Events and campus updates curated for university faculty and staff.
Around Mason keeps you informed about the latest updates, opportunities around the campuses (and beyond), and resources for you. Bookmark this page, which is updated at the end of each week.
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Video of the Week
Love you a choco-lot: Valentine's Day might be over, but the Mason Nation always makes life sweeter. Last week, the Department of Communication's 5th annual Comm, Cocoa, and Cookies event gave students a chance to make Valentine's Day crafts, win prizes, and enjoy sweet treats.
President’s town hall sessions scheduled for the spring 2026 semester
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. The first town hall, for George Mason employees working in non-academic units, will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 9–10:30 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub ballroom. The second town hall, for George Mason employees working in academic units, will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 1–2:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub ballroom. Read more.
Campus Operations
George Mason named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses
George Mason University has once again been recognized for its commitment to providing employees with high-quality commuter benefits and transportation options. This year, all three of George Mason’s Virginia campuses—Fairfax, Mason Square, and the Science and Technology Campus—have earned the Best Workplace for Commuters recognition. Read more about commuter-friendly programs at George Mason.
Supportive dining options during Ramadan
Mason Dining will offer supportive dining options for students who are observing Ramadan. Adjustments include extended dining options and enhanced meal flexibility to ensure continued access to nutritious meals. In addition, the Mason Mensch at The Eaterie is now serving halal-certified meats to expand available options for our campus community.
Ramadan started on the evening of Feb. 17 and ends the evening of March 19. Learn more about dining options. Contact dining@gmu.edu with questions.
Professional Development and Training
Request for Proposals: Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference
George Mason University faculty, graduate instructors, and staff are invited to submit proposals for the 18th annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference, hosted by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning. This year’s theme is "Relevant Teaching," where instructors can address strategies for meeting recent changes in higher education and teaching. The hybrid conference includes online sessions via Zoom on Sept. 24 and in-person sessions on Sept. 25. Visit the website for a full description of the conference and the call for proposals.
Sexual Violence Prevention and Awareness Training
All George Mason employees, including student wage, must annually complete Sexual Violence Prevention and Awareness training. This training requirement can be fulfilled by completing Title IX Non-Confidential Employee Training online through Mason LEAPs, or attending a live training via Zoom. View the training schedule and register.
Manager Meetup: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations
Engaging in performance management as a supervisor comes with great responsibility and commitment to the growth and development of the staff members supervised. As George Mason staff prepare for the launch of the self-evaluation in mid-February and performance evaluation meetings, it is critical for supervisors to begin to prepare the drafting and delivery of staff evaluations.
The University Life Supervision Collective invites all current and aspiring supervisors to attend a virtual Manager Meetup: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations, on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2-3 p.m. This interactive session will discuss strategies and actions to set you and your staff up for success throughout the performance evaluation process. Register.
Developing minor programs to support workforce-ready graduates
George Mason University is expanding work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for success in Virginia's high-demand industries—and you can be a part of it. Faculty are invited to develop minor programs of study that support workforce-ready graduates, align with Virginia’s high-demand occupations, and include internship-based classes and career-relevant assignments as part of the coursework.
The Workforce Ready Patriots grant team is seeking proposals in three categories: program modification, course enhancement, and internship course creation. Submissions will be reviewed for funding in spring, summer, and fall. Stipends of $1,000 are available to support this work and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more.
Thriving Together
March Staff Senate Meeting
The Staff Senate meeting on Wednesday, March 4, will feature guest speaker Chris Ackerman, vice president and chief human resources officer, and a panel of other George Mason Human Resources leaders. Get the details or submit a queston for the guest speaker.
The guest speaker will present from 10–11 a.m. The general business meeting will follow from 11 a.m. to noon. Constituents may attend in person on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join via Zoom. George Mason Athletics will provide tickets to the March 7 men's basketball game to meeting attendees.
Health and Fitness Expo
Join the 29th annual Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. This annual event is free and open to the public. Our mission is to promote health, wellness, well-being, fitness, and disease prevention. Stop by to learn about resources available on campus and in the community that can help you lead a happy, thriving life. Learn more.
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 award is named for former Mayor Jack Wood, who played an instrumental role in establishing George Mason in Fairfax and establishing town-gown relations between the university and the community. Nominations are due March 13. Awardees will be notified by March 26, and the Board of Visitors will honor awardees on April 30. Learn more.
