Around Mason: Week of Aug. 8, 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 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: August 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.  


Reminder: Fall Shuttle Schedules Coming Soon 

Fall 2023 shuttle schedules will be available this week at shuttle.gmu.edu.  

Note: Summer service operates through Friday, August 18, on Sandy Creek to Metro, Fairfax/Mason Square, and Fairfax/SciTech. For Gunston Mason only, summer service operates through Friday, August 11, and fall service begins on Monday, August 14. 

If you have any questions, reach out to shuttle@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828. 


Share the Career Plans Survey with August Graduates

Faculty and staff are encouraged to share the Career Plans Survey, which is different from the Exit Surveys, with both graduate and undergraduate students earning their degrees in August 2023. The survey asks students about their plans after Mason—whether they are pursuing employment, graduate school, another path, or still seeking opportunities. The gathered data is used by the university in a number of ways, including recruitment and advising. 


Mason Square Café Grand Opening Celebration

The Mason Square Café is now open and ready to serve you. This new, go-to spot for on-campus dining includes coffee, teas, and a variety of other beverages as a We Proudly Serve Starbucks location. The Mason Square Café is also proud to introduce build-your-own bowl options, featuring fresh ingredients to create a personalized and wholesome meal.   

The Mason Square Café is located on the first floor of Van Metre Hall.  

Mark your calendar for a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, August 16, from noon to 2 p.m. Experience a delightful blend of flavors and connect with the campus community. Check out exclusive offers and promotions and share feedback on what menu options you would like to enjoy at Mason Square Café.


Save the Date: “As Is” Abandoned Bike Sale 

Parking and Transportation’s “As Is” Abandoned Bike Sale will be held on Friday, September 29, from 2–4 p.m. in the visitor section of the Shenandoah Parking Deck. Approximately 65 to 70 bikes are available for purchase this year (one bike per customer). 

Mason students, faculty, and staff may shop at the bike sale. Details, once finalized, will be posted at bike.gmu.edu. Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu


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


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. 


Upcoming Performance at Mason 

Mariwô Project Concert with Juan Megna Group 
Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. 
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre

Join Mason alum Juan Megna and the Juan Megna Group for a concert of his upcoming album, Mariwô Project. The music is inspired by traditional melodies and rhythms coming from the Afro-Brazilian religion known as Candomblé. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  

Following the performance, Megna and the group will participate in a Q&A session with the audience. Megna received the 2023 Young Alumni Commissioning Award from the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Young Alumni Commissioning Project.