Faculty and Staff News

Around Mason: Week of Jan. 28, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 18:34:37 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Jan. 28, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 01/24/2025 - 13:34

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Staff Senate Meeting with President Washington

George Mason President Gregory Washington will join the February Staff Senate meeting as guest speaker on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 10–11 a.m. The general business meeting will follow from 11 a.m. to noon. Constituents are invited to attend the meeting in-person on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom.

Outstanding Achievement Awards: Nominate a Colleague

The Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the hard work and achievements of George Mason faculty and staff. New award categories have been added this year, including the Rising Star Award, George Mason Lifetime Legacy Award, Wage Employee Service Award, Campus Culture Champion, Innovation Award, and more.

The ceremony will be hosted on Tuesday, April 15, on the Fairfax Campus. Nominations for many awards are due on Friday, Feb. 21. Visit the webpage. For any inquiries, contact awards@gmu.edu.

Celebration of Distinction: Nomination Form

The ��AV Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Celebration of Distinction awards. Know an outstanding alum, student, or faculty member who should be recognized? Review the criteria and submission instructions. The deadline is Friday, March 7, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Parking and Transportation Updates for Spring Semester

George Mason students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. The following campus parking and transportation guide will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays. Read the full announcement.

Homecoming 2025 and Day of Service

Show your brave and bold spirit: The Mason Nation is invited to celebrate Homecoming from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8. Events include Homecoming headliner Sarah Sherman, the George Mason women's basketball game vs. VCU, Homecoming tailgate, men's basketball game vs. Rhode Island, and more. View the schedule of events.

Join Student Involvement for the annual Homecoming Day of Service, where volunteers will pack the SI2Go Truck with nonperishable food items and personal hygiene items. All items collected will be donated to the Patriot Pantry and Food for Others. Join on Wednesday, Feb. 5, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Look for the SI2GO truck outside The Hub on the Fairfax Campus.

How C-SPAN Changed Our World

Join University Libraries for an evening with Brian Lamb, founder and former CEO of the C-SPAN Networks and C-SPAN’s former executive chair. “How C-SPAN Changed Our World” will be hosted on Monday, Feb. 10, from 6–7:15 p.m. at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 125/126. RSVP.

Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government, will interview Lamb, one of the United States’ preeminent contributors to the communications and documentation fields.

University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center is home to the C-SPAN records archives. The collection is a treasure trove of correspondence, viewer mail, photographs, photographic negatives, slides, newspapers, audiovisual materials, posters, pamphlets, memorabilia, and books created from 1978 to 2012.

Training and Professional Development

Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training

The Title IX Office is providing virtual training this spring. This training is for current George Mason employees who have not completed their annual Mandatory Reporter Title IX training (virtual or in-person) for the 2024–25 academic year.

Spring 2025 Title IX Virtual Training Schedule:

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to noon. Register
Wednesday, March 19, 1–3 p.m. Register

Note: This training requirement may also be fulfilled by registering for and attending “Building Supportive Communities: Clery Act and Title IX” via MasonLEAPS. Contact titleix@gmu.edu with questions.

Suicide Prevention Training for Students, Faculty, and Staff

SOS (Signs of Suicide) for Higher Ed is a suicide prevention training program, which includes two 30-minute, self-guided, online training courses for students, faculty, and staff.

The trainings provide video and interactive learning to teach everyone on campus how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) in their role in suicide prevention. SOS for Higher Ed uses real and diverse stories of mental health struggles and recovery, along with modeled scenarios, to provide all learners with actionable steps to help someone in need.

Members of the George Mason community are encouraged to participate and learn:

How to recognize signs of suicide risk
How to have caring conversations that encourage someone to seek help
How to build community connections that foster positive mental well-being
An overview of available student mental health resources, on and off campus

For more details and to access the training, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website.

Expectations Unlocked: Developing Your Supervisor User Manual for Team Clarity

Register for a dynamic in-person workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 1–2 p.m., designed to empower supervisors to effectively communicate their expectations to team members.

First offered at last year’s Faculty and Staff Enrichment Day, participants will learn how to develop a personalized user manual that outlines their leadership style, preferred communication methods, and performance expectations. Key takeaways will include a customizable template, actionable tips for implementing it within their teams, and insights on enhancing employee engagement and accountability.

By the end of the workshop, supervisors will be equipped with the tools needed to create their own user manual guide for their employees. Register.

UNIV Faculty Application

George Mason staff are invited to join the UNIV faculty team. University Studies is seeking staff to teach UNIV 100 Introduction to Mason in fall 2025. These introductory classes are co-taught by a George Mason faculty member and a peer advisor (a trained undergraduate student).

UNIV 100 supports first-year students by focusing on resources and opportunities available to them at George Mason. To learn more about this rewarding teaching experience, visit the website.

Spring 2025 Safe Zone+ Program

The George Mason community is invited to join the Safe Zone+ Program virtual workshops this spring. Registration is now available.

The primary mission of George Mason’s Safe Zone+ Program, like the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, is to create a safer, more welcoming and inclusive campus environment, and to strengthen community and encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting the well-being of LGBTQ people. Read more about the different workshops and corresponding learning outcomes.

As a reminder, the asynchronous Intro to LGBTQ+ Communities session was updated and added to Canvas in summer 2024. This intro is also published to Canvas Commons, which allows faculty and other course administrators to reuse the module in their course. Contact lgbtq@gmu.edu with questions.

