George Mason University

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Smithsonian-Mason Semester

Technology Changes That Impact Teaching and Learning

It's Never Too Early To Focus on Writing - Schedule an In-Class Writing Center Roadshow

Amazing Recycling Factoid

2009 NEH Summer Stipend

HR/Payroll

Storm Preparedness is Essential for Mason

EVENTS

President Merten's Convocation

Mason Adobe User Group September Meeting

Poster Sale

Support Group for Working Mothers

TRAINING

HR

Upcoming LGBTQ Safe Zone Workshops

Fiscal Services

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Mason E-Files

Posted September 8, 2008

 
Announcements
 

Smithsonian-Mason Semester

Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2009 Smithsonian-Mason Semester, a unique opportunity to study wildlife conservation with Smithsonian scientists and work with endangered species. This is a 16 credit, resident program for juniors and seniors at the Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal.

The application and a video are available online at http://mccs.gmu.edu. Review of applications will begin mid-late September. Email questions to smithsem@gmu.edu.

 

Technology Changes That Impact Teaching and Learning

Technology changes that affect teaching and learning continue to be undertaken this academic year.

Recent updates are:
• Technology classroom upgrades over Summer 2008
• Mason computer labs and classrooms changing login procedures in January 2009
• Phaseout of WebCT 4.1
• Microsoft Office 2007 Update

For more information about technology changes that impact teaching and learning, see http://itu.gmu.edu/techservices/technology_changes_css.html

For any questions, concerns or suggestions related to teaching and learning with technology, contact the Division of Instructional Technology at 993-3178.

 

It's Never Too Early To Focus on Writing - Schedule an In-Class Writing Center Roadshow

Writing Center tutors are available to visit your class for 10 minutes to introduce your students to our services. Roadshow times are available during Writing Center hours on the Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William campuses. To schedule a Writing Center roadshow, send an email to Moriah Purdy at wcenter@gmu.edu and include the name and number of your course, the date and time you would like a tutor to visit, and your classroom location.

Also, encourage your students to use the Writing Center Web site at http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/ and include the url on your syllabus. Many resources are available both on site and on the Web and students can now conveniently register online for appointments.

 

Amazing Recycling Factoid

Did you know that one ton of recycled paper saves 3700 pounds of lumber and 24,000 gallons of water? Please recycle. For questions or comments call 993-2547 or email rlim2@gmu.edu.

 

2009 NEH Summer Stipend

The Office of the Provost has received guidelines for the 2009 NEH Summer Stipend Awards. All faculty teaching full-time must be nominated by their institutions. Each college and university in the United States and its jurisdictions may nominate two faculty members. Of the two, at least one must be a junior scholar with the rank of instructor, assistant professor, or an independent scholar at a comparable stage. Senior scholars hold the rank of associate professor or professor.

Program description: Summer Stipends support individuals pursuing advanced research that contributes to scholarly knowledge or to the public's understanding of the humanities. Recipients usually produce scholarly articles, monographs on specialized subjects, books on broad topics, archaeological site reports, translations, editions or other scholarly tools.

Award Information: Summer Stipends provide $6000 for two consecutive months of full-time research and writing. Recipients must work full-time on their projects for these two months, and may hold other research grants supporting the same project during that time. Summer Stipends normally support work carried out during the summer months, but arrangements can be made for other times of the year.

Faculty who are interested should:
1. Check the guidelines at http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html
2. Submit the following documents to Marcy Glover, mglover2@gmu.edu, Office of the Provost by September 15
: NEH cover letter, vita, and project narrative.
3. All applicants will be informed within one week whether or not they have been selected so that the two nominees may finish completion of their application, which is due to the NEH by October 1, at 11:59 pm.

The on-line application can be completed in stages and edited until October 2 or until the submit button has been clicked. For more information, contact Marcy Glover, Global and Educational Programs Coordinator, Office of the Provost, 993-8722 or mglover2@gmu.edu.

