黑料社

Around Mason: Week of March 18, 2025

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Faculty/Staff Announcements听

Have something to share? and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.听听


Campus Updates


Board of Visitors Public Comment Session Scheduled for April 1

The 黑料社 Board of Visitors will conduct a meeting with a corresponding Public Comment session on Tuesday, April 1. This meeting will encompass a presentation by Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Deb Dickenson on Mason鈥檚 FY 2026 Tuition and Mandatory Fees.听 Details specific to the meeting and the public comment process will be available on the by the evening of Monday, March 17.


President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff

黑料社 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 faculty and staff working in academic units, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.听听

  • The second town hall, for employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.听

For those unable to attend in-person, both sessions will be livestreamed on Zoom. Contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords. While questions will be taken at the conclusion of each town hall, the Zoom chat function will not be enabled. Should virtual attendees have any questions, please provide them to your designated unit contact so they can be shared in-person during your respective town hall session. Learn more.


Swipe4Change: Addressing Food Insecurity One Swipe at a Time

Swipe4Change is a collaborative effort between Mason Dining and the Student Support and Advocacy Center, with support from University Sustainability, the Food Recovery Network, and Student Government. Together, participants address food insecurity by collecting and allocating donated guest swipes to students in need.听

On Wednesday, March 26, find donation stations on the Fairfax Campus at Southside and Ike鈥檚 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meal plan holders can donate a guest swipe, while non-holders can contribute any amount through Coins4Change at retail locations. Sign up to volunteer at . Your participation and support will make a difference for our community.


Volunteer for Mason Day

, one of the longest-running traditions at George Mason, is right around the corner! The Fairfax Campus event features a carnival with rides, games, delicious treats, food trucks, inflatables, novelties, performances, and more. The Student Involvement team invites faculty/staff to volunteer to help facilitate Mason Day on Friday, April 25. .听

Volunteers are asked to sign up by Friday, April 11, for planning purposes. Student Involvement will follow up with volunteers via email a week before Mason Day with day-of information. For more information or questions, contact Brian Greene or Ayleen Leonhardt.


Health and Fitness Expo

Join 黑料社鈥檚 28th annual Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Check out health education activities, hands-on demos, free health screenings, fitness instruction and challenges, and win door prizes and giveaways.听


National Public Health Week: Stronger Together鈥擳he Impact of Social Ties on Public Health

During National Public Health Week, join Melissa Perry, dean of the College of Public Health,听for a panel discussion on social isolation and loneliness across the life span. This dialogue will explore the true scope and severity of the issue鈥攊s it really a public health crisis? The panel will challenge assumptions, explore solutions, and highlight the role of individuals and communities in fostering connection.

Stronger Together: The Impact of Social Ties on Public Health
Wednesday, April 9, from 6鈥8:30 p.m.听
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201


Training and Professional Development


Facilitating Meaningful Feedback Conversations

Faculty and staff supervisors are invited to an interactive session that helps participants enhance leadership skills, cultivate a positive and productive workplace culture, and master the art of meaningful conversations.

Participants will leave with actionable insights and techniques that can positively impact employee engagement. The next session will be Tuesday, March 18, at noon on Zoom. .


Generative AI: Thinking, Teaching, and Learning with a "WEIRD" Cognitive Illusion

Generative AI is reshaping not only how we teach and learn but also how we think, prompting us to reconsider long-held assumptions about truth, knowledge, and creativity. At the same time, it can subtly reinforce patterns and biases. Explore how we might learn to think differently鈥攁nd creatively鈥攚ith and about AI, and what this means for teaching and learning. Join an online event hosted by the George Mason within the College of Education and Human Development.

Generative AI: Thinking, Teaching, and Learning with a "WEIRD" Cognitive Illusion
Monday, March 31, from 2鈥3 p.m.

About the speaker: Melissa Warr is an assistant professor of educational design and learning technologies at New Mexico State University. Her research blends teacher education, design, creativity, and technology.听


Resources for You


Your Resilience Recipe: Finding Support in Mason Resources

Just like a great recipe, resilience is built with the right ingredients鈥攃onfidence, adaptability, purpose, and support. In this interactive workshop, participants will mix these key elements with George Mason鈥檚 well-being resources to create their own 鈥淩esilience Recipes.鈥 The workshop will discuss:听

  • Gather Your Ingredients: Explore the essential components of resilience.