The "High-Performing" Rating Returns

Over the next two weeks, George Mason’s annual performance evaluation guidance website will be updated to reflect upcoming enhancements to the annual evaluation process, which will launch Friday, Feb. 17.

The most notable enhancement is the return of the “high-performing” rating. This rating has not been included the past two evaluation years. Based on feedback, evaluation process data and metrics, and a strategic goal of fostering an engaging performance management experience, the university will return to a five-point rating scale for administrative/professional faculty and classified staff. To learn more, register for an upcoming virtual session of Performance Evaluation Updates for 2025.

Resources for You

George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals

Celebrate George Mason night with the Washington Capitals as the Patriots fill the arena to watch the Caps take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m. Special ticket pricing options are available. A George Mason and Capitals co-branded beanie hat is available to those who purchase the special George Mason night ticket.

Join the ��AV Alumni Association for a pregame reception at Clyde's Gallery Place before the hockey game on Thursday, March 20. Learn more.

Patriot Packout’s ‘New Year, New Me’ Free Store

Get items you need, save money, and help your fellow George Mason Patriots by donating items. The "New Year, New Me" free store is hosted by Patriot Packout in partnership with The Ridge and Housing and Residence Life. How it works:

Attend as many times as you want. Bring your friends.
Choose from any of the items you need—for free!
Donation items are accepted but not required.

The store will be open for shopping and donations on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to midnight at The Ridge, located between Blue Ridge and Sandbridge halls on the Fairfax Campus. Learn more about Patriot Packout.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

Visual Voices with Chemi Rosado-Seijo
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts (and via Zoom)
Thursday, Jan. 30, 4:45–6:30 p.m.
Visual Voices is a lecture series hosted by Mason Exhibitions and the School of Art. Born in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, Chemi Rosado-Seijo graduated from the painting department of the Puerto Rico School of Visual Arts in 1997. In 1998, he worked with Michy Marxuach to open a gallery that transformed into a not-for-profit organization presenting resources and exhibitions for contemporary artists in Puerto Rico. RSVP.

Mason Exhibitions – Nothing Personal: A Collaboration in Black and White
Jan. 31 to May 3
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
This exhibition examines the book, Nothing Personal (1964), a collaborative artwork in book form by two legendary American artists, James Baldwin and Richard Avedon. As we celebrate the 100th year since James Baldwin’s birth, and mark 60 years since the first publication of Nothing Personal, we continue to ask the same questions that Baldwin and Avedon were posing in 1964. Join the Opening Reception on Friday, Jan. 31, from 5–8 p.m. Contact Alissa Maru with questions about the venue or event.

George Mason School of Theater: Mason Cabaret 2025
Jan. 31 to Feb 2, multiple performances – Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Friday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. – SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
In this beloved annual event, stellar student vocalists bring their talents to the stage, celebrating some of the biggest and brightest names in music and theater. In this year’s performance, they will shine the spotlight on the work of legendary Broadway director and producer Hal Prince. A devoted collaborator of Stephen Sondheim’s, the treasure trove of Prince’s work includes Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera, among many more. See the School of Theater’s bright young stars and discover the talented performers who could be Broadway’s next big hitmakers.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in this special concert. Marsalis is a band leader, featured classical soloist, and composer who has performed with acclaimed orchestras around the world. His legendary performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena. As a composer, Marsalis has scored films including Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the recent Netflix film Rustin. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra is made up of the D.C. area’s finest musicians and is led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso alto saxophonist Jim Carroll. This performance will also feature vocalist Darden Purcell, George Mason’s jazz program director.

Family Series: Mike Super – Magic & Illusion
Sunday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
See America’s Got Talent finalist and “America’s Favorite Mystifier” Mike Super live on stage. Super brings his immersive show of mind-blowing illusions to entertain and enthrall the whole family. He rose to fame as the winner of NBC’s hit television series Phenomenon, becoming the only magician in history to win a live magic competition on primetime U.S. network television. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera
Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 1:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
Enjoy a soaring selection of operatic delights performed by talented members of Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Experience big talent in an intimate performance that includes famous arias and duets from the greatest hits of opera, in addition to Broadway showtunes and other diverse and exciting repertory.

Hylton Family Series: Elena Moon Park & Friends
Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Celebrate folk and children’s music from around the globe with Elena Moon Park & Friends. With an emphasis on east and southeast Asia, plus original songs reimagined to mix musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories, Park celebrates learning about the world through music. Sing and clap along to Taiwanese train songs, Tibetan jump rope rhymes, Cambodian folk songs, sing-alongs in English, and more, performed on string instruments, accordion, and drums. As an Artist-in-Residence, Park will also work with the community through classes and workshops during the week leading up to the performance.

Virginia Opera: The Constitution and Loving v. Virginia
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.
Off-campus: Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, Virginia 22030)
In support of Virginia Opera’s world premiere production of Loving v. Virginia, this legal panel discusses the origins, challenges, and significance of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Panel participants will include Mary Bauer, executive director of ACLU-VA, as well as other constitutional scholars, active attorneys and/or judges, and experts. A brief Q & A session will follow the discussion. This event is co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts at George Mason and offered in conjunction with the Center for the Arts’ May 3–4 performances of the world premiere opera.

