Author: Amanda Corrigan

Mason’s Annual Victims’ Rights Run/Walk 5K will take place on Wednesday April 27, with various activities across Mason’s campuses. You also have the option to also #5KYourOwnWay and participate in activities the prior week.

Funds raised through this event will support student survivors through the Mason’s Victims of Violence Fund. This fund provides Mason student survivors with trauma therapy, emergency housing, safety planning support, and many other resources.

Since this year’s event will be hybrid, we encourage you to 5k your own way! Choose an activity that’s right for you, whether it’s running, walking, swimming, dancing, yoga, etc. Spread your activity throughout the week or connect with one of the small group activities on campus.

Learn more and register today at vrrw.gmu.edu.

If you have questions or concerns, please direct them to Caitlyn Largent (clargen@gmu.edu) from the Student Support and Advocacy Center.

Mason School of Dance:
Spring: New Dances
Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

The Mason Dance Company performs a concert of new work created by a collective of emerging Mason choreographers.

Mason School of Theater
Mason Cabaret – In a Sentimental Mood: The Music of Duke Ellington
Thursday, April 14 at 8 p.m. (free preview)
Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts, Theaterspace

A perennial favorite, our Musical Theater ambassadors, The Mason Cabaret, return with a fresh lineup of stellar vocalists offering showstoppers, ballads, and duets from Broadway. As Sondheim once wrote, “Something familiar, something peculiar, something for everyone…” This “Fun-raiser” will have you dancing in your seat and humming all the way home! Ticket sales will support Mason’s Musical Theater program.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

GRAMMY Award-winning composer, conductor, and Mason Artist-in-Residence Maria Schneider leads Northern Virginia’s own Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra in a night of cool, expressive jazz. Witness jazz perfection, comprised of the most remarkable jazz performers in the metro region, in this highly anticipated event. “To call Schneider the most important woman in jazz is missing the point…She’s a major composer– period” (TIME Magazine).

Dewberry School of Music
Symphonic Band
Wednesday, April 20 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Come watch the Symphonic Band present its spring concert, conducted by Professor Mark Camphouse and doctoral student Samantha Clarke. This concert will include traditional wind band repertoire in addition to solo works featuring two student soloists.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Zimmerman, music director and conductor
Featuring Simone Dinnerstein, piano
Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts is proud to co-present a thrilling classical music program by the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra (FSO) featuring piano virtuoso Simone Dinnerstein, who The Washington Post has praised as “an artist of strikingly original ideas and irrefutable integrity.” Under Christopher Zimmerman’s baton, the FSO continues to reach new heights, and according to The Washington Post, is “a serious force to be reckoned with.”

Acrobuffos
Sunday, April 24 at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center

Full of color, light, and laughter, Air Play is “a joy from start to finish,” raves the Sydney Morning Herald. Created by the husband and wife circus team of Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, in collaboration with kinetic sculptor Daniel Wurtzel, Air Play is a whimsical, heartfelt, and funny homage to the magic of the invisible substance all around us: air! This performance is family friendly.

Lila Downs
Sunday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
A pre-performance discussion will take place in Monson Grand Tier, which is located on the third level of the Center for the Arts Lobby, 45 minutes prior to curtain.
Center for the Arts

Lila Downs is one of the most influential artists in Latin America. Whether it’s a full-throated mariachi song, an achingly tender bolero, or sultry jazz tune, this GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter draws audiences in with her unmistakable charisma and inspiring storytelling. Singing in Spanish, English, and several Native American languages, Downs is known for her impressive range and joyous performances with her longtime band.

Dewberry School of Music
Mason Jazz Vocal Night
Monday, April 25 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Join Dr. Darden Purcell, the Mason Jazz Voice studio and Mason Jazz Vocal Ensemble for an evening of swinging standards and classic hits from the Great American Songbook! With special guests, Herndon High School Vocal Jazz, directed by Dana Van Slyke.

