Faculty and Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
Staff Senate meeting with President Gregory Washington
The October Staff Senate meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, will feature guest speaker Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University. President Washington will join from 10–11 a.m., followed by the business meeting from 11 a.m. to noon. Attendees may join on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom.
Flu Vaccine Clinics
Protect yourself and your community from seasonal flu. Get your 2025-26 influenza vaccine at George Mason. Clinics will be held on the following dates:
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Science and Technology Campus: Thursday, Oct. 2
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Fairfax Campus: Thursday, Oct. 9
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Mason Square: Wednesday, Oct. 15
Get more details and register for an appointment.
Diaper Drive for Student Parent Month
September is Student Parent Month, and the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community is hosting a Diaper Drive to support student-parents at George Mason. The average cost for diapers is between $840 and $1,000 per year, and parents can struggle with diaper insecurity. Donate diapers and/or wipes via the Student Parent Month Amazon Wish List, or drop off new and unopened items at these locations:
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Office of Access, Compliance and Community: Fairfax Campus, Aquia Building, Room 373
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Student Involvement: The Hub, Room 2300
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Contemporary Student Services: Student Union Building (SUB) I, Suite 3600, or The Hub, Room 1012
The Diaper Drives ends on Sept. 30. Donations will be available to those in need beginning in October. Contact TITLEIX@gmu.edu with any questions.
Training and Professional Development
Fenwick Fellowship: Request for Applications
The Fenwick Fellowship is awarded annually to a George Mason faculty member to pursue a research project that uses and enhances the University Libraries' resources while advancing knowledge in their field.
The Fellowship provides one award of $5,000 to be used for the acquisition of library research materials for the fellow's research project, as well as associated research costs, and an office in Fenwick Library for the term of the Fellowship (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026).
The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 10. The 2026 Fenwick Fellow will be announced at the end of the fall academic term. Visit the website for more information. Contact library@gmu.edu with questions.
Upcoming Workshops from the Stearns Center
ChatGPT, AI Text Generator Tools, and... Inclusive Teaching?
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 10:45–11:45 a.m., Zoom
This session will include a discussion of how we continue teaching with impact and to support all students in this new reality.
Register
Feel Better, Teach Better: Strategies for Supporting Faculty Mental Health
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Zoom
Join us to create community and talk about one of the most prevalent, but under-discussed, issues in academia. In this workshop, we explore faculty mental health, strategies for improving the environment, and address barriers to addressing concerns.
Register
Surviving to Thriving: Incorporating Trauma-informed Instructional Practices
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 9:30–10:30 a.m., Zoom
Explore the concept of trauma and how it applies to the classroom, recognize a few common trauma responses, investigate several educational best practices, expand our thinking with resilient pedagogy, and begin to apply these concepts to our own teaching.
Register
Communicating with Learners about Ethical AI Use
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 10:45–11:45 a.m., Zoom
This hands-on session will guide you in creating course policies that promote an ethical AI culture.
Register
Reflective Assessments for STEM
Thursday, Oct. 2, 10–11 a.m., Zoom
This new workshop will focus on using feedback to shape your own STEM teaching practices as well as engage students in their own learning and assessment.
Register
In Class Activities Workshop for Graduate Students
Friday, Oct. 3, 10–11 a.m., Zoom
This workshop focuses on how to manage small and large student discussions and other hands-on learning activities during class. This workshop counts toward the SkillCraft Level 1 Essentials Credential and is open to all graduate students.
Register
Fostering Engagement and Belonging with Inclusive Classroom Techniques
Monday, Oct. 6, 10–11 a.m., Zoom
Are you ready to integrate inclusive teaching throughout your instructional spaces? This is where that journey begins. In this workshop, we will explore some of the definitions and terms often found in conversations about creating more inclusive classrooms.
Register
Get the Most Out of Your Midcycle Check-in and Explore Professional Development Opportunities
The midcycle performance check-in is coming on Oct. 1, offering a great opportunity for classified staff and administrative/professional faculty to reflect on progress, celebrate successes, and plan for continued growth. This is a time for employees to have constructive conversations with their managers about work accomplishments and align goals for the remainder of the performance evaluation year (April 1–March 31). Get more tips on the Human Resources website.
Register for a performance evaluation workshop:
For questions about the performance evaluation process, email Human Resources at leaps@gmu.edu.
