Faculty and Staff News

Meet the Mason Nation: Chef George Charbel has the recipe for success

lclarkg — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:47:12 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Chef George Charbel has the recipe for success lclarkg Tue, 09/15/2026 - 12:47

Since joining Mason Dining, Senior Executive Chef George Charbel has elevated 91��’s campus dining experiences through culinary creativity and an unwavering focus on students.

From large-scale signature events to everyday experiences at campus dining locations, Charbel approaches each opportunity with the same goal: to create culinary moments that strengthen connection and belonging on campus.

Chef George Charbel (right) is the senior executive chef for Mason Dining and the Chartwells Higher Education 2026 Chef of the Year. Photo by Andani Gene Munkaila/Mason Dining

For his outstanding service to the campus community, Chartwells Higher Education has named Charbel the 2026 Chef of the Year. This fall, Charbel will be honored at the Compass Night of Stars in Orlando, Florida. Chartwells Higher Education is part of Compass Group USA and provides dining services across George Mason’s campuses.

Charbel attributes his interest in the culinary arts to his mom. “Her cooking really influenced me,” he said. “I’ve always had a passion for food, entertainment, and hospitality, so the culinary field became a natural path for me.”

Charbel earned his culinary chops in sports, entertainment, and hospitality. He honed his culinary and logistical expertise working at Las Vegas landmark hotels and on the world stage, feeding athletes at the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 London Olympics.

Charbel shifted to the world of campus dining in 2015 when he sought a change from the whirlwind of hospitality and entertainment. He managed culinary operations for Chartwells at Texas A&M University’s College Station and Galveston campuses, including athletics, the Corps of Cadets program, and the T.S. Kennedy Maritime Academy.

“That experience gave me a strong foundation in managing diverse culinary operations and serving a wide range of students,” said Charbel.

Serving students is his favorite part of working at George Mason, as well.

"Many of our students are away from their parents for the first time, and we get the opportunity to take care of them, create experiences, and continue that sense of hospitality and care,” said Charbel.

Mason Dining staff celebrated Charbel's achievement. Photo by Andani Gene Munkaila/Mason Dining

Charbel listens closely to student feedback and transforms those insights into menus and concepts that reflect the tastes and needs of the George Mason community.

This year, Charbel helped establish Noodle District, a new dining spot that offers customizable ramen and pho, and The Dreamery, a playful dessert destination offering gelato, ice cream, and ice cream sandwiches. Charbel’s work has also supported expanded fueling and recovery options for George Mason student-athletes, building menus informed by sports nutrition.

It is not easy to meet the diverse tastes, dietary needs, and expectations of students at the largest public university in Virginia.

“The biggest challenge is balancing the size of the operation with the needs of our students,” said Charbel. “They come from very different backgrounds and demographics. We have to understand those different needs and make sure everyone feels cared for and welcome. That challenge also pushes us to be creative and continually improve.”

Photo by Andani Gene Munkaila/Mason Dining

It takes a village. As a culinary professional, Charbel is deeply committed to mentoring emerging culinary professionals and creating opportunities for others to grow.

“No chef succeeds alone,” said Charbel. “Behind every great meal, memorable experience, and achievement is a talented team working together with passion, purpose, and pride.”

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George Mason professor and alum tapped to help shape Virginia’s economic future

lclarkg — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:12:08 +0000

George Mason professor and alum tapped to help shape Virginia’s economic future lclarkg Fri, 09/04/2026 - 10:12

David Ramadan, BA Government and Politics ’93, MAIT International Transactions ’95, professor of practice in 91��’s Schar School of Policy and Government and director of the Upper-Level Democracy Lab, has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Board of Directors.

David Ramadan, professor of practice in 91��’s Schar School of Policy and Government, director of the Upper-Level Democracy Lab, and two-time alum has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors. Photo provided

VEDP works with local, regional, and state partners to expand and diversify Virginia’s economy. As part of the board of directors, Ramadan will support efforts that position the commonwealth as a leading place for business growth and international trade, with an emphasis on workforce development and site readiness to attract new employers.

Ramadan has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of U.S. and international business, government, and higher education. He is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and the founder and principal of RAMA International, a consulting firm specializing in business growth, executive coaching, government relations, and higher education consulting.

