Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Veterans Day Luncheon: Nov. 11
Join the Office of the President, ROTC, and the Office of Military Services as Mason celebrates and honors Veterans Day. The annual Veterans Day Luncheon will be hosted on Friday, Nov. 11, at 11:45 a.m. in the Center for the Arts lobby. Mason community members who have proudly served the country are invited and encouraged to attend the luncheon. Registration is required.
Freedom Center Community Appreciation Week and Open House
Every year, the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center on the SciTech Campus celebrates Community Appreciation Week. During the week of Oct 10–16, discounted admissions rates are available each day ($4), along with membership discounts for the entire year.
Try out the facility throughout the week, or take a splash in the indoor pool during the special floating pumpkin patch event. The celebration wraps up on Saturday, Oct. 15, with an open house featuring group exercise classes, an Exercise Is Medicine pre-screening, and an opportunity to win a smart watch. Contact Amanda Meiklejohn with questions.
Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K
Join your fellow Patriots for the third annual Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K, which celebrates well-being and supports Mason students. Run or walk on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 9 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus or virtually from any location you choose.
Registration is $15 for Mason students and $35 for everyone else. Proceeds will support Mason’s Counseling and Psychological Services Fund, which helps Mason students access vital mental health care. Let’s thrive together! Register today.
International Travel: Update to University Travel Advisory Committee Application Requirements
Effective Oct. 1, travelers are no longer required to apply for review and approval to the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC) for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warning level 3 and above related to COVID. Requirements for Department of State and non-COVID related CDC advisories of level 3 and above have not been waived and will require review by UTAC.
All travelers should be fully up to date with COVID vaccinations and assess their own exposure risk to COVID with their health care provider. Read more information.
BIPOC Well-Being Week: Oct. 12–21
Let’s grow, heal, and celebrate with our diverse Mason community during BIPOC Well-Being Week from Oct. 12–21. A variety of events will center on the BIPOC experience and our collective well-being. Check out the full schedule on Mason 360. Contact the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being for more information.
National Transfer Student Week: Networking Event for Faculty, Staff, and Students
This networking event is a chance for transfer students to connect with faculty and staff who can connect and share advice about their own experiences. All are welcome: whether you transferred in the past, work with transfer students, etc. Friends and family are also welcome. There will be chances to connect, refreshments, and other activities.
National Transfer Student Week: Networking Event for Faculty, Staff, and Students
Monday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Hub Ballroom
RSVP (faculty/staff)
RSVP (student)
Contact Caroline Simpson, Contemporary Student Services, with questions.
Sustainability Month
In October, Mason will celebrate Sustainability Month through sustainable programs, events, and initiatives. From volunteering to helping Mason reduce its environmental impact, there are many ways to get involved.
The Office of Sustainability encourages the Mason community to make an impact, exemplifying our university’s commitment to a just and sustainable future for all.
For everything related to Sustainability Month, check out the website.
A couple tips to get you started:
- Visit Mason’s sustainability map to find your nearest water bottle refill station, pollinator garden, zero waste station, alternative transportation options, and more.
- Volunteer with the Office of Sustainability’s Greenhouse and Gardens program to learn about sustainable food production. Or, make a purchase through their online market.
Transportation Fairs: Oct. 13
Join Mason Parking and Transportation for transportation fairs at the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square on Thursday, Oct. 13:
- Fairfax: Thursday, Oct. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. on Merten Lawn
- Mason Square: Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4–6 p.m. on Founders Plaza
Local and regional transportation providers will be available to share information and answer your commuting questions.
Annual Summit for Programs, Events, and Camps Serving Minors
Mason employees who support programs, events, or camps (PEC) serving minors are invited to attend Mason's annual PEC Summit on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. via Teams.
Policy stakeholders and service providers will present on procedures, resources, and other information related to hosting events with minors at Mason. Questions? Contact Buz Grover, Operations and Business Services.
Boogie Down Fall Dance Series at Mason Square
Experience the joy of dance through 60 minutes of dance instruction with local dance companies. These classes are open to all levels and ages—no experience required. Bring your friends or family and enjoy dancing on the plaza at Mason Square.
All sessions occur on Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Upcoming dates and dance styles:
- Oct. 11: Salsa with Ferocity Dance Company
- Oct. 18: Bachata with Ferocity Dance Company
- Oct. 25: Caribbean and African dance with Namala
Did you know that free community events happen every weekday on the plaza at Mason Square? Check out the full schedule.
Training and Professional Development
Crucial Conversations Fall Skillshop Series
At the heart of healthy and high-performing organizations are people willing and able to hold Crucial Conversations. Join us to learn the skills to step into disagreement— rather than over or around it—and turn it into dialogue for improved relationships and results.
Crucial Conversations Fall Skillshop Series
Thursdays, Oct. 20 to Nov. 17
10 a.m. to noon
Virtual
Contact hrlearn@gmu.edu with questions.
Writing Center Workshops
This fall, the Writing Center is offering free workshops that are open to everyone in the Mason community. These workshops cover topics ranging from getting started on a draft to personal statements for graduate school applications.
Read more about the workshops and register to attend. All workshops will be hosted on Zoom. Contact wcenter@gmu.edu with questions.
