Faculty and Staff News

Schar School of Policy and Government

Former Governor Robert McDonnell Joins Faculty of ��’s Schar School of Policy and Government

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:01:39 +0000

Former Governor Robert McDonnell Joins Faculty of ��’s Schar School of Policy and Government Andrew J Schappert Wed, 08/06/2025 - 13:01

In This Story

Mark J. Rozell

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Bob McDonnell: ‘After 38 years of public service and with experience in the military and business, I hope I can inspire students to dream big, be responsible, and treat people with respect.’ Photo provided

The Schar School of Policy and Government at �� welcomes former Virginia governor Robert F. (Bob) McDonnell to the faculty as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Practice. A seasoned public servant with a deep background in law, governance, business, law enforcement, and military service, McDonnell brings nearly 4 decades of practical experience to one of the nation’s most dynamic public policy schools.

McDonnell served as the 71st governor of Virginia from 2010 to 2014. Prior to that, he held statewide office as Attorney General after spending 14 years in the Virginia House of Delegates. His background includes substantial leadership in areas ranging from transportation and education reform to economic development and criminal justice. He also spent four years as a manager with a Fortune 500 health care company. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BBA), Boston University (MSBA) and Regent University, (JD, MA), McDonnell also served 21 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1997.

With his appointment, McDonnell joins a growing list of senior lawmakers and practitioners contributing to the Schar School’s distinctive blend of academic rigor and real-world insight. His addition to the faculty will enrich classroom conversations with firsthand perspectives on legislative processes, intergovernmental relations, and executive decision-making. Students studying public policy, law, and political leadership will benefit from his unique ability to bridge theory and practice.

“Governor McDonnell's appointment offers our students the opportunity to learn from his vast experience in state government,” said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School. “As a school of policy and government, we benefit from a unique combination of traditional and professional faculty members working together to advance our community's understanding of key policy issues and governing challenges. The governor’s addition to our faculty further strengthens that model and enhances the real-world perspectives we bring into the classroom.”

McDonnell grew up in Fairfax County, home of George Mason’s Fairfax Campus, and has seen the evolution of the university from a small college to a major research institution with more than 40,000 students.

“I care deeply about Virginians, and George Mason is the largest public university in Virginia with the widest reach and many well-established programs,” he said. “I look forward to contributing to a highly respected government and policy school on the doorstep of Washington, D.C. After 38 years of public service and with experience in the military and business, I hope I can inspire students to dream big, lead well, and treat people with respect.”

McDonnell will also be a featured speaker at Schar School public-facing events, joining fellow Schar School faculty in contributing to the school’s thought leadership in forums that reflect the school’s commitment to informed policy dialogue.

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Faculty News

Robert Bob McDonnell

Schar School Featured Stories

Around Mason: Week of Aug. 5, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 17:20:53 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Aug. 5, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 08/01/2025 - 13:20

Faculty and Staff Announcements

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

Campus Updates

New Student Convocation

Training and Professional Development

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day 2025: Call for Proposals

Save the date for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Thursday, Oct. 16. This year’s theme is “The Future We Choose: Courage, Community, Commitment.”

Sessions should be 30 to 60 minutes and include clear objectives and engagement strategies. Submit a proposal by Friday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m. For questions, contact hrlearn@gmu.edu.

Join the Career Influencers Network

The George Mason Career Influencers Network is a nationally recognized model for providing career development support to students through their connections with advisors, professors, instructors, supervisors, mentors, and others at the university. Career Influencers contribute critical career readiness guidance and feedback to students.

The network includes more than 500 George Mason faculty and staff. Faculty and staff are invited to join the network by completing an interactive, 4.5-hour training, which includes modules focused on defining career readiness, understanding how employers recruit students in all degree programs, and supporting students at various stages in their career development.

The next virtual training is on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom. The next in-person training will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. Register today.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

Resources for You

Alumni-Owned Business Directory

Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit: Now Rebranded

Human Resources announces a fresh new look for the Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit. The rebrand includes newly designed printable PDF cards and Zoom virtual backgrounds—perfect for celebrating your colleagues in thoughtful, creative ways.

