Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Deadline is close of business Wednesday for inclusion in the following Tuesday's edition.
Campus Updates
November Staff Senate Meeting
The November Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Jimmy Hazel, Rector of Mason鈥檚听.
Wednesday, Nov. 3
10 a.m. to noon
Guest speaker will present 10鈥11 a.m. (general meeting to follow)
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Webinar ID: 939 9974 9658/ Passcode: 224754
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at Mason. Working closely with university administration, the senate addresses concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community.
Contact staffsenate@gmu.edu with questions.
Honoring Our Veterans
Mason's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and the Office of the President will honor veterans with a luncheon on Friday, November 12. Mason Community members who have proudly served the country are invited and encouraged to attend the luncheon.
亚洲AV celebrates and honors Veterans Day which is nationally recognized on November 11. This is a day that commemorates veterans of all wars and those who have proudly served and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America and its values.
At Mason, we aspire to serve our veterans with as much dedication and devotion as they have provided to our country. We hope all veterans have a memorable Veterans Day and know that Mason celebrates you.
Registration is Required.听
Space is limited -听听early.听
Questions? Contact Lesley Irminger at听lirminge@gmu.edu听or 703-993-2124.听
Alternative Breaks 2022
Alternative Break Applications will be due starting Nov. 1, with experiences focused around mass incarceration, food justice, HIV stigma, and many other topics.
Alternative Breaks occur during spring and summer break in locations both domestic and abroad. These are led by student trip leaders in partnership with local community partners. Encourage students to apply today at .
Contact Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) at sail@gmu.edu with questions.
Celebrate Distance Learning Week
The Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning invites you听to celebrate Distance Learning Week, Nov.听8 - 12!
Check out the many resources Mason provides for online teaching and learning:
- : View recorded trainings about Blackboard basics and tools. Contact Blackboard Support.
- 听(CARES Guide): Find guidance for creating accessible instructional materials, and how to use 听to check the accessibility of your online course documents. Contact Assistive Technology Initiative (ATI).
- : Use the 听to review your online course and online teaching. Contact Stearns Center.
- : Share this website about online education at Mason with your students. Contact Mason Online.
- : Direct your students to Mason Learning Services for online study tips. Contact Learning Services.
Contact Darlene Smucny, Stearns Center Digital Learning, at听dsmucny@gmu.edu听or 703-993-1907.听
4-VA@Mason Awards Collaborative Research Grants
Backed by a statewide initiative, 4-VA@Mason has awarded 11 grants to Mason faculty for the 2021鈥22 academic year, providing seed funding to launch innovations in education and original research.
The grants support studies to be conducted across various schools and departments from fine arts to computing to biology. Nine grants were awarded for new research, while two additional grants will fund extensions of projects initiated during the 2020鈥21 year.
The 4-VA@Mason Collaborative Research Grants are specifically designed to encourage the development of partnerships with the seven other schools in the 4-VA system. For more information, visit .
Staying Safe: Traveling at Dusk
A reminder from Parking and Transportation that the days are growing shorter and it鈥檚 getting darker earlier. As we prepare to 鈥淔all Back鈥 on Sunday, Nov. 7, please keep in mind that it is difficult to see and be seen at dusk. Exercise care whether you are driving, biking, or walking.
Training and Professional Development
Webinar: Inclusive Course Design and Teaching
Mason has one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, and our online students also reflect this diversity. How can we incorporate our students鈥 diverse identities, backgrounds, and ways of knowing to make online learning inclusive, relevant, and meaningful for all, including students from minorities or underrepresented groups?
Join the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning for an upcoming webinar:
Webinar: Inclusive Course Design and Teaching
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1鈥2:30 p.m.
Contact stearns@gmu.edu with questions.
Workshop: Don't Stop Me Now! From Side Gig to Main Gig
Are you interested in becoming a full-time freelancer? Whether you're only at the idea stage or you have a steady side gig that you're looking to transition into your full-time job, this workshop will walk you through everything you need to know; from how to set realistic rates to how you can set better boundaries with clients.
Join the University Libraries and SP@RC for the upcoming workshop:
Workshop: Don't Stop Me Now! From Side Gig to Main Gig
Tuesday, Nov.听9, 3-4 p.m.
Horizon 2107
Contact LeighAnn Skeen at听lskeen@gmu.edu听or 703-993-2673 with questions.听
Adjunct Committee Call for Nominations
The Adjunct Faculty Committee is accepting nominations for two individuals to join the committee for a two-year term beginning in spring 2022. Appointed individuals may serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms. Nomination criteria includes:
- Regularly teaches for Mason as adjunct faculty
- Articulates their commitment to improving the work lives of adjunct faculty
- Clearly expresses their commitment to and any experience in diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence
If you would like to be considered for membership on this important university committee, email gmuprov@gmu.edu with the subject 鈥淎djunct Committee Nomination." Indicate your interest in serving on this committee, academic unit, a brief summary of your experience as an adjunct faculty member at Mason with respect to the nomination criteria, and a copy of your CV.
Nominations are due Monday, Nov. 15.
New Mason 101 Sessions Available
Mason 101 is a one-time, two-hour workshop for Mason staff and faculty to learn more about the history, organization, resources, and future of 亚洲AV.
All fall 2021 sessions are hosted on Zoom. Upcoming dates include:
- Friday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to noon
- Friday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon
Mason 101 is an excellent opportunity for newer members of the Mason community, as well as longtime employees looking to learn more about resources and the latest information.
