George Mason University

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FY 08 Fiscal Year-End Purchase and Payable Deadlines

Are You Assigning Papers?

Amazing Recycling Factoid

Call for Papers for Upcoming Conferences

Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year

Nominate Students and Faculty/Staff for Vision Awards

HR/Payroll

Apple FCU – Your Blueprint for a Brighter Tomorrow

Commuter Alternatives

Influenza

Avoid Winter Slips and Falls

EVENTS

Upcoming Workshops for Faculty and Students

Faculty Advisor Information Session

Office of Research Development Workshops

Faculty Author Event

Discounted Tickets Available for Men's Basketball Games

Legal Implications of Student Employment Referrals Workshop

Top That! - Waffle Day 2008

Bringing GIS into Business and Management

C4I Seminar

TRAINING

Fiscal Services

Safe Zone & Vision Awards: 2 Ways to Support LGBTQ Students

Upcoming TOPS Workshops

Upcoming Star*T Workshops

SkillPort Online Tutorial Training

March 2008 Writing Center Research Paper Workshops

HR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mason E-Files

Posted February 18, 2008

 
Announcements
 

FY 08 Fiscal Year-End Purchase and Payable Deadlines

As the end of the fiscal year 2008 approaches on June 30, you need to be aware of some important dates related to the university's fiscal year-end. Read and keep this information to assist in your year-end planning. (more)

 

Are You Assigning Papers?
A Writing Center Roadshow Can Help you and your Students

Writing Center tutors are available to visit your class for 5-10 minutes to introduce your students to our services. Roadshow times are available during Writing Center hours on the Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William campuses. To schedule a Writing Center Roadshow, send an email to Ryan Call at rcall@gmu.edu and include the name and number of your course, the date and time you would like a tutor to visit, and your classroom location.

We hope you will encourage your students to use the Writing Center web site at http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/ as well as include the url on your syllabus. Many resources are available both on site and on the Web and students can now conveniently register online for appointments.

 

Amazing Recycling Factoid

Did you know that making one ton of recycled paper uses only 60% of the energy needed to make one ton of virgin paper? Please recycle. For questions or comments call 993-2547 or email rlim2@gmu.edu.

 

Call for Papers for Upcoming Conferences

Mason Entrepreneurship Research Conference. Since 2004, George Mason University has been organizing an annual research conference to promote dialogue and collaborative research among scholars interested in the topic of Entrepreneurship. On Friday, March 28, Mason’s School of Management and School of Public Policy will co-host the 4th annual Mason Entrepreneurship Research Conference (MERC). The keynote speaker for the event will be Sankaran Venkataraman, MasterCard Professor of Business Administration; Editor, Journal of Business Venturing from Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia. Researchers from all academic disciplines are invited to submit papers. The conference will accept either fully developed papers or working papers. Submit your papers with abstracts electronically by February 25 to: Mahesh P. Joshi (mpjoshi@gmu.edu) or Roger Stough (rstough@gmu.edu). For more information, visit: http://entrepreneurship.gmu.edu/conference.html

Corporate Governance and Fraud Prevention. Faculty are invited to submit papers for presentation at the first annual conference on Corporate Governance and Fraud Prevention to be held at George Mason University on Saturday, May 10. The conference is aimed at bringing together scholars working on current issues in the broad area of Corporate Governance, Fraud, and Ethics. George Mason University will award a cash price of $1,000 to the best paper presented at the conference. The award is sponsored by the Goodman and Company LLP. The conference will feature the following invited speakers: Ronald Anderson of American University, Jere Francis of University of Missouri-Columbia, and K. Ramesh of Michigan State University. The conference encourages submission of theoretical, empirical and experimental works on the broad topic of Corporate Governance and Ethics. The deadline for submission is February 28. The organizers will seek to provide all authors submitting a paper an indication by March 20. To submit a paper for consideration, email a PDF or MS Word version of the paper to one of the following: Keith Jones (kjonesm@gmu.edu), Gopal Krishnan (gkrishn1@gmu.edu), or Partha Sengupta (psengupt@gmu.edu). For more information, click here.

