Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Amy Takayama Perez: Celebration of Life
All are invited to celebrate the life of Amy Takayama-Perez on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.
Amy, a Mason alumna, served the university in many different roles, most notably as the Dean of Admissions from 2012 to 2020. She was so much more than what she endured over the past two years while fighting a courageous battle against breast cancer. To know Amy was to be invited into a community of abundance and light. She had a unique way of building a longer table, always making room for more. Her commitment to inclusivity and access will forever endure at Mason.
Contact Elena Johnson, Office of Admissions, at 703-993-7094 for more information.
Well-Being Wednesday and Happy Heart Walk Event on Sept. 27
Dedicate some time to nourish your well-being! Join the Faculty and Staff Engagement team for Well-Being Wednesday on Sept. 27. Activities include the Happy Heart Walk, a mindfulness meditation session, and making smoothies with the Blender Bike.
Virtual and in-person options are available at the Fairfax, Mason Square, and SciTech campuses. . Contact engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.
NAMIWalks Mental Health Festival and Walk
Mason is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) to host theon the Fairfax Campus onSaturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Break stigmas, spread hope, and promote mental health.
Host a table:Masonoffices and departments are invited to.
Join the walk:Walk with your colleagues, family, and friends in support of mental health. There is no registration fee.Ի.
. ContactNAMIWalkswith questions.
2023 Celebration of Distinction
Recognize the professional achievements and outstanding community service of Mason alumni at the Celebration of Distinction on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner. to celebrate the very best of the Mason Nation. Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@gmu.edu or 703-993-8696 with questions.
Outdoor Freestanding Display and Posting Procedure Update
An updated under has been implemented, outlining guidelines for displaying outdoor signs that are freestanding, such as sandwich boards, easels, advertising flags, and lawn signs.
Lawn signs may be posted in mulched or non-grassy areas, except for tree rings, for up to two weeks. Signs must be removed one business day after the event date or two-week deadline. It is the responsibility of the sign owner to remove or repair damaged, outdated, or fallen signs. Signs not removed or discovered to be damaged will be discarded.
Special Campus Areas have specific procedures and guidelines for postings. . For questions, contact Student Centers.
Mason Vision Series to feature Marvin Lewis and Craig Esherick on 'The New Business of College Sports'
The next installment of the will be hosted on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 7–8 p.m. and will feature Marvin Lewis and Craig Esherick, who will discuss “The New Business of College Sports: Changes Shaking the Foundation of Intercollegiate Athletics.”
Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, and Esherick, associate professor of sport management, will address issues impacting college sports such as conference realignments, the NCAA transfer portal, television rights and contracts, recruitment, salaries, and more as they outline Mason’s position and approach to the national landscape of intercollegiate athletics.
The Mason Vision Series will be livestreamed through . Participants will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion by submitting questions via email to gmuprov@gmu.edu or Twitter using #VisionSeriesMason. .
Fall Career Fair
Faculty and staff should encourage students and alumni to attend the on Sept. 27–28 at the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. This job fair brings those seeking professional opportunities together with employers to network regarding part-time and full-time positions. No registration is required for students and alumni. Contact Bernadette Davey, career fair manager, with questions.
Study Abroad Fair
The Global Education Office will host the at Mason. Stop by the fair on the Fairfax Campus, Wilkins Plaza, on Sept. 19 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to learn more about global education, talk to faculty and partners, and enjoy some light refreshments. Contact goabroad@gmu.edu with questions.
AMPLIFY with shopMason
Join shopMason for , an exciting outdoor event on Wednesday, Sept. 20, on the Fairfax Campus, Merten lawn.
Stop by between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a festive celebration with a variety of shopMason units, campus partners, and off-campus Mason Merchants and Patriot Perks members.
Food trucks, free swag, and prizes will be available. .
Access: Mobile ID Launch Event
Celebrate the launch of the Mason Mobile ID at a special event on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Wilkins Plaza. Meet with Mason Card Office representatives and other vendors to ask any burning questions you may have about the Mobile ID. Show your Mobile ID for a chance to win giveaways and prizes. .