  • Find the Right Tools: Discover George Mason鈥檚 resources that support faculty and staff resilience and well-being.

  • Refine Your Recipe: Leave with a personalized plan and practical strategies to strengthen your resilience at work and beyond.

Resilience isn鈥檛 one-size-fits-all鈥攊t鈥檚 a recipe unique to each person. This virtual workshop will be hosted on Wednesday, March 26, from 1鈥2 p.m. on Zoom. to discover the ingredients that best support your well-being.


Patriots Helping Patriots: Alumni and Career Services Offer Job Market Guidance听

In times of rapid change and uncertainty, focusing on what you can control is key. George Mason alumni are invited to join University Career Services and the Office of Alumni Relations for an interactive workshop that will explore practical strategies to adapt career plans, discover new opportunities, and prioritize well-being throughout a job search.听

Session 2: Navigating Your Job Search in Uncertain Times
Wednesday, March 26, at 4 p.m. (virtual event)

Participants will gain insights into job search resources available to George Mason alumni, including Handshake, a powerful platform connecting job seekers with employers actively seeking George Mason graduates.听


Spring 2025 Plaza Season at Mason Square

The plaza event season at Mason Square starts March 17 and continues through May 16. Every weekday will feature three events, ranging from the Lunches on the Lawn discussion series to Zumba Power Hour, a fan favorite. for more information about the individual and special events.听

Mason Square Plaza events are free and open to the public. All are welcome!听


College of Public Health: Dean鈥檚 Speaker Series听


Tuesday, March 25听
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.听
Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Multipurpose Room听

This event will feature guest speaker Cristina Mogro-Wilson, a Latina scholar and expert in health disparities working with Latino families. Her research has made substantial contributions to improving the lives of families by identifying modifiable factors associated with parenting and how culture influences parenting in Latino families.听

Mogro-Wilson is the editor-in-chief of Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, a core journal in social work research. She is co-PI on four federally funded five-year grants totaling more than $20 million from the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Resources and Services Administration.


Afternoon Tea with Global Chef Darren

Mason Dining is excited to welcome Global Chef Darren Edwards from England for a special culinary experience on campus. With 35 years in the hospitality industry, including serving as a sous chef at Buckingham Palace, Chef Darren now leads the kitchen at Wellington College, one of the UK鈥檚 top boarding schools. His culinary motto? "Make a child smile."

Faculty and staff are invited to afternoon tea on Tuesday, March 18, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Mason Club. Enjoy a chance to connect with colleagues, chat with Chef Darren, and learn more about England鈥檚 culinary traditions and culture.


Decorate and Connect with Ava Uppal, Alum and Culinary Entrepreneur

Join Ava Uppal, George Mason alum, marketing executive, published author, and on-air expert, as she returns to George Mason to share her inspiring journey from international student to successful culinary entrepreneur. Learn cake decorating tips, connect with fellow Patriots, and be inspired by Ava鈥檚 creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and insights from her book. Join the fun on Tuesday, March 25, at 4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus at The Spot.听.


Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Spring Sessions

The Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group will meet on Friday afternoons this spring. Kritikos engages in discussions on writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. .听听听听听听听

Join them for the topic 鈥淲hy Would Anyone Imagine Us Without Us? AI and Digital Blackface鈥 on Friday, March 21, from 1鈥2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.


Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason听听


Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Founded by D.C. native Chlo茅 Arnold, an Emmy Award-nominated tap dancer and choreographer, and prot茅g茅 of Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, Syncopated Ladies LIVE is a spellbinding and inspirational all-female tap dance celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, rhythm, and joy. These dynamic performers are reinvigorating the artform of tap, weaving together inspiring stories, electric energy, and intricate footwork, while dancing to everything from pop and hip-hop to salsa and R&B.


Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
With colorful costumes, dynamic music, and soulful beats, Rhythm India evokes the glitz and glamor of a blockbuster Bollywood dance sequence and the graceful movements of classical Indian dance. Rhythm India: Bollywood & Beyond is the creation of World Choreography Award Nominee and Telly Award-winning director and choreographer Joya Kazi and features the company dancers of Joya Kazi.


