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Around Mason: Week of Aug. 6, 2024

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Faculty/Staff Announcements

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Campus Updates


New Procedures for Trash Collection and Cleaning in Campus Offices

AV is implementing new procedures for trash collection and cleaning in campus offices. These changes support the university's efforts to increase efficiency and cut costs. These changes went into effect on Aug. 1 in university offices at the Fairfax, Mason Square, and Science and Technology campuses:

  • Faculty and staff will be responsible for emptying the individual trash can in their workspace into larger trash receptacles in common areas. Housekeeping staff will no longer empty personal trash cans located at desks/cubicles/private offices.
  • Workspaces/offices will be cleaned weekly.

Common spaces and high traffic areas will be cleaned daily, and trash will be removed from common area trash receptacles at least once daily. The cleaning schedule will not change in restrooms, kitchens, and common areas.

These changes are being implemented after a pilot program was conducted on the SciTech Campus and in Merten Hall on the Fairfax Campus during the 2023–24 academic year..


Parking Services Offices Closed Aug. 6 for Training

offices will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 6, for staff training. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Contactparking@gmu.eduor 703-993-2710 with questions.


Training and Professional Development


Learning Multiverse Conference: AI-Enabled Immersive Technologies (IM-TECH) in Workforce Training and Education

The 2024 Learning Multiverse Conference: AI-Enabled Immersive Technologies (IM-TECH) in Workforce Training and Education will be hosted on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Mason Square.

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how IM-TECH, partnered with AI, is revolutionizing workplace training and education. The conference will feature relevant use cases and demonstrations that illustrate the transformative role of these technologies in training and development. Researchers and practitioners from academia, government, and industry will share their expertise and discuss the implications of pairing IM-TECH and AI, and the enhanced ability to augment learning and transform workplace educational methodologies.

This conference is a collaborative event organized by George Mason's Division of Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human Development, and the Institute for Digital Innovation (IDIA), along with LEIDOS SEI-DC the Defense Acquisition University, and other government agencies in the region. Registration is free and open to the public. . Contact Nada Dabbagh with questions.


Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Call for Proposals

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (FSED) is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15. This year’s event will focus on faculty and staff engagement, guided by the Gallup Q12. To make this professional development event a success, organizers are seeking innovative and engaging workshop proposals from faculty and staff. . Proposals are due Friday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m.


New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

The upcoming New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, Aug, 17. This workshop helps new adjunct faculty transition into their role at George Mason with professional development support, resources, and some friendly faces on campus. Departments should share thewith adjunct faculty as they are hired.

All new adjunct faculty hires should be entered into Banner to ensure they can obtain their faculty ID and NetID and participate in the important Blackboard and Patriot Web training on the day of the workshop. . Contact Faculty Affairs and Development atfacaffs@gmu.eduwith questions.


Resources for You


Virginia 529 Webinar: Saving for Education

Join Virginia 529 for a webinar on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m. to discover the benefits of the Invest529 savings tool. Learn about the versatile uses of an Invest529 account and its tax advantages. Gain insights on how to prepare for the future, whether for yourself or a loved one. .


Leadership Opportunity in the Working Fathers Employee Resource Group

Are you a dedicated father who values work-life balance and supports a thriving workplace culture? Would you like to meet other fathers and have an opportunity to network and share parenthood challenges? A leadership position is open within George Mason’sWorking Fathers Employee Resource Group (ERG).

The Working Fathers ERG is a community dedicated to supporting fathers in balancing their professional responsibilities with family life. The ERG leader(s) would foster a supportive community by organizing events, meetings, and activities that promote networking and mutual support among working fathers.

The Human Resources Faculty and Staff Engagement Team provides administrative support to all ERG leaders. If you are interested in learning more about the Working Fathers ERG and/or serving as a leader of the group, contact engagehr@gmu.edu.


Cinema on the Plaza: 'My Cousin Vinny'

Cinema on the Plaza is back at Mason Square on Friday, Aug. 16, featuring My Cousin Vinny. Grab your lawn chairs, snacks, and picnic blankets for a free outdoor movie night. The movie starts at 8 p.m. .


Upcoming Performances at George Mason


Friday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace

Tune in for an evening of original, new works featuring the talented students of theSchool of Theater. The Originals! allows creative artists to share their work in various forms, with each presented work being written, directed, and performed by George Mason students. Whether it’s a musical or the traditional 10-minute play structure, explore the brilliant imaginations of our students.


Sunday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

Jeffrey Siegel, the popular virtuoso pianist, returns for his Keyboard Conversations®concerts with commentary. InMusic of Joy and Peace, Siegel showcases the gorgeous and uplifting music of four beloved composers: Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Grieg. The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.


Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

Join theReva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Musicfor a spectacular opening of its fall concert season. The Grand Piano Celebration honors Mason'sAll-Steinway School. Outstanding student and faculty artistswill be on stage to display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led byLinda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music.


Sunday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall

Kick off the 2024–25 Hylton Center season with comedy the D.C.-area does best—politics! Former cast members and the co-writer of the long-running, beloved Capitol Steps introduce their new musical parody ensemble, Capitol Fools, in an evening where no politician is safe, and every absurdity gets its moment in the spotlight. This performance contains content with mature themes.


Saturday, Sept. 28, at 8:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

Tony and Olivier Award-winning singer and actressLea Salongaheadlines the 2024 benefit concert performing songs she has made famous throughout her extraordinary four-decade career on Broadway and in animated movie blockbusters. Born in the Philippines, Salonga originated the lead role of Kim in the West End and Broadway productions ofMiss Saigon, and she was the first Asian cast member to perform the role of Eponine inLes Misérableson Broadway. Recognized by fans of all ages as the singing voice for two animated Disney princesses—Jasmine inAladdinand Fa Mulan inMulan—Salonga was named a “Disney Legend” by the Walt Disney Company in 2011.


Sunday, Sept. 29, at 3 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall

Mix magic with robotics, add hilarious slapstick, and voila—you have Mario the Maker Magician! Mario infuses classic magic tricks and illusions with high-tech robotic innovation to create an assortment of homemade contraptions that do his comedic bidding. Infectiously positive and bursting with heart, Mario is on a mission to entertain and inspire future computer programmers, AI specialists, and robotic engineers along the way. Recommended for ages 4–10.