Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff
George Mason University President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.
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The first town hall, for faculty and staff working in academic units, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
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The second town hall, for employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
For those unable to attend in-person, both sessions will be livestreamed on Zoom. Contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords. While questions will be taken at the conclusion of each town hall, the Zoom chat function will not be enabled. Should virtual attendees have any questions, please provide them to your designated unit contact so they can be shared in-person during your respective town hall session.
Captioning will be available on the livestream. If you are in need of sign language interpreters for this event, please reach out directly to the Office of Disability Services. If United Language Group (ULG) services are needed, please reach out directly to the Office of Human Resources.
Harvard COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey
This spring, full-time George Mason University faculty can once again make their voices heard by participating in the Collaboration on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) Faculty Satisfaction Survey, a national survey designed specifically to understand the job satisfaction of instructional and research faculty. The survey launched in early February and will be open until early April. Faculty were emailed a unique link to the survey. Learn more.
Final Call for Outstanding Achievement Award Nominations: Submit by Feb. 21
Time is running out to nominate outstanding faculty and staff for the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards. With new categories this year—like the Rising Star Award, Wage Employee Service Award, and Campus Culture Champion—there are even more opportunities to recognize the hard work and dedication of your colleagues.
Submit your nominations by Friday, Feb. 21. Save the date for the ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, from 10–11:30 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. For any questions, contact awards@gmu.edu.
Inaugural Promotional Vendor Fair
Meet George Mason’s officially licensed vendors at the inaugural Promotional Vendor Fair on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall, on Tuesday, March 25, from 1-4 p.m. Explore the vendors' products, including sustainable options, while snagging some branded giveaways. Register by March 18 to attend.
As a reminder, university policy requires the use of a licensed vendor when using its trademarks (logos, names, etc.) when purchasing branded products. If you purchase, design, or approve branded giveaways, don’t miss this awesome opportunity. Questions? Contact David Atkins, executive director, brand development and licensing.
Nominations for the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations
The Jack Wood Award highlights the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, businesses/not-for-profits, community members, and elected officials/staff who demonstrate leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community.
This distinction honors former Mayor Jack Wood, who played an instrumental role in establishing George Mason in the City of Fairfax and establishing town-gown relations between the university and the community.
Nominations are due March 19. Self-nominations are welcome. Community relations/outreach professionals are not eligible. Awardees will be notified by April 1, and the Board of Visitors will honor awardees on May 1. Questions? Contact Traci Kendall.
Spring Career Fair
Students and alumni are encouraged to attend the Spring Career Fair on Feb. 18, 19, and 20. Participants can network with employers, gain insight from alums, find part-time gigs, internships, and full-time jobs. This three-day event will host more than 50 employers each day, seeking to fill job vacancies. The fair will happen on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, lower level.
Each day of the fair will have its own focus: Tuesday is STEM, Wednesday covers all interests, and Thursday is business, government, and nonprofits. Learn more.
Celebrating the Life of President Jimmy Carter
Join the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. This special event will reflect on his unparalleled contributions to peace, human rights, and humanitarian service. The event will be hosted at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, auditorium, from 6–8 p.m.
This gathering offers a moment to celebrate President Carter’s centennial legacy and his enduring impact on the world. Through stories, reflections, and shared memories, we will pay tribute to a leader who exemplified compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to building a more just and equitable society. Learn more.
The Eaterie is Now Open
The Eaterie, a new dining venue on the Fairfax Campus in Student Union I (SUB I), is now open. This location features seven stations, including an expanded kosher station—the first certified Kosher Kitchen in Virginia. Committed to sustainability, The Eaterie will use reusable containers and source 80% of its items locally. Customers are encouraged to sign up for the ReusePass program to participate in The Eaterie’s waste-free dining initiative. Payment options include card, cash, Dining Dollars, Swipes, and Mason Money.
New Student Strengths Coaching Program
The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being announces the launch of the Student Strengths Coaching program, which will build a collaborative team of students from across George Mason to be trained and hired as paid Strengths Coaches.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to share this new opportunity with their students. Students may apply through Feb. 28. For more information, visit the website. Information sessions are also available.
Hayden Center Open Forum rescheduled for Feb. 24
The third annual Hayden Center open forum is an event where the audience controls the discussion with their questions. Join General Michael Hayden (former CIA and NSA director) and other Schar School faculty for a conversation about 2025’s national security challenges.
