Statement: Office of the President

Message to university community on campus reopening and vaccination requirements

Colleen Rich — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 20:33:32 +0000

Message to university community on campus reopening and vaccination requirements Colleen Rich Mon, 06/28/2021 - 16:33

Fellow Patriots:

We are just six weeks away from the kickoff of the fall 2021 semester, and I am thrilled to confirm that the campuses of George Mason University will be fully open to welcome a record number of students. It has been a long road back from March 2020 when we had to shut operations down to stay ahead of the pandemic, but we find ourselves on the verge of fully reopening.

We are about to return to a Mason that has changed due to the pandemic, and even though we are able to return, we do so as the COVID-19 virus and its variants continue to circulate through our communities.

I am writing to share how we will open in order to balance a return to full capacity while continuing to assure safe conditions of operation.

Reopening

In keeping with our university value of putting students first, we will reopen campus fully starting Monday, August 2. At that time, we will pilot a hybrid work environment that allows for telework/remote work for one or two days per week—with the necessary assessment to ensure the responsibilities of the position are able to be achieved. The goals are to:

Retain the efficiencies we gained in remote working.
Capitalize on the contributions that result from the synergies and collaborations that occur when we are on campus.
Serve the thousands of students who will come to campus every day and who call Mason home.
Reinvigorate the campus environment that has come to define a significant part of the full Mason experience.

Recognizing that class will not be in session yet on Monday, August 2, either at Mason or at regional public schools and that some people have to manage transitional needs (child care, transportation, etc.), we will use the first two weeks of August to transition back into this new framework. Thus it is expected that everyone will be fully integrated in their pilot working environment by Sunday, August 15. Note, this is a pilot program and we will evaluate its effectiveness quarterly.

The Office of Human Resources and Payroll will issue more detailed back-to-work guidelines shortly.

Vaccination and proof of status

Because we will come together as COVID-19 continues to circulate, we have an obligation to maintain a safe environment in which to study, work, and live. While those of us who are vaccinated are now able to enjoy a return to campus without masks or physical distancing, measures are still required as long as pandemic conditions persist among those who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine. Therefore, as previously announced:

Students

All students will be required to be fully vaccinated, and share proof of vaccination via this link by Sunday, August 1. Appropriate medical and religious exemptions will be observed, and those who are not vaccinated will be required to wear masks while on campus and undergo frequent COVID-19 testing. Those who do not share proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will have their registrations held until they do so.

The Office of University Life will issue more detailed back-to-school guidelines shortly.

Faculty and staff

All employees will be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, and required to share their vaccination status via this link by Sunday, August 1. To see incentives that encourage faculty, staff, and students to share their vaccination documentation and for instructions on how to do so, follow this link. Disclosure of vaccination status—whether vaccinated or not—will be a prerequisite for eligibility for any future merit pay increases. Those who are vaccinated, but do not disclose vaccination status and upload proof through Mason COVID Health Check by August 1, will be considered unvaccinated. Those who cannot or choose not to get vaccinated will be required to wear masks while on campus, physically distance, and undergo frequent COVID-19 testing.

All students, faculty, and staff should follow this link to upload their vaccination status.

Focus on well-being

It is important for us all to recognize that our return to an open campus is accompanied by a mix of excitement and uneasiness. We are excited to resume life that feels normal again—to be together on our campuses, and to see each others’ full and healthy smiles. But it is also natural to feel reluctance to venture back onto campus, given the experience we have all been living through. Our plan gets Mason back on campus as it should be without endangering public health or compromising our ability to deliver excellence to our students and the community. We will all feel anxiety from time to time, and I encourage us to be good to ourselves and each other, and take these steps together, as one Mason Nation.

Onward!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

coronavirus; COVID-19; Editorial

Statement: Office of the President

Tragedies at UVA and University of Idaho

Kristin Heydt — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 17:25:29 +0000

Tragedies at UVA and University of Idaho Kristin Heydt Mon, 11/14/2022 - 12:25

Fellow Patriots:

This morning we are reeling from two tragedies at other universities – the overnight murders of three at the University of Virginia, and the apparent murders of four University of Idaho students.

