Around Mason

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.

Jump to the latest on:

• Campus Operations
• Professional Development and Training
• Thriving Together
• This Week in AI
• Event Highlights
• Human Resources News
• ITS Bits and Bytes
• Policy Updates
• Coming to a Student Near You
• Patriot Pets

Campus Operations

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.

President’s town hall sessions 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 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. 

The first town hall, for employees working in academic units, took place on Thursday, Sept. 17.

For those unable to attend in person, sessions are livestreamed on Zoom; these sessions will not be recorded. Please contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords. Learn more.

Grand opening of Noodle District, Dreamery, and True Burger

Join Mason Dining for the Grand Opening of Noodle District, Dreamery, and True Burger on Monday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Johnson Center. Be among the first to experience the Fairfax Campus's newest dining concepts while enjoying free samples, a live DJ, giveaways, and interactive activities. Bring your friends and explore new flavors.

Open call for professional head shots

Creative Services Photography will host a free open call photo session for faculty, staff, and administrators. As a reminder, students are not eligible. Priority is given to new hires and those who have not had a photo taken in the last four years. This photo session is your opportunity to obtain a professional George Mason head shot for use on university-affiliated websites and publications. You must sign up for a time slot to be photographed. Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1204.

Professional Development and Training

Call for Proposals: Seed Translational Research Projects

The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact is inviting all George Mason faculty looking to transform their research into societal impact to submit proposals to the Seed Translational Research Project Program. This opportunity aims to support faculty who are working to move research-based ideas, discoveries, and innovations into practical application and practice for the benefit of society. 

Projects that pursue a range of translational pathways, including commercial, nonprofit, public-sector, community-based, and partnership-driven approaches are welcome. Proposals aligned with George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative Solutions will receive priority consideration. Review more details. Concept papers are due Wednesday, Sept. 30.

October Manager Meetup: Effective Mid-Year Performance Engagement Conversations

Join the University Life (UL) Supervision Collective and UL Human Resources for an interactive conversation to help you prepare for effective mid-year performance conversations that promote clarity, engagement, and continued progress. This interactive session will provide supervisors with practical approaches for discussing employee accomplishments and strengths, addressing emerging or continued challenges, delivering constructive feedback, and supporting employees as they establish priorities for the remainder of the performance cycle. Thursday, Oct. 1, from 2–3 p.m. on Teams. Register.

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.

Upcoming opportunities from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning

View more professional development opportunities from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning.

Workshop: Providing Effective and Sustainable Feedback
Zoom | Facilitator: Katherine Miscavige
Want to develop a more sustainable and effective plan for providing feedback? This workshop focuses on key practices for increasing the impact and efficiency of the feedback you offer. We will explore the characteristics of effective feedback and strategies for implementing them. Join via Zoom on Wednesday, Sept. 30, or Thursday, Oct. 15, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Faculty Credential: Teaching with AI
Join a five-workshop series every Friday in October to help you make intentional decisions about AI in your courses. Explore strategies for integrating AI, designing resilient assessments, and communicating expectations while aligning your approach with your teaching values. Do all five workshops and earn the Teaching with AI Level 1 Credential, or choose a workshop that fits your needs and schedule.

Graduate Student Instructor SkillCraft Credential Workshop
Do you want to motivate students to participate during class time? In this workshop, graduate instructors will consider a case study on fears around mistakes when engaging students. Participants will also learn how to implement active learning strategies, as well as manage discussions with students. Open to all graduate students, this workshop is required for the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential. Friday, Oct. 2,from 10–11 a.m. via Zoom.

Well-being leadership webinar

Join the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from noon to 1 p.m. for a leadership webinar: “Everyone Lives a Cover: The impact on authentic living and leading, and when and why to drop cover.” George Mason Coaching Academy Fellow Kenny Leahman offers a powerful exploration of authenticity through a coaching lens. Discover how the covers we create can influence identity, leadership, and growth, and learn how coaches can support greater self-awareness and authentic choice. Register.

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:

• Oct. 26–29 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Register
• Nov. 23–24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days - Register
• Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. - Register

Thriving Together

Faculty Affairs focus groups

Imagine what’s next for Faculty Affairs at George Mason. Faculty, academic unit leaders, and campus partners are invited to participate in "blue sky" focus groups to generate bold ideas and help shape faculty affairs at George Mason. Connect with colleagues across disciplines and contribute ideas to drive meaningful change. Contact facaffs@gmu.edu with questions. Sign up for a focus group:

• Faculty
• Academic unit leaders
• Faculty Senate

October Staff Senate meeting

The October Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Rose Pascarell, executive vice president and chief of staff, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. The guest speaker will begin at 10 a.m., with the general meeting to follow at 11 a.m. This meeting will be hosted at Mason Square in Hazel Hall, Room 120, and via Zoom. Submit a question for the guest speaker by Monday, Sept. 28.