Mason School of Theater
Just Like Us
By Karen Zacarias
Directed by Esteban Marmojelo-Suarez
April 27 – 30 at 8 p.m.
April 30 – May 1 at 2 p.m.
$20 General Public; $10 students, faculty/staff, and seniors

Center for the Arts, TheaterSpace

Based on Helen Thorpe’s bestselling book, this play follows four Latina teens living in Denver—two of whom are documented and two who are not—through young adulthood. Based on the real lives of DREAMers, Just Like Us poses difficult, yet essential questions about what makes us American.

*The Friday, April 29 production of Just Like Us will be an ASL-interpreted performance.

Dewberry School of Music
Wind Symphony
Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Come watch the Wind Symphony present its spring concert, conducted by Professor Mark Camphouse. This performance will include premieres of wind band works, including a Virginia premiere by Mason’s own Mark Camphouse.

Dewberry School of Music
Mason Opera Presents Pauline Viardot’s ‘La Cenerentola’
Friday, April 29 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 01 at 2 p.m.
Center for the Arts, Harris Theatre

Join George Mason University’s Mason Opera for its production of Pauline Viardot’s opera Cendrillon, a charming, comical, and lyric telling of the Cinderella story with a distinctly French flair. Viardot’s works are being rediscovered and enjoyed in the light of her remarkable career as a celebrated 19th century female composer, singer, and pianist. The exquisite sets and lighting of this intimate production create a magical and enchanting evening for all to enjoy!

Leslie Odom, Jr.
Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center

Known globally for his Tony Award-winning performance as Aaron Burr in the hit musical Hamilton, Broadway superstar Leslie Odom, Jr. presents a thrilling concert for the Hylton Center’s 12th Anniversary Gala! Odom, Jr. is a multifaceted performer whose career spans theater, television, film, and Grammy Award-winning music. Music fans will not want to miss this celebrated performer live in the Hylton Center’s intimate Merchant Hall.

Dewberry School of Music
International Jazz Day Concert
Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Share the vibrancy and vitality of jazz music with Mason Jazz students and faculty on April 30! International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts on all continents to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future, and impact.

Matinee Idylls
John Bullard
Featuring Markus Compton
Tuesday, May 03 at 1:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center

In a delightfully unusual pairing, banjoist John Bullard and pianist Markus Compton perform folk-classical fusion music. The charming blend of sound harkens back to the combination of harpsichord and lute, transforming the works of Bach and Vivaldi with the artful and folksy banjo. “What Segovia did for the classical guitar John Bullard may well do for the five-string banjo; elevate it to a respected classical instrument!” (Wireless Catalog).

Mason Dance Company
Spring: Dance Innovations
Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m.

$15 General Public, $10 students, staff and seniors, $7 groups of 10 or more

Center for the Arts, Harris Theatre
Mason choreographers present a showcase of new dances performed by the Mason Dance Company.

Mason School of Theater
A Concert Presentation of ‘Boy Detective Fails’
Friday, May 06 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 07 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts

The Boy Detective Fails, based on Joe Meno’s acclaimed novel, tells the story of Billy Argo, “boy detective.” In a world akin to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, young Billy becomes famous for solving mysteries, until he faces a mystery he can’t comprehend – the shocking death of his young sister, Caroline. Ten years later, a 30-year-old Billy returns to his quiet New Jersey town determined to solve the mystery of Caroline’s death and right old wrongs. Expecting the black and white world of his childhood, he instead discovers a world full of grey and unimaginable strangeness, beauty, and even love.  The George Mason School of Theater is thrilled to premiere this new and updated version by book writer Joe Meno and composer Adam Gwon.

Dewberry School of Music
Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert
Sunday, May 08 at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts

Join the Dewberry School of Music for their spring finale concert featuring the Mason Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Soo Han and the University choirs under the direction of Dr. Lisa Billingham.