We stand in solidarity and grief with our fellow students, faculty, and staff from UVA and Idaho. On behalf of a deeply saddened university community, I offer our collective condolences and support to both communities.

At UVA, we know that gun violence has once again invaded the sanctity of a university community, taking three lives and injuring two. The depths of these tragedies are always immeasurable, and they are compounded when they occur within a fellow university community so close to us.

I have reached out to my colleague and friend, UVA President James Ryan, to offer my condolences, support, and any assistance that his community might find helpful. Members of my team are reaching out to their counterparts with the same offer.

For the Mason community, I offer assurance that we are constantly working to prevent and if necessary respond quickly to such tragedies. We have the protection and support of campus, local, and regional law enforcement, emergency response protocols that we have practiced, and an array of support services readily available to those in need. If you have not already done so, please take a moment to register for Mason Alert, Active Threat Training, and review our Active Threat Preparedness Resources.

Today, UVA and Idaho face a tough road ahead to heal and regain the normalcy that has been taken from them. I ask everyone in Mason Nation to hold them in your hearts. Look for opportunities to support your friends or family who are connected to those communities.

Today, we are all Hoos in spirit.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

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Statement: Office of the President

Patriots Stand Together

Melanie Balog — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:04:31 +0000

Patriots Stand Together Melanie Balog Tue, 11/08/2022 - 13:04

Yesterday I and a team of George Mason University leaders met with a number of our Iranian and Kurdish students. I heard about the atrocities happening to students and their families in Iran.

While there were things we did know about from news accounts, there was so much we didn’t. I urge everyone in the Patriot community to gain a better understanding of what’s happening in Iran.

We want Iranian students and faculty to know that we do indeed hear you, and we stand with you.

We stand with you and condemn violence against peaceful protest.
We stand with you against wrongful death and imprisonment especially minors.
We stand with you and against the stifling and limitation of free speech and oppression.
We stand with you and against violence against women.

As we continue to stand together, we will continue to support and uplift the Iranian people together.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

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Statement: Office of the President

Caring for our Mason Community

Melanie Balog — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:02:06 +0000

Caring for our Mason Community Melanie Balog Tue, 11/08/2022 - 12:02

Dear fellow Patriots:

Our community, our nation, and our world have experienced a multitude of recent tragedies so far this fall semester, and I want to take a moment to share with the Mason community how we are responding to them. While we make an earnest effort to respond to a number of crises being experienced by all our students, when these crises involve significant loss of life or undue physical violence, we try to respond to the broader community.

From the ongoing war in Ukraine, to violence and protests in Iran, to the devastating hurricane in Florida, and to last week’s stampede that took more than 150 lives at a Halloween event in Seoul, Korea, all of these events – along with less-public incidents that leave individuals feeling attacked or marginalized – can overwhelm us.

Each tragic event brings trauma, anxiety, and disruption to various communities of interest within George Mason University. Collectively, they affect us all.

In moments like this, Mason responds to members of our community who are in crisis as a result. While we cannot prevent or fix these tragedies, we offer support and solace as each circumstance warrants.

Iran

Students, faculty, and staff members alike have reacted viscerally to the recent killing of an Iranian woman by state authorities for simply wearing her hijab in a way they deemed improper. The unrest throughout Iran has traumatized members of our own community, many of whom have family, friends, and other interests in Iran. They worry for their loved ones’ safety and for the future of their country. At a time like this, their country of origin can seem perilously far away, and their future can feel achingly in doubt.

Various Mason offices already have reached out to Iranian and Iranian-American students, faculty, and staff, to listen and explore how we can assist them. I will be joining a number of those meetings personally over the next couple of weeks to hear their concerns first-hand.

