|
Dean Marcelle Heerschap Chosen as Outstanding Supervisor Business Travel Safety via Air & Hotels Microsoft Vista Testing Being Conducted by ITU Change to Mileage Reimbursement Policy Faculty Forum on Criteria for Promotion and Tenure Roundtable Discussions for Departmental Financial Administrators of Sponsored Programs Safe Spring Break 2007 - Make it fun. Make it special. Make it safe. Importance of Understanding Uncertainty in Geospatial Data Drop-in Musicology @ Johnson Center Library Academic Advising Roundtable Luncheon Heading Back to Shore? An Updated Look at Outsourcing The Effects of U.S. & International Policies on Human Rights S.A.L.T. Systems Administrator Leadership Team Come Celebrate Your Mason Colleagues Free Workshops for Non-Native Speakers of English PI Financial Reports for Faculty with Sponsored Projects PI Financial Reports for Grant Administrators
|
Mason E-FilesPosted March 5, 2007 |
|
| Announcements | ||
|
Daylight Saving Time is changing this year. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed by Congress, mandated that Daylight Saving Time (DST) begin 3 weeks earlier on - Sunday, March 11 - and end one week later on - Sunday, November 4. The ITU has taken preventative measures to ensure there will be limited impact to the Mason computing environment. Update patches have been installed on all servers and networking devices. But what does this mean for you? This change will impact: Windows and MAC operating systems: For most computers, patches should have been installed via the automatic update. To determine if your computer is set for automatic updates, visit: OS Settings for DST. Oracle-Corporate Time: Although patches have been applied, Oracle does not guarantee that currently scheduled meetings between March 11 - April 1, and October 28 - November 4 will not be shifted by one hour. It is our recommendation that prior to March 11 you print out a copy of your calendar for the period March 11 - April 1 and October 28 - November 4 and compare it to your online calendar after the change. If the online calendar is different you can make the appropriate corrections. We cannot make these changes on the server. An email message has been sent to all Oracle Calendar users with more specific information. Internet Native Banner (INB): Patches have been installed on the servers. You will need to install a new version of jinitiator 1.3.1.26. It is available at: https://patriotweb.gmu.edu/admin. An email message has been sent to all INB users with specific instructions. For more information about the effect of the Daylight Saving Time change, visit the What’s New? link on the ITU Support Center page. |
||
|
Dean Marcelle Heerschap Chosen as Outstanding Supervisor Join the Staff Senate in congratulating Marcelle Heerschap, Dean of Student Academic Affairs & Advising, for receiving the spring 2007 Outstanding Supervisor Award. Dean Heerschap will be honored at the Human Resources Outstanding Achievement Award ceremony on March 8, at 2:00 pm in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall, which all Mason employees are invited to attend. This spring, 20 supervisors were nominated for the award, via multiple letters of support which were rated according to specified criteria. All of the letters were enthusiastic, and the nominees have been notified that they were honored in this way. Dean Heerschap will receive an engraved plaque, a gift bearing Mason's signature or seal, and a gift certificate from Barnes and Noble. This award is presented twice a year, spring and fall, by the Staff Senate. http://www.gmu.edu/senate/staff/. Last autumn's Outstanding Supervisor Award went to Barbara Gomperts, office administrator for the English Department. The award is bestowed twice each year. |
||
|
The Academic Advising Center is sponsoring Undergraduate Faculty Advisor Information Sessions for new faculty advisors and staff to be held on Monday, March 5 and Thursday, March 8, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in SUB I, Room B. These sessions will cover advising basics, university general education requirements, and university policies and procedures. Advisors and staff need only attend one session. Reservations are required, e-mail Lynn Siegel, lsiegel@gmu.edu, or call 993-2477. |
||
|
Business Travel Safety via Air & Hotels Business travel can be stressful. Don’t set yourself up as a target for crooks. Here's what you can do. At the Airport
At the Hotel If you have any safety concerns or concerns about this article, contact the Safety Office, 993-2479. |
||
|
Shop and save with your Apple Visa® Check Card. Simply use it for purchases at participating retailers such as Blockbuster™, Hallmark Flowers, Pearle Vision®, JCPenney™ and many more, and you could receive specially discounted savings. Visit our website to view offers and obtain discount promotion codes. Teach your old certificate a new trick. Whether you hold a maturing certificate with Apple or another financial institution, it’s never too late to teach it to rollover. Keep your money growing by fetching yields as high as 6.3% APY for 14 months (IRA) or 5.75% APY for 16 months. Get the facts about Long Term Care insurance during a seminar presented at no cost to you, Tuesday, March 13, 4:30 pm, or Thursday, March 15, 6:00 pm, at Apple’s Fair Oaks branch. Register at www.applefcu.org/seminars.asp. Get a .25% APR loan discount when you apply online and transact all business related to the application and disbursement of the loan remotely. Offer not valid on Apple Visa® Credit Cards. If you choose to transact this loan via our Call Center/Branch Office you will not qualify for the discount. For information on Apple promotional offers, visit www.applefcu.org or stop by the Apple Johnson Center branch. |
