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Around Mason: Week of Aug. 22, 2023

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Faculty/Staff Announcements

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Campus Updates


Welcome2Mason Events

ճevent series kicks off the fall semester, now through mid-September. Upcoming activities include:

  • (Aug. 22) and(multiple events through Aug. 24)
  • , a carnival with food, games, and the annual Mason Fight Song T-shirt giveaway (Aug. 24)
  • , where students can learn about university offices and student organizations (Aug. 30)
  • And much more.

View the.


Fall Parking and Transportation Updates

As the fall 2023 semester begins, Mason students, faculty and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases, especially during the first few weeks of the semester. This campuswith information on Mason Shuttles, visitor and non-permit parking options, biking, carpooling and other transit optionswill help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.


Fresh New Features from Mason Dining

As Mason starts the fall 2023 semester, get ready for new culinary adventures with—fresh dining options, sustainability initiatives, and fun events.

Check out the top five food-related experiences to try this fall:Read more.


Staff Senate Election Results and September Meeting

The Staff Senate election took place in July, and the results are in..

ճwill feature guest speaker Andrew Lane, director or performance management and employee engagement, on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m.in Merten Hall, Room 1204, or via.


Meal Plans for Faculty and Staff

Elevate your dining experience with Mason Dining. Enjoy special meal rates withat Mason’s three dininghalls, orindulge in the privacy and lounge vibe of the Mason Club membership. Save more as you purchase more meals. Plans are valid for both fall and spring semesters, starting as low as $100 per meal plan.


College Colors Day Is Almost Here

Let the countdown begin: College Colors Day is approaching on Friday, Sept. 1! Wherever you are, show your Patriot pride by wearing your green and gold.

You can receive a free Mason rally towel with your branded merchandise purchase at the bookstore, while supplies last. Follow to also claim a free tote bag from the Wear Mason table in front of the Fairfax Campus bookstore in the Johnson Center on Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You also might just get a photo with the Patriot and be able say hello to the Mason cheerleaders and dance team. Remember, wear green and gold on Friday, Sept. 1, and every Friday after that for Spirit Fridays.


Fall Shuttle Schedules Available

The fall 2023 shuttle schedules are available at. An .

Note: There will be very limited service on Mason Shuttles on Labor Day. .

If you have any questions, reach out to shuttle@gmu.eduor call 703-993-2828.


Carter School Peace Week Presents: International Day at Mason Square

As part of Fall 2023 Peace Week, the Carter School invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in celebrating the many nationalities represented at Mason. Mason Square’s inaugural International Day on Thursday, Sept. 21, will include an event on the plaza showcasing diverse cultures through live entertainment, food, crafts, and more.

The Carter School is seeking participants who are interested in showcasing their culture by hosting a table or performing on stage.. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Aug. 30.

This year’s Peace Week theme is "Building Peace in Partnership." We hope you take this opportunity to connect with community members and share your voice.


Bio and Beer

Enjoy an evening of with the Institute for Biohealth Innovation onWednesday, Aug. 23, to discuss "The Future of Diagnostics" with Eric Van Gieson, program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA). During his time with the agency, Van Gieson has initiated programs to use host-based methods to mitigate the impacts of emerging diseases, as well as optimize human performance. This event will be hosted at Mum Mum Thai restaurant on the SciTech Campus from 4:30–6:30 p.m.


Training and Professional Development


Immersive Technologies Conference at Mason Square

On Sept. 7, a new immersive technologies conference, “,” will take place at at Mason Square in Van Metre Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hosted by the and the at the , the conference aims to address the applicability of IM-TECH, also known as Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR), to workforce education in industry and higher education.

Throughout the day, a variety of panel discussions, real-time demonstrations, and keynote speakers will discuss several themes, including the infrastructure needed to adopt IM-TECH in workforce training and education, how AI can impact the design and implementation of IM-TECH, and how IM-TECH can support accessible and hands-on learning experiences, social learning, and safe environments for learning.

The conference is sponsored by Leidos, IEEE, and C2 Technologies.

Registration closes Aug. 31, 2023. Visit to learn more and register.


Lunch and Learn Series: Positive Leadership

Join Miles Lowe, trainer and organizational development consultant, for a bite-sized workshop where we'll unpack Kim Cameron's positive leadership tools—research and industry-leading practices for fostering resilient, productive, and well-being-focused teams across Mason. This session will be offered on Thursdays through the remainder of August:

  • Thursday, Aug. 24, 1:10–2 p.m. (virtual)
  • Thursday, Aug. 31, 2:05–2:55 p.m.(Fairfax)

. Email hrlearn@gmu.edu with questions.


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The Mason community is invited to participate in Իdzܴ TԾԲ, which teaches the history of undocumented communities and helps participants understand past and present legislation, as well as the realities and barriers they face.onFriday, Sept. 29, Friday, Oct. 27, or Friday, Dec. 1.


Resources for You


Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit

As part of Mason's comprehensive employee recognition program, a refreshed is available to all Mason employees. The revamped toolkit includes:

  • Tips for celebrating an employee using their workplace appreciation language
  • Virtual appreciation tools, including , printable cards, e-cards, and virtual backgrounds for all occasions
  • And more

Every day is a great day to appreciate a colleague. Start today by utilizing the resources in the toolkit!


Mason Night at Nationals Park

Let's play ball! Mason Night at Nationals Park is Wednesday, Sept. 6. The Mason community is invited to purchase access to a pre-game reception and discounted game tickets, which include a new, limited-edition Mason/Nats branded quarter-zip pullover..