 

HR/Payroll

Last Chance to Nominate a Colleague for the Outstanding Achievement Award. HR & Payroll is accepting nominations for the Outstanding Achievement Award, Exceptional Support Award, David W. Rossell Quill Award, and the Martha J. Reiner Quality Customer Service Award. The nominations are due in Human Resources & Payroll this Friday, September 12. The ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21 in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. For a detailed list of all awards and their related nomination forms, go to HR's Semi-Annual Awards page.

Eldercare Support Group: Care for the Caregiver. The Eldercare Support Group will meet Wednesday, September 10 from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm in Mason Hall, Room D5. No need to register. Just drop by.

Flexible Spending Account Filing Deadline is Approaching. If you have a dependent care or medical flexible spending account, remember that the last day to file a reimbursement claim for expenses for the 2007-2008 plan year is September 30, 2008. Eligible expenses had to be incurred during the plan year which ran from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

Health Care and Dependents Who Turn 23 A child may be covered as a dependent under the State Health Benefits Program until the last day of the calendar year in which the child turns age 23. If you have a child who will be 23 years old by December 31, 2008, they will no longer be eligible for health insurance coverage through your plan. For information on alternative options, see http://hr.gmu.edu/forms/pthealth.pdf

Discount at the State Fair of Virginia. If you've never been to a state fair, here's your chance. The State Fair of Virginia runs from Thursday, September 25 through Sunday, October 5 at the Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond, VA. It's all here - lots of rides, tasty food, a rodeo, tractor pull, and demolition derby, you name it, even pig racing. Literally tons of things to see and do. Fun for all ages. To get a $4.00 discount off the ride wristband, stop by the HR & Payroll office or email jwalker8@gmu.edu. More information, including schedules and directions, can be found at the State Fair of Virginia website.

Wizards Tickets. If basketball is more your thing, check out the hefty discount for faculty and staff on opening night tickets for the Wizards vs the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 pm at the Verizon Center. Order tickets directly by using the link below. If you have questions about the offer or would like additional information, email London Hitchman at lhitchman@washsports.com. New Jersey Nets

 

Storm Preparedness is Essential for Mason

Hurricanes are born and thrive in the ocean, but they can also have disastrous effects inland. Heavy rains and strong winds from weakening tropical systems have led to some of Virginia's worst disasters. The following safety tips are offered to minimize personal injury and property damage.

Know your risk. Stay informed by listening to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information or visit the National Weather Service website at www.nhc.noaa.gov .

Shut down all electronic equipment prior to leaving for the day (even better unplug the equipment from the power source).

To minimize water damage, basement and ground floor offices should remove all items from the floor (especially electronic equipment). In addition, if your building is prone to leaks cover your desk, books, and other items with heavy plastic or a tarp.

Consider parking your car away from trees. The center of the lot may be a better choice or the parking deck.

To report damaged or lost State owned property go to: http://www.gmu.edu/risk/property/university_owned_property.html or contact the Office of Risk Management at 993-2599 or at risk@gmu.edu.

 
Events
 

President Merten's Convocation

The 2008 fall convocation is set for Wednesday, October 1 at 3:00 pm, Dewberry Hall. President Merten will give an overview of the current state of the university as well as lead a discussion on Mason's global initiatives.

The campus community, including students, is invited to attend this year's gathering. Refreshments will follow.

 

Mason Adobe User Group September Meeting

Be one of the first to see the next big thing from Adobe on September 24. Join in to see and hear first hand how something very special will help you get to brilliant faster. Save the date and get a good look at what’s to come. September 24, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm, Johnson Center, Room TBD. Light snacks and beverages will be served.

If you would like to sign up for future announcements, contact Charlotte Rinderknecht at 993-3988 or crinderk@gmu.edu. Sponsored by the Mason Media Lab and Adobe. Visit our Web site for the latest information. http://adobeusers.gmu.edu

 

Poster Sale

Are your walls looking bare in your office? Student Centers has the solution for you. Beyond the Wall Poster Sale will be here at Mason on the Fairfax campus, located in the Johnson Center, Patriot Corner on the Atrium level from September 2 - September 12, 10:30 am - 7:30 pm. We accept Mason Money, Cash and credit cards. Stop by and pick up some wall decorations and gifts for you and yours.

