Faculty/Staff Announcements
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Campus Updates
George Mason Selects Chartwells Higher Education as New Dining Services Partner
George Mason University has selected Chartwells Higher Education, a national leader in campus dining, as its new dining services provider, following a comprehensive and competitive RFP process. George Mason’s contract with Chartwells starts July 1 and is expected to transform dining on campus. Further information will be shared in the coming months about the transition process, upcoming opportunities for community feedback, and ways for students to help shape the future of dining on campus. Read more.
New AI Guidelines and Tools for George Mason University Students, Faculty, and Staff
George Mason University has released comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) guidelines. These resources provide framework and guidance for the responsible and ethical use of AI across the academic community.
George Mason’s enterprise AI platform, PatriotAI, represents the first major outcome of the university’s strategic partnership with Microsoft and Cloudforce to start a meaningful and thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence capabilities into university operations.
Through a suite of six specialized AI tools, called agents, PatriotAI offers secure, university-managed access to large language models that aid academic work, studies, and student life. Each agent was co-developed with members of the George Mason community, including the AI Visioning Task Force, and they represent our first lineup of AI tools designed to enhance learning, instruction, research, and administration across campus. For complete details about this vision, visit ai.gmu.edu.
Summer Camps at George Mason
Still deciding on summer camps? George Mason University hosts camps and youth programs across a range of topics, including academics, visual and performing arts, recreation, and sports. Visit camps.gmu.edu to browse camps hosted by George Mason departments and external groups across campuses.
Training and Professional Development
Sign Up for Mason 101 this Summer
Mason 101 is an one-time workshop that covers information about the university’s history, organization, resources, and the future of the institution. Sign up for an upcoming session via MasonLeaps:
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Friday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to noon (in-person)
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Friday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to noon (via Zoom)
To register for an upcoming session:
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Go to masonleaps.gmu.edu and log in with your Mason credentials
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In the search bar in upper right corner of the page, search for “Mason 101”
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On the screen that opens, click “Mason 101,” and available Mason 101 dates will appear
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Click on the “Request” button next to your preferred training date
Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop
The Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop will be hosted virtually on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New and returning adjunct faculty are invited to attend the workshop to help with the transition into their new role at George Mason. The workshop includes professional development support, resources, and introductions to friendly faces on campus.
Human Resources Liaisons should send the registration link to any new adjunct faculty as they are hired. For more information, visit the Adjunct Faculty Success Workshop webpage. For questions, contact Faculty Affairs and Development at facaffs@gmu.edu.
Mason Career Academy
George Mason University has launched Mason Career Academy, a new online learning resource that is free for current students, faculty, and staff to develop new skills. Mason Career Academy is also available to displaced workers, including federal workers and contractors in the region, for a small registration fee.
Mason Career Academy offers access to more than 90 online micro-credential courses and industry-recognized certifications in fields such as data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, and information technology support. Read more.
Resources for You
Washington Mystics at EagleBank Arena
Tickets are still available for the Washington Mystics game at EagleBank Arena on Thursday, July 10, at 7:30 p.m., vs. the Las Vegas Aces. Tickets may be purchased online through Ticketmaster or pay fewer fees by purchasing in person at the EagleBank Arena box office. Hours are Tuesday–Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., and Friday–Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Baroni Center Webinar: The Future of Federal Acquisition
Join the Baroni Center for Government Contracting for an upcoming webinar, "The Future of Federal Acquisition," on Wednesday, July 9, from 9–10:30 a.m. This webinar brings together experts in government, industry, and academia for a serious discussion about the current performance of and future prospects for the government contracting community.
The event will also feature the publication of the center’s inaugural Government Contracting Trends and Performance Index. The index is the first broad analysis of the $800 billion government contracting industrial base that supports the functioning of the U.S. federal government. Learn more and register.
Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason
Prince William Little Theatre: Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
July 11–20, multiple performances
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Gregory Family Theater
Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and loveable teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire—to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star.
Arif Lohar Live
Saturday, July 12, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
Join Arif Lohar for a night of Punjabi folk music. The Jugni King will perform live in this unforgettable night.
Onyx Youth Orchestra and Onyx Philharmonic
Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center, Merchant Hall
The Onyx Project presents The Soul of America: An Orchestral Celebration of Soul and R&B. Onyx Youth Orchestra and Onyx Philharmonic will celebrate soul and R&B classics with guess vocalists and a little help from the audience.