Faculty/Staff Announcements
Have something to share? Submit an announcement from your unit using the online form.
Deadline is close of business Wednesday for inclusion in the following Tuesday's edition.
Make Your Mark on Mason's Next Academic Building
The Mason community is invited to sign a large steel support beam that will be installed in the new academic building on the Robinson A site.
The beam will be placed on the sidewalk between Fenwick Library and SUB I from August 27–29. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make your mark.
The signatures will be visible when the beam is installed in the new building. Your “support” will help build the future of our campus!
Contact University Events at 703-993-2853 with questions.
Parking and Transportation Update: Fall 2019
As the fall semester begins, Mason students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases, especially during the first few weeks of classes. The following campus parking and transportation guide will help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.
A valid parking permit is required to park outside of visitor areas.
During the first few weeks of the semester, we suggest allowing an extra 30-45 minutes to arrive on campus. Though some parking spaces are more convenient to your destination than others, the Fairfax Campus has more than enough spaces to accommodate all vehicles. However, many General parking permit areas fill at peak class times.
At times during the morning, late afternoon, and early evenings, campus police cadets will be directing traffic around campus. Please be alert and follow the cadets' directions.
New this fall: There is a dismount zone from East Building south to Enterprise Hall. Golf carts are not permitted in the dismount zone and those using bikes, scooters, skateboards, or skates must dismount and walk. This is for the safety of all.
Check out the complete Parking and Transportation Update for full details and guidance on:
- Parking
- Shuttles
- Alternative transportation options
- Construction
- Where to find parking and transportation information
For more information on parking, shuttles, biking, and other transportation options, check out the Transportation website at transportation.gmu.edu.
Follow Parking and Transportation on Twitter (@MasonParking or @MasonShuttles) and Facebook for updates.
Questions? Contact transpo@gmu.edu, parking@gmu.edu, or shuttle@gmu.edu.
College Colors Day on Friday, Aug. 30: Be There!
This Friday is College Colors Day! Celebrate the start of the semester by joining shopMason and We Are Mason Spirit Fridays on the Merten Hall Lawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a celebration with music, food, games, and giveaways.
Show us that your college colors never fade by wearing green and gold to the event. More information is available at wearemason.gmu.edu/collegecolors.
Mason Shuttles: Fall Schedule Changes and Labor Day Hours
Fall Shuttle Schedules
The fall Mason shuttles schedules are posted at shuttle.gmu.edu.
View a summary of start dates and service changes. If you ride the Fairfax–SciTech shuttle, please review the changes. To address the increasing construction and traffic on I-66, the entire schedule was redone to increase the trip length during rush hour in each direction.
Labor Day Weekend
An abbreviated shuttle schedule will be in effect during Labor Day weekend.
For questions, contact us at shuttle@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828.
Operating Golf Carts on the Fairfax Campus
In accordance with Mason’s Policy 1131, a number of rules and procedures apply to the operation of golf carts on campus. Due to construction and the resulting density of pedestrians on campus, Parking and Transportation will enforce the policy starting with the fall semester.
Golf carts:
- Must be driven on roads and bike lanes when available at all times
- Cannot be driven on sidewalks or ramps
- Must be parked in general, service/repair, admin, or designated golf cart parking spaces; they cannot be parked on sidewalks or in grassy areas
A summary of the rules is available here.
For questions, contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu.
University "Lost and Found" Moving to Nottoway Annex
The Lost and Found section has moved from the Police and Public Safety Headquarters building to the Nottoway Annex. Lost and Found hours will be Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
During off-hours, patrons may contact 703-993-2975 or property@gmu.edu to leave their name, phone number, and a description of the lost item.
The Mail Hub Updated Saturday Hours
To better suit the needs of the Mason community, starting August 24 the Mail Hub's new hours are as follows:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Contact 703-993-2691 or mailroom@gmu.edu with questions.
Nominations for Outstanding Achievement Awards
The Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of Mason’s faculty and staff across 13 award categories. These categories include the Civility Star Award, Adjunct Faculty Service Award, and Margaret C. Howell Award.
To recognize a faculty or staff member’s dedication and contributions to Mason, nominate them for a 2019 Outstanding Achievement Award. These guidelines can help you prepare a nomination.
Nomination deadline is September 26. The ceremony will be held October 31 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.
Questions? Contact Beth Baroody at 703-993-2739 or bbaroody@gmu.edu.
Mason Advisor Certificate (MAC) Program
This six-module training series is designed for new and existing advisors alike. The cohesive curriculum is centered around topics related to advising approaches, Mason policies and procedures, advising tools, university resources, and developing your advising philosophy.
The program is based on standards set by the Global Community for Academic Advising (NACADA): “Underpinning the core competencies for academic advising and serving as the foundational elements for effective advisor training programs and advising practice are three content categories—the conceptual, informational, and relational. An understanding of these three major areas provides advisors the knowledge and skills to be effective guides for their students.”
Visit the Mason Advisor Certificate Program website for more information.
Contact maan@gmu.edu or 703-993-5780 with questions.