Mason Now: Power the Possible—Faculty and Staff Reception
The Mason community is celebrating the launch of the biggest, boldest campaign in the university’s history. Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and giveaways as we get ready to make a difference—together!
Thursday, Sept. 28, 4–6 p.m.
Merten Hall Lawn, Fairfax Campus
If you are joining from another campus, parking will be available in the Rappahannock Parking Deck. Shuttles to the Fairfax Campus are also available.
Patriot Green Fund Deadline
Do you have an idea for how to make your workspace, projects, or operations more sustainable? The Patriot Green Fund (PGF) can help. The PGF from Mason Facilities finances infrastructure improvements and student research efforts that reduce Mason’s environmental impact.
Any current student, faculty, or staff member may apply for funds to support a sustainability project, and quick fund applications can be submitted any time. The next deadline to apply is Friday, Sept. 22. .
Check out the PGF-supported and , a permaculture garden and outdoor studio and lab space.
Carter School International Day
As part of Carter School Fall 2023 Peace Week, students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to celebrate the International Day of Peace on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. on the plaza at Mason Square. This event will highlight the many nationalities represented at Mason, showcasing several countries from around the world.
This year’s Carter School Peace Week theme is "Building Peace in Partnership." We hope you take this opportunity to connect with community members and share your voices. Walk around Mason Plaza and celebrate diverse cultures through live entertainment, food, crafts, and more. .
Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K and 1-Mile Run/Walk
Registration is now open for the . The event will be hosted on the Fairfax Campus on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 9 a.m. on the Merten Hall lawn, or virtually from any location that weekend. .
Registration for the 5K is $15 for Mason students and $35 for everyone else. Registration for the 1-Mile Run/Walk is $25 for all participants. Race proceeds will support Mason students in need.
Cybersecurity Awareness Poster Contest
In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, ITS is hosting a poster contest for all Mason students. The contest window for participation is Tuesday, Sept. 5, to Sunday, Oct. 8. The winner will receive a basket full of prizes worth more than $100. Must be a Mason student to participate; faculty and staff are encouraged to share this information with their students. .
Training and Professional Development
Adjunct Faculty Social
Mason’s Adjunct Faculty Committee and Office of the Provost will host an Adjunct Faculty Social Hour on Tuesday, Sept. 19,from 5–6:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to “meet and mingle” with colleagues and talk with university leaders.Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. .
Supervision Collective: Manager Meetup
Join the for a virtual event open to current and aspiring supervisors and managers. Share insights, network, and learn from each other in a facilitated dialogue. Join the virtual session on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 2–3 p.m. .
During this meetup, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other managers, exchange ideas, and engage in an interactive discussion to discover new strategies to support their supervision practices.
Prior to the meetup, participants are asked to read selected excerpts from
- Chapter 1: “Intentional Conversations” (pages 14–19)
- Chapter 6: “The Transparent Supervisor” (pages 136–139)
Leading to Well-Being Speaker Series: Leading Multiple Generations
Mason's presents Growing Leaders founder and CEO Tim Elmore, author of A New Kind of Diversity, in the next free webinar:
Leading Multiple Generations
Thursday, Oct. 12, from noon to 1:15 p.m.
Today’s workplace has four to five generations working together. Far too often, we collide instead of collaborate. Elmore’s presentation will explore the characteristics of each generation working today and how to leverage them to your competitive advantage. This webinar will offer practical strategies to bring out the best in each generation.
Contact the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at cwb@gmu.edu with questions.
Sign Up for Mason 101
Register for to learn more about AV—its structure, history, resources, and its future. Upcoming sessions include (all are hosted from 10 a.m. to noon):
- Monday, Sept. 25 (in-person)
- Friday, Oct. 20 (in-person)
- Friday, Nov. 10 (Zoom)
- Friday, Dec. 8 (in-person)
To register for an upcoming session:
- Go to
- Log in with your Mason credentials
- In the search bar in upper right corner of the page, search for “Mason 101”
- On the screen that opens, click “Mason 101”
- Available Mason 101 dates will appear
- Click on the “Request” button next to your preferred training date
Contact Philip Stamper, Office of University Branding, at 703-993-5308 with questions.
