Events and campus updates curated for university faculty and staff.
Around Mason keeps you informed about the latest updates, opportunities around the campuses (and beyond), and resources for you. Bookmark this page, which is updated at the end of each week.
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Photo of the Week: A quantum leap forward. George Mason and Oxford-based computing company TreQ announced a partnership this week to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia. Read more.
Campus Operations
President’s town hall sessions scheduled for the fall semester
George Mason University President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.
The first town hall, for employees working in academic units, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 10–11:30 a.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema on the Fairfax Campus. The second town hall, for George Mason employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Friday, Sept. 25, from 1–2:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema on the Fairfax Campus.
For those unable to attend in person, both sessions will be livestreamed on Zoom; these sessions will not be recorded. Please contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords. Learn more.
Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results to be shared at Sept. 22 town hall
Results from this spring's Faculty and Staff Experience Survey will be shared with the university community at a town hall with President Gregory Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1–2:15 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub ballroom and via Zoom. Learn more about the survey results and town hall.
Professional Development and Training
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Oct. 21
Invest in yourself, connect with colleagues, and recharge with the George Mason community at this year's Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Wednesday, Oct. 21. This year's theme, "People First, Future Ready," celebrates the people who make George Mason thrive while exploring the skills, ideas, and strategies that will shape the university's future. Join colleagues for engaging workshops, networking, and interactive sessions designed to inspire new ideas and connections.
All George Mason employees are invited to participate, and supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility during work hours so faculty and staff can attend. Register on MasonLEAPS. Visit the Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day webpage. Contact hrlearn@gmu.edu with questions.
Manager Meetup: Lead the academic year with intention
Join the University Life Supervision Collective for a virtual Manager Meetup on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 2–3 p.m. to discuss strategies for leading with intention, staying accountable to goals, and leveraging Microsoft 365 and Copilot tools to reduce administrative friction and support team success. Come prepared with 1–2 priorities for the year ahead and leave with practical ideas you can put into action right away. RSVP.
New hub for supervisors of student employees
Do you supervise student employees? The new Supervise a Student Hub brings together resources to support you from hiring and onboarding to development, feedback, and recognition. Find practical guidance, tools, training, and a new Policies and Procedures Summary that makes it easier to find and understand key requirements for supervising student employees. Contact Salma Elbeblawi, University Career Services, with questions.
Upcoming opportunities from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning
View more professional development opportunities from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning.
Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference: Relevant Teaching
Instructors are invited to attend the 18th annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference on Sept. 24 (online) and Sept. 25 (in-person on the Fairfax Campus). This year's theme is "Relevant Teaching," exploring how we articulate classroom value amid AI, Gen Z learners, and evolving educational landscapes. Innovations in Teaching and Learning provides a key opportunity for instructors to come together in community with others from different disciplines and appointment types. Register by Sept. 18.
Graduate instructors: Earn the Level 1 SkillCraft Credential
Learn about the characteristics of today’s students, types of student engagement, and how to address common issues that arise in class. Open to all graduate students. This workshop is required for the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential (a collaborative effort between the Stearns Center and Graduate Education).
High Impact Teaching Practices Cluster
Instructors who attend "High Impact Practices (Parts 1 and 2)" on Sept. 14 and 16 from 10 a.m. to noon can earn a Level 1 Teaching Essentials Credential as part of the Stearns Center Continuing Professional Development program. Those who also complete the Mason Core Enhancement “Solving the Puzzle” workshop on Sept. 18 can earn the Level 1: Certified Mason Core Instructor Certification. Learn how to earn both credentials and register.
Research-to-Impact Partnerships Workshop: Translating Grand Challenge research into real-world impact
The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact is accepting applications to participate in a two-day interactive workshop focused on building the partnerships needed to translate Grand Challenge research into real-world impact, offered in support of the Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI).
Faculty from all colleges who are participating in funded GCI teams, interested in or preparing for a future GCI proposal, or interested in simply translating their research into impact are invited to submit applications for the workshop. The workshop will be held on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall on Oct. 22–23. Learn more.