“I hope to bring a practical, cross-sector perspective to the VEDP board,” Ramadan said.

A two-time alum, Ramadan said his perspective is also shaped by his academic experience as a student at George Mason.

“George Mason gave me the foundation to understand how government, policy, economics, and institutions interact,” he said. “My studies helped shape the way I think about economic development, international business, and public policy.”

Ramadan’s appointment to the VEDP board is not his first leadership role in public service. In 2010, former Governor Bob McDonnell appointed him to serve on George Mason’s Board of Visitors. Ramadan said that experience gave him insight into institutional governance, higher education, workforce preparation, and the important role universities play in a state’s economic future.

As a VEDP board member, Ramadan will draw on his expertise in education, public policy, and business to strengthen talent pipelines, workforce readiness, and Virginia’s long-term economic success.

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Feedback sparks action: Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results to be shared at Sept. 22 town hall

lclarkg — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:06:33 +0000

Feedback sparks action: Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results to be shared at Sept. 22 town hall lclarkg Thu, 09/03/2026 - 09:06

91�� administered the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey this spring, and survey feedback is already shaping both institution-wide priorities and local conversations within schools, colleges, and units, ensuring employees can see how their input informs decisions at multiple levels of the university.

The full survey results will be shared with the university community at a town hall with President Gregory Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1–2:15 p.m. in The Hub ballroom on the Fairfax Campus. The town hall will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Faculty and Staff Engagement team in Human Resources has been working with university leadership to analyze the survey results and help supervisors understand the data and create action plans for their teams.

"Our faculty and staff have given us something incredibly valuable: a clear picture of their experience at George Mason and a roadmap for where we can improve,” said Chris Ackerman, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer. “The most important part of an engagement survey is what happens after the results come in. We are committed to turning this feedback into action at the university, unit, and team levels and creating a workplace where every Patriot can do their best work and feel connected to our shared mission.”

Preliminary results show improvements in employee engagement, development opportunities, and connection to the university's mission. The survey also identified opportunities to improve role clarity, workplace resources, and employee recognition.

Supervisors with five or more direct reports who completed the survey can already view team results in the Gallup Access portal. Team and unit results are compared with university results in each individual report.

Preliminary takeaways from the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey

The number of engaged employees at George Mason went up to 44%. This is a 5% increase from the 2024 survey and is significantly above the national average of 31%.

George Mason had its highest participation rate to date with 47% of employees completing the survey. Completion rates varied by employee category:

Administrative and professional faculty: 79%
Classified staff: 70%
Instructional faculty: 56%
Research faculty: 25%
Adjunct faculty: 18%
Non-student wage employees: 17%
Student employees: 16%

This year, George Mason is benchmarking its results against other R1 institutions, rather than the general postsecondary/higher ed database, in order to evaluate the data in comparison to more similar, peer institutions.

George Mason showed meaningful improvement among Gallup Q12 employee engagement questions in the following areas: “There is someone at work who encourages my development”; “The mission or purpose of my institution makes me feel my job is important”; and “I have a best friend at work.”

Improvements in areas such as employee development and connection to institutional purpose may reflect increased investments in supervisor development, workplace coaching, onboarding resources, and professional development opportunities.

“Human Resources has delivered team retreats focused on communication, trust, team dynamics, and leadership,” said Andrew Lane, director of performance management and employee engagement. “Supervisory and leadership development continues to be a key priority. Over the past two years, 266 supervisors have participated in programs such as Supervisor Bootcamp, the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series, and the Leadership Legacy Program.”

Additional resources have been put toward improving the employee onboarding process, a Workplace Coaching Program, and George Mason’s signature in-house professional development event, Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day.

Opportunities for improvement

George Mason’s survey results revealed areas benchmarked as low in comparison with other institutions: “I know what is expected of me at work”; “I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right”; and “In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.”

Based on these findings, the university will focus engagement efforts during the coming year on role clarity, ensuring employees have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, and workplace recognition.

Because recognition emerged as an opportunity area, the university will help ensure more employees receive meaningful feedback and appreciation for their contributions. Human Resources has set a goal of increasing use of central reward and recognition tools by 10% during the 2026–27 academic year.

