911����

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:

• Campus Operations
• Professional Development and Training
• Thriving Together
• This Week in AI
• Event Highlights
• Human Resources News
• ITS Bits and Bytes
• Policy Updates
• Coming to a Student Near You
• Patriot Pets

Campus Operations

Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and traffic advisory

Expect increased traffic and road closures on the Fairfax Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, during an evening concert at EagleBank Arena and the Once Upon a Scream event. Lot L will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the 911���� Trunk or Treat. Read more.

No classes on Election Day, Nov. 3

There will be no classes on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for Election Day. University offices will be open. View the and the for guidance.

Thanksgiving break regional shuttles

Book a one-way or round-trip ticket to/from the Fairfax Campus for Thanksgiving break with regional shuttles to New York City and Virginia Beach. 911���� ID required when boarding. .

Rave Guardian public safety app

The Rave Guardian public safety app offers a virtual safety escort feature, allows you to submit tips to 911���� Police anonymously, and functions as a virtual blue light phone that can relay your profile information and location if you activate an emergency call from the app. The app also has a map of all AEDs, Bleeding Control Kits, and Narcan on campus. This app is free to all 911���� students, faculty, and staff through the iTunes store and the Google Play store.

$5 Fridays at dining halls

Faculty and staff who wear their 911���� green and gold can enjoy $5 meals at any on the first and third Fridays of each month.

: With meal swipes starting at just $9 per lunch, Byte Plans offer convenient options for busy workdays.

Professional Development and Training

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day: Oct. 21

Invest in yourself, connect with colleagues, and recharge with the 911���� community at this year's Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Wednesday, Oct. 21. This year's theme, "People First, Future Ready," celebrates the people who make 911���� thrive while exploring the skills, ideas, and strategies that will shape the university's future. Join colleagues for engaging workshops, networking, and interactive sessions designed to inspire new ideas and connections.

All 911���� employees are invited to participate, and supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility during work hours so faculty and staff can attend. on MasonLEAPS. Visit the . Contact hrlearn@gmu.edu with questions.

Strengthen how you connect with others

Strong workplace relationships begin with understanding our experiences and the perspectives of others. Explore conversation, storytelling, cultural awareness, curiosity, and perspective-taking as practical tools for stronger relationships through upcoming virtual workshops hosted by the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community ():

• Building Community with Compassionate Conversation: Nov. 3, noon to 1:30 p.m.
• The Story of Me, the Story of Us: Nov. 16, noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Nurturing Cultural Awareness: Nov. 30, noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Cultivating Empathy: Dec. 3, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Grand Challenge Lightning Talks and Matchmaking Mixer

The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact invites 911���� faculty and potential partners to the Grand Challenge Lightning Talks and Matchmaking Mixer on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 1–4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1204. 

Attendees can explore innovative research, connect with collaborators, and learn more about the Grand Challenge Initiative. Interested in presenting? Submit a 100-word research idea summary by Oct. 26. Each presenter will have three minutes to share their concept and collaboration needs. Following the talks, participants can network and discuss future proposals. .

Sexual Violence Prevention and Awareness training

All employees, including student wage employees and those who are confidential employees (as defined in University Policy 1202), must complete each calendar year. Employees may complete the training in one of two ways: 

1. Completing Title IX and Related University Policies—Required Employee Training online through Mason LEAPs; or 
2. Attending a live training in person or via Zoom conducted by the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC).

Each year, OACC offers live trainings at various points of the academic year. Upcoming live trainings:

• Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.  
• Thursday, Feb. 11, 2027, at 11 a.m. via Zoom.

For questions, contact Hortense Rascoe.

Upcoming opportunities from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning

from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning.

Join a five-workshop series every Friday in October to help you make intentional decisions about AI in your courses. Explore strategies for integrating AI, designing resilient assessments, and communicating expectations while aligning your approach with your teaching values. Do all five workshops and earn the Teaching with AI Level 1 Credential, or choose a workshop that fits your needs and schedule.

