Around Mason: Week of Nov. 2, 2021

November 2, 2021

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Deadline is close of business Wednesday for inclusion in the following Tuesday's edition.

Campus Updates

November Staff Senate Meeting

The November Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Jimmy Hazel, Rector of Mason’s Board of Visitors.

Wednesday, Nov. 3
10 a.m. to noon
Guest speaker will present 10–11 a.m. (general meeting to follow)
Hosted on Zoom
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Webinar ID: 939 9974 9658/ Passcode: 224754

The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at Mason. Working closely with university administration, the senate addresses concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community.

Contact staffsenate@gmu.edu with questions.

Honoring Our Veterans

Mason's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and the Office of the President will honor veterans with a luncheon on Friday, November 12. Mason Community members who have proudly served the country are invited and encouraged to attend the luncheon.

George Mason University celebrates and honors Veterans Day which is nationally recognized on November 11. This is a day that commemorates veterans of all wars and those who have proudly served and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America and its values.

At Mason, we aspire to serve our veterans with as much dedication and devotion as they have provided to our country. We hope all veterans have a memorable Veterans Day and know that Mason celebrates you.

Registration is Required. 
Space is limited -  RSVP early. 

Questions? Contact Lesley Irminger at lirminge@gmu.edu or 703-993-2124. 

Alternative Breaks 2022

Alternative Break Applications will be due starting Nov. 1, with experiences focused around mass incarceration, food justice, HIV stigma, and many other topics.

Alternative Breaks occur during spring and summer break in locations both domestic and abroad. These are led by student trip leaders in partnership with local community partners. Encourage students to apply today at alternativebreak.gmu.edu.

Contact Social Action and Integrative Learning (SAIL) at sail@gmu.edu with questions.

Celebrate Distance Learning Week

The Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning invites you to celebrate Distance Learning Week, Nov. 8 - 12!

Check out the many resources Mason provides for online teaching and learning:

Contact Darlene Smucny, Stearns Center Digital Learning, at dsmucny@gmu.edu or 703-993-1907. 

4-VA@Mason Awards Collaborative Research Grants

Backed by a statewide initiative, 4-VA@Mason has awarded 11 grants to Mason faculty for the 2021–22 academic year, providing seed funding to launch innovations in education and original research.

The grants support studies to be conducted across various schools and departments from fine arts to computing to biology. Nine grants were awarded for new research, while two additional grants will fund extensions of projects initiated during the 2020–21 year.

The 4-VA@Mason Collaborative Research Grants are specifically designed to encourage the development of partnerships with the seven other schools in the 4-VA system. For more information, visit 4va.gmu.edu.

Staying Safe: Traveling at Dusk

A reminder from Parking and Transportation that the days are growing shorter and it’s getting darker earlier. As we prepare to “Fall Back” on Sunday, Nov. 7, please keep in mind that it is difficult to see and be seen at dusk. Exercise care whether you are driving, biking, or walking.

Training and Professional Development

Webinar: Inclusive Course Design and Teaching

Mason has one of the most diverse student populations in the nation, and our online students also reflect this diversity. How can we incorporate our students’ diverse identities, backgrounds, and ways of knowing to make online learning inclusive, relevant, and meaningful for all, including students from minorities or underrepresented groups?

Join the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning for an upcoming webinar:

Webinar: Inclusive Course Design and Teaching
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1–2:30 p.m.
More information and registration

Contact stearns@gmu.edu with questions.

Workshop: Don't Stop Me Now! From Side Gig to Main Gig

Are you interested in becoming a full-time freelancer? Whether you're only at the idea stage or you have a steady side gig that you're looking to transition into your full-time job, this workshop will walk you through everything you need to know; from how to set realistic rates to how you can set better boundaries with clients.

Join the University Libraries and SP@RC for the upcoming workshop:

Workshop: Don't Stop Me Now! From Side Gig to Main Gig
Tuesday, Nov. 9, 3-4 p.m.
Horizon 2107
More information and registration

Contact LeighAnn Skeen at lskeen@gmu.edu or 703-993-2673 with questions. 

Adjunct Committee Call for Nominations

The Adjunct Faculty Committee is accepting nominations for two individuals to join the committee for a two-year term beginning in spring 2022. Appointed individuals may serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms. Nomination criteria includes:

  • Regularly teaches for Mason as adjunct faculty
  • Articulates their commitment to improving the work lives of adjunct faculty
  • Clearly expresses their commitment to and any experience in diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence

If you would like to be considered for membership on this important university committee, email gmuprov@gmu.edu with the subject “Adjunct Committee Nomination." Indicate your interest in serving on this committee, academic unit, a brief summary of your experience as an adjunct faculty member at Mason with respect to the nomination criteria, and a copy of your CV.

Nominations are due Monday, Nov. 15.

New Mason 101 Sessions Available

Mason 101 is a one-time, two-hour workshop for Mason staff and faculty to learn more about the history, organization, resources, and future of George Mason University.

All fall 2021 sessions are hosted on Zoom. Upcoming dates include:

  • Friday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. to noon
  • Friday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon

Mason 101 is an excellent opportunity for newer members of the Mason community, as well as longtime employees looking to learn more about resources and the latest information.

Sign up is available at masonleaps.gmu.edu:

  • Log in with your Mason ID
  • In the search bar, type "Mason 101" and press the Return/Enter key
  • On the screen that opens, click "Mason 101"
  • Click on an available Mason 101 date
  • Click the "Request" button next to your preferred date

For questions or more information, contact Philip Stamper, University Information, at pstamper@gmu.edu or 703-993-5308.

Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Voter Suppression

The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group is grounded in the knowledge that it is not a question of whether we are racist, but rather, how racism is expressed and experienced in ourselves, our lives, our behaviors, and our institutions. The group explores materials that allow us to critically question and consider our roles as artists, thinkers, citizens, and creatives in a society founded on racist values and practices. The reading group will continue to focus on anti-Black racism and its effects on society.

The next meeting will discuss racism and student loan debt on Friday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Visit the website for more details.

Contact Kristin Johnsen-Neshati, College of Visual and Performing Arts, at kneshati@gmu.edu with questions.

Bicycle Commuting 101: Online Seminar

Bicycling to campus can be fun and great for your well-being. Join Delia Johnson, College of Visual and Performing Arts staff member and a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, for Bicycle Commuting 101. Delia will share information to help you feel more confident about getting to campus on two wheels.

Bicycle Commuting 101
Tuesday, Nov. 16, at noon
Hosted on Zoom
Register

This session is open to faculty, staff and students. Zoom link will be provided upon registration.

Contact Mason Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu with questions.

Webinar: Overcoming Burnout

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday work and home life? The Overcoming Burnout Anthem Webinar focuses on the issue of burnout and ways you can bring your life back into balance. Learn to identify the symptoms of burnout, and explore ideas for coping with, and avoiding it.

Anthem Webinar: Overcoming Burnout
Tuesday, Nov. 9, Noon -1 p.m.
Register 

Contact Human Resources & Payroll at hr@gmu.edu or 703-993-2600 with questions. 

Resources for You

Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice Program

Like to bike? Live within biking distance of the Mason location where you work? Consider the Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice program and find joy in commuting to campus on two wheels.

More about the program:

  • Four tiers of financial support are tied to the number of rides per quarter. Join the program for as few as five rides per quarter.
  • Earn complimentary parking passes.
  • Ride more than 10 miles each way to work and earn a distance bonus.
  • Ride at Tier 2 or Tier 3 all year and receive funds for a complimentary bike check.
  • You may use this program in conjunction with Commuter Choice.

Conditions apply. Please note that this program, unlike Commuter Choice, is taxable per the IRS. But don’t let that stop you; check out the details at bike.gmu.edu.

Nonprofit Fellows Program

The Nonprofit Fellows are a select group of students who earn a minor in Nonprofit Studies through a semester-long immersion experience. The 20–25 Nonprofit Fellows are enrolled in three courses and complete a six-credit internship with a local nonprofit organization.

The program is offered by the School of Integrative Studies in partnership with the Schar School of Policy and Government.

Applications for spring are due Nov. 15. Please help share this information with your students.

Visit the website for more information. Contact Sam Frye, School of Integrative Studies, at sfrye4@gmu.edu with questions.

Guided Meditation

Hosted by Kaiser Permanente, join this guided meditation webinar for a mindful practice of how to incorporate gratitude into your daily life for this season and going forward. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

Webinar: Guided Meditation
Monday, Nov. 8, Noon -1 p.m.
Register in advance. 

Questions? Contact Human Resources and Payroll at hr@gmu.edu or 703-993-2600.

Upcoming Performances at Mason

Mason Choirs Fall Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
George Mason University choirs are under the direction of Dr. Lisa Billingham. The choral ensembles perform a wide variety of music each semester, ranging from classical styles to multi-cultural works and popular music. The Fall Choral Festival will feature clinics in the morning and performances in the afternoon.

Jerusalem Quartet
Featuring Pinchas Zukerman, violin/viola; and Amanda Forsyth, cello
Sunday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
GRAMMY Award-winning conductor, violinist, and violist Pinchas Zukerman, and Canadian Juno Award-winning cellist Amanda Forsyth join forces with the Jerusalem Quartet for a trio of radiant Romantic-era works by Bruckner, Dvořák, and Brahms. Highly accomplished and much in demand in their own right, the husband and wife duo of Zukerman and Forsyth create a sextet with the four Israeli artists in a dazzling display of virtuosity. Widely recognized as one of the top international chamber ensembles, the Jerusalem Quartet has left its mark on stages worldwide.

Fall: New Dances
School of Dance
Friday, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Step out of this cool autumn weather and into a performance filled with diverse choreography and talented dancers. Join us in supporting the School of Dance as we present Fall: New Dances.

Virginia Opera: La Bohème
Concept and Adaptation by Keturah Stickann and Bruce Stasyna for San Diego Opera
Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Virginia Opera, the official opera company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, returns to the Center for the Arts with a condensed version of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème: Rodolfo Remembers. This stunning production is the perfect way to reunite with opera and to welcome newcomers to the art form.

The War and Treaty: A Concert Celebrating Veterans and the Arts
Sunday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Drawing on traditional folk, country, R&B, and spirituals, The War and Treaty have earned praise for their dynamic and passionate performances. Named Americana Music Awards 2019 Emerging Act of the year, this husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter, Jr., and Tanya Blount will dazzle in their debut at Merchant Hall, performing songs from their two acclaimed albums, Healing Tide and Hearts Town. The powerhouse couple brings their very relatable struggles to their music including Trotter’s battle with PTSD as an Army Veteran.

Mason Jazz Vocal Night
Monday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Join Dr. Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice Studio, and Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble for an evening of swinging standards and classic hits from the Great American Songbook! With very special guests, Herndon High School Vocal Jazz, directed by Dana Van Slyke.

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