Spring Comedy Headliner: Sarah Sherman
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Sarah Sherman, a.k.a. Sarah Squirm, is currently a featured player on Saturday Night Live. She co-stars with Adam Sandler in the Netflix film You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! Sherman is known for her popular live show, Helltrap Nightmare, and previously opened for Eric André on his national tour and wrote for The Eric André Show.

American Roots Series: Dylan Triplett
Saturday, Feb. 8, at 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Dylan Triplett is a blues and soul prodigy from St. Louis, Missouri, and was raised in a musical family. He began singing at age 9 and has been performing professionally since late 2016. His rise in the industry recently earned him the 2023 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album presented by the Blues Foundation and the 2023 Blues Blast Award.

Virginia National Ballet: Snow White
Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Virginia National Ballet’s delightful production of Snow White is a whimsical, enchanting ballet which follows the story of the Disney film and features its instantly recognizable music. Brought back by popular demand, the whole family will enjoy this upgraded production featuring gorgeous new backdrops and scenery, with world class choreography and dancing.

Versa-Style Street Dance Company
Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly, Versa-Style Street Dance Company immerses its audience in the electrifying world of hip hop and street dance culture. To mark its 20th anniversary, the troupe presents Rooted Rhythms, a mixed repertory program of its most popular works, paying homage to street dance styles such as whacking, popping, and house dance, as well as a blend of Afro-Latin styles including salsa and West African. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Versa-Style Street Dance Company will engage the community and students through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.

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Around Mason: Week of Jan. 21, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:29:14 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Jan. 21, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:29

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Attend a Dining Contractor Presentation

Help shape the future of Mason Dining! You're invited to attend a 90-minute presentation with one of the university's prospective dining contractors. Space is limited. If you would like to attend, complete this interest form by Friday, Jan. 24, at noon. If there is more interest than seats available, participants will be randomly selected. Participants will be notified about which session(s) they will attend.

Outstanding Achievement Awards: Nominate a Colleague

The ceremony will be hosted on Tuesday, April 15, on the Fairfax Campus. Nominations for many awards are due on Friday, Feb. 21. Visit the webpage. For any inquiries, contact awards@gmu.edu.

Parking and Transportation Updates for Spring Semester

Mason Shuttles Schedules for Spring Semester

Mason Shuttles serve the Fairfax Campus, Mason Square, SciTech Campus, Vienna Metro station, and more. Mason Shuttles service is free for students, faculty, and staff with a valid Mason ID. Visitors are not currently permitted. Find out more about shuttle service and spring semester schedules.

Register for Homecoming 2025

How C-SPAN Changed Our World

Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government, will interview Lamb, one of the United States’ preeminent contributors to the communications and documentation fields.

Support for Duo Mobile Application on iOS 15 Ending

Duo Security, George Mason’s provider for 2FA, has announced it will end support for the Duo Mobile application on iOS 15 effective Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Users with this operating system have been notified about the change. This change means users will not be able to troubleshoot issues or receive maintenance fixes or security updates on devices running iOS 15 and lower; however, users can still authenticate and receive passcodes.

To receive full support, users should upgrade to iOS 16 or later. For assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or submit a request ticket.

James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar

George Mason's Department of Economics invites the university community to the James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar on Thursday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. The seminar and reception will take place on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center Bistro (located on the ground floor).

This seminar series is designed to appeal to a broad audience. Gregory Clark, Danish National Research Council professor of economics at the University of Southern Denmark, will present "For Whom the Bell Curve Tolls: The Role of Genetics in Social Life, England, 1600–2024." Learn more.

Training and Professional Development

UNIV Faculty Application

UNIV 100 supports first year students by focusing on resources and opportunities available to them at George Mason. To learn more about this rewarding teaching experience, visit the website.

Nominations for the David J. King Award

The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the educational excellence of the university. Read more and nominate a colleague by Feb. 12, 2025. Contact the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning with questions.

Facilitating Inclusive Practices: Become an ASPIRE facilitator

The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion seeks to equip George Mason faculty and staff with the tools and knowledge to lead impactful workshops that foster inclusive workplace environments. Faculty and staff are invited to receive training and become facilitators for the ASPIRE workshops. Through two half-day sessions in March 2025, faculty and staff will gain a strong understanding of the ASPIRE workshop content, key principles of learner-centered approaches, and effective strategies for engaging participants.

New facilitators will receive personalized mentorship throughout their first few sessions, ensuring they feel confident and well-prepared as they take on their facilitation roles. This opportunity provides a platform for professional growth and empowers facilitators to make a lasting impact by advancing inclusive practices within their teams and across the university. Contact Aimee Weinstein with questions.

Call for Proposals—Reclaiming History: Islam and Cultural Patrimony in the 21st Century

For its annual conference, the AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason is calling for papers to address the phenomenon of cultural destruction with an eye to understanding the nature of such loss in places such as, but not limited to Afghanistan, Bosnia, China, Gaza, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, as well those efforts to redress the crimes of looting and to restore cultural patrimony as an act of reconciliation. More information can be found on the website. Note: The deadline has been extended to Monday, Feb. 3.

Resources for You

George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals

Join the ��AV Alumni Association for a pregame reception at Clyde's Gallery Place before the hockey game on Thursday, March 20. Learn more.