Thrive at Mason 2026: Call for Proposals
Thrive at Mason Bootcamp will be hosted virtually on July 14-15, and the call for proposals is underway. This year’s theme, "Thrive in Practice: Tools, Processes, and Practical Skills," focuses on actionable approaches staff can apply directly in their day-to-day work. This event is designed to support practical learning through knowledge sharing, real-world examples, and skill-building experiences.
George Mason faculty and staff are invited to submit session proposals that highlight effective tools, streamlined processes, and practical skills. Proposed sessions may take the form of presentations, interactive workshops, demonstrations, panels, and facilitated discussions. Proposals are due March 3. Speakers will be selected by the end of March. Contact fscomm@gmu.edu with questions.
Free mental health support for faculty and staff
George Mason faculty and staff now have access to TimelyCare for free, confidential mental health support. Connect with licensed counselors and access support when you need it, at no cost.
Benefits include 24/7 emotional support with the TalkNow line, up to 12 free scheduled counseling sessions per academic year, health coaching, self-guided resources, mindfulness tools, and peer support. Learn more.
A 'Heart' to Heart about the Mediterranean Diet: Heart-smart eating at work and at home
Join Employee Health and Well-Being during Healthy Heart month for a special presentation by Courtney O’Laughlin, George Mason’s campus dietitian. Courtney will present and answer questions on the popular Mediterranean diet as it applies to heart health on Tuesday, Feb. 26, from 1–2 p.m. via Zoom. RSVP.
Gregg Black, Director of Emergency Management and Fire Safety, Risk, Safety, and Resilience
Shekila Melchior, Office of Access, Compliance, and Community
Jeffrey Kenney is a recipient of a 2025–26 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts fellowship.
Event Highlights
George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals
Celebrate George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals as the Patriots fill the arena to watch the Capitals take on the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. Several ticket options are available. Prices include discounted seats and a George Mason and Capitals co-branded tumbler. Register to join the Alumni Association for a pregame reception at Clyde's of Gallery Place before attending the hockey game.
Mason Empty Bowls
From local potters’ wheels to George Mason students’ plates, Mason Empty Bowls transforms art into action in the fight against food insecurity on campus. Join the event on Wednesday, March 25, from 7–9 p.m. at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus.
The evening will include music, community, a simple shared meal, and meaningful impact. Each guest will leave with a beautiful handmade ceramic bowl—a lasting reminder that for many students, their “bowls” are not always full.
Empty Bowls is part of a global movement that brings people together through art and shared meals to raise awareness and funds for hunger-related causes in local communities. At George Mason, 100% of event proceeds directly support the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund. Tickets on sale now.
Reel Health Film Series: 'Bending the Arc'
Join Amy Page, assistant professor of social work, and Iulia Fratila, assistant professor of global and community health, for a screening of the documentary film Bending the Arc on Tuesday, March 3, from 2–4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Horizon Hall, Room 4010. A short discussion will follow the film. All are welcome. RSVP to reserve your popcorn!
'Trail Blazing: Connecting and Keeping the Appalachian Trail' Exhibit Closing Event
Join the Special Collections Research Center for the closing of Trailblazing: Connecting and Keeping the Appalachian Trail, an exhibition featuring materials from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Archives. The closing event will happen on Thursday, March 5, from 2–4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Room 2400. The event will feature a description of the ATC Archives and a tour of the exhibit, with a reception to follow.
George Mason became the guardian of the ATC Archives in 2022. This century-old archive includes correspondence, publications, more than 1,000 historic maps, and thousands of photographs. It serves as a vital resource for scholars, students, authors, and enthusiasts worldwide, providing insights into a century of conservation efforts. The items in this exhibition (photographs, documents, books, and artifacts) illustrate major aspects of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s work and celebrate the past 100 years of the ATC and the trail.
Mason Writes: A Celebration of Composition Students' Writing
The English Department and Composition Program invite the George Mason community to "Mason Writes: A Celebration of Composition Students' Writing" on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts, Monson Grand Tier.
Visit throughout the day to see exceptional work from students in ENGH 100, 101, 123, and 302. Talk with students about their projects, nominate work for scholarship awards, and enjoy refreshments. RSVP.
Fall for the Book Minifest
Fall for the Book’s Mini Fest is back for its fourth year. The festival will include featured writers Grady Chambers, Michael Regina, Ziying You, A. Kendra Greene, and the editors of George Mason’s graduate literary magazines. Join the event on Thursday, Feb. 19, from 10:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Room 2001. All events are free and open to the public. Fall for the Book will host another upcoming spring event on Tuesday, Feb. 24: "Night of Romantasy." View the schedule.
