Around Mason: Week of Aug. 1, 2023

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Faculty/Staff Announcements 

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


Campus Updates


Mason is Going Mobile with the Launch of the Mobile ID

George Mason University is proud to be the first four-year university in Virginia to introduce a Mobile ID program, offering an innovative and optional digital ID card for the Mason community.  

Now, you have the flexibility to choose whether to carry your Mason ID on your Apple or Android device. Embrace the convenience and sustainability of the Mobile ID. Visit the website for details and enrollment instructions


Volunteers Needed for Housing Move-In: Aug. 16–17 

Housing and Residence Life needs volunteers to help welcome new students to campus. Faculty and staff will pass out water, assist with crowd or traffic control, or help at the main check-in site at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center.  

Volunteer shifts are two hours long on Wednesday, August 16, or Thursday, August 17. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt and lunch. Fill out the volunteer form to sign up. Email questions to Erin Brandt


Ask Me Booth Volunteers Needed for Welcome2Mason

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in welcoming back students at the university’s Ask Me Booths during the first week of classes, August 21–25.  

Ask Me Booths are small tents set up around campus as part of Welcome2Mason. Volunteers help direct people across campus and answer any questions. Shifts start on the hour at six different locations across the Fairfax Campus.  

Sign up to volunteer. Email questions to Sara Heming or Phil Rippa


Virtual Parking Permits are in Effect 

Have you updated your license plate in your parking portal? Hang tags are officially a thing of the past, and your license plate is now your parking permit. Be sure to associate your vehicle with your license plate at parking.gmu.edu


IT Security Awareness Training Now Available

Information Technology Services (ITS) has assigned all Mason employees mandatory 2023 IT Security Awareness Training in MasonLEAPS.  

The training equips all employees, including contractors, affiliates and student wage workers, with knowledge about cybersecurity risks and online safety and security.  

All employees must complete the training by Tuesday, October 31, to avoid having their NetID disabled, which interrupts access to Mason’s IT services, including Patriot Web, Office 365, and Wi-Fi networks.  

If you have issues accessing the training, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu


Purchasing Branded Promo Items?

To help with your branded promo needs, Mason has officially licensed vendors who have been authorized to produce merchandise bearing the university's trademarks, which include all graphic- and verbiage-based references to the university. Using officially licensed vendors is a requirement per University Policy 1130.   

Trademark Licensing is a unit within the Office of University Branding. Visit trademarks.gmu.edu to help navigate your way through the purchase of branded merchandise. Be sure to check out the Approved Vendors List.   

If you have questions, contact David Atkins, executive director of brand development and licensing.


Carter School Peace Week Presents: International Day at Mason Square 

As part of Fall 2023 Peace Week, the Carter School invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to join in celebrating the many nationalities represented at Mason. Mason Square’s inaugural International Day on Thursday, September 21, will include an event on the plaza showcasing diverse cultures through live entertainment, food, crafts, and more.  

The Carter School is seeking participants who are interested in showcasing their culture by hosting a table or performing on stage. Learn more about participating and sign up. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, August 30. 

This year’s Peace Week theme is "Building Peace in Partnership." We hope you take this opportunity to connect with community members and share your voice. 


Fall Semester Parking Permit Sales Underway 

Fall semester parking permit sales are underway. Visit parking.gmu.edu to purchase. Virtual permits are effective with the purchase of a permit.  
 
Faculty/staff with payroll deduction permits:

  • These permits will automatically renew in September. The vehicle currently associated with a payroll deduction parking permit will automatically associate with the 2023–24 payroll deduction parking permit.
  • Payroll deduction permit holders may add up to three vehicles to their permit. (Faculty and staff generally can add up to three vehicles to their permit; off-campus students can add up to two vehicles, and resident students can add one vehicle to their permit.)
  • Payroll deduction permit holders should access their parking account and ensure their correct license plates/vehicles are associated with their parking permit. 

Contact Parking Services at 703-993-2710 or parking@gmu.edu with questions. 


Training and Professional Development


Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Call for Workshop Proposals

The Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) team in Human Resources is excited to announce this year’s Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 25. This year's theme, "Mapping Your Future: Discovering Mason’s Treasure," will guide the day’s learning.   

This in-person event (hosted on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center) provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth by exploring new paths, unlocking potential, and discovering hidden treasures within ourselves and our work.   

ODL is seeking innovative and engaging workshop proposals from faculty and staff. Read more about the workshop objectives and proposal requirements. Proposals are due Friday, August 18, at 5 p.m. 


Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop Set for Aug. 12 

The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop is specifically designed to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by adjunct faculty, support their transition to Mason, and develop practical teaching and learning strategies for success with their students.   

The workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, August 12. Registration is now open.  


Career Influencers Network Training

University Career Services will hold its Career Influencer Training workshop series in August and September for those who teach, advise, mentor, or supervise students and play a vital role in preparing career-ready graduates.    

This 4.5-hour training includes practices that support students on their path to success. You must register and participate in all the series' workshops to complete the training.   

  • August 9, 10, 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. each day (Zoom)   
  • September 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in-person)   

Resources for You


Mason Night at Nationals Park

Let's play ball! Mason Night at Nationals Park is Wednesday, September 6. The Mason community is invited to purchase access to a pre-game reception and discounted game tickets, which include a new, limited-edition Mason/Nats branded quarter-zip pullover. Learn more


Arts Alive! at the Hylton Center 

Arts Alive! at the Hylton Performing Arts Center is an annual, family-friendly arts festival featuring Prince William County Arts Council members and other community performers and fine artists. Enjoy activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances (indoors and out), and more. 

Join the celebration on Sunday, September 10, from noon to 4 p.m. on the SciTech Campus. Arts Alive! includes: 

  • Live performances and exhibits by local artists and art organizations 
  • Visual art on display and for purchase 
  • Local authors reading and selling their work 
  • Hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages 
  • Food and beverages available for purchase 

Come celebrate your local arts community. This event is free; no tickets required. 


The Science of Cars

Check out The Science of Cars show on Sunday, August 13, from noon to 4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Car enthusiasts can enter to showcase their vehicles and be a part of the Best in Show contest.    

The net proceeds of this car show will benefit the Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund to support graduate students in Mason’s College of Science.  


Mason Night with D.C. United

Join your fellow Mason Patriots for an exciting evening with D.C. United as they take on the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, August 26. If you've never seen a Major League Soccer match in person, this is an experience you won't want to miss. Mason’s seats are in the south stand of Audi Field with multiple ticket options available.  


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. on Zoom.     

The group holds a commitment to relationship-building, awareness, reimagining, transformation, and action around anti-racist practices, racial justice, the creation of conversations, as well as systems of compassion and healing. The group continues to focus on anti-Black racism and its effects on society.          

Join the meeting on Friday, August 4, from 1-2:30 p.m. for a discussion on the topic of “Black Joy: Strategies of Hope.” This is the final meeting of the summer, and the event is free and open to the public.