George Mason E-Files

Mandatory Fire Drills

EHS - Fire Safety Programs will conduct fire drills in The RAC (former PE Building), East Building, School of Art Building, Patriot Center, Commerce I & II, Field House, Aquatic & Fitness Center, Concert Hall, Performing Arts Building, Johnson Center and Student Union I during the week of October 5.

The drill is required by Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Fire Drills have been scheduled to cause the least impact on class schedules. The drills are unannounced. Environmental Health and Safety staff will be on-site to assist in evacuation. All employees, students and visitors who are in the buildings at the time of the fire drill are required to evacuate.

Your compliance will be greatly appreciated. For questions or concerns, contact EHS - Fire Safety Programs at 993-8448.

Interested in Helping Reduce Crime?

Opportunities, Alternatives, & Resources (OAR) is requesting volunteers for a challenging but rewarding volunteer opportunity. OAR facilitates a program called Impact of Crime at the Adult Detention Center. Impact of Crime challenges offenders to understand the real harm created by the actions that led to their incarceration. Participants have the opportunity to hear from people who have been victims of crime. These presentations are very meaningful for the participants and are essential to the success of the class.

Volunteers who are willing to participate in this effort are needed. If you, or someone you know, has been a victim of robbery, assault, property crime, domestic violence, child maltreatment, drunk driving, drug use and abuse, sexual assault, or violent crime and are willing to speak in the Impact of Crime class, contact Karen Schaefer at kschaef2@gmu.edu or leave a message at (703) 246-3174. You will be contacted immediately to have the process thoroughly explained and have all your questions answered. Don't minimize the importance of a crime that may have happened to you. If you have experienced crime and are willing to talk about it we would be delighted to hear from you.

Helpful Hints for Using the New Voice Mail System

This week’s Helpful Hints are keypad options while listening to a message in the new voice mail system.

Rewind 5 seconds	1
Rewind to beginning of message	1 1
Pause or continue	2
Fast forward 5 seconds	3
Fast forward to end of message	3 3
Decrease speed	4
Message envelope information	5
Increase speed	6
Decrease volume	8
Increase volume	9

Much more information is provided on our web site at http://voicemail.gmu.edu. The web site is continually updated, so visit it from time to time as answers to your questions may be found there. For additional assistance, contact Telecom Admin at 993-3546.

Do Your Students Need Writing and Research Help? Have Them Take Advantage of the Library and Writing Center Collaboration

In an effort to bridge the gap between the research and writing processes, we are pleased to announce new hours of our ongoing Writing Center/Librarian collaboration. Students can come by and speak to one or both available tutors for a more complete range of help through the entire writing process.

Meet with a Librarian in the Writing Center (Robinson A, Room 114)
Wednesdays, 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Tuesdays, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Meet with a Writing Center in the Libraries
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm (Fenwick Library)
Wednesdays, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm (Johnson Center Library)

Students can schedule an appointment today at www.writingcenter.gmu.edu or simply stop by.

Commuter Choice Monthly Benefit Requests Due Now

Commonwealth Commuter Choice Request for Monthly Benefits forms for November SmartBenefits must be submitted no later than Monday October 12, at 12:00 noon. Forms received after 12:00 noon on Monday, October 12 will be processed for benefits beginning December 1. Forms can be found at http://transportation.gmu.edu/commuterchoicemonthybenefitform1-09.pdf

Completed forms may be submitted by e-mail to transportation@gmu.edu; faxed to 993-8575; put in the campus mail to Transportation, MS 1J6; or dropped off at the Transportation Office: SUB II, Room 1014A. Questions, comments, suggestions to 993-9530.

Do Your Kids Like To Play Computer Games?

Imagine you or one of your kids being able to create their own computer game. The Potomac Arts Academy is offering Introduction to Computer Game Design this fall taught by Matt Nolan, Tech Director for the Computer Game Design program at Mason. Students will create concepts for games, connect into working groups, create their games, and present the games to the class. At the end of the course, students will take home a working copy of the game they created. How cool is that? Limited openings are still available. Go to www.PotomacAcademy.org or call 993-9889 today. 10% discount for Mason students, faculty and staff.

Do You Have a Child Between 30 and 42 Months?

If so, the Cognition, Affect and Temperament (CAT) Laboratory in the Mason Psychology Department would like to invite you to participate in a study which examines the way in which children respond to information from adults. The study would last approximately 2 hours and would take place on the Fairfax campus. More information about the study and the CAT Laboratory may be found at http://mason.gmu.edu/~kperezed/. Contact Claire Cole at claire.cole@gmail.com or 993-2241 for more information about this exciting project.