||
|
Did you know that George Mason University Recycling collected 4,390 pounds of aluminum cans in 2006, which generated $2,555.00 of revenue? Please recycle. For questions or comments call 993-2547 or email rlim2@gmu.edu. |
||
|
The Staff Senate is holding its 2007 annual election to fill vacant seats on all four campuses. Go to the Staff Senate website at http://www.gmu.edu/senate/staff to access the ballot and read bios about the nominees. All classified and non-student wage staff are encouraged to vote. The senate welcomes your support. |
||
|
Congratulations to Darryl Wallace, our ITU Employee of the Month for March. Darryl is a Telecom Field Technician in TSD’s Telecom Administration department. He is described as an extremely friendly, patient and professional individual who “makes our problems go away.” He consistently receives rave reviews from his customer service visits. Upon reflection one person summed up Darryl’s assistance this way, “When he answers my service calls, I smile because I know whatever the situation or problem is it will be handled in a very professional and timely manner.” His positive style is the secret to his success. “He always has a smile and laugh to make your day.” Join Darryl on Tuesday, March 6 at 11:30 am in Mason Hall, Room D105, as he receives his award as ITU Employee of the Month. |
||
|
Microsoft Vista Testing Being Conducted by ITU As you may know, Microsoft recently released Vista, its newest operating system (OS). There are major differences between Vista and XP, and many applications must to be tested for compatibility with Vista. For example, Banner is not certified on Vista at this time. Mason’s Information Technology Unit (ITU) tested the beta version of Vista and participated with other colleges and universities in Microsoft-sponsored Vista training. Now, with the commercial release of Vista, the ITU’s testing is expanding. Testing is being organized to ensure Vista’s compatibility with the University's network enterprise, administrative systems (Banner), academic systems, and other supported software applications. The ITU expects to complete testing by the Fall of this year. In the meantime, do not purchase a computer with Vista. The ITU is not ready to support Vista. When you purchase a new computer, purchase it with Windows XP (SP2). Even though you will be purchasing Windows XP now, the computer hardware should be configured to run Vista. See our recommended hardware requirements for new computer purchases at http://itusupport.gmu.edu/dept_desk.asp#config. Additional Mason-specific Vista information will be accessible on the ITU Support Center website soon. (http://itusupport.gmu.edu) |
||
|
Change to Mileage Reimbursement Policy The State has enacted a change to the mileage reimbursement policy. Effective March 15, an employee will normally be reimbursed at the fleet rate, currently $.246 per mile, when he/she drives a personal vehicle more than 100 miles per day for business related travel. Travelers may utilize a motor pool vehicle for trips expected to exceed 100 miles per day. Details are available on the Fiscal Services web site. |
||
| Events | ||
|
The Johnson Center, being the "community builder" it is at George Mason University, will host Top That! - Waffle Day 2007 on Tuesday, March 6, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Dewberry Hall. Come one, come all to the greatest program on earth brought to you by Johnson Center and Student Union Operations and the Freshman Center. Waffle Day 2007 is open to the entire University community and will serve as a great opportunity for faculty and staff to interact with students in a social environment. There will be giveaways, prizes, sing-a-longs, and most of all, waffles you can eat with toppings of choice (while supplies last - so come early!). For more information contact Mecca Marsh at mmarsh3@gmu.edu. |
||
|
On Tuesday, March 6 at 4:30 pm, the George Mason University Libraries will present The Legacy of Jamestowne - a panel discussion commemorating the 400th anniversary of the founding of the Jamestowne colony, moderated by Roger Wilkins. The panel, including historians Randolph Scully and Rosemarie Zagarri, and anthropologist James Snead, will discuss the legacy and impact of the founding of the Jamestowne colony. Mason anthropology student, Landon Yarrington, who led the way to one of the most significant archaeological finds at historic Jamestowne, will also discuss his experiences while on archeological digs. A Special Collections & Archives exhibit of items from the Hershel F. Helm Collection and C. Harrison Mann, Jr. Map Collection will follow the panel discussion. The event will take place in Harris Theater and is free and open to the public. For more information, visit http://library.gmu.edu/jamestown400/. |
