Faculty and Staff News

Campus Notice: Parking and Transportation Advisory

lclarkg — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:49:54 +0000

Campus Notice: Parking and Transportation Advisory lclarkg Fri, 08/21/2026 - 14:49

As the fall 2026 semester starts, 911�� students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. This campus parking and transportation guide includes resources for the Fairfax Campus, Mason Square, and the Science and Technology Campus to help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.

During the first few weeks of the semester, please allow an extra 30 minutes to arrive on campus. Though some parking spaces are more convenient to your destination than others, the Fairfax Campus has more than enough spaces to accommodate all vehicles. However, many general parking permit areas fill at peak class times. Lots L and K are usually the last to fill and the best places to look if arriving to campus after 10 a.m. with a general permit.

Permit Parking and Visitor Parking
A valid parking permit is required to park outside visitor areas. Those without permits should use visitor parking in the garages or in various lots with daily parking options. Virtual parking permits are sold online only at parking.gmu.edu. Permits are sold with daily, weekly, monthly, and semester options and are available for purchase throughout the semester online at parking.gmu.edu.

Due to ongoing maintenance, there will be NO visitor parking in Mason Pond Deck during the fall semester. Besides the other visitor parking options in Shenandoah and Rappahannock decks, as well as daily permit options in Lots K/L, Lot P, and West Campus, a new hourly option has been added at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center lot next to Lot K.

Review the regulations for individual parking permits and understand the rules for parking on campus. Make sure to check the specific guidelines that apply to your permit type.

Traffic Supervision
At times during the morning, late afternoon, and early evenings, campus police cadets will direct traffic around campus. Please be alert and follow the cadets’ directions.

Share the Road
Be mindful of sharing the road safely with an increased number of pedestrians and vehicles, including scooters, motorcycles, bikes, cars, and trucks. Get more tips on safely sharing the road on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Shared mobility e-scooters should be parked in scooter corrals or bike racks. No matter where you go, on or off campus, never leave a scooter on a sidewalk or anywhere where it can be a tripping hazard or mobility issue for others. If you are riding a bike or scooter, be sure to wear a helmet.

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Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory

lclarkg — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:46:48 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory lclarkg Mon, 08/17/2026 - 10:46

As 911�� welcomes nearly 6,000 residential students to the Fairfax Campus for move-in and Preamble events from Wednesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 23, the campus community should expect increased traffic and parking delays.

Traffic will increase around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck. Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in, and road closures will be in effect in some areas. Please allow additional travel time to and from campus.

Key units across the university work together to make the move-in experience as efficient as possible. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we welcome the newest Patriots to the Mason Nation.

Refer to the Fairfax Campus map for parking lot and road locations.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu. Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousing on X for updates.

Parking Impacts

Lots J and K will be used by students and families checking in for move-in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center and for post move-in parking.
Rappahannock Deck:
- General permit area on Levels 1–3 (including faculty/staff general area on Level 3) will be closed to all but move-in traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 23, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Each night during move-in, starting on Tuesday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 22, Levels 1-3 will be closed overnight at 11 p.m. Any vehicles left on these levels after 11 p.m. will be ticketed and towed.
- Rappahannock Deck reserved permit holders may park on reserved Levels 3–5.
- General faculty/staff permit holders may park only on the rooftop level from Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 23.
- Student General permit holders should use other General parking areas such as Lots A, C, L, and K.
- The reserved levels will only be accessible via the University Drive entrance on Level 2. The Patriot Circle permit entrance and exit will be closed. The reserved level gates will be open to accommodate families and students moving into the residence halls.
Lot I: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m.
Lot R: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m.
Short-Term Lots: Washington Lot near Presidents Park (off Shenandoah River Lane) will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. The short-term parking lot by Eastern Shore will only be available to move-in traffic with disabled permits from Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m.
Merten Lot will be used for oversized vehicles for move-in that cannot fit inside Rappahannock Deck.