“To enhance awareness of the programs we offer, we will host training on workplace appreciation to promote a culture of appreciation amongst colleagues, not just from the top down,” said Lane. The team will also consider ways to expand recognition programs.

What happens at the team level

Gallup research has found that 70% of the variance in engagement on a team is related to supervisory relationships. To foster employee engagement, supervisors should feel empowered to explore the survey results as a starting point for discussions with their teams.

The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Supervisor Toolkit has been updated to reflect this year’s results and includes guidance on reviewing data and making positive enhancements to the workplace.

Human Resources teams are available to meet with supervisors to discuss results, facilitate team discussions, and support unit and team action planning.

Additional self-guided resources include Gallup Access recordings found in MasonLEAPS and a Q12 article series.

While survey results help inform university-wide decisions, day-to-day interactions with supervisors play a major role in employee engagement. Actions at the unit and team levels also shape the individual experiences of employees.

“How we lead and support faculty and staff shows up in how students experience this place,” said Lane. “An employee who understands their role and gets real feedback does better work, and here, that means better advising, better teaching, and better support for students.”

Faculty and staff are invited to hear the full Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results and action plan at the town hall with President Gregory Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1–2:15 p.m. in The Hub ballroom on the Fairfax Campus. The town hall will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

Learn more about the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey

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Nelson Granados is September Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:37:28 +0000

Nelson Granados is September Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 09/01/2026 - 12:37

Nelson Granados, general maintenance tech in Facilities and Campus Operations, is a critical part of 91��’s Science and Technology Campus team. His colleagues know him for his outstanding workmanship and his willingness to help. For his capability and his dedication, Granados has been recognized as the September Employee of the Month.

September Employee of the Month Nelson Granados with President Washington. Photo provided

“For many years, Nelson has been a pillar of the SciTech Campus, quietly and diligently working behind the scenes,” said Colby Grant, director of administration and operations at SciTech. “His dedication and work ethic are unparalleled, and his craftsmanship reflects the highest standards of quality. He approaches every responsibility with an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

“Nelson's dedication and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed, and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone has the support they need,” said Ronnie Wells, SciTech facilities zone manager.

Carrie McVicker, associate director of Facilities and Operations, said Granados is attentive, responsive, and prompt. “Nelson consistently demonstrates an appreciation for all research and academic activities on campus by working with us as we grow our programs and need a service or repair. His ability to balance the needs of the university’s mission with those of the academic units has earned him respect among faculty, staff, and peers.”

How did you come to Mason:

Granados has worked on the Science and Technology Campus for more than 20 years. In fact, he remembers the date he started: May 31. “So it’s been 20 years and three months,” he said.

It was a friend who told him about the job and suggested he apply to George Mason. “And I got the job,” he said.

Over the years, people have suggested he apply to jobs at other campuses so he could be closer to where he lived, shortening his commute, but Granados didn’t want to make a change. “I always said no,” he said. “I like it here. My coworkers are nice people.” 

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Granados said he enjoys his job and the work, but what is really important to him is the teamwork and the camaraderie. Just as his nominators spoke of his willingness to help, that’s what Granados appreciates most about his colleagues—that they are always willing to lend a helping hand.

And he knows almost everyone on campus. He enjoys greeting people throughout the workday. “Around the campus, you always find nice people. They know me. They always try to say hello or call to me ‘How you been?’”

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

When not at work, Granados said he and his wife have started talking about and planning what they want to do when they retire. “I don’t want to retire, but I know one day that will come,” he said.

In his retirement, Granados would like to take some classes and work on his computer skills. “In technology, everything is growing so fast.”

He said he also plans to stay active, which he jokes is also important to his doctor.

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Rare green heron at George Mason conference center highlights biodiversity along the Occoquan River

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:44:37 +0000

Rare green heron at George Mason conference center highlights biodiversity along the Occoquan River Katarina Benson Thu, 08/27/2026 - 16:44

A recent sighting of a pair of juvenile green herons at 91��'s Point of View retreat and conference center in Lorton, Virginia, has drawn attention to the diversity of avian life thriving along the Occoquan River shoreline.