The open forum originally scheduled for Feb. 12 will now take place on Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall. A reception will follow the event. The forum will also be livestreamed. RSVP.
Training and Professional Development
Forward Thinking as a Supervisor: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations
George Mason staff are preparing to complete their self-evaluations and the performance evaluation process. Current and aspiring supervisors are invited to join the University Life Supervision Collective for a virtual manager meetup on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 2–3 p.m.
This session, “Forward Thinking as a Supervisor: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations,” will discuss strategies for success throughout the performance evaluation process, including resources provided by Human Resources, tools to help organize feedback, and space to share helpful practices. Register.
Teaching Opportunity with University Studies
University Studies is now accepting applications from George Mason staff to teach first-year students in UNIV 100 Introduction to George Mason courses during fall 2025. UNIV 100 faculty play a crucial role in assisting first-year students succeed in both their academic and social transition to George Mason. Sign up for an information session to learn more about making a difference in the lives of first-year students. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Feb. 19. Contact univ@gmu.edu with questions.
Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training
The Title IX Office is providing virtual training this spring. This training is for current George Mason employees who have not completed their annual Mandatory Reporter Title IX training (virtual or in-person) for the 2024–25 academic year.
Wednesday, March 19, 1–3 p.m. Register
Note: This training requirement may also be fulfilled by registering for and attending “Building Supportive Communities: Clery Act and Title IX” via MasonLEAPS. Contact titleix@gmu.edu with questions.
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.
Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason
The Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason is one way faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. The in-person and virtual meeting schedule for the spring semester is now available. Those interested can also join the community via Teams. Share stories and become part of an informal organization of working mothers. Visit the website for meeting dates and more information.
Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties
The Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties are in full swing! Catch the excitement at Commonwealth Brewing on Saturday, Feb. 22, as the men’s basketball team takes on VCU. Or, come to PJ Skidoos on Sunday, Feb. 23, for the first-ever women’s basketball watch party for the away game against Saint Joseph’s. Enjoy giveaways, food, and exclusive discounts with your Mason ID. Let’s come together and cheer on the Patriots. Bring your Mason ID to enjoy discounts, giveaways, and cheer with fellow fans. RSVP.
Fall for the Book Mini Fest
Fall for the Book will host its third annual Mini Fest on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Reading Room. Five events will feature writers TJ Butler, Daniel Bedrosian, Matthew Gabriele, Samuel Kọ́láwọlé, and Steve Almond. The events are free and open to the public. Check out the full schedule.
Statistics Open House for Prospective Graduate Students
Are you considering advancing your education in statistics, biostatistics, or data science? Join a Statistics open house for prospective graduate students on Friday, Feb. 21. Learn about MS and PhD programs, research opportunities, and funding options.
Attendees will connect with faculty and current graduate students and gain insights into career paths in statistics, biostatistics, and data science. The open house will be hosted on the Fairfax Campus, Nguyen Engineering Building, Room 4201, and also online. RSVP.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Spring Sessions
The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet on Friday afternoons this spring. 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 “Imagining Abolition: Violent Systems Will Not Make Us Safe” on Friday, Feb. 21, 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
National Pan-Hellenic Council 2025 Step Show
Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Divine 9 as they compete for the title of 2025 National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show Champions. This year's theme, “Icon: Celebrating Black Music,” honors legendary artists and unforgettable moments in Black music history.
Faculty Artist Series: Duo-Piano Silver Anniversary Concert (Anna Balakerskaia and Linda Apple Monson)
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Dewberry Faculty Artist Series showcases the talents of our School of Music professional faculty. The series is presented every spring semester. This recital celebrates the 25 years that Anna Balakerskaia and Linda Apple Monson have performed and taught together at George Mason University and features duo-piano works.
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The 2022 Gramophone Orchestra of the Year nominee, Czech National Symphony Orchestra makes its Hylton Center debut with a masterful program of fiery, powerhouse works under the direction of Music Director Steven Mercurio. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra ranks among the most highly sought after orchestras in Europe and the United States and is consistently praised for its versatile programs that include classical, film scores, jazz, musicals, and more.
Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band for Suite Dreams, a concert inspired by the unique compositional genre of the suite—a musical form that unites a collection of distinct movements or sections, often reflecting a variety of moods, themes, or styles. From powerful overtures to delicate folk melodies, the program invites you to experience the timeless appeal of the suite in a concert that promises to be as dynamic as it is captivating.
