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Staff Appreciation Events
The Mason Staff Senate will hostSpring Staff Appreciation Eventsfor classified and non-student wage employees, featuring refreshments from Rita’s Ice and giveaways from the Staff Senate.RSVP for the event on your campus:
- SciTech Campus: Tuesday, May 14, from 1–2 p.m., Katherine Johnson Patio
- Fairfax Campus: Wednesday, May 15, from 1–2:30 p.m., Wilkins Plaza
- Mason Square: Thursday, May 16, from 1–2 p.m., Plaza
Reminder: Participate in the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey
The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is here. Employees received a unique link to the survey from Gallup via email. Participation in this survey is vital to the Mason community and the results are actionable; the data will be used to inform decision-making and strategic planning. Learn more.
Mason Korea’s 10th Anniversary
From April 22–26, check out a series of events celebrating Mason Korea's 10th anniversary. Explore Mason Korea's history and educational opportunities through sessions including a talk from the Provost's Office about the campus's history and unique offerings, a panel on AI in overcoming language barriers, discussions on cross-cultural business education, and a student short film festival. Celebrate by exploring opportunities to teach, live, and learn at Mason Korea.
Mason Day
Mason Day is the longest running tradition at George Mason University. Join the festivities for awide array of carnival activities, rides, and goodies. Mason Day will feature a performance by Neon Trees.
Mason Day
Friday, April 26, from 3–10 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Parking Lots A and L (near EagleBank Arena)
Inova Blood Drive on Campus: Monday, April 29
The Staff Senate and Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority will host an Inova blood drive on Monday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot near The Hub on the Fairfax Campus.Book an appointmentin advance.Learn more.
Earth Month at Mason
April isEarth Month. Check out University Sustainability'sEarth Month calendarfor events and activities from campus partners throughout the month. Highlights include:
- Food of Our Future Farmers’ Market:Explore foods that will sustain our future on Tuesday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside Southside Dining Hall and at The Spot on the Fairfax Campus.Free samples will be available at The Spot. Wilkins Plaza will feature local artisans and vendors, community partners, engaging activities, and a live cooking demonstration.
- Wellness Walks:Steps to Plant Trees—Gather to walk, connect with others, and plant trees during Spring into Well-Being. All walks start at 12:30 p.m. and meet at Northern Neck Starbucks on the Fairfax Campus, unless otherwise noted:
- Tuesday, April 23: Walk with Mason Recreation
- Wednesday, April 24: Walk with Mason Dining
- Thursday, April 25: Walk with the Greenhouse and Gardens Program (meet at Foragers Forest behind SUB I)
- Friday, April 26: Meet at the Johnson Center at 9:30 a.m., or at Presidents Park at noon for a tree-planting activity with Mason Dining and Facilities.
Transportation Survey
The 2024 Transportation Survey is underway through Wednesday, May 1. Share how you get to, from, and around Mason’s campuses. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Take the survey.After completing the survey, you may opt-in to a raffle for prize packages worth approximately $30 each. Prize winners will be randomly selected.
Thirty percent of Mason’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributed to commuting. By participating in this survey, you will help Mason Parking and Transportation understand and improve how Mason commutes and share your feedback about key issues.
Bike to Mason Days
Spring is here! Join Parking and Transportation at Bike to Mason Days:
- SciTech: Tuesday, April 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Colgan Hall Patio
- Mason Korea: Tuesday, April 23, 8:30–10:30 a.m., George Mason statue
- Fairfax: Wednesday, April 24, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Merten Lawn
- Mason Square: Thursday, April 25, 3–7 p.m., Plaza
There will be food, biking resources, and fun giveaways.RSVP.Contacttranspo@gmu.eduwith questions.
Spring into Well-Being: April 22–26
Mason’s annual well-being celebration,Spring into Well-Being, will take place from Monday, April 22, through Friday, April 26.Each day will feature events that focus on a different well-being theme:
- Monday: Physical Health
- Tuesday: Resilience and Strengths
- Wednesday: Mental Health
- Thursday: Kindness (Mason Chooses Kindness)
- Friday: Thriving Together/Mason Day
View the list of events. Contact theCenter for the Advancement of Well-Beingwith questions.
Capital Bikeshare at the Fairfax Campus
Three new Capital Bikeshare stations have opened on the Fairfax Campus:
- Rappahannock River Lane(near Merten Hall and the shuttle shelters)
- York River Road/Patriot Circle(outside Nguyen Engineering Building, across from the Aquatic and Fitness Center)
- Horizon Hall(between Horizon Hall and Harris Theater)
Mason also has a Capital Bikeshare station at Mason Square in Arlington. All Mason students are eligible for a $25 annual Capital Bikeshare membership, a substantial discount. These bikeshare stations are part of a network that extends throughout the region. Visit bike.gmu.edu for more information.
