Faculty and Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-In Parking and Traffic Advisory
As George Mason University welcomes nearly 6,000 residential students to the Fairfax Campus from Wednesday, Aug. 20, to Sunday, Aug. 24, the campus community should expect increased traffic and parking delays.
Traffic will increase around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck. Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in, and road closures will be in effect in some areas. Please allow additional travel time to and from campus.
Key units across the university work together to make the move-in experience as efficient as possible. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we welcome the newest Patriots to the Mason Nation.
Get more information about closures and traffic impacts. Refer to the Fairfax Campus Map for parking lot and road locations.
For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu. Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousing on X for updates.
Fresh Dining Options for Faculty and Staff
Upgrade your lunch routine with Byte Plans: the affordable, flexible dining option designed for George Mason employees. Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat meals, retail variety at The Eaterie, and access to the Mason Club’s private dining room. Byte Plans start at $110/year and feature new flavors, concepts, and spaces thanks to George Mason’s new dining partner, Chartwells.
Patriot Web Upgrade Coming this Fall
Patriot Web, George Mason’s self-service site for managing personal, administrative, and academic information, is being upgraded this fall to a new, modern interface with improved navigation. A soft launch of the new environment will be available for use on Monday, Sept. 1. Users can access the update via the Patriot Web login page. Any actions taken in the new environment will be reflected in the current version of Patriot Web, which will be disabled on Tuesday, Sept. 30. For questions, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or via chat.
College Colors Day 2025
College Colors Day is coming. Do you know where your colors are? We want to see Mason Nation styled in green and gold on Friday, Aug. 29, Stop by the George Mason bookstore in the Johnson Center to celebrate with giveaways, discounts, and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remember, wear green and gold on Friday, Aug. 29, and every Friday after that for Spirit Fridays!
Giveaways include (while supplies last):
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Free bracelet for those wearing George Mason gear
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Free tote bag with proof of branded merch purchase and following @wearmason
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20% off one branded item at the George Mason bookstore*
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Free unique George Mason patch with in-store hat purchase
*Valid in store only, while supplies last. Discount excludes textbooks, Apple products, and other nonbranded products. This discount cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts.
New Noise Zones at Fenwick Library
Based on feedback from the recent Noise and Space Assessment at Fenwick Library, University Libraries has reimagined the study spaces to better match the way the George Mason community works and studies. The new “noise zones” at Fenwick Library help make room for everyone, whether they need a spot to deeply focus or a spot to collaborate. Each zone has an identifier: a green icon for the Group/Collaborative Study area, and a blue icon for the Quiet Study area.
The Quiet Study area is the ideal location for individual study, reading, and small group work with low volume levels. Lounge seating, individual desks, and study rooms make this space ideal for uninterrupted work. The Group/Collaborative Study area is perfect for projects, tutoring, or studying with friends. Collaborative furniture and open layouts support conversation.
The University Libraries encourage self-awareness and kindness in all zones. If a space does not fit your needs, try another nearby. Learn more about the University Libraries. Follow @masonlibraries for updates.
Training and Professional Development
Register for the 17th Annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference
Registration is now open for the 17th annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference, hosted by the Stearns Center. This year's conference theme is “Teaching for the Future: AI, Analog, and Beyond.” The hybrid conference will take place via Zoom on Thursday, Sept. 25, and in-person at the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus on Friday, Sept. 26. Registration closes Sept. 19. Visit the website for more information and to view the conference program.
New Academic Standards Training
A training module designed to help faculty fully understand the new Academic Standards Code is now available in MasonLEAPS. To ensure consistent application of academic standards across the university, faculty are encouraged to take this training at the start of the semester.
Join the Career Influencers Network
The George Mason Career Influencers Network is a nationally recognized model for providing career development support to students through their connections with advisors, professors, instructors, supervisors, mentors, and others at the university. Career Influencers contribute critical career readiness guidance and feedback to students.
The network includes more than 500 George Mason faculty and staff. Faculty and staff are invited to join the network by completing an interactive, 4.5-hour training, which includes modules focused on defining career readiness, understanding how employers recruit students in all degree programs, and supporting students at various stages in their career development.
The next in-person training will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Register today.
Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day 2025: Call for Proposals
Save the date for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Thursday, Oct. 16. This year’s theme is “The Future We Choose: Courage, Community, Commitment.”
Human Resources invites faculty and staff to submit workshop proposals that inspire growth, collaboration, and resilience. Suggested topics include leadership, community building, innovation, well-being, and mission-driven work.
Sessions should be 30 to 60 minutes and include clear objectives and engagement strategies. Submit a proposal by Friday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m. For questions, contact hrlearn@gmu.edu.
Resources for You
Build Community in a Faculty/Staff Bridge to Belonging Group
Get to know other faculty and staff at George Mason and strengthen your well-being through a Bridge to Belonging group. Register by Wednesday, Aug. 27, for an online group that meets on Thursdays from 2–3 p.m., Sept. 4 through Oct. 2. This opportunity is hosted by the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being.
Faculty and Staff Book Discussion Group: ‘The Happiness Advantage’
Faculty and staff are invited to join the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being for a book discussion group on The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor. Participants will be provided with a free copy of the book. The group will meet online on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Learn more and register by Aug. 21.
August Is National Make-a-Will Month
Did you know that most Americans either do not have an estate plan, or need to update their plan to meet their current circumstances? National Make-a-Will Month is a great reminder to update your will or create your will if you do not have one. Consult with an estate planning attorney to assist with the process.
George Mason’s Office of Planned Giving offers a complimentary online resource: Your Will: A Powerful Tool. For questions, contact Aquanetta Betts, director of planned giving, at 703-993-6971 or mylegacy@gmu.edu.
