Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Attend a Dining Contractor Presentation
Help shape the future of Mason Dining! You're invited to attend a 90-minute presentation with one of the university's prospective dining contractors. Space is limited. If you would like to attend, complete this interest form by Friday, Jan. 24, at noon. If there is more interest than seats available, participants will be randomly selected. Participants will be notified about which session(s) they will attend.
Outstanding Achievement Awards: Nominate a Colleague
The Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the hard work and achievements of George Mason faculty and staff. New award categories have been added this year, including the Rising Star Award, George Mason Lifetime Legacy Award, Wage Employee Service Award, Campus Culture Champion, Innovation Award, and more.
The ceremony will be hosted on Tuesday, April 15, on the Fairfax Campus. Nominations for many awards are due on Friday, Feb. 21. Visit the webpage. For any inquiries, contact awards@gmu.edu.
Parking and Transportation Updates for Spring Semester
George Mason students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. The following campus parking and transportation guide will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays. Read the full announcement.
Mason Shuttles Schedules for Spring Semester
Mason Shuttles serve the Fairfax Campus, Mason Square, SciTech Campus, Vienna Metro station, and more. Mason Shuttles service is free for students, faculty, and staff with a valid Mason ID. Visitors are not currently permitted. Find out more about shuttle service and spring semester schedules.
Register for Homecoming 2025
Show your brave and bold spirit: The Mason Nation is invited to celebrate Homecoming from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8. Events include Homecoming headliner Sarah Sherman, the George Mason women's basketball game vs. VCU, Homecoming tailgate, men's basketball game vs. Rhode Island, and more. View the schedule of events.
How C-SPAN Changed Our World
Join University Libraries for an evening with Brian Lamb, founder and former CEO of the C-SPAN Networks and C-SPAN’s former executive chair. “How C-SPAN Changed Our World” will be hosted on Monday, Feb. 10, from 6–7:15 p.m. at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 125/126. RSVP.
Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government, will interview Lamb, one of the United States’ preeminent contributors to the communications and documentation fields.
University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center is home to the C-SPAN records archives. The collection is a treasure trove of correspondence, viewer mail, photographs, photographic negatives, slides, newspapers, audiovisual materials, posters, pamphlets, memorabilia, and books created from1978–2012.
Support for Duo Mobile Application on iOS 15 Ending
Duo Security, George Mason’s provider for 2FA, has announced it will end support for the Duo Mobile application on iOS 15 effective Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Users with this operating system have been notified about the change. This change means users will not be able to troubleshoot issues or receive maintenance fixes or security updates on devices running iOS 15 and lower; however, users can still authenticate and receive passcodes.
To receive full support, users should upgrade to iOS 16 or later. For assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or submit a request ticket.
James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar
George Mason's Department of Economics invites the university community to the James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. The seminar and reception will take place on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center Bistro (located on the ground floor).
This seminar series is designed to appeal to a broad audience. Gregory Clark, Danish National Research Council professor of economics at the University of Southern Denmark, will present "For Whom the Bell Curve Tolls: The Role of Genetics in Social Life, England, 1600–2024." Learn more.
Training and Professional Development
UNIV Faculty Application
George Mason staff are invited to join the UNIV faculty team. University Studies is seeking staff to teach UNIV 100 Introduction to Mason in fall 2025. These introductory classes are co-taught by a George Mason faculty member and a peer advisor (a trained undergraduate student).
UNIV 100 supports first year students by focusing on resources and opportunities available to them at George Mason. To learn more about this rewarding teaching experience, visit the website.
Nominations for the David J. King Award
The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the educational excellence of the university. Read more and nominate a colleague by Feb. 12, 2025. Contact the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning with questions.
Facilitating Inclusive Practices: Become an ASPIRE facilitator
The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks to equip George Mason faculty and staff with the tools and knowledge to lead impactful workshops that foster inclusive workplace environments. Faculty and staff are invited to receive training and become facilitators for the ASPIRE workshops. Through two half-day sessions in March 2025, faculty and staff will gain a strong understanding of the ASPIRE workshop content, key principles of learner-centered approaches, and effective strategies for engaging participants.
New facilitators will receive personalized mentorship throughout their first few sessions, ensuring they feel confident and well-prepared as they take on their facilitation roles. This opportunity provides a platform for professional growth and empowers facilitators to make a lasting impact by advancing inclusive practices within their teams and across the university. Contact Aimee Weinstein with questions.
Call for Proposals—Reclaiming History: Islam and Cultural Patrimony in the 21st Century
For its annual conference, the AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason is calling for papers to address the phenomenon of cultural destruction with an eye to understanding the nature of such loss in places such as, but not limited to Afghanistan, Bosnia, China, Gaza, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, as well those efforts to redress the crimes of looting and to restore cultural patrimony as an act of reconciliation. More information can be found on the website. Note: The deadline has been extended to Monday, Feb. 3.
Resources for You
George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals
Celebrate George Mason night with the Washington Capitals as the Patriots fill the arena to watch the Caps take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m. Special ticket pricing options are available. A George Mason and Capitals co-branded beanie hat is available to those who purchase the special George Mason night ticket.
Join the George Mason University Alumni Association for a pregame reception at Clyde's Gallery Place before the hockey game on Thursday, March 20. Learn more.
Patriot Packout’s ‘New Year, New Me’ Free Store
Get items you need, save money, and help your fellow George Mason Patriots by donating items. The "New Year, New Me" free store is hosted by Patriot Packout in partnership with The Ridge and Housing and Residence Life. How it works:
- Attend as many times as you want. Bring your friends.
- Choose from any of the items you need—for free!
- Donation items are accepted but not required.