Traffic Closures and Impacts

New resident students will check in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center on Aug. 19-20, so expect heavy traffic on Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, and on Patriot Circle around Lots J and K.
Global Lane between Mason Pond Drive and Lot K in front of the Global Center will be closed to all traffic except disabled parking on Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 20.
Expect heavy traffic approaching the housing move-in areas around Rappahannock Deck and Presidents Park.
Patriot Circle (in front of the Rappahannock Parking Deck) will be closed to all traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 19, until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. Access to the visitor section of the deck will be available via Rappahannock River Lane and Patriot Circle.
Patriot Circle eastbound will be closed at 911�� Boulevard from Wednesday, Aug. 19, until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
University Drive: Expect heavy traffic between 911�� Boulevard and Rappahannock Deck.
Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic except commercial deliveries and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
Rivanna River Lane will be closed to all but service and delivery vehicles and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
York River Road between Patriot Circle and Lot R is closed to inbound traffic.

Preamble Event Road Closures

Mason Pond Drive will be closed between Buchanan Hall and the Center for the Arts for several Preamble events from Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 a.m.

Hypnotist Show on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m.
New Student Convocation and Resource Fair on Friday, Aug. 21, from 3-5 p.m. following New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena, 1:30-3 p.m.
Club 4400 on Mason Pond Lawn on Friday, Aug. 21, from 9-11 p.m. Additionally, Rivanna River Lane by The Hub and David King Hall will be closed Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7 a.m. for Mason Mayhem, which takes place on Saturday behind The Hub.

View the full list of Preamble and Welcome Week events.

For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu.

Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousing on X for updates.

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Meet the Mason Nation: Rebekah Schmidt

Katarina Benson — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:22:09 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Rebekah Schmidt Katarina Benson Tue, 08/11/2026 - 11:22

Rebekah Schmidt

Job: Head Athletic Trainer, Intercollegiate Athletics

There’s a hush that often falls over a sports crowd when gameplay stops and a lone figure runs out to tend to a fallen player. No matter the injury, 911��’s student-athletes are in good hands with Rebekah Schmidt. She leads a team of 10 athletic trainers for 911��’s 22 total Intercollegiate Athletics sports teams and is the trainer for the men’s basketball team. The position entails much more than ensuring players can play a good game. “We are their primary contact for all of their health needs while they’re here at 911��.”

Bad Encounter Gone Good: When most people talk about an experience that influenced their professional path, it’s usually a positive one—but Schmidt’s story is different. After sustaining an injury as a high school soccer player, she went to her school’s athletic trainer for help. “He told me that I was just being a weak girl, that I was fine, and to ‘suck it up.’” Five hip surgeries later, she realized how wrong that trainer was. “I’ve since had many great athletic trainers in my life, but that one really made me want to be a better professional.”

Behind the Scenes: Schmidt works closely with 911��'s strength and conditioning and sports performance staff to develop intensive and customized treatments for each individual men’s basketball player, including adjusting their weights during workouts, prescribing extra stretching, taping joints, and so much more. During practices, Schmidt said, “I’m monitoring, looking at their mechanics—is someone limping when they weren’t yesterday? Is someone holding a knee who wasn’t before?” The work continues with post-treatments after practice and extensive documentation. “We want to make sure that we're showing progression, which is critical in any medical profession.”

Rebekah Schmidt is in her 13th year at 911�� Athletics. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Changing Times: While the game has very much stayed the same, treatment technologies have advanced in ways that allow Schmidt to do even more. She mentions wearable devices that measure “the physical load of a practice, how long they’re running, how much intensity…all of that cumulative stress on the body is the load.” 911�� is also one of the few universities to have Catapult ClearSky, an athlete tracking system that captures multiple data points. Schmidt and the strength and conditioning team then use that information to collaboratively create personalized treatment and workout plans for each player. “Having them overcoming injury and seeing them on the court for the first time…shooting the shot that they weren't able to do a couple months ago—that's just so rewarding because it's seeing all that hard work that we did together come to a great resolution.”

A Different Kind of Club: Collegiate athletics can be a male-dominated career field, but Schmidt saw that 911�� was different. "You don't always see females in leadership roles--but 911�� had that." She cites former Deputy Athletic Director Debi Corbatto, BS Marketing '86, MS Exercise Science, Fitness, and Health Promotion '03, PhD Education '18, a 911�� alumna who served as an athletic trainer during the Patriots’ legendary Final Four run, as a pioneer and mentor, as well as Linda Pullen, 911��’s director of sports medicine. “The best thing about working here at 911�� is the community, the relationships, being able to see and help develop student-athletes.” Now in her 13th year at 911��, Schmidt serves as a mentor herself, specifically for students in the College of Education and Human Development’s athletic training master’s program.

