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Around Mason: Week of April 29, 2025

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Faculty/Staff AnnouncementsÌýÌý

Have something to share?ÌýÌýand submit an announcement from your unit through theÌýonline form.Ìý


Campus Updates


Celebration of Student Scholarship and ImpactÌý

Undergraduate students will share their research projects at theÌýÌýon Tuesday, May 6, from noon to 3:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.Ìý

The event will feature poster presentations, musical performances, videos, food trucks, and more. This event is presented by the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).Ìý


Patriot Packout Happening through May 14Ìý

Ìýis an opportunity to donate like-new and gently used items at the Fairfax Campus, Science and Technology Campus, and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. During residential move-out, Patriot Packout diverts items from the waste stream and makes them available to those who can use them.Ìý.ÌýÌýÌý

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to donate items. Donations are redistributed to George Mason Patriots, on-campus resources, and local community organizations, preventing useful items from ending up in the trash. Patriot Packout’s donations this spring will support the Patriot Pantry, Trans Clothing Closet, Art Supply Sharing Cabinet, First Gen+ Center, The MIX, Parking and Transportation's bike programs, and Food for Others, and more.ÌýÌý


Open Enrollment Is Coming Soon

It’s almost time to make important choices about your benefits for the upcoming year.ÌýOpen EnrollmentÌýstarts Friday, May 16, and ends Friday, May 30, so be sure to mark your calendar. This is your annual opportunity to:Ìý

  • Review and update your health insuranceÌý

  • Add or remove dependentsÌý

  • Choose new benefits or make changes to existing onesÌý

  • Take advantage of flexible spending accounts Health FSA and Dependent FSAÌý

Keep an eye out for more details, plan guides, and enrollment instructions. Don’t miss out—this is your once-a-year chance to ensure your benefits meet your needs. For questions, contactÌýbenefits@gmu.edu.Ìý


Degree and Certificate Milestones: Let’s Celebrate Your SuccessÌý

George Mason classified staff, A/P faculty, I/R faculty, adjunct faculty, and non-student wage employees are invited to share information regarding degrees or certificates (trade certification/license, associate's, bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, doctorate, etc.) that they have earned during this current academic year. Human Resources would like to share the great news and feature stories of George Mason faculty and staff who are seeking continual education and professional development.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Complete theÌýÌýby Friday, May 16,Ìýand the Faculty and Staff Engagement team will follow up with you on your successes!ÌýFor questions, contact awards@gmu.edu.


Training and Professional Development


University Life Student Success SymposiumÌý

The University Life Student Success Symposium is a chance to connect with colleagues, learn about innovative practices to support your work, and explore strategies to foster student engagement. The symposium will take place at the Fairfax Campus on Wednesday, June 4, with pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, June 3.Ìý.


Stearns Center Workshop: High-Impact Practices

Are you interested in developing learning experiences where students can apply their skills and competencies in and beyond the classroom? Participate in a two-part workshop series from the . Fundamentals of Effective Teaching explains the critical elements of teaching today’s students. High-Impact Practices and Applied Learning shows you how to use transparent assignment design for courses with internships, undergraduate research, and project-based learning. This is a two-part series, and the first workshop will be offered on Monday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. .


Join Mason 101

Are you new to the Mason Nation, or want to enhance your knowledge about the university? Mason 101 is a two-hour information session that covers the history of ºÚÁÏÉç, the university's organizational structure, resources, and looks ahead to the future. The next session isÌýFriday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon (in-person, Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 2001).Ìý.Ìý


Resources for You


Resource Expo for Federal Employees and ContractorsÌý

Community members can discover job opportunities, resources, and career-themed workshops at the Next Steps: Resource Expo at Mason Square on Wednesday, May 28, from 12:30–5:30 p.m. More than 40 employersÌýand service providers will be in attendance. SessionsÌýwill be available onÌýtransferable skills, using AI for a job search, activating your resilience for well-being, and more.Ìý

ContactÌýjobseeker@arlingtonva.us with questions. This event is brought to you by Arlington County Government and Employment Center, City of Alexandria Government and Workforce Development Center, ºÚÁÏÉç, and Virginia Career Works Alexandria/Arlington Region. Registration is not required, but is available to you should you wish to receive updates from the event host. .


Heal Together

Heal Together is an event that brings together individuals for a day dedicated to healing, self-care, and wellness. Through curated experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, and cultural insights, the event provides an inclusive space where individuals can restore balance and build community.Ìý

This event will take place across the Fairfax, Mason Square, and SciTech campuses on Wednesday, April 30. . Highlights include:Ìý

  • Guided yoga and meditationÌý

  • Creative spaces and sensory-friendly areas with hands-on activities like painting and coloringÌý

  • Breakout sessionsÌýÌý

  • Panel discussion exploring Indigenous and non-western healing traditionsÌý

  • A full day of free refreshments, including lunch and morning/afternoonÌýsnacks


Esports Summer Camp for Teens at George MasonÌý

Gamers and parents of gamers: ºÚÁÏÉçÌýEsports is hosting an Esports Summer Camp in June and July for ages 13–18. If your child is passionate about gaming and is interested in exploring college gaming opportunities, this is a great way to introduce them to structured gaming experiences and skills development workshops, as well as other great things happening on campus. Camp is intended for all skill levels, and sizable discounts are available for George Mason community members. .


