Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Faculty and Staff Holiday Parties
George Mason University's successes this year are possible because of our dedicated faculty and staff. Gather with colleagues to celebrate your 2024 achievements at the university holiday parties. RSVP for the event at your campus:
- SciTech Campus: Tuesday, Dec. 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Beacon Hall
- Fairfax Campus: Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 1:30–3:30 p.m., Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
- Mason Square: Monday, Dec. 16, from 1:30–3:30 p.m., Van Metre Hall, multipurpose room
Commencement Volunteers
University Events is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to assist with the Winter 2024 Graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, Dec. 18, and Thursday, Dec. 19.
Check out the volunteer form for locations, times, and a brief description of each volunteer opportunity. Volunteers will receive additional information about their specific duties prior to Dec. 17. Thank you for supporting our 2024 graduates!
Disability Services Seeking Volunteers to Proctor Final Exams
Disability Services is seeking volunteer proctors to assist during final exams. Rooms in Student Union Building I (SUB I) will be used to proctor exams for students registered with Disability Services. A proctor is needed for each room, as well as some “runners” to take students to their assigned seats. Professional staff are needed to volunteer for two-hour shifts on Dec. 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The proctor role involves having students sign in and out of the testing space and ensuring concerns of academic integrity are addressed. Proctors are welcome to bring quiet work (such as a laptop or book). The runner role involves walking students from the check-in room to their assigned seat and dropping off the test proctoring form to SUB I, Room 3313. Additional information on the role and duties will be provided to volunteers. Sign up. Contact Rachel Carter with questions.
West Campus Town Hall
You’re invited to a community conversation regarding George Mason University’s West Campus development. Share your thoughts and ideas regarding concepts for the development, campus and community needs, and opportunities for collaboration. All are welcome.
West Campus Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 11
7–8:30 p.m.
City of Fairfax City Hall, Council Chambers: 10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030
University Winter Break Lockdown
The university will be closed for winter break from Monday, Dec. 23, at 6 a.m. through Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 6 a.m. However, some employees and students may require entry for special projects into buildings without electronic access. Therefore, pre-planned access for nonelectronic lock buildings can be coordinated in advance via the Winter Break Building Access Form found on the Mason Police website. Failure to coordinate with Mason Police in advance may result in being denied access. For questions on building card access, email caso@gmu.edu.
Staff Senate Holiday Donation Drive
Every holiday season, the Staff Senate supports a donation drive to benefit local organizations. For the 2024 holiday season, the Staff Senate is encouraging the Mason community to support four organizations:
- Food and toiletry contributions to the Patriot Pantry, which provides access to food and hygiene items to the George Mason community.
- Donations of toys and supplies to Inova Children’s Hospital.
- If you love the dogs and cats of our local community, support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Arlington, Virginia.
- The SciTech Campus will collect items for the Northern Virginia Family Services SERVE Campus through food donations brought to the SciTech holiday party.
- Read donation guidelines and find out most-needed items on the Staff Senate website.
Parking Services Donation Drive: Receive Credit toward a Parking Citation
Make a donation of nonperishable food or personal hygiene items to benefit the Patriot Pantry at any Parking Services office and receive a $15, $20, or $30 credit toward an outstanding parking citation. Restrictions apply. The donation drive is underway through Wednesday, Dec. 18. Get the details. Contact parking@gmu.edu with questions.
Resources for You
Wear Mason’s Holiday Gift Guide
It's that time of the season! Shop Wear Mason’s holiday gift guide for fan favorites. Make the holiday special for a student, alum, faculty/staff, family member, or colleague.
Annual Leave Rollover Reminder: Jan. 9 Deadline
As we approach the end of the leave year, faculty and staff are reminded that the annual leave carryover limit will be rolled over on Jan. 9, 2025. Employees with leave balances exceeding the carryover limit must use their excess leave before Jan. 9, 2025, to avoid losing it. Plan ahead and coordinate time off with supervisors.
For more information on carryover limits, visit the Annual Leave webpage. Additionally, employees have the option to donate excess leave through the Leave Sharing Program. Contact hr@gmu.edu with questions.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
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.
U.S. Navy Concert Band
45th International Saxophone Symposium
Friday, Jan. 10, and Saturday, Jan. 11
Fairfax Campus Center for the Arts
The 45th International Saxophone Symposium, hosted by the U.S. Navy Band, features more than 150 performances, masterclasses and lectures designed for musicians of all ages. The International Saxophone Symposium features world-renowned saxophonists, while highlighting the prominence of the saxophone in both classical and jazz literature. Friday night's concert presents the U.S. Navy Concert Band with a mixture of band pieces and classically oriented saxophone solos. Featured soloists will include Makoto Hondo, ~Nois, and Musician First Class Harrison Clarke. This event is open to the public, and no tickets are required.
American Roots Series: Graham Breedlove Group
Saturday, Jan. 25, at 5 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Called “one of the most exciting trumpet players on the planet” (International Trumpet Guild Journal), Graham Breedlove brings his quintet for an exhilarating program of music. Just in time for Mardi Gras, Breedlove, a native of south Louisiana, is joined by fellow members of the Dewberry School of Music faculty to perform a mix of traditional New Orleans music, modern jazz, and original tunes.
Silkroad Ensemble
Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Returning for a third year as a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Grammy Award-winning music collective Silkroad Ensemble presents this world premiere showcase of all-star percussionists and musical storytelling through the exchange of rhythm, pulse, and melody from different musical traditions around the world. Formed by Yo-Yo Ma and now led by Pulitzer Prize winning multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens, Silkroad Ensemble will engage the community and students during its residency through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.