Jessica Avila-Franco, event and operations manager at Point of View, documented the birds earlier this summer. After consulting with local Audubon experts, she learned the observation was the first recorded sighting of green herons nearby.

Green heron. Photo by Getty Images

“I personally have never seen a green heron at Point of View, much less anywhere else,” said Avila-Franco. “I keep an eye on our Audubon monthly reports as we have groups that come and do counts for Audubon, and they have never recorded one at Point of View.”

While green herons are not uncommon in Northern Virginia, spotting them can be a challenge.

"Green herons are much more secretive than the commonly observed great blue herons," said Cindy Smith, professor of environmental science and policy and K-12 outreach director for the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC). "They tend to hang out along the edges of wetlands and remain hidden in dense vegetation."

Smith said the sighting is significant because it documents a species well suited to the wetlands that surround Belmont Bay, the Occoquan River, and Mason Neck.

The semi-sheltered shorelines, abundant food sources, and wooded areas around Point of View create an ideal habitat for the species. The sighting serves as a reminder of the ecological richness of the region.

"The heron’s presence suggests that at least some of Point of View's wetlands and shoreline habitat provide the food, water, shelter, and space that the species needs," Smith said.

The green herons are only the latest addition to a growing list of bird species observed at the property.

Avila-Franco previously documented bald eagles, and staff and visitors have reported sightings of osprey, hawks, hummingbirds, blue jays, cardinals, robins, and geese, among other species.

The nearby Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located across the river, has documented more than 200 bird species.

Point of View retreat and conference center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“One doesn’t necessarily think nature reserve when you think of Lorton, Virginia. But being on Belmont Bay next to Mason Neck, it offers us an incredible amount of biodiversity,” said Avila-Franco. “I feel it's our responsibility to be good stewards of the land and continue our conservation efforts. We open our doors several times a month to the Audubon Society, where volunteers conduct flora and fauna surveys regardless of the weather. These metrics have been invaluable because they provide a snapshot of what's happening in our area in terms of biodiversity.”

Faculty and staff at George Mason's Potomac Science Center, located nearby, observe many of the same species throughout the year. Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, gulls, purple martins, and barn swallows are regular visitors to the shoreline. Watching wildlife has become a favorite activity for student groups and community members visiting the center.

"Watching a bald eagle soar over the center is often mentioned as a highlight of their visit," Smith said.

For Smith, the observation is another reason to continue documenting the bird life that calls the Occoquan shoreline home. The green heron sighting highlights the value of community wildlife observations such as Avila-Franco's. Scientists increasingly rely on photographs and records submitted through apps such as eBird and iNaturalist to supplement formal surveys and better understand species distribution and population trends.

From bald eagles overhead to elusive green herons among the shoreline vegetation, Point of View, which is part of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, continues to offer a front-row seat to one of Northern Virginia's most vibrant natural ecosystems.

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President’s town hall sessions scheduled for the fall 2026 semester

lclarkg — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:11:30 +0000

President’s town hall sessions scheduled for the fall 2026 semester lclarkg Wed, 08/26/2026 - 12:11

91�� President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.

91�� President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The first town hall, for George Mason employees working in academic units, will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 10–11:30 a.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema on the Fairfax Campus.

The second town hall, for George Mason employees working in non-academic units, will take place on Friday, Sept. 25, from 1–2:30 p.m. in the Johnson Center Cinema on the Fairfax Campus.

For those unable to attend in person, both sessions will be livestreamed on Zoom; these sessions will not be recorded. Please contact your respective unit leadership for Zoom links and passwords. While questions will be taken at the conclusion of each town hall, please note that the Zoom chat function will not be enabled. Should virtual attendees have any questions, please provide them to your designated unit contact so they can be shared in-person during your respective town hall session.

Captioning will be available on the livestream. If you are in need of sign language interpreters for this event, please reach out directly to the Office of Disability Services. If United Language Group (ULG) services are needed, reach out directly to Human Resources.

For the spring semesters going forward, please note that the president has decided on an updated approach; the General Faculty meeting, as well as his spring engagement with the Faculty Senate, will facilitate the avenue for faculty engagement, and his spring meeting with the Staff Senate will address staff constituents. More information on specifics for dates and times will be announced in the coming months.