Mason Dining

George's, located on the 3rd floor of the Johnson Center, is now all-you-care-to-eat. Stop in to check out our new daily specials.

The grill in the Bistro, located on the ground floor of the Johnson Center, is now open Wednesdays & Fridays.

Join together and support Mason Wellness every Monday for Meatless Mondays.

The Mason Rathskeller, the new sports bar in SUB I, is open to everyone. Stop by, grab a burger, and cheer on your favorite football team.

Now introducing a new, sleek reusable Mason Dining Mug - Get one at Peet's Coffee in the Johnson Center, One Stop Patriot Shop at Blue Ridge Hall, and Jazzmans in the Johnson Center or SUB I.

Apple Federal Credit Union

Switch to eStatements and Snag a Free Reusable Tote Bag. Bank green and shop green. Stop by the Mason Apple branch today to sign up for eStatements and receive a free reusable tote bag. Only available while supplies last – so stop by today.

Tackle Your Debt Loan & Giveaway. Has lingering high-interest debt kept you on the financial sidelines? Tackle those high rates and multiple payments by consolidating up to $35,000 with rates as low as 7.99% APR. Plus, your loan qualifies you for our Tackle Your Debt Giveaway – prizes include a 52’’ HDTV and more. Don’t take a time out—apply today at AppleFCU.org, any Apple branch or call 703-788-4800.

Apple’s Groovy Auto Loans – Offer ends Oct. 31. Cash in on new and used auto rates as low as 3.74% APR. Plus, receive an additional .25% discount when you purchase a hybrid vehicle. Apply for a loan today.

For rules and restrictions of Apple promotions, and up-to-date rates, visit AppleFCU.org or stop by the Mason Branch in the Johnson Center.

Governor’s Challenge: Mason Answers the Call

Governor Tim Kaine has challenged all state agencies with his Green Commonwealth Challenge. The Office of Parking and Transportation is required to report all non-single-driver commuting options available to faculty and staff, and to give an account on each of the following: car pooling; van pooling; public transit; biking; walking; shuttle services. All faculty/staff receiving Commonwealth Commuter Choice benefits will be required to submit travel logs monthly, starting October 1, 2009. Everyone who participates in this program will receive two free General Parking permits at no cost through the Transportation Department to accommodate emergencies and scheduled commitments. Anyone who is currently participating in a car pool, a van pool, who walks or bikes to work, or who uses any mode other than single-driver automobile for their commute is also eligible for two free parking passes simply by keeping a travel log. Contact Bob Tennant in the Transportation Department for details: 993-9530 or rtennant@gmu.edu.

So, what’s a challenge without a reward? The winning agency receives 8 hours annual leave per person. Second place earns 4 hours annual leave, while third place receives 2 hours annual leave.

Be a Flu Fighter: Seasonal Flu Shots

Seasonal flu shots for faculty and staff are available at no cost or low cost this season. Details and information on the on-site clinic schedule for Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William are on the HR & Payroll homepage. If you have any questions, call the Human Resources & Payroll Customer Service Center at 993-2600 and ask for the Benefits Team.

Work/Life Homepage: Happening Now

Check out the work/life homepage for timely discounts and opportunities including free online access to American City Business Journals, and TireVan's new on-site services (tire balancing & rotation and windshield wiper replacement) available by appointment on the Fairfax campus on October 16.

University Information Celebrates Customer Service Week

In celebration of Customer Service Week, University Information would like to thank faculty, staff and students. For a treat, stop by any of our information centers and ask a question and/or fill out a feedback form. Let us know how we can help you and how we're doing. Remember, if your searching for general information, just Ask Us or visit info.gmu.edu. During the 2008-09 fiscal year we connected with students, faculty, staff and visitors 869,300 times through our information desks at the Fairfax Campus Johnson Center, Arlington Campus and Prince William Campus; kiosks near Finley and the Parking Deck; the University Switchboard; the marquee board and Johnson Center signboard; Today@Mason and People Finder plus our administrative office in SUB I. It is our pleasure to be at your service.

Events

President's Fall Convocation

You are cordially invited to attend the State of the University on Wednesday, October 14 at 3:00 pm in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall presented by Dr. Merten. A reception will follow.

October 5 - 8: Turn Off the Violence Week – a Mason Tradition Since 1997

Every fall, Sexual Assault Services sponsors a week dedicated to helping the Mason community work to end violence against women, and to honor its victims. TOV Week events include the Clothesline Project and Mason’s annual Take Back the Night Rally. Co-sponsors of Turn off the Violence Week include Alcohol, Drug and Health Education; Women and Gender Studies and Feminist Student Organization.

