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Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts Writing Center Informational Class Visits (Roadshows) The Purchase and Travel Charge Card Vendor is Changing Security Tip - Activate a Password Protected Screensaver Faculty/Staff Special Days at Ciao Hall Business Alliance Seeks Companies for Investment Capital DoIT Dialogue: Meeting the Need for Technology Classrooms Focus on Central Asia Program Lecture Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15 Broadside Presents Game of the Week Openings for LGBTQ Safe Zone Training Entrepreneurship Networking Opportunity for Students Ballet Hispanico Performs in the Concert Hall
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Mason E-FilesPosted September 12, 2005 |
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Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts The Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services, the College of Education and Human Development, and University Life are collecting toiletry items to donate to the victims and families that have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The following items are needed: dental floss, tooth paste, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, mouth rinse, lotion, q-tips, combs, brushes, hair oil, sanitary napkins, tampons, tissues, tooth brushes, soap, hair products, deodorant, baby products (Orajel, baby powder, vaseline, baby oil, kid's toothpaste, etc.). All items must be new and in their original packaging. Drop off locations are SUB 1, Room 349 (Orientation and Family Programs and Services), Johnson Center, Room 245 (The Freshman Center), Occoquan Building, Room 217 (Prince William Campus) For more information, visit http://ofps.gmu.edu, call at 993-2475, or email Lisa Snyder at lsnyder2@gmu.edu. |
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Writing Center Informational Class Visits (Roadshows) Writing Center tutors are available to visit your class for 10 minutes to introduce your students to our services. If you are interested in such a presentation, send an email to Sarah Baker at sbaker@gmu.edu. Include the name/number of your course, the date and time you would like us to visit, and your classroom location. The presentation requires an overhead projector. Presentations are available in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William. We hope you will include the Writing Center URL http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/ on your syllabus and mention us in your class! Our web site includes many helpful resources and we now have online registration and scheduling for appointments. |
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The Purchase and Travel Charge Card Vendor is Changing The Department of Accounts (DOA) has selected GE Corporate Payment Systems (GE) to be the new Corporate Card contractor for state agencies and institutions. The University will soon convert from American Express to a new General Electric MasterCard for both the Corporate Purchasing and Corporate Travel Cards. The transition process has already begun from a high level approach between DOA and GE MasterCard. The anticipated roll out of the new cards will be in mid-October of this year. Although the exact details are not yet known, DOA expects the switch to cause minimal disruption to cardholders. We will keep you informed as we know more details, such as when to destroy your AMEX card, and when and how you will receive your new MasterCard. Employees with a Purchasing Card will be automatically reissued a new MasterCard, but must take certain steps in anticipation of the conversion. Existing Travel cards will not be automatically reissued. Individuals who require a Travel Card must complete an application. For information on both the Purchasing and Travel Card conversion, visit the Fiscal Services web site at http://fiscal.gmu.edu/Procedures/PCard%20Conversion.htm |
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Faculty and staff personnel are covered by the Commonwealth’s liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions while acting within the scope of their assigned employment. They may also be covered when performing other necessary or emergency functions. Students are covered when participating within the scope of their internship, externship, or similar required educational programs. Volunteers are covered while doing their assigned task(s). Whenever an incident occurs in which there might be a liability claim against Mason, the University investigates the matter and recommends whether or not Commonwealth coverage should extend to the persons involved. The aforementioned liability insurance does not cover illegal activities, the willful disregard of safety, or improper conduct, such as sexual harassment. To avoid any misunderstanding regarding duties, authority, and responsibilities, it is advisable to put them in writing: PD’s, MOU’s, and appointment letters. |
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Security Tip - Activate a Password Protected Screensaver When you step away from your computer you leave an opportunity for someone to take on your identity, using your personal account permissions. Activating a password protected screen saver can act as a barrier to a person trying to access your computer resources. For step-by-step instructions go to http://security.gmu.edu/desktopsecurity, see Basic Security Step 1. |