Lunch and Learn: Teaching with Primary Source Databases
Digital collections of primary sources offer tremendous value, but are they being utilized to their fullest potential? The relevance of primary sources for historians seems obvious, but they can robustly support instruction and student success across the disciplines.
This workshop will offer insight into how primary sources can be used in multiple disciplinary contexts, for teaching qualitative and quantitative research methods, and for diverse projects and research outputs.
Tuesday, September 10
Noon to 1 p.m.
Fenwick Library, Instruction Rooms 1014A/B
Attendees will learn about:
- Approaches to research from varied disciplines
- Different types of primary sources
- Creative ideas for teaching with primary sources
- Widening the scope of usage for digital library collections
- HTR (Handwritten Text Recognition) Technology for DHI efforts related to Full-Text Search in Manuscript Documents
For more information, visit the University Libraries website.
Contact LeighAnn Skeen at lskeen@gmu.edu with questions.
Teaching Online Practices and Strategies (TOPS)
Need guidance to design, develop, and teach your fully-online course?
Apply for the new Stearns Center facilitated workshop, Teaching Online Practices and Strategies (TOPS). We welcome faculty of all ranks and graduate teaching assistants who are planning to design/develop online courses that will be taught at Mason. Successful completion of TOPS will give you a great start in designing your online course!
TOPS will be offered in a fully-online format over nine-weeks during the fall semester. The fall 2019 session runs from September 16 to November 17.
Questions? Contact the Stearns Center at stearns@gmu.edu or 703-993-6200.
Mason 101 Returns, Sign-Up Now!
Provided by University Information and Human Resources, Mason 101 offers a one-time, two-hour workshop on the history, organization, resources, and future of George Mason University.
Faculty and staff may register for an upcoming session:
- Login at masonleaps.gmu.edu.
- In the upper right of the page, there is a search bar.
- Search for "Mason 101."
- On the screen that opens, click "Mason 101."
- View a list of available Mason 101 dates.
- Click on the "Request" button to register for your preferred date.
Does your office or student group need a customized session? Contact Philip Stamper at 703-993-5308 or pstamper@gmu.edu to coordinate.
Learn Well-Being Leadership Skills for Success
Learn well-being leadership skills for professional and personal success in these upcoming certificate programs from Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being:
Positive Leadership
Meeting dates: November 18–19
Register by November 4 (by October 4 for early bird rate)
Leveraging the Power of Polarity Thinking
Meeting dates: October 28–30
Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being
Apply by December 15 for cohort 8 (Meeting dates: February to June 2020)
Questions? Contact lead2wb@gmu.edu or 703-993-6090.
International Tax Training
Join Fiscal Services for International Tax Training on Monday, September 16, from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Merten Hall, Room 2001.
This training provides an overview of Mason's International Tax Office and a brief explanation of policies and procedures related to payments to international vendors, individuals, and other important tax information.
To register, visit workshops.gmu.edu and search for "International Tax."
Contact Jessi Adams at jadams15@gmu.edu at least one week (5 business days) in advance if you wish to attend this training virtually.
Schar School Master's Open House
The Schar School of Policy and Government invites you to an open house to learn more about its master's degree programs and world-class faculty and research. Explore programs during the event's browsing session and see if there is a right fit for you! Admissions and student services staff will be on hand to answer questions.
Schar School Master's Open House
Thursday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Van Metre Hall (Arlington Campus)
This is a great opportunity for Mason staff interested in using their tuition benefits. Get more details and register for the event.
Contact 703-993-8099 or schar@gmu.edu with questions.
Working Moms and Dads Kick-Off Meeting
Start the new semester off at the Working Moms and Working Dads support groups' kick-off meeting!
Join other Patriot parents to network and discuss the upcoming year. The meeting will be led by the Working Moms and Working Dads support groups' leaders, Heather Aleknavage and Sean Cox.
Working Moms and Dads Kick-Off Meeting
Tuesday, September 10
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Johnson Center, Room A
Questions? Contact worklife@gmu.edu.
Get Inspired in Community Art and Music Classes (Employee Discount)
Whether you are interested in learning a new instrument or wishing to advance your skills, Mason Community Arts Academy offers dozens of interactive and fun classes for all ages.
Topics include guitar, piano, violin, cello, voice, drawing, painting, and more.
Mason employees and their immediate family members are eligible for a 10% discount.
View the fall schedule at masonacademy.org. To receive the discount on any classes, contact 703-993-9889.
Patriot Bike Check Out: Phase 2
Effective August 26, the number of bikes in the Patriot Bike Check Out Program increased from five to ten. And the locations have doubled, too!
Check out a bike with a valid Mason ID from either the Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC) or the Aquatic and Fitness Center, and return it to either location.
More details here. Contact transpo@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828 with questions.
Virginia529 Presentation
Wednesday, September 18
Noon to 1 p.m.
Merten Hall, Room 1204
Learn about saving for higher education expenses for yourself or a loved one at the Virginia529 Presentation. During this session, learn how to:
- Save for tuition and other college expenses
- Save for private or religious K-12 education
- Take advantage of tax-free earnings and the Virginia state tax deduction
- Meet your savings goals
Register here. (Click “Request.")
