Around Mason: Week of Oct. 29, 2024

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Faculty/Staff Announcements  

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Campus Updates 


Clear the Air(way): Flu, COVID, RSV, and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic 

Employee Health and Well-Being, in partnership with the College of Public Health and Giant Pharmacy, will host a vaccine clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall. Faculty, staff, and family members (ages 18+) insured through Anthem or Aetna can receive flu, COVID, RSV, and pneumonia vaccines.  

Individuals insured under Kaiser or other carriers should verify their eligibility for this clinic with their provider or visit vaccines.gov to find an appointment elsewhere. 

Vaccine eligibility:  

  • Flu: All ages 6+ months, recommended once a year. (Note: this clinic is for participants ages 18+) 
  • COVID-19: Recommended for ages 6+ months, regardless of previous vaccination (Note: this clinic is for participants ages 18+) 
  • RSV: Recommended for ages 75+ or 60–74 at increased risk 
  • Pneumonia: Recommended for ages 65+ or 19–64 with risk factors  

Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Sign up for an appointment. For questions, email ehw@gmu.edu or call 703-993-6001.  


Information Technology Services Technical Support Now Available 24/7  

Information Technology Services (ITS) is pleased to announce that technical support is now available 24/7. George Mason students, faculty, and staff can receive technical support any time—day or night, on weekends, and even holidays. ITS has partnered with Anthology, a market leader in education technology, to expand coverage for technology support that meets the needs of George Mason’s student population. If you need technical assistance, call 703-993-8870 anytime to receive support or submit a request ticket online.  


Veterans Day Luncheon  

Join the Office of the President, George Mason ROTC, and the Office of Military Services to celebrate and honor Veterans Day. The Annual Veterans Day Luncheon will be hosted on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11:45 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts lobby. Mason community members who have proudly served the country are invited and encouraged to attend the luncheon.    

At George Mason, we aspire to serve our veterans with as much dedication and devotion as they have provided to our country. Veterans, George Mason University salutes you! Registration is required. Space is limited. RSVP today.   


November Staff Senate Meeting 

George Mason University Rector Charles “Cully” Stimson will be the guest speaker at the Staff Senate meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 10–11 a.m. The general business meeting will follow from 11 a.m. to noon. Constituents are invited to attend in person on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom.  


Pizza and Perspectives: 2024 Presidential Election Debrief 

Join University Life Mason Square for a panel discussion on the 2024 election, exploring the key factors shaping this critical moment in Virginia and national politics. Pizza and Perspectives will be hosted on Monday, Nov. 11, from 6-7:15 p.m. at Mason Square in the Van Metre Hall multipurpose room.  

Expert panelists will analyze the current political climate and the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election. Enjoy free pizza while gaining valuable insights and connecting with fellow attendees. RSVP

Panelists include: 

  • Terry McAuliffe, distinguished visiting professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, and former governor of Virginia (2014–18)
  • David Ramadan, professor of practice, Schar School, and former member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2012–16)
  • Mark Rozell, dean, Schar School
  • Jennifer Victor, associate professor of political science, Schar School 

From Service to Success: Leveraging Military Experience for Career Advancement (Panel Discussion) 

Join the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative and the Veteran Alumni Chapter for an insightful panel discussion featuring three veterans who will share how their military experience has contributed to and enhanced their career paths. Panelists will share unique challenges and opportunities faced by veterans in the workplace, as well as the valuable skills and experiences they bring to their current careers.  

This event will be hosted on Monday, Nov. 11, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1204. Learn more and RSVP


George Mason Introduces Brave and Bold: The Patriot Roast   

George Mason and Tinycup Coffee, an alumni-owned business, have collaborated on a co-branded coffee called Brave & Bold: The Patriot Roast. It is a medium-dark roast featuring a blend of premium, specialty-grade coffee beans from Central and South America using a traditional drum roasting method. The coffee is currently available to purchase by the bag online and on the Fairfax Campus at the Express store (located in the Johnson Center) and One Stop Shop.    


