Mason E-Files

Where Innovation Is Tradition

Posted May 14, 2012

Announcements

Parking and Traffic Update for May 16 - 19

Expect heavy traffic approaching and leaving campus in all directions. Free parking is available in all general lots and the visitor area of Mason Pond Deck (Levels 1-2) for convocations and commencement. Free parking will be available in the permit areas of Rappahannock Parking Deck.

A limited amount of free parking will also be available Thursday - Saturday in the permit levels (Levels 2-5) of Shenandoah Parking Deck. Attendants will be directing traffic to open and available parking.

Since convocations are scheduled at the Patriot Center and Center for the Arts, Concert Hall simultaneously, parking on the southern end of campus, including lots A, C, J, K, L, and the Mason Pond Deck will be extremely busy. Expect traffic along Braddock Road to be extremely heavy. 511 Virginia, a toll-free phone service (owned by the Virginia Department of Transportation) can be called for real-time traffic conditions. Follow George Mason Parking’s Twitter feed for up-to-date parking information as well.

Faculty/Staff Parking Advisory for May 16 - 19. It is strongly recommended to park on the north end of campus, including the Rappahannock River Parking Deck and access campus via University Drive to avoid the heaviest traffic.

 

EHS Quarterly Sprinkler Inspections

The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) will conduct quarterly sprinkler system inspections at the Fairfax campus between May 7 and May 16.  Inspections will occur between 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. Inspections should not interfere with daily buildings operations or work schedules and will not require an evacuation of the building.  Every effort will be made to follow the attached schedule; however, issues may necessitate a modified schedule. 

During the inspection, EHS staff and contractors from Simplex Grinnell will be working throughout the building testing and inspecting equipment related to the fire suppression sprinkler systems.

You will only be required to evacuate the building if the general building fire alarm is activated or you are advised to do so by a representative from EHS. This inspection is mandated by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and your cooperation in this process is appreciated. If you have any questions contact EHS at 993-8448.

http://ehs.gmu.edu/docs/efiles/Quarterly_Sprinkler_Inspection_Schedule_May_2012.pdf

 

Annual Fire Pump Inspections

The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) will conduct annual fire pump inspections at the Fairfax campus between May 17 and May 24.  Inspections will occur between 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. Inspections should not interfere with daily buildings operations or work schedules and will not require an evacuation of the building.  Every effort will be made to follow the attached schedule; however, issues may necessitate a modified schedule.
 
During the inspection, EHS staff and contractors from Simplex Grinnell will be working at or near the fire pump room and will flow water through the pump to the exterior of the building.

You will only be required to evacuate the building if the general building fire alarm is activated or you are advised to do so by a representative from EHS. This inspection is mandated by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and we appreciate your cooperation in this process. If you have any questions contact EHS at 993-8448.

http://ehs.gmu.edu/docs/efiles/Annual_Fire_Pump_Testing_Spring_2012.pdf

 

Power Outage that Could Affect the Fire Alarm System

Prep work for the Fenwick Library Addition Project - Transformer ON60 is currently in the way of the road widening portion of the Fenwick Library Addition Project, and will be relocated closer to Fenwick Library, Wing A. Data Center back-up generator should be started prior to these outages, as required. DVP contact is Ben Cockerille (540) 270-0639. Fenwick Library, A & B will be without power for the entire 8 hours.

Because the following buildings are on the same grid, a power outage and fire alarm system shutdown is possible.

  • Aquia Data Center
  • Blue Ridge
  • Commons (Amherst, Brunswick, Carroll, Dickenson, Essex, Franklin, Grayson, Hanover) 
  • Commonwealth
  • Dominion
  • East Building
  • Fenwick Library, Wing C
  • Finley Building
  • Krug Hall
  • Lecture Hall
  • Northern Neck
  • Parking Lot H
  • Piedmont
  • Rivanna Module
  • Shenandoah Parking Deck
  • Thompson Hall
  • Tidewater
  • West Building

When: Sunday, May 20, 5:00 am - 1:30 pm
Rain date: Monday, May 21, 5:00 am - 1:30 pm

For any questions or concerns, contact R. James Kaminski at 993-2512 or by email at jkaminsk@gmu.edu.