Whether you're recognizing a birthday, graduation, new team member, or simply saying “thank you,” these updated tools make it easier than ever to share appreciation across the George Mason community.

Take a moment to explore the new designs and consider using them in your next recognition effort. For questions about the toolkit or other recognition opportunities, contact the Faculty and Staff Engagement team at awards@gmu.edu.

Thursday Night Live: Summer Concert Series at Mason Square

Unwind after work with live music on the Mason Square Plaza every Thursday from 6:30–8:30 p.m. Each week features a different local band or artist, plus treats and a great summer atmosphere. Bring dinner, bring a friend, and enjoy the show. Get more information about plaza events.

Roadmap to Retirement Seminar

Can't make it to this session? The Benefits team will host a virtual seminar in spring 2026 to ensure everyone has an opportunity to plan for a secure future.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “Black Joy: Freedom to Create” on Friday, Aug. 8, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George Mason

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Telecia Taylor is August Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:22:39 +0000

Telecia Taylor is August Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Wed, 07/30/2025 - 17:22

Telecia Taylor has been an integral part of the �� Honors College since 2019. Now the assistant director of student programming and engagement for the college, she has been awarded August Employee of the Month for her dedication to fostering community and providing support for her students.

"Every day I'm grateful to know that Telecia is there for our students,” Honors College Dean Zofia Burr said. “She designs fun and relaxing activities that bring our students together, and she makes them all feel they belong.”

Telecia Taylor. Photo by Office of University Branding

Anthony Hoefer, Honors College associate dean for student engagement, admissions, and administration concurs. “Telecia is responsible for developing and implementing co-curricular programs that both foster a vibrant and inclusive community and broadly support student success in the Honors College,” he said. “Particularly for our residential students, she is the daily face of the Honors College.”

Taylor also gets rave reviews for her programming from the Honors College students. One residential student wrote: “Telecia Taylor plans so many meaningful events that get residents engaged, and her presence is always so cheerful and welcoming. I can truthfully say that the events and trips that I have gone on with Telecia have changed my life.”

Her colleagues also emphasized the impact of the initiatives she has created.

"Telecia has worked tirelessly to enhance the first-year student experience within the Honors College. She has proposed and implemented many initiatives to promote inclusive and meaningful social connections and professional pathways for her students," said Nadeen Makhlouf, term assistant professor in the Honors College.

“Every semester she creates opportunities for our faculty, staff and administrators to engage with Honors College students beyond the classroom,” Assistant Dean John Woolsey said. “The interactive social events she plans really help to create a sense of community and contribute to a larger culture of inclusion on campus.”

“Telecia is the go-to person in our department when creating opportunities to engage with students. She has shaped an environment where our students feel supported and empowered,” said Jasmyne Rogers, associate director for student support and retention.

How did you come to Mason:

I came to Mason in 2019 after working in University Housing at Georgia Southern University. The work that I do with residential learning communities has a special place in

my heart, and with [this region] being home, I did not hesitate to apply for my position in the Honors College.

Best day on the job:

Witnessing moments of connection between students. No matter how big or small the interaction is, I like to see our students come together in community, especially while they are enjoying new experiences.

What do you like best about working at Mason:

I enjoy the collaborative nature of campus life. While working with my colleagues in Honors and offices across campus, we recognize that we are here to support the students and help them grow into the best version of themselves.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I like to find new dessert spots, especially if ube or matcha is on the menu.

Topics

Employee of the Month

Honors College

Human Resources

Barbara Snyder honored by National Academic Advising Association for excellence as an advising administrator

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:50:14 +0000

Barbara Snyder honored by National Academic Advising Association for excellence as an advising administrator Lauren Reuscher Tue, 07/29/2025 - 13:50

Two members of George Mason's academic advising community were honored with regional awards from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) this spring. These awards recognize excellence in academic advising in NACADA Region 2, which includes Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Barbara Snyder, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the NACADA award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Barbara Snyder, BS Psychology ’08, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Joshua Fletcher, undergraduate academic advisor in the Computer Science Department, was honored with the award for Excellence in Advising—Primary Role Advisor. Read more about him.