Contact Donna Shock, dshock@gmu.edu, to volunteer for any Turn off the Violence Week event. For more details about Turn Off the Violence week and for a full calendar of events, visit sas.gmu.edu.

Join the Mason Family at Family Weekend 2009

The Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services (OFPS) would like to extend an invitation to our faculty and staff for Family Weekend 2009 taking place October 16-18.

OFPS will be continuing some of their signature events - Pre-Mason Madness, ThinkFast! Game show, Family BBQ, and the Family Funzone. They will also be adding to the family with some new and exciting offerings.

Highlights include:

Family Weekend Book Presentation: Meet Jason F. Wright, local Virginia author of the New York Times Best Seller The Wednesday Letters.
Wine Tasting: Enjoy some local wine and conversation with other members of the Mason community. Participants must pre-register and be 21 or older.
Comedian Wayne Brady: A family friendly comedy show at the Patriot Center. Discounted tickets are available for students, staff, faculty and families.
Golf Scramble- The newest event. Join with a team of four or individually for this outing at Penderbrook Golf Club which features prizes for longest drive, the closet to the pin, and a hole in one challenge.

Details about these events as well as a complete Family Weekend schedule and the Mason Faculty and Staff Registration Form can be found at http://masonfamily.gmu.edu. Don’t forget to check back often for new events.

Faculty and Staff who register will receive complimentary admission for themselves and up to three family members. See the online packet and schedule for details on specific events.

To Register: Complete the Mason Faculty and Staff Registration Form available at http://masonfamily.gmu.edu and return it to Orientation and Family Programs and Services via email to families@gmu.edu, campus or US Mail to: The Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services, MS 5G2, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, or in person to our offices in Northern Neck Hall, Room 108.

Feel free to contact the Office of Orientation and Family Programs and Services at 993-3961 if you have additional questions.

Harry Markopolos Lecture

Come hear Harry Markopolos give a lecture in the Concert Hall Lobby on Thursday, October 15 from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm. A reception will follow the lecture and it is free and open to the public. Harry Markopolos is the 30-year veteran of the financial industry who blew the whistle on Bernie Madoff and his $50 billion Ponzi scheme, unearthing what is believed to be the largest financial fraud in history.

Visit ncc.gmu.edu for more information.

C4I Center and Software Engineering Seminar

The C4I Center and Software Engineering Seminar Series at Mason is offering a seminar on October 16 in the Engineering Building, Room 4705 at 2:00 pm. Tulips, Potatoes, Apples, ISO 9001 and the CMMI presented by Nelson Perez. For more information see http://c4i.gmu.edu/events/events.php

Fall ITU Projects Briefing

Come learn about what’s going on within the Information Technology Unit (ITU). The Mason community is invited to attend the next ITU Projects Briefing on Wednesday, October 21, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in Research I, Room 163, on the Fairfax Campus. The briefing will be video conferenced to the Arlington Original Building, Room 250 and Prince William Occoquan Building, Room 221.

Presented by the ITU Project Management Office (PMO), the briefing provides a forum to learn about and discuss both ongoing and upcoming ITU projects.

For more information on this or previous briefings, see the Project Management Office website (http://pmo.gmu.edu); or contact Robert Nakles, rnakles@gmu.edu, or John Prette, jprette@gmu.edu, of the PMO.

Perinatal: A Symposium on Birth Practices and Reproductive Rights

Perinatal, a day-long symposium to be held in Harris Theater on October 7, will explore the current climate surrounding birth in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world. The symposium will include presentations by activists, academics and practitioners and will feature film viewings, dance and visual art. Speakers include Henci Goer, Robbie Davis-Floyd, Shafia Monroe, and Debra Pascali-Bonaro. Events include an audience-led reading of Birth, a play by Karen Brody, and a screening of Orgasmic Birth.

Addressed during the symposium will be questions of birth as a reproductive rights issue and as a feminist issue. The symposium will also present current and past approaches of birth activism and advocacy. The symposium aims to create conversations across disciplines and to engage the public, health care workers, and the academy.

Details about the program, which will run from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, are available on the Perinatal website at www.birthsymposium.com. The event is free and open to the public.

