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Events and campus updates curated for university faculty and staff.

Around �鶹��Ƶ 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

BOV Public Comment Session scheduled for March 31

The Board of Visitors will conduct a meeting with a corresponding Public Comment Session on Tuesday, March 31. This meeting will encompass a presentation by Interim Chief Financial Officer Dan Stephens on George �鶹��Ƶ’s FY 2027 Tuition and Mandatory Fees. Details specific to the meeting and the public comment process will be available on the  by the evening of Friday, March 20.

Campus Operations

Patriot Connect Release 2: Recruitment and Admissions to launch this spring

Patriot Connect's new Recruitment and Admissions tool will launch to select groups starting May 1. Designed to enhance engagement between the university and applicants, the system offers marketing communications, streamlined application management, a dynamic applicant portal, and case management for applicant and student support. It will also provide functionality for event management for prospective and incoming students, including college fairs, tours, and orientation.

A detailed , demo videos, and additional information can be found on the . Stay informed by signing up for the .

Save the date: Activities Building Grand Opening on April 16

Join the grand opening celebration for the Activities Building on Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. The event will include food, outdoor activities, live music and performances, gaming, and activities showcasing the versatility of this new space. . 
 

Professional Development and Training

AI Day at George �鶹��Ƶ

Save the date for AI Day on Wednesday, April 29, at 9 a.m. in Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square. This all-day event will bring together researchers pursuing foundational questions in AI, faculty integrating these tools into teaching and scholarship, policymakers wrestling with governance, students navigating a shifting landscape, and practitioners deploying systems in the field. 

Registration is free for George �鶹��Ƶ students and employees (login required). Those outside George �鶹��Ƶ can receive an early bird discount until April 1. View the program and register.

AI in the Workplace, hosted by Staff Senate

Join the Staff Senate for a workshop to discuss artificial intelligence in the workplace, featuring guest speaker Amarda Shehu, vice president and chief AI officer. The workshop will take place on Thursday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is open to all non-student wage and classified staff. Registration required for either at Fairfax in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or . 

Request for Proposals: Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference

�鶹��Ƶ 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. 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 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 .

Sign up for �鶹��Ƶ 101

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

• Friday, March 27 (via Zoom): 10 a.m. to noon
• Friday, April 10 (in-person): 1-3 p.m.
• Friday, May 8 (via Zoom): 10 a.m. to noon

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

Partners in Progress: Professional development co-working cohort

Are you working on a certificate program or other asynchronous course for professional development? Join Partners in Progress, a peer cohort designed to help you stay motivated and support you while you work toward completing your certificate. Attend a virtual information session on Wednesday, April 8, from 2-2:30 p.m., or Monday, April 20, from 11-11:30 a.m.

Monthly co-working sessions will start in June. Participants will share their learning objective for the co-working session and then work independently for about 50 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, participants will share what they achieved. For more information, email Kerry Hentges with University Life. .

Summer funding for faculty: Writing Across the Curriculum

Writing Across the Curriculum is offering faculty an opportunity for early-summer funding. These funds will take the form of stipends (up to $4,000 per team; $1,000 per team member) to teams who design, develop, and lead a project that seeks to enhance the intentionality and sustainability of writing instruction across disciplines. Work on the project would run from May 25 to Aug. 9. Submit a proposal for an early-summer funding project before Monday, April 20. 

Writing Across the Curriculum solicits proposals from all departments, programs, colleges, and schools at �鶹��Ƶ, including full-time and/or part-time faculty. .

George �鶹��Ƶ Toastmasters Open House

Join an open house with George �鶹��Ƶ 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 .

Thriving Together

April Staff Senate Meeting: Julie Zobel

The on Wednesday, April 1, will feature guest speaker Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer. Zobel will present from 10–11 a.m., followed by the general business meeting from 11 a.m. to noon. The Office of Sustainability will provide a brief update at 11 a.m.

The meeting will be hosted on the Fairfax Campus in Merten Hall, Room 1201, and via Zoom. 

Old Glory DC open practice and fan experience

�鶹��Ƶ's Fairfax Campus will host Old Glory DC Rugby's home games starting in late April. Get an inside look at how Old Glory DC prepares for match day at an open practice on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at George �鶹��Ƶ Stadium. Fans are invited to watch the team train and engage with interactive fan experiences. .