Korea

This weekend’s Halloween tragedy was especially tragic to Mason, as Mason Korea is located in a suburb of Seoul. Our first priority has been to confirm the safety of our own students, faculty, and staff, none of whom appear to have been involved in the event, thankfully. We are reaching out to both the Mason Korea community and those Mason family members here at our Northern Virginia campuses to offer our support as best we can. Outreach and support are ongoing.

Florida

When Hurricane Ian roared across central Florida, we knew a certain number of out-of-state students, faculty, and staff would surely be impacted, and we offered our assistance as needed. We understand that natural disasters like this can leave students without homes to return to, or their families without the necessary resources to continue supporting their studies. The disaster itself can create traumas that are best aided with mental health and wellbeing services, all of which are available to those affected by this or any disaster that affects them. We have been heartened by the warm reaction affected students have had to our support.

Ukraine

We continue to monitor events in Ukraine, where just this week a fresh round of missile attacks on civilian cities was unleashed. Students and faculty from Ukraine and Russia have come to Mason to participate in the experience enshrined in our motto, Freedom and Learning. And we are here to support them as we can, with wellbeing and financial assistance for those cut off from supportive families.

Mason is a Community

Mason is really like a small, cosmopolitan city, with a population larger than all but the 18 largest municipalities in Virginia. Our community is affected by nearly every major national or international event.

When tragedy hits, Mason is committed to responding, sometimes in public ways, but always in personal ways that do not necessarily draw wide attention. Our responders may be from University Life, the Provost’s Office, Human Resources, or the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. To those in need, services offered are tailored to the circumstance, often privately, and usually including employment or academic accommodations, information and referral for emergency financial aid, mental health and well-being assistance, or direct dialogue with university leaders.

That’s what family does for its own, and as proud as we are at how different our diversity makes us, in the end we all belong to the same Mason family. Recent weeks have driven home just how much of a family the Mason community can and should be.

Fellow Patriots, stay well, stay safe, and take care of each other as you can.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

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Statement: Office of the President

Update on Virginia Employee Compensation

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 20:13:24 +0000

Update on Virginia Employee Compensation Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/13/2022 - 16:13

To all Mason faculty and staff:

As you may know, the Virginia Assembly recently passed a state budget that includes an average 5 percent increase in base compensation for all state employees for each of the next two years. I am writing to give you an update on the process Mason will follow to distribute this year’s additional funds.

I want to begin by thanking each of you for your important contributions to Mason over the last year, as our university community continued to face such significant challenges. I am very pleased that the General Assembly and the Governor approved this increase for state employees. I know how hard you work to keep this university operating so successfully.

Across-the-board increase

Mason will follow its standard procedure of distributing increases across the board to classified staff, as governed by the General Assembly and Department of Human Resource Management.

For all employees, a current, satisfactory performance evaluation is required to receive any increase.

For IR and administrative faculty, we will suspend our standard practice of scaling increases based on performance and market factors for this year only, and instead allocate an across-the-board, 5 percent increase for all who qualify. We are taking this action for two reasons. First, current inflation is estimated at a 40-year high of 9.1 percent. And second, the late timing of state budget decisions, coupled with the timing of when performance reviews are traditionally conducted at Mason, preclude us from processing variable salary adjustments without creating unacceptably late delays. The timing of when performance evaluations are conducted at Mason will change next year to bring these two factors into sync.

One-time bonus

In addition to this year’s 5 percent increase, all employees will also receive a one-time state-allocated $1,000 bonus in December. It will carry qualifying criteria, which we will provide at a later date.

FAQs and other additional information will be available shortly at hr.gmu.edu, and via email. Watch your inbox for messages from Human Resources.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Statement: Office of the President

Upcoming Supreme Court decisions

Melanie Balog — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 19:59:22 +0000

Upcoming Supreme Court decisions Melanie Balog Wed, 06/22/2022 - 15:59

Dear Patriots:

In the coming days, the United States Supreme Court is expected to hand down several landmark decisions of a magnitude that may provoke vocal, public reactions from people on all sides of the issues being adjudicated. We also know the impact of those decisions may weigh differently, and have different consequences, for different community members.