One-Year Naming Anniversary of the Costello College of Business: Donation Drive and Service Event 

The Costello College of Business invites the Mason community to participate in a donation drive and service event to benefit the Patriot Pantry. This event is hosted in celebration of the one year anniversary of the naming of the business school as the Donald G. Costello of College of Business. 

Donation items for the Patriot Pantry can be dropped off on the Fairfax Campus in Enterprise Hall, Room 008, and at Mason Square in Van Metre Hall, Room 402, through Thursday, Oct. 31. Find out what items are needed

The campus community is invited to participate in a service event at the pantry on Friday, Nov. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A reception for all volunteers will follow the service event, from 1:30–2 p.m. Learn more and RSVP. The first 300 volunteers to register will get a free Costello College backpack. 


The Annual Vernon M. and Minnie I. Lynch Lecture 

The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution invites the community to attend the annual Lynch Lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Mason Square. Award-winning filmmaker Haile Gerima will discuss the topic of "The Monopoly of History through Cinematic Audiovisual Archive." Gerima will share his perspective on the politics and power dynamics of filmmaking and its role in liberation struggles. Learn more and register


Training and Professional Development  


Mental Health First Aid Training

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend Mental Health First Aid training via Zoom. Participants will learn to understand common mental health issues and how to assist those who may need help. Training will be offered on the following dates: 

  • Nov. 18, 19, 20, and 21 (four two-hour sessions) from 7:30–9:30 p.m. 
  • Nov. 25 and 26 (two four-hour sessions) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
  • Jan. 8 and 9, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Get more details and register. This training is offered by the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. 


Apply for the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series

Human Resources is now accepting applications for the next cohort of the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series. The series begins in February 2025 and runs until May 2026. This cohort will be hybrid to accommodate those participants working fully remotely.

The goals of the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series are to support participants as they:

  • Develop a leadership mindset
  • Create and implement a vision for their own leadership and their team
  • Lead a high-performing team
  • Learn tools and strategies to grow their self-awareness, relationships, and communication skills, which will support the above three objectives.

Get more details about the application process. Apply by Monday, Dec. 2. Applicants must be George Mason faculty or classified staff and must supervise at least one employee who is faculty or classified staff.


Resources for You  


Enhance Your Financial Wellness through Estate Planning 

Oct. 21–27 was National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Having a complete estate plan can help you accomplish personal and financial goals, such as: choosing who will receive your assets, choosing who will handle your final personal matters, naming a guardian for your minor children, providing peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones, decreasing expenses, possibly lowering taxes, and ensuring your intended charitable gifts are made. 

More information on estate planning is available through resources from the Office of Planned Giving, including a blog post and a ebrochure. For information on including George Mason in your will or estate plan, contact Aquanetta Betts, director of planned giving, at mylegacy@gmu.edu or 703-993-6971.  


Boo-tiful Brush Strokes on the Mason Square Plaza 

Join University Life Mason Square for a fun Halloween craft session on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 3–5 p.m. Stop by the Mason Square Plaza to paint mini flower pots, canvases, and mini pumpkins. Whether you're a crafting pro or just looking for some festive fun, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative and unwind. Bring your friends, and make some Halloween magic together. 


Ombuds Programming during October   

The Ombuds office will host a variety of programming during October to help the George Mason community learn about its services. Activities include a scavenger hunt, tabling at different campuses, community building circles, campus walk, and Verbal Aikido training. Learn more and register.  


Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Fall Sessions  

The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet on Friday afternoons this fall. Kritikos engages in discussions on writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. Learn more.     

Join them for the topic “Food Justice, Food Apartheid, Food Sovereignty” on Friday, Nov. 1, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.    


Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

Mason Jazz Vocal Night    
Monday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m.    
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts    

Join Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice Studio, the DownBeat award-winning Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble, and Stone Bridge High School (director Christine Tarrant) for an evening of swinging standards and classic hits from the Great American Songbook.    

