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.
Jump to the latest on:
Video of the Week
Patriot Pause at the pantry: Faculty and staff from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences recently donated 53 bags of non-perishable food and personal care items to the Patriot Pantry, which helps students who are experiencing food insecurity.
Campus Operations
$5 First Fridays are back
Mason Dining invites faculty and staff to enjoy lunch at any campus dining hall for $5 on the first Friday of each month—including Friday, Dec. 5. Take a break, connect with colleagues, and savor a delicious meal—all for a great deal. Faculty and staff can also sign up for a meal plan and enjoy campus dining all year long.
Summit for Programs, Events, and Camps for Minors
The Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience will host a Programs, Events, and Camps for Minors (PEC) Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 1–2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1204. Representatives from a variety of campus offices will share presentations about the policies and procedures for hosting activities for minors at the university. If your department offers a program, event, or camp that serves minors, hosts a minor in an internship or mentorship, or plans to develop a PEC, you are encouraged to attend.
Presentations will cover information and guidance from University Events, Human Resources, University Counsel, Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, Housing and Residence Life, Risk, Safety, and Resilience, Parking and Transportation, Fiscal Services, Mason Dining, and the Office of University Branding. Following the presentations, there will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to connect directly with campus partners.
This year’s summit is an in-person only event. RSVP using the registration form.
Winter break lockdown for campus buildings
The university will be closed for winter break from Monday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. However, some employees and students may require entry into buildings without electronic access for special projects. Therefore, pre-planned access for non-electronic lock buildings can be coordinated in advance via the Winter Break Access Form found on the Mason Police website. Submit the form to Mason Police before you arrive on campus. For questions on building card access throughout the break, email caso@gmu.edu.
Weekday Deals from Mason Dining
Looking for the best way to stretch your dining budget at George Mason? Mason Dining's new Weekday Deals bring you exclusive savings at campus dining locations, with special offers available one day each week. Check out where you can save today!
Professional Development and Training
Nominations for David J. King Award
The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the overall educational excellence of the university. Learn more on the Stearns Center website. Nominate a colleague via email to stearns@gmu.edu by Feb. 11, 2026.
Virginia AI Symposium: Advancing Teaching and Learning in the Age of Generative AI
Join educators from across Virginia for a day of insight, innovation, and collaboration on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at a statewide symposium on generative AI in higher education. Featuring a keynote, interactive sessions, and hands-on workshops, this event will help you make informed, ethical choices about using AI in your courses. Leave with adaptable strategies, practical tools, and new connections to colleagues shaping the future of learning.
This event is organized by the University of Virginia's (UVA) Center for Teaching Excellence, UVA's McIntire School of Commerce, George Mason's Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, and James Madison University's Center for Faculty Innovation, with support from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). When you register, proceed to the "Log In" button (top-right corner) and "Register for a New Account."
Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop
The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This virtual workshop helps new and returning adjunct faculty transition into their role at George Mason with professional development support, resources, and some friendly faces on campus.
Departments should share the registration information with adjunct faculty as they are hired. Ensure that all new adjunct faculty hires are entered into Banner, so they can obtain their faculty ID and NetID and participate in the important Canvas and Patriot Web training on the day of the workshop. Contact Faculty Affairs at facaffs@gmu.edu with questions.
Register for the January Faculty Writing Retreat
Faculty Affairs and Development and Writing Across the Curriculum are hosting their Faculty Writing Retreat on January 7–8, 2026, from 8 a.m to 3:30 p.m. This event offers an active approach to uninterrupted writing time, a chance to learn from our panelists, and a supportive and collegial community of peers to boost your writing productivity. Offered both in-person and online. Register.
Workshop: Feel Better, Teach Better: Strategies for Supporting Faculty Mental Health
Teaching can be difficult and often an isolating experience. In this virtual workshop on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m., participants will explore faculty mental health, strategies for improving the environment, and address barriers to addressing concerns. Join to create community and talk about one of the most prevalent, but under-discussed, issues in academia. Get more details and register. Contact Rachel Yoho with questions.
Thriving Together
Holiday donation drives
Patriot Pantry: The Staff Senate encourages the donation of food and hygiene items to the Patriot Pantry, which can be dropped off in SUB I, Room 3011, or using this Amazon Wishlist.
Parking Services donation drive: Parking Services is offering credit toward parking citations for items donated to the Patriot Pantry. Learn more.
Toys for Tots: The Office of Military Services and the Office of Contemporary Student Services are collecting new, unwrapped toys, books, and games for children in need. Drop-off donations on the Fairfax Campus in SUB I, Room 1510, or The Hub, Room 1012. Collection runs through Dec. 10.
Scarf Fest 2025: Scarf Fest is part of the University Life Day of Service series. All are welcome to join the 15th annual Scarf Fest on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The Hub ballroom. Attendees will wrap gifts and make cards to fulfill the wish lists of children this holiday season. RSVP. To sponsor a child or provide a gift from a wish list, contact Lisa Snyder.