Patriot Packout’s ‘New Year, New Me’ Free Store

Attend as many times as you want. Bring your friends.
Choose from any of the items you need—for free!
Donation items are accepted but not required.

The store will be open for shopping and donations on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and Thursday, Jan. 30, from 11 a.m. to midnight at The Ridge, located between Blueridge and Sandbridge halls on the Fairfax Campus. Learn more about Patriot Packout.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

American Roots Series: Graham Breedlove Group
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.

Silkroad Ensemble
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.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Dances for the Ears
Sunday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Enjoy the rhythmically captivating music of Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Spanish composers Enrique Granados and Manuel de Falla, in Jeffrey Siegel’s next program of Keyboard Conversations. Siegel is “a pianist with a bravura technique and a big, gorgeous sound . . . and when the artist himself offers the inside scoop, the musical experience becomes vastly more personal” (Denver Post). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

George Mason School of Theater: Mason Cabaret 2025
Jan. 31 to Feb 2, multiple performances – Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Friday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. – SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
In this beloved annual event, stellar student vocalists bring their talents to the stage, celebrating some of the biggest and brightest names in music and theater. In this year’s performance, they will shine the spotlight on the work of legendary Broadway director and producer Hal Prince. A devoted collaborator of Stephen Sondheim’s, the treasure trove of Prince’s work includes Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera, among many more. See the School of Theater’s bright young stars and discover the talented performers who could be Broadway’s next big hitmakers.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in this special concert. An exceptionally versatile musician, Marsalis is a band leader, featured classical soloist, and composer. Marsalis has performed with acclaimed orchestras around the world, and his legendary performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena. As a composer, Marsalis has scored films including Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the recent Netflix film Rustin. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra is made up of the D.C. area’s finest musicians and is led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso alto saxophonist Jim Carroll. This performance will also feature vocalist Darden Purcell, George Mason’s jazz program director.

Virginia Opera: The Constitution and Loving v. Virginia
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.
Off-campus: Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, Virginia 22030)
In support of Virginia Opera’s world premiere production of Loving v. Virginia, this legal panel discusses the origins, challenges, and significance of the 1967 Supreme Court ruling that struck down state laws banning marriage between individuals of different races. Panel participants will include Mary Bauer, executive director of ACLU-VA, as well as other constitutional scholars, active attorneys and/or judges, and experts. A brief Q & A session will follow the discussion. This event is co-presented by the City of Fairfax and Center for the Arts at ��AV and offered in conjunction with the Center for the Arts at ��AV’s May 3–4 performances of the world premiere opera.

Spring Comedy Headliner: Sarah Sherman
Thursday, Feb. 6, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Sarah Sherman, a.k.a. Sarah Squirm, is currently a featured player on Saturday Night Live. She co-stars with Adam Sandler in the Netflix film, You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah! Sherman is known for her popular live show, Helltrap Nightmare. Sherman previously opened for Eric André on his national tour and wrote for The Eric André Show.

Versa-Style Street Dance Company
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly, Versa-Style Street Dance Company immerses its audience in the electrifying world of hip hop and street dance culture. To mark its 20th anniversary, the troupe presents Rooted Rhythms, a mixed repertory program of its most popular works, paying homage to street dance styles such as whacking, popping, and house dance, as well as a blend of Afro-Latin styles including salsa and West African. “A stylistic smorgasbord” (New Yorker) representing the diverse experiences of the BIPOC communities of Los Angeles, the group’s unique blend of choreography and freestyle elements provides an “uplifting and joyous” (Maryland Theatre Guide) experience that will have its audience grooving and moving. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Versa-Style Street Dance Company will engage the community and students through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.

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George Mason professor furthers impact of telemedicine in Ukraine

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 22:39:16 +0000

George Mason professor furthers impact of telemedicine in Ukraine Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 01/14/2025 - 17:39

Ukraine’s health care system has been hit hard amid the ongoing war. Power outages, staffing shortages, and the destruction of hospitals have added up to a drastic reduction in available care for the already-vulnerable population. In a desperate attempt to bridge the gap, Ukraine’s Ministry of Health opened the country to telehealth solutions from overseas. But will these prove to be a successful substitute for at least some necessary services, or turn out to be no better than a tech Band-Aid?

Answering that question is where Mariia Petryk, assistant professor of information systems and operations management at the Costello College of Business at ��AV, comes in. In her spare time, she works as volunteer director of analytics for TeleHelp Ukraine (THU).

Mariia Petryk

Founded by a cross-disciplinary group of Stanford students shortly after the war’s inception, THU was designed to succeed where other telemedicine initiatives in crisis-affected areas have failed. The founders worked tirelessly to assemble an international volunteer network comprising medical professionals, translators, interpreters and administrative “health navigators.” Aware that medical consultations were only part of the patient journey, THU’s founders sought to address the entire continuum of care.

Petryk stresses that while the project originated at Stanford, the technical team included “people from Chicago, Boston, other California schools…some very active volunteers were in Australia, South Korea, Canada and other countries.”

Petryk, herself of Ukrainian descent, was honored to lend her data science expertise to this worthy project. As analytics director, she manages a dozen or so number-crunching volunteers who measured and documented THU’s impact upon Ukraine’s displaced population during the initiative’s first full year.