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Faculty/Staff Special Days at Ciao Hall Just a reminder that the last day for the $2 lunch at Ciao Hall will be on the September 23. We hope you've enjoyed these 4 weeks of special treatment. After that date, we will continue the traditional faculty and staff special days on Tuesdays and Thursdays, when those populations can enjoy Ciao Hall at near to half of the cash rate. If you have enjoyed your more frequent visits, why not stop by the meal plan office and sign up for the FASPlan; 30 meals for $99, 5 days a week, breakfast at the Bistro and lunch at Ciao Hall, or go to mealplans.gmu.edu for information and on-line purchase. As always, your friends at Mason Dining have enjoyed your company, and are happy to be of service to Mason's faculty and staff. For questions or comments, feel free to contact Michael at mgalvin@gmu.edu. |
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Hurricane Katrina Monetary Deductions. Governor Warner has authorized the establishment of the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, which will be administered through the CVC (Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign). This collection is completely separate from the upcoming 2005 fall campaign, but these donations will be deductible on 2005 tax returns. Mason's CVC Coordinator, Amath Gomis, will be accepting donations from 9:00 am - 11:00 am today through Thursday at either Kiosk B or C on the main floor of the Johnson Center . Make your checks payable to CVC-Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. You may also send them to Amath at HR/Payroll, MSN 3C3. All donations will be divided equally between the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. This is a cash/check campaign that will be conducted through Friday, September 16. 100% of donations will go to these two charities and earmarked for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. By giving through this fund, the states devastated by the hurricane will benefit by receiving medical aid, food, shelter, and other needed services. Inclement Weather Policy. Events in recent weeks have reminded us that inclement weather takes many forms, not just that of snow. So we thought it might be a good idea to review the University's Inclement Weather/Emergency Conditions Policy, located at http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/policy/newpolicy/2207adm.html. Remember that under the policy's definition of liberal leave, when road conditions and transportation difficulties cause an employee to arrive late, the University may determine that the conditions and difficulties justified the tardiness. If that is the case, the lost time will not be charged to leave balances or leave without pay, and no disciplinary action will be taken. University closings, late openings, or other weather related changes in the University's schedule will be announced on Mason's switchboard (703) 993-1000, GMU-TV, the university's homepage (http://www.gmu.edu), and local media outlets. October Commonwealth Commuter Choice Benefits. Just a reminder that requests for October SmarTrip Card funds are due this Thursday, September 15. For more information, visit http://hr.gmu.edu/benefits/misc.html. Low Cost Health Screening. On October 18 the CommonHealth HealthCheck Program will be at the Fairfax campus. This is a great opportunity to receive a confidential health screening for the low the nominal cost of $5.00 per employee. The screening will include: blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL and blood glucose testing along with a confidential screening assessment to be sent to your home in approximately 2 weeks. The program will be located at the Physical Plant upper level training room from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and from 2:15 - 3:15 pm. Pre-registration is encouraged in order that the health self-assessment can be completed prior to the testing and thus shortening the waiting time. Payment will be required at the door. You may sign up for the assessment at http://hr.gmu.edu/training. Special Delivery. Having a baby? If so, here's a special delivery for you. As part of the CommonHealth program, the State of Virginia is offering the Baby Benefits® program for expectant employees, spouses and dependents currently enrolled in one of the state's health benefits plans (e.g. CovaCare or Kaiser). If the pregnant mother is in her first trimester, you are eligible for a $30 reimbursement toward the purchase of a child safety seat. Visit http://www.chp-online.com/commonhealth/baby_benefits.html for more information and program materials. To take advantage of this program, you must enroll in the Baby Benefits program within the first 12 weeks of the pregnancy. The program runs through September 30. |
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Business Alliance Seeks Companies for Investment Capital This Friday, September 16, is the deadline for companies seeking $250,000 - $2M in investment capital to apply to present their investment opportunity at the October 20 Grubstake Breakfast. If you are a potential applicant or know of a company which should apply, complete or forward the online application and make certain it’s submitted it to the Business Alliance office by 4:00 pm Friday, September 16. For more information, check online or contact the Business Alliance office. George Mason University’s School of Management and the Mason Enterprise Center are partners in this program. |