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Campus Notice: Parking and Transportation Advisory

lclarkg — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:49:54 +0000

Campus Notice: Parking and Transportation Advisory lclarkg Fri, 08/21/2026 - 14:49

As the fall 2026 semester starts, George Mason students, faculty, and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases during the first few weeks of the semester. This campus parking and transportation guide includes resources for the Fairfax Campus, Mason Square, and the Science and Technology Campus to help minimize potential parking and traffic delays.

During the first few weeks of the semester, please allow an extra 30 minutes to arrive on campus. Though some parking spaces are more convenient to your destination than others, the Fairfax Campus has more than enough spaces to accommodate all vehicles. However, many general parking permit areas fill at peak class times. Lots L and K are usually the last to fill and the best places to look if arriving to campus after 10 a.m. with a general permit.

Permit Parking and Visitor Parking
A valid parking permit is required to park outside visitor areas. Those without permits should use visitor parking in the garages or in various lots with daily parking options. Virtual parking permits are sold online only at parking.gmu.edu. Permits are sold with daily, weekly, monthly, and semester options and are available for purchase throughout the semester online at parking.gmu.edu.

Due to ongoing maintenance, there will be NO visitor parking in Mason Pond Deck during the fall semester. Besides the other visitor parking options in Shenandoah and Rappahannock decks, as well as daily permit options in Lots K/L, Lot P, and West Campus, a new hourly option has been added at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center lot next to Lot K.

Review the regulations for individual parking permits and understand the rules for parking on campus. Make sure to check the specific guidelines that apply to your permit type.

Traffic Supervision
At times during the morning, late afternoon, and early evenings, campus police cadets will direct traffic around campus. Please be alert and follow the cadets’ directions.

Share the Road
Be mindful of sharing the road safely with an increased number of pedestrians and vehicles, including scooters, motorcycles, bikes, cars, and trucks. Get more tips on safely sharing the road on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Shared mobility e-scooters should be parked in scooter corrals or bike racks. No matter where you go, on or off campus, never leave a scooter on a sidewalk or anywhere where it can be a tripping hazard or mobility issue for others. If you are riding a bike or scooter, be sure to wear a helmet.

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Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory

lclarkg — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:46:48 +0000

Fairfax Campus Notice: Move-in Parking and Traffic Advisory lclarkg Mon, 08/17/2026 - 10:46

As 91�� welcomes nearly 6,000 residential students to the Fairfax Campus for move-in and Preamble events from Wednesday, Aug. 19, to Sunday, Aug. 23, the campus community should expect increased traffic and parking delays.

Traffic will increase around campus, particularly near Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, Lots J and K, and Rappahannock Deck. Specific parking areas will be reserved for move-in, and road closures will be in effect in some areas. Please allow additional travel time to and from campus.

Key units across the university work together to make the move-in experience as efficient as possible. Your patience and cooperation are appreciated as we welcome the newest Patriots to the Mason Nation.

Refer to the Fairfax Campus map for parking lot and road locations.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu. Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousing on X for updates.

Parking Impacts

Lots J and K will be used by students and families checking in for move-in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center and for post move-in parking.
Rappahannock Deck:
- General permit area on Levels 1–3 (including faculty/staff general area on Level 3) will be closed to all but move-in traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 23, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Each night during move-in, starting on Tuesday, Aug. 18, through Saturday, Aug. 22, Levels 1-3 will be closed overnight at 11 p.m. Any vehicles left on these levels after 11 p.m. will be ticketed and towed.
- Rappahannock Deck reserved permit holders may park on reserved Levels 3–5.
- General faculty/staff permit holders may park only on the rooftop level from Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 23.
- Student General permit holders should use other General parking areas such as Lots A, C, L, and K.
- The reserved levels will only be accessible via the University Drive entrance on Level 2. The Patriot Circle permit entrance and exit will be closed. The reserved level gates will be open to accommodate families and students moving into the residence halls.
Lot I: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 p.m. to Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m.
Lot R: Closed to all but move-in traffic from Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m.
Short-Term Lots: Washington Lot near Presidents Park (off Shenandoah River Lane) will be closed from Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 11 p.m. to Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. The short-term parking lot by Eastern Shore will only be available to move-in traffic with disabled permits from Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m.
Merten Lot will be used for oversized vehicles for move-in that cannot fit inside Rappahannock Deck.