The Origin of the World: An MFA Thesis Exhibition, by Jessica Clements

This series of old-master-style paintings explores labor, childbirth, and postpartum. The paintings illustrate what happens to a woman’s body during birth, show what it is like to have a healthy and natural birth, offer an opportunity to confront our cultural fear of birth, and demonstrate the strength and beauty of a birthing woman and her child. The paintings will be on exhibit in the Johnson Center’s Gallery 123 from October 5 – 16, from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm (weekends by appointment). Meet the artist and discuss the work at the opening reception on Monday, October 5, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

ABFAS Monthly Community Lunch

The Association of Black Faculty, Administrators & Staff (ABFAS) will hold its monthly community lunch on Wednesday, October 7 from 12:00 noon to 1:15 pm in the African American Studies Resource Center: The Paul Robeson Room, George W. Johnson Center, Room 240A (993-4085) on the Fairfax Campus.

Items for discussion include the upcoming African & African American Studies Conference on African Identities in the Age of Obama to be held October 8 through October 10.

Feel free to bring your lunch and invite colleagues interested in becoming members of the organization to participate. Also, don't forget to join your colleagues for the ABFAS Happy Hour Meet-n-Greet on Friday, October 9 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brion's Grille in the University Mall, 10621 Braddock Rd (703-352-7272). For more information about the Association of Black Faculty, Administrators & Staff, visit our website today at http://www.abfas.gmu.edu/.

Thanks to all current members for your continued support of ABFAS.

The Recreational Sports Office - NYC Bus Trip

Saturday, December 5
$40.00 Faculty/staff and friends
Payment Options: Cash, check (payable to George Mason University) or VISA/Mastercard at the equipment checkout desk, located in the RAC.

For more information: http://recsports.gmu.edu/outdoor-recreation/New-york-city-bus-trip

Reminder: Administrative Professionals Reception

Mason Administrative Professionals are invited to attend a reception to learn about the upcoming Administrative Professionals Certificate Program and the new Mason chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). Join us on October 7 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in SUB II, Back Ballroom. RSVP to hrtrain@gmu.edu.

Eldercare Support Group: Care for the Caregiver

The Eldercare Support Group will be meeting on Wednesday, October 14 from 12:00 noon -1:00 pm in Mason Hall, Room D5. No need to register, just drop by.

Training

Office of Institutional Assessment

Do you know what the student learning outcomes are for general education? Do you know how we know whether we're achieving those outcomes? The fall edition of our newsletter, Eye on Assessment, provides information on newly approved general education learning outcomes as well as results from our latest surveys. It is available on our website at https://assessment.gmu.edu/Results/EOA/EOA.html.

The Office of Institutional Assessment invites faculty and staff to register for our upcoming assessment workshops. Registration is required. Visit our website https://assessment.gmu.edu/workshops.cfm for online registration and a list of all available workshops. For more information, contact Karen Manley at 993-8834 or kmanley@gmu.edu.

Learning Outcomes: Tuesday, October 6, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Learning Outcomes: Wednesday, October 7, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

WEAVEonline Technology: Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Curriculum Mapping: Tuesday, October 27, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

OSP Workshops

Allowable Costs. Wednesday, October 7, 9:30 am to 11:00 am in Research I, Room 161. This session will use short case studies to illustrate allowable cost issues on sponsored projects with a focus on federal funding and OMB Circular A-21. Attendees are encouraged to bring up specific examples for discussion during this interactive session.

Sponsored Programs: Proposal Process Overview. Thursday, October 8, 10:00 am to 11:30 am in Research I, Room 161. This workshop will provide participants an overview of submitting a proposal for sponsored funding. Topics included: proposal preparation, budget development and justification, electronic submission & proposal routing process.

Administering Personnel Costs on Sponsored Programs. Tuesday, October 13, 9:30 am to 11:30 am in Research I, Room 92. This session will cover topics related to personnel working on sponsored programs. The focus will be on the hiring, terminating, and changing the funding source for employees. Reallocation of salary, Funding Change & Cost Transfer forms, labor encumbrances, fringe benefits and reconciling labor charges will be discussed.

PI Report Workshop. Tuesday, October 20, 9:30 am to 11:00 am in Johnson Center, Room 311B. Hands-on training for using Discoverer reports to view financial transactions related to sponsored projects.

OSP Roundtable. Wednesday, October 28, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in Research I, Room 163. The Office of Sponsored Programs will hold a roundtable session for departmental administrators working with sponsored projects.

For additional information about OSP Training, visit our web site: http://www.gmu.edu/research/OSP/Training.html

Fiscal Services Workshops

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

Fiscal Basics. Thursday, October 8, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in Research I, Room 161. An introduction to fiscal processes at Mason including purchasing, travel, and Banner financial reports.