Are you ready to align your current and future courses with university commitments to inclusive teaching? In this workshop, we will work to advance our understanding of inclusive course design and how to improve syllabi, assignments, and activities to be more inclusive for everyone in the space (including instructors!). This workshop is also part of the for faculty to engage in broadly inclusive education across all disciplines. Monday, Nov. 2, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Well-being leadership webinar: 'Beyond Burnout'

Join the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1 p.m. for a leadership webinar: "Beyond Burnout: Building resilience in today's workplace." Ali Weinstein, the center's director of research and scholarship, will discuss how stress impacts the brain and body, why resilience matters for individuals and organizations, and practical strategies for responding to workplace challenges in healthy, effective ways. .

Thriving Together

Faculty and staff pumpkin decorating contest

Gather your department and get creative for 911����’s Faculty and Staff Pumpkin Decorating Contest, part of shopMason’s Halloween Kiosk Day and Student Centers’ Spooktacular on Thursday, Oct. 29. Show off your team spirit and compete for a sweet prize: free ice cream at The Dreamery for up to 20 people. 

Bring your decorated pumpkin to the Johnson Center atrium at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 29 for judging. .

Staff Appreciation Bingo and November Staff Senate meeting

Join the Staff Appreciation Bingo event from 10–11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Get ready for a fun, friendly competition and prizes. Join in person (Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201) or via Zoom. and will close on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Immediately following bingo, the November Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Sumeet Shrivastava, rector of the 911���� Board of Visitors, from 11 a.m. to noon. Attend in person on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom. .

Clear the air(ways): Respiratory iIllness vaccine clinic on Nov. 11

Before you travel this holiday season, protect yourself and others from respiratory illnesses like flu, RSV, COVID, and pneumonia. This event is free and open to 911���� employees (full- and part-time) and their families (ages 18 and up) who have health insurance plans that participate with Giant Pharmacy. . Vaccines will be offered on the Fairfax Campus, Population Health Center (connected to Peterson Hall).

Individuals insured through Kaiser or with other coverage should verify their eligibility before signing up for an appointment. Those ineligible for this event should speak to their healthcare provider or visit to find an appointment. 

In most cases, vaccines can be co-administered. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your vaccination needs. Remember to bring your health insurance card with you to your appointment.

Diaper and infant feeding/nursing supplies drive to benefit student parents

The Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC) is collecting diapers, baby wipes, and infant feeding/nursing-related supplies to help student parents at 911����. Diaper insecurity affects nearly one in two U.S. households with young children, where parents must choose between diapers, food, or rent. 

Donations are accepted through Oct. 31 via an or may be dropped off at Aquia Building, Room 373 (OACC). Collected items will be made available to current 911���� student parents. 

Sound bath at Mason Exhibitions Arlington

Nicole Cammack is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in providing mental health services to veterans. She understands the power of healing in community with others and uses sound baths and meditation as a tool for healing. Join a , from noon to 1 p.m. at Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia). Bring a yoga mat or blanket on which to sit. All are welcome.

LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance meeting

911����'s LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is hosting their October Virtual All Alliance meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 1:30–3 p.m. . 

This Week in AI

Professional development session with the 911���� AI Network

Curious about how AI can make your work day a little easier? Join the Staff Senate and the 911���� AI Network (formerly the AI Community of Practice) for a special session designed for 911���� staff looking to work smarter, simplify tasks, and explore the possibilities of AI. 

The session will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. Attend in person on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1204, or virtually. . 

Well-being webinar: Compassionate Leadership in the Age of AI

Join the on Tuesday, Nov.10, from noon to 1 p.m. for a webinar, "Compassionate Leadership in the Age of AI: Where the Evidence Meets Your Team’s Experience.” Discover how compassionate leadership drives engagement, retention, and well-being. Suzie Carmack, the center's senior scholar, will discuss the business case for compassionate leadership, evidence-based leadership practices, and practical ways to use AI while maintaining authentic human connection. .

Faculty: Apply to join the CORE+AI Design Program

Whether you are an AI-enthusiast or AI-resister, you are invited to join the . As a scholarly designer, you will tackle an instructional challenge, redesign course components, earn up to $450 in stipends, connect and share with colleagues across disciplines, and contribute to research on faculty design reasoning in the AI era. 

Workshop: 'Can AI Write My ______?'

This hands-on workshop from the Stearns Center invites faculty to explore how students can use generative AI as a writing tool to assist with their assignments. Participants will experiment with AI tools at various stages of the writing process including brainstorming, drafting, and revising, to consider the strengths and limitations of AI as a writing tool. This workshop is part of the Teaching with AI Credential. Friday, Oct. 30, 10–11 a.m. via Zoom. .

