Greetings, Friends, 

It may feel like a geologic era, but it was just January, and we survived! Stearns Center welcomes you to February with some new and continuing opportunities to gather with colleagues, find even better ways to help all your students feel included and supported in their learning, and maybe make a plan for That Cool Thing you’ve always wanted to try: 

Maybe this is the month you submit a proposal to share your explorations and expertise at ITL, or find a way to help your students ethically engage with AI tools. You might have always wanted to explore more inclusive grading strategies, or find out what GMU Libraries could do to support your students.  

And if you’re teaching a Mason Core class, check out our High Impact Practices cluster, part of our new Mason Core Teaching Certification program (more information coming soon!). In the meantime, we wish you fortitude, new pathways, and glimmers of joy tucked in surprising places. 

E Shelley Reid, Ph.D. 

Executive Director of Engaged Teaching 

This NEW faculty learning community explores how to create an inclusive environment at Mason for neurodiverse students by developing teaching strategies, sharing resources, and promoting awareness of neurological diversity. Join us in engaging dialogue and enhancing learning experiences for all. For details, contact Jodi Duke at jduke4@gmu.edu.

Join a Faculty Learning Community to explore alternative grading practices (such as specifications grading, ungrading, and contract grading), with a focus on exploring evaluation methods to foster student growth and learning. Zoom meeting dates: Fri., 2/21, 10-11:30am; Mon., 3/17, 9-10:30am; Fri., 4/18, 11am-12:30pm; Fri., 5/2, 1-2:30pm. Attend some or all!

Join us February 11, 2025 for the second AI Literacy Test Kitchen: Reimagining Creativity! Whether you're new to AI tools like ChatGPT or experienced, explore prompts and discuss the role of AI-assisted creativity in teaching. Based on Teaching with AI by Bowen and Watson. *Participation in the first Test Kitchen is not required. 

We returned for Season 2 on January 8 with Episode 10: You're Handed a Syllabus. Now What? featuring guest Dr. Cameron Harris, Assistant Area Chair in the Costello College of Business. 

Episode 11: Getting Started as a New Faculty Member features Dr. Aimee Weinstein, Instructional Associate Professor with the Honors College.

Today, we published Episode 12: Libraries - and Librarians - as Important Teaching and Learning Resources with guest Maoria Kirker, Lead for the University Libraries' Teaching and Learning Team.

URSP supports undergraduate students collaborating on a research, creative, or scholarly project with a faculty mentor. Applications for Summer 2025 are due February 26, 2025. For more information visit the URSP webpage of the OSCAR website.

The Undergraduate Student Travel Fund (USTF) supports research and scholarly related travel for undergraduates who are presenting their projects via poster, talk, screening, round table, performance, etc. USTF can support costs for presentations at virtual conferences. Students must apply 30 days before travel. See the USTF webpage for more information.

Have you worked with an outstanding faculty or graduate student mentoring student projects? Have you mentored an outstanding undergraduate student? Please nominate them for the OSCAR Excellence Awards. The OSCAR Excellence Awards highlight student, faculty, and graduate student excellence in undergraduate research and creative activities. Deadline is February 18.

OSCAR provides opportunities for undergraduate students to learn research, creative, or scholarly methods in their field and gives faculty free support on their projects at the same time, through the Federal Work-study Program. Learn how to hire a research assistant by visiting the Federal Work-study Research Assistant webpage.