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

2026 Faculty and Staff Experience Survey 

The 2026 Faculty and Staff Experience Survey will be open from April 1–21. Your feedback shapes real change. Results from the last survey informed expanded well-being and recognition programs and guided the university's investments in professional development and performance culture. This survey is how we keep building on that work.

A few things to know:

• Confidential. George Mason partners with Gallup to administer the survey — your responses are never tied back to you individually.

• Quick. The survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete.

• Easy access. Gallup will send a unique link to your George Mason email when the survey opens. On-campus computer labs are also available for those who prefer to complete it in person—dates, times, and locations are listed in this HR News update.

For more information, visit the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey website or email engagehr@gmu.edu.

Campus Operations

Purchasing branded promo items?

To help with your branded promo needs, George Mason has officially licensed vendors who have been authorized to produce merchandise bearing the university's trademarks, including all graphic and verbiage-based references to the university. Using officially licensed vendors is a requirement per University Policy 1130. 

Trademark Licensing is a unit of the Office of University Branding. View the list of Approved Licensed Vendors. Contact David Atkins, executive director of brand development and licensing, with questions.

Professional Development and Training

Sign up for Mason 101

Mason 101 is a free, two-hour, one-time information session designed for George Mason University faculty and staff to learn about the institution's history, structure, resources, and future of the institution. Register for an upcoming session: 

• Friday, May 8 (via Zoom): 10 a.m. to noon

To register, go to masonleaps.gmu.edu and log in with your George Mason credentials. Search for “Mason 101," and available Mason 101 dates will appear. Click on the “Request” button next to your preferred training date. Contact Philip Stamper, Office of University Branding, with questions.

Register for the Faculty Writing Retreat

Hoping to start the summer off with some writing momentum? The Faculty Writing Retreat offers an active approach to uninterrupted writing time, a chance to learn from our panelists, and a supportive and collegial community of peers to boost your writing productivity. Participants work on a variety of research and creative projects at all stages of completion. The retreat will be held on Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21, both on Zoom and in-person in Horizon Hall rooms 2008 and 2009. Register here.

Developing minor programs to support workforce-ready graduates

George Mason University is expanding work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for success in Virginia's high-demand industries—and you can be a part of it. Faculty are invited to develop workforce-ready minors that align with Virginia’s high demand occupations and include internship-based classes and career-relevant assignments as part of the coursework.

The Workforce Ready Patriots grant team is seeking proposals in three categories: program modification, course enhancement, and internship course creation. Submissions will be reviewed for funding in spring, summer, and fall. Stipends of $1000 are available to support this work and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. See upcoming deadlines and apply here.

'The 3 I’s Effective Leadership' training

Leadership in higher education demands agility amid evolving student needs, complex systems, constrained resources, and rising expectations for innovation and accountability. Leaders must balance mission-driven impact with collaboration, trust, and results.

To equip leaders for this reality, Human Resources is offering "The 3 I’s Effective Leadership: Innovation. Influence. Integrity." This dynamic leadership development series delivers 50-minute sessions that combine practical frameworks, real-world application, reflection, and interactive exercises—providing tools leaders can immediately put into practice. Register in MasonLeaps.

Thriving Together

Bike to Mason 2026

Did you know that commuting is George Mason’s second-largest source of emissions? To reduce commuting’s impact on the environment, commuting sustainably is key. Join Bike to Mason between April 21-23:

• Fairfax Campus: Tuesday, April 21, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Merten Lawn
• Mason Korea: Wednesday, April 22, time and location TBA
• Mason Square: Thursday, April 23, 3–7 p.m., Plaza

George Mason cyclists can drop by anytime during the event for food, resource information, giveaways, and more. RSVP and learn more.

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day will take place on Thursday, April 23. Activities are currently being planned and finalized for the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square. The schedule will be updated on the website. Sessions are focused on social interaction, career enhancement, guided learning, well-being, and more. Departments provide a sneak peek into their world at George Mason and provide an opportunity for Junior Patriots to engage in that world. To participate with the child(ren) in your life, complete the Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day Consent Form. For questions, contact the Faculty and Staff Engagement team at engagehr@gmu.edu.

