Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Galileo Science Café—Into the Abyss: The Science and Survival of Submarines
In honor of Veterans Day, join a discussion about submarine science with Noel Gonzalez, former Navy captain and current COO of Targeted Bioscience. Learn about military science and the challenges of science in the deep. Galileo’s Science Cafe will be hosted on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 7–9 p.m. at the Manassas Museum (9101 Prince William Street, Manassas, Virginia). Stick around for a Q&A with the presenter and light refreshments. Learn more and RSVP. This event is sponsored by George Mason's College of Science as well as the City of Manassas, Department of Economic Development.
Discussion with U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos
The George Mason University Chapter of the American Statistical Association will host Robert Santos, director of the U.S. Census Bureau, for a discussion on Friday, Nov. 15, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Nguyen Engineering Building, Room 1602. The campus community is invited to discover the critical role of the Census Bureau in shaping public policy with national statistics and data collection.
Toys for Tots
This holiday season, help spread joy by donating to the Toys for Tots campaign. George Mason’s Office of Military Services is an official collection site, working alongside the Office of Contemporary Student Services to support children in need. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at either collection site through Dec. 12:
- Office of Military Services: Fairfax Campus, Student Union Building (SUB) I, Room 1510
- Office of Contemporary Student Services: Fairfax Campus, SUB I, Room 3600
All donations go directly to children in the community who might otherwise go without gifts. Make this holiday season brighter—thank you for your generosity! For more information, contact military@gmu.edu or 703-993-1316.
Peer Advisor Application Open
University Studies is hiring Peer Advisors to co-teach "Intro to Mason" classes in fall 2025. This is an on-campus job opportunity for undergraduate students. Faculty and staff may encourage interested students to fill out an application and attend an information session.
Visit the website for more details. Information sessions are posted on Mason360.gmu.edu. Search for "Peer Advisor information session" under events.
Training and Professional Development
Still Need Canvas Training?
Join a Canvas Boot Camp from Dec. 3–5 (via Zoom) for the final live training option before spring semester. Other Canvas training opportunities include "Getting Started with Canvas" (biweekly Zoom introductory sessions) and the ongoing Canvas lunch and learn sessions (hosted weekly on Zoom). Get the details.
Course Redesign Academy
Course ReDesign Academy will include Zoom meetings on Jan. 8–9, 2025, to support faculty members’ final adjustments for a spring course or advanced planning for summer/fall. Accepted participants receive a stipend to support course development. Learn more and apply by Wednesday, Dec. 11. This opportunity is facilitated by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning.
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
The MIX Handmade Marketplace
The Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) will host its Handmade Marketplace on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 1–6 p.m., where George Mason community members and alumni will sell their handmade creations. This biannual event is a wonderful opportunity to share innovative interests and connect with a community of fellow makers. Stop by the first floor of Horizon Hall on the Fairfax Campus.
Help Make College Dreams Come True
Interested in helping local high school students in non-traditional programs achieve their dream of a college education? Become a mentor with George Mason's Dream Catchers program. Mentors attend monthly workshops on campus to assist students seeking to attend college upon graduating high school. Interested? Contact Buz Grover at hgroveri@gmu.edu or 703-993-5784 for more information.
Bi/Pan Coffee Social
The LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is hosting a coffee social for those who want to be in community with other bi/pan individuals on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 9–10 a.m. in the Women and Gender Studies Lounge (Johnson Center, Room 240K).
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 “Black Joy: Reclaiming My Time” on Friday, Nov. 15, 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
Documentary Screening: Patriot Packout
Tuesday, Nov. 19, from 6–8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Ike’s, multipurpose room
Patriot Packout is George Mason's community-based donation initiative that diverts new and gently used items away from the trash and redistributes them to students, staff, and alumni for free. Patriot Packout addresses basic needs insecurity while accelerating action toward the university’s Zero Waste goal. Mason Exhibitions, along with Facilities and Campus Operations, invites you to a screening of an original documentary about Patriot Packout, produced by current MFA student Steven Luu. A curated menu of locally sourced and campus-grown food will be served. RSVP.
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. 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.
SciTech 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 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.
Love, Betrayal and Forgiveness—Scenes from Mozart’s Most Popular Operas
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 and 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
The Dewberry School of Music’s Mason Opera presents its fall 2024 performance. Featuring George Mason’s talented vocal students in collaboration with an instrumental chamber ensemble, these live, in-person performances will showcase great vocal skill and dramatic ability and deeply immerse the audience in the action of the story.
Squirrel Nut Zippers: Christmas Caravan
Saturday, Dec. 7, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Swing into the holiday season with platinum-selling jazz-rock band Squirrel Nut Zippers. Serving up a blend of Delta blues, big band, klezmer jazz, and calypso sound in their holiday program, Christmas Caravan, Squirrel Nut Zippers is sure to get audiences dancing to songs from their albums and other holiday favorites.
Sons of Serendip
Sunday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
“Silky beyond reason” (New York Times), the Billboard-charting foursome, Sons of Serendip, combines warm and inviting vocals, harp, piano, and cello. Enjoy an afternoon of songs from their holiday-themed album Christmas: Beyond the Lights, showcasing velvety harmony and fresh interpretations of traditional holiday tunes.
Mason Symphony Orchestra and Choirs Winter Festival
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join a joyous concert celebration by the Dewberry School of Music to ring in the winter season. Showcasing Mason’s Symphony Orchestra and Choirs, this evening will feature holiday favorites and festive new works performed by extraordinary student artists, conducted by Soo Han, Thomas Colohan, and Michael Stern.
December Studio Series
George Mason School of Dance
Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6 and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, Room A301
Enjoy an evening of student work in one of the School of Dance studios, transformed into an intimate theater.
American Festival Pops Orchestra—Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season
Friday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. (SciTech Campus, Hylton Center)
Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. (Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts)
The American Festival Pops Orchestra returns with its beloved Holiday Pops: Songs of the Season. Led by Conductor Peter Wilson, enjoy seasonal favorites, including: “The Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and executive director of the Hylton Center, toe-tapping classics from the orchestra's embedded big band, and an appearance by the Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Darden Purcell.
Seán Heely’s Celtic Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 and 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Washington, D.C.-based, award-winning Celtic fiddler, Gaelic singer, and harpist Seán Heely returns for a winter tour through the Scottish Highlands and across the Irish coast. Featuring Highland and Irish dancing and the MacMillan Pipe Band, the performance includes Gaelic carols tucked in with lively Irish tunes and familiar Christmas melodies.