Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
A-10 Men's Basketball Championship
The A-10 Men's Basketball Championship is happening at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., from March 12–16. Whether you're taking the Metro, carpooling, or hopping on a George Mason shuttle, let's pack the arena in green and gold! Get all the details.
Nominations for the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations
The Jack Wood Award highlights the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, businesses/not-for-profits, community members, and elected officials/staff who demonstrate leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community.
This distinction honors former Mayor Jack Wood, who played an instrumental role in establishing George Mason in the City of Fairfax and establishing town-gown relations between the university and the community.
Nominations are due March 19. Self-nominations are welcome. Community relations/outreach professionals are not eligible. Awardees will be notified by April 1, and the Board of Visitors will honor awardees on May 1. Questions? Contact Traci Kendall.
President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff
George Mason University President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.
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The first town hall, for faculty and staff working in academic units, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
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The second town hall, for employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
For those unable to attend in-person, both sessions will be livestreamed on Zoom. Contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords. While questions will be taken at the conclusion of each town hall, the Zoom chat function will not be enabled. Should virtual attendees have any questions, please provide them to your designated unit contact so they can be shared in-person during your respective town hall session. Learn more.
Volunteer for Mason Day
Mason Day, one of the longest-running traditions at George Mason, is right around the corner! The Fairfax Campus event features a carnival with rides, games, delicious treats, food trucks, inflatables, novelties, performances, and more. The Student Involvement team invites faculty/staff to volunteer to help facilitate Mason Day on Friday, April 25. View volunteer opportunities and sign up.
Volunteers are asked to sign up by Friday, April 11, for planning purposes. Student Involvement will follow up with volunteers via email a week before Mason Day with day-of information. For more information or questions, contact Brian Greene or Ayleen Leonhardt.
Health and Fitness Expo
Join George Mason University’s 28th annual Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Check out health education activities, hands-on demos, free health screenings, fitness instruction and challenges, and win door prizes and giveaways.
Training and Professional Development
Manager Meetup: Navigating Age Difference in the Workplace
Age diversity can bring unique challenges and strengths, and it is vital to have effective strategies to foster collaboration and inclusivity. Join the University Life Supervision Collective at the March Manager Meetup to discuss strategies for navigating age differences in the workplace. Join this virtual session on Thursday, March 13, from 2–3 p.m. Register.
Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training
The Title IX Office is providing virtual training this spring. This training is for current George Mason employees who have not completed their annual Mandatory Reporter Title IX training (virtual or in-person) for the 2024–25 academic year.
Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training
Wednesday, March 19, 1–3 p.m.
Register
Note: This training requirement may also be fulfilled by registering for and attending “Building Supportive Communities: Clery Act and Title IX” via MasonLEAPS. Contact titleix@gmu.edu with questions.
Generative AI: Thinking, Teaching, and Learning with a "WEIRD" Cognitive Illusion
Generative AI is reshaping not only how we teach and learn but also how we think, prompting us to reconsider long-held assumptions about truth, knowledge, and creativity. At the same time, it can subtly reinforce WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) patterns and biases. Explore how we might learn to think differently—and creatively—with and about AI, and what this means for teaching and learning. Join an online event hosted by the George Mason Global Online Teacher Education Center within the College of Education and Human Development.
Generative AI: Thinking, Teaching, and Learning with a W.E.I.R.D. Cognitive Illusion
Monday, March 31, from 2–3 p.m.
RSVP
About the speaker: Melissa Warr is an assistant professor of educational design and learning technologies at New Mexico State University. Her research blends teacher education, design, creativity, and technology.
George Mason Toastmasters Open House: How to Become a TEDx Speaker
Ready to take your public speaking to the next level? Join the George Mason Toastmasters Open House and discover the secrets to landing your very own TEDx talk. The featured speaker will be Mike Schmidtmann, head of speaker curation at TEDx Warrenton.
George Mason Toastmasters Open House
Wednesday, March 12, from noon to 1 p.m.
