Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
October Is Campus Sustainability Month
Join the University Sustainability team, along with campus partners, for a range of engaging activities and events during Campus Sustainability Month. George Mason University observes Campus Sustainability Month every October, aligning with the international observance to bring awareness to campus sustainability.
Grow food sustainably on campus, opt for reuse rather than single use to support Zero Waste Mason, join a sustainability tour, donate items you don’t want at a Swap and Hop, and more. Learn how you can get more involved.
Faculty Regalia Event
The George Mason bookstore at the Fairfax Campus will host a faculty regalia event on Monday, Oct. 7, from 1–5 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Faculty are invited to visit the bookstore during either event to purchase their regalia. A 10% discount will be available on those two days only. Contact the bookstore at sm366@bncollege.com or 703-993-3870 with questions.
October Staff Senate Meeting with President Gregory Washington
George Mason University President Gregory Washington will join the October Staff Senate meeting as guest speaker on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to noon. The general business meeting will take place from 10–11 a.m. Constituents are invited to attend the meeting in-person on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom. Get more details.
Annual LGBTQ+ Student Showcase: Oct. 7
The second annual LGBTQ+ Student Showcase is happening on Monday, Oct. 7, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the first floor of Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus. The showcase will feature research posters, a series of 30-minute research presentations, a keynote address, refreshments, and more. Keynote speaker Van Bailey is an award-winning educator whose speeches and workshops relate to LGBTQ+ visibility, mental health, youth advocacy, and intersectionality. Contact lgbtq@gmu.edu with questions.
Glass Recycling on Campus
Mason Facilities and Campus Operations has updated the recycling locations on campus for glass bottles and jars. The purple glass bottle and recycling trailers will be located in Fairfax near Southside Dining Hall, Lot R, Rogers Hall, and the student townhouses. The locations will rotate on a biweekly basis. View the flyer for dates and locations.
To prevent recycling contamination, only bring glass bottles and jars to the purple trailers. If not recycled in the purple trailers, glass or similar materials (e.g, ceramics) should be disposed of in campus trash bins. For questions, contact Facilities Customer Service at 703-993-2525.
Training and Professional Development
Register to Attend Canvas Day
Faculty and instructors are invited to join Canvas Day on Wednesday, Oct. 16, to gain hands-on experience and learn best practices to leverage Canvas, George Mason's new learning management system. The event will be hosted from noon to 4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub ballroom.
Participants are encouraged to attend in person to engage with colleagues, instructional designers, and other support teams. The session will also be livestreamed via Zoom webinar. Get more details and register.
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day is coming up on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Engaging workshops will cover themes like professional development, well-being, and maximizing your strengths using the Gallup Q12 framework. Connect with colleagues and participate in sessions designed to support your growth and success.
Supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility during work hours for their teams to attend. Learn more and register.
4-VA Call for Proposals: Course Redesign for Virginia Institutions of Higher Learning
4-VA, a state-funded consortium of 10 higher education institutions, is now accepting proposals to provide new opportunities in collaborative course redesign. 4-VA is interested in supporting faculty-led research that could inform a future course or program redesign effort, or to convene stakeholders throughout the state on the topic of course redesign and embedded experiential learning. Read more. Contact Elizabeth Gillooly, 4-VA@Mason, with questions.
Resources for You
Flu Shot Clinics
Stay healthy and protect your community this flu season with on-campus flu shot clinics. Giant Pharmacy will administer flu vaccines, by appointment only, at SciTech (Thursday, Oct. 3), Fairfax (Thursday, Oct. 10), and Mason Square (Wednesday, Oct. 16). Flu shots from Giant are fully covered by COVA insurance. Employees with Kaiser should register for the Kaiser clinic on the Fairfax Campus on Thursday, Oct. 10. Get more details and sign up for an appointment at a flu shot clinic.
Student Loan Repayment Session for Faculty/Staff
Human Resources and the Student Support and Advocacy Center will host an information session for faculty and staff on the repayment of student loans. This virtual event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m. The session will include an overview of repayment plans, recent updates, and information on Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Learn more and register.
Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K
Registration is 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.
Pitch in on the Piedmont
Make a difference at the SciTech Campus by joining Pitch in on the Piedmont, a day of service to care for the Piedmont Trail—a 1.2 mile trail through forested wetland on campus. This forest is home to many deer, turtles, and other wildlife. The EDGE works with George Mason students to organize this event each semester, so that students and the local community can continue to enjoy this natural feature.
Pitch in on the Piedmont will be hosted on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet at the green and white tent near Katherine Johnson Hall. Students may RSVP on Mason 360. Faculty, staff, and community members RSVP.
Participate in a Research Study from the SMART Lab
Community members are invited to participate in a research study through a free, off-campus wellness event hosted by the George Mason University SMART Lab. Visit the Wellness Center for Older Adults on Friday, Oct. 4, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The center is located at 4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax, Virginia.
As part of a research study, participants will receive free tests of blood pressure, balance, strength, and thinking. The assessments will take up to one hour to complete. Researchers will provide participants with their wellness assessment results to share and consult with their primary care providers. Event organizers are not medical providers and do not offer any treatment.
Participants must be over 55 years old, have corrected vision/hearing, and can read and understand English. RSVP. This research study is IRB# 2126895-1.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Film Screening – Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President
Friday, Oct. 4, at 7:15 p.m.
