Around Mason

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
• Event Highlights
• Human Resources News
• ITS Bits and Bytes
• Policy and Compliance Updates
• Coming to a Student Near You
• Patriot Pets

President’s town hall sessions scheduled for the spring 2026 semester

George Mason University President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff. The first town hall, for George Mason employees working in non-academic units, will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 9–10:30 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub ballroom. The second town hall, for George Mason employees working in academic units, will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 1–2:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus in The Hub ballroom. Read more.

Campus Operations

Annual Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10

The George Mason community is invited to participate in the Annual Tornado Drill on Tuesday, March 10, at 9:45 a.m. This scheduled exercise provides a focused opportunity to revisit tornado safety procedures and reinforce appropriate protective actions. A Mason Alert email and text message will mark the start of the drill, which will conclude at 10 a.m. For questions regarding participation, please contact Risk, Safety, and Resilience at rsr@gmu.edu or 703-993-8448. Review George Mason’s Tornado and Severe Weather Guide to ensure you are familiar with current response protocols. 

Professional Development and Training

Request for Proposals: Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference

George Mason University faculty, graduate instructors, and staff are invited to submit proposals for the 18th annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference, hosted by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning. This year’s theme is "Relevant Teaching," where instructors can address strategies for meeting recent changes in higher education and teaching. The hybrid conference includes online sessions via Zoom on Sept. 24 and in-person sessions on Sept. 25. Visit the website for a full description of the conference and the call for proposals.

Call for Programs: University Life Student Success Symposium

Faculty, staff, and graduate students are invited to submit program proposals for the 2026 University Life Student Success Symposium on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center on Tuesday, June 2 (pre-conference), and Wednesday, June 3 (symposium). Registration for attendees will open in April.

Program proposals should be designed for a symposium educational session or a pre-conference workshop and are due April 6 at noon. Review submission guidelines, criteria for different program types, relevant competencies, and supporting materials on the webpage.

Sexual Violence Prevention and Awareness Training

All George Mason employees, including student wage, must annually complete Sexual Violence Prevention and Awareness training. This training requirement can be fulfilled by completing Title IX Non-Confidential Employee Training online through Mason LEAPs, or attending a live training via Zoom. View the training schedule and register.

Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program

Human Resources is currently accepting applications for the 2026-27 Leadership Legacy Program. The program is designed for George Mason faculty and staff who are committed to furthering their leadership development, whether they are newly entering a leadership role, wish to prepare for alternative positions, or simply want to strengthen their capacity to lead from their current position. 

This in‑person, October–May program includes leadership seminars grounded in higher‑ed contexts, guided reflection, and coaching from George Mason leaders and certified external coaches. Participants meet for nine Friday sessions (9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), plus a Thursday–Friday kickoff in October.

The program curriculum provides opportunities for participants to advance their conceptual and experiential understanding of leadership in the context of university settings. Learn more and apply by March 20. 

George Mason Toastmasters Open House

Join an open house with George Mason Toastmasters to gain confidence and find your voice. Learn more about Toastmasters by attending on Wednesday, March 25, from noon to 1 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 3300. You can also attend virtually. For more information, visit toastmasters.gmu.edu.

Suicide prevention training for the George Mason community

SOS for Higher Ed includes two 30-minute, self-guided online training courses. The trainings include video and interactive learning to teach everyone on campus how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) in their role in suicide prevention. Participants will learn:

• How to recognize signs of suicide risk 
• How to have caring conversations that encourage someone to seek help 
• How to build community connections that foster positive mental well-being 
• An overview of available student mental health resources, on and off-campus

Learn more.  

Thriving Together

Benefits Fair

The 2026 Benefits Fair is your opportunity to explore your options, ask questions, and make the most of your benefits as a George Mason employee. This event brings all your benefits providers to one place so you can:

• Get clear, personalized answers from the experts who manage your plans
• Explore benefits you may not realize you have access to
• Compare options and understand the best choices for you and your family
• Prepare with confidence for Open Enrollment in May
• Walk away knowing exactly how to maximize the value of your benefits 

Benefits Fair
Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall 

Health Benefits: 

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Kaiser Permanente
• Aetna
• Delta Dental
• Liberty Dental
• Inspira Financial (Flexible Spending Accounts) 

Retirement Benefits: 

• TIAA
• Fidelity
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Voya

Other Financial Benefits: 

• Virginia529
• Virginia Credit Union 

This event is open to benefited faculty and staff. For questions, contact benefits@gmu.edu.