 

Volunteers Needed for Commencement

Here's your chance to be part of the happiest event on campus. The Office of Events Management is soliciting volunteers to work at the Information Kiosks inside the Patriot Center for Commencement on Saturday, May 19. Volunteers need to arrive at the Patriot Center by 8:30 am, doors open at 9:00 am, and Commencement begins at 10:00 am. The volunteers are welcome to stay for the ceremony or may leave after the audience is settled around 10:30 am.

If you would like to volunteer, call Beth Grohnke at 993-2124 or sgrohnke@gmu.edu. Beth will email you FAQs and other details of the occasion.

 
Provost Seeking Next Fellow of Sustainability Studies

The Provost’s office is searching for a full-time faculty member to serve in the half-time position of Fellow of Sustainability Studies (FoSS). Specific tasks:
  1. Developing and enacting an implementation plan for the Vision for Sustainability in Academic Endeavors at Mason;
  2. Chairing the Sustainability Studies Advisory Council;
  3. Communicating current curricular efforts in sustainability;
  4. Supporting sustainability-related faculty and curriculum development activities;
  5. Coordinating development of interdisciplinary sustainability research and scholarship;
  6. Coordinating internal and external communications and marketing efforts regarding Mason's green leaf courses and academic programs;
  7. Assisting integration of green leaf courses with existing and potential majors, minors, certificates, and general education; and
  8. Working with University Life and Facilities sustainability efforts to promote co-curricular sustainability activities.

This two-year appointment is a 9-month position with some summer work, $5,000 stipend and one-course release time. Past FoSS activities highlighted at: http://sustainabilitystudies.gmu.edu/foss. Questions may be sent to the current FoSS, Dr. Dann Sklarew, at sustainu@gmu.edu.

Send a current vita and a letter of interest - including a brief statement of your vision for realizing sustainability scholarship and education at Mason - by Monday, May 21 to sustainu@gmu.edu, with subject heading: Fellow of Sustainability Studies.

 

Summer Programs at Potomac Arts Academy

It’s time to think about summer activities, and Potomac Arts Academy has some great programs for kids and adults lined up. Besides the four different music teacher training programs (for credit and non-credit), we also have some exciting new camps for kids including Theater, Guitar, Choir, Film & Video Production, Orchestra and more. Check out our website at PotomacAcademy.org or call 993-9889.

 

Academics Page Being Retired

The Academics page (http://academics.gmu.edu) will be phased out over the next three months and replaced with the the University Catalog (http://catalog.gmu.edu) on the website. The University Catalog is the most current and up-to-date resource available, and the information is kept current by the Offices of the Provost and University Registrar.

 

Mason Shuttles: Final Exam Schedule and to Dulles

Final Exams. Shuttle service will change during final exams and for the summer. To view the schedule, go to: http://shuttle.gmu.edu/pdfs/2012finalexamsummerschedule.pdf.

During finals, there will be an additional 6:30 am departure time on the Prince William/Fairfax shuttle. Also, only one campus circulator will be in operation during finals.

Shuttles to Dulles Airport. Parking and Transportation is offering free shuttles to Dulles Airport between Friday, May 11 and Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 12:00 pm. Share this information with your students.

To register, click here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=
dGVpbXIya056YUtYaTgwNTlkWU5SdkE6MA#gid=0

 

Reminder: Health Care & Flex Account Open Enrollment Ends May 25

Health Care & Flex Account open enrollment is underway until Friday, May 25 for changes effective July 1. Visit the HR & Payroll homepage for details. If you have any questions, call the Customer Service Center at 993-2600 and ask for the Benefits team or email benefits@gmu.edu

 

HR and Payroll

Summer Flex Underway. Summer Flex 2012 runs from May 20 - August 18.  With gas up around $4 a gallon, Summer Flex is the time to try another route.  Everything you need to get started is on the flexible work page.

Summer Break is approaching quickly. Sittercity helps you find summer nannies, part-time babysitters, last minute care, and even caregivers to help bring the kids to and from camp. Caregiver profiles feature background checks, references and reviews from other site members who have used their services. As part of your Sittercity perk, you have unlimited background checks available. Your Sittercity membership is fully paid by Mason and is completely free to you. Activate your membership today: www.sittercity.com/georgemasonu.

