SIS Newsletter

August 26, 2026

SIS Newsletter August 26, 2026

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


Dear School of Integrative Studies (SIS) Students,

Welcome to the Fall semester! Whether you are joining SIS for the first time or returning for another year, we are excited to welcome you back and look forward to all that the new academic year will bring.

As you begin the semester, we also want to remind you that the SIS team is here to support you throughout your academic journey. Our advising team works with students based on major and last name, as outlined in the advising chart below. You may notice some new or different names this semester, but no matter who your assigned advisor is, our entire SIS team is committed to helping you navigate your program, connect with resources, and work toward your academic goals.

Throughout the semester, this newsletter will continue to keep you connected with SIS by sharing important updates, upcoming events and opportunities, student and faculty accomplishments, and resources from across our programs.

We look forward to another great semester together and to celebrating all that our SIS students accomplish along the way. Welcome to Fall 2026!

Warmly,
The SIS Team

SIS Updates

 SIS ADVISING TEAM 

SIS Advisors are assigned based on student's last names and major. 

MAJOR ADVISOR (BY LAST NAME)
Integrative Studies (INTS) Martin Abruzzo (A-K)
Kelly Dunne (L-Z)
Environmental & Sustainability Studies (EVSS)  Martin Abruzzo (A-L)
Sharron Caldwell (M-Y)
Human Development & Family Science (HDFS) Sharron Caldwell (All HDFS students)
Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Jessica Shindler (A-G)
Mary Slone-O'Neill (H-R)
Amollie Stoermer (S-Z)

Thinking about declaring a minor? Any SIS advisor can help you with that. Learn more about our 7 minors here.

Important Dates
  • Last Day to ADD classes: Mon. Aug 31st
  • Labor Day (University Closed): Mon. Sept 7th
  • Last Day to DROP classes (100% Tuition Refund): Tues. Sept 8th
  • Last Day to DROP classes (50% Tuition Refund): Tues. Sept 15th 

Not sure how to add or drop a course? Set up an advising appointment ASAP! 

SIS Faculty Updates

Dr. Pagliarulo McCarron Receives Sage Outstanding Leadership Scholar Award

This recognition celebrates her contributions to leadership scholarship and her commitment to developing and supporting future leaders.

Read More
Upcoming Events

CHSS Back on the Block

Clock Icon for Thursday, August 27, 2026  2:30 PM to  4:30 PM EDTThursday, August 27, 2026 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM EDT

Map Icon for Student Union I, QuadStudent Union I, Quad

Join fellow CHSS undergraduates and representatives from all CHSS programs for an outdoor welcome celebration. Learn more about your major, discover minors and co-curricular opportunities, tie-dye a CHSS t-shirt, enjoy refreshments, and more.

Details

Welcome2Mason SIS Students! (Fall 2026)

Clock Icon for Wednesday, September 16, 2026 11:00 AM to  1:00 PM EDTWednesday, September 16, 2026 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EDT

Map Icon for Enterprise Hall, 400Enterprise Hall, 400

SIS students: Come meet your advisors, professors and fellow students, while enjoying a Duck donut.

Details
SMSC Application Open

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Apps. Open for Spring '27

On September 1st, current undergrads and recent graduates from any institution, in any major, can apply for either of the two hands-on residential programs below, which will take place in Front Royal, Virginia at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Mark your calendars for September 1st!

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CLIE Active Leaders - Registration for Fall '26 is OPEN

CLIE GMU Active Leaders Program - Fall 2026 Registration Open

The Active Leaders program is offered by the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement (CLIE) at George Mason University. It's a 10-week (2 hours each week), in-person seminar that meets on Fridays from 10am-Noon, starting in September.

Read More

INTS | BIS | HDFS | EVSS | Advising

Our next issue of the SIS newsletter will be published on September 8th.