Traffic Closures and Impacts

New resident students will check in at the Ángel Cabrera Global Center on Aug. 19-20, so expect heavy traffic on Braddock Road, Roanoke River Road, and on Patriot Circle around Lots J and K.
Global Lane between Mason Pond Drive and Lot K in front of the Global Center will be closed to all traffic except disabled parking on Wednesday, Aug. 19, through Thursday, Aug. 20.
Expect heavy traffic approaching the housing move-in areas around Rappahannock Deck and Presidents Park.
Patriot Circle (in front of the Rappahannock Parking Deck) will be closed to all traffic from Wednesday, Aug. 19, until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. Access to the visitor section of the deck will be available via Rappahannock River Lane and Patriot Circle.
Patriot Circle eastbound will be closed at George Mason Boulevard from Wednesday, Aug. 19, until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
University Drive: Expect heavy traffic between George Mason Boulevard and Rappahannock Deck.
Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic except commercial deliveries and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
Rivanna River Lane will be closed to all but service and delivery vehicles and disabled parking from Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 6 a.m. until Sunday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m.
York River Road between Patriot Circle and Lot R is closed to inbound traffic.

Preamble Event Road Closures

Mason Pond Drive will be closed between Buchanan Hall and the Center for the Arts for several Preamble events from Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6p.m. until Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 a.m.

Hypnotist Show on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8 p.m.
New Student Convocation and Resource Fair on Friday, Aug. 21, from 3-5 p.m. following New Student Convocation at EagleBank Arena, 1:30-3 p.m.
Club 4400 on Mason Pond Lawn on Friday, Aug. 21, from 9-11 p.m. Additionally, Rivanna River Lane by The Hub and David King Hall will be closed Friday, Aug. 21, at 11 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 23, at 7 a.m. for Mason Mayhem, which takes place on Saturday behind The Hub.

View the full list of Preamble and Welcome Week events.

For questions about parking and traffic during housing move-in, contact parking@gmu.edu.

Follow @MasonParking and @MasonHousing on X for updates.

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Meet the Mason Nation: Rebekah Schmidt

Katarina Benson — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:22:09 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Rebekah Schmidt Katarina Benson Tue, 08/11/2026 - 11:22

Rebekah Schmidt

Job: Head Athletic Trainer, Intercollegiate Athletics

There’s a hush that often falls over a sports crowd when gameplay stops and a lone figure runs out to tend to a fallen player. No matter the injury, 91��’s student-athletes are in good hands with Rebekah Schmidt. She leads a team of 10 athletic trainers for George Mason’s 22 total Intercollegiate Athletics sports teams and is the trainer for the men’s basketball team. The position entails much more than ensuring players can play a good game. “We are their primary contact for all of their health needs while they’re here at George Mason.”

Bad Encounter Gone Good: When most people talk about an experience that influenced their professional path, it’s usually a positive one—but Schmidt’s story is different. After sustaining an injury as a high school soccer player, she went to her school’s athletic trainer for help. “He told me that I was just being a weak girl, that I was fine, and to ‘suck it up.’” Five hip surgeries later, she realized how wrong that trainer was. “I’ve since had many great athletic trainers in my life, but that one really made me want to be a better professional.”

Behind the Scenes: Schmidt works closely with George Mason's strength and conditioning and sports performance staff to develop intensive and customized treatments for each individual men’s basketball player, including adjusting their weights during workouts, prescribing extra stretching, taping joints, and so much more. During practices, Schmidt said, “I’m monitoring, looking at their mechanics—is someone limping when they weren’t yesterday? Is someone holding a knee who wasn’t before?” The work continues with post-treatments after practice and extensive documentation. “We want to make sure that we're showing progression, which is critical in any medical profession.”

