Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
October Staff Senate Meeting with President Gregory WashingtonÌý
The will feature Â鶹ÊÓƵ President Gregory Washington.Ìý
Wednesday, Oct. 5Ìý
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – Staff Senate general business meetingÌý
10:45 a.m. to noon – Guest speaker (President Gregory Washington)Ìý
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The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Working closely with university administration, we address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents. .
Food Trucks at Fairfax Campus Every ThursdayÌý
Don't miss out on a variety of food truck options at the Fairfax Campus every Thursday afternoon from noon to 4 p.m. in front of Starbucks at Northern Neck. Visit to view the schedule to see which trucks are going to be on campus. You can place an order in advance on Goodfynd or in-person at the food truck.
Sustainability Month
In October, Â鶹ÊÓƵ will celebrate Sustainability Month through sustainable programs, events, and initiatives. From volunteering to helping Â鶹ÊÓƵ reduce its environmental impact, there are many ways to get involved.
The Office of Sustainability encourages the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community to make an impact, exemplifying our university’s commitment to a just and sustainable future for all. Ìý
For everything related to Sustainability Month, . Ìý
A couple tips to get you started:Ìý
- VisitÌýÌýto find your nearest water bottle refill station, pollinator garden, zero waste station, alternative transportation options, and more.Ìý
- Volunteer with the Office of Sustainability’s Ìýprogram to learn about sustainable food production. Or, make a purchase throught their .
Nominate a Kindness AmbassadorÌý
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Chooses Kindness (MCK) is excited to accept nominations for the 2022–23 . We need your help to identify at least 100 new Kindness Ambassadors. Nominations are open to all Â鶹ÊÓƵ students, faculty, staff, and alumni through Oct. 12.Ìý
. Kindness Ambassadors will be recognized on Nov. 14 in celebration of World Kindness Day for demonstrating the following:ÌýÌýÌý
- Compassion and kindness toward othersÌý
- Enthusiasm about spreading kindnessÌýÌýÌý
- Positive words and actionsÌýÌýÌý
- Joy in helping othersÌýÌýÌý
. For questions, contact mck@gmu.edu.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Catering ShowcaseÌý
Do you order catering services for Â鶹ÊÓƵ events? Check out the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Catering Showcase, where you can sample new menu options.Ìý
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Catering ShowcaseÌý
Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Ìý
Johnson Center, BistroÌý
RSVP by Oct. 7 to catering@gmu.eduÌý
Dedication and Tour of a Preserved andÌýInterpreted Civil War Redoubt
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ community is invited to a dedication and tour of a preserved and interpreted on the Fairfax Campus on Friday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.Ìý
The redoubt is located in the back of Parking Lot K, near the west tree line. Located at what was then known as Farr’s Crossroads, the redoubt is a circular earthen fortification constructed and used by both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War.Ìý
The dedication will include music by the Green Machine Regiment Band. Remarks will be offered by State Senator Chap Peterson, Â鶹ÊÓƵ history professor Brian Platt, and representatives from the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable. Ìý
The event is cosponsored by Â鶹ÊÓƵ and the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable.
$5 Fridays at Ike’s and SouthsideÌý
Every first Friday of the month, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Dining offers a discounted $5 lunch to faculty and staff at Ike's and Southside. The remaining fall dates are:Ìý
- Oct. 7Ìý
- Nov. 4Ìý
- Dec. 2Ìý
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Vision Series: A Forecast of the National and Global Economy
The next installment of the will be held on Monday, Oct. 17, from 7–8 p.m. and will feature , associate professor of economics, who will discuss a forecast of the national and global economy.Ìý
Jones will talk about the national and global economy—whether and why a recession is looming, where the inflation is coming from, and how to fight it.Ìý
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Vision Series is a forum for Â鶹ÊÓƵ researchers and scholars to share their work with both university colleagues and the community more generally. It is an opportunity for invited Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty members to share the frontiers of their scholarship in an accessible style that also inspires lively discussion among students, faculty, staff, and the wider reaches of the community.Ìý
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Vision Series will be livestreamed through . Participants will have the opportunity to engage in the discussion by submitting questions via email or Twitter using #VisionSeriesÂ鶹ÊÓƵ. .Ìý
Family Weekend: Oct. 14–16
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, we believe family is made up of many different people—parents, siblings, cousins, roommates, classmates, best friends, significant others, children, and more. Family Weekend is an opportunity to come together to connect, have fun, celebrate, and make new memories.Ìý
Family Weekend, from Oct. 14–16, features events for all ages. From the Fall Family Carnival to Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s Got Talent, New Student and Family Programs is excited to connect with our awesome Â鶹ÊÓƵ families.Ìý
For more information, including pricing and a complete schedule of events, visit .