Basic eVA Purchasing. Thursday, October 15, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in Innovation Hall, Room 334. Hands-on workshop for utilizing Virginia's electronic procurement system to purchase most goods and services.

PI Financial Reports. Tuesday, October 20, 9:30 am to 11:00 am in Johnson Center, Room 311B.
Hands-on training for using Discoverer reports to view financial transactions related to sponsored projects.

Travel Training. Thursday, October 22, 9:00 am to 11:30 am in Innovation Hall, Room 334. This workshop will provide 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.

Food & Beverage. Tuesday, October 27, 9:30 am to 11:30 am in Research I, Room 162. This training provides an overview of the policies and procedures related to purchasing food and beverages for Mason functions. A Sodexho representative will be on hand to answer catering questions.

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

Mason 101

The next session of Mason 101 will be held on Thursday, October 15, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Register on-line at the HR Training site, or call Suzy Wiedemann at 993-1005 to secure your place in this class. This is an excellent opportunity for new employees to learn about the university or for seasoned veterans to get a refresher course. To be sure we have materials for you, the deadline to register is Monday, October 12.

Environmental Health and Safety Office

The Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHS) is offering the following occupational health and safety training sessions on Tuesday, October 6, at the Fairfax campus, SUB II, Room VIP 2:

9:00 am to 10:00 am - Bloodborne Pathogens
10:30 am to 11:20 am - Hazard Communication

EHS is offering the following occupational health and safety training sessions on Wednesday, October 7, at the Prince William campus, Occoquan Building, Room 110A:

9:00 am to 10:00 am - Bloodborne Pathogens
10:00 am to 11:00 am - Hazard Communication

EHS is also offering the following laboratory safety training sessions on Wednesday, October 14, at the Fairfax campus, in the new Police and Safety Headquarters, Room 230. Check in at the reception window on the second floor.

10:30 am to 12:30 pm - Chemical Safety
1:00 pm to 2:15 pm - Biosafety
2:15 pm to 3:00 pm - Bloodborne Pathogen Training for Laboratory Personnel
3:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Laboratory Safety Refresher

For complete training session descriptions and to register for training, visit the EHS Web site at http://ehs.gmu.edu. 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, translation services may be available upon request.

Note: training starts promptly and late arrivals will not be given credit for attending.

Changes Within: 2009 Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day

Registration opens today for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day, themed Changes Within. Join us for a day of personal and professional development and networking opportunities on October 28 at the Fairfax Campus or October 30 at the Prince William Campus. Arlington’s event will be held in the spring, and Arlington’s faculty and staff members are welcome to attend either the Fairfax or Prince William event. For all the details, including session information, speaker bios, information on our featured speakers Jim Larranaga and Peter Pober, and to register, visit http://hr.gmu.edu/training Registration is limited to 300 people, so be sure to reserve your spot.

Employee Retaliation Claims Training for Supervisors

Recent case law has made institutions of higher education and state agencies more vulnerable to employee retaliation claims. Supervisors need to know how best to guard against such claims to avoid becoming embroiled in time consuming conflicts and costly litigation. All Mason supervisors are invited to join Guy Horsely from the Attorney General Office on October 6 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm in the Johnson Center 3rd floor Meeting Room C to learn more. Register at http://hr.gmu.edu/training/. Share the word about this event and register before 12:00 noon today or we may have to cancel due to low enrollment.

New SUPERvisor Series: When Domestic Violence Comes to Work. This is a session devoted to coping with situations involving domestic violence when it enters the workplace. All Mason supervisors are invited to attend this workshop on October 15 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm in SUB II, Room 6.

Performance Appraisals That Get Results. This presentation discusses Mason's classified employee and administrative/professional faculty performance evaluation processes from first draft to final signatures. The session will also refresh supervisors and employees alike on Mason's evaluation process, 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 supervisor expectations. This workshop will be offered on all 3 campuses the week of October 12 - 16; check the training calendar for dates and times.

Lunch & Learn: Finish Your Degree With BIS. Join us for an information session detailing the Bachelor of Individualized Study - Mason's adult degree-completion program. Create your own concentration to get the degree you want. This workshop will take place on October 15 from 12:00 noon -1:00 pm in SUB II, Room 3.

EPAF Training for the New or Occasional User. Participants will be given access to a computer and, using support documentation and several practice employee entries, will learn how to enter full or part time employees on temporary assignment into the Banner system without error. This class will also include training on form I-9. Join us on October 15 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm in Innovation Hall, Room 334.

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

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Last updated: October 5, 2009

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