Join the Career Influencers Network
Want to know more about how you can support George Mason students in an uncertain job market? How to help your advisees find paid internships? Wondering which companies recruit from George Mason, and how? The Career Influencers Network, which includes more than 400 George Mason faculty and staff, is for you! Join an introductory training on Monday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Catered lunch is provided.
Mental Health First Aid: Fall 2026 sessions
George Mason students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend Mental Health First Aid training. This training provides information about the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses and a strategy for connecting with those demonstrating such indicators. Fall training dates:
Thriving Together
Flu Vaccine Clinics
Flu vaccine clinics will be available across George Mason’s campuses this October. Events are open to students, faculty, and staff. If insured with Anthem or Aetna, there is no out-of-pocket cost for your flu vaccine. Most other major insurance providers cover this vaccine. Confirm your coverage with your provider in advance. If insured with Kaiser, visit kp.org/flu to locate an in-network provider. Flu vaccine clinics are coordinated by Risk, Safety, and Resilience in partnership with Student Health Services. Register for an appointment.
9/11 Day of Service
The 14th annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to participate in a variety of service projects on campus. Register to participate.
Blood Drive
The 9/11 Day of Service will include an Inova Blood Drive in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Sign up to donate on Thursday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
14th Annual Service Fair
Looking for ways to get involved in our community? The 14th annual Service Fair brings George Mason students, faculty, staff, and local community organizations together to explore opportunities for service, volunteering, and collaboration. Stop by the Johnson Center East Plaza on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For students, this is a chance to discover organizations and causes that align with their interests and find meaningful ways to get involved in service and volunteerism. Faculty and staff can also connect with potential community partners for research, teaching, internships, and civic engagement.
Faculty/Staff Choir welcomes new members
Love to sing? Join the George Mason University Faculty/Staff Choir! Faculty, staff, retirees, and graduate students are invited to participate, with no audition required. Rehearsals are held Thursdays from 5–6 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts, Monson Tier. The choir is directed by Lisa Billingham and accompanied by Lisa Bloy. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, enjoy making music, and be part of a welcoming community. For more information, contact Lisa Billingham.
Faculty and staff success networks
Faculty and staff success networks are employee-led groups formed by George Mason faculty and staff who share common interests, experiences, or professional goals. Any faculty or staff member may propose a new network to build community, foster connection, and support well-being across campus. Once approved, networks operate independently, setting their own meeting schedules, activities, and communications, with support from Human Resources, Faculty Affairs and Development, and the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community.
Safe Zone+ Program workshop dates
The primary mission of George Mason’s Safe Zone+ Program, like the LGBTQ+ Resources Center, is to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus environment, strengthen community, and encourage networking among faculty, staff, and students toward the goal of supporting the well-being of LGBTQ people. The Safe Zone+ Program is an evolving education and ally development program. Currently, it consists of four workshops that help participants on their own allyship development journeys. Learn more or register for a workshop.
Suicide Prevention Month resources
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and the power of reaching out before a crisis takes hold.
Suicide prevention training
SOS for Higher Ed includes two 30-minute, self-guided online suicide prevention training courses for students, faculty, and staff. The trainings include video and interactive learning to teach everyone on campus how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) in their role in suicide prevention. Learn more.
TimelyCare
George Mason students, faculty, and staff have free, 24/7 access to licensed counselors and emotional wellness resources through TimelyCare.
Love Life: Suicide prevention and awareness event
Stop by Wilkins Plaza on Tuesday, Sept. 29, between 1–3 p.m. for Love Life, an event supporting suicide awareness, prevention, and celebrating life. There will be free T-shirts, raffle, refreshments, and sweet treats. This event is hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services and many campus partners.
Working Moms Support Group
George Mason's Working Moms Support Group provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. The group will kick off fall network meetings on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at noon in the Women and Gender Studies Center in the Johnson Center, Room 240K, or via Teams. These networking meetings are available to those interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers.