 

Patriot Pack Out - Donations Wanted May 11 - 21

Patriot Pack Out, now in its sixth year, is an award-winning annual event which facilitates waste reduction at George Mason University by encouraging the Mason community to conveniently donate unwanted/unopened food, clothing and small appliances, which are then delivered to charities benefiting our local community. In 2011 the university collected a total of 9,540 pounds of recyclable materials. Help us beat that record.

Donate your items weekdays, May 11 – 21, at the convenient drive-up/drop-off location at Rappahannock River Parking Deck, 1st floor, or if you’re a permit holder in Shenandoah Parking Deck, visit level 3.

 

Get to Know Mason in Loudoun

Are you looking for a convenient place to hold your next class, telework, host meetings, student events or other activities?

  • With classrooms that boast state of the art technology, including videoconferencing capabilities, Mason in Loudoun is an excellent place to hold classes.
  • Informally connect with your students and colleagues in the open-area student lounge.
  • Host your next meeting in our beautifully detailed conference room.
  • Use one of six fully-equipped offices for telework when you don’t feel like fighting traffic.
  • A drop-in computer lab with 20 work stations is also available.

Since 2005, Mason in Loudoun has offered classes in nursing, health science, education, information technology, and management, along with select undergraduate general education courses and continuing professional education and training programs for individuals and organizations through the Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE).

Located at 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 210 in Sterling, Virginia. Parking is free and convenient. http://info.gmu.edu/LoudounMap_2.pdf

For more information about Mason in Loudoun, contact Una Murphy, Director of Outreach for Regional Campuses at 993-8621 or umurphy@gmu.edu .

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
http://loudoun.gmu.edu

 

Get Caught - Show Your Patriot Pride

Every Friday is Spirit Fridays for Mason students, alumni, faculty/staff and fans. Wear Mason gear to show your Patriot Pride.  Patriot Pride Patrol volunteers are actively issuing Spirit Violations on the Fairfax campus - don't be a repeat offender.

Mason cookies are given to the customers wearing Mason gear every Friday in the Johnson Center Food Court, while supplies last. 

Get caught any day of the week, anywhere wearing Mason gear and win a Mason branded 4G USB Drive, while supplies last, just for sporting Mason gear.

To update your Mason gear visit http://auxe.gmu.edu/masongearlocations.html for options or just go directly to the campus bookstore.

To keep up with special notices, discounts and contests to win prizes visit http://www.facebook.com/WeAreMason for the latest updates.

 

Mason Dining

The Johnson Center, Bistro will be closed Wednesday, May 16 - Friday, May 18 and will reopen on Monday, May 21.

Mason Dining's summer and graduation week hours can be found at http://dining.gmu.edu/.

For more information, visit facebook.com/masondining.

 

Mason Recreation

Aquatic and Fitness Center Pool Closings
Recreation pool and competition pool will be closed May 5 and 6 due to a swim meet.

Recreation and Athletic Complex (RAC) Summer Hours (May 17 - August 22)
Monday-Friday: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day): Closed

Skyline Fitness Center Summer Hours (May 16 at 6:00 pm - August 22)
Closed

Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC) Hours
Monday-Thursday: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Friday: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Fitness Classes
The spring schedule for Group Exercise, Cycling, Martial Arts, Yoga, and Pilates classes will end May 5.
Summer fitness classes will start May 21 and run through July 28. Classes and schedule will be announced soon.

 

Upcoming Leadership Opportunity

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to apply to the Sexual Assault Peer Advocate program. Advocates provide a range of services to address the needs of victims (as well as families/significant others) impacted by sexual and/or relationship violence. Peer Advocates are trained in a variety of sexual violence - related topics and basic crisis intervention skills. Members of the Sexual Assault Peer Advocate Program develop practical, work-related skills while providing essential services to people in need and reducing violence in the campus community. 

For more information visit sas.gmu.edu.

 

Seeking Hosts Families for Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute with South and Central Asia

School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution is hosting the third annual Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute with South and Central Asia (BFSIA) this summer. We are very excited to be welcoming students from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, India, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and the U.S.