As Petryk explains, “The Russian invasion created a humanitarian crisis where a lot of people were internally displaced. And when people relocate to a new place, they don’t know where to go for health care. They also are at higher risk for many issues, including mental health problems. And they don’t know where to turn to treat chronic diseases they may have.”

THU’s primary focus during its first year was delivering much-needed services to this population of war-ravaged internal exiles.

Petryk’s analytical work gave rise to a recent case study of THU published in Journal of Global Health. The paper’s other lead author was Aditya Narayan, a Stanford medical student and THU’s director of implementation and evaluation.

Their findings describe some impressive early successes. THU facilitated more than 1,200 virtual patient appointments from May 2022 to May 2023 alone. Despite often-chaotic conditions, patient attendance rates were above 70 percent for nine of the 13 months studied. As the first year wore on, the THU team found ways to prevent no-shows—for example, employing the popular texting platform Viber to communicate with patients and assigning an individual health navigator to each patient.

Even more impressively, 96 percent of patients reported that their health complaints were at least partially resolved during their visit.

The paper argues that aspects of THU’s model could be adapted for use in other humanitarian contexts. In its initial growth phase, THU had access to advanced technological infrastructure and a wide network of medical providers, by dint of its academic origins. This implies that partnerships with academia could be critical to replicating THU’s success outside Ukraine.

Petryk remains proud of THU’s impact and her role in helping define it. “Based on actual appointments and how much that amount of care would cost at a hospital, THU delivered an estimated $1 million worth of services in its first 13 months,” she says.

Looking ahead to THU’s future, she says, “I can only wish to see this ‘start-up,’ as it were, go for the IPO.”

For more information and to explore volunteering opportunities, visit THU’s website.

In This Story

Mariia Petryk

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Around Mason: Week of Jan. 14, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 18:52:22 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Jan. 14, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:52

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Parking Permit Sales for Spring 2025 Semester

Spring semester parking permits are available for purchase online via the Parking Portal. Learn more about parking options and rates. Note: Faculty and staff enrolled in payroll deduction for their parking permits do not need to take any action.

As a reminder, most parking permits are virtual permits. Permit holders will not be issued or mailed physical hangtag permits. Your license plate serves as your permit, and your permit will be valid once purchased.

Follow the instructions to add and change the vehicles associated with your parking permit. Note: your license plate must be associated with your permit, not just your parking account. For questions, contact Parking Services at 703-993-2710 or parking@gmu.edu.

Presentations by Print and Mail Vendor Finalists

Vendors competing to provide George Mason with print fleet, copy center, and mail services will present their proposals in January. The university community is invited to attend virtual presentations by the finalists on the following dates:

Thursday, Jan. 9, from 2–4 p.m. (Canon)
Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 3–5 p.m. (Excela)
Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon (IST)
Friday, Jan. 17, from 1–3 p.m. (MCS)

Questions? Contact Buz Grover, Auxiliary Services and Operations, at 703-993-5784 or via email.

Register for Homecoming 2025

James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar

Training and Professional Development

New Year, New Goals: How Workplace Coaching Can Help You Succeed

The new year is the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and take action toward achieving them. George Mason’s Workplace Coaching Program is here to support you with a self-motivated, future-focused approach to gain clarity, build confidence, and reach your personal and professional potential. Workplace coaching offers:

Personalized guidance to break through barriers and create meaningful change
Strategies for success in communication, time management, decision-making, and more
Flexible, no-cost sessions designed to meet your unique goals

Kickstart your growth journey. Learn more and sign up to start 2025 with purpose and momentum.

Resources for You

Well-Being Book Discussion Group for Faculty/Staff

Join the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being for a ProjectConnect faculty/staff book discussion group. The group will meet virtually on Friday, Feb. 21, from noon to 1 p.m. The group will discuss The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center by Rhaina Cohen. A free copy of the book will be provided to read after you register. Learn more and sign up by Thursday, Jan. 16.

Mini Hackathon: Innovate for Peace with Tech

Faculty and staff, encourage your students to participate in an exciting mini-hackathon hosted by the Young Women’s Peacebuilding Fellowship on June 11 at Mason Square. Participants will listen to fellows pitch bold ideas that merge peacebuilding and technology, vote for the project that inspires them most, and collaborate with like-minded tech enthusiasts to bring the vision to life, guided by a fellow as the program lead.

The winning team will receive courtside tickets to a George Mason basketball game. Those interested should email Megan Jeans by Jan. 31. This event is sponsored by the Carter School Center for Peace Tech.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in this special concert. An exceptionally versatile musician, Marsalis is a band leader, featured classical soloist, and composer. Marsalis has performed with acclaimed orchestras around the world, and his legendary performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena. As a composer, Marsalis has scored films including Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the recent Netflix film Rustin. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra is made up of the D.C. area’s finest musicians and is led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso alto saxophonist Jim Carroll. This performance will also feature vocalist Darden Purcell, George Mason’s jazz program director.

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Volunteers at Mason Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:11:51 +0000

Volunteers at Mason Korea share their time and talents in community beautification project Lauren Reuscher Thu, 01/09/2025 - 09:11

Mason Korea recently joined forces with General Motors (GM) Korea to revitalize a youth home in Incheon's Bupyeong area through a collaborative beautification project. The activity was organized by Mason Cares, which focuses on community engagement around ��AV’s Incheon campus, and Mason Korea’s Office of Development and Strategic Partnership.

