mason’s annual end-of-the year donation initiative led by Mason Facilities.
Virginia 529 Webinar: Saving for Education
Join Virginia 529 for a webinar on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. 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.
Leadership Opportunity in the Working Fathers Employee Resource Group
Are you a dedicated father who values work-life balance and supports a thriving workplace culture? Would you like to meet other fathers and have an opportunity to network and share parenthood challenges? A leadership position is open within George Mason’s Working Fathers Employee Resource Group (ERG).
The Working Fathers ERG is a community dedicated to supporting fathers in balancing their professional responsibilities with family life. The ERG leader(s) would foster a supportive community by organizing events, meetings, and activities that promote networking and mutual support among working fathers.
The Human Resources Faculty and Staff Engagement Team provides administrative support to all ERG leaders. If you are interested in learning more about the Working Fathers ERG and/or serving as a leader of the group, contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Cinema on the Plaza: 'My Cousin Vinny'
Cinema on the Plaza is back at Mason Square on Friday, Aug. 16, featuring My Cousin Vinny. Grab your lawn chairs, snacks, and picnic blankets for a free outdoor movie night. The movie starts at 8 p.m. Learn more.
Upcoming Performances at George Mason
School of Theater: The Originals!
Friday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Tune in for an evening of original, new works featuring the talented students of the School of Theater. The Originals! allows creative artists to share their work in various forms, with each presented work being written, directed, and performed by George Mason students. Whether it’s a musical or the traditional 10-minute play structure, explore the brilliant imaginations of our students.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Music of Joy and Peace
Sunday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Jeffrey Siegel, the popular virtuoso pianist, returns for his Keyboard Conversations® concerts with commentary. In Music of Joy and Peace, Siegel showcases the gorgeous and uplifting music of four beloved composers: Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Grieg. The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.
Grand Piano Celebration
Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music for a spectacular opening of its fall concert season. The Grand Piano Celebration honors Mason's All-Steinway School. Outstanding student and faculty artists will be on stage to display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music.
Capitol Fools
Sunday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Kick off the 2024–25 Hylton Center season with comedy the D.C.-area does best—politics! Former cast members and the co-writer of the long-running, beloved Capitol Steps introduce their new musical parody ensemble, Capitol Fools, in an evening where no politician is safe, and every absurdity gets its moment in the spotlight. This performance contains content with mature themes.
An Evening with Lea Salonga
Saturday, Sept. 28, at 8:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Tony and Olivier Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga headlines the 2024 ARTS by George! benefit concert performing songs she has made famous throughout her extraordinary four-decade career on Broadway and in animated movie blockbusters. Born in the Philippines, Salonga originated the lead role of Kim in the West End and Broadway productions of Miss Saigon, and she was the first Asian cast member to perform the role of Eponine in Les Misérables on Broadway. Recognized by fans of all ages as the singing voice for two animated Disney princesses—Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan—Salonga was named a “Disney Legend” by the Walt Disney Company in 2011.
Hylton Family Series: Mario the Maker Magician
Sunday, Sept. 29, at 3 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Mix magic with robotics, add hilarious slapstick, and voila—you have Mario the Maker Magician! Mario infuses classic magic tricks and illusions with high-tech robotic innovation to create an assortment of homemade contraptions that do his comedic bidding. Infectiously positive and bursting with heart, Mario is on a mission to entertain and inspire future computer programmers, AI specialists, and robotic engineers along the way. Recommended for ages 4–10.