We are writing to reaffirm that George Mason University is a community of active and engaged scholars, students, and professionals who embody our motto of Freedom and Learning. As such we strongly encourage everyone who is moved to raise their voices by whatever the Supreme Court may release to do so lawfully and safely.

Mason is proud to be a university that is recognized for fostering an environment that welcomes free speech for all. Mason consistently earns a top national ranking for its campus climate from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). In 2021 Mason ranked No. 12 nationally for encouraging free speech when FIRE assessed tolerance for liberal and conservative speakers, students’ comfort in expressing ideas and having difficult conversations, administrative support for free speech, and student tolerance of disruptive conduct.

To that end, Mason maintains online resources to guide legal and safe First Amendment expressions, which can be found on our Mason Climate web page and our Free Speech at Mason web page. We encourage everyone who may consider demonstrating either in support of or opposition to anticipated Supreme Court decisions to consult these resources in order to remain safe and within the laws governing our rights to peaceably assemble.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington
President

Mark Ginsberg
Executive Vice President & Provost

Rose Pascarell
Vice President, University Life

Topics

Office of the President

Statement: Office of the President

Summer COVID update

Melanie Balog — Tue, 24 May 2022 14:34:38 +0000

Summer COVID update Melanie Balog Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:34

Dear Patriots,

As we graduate our next class of Patriots into the world, I want to thank the entire Mason community for its contributions to the 2021-2022 academic year. Despite the persistence of COVID-19, we were able to successfully open our campuses and come together — in person — to learn, live, work, and thrive.

Now, the summer season is upon us, and as many of us look forward to time away with friends and family, we must remember that COVID isn’t taking a summer break. COVID case numbers continue to rise, and several local counties (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, and Prince William) are in the MEDIUM transmission zone. Health department and other agencies project that despite the warm weather and time of year, our region may reach HIGH transmission levels at some point this summer.

As prevalence and community spread continue to increase, there is an increased risk of becoming infected during your daily activities. And while vaccines are very effective to lessen the severity of illness, you can still have a new COVID infection even if you are vaccinated and boosted. You can also have a new COVID infection if you have had a prior infection as new variants circulate.

The good news is that Mason Patriots know how to fight COVID and lower our risk. You can protect yourself, your family and friends, and vulnerable community members by voluntarily taking these steps:

Get your vaccine series and any eligible boosters to lessen your risk of severe disease. You can schedule an appointment to be vaccinated at Mason: vaccine.gmu.edu

Avoid very crowded places and opt to wear a mask if you must be in a crowded place or indoor area with others.

If you are not having symptoms but wish to test after a possible exposure/event, prior to seeing someone who is especially at risk, for general reassurance, or to help contribute to mitigation of spread on campus, please utilize our surveillance testing program at Fenwick A, Colgan Hall (SciTech), or Van Metre Hall (Mason Square).

If you are having symptoms, seek out a diagnostic PCR test. These are free and available to you on campus for students at SHS, and for employees at SEERM's drive up diagnostic site at the Peterson Clinic. Summer residential students will be required to test three times this summer starting this week. (Detailed information is being sent directly to residential students.) These appointments can be scheduled in your Medicat patient portal.

Consider utilizing an at-home rapid test if you have any questionable symptoms. (Vaccinated, low-risk people often have mild symptoms that can be mistaken for allergies, yet they are actually infectious and at risk of spreading COVID to others).

Continue to report COVID illnesses through the Mason COVID Health Check tool at: healthcheck.gmu.edu. This is a required step when utilizing Mason’s testing facilities.

As always, we will continue to monitor and keep you informed of changes.