Earth Month

Earth Month is celebrated every April at George Mason. Join University Sustainability and Facilities and Campus Operations, along with many partners, for a month of fun, educational, and engaging activities and events. 

Grow food on campus with the Greenhouse and Gardens, opt for reuse rather than single-use to support Zero Waste Mason, donate items at a Patriot Packout event, or apply for a grant from the Patriot Green Fund. Make a sustainable impact, celebrate success, and learn how you can get more involved. Get the details.

SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability for faculty and staff

As the anchor for Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus is going through a major growth spurt. George Mason employees now have the option to live in the center of it all. George Mason is offering affordable, high-quality housing to faculty and staff at the SciTech Townhomes. Faculty and staff are eligible to rent spacious two- or three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom units with private garages. Read more.

Bridge to Belonging for faculty and staff

Bridge to Belonging, presented by the Center for Advancement of Well-Being, uses the evidence-based ProjectConnect curriculum to help faculty and staff build a stronger community and enhance workplace well-being. Faculty and staff will meet in groups of 4 to 6 participants over five 1-hour sessions and engage in thought-provoking questions and activities. All meetings are online via Zoom. Register here.

• General Employee group 1: 3 p.m. on May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, and June 4
• General Employee group 2: 1 p.m. on June 9, June 16, June 23, June 30, and July 7

George Mason partners with Air Premia for exclusive flight discount

For George Mason students and employees navigating the distance between Incheon and Washington, D.C., getting there just got a little easier. Mason Korea has partnered with Air Premia, a value-focused hybrid airline known for its comfortable seating and competitive pricing on long-haul routes, to offer George Mason students and employees an exclusive 15% discount on round-trip flights between Incheon (ICN) and Washington Dulles (IAD).

The promotion is available for booking through June 30, 2026, with travel valid through February 28, 2027. Additional promotions are expected to follow, with details to be announced. Learn more.

Event Highlights

MIX Handmade Marketplace

The Handmade Marketplace is back on Tuesday, April 21, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Horizon Hall atrium on the Fairfax Campus. Support the maker community and micro-businesses. The MIX contributes to the growing movement of custom creations and artisan goods while fostering the creativity, problem‑solving, and innovation demonstrated by the makers who participate.

Mason Day is Back! 

Mason Day returns on Friday, April 24, from 3-10 p.m. in Lot L and Lot A on the Fairfax Campus. Enjoy carnival rides and games, food trucks, inflatables, student performances, and exclusive Mason Day T-shirts and giveaways. This year's concert headline, Waka Flacka Flame, will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. All events are free for George Mason students, faculty, and staff. Guest tickets are $45, and guests must enter with a valid George Mason ID holder. One guest ticket per ID holder. See this year's full schedule of events.

Mason Dining to host celebrity chef Jet Tila on campus

Mason Dining will host “Wok This Way with Celebrity Chef Jet Tila” on Wednesday, April 29. This full-day campus event begins at 11:15 a.m. at Southside Dining Hall, featuring live, made-to-order dishes and a book signing. All Southside lunch swipes will be matched and donated to the Student Support and Advocacy Center. 

Chef Tila will also host a cooking demonstration and Q&A from 1–2 p.m. at the Johnson Center. The day concludes at Ike’s, with a meet-and-greet and dining hall takeover. Entry requires a meal swipe or door price. RSVP via Mason 360.

Cheuse Lecture: Colm Tóibín

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Cheuse Center, join this year’s Cheuse Lecture with Irish writer Colm Tóibín, in conversation with German intellectual Malte Herwig. In "Stories of Sanctuary," Tóibín reflects on exile, identity, and what it means to seek and create refuge through literature. This event will take place on Thursday, April 23, from 7–9 p.m. at the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, Virginia).

The Alan Cheuse International Writers Center cultivates a global community of writers, translators, and readers through a variety of programs and events.