Summer Parking Permit Sales and Mason Shuttles Schedules
Summer parking passes go on sale on Wednesday, May 1. Online sales only. Visit parking.gmu.edu for details, and contact parking@gmu.edu with questions.
The summer schedules for Mason Shuttles and a service summary are posted at shuttle.gmu.edu. Summer service begins on Monday, May 13, and is Monday–Friday only. Spring service ends for all routes on Friday, May 10 (except On-Demand, which ends on Sunday, May 5).
There will be no Mason Shuttles serviceon Monday, May 27 (Memorial Day), Wednesday, June 19 (Juneteenth), or Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day). Contact 703-993-2828 or shuttle@gmu.edu with questions.
Register for the 2024 University Life Student Success Symposium
Registration is now open for the 2024 University Life (UL) Student Success Symposium. The symposium is UL’s annual professional development opportunity and is available to faculty, staff, and graduate assistants. The symposium will take place on May 22–23 at the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center.
This year’s program will feature pre-symposium workshops on Wednesday, May 22, and over 30 educational sessions and panels on Thursday, May 23. All sessions of the symposium are on-site.
Review the schedule and register today. Contact the UL Symposium planning team atulprodev@gmu.edu with questions.
“How to Thrive at Mason” Boot Camp
Registration for the spring 2024 “How to Thrive at Mason” Boot Camp is now open. Thisvirtuallearning opportunity will take place on May 14–16from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Sessions are open to all Mason employees—from newcomers to long-timers.
This opportunity focuses on helping faculty and staff connect, collaborate, and break down silos across the university. Register today(Mason login required). Topics will include MicroStrategy, an update on the Mason brand, skill advancement at Mason, andmany others. Sessions will be recorded and published at a later date. Previously recorded Boot Camp sessions and additional informationare available on the Fiscal Services website. Contactthrive@gmu.edu with questions.
Parking and Transportation Donation Drive for Patriot Pantry
Would you like to help someone in need? Make an in-person donation of items to benefit the Patriot Pantry at any Parking Services office to reduce the cost of an outstanding parking citation. Donations are accepted at Parking Services as part of the Patriot Packout through Wednesday, May 15, at 4 p.m. For important details, visit the website.
Tuesday Treks
Embark on a journey of social connection, informal conversation, and enhanced well-being with Human Resources’ Tuesday Treks walking series. Meet at the Wellness Circle in front of Merten Hall in Fairfax every Tuesday at noon. Treks last 30 minutes and will continue through Tuesday, May 28. All abilities are welcome. Learn more.
AI Smackdown: Generative AI Champions in Higher Education
Prepare foran academic spectacle where real intellect meets artificial intelligence. This event features faculty from the College of Education and Human Development, who will tackle the new and emerging challenges presented by generative AI in higher education.
Monday, April 29, 1 p.m.
Hosted on Zoom
RSVP
Armed with AI tools and practices, these academic titans will use their intellectual powers and experience to tame AI so that it works for us.Get a ringside view—or enter the ring yourself to share a generative AI tool/practice—for this exciting event filled with real intellectual wrestling, engagement, and inspiration.
Food for Thought Fundraiser for the Center for Community Mental Health
Mason'sCenter for Community Mental Health provides low-cost, accessible, and high-quality mental health services to more than 400 children, adolescents, adults, and veterans in the region. The center also trains the next generation of ethical, competent, and culturally sensitive mental health providers.
TheFood for Thought fundraiser supports accessible and affordable mental health services to those most in need in our community. The event will take place on Thursday, May 2, from 6–9 p.m. at the Country Club of Fairfax. Guests will hear from people who were served by the Center for Community Mental Health and how it has changed their lives. Guests will enjoy culinary delights and signature drinks/co*cktails. Silent and live auction items will be on display. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Motor Pool Reminders: Fuel Cards and Required Training
Fuel cards are available for Motor Pool rentals to charge fuel back to the university. Stop by the Transportation Office in Nottoway Annex on the Fairfax Campus to check out a fuel card before your rental pickup date.
Entering fuel agreements or allowing Enterprise to refuel after returning vehicles empty is not permitted. If you have a fuel card in your possession from a past trip, please remember to return it. Drivers for Motor Pool rentals must complete a University Driver Safety Awareness Training and a refresher training every two years to be eligible to drive. To be eligible to drive a maxi van, drivers must be at least 20 years of age and pass the Van Driver Familiarization Class. Outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Enterprise’s age requirement to drive a 12–15 passenger van is 25. Get links to upcoming training sessions and important reminders.