Transportation Fairs: Oct. 13Ìý
Join Â鶹ÊÓƵ Parking and Transportation for at the Fairfax Campus and Â鶹ÊÓƵ Square on Thursday, Oct. 13:Ìý
- Fairfax: Thursday, Oct. 13, from noon to 2 p.m. on Merten LawnÌý
- Â鶹ÊÓƵ Square: Thursday, Oct. 13, from 4–6 p.m. on Founders PlazaÌý
Local and regional transportation providers will be available to share information and answer your commuting questions.
Boogie Down Fall Dance Series at Â鶹ÊÓƵ SquareÌý
Experience the joy of dance through 60 minutes of dance instruction with local dance companies. These classes are open to all levels and ages—no experience required. Bring your friends or family and enjoy dancing on the plaza at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Square.ÌýÌý
All sessions occur on Tuesdays from 6–7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Upcoming dates and dance styles:Ìý
- Oct. 4: Caribbean and African Dance with NamalaÌý
- Oct. 11: Salsa Dance with Ferocity Dance CompanyÌý
- Oct. 18: Bachata Dance with Ferocity Dance CompanyÌý
- Oct. 25: Caribbean and African Dance with NamalaÌý
Did you know that free community events happen every weekday on the plaza at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Square? .
The Patriot Success Survey Is Now LiveÌý
The is now live! Encourage your students to fill out the survey, which is sent to all undergraduate students to enhance our understanding of what contributes to their success at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. Students are then connected with resources and services based on their survey responses.ÌýÌý
Specific questions about students’ plans to return to Â鶹ÊÓƵ, sense of belonging, financial concerns, and involvement interests are used to inform direct outreach from offices on campus. The survey closes Friday, Oct. 7.
Shuttle Schedule During Fall Break
Â鶹ÊÓƵ Shuttles will operate under an abbreviated schedule during Fall Break (Oct. 9–10). For details, . Contact shuttle@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828 with questions.
Training and Professional Development
Writing Center Workshops
This fall, the Writing Center is offering free workshops that are open to everyone in the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community. These workshops cover topics ranging from getting started on a draft to personal statements for graduate school applications. Ìý
. All workshops will be hosted on Zoom. Contact wcenter@gmu.edu with questions.
IT Security Awareness Training Due Nov. 16
Annual IT Security Awareness Training is now open in Â鶹ÊÓƵLEAPS accounts of all Â鶹ÊÓƵ employees, associates, and affiliates. Employees have until Wednesday, Nov. 16, to complete their training.Ìý
Employees who fail to take the training by the deadline will have their accounts disabled, and their supervisors or manager will be notified. If your account is disabled, you will need to contact the ITS Support Center to re-enable the account to take the training. Ìý
Employees who handle sensitive information will be required to take additional role-based training. The training provides information about protecting Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s IT systems and employees’ information, which is a priority for ITS.  . Contact support@gmu.edu with questions.
Bicycle Commuting 101: Online via Zoom
Bicycling to campus can be fun and great for your well-being. Join Delia Johnson from the College of Visual and Performing Arts—who is a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor—for Bicycle Commuting 101. The training will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at noon via Zoom.Ìý
During this session, Delia will share information to help you feel more confident about getting to campus on two wheels. Faculty, staff, and students are welcome.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Schedule of Events
Join Information Technology Services (ITS) in observing throughout October with cybersecurity-related events:Ìý
- Ransomware and You: Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 3 p.m., hosted on ZoomÌý
- Everyday Cybersecurity: Thursday, Oct. 20, atÌýnoon, hosted on ZoomÌý
- “Ask Me Anything!†with the IT Security Office on Reddit: Wednesday, Oct. 26., at noon Ìý
Follow ITS on Twitter for tips about online safety all month long.Ìý
Toastmasters Open HouseÌý
George Â鶹ÊÓƵ Toastmasters invites you to an open house on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at noon in Merten Hall, Room 3300, or via Zoom. Toastmasters provides an opportunity to practice your speaking and leadership skills.Ìý
The open house will help attendees learn more about Toastmasters, see a meeting in action, participate in Table Topics and impromptu speaking practice, and ask questions about the club. Snacks will be available for those attending in person.Ìý
To learn more, see the meeting schedule, and get the Zoom link for virtual attendance, visit Contact Rupa Mehta with questions.
Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Conference: Registration Now OpenÌý
You are invited to Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s fiÂrst Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Conference at Â鶹ÊÓƵ Square (formerly Arlington Campus) on Monday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Ìý
The ARIE Conference will provide a forum for higher education, industry, government, nonprofit, and other stakeholders to critically discuss anti-racism and inclusive excellence in the academy, share effective practices and resources to advance anti-racism and inclusive excellence, and amplify the visibility and impact of research, scholarship, and creative activities conducted by Â鶹ÊÓƵ researchers and other national scholars on anti-racism and inclusive excellence.Ìý
. Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty, staff, and students are eligible for free registration.
Resources for You
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
From the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management: State employees may be eligible for the . This programÌýforgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after borrowers have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.Ìý.
Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group
The College of Visual and Performing Arts welcomes the Â鶹ÊÓƵ community to the , which meets on Fridays from 1–2:30 p.m. The reading group calls upon and discusses the work of Black scholars, authors, activists, artists, musicians, poets, dancers, and playwrights. The discussions encourage participants to critically question and consider their roles as artists, thinkers, citizens, and creatives in a society founded on racist values and practices.Ìý
Join the meeting on Friday, Oct. 7, for the following topic: “Basquiat: Artist as Witness/Artist as Community Member.†This event is free and open to the public. Fall meetings continue through Nov. 11.
Business After Hours Event at the Freedom Center
Join the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for a event at the SciTech Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 5–6:30 p.m.ÌýStop by the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center to learn more about the health and wellness opportunities available at the center, along with its nationally recognized Exercise is Medicine program. Ìý
Attendees may enjoy light refreshments, door prizes, and a tour of the facility. .
Participate in Research Study on Employee Emotions
Volunteers are invited to participate in a research study examining how employees experience and regulate their emotions. Participants will complete an initial baseline survey, three weeks of daily surveys (sent at noon, 4 p.m., and 7 p.m. on each work day), and two post-study surveys.ÌýÌý
All surveys are as brief as possible. Participants' data will be confidential. Participants may receive compensation. Contact iopsychlab.gmu@gmail.com to learn more about the research and eligibility to participate.
This research study is conducted by Reeshad Dalal and Seth Kaplan, Psychology. IRB number: 1697233.
Participate in Research Study on Electronic Communications in Work Groups
Faculty and staff are invited to participate in a study on experiences with electronic communications in work groups. If you conduct at least some work as part of a midsize or larger team, communicate electronically with that team at least weekly, and will be doing this work for at least the next eight weeks, you may be eligible to participate.Ìý
The study involves taking weekly surveys on Friday afternoons for eight consecutive weeks, as well as brief initial and final surveys. Participation time should not exceed 55 minutes total across all surveys. Participants may receive compensation. .Ìý
This research study is conducted by Lauren Kuykendall, Psychology. IRB number: 1922109.
Upcoming Performances at Â鶹ÊÓƵ
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Saturday, Oct. 8,  at 8 p.m.Ìý
Sunday, Oct. 9,  at 2 p.m.Ìý
Center for the ArtsÌý
Mortals are caught up amidst struggles between capricious gods in Richard Wagner’s opera The Valkyrie, from his legendary Ring cycle. Virginia Opera boldly opens its 2022–23 season with the classic, adapted from Norse mythology. Set in the magical realm with giants, dwarves, and Valkyries, Wagner’s fiery masterpiece is a feast for the eyes and the ears. Sung in German with English surtitles.ÌýÌý
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Dewberry School of MusicÌý
Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 8 p.m.Ìý
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Soo Han, is comprised of outstanding string, wind, and percussion players from throughout the School of Music.
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Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.Ìý
Harris TheatreÌý
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, performs their fall concert. This concert will feature outstanding soloists and pay tribute to the great big bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Thad Jones, and Rob McConnell.Ìý
Thursday, Oct. 13, at 6 p.m.
Johnson Center Cinema
Join us for a screening and discussion of Unapologetic with filmmaker Ashley O'Shay. After two police killings, Black millennial organizers challenge a Chicago administration complicit in state violence against its Black residents. Told through the lens of Janaé and Bella, two fierce abolitionist leaders, Unapologetic is a deep look into the Movement for Black Lives, from the police murder of Rekia Boyd to the election of Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Dewberry School of Music
Saturday, Oct. 15, at 4 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Â鶹ÊÓƵ choirs are under the direction of Lisa Billingham. The choral ensembles perform a wide variety of music each semester, ranging from classical styles to multicultural works and popular music.
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m.
Harris Theatre
Come attend this annual showcase recital of performances by Â鶹ÊÓƵ's stellar Dewberry School of Music faculty, including vocal, instrumental, and piano artists.
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