If you are unable to attend, there will be a Webinar on October 9 for the Virginia529, Maryland529, and DC529 plans. Look out for more details!
ITS Support Center Labor Day Weekend Hours
In observance of Labor Day, the ITS Support Center will close at 10 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3, at 8 a.m.
If you have an emergency while the ITS Support Center is closed, call 703-993-8870 and listen to the prompts to be connected to a technician. Up-to-date information regarding alerts can be found at its.gmu.edu/alerts.
Contact support@gmu.edu with questions.
Tuesday Mindfulness Sessions
It’s hard to help others when you aren’t taking care of yourself. Carve out some time for your own well-being this semester by attending a Tuesday Mindfulness Session.
On a rotating basis, facilitators from different areas of the university will share a variety of mindfulness practices with you each Tuesday from noon to 12:45 p.m. These are drop-in sessions, so you do not need to commit to every week, but please arrive on time.
Sessions begin August 27 and conclude on December 17. Sessions meet in the Johnson Center, Room 234.
Contact Katie Clare at kclare@gmu.edu with any questions.
It's a “Pool Party”—Carpool and Vanpool, That Is!
Are you looking to drive less, save more, and help the environment?
Come to a car/vanpool “Pool Party” from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, in the Hub's Corner Pocket.
Learn about your options, meet people who may be commuting on a similar route, and enjoy some free food!
For details and to register, visit the website.
Contact 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu with questions.
Arts Alive! at the Hylton Performing Arts Center
The Prince William County Arts Council and Hylton Performing Arts Center invite you to Arts Alive! 2019 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the SciTech Campus.
Arts Alive!
Sunday, September 15, starting at 1 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Free (no tickets required)
This 8th annual family-friendly arts festival features 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, plus food and craft vendors with items for sale.
Come out and celebrate your local arts community!
Employee Discount Highlight: Mason Bookstore
Need to gear up for College Colors Day? Mason faculty and staff receive a 10% discount on eligible merchandise at the George Mason Bookstore.
The discount is only available in-person.
Check out all your faculty/staff discounts on the work/life discount page.
Quesitons about discounts? Contact hr@gmu.edu or 703-993-2600.
Byte Meal Plan: Extra Meals Promotion
Byte meal plans for faculty/staff are now active from May to May. An "extra meal" promotion is happening during the month of August:
Byte 10 = 1 extra meal
Byte 25 = 2 extra meals
Byte 50 = 3 extra meals
Purchase a Byte plan through one of these methods:
- Contact masonid@gmu.edu
- Deposit Mason Money to pay for the Byte plan online
- In-person at the Mason Card Office in SUB I, Room 1203
- Mason Money kiosks located in Fenwick Library/Johnson Center
- Mason Money App
Contact Ryan Elci at 703-993-2870 or masonid@gmu.edu with questions.
Study Abroad Fair
Join the Global Education Office (GEO) at the George Mason Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the SUB I quad.
The fair will include several raffles and prize giveaways. Visitors who complete a check-in card will be able to receive a free Mason study abroad t-shirt (supplies permitting).
Learn more at studyabroad.gmu.edu/fair.
Contact GoAbroad@gmu.edu or 703-993-2154 with questions.
2nd Annual “As-Is” Abandoned Bike Sale
Join Parking and Transportation and the Office of Sustainability for an “As Is” bike sale on Friday, September 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the visitor section of the Shenandoah Parking Garage (first level). See if one of the 60 or so abandoned bikes is the one for you!
More details are available at bike.gmu.edu.
Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828.
Coming to the Center for the Arts: Jeffrey Siegel, Audra McDonald, and LADAMA
Upcoming events at Center for the Arts:
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Music of Mozart and Haydn
Become a classical music insider with virtuoso pianist Jeffrey Siegel. Popular with classical music lovers and newcomers alike, his unique “concerts with commentary” format gives the story behind the music.
Sunday, September 22, at 7 p.m.
An Evening with Audra McDonald
Tony, Grammy®, and Emmy® Award winner Audra McDonald makes her Center for the Arts debut. In this concert, McDonald performs her trademark mix of hits from Broadway and the Great American Songbook. This performance is part of the ARTS by George! benefit event to raise funds for student scholarships and Mason community arts programs.
Saturday, September 28, at 8:30 p.m.
LADAMA
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this extraordinary performance by the “Female Latin Powerhouse group LADAMA” (LA Weekly).
Friday, October 4, at 8 p.m.
Contact the box office at cfatix@gmu.edu or 703-993-2787 with questions.
Did You Know? 30 Minutes Free Parking in Mason Pond and Shenandoah
For short-term visits or errands, the visitor sections of the Shenandoah Parking Deck (ground level) and Mason Pond Deck offer 30 minutes free parking.
Questions? Call the Parking Office at 703-993-2710.
DMV2Go on the Fairfax Campus
Take care of your Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) business at a convenient Mason location.
DMV2Go will be on the Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, September 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Merten Hall parking lot.
For services available at DMV2Go, visit the website. View the complete 2019 DMV2Go schedule.
Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828.