Vanpool Survey
Are you a full-time faculty/staff member who is interested in another way to get to work at Mason? Would you like to have your commute costs reimbursed up to $315/month tax-free, not have to do all the driving, park for free at Mason, and reduce carbon emissions? If so, consider vanpooling. Parking and Transportation is continuing its vanpool outreach and has developed a shortvanpool match survey. Contact 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu.
Nutrition Tips from Mason Dietitians
Mason Dining’s dietitians are sharing health and nutrition tips to enhance employee wellness. This month’s tip:
Eating the whole vegetable is not only a sustainable practice, but it also maximizes the nutritional benefits of these foods. Did you know that these parts of vegetables are edible? Here are some ways to use them:
- Carrot leaves: add to salad, soup or pesto.
- Broccoli, kale, and swiss chard stems: use in juice or smoothies.
- Celery tops: add to tuna salad or pesto.
- Radish greens: sauté or add to a salad.
- Cauliflower stems and leaves: roast or add to various dishes.
- Onion skins, pea pods, asparagus tips, broccoli stems, and mushroom stems: make a broth.
For more employee wellness information, contact engagehr@gmu.edu. Stay tuned for more tips from Mason’s dietitians, Brooke Tresch and Sandy Ma.
Upcoming Performances at Mason
Mason Film Festival
April 22–24 and April 27
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center
The Mason Film Festival is an annual event showcasing the diverse work of Film and Video Studies students, including that of beginning video students, intermediate directing students, and graduating seniors. This year, the festival will take place over four days: April 22–24 and April 27. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
Matinee Idylls: Bridging the Gap
Wednesday, April 24, at 1:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
String duo Bridging the Gap features the talents of violinist and American Festival Pops Orchestra Artistic Director Peter Wilson and double bassist Aaron Clay. Celebrating 25 years of performances, this unlikely pair offers a unique voice to musical genres from classical to jazz, folk to film music, funk to popular song, and even Big Band.
Mason Wind Symphony Concert:The Blue Marble
Dewberry School of Music
Thursday, April 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Mason Wind Symphony presentsThe Blue Marble: An Earth Concertvation Experience, a concert curated to bring awareness to humanity's collective responsibility in conservation. A pre-concert talk will highlight how artists can advocate for environmental awareness.
Spring: Dance Innovations
Mason School of Dance
Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, at 2 and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Spring: Dance Innovations offers two distinct programs of new works created and performed by the Mason Dance Company.
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Friday, April 26, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
This performance will feature both the Mason Concert Orchestra and Mason Symphony Orchestra performing a vast array of musical styles, from Puccini to pop and everything in between. This performance will also celebrate the winners of the 2024 Dewberry School of Music Concerto Competition: Jamilah Barnes (soprano), Ya Chi Tang (piano), Andrew Bell (bassoon), and Michael Abernathy (marimba). The evening will conclude with music from Bernstein’s belovedWest Side Story.
A Concert Presentation of:Once Upon a Mattress
Mason School of Theater
April 26–28, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up.
Mason Symphony Orchestra: Concerto Competition Winners
Dewberry School of Music
Friday, April 26, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Dewberry School of Music for their spring finale concert featuring the Mason Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Soo Han.
Hylton Performing Arts Center: 14th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, April 27, from 6–11 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center
Celebrate 14 years of artistic excellence at the Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Anniversary Gala. Join fellow arts enthusiasts and community changemakers to provide critical funding for the Hylton Center’s many performances, programs, initiatives, and endowment. The evening includes a lively reception, an elegant dinner and tribute to gala honorees in Merchant Hall, and an exciting live auction and “Raise Your Paddle” fundraiser. Don’t miss the community’s premier celebration of the arts.
Bamberg Symphony
Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Bamberg Symphony explores Richard Wagner’s complicated legacy and his artistic influence as part of the concert series, “The World After Wagner.” Maestro Jakub Hrůša leads a program featuring Wagner’s “Prelude to Act I” fromLohengrin, “Overture” toTannhäuser, and more. Virtuoso pianist Hélène Grimaud joins the orchestra for Schumann’s piano concerto.
Spring: Studio Series
Mason School of Dance
Tuesday, April 30, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
A showcase of new dances created and performed by the Mason Dance Company.
Brian Ganz: A Chopin Recital
Saturday, May 4, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Pianist, scholar, internationally celebrated pianist, and devoted champion of Frédéric Chopin, Brian Ganz performs an evening of Chopin at the Center for the Arts. Widely regarded as one of the leading pianists of his generation, the Washington Post has declared, “One comes away from a recital by pianist Brian Ganz not only exhilarated by the power of the performance but also moved by his search for artistic truth.”