Stress Less Fest

De-stress and connect with well-being resources at the Stress Less Fest on Tuesday, April 7, from 1–3 p.m. on the SUB I Quad. Take a break and join a fun, supportive space to recharge, grab free goodies, and connect with campus health and well-being resources. This event is hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, Housing and Residence Life, and �鶹��Ƶ Police. Rain location: Patriot Lounge in SUB I.

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 .

Clarendon FitFest

Clarendon FitFest 2026 is a community-centered wellness event designed to promote active lifestyles, holistic health, and meaningful connections between �鶹��Ƶ, Pacers, Clarendon Alliance, and the greater Arlington community. Join on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on �鶹��Ƶ Square Plaza (3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia).

The event will include wellness professionals and organizations that encourage physical activity, education, and accessible health resources in a vibrant, inclusive outdoor setting. A Pacers 5K run and 2-mile walk will start at 8 a.m. and is open to participants of all ages. Clarendon FitFest is free and open to the public. .

Reminder: TimelyCare now available for faculty and staff

George �鶹��Ƶ 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. .

Event Highlights

International Week: March 27 to April 5

George �鶹��Ƶ will observe its 45th from March 27 to April 5. Students from around the globe have developed a program of activities that showcase their countries and cultures, providing opportunities to learn and engage. Event highlights include:

• on Tuesday, March 31, from noon to 2 p.m., Fairfax Campus, Wilkins Plaza (free International Week T-shirts)
• , featuring international food, on Wednesday, April 1, from 1–3 p.m., Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
• on Thursday, April 2, at 7 p.m., Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts ()

The Plaza at �鶹��Ƶ Square: Spring event schedule

The Plaza at �鶹��Ƶ Square hosts dynamic weekly programming and ongoing special events. All activities are free and open to the public. The spring plaza event schedule is underway, including outdoor fitness classes, games, musical performances, and more. .

DC Defenders: Taking their stand with George �鶹��Ƶ

Join George �鶹��Ƶ 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 �鶹��Ƶ game ticket holders get an exclusive experience to have a group photo taken on Audi Field. .

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 , 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 �鶹��Ƶ Square in Arlington. . 

Upcoming performances and arts events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Visiting Filmmakers Series: Mahrya MacIntire 
March 24 and March 26
Two-time Emmy nominee Mahrya MacIntire visits the Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, March 24, to present her film, at 5 p.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema. The documentary explores the current surge in political violence through the story of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. 

On Thursday, March 26, to discuss mental wellness on set and themes from her film Muscle Memory, which examines processing trauma and neurodivergence through somatic practices. Both events are free and open to all. Registration required.

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 �鶹��Ƶ 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  will feature open studio demonstrations and a reception with faculty, students, and supporters. Proceeds from the �鶹��Ƶ Dance Fête support School of Dance student scholarships. Separate tickets are required for the Dance Fête.

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 �鶹��Ƶ 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.

Monday, April 13, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join Darden Purcell, the Jazz Voice Studio, and the DOWNBEAT award-winning �鶹��Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble for an unforgettable evening featuring swinging jazz standards, Latin American songs, contemporary classics, and beloved hits from the Great American Songbook. Special guests include the Falls Church High School Jazzguars, directed by CJ Redden-Liotta, and George �鶹��Ƶ alumni vocal supergroup BLOOM!

Human Resources News

You spoke; we acted: How George �鶹��Ƶ is bringing your feedback to life

Faculty and staff voices help shape George �鶹��Ƶ. 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. .

Performance management update: A simpler path to recognition

Effective immediately, George �鶹��Ƶ 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. .

ITS Bits and Bytes

Report phishing incidents

�鶹��Ƶ 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 for assistance. Information about reported phishing emails is available on the .

Policy and Compliance Updates

Hazing Prevention Policy and Reporting Obligations

�鶹��Ƶ 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. .

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. .

Scholarship for Unpaid Internships

University Career Services is now collecting applications for the for summer 2026. Students may receive up to $2,000 for the summer semester. The Scholarship for Unpaid Internships is open to all George �鶹��Ƶ students (undergraduate and graduate) pursuing an unpaid internship. Applications are due April 1. . 

Undergraduate student veterans are encouraged to apply. Additional funding for undergraduate veterans (DD-214 required) has been provided by a generous donation from the Colonel Tom Johnson Family Scholarship for Veterans Endowment. 

From the Offices of...