Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Commencement and Degree Celebrations
George Mason Commencement and Degree Celebrations are coming soon. Spring Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 15, at 9:30 a.m. in EagleBank Arena. Degree Celebrations on May 14–17 will honor individual graduates as they cross the stage. University Events is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to help with the events. Sign up today. Contact University Events with questions.
Patriot Packout Happening through 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.
Open Enrollment Is Coming Soon: Drop-in Information Sessions
It’s almost time to make important choices about your benefits for the upcoming year. Open Enrollment starts Friday, May 16, and ends Friday, May 30, so be sure to mark your calendar. This is your annual opportunity to:
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Review and update your health insurance
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Add or remove dependents
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Choose new benefits or make changes to existing ones
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Take advantage of flexible spending accounts Health FSA and Dependent FSA
Drop-in information sessions will be hosted from May 19–30 across multiple campuses and virtually. Keep an eye out for more details, plan guides, and enrollment instructions. For questions, contact benefits@gmu.edu.
Degree and Certificate Milestones: Let’s Celebrate Your Success
George Mason classified staff, A/P faculty, I/R faculty, adjunct faculty, and non-student wage employees are invited to share information regarding degrees or certificates (trade certification/license, associate's, bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, doctorate, etc.) that they have earned during this current academic year. Human Resources would like to share the great news and feature stories of George Mason faculty and staff who are seeking continual education and professional development.
Complete the Celebrate Degree/Certificate Milestones Survey by Friday, May 16, and the Faculty and Staff Engagement team will follow up with you on your successes! For questions, contact awards@gmu.edu.
Summer Shuttle Schedule Effective May 19
The summer schedule for Mason Shuttles goes into effect on Monday, May 19. Check the schedule for specific routes. There will be no shuttle service on the following holidays:
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Memorial Day (Monday, May 26)
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Juneteenth (Thursday, June 19)
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Independence Day (Friday, July 4)
Contact shuttle@gmu.edu with questions.
Professional Clothing Closet: Donations Needed
The Professional Clothing Closet allows students in the College of Education and Human Development to rent clothes to wear to their internships or job interviews. The EDSE Council, a Special Education Program student organization, opened the closet due thanks to donations from the George Mason community. Read more about the program. Items are needed to help support the operations of the clothing closet. The following items are needed:
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Clothes hangers
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Shoe organizers
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Clothing racks
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Plastic storage bins for clothing
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Full length mirror
Donation items can be placed in the donation bin on the Fairfax Campus in the Finley Building outside room 116B. If a donation is large, like a plastic bin, place it by the donation bin with a "donation" label on the item.
Training and Professional Development
University Life Student Success Symposium
The University Life Student Success Symposium is a chance to connect with colleagues, learn about innovative practices to support your work, and explore strategies to foster student engagement. The symposium will take place at the Fairfax Campus on Wednesday, June 4, with pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, June 3. Get the details and register.
Stearns Center Workshop: High-Impact Practices
Are you interested in developing learning experiences where students can apply their skills and competencies in and beyond the classroom? Participate in a two-part workshop series from the Stearns Center. Fundamentals of Effective Teaching explains the critical elements of teaching today’s students. High-Impact Practices and Applied Learning shows you how to use transparent assignment design for courses with internships, undergraduate research, and project-based learning. This is a two-part series, and the first workshop will be offered on Monday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Learn more and register.
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
Resource Expo for Federal Employees and Contractors
Community members can discover job opportunities, resources, and career-themed workshops at the Next Steps: Resource Expo at Mason Square on Wednesday, May 28, from 12:30–5:30 p.m. More than 40 employers and service providers will be in attendance. Sessions will be available on transferable skills, using AI for a job search, activating your resilience for well-being, and more.
Contact jobseeker@arlingtonva.us with questions. This event is brought to you by Arlington County Government and Employment Center, City of Alexandria Government and Workforce Development Center, George Mason University, and Virginia Career Works Alexandria/Arlington Region. Registration is not required, but is available to you should you wish to receive updates from the event host. Learn more.
Build an Artificial Reef for the Chesapeake Bay
Roll up your sleeves—it’s reef-building time! Dive into the process of helping create artificial reef structures that will be deployed in the Chesapeake Bay. Participants will help build molds, mix cement, and pour the mix into forms that will shape tomorrow’s marine habitats. This event will be hosted on Monday, May 12, from noon to 2 p.m. on the Science and Technology Campus, Bull Run Parking Lot. RSVP on Mason 360.
During the event, hear from Jesse Howe, George Mason alum and assistant director of Coastal Conservation Association Maryland, who will share how artificial reefs support oyster population restoration, biodiversity, and help restore the bay's ecosystem. This is a great opportunity for students seeking volunteer/service hours.
Math Enrichment Camps for Grades 6–9
Mason Math Odyssey is a camp for rising 6–9 graders who are curious about math and would like to learn about mathematics concepts typically not taught in K-12 curriculum. Campers will build mathematical maturity while honing problem solving, collaboration, and communication skills. Camps will be hosted from July 7–11 and July 21–25 on the Fairfax Campus. Learn more and register.
Esports Summer Camp for Teens at George Mason
Gamers and parents of gamers: George Mason University Esports is hosting an Esports Summer Camp in June and July for ages 13–18. If your child is passionate about gaming and is interested in exploring college gaming opportunities, this is a great way to introduce them to structured gaming experiences and skills development workshops, as well as other great things happening on campus. Camp is intended for all skill levels, and sizable discounts are available for George Mason community members. Get more information.
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.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
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.
Northern Virginia Ballet: Peter and the Wolf Plus Paquita
Saturday, May 24, at 4 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Join Peter and his animal friends on a mischievous adventure as they attempt to capture the predator wolf. Set to Prokofiev’s famous score, Peter learns to be brave and persistent when confronted with challenges.
Manassas Chorale: Princesses and Pirates
Friday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Take a musical journey with the Manassas Chorale, its ensemble, orchestra, and the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir as they celebrate the stories of Disney princesses and swash-buckling pirates through music. Greater Manassas Children’s Choir students in grades 2–8 perform alongside adult singers in this exciting musical adventure.
Fairfax Symphony Celebrates Zimmerman's 15th Anniversary
Saturday, May 31, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
This special anniversary season culminates in a heartfelt program that pays tribute to Maestro Zimmerman's debut concert as music director with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra in 2009. Join this special tribute concert celebrating Maestro Zimmerman's remarkable leadership and vision.
Paul Anka in Concert
Saturday, June 28, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Legendary singer and songwriter Paul Anka performs his greatest hits, including “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Diana,” “She’s A Lady,” and “My Way,” with songwriting credits that range from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson.