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. Read more.
West Campus Development Town Hall
The Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Vice President for University Life are hosting a town hall on the West Campus development. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend.
During the town hall, attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from project representatives on project objectives, potential components of the development, how prior feedback has helped shape current priorities, and how to remain engaged.
West Campus Development Town Hall
Tuesday, March 4, from 3:30–5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201
The town hall will be recorded and posted on the West Campus Planning website.
March Staff Senate Meeting
The March Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Charles “Cully” Stimson, rector of George Mason University's Board of Visitors. The second hour of the meeting will include a brief presentation on the Budget Model Redesign.
Join the meeting on Wednesday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom. Learn more.
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.
Swipe4Change: Addressing food insecurity one swipe at a time
Swipe4Change is a collaborative effort between Mason Dining and the Student Support and Advocacy Center, with support from University Sustainability, the Food Recovery Network, and Student Government. Together, participants address food insecurity by collecting and allocating donated guest swipes to students in need.
On Wednesday, March 26, find donation stations on the Fairfax Campus at Southside and Ike’s from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meal plan holders can donate a guest swipe, while non-holders can contribute any amount through Coins4Change at retail locations. Sign up to volunteer at green.gmu.edu. Your participation and support will make a difference for our community.
SciTech Innovation District—A Conversation With J.H. Cullum Clark
The SciTech Innovation District invites the George Mason community to a conversation with J.H. Cullum Clark, director of economic growth at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Clark will share key insights from his report, “Engines of Opportunity: How Eds and Meds Institutions Can Become More Powerful Drivers of Prosperity in America’s Cities,” which examines innovation districts across the United States and their impact on local economies.
Thursday, March 6, from 8:30–10:30 a.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center
Register
Health and Fitness Expo
Join George Mason University’s 28th annual Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Check out health education activities, hands-on demos, free health screenings, fitness instruction and challenges, and win door prizes and giveaways.
Training and Professional Development
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.
Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training
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.
Request for Proposals: 17th Annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference
George Mason faculty, graduate instructors, and staff are invited to propose sessions, volunteer to be a reviewer, and/or serve as a session host at the 17th Annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference.
This hybrid conference takes place with online sessions via Zoom on Sept. 25 and in-person sessions on Sept. 26. This year's conference theme is “Teaching for the Future: AI, Analog and Beyond.” Visit the website for a full description of the conference, plus the call for proposals and reviewers.
George Mason Toastmasters Open House: How to Become a TEDx Speaker
Ready to take your public speaking to the next level? Join the George Mason Toastmasters Open House and discover the secrets to landing your very own TEDx talk. The featured speaker will be Mike Schmidtmann, head of speaker curation at TEDx Warrenton.
George Mason Toastmasters Open House
Wednesday, March 12, from noon to 1 p.m.
In-person: Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 3300 (please arrive 10 minutes early)
Virtually via Zoom
Schmidtmann will present expert insights into what makes a TED Talk truly memorable, how it differs from keynotes and Toastmasters speeches, and the types of topics that get selected and promoted. Learn the strategies to stand out and get chosen to deliver your own TEDx talk. Contact toastmst@gmu.edu with questions.
Apply for Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL) Course Designations
Faculty are encouraged to apply for Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL) course designations through Mason Impact. These designations highlight courses that foster civic engagement and community-based learning, benefiting faculty through course promotion, training, micro-grants for related expenses, and recognition. Learn more.
Resources for You
Complimentary Blood Pressure Checks
Take a beat to check in with your heart! The Employee Health and Well-Being team invites the George Mason community to a free, elective blood pressure screening and educational event on Wednesday, March 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center. Sign up for an appointment.
Disclaimer: This screening is for informational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Information is for personal use only; individual health information is not recorded or maintained by George Mason University.
Spring into Well-Being Vaccine Clinic: Tdap, Shingles, and Pneumonia Vaccines
Stay ahead of sickness this spring with shingles, Tdap, and pneumonia vaccines at the on-campus Spring into Well-Being Vaccine Clinic. This clinic is open to George Mason University faculty, staff, and their families (ages 18+) insured through Anthem BlueCross BlueShield or Aetna. Others should verify eligibility before signing up. Register for a vaccine appointment. The clinic will take place on Thursday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center.
Not eligible? Visit vaccines.gov to find an appointment. Most vaccines can be co-administered; check with your health care provider for guidance.
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 Justice: Breonna Taylor” on Friday, March 7, 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
Exhibition: ‘Offerings to the Potomac – Acknowledging Indigenous Place’
Open through May 15
Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall, Atrium Gallery
Curated by Gabrielle Tayac and Public History in Action students. Co-curated and designed by Mason Exhibitions.
This exhibition grew out of the “IndigenoUs Northern Virginia: Activating Local and Diasporic Native Identities at Mason” project of Alison Landsberg and Gabrielle Tayac. “Indigenous Northern Virginia” began with a Summer Research Institute of students who connected with diverse indigenous communities in Northern Virginia through experiential listening and dialogue.
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.
JigJam
Friday, March 14, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton 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.
Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies LIVE
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton 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.
Rhythm India
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
With colorful costumes, dynamic music, and soulful beats, Rhythm India evokes the glitz and glamor of a blockbuster Bollywood dance sequence and the graceful movements of classical Indian dance. Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond is the creation of World Choreography Award Nominee and Telly Award-winning director and choreographer, Joya Kazi, and features the company dancers of Joya Kazi.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Humor in Music
Sunday, Mar. 23, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Siegel closes out his season of Keyboard Conversations® with music to raise the spirits—and stimulate smiles! Center audiences are invited to enjoy merriment in musical tones from the enchanting works of Chopin, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Copland, and Stravinsky.
Mason Dance Company Gala Concert
School of Dance
Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The highlight of the School of Dance season, featuring guest artists of international acclaim. This year’s Gala Concert includes “The Hunt” by Robert Battle, “Cloudline” by Robyn Mineko Williams, a premiere by Christopher d’Amboise, and “The Fracture of Light” by Yin Yue. If you’re up for a party, we throw a great one prior to the performance on Saturday during the Mason Dance Fête!
Hylton Family Series: A Year With Frog and Toad
Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Direct from Broadway comes the Tony Award-winning musical, A Year With Frog and Toad, based on the beloved children’s books by Arnold Lobel. Featuring a jazzy score by Robert and Willie Reale and produced by Wishing Star Productions, LLC, this charming musical follows two best friends—cheerful Frog and curmudgeonly Toad—through the four seasons. A Year With Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures with wit and heart. Recommended for all ages.
American Roots Series: Alison Brown
Saturday, March 29, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Grammy Award-winning banjoist Alison Brown is renowned for her innovative sound blending bluegrass, folk, and jazz. She has earned praise and legions of fans worldwide touring with the Alison Brown Quartet and as a soloist, recording 12 critically acclaimed albums. This intimate evening with one of the most multi-faceted artists on today’s roots music scene is not to be missed. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ at 300
Sunday, March 30, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Les Arts Florissants, one of the foremost Baroque music ensembles in the world, reframes the iconic work for the 21st century. The 15-person chamber orchestra, which performs on period instruments, intersperses the movements of the beloved Four Seasons with lesser-known works by Monteverdi, Uccelline, and Geminiani in this “performance to be celebrated” (New York Times).
Jazz Big Band Showdown Spring 2025
Dewberry School of Music
Monday, March 31, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Mason Jazz Ensemble (director Jim Carroll) and two special guest big bands for an evening that celebrates the hot sounds and swinging beats of the Big Band era.
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