Health and Fitness Expo

Join the 29th annual Health and Fitness Expo on Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. This annual event is free and open to the public. Our mission is to promote health, wellness, well-being, fitness, and disease prevention. Stop by to learn about resources available on campus and in the community that can help you lead a happy, thriving life. Learn more.

Volunteer at the expo: The Health and Fitness Expo planning committee is seeking friendly, reliable volunteers to support the expo. Roles include event setup, greeting attendees, assisting vendors, and helping activities run smoothly throughout the day. No special experience required. Sign up today.

Giving Day 2026: Lace up for community impact

Returning to the Giving Day title to emphasize the real impact of each gift, this year's Race Day theme hopes to energize and inspire the university’s donor community to lace up and give during this 24-hour sprint. Learn more about how you can help us cross the finish line together on April 2 and watch the video.

Become a Patriots Thriving Together Ambassador

Patriots Thriving Together is George Mason University’s campus-wide mental health and well-being initiative, offering resources and support for the entire community. Students, faculty, and staff who are passionate about mental health and well-being are invited to serve as Patriots Thriving Together Ambassadors. 

Ambassadors will be added to a Microsoft Teams group where we share:

• Upcoming events 
• Promotional opportunities 
• Well-being resources

The role is simple and flexible: become familiar with the Patriots Thriving Together website, help spread awareness of mental health and well-being resources, and offer ideas, feedback, or suggestions. Apply today. 

Nominations for the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations

The Jack Wood Award highlights the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, businesses/not-for-profits, community members, and elected officials/staff who demonstrate leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community. 

This award is named for former Mayor Jack Wood, who played an instrumental role in establishing George Mason in Fairfax and establishing town-gown relations between the university and the community. Nominations are due March 13. Awardees will be notified by March 26, and the Board of Visitors will honor awardees on April 30. Learn more.

Reminder: TimelyCare now available for faculty and staff

George Mason full- and part-time faculty and staff have access to TimelyCare for free, confidential mental health support. Connect with licensed counselors and access support when you need it, at no cost.

Benefits include 24/7 emotional support with the TalkNow line, up to 12 free scheduled counseling sessions per academic year, health coaching, self-guided resources, mindfulness tools, and peer support. Learn more.

Event Highlights

George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals

Celebrate George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals as the Patriots fill the arena to watch the Capitals take on the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. Several ticket options are available. Prices include discounted seats and a George Mason and Capitals co-branded tumbler. Register to join the Alumni Association for a pregame reception at Clyde's of Gallery Place before attending the hockey game.

Mason Empty Bowls

From local potters’ wheels to George Mason students’ plates, Mason Empty Bowls transforms art into action in the fight against food insecurity on campus. Join the event on Wednesday, March 25, from 7–9 p.m. at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus. 

The evening will include music, community, a simple shared meal, and meaningful impact. Each guest will leave with a beautiful handmade ceramic bowl—a lasting reminder that for many students, their “bowls” are not always full.

Empty Bowls is part of a global movement that brings people together through art and shared meals to raise awareness and funds for hunger-related causes in local communities. At George Mason, 100% of event proceeds directly support the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund. Tickets on sale now.

DC Defenders: Taking their stand with George Mason

Join George Mason fans for an afternoon with the DC Defenders on Saturday, April 11, at noon. Purchase a discounted game ticket as the DC Defenders take on the Houston Gambers. After the game, George Mason game ticket holders get an exclusive experience to have a group photo taken on Audi Field. Purchase tickets.

Conference – From Cartels to Combatants: The intense militarization of America's drug war

The Schar School of Policy and Government and the Corruption, Networks, and Transnational Crime Research Center (CONTRA) will host an upcoming conference, "From Cartels to Combatants: The Intense Militarization of America’s Drug War," on Monday, March 23, from 1–6 p.m. at Mason Square. 

Leading scholars and practitioners will discuss the legal, policy, and security implications of recent changes in U.S. strategy toward transnational criminal organizations. Learn more and register.

Fundamentals of Affordable Housing Development Program

Learn about the affordable housing industry, the process of real estate development, the complexity of affordable housing financing, local and state programs, and more from industry experts. This program, hosted by the Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship, is designed for those who want to work in the affordable housing industry, those who are early in their affordable housing career, board members, housing advocates, public agency staff, project partners, stakeholders, researchers, and community members. This is a two-day, in-person class on March 26–27 at Mason Square in Arlington. Register. 

