Around Mason: Week of Jan. 10, 2023

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Faculty/Staff Announcements 

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Campus Updates


2023 Celebration of Distinction: Nomination Form

The George Mason University Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the 2023 George Mason University Alumni Association Awards.  

For more than 30 years, the Alumni Association has recognized outstanding alumni, student, and faculty accomplishments with five unique annual awards, including: 

  • Alumnus/a of the Year 
  • Alumni Service Award 
  • Faculty Member of the Year Award 
  • Senior of the Year Award 
  • Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award  

The deadline to nominate someone is Friday, March 10. For questions regarding the nominations process, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@gmu.edu or 703-993-8696.


Conclusion of Mason's 50th Anniversary Celebration and Use of 50th Anniversary Logo

Mason's 50th anniversary celebrations came to a close in December. Mason offices and employees should now discontinue the use of the 50th anniversary mark on websites, publications, email signatures, and other collateral.  

Visit brand.gmu.edu for information on brand guidelines, visual style, and more. Have questions about accessing or using the brand guidelines? Contact Creative Services at creative@gmu.edu.


New Telecommunications Vendor Update

In August 2022, Information Technology Services (ITS) announced the selection of Mason’s new telecommunications vendor, Vonage Inc. Since the announcement, ITS has successfully rolled out the new system for all Mason Call Centers and is moving into the next phase of the project: faculty and staff phones. 

ITS has met with Telecom Coordinators to coordinate a phased-approach implementation, which will kick off in early 2023. In the coming weeks, Telecom Coordinators will validate details with phone users (work location, phone numbers, etc.) in preparation for switching to the new system. ITS will provide additional updates and resources in the coming weeks.


Homecoming 2023: Registration Open

Celebrate Mason during Homecoming from Feb. 10–18. Registration is now open for a series of exciting events. Show your school spirit, reminisce, and share experiences with your friends and family. For more information, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 703-993-8696 or alumni@gmu.edu


Mason Shuttles Updates

January Shuttle Schedules
Schedules for the Mason Shuttles have been adjusted for January (before classes begin). See an overview or check the individual route schedules at shuttle.gmu.edu. There is no shuttle service on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  

Spring Shuttle Service 
Spring service will begin on Monday, Jan. 23, for most routes. Routes with weekend service (Fairfax/SciTech, Gunston Mason, and the On-Demand shuttle) will resume on Saturday, Jan. 21. Spring schedules are posted at shuttle.gmu.edu.  

Contact 703-993-2828 or shuttle@gmu.edu with questions.


Nominations Open: Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award

The Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award honors Rick, the "Mason Bike Dude,” who passionately advocated for and encouraged active transportation at Mason and beyond. Nominations are open for this award. The recipient will be recognized at the Outstanding Achievement Awards in April.  

If you know a faculty or staff member who embodies Rick’s enthusiasm and commitment, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Important details are posted on the Mason Transportation website.  

Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or shuttle@gmu.edu with questions. 


Training and Professional Development


Faculty Writing Sprints

Faculty Writing Sprints will officially resume on Friday, Jan. 27, from 9–11 a.m. on Zoom. All faculty, with any kind of writing project, are invited to participate. After a few minutes of check-ins and goal-setting, we will spend our time quietly working together.  

Writing Sprints will occur every Friday. Add them to your calendar, tell your friends, and prepare to marvel at just how much you can accomplish in two-hours bursts alongside your fellow Mason writers. Visit the website to learn more and register. Contact Writing Across the Curriculum with questions.


Research and Scholarship Orientation Set for Jan. 18  

Faculty are invited to attend the third annual Research and Scholarship at Mason orientation and refresher, sponsored by the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Impact, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. via Zoom.  

The program is designed to help faculty become more familiar (or refresh their familiarity) with the grant lifecycle process at Mason and the resources available to assist faculty in obtaining external funding for their research, scholarship, and creative work. Registration is required.


New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

The New Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom. The workshop is designed to meet the unique needs and challenges that adjunct faculty face, support their transition to campus, and develop practical strategies for success with students.  

The workshop will include a broad overview of working at Mason, introductions to important policies, and sessions to enhance teaching skills for online and in-person classes. Registration is required

The workshop is co-sponsored by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning and Human Resources and Payroll.


Resources for You


Resiliency for Working Parents

Balancing work and family life is not always easy. Human Resources and Payroll is partnering with Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to offer an upcoming session for working parents: 

Resiliency for Working Parents  
Thursday, Jan. 26, at noon 
Hosted on Zoom

Learn how to build resiliency as a working parent, prevent burnout, and maintain work-life balance. Contact engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.


Mason Summer Band Camp

Mason Community Arts Academy and the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music are thrilled to announce the inaugural Mason Summer Band Camp, held June 19-23 at the Fairfax Campus.  

Wind, brass, and percussionists from grades 6–12 are invited to spend a week making music, with opportunities for private lessons with Mason faculty and a special Green Machine experience. Students have the option to enroll as a Day Camper or Overnight Residential Camper. 

Registration opens Jan. 15. Visit the website for more information


Veterans and the Arts Initiative: Virtual Guitar Workshops

The Veterans and the Arts Initiative at the Hylton Center offers free, hands-on workshops for local veterans, servicemembers, and military family members.  

Have you always wanted to try the guitar, or are you looking for tips to improve your technique? Beginners are invited to participate in a 10-week series of virtual lessons with Glen McCarthy, guitar instructor for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative.  

Sessions occur on Tuesdays, Jan. 24 to March 28, from 7–7:50 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more and register.  


Upcoming Performances at Mason

The Acting Company: The Three Musketeers 
Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. 
Center for the Arts 

Escape into Alexandre Dumas’ swashbuckling epic, The Three Musketeers, performed by The Acting Company. Full of charm, wit, and swordplay, this world-premiere adaptation by Linda Alper and Penny Metropulos follows D’Artagnan, who joins up with a band of noble Musketeers on a mission to root out the corruption of Cardinal Richelieu’s spies and assassins. It’s a timeless tale with an inspirational reminder that courage, honesty, and passion can change the world.  

Silkroad Ensemble: Uplifted Voices 
Mason Artist-in-Residence 
Sunday, Jan. 29, at 4 p.m.  
Center for the Arts 

The GRAMMY Award-winning Silkroad Ensemble debuts their newest program, Uplifted Voices, as part of their multi-year participation as a Mason Artist-in-Residence. Under the artistic direction of singer-songwriter Rhiannon Giddens, the Silkroad Ensemble leads social impact initiatives and educational programming alongside the creation of new music that celebrates the exchange of ideas, tradition, and innovation across borders. This performance is appropriate for all ages.