Advice for the Rest of Us: Not everyone can play at an elite level, but Schmidt has some universal advice: “Number one thing is making sure that you’re doing some kind of weight training…kind of loading the muscles at some point to make sure you’re preventing injuries.” And for younger athletes, she encourages a bit of diversification. “The best athletes that really develop are ones that do a multitude of sports [and] learn different ways to move their body.”

Learn more about Mason Athletics

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Faculty and Staff News

Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities'

Heather Carroll — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:17:45 +0000

Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities' Heather Carroll Tue, 08/04/2026 - 15:17

In This Story

Denise Hines, PhD

Key Takeaways

Denise Hines has been appointed the first woman editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities.
With more than 25 years of experience, Hines is a national expert on men’s lives, mental health, relationships, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence victimization.
This appointment reflects Hines’ scholarship on men and masculinities, and her commitment to mentoring emerging scholars, fostering interdisciplinary research, and translating research findings into real-world solutions.

An international expert on male intimate partner violence, Denise Hines has more than 25 years of experience researching men’s lives, mental health, relationships, and intimate partner violence victimization.

Denise Hines

International expert on male intimate partner violence Denise Hines has been appointed the first woman editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities, a journal of the American Psychological Association.

Hines is the Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work at 911��’s College of Public Health and has spent more than 25 years conducting research on men’s lives, mental health, relationships, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence victimization. She is a leader in male intimate partner violence research and help-seeking strategies.

This appointment reflects Hines’ scholarship on men and masculinities, and her longstanding commitment to mentoring early career researchers, fostering interdisciplinary research, and translating research findings into real-world solutions for individuals, families, and communities.

“The journal has played a formative role in advancing understanding of men's lives, health, relationships, and well-being, and I am honored by the opportunity to help shape its future," said Hines. “I am particularly excited to foster rigorous, innovative, and inclusive scholarship that captures the diversity and complexity of men's experiences, supports emerging scholars, and advances research with meaningful implications for practice, policy, and social change. After more than two decades as an author, reviewer, editorial board member, and guest editor, I view this role as an opportunity to give back to a field that has profoundly shaped my professional life while helping position the journal for continued growth and impact.”

Hines served on the journal’s editorial board since 2021 and recently guest edited a special issue focused on men’s experiences with intimate partner violence and family abuse victimization. She has had nine articles published in the journal, including her first-ever publication in 2001. In 2010, she was named in the Top 10 Most Productive Psychology of Men and Masculinity Scholars, and the only female scholar to make the Top 10.

“My work has often focused on populations whose experiences are overlooked or misunderstood, particularly male victims of intimate partner violence, and I hope to continue supporting research that improves practice, policy, and public understanding of men’s experiences,” said Hines.

She begins her four-and-a-half-year term as editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities in January 2027.

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Elizabeth Foy is August Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:54:47 +0000

Elizabeth Foy is August Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Fri, 07/31/2026 - 16:54

Elizabeth Foy has been an anchor in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at 911�� since 2014. As lab manager, she oversees the preparation and distribution of all chemistry materials required at both the Fairfax and Science and Technology campuses. In recognition of her dedication and excellence while managing nearly 100 lab class sections per week, Foy has been named August Employee of the Month.

President Washington and Employee of the Month Elizabeth Foy. Photo by Adrianna Campos/Office of University Branding

“Ms. Foy is not only an effective manager but also an exceptional mentor and role model,” said Silvia M. Auffret Ayala, assistant lab manager. “Her work is foundational to the success of our teaching labs.”

Mikell Paige, professor and chair of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, emphasized how hard Foy works, saying “Ms. Foy is an effective leader and valuable member of our team. She helps plan for future needs as we propose new budgets, keeps up with instrument maintenance, and manages complex student employee schedules to keep the labs running on time.”

“Elizabeth does an outstanding job training and supporting her team members,” said Megan Erb, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry. “All 911�� students enrolled in chemistry lab courses benefit from her strong work ethic and dedication to her job.”

Kenneth W. Foreman, an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said, “Ms. Foy is a fantastic colleague to work with. She is constantly looking to improve the lab experience for students, suggesting potential modifications to the labs to help them run more smoothly and safely.”