Spring Commencement activities with the Alumni Association

Join the Alumni Association for Pancakes for Patriots on Tuesday, April 28, and a Grad Toast on Wednesday, April 29, to celebrate the class of 2026! Register for these festivities to honor their achievements and make lasting memories with family and friends. Contact alumni@gmu.edu with questions.

Upcoming performances and arts events at George Mason

Mason Opera Presents: A Comedic Opera Double Bill
April 24 - 25
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Mason Opera is delighted to showcase our talented vocalists in two comedic one-act operas by Gian Carlo Menotti, one of our most celebrated American operatic composer: "The Telephone" and "The Old Maid and The Thief." Tickets are $24 General Public, $19 Seniors, $9 Students. Get tickets here.

International Jazz Day 
Thursday, April 30, 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
International Jazz Day, a worldwide initiative led by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), unites people across cultures, countries, and generations through the power of jazz—honoring its roots, envisioning its future, and recognizing its profound impact on humanity. Featuring 5 incredible groups:  Steel Pan Ensemble, Jazz Room Combo, Jazz Workshop, Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble and the Mason Jazz Ensemble. Get tickets here.

OLLI Mason Ideas Festival celebrates lifelong learning

Faculty and staff are invited to attend the first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Mason Ideas Festival on May 8-9, 2026 on Fairfax Campus. The free festival will introduce adults 50 and older to OLLI Mason’s quality educational, social, and cultural opportunities, including a panel discussion on global perspectives in aging, as well as 20 educational classes on topics from art to health to history to yoga. Many of OLLI’s clubs will also take part in the festival, showcasing the variety of hobbies and interests that older adults can explore through the program. Learn more.

Riverdance: Celebrating 30 Years with the New Generation

Patriots are invited to experience the global cultural sensation, Riverdance, with the next generation of Irish and international talent on Friday, June 26, 8 p.m. at The Filene Center at Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts Performance. Use code Mason for discounted tickets. The first 26 performance ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary $25 voucher to receive food and drink to use inside the Filene Center. Learn more.

Human Resources News

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.

Virtual Pre-Retirement Seminar

The George Mason University Benefits Team invites you to attend our upcoming Virtual Spring Pre-Retirement Seminar on April 23 and 24. Designed for faculty and staff who are age 55 or older (or will turn 55 by the end of this year) and have at least five years of service, this two-day seminar will provide valuable information and resources to help you prepare for retirement, including benefit options, financial planning considerations, and next steps as you begin thinking about this transition. Register and learn more here. 

ITS Bits and Bytes

Upcoming Microsoft AI Events 

Join ITS for the next Microsoft Copilot Chat demos to learn how to effectively use Copilot Chat within Outlook across both desktop and web versions. These sessions will highlight practical strategies for drafting emails, summarizing messages, managing your inbox, and improving day-to-day productivity using AI-powered assistance. Additionally, join the inaugural Virtual Office Hours to connect with Microsoft to learn more about using Copilot Chat and have your questions answered by the experts. Register here.

AI Toolkit from ITS

The AI Toolkit from Information Technology Services provides information on AI features and tools currently available in university-supported platforms, helping faculty, staff, and students enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and support teaching, learning, and administrative functions. Check out the toolkit.

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

Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact

The OSCAR Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact takes place this year on Tuesday, May 5, on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Any George Mason University undergraduate student who did a research or creative project is invited to register to present their poster. Registration is now open. All members of the George Mason community are invited to join in celebrating the students' accomplishments. 

Senior Art and Design Exhibition Spring 2026

George Mason’s School of Art presents its biannual Art and Design Senior Show: Exit/Enter, an exhibition showcasing the works and talents of graduating Mason seniors. Graphic design will be hosted in the Gillespie Gallery of Art on Fairfax Campus. Studio art will be hosted at Mason Exhibitions Arlington in Mason Square. 

Opening Reception: Gillespie Gallery of Art, May 2, 5 – 7 p.m.
Closing Reception: Mason Exhibitions Arlington, May 9, 4 - 7 p.m.

Learn more about the exhibitions.

From the Offices of...