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.
Presidential Search Community Session
A Presidential Search Community Session is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. It will be held on the Fairfax Campus in the Hazel Conference Room (Merten Hall, Room 1201) and will be accessible through Webex (details below). This open session is an opportunity for the university community to provide comments to and/or ask questions of the committee co-chairs, Jimmy Hazel and Shannon Davis.
This event is open to the public and your attendance and engagement is encouraged.
Webex: Click here to join
Audio conference:
US Toll: +1-415-655-0003
Access code: 647 842 272
Additional information related to the search is available at gmu.edu/presidential-search.
Follow Up Flu Shot Clinic
Didn't make it to one of the flu shot clinics? The Follow Up Flu Shot Clinic is another opportunity to get your flu shot on the Fairfax Campus. Flu shots will be available for COVA members only at this clinic.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
9 a.m. to noon
Johnson Center, Gold Room
Complete the flu shot consent form prior to the clinic to ensure a shorter wait time. For more information, visit the Life/Work Events and Seminars page.
Outstanding Achievement Awards Ceremony
Join us for the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.
It’s sure to be a scream as we honor colleagues for their exceptional contributions to Mason. Costumes are welcome at this “spooktacular” ceremony!
Questions? Contact Beth Baroody at bbaroody@gmu.edu.
Campus Conversations: Online Education
This fall, Provost David Wu and Vice President Michelle Marks will host a series of engagements that invite faculty and staff to participate in the visioning process of our online education initiative.
We will need the knowledge, perspectives, and feedback of the entire Mason community as we work together to develop our online programming model.
View a list of upcoming sessions and RSVP today.
Contact Teresa Finn at 703-993-5114 or tfinn2@gmu.edu with questions.
Socktober Collection
Even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference, so be sure to participate in this year’s Socktober campaign to donate new socks to the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax.
This transitional housing location makes good use of Mason's annual donation by distributing both on-site and to other local organizations.
New socks can be dropped off through Nov. 1 at five locations on the Fairfax Campus:
- Buchanan Hall, Room D217 (College of Humanities and Social Sciences Academic Affairs)
- College Hall, Room C211 (College of Visual and Performing Arts Academic Affairs)
- The Hub, Suite 2500 (New Student and Family Programs)
- Merten Hall, Suite 4100 (Human Resources and Payroll)
- SUB I, Suite 3400 (University Career Services)
Contact Katie Clare at kclare@gmu.edu with questions.
Veterans Day Luncheon
The Office of the President and the ROTC unit at George Mason University invite all Mason community members who have proudly served the country to attend the Annual Veterans Day Luncheon.
The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 8, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Main Lobby. Following the luncheon on Grand Tier III, guests are invited to a 30-minuate Patriotic Concert presented by the School of Music’s Tuba Euphonium Ensemble.
Registration is not required but recommended, as space is limited. Register here.
For questions, contact University Events at 703-993-2853 or gmuevent@gmu.edu.
Thanksgiving Shuttle Schedule
Thanksgiving break will bring changes to the Mason Shuttle schedules. Details are posted on the Mason Shuttles website.
Transportation options to regional cities for the Thanksgiving holiday will be announced soon. Check out preliminary information here.
Questions? Contact Mason Transportation at 703-993-2828.
Accounts Payable Direct Deposit Account Settings
Employees are strongly encouraged to establish an Accounts Payable Direct Deposit account via Patriot Web self-service. Review the instructions to establish this account.
Faculty and staff who have not established an Accounts Payable Direct Deposit will be contacted by email and given the opportunity to automatically “opt-in.” Further information about this process is available on the Fiscal Services website.
Contact acctpay@gmu.edu or 703-993-2580 with questions.
Wear Green. Wear Gold. Every Friday. No Exceptions!
Patriots found guilty of not wearing Mason gear on Fridays throughout the semester are issued Spirit Violations by the Patriot Pride Patrol!
The newest Mason gear, including a selection of fall styles, is available at gmu.bncollege.com or in-store at the Johnson Center Bookstore.
