Category: April 2020
Role: Within the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), we have two performing arts venues – the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus and the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus – that present elaborate, compelling events. I provide ticketing services as well as do community and audience outreach about the upcoming performances. Transitioning to the stay-at-home lifestyle, we are still making the arts accessible by bringing alive the new initiative, Mason Arts at Home. This brings audiences livestreamed performances, releases of previously recorded content, and interactive activities from across the CVPA!
Live and learn: What has been wonderful since starting at Mason is the opportunity to take classes to complete a degree. I had not finished my undergraduate career but was encouraged by my supervisor and colleagues to complete it at Mason. Currently I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) program, an adult completion degree that allows students who have had different paths in education finish what is rightfully theirs – a bachelor’s diploma and a chance at advancement in our careers. As Mason staff, I encourage all to take advantage of what is offered through the Tuition Waiver Benefit program, an initiative started by the Mason Staff Senate. Much of what I have learned in the classroom has enhanced the skill that I bring to my job at Mason.
Best thing about working at Mason: I have had the pleasure to work with superb colleagues, including my brother, MacKenzie “Mac” Dillon, who works with our Front of House staff at the Center for the Arts. He greets people at the Concert Hall, assists them to their seats, and makes sure people are enjoying their experience with the arts. Mac is also a person with intellectual disabilities, but that is something that has never stopped him from being a warm, active conversationalist. We all talk about how diverse Mason is that we sometimes forget that it leads to diversity in our staff as well. The best thing about working at Mason is that I get to work with my brother and see him smile at every shift.
At the end of the day: CVPA is not just a place to have an education in the arts, but also a place to engage with individuals. It’s amazing to see how creative and adaptive each employee is in their role and how they succeed because of their engagement with the arts. In difficult times of social distancing, I urge staff members to take advantage of the benefit that arts can give you. Some recommendations would be to try classical music or opera, submit a dance on TikTok with your kids, find an image you like and try to trace it, and most importantly, give yourself a moment to engage in the diverse communication medium called art.
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ITS Support Center Modified Hours
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MAP Webex Happy Hour
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April 15 Telework Panel
The Mason Staff Senate’s next telework session will feature a panel of representatives from key units across campuses available to answer questions and concerns.
Wednesday, April 15
10:00 a.m. to noon
https://gmu.webex.com/gmu/onstage/g.php?MTID=e1c2ff280fb34bd41a1b5bf175a3dbc80
Below is the schedule of panelists who will be answering questions:
10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.: Shernita Parker and representatives from Human Resources and Payroll
10:50 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.: Josh Cantor, Parking and Transportation
11:10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.: Heather Strange, Fiscal Services
11:30 a.m. to noon: Charlie Spann, Information Technology Services
We will be accepting questions during the session, but if possible, submit your questions in advance to staffsenate@gmu.edu by Monday, April 13 at noon.
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, we address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents.
For questions, contact staffsenate@gmu.edu.
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Telework Special Session Recording
Thank you to all who attended our Telework Special Session. In case you missed it, you may review the recording here.
The May Staff Senate general meeting, originally scheduled for May 6, has been postponed. David Farris, executive director, Safety and Emergency Management, will join us on May 13, from 10 am to 11 am. Mr. Farris will discuss the university’s response to COVID-19 with a question and answer session to follow. If you would like to submit any questions for Mr. Farris for consideration, please email them to staffsenate@gmu.edu by Friday, May 8.
Wednesday, May 13
Guest Speaker: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
General Staff Senate meeting will follow from 11 a.m. to noon
https://gmu.webex.com/gmu/onstage/g.php?MTID=ece6c176c5c6bed7e5a8e402effdb3368
The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, we address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents.
For questions, contact staffsenate@gmu.edu.
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Mason Arts at Home
George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts strongly believes that the arts create community, even if from afar. Together with our professional guest artists, talented alumni, students, and faculty, Mason Arts at Home brings you livestreamed performances, releases of previously recorded content, as well as interactive activities from across the college. Explore the calendar of inspiring content, and thank you for tuning in.
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University Libraries Updates
Below are some helpful links from University Libraries:
COVID-19 Parking Refund Procedures Established
Thank you for your patience as the university worked through the logistics for establishing refunds due to COVID-19. Information went out to the university community from President Holton regarding all refunds on April 1. Parking and Transportation sent out parking specific emails to all impacted people on Friday, April 3. For details on the process for faculty and staff who use payroll deduction, for faculty/staff who purchased parking passes, and for students, please visit the Parking Refund page. If you have any questions, please contact Parking and Transportation at parking@gmu.edu.
Scooter Pilot on Hold
Due to COVID-19, Bird and Spin have paused operations at Mason until further notice. All three companies – Bird, Spin, and Lime have also paused their operations in the City of Fairfax (Lime had not yet launched at Mason). If you have any operational questions, please reach out to the scooter companies. Their contact information can be found on Parking and Transportation’s Shared Mobility page. If you have any questions about the pilot program at Mason, please reach out to Parking and Transportation at transpo@gmu.edu.
Bicycle Commuting 101: Online via Webex
Bicycling to campus can be fun and great for your well-being. Join Delia Johnson from the College of Visual and Performing Arts and a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor for Bicycle Commuting 101. During this session at noon on Friday, April 10 via Webex, Delia will share information to help you feel more confident about getting to campus on two wheels.
This session is open to faculty, staff and students. Register by emailing jwalker8@gmu.edu; the Webex details will be sent to you.
DMV2Go Canceled
In keeping with the university protocols regarding COVID-19, Parking and Transportation has requested that DMV2Go visits to the Fairfax Campus be canceled until further notice.
Bike to Mason Days Postponed Until Fall 2020
Bike to Mason Days, originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 in Arlington, Wednesday, April 22 in Fairfax, and Thursday, April 23 at SciTech have been postponed until fall 2020. Keep riding!!