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
• Event Highlights
• Human Resources News
• This Week in AI
• ITS Bits and Bytes
• Policy and Compliance Updates
• Coming to a Student Near You
• Patriot Pets

Open Enrollment is May 15–29: Drop-in sessions available

Open Enrollment for health benefits and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) will be held from May 15–29. In order to participate in open enrollment, you will first need to register in Cardinal (HCM), which is the Commonwealth of Virginia employee benefit system.

Registration is a multi-step process and may take some time to complete. To begin: locate your 11-digit Cardinal (HCM) ID in Banner and register in Cardinal. If you have any questions, contact benefits@gmu.edu.

Drop-in sessions
Don’t wait if you need help! The Benefits team is offering drop‑in support sessions (in person and via Zoom) to help you compare plans, make changes, and complete your enrollment. No appointment required—just stop by during session hours.

Sessions are available at the Fairfax Campus, Science and Technology Campus, Mason Square, and online. View the full schedule, locations, and Zoom details.

Campus Operations

Mason Square: Wilson Boulevard Streetscape Improvement project

In the summer of 2026, Arlington County will begin work on the final segment of the Wilson Boulevard Streetscape Improvement project to widen sidewalks and implement safety improvements near Mason Square.

The project will take place on Wilson Boulevard between North Kenmore Street and 10th Street North, and on parts of 10th Street North between North Jackson Street and North Ivy Street. This work is expected to be completed in 2028. Read more.

Professional Development and Training

Register for 'Thrive at Mason'

"Thrive at Mason" is a professional development opportunity with sessions and workshops featuring experts from across the university on topics like managing complex teams, leadership, collaboration, and training on practical policies and procedures at George Mason.

This summer, join "Thrive in Practice: Practical tools, efficient processes, and skill-building techniques to strengthen your effectiveness and confidence at work."

Join the all-day, virtual event on Wednesday, July 15. Select the sessions that meet your needs and interests. Leave with strategies you can use right away and feel ready to thrive in your role at George Mason. View the schedule and register. 

University Life Student Success Symposium 

Registration is open for the 2026 University Life Student Success Symposium, happening Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3, at the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. Pre-symposium workshops are on June 2, and the symposium is on June 3.

This annual professional development experience offers a chance to connect with colleagues, reflect on our shared work, and engage with topics essential to student success. Registration closes May 26. Learn more. Contact ulprodev@gmu.edu with questions.

Join the Staff Senate: Prospective Staff Senator Information Session

The Staff Senate will host a Prospective Staff Senator Information Session on Wednesday, May 20, for classified and non-student wage employees who are interested in learning more about the work of the senate. The session will take place from 10–11 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, and via Zoom.

Mental Health First Aid

Taking good care of our mental health is an important part of being resilient. George Mason students, faculty, and staff can learn how to help someone suffering from a mental health crisis by taking Mental Health First Aid training. Increase your knowledge about mental health and break down the stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. 

Choose from and register for these upcoming sessions:

• June 8–9, from 1–5 p.m.
• July 21 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• August 11–12 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

go.gmu.edu Short Link Training Session

Information Technology Services (ITS) will host a training session for the George Mason‑hosted short link system, go.gmu.edu. This one‑hour session will walk through the system, including how to create and manage short links and QR codes, review usage guidelines, how to receive direct access to the system, and answer questions. Join the session, which will be hosted on Friday, May 29, from 1–2 p.m. on Microsoft Teams.

Faculty mentorship development: 'Entering Mentoring'

Join the Graduate Division for its biannual faculty mentorship professional development training in fall 2026. The Entering Mentoring training was developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) and is led by CIMER-trained George Mason faculty and staff. Register to secure a spot in the training, or reach out to Alyssa Bivins for more information. 

Webinar: Flourishing in an AI-Driven Workplace 

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, one question matters more than ever: What is the human edge? Join a webinar from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being on Thursday, June 4, from noon to 1 p.m., to explore how AI may reshape work, but leadership shapes the experience. Learn how to harness AI while strengthening human connection, trust, and purpose at work. Register.

Advance your career in higher ed by using your tuition benefit

The George Mason Higher Education Program offers opportunities for employees interested in advancing their careers in higher education. An upcoming information session on Wednesday, May 27, at noon will provide an overview of degrees, the admissions process, and career outcomes. Register for the information session.

Whether you are considering a certificate, master's, or the new bachelor's to accelerated master's (BAM) pathway, this info session will help you understand how to leverage your tuition benefits to further your professional growth in higher education. Contact Katie Richards with questions.