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Dec. 4
Join us at Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Dec. 4. This daylong event features keynote speaker Lauren Cattaneo, associate professor of psychology at Mason, and lunchtime speaker Param Srikantia, professor at Baldwin Wallace University.
A series of breakout sessions and activities will be centered around the theme, “Adaptable, FLEXible, RESILIENT.”
Registration opens Monday, Oct. 28, at hr.gmu.edu/learning. Follow @MasonFSED on Twitter for updates. For questions, contact hrlearn@gmu.edu.
Mindfulness Sessions: Now on Wednesdays
Our Tuesday sessions have been so popular, we have added a Wednesday session! Carve out some time for your own well-being each week by attending a Wednesday Mindfulness Session.
Facilitators from different areas of the university will share a variety of mindfulness practices with you each Wednesday from noon to 12:45 p.m. These are drop-in sessions, so you don’t need to commit to every week, but please arrive on time.
Sessions continue this fall through Dec. 11 and meet in the Johnson Center, Room 243. Contact Katie Clare at kclare@gmu.edu with any questions.
Long-Term Care Program Extension
The special enrollment period for the Commonwealth of Virginia (COV) Voluntary Long-Term Care Program has been extended to Oct. 25 (originally Oct. 11). Eligible employees under age 65 who apply before the deadline will have fewer medical underwriting requirements. After Oct. 25, full medical underwriting will be required for employees and their family members.
Discover more information about the program on the website.
Questions? Contact Genworth at 866-859-6060 or visit genworth.com/cov. For additional questions, email the Benefits team at benefits@gmu.edu.
Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day at Patriot Tech
Patriot Tech is hosting a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Stop by, say hello, and grab a snack!
For one day only, we will offer an additional discount on certain Apple products. Save up to $200 off a new iPad Pro, iMac, MacBook Air/Pro, or Apple Watch Series 3. This discount is for personal purchases only.
Place pre-orders by Nov. 1.
Did you know? Full-time faculty and staff have the option to pay through Payroll Deduction.
Contact ptech@gmu.edu or 703-993-4100 with questions.
Election Day Guidance
For guidance on using leave and being flexible on Election Day, serving as an Officer of Election (including pay and training), volunteering on Election Day, and respecting political views in the workplace, review the Election Day Guidance from Human Resources and Payroll.
For questions, contact hr@gmu.edu.
Employee Discount Highlight: Mynd Spa & Salon (Formerly Red Door)
The Red Door Spa & Salon recently changed its name to Mynd Spa & Salon.
With a Mason ID or business card, faculty and staff receive 15% off services and product purchases. The offer is valid Sunday through Friday at any Mynd Spa & Salon—including Fairfax Corner!
Check out the flyer for more details. To see all of your discounts as an employee, visit the Mason employee discount page.
Social Bike Ride
Celebrate autumn on your bike by participating in a social bike ride from the Fairfax Campus to Burke Lake Park and back on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Instructors from the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) will lead the ride. Discounted rate of $10 available. For additional information and to register, visit bike.gmu.edu.
Witch Watch
Looking for a fun Halloween activity to do with the family? Join Mason Student Government, in partnership with Fairfax City Parks and Recreation, at this year’s Witch Watch.
Witch Watch is an annual Halloween festival with activities for children and their parents.
Saturday, Oct. 26
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Old Town Square in Fairfax
Apple Federal Credit Union's "Monster" Certificate Rate
It's a monster rate takeover at Apple Federal Credit Union (FCU).
For a limited time, Apple is offering a seven-month Certificate that will make you scream (for joy)! If a 2.25% APY* gives you the chills, run to the Apple FCU Johnson Center Branch today to open yours—this spooktacular treat won’t stick around for long.
*APY=Annual Percentage Yield as of Oct. 1, 2019 for a seven-month Regular or IRA Certificate. Limited-time offer; subject to change at any time. Minimum deposit of $500, $10,000 maximum for funds currently on deposit at Apple, $25,000 for new money (funds not held at Apple FCU) per individual. Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal; fees could reduce earnings. Full details at AppleFCU.org. Membership eligibility required. Federally insured by NCUA.