The store will be open for shopping and donations on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to midnight at The Ridge, located between Blueridge and Sandbridge halls on the Fairfax Campus. Learn more about Patriot Packout.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
American Roots Series: Graham Breedlove Group
Saturday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Called “one of the most exciting trumpet players on the planet” (International Trumpet Guild Journal), Graham Breedlove brings his quintet for an exhilarating program of music. Just in time for Mardi Gras, Breedlove, a native of south Louisiana, is joined by fellow members of the Dewberry School of Music faculty to perform a mix of traditional New Orleans music, modern jazz, and original tunes.
Silkroad Ensemble
Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Returning for a third year as a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Grammy Award-winning music collective Silkroad Ensemble presents this world premiere showcase of all-star percussionists and musical storytelling through the exchange of rhythm, pulse, and melody from different musical traditions around the world. Formed by Yo-Yo Ma and now led by Pulitzer Prize-winning multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad Ensemble will engage the community and students during its residency through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Dances for the Ears
Sunday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Enjoy the rhythmically captivating music of Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Spanish composers Enrique Granados and Manuel de Falla, in Jeffrey Siegel’s next program of Keyboard Conversations. Siegel is “a pianist with a bravura technique and a big, gorgeous sound . . . and when the artist himself offers the inside scoop, the musical experience becomes vastly more personal” (Denver Post). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.
George Mason School of Theater: Mason Cabaret 2025
Jan. 31 to Feb 2, multiple performances – Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Friday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. – SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
In this beloved annual event, stellar student vocalists bring their talents to the stage, celebrating some of the biggest and brightest names in music and theater. In this year’s performance, they will shine the spotlight on the work of legendary Broadway director and producer Hal Prince. A devoted collaborator of Stephen Sondheim’s, the treasure trove of Prince’s work includes Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera, among many more. See the School of Theater’s bright young stars and discover the talented performers who could be Broadway’s next big hitmakers.
Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in this special concert. An exceptionally versatile musician, Marsalis is a band leader, featured classical soloist, and composer. Marsalis has performed with acclaimed orchestras around the world, and his legendary performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena. As a composer, Marsalis has scored films including Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the recent Netflix film Rustin. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra is made up of the D.C. area’s finest musicians and is led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso alto saxophonist Jim Carroll. This performance will also feature vocalist Darden Purcell, George Mason’s jazz program director.
Family Series: Mike Super – Magic & Illusion
Sunday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
See America’s Got Talent finalist and “America’s Favorite Mystifier” Mike Super live on stage. Super brings his immersive show of mind-blowing illusions to entertain and enthrall the whole family. He rose to fame as the winner of NBC’s hit television series Phenomenon, becoming the only magician in history to win a live magic competition on primetime U.S. network television. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera
Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 1:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
Enjoy a soaring selection of operatic delights performed by talented members of Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Experience big talent in an intimate performance that includes famous arias and duets from the greatest hits of opera, in addition to Broadway showtunes and other diverse and exciting repertory.
Hylton Family Series: Elena Moon Park & Friends
Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Celebrate folk and children’s music from around the globe with Elena Moon Park & Friends. With an emphasis on east and southeast Asia, plus original songs reimagined to mix musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories, Park celebrates learning about the world through music. Sing and clap along to Taiwanese train songs, Tibetan jump rope rhymes, Cambodian folk songs, sing-alongs in English, and more, performed on string instruments, accordion, and drums. As an Artist-in-Residence, Park will also work with the community through classes and workshops during the week leading up to the performance.
Virginia Opera: The Constitution and Loving v. Virginia
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.
Off-campus: Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, Virginia 22030)
In support of Virginia Opera’s world premiere production of Loving v. Virginia, this legal panel discusses the origins, challenges, and significance of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Panel participants will include Mary Bauer, executive director of ACLU-VA, as well as other constitutional scholars, active attorneys and/or judges, and experts. A brief Q & A session will follow the discussion. This event is co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts at George Mason University and offered in conjunction with the Center for the Arts at George Mason University’s May 3–4 performances of the world premiere opera.
Spring Comedy Headliner: Sarah Sherman
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Sarah Sherman, a.k.a. Sarah Squirm, is currently a featured player on Saturday Night Live. She co-stars with Adam Sandler in the Netflix film, You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! Sherman is known for her popular live show, Helltrap Nightmare. Sherman previously opened for Eric André on his national tour and wrote for The Eric André Show.
American Roots Series: Dylan Triplett
Saturday, Feb. 8, at 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Dylan Triplett is a blues and soul prodigy from St. Louis, Missouri, and was raised in a musical family. He began singing at age 9 and has been performing professionally since late 2016. His rise in the industry recently earned him the 2023 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album presented by the Blues Foundation and the 2023 Blues Blast Award.
Virginia National Ballet: Snow White
Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Virginia National Ballet’s delightful production of Snow White is a whimsical, enchanting ballet which follows the story of the Disney film and features its instantly recognizable music. Brought back by popular demand, the whole family will enjoy this upgraded production featuring gorgeous new backdrops and scenery, with world class choreography and dancing.
Versa-Style Street Dance Company
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly, Versa-Style Street Dance Company immerses its audience in the electrifying world of hip hop and street dance culture. To mark its 20th anniversary, the troupe presents Rooted Rhythms, a mixed repertory program of its most popular works, paying homage to street dance styles such as whacking, popping, and house dance, as well as a blend of Afro-Latin styles including salsa and West African. “A stylistic smorgasbord” (New Yorker) representing the diverse experiences of the BIPOC communities of Los Angeles, the group’s unique blend of choreography and freestyle elements provides an “uplifting and joyous” (Maryland Theatre Guide) experience that will have its audience grooving and moving. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Versa-Style Street Dance Company will engage the community and students through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.