“Elizabeth demonstrates excellence through her attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work,” said Fabiola Suarez, fiscal technician in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

How did you come to Mason:

I joined 911�� over 12 years ago because I wanted to be part of an institution that makes a difference through education and research. Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to grow professionally while serving the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. It has been a privilege to support our faculty, staff, and students by helping create a safe, organized, and successful laboratory environment where learning can thrive.

Best day on the job:

My best days are at the beginning of each semester when all the teaching laboratories are fully prepared, and students are excited to begin their experiments. Knowing that my team's hard work behind the scenes helps create a safe and successful learning experience for hundreds of students each semester gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy working with my colleagues to solve challenges and continuously improve our laboratory operations.

What do you like best about working at 911��:

What I like best about working at 911�� is the people and the sense of community. I enjoy working with dedicated faculty, staff, and students who share a commitment to education and excellence. Every day brings an opportunity to learn something new, help others, and contribute to the success of our department. It is rewarding to know that my work supports student learning and helps prepare the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals.

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

When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family, especially my three beautiful granddaughters, who are 1 month, 1 year, and 4 years old. Watching them grow, playing with them, reading stories, and celebrating life's little moments brings me so much happiness. They remind me every day of the importance of love, family, and creating lasting memories.

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Three 911�� faculty members elected to Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine

Mary Cunningham — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:00:29 +0000

Three 911�� faculty members elected to Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Mary Cunningham Mon, 07/27/2026 - 11:00

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

Siddhartha Sikdar

Three 911�� faculty members have been elected to the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM), an organization that brings together leading experts from across the commonwealth to provide independent, evidence-based expertise on issues affecting Virginia's future.

The newly elected 911�� members join a distinguished network of scientists, engineers, health professionals, and innovators committed to advancing research, informing public policy, and strengthening Virginia's innovation ecosystem.

The 2026 elected class includes individuals from the College of Science, the College of Public Health, and the College of Engineering and Computing: Distinguished University Professor Liping Di, Dean Melissa J. Perry, and Distinguished University Professor Siddhartha Sikdar.

Founded in 2013 and modeled after the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, VASEM serves as a trusted resource for Virginia policymakers, institutions, and communities. The organization convenes experts from academia, industry, government, and nonprofit organizations to address critical issues facing the commonwealth.

In recent years, VASEM has expanded its efforts through studies, white papers, workshops, conferences, and educational programs focused on areas including artificial intelligence, energy technologies, climate resilience, health care, and advanced manufacturing. The organization also supports initiatives such as the Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship and the Undergraduate Policy Program, helping prepare future leaders at the intersection of science and public policy.

As members, the newly elected faculty will have opportunities to contribute their expertise through VASEM committees, workshops, study groups, and policy-focused initiatives that support evidence-based decision-making across Virginia.

Liping Di
College of Science

Liping Di. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Liping Di, Distinguished University Professor in 911��'s Department of Geography and Geoinformation Science and director of the Spatial Information Science and Systems Center (CSISS) in the College of Science (COS), is an internationally recognized expert in geospatial information science, remote sensing, and GeoAI. Throughout his career, he has led more than $60 million in funded research and has played a prominent role in developing national and international geospatial standards.

"The election to VASEM is a great honor, not just personally, but for the CSISS, the COS and the university. It signals that our geospatial information science and system research not only has been recognized by the scientific community but also has tangible relevance beyond the lab, which is the highest compliment I can imagine. I am eager to use the VASEM platform to enhance geospatial information research and innovation, promote collaboration among Virginia's world class research universities, and translate the knowledge and innovation into action through evidence-based policymaking that improves lives and economy across the commonwealth," said Di.

Melissa J. Perry
College of Public Health

Melissa Perry. Photo by Rene Ayala.

Melissa J. Perry, dean and professor in the College of Public Health, is a distinguished epidemiologist whose research focuses on environmental and occupational health. An internationally recognized scientist and academic leader, she has held prominent leadership roles with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and other leading public health organizations while advancing research, education, and policy in environmental health.

"Representing public health as a member of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine reinforces the importance of bringing a population health perspective to the scientific and policy discussions that influence the well-being of Virginians across the commonwealth," said Perry.