Fletcher and Snyder were formally recognized at the NACADA Region 1 and 2 conference in April in Buffalo, New York.

Snyder will be a George Mason student once again this fall, when she starts the doctoral program in Education with a concentration in Higher Education. Snyder earned a master’s in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida.

We asked Snyder to share some insights her experiences in academic advising and what it means to be recognized for her work.

How long have you worked at George Mason? How has your job changed over the years?

I began as an academic advisor in the Costello College of Business in 2011, then spent a few years at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where I helped launch their first centralized advising center. I returned to George Mason in 2017, and since then, I’ve become the director of student success and academic advising for the Costello College of Business.

Over the years, my roles have evolved from individual advising, to shaping strategy, training, and student success initiatives at the college level. Each phase of my career has reinforced my belief that academic advising is one of the most essential components of student success.

What are your main responsibilities in your role?

I work alongside a team of directors to oversee undergraduate academic advising for more than 4,500 business majors. I co-lead the strategic vision for the office and serve as the main coordinator of onboarding and training for all new advisors.

I also oversee pre-orientation advising, orientation programming, and student-centered initiatives like the Global Engagement Scholars Program and first-generation student programming. Additionally, I serve as Costello’s undergraduate advising liaison to the university’s Academic Advising Leadership Council, working with advising leaders from each college to create a consistent and collaborative advising experience across the university.

What do you like best about your job?

I love that my work allows me to impact both students and staff. Supporting advisors in their growth, watching students achieve milestones they once doubted were possible, and designing programs that help people feel a sense of belonging—those are the moments that keep me going.

Joshua Fletcher and Barbara Snyder were recognized for excellence in academic advising at the NACADA conference in April. Photo provided

You were recognized at the recent NACADA regional conference with their Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator award. What are your biggest takeaways from their conferences?

I’ve attended both regional and annual NACADA conferences over the years. What I appreciate most is the sense of community and shared purpose. You are surrounded by professionals who deeply care about student success and who are generous in sharing tools, ideas, and lessons learned.

I enjoy catching up with colleagues I’ve worked with through the years and connecting with new advisors entering the field. I find a lot of value in both mentoring and being mentored; those relationships and exchanges of experience are some of the most energizing parts of the conference. Every time I attend, I come back inspired.

Do any memorable moments stand out in your academic advising experience?

One that stands out was leading a full virtual orientation and advising experience for more than 1,500 students during the pandemic. We had to pivot quickly, redesign everything, and still make students feel seen and supported. It was one of the most exhausting, yet rewarding, moments of my career.

I also carry with me the many memories of supporting academic advisors throughout their professional journeys, especially those who have gone on to become leaders across campus or at other institutions. Being part of their growth is incredibly meaningful and a big part of what keeps me passionate about this work.

Academic advising at George Mason

Topics

Costello College of Business

Academic Advising

computer science

Around Mason: Week of July 29, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:11:38 +0000

Around Mason: Week of July 29, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 07/25/2025 - 14:11

Faculty and Staff Announcements

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

Training and Professional Development

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day 2025: Call for Proposals

Save the date for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Thursday, Oct. 16. This year’s theme is “The Future We Choose: Courage, Community, Commitment.”

Sessions should be 30 to 60 minutes and include clear objectives and engagement strategies. Submit a proposal by Friday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m. For questions, contact hrlearn@gmu.edu.

