Around Mason: Week of Aug. 15, 2023

Body

Faculty/Staff Announcements

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


Campus Updates


Virtual Parking Permits Are in Effect

Have you updated your license plate in your parking portal? Hang tags are officially a thing of the past, and your license plate is now your parking permit. Be sure to associate your vehicle with your license plate at parking.gmu.edu


Meal Plans for Faculty and Staff

Elevate your dining experience with Mason Dining. Enjoy special meal rates with Byte Plans at Mason’s three dining halls, or indulge in the privacy and lounge vibe of the Mason Club membership. Save more as you purchase more meals. Plans are valid for both fall and spring semesters, starting as low as $100 per meal plan. Learn more.


Mason Is Going Mobile with the Launch of the Mobile ID

George Mason University is proud to introduce a Mobile ID program, offering an innovative and optional digital ID card for the Mason community.  

Now, you have the flexibility to choose whether to carry your Mason ID on your Apple or Android device. Embrace the convenience and sustainability of the Mobile ID. Visit the website for details and enrollment instructions.


Fall Shuttle Schedules Available

The Fall 2023 shuttle schedules are available at shuttle.gmu.edu. A fall 2023 overview is available at transportation.gmu.edu.

Please note: Summer service operates through Friday, August 18, on Sandy Creek to Metro, Fairfax/Mason Square, and Fairfax/SciTech.

For Gunston Mason only, summer service operated through Friday, August 11, and fall service began on Monday, August 14.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at shuttle@gmu.edu or call 703-993-2828.


Mason Square Café Grand Opening Celebration

The Mason Square Café is now open and ready to serve you. This new, go-to spot for on-campus dining includes coffee, teas, and a variety of other beverages as a We Proudly Serve Starbucks location. The Mason Square Café is also proud to introduce build-your-own bowl options, featuring fresh ingredients to create a personalized and wholesome meal.  

The Mason Square Café is located on the first floor of Van Metre Hall. 

Mark your calendar for a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, August 16, from noon to 2 p.m. Experience a delightful blend of flavors and connect with the campus community. Check out exclusive offers and promotions and share feedback on what menu options you would like to enjoy at Mason Square Café.


Save the Date: “As Is” Abandoned Bike Sale

Parking and Transportation’s “As Is” Abandoned Bike Sale will be held on Friday, September 29, from 2–4 p.m. in the visitor section of the Shenandoah Parking Deck. Approximately 65–70 bikes are available for purchase this year (one bike per customer).

Mason students, faculty, and staff may shop at the bike sale. Details, once finalized, will be posted at bike.gmu.edu. Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu.


Training and Professional Development


Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Call for Workshop Proposals

The Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) team in Human Resources is excited to announce this year’s Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 25. This year's theme, "Mapping Your Future: Discovering Mason’s Treasure," will guide the day’s learning.   

This in-person event (hosted on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center) provides an opportunity for personal and professional growth by exploring new paths, unlocking potential, and discovering hidden treasures within ourselves and our work.   

ODL is seeking innovative and engaging workshop proposals from faculty and staff. Read more about the workshop objectives and proposal requirements. Proposals are due Friday, August 18, at 5 p.m. 


Encore Learning Announces Its Fall Semester

Encore Learning’s Fall 2023 semester is offering 35 courses, including 28 new courses with both virtual and in-person classes. Encore Learning is an Arlington-based nonprofit that provides college-level courses, clubs, and special events for those over 50.
Join them on Thursday, September 7, at 9:30 a.m. for the Fall Course Preview via Zoom where you can learn more about courses you might be interested in and meet your instructors.
Fall 2023 course registration begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 11. Classes will begin on Monday, October 2.
To review all of the information about the Encore Learning’s fall semester, check out the courses page.


Resources for You


Mason Night at Nationals Park

Let's play ball! Mason Night at Nationals Park is Wednesday, September 6. The Mason community is invited to purchase access to a pre-game reception and discounted game tickets, which include a new, limited-edition Mason/Nats branded quarter-zip pullover. Learn more.


Arts Alive! at the Hylton Center

Arts Alive! at the Hylton Performing Arts Center is an annual, family-friendly arts festival featuring 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), and more. 

Join the celebration on Sunday, September 10, from noon to 4 p.m. on the SciTech Campus. Arts Alive! includes: 

  • Live performances and exhibits by local artists and art organizations 
  • Visual art on display and for purchase 
  • Local authors reading and selling their work 
  • Hands-on activities and live demonstrations for all ages 
  • Food and beverages available for purchase 

Come celebrate your local arts community. This event is free; no tickets required.


Upcoming Performance at Mason

Mariwô Project Concert with Juan Megna Group
Sunday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre

Join Mason alum Juan Megna and the Juan Megna Group for a concert of his upcoming album, Mariwô Project. The music is inspired by traditional melodies and rhythms coming from the Afro-Brazilian religion known as Candomblé. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required

Following the performance, Juan and the group will participate in a Q&A session with the audience. Megna received the 2023 Young Alumni Commissioning Award from the College of Visual and Performing Arts' Young Alumni Commissioning Project.