 

Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year

Excellence in academic advising is crucial to student success. All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to vote for the undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year by accessing the following website: http://advisoroftheyear.gmu.edu. The procedures, eligibility, criteria and nomination form are available on the website. The undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year will be honored on March 28 at the Academic Advising Roundtable Luncheon. Contact Lynn Siegel at lsiegel@gmu.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Nominate Students and Faculty/Staff for Vision Awards

Mason's annual Vision Awards, sponsored by the University Life Office of Diversity Programs and Services (ODPS), is an awards recognition banquet held annually for Mason students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds and their allies. The event honors faculty, staff and students for excellence in academics, leadership, social justice and building of community harmony. This year's Vision Awards celebration will be held on Saturday, March 29.

ODPS is now seeking Vision Award nominations in 3 categories:
1. Student Leadership Award
2. Student Social Action/Justice Award
3. Faculty/Staff Vision Award

For distinction in leadership, students will have successfully held leadership positions in campus or community organizations, and use their leadership to empower others. To be recognized for social action/justice, students will have demonstrated a commitment to social justice work, show understanding of the links between forms of oppression, and work to build bridges across communities. Nominate students from African American, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific American, Latino/a/Hispanic, Middle Eastern/Arab, and LGBTQ communities as well as students who are allies to these communities.

The Faculty/Staff Vision Award recipient will have demonstrated a commitment to student leadership development and social justice as evidenced through their their role(s) at Mason where they have served as an advocate, ally, and/or mentor for students.

Nomination forms are available at the ODPS Office in SUB I, and the forms will soon be available online at the ODPS website. You can also email odps@gmu.edu, and we'll respond with attached nomination forms. Any questions, call 993-2700. Completed nominations are due to ODPS office, SUB I, Room 224 or by mail at MS 2F6 by March 10 at 5:00 pm.

 

HR/Payroll

Spring Award Nomination Period Underway. It's time to start thinking about the superstars in your office and consider nominating an employee or colleague for an Outstanding Achievement Award. HR is accepting nominations for the Outstanding Achievement Award, Exceptional Support Award, David W. Rossell Quill Award, Team Excellence Award and Margaret C. Howell Award. The nominations are due in Human Resources by Friday, March 14. The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. For a detailed list of these awards and their related nomination forms, go to HR's Semi-Annual Awards page.

Thoughts on Coaching. The HR & Payroll Employee Relations Team will be offering a Coaching Corner ... timely information on how supervisors can maintain positive relationships within their office, constructively address and manage conflict, improve morale, master motivation and more. Look for coaching tips regularly in E-Files and check out the Employee Relations webpage for additional helpful information and resources.

Daffodil Days Are Underway. Daffodil Days are underway in support of the American Cancer Society (ACS). Materials are going out to Daffodil Day coordinators in departments around the university. This year, as last, bunches or pots of daffodils can be ordered for $10 each. And the delightful Bear and a Bunch or Bear and a Pot are still $25. The deadline for Daffodil Days ordering is Monday, February 25. Daffodils will be distributed on Tuesday, March 11 This date is during spring break but daffodils, like spring itself, bloom serendipitously. Actually the ACS delivery schedule happens to coincide with spring break. The Daffodil Days coordinator in your office or department will soon have order forms and will take care of both your order and the pick up of your flowers.

 

Apple FCU – Your Blueprint for a Brighter Tomorrow

Balance Transfer Rates starting at 5.75% APR. Heighten your savings by transferring your high-rate credit balance(s) to an already low-rate Apple Visa Platinum Card. Plus, we’ve slashed rates to as low as 5.75% APR, and this special rate is good for the life of the transferred balance.

Set the standard for a more secure future with Apple’s limited time Wealth Builder IRA Certificate—5.00% APY for 14 months.

Drive home with a great deal on a quality used car during the Enterprise New Year’s Revolutions Auto Sales Event, and Enterprise will make your first loan payment for you, up to $400.

For more information, visit www.applefcu.org or stop by the Mason branch in the Johnson Center.

Proud Winner of the Homecoming Office Decorating Contest.

 

Commuter Alternatives

Meeting rescheduled to February 20. Attention commuters from Leesburg and Sterling, are you tired of your commute? If so, then join the Transportation Office on February 20 at 12:00 noon in SUB II (Room TBD) for a telework, carpool, and vanpool information session and free pizza. RSVP to Anne Whitley, 993-9530, awhitle1@gmu.edu.

New vanpool forming which commutes from Warrenton, Bealton/Remington, VA to the Fairfax Campus. Ride in the van 1 time a week or as often as 5 times a week for as little as $35/month out of pocket for your commute. Work hours will be 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. For more information contact Anne Whitley, 993-9530, awhitle1@gmu.edu.