||
|
Faculty Forum on Criteria for Promotion and Tenure The Office of the Provost will sponsor a faculty forum at all three campuses. Provost Stearns will address the issue of Criteria for Promotion and Tenure. Light refreshments will be served. The schedule is as follows: Prince William - Thursday, March 22, 10:30 am - 11:30 am, Bull Run Hall, Room 130. Arlington - Friday, March 23, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, Original Building, Room 244. Fairfax - Friday, March 30, 10:00 am - 11:00 am, Mason Hall, Room D3 A&B. If you have any questions, call Debbie Williams at 993-8776. |
||
|
Roundtable Discussions for Departmental Financial Administrators of Sponsored Programs The Office of Sponsored Programs is conducting two roundtables for Departmental Financial Administrators of Sponsored Projects during the Spring 2007 semester. These sessions are scheduled for March 7 and April 19, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, in Research I, Room 163. This is not a video conference, Research I on the Fairfax campus is the only location for attendance. These sessions will discuss current issues in the financial management of grants. If you have specific topics or issues that you would like to see addressed at these sessions, e-mail Mike Laskofski (mlaskofs@gmu.edu). RSVP to Eve D'Angelo by phone (993-2988) or e-mail (edangelo@gmu.edu). In addition to your RSVP, let Eve know if there are any additions or deletions to the list of people from your office who should attend these sessions. We are continually trying to update the list and would appreciate your input. |
||
|
Safe Spring Break 2007 - Make it fun. Make it special. Make it safe. It’s time for Safe Spring Break 2007. Join us March 5-8 for Safe Spring Break events, and encourage your students to attend. We’ll provide the food and fun, all you have to bring is you (and a friend or two). Safe Spring Break 2007 is sponsored by the Office of Alcohol, Drug, and Health Education, Sexual Assault Services, and the Wellness Education Resource Room. Monday, March 5
Tuesday, March 6
Wednesday, March
7 Thursday, March
8 It’s your Spring Break. Make it fun. Make it special. Make it safe. For more information go to wellnesseducation.gmu.edu |
||
|
|
||
|
Importance
of Understanding Uncertainty in Geospatial Data Dr. Ed Wright, Chief Scientist Information Extraction and Transport, Inc. (ewright@iet.com) will present on Friday, March 9, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, in Science and Tech II, Room 320. Military planning and operations depend on maps and spatial data to provide the geometry of the battlefield. Basic terrain data themes are used in geospatial models to produce Tactical Decision Aids (TDA) that predict terrain effects on military operations. This presentation makes the argument that with appropriate tools it is possible to quantify errors in spatial data, propagate these errors through TDA models, and provide commanders with appropriate information about uncertainties, so they can make better decisions. To view the C4I Center Calendar of Events for this and other events go to: http://c4i.gmu.edu/upcomingEvents.php To obtain other recordings of past events sponsored by the C4I Center go to: http://c4i.gmu.edu/recordingList.php To Read more about the C4I Center visit: http://c4i.gmu.edu/index.php For information contact Colleen Koranek at mkoranek@gmu.edu or call 993-9370. |
||
|
Drop-in Musicology @ Johnson Center Library Curious? No advance sign-up necessary. Get a cup of coffee and come as you are on Friday, March 9, 12:30 pm - 1:25 pm, in the Johnson Center Library, Room 228. Your host is Steve Gerber, Mason Performing Arts Librarian. Navigating the open-access, online Mozart score series. In December, the International Mozart Foundation put Bärenreiter's modern critical edition of the composer's complete works on the World Wide Web and struggled to service 12 million hits in the first four days. Steve Gerber will review the structure of this important Gesamtausgabe and demonstrate its use. Eine kleine Nachtmusik, anyone? |
||
|
Women’s
History Month The Women’s Studies Research and Resource Center is hosting a film festival on Women and Globalization during the month of March. All films are free and open to the Mason community and the general public. The first film, The Shape of Water by Kum Kum Bhavnani, was held March 1. The last 3 films of the series will be: Monday, March 5,
4:30 pm, Harris Theatre Monday March 19,
4:30 pm, Harris Theatre Tuesday March 27,
12:00 noon, Johnson Center Cinema For film descriptions go to: http://wmst.gmu.edu/center/events.html. For questions or more information, contact the Women’s Center at 993-2896. |
||
|