Invest529 webinar: Learn how to save for education
As the leaves crunch and pumpkin-spice everything returns, it is the perfect moment to plan for the future with Invest529—whether you are saving for your child, grandchild, or even yourself. Human Resources is teaming up with Invest529 on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 2 p.m. to bring you a fun, informative webinar that makes learning about future education savings feel easy. Learn how an Invest529 account can help you set education savings goals; save for education for college, trade schools, apprenticeships, and credentials; and grow your savings tax-free. RSVP.
Well-Body Screenings available from Employee Health and Well-Being
Get a quick, non-invasive body composition scan with personalized results, a complimentary blood pressure check, and a consultation with a medical professional. Learn more about your body’s fat, muscle, water balance, and overall health. Limited appointments are available monthly. Make an appointment.
Kindness Ambassador nominations open
Nominate a friend, colleague, student, faculty or staff member, or even yourself to be a Mason Chooses Kindness Ambassador. Nominations are accepted through Sept. 21. Kindness Ambassadors are individuals who bring compassion, joy, and positivity to the George Mason community through their everyday actions. Ambassadors receive university-wide recognition, a certificate, Mason Chooses Kindness swag, and opportunities to connect through events. Help recognize those making George Mason a kinder place. Learn more.
Build your perfect bowl at Noodle District
Discover Noodle District, Mason Dining’s new build-your-own ramen and pho concept in the Johnson Center. Customize your bowl with your choice of noodles, broth, protein, and fresh toppings, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Stop by for lunch or dinner, and check the hours of operation before your visit.
Rebekah Schmidt, head athletic trainer, Intercollegiate Athletics
Nelson Granados, Facilities and Campus Operations
Martelli is training as an amateur boxer and will compete in a boxing match to raise money in support of cancer research and awareness.
This Week in AI
Join the George Mason AI Network
The AI Community of Practice is now the George Mason AI Network, a peer-learning community for non-instructional staff who want to explore AI tools, develop time-saving workflows, and learn from colleagues across the university. Members share real-world examples, practical tips, and lessons learned while gaining access to free training on AI tools available at George Mason. Join the MS Teams group.
AI training schedule from ITS
Information Technology Services (ITS) has released its fall AI training schedule. Details are posted on the AI Toolkit. Additional training options will be added throughout the semester, so be sure to check back regularly.
AI Book Club: 'The Science of Learning Meets AI'
Are you teaching at George Mason and interested in discussing how learning is impacted by generative AI? The AI Book Club, hosted by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, will read and discuss The Science of Learning Meets AI by Lewis D. Ludwig and Todd D. Zakrajsek. The group will meet via Zoom on Sept. 8, Oct. 13, and Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon. The first 12 registrants are eligible for a free copy of the book.
AI Day Research Showcase and video playlist
At George Mason’s AI Day research showcase, faculty shared how they use artificial intelligence to advance responsible innovation across disciplines. Watch the video. Check out the full playlist of AI Day presentations.
Event Highlights
Grand Challenge Exchange Day
Mark your calendar for the inaugural Grand Challenge Exchange Day on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in The Hub ballroom on the Fairfax Campus. This gathering will highlight the seven selected catalyst projects advancing George Mason University’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI), a university‑wide effort to accelerate research and innovation with broad societal impact.
The program will include remarks from President Gregory Washington, a keynote address from Sumeet Shrivastava, rector of the Board of Visitors and president and CEO of Unissant, a panel discussion, and an overview of what to expect in the next year of the Grand Challenge Initiative. Register to attend.
George Mason Night at Nationals Park
Join George Mason Night at Nationals Park on Wednesday, Sept. 16, as the Patriots fill the stadium to watch the Nationals take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:45 p.m. Special ticket pricing options include discounted seats and a George Mason and Nationals co-branded T-shirt. The George Mason University Alumni Association will host a pregame reception in party suites 32-34 inside Nationals Park. Pregame reception requires an additional registration.