 

Influenza

Beginning January 2008, influenza activity in the United States began increasing. By the week ending February 2, 31 states were reporting a wide spread influenza activity. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. It is not too late.

Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; about 36,000 people die from flu; Mason as well as other area Universities have seen an increased number of students and staff suffering from the flu.

Symptoms of the flu
• Fever (usually high), headache, sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches, fatigue
• Stomach symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, can also occur but are more common in children than adults.

How to protect yourself and others from the flu
• Get vaccinated. Flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. It is not too late.
• To stop the spread of germs:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue away after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
3. Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.

What to do if you have the flu
• Stay home from work or school
• Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can relieve the symptoms of the flu (Tylenol or ibuprofen for headache and muscle aches and Sudafed to relieve congestion). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.
• Call your health care provider, he/she may prescribe antiviral drugs that may reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms if started within 48 hours of the beginning of your symptoms

For more information on Influenza visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu

 

Avoid Winter Slips and Falls

Just a reminder, it is that time of the year when slips and falls occur at an increasing rate. Facilities Management does a great job of keeping sidewalks and steps clear of ice and snow; however you may still encounter an icy section. If you come across a patch of ice, notify the Facilities Management Customer Service Center at 993-2525, so they can get the area treated.

Here are some tips on how to prevent slips and falls:
• Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice; rubber and neoprene composite. Avoid plastic and leather soles.
• Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
• Walk slowly.
• Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets. Use a backpack instead of a briefcase to carry your stuff to and from the office.
• Use handrails where they exist.
• Keep your eyes on where you are going.
• Test potential slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
• Use the vehicle for support.
• Walk in designated walkways.
• Taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous.

If you have any safety concerns or concerns about this article, contact the Office of Risk Management 993-2599.

 

Events
 

Upcoming Workshops for Faculty and Students

Faculty and graduate students are invited to attend the following faculty development workshops:

Mentoring Students in Undergraduate Research: Brownbag Conversations by Emil Chuck of the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program. Tuesday, February 19, 12:00 noon - 1:15 pm, Johnson Center, Paul Robeson Room, Room 240A.

Mason Cares: Campus Awareness, Referral, and Education for Suicide Prevention by Adrienne Barna, Counseling and Psychological Services. Tuesday, February 19, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Mason Hall, Room D3 A & B.

Going "Green" at Mason: Course Redesign for Sustainability by Andrew Wingfield, New Century College, and Susie Crate, Environmental Science and Policy. Wednesday, February 20, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, SUB I, Room A.

RSVP with your name and department to the Center for Teaching Excellence, cte@gmu.edu, 993-8652. For more information visit, www.gmu.edu/cte/workshops/workshops.htm.

 

Faculty Advisor Information Session

The Academic Advising Center is sponsoring an information sessions for new faculty advisors. The session will cover advising basics, general education requirements, transfer advising issues, and university policies and procedures. The session will be held on Thursday, March 13, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, SUB I, Room B. To make a reservation, e-mail lsiegel@gmu.edu, or call Lynn Siegel at 993-2477.

 

Office of Research Development Workshops

Research Essentials Series: Collaborative Science/Scholarship. This session, presented by Matt Kluger, covers such topics as setting ground rules early in collaboration, avoiding authorship disputes, and the sharing of materials and information with internal and external collaborating scientists. It will be held on February 19, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm in Research I, Room 163. Faculty and graduate students are invited to attend this session.

Tips for Success Series: Grant Proposal Tips and Strategies. This session, which provides techniques for writing competitive grant proposals, is given by Peter Barcher, Associate Dean for Research, CEHD, and will be held on February 20, 10:00 am - 11:00 am in Research I, Room 163. No registration is necessary for this session. Drop-ins are welcome.

Research Resources Series: Research with Human Subjects. This how to session is intended for faculty and students who are planning to conduct research with human subjects and would like to learn about the processes and procedures for obtaining Human Subjects Review Board approval at Mason. It is presented by Sandy Sanford, Director, Research Subject Protections Office. February 20, 11:00 am - 12:00 noon in Mason Hall, Room D3.

To register: email jbazaz@gmu.edu. For more information: http://www.gmu.edu/research/ResearchDev/Schedule.html.