Volunteers from Mason Korea painted a mural designed by students and staff. Photo by Mason Korea.

Student, faculty, and staff volunteers, including Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park, worked diligently to bring a mural concept to life. The mural was designed by Mason Korea students and staff, and the volunteer artists received on-site support from the GM Korea team.

Photo by Mason Korea

“I was excited to participate in this project, because I have experience working in mural design from a similar volunteer project at the Smithsonian,” said Victoria Gehring, a sophomore business major.

This marks the second consecutive year of partnership between Mason Korea and GM Korea's mural painting project, underscoring a shared commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Photo by Mason Korea

Among the volunteers were four international students and eight participants from the MK Way program, Mason Korea’s conditional admission program offering intensive English instruction for students.

Photo by Mason Korea

Hyewon Lee, a freshman global affairs major, was grateful for the service opportunity. “I try to volunteer often, but it is sometimes difficult to find opportunities,” said Lee. “I was really happy to see this unique painting project organized by our school.”

Photo by Mason Korea

Learn more about Mason Korea

Topics

Mason Korea

Campus News

Community Engagement

Volunteerism

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:23:42 +0000

Maria Wilkins is January Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:23

Maria Wilkins, coordinator of Health Professions Advising in the Office of Undergraduate Education, is known for her success as “a one-woman department.” In their letters of support nominating her for Employee of the Month, her colleagues emphasized her expertise, dedication, and student-centered approach.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

As the only pre-health advisor at ��AV, Wilkins is solely responsible for the advising and programming for all students. A large part of her role is helping students with their graduate school applications in the health care field, including medical, dental, and veterinary school, occupational and physical therapy degrees, and pharmacy school.

“Maria is one of George Mason’s many unsung heroes, and is very deserving of this recognition,” said Ryan Braun, director of undergraduate academic success in the Office of Undergraduate Education.

“Maria might be the best collaborator I have ever worked with. In addition to building excellent relationships within the Office of Undergraduate Education, she has cultivated tremendous collaboration with various colleges and units at George Mason as well as many colleagues outside of Mason,” he added.

“Maria is a wonderful colleague and an amazing professional who brings a wealth of knowledge,” said Assad Khan, director for undergraduate student affairs in the College of Science.

Keith D. Renshaw, associate provost for undergraduate education, said, “It is hard for me to imagine someone better suited for this recognition—she has my absolute, unqualified, enthusiastic support!”

Her colleagues also highlighted her outstanding work coordinating the Health Professions Program Fair during Health Professions Week, which she pioneered in 2023. This past year, she doubled the size of the fair and added a field trip to the George Washington Medical School for 30 George Mason pre-medicine students.

She also coordinates George Mason’s Early Selection Medical School partnerships with George Washington University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Maria manages to fit in Mason's core values not only with her students but with faculty as well. She ensures students meet the skills needed for tomorrow and the future,” said Alexandra Masterson, an associate professor in the Biology Department of the College of Science.

Wilkins is so beloved by students that they have “created a group that has become known in our office as the ‘Maria Fan Club.’ At several events, I have even seen some of these students arguing among themselves who is the ‘president’ of the Maria Fan Club,” shared Braun.

How did you come to Mason:

I was finishing up working at the Fairfax County Health Department on the COVID-19 Response Team when I came across this position. As a first-generation student without any initial connections to the health care world, I remembered how challenging and lost I felt applying to pharmacy school in undergrad. I would have loved to have an advisor with firsthand experience navigating this process and being there just to support me. That’s what makes me feel so connected to this role, and so far, I have absolutely loved getting to know students—shoutout to my fan club!—and learning more about their motivations for pursuing health care. I’m very passionate about this role and hope to continue growing the department in the years to come.

Best day on the job:

It’s really any day I can celebrate with students. It could be getting accepted into health professional school, being the first one in their family to graduate, hearing back about a shadowing opportunity, or even getting a good grade on an exam! Whatever it is, their accomplishments always bring a smile to my face!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The best part about this role is that I’ve been able to make it my own. I’ve always been a creative individual, and I love to think outside of the box when it comes to planning events that will resonate with students. Health Professions Week was a new initiative I started in 2023, and it has grown tremendously over just one year. Hundreds of students participated and were able to gain new skills, learn more about the application process, tour a medical school, and connect with others along the way. I am also very grateful for the support from those in Undergraduate Education, as well as other campus partners who are always open to collaborating!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I love spending time with my husband, binge watching Netflix, playing with my kids, and cuddling with my two cats. I also find myself driving oddly long distances in search of delicious food!

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

Topics

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Office of the Provost

Around Mason: Week of Jan. 7, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:07:56 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Jan. 7, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:07

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Presentations by Print and Mail Vendor Finalists

Questions? Contact Buz Grover, Auxiliary Services and Operations, at 703-993-5784 or via email.

Register for Homecoming 2025

The Mason Nation is invited to celebrate Homecoming from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8. Show your Brave and Bold school spirit as we invite you to reminisce and share the experiences with your friends and family. View the schedule of events.

West Campus Town Hall: Watch the Recording

In December, George Mason hosted a community conversation regarding the university’s West Campus development. Community members were invited to share their thoughts and ideas regarding concepts for the development, campus and community needs, and opportunities for collaboration. Watch the video recording. Contact Traci Kendall, Community and Local Government Relations, with questions.