Constitution Day panel discussion
Join University Libraries and the Center for Mason Legacies for a Constitution Day panel discussion examining immigration in the United States through constitutional, historical, legal, and public policy perspectives. Bringing together experts in migration studies, history, and immigration law, the panel will examine the historical development of U.S. immigration policy, the legal and constitutional frameworks that govern immigration, and contemporary issues surrounding immigration. The event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6–8 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Room 1014. RSVP.
Fall 2026 Peace Week: Peacemaking and peacebuilding in a fragmented world
The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution will host Fall Peace Week from Sept. 21–25. Each semester, the Carter School brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners from the peace and conflict resolution community for conversations about critical topics in the field. This fall's Peace Week theme is "Peacemaking and peacebuilding in a fragmented world." View the schedule.
Fall for the Book: Oct. 6-10
Fall for the Book, Northern Virginia’s largest literary festival, returns for the 28th year this October with bestselling authors Celeste Ng and Stephen Graham Jones as headliners. From October 6-10, the festival includes talks from local and national authors as well as events across George Mason University's Fairfax Campus and the Fairfax area. Learn more and view the full schedule.
Small Business Summit at Mason Square
The Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting at the Costello College of Business and the Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum are pleased to co-host the annual Small Business Summit at Mason Square on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event bridges government and industry for an engaging morning of insights, discussion, and networking focused on small business government contracting. Learn more and register.
Upcoming performances and arts events at George Mason
Exhibit: 'Pulp Fictions'
Open through Sept. 30
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Special Collections Research Center
Pulp Fictions explores the many stories paper can tell about history, creativity, and everyday lives. Featuring manuscripts, letters, rare books, artists’ books, and archival materials from the Special Collections Research Center, the exhibit highlights paper as more than just a writing surface. It shows how paper has preserved knowledge, inspired art, shaped societies, and reflected human experiences.
Exhibits: 'As You Were,' 'In Her Image,' and 'What Remains? The Vietnam War and Its Reckoning'
Mason Exhibitions is honored to recognize the nation's 250th Anniversary with a trilogy of exhibitions which celebrate the transformative contributions of veteran artists. The exhibitions are open through November across each of George Mason University's campuses in Northern Virginia.
George Mason School of Theater: 'The Originals!'
Friday, Sept. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Tune in for an evening of original new works featuring George Mason's talented student playwrights and students. The Originals! offers creative artists the chance to share their work in a variety of forms. Whether it’s a musical or the traditional ten-minute play structure, explore the brilliant imaginations of George Mason students.
Arts Alive! Festival: Creativity, Culture, and Flavor
Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center
This family-friendly event, sponsored by the Hylton Center and Prince William County, showcases community performers and fine artists from across the region. Enjoy activities for kids and adults, multiple stages of performances, hands-on workshops, a story time nook with special guest readers, food trucks, a vendor village, and more. This event is free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Hylton Presents: 'An Evening with Bernadette Peters'
Saturday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Broadway icon Bernadette Peters launches the Hylton Presents 2026–27 season with an intimate and unforgettable evening of music, stories, and her signature charm. Celebrated for her legendary career on stage and screen, Peters performs Broadway favorites and American standards. She is joined onstage by musicians from the American Festival Pops Orchestra.
Grand Piano Celebration
Sunday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the spectacular opening of the fall concert season with A Grand Piano Celebration. This concert honors George Mason's All-Steinway School. Outstanding student and faculty artists of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music will display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music.
Access to Excellence Podcast: 'AI is a clinician’s newest diagnostic partner.' Professor of health informatics Farrokh Alemi joins President Gregory Washington to discuss the unique juncture of health care, industrial engineering, and now, artificial intelligence; specifically, what AI can do for educators and clinicians.
Today @ Mason is George Mason's official university calendar. Whether looking for a specific event or browsing for something to do, it's all there.
Community Calendars
Human Resources News
Action items: Performance engagement changes
George Mason is moving from performance management to performance engagement for A/P faculty and classified staff. To help employees succeed in their roles, the university is focusing on role clarity, one of the key factors that energizes and engages people at work. Changes include a new Goals Module and changes to First Year Progress Reviews. Learn more.