Siddhartha Sikdar
College of Engineering and Computing

Siddhartha Sikdar. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Siddhartha Sikdar, Distinguished University Professor of bioengineering and co-director of the Center for MedTech Innovation in the College of Engineering and Computing, conducts research focused on developing advanced imaging technologies and wearable sensors to better understand brain-body interactions and improve rehabilitation outcomes for individuals living with conditions such as chronic pain, stroke, spinal cord injury, and limb loss. His work has helped advance innovative approaches to rehabilitation and medical technology, contributing to improved quality of life for patients while strengthening Virginia's leadership in health and biomedical research.

“It is a great honor and privilege to join such a distinguished group of experts at VASEM,” he said. “I am eagerly looking forward to working with VASEM to inform public policy in biomedical and healthcare technologies and strengthen Virginia’s medical technology ecosystem. I hope to represent an interdisciplinary and community-engaged research perspective drawing upon my experience working on complex problems at the intersection of society, health and technology, and elevate the voices of patients and community partners who are often left out of policy discussions.”

The election of Di, Perry, and Sikdar brings the total number of current and former 911�� faculty members inducted into VASEM to 13. Previous inductees include 911�� President Gregory Washington; College of Science faculty members James Kinter, Lance Liotta, and Jagadish Shukla; College of Public Health professor emeritus Naomi Lynn Gerber; Distinguished University Professor Emeritus Edward Maibach; College of Engineering and Computing Dean Kenneth Ball; Inaugural Vice President and Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu; and engineering faculty members Missy Cummings and Elise Miller-Hooks.

New members will be recognized during the 2026 VASEM Annual Summit, which will be held this fall.

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911�� announces four senior leadership promotions

ckearney — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:03:58 +0000

911�� announces four senior leadership promotions ckearney Mon, 07/20/2026 - 15:03

911�� President Gregory Washington has announced that four members of his leadership team will step into expanded roles effective July 30.

"These positions will enhance our ability to serve students, advance our strategic vision for institutional and research excellence, and shape 911��'s future as one of the leading public universities in the country," Washington said.

Rose Pascarell

Rose Pascarell, who has served as vice president for University Life since 2012, is promoted to executive vice president and chief of staff. A deeply dedicated leader, Pascarell brings a level-headed perspective and student-first approach that has served the tens of thousands of students, faculty, and staff she has worked with over her 30 years at 911��. Associate Vice President Pam Patterson and Assistant Vice President Sally Lorentson will share interim vice president duties.

David Burge

David Burge, who has served as vice president for Enrollment Management since 2015, is promoted with an expansion of duties to senior vice president for enrollment and student achievement. Burge will serve as principal advisor for enrollment strategy, market expansion, tuition revenue, and student success. He has been instrumental in the success of 911��'s enrollment growth—at a time when other institutions are experiencing declines—through many accessible pathway programs and an ambitious direct admission effort.

Sharnnia Artis

Sharnnia Artis, who arrived at 911�� in 2021 and most recently has served as vice president for Access, Compliance, and Community, is promoted to senior vice president for organizational excellence and institutional integrity. In this expanded role, Artis will advance organizational excellence by aligning people strategy, leadership development, inclusive excellence, accessibility, civil rights compliance, and institutional integrity to deliver on the university's mission.

Whitney Owen

Whitney Owen, who has served as interim special advisor to the president and chief of staff since April 2025, has been named vice president of strategy and transformation and special advisor to the president, focusing on major transformational initiatives for the university. Whitney is the former executive director of University Business Consulting, an organization she launched when she arrived at the university in 2020. Pam Promisel will continue to serve as interim executive director of University Business Consulting.

"With their leadership, expertise, and commitment, in collaboration with our new Provost Marion Underwood and alongside the continued outstanding work of our faculty and staff, 911�� is well-positioned for continued success at a pivotal time in higher education," Washington said.

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Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community

Susan Martonik — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:32:44 +0000

Mason Advising Symposium explores best practices and creates community Susan Martonik Mon, 07/20/2026 - 09:32

Academic advisors are among the first people students turn to when making decisions about courses, careers, research opportunities, study-abroad experiences, and campus resources. This wide-ranging role requires advisors to understand the university’s academic offerings, student support services, and the pathways students use to navigate them.