Sunday, Mar. 23, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Siegel closes out his season of Keyboard Conversations庐 with music to raise the spirits鈥攁nd stimulate smiles! Center audiences are invited to enjoy merriment in musical tones from the enchanting works of Chopin, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Copland, and Stravinsky.


School of Dance
Friday, March 28, at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 29, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The highlight of the School of Dance season, featuring guest artists of international acclaim. This year鈥檚 Gala Concert includes 鈥淭he Hunt鈥 by Robert Battle, 鈥淐loudline鈥 by Robyn Mineko Williams, a premiere by Christopher d鈥橝mboise, and 鈥淭he Fracture of Light鈥 by Yin Yue. If you鈥檙e up for a party, we throw a great one prior to the performance on Saturday during the !


Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Direct from Broadway comes the Tony Award-winning musical, A Year With Frog and Toad, based on the beloved children鈥檚 books by Arnold Lobel. Featuring a jazzy score by Robert and Willie Reale and produced by Wishing Star Productions, LLC, this charming musical follows two best friends鈥攃heerful Frog and curmudgeonly Toad鈥攖hrough the four seasons. A Year With Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures with wit and heart. Recommended for all ages.


Saturday, March 29, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Grammy Award-winning banjoist Alison Brown is renowned for her innovative sound blending bluegrass, folk, and jazz. She has earned praise and legions of fans worldwide touring with the Alison Brown Quartet and as a soloist, recording 12 critically acclaimed albums. This intimate evening with one of the most multi-faceted artists on today鈥檚 roots music scene is not to be missed. This performance is appropriate for all ages.


Sunday, March 30, at 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In celebration of the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi鈥檚 The Four Seasons, Les Arts Florissants, one of the foremost Baroque music ensembles in the world, reframes the iconic work for the 21st century. The 15-person chamber orchestra, which performs on period instruments, intersperses the movements of the beloved Four Seasons with lesser-known works by Monteverdi, Uccelline, and Geminiani in this 鈥減erformance to be celebrated鈥 (New York Times).听


Dewberry School of Music
Monday, March 31, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Mason Jazz Ensemble (director Jim Carroll) and two special guest big bands for an evening that celebrates the hot sounds and swinging beats of the Big Band era.


April 3鈥6, multiple performances听
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
When Prospero, a gifted sorcerer, and his young daughter, Miranda, are banished by his scheming brother, Duke Antonio, Prospero seeks shelter on a remote island and bides his time, waiting for the perfect moment to enact his revenge. A conjured storm shipwrecks Duke Antonio and his allies on Prospero鈥檚 island, offering him the opportunity he鈥檚 been awaiting. But love and magic throw a wrench into Prospero鈥檚 plans, and he must consider what matters the most in his quest for justice. Set in an alternate universe of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, this exceptional adaptation will be directed by Rick Davis, dean of George Mason鈥檚 College of Visual and Performing Arts.


Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Known for their modern circus incorporating mechanical marvels, Cirque Mechanics introduces the wildly astonishing Pedal Punk, set in a Steampunk-inspired world where cycling provides wondrous escape from pervasive obsession with technology. A 22-foot, pedal-powered performance platform (dubbed the Gantry bike) serves as the caravanning mobile centerpiece of this high-flying thrill ride, featuring spectacular storytelling and daredevil acrobatics.听


Sunday, April 6, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Called 鈥渁bsolutely incredible鈥 by Rolling Stone and featured as a semi-finalist on America鈥檚 Got Talent, Lightwire Theater uniquely combines technology and theater to bring stories to life in complete darkness, through its signature brand of electroluminescent artistry. In this production, Marvin the Mouse wants to be popular, but is constantly bullied by the 鈥渃ool鈥 rats. He retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy as respite, longing to have adventures and be the hero. Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures and views awesome beauty in this cosmic adventure about celebrating differences. Recommended for ages 10 and under.


Sunday, April 6, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Become a part of broadcast history as two-time Grammy winner and West Virginia native Kathy Mattea hosts a taping of Mountain Stage, live from the Hylton Center. Since 1983, Mountain Stage has given listeners the best seat in the house for performances by rising stars and longtime legends. Recorded in front of a live audience, each two-hour episode features contemporary artists in genres ranging from roots, folk, blues, and country to indie rock, synth pop, world music, alternative, and beyond.