CHSS Digest
December 10, 2020

Dear Colleagues,
The last month of year typically means a mad dash to the finish line of the semester, with festive gatherings lurking just over that last hurdle. For many of us, 2020 has been just that - hurdle after hurdle, with perhaps a few stumbling steps in between. However, if you take a peek back over your shoulder, you will see just how much you were able to accomplish in the face of unprecedented difficulties. For instance, I, like many of my fellow colleagues, found myself in a position of working remotely with a toddler (literally) underfoot. Did I have to cut a few meetings and phone calls short to tend to the needs, or rather, screeches, of my tiny co-worker? Sure. Did I attempt to plan important meetings around nap time? Absolutely. Did I have to apologize for constant intrusions? Profusely.
If 2020 has taught me anything, it is being flexible when possible and always finding a reason or two for which to be grateful. I firmly believe that we all work better when we fully understand that each and every person plays a pivotal role in the college, and the university more broadly. I know for certain that I cannot function optimally without the support and collaboration of my fellow staff and faculty members. YOU are the reason the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is a leader on many fronts at Mason. YOU are the reason our students are continuing to learn and expand their skillsets. For YOU, I will be eternally grateful.
In this season of thankfulness, I encourage you to take a look around at your surroundings, your family and friends, your colleagues, and start crafting your gratitude list. If you feel so inclined, you can even add your own gratitude sticky note to our newly crafted CHSS Gratitude Board. Even in the year that is 2020, there are reasons to be grateful. As we enter into the final few weeks of the semester, take some deep breaths, drink some extra coffee, and finish up those last remaining critical tasks. A bit of respite is just around the corner!
With appreciation for all that you do and wishes for a healthy 2021,
Jenna McGwin
Associate Director, Operations and Initiatives
Dean’s Office
Announcements & Resources
Research News
CHSS in the Media
Well-Being Resources
Events & Deadlines
Hanover Research Webinar: The Proposal Development Timeline
Thursday, December 10, 2020 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM EST
Online Location
Registration Deadline for January Faculty Writing Retreat
Friday, December 11, 2020
George Mason University Winter Graduation 2021: Bachelor's and Master's Degree Graduates
Thursday, December 16, 2021 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST
Eagle Bank Arena
Orientation: Research and Scholarship at Mason
Mason Office of Research
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM EST
Online Location
2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening of Reflection
Thursday, January 28, 2021 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST
Deadline: FRDA Career Development for Associate Professors
Friday, February 05, 2021
Panel of 2019 and 2020 GMU/VSE+CoS NSF CAREER Awardees
Friday, February 12, 2021 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM EST
Online Location