Thank you for your commitment and diligence to keeping yourself and our community healthy and safe this summer.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

Topics

Covid-19

Office of the President

Statement: Office of the President

Campus News

Updated mask requirements for Commencement

Melanie Balog — Fri, 13 May 2022 12:41:10 +0000

Updated mask requirements for Commencement Melanie Balog Fri, 05/13/2022 - 08:41

Dear Fellow Patriots:

Recent increases in COVID-19 cases have prompted concerns and questions in the university community that I want to address as we head into Commencement week and the completion of the Spring 2022 semester.

We continue to watch conditions daily. The number of cases at George Mason University in recent weeks remains well below the high we experienced this winter. We are following current CDC and local public health guidance on how to respond to COVID conditions. As of this week, Fairfax County community rates are classified as medium, and the county is not calling for a return to mask mandates at this time.

We will continue our current campus policy except for upcoming Commencement and indoor degree ceremonies. We recognize that these events will be attended by many family members who consider this to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness their loved ones complete a major educational milestone. Many attendees may have avoided public events due to COVID risks, so we owe it to our families to take added measures for these events and create as safe an environment as possible. In addition, many are coming from Northern Virginia, where the prevalence rate is classified as medium.

Therefore, for Commencement at EagleBank Arena and all indoor degree celebrations, we will require all students, faculty, staff, and guests in attendance to wear masks. We will have additional supplies on hand for those who arrive without a mask.

Looking ahead to the summer, we will require all summer students living on campus to be regularly tested and we will reevaluate if necessary. We will share more details about our summer plans shortly.

Congratulations on completing another semester in such a safe and responsible manner.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

Topics

Covid-19

Campus News

Graduation

Statement: Office of the President

Mason campuses are now mask-optional

Melanie Balog — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 13:12:24 +0000

Mason campuses are now mask-optional Melanie Balog Tue, 04/05/2022 - 09:12

Dear Fellow Patriots:

I have more encouraging news to share about our management of COVID-19. The presence of the virus is now at a low point both on Mason’s campuses and in surrounding communities. Our positivity rates have remained well below 1 percent and community transmission in Fairfax County is now categorized as “low.”

The current low level of COVID-19 means that we can take another step forward. Effective immediately, Mason campuses are mask-optional, except in certain event venues, healthcare settings, on public transit, or childcare settings. We are now also COVID test-optional, with the exception of unvaccinated, high-contact students. Visit the Safe Return to Campus page for when and where masks and tests are still required.

Every Mason Patriot should feel free to practice the masking measures that make you feel safe. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, we support you. If you choose not to wear a mask where they are optional, we support you as well.

There are steps that we will take to keep our community healthy and safe:

We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to continue to complete the Mason COVID Health Check each day prior to coming to a campus, through Spring Commencement on May 20.
We ask that all students, faculty and staff get tested when they feel symptomatic, either at Student Health Services or at the Peterson Hall testing site.

And FREE 2^nd booster shots for anyone over 50, per CDC and VDH guidelines are available at the Fenwick Testing and Vaccination Center.

Your dedication and compassion for your fellow Patriots has contributed to our success. Let’s keep going and finish this spring semester healthy and safe.

Onward,

Gregory Washington

President

Topics

Covid-19

Campus News

Statement: Office of the President

Mason offers support for Ukrainian students

Melanie Balog — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:16:28 +0000

Mason offers support for Ukrainian students Melanie Balog Fri, 03/04/2022 - 13:16

Dear fellow Patriots:

Earlier this week I began to receive personal messages from Ukrainian students at George Mason University, and their words have moved me to reach out to the entire community.

“I came to the GMU seven months ago from Ukraine,” wrote one PhD student. “All my family members and friends are in bomb shelters in Odesa, Kyiv, and Kharkiv right now. It's been six days already since Russian Federation attacked my home.”

I cannot conceive of what Mason’s Ukrainian students must be enduring today as their country faces a brutal and unprovoked invasion. First and foremost, we join the chorus of nations, companies and organizations in condemning the violence. I want our Ukrainian students to know that we hear their calls for support, and we are answering that call.