Mason Square Plaza
In honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday, join the Carter School for an evening of fun and music. View a free, outdoor screening of the "rockumentary," Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President. Directed by Mary Wharton, this rockumentary of the former president shows Carter's love of gospel and rock music and the influence music had on his political career. The film features interviews with Carter and appearances by Gregg Allman, Bono, Garth Brooks, Bob Dylan, Larry Gatlin, Willie Nelson, Nile Rodgers, and more.
Differdange School of Music Panel Discussion: "Jazz in Europe: From Luxembourg's Point of View"
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 12:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg is a tiny country in the heart of Europe, easily overlooked due to its small size and population (670,000 inhabitants). But, it boasts a flourishing music scene, as well as a very central location, keeping it well connected with Germany, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Hear the perspectives of the Differdange music school faculty, whose members have studied jazz in European cities like Brussels, Amsterdam, or others and are now based in Luxembourg. This event is free and open to the public.
Mason Jazz and Luxembourg Jazz Concert
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Faculty from the Differdange School of Music in Luxembourg team up with the George Mason jazz faculty for an unforgettable evening of jazz standards and beyond. This is the culmination of a cultural exchange between these two institutions of higher learning, celebrating music education and performance. This concert is free and open to the public.
Erinys Quartet
Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 1:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
Though named after the Furies from Aeschylus’s The Oresteia, the Erinys Quartet aims to captivate with heavenly string music. Comprising violinists Elizabeth Stewart and Joosep Reimaa, violist Marja Räisänen, and cellist Stergios Theodoridis, the ensemble formed at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. They are currently the quartet in residence in the Nina von Maltzahn String Quartet program at the Curtis Institute of Music. The ensemble will perform Bartók's String Quartet No. 3, Sz. 85 and Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 12, Op 127.
Manassas Ballet Theatre: Dracula
Oct. 18–20, multiple performances
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The classic vampire tale Dracula opens Manassas Ballet Theatre’s season with this chilling and bloodcurdling production. Be transported to Transylvania with Dracula’s quest for eternal life and love leading the way. The original score by Kim Reynolds is performed by The Kim Reynolds Band and will draw you into this chilling and sensual performance.
Mark Morris Dance Group and Music Ensemble
Saturday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Over the years, choreographer Mark Morris has created more than 150 dance works that have earned him the title of “the most successful and influential choreographer alive, and indisputably the most musical” (New York Times). This program features audience favorites and rare gems, including Pacific (1995), “a beautiful, contemplative piece;” (Dancetabs), set to music of Lou Harrison; Going Away Party (1990), which Critical Dance dubbed "thoroughly enjoyable, a little risqué and laugh-out-loud funny at times;” Rock of Ages (2004), set to music by Franz Schubert; and Castor and Pollux (1980).
American Roots Series: Balsam Range
Saturday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
The 2018 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, Balsam Range makes its Hylton Center debut in an evening of mountain music. Named for the place where the Great Smokies meet the Blue Ridge Mountains, Balsam Range has vaulted itself to one of the bluegrass genre's most award-winning acts.
Family Series: Laurie Berkner Band
Sunday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Welcome "the undisputed queen of kindie rock" (USA Today), Laurie Berkner and her band, in a concert event for the whole family. One of the most popular children’s entertainers in the United States, Berkner’s music shines a light on what it means to be a kid, and the kids can’t get enough of her folk-pop melodies made especially for them. Recommended for ages 2–8.
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music: Mason Opera Scenes
Monday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Off Campus: Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia
Mason Opera opens its 2024–25 season with an exciting showcase of opera scenes and ensembles from the world’s most beloved operas. Free and open to the public.
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music: Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert
Thursday, Oct. 24, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, offers opportunities for improvisation, performance, recording, writing, leadership, and service. This ensemble has performed at venues including the Shanghai Concert Hall in Beijing, China, the Center for the Arts and Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason, Jazz4Justice™ concerts, Blues Alley, Chantilly Jazz Festival, Law Day and the Jazz Education Network/JENerations Jazz Festival.
Villalobos Brothers
Hylton Artist-in-Residence
Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Celebrate Día de los Muertos early with Hylton Center Artist-in-Residence and the Grammy Award-winning Villalobos Brothers, who are redefining contemporary Mexican music while delivering positive messages of brotherhood, equity, and love. This lively trio of virtuoso fiddlers, singers, and songwriters blends Mexican folk music with Latin, jazz, rock, and classical, creating a fun-loving and cheerfully expressive sound that has delighted audiences across the U.S. and around the world.
School of Theater: 110 in the Shade
Nov. 1–3, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Sharply intelligent Lizzie Curry is considered unlucky in love by her father and brothers but remains unwilling to settle for a man who can’t live up to her standards. As her family schemes to change her fortunes amid a blistering hot summer in the Dust Bowl, a smooth-talking stranger arrives in town, promising to bring down the rain within 24 hours. As the town waits for the skies to open, Lizzie considers how to find the place between what is possible and what she dreams could be.
School of Dance – Fall: New Dances
Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
An evening of faculty and student work that showcases the talented dancers of the School of Dance in a wide range of stories, ideas, and styles.
The U.S. Army Concert Band: A Salute to Veterans
Veterans and the Arts Initiative
Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" returns to the Hylton Center for a special performance dedicated to our nation's heroes in A Salute to Veterans. Through the powerful combination of music, storytelling, and shared moments of reflection, the concert band will showcase the timeless themes of selfless service across generations. This performance will express our deepest gratitude to those who exemplify unwavering dedication and determined commitment to duty, inspiring us all to strive for excellence and service in our own lives.