��AV Alumni Association’s 2025 Celebration of Distinction: Nomination Form

Support for Duo Mobile Application on iOS 15 Ending

Duo Security, George Mason’s provider for 2FA, has announced it will end support for the Duo Mobile application on iOS 15 effective Monday, Feb. 17. Users with this operating system have been notified about the change. This change means users will not be able to troubleshoot issues or receive maintenance fixes or security updates on devices running iOS 15 and lower; however, users can still authenticate and receive passcodes.

To receive full support, users should upgrade to iOS 16 or later. For assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or submit a request ticket.

Nominations for the David J. King Award

The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the educational excellence of the university. Read more and nominate a colleague by Feb. 12. Contact the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning with questions.

Training and Professional Development

New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

The virtual New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop is happening on Saturday, Jan. 11. Designed to support new adjunct faculty, this workshop offers valuable resources, professional development opportunities, and a welcoming introduction to the George Mason community. Register.

Note: New adjunct faculty hires must be entered into BANNER to obtain their faculty ID and NetID and participate in important Blackboard and Patriot Web training on the day of the workshop. For more information, visit the Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop webpage.

For questions, contact Faculty Affairs and Development at facaffs@gmu.edu. Thank you for your support in helping new adjunct faculty thrive at George Mason!

Calls for Proposals: 4-VA@Mason

��AV faculty interested in pursuing a novel research project in conjunction with colleagues at one of nine other 4-VA schools in Virginia are encouraged to respond to the annual 4-VA@Mason Collaborative Research Grants calls for proposals.

These grants of up to $20,000 are designed to facilitate and support alliances which leverage the strengths of each partner university to improve efficiencies in research and higher education, reduce working in silos, and provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities for students. Visit the website for more information.

Facilitating Inclusive Practices: Become an ASPIRE facilitator

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seeks to equip George Mason faculty and staff with the tools and knowledge to lead impactful workshops that foster inclusive workplace environments. Faculty and staff are invited to receive training and become facilitators for the ASPIRE workshops. Through two half-day sessions in March, faculty and staff will gain a strong understanding of the ASPIRE workshop content, key principles of learner-centered approaches, and effective strategies for engaging participants.

Resources for You

New Year, New Goals: How Workplace Coaching Can Help You Succeed

Workplace coaching offers:

Personalized guidance to break through barriers and create meaningful change
Strategies for success in communication, time management, decision-making, and more
Flexible, no-cost sessions designed to meet your unique goals

Kickstart your growth journey. Learn more and sign up to start 2025 with purpose and momentum.

Mini Hackathon: Innovate for Peace with Tech

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 on Thursday, Jan. 9. Employees with leave balances exceeding the carryover limit must use their excess leave before Jan. 9 to avoid losing it. Coordinate time off with supervisors.

For more information on carryover limits, visit the Annual Leave webpage. Additionally, employees have the option to donate excess leave through the Leave Sharing Program. Contact hr@gmu.edu with questions.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

U.S. Navy Band Commodores
45th International Saxophone Symposium
Saturday, Jan. 11
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The 45th International Saxophone Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Navy Band, features over 150 performances, masterclasses and lectures designed for musicians of all ages. First hosted in 1978, the International Saxophone Symposium features world-renowned saxophonists while highlighting the prominence of the saxophone in both classical and jazz literature. Saturday night's concert presents the U.S. Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble with special guest Will Vinson in an evening of big band and jazz music. This event is open to the public, and no tickets are required.

Silkroad Ensemble
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.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Dances for the Ears
Sunday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Enjoy the rhythmically captivating music of Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Spanish composers Enrique Granados and Manuel de Falla, in Jeffrey Siegel’s next program of Keyboard Conversations. Siegel is “a pianist with a bravura technique and a big, gorgeous sound…and when the artist himself offers the inside scoop, the musical experience becomes vastly more personal” (Denver Post). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

George Mason School of Theater: Mason Cabaret 2025
Jan. 31 to Feb 2, multiple performances – Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Friday, Feb. 7, at 8 p.m. – SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
In this beloved annual event, stellar student vocalists bring their talents to the stage, celebrating some of the biggest and brightest names in music and theater. In this year’s performance, we will shine the spotlight on the work of legendary Broadway director and producer Hal Prince. A devoted collaborator of Stephen Sondheim’s, the treasure trove of Prince’s work includes Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Evita, and Phantom of the Opera, among many more. See the School of Theater’s bright young stars and discover the talented performers who could be Broadway’s next big hitmakers.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Branford Marsalis
Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in this special concert. An exceptionally versatile musician, Marsalis is a band leader, featured classical soloist, and composer. Marsalis has performed with acclaimed orchestras around the world, and his legendary performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena. As a composer, Marsalis has scored films including Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and the recent Netflix film Rustin. The Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra is made up of the D.C.-area’s finest musicians and is led by founder, artistic director, and virtuoso alto saxophonist Jim Carroll. This performance will also feature vocalist Darden Purcell, George Mason’s jazz program director.