Academic Advising Roundtable Luncheon The Academic Advising Center and the Office of the Provost invite undergraduate faculty, advisors and staff to attend an advising roundtable luncheon on Wednesday, March 28, from 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm, in the Mason Hall, Meese Conference Room. The topic of this year’s Roundtable Luncheon will be, Academic Standing 101: Just When You Thought You Understood Academic Standing. The advising roundtable luncheon is one of the events of Academic Advising Awareness Week and will also feature the presentation of the Undergraduate Academic Advisor of the Year Award. All attendees will receive a small token of appreciation for everything they contribute to the success of academic advising at George Mason. Reservations are required by Friday, March 23. E-mail or call Lynn Siegel at lsiegel@gmu.edu or 993-2477 to reserve a place. |
||
|
The Association of Black Faculty, Administrators and Staff (ABFAS) will hold its monthly organizational meeting on Wednesday, March 7 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm in the African American Studies Resource Center: The Paul Robeson Room, Johnson Center, Room 240A (993-4085). Feel free to bring your lunch and invite colleagues interested in becoming members of the organization to participate. Thanks to all current members for your continued support of ABFAS. |
||
|
Heading Back to Shore? An Updated Look at Outsourcing On Wednesday evening, March 14, the Hot Topics in Technology Management Speaker Series will explore the current state of outsourcing from a variety of innovative perspectives. Hear reports from the field on a growing trend toward on-shore outsourcing - a movement that could keep jobs and increase economic opportunities in the U.S. Explore the potential for partnerships for northern Virginia firms. Free event. Speaker's reception at 6:30 pm; presentation at 7:15 pm in Mason Hall, Meese Conference Room. To register, go to som.gmu.edu Made possible by the Master of Science in Technology Management program in the School of Management. Contact jpalmisa@gmu.edu for further details. |
||
|
The
Effects of U.S. & International Policies on Human Rights The NCC Diversity Committee in partnership with the Women's Studies Research and Resource Center presents an International Women's Rights Panel on March 6 from 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm, in SUB II, Ballroom. This panel will feature three speakers: Dr. Alma Abdul Hadi Jadallah of Kommon Denominator, Inc; Tobey Goldfarb from Women for Women International; and Ramesh Sepehrrad from George Mason University. Each of these speakers will speak to their experience with international peace activism and women's rights. The panelists will discuss the effects of U.S. and international policies on international human rights. As a precursor to this event the NCC Diversity Committee will have as its topic Stories: War and Its Gendered Impact at its Brown Bag Lunch at 12:00 noon on March 6. This Brown Bag Lunch will be facilitated by Rima Alshawkani, NCC Diversity Committee member and NCC Administrative Services Coordinator, and Heather Bishop, a senior in Government/International Politics. Both will share stories of their experience working with Women for Women International, an organization that "helps women in war-torn regions rebuild their lives by giving them financial and emotional support, job skills training, rights education, access to capital and assistance for small business development" (www.womenforwomen.org). The Brown Bag Lunch will take place in the NCC Conference Room (Enterprise Hall, Room 418). Dessert will be served during this discussion. For more information on the International Women's Rights Panel or the Brown Bag Lunch, contact Matthew Bruno, co-chair of the NCC Diversity Committee, at mbruno@gmu.edu. |
||
|
S.A.L.T. Systems Administrator Leadership Team All System/Server Administrators and Technology Coordinators are invited to this month's S.A.L.T. meeting. If you are responsible for maintaining and configuring a computer, attend the next S.A.L.T. (Systems Administrator Leadership Team) meeting Friday March 9, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Johnson Center, Room C. Special guest speaker is Microsoft's Kevin Dean, Technology Specialist for the Mid-Atlantic Higher Ed community. This presentation
will discuss how Microsoft Windows Vista is designed toward three key
goals and how they help your students, faculty and staff. RSVP is requested. Send to Dorothy Brewer, dbrewer1@gmu.edu. The IT Security website is the community's resource, take a look http://security.gmu.edu, feedback is always welcome. |
||
|
Come Celebrate Your Mason Colleagues Join Human Resources/Payroll for the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on Thursday, March 8 at 2:00 pm in the Johnson Center, South Dewberry Hall. Awards will be presented for the Outstanding Achievement Award, Exceptional Support Award, Mason Quill Award, Team Excellence Award, Margaret C. Howell Award, Good Citizenship Award and a Presidential Citation. We hope to see you there to help celebrate our Mason colleagues. Refreshments will be served. |
||
| Training | ||
|
Free Workshops for Non-Native Speakers of English Starting the week of March 19, The English Language Institute will offer its pronunciation, grammar and conversation/culture workshops for non-native speakers at new times. Workshops are open to all international and immigrant members of the Mason community, including students, staff and faculty. The schedule for workshops on the Fairfax campus is: Pronunciation Workshops Grammar Workshops Conversation and