Reflecting the breadth of topics academic advisors address, the 2026 911�� Advising Symposium brought nearly 100 advisors, faculty, staff, and graduate assistants to the Johnson Center on May 21 for a day of professional development, networking, and recognition of outstanding contributions. The symposium helped attendees better understand the programs, services, and experiences shaping student life.

“At its best, advising helps students recognize possibilities--not just how to complete college, but how to experience it,” said Michelle Steiner, director of undergraduate academic success in Undergraduate Education. “That’s our goal with the Mason Advising Symposium—to empower advisors to help students see new possibilities.”

Supporting the whole student

Carrie Ann Delaney (center) and other advising community members listen intently during the awards ceremony presentations. Photo by John Boal Photography.

Because advisors help students navigate far more than degree requirements, staying informed about the opportunities and challenges students encounter across the university is an essential part of the role.

With that in mind, symposium sessions explored the many facets of the student experience at 911��. Participants learned about opportunities for students to study at Mason Korea, explored ways to introduce undergraduates to research and creative activities through the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), and discussed strategies for helping students build a stronger sense of belonging, including connecting students with campus communities and sharing ways to get involved beyond the classroom.

Other presentations focused on student-athletes, international students, the changing job market, and trauma-informed approaches to student success. Advisors also learned about resources available through the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being and discussed how to support both student and advisor wellness.

Taken together, the sessions underscored how advising intersects with many aspects of university life, from research and global education to well-being and career preparation.

Connecting advisors across 911��

The symposium also provided an opportunity for advisors to connect with one another.

“Academic advising at 911�� is decentralized, and the profession is one where we mostly work independently,” said Sylvia Lee, academic advisor coordinator in Undergraduate Education, who founded and chairs the symposium. “The Mason Advising Symposium is a great way to help build community among our advisors.”

The program included updates from colleges, schools, and programs across the university, along with networking activities designed to help participants learn more about each other’s work and identify opportunities for collaboration.

“The 911�� advising community is so supportive and eager to learn,” said Collin Arthur, senior academic advisor in the Costello College of Business. “[The symposium] allowed us to have quality conversations among attendees regarding best practices in advising at 911��.”

For Amy Vaillancourt Mandt, an academic advisor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, those conversations provided an opportunity to focus on the rewards of the profession. “One of the main things that stood out to me was the chance to reflect on all the joy that can be found in advising and from being a part of our community,” she said.

Honoring outstanding work

The symposium also served as an opportunity to recognize advisors whose work has made a meaningful impact across the university.

From L-R: Julio Diaz-Carroll and Joshua Fletcher, co-chairs of the Advisor Mentorship Program (AMP), present certificates to this year's AMP program participants. Photo by John Boal Photography.

During the event, Undergraduate Education presented advising awards and introduced the inaugural Nessad Awards, a series of peer-nominated superlatives created to celebrate the advising community.

By recognizing both formal achievements and the everyday contributions that support students and colleagues, the awards ceremony offered a moment to celebrate the people behind academic advising and their role in student success.

Ultimately, the event highlighted the wide range of expertise advisors bring to their work—and the important role they play in helping students make the most of their 911�� experience.

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Faculty and Staff News

Fairfax Campus Notice: Cooling system maintenance, July 16–17

lclarkg — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:59:16 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Cooling system maintenance, July 16–17 lclarkg Wed, 07/15/2026 - 07:59

As part of planned infrastructure work to improve the reliability and long-term performance of the campus cooling system, cooling service capacity to several buildings on the Fairfax Campus will be impacted beginning overnight on Thursday, July 16, at 10 p.m. and continuing until Friday, July 17, at noon.

To minimize impacts, Facilities and Campus Operations is implementing proactive measures, including maximizing building cooling starting Wednesday evening and maintaining those conditions as long as possible on Thursday. Cooling service will be prioritized to critical campus operations and high-use facilities.

To accommodate this maintenance, employees should work with their supervisors to determine the most appropriate work location from Thursday night through Friday. Supervisors are encouraged to take a telework-first approach for employees whose job responsibilities can be performed remotely. Employees who are required to work on campus should coordinate with their supervisors to ensure appropriate coverage and safe working conditions.

To assist with energy/heat loads in the buildings, please power down and unplug all unused and nonessential electronics, devices, and equipment.

