Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Town Hall: Pre-Submit Questions
Faculty and staff are invited to join Human Resources, President Washington, and Gallup Senior Partner Stephanie Marken for the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Town Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 3–4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Hub Ballroom. This is a chance to review the key findings of the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey and collaborate on the next steps to enhance the community at George Mason.
This event will also be available via livestream webinar to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Those attending in-person will have an opportunity to ask questions live. Faculty/staff may also pre-submit questions by Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. All pre-submitted questions are anonymous, unless you choose to submit your name for follow-up. Please note: online questions will not be accepted through the webinar, but questions may be submitted electronically during the event to engageHR@gmu.edu.
College Colors Day: Friday, Aug. 30
Wear green and gold for College Colors Day on Friday, Aug. 30. Receive a free Koozie six-pack cooler when you purchase branded merchandise at the Johnson Center bookstore on College Colors Day and show proof of following Wear Mason on social media from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (limited to first 300 customers). Wear green and gold on College Colors Day and every Friday after that for Spirit Fridays. Follow @wearmason.
Discover Mason Guide: Submit Your Service, Program, or Resource
Does your office offer a program, service, or resource available to the external community? If so, Government and Community Relations would like to include it in Discover Mason: A Guide to Services and Resources for the Residential and Business Community.
This publication showcases the variety of ways the external community (business, residential, and government) can utilize the university even if they do not go to school here. Submit the title of service/resource, phone number, website address, and a one-sentence description to Traci Kendall by Friday, Aug. 30.
Save the Date: 9/11 Day of Service
The 12th Annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 11, on the Fairfax Campus. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to participate in a variety of service projects.
The event will also include an opening ceremony and lunch honoring first responders, veterans, and volunteers. Learn more and RSVP.
Posting Events on the Today@Mason Calendar
Planning an event on campus? Faculty and staff are responsible for ensuring their events are included on the university calendar, Today@Mason, for both scheduling and promotional purposes. All events listed on Today@Mason or any other published calendar must be scheduled in 25live, the university's scheduling software.
On the 25live event request form, select one audience from the "categories" section of the form. The form provides information on important fields for calendar postings. Please read all instructions and be sure to enter a detailed description of the event to be shared on the calendar. Include any RSVP links or website links related to the event. The scheduler will review each submission and add the event to a calendar when processing the request.
Don’t have a 25live account? Request one today. Contact University Events at gmuevent@gmu.edu with questions.
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 are 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.
Exhibit: ‘RE(FORM)ER’ at Fenwick Library
In RE(FORM)ER, Jorge Bañales (MFA Visual and Performing Arts ‘21) and Steven Luu, current master's student in visual and performing arts, methodically deconstruct and reconstruct carriers of meaning: photographs, film negatives, experimental video, sculptures, and more. Working with found or discarded materials, the artists maintain an intense focus on process to develop ideas around memory, mnemonics, and materiality.
RE(FORM)ER is on view on the Fairfax Campus in Fenwick Gallery through Nov. 16. An opening reception will be hosted on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 5–7 p.m. RSVP.
Training and Professional Development
Register for the 16th Annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference
George Mason faculty, graduate instructors, and staff are invited to register for the 2024 Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference. This year’s conference is hybrid, with online sessions via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 19, and in-person sessions on Friday, Sept. 20, on the Fairfax Campus. View the at-a-glance program. Register using the Sched app to review the entire program and receive updates about the conference.
Resources for You
Mason Night at Nationals Park
Join fellow Patriots at Nationals Park as the Nats take on the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6:45 p.m. Special ticket pricing options are available. Game tickets include a George Mason and Nationals co-branded jersey. To receive the co-branded jersey, you must purchase the special Mason ticket.
Join the George Mason University Alumni Association for a pregame reception in the Kennedy/Roosevelt Rooms inside Nationals Park. Learn more and register for the pregame reception.
Child Development Center Enrolling for Preschool
The NAEYC-accredited Child Development Center at George Mason University is now enrolling for its preschool program. With limited spots available and a 10% discount for Mason faculty and staff, don’t miss this opportunity. Learn more.
Faculty/Staff Meal Plans Now Available
Discover the convenience of Byte Meal Plans for faculty and staff, starting at $105. Enjoy meals across campus while saving money and fostering connections with colleagues. Byte Plans roll over from fall to spring, making it easier than ever to balance work and wellness. Learn more.
Support Group for Working Mothers at Mason
The Support Group for Working Mothers at Mason is one way George Mason faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. The group will kick off fall network meetings on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at noon via Teams.
Share stories and become part of an informal organization of working mothers. Visit the website for additional meeting dates and more information.
August Is Make a Will Month
Most Americans either do not have an estate plan, or have one that needs to be updated to meet their current circumstances. August is National Make-A-Will Month—a reminder to update your will, if needed, or create your will if you do not have one.
To assist you in the process, consult with an estate planning attorney. A complimentary eBrochure is available through George Mason’s planned giving website. If you have questions, contact Aquanetta Betts, director of planned giving, at 703-993-6971 or mylegacy@gmu.edu.
All health plans offered to state employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs), which include limited sessions for legal services such as estate planning. For information, visit the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management website.
NASA, Earth, and Space
The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact invites students, faculty, and staff to attend the "NASA, Earth, and Space" event on Wednesday, Sept. 4, from 1–2:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center Cinema.
Jack Kaye, NASA's associate director for research in the Earth Science Division, will discuss current space exploration efforts and future prospects. Following his talk, a panel of George Mason faculty, including Anamaria Berea, Liping Di, Jim Kinter, and Peter Plavchan, will present their NASA-funded research, share outcomes, and explore collaboration and funding opportunities. Attendees will have a chance to engage with Kaye and the panelists through a Q&A session. RSVP.
Mason Square Market
Visit the Mason Square market on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 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.
Opportunities from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being
Online “Intro to Mindfulness” Sessions
Mason students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn mindfulness, meditation, and stress management in ways they can integrate into daily life. Join the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being for online “Intro to Mindfulness sessions” during the fall semester. Learn more.
Self-Regulation with Sophrology for Stress Management
Self-regulation is a vital skill in maintaining emotional balance and well-being. Sophrology offers a powerful approach to achieve this. Learn self-regulation skills to help relieve stress, release anxiety, manage emotions, and make better decisions in the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being's “Self-Regulation with Sophrology for Stress Management” online sessions. View the schedule and register.
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.
Game Mason
Friday, Sept. 20, and Saturday, Sept. 21
Fairfax Campus, Multiple locations
Game Mason is a two-day gaming convention on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus. Game Mason 2024 will feature guest speakers from the industry, interactive learning sessions, free arcade play, tabletop and console gaming, cosplay competition, artwork by Mason students, and vendors and businesses from across the game industry. Note: Attendees must be at least 16 years of age. Attendees aged 16–17 must be accompanied by an adult. All attendees must have a ticket. Free admission for George Mason students.
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 George 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.