Events and campus updates curated for university faculty and staff.
Around Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.
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Cap-turing the moment: Graduates celebrated their achievements in the company of proud family and friends at Winter Commencement and Degree Celebrations.
Campus Operations
Winter Break Lockdown for Campus Buildings
The university will be closed for winter break from Monday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. However, some employees and students may require entry into buildings without electronic access for special projects. Therefore, pre-planned access for non-electronic lock buildings can be coordinated in advance via the found on the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Police website. Submit the form to Â鶹ÊÓƵ Police before you arrive on campus. For questions on building card access throughout the break, email caso@gmu.edu.
Prep for Winter Break: Tips from Information Technology Services
Information Technology Services (ITS) reminds George Â鶹ÊÓƵ employees and students to before leaving for winter break:
- Update operating systems and software on all devices.
- Log off your systems, and turn off all non-essential devices including computers, printers, monitors, copiers, and servers (if applicable) in your office or residence hall.
- Those who telework should log out of systems they are not using.
During the break:
When checking email, be wary of phishing attempts, scammers claiming to be help desk support staff, and password requests. Please report phishing or suspicious emails to ITS Support at 703-993-8870 or via
Summit for Programs, Events, and Camps for Minors
The Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience will host a Programs, Events, and Camps for Minors (PEC) Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 1–2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1204. Representatives from a variety of campus offices will share presentations about the policies and procedures for hosting activities for minors at the university. If your department offers a program, event, or camp that serves minors, hosts a minor in an internship or mentorship, or plans to develop a PEC, you are encouraged to attend.
Presentations will cover information and guidance from University Events, Human Resources, University Counsel, Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, Housing and Residence Life, Risk, Safety, and Resilience, Parking and Transportation, Fiscal Services, Â鶹ÊÓƵ Dining, and the Office of University Branding. Following the presentations, there will be a Q&A session and an opportunity to connect directly with campus partners.
This year’s summit is an in-person only event. RSVP using the
Professional Development and Training
Nominations for David J. King Award
The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions (over the course of 20 years or more) to the overall educational excellence of the university. Learn more on the . Nominate a colleague via email to stearns@gmu.edu by Feb. 11, 2026.
Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop
The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This virtual workshop helps new and returning adjunct faculty transition into their role at George Â鶹ÊÓƵ with professional development support, resources, and some friendly faces on campus.
Departments should share the with adjunct faculty as they are hired. Ensure that all new adjunct faculty hires are entered into Banner, so they can obtain their faculty ID and NetID and participate in the important Canvas and Patriot Web training on the day of the workshop. Contact Faculty Affairs at facaffs@gmu.edu with questions.
Canvas Trainings
Learn more about Canvas and integrated tools like Honorlock, Turnitin, Poll Everywhere, Kaltura, and more by attending . Self-paced training and recordings are always available in .
Workshop: Feel Better, Teach Better: Strategies for Supporting Faculty Mental Health
Teaching can be difficult and often an isolating experience. In this virtual workshop on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m., participants will explore faculty mental health, strategies for improving the environment, and address barriers to addressing concerns. Join to create community and talk about one of the most prevalent, but under-discussed, issues in academia. . Contact Rachel Yoho with questions.
Thriving Together
Free mental health support for faculty and staff
George Â鶹ÊÓƵ faculty and staff now 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. .
Outstanding Achievement Awards: Call for Nominations
Reflect on colleagues who have positively impacted your team or community and nominate them for an Outstanding Achievement Award! Visit the to review categories and nominate in an individual or team. Nominations must be submitted via Dynamic Forms by Friday, Feb. 20, at 5 p.m. (including all final workflow signatures).
Save the date for the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 10-11:30 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. Winners will be announced by early April. Contact awards@gmu.edu with questions.