ITS Bits and Bytes
Alumni email is changing
Email service for George Mason alumni is transitioning to an email forwarding service. After multiple email solutions were offered over the years, a forwarding service was chosen to provide a sustainable and affordable solution for alumni to stay connected to the university. The new forwarding service offers an @gmualumni.org email address that forwards messages to a non-George Mason email address. This change does not affect current students or employees. Learn more about the alumni email changes.
New school year, same old phishing
The new school year brings an increase in phishing attempts by cybercriminals who know people are busy. As students, faculty, and staff are settling into the new academic year, it is an important time to remain on guard and to report any phishing attempts received. Reporting phishing emails allows George Mason's Information Technology Services (ITS) to properly assess and notify others who may be targets. Phishing emails can be reported to ITS directly from your Outlook inbox, or by calling ITS Support at 703-993-8870.
Policy Updates
New university policies and recent updates
New policies on University Surveys and Non-Retaliation were approved in July. The Distance Education policy was updated to distinguish processes for online degree programs and online degree pathways, as well as to define online courses.
Revisions were also made to the following policies:
- Flexible Work
- Recruitment and Hiring of University Employees
- Export Controls and Sanctions Compliance
- Name, Image, and Likeness
- Art Collection Management
- and more.
To see all policy updates, visit universitypolicy.gmu.edu.
Policy update: Expanding visibility of student wage job opportunities
University Policy 2224 - Recruitment and Hiring of University Employees has been revised to support equal access and increase visibility of student employment opportunities across the university.
What has changed: Procedures for Policy 2224 include a new requirement for student wage positions. All student wage positions are now required to be posted in Handshake, the university’s student job and internship platform, for a minimum of 10 business days.
This update is an important step toward creating a more transparent, accessible, and student-centered hiring process, ensuring that all students can discover and apply for campus employment experiences. Departments may continue to advertise student wage positions through additional channels alongside Handshake. Need support? Unclear how to use Handshake? Visit the Hire a Student page for guidance, or reach out to the Handshake team at recruit@gmu.edu for support.
New Food and Beverage Event Policy now in effect
Planning an event with food or beverages on campus? A new university-wide Food and Beverage Event Policy (Policy 1135) is now in effect and outlines updated requirements for catering, approved vendors, and event planning. All faculty, staff, and student organizations hosting events are encouraged to review the policy to ensure compliance.
For a list of all university policies including recent updates, visit universitypolicy.gmu.edu.
Coming to a Student Near You
Welcome2Mason
To kick off the new academic year, Welcome2Mason events span the first several weeks of the fall semester and provide countless opportunities for students to get involved, meet new people, and learn more about campus. For a complete list of events, visit welcome2mason.gmu.edu. Signature events include IVth Night, Transfer Nation, academic department receptions, Involvement Fair, job fairs, “Ask Me” tents across campus, and other welcome activities. Contact welcome@gmu.edu with questions.
Healthy by Design Student Case Competition
Are you interested in gaining real-world experience working to design a world that promotes healthier living? Consider participating in George Mason’s Inaugural Healthy by Design Student Case Competition. Faculty from the Department of Global and Community Health and Department of Kinesiology, Sport, and Hospitality Management are collaborating with the City of Fairfax to launch the competition.
Students are invited to apply to participate on an interdisciplinary team to develop an innovative pitch for a real, vacant community site in downtown Fairfax. Winning teams will win cash prizes (up to $1,000) and may have the opportunity to collaborate with community partners to support implementation of their solution in the City of Fairfax. George Mason students across all disciplines are encouraged to apply to this interdisciplinary program.
From the Offices of...
Herd you like receiving gifts: Milo the Australian shepherd loves taking care of his human pack and dislikes any time away from his family. He loves opening gifts, especially those covered in wrapping paper. He will happily tear open any present—whether or not it is for him.
Have something to share on this page? Review submission guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.