Verbal Aikido Session at Mason Square
The Ombuds Office will host an introductory session to Verbal Aikido at Mason Square. Verbal Aikido is a conflict de-escalation technique that is helpful in communication. Verbal Aikido is an effective and peaceful means to deal with verbal attacks and negativity. This event is open to George Mason faculty and staff. The session at Mason Square will occur on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 12:15–1:15 p.m. in Van Metre Hall, Room 716. Contact Sarah Atif with questions.
Resources for You
Annual Service Fair
Join the Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning for George Mason's 13th annual Service Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Wilkins Plaza. Meet representatives from more than 60 local nonprofits, government organizations, and campus programs offering volunteer, internship, and service opportunities. Enjoy free popsicles, music, and giveaways. The fair is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Working Moms Support Group: Fall 2025 Meeting Schedule
George Mason’s Working Moms Support Group has been active at the university for more than 20 years. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and advocate for change on campus.
The next meeting is on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at noon on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Room 1014A. This meeting is hosted in partnership with Contemporary Student Services as part of National Student Parent Month. Feel free to bring your lunch. Learn more and view the full meeting schedule.
Fall Career Fair
The Fall Career Fair is coming up from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, and George Mason students will have the opportunity to network with employers, gain insight from alumni, find part-time gigs, internships, and full-time jobs. This three-day event will host more than 70 employers on the Fairfax Campus each day in the Johnson Center.
Each day will have its own focus. Tuesday: STEM; Wednesday: all interests; Thursday: business, government, and nonprofit. University Career Services will host a resume clinic and a career fair prep workshop the week before the fair. Learn more.
Carter School Fall 2025 Peace Week: Sept. 22-26
The Carter School's Fall Peace Week, with a theme of "Bridging Peace Building, Development and Security," runs from Sept. 22–26. Fall Peace Week features seminars, workshops, lectures, and discussions on urgent global and local challenges. Events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Learn more and register.
‘Anti-Monopoly and the Constitution: The Apostacy of George Mason’
The George Mason Department of History and Art History, the Center for Mason Legacies, and the Society of the Cincinnati of the State of Virginia jointly present a lecture by Richard R. John of Columbia University. This discussion will focus on George Mason University's namesake, George Mason IV:
"Anti-Monopoly and the Constitution: The Apostacy of George Mason"
Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Room 2001
Richard R. John is a historian specializing in the history of business, technology, communications, and American political development, whose publications include Spreading the News: The American Postal System from Franklin to Morse and Network Nation: Inventing American Telecommunications. A reception will follow the lecture. This event is open to the public; registration not required.
Cheuse Center Hosts Day of Translation Festival
The Alan Cheuse International Writers Center will host the Day of Translation Festival on Tuesday, Sept. 30. This community event brings together ideas, literary translators, and multilingual writers from around the world, alongside writers from the local region for a festival of translation. Events will occur from noon to 7 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Art and Design Building. Learn more and RSVP.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
20th ARTS by George! Headlining Performance: 'An Evening with Darren Criss'
Saturday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m. (ARTS by George!), 8:30 p.m. (headline performance)
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. Learn more about ARTS by George!
Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra presents ‘Halloween Favorites’
Saturday, Sept. 27, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Start your Halloween season with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, along with dancers from Dance Etc. in Halloween Favorites. Join a hauntingly beautiful night featuring selections including Holst’s “Mars” from The Planets, Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” and Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique.
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.
Hylton Presents: Soweto Gospel Choir
Friday, Oct. 3, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Three-time Grammy Award-winner Soweto Gospel Choir brings an inspiring program of South African freedom songs and traditional spirituals, mixed with the music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen, and more. Formed in 2002, the Soweto Gospel Choir was created to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music and quickly established itself as a group that is “undeniably synchronized, appears unshakable, and simultaneously expresses universality and individuality” (San Francisco Classical Voice).
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, nonverbal 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.
Hylton Presents: Pilobolus
Sunday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The remarkable and rebellious dance company Pilobolus has secured its place in American culture since the early 1970s and continues to electrify audiences with its irresistible mix of wit and stunning physical acumen. Their Other Worlds program traverses the landscape of the human experience with heart-stopping grace, acrobatic power, and breathtaking artistry.
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: ‘The Lark and the Seasons with William Hagen’
Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Featuring William Hagen, violin. Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending is a lyrical evocation of the English countryside, where a solo violin soars like a birdsong over a shimmering orchestral backdrop. Then, immerse yourself in the spiritual depth and quiet strength of his Symphony No. 5, a deeply moving work born out of wartime darkness and infused with hope and transcendence. Ground-breaking composer Max Richter’s innovative and bold reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons topped the classical charts and continues to captivate audiences in soundtracks, such as Bridgerton and The Crown.