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Enterprise Borrow Smart, Buy Smart Car Sale Event. Borrow from Apple Federal Credit Union and buy from Enterprise Car Sales September 15 - October 1 and receive a special event auto loan rate. It's easy to get the car you've been wanting. You can visit any Enterprise Car sales location or conveniently shop online. Visit www.applefcu.org for rate and location information. 20/20 Certificate - Offer ends September 30. Members can get 4.50% APY* on a special 20/20 Certificate: 20-month term; $20,000 minimum deposit Open your 20/20 Certificate today. Visit any Apple branch or call 703-788-4800 or toll-free 800-666-7996. For information on these and additional promotional offers, visit www.applefcu.org. Apple members can apply for a loan online. If you are interested in opening an account, you can download a New Account Application online as well. |
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The George Mason University community is invited to attend an open house at our newest academic facility, located in Loudoun County on Monday, September 19, at 3:30 pm. The event will be held in Ridgetop Two, second floor, at the Loudoun Tech Center: 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, VA. RSVP to 993-2088. |
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The University Libraries Copyright Office will present Sex, Lies and File-Sharing: P2P Theory Versus Practice? on Tuesday, September 20 from 10:00 -11:30 am at the Johnson Center, Conference Room 311. Topics will include all aspects of file-sharing and most recent legislation, as well as important facts that you should know to avoid criminal prosecution. This workshop is geared toward students, faculty and staff. To register, go to http://www.irc.gmu.edu/wems/workshops/default.cfm or email copyright@gmu.edu, or call 993-2544. |
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On Saturdays and Sundays from October 1 to December 18 a Speed Clinic will be offered for youth ages 10 - 17. Instructors are Angie Taylor, Mason head women's track and field coach; Ricky Ervins, former running back of the Washington Redskins; and members of the Mason women's track and field team. For more information and a registration form go to the women's track and field section of the Athletics webpage or email Angie Taylor, ataylorc@gmu.edu or Ricky Ervins, ricky@firstandgoal.net. |
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The Academic Advising Center and the Office of the Provost invite undergraduate faculty and advisors to attend an advising roundtable breakfast on Friday, September 23, in the Mason Hall Board Room, from 8:30 – 10:30 am. The roundtable discussion will focus on the effects of the new academic and financial policies that have been implemented. Reservations are required. Call or e-mail Lynn Siegel at 993-2477 or lsiegel@gmu.edu to reserve a place. |
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DoIT Dialogue: Meeting the Need for Technology Classrooms As the need for electronically enhanced classrooms continues to grow, so does the need for planning and faculty input. Join Kathy Bohnstedt, Director of Classroom Technologies, and Cathy Wolfe, Director of Space Management, to discuss classroom design guidelines and planning for classroom spaces. This dialogue will be held Monday, September 12 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon in Innovation Hall, 4th floor conference room, and videoconferenced to Arlington, Original Building, Room 335, and Prince William, Occoquan Building, Room 221. Faculty and staff are welcome. RSVP's requested to ritz@gmu.edu. |
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Focus on Central Asia Program Lecture George Mason's Focus on Central Asia Program invites you to its first lecture of the semester on September 12, 5:00 pm in the Johnson Center, Room B. Professor William Fierman will present Language Policy and the Challenge of Nation Building in Kazakhstan. Professor Fierman is one of the leading scholars of Central Asia. He is the Director of the Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center at Indiana University, Bloomington. Dr. Fierman's current research focuses on government policies affecting language, Islam and state identity. Professor Fierman's paper is available for download at the new Mason Central Asia web address http://mason.gmu.edu/~cenasia/events.htm. This lecture is open to the public. For questions, contact Marcy Glover at 993-8722 |
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Daniel Cohen and Joshua Greenberg, History and Art History will present Overview of How Mason Faculty are Using Instructional Tools Developed by the Center for History and New Media on Friday, September 16, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm in Innovation Hall, Room 334. The session is sponsored by the Center for Teaching Excellence and DoIT’s Instructional Resource Center. The Center for History and New Media (CHNM) has developed a variety of instructional tools including Web Scrapbook, Survey Builder, Poll Builder, Syllabus Finder, and Scribe. Dr. Cohen and Mr. Greenberg will provide an overview of these tools and will discuss how Mason faculty are using them to engage students and enhance classroom interactivity. Faculty teaching across various disciplines who want to learn more about CHNM’s instructional tools will benefit from the information shared during this event. At our next event Joel Foreman, English, and Priscilla Norton, College of Education and Human Development, will present Best Practices in Distance Education: Effective Ways of Teaching at a Distance. This event is scheduled for Friday, October 14, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, in Innovation Hall, Room 334. Contact the Center for Teaching Excellence, 993-8652, or e-mail lfathe@mason.gmu.edu. |