Rebekah Schmidt is in her 13th year at 91�� Athletics. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Changing Times: While the game has very much stayed the same, treatment technologies have advanced in ways that allow Schmidt to do even more. She mentions wearable devices that measure “the physical load of a practice, how long they’re running, how much intensity…all of that cumulative stress on the body is the load.” George Mason is also one of the few universities to have Catapult ClearSky, an athlete tracking system that captures multiple data points. Schmidt and the strength and conditioning team then use that information to collaboratively create personalized treatment and workout plans for each player. “Having them overcoming injury and seeing them on the court for the first time…shooting the shot that they weren't able to do a couple months ago—that's just so rewarding because it's seeing all that hard work that we did together come to a great resolution.”

A Different Kind of Club: Collegiate athletics can be a male-dominated career field, but Schmidt saw that George Mason was different. "You don't always see females in leadership roles--but George Mason had that." She cites former Deputy Athletic Director Debi Corbatto, BS Marketing '86, MS Exercise Science, Fitness, and Health Promotion '03, PhD Education '18, a George Mason alumna who served as an athletic trainer during the Patriots’ legendary Final Four run, as a pioneer and mentor, as well as Linda Pullen, George Mason’s director of sports medicine. “The best thing about working here at George Mason is the community, the relationships, being able to see and help develop student-athletes.” Now in her 13th year at George Mason, Schmidt serves as a mentor herself, specifically for students in the College of Education and Human Development’s athletic training master’s program.

Advice for the Rest of Us: Not everyone can play at an elite level, but Schmidt has some universal advice: “Number one thing is making sure that you’re doing some kind of weight training…kind of loading the muscles at some point to make sure you’re preventing injuries.” And for younger athletes, she encourages a bit of diversification. “The best athletes that really develop are ones that do a multitude of sports [and] learn different ways to move their body.”

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Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities'

Heather Carroll — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:17:45 +0000

Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities' Heather Carroll Tue, 08/04/2026 - 15:17

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Denise Hines, PhD

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Denise Hines has been appointed the first woman editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities.
With more than 25 years of experience, Hines is a national expert on men’s lives, mental health, relationships, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence victimization.
This appointment reflects Hines’ scholarship on men and masculinities, and her commitment to mentoring emerging scholars, fostering interdisciplinary research, and translating research findings into real-world solutions.

An international expert on male intimate partner violence, Denise Hines has more than 25 years of experience researching men’s lives, mental health, relationships, and intimate partner violence victimization.

Denise Hines

International expert on male intimate partner violence Denise Hines has been appointed the first woman editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities, a journal of the American Psychological Association.

Hines is the Elisabeth Shirley Enochs Endowed Professor of Social Work at 91��’s College of Public Health and has spent more than 25 years conducting research on men’s lives, mental health, relationships, help-seeking, and intimate partner violence victimization. She is a leader in male intimate partner violence research and help-seeking strategies.

This appointment reflects Hines’ scholarship on men and masculinities, and her longstanding commitment to mentoring early career researchers, fostering interdisciplinary research, and translating research findings into real-world solutions for individuals, families, and communities.

“The journal has played a formative role in advancing understanding of men's lives, health, relationships, and well-being, and I am honored by the opportunity to help shape its future," said Hines. “I am particularly excited to foster rigorous, innovative, and inclusive scholarship that captures the diversity and complexity of men's experiences, supports emerging scholars, and advances research with meaningful implications for practice, policy, and social change. After more than two decades as an author, reviewer, editorial board member, and guest editor, I view this role as an opportunity to give back to a field that has profoundly shaped my professional life while helping position the journal for continued growth and impact.”

Hines served on the journal’s editorial board since 2021 and recently guest edited a special issue focused on men’s experiences with intimate partner violence and family abuse victimization. She has had nine articles published in the journal, including her first-ever publication in 2001. In 2010, she was named in the Top 10 Most Productive Psychology of Men and Masculinity Scholars, and the only female scholar to make the Top 10.

“My work has often focused on populations whose experiences are overlooked or misunderstood, particularly male victims of intimate partner violence, and I hope to continue supporting research that improves practice, policy, and public understanding of men’s experiences,” said Hines.

She begins her four-and-a-half-year term as editor-in-chief of Psychology of Men and Masculinities in January 2027.

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Hines appointed first woman editor-in-chief of ‘Psychology of Men and Masculinities'

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Key Takeaways

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