Rachel Spence, Global Education Office, and chair of the Staff Senate
Julie Hudson, Schar School of Policy and Government
Susan Kehoe unleashes the potential of service dogs in training
Event Highlights
Get Ready for Homecoming 2026
Celebrate George Â鶹ÊÓƵ pride at Homecoming 2026 from Jan. 31 to Feb. 7! Enjoy a week of activities including tailgating, lip sync battles, student performances, alumni meetups, a surprise headliner, and George Â鶹ÊÓƵ spirit in action. Don’t miss the athletic games, special giveaways, and opportunities to connect with the Â鶹ÊÓƵ Nation—past, present, and future! Find more information at .
Virginia AI Symposium: Advancing Teaching and Learning in the Age of Generative AI
Join educators from across Virginia for a day of insight, innovation, and collaboration on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at a . Featuring a keynote, interactive sessions, and hands-on workshops, this event will help you make informed, ethical choices about using AI in your courses. Leave with adaptable strategies, practical tools, and new connections to colleagues shaping the future of learning.
This event is organized by the University of Virginia's (UVA) Center for Teaching Excellence, UVA's McIntire School of Commerce, George Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, and James Madison University's Center for Faculty Innovation, with support from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). When you , proceed to the "Log In" button (top-right corner) and "Register for a New Account."
Access to Excellence Podcast: Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for Undergraduate Education and professor of Psychology
Today @ Â鶹ÊÓƵ is George Â鶹ÊÓƵ's official university calendar. Whether looking for a specific event or browsing for something to do, it's all there.
Community Calendars
Human Resources News
Retirement Plan Contribution Limits Announced for 2026
Good news for anyone saving for retirement: the IRS has released the 2026 contribution limits for workplace retirement plans, and several key numbers are going up. The announcement, published Nov. 13 in Notice 2025-67, means retirement plan participants will be able to stash away a bit more next year. .
ITS Bits and Bytes
Wi-Fi Update: Time to Switch to eduroam
Information Technology Services (ITS) is simplifying George Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Wi-Fi network to help the community stay better connected across campus. MASON-SECURE was permanently shut down on Friday, Dec. 19, at the end of the semester. For details, . To ensure uninterrupted connectivity, ITS encourages all campus Wi-Fi users to switch to eduroam. To get started, visit .
3 Things to Know about Microsoft 365 Storage Changes at George Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is updating its Microsoft 365 storage policies to ensure sustainability and security. Here are some updates from Information Technology Services (ITS) about what’s changing for students, faculty, and staff. Read more.
Policy and Compliance Updates
Hazing Prevention Policy and Reporting Obligations
Â鶹ÊÓƵ has adopted an updated in compliance with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA). This policy builds on the work of 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. .
Student Wage Hybrid Telework Agreement
University now includes updated guidance for student wage employees with hybrid telework schedules. Student wage employees may now be eligible for hybrid telework, if they reside and work within Virginia and have proper work authorization to work off campus. Fully remote work (either in-state or out-of-state) is not permitted for student wage roles.
Supervisors must initiate and complete the prior to the start of any telework. For guidance or questions, visit or email engagehr@gmu.edu with questions.
Coming to a Student Near You
Graduating Students Should Take the Career Plans Survey
The is now open to December graduates, both undergraduate and graduate. Whether they have locked in their next steps or are still figuring things out, please encourage your students to share what they know now. They can update their responses later as their plans become more certain.
Student input helps George Â鶹ÊÓƵ showcase the success of our alums to employers, grad schools, and future Patriots. Their participation in the survey contributes to the strength of the George Â鶹ÊÓƵ community, now and in the future.
From the Offices of...
Quali-tea time: Earl Grey is a sweet, energetic tabby kitten. His littermates were all named after different types of tea. Earl loves cuddling, exploring, and tackling his older tabby cat sister when she is not paying attention. He loves people, but he is wary of strangers. Earl Grey loves sleeping with a teddy bear and running as fast as he can—even if he runs into things.
Have something to share on this page? and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.