Thriving Together

Mason Rec summer membership discount for faculty and staff

Prioritize your wellness this summer with the Mason Recreation Faculty and Staff Promotional Membership. Whether you want to hit the pool, challenge a colleague to pickleball, or refresh your gym routine, we have everything you need to stay active right here on campus.

The cost is $75 for access from May 16 through August 15, 2026. Eligibility: must be a current George Mason faculty/staff member. Payroll deduction cannot be used to cover this membership. Enroll online or in-person. 

Extra benefits include:

• One free InBody Scan over the summer
• 20% off an annual membership purchase after the summer, and a second free InBody Scan to track your progress

Mental Health Awareness Month: Reminder to Register for TimelyCare 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that caring for your well-being is just as important as any other item on your to-do list. George Mason faculty and staff have access to TimelyCare, a free, 24/7 benefit offering emotional support, mental health resources, and self-improvement tools covering sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness. Whether you are navigating a difficult season or simply looking for more ways to thrive, TimelyCare is here for you, year-round. Register today at timelycare.com/gmu.

Intro to Mindfulness Sessions

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn mindfulness meditation techniques to boost resilience and overall well-being through online Intro to Mindfulness sessions this summer:

• Intro to Mindfulness Part 1: Wednesdays from 4–5:15 p.m. on June 10, 17, 24, and July 1
• Intro to Mindfulness Part 2: Wednesdays from 4–5:15 p.m. on July 8, 15, 22, and 29

Tony Skinn Basketball Camp

Tony Skinn Basketball Camp is where campers can improve their basketball skills with George Mason players and coaching staff. Each day is designed to maximize the camper’s offensive and defensive capabilities in a creative, safe, and fun environment. 2026 sessions will be hosted for ages 6–14 on the Fairfax Campus from June 22–25 and July 6–9. Contact Jay Lozano with questions.

Space available at the Conflict Resolution Youth Summit

The Carter School invites rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the Conflict Resolution Youth Summit from June 21–24. Students will connect with peers from across the country, learn how to facilitate meaningful conversations, and engage with faculty on today’s complex challenges. 

Participants will stay in George Mason residence halls, dine on campus, and they can earn academic credit. Don’t miss this opportunity for a student you know to grow as a leader and make an impact—apply now while spots are still available! Financial aid is available.

The MIX Maker Academy

The MIX Maker Academy is an intensive, two-week summer camp designed to introduce high school students to cutting-edge tools found in modern innovation spaces and studios. In an immersive, creative, and technical environment with experienced instructors and George Mason student staff mentors, students will gain confidence, independence, and practical skills. Ideal for students interested in engineering, robotics, fabrication, and creative technology. Learn more and register. Contact mix@gmu.edu with questions. Learn more about the Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX).

Event Highlights

Riverdance: Celebrating 30 Years with the New Generation

Patriots are invited to experience the global cultural sensation, Riverdance, with the next generation of Irish and international talent on Friday, June 26, 8 p.m. at The Filene Center at Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts Performance. Use code Mason for discounted tickets. The first 26 performance ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary $25 voucher to receive food and drink to use inside the Filene Center. Learn more.

Upcoming performances and arts events at George Mason

Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra: 'America at 250: A Musical Mosaic'
Sunday, May 24, at 3 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Celebrate America’s cultural legacy through a vibrant program honoring 250 years of creativity and spirit. Hear works from American masters, like John Williams’ "Liberty Fanfare," Leonard Bernstein’s “Three Dance Episodes” from On the Town, and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. 

Manassas Chorale: 'Lights, Camera, Music!'
Friday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Joined by the Greater Manassas Children's Choir, the chorale singers share an evening of high-energy songs that celebrate singing and their love of performing. From toe-tapping songs to soaring melodies, this grand evening concludes the chorale’s 32nd season.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: 'Prokofiev: The Sounds of Genius with Claire Huangci'
Sunday, May 31, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The evening opens with selections from Romeo and Juliet, the bold and emotionally charged ballet score that brings Shakespeare’s tragic lovers vividly to life. Acclaimed pianist Claire Huangci then joins the orchestra for Piano Concerto No. 3. The program culminates with Prokofiev’s powerful Symphony No. 5, composed during the final months of World War II as a statement of hope and humanity.

ARTfactory Actors Theatre: 'Disney’s Newsies: The Musical'
June 5–21, multiple performances
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboy Strike, this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical tells the rousing tale of Jack Kelly and his band of spirited newsboys who dream of a better life. When publishing giants raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies young workers from across the city to stand up and fight for what’s right. 

George Mason Jazz Camp
June 22–26, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus
The George Mason Jazz Camp includes daily concerts that are free and open to the public. Performances include a Faculty Showcase, Steve Williams Mighty Little Big Band, Roxy Coss, US Army Blues Jazz Ensemble, and a Student Showcase.