 

Faculty Author Event

Professor of Economics Dr. Carrie Meyer will read from and discuss her latest book Days on the Family Farm. The reading will take place on February 21 at 5:00 pm in Johnson Center, Room 116 (Patriot Corner). All are welcome to attend. For more information call 993-2665.

 

Discounted Tickets Available for Men's Basketball Games

Take advantage of the Wiener Wednesday deal when the Mason men's basketball team hosts Delaware on Wednesday, February 20 at 9:00 pm in the Patriot Center. Get a hot dog, bag of chips, 20 oz. soda and a game ticket for just $9 (over 50% Savings). Pizza can be substituted for the hot dog and bag of chips. Wiener Wednesday deal is available for both the Delaware (February 20) and the William & Mary (February 27) games.

Tickets are available at the Patriot Center Box Office or by calling 703-593-SEAT. Tickets are also available online.

 

Legal Implications of Student Employment Referrals Workshop

Faculty and staff members who are engaged in helping students identify internship and job opportunities will find this workshop especially informative. This session will offer information on the latest EEO and ethical standards to help you and the university avoid the legal consequences that might unintentionally result from well-meaning actions and advice.

Matt Halpern, Esq., an employment partner with Jackson Lewis, will analyze the issue and guide attendees with proper protocol in referring students for jobs and internship placements.

Friday, February 29, 8:30 am - 11:30 am, Johnson Center, Cinema. Breakfast and refreshments will be served. Sponsored by University Career Services, University Legal Counsel and Office of the Provost. Space is limited. To register: gmu-csm.symplicity.com/events/EEO2008

 

Top That! - Waffle Day 2008

The Johnson Center, being the community builder it is at George Mason University, will host 2nd Annual Top That! - Waffle Day 2008 on Monday March 3 from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm in Dewberry Hall. Come one, come all to the greatest program on earth brought to you by Student Centers and The Freshmen Center. Waffle Day 2008 is open to the entire University community and will serve as a great opportunity for faculty and staff to interact with students in a social environment. There will be giveaways, prizes, sing-a-longs and most of all, waffles you can eat with toppings of your choice (while supplies last- so come early)

For more information contact Mecca Marsh at mmarsh3@gmu.edu

 

Bringing GIS into Business and Management

Join the School of Management on Wednesday, February 27 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in Enterprise Hall, Room 204 to discuss what GIS can bring to academic business and management intelligence. Presented by Dr. Sergei Andronikov, Associate Professor, ISOM & Executive Programs.

For more information or to register visit: http://som.gmu.edu/web.asp?eventscalendar&calid=624&caldateid=1344

 

C4I Seminar

The C4I Center is sponsoring the following seminar to be held in the Science & Technology II, Room 320 on Friday, February 22, 1:00 pm. European Union Battle Groups and C2 Interoperability - Per Gustavsson

For further information on the C4I Center's seminar series or future events go to http://c4i.gmu.edu/events/upcomingEvents.php or contact Jennifer Disano at 993-9370.

 

Training
 

Fiscal Services

eVA Walk-in Assistance. Every Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Research I, Room 92. Faculty and staff are welcome to stop by for assistance with any eVA transaction. No appointment is necessary. Call Joey Carls at 993-2089 for additional information.

Travel. Thursday, February 21, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Innovation Hall 334. This workshop will provide detailed information on processing travel authorizations before a trip and travel reimbursement requests at the conclusion of a trip.  Procedures for purchasing airline/train tickets, hotel accommodations and rental cars will also be covered.  The session will conclude with a demonstration of Mason’s automated Travel Request System.

Banner Finance Self Service. Tuesday, February 26, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Innovation Hall, Room 334. This workshop for faculty and staff who work with budget and financial activity provides an overview of the University's Banner Finance system and chart of accounts. It includes hands-on training to view reports generated by the system.

PI Financial Reports for Faculty with Sponsored Projects. Thursday, February 28, 9:00 am to 10:00 am, Innovation Hall, Room 334.
PI Financial Reports for Grant Administrators. Thursday, February 28, 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Innovation Hall, Room 334. Hands-on training for using Discoverer reports to view financial transactions related to sponsored projects. A representative from OSP will be available for questions.

Fiscal Basics Training. Tuesday, March 4, 9:30 am to 11:30 am, Research I, Room 161. An Introduction of fiscal processes at Mason including purchasing, travel, and Banner financial reports.