Upcoming performances from the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Mason Jazz Ensemble Concert with Special Guest Vaughn Wiester
Thursday, Feb. 26, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Mason Jazz Ensemble welcomes acclaimed arranger, conductor, and trombonist Vaughn Wiester as special guest and artist-in-residence. Known for his deep ties to the legacy of Stan Kenton and his own long-running “Famous Jazz Orchestra” in Columbus, Ohio, Wiester will work with the ensemble throughout the week and conduct a program featuring many of his own powerful and sophisticated arrangements. Get tickets.
Faculty Artist Series: Music Across Borders with Laura Kaufman Mowry (flute)
Sunday, March 1, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Join an evening of music from across cultures and traditions, highlighting the flute’s remarkable ability to tell stories through dance, song, and reflection. Performers in this recital include Dewberry School of Music faculty Laura Kaufman Mowry (flute), Matthew Trkula (guitar), Jennifer Cabot (voice), and guest performer Bora Lee (piano). The performance is free and open to the public.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert: Concerto Competition Winners
Monday, March 2, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Mason Symphony Orchestra, led by Soo Han, will feature some of the 2026 Mason Concerto Competition winners along with exciting symphonic works. Get tickets.
University Singers Concert: 'Finding Home'
Tuesday, March 3, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Join a choral musical journey of hope, courage, and belonging featuring works from immigrant and first-generation choral composers. The University Singers Concert will be a collaboration with the NOVA Annandale Choir under conductor James Wolter. Get tickets.
Access to Excellence Podcast: Behind the scenes of 'A House of Dynamite.' President Gregory Washington talks to Larry Pfeiffer—director of Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security, and expert consultant for Netflix's A House of Dynamite—about his time in the Situation Room.
Today @ Mason is George Mason's official university calendar. Whether looking for a specific event or browsing for something to do, it's all there.
Community Calendars
Human Resources News
You spoke; we acted: How George Mason is bringing your feedback to life
Faculty and staff voices help shape George Mason. The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is one of our most important tools for understanding how employees experience work and where we need to grow. Because you spoke up in 2024, we launched major improvements—from expanded well‑being resources to strengthened recognition efforts, enhanced performance tools, and a comprehensive compensation and career architecture study. As we prepare for the April 2026 survey, we want to share the progress your feedback set in motion. Every response matters. Learn more about what we have accomplished together.
Performance management update: A simpler path to recognition
Effective immediately, George Mason is discontinuing the Acknowledgment of Extraordinary Contribution form for classified staff performance evaluations, following guidance from the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). Supervisors can now assign an Outstanding overall performance rating without the extra form. Documentation is still required to show how exceptional performance advances unit or institutional goals. Learn more.
ITS Bits and Bytes
Report phishing incidents
George Mason University community members who receive phishing emails should report them to phish@gmu.edu. Reporting phishing emails allows Information Technology Services (ITS) to issue alerts and notify recipients.
If you clicked on a link, replied, or downloaded attachments from an email you later realized was a phishing attempt, contact ITS Support by phone: 703-993-8870 or Live Chat for assistance. Information about reported phishing emails is available on the ITS website.
Wi-Fi update: Time to switch to eduroam
Information Technology Services (ITS) has simplified George Mason's Wi-Fi network to help the community stay better connected across campus. All campus Wi-Fi users should connect to eduroam. To get started, visit its.gmu.edu/eduroam. MASON-SECURE was permanently shut down at the end of the semester. For details, review the FAQs.
Policy and Compliance Updates
Hazing Prevention Policy and Reporting Obligations
George Mason University has adopted an updated Hazing Prevention policy in compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA). This policy builds on the work of Patriots Against Hazing and reinforces our commitment to a safe and respectful learning, living, and working environment for all members of the community. Non-confidential employees (i.e. employees who are not part of confidential offices, such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Support and Advocacy Center, and Student Health Services) are required to report hazing to the appropriate university authority. Read the policy.
Coming to a Student Near You
Workshops at The MIX
The MIX is the central hub for innovation, exploration, and creativity at George Mason. Did you know that students, faculty, and staff can attend a variety of workshops to learn new skills? Topics include woodworking, 3D modeling, podcasting, sewing, and more. Check out the full schedule.
From the Offices of...
Fur-get shoveling: Fergus the dog is beloved for his positive energy and friendly nature. He is known as the mayor of his neighborhood, where he has many canine friends. Fergus loves marching in the annual Scottish Walk parade in Alexandria every year. To relax, he loves snacking on popcorn while watching movies about animals.
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