In-person: Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 3300 (please arrive 10 minutes early)
Virtually via Zoom
Schmidtmann will present expert insights into what makes a TED Talk truly memorable, how it differs from keynotes and Toastmasters speeches, and the types of topics that get selected and promoted. Learn the strategies to stand out and get chosen to deliver your own TEDx talk. Contact toastmst@gmu.edu with questions.
Resources for You
ProjectConnect Reading Group
Faculty and staff are invited to join an upcoming ProjectConnect reading group, hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Join on Tuesday, April 8, from noon to 1 p.m. for a discussion of The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center, by Rhaina Cohen, which explores friendships, intimacy, and challenging societal norms. A free copy of the book will be provided. Learn more and register.
This reading group is open to all faculty/staff at George Mason and is designed to foster conversation around connection, belonging, and other well-being topics.
College of Public Health: Dean’s Speaker Series
Strengthening Health and Well-Being for Latinos: Considering the Cultural Context in Parenting within Latino Families
Tuesday, March 25
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Multipurpose Room
RSVP
This event will feature guest speaker Cristina Mogro-Wilson, a Latina scholar and expert in health disparities working with Latino families. Her research has made substantial contributions to improving the lives of families by identifying modifiable factors associated with parenting and how culture influences parenting in Latino families.
Mogro-Wilson is the editor-in-chief of Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, a core journal in social work research. She is co-PI on four federally funded five-year grants totaling over $20 million from the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Complimentary Blood Pressure Checks
Take a beat to check in with your heart! The Employee Health and Well-Being team invites the George Mason community to a free, elective blood pressure screening and educational event on Wednesday, March 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center. Sign up for an appointment.
Disclaimer: This screening is for informational purposes only and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Information is for personal use only; individual health information is not recorded or maintained by George Mason University.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Exhibition: ‘Offerings to the Potomac – Acknowledging Indigenous Place’
Open through May 15
Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall, Atrium Gallery
Curated by Gabrielle Tayac and Public History in Action students. Co-curated and designed by Mason Exhibitions.
This exhibition grew out of the “IndigenoUs Northern Virginia: Activating Local and Diasporic Native Identities at Mason” project of Alison Landsberg and Gabrielle Tayac. “Indigenous Northern Virginia” began with a Summer Research Institute of students who connected with diverse indigenous communities in Northern Virginia through experiential listening and dialogue.
JigJam
Friday, March 14, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, JigJam, “the best Irish group in bluegrass” (Irish American News), guarantees foot-stomping, heart-pounding feel-good tunes. The quartet made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in 2023 to a sold-out crowd, where they were joined by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, and Lauren Alaina, among others. These talented multi-instrumentalists have released three albums and are winning over audiences with their infectious blend of bluegrass and American folk. Celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Irish with “Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival” (Midwest Records).
Cherish the Ladies
Saturday, March 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Kick up your heels with U.S.-based Celtic music sensation Cherish the Ladies in a rousing program of traditional Irish melodies and original arrangements performed with virtuoso instrumentation, beautiful vocals, and spirited step dancing.
Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies LIVE
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Founded by D.C. native Chloé Arnold, an Emmy Award-nominated tap dancer and choreographer, and protégé of Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, Syncopated Ladies LIVE is a spellbinding and inspirational all-female tap dance celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, rhythm, and joy. These dynamic performers are reinvigorating the artform of tap, weaving together inspiring stories, electric energy, and intricate footwork, while dancing to everything from pop and hip-hop to salsa and R&B.
Rhythm India
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
With colorful costumes, dynamic music, and soulful beats, Rhythm India evokes the glitz and glamor of a blockbuster Bollywood dance sequence and the graceful movements of classical Indian dance. Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond is the creation of World Choreography Award Nominee and Telly Award-winning director and choreographer, Joya Kazi, and features the company dancers of Joya Kazi.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Humor in Music
Sunday, Mar. 23, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Siegel closes out his season of Keyboard Conversations® with music to raise the spirits—and stimulate smiles! Center audiences are invited to enjoy merriment in musical tones from the enchanting works of Chopin, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Copland, and Stravinsky.