Patriot Bike Check Out Program

A reminder that you can check out a bike with a valid Mason ID from either the Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC) or the Aquatic and Fitness Center, and return it to either location at no cost for one day. Check it out on a Friday and have it all weekend. You’ll receive the bike, a helmet, and lock. For details, visit .


Encore Learning Announces its Fall Semester

Encore Learning’s fall 2023 semester is offering 35 courses, including 28 new courses with both virtual and in-person classes. Encore Learning is an Arlington-based nonprofit that provides college-level courses, clubs, and special events for those over 50. Many classes are hosted at Mason Square.

Join them on Thursday, Sept. 7, at 9:30 a.m. for the Fall Course Preview viawhere you can learn more about courses you might be interested in and meet the instructors.

Fall 2023 course registration begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11. Classes will begin on Monday, Oct. 2. To review all of the information about Encore Learning’s fall semester, check out the.


Arts Alive! at the Hylton Center

at the Hylton Performing Arts Center is an annual, family-friendly arts festival featuring Prince William County Arts Council members and other community performers and fine artists. Enjoy activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances (indoors and out), and more.

Join the celebration on Sunday, Sept. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. on the SciTech Campus. Arts Alive! includes:

  • Live performances and exhibits by local artists and art organizations
  • Visual art on display and for purchase
  • Local authors reading and selling their work
  • Hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages
  • Food and beverages available for purchase

Come celebrate your local arts community. This event is free; no tickets required.


Commute Together with MasonCommutes.com

What is ? It’s the go-to site for planning your commute to Mason. Going home for the weekend? See if others want to join you. Looking for someone with whom to share a ride? See who might live in your general area and come to campus at similar times. Looking for a bike buddy to ride with? Want to track your commutes and see how much CO2 you’re reducing?

You can do all this on . Create an account and check it out.


Book Signing Event with William Louis Gross Jr.

Join the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center on Thursday, Aug. 24, at 10:30 a.m.for a book signing with William Louis Gross Jr., author of An Uncertain Journey: A Memoir. Light refreshments will be provided.


Participate in a Pre-diabetes Research Study

ճis seeking participants. This study, conducted by researchers in Mason’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and led by Raedeh Basiri, is a randomized, controlled trial that provides adults aged between 45–65 who are at risk of type 2 diabetes either an individualized nutrition therapy intervention that contains individualized dietary goal-setting components, or a standard-of-care generalized dietary recommendation.

The researchers aim to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular diseases.

The study is seeking participants with a BMI between 25 and 39.9 kg/m2 and HbA1c between 5.7 to 6.4. If you do not know your BMI or HbA1c, they can measure them for you.

The results of this study may support the role of individualized nutrition therapy as an effective way to improve glycemic control and reduce cardiovascular disease in individuals with prediabetes. For questions, emailRaedeh Basirior call 703-993-6575. IRB #1825534-7.


Upcoming Performances at Mason


Sunday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre

Join Mason alum Juan Megna and the Juan Megna Group for a concert of his upcoming album,Mariwô Project. The music is inspired by traditional melodies and rhythms coming from the Afro-Brazilian religion known as Candomblé. This event is free and open to the public, but.Following the performance, Megna and the group will participate in a Q&A session with the audience. Megna received thefrom the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Young Alumni Commissioning Project.


Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

The Grand Piano Celebration opens the fall 2023 performance season and honors Mason's. This concert of student and faculty artists will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Exciting and dramatic solo piano, duo-piano, and collaborative piano works will be performed. Mason's faculty piano ensemble (eight hands) will also be showcased.


Sept. 15–16, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheatreSpace

Join an evening of original new works featuring Mason School of Theater’s talented student playwrights and students. The Originals! offers Mason’s creative artists the chance to share their work in a variety of forms. Whether it’s a musical or the traditional 10-minute play structure, explore the brilliant imaginations of our students as they present this year’s originals.


Saturday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center

Experience the delightful harmonizing of musical arrangements from some of your favorite hit Broadway musicals, Disney films, and jazz standards. Since forming in 2015, this a capella ensemble has rocketed to international fame through its live performances and popular recordings. Voctave’s 11 members possess a wealth of diverse musical experiences from musical theater, contemporary Christian music, and barbershop to pop and choral music.


Tuesday, Sep. 26, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

The Mason Wind Symphony opens the 2023–24 performance season with its first concert titled FUSION, celebrating the unique ways artists draw inspiration from different sources to create a masterpiece that goes beyond its parts.The Mason Wind Symphony is excited to welcome the Fairfax Wind Symphony, a community band directed by Stan Schoonover, to share the Center for the Arts stage for this season opener.


Saturday, Sept. 30, at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

This annual benefit event supports student scholarships at Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. ARTS by George! has raised more than $2 million since it began in 2006. The evening begins by showcasing the remarkable talents of Mason students alongside a delicious buffet dinner and drinks and culminates with a performance by Renée Elise Goldsberry in the Center for the Arts. The Presenting Sponsor for ARTS by George! is Sandy Spring Bank.


Saturday, Sep. 30, at 8:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

Tony, GRAMMY, and Emmy Award-winning star of stage and screen Renée Elise Goldsberry takes centerstage as the 2023 ARTSby George! headliner in a dazzling concert featuring Broadway hits and American songbook classics. Goldsberry is best known for her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Angelica Schuyler inHamilton. As a member of the original cast, she also received a GRAMMY Award when the original cast album won Best Musical Theater Album in 2016, featuring her show-stopping rendition of “Satisfied.” In addition to her Broadway appearances inThe Color Purple, Lion King,andRent,audiences will also recognize Goldsberry for her many television roles on shows including ABC’sOne Life to Live, CBS’sThe Good Wife,Peacock’sGirls5eva,and Disney+’sShe-Hulk: Attorney at Law.