Resources for You
Abandoned “As Is” Bike Sale
Parking and Transportation’s will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, from 2–4 p.m. in the visitor section of the Shenandoah Parking Deck. 65-70 bikes are available this year. One bike per customer. Mason students, faculty, and staff only. . Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu.
Try Going Car-Free in ’23
It’s always a great idea to have more than one way to get to Mason. Car-Free Day on Friday, Sept. 22, is an opportunity to try a new way to commute. Take the Car-Free pledge at and receive a $30 special offer from Nift with your confirmation email. You will also be entered into a . If you’re a full-time employee, remember that eligible transit and vanpool costs are subsidized up to the IRS limit of $300/month. Check the details on .
Advertise on the Braddock Road Marquee
Post your upcoming public event on the electronic Braddock Road Marquee. For more information, including guidelines and using our template on PowerPoint, . Contact marquee@gmu.edu with questions.
Learn to Ride a Bike
Want to experience the joys of biking, but haven’t gotten around to learning? The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB), the City of Fairfax, and Mason Parking and Transportation will host an adult Learn to Ride biking class on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants must be 18 or older and from Mason, the City of Fairfax, or Fairfax County. The cost is $10. Bikes and helmets provided. .
SUB I Mural Unveiling
Join Mason Exhibitions, Murals at Mason, and campus partners to celebrate the newest murals on campus. murals in SUB I were painted by School of Art alum Alecsis Pillar.
Wednesday, Sept. 13
Student Union Building I (SUB I), Patriots Lounge
1–2 p.m.
The event will include light refreshments and remarks from the artist and project partners.
Veterans and the Arts Initiative: Upcoming Workshops
The at the Hylton Performing Arts Center serves as an arts and community hub for military-connected people. The program offers free, hands-on workshops, art exhibitions featuring veterans’ artwork, and concerts for local veterans, servicemembers, and military family members.
The program is offering two upcoming Ukulele Workshops: Hum and Strum for the following dates and locations:
- Saturday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m.
Offsite: Central Library in Manassas, Virginia - Saturday, Sept. 23, at 11 a.m.
Offsite: Potomac Library in Woodbridge, Virginia
The workshops are open and free to veterans, servicemembers, military family members, and military caregivers.
Participate in a Pre-diabetes Research Study
The Individualized Nutrition Therapy Study is conducted by researchers in Mason's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies and led by Raedeh Basiri. The study is a randomized, controlled trial that provides adults aged between 45–65 who are at risk of type 2 diabetes with either an individualized nutrition therapy intervention that contains 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 recruiting 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, researchers 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 Arts Events and Performances at Mason
Wednesday, Sept. 13, 1–4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Fenwick Gallery
Fenwick Gallery is excited to host Perfectly Acceptable, an exhibition featuring works from Chicago-based comics and Risograph publisher Perfectly Acceptable Press. This exhibition explores the contemporary landscape of Risograph printing, presented through the archive of Perfectly Acceptable’s publications. Attend an opening reception and talk with Matt Davis, founder and operator of Perfectly Acceptable Press. A risograph workshop will follow in the School of Art Printmaking and Book Arts Studio.
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.
School of Art
Thursday, Sept. 21, at 4:45 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Jen White-Johnson is an art activist, designer, and educator whose visual work explores the intersection of content and caregiving with an emphasis on redesigning ableist visual culture. As an artist-educator with Graves disease and ADHD, her heart-centered and electric approach to disability advocacy bolsters these movements with invaluable currencies: powerful, dynamic art and media that all at once educates, bridges divergent worlds, and builds a future that mirrors her autistic son’s experience.
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, Sept. 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, Sept. 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 ARTS by 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 in Hamilton. 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 in The Color Purple, Lion King, and Rent, audiences will also recognize Goldsberry for her many television roles on shows including ABC’s One Life to Live, CBS’s The Good Wife, Peacock’s Girls5eva, and Disney+’s She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.