Virginia Opera: Carmen    
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.    
Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m.    
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts  
  
Virginia Opera presents French composer Georges Bizet’s passion-filled masterpiece, Carmen. Set in Spain around 1830, the drama centers on Carmen, who is bold, uninhibited, and independent. She becomes infatuated with Don José, who throws away everything to be with her, only to be rejected when Carmen moves on, falling for a bullfighter named Escamillo. Carmen confronts the dangers of jealous obsession and falling madly in love with the wrong person. Sung in French with English surtitles.    

Cirque Kalabanté    
Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m.    
Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m.    
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall    

Cirque Kalabanté invites the whole family to Afrique en Cirque, a unique fusion of African arts and European circus traditions that makes for a multi-sensory extravaganza like no other. With colorful costumes and scenery, daring acrobats and dancers perform gravity-defying feats, accompanied by the pulsating rhythms of a live Afro jazz ensemble.     

George Mason School of Theater: More Dogs    
Nov. 21–24, multiple performances    
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace    

An estimated two million Irish people immigrated to the United States in the 1800s in search of better lives, but they often confronted blatant discrimination and oppression. Irish immigrants found limited places to live, work, and thrive. Over time, they organized locally and nationally, built stronger communities, and acquired more social and political power. This compelling work asks audiences to confront hard truths and make hard choices.     

Jazz4Justice™    
Friday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m.    
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts    

Jazz4Justice™ brings attorneys, judges, students, and members of the Northern Virginia community together to celebrate their love of jazz. Proceeds from the evening benefit Legal Services of Northern Virginia, continuing its mission of service to the community, as well as providing financial support for the Mason Jazz Studies program for scholarships, trips, recordings, and student projects.     

Enchantment Theatre Company: My Father’s Dragon    
Saturday, Nov. 23, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall)    
Sunday, Nov. 24, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts)    

Elmer Elevator is on a mission to rescue a baby dragon held captive on Wild Island. How will he pull off such an adventurous rescue? With pure luck—plus chewing gum, lollipop sticks, and rubber bands. Celebrating the 75th anniversary of Ruth Stiles Gannett’s Newbery Honor-winning adventure book, My Father’s Dragon, Enchantment Theatre Company brings to life the story of an unlikely friendship between a courageous boy and a yellow and blue-striped dragon. Recommended for ages 4–10.    

Canadian Brass: Making Spirits Bright  
Saturday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m.  
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts  
 
“With their unbeatable blend of virtuosity, spontaneity and humor” (Washington Post), Canadian Brass kicks off the holiday season with a program of original arrangements and signature takes on beloved classics such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Christmas Time is Here,” “Silver Bells,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” and songs of Hanukkah.   

Take 6  
Sunday, Dec. 1, at 2 p.m.  
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts   

The most awarded a cappella group in history, Take 6, brings its vocal genius to the Center for the Arts for a gospel-infused holiday concert. Heralded by Quincy Jones, experience vocal artistry with their silky-smooth program that slips and slides from jazz to pop to R&B, doo-wop, and blues.  

Chanticleer: A Chanticleer Christmas 
Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m.  
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall  

The holidays shine brighter when Grammy Award-winning Chanticleer comes caroling to the Hylton Center with their beloved program. With 12 expressive voices ranging from countertenor to bass blended with precision, clarity, and breathtaking beauty, “it’s impossible to resist the voices of Chanticleer” (San Francisco Chronicle).  

Mason Wind and Symphony Concert 
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music 
Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m. 
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts  

The Mason Wind Symphony presents its second concert of the season with traditional and contemporary works for wind bands composed by a variety of composers.  

Mason Symphonic Band Concert  
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music 
Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. 
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts  

This ensemble comprises both music majors and nonmajors from myriad academic disciplines. Conducted by director of concert bands, William L. Lake Jr., this concert will be inspiring and entertaining. 

Fall: Dance Innovations 
School of Dance 
Friday, Dec. 6, at 2 and 7 p.m. 
Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m.  
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre   

The creative School of Dance students present their own choreography. Always relevant and fresh, this evening of works will have something for everyone.