AV

Around Mason: Week of Dec. 10, 2024

Body

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share?and submit an announcement from your unit through theonline form.


Campus Updates


Faculty and Staff Holiday Parties

AV's successes this year are possible because of our dedicated faculty and staff. Gather with colleagues to celebrate your 2024 achievements at the university holiday parties. RSVP for the event at your campus:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Beacon Hall
  • Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 1:30–3:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
  • Monday, Dec. 16, from 1:30–3:30 p.m., Van Metre Hall, multipurpose room

Commencement Volunteers

University Events is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to assist with theWinter 2024Graduation ceremonieson Wednesday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 19.

for locations, times, and a brief description of each volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will receive additional information about their specific duties prior to Dec. 17. Thank you for supporting our 2024 graduates!


Disability Services Seeking Volunteers to Proctor Final Exams

Disability Services is seeking volunteer proctors to assist during final exams. Rooms in Student Union Building I (SUB I) will be used to proctor exams for students registered with Disability Services. A proctor is needed for each room, as well as some “runners” to take students to their assigned seats.Professional staff are needed to volunteer for two-hour shifts on Dec. 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The proctor role involves having students sign in and out of the testing space and ensuring concerns of academic integrity are addressed. Proctors are welcome to bring quiet work (such as a laptop or book).The runner role involves walking students from the check-in room to their assigned seat and dropping off the test proctoring form to SUB I, Room3313. Additional information on the role and duties will be provided to volunteers.. ContactRachel Carterwith questions.


West Campus Town Hall

You’re invited to a community conversation regarding AV’s development. Share your thoughts and ideas regarding concepts for the development, campus and community needs, and opportunities for collaboration. All are welcome.

West Campus Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 11
7–8:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax City Hall, Council Chambers: 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030


University Winter Break Lockdown

The university will be closed for winter break from Monday, Dec. 23, at 6 a.m. through Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 6 a.m. However, some employees and students may require entry for special projects into buildings without electronic access. Therefore, pre-planned access for nonelectronic lock buildings can be coordinated in advance via the Winter Break Building Access Form found on the. Failure to coordinate with Mason Police in advance may result in being denied access. For questions on building card access, emailcaso@gmu.edu.


Staff Senate Holiday Donation Drive

Every holiday season, the Staff Senate supports a donation drive to benefit local organizations. For the 2024 holiday season, the Staff Senate is encouraging the Mason community to support four organizations:

  • Food and toiletry contributions to the, which provides access to food and hygiene items to the George Mason community.
  • Donations of toys and supplies toInova Children’s Hospital.
  • If you love the dogs and cats of our local community, supportLucky Dog Animal Rescuein Arlington, Virginia.
  • The SciTech Campus will collect items for the Northern Virginia Family ServicesSERVE Campus through food donations brought to the SciTech holiday party.
  • Read donation guidelines and find out most-needed items on the.

Parking Services Donation Drive: Receive Credit toward a Parking Citation

Make a donation of nonperishable food or personal hygiene items to benefit the Patriot Pantry at any Parking Services office and receive a $15, $20, or $30 credit toward an outstanding parking citation. Restrictions apply. The donation drive is underway through Wednesday, Dec. 18.. Contactparking@gmu.eduwith questions.


Resources for You


Wear Mason’s Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of the season! Shop Wear Mason’s for fan favorites. Make the holiday special for a student, alum, faculty/staff, family member, or colleague.


Annual Leave Rollover Reminder: Jan. 9 Deadline

As we approach the end of the leave year, faculty and staff are reminded that the annual leave carryover limit will be rolled over onJan. 9, 2025. Employees with leave balances exceeding the carryover limit must use their excess leave before Jan. 9, 2025, to avoid losing it. Plan ahead and coordinate time off with supervisors.

For more information on carryover limits, visit the.Additionally, employees have the option to donate excess leave through the. Contacthr@gmu.eduwith questions.


Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

American Festival Pops Orchestra
Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Friday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. ()
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. ()

The American Festival Pops Orchestra returns with its belovedHoliday Pops: Songs of the Season. Led by Conductor Peter Wilson, enjoy seasonal favorites, including: “The Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and executive director of the Hylton Center, toe-tapping classics from the orchestra's embedded big band, and an appearance by the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Darden Purcell.


Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 and 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall

Washington, D.C.-based, award-winning Celtic fiddler, Gaelic singer, and harpist Seán Heely returns for a winter tour through the Scottish Highlands and across the Irish coast. Featuring Highland and Irish dancing and the MacMillan Pipe Band, the performance includes Gaelic carols tucked in with lively Irish tunes and familiar Christmas melodies. 


45th International Saxophone Symposium
Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11
Fairfax Campus Center for the Arts

The 45th International Saxophone Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Navy Band, features more than 150 performances, masterclasses and lectures designed for musicians of all ages.The International Saxophone Symposium features world-renowned saxophonists, while highlighting the prominence of the saxophone in both classical and jazz literature. Friday night's concert presents the U.S. Navy Concert Band with a mixture of band pieces and classically oriented saxophone solos. Featured soloists will includeMakoto Hondo, ~Nois, and Musician First Class Harrison Clarke. Thiseventis open to thepublic, and no tickets are required.


Saturday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater

Called “one of the most exciting trumpet players on the planet” (International Trumpet Guild Journal), Graham Breedlove brings his quintet for an exhilarating program of music. Just in time for Mardi Gras, Breedlove, a native of south Louisiana, is joined by fellow members of the Dewberry School of Music faculty to perform a mix of traditional New Orleans music, modern jazz, and original tunes.


Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts

Returning for a third year as a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Grammy Award-winning music collective Silkroad Ensemble presents this world premiere showcase of all-star percussionists and musical storytelling through the exchange of rhythm, pulse, and melody from different musical traditions around the world. Formed by Yo-Yo Ma and now led by Pulitzer Prize winning multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad Ensemble will engage the community and students during its residency through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.