Join the Career Influencers Network

University Business Consulting: Summer Knowledge Share Series

Faculty and staff are invited to University Business Consulting’s Summer Knowledge Share Series. These summer sessions are open to all faculty and staff. The remaining session will cover the topic “Design Thinking and Experimentation” on Wednesday, Aug. 13. This session will be held over lunch on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, and via Zoom. Find out more and register.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

Resources for You

Alumni-Owned Business Directory

Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit: Now Rebranded

Thursday Night Live: Summer Concert Series at Mason Square

Roadmap to Retirement Seminar

Can't make it to this session? The Benefits team will host a virtual seminar in spring 2026 to ensure everyone has an opportunity to plan for a secure future.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “We've Been Here Before” on Friday, Aug. 1, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George Mason

Announcement Guidelines

Submit an Announcement

Today@Mason calendar

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Stacey Ellis honored with CUPA-HR’s National Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:49:00 +0000

Stacey Ellis honored with CUPA-HR’s National Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/23/2025 - 12:49

Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager in ��’s Human Resources, has received the 2025 Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award from the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). This national award recognizes early-career professionals who are making a significant impact in higher ed human resources.

Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager, Human Resources. Photo provided

Since joining George Mason in 2022, Ellis has demonstrated leadership and a deep commitment to collaboration and engagement. Ellis led major updates to the university’s Outstanding Achievement Awards, which recognize the contributions of faculty and staff. She introduced new award categories to recognize part-time workers, early-career professionals, and those who help foster a positive campus culture.

“I’m inspired every day by the relationships I get to build with colleagues who are passionate, collaborative, and deeply committed to making a difference,” said Ellis. “There’s a real sense of community here at George Mason, and it’s a privilege to support and grow alongside our incredible faculty and staff.”

Ellis has also launched a monthly human resources article series to spotlight faculty and staff engagement activities, expanded access to professional development, and co-founded Mason Throughout the Nation, an employee resource group for hybrid and remote faculty and staff.

“Through these efforts, Stacey has not only strengthened institutional connections but has also been a source of inspiration, leading by example in service, leadership and collaboration across George Mason’s campuses,” said Andrew Lane, director of performance management and employee engagement.

Ellis also volunteers as a well-being mentor with the university’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, contributes to events like the 9/11 Day of Service, and serves on several university-wide committees focused on well-being, service, and professional development.

CUPA-HR will recognize awardees in a virtual ceremony later this summer.

More about faculty and staff engagement

Topics

Human Resources

Around Mason: Week of July 22, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:58:01 +0000

Around Mason: Week of July 22, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Mon, 07/21/2025 - 11:58

Faculty and Staff Announcements

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

Campus Updates

New AI Guidelines and Tools for �� Students, Faculty, and Staff

�� has released comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) guidelines. These resources provide framework and guidance for the responsible and ethical use of AI across the academic community.

George Mason’s enterprise AI platform, PatriotAI, represents the first major outcome of the university’s strategic partnership with Microsoft and Cloudforce to start a meaningful and thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence capabilities into university operations.

Through a suite of six specialized AI tools, called agents, PatriotAI offers secure, university-managed access to large language models that aid academic work, studies, and student life. Each agent was co-developed with members of the George Mason community, including the AI Visioning Task Force, and they represent our first lineup of AI tools designed to enhance learning, instruction, research, and administration across campus. For complete details about this vision, visit ai.gmu.edu.

Training and Professional Development

Join the Career Influencers Network

University Business Consulting: Summer Knowledge Share Series

Faculty and staff are invited to University Business Consulting’s Summer Knowledge Share Series. These summer sessions are open to all faculty and staff. The remaining session will cover the topic “Design Thinking and Experimentation” on Wednesday, August 13. This session will be held over lunch on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, and via Zoom. Find out more and register.

Branded Products Educational Seminar

Join the Office of University Branding for a Branded Products Educational Seminar on Thursday, July 31, located in George's at the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. Two 90-minute sessions will be facilitated in partnership with licensed vendor Pat Dome. Register by July 28. Anyone who purchases George Mason-branded products should attend.

Participants will learn about the following:

Proper use of the university logo on products
Selecting products that are “on brand” with George Mason’s colors
Navigating the limitations of printing the logo on small products
The licensing process cycle and the production process
Different uses of the brand across the university
Different embellishment options of the logo
Requesting a two-color version of a unit logo

Contact David Atkins, executive director, brand development and licensing, with questions.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, August 16, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New and returning adjunct faculty are invited to attend the workshop to help with the transition into their new role at George Mason. The workshop includes professional development support, resources, and introductions to friendly faces on campus.