 

Support Group for Working Mothers

The Support Group for Working Mothers at Mason kicks off the fall meeting schedule on Wednesday, September 10 at 12:00 noon in the Women and Gender Studies Center, Johnson Center, Room 240K. This brown bag lunch series is available to women at Mason interested in being part of an informal organization of working mothers. This fall will feature a mix of planned activities along with regular sharing sessions.

For additional information and a complete meeting schedule, visit our website: http://wmst.gmu.edu/center/working_moms.html or contact Heather Aleknavage at 993-2295.

 

Training
 

HR

I-9. Do you assist new employees in completing I-9 forms? Not sure of the new rules? Join HR for an I-9 training workshop. Get your questions answered and learn what you need to know to help new employees submit accurate and complete I-9 forms. This session will take place on Monday, September 15, 1:30 pm to 2:15 pm, SUB I, Room B.

How to Use eWork. Learn more about the eWork online hiring/recruiting system at Mason. Join the Human Resources & Payroll team to gain some tips and tricks for using eWork. Also, learn about the new upcoming modules for eWork that can make your hiring easier and more efficient. This workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 10:00 am - 11:30 am, Johnson Center, Room 311B.

Life Planning Seminar: Navigating Community Resources: Critical Questions to Ask. Gain an understanding of the Family Caregiver Support Program of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging at this workshop, presented by Yolanda Thompson, Ph.D., of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. Join HR on Wednesday, September 17, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, Research I, Room 161.

New SUPERvisor Series: Performance Appraisals & Standards of Conduct. As a supervisor it is essential to explore how and why an employee is presently performing on the job, but most importantly how the supervisor can help the employee perform more effectively in the future. This presentation discusses Mason’s evaluation process for both classified employees and administrative/professional faculty from first draft to final signatures, and will give tips on how to make the most of the performance evaluation meeting, empower supervisors to be able to conduct effective evaluations and align employees’ efforts with supervisors’ expectations. All are welcome to join HR on Thursday, September 18, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, SUB II, Rooms 1 & 2.

Lunch & Learn: Sustainability at Mason. Lenna Storm, Mason’s sustainability coordinator, will discuss initiatives, tips, and tools so you can help make Mason more environmentally friendly. This workshop will take place on Thursday, September 18, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, Mason Hall, D3 A & B.

To register for any of these workshops, visit http://hr.gmu.edu/training and click on course calendars.

 

Upcoming LGBTQ Safe Zone Workshops

University Life's LGBTQ Resources and Mason's Safe Zone Training team announce multiple 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.

Three fall workshops have spots still available:
Tuesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 18 (1 workshop split between 2 days) - 1:00 to 4:30 each day
Friday, October 10, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Monday, November 17, 9:30 am to 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.

 

Fiscal Services

Fiscal Services Walk-in Assistance. Every Wednesday, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, Research I, Room 92. Faculty and staff are welcome to stop by for assistance with issues related to eVA, Banner Finance, travel, food and beverage, and PI Reports. No appointment is necessary. Call Joey Carls at 993-2089 for additional information.

Basic eVA Purchasing. Thursday, September 11, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Innovation Hall, Room 334. Hands-on workshop for utilizing Virginia's electronic procurement system to purchase goods and services less than $2,000.

Banner Finance Self Service. Thursday, September 18, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Innovation Hall, Room 334. This workshop for faculty and staff who work with budget and financial activity 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.

PI Financial Reports for Faculty with Sponsored Projects. Tuesday, September 23, 9:30 am to 10:30 am, Johnson Center, Room 311B.
PI Financial Reports for Grant Administrators. Tuesday, September 23, 10:45 am to 11:45 am, Johnson Center, Room 311B.
Hands-on training for using Discoverer reports to view financial transactions related to sponsored projects. A representative from OSP will be available for questions.

Fiscal Basics. Thursday, October 2, 9:30 am to 11:30 am, Research I, Room 161. An introduction to fiscal processes at Mason including purchasing, travel, and Banner financial reports.

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

 

 

 

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Last updated: September 8, 2008

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