IT Security Awareness Training Due Nov. 16
Annual IT Security Awareness Training is now open in MasonLEAPS accounts of all Mason employees, associates, and affiliates. Employees have until Wednesday, Nov. 16, to complete their training.
Employees who fail to take the training by the deadline will have their accounts disabled, and their supervisors or manager will be notified. If your account is disabled, you will need to contact the ITS Support Center to re-enable the account to take the training.
Employees who handle sensitive information will be required to take additional role-based training. The training provides information about protecting Mason’s IT systems and employees’ information, which is a priority for ITS. Read more about the training. Contact support@gmu.edu with questions.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Schedule of Events
Join Information Technology Services (ITS) in observing Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout October with cybersecurity-related events:
- Ransomware and You: Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m., hosted on Zoom
- Everyday Cybersecurity: Thursday, Oct. 20, at noon, hosted on Zoom
- “Ask Me Anything!” with the IT Security Office on Reddit: Wednesday, Oct. 26., at noon
Follow ITS on Twitter @GeorgeMasonITS for tips about online safety all month long.
Resources for You
Mason Takes Command at a Washington Commanders Football Game
The Student Involvement office invites you to attend the Washington Commanders football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at FedEx Field. Discounted tickets are available. Enjoy a fun-filled day with friends and family, along with the Mason community.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group
The College of Visual and Performing Arts welcomes the Mason community to the Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group, which meets on Fridays from 1–2:30 p.m. The reading group calls upon and discusses the work of Black scholars, authors, activists, artists, musicians, poets, dancers, and playwrights. The discussions encourage participants to critically question and consider their roles as artists, thinkers, citizens, and creatives in a society founded on racist values and practices.
Join the meeting on Friday, Oct. 14, for the following topic: “Julie Dash: Our Stories Our Way—The Oppositional Gaze.” This event is free and open to the public. Fall meetings continue through Nov. 11.
Business After Hours Event at the Freedom Center
Join the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for a Business After Hours event at the SciTech Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 5–6:30 p.m. Stop by the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center to learn more about the health and wellness opportunities available at the center, along with its nationally recognized Exercise is Medicine program.
Attendees may enjoy light refreshments, door prizes, and a tour of the facility. RSVP.
Participate in Research Study on Employee Emotions
Volunteers are invited to participate in a research study examining how employees experience and regulate their emotions. Participants will complete an initial baseline survey, three weeks of daily surveys (sent at noon, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. on each work day), and two post-study surveys.
All surveys are as brief as possible. Participants' data will be confidential. Participants may receive compensation. Contact iopsychlab.gmu@gmail.com to learn more about the research and eligibility to participate.
This research study is conducted by Reeshad Dalal and Seth Kaplan, Psychology. IRB number: 1697233.
Participate in Research Study on Electronic Communications in Work Groups
Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a study on experiences with electronic communications in work groups. If you conduct at least some work as part of a midsize or larger team, communicate electronically with that team at least weekly, and will be doing this work for at least the next eight weeks, you may be eligible to participate.
The study involves taking weekly surveys on Friday afternoons for eight consecutive weeks, as well as brief initial and final surveys. Participation time should not exceed 55 minutes total across all surveys. Participants may receive compensation. Complete this brief survey to determine your eligibility to participate.
This research study is conducted by Lauren Kuykendall, Psychology. IRB number: 1922109.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Fall Choral Festival Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
George Mason University choirs are under the direction of Lisa Billingham. The choral ensembles perform a wide variety of music each semester, ranging from classical styles to multicultural works and popular music.
Faculty Artist Showcase
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Attend this annual showcase recital of performances by Mason's stellar Dewberry School of Music faculty, including vocal, instrumental, and piano artists.
Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band
Dewberry School of Music
Monday, Oct. 17, at 8 p.m.
The Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band open the 2022–23 concert cycle with a shared concert titled Exclamations! Works performed by both ensembles are written by composers whose artistic voices, both past and present, celebrate the power of music and music-making. This inaugural concert with Mason's newly appointed Director of Bands William L. Lake Jr. will include a pre-concert performance and talk back of Richard Strauss' “Serenade for 13 Winds.”
Mason Jazz Ensemble: Fall Concert
Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.
Harris Theatre
The Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, performs their fall concert. This concert will feature outstanding soloists and pay tribute to the great big bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, and Rob McConnell.
Visual Voices Lecture with Silas Munro
Mason Exhibitions and School of Art
Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Silas Munro engages multi-modal practices that inspire people to be the best versions of themselves in order to effect positive change on society as a whole.
Mason Opera Scenes
Dewberry School of Music
Friday, Oct. 21 at 3 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Come see highlights from standard operas featuring all your favorite characters singing the maestro's brilliant arias and ensembles in a condensed staging with piano accompaniment, performed by Mason vocal students.
Mummenschanz: 50 Years
Sunday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Spectacular large-scale masks, clever puppetry, and inventive use of shadow and light delight the whole family in Mummenschanz’s 50 Years. Mummenschanz became a household name in the 1970s thanks to special appearances on The Muppet Show, Johnny Carson Show, and Sesame Street. Beloved by people of all ages around the globe, Mummenschanz sparks the imagination with its manipulation of everyday objects while offering lighthearted and universal insights into the human condition. This performance is appropriate for all ages.