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Broadway’s Best
Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center

The American Festival Pops Orchestra presents a musical tribute to Broadway in an evening of popular melodies, timeless ballads, and nostalgic favorites. Enjoy an evening of popular Broadway melodies, timeless ballads, and nostalgic favorites. Maestro Anthony Maiello reunites with Broadway veteran and soprano Lisa Vroman, “one of American Musical Theater’s most beautiful voices” (Sir Cameron Mackintosh). This performance is family friendly.

Dewberry School of Music Honors Recital
Sunday, May 15 at 3 p.m.
Center for the Arts

The Honors Recital is a premier recital opportunity for Dewberry School of Music students, representing each instrument area, who auditioned and were selected to perform by a faculty panel. This performance is free and open to the public.

Role: I am responsible for administering, maintaining, and supporting the instructional platforms for the Antonin Scalia Law School on the Arlington Campus (now called Mason Square). I provide oversight and technical support for the law school’s classrooms and courtroom. I work with the law school administration and faculty to regularly assess instructional technology needs and provide training for the law community. I also work closely with other university units to enhance teaching and learning at the law school and provide computing support and services to law faculty, staff, and students.

Mason journey: I started at Mason in 2006 working for classroom support on the Fairfax Campus. From there I moved to the Law School in 2011. For the past 11 years I have witnessed tremendous growth and change at the law school from the school dedication that attracted six Supreme Court Justices to the Arlington Campus, to a recent ranking by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 30 law school in the country, up 11 spots from the previous ranking. In addition, Mason’s part-time law program is ranked No. 4 nationally and tops among public universities. All this thanks to a great group of faculty, staff and students at the law school.

Best thing about working at Mason: Prior to Mason I worked in the private sector where there was very little work/life balance. So when I joined Mason, I was very pleased to find out that a balanced lifestyle was not only part of the culture but encouraged. Over the years I have met incredible people (including my wife) who have become very close friends. This is among many other reasons why I enjoy working here.

At the end of the day: I am very proud to be part of this community and be a representative on the Staff Senate. I enjoy my job and am excited to see the great impact Mason has in the world with the next generation of Patriots!

Join Us: Bike to Mason Days

We’re back in person after three years!  Whether you bike to campus regularly for school or work or are contemplating starting to bike, this event is open to all Mason cyclists.

• Bike to Mason Day, SciTech: Tuesday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Colgan Front Patio
• Fairfax: Wednesday, April 20, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Merten Hall Lawn (Noon: Safety Ride on Patriot Circle with Mason Police)
• Bike to Mason Day, Mason Square (formerly the Arlington Campus): Thursday, April 21, 3–7 p.m., Plaza

There will be food, resource information, and fun giveaways. For planning purposes, please let us know that you’ll be coming! Register here. Questions? Reach out to transpo@gmu.edu.

Reminder: Charter Buses on Campus

If you have an event where you will be having any number of charter buses on campus, please coordinate their visit with the Parking Services office. Even one charter bus needs to be accommodated for drop-off, pick-up, and parking.

Charter buses should not be advised to pick-up or drop-off at Rappahannock River Lane or the Sandy Creek Transit Center. Both locations are transit hubs, and there is not sufficient space to allow charter bus access.

Parking Services is happy to work with you to find a location and make arrangements; please include them in your event planning process.  They can be reached at separk12@gmu.edu or 703-993-2065.

Summer Mason Shuttles Schedules Coming Soon

Mason Shuttles summer service begins on Monday, May 23. Service will be Monday–Friday only. Schedules will be posted soon. Contact shuttle@gmu.edu with questions.

Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice

Do you live within a few miles of campus and think biking to work could be good for your well-being? All faculty and staff are eligible to participate in the Bike Commuter Choice Program. The program has four tiers of support. The more you ride, the greater the financial incentive.

The introductory tier is just five rides per quarter. Visit this link and select the Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice Program. Questions? Email transpo@gmu.edu.

Get Ready to Participate in the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey

Mason has partnered with Gallup, a leading third-party survey administrator, to administer the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey.

All faculty and staff are invited and encouraged to participate in this survey when it opens on Monday, April 18.