Kodo
Saturday, March 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Experience the “primal power and bravura beauty of Kodo” (Chicago Tribune) when Japan’s premier ensemble of taiko drummers returns to the Center for the Arts with its exuberant rhythms and energy. Kodo’s modern take on the ancient art form of taiko drumming will leave its audience breathless with its heart-pounding and stunningly athletic displays of musicianship.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: A Few of Our Favorite Things
Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns with his popular Keyboard Conversations®—concerts with captivating commentary. A Few of Our Favorite Things is a program of beloved, familiar works composed by some of the most popular composers of all time, including, Beethoven, Chopin, Gershwin, and Rachmaninoff—music known to non-concert goers, as well as classical music aficionados. The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.
Faculty Artist Series: Kathleen Gardiner Mulcahy (clarinet)
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Dewberry Faculty Artist Series showcases the talents of Dewberry School of Music professional faculty. The series is presented every spring semester. This faculty recital presents repertoire that showcases collaboration between Dewberry School of Music faculty members, featuring Kathleen Gardiner Mulcahy (clarinet), and including Caroline Steiger (horn) and Eunae Ko Han (piano).
Angélique Kidjo
Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Five-time Grammy Award-winner Angélique Kidjo brings her powerhouse voice, electrifying stage presence, and joyous music to the Center for the Arts. Named one of 2021’s “Most Influential People” by TIME Magazine and one of the “Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World” by the Guardian, Kidjo is one of the greatest artistic forces in international music today. Blending West African rhythms with jazz, pop, funk, R&B, Latin, and dance music, Kidjo’s visionary music tells the story of Africa’s past while looking ahead to the future.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Monday, March 3, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In its third installment of the season, the Mason Symphony Orchestra, led by Soo Han, is excited to launch the spring semester with Water Sings Fire by George Mason's own Director of Composition Andrea Reinkemeyer. This concert will also feature two of the 2025 Mason Concerto Competition winners: Jennifer Szabo (flute), performing the first movement of Mozart's Flute Concerto in G Major, and Annie French (soprano), performing "V'adoro, pupille" from Handel's Giulio Cesare. The evening will conclude with Respighi's thrilling Pines of Rome, featuring members of The Green Machine.
The Peking Acrobats
Sunday, March 9, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
For more than 30 years, The Peking Acrobats have revitalized Chinese acrobatics, fusing ancient athletic discipline with modern special effects to create a kaleidoscopic marvel for all ages. These world-class gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers provide a gravity-defying spectacle with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control.
Juan Megna Trio
Wednesday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
George Mason University alum (Doctor of Musical Arts ‘21), Dewberry School of Music professor, and recipient of a Young Alumni Commissioning Award (’23), Juan Megna showcases musical influences from across the Americas with the Juan Megna Trio. The Argentinian-born percussionist/drummer studied music at the State University of Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil, before continuing his musical and educational odyssey in the United States. At George Mason, he leads the School of Music Latin American Ensemble. The Juan Megna Trio will perform a mix of Megna’s original compositions, blended jazz, Argentinian and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
JigJam
Friday, March 14, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, JigJam, “the best Irish group in bluegrass” (Irish American News), guarantees foot-stomping, heart-pounding feel-good tunes. The quartet made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in 2023 to a sold-out crowd, where they were joined by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, and Lauren Alaina, among others. These talented multi-instrumentalists have released three albums and are winning over audiences with their infectious blend of bluegrass and American folk. Celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Irish with “Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival” (Midwest Records).
Cherish the Ladies
Saturday, March 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Kick up your heels with U.S.-based Celtic music sensation Cherish the Ladies in a rousing program of traditional Irish melodies and original arrangements performed with virtuoso instrumentation, beautiful vocals, and spirited step dancing. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, this all-female ensemble has captivated audiences with its “passionate, tender, and rambunctious” (Washington Post) sound that has earned a Grammy nomination, recognition as the BBC’s “Best Musical Group of the Year,” and the Irish Music Awards’ “Top North American Celtic Group.”
Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies LIVE
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Founded by D.C. native Chloé Arnold, an Emmy Award-nominated tap dancer and choreographer, and protégé of Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, Syncopated Ladies LIVE is a spellbinding and inspirational all-female tap dance celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, rhythm, and joy. These dynamic performers are reinvigorating the artform of tap, weaving together inspiring stories, electric energy, and intricate footwork, while dancing to everything from pop and hip-hop to salsa and R&B.