Family Series: Mike Super—Magic & Illusion
Sunday, Feb. 2, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
See America’s Got Talent finalist and “America’s Favorite Mystifier,” Mike Super, live on stage. Mike Super brings his immersive show of mind-blowing illusions to entertain and enthrall the whole family. He rose to fame as the winner of NBC’s hit television series Phenomenon, becoming the only magician in history to win a live magic competition on primetime U.S. network television. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Hylton Family Series: Elena Moon Park & Friends
Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11 a.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Celebrate folk and children’s music from around the globe with Elena Moon Park & Friends. With an emphasis on east and southeast Asia, plus original songs reimagined to mix musical traditions, languages, styles, and stories, Park celebrates learning about the world through music. Sing and clap along to Taiwanese train songs, Tibetan jump rope rhymes, Cambodian folk songs, sing-alongs in English, and more, performed on string instruments, accordion, and drums. As an Artist-in-Residence, Elena Moon Park will also work with the community through classes and workshops during the week leading up to the performance.

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Around Mason: Week of Dec. 17, 2024

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:33:17 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Dec. 17, 2024 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 12/13/2024 - 14:33

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Winter Graduation is Dec. 18–19

George Mason will celebrate its newest graduates at Commencement and Degree Celebrations on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 19, at EagleBank Arena. Tickets are required. Expect increased traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus during graduation festivities, particularly during Commencement, which takes place on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 9:30 a.m. Contact University Events with questions.

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 Mason Police website. Failure to coordinate with Mason Police in advance may result in being denied access. For questions on building card access, email caso@gmu.edu.

West Campus Town Hall: Watch the Recording

George Mason recently hosted a community conversation regarding the university’s West Campus development. Community members were invited to share their thoughts and ideas regarding concepts for the development, campus and community needs, and opportunities for collaboration. The meeting took place on Dec. 11. Watch the video recording. Contact Traci Kendall, Community and Local Government Relations, with questions.

Holiday Break Reminders from Information Technology Services

Information Technology Services (ITS) reminds ��AV faculty, staff, and students to stay vigilant during the holidays and take precautions before leaving for winter break. Cybercriminals step up efforts to steal from people during the holidays. Be wary of emails from strangers, and do not share login information or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes.

Also, before leaving for break, log off all systems and turn off non-essential devices in offices and on-campus residences. Additional information about precautions to take during the holiday and before leaving for the break is available on the ITS website.

��AV Alumni Association’s 2025 Celebration of Distinction: Nomination Form

Support for Duo Mobile Application on iOS 15 Ending

To receive full support, users should upgrade to iOS 16 or later. For assistance, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or submit a request ticket.

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 Patriot Pantry, which provides access to food and hygiene items to the George Mason community.
Donations of toys and supplies to Inova Children’s Hospital.
If you love the dogs and cats of our local community, support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Arlington, Virginia.
Read donation guidelines and find out most-needed items on the Staff Senate website.

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. Get the details. Contact parking@gmu.edu with questions.

Nominations for the David J. King Award

Training and Professional Development

Calls for Proposals: 4-VA@Mason

Facilitating Inclusive Practices: Become an ASPIRE facilitator

Call for Proposals—Reclaiming History: Islam and Cultural Patrimony in the 21st Century

The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies at George Mason is calling for papers to address the phenomenon of cultural destruction with an eye to understanding the nature of such loss in places such as, but not limited to Afghanistan, Bosnia, China, Gaza, India, Iraq, Lebanon, Mali, Myanmar, the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, as well those efforts to redress the crimes of looting and to restore cultural patrimony as an act of reconciliation. More information can be found on the website.

Resources for You

Wear Mason’s Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of the season! Shop Wear Mason’s holiday gift guide 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 on Jan. 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.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

U.S. Navy Concert Band
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 include Makoto Hondo, ~Nois, and Musician First Class Harrison Clarke. This event is open to the public, and no tickets are required.

Silkroad Ensemble
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.

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Submit an Announcement

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Around Mason: Week of Dec. 10, 2024

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 15:52:24 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Dec. 10, 2024 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 12/06/2024 - 10:52

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online 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:

SciTech Campus: Tuesday, Dec. 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Beacon Hall
Fairfax Campus: Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 1:30–3:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
Mason Square: 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 the Winter 2024 Graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 19.

Check out the volunteer form 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, Room 3313. Additional information on the role and duties will be provided to volunteers. Sign up. Contact Rachel Carter with questions.

West Campus Town Hall

You’re invited to a community conversation regarding ��AV’s West Campus 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

Staff Senate Holiday Donation Drive

Food and toiletry contributions to the Patriot Pantry, which provides access to food and hygiene items to the George Mason community.
Donations of toys and supplies to Inova Children’s Hospital.
If you love the dogs and cats of our local community, support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Arlington, Virginia.
The SciTech Campus will collect items for the Northern Virginia Family Services SERVE Campus through food donations brought to the SciTech holiday party.
Read donation guidelines and find out most-needed items on the Staff Senate website.

Parking Services Donation Drive: Receive Credit toward a Parking Citation

Resources for You

Wear Mason’s Holiday Gift Guide

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

Annual Leave Rollover Reminder: Jan. 9 Deadline

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. (SciTech Campus, Hylton Center)
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. (Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts)
The American Festival Pops Orchestra returns with its beloved Holiday 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.

Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
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. 

U.S. Navy Concert Band
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 include Makoto Hondo, ~Nois, and Musician First Class Harrison Clarke. This event is open to the public, and no tickets are required.

Silkroad Ensemble
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.

Announcement Guidelines

Submit an Announcement

Topics