ARTfactory Pied Piper Theatre: 'Disney’s The Lion King JR.'
June 26–28, multiple performances
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
The unforgettable journey of Simba comes to the stage in this timeless coming of age story that follows a curious cub as he navigates the Circle of Life, confronts his wicked Uncle Scar, and discovers his place on the throne with the help of friends. The whole family will love this production that features all your favorite songs from the Disney classic.

Human Resources News

Performance management update: A simpler path to recognition

Effective immediately, George Mason is discontinuing the Acknowledgment of Extraordinary Contribution form for classified staff performance evaluations, following guidance from the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). Supervisors can now assign an Outstanding overall performance rating without the extra form. Documentation is still required to show how exceptional performance advances unit or institutional goals. Learn more.

This Week in AI

Coffee and Connections: Rethinking Security in the Age of AI

Join Nexus234 Innovation District for coffee and conversation about AI and security, led by Massimiliano Albanese, the director of George Mason University’s Center for Infrastructure Security in the Era of AI (ISEAI). The event will take place on Wednesday, May 20, from 8:30–10:30 a.m. in the Life Sciences and Engineering Building on the Science and Technology Campus. RSVP.

As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into business processes and critical infrastructure, it creates new opportunities to improve efficiency and decision-making. It also introduces new risks, expands the attack surface, and challenges traditional approaches to cybersecurity.

Webinar: Flourishing in an AI-Driven Workplace

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, one question matters more than ever: What is the human edge? Join a webinar from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being on Thursday, June 4, to explore how AI may reshape work, but leadership shapes the experience. Register.

ITS Bits and Bytes

Adobe Licensing Update

This summer, changes to Adobe licensing will take effect following a new enterprise agreement and recent updates to Adobe’s higher education licensing model. As a result, existing Creative Cloud licenses will transition to Adobe Acrobat Studio, George Mason’s new standard Adobe platform for faculty and staff, emphasizing creativity, accessibility, efficiency, and automation. Impacted users have been contacted directly, with more information to come for the larger community this fall. For more details, visit the New Adobe Products page. 

Microsoft 365 storage update

Beginning Monday, May 18, Microsoft 365 (M365) Outlook emails that are 90 days old or more located in the "Deleted Items" folder will be tagged for permanent removal on a rolling basis. To prepare, review your "Deleted Items" folder and evaluate your data with University Records Management Resources. If there are deleted items you want to keep, move them to another Outlook folder or another appropriate storage space such as OneDrive or SharePoint. For more project details, see the M365 Storage Roadmap. 

E-waste 101

Electronic waste, or e-waste. is an often-overlooked waste stream. Colleen Regan, zero waste program manager with University Sustainability, and Kevin Brim, waste and recycling supervisor with Facilities Services and Logistics, offer a behind-the-scenes look at the recycling process for old devices once they are no longer functional. Learn more.  

Upcoming Microsoft AI Events 

Join ITS for the next Microsoft Copilot Chat demos to learn how to effectively use Copilot Chat within Outlook across both desktop and web versions. These sessions will highlight practical strategies for drafting emails, summarizing messages, managing your inbox, and improving day-to-day productivity using AI-powered assistance. Additionally, join the inaugural Virtual Office Hours to connect with Microsoft to learn more about using Copilot Chat and have your questions answered by the experts. Register here.

AI Toolkit from ITS

The AI Toolkit from Information Technology Services provides information on AI features and tools currently available in university-supported platforms, helping faculty, staff, and students enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and support teaching, learning, and administrative functions. Check out the toolkit.

Policy and Compliance Updates

University Policy 1205: Reasonable Accommodation on the Basis of Religion

George Mason University recently adopted Policy 1205: Reasonable Accommodation on the Basis of Religion. George Mason recognizes that Reasonable Accommodations relating to university policies, procedures, or academic, employment, or other requirements may be necessary for individuals to exercise Religious practices, beliefs, or observances. George Mason shall adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines with respect to engaging in an interactive process to identify and provide Reasonable Accommodations as necessary to afford individuals the opportunity to exercise Religious practices, beliefs, or observances. Read the complete policy.

Coming to a Student Near You

Career Plans Survey now open for May 2026 grads

The Career Plans Survey is now open for all May 2026 grads (undergraduate and graduate). All students are encouraged to take the survey, even if their plans after graduation are not yet final. You can share what you know right now, and you will have the chance to update the information later. The information you provide on this survey helps add value to your degree—George Mason uses this information to highlight the overall outcomes of students to area employers, graduate programs, and future students.

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