Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Campus Notice: Mason Day Is Friday, April 25
George Mason University will celebrate Mason Day on Friday, April 25, from 3–10 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. The event will feature a carnival with rides, games, treats, food trucks, inflatables, novelties, and performances. Admission is free for students, faculty, and staff with a valid George Mason ID. Guest tickets are available at the EagleBank Arena box office.
The event will take place from 3–10 p.m. in Parking Lots L and A near EagleBank Arena. Plan your trip with shopMason’s guide to Mason Day.
Parking and Traffic Advisory
Expect increased traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus. Lot L will be closed from Sunday, April 20, at 11 p.m. through Sunday, April 27. The western side of Lot A will be closed starting on Tuesday, April 22, at 1 p.m., and will reopen Sunday, April 27. Po River Lane between Roanoke River Road and Lot A will be closed on Friday, April 25.
Signage has been posted in affected areas. Any vehicles left in Lot L after 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, will be relocated at the owner’s risk and expense. If you have purchased a daily, weekly, or monthly Lot L and K permit, please park in Lot K during this time. Get more details from Parking and Transportation.
Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact
Undergraduate students will share their research projects at the Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact on Tuesday, May 6, from noon to 3:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.
The event will feature poster presentations, musical performances, videos, food trucks, and more. This event is presented by the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).
Patriot Packout: April 21 to May 14
Patriot Packout is an opportunity to donate like-new and gently used items at the Fairfax Campus, Science and Technology Campus, and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. During residential move-out, Patriot Packout diverts items from the waste stream and makes them available to those who can use them. Learn about accepted donation items, campus drop-off locations, and volunteer opportunities.
Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to donate items. Donations are redistributed to George Mason Patriots, on-campus resources, and local community organizations, preventing useful items from ending up in the trash. Patriot Packout’s donations this spring will support the Patriot Pantry, Trans Clothing Closet, Art Supply Sharing Cabinet, First Gen+ Center, The MIX, Parking and Transportation's bike programs, and Food for Others, and more.
Bike to Mason Is Back
Celebrate Earth Month by biking to campus for Bike to Mason Days on Tuesday, April 22 (Fairfax Campus), and Thursday, April 24 (Mason Square). Enjoy free food and drinks, get helpful biking tips, and connect with fellow George Mason cyclists. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, this is your chance to embrace sustainable commuting. RSVP to secure your spot and perks.
April Is Earth Month
Join University Sustainability and Facilities and Campus Operations, along with many campus partners, for fun, educational, and engaging activities and events during Earth Month. Learn about Zero Waste Mason, Patriot Packout, the Patriot Green Fund, sustainable agriculture on campus, the Better Bins Preview, enhancements to recycling and composting, and much more. Make a sustainable impact, celebrate success, and learn about ongoing initiatives and how you can get involved. Visit University Sustainability’s Earth Month page for details.
Training and Professional Development
Join Mason 101
Are you new to the Mason Nation, or want to enhance your knowledge about the university? Mason 101 is a two-hour information session that covers the history of George Mason University, the university's organizational structure, resources, and looks ahead to the future. The next session is Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon (in-person, Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 2001). Get more information and register.
Resources for You
Celebrate Commencement with the Alumni Association
The Alumni Association invites the Mason Nation to upcoming events to celebrate the Class of 2025. Check the full list of events for registration and ticket information, if applicable.
Pancakes for Patriots
Monday, May 12, 7–10 a.m.
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall Lawn
Stop by Merten Hall Lawn to receive a complimentary breakfast box to kickstart your day. Enjoy networking with alumni and volunteers and fuel up for a productive day. While supplies last.
Grad Toast
Wednesday, May 14, 6–8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall Lawn
Graduates are invited to come together with their family and friends to celebrate the completion of their degree. The Grad Toast is a chance for graduates to share their excitement for the future, thank mentors or loved ones for their support, and bond with peers before moving on to the next chapter. Tickets are available for purchase and include food, beverages, spirit items, and entertainment.
Zoom Your City
Tuesday, June 3, 7–9 p.m.
Virtual
Alumni are invited to connect with fellow Patriots in their new hometowns. George Mason is virtually visiting cities around the country, so graduates can register for their city's breakout room to meet other alumni.
Cinema on the Plaza: Mamma Mia!
Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come to Mason Square Plaza for a free outdoor movie night. Families and friends are welcome. The movie on Friday, May 9, will be Mamma Mia! The movie starts at 8 p.m. Learn more.
Travel Well Vaccine Clinic: Vaccines for International Travelers
The Travel Well Vaccine Clinic provides travelers with a convenient opportunity to get up-to-date on routine vaccines and receive any recommended travel-specific immunizations. The clinic will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center. Advance registration is required. Sign up today. This clinic is organized by Employee Health and Well-Being.
Mason Square Markets
Mason Square Markets have returned for the spring season. Community members will find goodies such as handmade items, sweet treats, art, and more, while enjoying performances from local musicians.
Upcoming dates include Tuesday, April 22, and Tuesday, May 27, from 3–7 p.m. The market is hosted by Mason Square and Mason Dining in collaboration with Arlington Economic Development.