Mason Career Academy

�� has launched Mason Career Academy, a new online learning resource that is free for current students, faculty, and staff to develop new skills. Mason Career Academy is also available to displaced workers, including federal workers and contractors in the region, for a small registration fee.

Mason Career Academy offers access to more than 90 online micro-credential courses and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, and information technology support. Read more.

Resources for You

University Life Gives Back—Summer Day of Service 2025

Registration is open for the 2025 University Life Gives Back—Summer Day of Service on Wednesday, July 23. Faculty and staff across the university are invited to participate in a variety of service projects. Immediately following all service projects, participants are invited to attend the University Life Gives Back Social from 1–2:30 p.m. Register.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “Dear Colleague” on Friday, July 25, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George Mason

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Beethoven—The Young Genius
Sunday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Internationally-acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns for his Keyboard Conversations® concerts with commentary. In Beethoven—The Young Genius, Siegel presents the passionate, popular Sonata Pathetique in C minor; the high-spirited “Rage Over a Lost Penny,” and the deeply moving “Largo e mesto” from the early Sonata in D major, Op. 10, No. 3. “A musical bridge-builder in action...Siegel showed just how illuminating the combination of words and abstract music may be” (Toronto Star). The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

Grand Piano Celebration 2025
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Sunday, Sept. 21, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Grand Piano Celebration honors George Mason's All-Steinway School and the 20th Anniversary of the Friends of Music at Mason. Outstanding student and faculty artists of the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music will be on stage to display their marvelous talents. The concert will be led by Linda Apple Monson, International Steinway Artist and director of the Dewberry School of Music. Additional piano faculty artists include Anna Balakerskaia, John Healey, and Eunae Ko Han. Jennifer Casey Cabot, soprano, and guest artist Kris Monson, bassist, will also perform. George Mason's faculty piano ensemble (eight hands) will also be showcased.

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College of Engineering and Computing

College of Engineering and Computing mourns the passing of Mark Pullen

Martha Bushong — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:51:30 +0000

College of Engineering and Computing mourns the passing of Mark Pullen Martha Bushong Tue, 07/15/2025 - 10:51

In This Story

J. Mark Pullen

The College of Engineering and Computing community is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor J. Mark Pullen, Director Emeritus of ��’s C5I Center. Mark served as director of the C5I Center from 2005 until his retirement in 2020 and was also a beloved professor of computer science at ��. Under his leadership, Mark maintained the center's growth and recognition as a leading institution for national and global research in C5I. Mark was also recognized as a pioneer in distance education, personally developing open-source synchronous Internet software to deliver online MS degree programs in computer science long before online learning became ubiquitous. This work demonstrated his forward-thinking approach and commitment to making high-quality education accessible to the right students in the right place at the right time.

Mark’s contributions are highlighted by his strong academic expertise, practical engineering skills, and internationally recognized operational and strategic insights. He skillfully balanced developing the nation’s security future workforce, teaching leading-edge courses in computer networking and networked virtual environments with knowledge and strong mentorship, while simultaneously leading developmental solutions for complex defense and cybersecurity problems.

Mark Pullen. Photo by Ron Aira, Creative Services.

His direct contributions significantly enhanced the interoperability of command-and-control systems through leading-edge modeling and simulation, personally leading efforts such as the “Extensible Modeling and Simulation Framework” (XMSF) and the “Command and Control – Simulation Interoperation” (C2SIM) initiatives, which have significantly influenced NATO and SISO standards still used worldwide. After retiring from George Mason, Mark continued to “pay it forward” to the future of our nation’s security, as he was personally recruited to participate in advancing interoperability standards through his efforts working with NATO’s “Coalition Warrior Interoperability eXploration, eXperimentation, eXamination, eXercise” (CWIX) events.

Beyond his recognized technical expertise, Mark was a dedicated teacher, respected mentor, and valued colleague. His sustained commitment to problem-solving and supporting students and peers alike helped create the collaborative environment the C5I Center still benefits from today. Professor J. Mark Pullen, Director Emeritus, will be greatly missed, and his impact will continue through the focused efforts he started, the standards he helped develop, and the many people he guided throughout his career.