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15 Hispanic Americans: Strong and Colorful Threads in the American Fabric is the national theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2005. The Office of Diversity Programs & Services joins numerous university departments, offices, and student organizations to provide educational programs that celebrate Hispanic history and culture. Events and activities include a keynote address by Marie Arana, editor of the Washington Post's Book World; a showing of the movie Maria Full of Grace; and the annual Shades of Brown poetry festival featuring Puerto Rican poet Judith Ortiz-Cofer. The calendar of events for George Mason University's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month are now available. Come by the Office of Diversity Programs & Services located in SUB I, Room 224 to pick up a copy of the calendar. You can also find a list of events on our website: http://www.gmu.edu/student/msaf/HHMmain.htm If you have any questions, contact the Office of Diversity Programs & Services at 993-2700. |
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Broadside Presents Game of the Week Are you going to the game? Join the Mason men's soccer team as they face George Washington on Saturday, September 17, 7:00 pm at the George Mason Stadium next to the Field house for the Broadside Game of the Week. Tickets for faculty and staff are only $2. Let Mason students know that free soda coolers will be available while supplies last starting at 6:00 pm. They just need their Mason student ID to get into the game for free. They also will be eligible to sign up to win a Widescreen flat tube 26” HDTV, Home Theater System, and Xbox. See you at the Stadium. For more information, call the Athletic Ticket Office at 993-3270 or visit GoMason.com. |
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For the Fall 2005 Semester, the George Mason Rec Sports Office is offering a bus trip to New York City. The trip will take place on Saturday, October 15 and is open to all Mason faculty, staff and students. The cost is only $35 for Mason faculty, staff and students, and $45 for all non-Mason members that may be accompanying them. For more information on the trip including exact pick-up and drop-off times and locations, you can visit the following webpage: http://recsports.gmu.edu/intramural/newtorkcitybustriphomepage.html Don't forget that the deadline to sign up for Co-Rec soccer is September 14. This is a change from previous years so we can offer soccer throughout the year. We will also offer indoor soccer towards the end of this semester and outdoor soccer again in the Spring. For more information visit: http://recsports.gmu.edu/intramural/SoccerHomepage.html To register for any event or for more information, contact us at 993-3290, visit our website (http://recsports.gmu.edu) or e-mail us at recreate@gmu.edu. You may also visit our office in the Aquatic and Fitness Center, Room 105. For the entire semester schedule, please visit our website at http://recsports.gmu.edu/intramural/. |
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Free Speech in the Digital Age, NPR’s Justice Talking - a live video-cast and facilitated discussion by Mason faculty Dr. Robert Dudley, Chair/Professor, Public and International Affairs and Dr. James Pfiffner, Professor, School of Public Policy will be presented on September 16, 1:30 – 3:00 pm in the Johnson Center, Cinema. To celebrate Constitution Day, the Democracy Project is sponsoring the live video-cast of NPR’s Justice Talking, an award-winning radio series, followed by a facilitated discussion with Drs. Dudley and Pfiffner. About the Program - NPR’s Margot Adler will host an hour-long special video-cast from the William G. McGowan Theater at the National Archives. The debate, Free Speech in the Digital Age, will look at censorship in libraries, of textbooks, and on the Internet. The program will examine the reasons for both safeguarding and limiting speech, including protection of minors and community safety, ensuring a free marketplace of ideas, and guaranteeing democratic institutions. Guests will include First Amendment Attorney, Floyd Abrams; Jack Valenti, Past President and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America; and Stanford Law Professor, Lawrence Lessig. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Marcy Glover, Global and Educational Programs Coordinator, Office of the Provost 993-8722 or mglover2@gmu.edu |
