Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Information Technology Services (ITS) is observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month during October. Events include:
- Cybersecurity trivia contest: On Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., stop by Kiosks B and C in the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus while the IT Security Office staff hosts a cybersecurity trivia contest.
- Ask Me Anything Reddit thread: Hosted by the IT Security Office staff on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 1–3 p.m.
- Speaker: ITS will host speaker Dennis Marti on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m. Marti is a George Mason alum who manages Verizon’s Network Intelligence. The event will be on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1204, and on Zoom.
- Follow @GeorgeMasonITS on X and Instagram for daily info about online safety.
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 to get 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 703-993-2665 with questions.
Ombuds Open House
The George Mason Ombuds office will host an open house on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by the Fairfax Campus in Buchanan Hall, Suite D170, to learn about Ombuds services, participate in a scavenger hunt, and find information about Ombuds tabling and online events. Learn more at ombuds.gmu.edu.
Updates from University Libraries
Reduce student textbook costs
The University Libraries actively collect online resources suitable for use as course materials across the curriculum. In addition to e-books and journal articles, they have online case studies, streaming video, datasets, and more. Students can access online resources on- and off-campus, at no cost, by using their university login credentials when prompted. Learn more.
AI Salon Series
The AI Salon Series brings community members together to discuss current events and intersectional topics surrounding artificial intelligence. In the style of scientific salons, a Mason Librarian will provide a brief presentation on a specific topic related to AI. Following the presentation, the floor will open for a lively discussion. In-person salons will be held in the Fenwick Library Main Reading Room (Level 2) on Fairfax Campus. Online salons will be held on Zoom. View the schedule, topics, and register.
View the full list of updates in the latest University Libraries newsletter.
Training and Professional Development
Title IX Mandatory Reporter Training for George Mason Employees
The Title IX Office is providing in-person and virtual training this fall, open to all employees needing to complete mandatory annual Title IX Training. Sessions will be offered at the Fairfax and SciTech campuses, Mason Square, and online. This training should be completed annually by employees who are mandatory reporters. View the upcoming training schedule and register to attend. Contact titleix@gmu.edu with questions.
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.
Manager Meetup: Exploring the Five Languages of Workplace Appreciation
Faculty and staff from across George Mason are invited to join the University Life Supervision Collective for a virtual Manager Meetup: Exploring the Five Languages of Workplace Appreciation, on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 2–3 p.m. The session will be facilitated by Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager in Human Resources. RSVP.
Based on the book, "The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace," participants in this workshop will discover strategies for assessment and practical application of authentic and genuine workplace appreciation. Contact Meeghan Milette with questions.
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.
Safe Zone+ Program Updates
The primary mission of George Mason’s Safe Zone+ Program, like the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, is to create a safer, more welcoming and inclusive campus environment, to strengthen community, and to encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting the well-being of LGBTQ people. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to sign up for a Safe Zone+ Program virtual session.
An asynchronous “Intro to LGBTQ+ Communities” module is now available on Canvas Commons, which allows faculty and other course administrators to reuse the module in their courses. Check out the module. Contact lgbtq@gmu.edu with questions.
Toastmasters Open House
The George Mason Toastmasters will host an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from noon to 1 p.m. The theme will be “I Love Music,” and attendees can listen to inspiring stories from special guest speakers Len Tran, winner of the 2020 International Speech Contest in District 29, and Edmond Joe, winner of the District 27 Humorous Speech Contest.
The open house will meet in person on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 3300, or virtually via Zoom. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your communication skills and enjoy engaging presentations. Email toastmst@gmu.edu with questions.
Resources for You
Freedom Center Community Appreciation Week
The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center at the SciTech Campus will host its annual Community Appreciation Week from Oct. 14–20. The events coincide with the Freedom Center's 25th anniversary.
The week will include free admission, membership discounts, featured group exercise classes, guest speakers, the Pumpkin Splash at the pool, a block party, and more. Events are free and open to the public. Get the details.