Contact Joey Carls 993-2089 for information or register online at http://ittraining.gmu.edu/

 

Safe Zone & Vision Awards: 2 Ways to Support LGBTQ Students

University Life Office of Diversity Programs & Services (ODPS) and Safe Zone Training Team announce two upcoming ways to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students:

1) LGBTQ Safe Zone training, (the first training in 2008): Thursday, February 28, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm at Fairfax campus (location TBA). The Safe Zone program helps lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students, staff and faculty identify allies; who are safe listeners, advocates, and/or resources. After completing the training, allies can choose to obtain and post a Safe Zone symbol to be visibly identified as Safe Zones. Beyond supporting the health and safety of individual LGBTQ students, faculty and staff, the Safe Zone program helps to create a more safe and welcoming campus culture at Mason.

2) Nominate LGBTQ/Ally students for Academic Excellence (and other categories) in upcoming Vision Awards. Because lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning / Ally students at Mason do not have a system that documents their existence in the registrar's numbers, finding these outstanding students presents a challenge. Think of students you know who identify as LGBTQ or their allies, who you believe to be exemplary in one of three areas: academic excellence, leadership, or social action/justice. Check with them to see if they are willing to be nominated for an award as an LGBTQ/ally student. Nominations are due by Monday, March 10

To register for the Safe Zone training, or nominate LGBTQ students for a Vision Award, email RChollar@gmu.edu, or call 993-2702. For more info: http://lgbtq.gmu.edu/

 

Upcoming TOPS Workshops

February 18
Excel 2007 Intermediate II - Part 1, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Access 2007 - New Features, 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
PowerPoint 2007 Fundamentals - Part 2, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

February 19
Access 2007 Intermediate - Part 1, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Excel 2007 Fundamentals - Part 1, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Word 2007 Fundamentals - Part 1, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

February 20
Excel 2007 Intermediate II - Part 2, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Brown Bag - SkillPort, 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm
Access 2007 Fundamentals - Part 1, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

February 21
Access 2007 Intermediate - Part 2, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Excel 2007 Fundamentals - Part 2, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
PowerPoint 2003 Fundamentals - Part 3, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

February 22
Excel 2007 Intermediate II - Part 2, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Word 2007 Fundamentals - Part 3, 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm

Register for these session by visiting our website at http://ittraining.gmu.edu/workshops.cfm

 

Upcoming Star*T Workshops

February 18
Dreamweaver 8 - Part I, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Photoshop CS2 II, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

February 19
Illustrator II, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Premiere II, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

February 20
Photoshop CS2 III, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

February 21
Flash 8 - III, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

February 22
Dreamweaver 8 - Part II, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Beginning HTML, 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Dreamweaver 8 - III, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Register for these sessions by visiting our website at http://ittraining.gmu.edu/workshops.cfm

 

SkillPort Online Tutorial Training

Join Learning Support Services for a brief presentation about the SkillPort online tutorial training program. You bring the lunch and we'll bring the knowledge. This session will be held on Wednesday, February 20, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, Johnson Center, Room 311B.

Register for this session at http://ittraining.gmu.edu/workshops.cfm. Offered by Learning Support Services (LSS)/Training in Office & Productivity Skills (TOPS), 993-3426, training@gmu.edu

 

March 2008 Writing Center Research Paper Workshops

The Writing Center is repeating its popular series of workshops designed to help students working on research papers. These workshops will take place at the Writing Center (Robinson A114); we prefer that students register ahead of time by calling 993-1200, but students can also simply drop in for the workshop. Below is a list of this semester's workshops. Note that workshops may be taken out of order. Students who have difficulty attending daytime workshops may schedule one-on-one appointments at other times to go over any of these materials.

Research Workshop #1 How To Evaluate, Document, and Cite Sources. Monday March 3, 12:00 noon - 1:30 pm

Research Workshop #2 How and When to Summarize, Paraphrase, and Quote Your Research. Tuesday March 4, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Research Workshop #3 Making Your Research Paper Flow. Wednesday March 5, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

 

HR

Electronic Approval (EA). Join HR on Thursday, February 28 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm in Innovation Hall, Room 334 for this Banner software training. At this interactive session, participants will be given access to a computer and, using support documentation and several practice employee entries, will learn how to enter full or part time employees on temporary assignment into the Banner system without error.

To register for this session, visit http://hr.gmu.edu/training

Mason E-Files Archives
 
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Last updated: February 15, 2008
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