Culture Workshop The grammar and pronunciation series are repetitions of the workshop series held during the first half of the semester. All workshops are free and no advance registration is required. For more information, contact Melissa Allen, Coordinator of Support Services for Non-Native Speakers of English, malle2@gmu.edu, 993-3642 For information about similar programs on the Arlington and Prince William campuses, contact Carol Auerbach (Arlington) at cauerbac@gmu.edu and Valerie Ruiz (Prince William) at vruiz@gmu.edu. |
||
|
The Office of Diversity Programs & Services (ODPS) and Mason's Safe Zone Training team announce five more chances to increase knowledge and skills as an ally and to help our campus become safer and more welcoming for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community members. Thursday, March
15 - SUB I, Rooms A & B (During Spring Break) Friday, April 6 & 13 (Two Day Training) - Prince William Campus from 1:00 - 4:30 pm The Safe Zone program assists LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff by providing visible support and access to resources; and assists allies by giving them the opportunity to make their support known to the Mason's campus community. The Safe Zone training explores the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ people on campus, ways that homophobia and oppression effect the campus community, specific information on transgender experiences, skills for being an effective ally, and the range of resources available to LGBTQ community members. Following the training, participants can choose to receive and post stickers and/or buttons, visibly identifying them as safe zones for anyone with LGBTQ-related concerns to speak with. RSVP to rchollar@gmu.edu, or call 993-2702, to register for these training opportunities. Thanks to all for helping Mason be a place for people of all genders and sexual orientations to learn, live, and be fully themselves. |
||
|
The Office of Laboratory Safety is offering the following safety training: Friday March 9 at
the Prince William campus. Chemical Safety
at 11:00 am Registration is required. Email labsafe@gmu.edu to register. |
||
|
Every Wednesday from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm faculty and staff are welcome to stop by Innovation Hall, Room 215-G through March for assistance with any eVA transaction including confirming orders, eVA access requests, new orders and quick quote requests. Although no registration is required, eVA users may contact Rob Parker at rparker7@gmu.edu or call 993-2089 to reserve a time. |
||
|
Tuesday, March 6, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Innovation Hall, Room 215-G. This hands-on workshop provides an overview of Virginia's electronic purchasing system for individuals who purchase goods and services costing less than $2,000. Participants are encouraged to obtain a state-issued eVA user name and password by completing the eVA Login Request Form at: http://fiscal.gmu.edu/Resources/eVA/eVA_Resources.htm. Those interested in the workshop may call Rob Parker at 993-2089 for information or register online at: http://ittraining.gmu.edu/ |
||
|
Thursday, March 15, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Innovation Hall, Room 215-G. This workshop is for individuals who work with budget and financial activity. It provides an overview of the University's Banner Finance system and chart of accounts. It includes hands-on training to view and utilize reports generated by the system. Those interested may call Rob Parker at 993-2089 for information or register online at: http://ittraining.gmu.edu/ |
||
|
PI Financial Reports for Faculty with Sponsored Projects Tuesday, March 20, 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Innovation Hall, Room 215-G. This workshop is for George Mason University faculty who review financial transactions related to sponsored projects. It includes hands-on training to view two standard Discoverer reports, PI Reports and PI Reports by Month Range, to obtain a high level summary of financial transactions for projects with the ability to drill for details of all charges, including personnel charges. An Office of Sponsored Programs representative will be available to answer questions. Those interested may call Rob Parker at 993-2089 for information or register online at: http://ittraining.gmu.edu/ |
||
|
PI Financial Reports for Grant Administrators Tuesday, March 20, 11:00 am to 12:00 noon, Innovation Hall, Room 215-G. This workshop is for George Mason University Grant Administrators and other staff who review financial transactions related to sponsored projects. This hands-on workshop will provide an overview of the Discoverer PI Reports and PI Reports by Month Range that present a high level summary of financial transactions for projects, with the ability to drill for details of all charges, including personnel charges. Those interested may call Rob Parker at 993-2089 for information or register online at: http://ittraining.gmu.edu/ |
||
| ||||||||||
| Site
maintained by: | ||||||||||
| Bobbie
Fuller, Information Services | ||||||||||
| (703)
993-1005 | ||||||||||
|
Last
updated: March 6, 2007 | ||||||||||
| http://www.gmu.edu/departments/infoservices/efiles.html | ||||||||||