We hope the the Mason community will help us provide the students with a wonderful time in the United States by opening your homes and being a host family for 10 days. Homestays are amazing opportunities for students to learn about American family life. Additionally, we are looking for multi-cultural host families for U.S. students.

Visit the BFSIA website, www.bfsia.wordpress.com, for more information.

 

Events

 

Staff Appreciation Day Ice Cream and Networking Social

Each year, the Staff Senate and Dining Services sponsor Mason’s Staff Appreciation Day.  The Staff Senate invites all classified and non-student wage employees to join us in celebrating Mason’s staff. This year’s events will provide an opportunity to network, enjoy Dippin’ Dots and cookies, provide your feedback, and of course, win one of our great door prizes.

Save the date for your campus:

Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Tuesday, May 22, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Prince William Campus, Bull Run Hall, Atrium
Wednesday, May 23, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Arlington Campus, Founders Hall, Room 125
Tuesday, May 29, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Registration is required. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate drop-ins on the day of the event. Registration will be open from Monday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 16.  Visit the Staff Senate website at staffsenate.gmu.edu for registration information.  Questions may be directed to Kathrin Breitt Brown, at 993-4141 or kbreittb@gmu.edu.

 

25th Annual Patriot Club Alumni-Athlete Golf Outing

The Patriot Club will be holding the 25th Annual Patriot Club Alumni-Athlete Golf Outing sponsored by The Anderson Company on Monday, June 4 at Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, VA. All funds raised benefit the Mason Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund.

Event Schedule
9:00 am Registration
11:00 am Shotgun Start
Social Hour, Silent Auction and Dinner to Follow

Format
Four person team scramble

The Golfer Entry Fee includes greens fees, golf cart, range balls, lunch, drinks on course, awards dinner, and a special gift for all golfers.

Click here for fee information and details on the 2012 Alumni-Athlete Golf Outing including registration and sponsorship opportunities.

Registration Deadline: Friday, May 25

If you should have any questions, contact Bridgette Rupe at the Patriot Club at 993-4147 or brupe@gmu.edu.

 

Mason’s Office of Continuing Professional Education Partners for office* Tradeshow

Mason's Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) will be exhibiting at Booth #110 as the 2012 office* Education Partner, and Richard Fanelli, OCPE instructor will be presenting. Join other George Mason colleagues who'll be attending office* and bringing solutions, ideas, innovation, and value back to their offices. Register for your most important business event of the year.  The office* Tradeshow and Conference takes place May 30-31 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 

Mason Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff- Attend the Exhibits and Keynotes for free.
Register at  www.office-tradeshow.com/register and use this VIP code 104151. 

  • Meet exhibitors showcasing innovative office products, resources, ideas, and solutions - all at one time, all in one place.
  • Get exceptional, value-priced training at the Conference Program 
  • See the latest office trends presented at the office* Demo Theater 
  • Get inspired by four thought-provoking Keynotes, free with your registration 

For a limited time, add the two-day Conference for a reduced price and get the most exceptional training value of the year.

Don't delay, register now to reserve your free tradeshow pass.

For information on Mason's Continuing Professional Education course offerings visit our website at ocpe.gmu.edu.

 

Brazil Internships Informational Session

A 15-credit semester internship for less than $8000, that includes housing and two meals a day. Mason's Center for Global Education's Brazil internship program is an affordable study abroad option for students from any major.

Wednesday, May 23, at 3:00 pm in the Johnson Center, Room F, Gilberto de Olivera Souza, Academic Coordinator of Postgraduate Courses at FAE Universitario in Curitiba, Brazil, will be on the Mason campus to discuss with interested students unique opportunities for spring and summer 2013 internship placements in Brazil. 

Past, current and prospective internship program participants are all invited to attend. Encourage your students to attend.

Training

 

Summer English Language Workshops Begin Soon

This summer the English Language Institute is offering eight free workshop series for non-native speakers of English; the workshops are open to George Mason students, faculty and staff and their spouses and will be held on the Fairfax campus.     