Mason Dance Company Gala Concert
School of Dance
Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The highlight of the School of Dance season, featuring guest artists of international acclaim. This year’s Gala Concert includes “The Hunt” by Robert Battle, “Cloudline” by Robyn Mineko Williams, a premiere by Christopher d’Amboise, and “The Fracture of Light” by Yin Yue. If you’re up for a party, we throw a great one prior to the performance on Saturday during the Mason Dance Fête!
Hylton Family Series: A Year With Frog and Toad
Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Direct from Broadway comes the Tony Award-winning musical, A Year With Frog and Toad, based on the beloved children’s books by Arnold Lobel. Featuring a jazzy score by Robert and Willie Reale and produced by Wishing Star Productions, LLC, this charming musical follows two best friends—cheerful Frog and curmudgeonly Toad—through the four seasons. A Year With Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures with wit and heart. Recommended for all ages.
American Roots Series: Alison Brown
Saturday, March 29, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Grammy Award-winning banjoist Alison Brown is renowned for her innovative sound blending bluegrass, folk, and jazz. She has earned praise and legions of fans worldwide touring with the Alison Brown Quartet and as a soloist, recording 12 critically acclaimed albums. This intimate evening with one of the most multi-faceted artists on today’s roots music scene is not to be missed. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Les Arts Florissants: Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ at 300
Sunday, March 30, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Les Arts Florissants, one of the foremost Baroque music ensembles in the world, reframes the iconic work for the 21st century. The 15-person chamber orchestra, which performs on period instruments, intersperses the movements of the beloved Four Seasons with lesser-known works by Monteverdi, Uccelline, and Geminiani in this “performance to be celebrated” (New York Times).
Jazz Big Band Showdown Spring 2025
Dewberry School of Music
Monday, March 31, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Mason Jazz Ensemble (director Jim Carroll) and two special guest big bands for an evening that celebrates the hot sounds and swinging beats of the Big Band era.
George Mason School of Theater: The Tempest
April 3–6, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
When Prospero, a gifted sorcerer, and his young daughter, Miranda, are banished by his scheming brother, Duke Antonio, Prospero seeks shelter on a remote island and bides his time, waiting for the perfect moment to enact his revenge. A conjured storm shipwrecks Duke Antonio and his allies on Prospero’s island, offering him the opportunity he’s been awaiting. But love and magic throw a wrench into Prospero’s plans, and he must consider what matters the most in his quest for justice. Set in an alternate universe of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, this exceptional adaptation will be directed by Rick Davis, dean of George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Cirque Mechanics
Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Known for their modern circus incorporating mechanical marvels, Cirque Mechanics introduces the wildly astonishing Pedal Punk, set in a Steampunk-inspired world where cycling provides wondrous escape from pervasive obsession with technology. A 22-foot, pedal-powered performance platform (dubbed the Gantry bike) serves as the caravanning mobile centerpiece of this high-flying thrill ride, featuring spectacular storytelling and daredevil acrobatics.
Family Series – Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey
Sunday, April 6, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Called “absolutely incredible” by Rolling Stone and featured as a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent, Lightwire Theater uniquely combines technology and theater to bring stories to life in complete darkness, through its signature brand of electroluminescent artistry. In this production, Marvin the Mouse wants to be popular, but is constantly bullied by the “cool” rats. He retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy as respite, longing to have adventures and be the hero. Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures and views awesome beauty in this cosmic adventure about celebrating differences. Recommended for ages 10 and under.
Mountain Stage hosted by Kathy Mattea
Sunday, April 6, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Become a part of broadcast history as two-time Grammy winner and West Virginia native Kathy Mattea hosts a taping of Mountain Stage, live from the Hylton Center. Since 1983, Mountain Stage has given listeners the best seat in the house for performances by rising stars and longtime legends. Recorded in front of a live audience, each two-hour episode features contemporary artists in genres ranging from roots, folk, blues, and country to indie rock, synth pop, world music, alternative, and beyond.
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