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Openings for LGBTQ Safe Zone Training There are still openings for the first LGBTQ Safe Zone Training session this fall semester, sponsored by George Mason's Office of Diversity Programs & Services (ODPS) and the Safe Zone Training Team. Training takes place on Tuesday, September 20, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm (Location TBA). Mason's Safe Zone program helps lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students, staff and faculty identify allies; who are safe listeners, advocates, and/or resources. After completing the training, participants can obtain and post a Safe Zone symbol to be visibly identified as Safe Zone/Allies. Beyond supporting the health and safety of individual LGBTQ students, faculty and staff; the Safe Zone program helps create a more safe and welcoming campus culture at GMU. The ultimate goal of the Safe Zone program is a Mason campus community where students, faculty and staff of all genders and sexual orientations are free to learn, work, and be fully themselves. This training is recommended for all faculty, staff, and students who interact with others in an advisory, teaching, service, or leadership capacity. Register for this training by emailing RChollar@gmu.edu or calling ODPS at 993-2700. |
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Entrepreneurship Networking Opportunity for Students Would you or your students like to learn first-hand more about entrepreneurship? Take advantage of the special student/faculty rate to attend a special networking breakfast Thursday, September 15 at Maggiano's in Tysons Corner featuring Charlie Thomas, CEO Razorsight (previously founder of Claris Capital and Founder/CEO of Net2000 Communications) and George Mason University President Alan Merten. This event will begin with networking and registration at 7:30 am followed by a program at 8:00 am. Mr. Thomas has just published a book regarding his experiences entitled Entrepreneur: A CEO's Lessons in American Capitalism. It is co-hosted by the George Mason University School of Management Alumni organization and the Fall for the Book Literary Festival. Register online at www.businessalliance.org/smarttalk.html. |
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Ballet Hispanico Performs in the Concert Hall Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispanico's innovative repertory fuses ballet, modern and Latin dance forms into a spirited image of contemporary Latin culture. The company performs on Saturday, October 1 at 8:00 pm. An artistic discussion, free to ticket holders, is held 45-minutes prior to the curtain on the hall's Grand Tier. Tickets are $44, $36, and $22, and they are available at 703-218-6500 or tickets.com. |
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Celebration of Success Tickets are still available for Exceeding Expectations: The Campaign for George Mason University, a lively look inside the campaign with CNN special correspondent and George Mason's own Frank Sesno. Dessert and dancing to follow, 9:00 - 11:00 pm. Tickets are complimentary, but reservations are required. To reserve your tickets, visit www.campaigncelebration.gmu.edu. |
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Banner Finance Self Service Training. Tuesday, September 13 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in Innovation Hall, Room 215G. This hands-on training provides an overview of the University's Banner Finance system, chart of accounts and reports produced by the system for individuals who work with budget and financial activity. Banner Finance Faculty Self Service Training. Tuesday, September 13 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, Innovation Hall, Room 215G. This hands-on training focuses on managing grant transactions and budgets for faculty. Register at http://www.doiiit.gmu.edu/client/wems/workshops/default.cfm |
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Basic eVA Training. eVA training is open to all Mason faculty and staff who purchase goods and services for their University departments. September 16, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon, Innovation Hall, Room 327. Administrative Faculty Performance Evaluations. Administrative faculty evaluations are due at the beginning of October. A session focused on administrative faculty evaluations will be conducted at Innovation Hall, Room 334 and teleconferenced to Prince William, Occoquan Building, Room 221 and Arlington, Original Building, Room 335, on September 19, from 10:00 am to 12 noon. Solving Problems Without Pain. Learn practical ways to address difficult situations and manage conflict. September 20, 8:30 to 11:30 am, SUB II, Rooms 5 & 6. Register online on the HR website or call 993-2621. Fiscal Basics. An overview presented by Fiscal Services. September 21, 9:00 to 11:00 am, Innovation Hall, room 215G. Register online on the HR website or call 993-2621. Pre-Retirement Seminar for Participants in the Optional Retirement Program. September 28, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Johnson Center, Cinema. Register online on the HR website or call 993-2621. e-Work at Mason. An introduction to Mason's electronic system for recruiting faculty and classified employees. September 27, 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Arlington Campus. Classified Performance Evaluations. Classified evaluations are due by mid-October. A session focused on classified evaluations will be conducted on the Fairfax campus in the Johnson Center, Gold Room (lower level) on October 4 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Additional sessions will also be scheduled. |
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