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.

George Mason 5K and Fun Run

Join the annual George Mason 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 17, on the Fairfax Campus. This year, all proceeds from the event will benefit the George Mason University Student Emergency Assistance Fund, which helps provide support for students facing a variety of unexpected financial challenges. The Kids’ Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk starts at 8 a.m. Register.

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.

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.

Want to build a more connected workplace?

Strong communities don’t happen by accident. Join facilitator Phillip Wilkerson for "Creating Communities of Belonging," a two-part interactive workshop exploring how everyday interactions and workplace practices can strengthen connection, trust, and participation. Part 1 will explore how identity, experience, and interpersonal interactions shape connection. Part 2 will examine how culture, climate, and organizational practices can strengthen or create barriers to belonging. Come ready to reflect, connect, and leave with practical actions for creating a workplace where people can contribute and thrive. View upcoming dates and register.

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.

Discount at George Washington's Mount Vernon

George Mason faculty, staff, students, and alumni can use a special discount code for the fall semester to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon. Get 20% off (up to six tickets per transaction) through Dec. 31 with promo code MASON. The promo code can be used in the checkout online, or it can be mentioned at the gate for in-person purchases.

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 Oct. 13, and Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon. The first 12 registrants are eligible for a free copy of the book.

Event Highlights

George Mason Trunk or Treat: Host a trunk

The 5th Annual George Mason Trunk or Treat will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4–6 p.m. in Parking Lot L on George Mason's Fairfax Campus. This tradition has grown to 1,000 attendees in recent years! 

Registration is now open for George Mason offices that would like to host a trunk. As always, the best-decorated trunks win a Halloween gift basket of fun and delicious treats. Learn more and sign up.

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.

Celebration of Distinction

Registration is now open for the 2026 Celebration of Distinction! The George Mason University Alumni Association recognizes and honors distinguished alumni for their accomplishments and service. This year, we look forward to honoring 23 exceptional alumni, highlighting their achievements at this premier event that began more than 30 years ago. 

Space Day 2026

Prepare for takeoff! Join George Mason University’s College of Science for Space Day 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1–5 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. This free, family-friendly event features NASA and aerospace industry experts, hands-on activities, observatory tours, and interactive exhibits that bring the excitement of space exploration to life. Discover the science and technology shaping our future beyond Earth.

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.

Brain Health and Dementia Resource Fair

George Mason's College of Public Health will participate in a free Brain Health and Dementia Resource Fair hosted by the Dementia Friendly Fairfax Action Team on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. The event includes presentations, an overview of Fairfax adult day health care centers, a Goodwin Living StrongerMemory® overview, and a Dementia Friends information session. County and community organizations will host resource tables, including George Mason University's College of Public Health. Learn more.

Upcoming performances and arts events at George Mason

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 that celebrate the transformative contributions of veteran artists. The exhibitions are open through November across each of George Mason University's campuses in Northern Virginia.

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.

Mason Bands Concert: 'West Side Story'
Monday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Some stories never stop demanding to be told. Tonight, two ensembles take up that challenge from opposite ends of the wind band tradition—one rooted in folk memory and lyric line, the other tracing a path from Bach's architecture to Bernstein's streets—and meet in the middle at something electric.

University Libraries: The Performing Arts Archive Celebration
Friday, Oct. 23, from 6–8 p.m.
Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Multipurpose Room and Auditorium
Celebrate the legacy, creativity, and impact of the performing arts at the Performing Arts Archive Celebration, a free event highlighting the George Mason University Libraries' special performing arts collection. The event will begin with refreshments and exhibits, including Arena Stage materials, Gilbert and Sullivan collections, Federal Theatre Project scripts, and more. Guests can dress up and read words that haven't been spoken aloud in over a century and contribute to a collaborative haiku wall inspired by archival materials. The program will continue with a musical performance and a panel discussion.

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

Fall Career Fair

Coming up on Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, George Mason students will have the opportunity to network with employers, gain insight from alums, find part-time gigs, internships, and full-time jobs at George Mason’s Fall Career Fair. This event will host 60+ employers each day in the Johnson Center’s lower level. 

Each day of the fair will have its own focus. Tuesday: STEM, Wednesday, All interests, Thursday: Business, government, and nonprofit. University Career Services is also hosting a Resume Clinic and Ask the Recruiters: Career Fair Workshop on Sept. 28. Come to both events to best prepare for the fair. Learn more.

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.

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