International Café (iCafé) at SciTech

Enjoy the tastes, sights, and sounds of many cultures in this International Café (iCafé) at SciTech, a classic George Mason tradition. Taste beverages and snacks, hear music and language, see fashion and form, and speak with students representing their heritages. This event will highlight El Salvador, India, Ghana, Malaysia, and Korea. Stop by the Katherine Johnson Hall atrium on the Science and Technology Campus on Monday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. iCafé is hosted by University Life SciTech, the Governor's School at Innovation Park, and the Office of International Programs and Services.

James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar

George Mason's Department of Economics invites the university community to the James Buchanan and Vernon Smith Seminar on Thursday, March 19, at 5 p.m. The seminar will be held at George's, located on the third floor of the Johnson Center on the Fairfax Campus. A reception will follow. 

This seminar series is designed to appeal to a broad audience. Charles Manski, Board of Trustees Professor of Economics at Northwestern University, will present "Social Planning under Uncertainty."

Upcoming Performances at George Mason

Mason Dance Company Gala Concert
Friday, March 27, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, at 8 p.m. 
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The highlight of the George Mason Dance Company season will feature works from world-renowned choreographers performed by talented dancers at the start of their professional careers. Prior to the Saturday Dance Gala Concert, the Mason Dance Fête will feature open studio demonstrations and a reception with faculty, students, and supporters. Proceeds from the Mason Dance Fête support School of Dance student scholarships. Separate tickets are required for the Dance Fête.

Big Band Showdown
Monday, March 30, at 8 p.m. 
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Three bands will be showcased in in an electrifying evening with the hot sounds and swinging beats of the Big Band era. Featuring the Mason Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll; Jazz Workshop, directed by John Kocur; and the Shenandoah University Studio Big Band, directed by Matt Niess. Join a high-energy showcase of powerful brass, blazing saxophone sections, driving rhythm sections, and dynamic jazz performances you won’t want to miss.

Human Resources News

You spoke; we acted: How George Mason is bringing your feedback to life

Faculty and staff voices help shape George Mason. The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is one of our most important tools for understanding how employees experience work and where we need to grow. Because you spoke up in 2024, we launched major improvements—from expanded well‑being resources to strengthened recognition efforts, enhanced performance tools, and a comprehensive compensation and career architecture study. As we prepare for the April 2026 survey, we want to share the progress your feedback set in motion. Every response matters. Learn more about what we have accomplished together.

Performance management update: A simpler path to recognition

Effective immediately, George Mason is discontinuing the Acknowledgment of Extraordinary Contribution form for classified staff performance evaluations, following guidance from the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). Supervisors can now assign an Outstanding overall performance rating without the extra form. Documentation is still required to show how exceptional performance advances unit or institutional goals. Learn more.

ITS Bits and Bytes

Report phishing incidents

George Mason University community members who receive phishing emails should report them to phish@gmu.edu. Reporting phishing emails allows Information Technology Services (ITS) to issue alerts and notify recipients.  

If you clicked on a link, replied, or downloaded attachments from an email you later realized was a phishing attempt, contact ITS Support by phone: 703-993-8870 or Live Chat for assistance. Information about reported phishing emails is available on the ITS website.

Policy and Compliance Updates

Hazing Prevention Policy and Reporting Obligations

George Mason University has adopted an updated Hazing Prevention policy in compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA). This policy builds on the work of Patriots Against Hazing and reinforces our commitment to a safe and respectful learning, living, and working environment for all members of the community. Non-confidential employees (i.e., employees who are not part of confidential offices, such as Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Support and Advocacy Center, and Student Health Services) are required to report hazing to the appropriate university authority. Read the policy.

Coming to a Student Near You

Science Careers Week

Science Careers Week is your chance to learn about a variety of jobs and experiences in a dynamic career field. During the week of March 23-27, students are invited to participate in panel discussions investigating multiple disciplines including forensics, sustainability, research, and more. Don’t miss your chance to get insights and make connections you won't find anywhere else. Learn more in Handshake.

Workshops at The MIX

The MIX is the central hub for innovation, exploration, and creativity at George Mason. Did you know that students, faculty, and staff can attend a variety of workshops to learn new skills? Topics include woodworking, 3D modeling, podcasting, sewing, and more. Check out the full schedule. 

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