Note: All health plans offered to state employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs), which include limited sessions for legal services such as estate planning. For information, visit the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management website.
Encore Learning Information Session
Encore Learning has a robust fall lineup of courses, including 31 courses held at Mason Square. Dedicated to lifelong learning and serving those over age 50, Encore Learning offers courses about history, literature, art, science, and politics. George Mason faculty are teaching some of the courses in the lineup. Join a virtual course preview on Thursday, Sept. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Gian Marco en Concierto
Saturday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Composer, performer, and producer Gian Marco is one of the most renowned singer-songwriters in Latin American music. Marco’s career spans more than 30 years and his compositions include hundreds of unforgettable hits for renowned Spanish-speaking artists like Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, and Alejandro Fernández. At this concert, Gian Marco presents the album Aún me sigo encontrando.
A Masterclass with Heather Lanza, co-producer of ‘The Wild Robot’
Visiting Filmmakers Series and Film and Video Studies
Tuesday, Sep. 9, at 1:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts, Monson Grand Tier III
Heather Lanza will discuss a range of topics, including her experience in animation production, the role of a producer, and leadership in production management. Lanza is a producer at DreamWorks Animation. In addition to co-producing The Wild Robot, she was associate producer for Puss in Boots 2, and production manager on Abominable and The Boss Baby. This event is free and open to the George Mason community. Limited seats available. This event will be in-person, while Lanza will join virtually.
George Mason School of Theater: 'The Originals!'
Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Tune in for an exciting evening of original new works featuring George Mason’s talented student playwrights and performers. The Originals! offers theater artists the chance to share their work in a variety of forms. This annual event opens the season for the School of Theater, welcoming students, alumni, and friends back to campus. Whether a 10-minute play or musical, explore the brilliant imaginations of our students as they present this year’s Originals!
Arts Alive! 2025
Sunday, Sept. 14, at noon
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center
Co-produced by the Prince William County Arts Council and the Hylton Performing Arts Center, this annual family-friendly arts festival features arts council members, community performers, and fine artists. Enjoy activities for all ages, multiple stages of performances, food and craft vendors, and more. Celebrate the local arts community. Free, no tickets required.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: 'Beethoven—The Young Genius'
Sunday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns for his Keyboard Conversations® concerts with commentary. In Beethoven—The Young Genius, Siegel presents the passionate, popular Sonata Pathetique in C Minor; the high-spirited “Rage Over a Lost Penny,” and the deeply moving “Largo e mesto” from the early Sonata in D Major, Op. 10, No. 3. “A musical bridge-builder in action...Siegel showed just how illuminating the combination of words and abstract music may be” (Toronto Star). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.
Grand Piano Celebration
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Grand Piano Celebration honors George Mason's All-Steinway School and the 20th Anniversary of the Friends of Music at Mason. Outstanding student and faculty artists of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music will be on stage to display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Additional piano faculty artists include Anna Balakerskaia, John Healey, and Eunae Ko Han. Jennifer Casey Cabot, soprano, and guest artist Kris Monson, bassist, will also perform. George Mason's faculty piano ensemble (eight hands) will also be showcased.
Jeremy Jordan in Concert
Sunday, Sept. 21, at 7 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Most recently playing the title role in Floyd Collins, Jeremy Jordan has wowed audiences on Broadway as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Jack Kelly in Newsies—a performance that earned him Tony, Grammy, and Drama Desk Award nominations—and Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde, for which he received a Theatre World Award. A familiar face on screen, his television credits include NBC’s Smash, CW’s Supergirl, Disney’s Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, and Amazon’s Hazbin Hotel. Jordan’s Hylton Center debut promises to deliver an electrifying mix of vocal styles across all genres of Broadway and pop music.
20th ARTS by George! Headlining Performance: 'An Evening with Darren Criss'
Saturday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Since bursting onto the pop-culture landscape over a decade ago in Fox TV's hit show Glee, Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has embodied the kind of kaleidoscopic artistry that's entirely uninhibited by form or genre. For this concert, Criss will perform well-known songs featured throughout his wildly eclectic career as both a songwriter and performer, including those from Glee, StarKid Productions, and the Broadway shows in which he has starred. Criss is currently starring in and received the 2025 Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for the critically acclaimed Broadway hit Maybe Happy Ending. Tickets to the 8:30 p.m. concert of An Evening with Darren Criss go on sale Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. ET. Learn more about ARTS by George!
Mason Bands Concert: 'Celebrations in Motion'
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Mason Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony proudly open the 55th anniversary year of the Mason Bands with Celebrations in Motion—a vibrant program of historical and contemporary works that explore the idea of celebration through energy, reflection, and musical movement. As part of this special anniversary event, the Mason Bands are excited to welcome the Centreville High School Wind Ensemble, conducted by George Mason alum Melissa Hall.
Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Friday, Oct. 3, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join London’s Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble for a riveting program featuring Schubert’s Octet in F major, D. 803, considered one of the greatest chamber works of all time; Françaix’s witty Octet, commissioned as a companion piece to Schubert’s Octet; and a special work commissioned by the Academy.
Mason Artist-in-Residence: Papermoon Puppet Theatre
Saturday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Indonesia’s innovative Papermoon Puppet Theatre presents a spellbinding, non-verbal puppetry work. Founded by illustrator, writer, and theater performer Maria (Ria) Tri Sulistyani and visual artist Iwan Effendi, Papermoon has traveled the world with its mixed media productions that are personal, yet universally resonant. A bittersweet and hopeful piece, Puno tells the story of Tala, a young girl who is coping with her father’s passing, exploring how we can hold and appreciate what has been left to us. Recommended for children and adults; ages 7 and older.