Mini Course: Introduction to AI Inspired Pedagogies

The Stearns Center's  "" mini course is for faculty who are interested in updating assignments for their spring courses in the age of generative AI. Part of the . Weekly sessions from Nov. 2–30, 1:30-3:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Join the 911���� AI Network

The AI Community of Practice is now the 911���� AI Network, a peer-learning community for non-instructional staff who want to explore AI tools, develop time-saving workflows, and learn from colleagues across the university. Members share real-world examples, practical tips, and lessons learned while gaining access to free training on AI tools available at 911����. . 

AI training schedule from ITS

Information Technology Services (ITS) has released its fall AI training schedule. . Additional training options will be added throughout the semester, so be sure to check back regularly.

Event Highlights

Fall into Sustainability Fair and Patriot Packout Free Store

Visit the Fall into Sustainability Fair on Thursday, Oct. 29, from noon to 4 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Wilkins Plaza, in celebration of Registration is required

The Patriot Packout Free Store will feature donated Halloween costumes and fall decor—for free! Participate in the Greenhouse and Gardens Program's tabling to receive free produce and fall recipes, vote on the Patriot Green Fund's sustainability project ideas, learn about Mason Dining's sustainability offerings, engage with a variety of 911���� resources, and receive a free houseplant for visiting at least three tables during the event.

Donations of personal items are accepted, but not required, at the Free Store. Quality standard: If you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t give it to Patriot Packout. Donated items should be clean, functional, and not missing parts.

911���� Trunk or Treat

The 5th Annual 911���� Trunk or Treat will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4–6 p.m. in Parking Lot L on 911����'s Fairfax Campus. This tradition has grown to 1,000 attendees in recent years! Enjoy a family-friendly evening of spooky fun and sweet treats. This event is open to all families in the 911���� and Fairfax communities. Enjoy candy, games and activities, music, and, of course, fabulously decorated trunks. .

Registration is also open for 911���� offices that would like to host a trunk. As always, the best-decorated trunks win a Halloween gift basket of fun and delicious treats. .

Embassies and Entrepreneurs

Update: This event is rescheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 3:30–6 p.m. at Mason Square Plaza due to inclement weather. 

Experience an afternoon of cultural exploration featuring international embassies, local entrepreneurs, unique vendors, live performances, interactive activities, and international cuisine. Formerly known as the Carter School's International Day, brings a fresh, dynamic focus to global connection and community engagement. All are welcome.

18th-Century Baking Challenge with University Libraries

911���� Libraries will host the 18th-Century Baking Challenge on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The event features a panel discussion with historic cooking scholars and practitioners, followed by a baking challenge featuring , an 18th-century manuscript cookbook held by the Special Collections Research Center.

Panelists Lacey Villiva, culinary history educator at Gunston Hall, and CiCi Williamson, past president of Culinary Historians of Washington, will discuss 18th-century cookery and answer questions. 

Participants may attend without entering the baking competition. Bakers may prepare one or more of three selected recipes: Rasbery (raspberry) Clear Cake, Chocolate Puffs, or Potatoe Bread. Attendees will judge the entries. . To compete, email Megan Reichelt by Nov. 16.

'What Kind of City Do You Want: The Optimism of the Washington Metro'

Join for an upcoming event, "What Kind of City Do You Want: The Optimism of the Washington Metro." In this talk, Zachary Schrag, professor of history at 911����, will explain the hopes that led federal, state, and local officials to create and extend the Washington Metro transit system and the challenges of building and maintaining transit in a country dominated by cars.

This in-person event will be held on Monday, Nov. 2, from 3–4 p.m. at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 113 and is free and open to the public. Registration is required, as seating is limited. If you are not an Encore Learning member, email info@encorelearning.net to register. 

Upcoming performances and arts events at 911����

Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Long before he transformed the musical world, Ludwig van Beethoven introduced himself to Vienna with a remarkable debut of his first symphony. Symphony No. 1 honors the elegance and balance of the Classical tradition while revealing the bold imagination that would soon redefine it. Fresh, energetic, and full of surprises, the work offers a glimpse of a young composer poised on the threshold of greatness. Verdi's stirring Nabucco Overture, a dramatic curtain-raiser drawn from the opera that launched the composer's international career, will open the program.

Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The 911���� Jazz Ensemble opens its season by celebrating the enduring legacy of House Concurrent Resolution 57 (H. Con. Res. 57), the landmark congressional resolution that designated jazz as "a rare and valuable national American treasure." Passed in 1987, the resolution affirmed jazz as an American art form and recognized its profound cultural, educational, and international significance. In the spirit of this historic resolution, the Mason Jazz Ensemble will present an evening of straight-ahead jazz that celebrates the rich tradition of America's music while looking confidently toward its future.

Friday, Oct. 23, 6–8 p.m.
Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Join Mason Exhibitions for an evening of performance and conversation. Anthony Le will provide a 10-minute commissioned performance art piece that explores the impact of war and how we live on by accepting the past, rejecting singular narratives, and trying better in the future, even joyfully. The performance will be followed by a talk from Vanessa Schulman, professor of art history, and Meredith Lair, associate professor of history. .

Friday, Oct. 23, from 6–8 p.m.
Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Multipurpose Room and Auditorium
Celebrate the legacy, creativity, and impact of the performing arts at the Performing Arts Archive Celebration, a free event highlighting the 911���� Libraries' special performing arts collection. The event will begin with refreshments and exhibits, including Arena Stage materials, Gilbert and Sullivan collections, Federal Theatre Project scripts, and more. Guests can dress up and read words that haven't been spoken aloud in over a century and contribute to a collaborative haiku wall inspired by archival materials. The program will continue with a musical performance and a panel discussion.

Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Meet George—a giant Galápagos tortoise with a big story to tell! Follow his journey among blue-footed birds, sea lions, and other island creatures in this charming tale inspired by the last tortoise found on Pinta Island. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Barefoot Puppet Theatre brings an “uplifting eco-fable,” as praised by The Smithsonian, that gently explores caring for our planet. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Barefoot Puppet Theatre will work with the community through classes and workshops in conjunction with its performance.

Human Resources News

Action items: Performance engagement changes

911���� is moving from performance management to performance engagement for A/P faculty and classified staff. To help employees succeed in their roles, the university is focusing on role clarity, one of the key factors that energizes and engages people at work. Changes include a new Goals Module and changes to First Year Progress Reviews. .

ITS Bits and Bytes

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Check out activities from Information Technology Services (ITS) for :

• Cybersecurity panel discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. in the Johson Center, Room C.
• Online safety tips will be posted daily on  

Alumni email is changing 

Email service for 911���� alumni is transitioning to an email forwarding service. After multiple email solutions were offered over the years, a forwarding service was chosen to provide a sustainable and affordable solution for alumni to stay connected to the university. The new forwarding service offers an @gmualumni.org email address that forwards messages to a non-911���� email address. This change does not affect current students or employees. .

New school year, same old phishing

The new school year brings an increase in phishing attempts by cybercriminals who know people are busy. As students, faculty, and staff are settling into the new academic year, it is an important time to remain on guard and to received. Reporting phishing emails allows 911����'s Information Technology Services (ITS) to properly assess and notify others who may be targets. , or by calling ITS Support at 703-993-8870. 

Policy Updates

New university policies and recent updates

New policies on and were approved in July. The was updated to distinguish processes for online degree programs and online degree pathways, as well as to define online courses. 

Revisions were also made to the following policies:

• and more.

To see all policy updates, visit .

Coming to a Student Near You

Internship Week: Oct. 26-30

During , students can get expert advice on how to find, secure, and succeed in an internship. Events will provide opportunities to meet employers, connect with fellow students, and get insights. Learn about the internship experiences of 911���� students.

Once Upon a Scream

Glide into , a night featuring ghoulish carnival games, a haunted house, escape rooms, stuff-a-plush, prizes, and more. Scares, sweets, and spooky delights await you on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 7–10 p.m. on the Fenwick Lawn and Chesapeake River Lane.

Nexus234 Career Fair

911���� students are invited to attend the and meet companies and organizations from across Northern Virginia that are looking for talent. Explore job opportunities and internships, meet employers face-to-face, and learn about career paths. Attendance is free for job seekers. Thursday, Oct. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center.

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