CHSS Digest

December 10, 2020

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
University Plans Events in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

University Plans Events in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening of Reflection will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2021. The event's hosts seek input on units' observances of Dr. King's legacy, as well as nominations for the Spirit of King Awards.

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College Faculty, Staff Encouraged to Participate in Mason's Virtual Graduation

College Faculty, Staff Encouraged to Participate in Mason's Virtual Graduation

George Mason University is hosting a virtual graduation ceremony on December 17, 2020, at 2 pm, on GMU-TV. CHSS faculty and staff are invited to attend the ceremony, and to take part in CHSS-specific recognition of our students afterwards.

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CHSS Faculty Nominated for 2021 Stearns Center Teaching Excellence Awards

The college is proud to announce the faculty members nominated for 2021 Teaching Excellence Awards, awarded by the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning. Final awardees will be selected in April.

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Four CHSS Faculty Members Named Center for Humanities Research Fellows

Mason's Center for Humanities Research has named its first cohort of CHR Fellows, four faculty members and two graduate students whose projects center on the theme of Dissent.

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Horizon Hall Move is On-Target for Spring

Horizon Hall Move is On-Target for Spring

Construction continues on Horizon Hall, and some faculty and staff members were able to share a sneak peek at the developing spaces.

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Recent Faculty Publications - December 2020

Recent Faculty Publications - December 2020

A selection of publications by CHSS faculty. Please let the communications team know if you have a book released - we would love to feature it.

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In memoriam: Dean, Economics Department Reflect on Contributions of Walter Williams

In memoriam: Dean, Economics Department Reflect on Contributions of Walter Williams

The college and the Department of Economics reflect on the contributions of Dr. Walter Williams.

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Research News

Results of the CHSS Faculty Research and Scholarship Needs Survey

Read about the results of the October 2020 Faculty Research and Scholarship Needs Survey. The survey was distributed to CHSS tenured, tenure-track, term, and administrative faculty with the purpose of determining which services and resources would be the most helpful as they pursue external funding for their research and scholarship.

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CHSS Research Virtual Coffee

Clock Icon for Wednesday, December 16, 2020 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM ESTWednesday, December 16, 2020 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM EST

Map Icon for Online LocationOnline Location

Join us for this month's virtual coffee, a time to socialize and share some holiday cheer as well as discuss any research and scholarship matters that are on your mind.

Details

Funding Your Projects

CHSS Research seeks to augment faculty searches for project funding by maintaining resources and lists of internal and external funding opportunities on the CHSS website.

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Office of Sponsored Programs Proposal Deadlines for December

In accordance with George Mason University’s Winter Break schedule, the Office of Sponsored Programs will be closed December 21, 2020 and will re-open on January 04, 2021. Any proposals due during this period must be submitted to the sponsor prior to the Winter Break. For proposals due between December 21, 2020 through January 5, 2021, final documents must be received by OSP on December 14, 2020, in order to be submitted by December 18, 2020.

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CHSS in the Media

In Washington Post, Maibach discusses climate change as an election issue

In a Washington Post article on climate change as a political motivator, Ed Maibach, communication professor and director of the Center for Climate Change Communication, discussed the degree to which political polarization impeded political movement on climate change

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Well-Being Resources
Thriving Together Well-Being Weekly: Coping with Virtual Burnout

Thriving Together Well-Being Weekly: Coping with Virtual Burnout

This week's Thriving Together Well-Being Weekly is on how to cope with virtual burnout.

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Events & Deadlines

Hanover Research Webinar: The Proposal Development Timeline

Clock Icon for Thursday, December 10, 2020 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM ESTThursday, December 10, 2020 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM EST

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This webinar will explore best practices and tips for when and how to get started on your proposal, while also highlighting key milestones to guide you towards the all-important deadline.

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Registration Deadline for January Faculty Writing Retreat

Clock Icon for Friday, December 11, 2020Friday, December 11, 2020

Mason’s faculty writing retreat will be held virtually in MS Teams January 12 – 14. This three-day event—co-sponsored by Writing Across the Curriculum, the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development

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George Mason University Winter Graduation 2021: Bachelor's and Master's Degree Graduates

Clock Icon for Thursday, December 16, 2021 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ESTThursday, December 16, 2021 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM EST

Map Icon for Eagle Bank ArenaEagle Bank Arena

George Mason University's Winter Graduation ceremony for CHSS bachelor's and master's degree graduates is on Thursday, December 16, 2021, at EagleBank Arena. The ceremony for CHSS, the Schar School, the Carter School, the College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Antonin Scalia Law School will take place at 10:00 am.

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Orientation: Research and Scholarship at Mason

Mason Office of Research

Clock Icon for Tuesday, January 19, 2021  1:00 PM to  4:30 PM ESTTuesday, January 19, 2021 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM EST

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The orientation is designed to help faculty become more familiar with the resources available and strategies necessary to undertake extramurally supported and impact driven activities as they lay the groundwork for excellence in research, scholarship and creative work.

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2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening of Reflection

Clock Icon for Thursday, January 28, 2021  6:00 PM to  8:30 PM ESTThursday, January 28, 2021 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM EST

The Office of Coalition Building and Diversity Education, the Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee is pleased to announce the 2021 Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening of Reflection and Spirit of King Awards.

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Deadline: FRDA Career Development for Associate Professors

Clock Icon for Friday, February 05, 2021Friday, February 05, 2021

The FRDA Career Development for Associate Professors (“FRDA Career Development”) provides research and professional development support to enhance the career development of mid-career faculty. Associate professors are encouraged to consider engaging in research and/or professional development activities to pursue promotion to full professor.

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Panel of 2019 and 2020 GMU/VSE+CoS NSF CAREER Awardees

Clock Icon for Friday, February 12, 2021  9:30 AM to 10:45 AM ESTFriday, February 12, 2021 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM EST

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The Volgenau School of Engineering and the College of Science will host a moderated virtual panel of four 2019 and 2020 GMU/VSE+CoS NSF CAREER awardees. Awardees will discuss their experience in competing for this important award for tenure track faculty in NSF-funded disciplines.

Details