Toy drive to benefit Britepaths: Throughout November, the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, and Mason Chooses Kindness are collecting new toys to support the Britepaths winter celebration, where families can visit a festive toy shop and select gifts for their children. Those interested may contribute by shopping the Amazon Wishlist or drop off unwrapped, new toy donations on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub, Suite 2400.
SERVE: The Hylton Performing Arts Center is accepting food donations to benefit SERVE, part of Northern Virginia Family Services.
Is your department hosting a donation drive this season? Share the details in Around Mason.
Rachel Spence, Global Education Office, and chair of the Staff Senate
Employee of the Month: Jackie Nash, University Studies Program
Susan Kehoe unleashes the potential of service dogs in training
Event Highlights
Winter Graduation is Dec. 17–18
George Mason will celebrate its newest graduates at Commencement and Degree Celebrations on Wednesday, Dec. 17, and Thursday, Dec. 18, at EagleBank Arena. Tickets are required.
Expect increased traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus during graduation festivities, particularly during Commencement, which takes place on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 9:30 a.m. Contact University Events with questions.
20th Anniversary of the 2006 NCAA Final Four
The George Mason men's basketball team will host a 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the program's historic run to the 2006 NCAA Final Four on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 12:30 p.m. when the Patriots face Old Dominion at EagleBank Arena.
During halftime, the program will recognize members of the 2006 Final Four team and hold a banner ceremony for former head coach Jim Larrañaga. Stick around for a postgame autograph session with members of the 2006 Final Four Team.
Take advantage of the faculty/staff discounted ticket rate! Discounted tickets are available at the EagleBank Arena Box Office, or call the Athletic Ticket Office at 703-993-3270.
Symposium on Workforce Shortage and Long-term Care
Join the College of Public Health for the symposium “Addressing Workforce Shortages in Long-Term Care: U.S., Germany, and Global Perspectives” on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Mason Square. Co-hosted with the University of Bremen, this event brings together leaders from policy, government, academia, and frontline practice to explore global challenges and innovative solutions in long-term care.
Sessions include global labor trends, frontline perspectives, international workforce models, technology innovations, and strategies for training and retention. This symposium offers a unique opportunity for students, faculty, and partners to engage in timely discussions shaping the future of long-term care. Register.
Access to Excellence Podcast: Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for Undergraduate Education and professor of Psychology
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
Retirement plan contribution limits announced for 2026
Good news for anyone saving for retirement: the IRS has released the 2026 contribution limits for workplace retirement plans, and several key numbers are going up. The announcement, published Nov. 13 in Notice 2025-67, means retirement plan participants will be able to stash away a bit more next year. Get the details.
Holiday Schedule
Plan ahead for upcoming breaks and get ready for 2026. View the George Mason University holiday schedule.
ITS Bits and Bytes
Wi-Fi update: Time to switch to eduroam
Information Technology Services (ITS) is simplifying George Mason's Wi-Fi network to help the community stay better connected across campus. MASON-SECURE will be permanently shut down on Friday, Dec. 19, at the end of this semester. For details, review the FAQs. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, ITS encourages all campus Wi-Fi users to switch to eduroam as soon as possible. To get started, visit its.gmu.edu/eduroam.
3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George Mason
George Mason University is updating its Microsoft 365 storage policies to ensure sustainability and security. Here are some updates from Information Technology Services (ITS) about what’s changing for students, faculty, and staff. Read more.
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.
Student Wage Hybrid Telework Agreement
University Policy 2202 (Flexible Work) now includes updated guidance for student wage employees with hybrid telework schedules. Student wage employees may now be eligible for hybrid telework, if they reside and work within Virginia and have proper work authorization to work off campus. Fully remote work (either in-state or out-of-state) is not permitted for student wage roles.
Supervisors must initiate and complete the Student Wage Hybrid Telework Agreement prior to the start of any telework. For guidance or questions, visit Mason’s Flexible Work website or email engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.
Coming to a Student Near You
Graduating students should take the Career Plans Survey
The Career Plans Survey is now open to December graduates, both undergraduate and graduate. Whether they have locked in their next steps or are still figuring things out, please encourage your students to share what they know now. They can update their responses later as their plans become more certain.
Student input helps George Mason showcase the success of our alums to employers, grad schools, and future Patriots. Their participation in the survey contributes to the strength of the George Mason community, now and in the future.
Peer Advisors needed for UNIV 100
University Studies is seeking undergraduate students to serve as junior instructors in UNIV 100 Introduction to George Mason courses for fall 2026. Peer Advisors co-teach alongside a faculty instructor and mentor first-year students as they transition to George Mason. This is a paid undergraduate leadership opportunity open to students from all majors who are interested in building their teaching, mentoring, and professional skills.
The application will be open through Dec. 19. Encourage students to apply and become part of a supportive and dynamic teaching community. Learn more.
From the Offices of...
Culture hound: Teddie is a Yorkie-Maltese rescue pup. His human adopted him when he was 9 months old. Teddie enjoys traveling and has been to Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, and Bosnia. When he’s at home, he loves to go for walks, play with his friends, bark at the mail carrier, and sleep.
Have something to share on this page? Review submission guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.