As we focus on Ukraine, it is also important to remember that a number of Russian students are enrolled at Mason. They are not responsible for or even connected to this war. They, no doubt, will also feel the impact of this war and, as Mason Patriots, if they need our help we will be here to assist them as well.

What these Patriots need most

We understand Ukrainian students are likely experiencing crisis in four primary forms, and here is what we are doing to help:

Emotional trauma – The violence in Ukraine and the sense of isolation here in Virginia is taking an overwhelming toll. For this we offer our Counseling and Psychological Services.
Financial emergencies – These students are likely cut off from their families and finances in their home countries, potentially leaving them unable to pay living expenses. The Ukraine Crisis Student Support Fund has been established to help these students cover expenses.
Personal fears for safety – These students fear personal retribution for those who may have animosity toward their home country. Our Office of International Programs and Services is staying in contact with these students to monitor their safety and wellbeing.
An uncertain road home – These students join nearly 30,000 Ukrainians who are temporarily in the United States, on work or student visas. Should this crisis stretch beyond their visa expirations, they should not be forced to return to their home country if it is not safe. I support those who encourage the Biden Administration to extend Temporary Protective Status for these students and all Ukrainians who are here temporarily.

What we do best

Our motto is “freedom and learning.” At our core, we are a place to teach, learn, and improve our understanding of the world. For most of us, this sudden turn of violence is confusing and frightening, and we need help to make sense of what is unfolding. That’s where our faculty are second to none. At the bottom of this message are links to articles, videos, and upcoming symposia, all hosted by our faculty in order to help the public understand this unfolding situation.

Beyond George Mason University, I encourage you to consider helping Ukrainians as you can. There are a number of worthy organizations to contact, and I offer several resource links below as a starting point to help.

A values moment: We thrive Razom

As we rally the services of the university to bear for these students, let’s also offer our hearts. One core value of Mason is “We thrive together.” This core value is now being put to the test. The Ukrainian word for “together” is “razom,” and I challenge us to approach this moment with the spirit of razom – togetherness – for our fellow Patriots in need. Because today, razom is what it means to be a Patriot.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President

Ways to help

Razom – This organization that fosters connections between the United States and Ukraine is accepting emergency donations for medical supplies and emergency communications equipment inside Ukraine.
US Embassy & Consulate in Poland – For those seeking information on humanitarian assistance and visa information for Ukrainians who have evacuated to Poland.
CNN Impact – Donation portal for 20 nonprofit organizations working to assist Ukrainians.

Faculty links explaining the war and its implications

Schar School of Policy and Government

VIDEO – The Ukraine Crisis: What It Really Means – The Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy.
UPCOMING SYMPOSIUM – The Ukraine-Russia Crisis – The Center for Security and Policy Studies will host the faculty symposium on Tuesday, March 8, 6-7:30 pm. Viewable on the Arlington Campus in Van Metre Hall 602, and on the Fairfax Campus in Horizon Hall 3010.
NEWS ARTICLE – Russian money flows through US real estate – Louise Shelley, Director of the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center, explains to NBC News how Russian oligarchs, real estate, and money laundering factor into the wider conflict.
COLUMN – Why America’s Middle Eastern allies haven’t condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine – Schar professor Mark Katz writes for The Hill.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

ESSAY – What the Montreux Convention is, and what it means for the Ukraine war – Dean Alpaslan Özerdem explains the role this convention plays in keeping the Ukrainian war from being even worse.

Antonin Scalia Law School

COLUMN – If Russia invades Ukraine, what’s next? – Joshua Huminski, visiting fellow at the National Security Institute, outlines what must be done in response to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
ANALYSIS – Experts paint dark picture for region, global order if Russia invades – Jamil Jaffer, founder of the National Security Institute, comments on Russia’s economy.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

COLUMN – Tyler Cowen: Cancel Culture against Russians is the new McCarthyism – The economics professor and director of the Mercatus Center warns of the damage of condemning all things Russian.

Topics

Campus News

Office of the President

Statement: Office of the President