Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Faculty and Staff Meal Plans
Faculty and staff can purchase meal plans, too! Faculty and staff Byte Plans are available with the following options for the fall semester:
- 50 Meal Swipes: $395 ($7.90 per meal)
- 25 Meal Swipes: $215 ($8.60 per meal)
- 10 Meal Swipes: $95 ($9.50 per meal)
Door prices (without meal plan):
- Breakfast: $9.50
- Lunch: $11
- Dinner: $12
Swipes can be used at Southside, The Globe, and Ike’s. Byte Plans can be purchased in person in the Mason Card Office located in SUB I, Room 1203 (bring your Mason ID) or online. Visit the Mason Dining website for more information.
New Mason Shuttles Stops
New stops have been added to the Gunston Mason and the Fairfax/Mason Square routes:
- Gunston Mason: Two stops have been added on Fair Lakes Parkway
- Fairfax/Mason Square: New stop has been added at Fairfax Circle
For details, read the full announcement. Questions? Reach out to Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or shuttle@gmu.edu.
Free and No ID: City of Fairfax CUE Bus
The City of Fairfax CUE bus is free for all Mason students, faculty, and staff. Because CUE is operating fare-free until at least June 2025, you no longer need to show your Mason ID.
CUE departs from Rappahannock River Lane on the Fairfax Campus, and all of its routes stop at the Vienna Metro station.
Did you know you can track CUE buses on the RideSystems app? Just select the menu button, choose “Change transit agency,” and select “CUE Bus – City of Fairfax.” You can also track CUE on the TransLoc app.
For information on CUE schedules, CUE’s Zero-Fare Pilot, and CUE’s bus tracking, visit cuebus.org.
Training and Professional Development
Register for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (FSED) has been rescheduled for Friday, July 22. FSED is an all-day, interactive virtual event featuring:
- A keynote speech by executive career coach Stacy Campesi
- Professional and personal development workshops
- A mix of collaborative and reflective activities
- A chance to network with other Mason employees
Visit the FSED website for more information. Registration is now open. Contact hrlearn@gmu.edu with questions.
New Faculty Orientation Set for Aug. 15–16
New Faculty Orientation is scheduled for Aug. 15–16 in Horizon Hall. Orientation sessions cover a wide variety of topics, including an introduction to Mason's campus culture, the inside scoop from colleagues on being new to Mason, and hands-on workshops to enhance your teaching skills (for both online and in-person classes).
To ensure a smooth transition to the Mason community, all new full-time faculty members are expected to participate. Check out the full schedule and register to attend.
Resources for You
Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship: Apply by July 15
Applications are now accepted for the Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship. This $250 annual award was created to encourage and advance continuing education for Mason faculty and classified staff. The application period closes July 15.
For eligibility criteria, FAQs, and instructions for applying, visit the Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship page.
Art of Mindfulness Summer Series
Bring your inner artist and get creative at Mason Square. Art is a natural way to practice mindfulness. In this outdoor painting workshop series, you will learn the fundamental approach to channeling emotions through guided meditation while creating a personal 2-D artwork.
The sessions will start with a mindful drawing warm-up followed by color mixing and painting basics. No experience required, and all are welcome to join the fun.
RSVP for upcoming workshops:
- Friday, July 22, 5–6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 11, 5–6:30 p.m.
Contact University Life with questions.
Commuter Choice Programs for Faculty and Staff
Commuter Choice Program
Full-time faculty and staff have access to the Commuter Choice program, which covers qualified transportation expenses (not parking) up to the IRS limit of $280/month based upon actual commuting costs. Review the details.
The deadline to apply for August funds is Thursday, July 7.
Bike Commuter Choice
Do you live within a few miles of campus and think biking to work could be good for your well-being? All faculty and staff (non-student) are eligible to participate in the Bike Commuter Choice Program.
The program has four tiers of support. The more you ride, the greater the financial incentive. The introductory tier is just five rides per quarter. For details, visit bike.gmu.edu and select the Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice Program.
Need help finding a comfortable route to campus? Visit our biking resource page.
For questions about either Commuter Choice program, contact Mason Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group
The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet on Fridays this summer through August 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Join them on July 8 for the topic, "Radical Self-Care and Loving Blackness." This event is free and open to the public.
Visit the reading group’s website for more information, including reading materials.
Cinema at Mason Square
Kick off the summer with George Mason University's Cinema at Mason Square outdoor movie series on the plaza. Bring your family and friends, a blanket, lawn chairs, and snacks for a fun evening event.
These events are free and open to the public. Free popcorn will be provided. Follow the links below to RSVP for an upcoming date:
- Friday, July 15, 8 p.m., The Goonies
- Friday, August 19, 8 p.m., My Cousin Vinny
Contact University Life with questions.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
ARTfactory and Pied Piper Theatre: Disney’s Moana JR.
Friday, July 15, 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 16, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
See the line where the sky meets the sea? You’ll love this thrilling and heartwarming stage adaptation of the coming-of-age tale of Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. She and the demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as she learns to harness the power that lies within. Adapted for young performers, this musical includes favorite songs by Tony-, Grammy-, Emmy- and Pulitzer Prize-winning composers Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina including “How Far I’ll Go,” “Shiny,” and “You’re Welcome.” With its empowering message of bravery, Moana JR. is sure to awaken your inner hero.
Prince William Little Theatre and Manassas Symphony Orchestra: The Sound of Music
Friday, July 15, at 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 16, at 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 17, at 2 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Prince William Little Theatre and the Manassas Symphony Orchestra join forces to present this heartwarming musical about the Von Trapp Family singers, their governess Maria, family patriarch Captain von Trapp, and their adventures and trials in the pre-World War II era. This family-friendly production concludes with a sing-along for all ages.