Celebrate Commencement with the Alumni AssociationÌý

The Alumni Association invites the Mason Nation to upcoming events to celebrate the Class of 2025.ÌýÌýfor registration and ticket information, if applicable.Ìý

Pancakes for PatriotsÌý
Monday, May 12, 7–10 a.m.Ìý
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall LawnÌý
Stop by Merten Hall Lawn to receive a complimentary breakfast box to kickstart your day. Enjoy networking with alumni and volunteers and fuel up for a productive day. While supplies last. ÌýÌý

Grad ToastÌý
Wednesday, May 14, 6–8 p.m.Ìý
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall LawnÌý
Graduates are invited to come together with their family and friends to celebrate the completion of their degree. The Grad Toast is a chance for graduates to share their excitement for the future, thank mentors or loved ones for their support, and bond with peers before moving on to the next chapter. Tickets are available for purchase and include food, beverages, spirit items, and entertainment.Ìý

Zoom Your CityÌý
Tuesday, June 3, 7–9 p.m.ÌýÌý
VirtualÌý
Alumni are invited to connect with fellow Patriots in their new hometowns. George Mason is virtually visiting cities around the country, so graduates can register for their city's breakout room to meet other alumni.


Cinema on the Plaza:ÌýMamma Mia!Ìý

Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come to Mason Square Plaza for a free outdoor movie night. Families and friends are welcome.ÌýThe movie on Friday, May 9, will beÌýMamma Mia!ÌýThe movie starts at 8 p.m. .


Seed Library at FenwickÌý

The newÌýÌýis located on aÌýcartÌýon the first floor of Fenwick Library on the Fairfax Campus. The library includes books and online resources that can help you learn to garden. Seed libraries have grown in popularity around the country, found in public libraries, community centers, community gardens, makerspaces, and university libraries. A seed library is stocked with seeds, which patrons take, grow, and then, if possible, return seeds to the library. The emphasis, however, is on the taking and growing of seeds, and less on the drying and returning of seeds. Seed libraries promote growing your own food, well-being, community, and learning in a hands-on way.Ìý


Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George MasonÌýÌý


April 30 to May 4, multiple performancesÌý
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpaceÌý
Trapped together in a sweltering jury room, the tensions rise along with the heat as 12 ordinary people must decide the guilt or innocence of a young person accused of murder. What begins as a seemingly simple decision becomes more complex as ingrained ideas, systemic racism, and diverging perspectives collide. A thoughtful and poignant look at the consequences of our actions (or lack thereof), this show asks how you determine the truth when faced with a life-or-death decision.Ìý


George Mason School of DanceÌý
Friday, May 2, at 2 p.m.Ìý
Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m.Ìý
Fairfax Campus, Harris TheatreÌý
The creative School of Dance students present their own choreography. Always relevant and fresh, this evening of adjudicated works will have something for everyone.Ìý

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Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.Ìý
Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.Ìý
Fairfax Campus, Center for the ArtsÌý
Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony present the the highly anticipated world premiere ofÌýLoving v. Virginia. A young couple's interracial marriage in 1958 sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court and a victory for civil rights in the United States. This operatic retelling is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving.Ìý

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Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of MusicÌý
Monday, May 5, at 8 p.m.Ìý Ìý
Fairfax Campus, Center for the ArtsÌý
Join theÌýspring finale concert featuring the Mason Symphony Orchestra, with conductors Soo Han and Michael Stern. The Mason Symphony Orchestra will feature three winners of the 2025 Mason Concerto Competition:ÌýBolunÌýZhang (piano) will perform the third movement of Saint-Saëns'ÌýPiano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor; Nathan Plapinger (euphonium) will perform the first movement of Cosma'sÌýEuphonium Concerto; and Kai Shi (piano) will perform the first movement of Ravel'sÌýPiano Concerto in G Major. ÌýÌý

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School of DanceÌýÌý
Tuesday, May 6, at 6Ìýp.m. and 8Ìýp.m.ÌýÌý
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, Dance Performance StudioÌý
Enjoy an evening of student work in one of the School of Dance studios, transformed into an intimate theater. ÌýÌýÌý

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Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of MusicÌý
Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m.Ìý ÌýÌý
Fairfax Campus, Harris TheatreÌý
The Honors Recital is a premier recital opportunity for Dewberry School of Music exceptional student performers in the vocal, instrumental, and piano areas. These outstanding student artists (soloists and chamber musicians) have been selected for this prestigious Honors Recital by audition.ÌýÌý

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Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m.Ìý
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton CenterÌý
Commemorate Armed Forces Day with a patriotic musical tribute performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra in collaboration with ºÚÁÏÉç’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative. The orchestra will perform a salute to the community’s veterans featuring the music of Barber, Copland, and John Williams, plus other patriotic classics. Special guests Anthony J. Maiello and Darden Purcell join Maestro Wilson and the orchestra.ÌýÌýÌý

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