The air conditioning will be affected in all Fairfax Campus buildings, with a few exceptions: Police and Safety Headquarters, Child Development Center, Activities Building, Field House, Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC), Krasnow, Ángel Cabrera Global Center, Carow Hall, Northeast Modules, and PE Module.

Operational teams will closely monitor conditions throughout the event. If you experience severe temperature-related conditions in your building, contact Facilities and Campus Operations Customer Service at 703-993-2525.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this important work.

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Off the Clock: Elizabeth Martelli throws punches—for a good cause

lclarkg — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:10:05 +0000

Off the Clock: Elizabeth Martelli throws punches—for a good cause lclarkg Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:10

Elizabeth Martelli, PhD Writing and Rhetoric ‘19, first arrived at 911�� in 2014 as a PhD student. Now an associate professor in the English Department, Martelli teaches ENGH 302 in the Composition Program, working with students across majors as they develop as researchers and writers in their disciplines.

Martelli loves helping students find their way through the writing process—especially those who have an aversion to writing or see it as a challenge.

“I love breaking the research and writing process down into smaller, more manageable steps and helping students see that writing is not something you either ‘can’ or ‘can’t’ do,” said Martelli. “It is a practice.”

Martelli brings the same mindset to her activities outside work. Surprising even herself, Martelli is training as an amateur boxer and will compete in a boxing match this fall to raise money in support of cancer research and awareness with Haymakers for Hope. Her boxing efforts will fight against the disease that has become the fight of many people’s lives, including some of her loved ones.

We asked Martelli to share more about what inspired her to enter the ring.

Elizabeth Martelli. Photo provided

Share a bit about Haymakers for Hope and its mission.

Haymakers for Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, gives everyday people the chance to train like fighters, step into the ring for a USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur boxing match, and raise money for cancer research, care, awareness, and survivorship programs.

Their motto is, “This fight is bigger than any of us,” and that captures what drew me to the organization. I learned about Haymakers for Hope about three years ago. I had been boxing for fitness for years, but I had never competed. The idea that amateurs could go through a serious training camp, fight in a real sanctioned event, and use that experience to raise money for cancer immediately stayed with me.

The cause is deeply personal. Cancer has touched many people in my life, including my grandmother and uncle, and I lost my mother to cancer in 2008. So, this is not just about checking off a personal goal. It is about doing something difficult and meaningful in honor of people I love and so many others affected by cancer.

Have sports and exercise always been big parts of your life?

I started boxing when I began my PhD program at 911��. At first, it was just a fitness class and a way to manage the stress of graduate school. I was not training to fight. I was trying to survive the pressure of reading, writing, teaching, researching, and figuring out who I was becoming.

But boxing stayed with me because it gave me something I did not always get from academic life: a reminder that growth comes through repetition, correction, humility, and practice.

I did not grow up as a competitive athlete, and I certainly did not imagine that I would be training for my first boxing match in my 50s. That is part of what makes this so meaningful to me. At 52, I am entering the ring for the first time, and I am currently in a pro-fighter-style training camp. For 16 weeks, I am training six days a week, balancing conditioning, boxing, roadwork, strength training, and recovery. It is intense, humbling, and honestly sometimes terrifying. But it is also a reminder that we are allowed to keep becoming. We are allowed to start something hard later in life. We are allowed to surprise ourselves.

Martelli and her mother, Alyce Robinson, in 1995, just after Robinson's breast cancer diagnosis. Photo provided

Have you learned any lessons through this experience?

Boxing has taught me that progress is built through consistent practice, feedback, setbacks, and perseverance. That is also why I see such a strong connection between boxing and writing. Neither one is about being perfect. Both require you to show up, do the work, make adjustments, and keep growing.

It has also taught me that confidence often comes after action, not before it. You do not wait until you feel brave to do the hard thing. You do the hard thing, and that is how bravery grows.

Training for this fight has reminded me that we can use our bodies, our stories, and our communities in service of something larger than ourselves. I am stepping into the ring as a first-time fighter, but I am also stepping in as a daughter, a teacher, a colleague, and someone who knows what it means to lose people to cancer. This experience has reminded me that it is never too late to challenge an old story about who you are or what you are capable of becoming.

Martelli will compete in Haymakers for Hope’s Beltway Brawl on Wednesday, September 16, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

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