Sign up is available at :
- Log in with your Mason ID
- In the search bar, type "Mason 101" and press the Return/Enter key
- On the screen that opens, click "Mason 101"
- Click on an available Mason 101 date
- Click the "Request" button next to your preferred date
For questions or more information, contact Philip Stamper, University Information, at pstamper@gmu.edu or 703-993-5308.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Voter Suppression
The is grounded in the knowledge that it is not a question of whether we are racist, but rather, how racism is expressed and experienced in ourselves, our lives, our behaviors, and our institutions. The group explores materials that allow us to critically question and consider our roles as artists, thinkers, citizens, and creatives in a society founded on racist values and practices. The reading group will continue to focus on anti-Black racism and its effects on society.
The next meeting will discuss racism and student loan debt on Friday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. .
Contact Kristin Johnsen-Neshati, College of Visual and Performing Arts, at kneshati@gmu.edu with questions.
Bicycle Commuting 101: Online Seminar
Bicycling to campus can be fun and great for your well-being. Join Delia Johnson, College of Visual and Performing Arts staff member and a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, for Bicycle Commuting 101. Delia will share information to help you feel more confident about getting to campus on two wheels.
Bicycle Commuting 101
Tuesday, Nov. 16, at noon
Hosted on Zoom
This session is open to faculty, staff and students. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
Contact Mason Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu with questions.
Webinar: Overcoming Burnout
Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday work and home life? The Overcoming Burnout Anthem Webinar focuses on the issue of burnout and ways you can bring your life back into balance. Learn to identify the symptoms of burnout, and explore ideas for coping with, and avoiding it.
Anthem Webinar: Overcoming Burnout
Tuesday, Nov.听9, Noon -1 p.m.
Contact Human Resources & Payroll at听hr@gmu.edu听or 703-993-2600 with questions.听
Resources for You
Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice Program
Like to bike? Live within biking distance of the Mason location where you work? Consider the Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice program and find joy in commuting to campus on two wheels.
More about the program:
- Four tiers of financial support are tied to the number of rides per quarter. Join the program for as few as five rides per quarter.
- Earn complimentary parking passes.
- Ride more than 10 miles each way to work and earn a distance bonus.
- Ride at Tier 2 or Tier 3 all year and receive funds for a complimentary bike check.
- You may use this program in conjunction with Commuter Choice.
Conditions apply. Please note that this program, unlike Commuter Choice, is taxable per the IRS. But don鈥檛 let that stop you; check out the details at .
Nonprofit Fellows Program
The Nonprofit Fellows are a select group of students who earn a minor in Nonprofit Studies through a semester-long immersion experience. The 20鈥25 Nonprofit Fellows are enrolled in three courses and complete a six-credit internship with a local nonprofit organization.
The program is offered by the School of Integrative Studies in partnership with the Schar School of Policy and Government.
Applications for spring are due Nov. 15. Please help share this information with your students.
. Contact Sam Frye, School of Integrative Studies, at sfrye4@gmu.edu with questions.
Guided Meditation
Hosted by Kaiser Permanente, join this guided meditation webinar for a mindful practice of how to incorporate gratitude into your daily life for this season and going forward. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.
Webinar: Guided Meditation
Monday, Nov. 8, Noon -1 p.m.
in advance.听
Questions? Contact Human Resources and Payroll at听hr@gmu.edu听or 703-993-2600.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
亚洲AV choirs are under the direction of Dr. Lisa Billingham. The choral ensembles perform a wide variety of music each semester, ranging from classical styles to multi-cultural works and popular music. The Fall Choral Festival will feature clinics in the morning and performances in the afternoon.
Featuring Pinchas Zukerman, violin/viola; and Amanda Forsyth, cello
Sunday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
GRAMMY Award-winning conductor, violinist, and violist Pinchas Zukerman, and Canadian Juno Award-winning cellist Amanda Forsyth join forces with the Jerusalem Quartet for a trio of radiant Romantic-era works by Bruckner, Dvo艡谩k, and Brahms. Highly accomplished and much in demand in their own right, the husband and wife duo of Zukerman and Forsyth create a sextet with the four Israeli artists in a dazzling display of virtuosity. Widely recognized as one of the top international chamber ensembles, the Jerusalem Quartet has left its mark on stages worldwide.
School of Dance
Friday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Step out of this cool autumn weather and into a performance filled with diverse choreography and talented dancers. Join us in supporting the School of Dance as we present听Fall: New Dances.
Concept and Adaptation by Keturah Stickann and Bruce Stasyna for San Diego Opera
Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, returns to the Center for the Arts with a condensed version of Giacomo Puccini鈥檚 La Boh猫me: Rodolfo Remembers. This stunning production is the perfect way to reunite with opera and to welcome newcomers to the art form.
Sunday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Drawing on traditional folk, country, R&B, and spirituals, The War and Treaty have earned praise for their dynamic and passionate performances. Named Americana Music Awards 2019 Emerging Act of the year, this husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter, Jr., and Tanya Blount will dazzle in their debut at Merchant Hall, performing songs from their two acclaimed albums, Healing Tide and Hearts Town. The powerhouse couple brings their very relatable struggles to their music including Trotter鈥檚 battle with PTSD as an Army Veteran.
Monday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Join Dr. Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice Studio, and Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble for an evening of swinging standards and classic hits from the Great American Songbook! With very special guests, Herndon High School Vocal Jazz, directed by Dana Van Slyke.