Trunk or Treat at George Mason
Contemporary Student Services has officially opened registration for volunteers to decorate trunks and compete for prizes at the third annual George Mason Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration is open to university offices and student clubs and organizations. To register to decorate a trunk and give out candy, complete the form.
The George Mason Trunk or Treat is a free event for families in the George Mason and local communities. Last year's event was attended by more than 500 parents, caregivers, and children. Get more information and RSVP to attend.
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 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. The SciTech Campus clinic took place on Oct. 3.
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.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Fall Sessions
The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet on Friday afternoons this fall. 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 “Voting Rights Heroes and Why We Still Need Them Today” on Friday, Oct. 11, 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
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.
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 United States 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.
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.
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.
Mandy Gonzalez in Concert
Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Join Mandy Gonzalez for an evening of Broadway songs, film scores, and music from her debut album, Fearless. Gonzalez starred on Broadway in Hamilton as Angelica Schuyler, in Wicked as Elphaba, and as Nina Rosario in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights. Miranda wrote her the song, “Fearless,” which tells the story of how her parents met while serving their country during the Vietnam War. Gonzalez’s debut at the Hylton Center will also honor the veterans in the community. The Osbourn Park High School Madrigal Singers, conducted by Dominick Izzo, will join Gonzalez for a special guest appearance. This performance is part of George Mason’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative, providing free tickets for veterans and servicemembers.
Arturo Sandoval
Sunday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Grammy Award winner Arturo Sandoval is an acknowledged virtuoso of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, and he is just as dynamic and vivacious on the piano, timbales, vocals, and keyboard. He delights in presenting a diverse, exhilarating show featuring Afro-Cuban jazz, bebop, straight-ahead jazz, and more. Sandoval has received six Billboard Awards, an Emmy, the Hispanic Heritage Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President Obama. He was recently honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mason Jazz Vocal Night
Monday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice Studio, the DownBeat award-winning Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, and Stone Bridge High School (director Christine Tarrant) for an evening of swinging standards and classic hits from the Great American Songbook.
Virginia Opera: Carmen
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Virginia Opera presents French composer Georges Bizet’s passion-filled masterpiece, Carmen. Set in Spain around 1830, the drama centers on Carmen, who is bold, uninhibited, and independent. She becomes infatuated with Don José, who throws away everything to be with her, only to be rejected when Carmen moves on, falling for a bullfighter named Escamillo. Carmen confronts the dangers of jealous obsession and falling madly in love with the wrong person. Sung in French with English surtitles.
Cirque Kalabanté
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Cirque Kalabanté invites the whole family to Afrique en Cirque, a unique fusion of African arts and European circus traditions that makes for a multi-sensory extravaganza like no other. With colorful costumes and scenery, daring acrobats and dancers perform gravity-defying feats, accompanied by the pulsating rhythms of a live Afro jazz ensemble.
George Mason School of Theater: More Dogs
Nov. 21–24, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
An estimated two million Irish people immigrated to the United States in the 1800s in search of better lives, but they often confronted blatant discrimination and oppression. Irish immigrants found limited places to live, work, and thrive. Over time, they organized locally and nationally, built stronger communities, and acquired more social and political power. This compelling work asks audiences to confront hard truths and make hard choices.
Jazz4Justice™
Friday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Jazz4Justice™ brings attorneys, judges, students, and members of the Northern Virginia community together to celebrate their love of jazz. Proceeds from the evening benefit Legal Services of Northern Virginia, continuing its mission of service to the community, as well as providing financial support for the Mason Jazz Studies program for scholarships, trips, recordings, and student projects.
Enchantment Theatre Company: My Father’s Dragon
Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall)
Sunday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts)
Elmer Elevator is on a mission to rescue a baby dragon held captive on Wild Island. How will he pull off such an adventurous rescue? With pure luck—plus chewing gum, lollipop sticks, and rubber bands. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s Newbery Honor-winning adventure book, My Father’s Dragon, Enchantment Theatre Company brings to life the story of an unlikely friendship between a courageous boy and a yellow and blue-striped dragon. Recommended for ages 4–10.