SIS Newsletter

October 7, 2025

SIS Newsletter October 7, 2025

Welcome back to the School of Integrative Studies bi-weekly newsletter. For the most up-to-date information, visit sis.gmu.edu

INTS | BIS | HDFS | EVSS | Advising

Our next issue of the SIS Newsletter will be published on October 21st.

SIS Updates

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER IMPORTANT DATES

  • Schedule of Classes Available - week of October 6th
    Check out your classes on Patriot Web before your time ticket opens up! Make your advising appointments now!

PRIORITY DATES/TIME TICKETS

  • Thursday, October 30th - SENIORS
  • Monday, November 3rd - JUNIORS
  • Wednesday, November 5th - SOPHOMORES
  • Friday, November 7th - FRESHMEN 
SIS Advising Updates

SIS Advising Team

SIS now assigns students to an Advisor based on their last name. Meet your Advisor (by major) on the SIS Advising page!

Read More
SIS Intern Spotlight
SIS Intern Spotlight: Aisun Abedinzadeh

SIS Intern Spotlight: Aisun Abedinzadeh

Meet Aisun Abedinzadeh, a Senior in SIS pursuing a major in Human Development & Family Science with a double major in Psychology.

Read More

INTS 490 - INTERNSHIP

Have you heard about the INTS 490: Internship course? 

If you are planning to start an internship or take on new job duties at your current job in the Spring 2026 semester, you can apply to earn INTS 490 credit toward your degree requirements. There is more information on the Internship page on our website. If you have any questions about the application process, please email Barbara O'Connell (boconne@gmu.edu). 

The application submission period for Spring 2026 opens on October 12, 2025 and closes on January 20, 2026. 

Upcoming Events

Patriots for Non-Profits Interest meeting

Clock Icon for Thursday, October  9, 2025  6:30 PM to  7:30 PM EDTThursday, October 9, 2025 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM EDT

Map Icon for Thompson Hall, 1010Thompson Hall, 1010

Come learn about a new Registered Student Organization focused on Non-Profits!

Details

Real Talk: Work Life Balance - Expectations vs. Reality

Clock Icon for Wednesday, October 15, 2025  4:00 PM to  5:00 PM EDTWednesday, October 15, 2025 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM EDT

What does work-life balance really mean for Gen Z? How do you know what’s realistic to expect early in your career? Join us for a candid panel conversation featuring George Mason University alumni and professionals. Panelists will share real-world insights on how work-life balance differs across industries and what it takes to create the blend of professional and personal you desire.

Details

Virtual Open House: Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Fee Waiver Offered for Spring 2026 Applicants!

Clock Icon for Thursday, October 16, 2025  6:00 PM to  7:00 PM EDTThursday, October 16, 2025 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM EDT

Map Icon for Online LocationOnline Location

Find out more about the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program of George Mason University.

Details

FALL 2025 INTERNSHIP WEEK

Don't miss this week of events to help you find, apply for, and succeed in your internship!

Clock Icon for October 20, 2025, 12:00 PM to October 24, 2025,  1:00 PM EDTOctober 20, 2025, 12:00 PM to October 24, 2025, 1:00 PM EDT

Internship Week is your opportunity to learn about internships and attend George Mason’s Internship Fair! Join University Career Services for a week of in-person and virtual workshops where you can grab free Handshake swag, prizes, and food, and learn about the importance of being an intern.

Details

Communication Bachelor's to Accelerated Masters Interest Meeting

Clock Icon for Monday, October 20, 2025  2:00 PM to  3:00 PM EDTMonday, October 20, 2025 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT

Map Icon for Online LocationOnline Location

The COMM BAM group, BA Director Dr. Wright, MA Director Dr. Nicotera, and Graduate Coordinator Brittany Sanders will go over what you need to know about #MasonCOMM's BAM.

Details

Real Talk: Reframing Age in the Job Search

Clock Icon for Wednesday, December  3, 2025  4:00 PM to  5:00 PM ESTWednesday, December 3, 2025 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM EST

What is it like to start working as a first-generation college graduate? Join us for an inspiring panel discussion with recent first-gen alums sharing their journey from college to career. You’ll gain insight from real experiences, practical advice, and empowering tips for navigating the workplace with confidence as a new professional.

Details
SIS Faculty Update
CML’s Manuel-Scott mentors student-advocates’ research

CML’s Manuel-Scott mentors student-advocates’ research

English major Amaiyah-Monet Parker and Integrative Studies major Alessaundra Shallal presented posters in OSCAR's Celebration of Student Research and Impact. Shallal expressed gratitude for Manuel-Scott’s “unwavering” support over nearly two years, crediting her mentorship for enabling her to pursue her research across semesters and “maintain faith in the progression of inclusion in academia.”

Read More
Study Abroad Opportunities

SUMMER BREAK STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES:

Japan Study Abroad Opportunity - Leading Outside the Lines: Women, Culture, and Community Leadership (Summer 2026)

Hosted by Dr. Aoi Yamanaka and Dr. Nick Lennon

  • Application Deadline: March 1st, 2026
  • Tentative Travel Dates: May 23, 2026 - June 3, 2026

Interested in this Study Abroad Opportunity - but need help financing it? There are need-based scholarships specifically for this program for Mason students, ranging from $1,000-4,000 per student. The Increasing Access: Japan Scholarships applications are due by Monday, December 1st, 2025. Please email Dr. Nick Lennon for the scholarship application. 


Philippines Study Abroad Opportunity - Human Trafficking, Peacebuilding, & Community Engagement in the Philippines. Summer 2026

Hosted by Dr. Al Fuertes, email him if you have any questions!

  • Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
  • Tentative Travel Dates: May 17, 2026 - June 15, 2026

SIS Professor, Dr, Al Fuertes, is holding a VIRTUAL INFO SESSION on the Philippines Summer 2026 Study Abroad Program in "Human Trafficking, Peacebuilding, and Community Engagement (6 credits) on MONDAY, OCTOBER 13TH from 12-1PM (via ZOOM). This is your opportunity to ask questions or seek clarification. The Information session is open to everyone! You can invite your parents/guardians and friends to participate in the meeting.


For more information on other Study Abroad Opportunities, check out the Study Abroad Programs page