Seed Library at Fenwick
The new Seed Library is located on a cart on the first floor of Fenwick Library on the Fairfax Campus. The library includes books and online resources that can help you learn to garden. Seed libraries have grown in popularity around the country, found in public libraries, community centers, community gardens, makerspaces, and university libraries. A seed library is stocked with seeds, which patrons take, grow, and then, if possible, return seeds to the library. The emphasis, however, is on the taking and growing of seeds, and less on the drying and returning of seeds. Seed libraries promote growing your own food, well-being, community, and learning in a hands-on way.
Axe-Throwing with Alumni Association
Join the Alumni Association for the next Engage Patriots in Conversation (EPIC) event, and enjoy an afternoon of connecting with others in the George Mason community in a fun, relaxed setting! This family-friendly event is open to alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.
EPIC Axe-Throwing
Sunday, April 27, 2–5 p.m.
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run (16015 John Marshall Highway, Broad Run, Virginia)
The event will start with networking while enjoying food and beverages. Then, those who sign up for axe-throwing will take some turns in the Big Axe Barn. There's nothing like throwing an axe at a wooden wall to relieve stress at the end of a long week. Purchase tickets.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
‘Spheres of Engagement’
Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Main Reading Room
Spheres of Engagement is an innovative and collaborative performance project between the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music and the University Libraries Special Collections Research Center. The Spheres Project, a collaborative music ensemble, will perform new student compositions inspired by the Special Collections Research Center. Spheres of Engagement is coordinated by June Huang, director of the Spheres Project; Cindy Badilla-Meléndez, music and media librarian; and Andrea Reinkemeyer, director of composition. A reception will follow. Free admission.
Exhibit: ‘Cross-Pollination’
Open through April 25
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Fenwick Gallery
Held in conjunction with the opening of the Seed Library at Fenwick, Cross-Pollination explores the relationship between the earth’s natural elements and the creative process, featuring works by George Mason faculty. This exhibition draws on both the literal and metaphorical meanings of cross-pollination, emphasizing the continuous exchange between the organic world and artistic creation.
Exhibition: ‘Offerings to the Potomac—Acknowledging Indigenous Place’
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. Join a closing reception for this exhibit on Thursday, April 24, from 7–9 p.m. in the Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery.
Mason Artist Alley
Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
Stop by an art convention featuring more than 60 student artists selling self-made creations like stickers, prints, zines, jewelry, and more. Fun art activities and beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork will be available. This family-friendly day of fun is free and open to the public, so come support our student artists.
International Jazz Day
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Wednesday, April 30, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Center
Share the vibrancy and vitality of jazz music with Mason Jazz students and faculty. George Mason’s Jazz Studies celebrates International Jazz Day with performances by the Mason Jazz Ensemble, Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Steel Pan Ensemble, Braddock Road Brass Band, and Jazz Combo I.
George Mason School of Theater: 12 Angry Jurors
April 30 to May 4, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Trapped together in a sweltering jury room, the tensions rise along with the heat as 12 ordinary people must decide the guilt or innocence of a young person accused of murder. What begins as a seemingly simple decision becomes more complex as ingrained ideas, systemic racism, and diverging perspectives collide. A thoughtful and poignant look at the consequences of our actions (or lack thereof), this show asks how you determine the truth when faced with a life-or-death decision.
‘Spring: Dance Innovations’
George Mason School of Dance
Friday, May 2, at 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The creative School of Dance students present their own choreography. Always relevant and fresh, this evening of adjudicated works will have something for everyone.
Virginia Opera: Loving v. Virginia
Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony present the the highly anticipated world premiere of Loving v. Virginia. A young couple's interracial marriage in 1958 sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court and a victory for civil rights in the United States. This operatic retelling is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert: Concerto Competition Winners
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Monday, May 5, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the spring finale concert featuring the Mason Symphony Orchestra, with conductors Soo Han and Michael Stern. The Mason Symphony Orchestra will feature three winners of the 2025 Mason Concerto Competition: Bolun Zhang (piano) will perform the third movement of Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor; Nathan Plapinger (euphonium) will perform the first movement of Cosma's Euphonium Concerto; and Kai Shi (piano) will perform the first movement of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major.
May Studio Series 2025
School of Dance
Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, Dance Performance Studio
Enjoy an evening of student work in one of the School of Dance studios, transformed into an intimate theater.
Dewberry School of Music Honors Recital
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Honors Recital is a premier recital opportunity for Dewberry School of Music exceptional student performers in the vocal, instrumental, and piano areas. These outstanding student artists (soloists and chamber musicians) have been selected for this prestigious Honors Recital by audition.
American Festival Pops Orchestra: Armed Forces Day Celebration
Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Center
Commemorate Armed Forces Day with a patriotic musical tribute performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra in collaboration with George Mason University’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative. The orchestra will perform a salute to the community’s veterans featuring the music of Barber, Copland, and John Williams, plus other patriotic classics. Special guests Anthony J. Maiello and Darden Purcell join Maestro Wilson and the orchestra.