Pronunciation: Mondays, May 21 - July 23

Spelling Improvement: Mondays, May 21 - July 23

Idioms for Professional and Academic Use: Tuesdays, May 22 - July 24

Advanced Grammar: Tuesdays, May 22 - July 24

Public Speaking for the Classroom: Wednesdays, May 23 - July 25

Conversation and Culture: Wednesdays, May 23 - July 25

Graduate Level Writing: Thursdays, May 24 - July 26

Research Writing: Thursdays, May 24 - July 26                    

For times and locations, or more information about these workshops and the English Language Institute's other programs for the George Mason community, contact Melissa Allen, Coordinator of Support Services for Non-Native Speakers of English, malle2@gmu.edu or 993-3642.

 

Next Training Dates - Emerge

Sexual Assault Services is pleased to announce a new, free training for the Mason community. Emerge is a one-day training with a goal of preparing members of the Mason community to respond to survivors of sexual and relationship violence and to create a network of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to supporting survivors. To learn more, or register for one of our spring training dates, emerge.gmu.edu.

Upcoming training dates:

  • Wednesday, May 23 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday, August 15 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
 

EEO and SH Prevention Training

The next Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Sexual Harassment (SH) Prevention Training Session for Mason Faculty, Staff, and Administrative Faculty is:

  • May 22, 10:00 am -11:00 am, Mason Hall, Room D5 (ground floor)

Register on-line at http://equity.gmu.edu/education.html.

As a reminder, the Office of Equity and Diversity Services (OEDS) continues to offer Custom Training Sessions for individual departments, offices or centers. Our topics include Diversity, Cultural Competencies, Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment Prevention, and American Disabilities Act and Employment. If you would like to schedule one of these trainings, contact OEDS directly at 993-8730.

 

HR Learning

Health and Flex Open Enrollment Information Session. The Benefits Team will be visiting each campus during open enrollment to answer your questions about making changes to your health insurance and flexible benefits plans. Drop in anytime at Prince William on May 17 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, at Arlington on May 22 from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm or at Fairfax on May 23 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.  Details are available on the Open Enrollment flyer.  Open enrollment runs through Friday, May 25.

Life Planning Seminar: Organized Adulthood: Getting Your Papers in Order. Have you ever wondered what would happen to your property if you suddenly passed away? Join us May 23 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm as attorney Daryl Taylor discusses the intricacies of why you should have your estate plan prepared today. This session will be videoconference to the Arlington and Prince William campuses.

eWork Drop-In Sessions. The eWork drop-in sessions provide the opportunity to work 1:1 with Human Resources staff to get your questions answered. Drop in anytime on May 23 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
To register for any of these sessions, visit http://hr.gmu.edu/learning and click on the Courses tab.

 

Fiscal Services

Fiscal Services Walk-in Assistance. Wednesdays from 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm in University Hall, Room 4139. Faculty and staff are welcome to stop by for assistance with issues related to eVA, Banner Finance, food and beverage, travel, reconciliations and PI Reports. No appointment is necessary.

Travel Training.  Wednesday, May 16, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in University Hall, Room 2001. Provides detailed information on processing travel authorizations before a trip and travel reimbursement requests at the conclusion of a trip.  Procedures for purchasing airline/train tickets, hotel accommodations and rental cars will also be covered.  The session will conclude with a demonstration of Mason’s automated Travel Request System.

Basic eVA Purchasing. Thursday, May 17, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in University Hall, Room 2001.  Hands-on workshop for utilizing Virginia's electronic procurement system to purchase most goods and services.

Banner Finance and Reconciliation.  Thursday, May 24, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in University Hall, Room 2001.  This workshop for faculty and staff who work with budgets, financial activity and reconciliation provides an overview of the University's Banner Finance system and chart of accounts.  It includes hands-on training to view reports generated by the system.

Contact Michael Wharton at 993-2089 for information or register online at: http://ittraining.gmu.edu/.

 

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office

EHS is offering the following training session. Registration is required. For complete training descriptions and to register, visit the EHS website (http://ehs.gmu.edu).

May 21, Fairfax, Police & Safety Headquarters, Room 230
Fire Extinguisher Use, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

It is the policy of George Mason University to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodations to fully participate in training, contact EHS prior to the training date. For non-English speaking employees, interpretation services may be available upon request. Note: training starts promptly and late arrivals will not be given credit for attending.