The tribute and obituary from Mark’s family are available here.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church at the address below, or shepherdstownpresbyterian.org, or to Coalfield development.org/community-based-revitalization-projects/

Service Information

Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church
100 W. Washington Street
Shepherdstown WV 25443

Topics

School of Computing

computer science

Computer Science faculty

Around Mason: Week of July 15, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:09:55 +0000

Around Mason: Week of July 15, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Thu, 07/10/2025 - 13:09

Faculty/Staff Announcements

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

Campus Updates

University Life Gives Back—Summer Day of Service 2025

George Mason Selects Chartwells Higher Education as New Dining Services Partner

�� has selected Chartwells Higher Education, a national leader in campus dining, as its new dining services provider, following a comprehensive and competitive RFP process. George Mason’s contract with Chartwells started July 1 and is expected to transform dining on campus. Further information will be shared in the coming months about the transition process, upcoming opportunities for community feedback, and ways for students to help shape the future of dining on campus. Read more.

New AI Guidelines and Tools for �� Students, Faculty, and Staff

�� has released comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) guidelines. These resources provide framework and guidance for the responsible and ethical use of AI across the academic community.

Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the 2025–26 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship winners. Each awardee will receive $250 to use toward books and other educational materials from the �� bookstore, supporting their continued academic studies:

Tasneem Amrou, student outreach coordinator, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Amrou is pursuing a master of arts in global affairs.
Isela G. Caballero, communications coordinator, Health Administration and Policy, College of Public Health. Caballero is pursuing a master of public health in global health.
Lee Friend, student success coach, Student Success Coaching. Friend is pursuing a master of social work.
Raven Green McCormick, assistant director for career advising, College of Public Health. McCormick is pursuing a doctorate in education leadership.

Training and Professional Development

University Business Consulting: Summer Knowledge Share Series

Faculty and staff are invited to University Business Consulting’s Summer Knowledge Share Series. These summer sessions are open to all faculty and staff. The remaining session will cover the topic “Design Thinking and Experimentation” on Wednesday, August 13. This session will be held over lunch on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, and via Zoom. Find out more and register.

Branded Products Educational Seminar

Participants will learn about the following:

Proper use of the university logo on products
Selecting products that are “on brand” with George Mason’s colors
Navigating the limitations of printing the logo on small products
The licensing process cycle and the production process
Different uses of the brand across the university
Different embellishment options of the logo
Requesting a two-color version of a unit logo

Contact David Atkins, executive director, brand development and licensing, with questions.

Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop

Human Resources Liaisons should send the registration link to any new adjunct faculty as they are hired. For more information, visit the Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop webpage. For questions, contact Faculty Affairs and Development at facaffs@gmu.edu.

Mason Career Academy

Resources for You

Thrills and Chills with Cinema on the Plaza at Mason Square

Beat the summer heat with a chilling movie at Cinema on the Plaza at Mason Square on Friday, July 18. Social hour starts at 7:30 p.m., and Little Shop of Horrors starts at 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a free outdoor movie. A food truck will offer items for sale. Some street parking is available, as well as paid parking in the Van Metre Garage. Kids are welcome, if supervised by their adult(s). Note: This movie is rated PG-13.

Kritikos Reading Series: Summer 2025

Hosted by the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Kritikos reading series engages topics such as writing about the arts, critical studies, translation, the artist in society, and art as speech. All are welcome. The next session will discuss the topic “Libraries and Librarians” on Friday, July 18, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more.

Upcoming Peformances and Arts Events at George Mason

Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Multiple performances through July 20
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and loveable teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire—to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star.

Onyx Youth Orchestra and Onyx Philharmonic
Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
The Onyx Project presents The Soul of America: An Orchestral Celebration of Soul and R&B. Onyx Youth Orchestra and Onyx Philharmonic will celebrate soul and R&B classics with guess vocalists and a little help from the audience.

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