How do I take the survey?

On April 18, Gallup will send you a unique survey link to your Mason email address. When you receive Gallup’s email, take the time to open your unique link and participate in the survey.

When will the survey be available?

The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey will launch on Monday, April 18, 2022, and will be open for approximately two weeks.

Who is being surveyed?

All of Mason’s employees are invited to participate in the survey. This includes full-time faculty, adjunct faculty, classified staff, administrative and professional faculty, wage employees, as well as student and graduate student employees.

How long is the survey?

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Why should I take the survey?

Taking the time to participate in this survey is vital to the Mason community because you are:

• Helping create a workplace that better understands, creates space for, and engages in inclusion and belonging practices 
• Sharing your well-being needs in a pandemic-altered workplace
• Co-creating an environment where you can continue to make a meaningful impact at Mason
• Being a part of actionable plans and results because of your response

Are my answers confidential?

Yes!

• Gallup adheres to strict confidentiality rules for survey responses.
• All data collected is stored by Gallup and is kept strictly confidential.
• Individual responses remain confidential and will NOT be shared with Mason or its leadership.
• All responses are aggregated into a larger working groups/divisions consisting of no fewer than five employees to ensure responses cannot be traced back to the individual.
• Gallup creates and issues unique survey links to each employee; Mason will not have access to these links.
• The email invitation from Gallup will NOT ask for any personal information (date of birth, social security number, etc.).

Will anyone from Mason see my survey responses?

Nope!

• The email invitation is sent through Gallup, not Mason.
• Gallup creates and issues links that route survey participants to the Gallup survey platform—the survey is not hosted on a Mason server.
• All data is collected and stored by Gallup.
• Gallup adheres to strict confidentiality rules for survey responses.
• Individual responses remain confidential and will not be shared with Mason.
• All responses are aggregated into larger working groups/divisions consisting of no fewer than five employees to ensure responses cannot be linked to an individual.

What is Mason going to do with the results?

The results of this survey will be actionable. The data will be used to inform decision-making and strategic planning.

Leaders throughout the university will have access to aggregated team data, can consult with the Organizational Development and Learning team, and will have access to Gallup’s robust library of action plans to create meaningful change based on feedback.

Can I take the survey during working hours?

Yes, you may participate in the survey during work or at another time. The survey is available online during the two-week administration window beginning on Monday, April 18, 2022.

What if I have questions?

Before taking the survey, you can browse the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey website.

Student Loan Repayment Information Session for University Employees

Join us virtually on Wednesday, April 27, from noon to 1 p.m.

This session is presented by Shannon Osborne, assistant director of financial well-being with the Student Support and Advocacy Center, in partnership with Human Resources and Payroll.

This is an informational session to discuss student loan repayment and make sure university employees are prepared for when the COVID deferment on student loan payments expires. We will explain how COVID-19 has impacted student loan repayments. This session is open to all Mason faculty and staff. You do not need student loan debt yourself to attend this session, as it is also important to understand what Mason students face with repayment. Attendees will end the session with the confidence and ability to get started, or continue, on a path to successful student loan repayments.

Registration: Register in advance by visiting our Money Talks Series page to access the event.

Save the Date: Open Enrollment Begins May 2

Save the date! Open enrollment will start May 2 and end May 16. Open enrollment is the time each spring when you can make changes related to your health plan and re-enroll in a Flexible Spending Account for the new year.

An open enrollment package will be mailed to your home address by the Commonwealth of Virginia sometime mid-April. Make sure your address is up to date in Patriot Web so you receive it!

Human Resources and Payroll will send out more information in the coming weeks, so be sure to check your Mason email.

Submit Your Ideas for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day

Mark your calendars: May 25 is Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day! This is an all-day virtual event (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with interactive sessions centered around the theme Renew, Refresh, Reimagine. Stay tuned for more information as we develop this year’s agenda.

What topics would you like to explore? We want to hear your suggestions! Submit your ideas on the Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day website.