SIS Newsletter

April 22, 2025

SIS Newsletter April 22, 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 May 6th. 

SIS Updates

Don't forget to register for Fall Classes! Set up an appointment with you advisor today. 

2025 SIS Graduation Award Winners
2025 SIS Graduation Award Winners

2025 SIS Graduation Award Winners

At SIS, we celebrate the accomplishments of our students who go above and beyond in their academic pursuits and community involvement. This year, we are thrilled to spotlight 4 exceptional students who have made significant contributions to the Mason community and beyond, as our 2025 SIS Outstanding Graduating Students. The Academic Excellence Award goes to those who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship and grade point averages during their time at Mason.  They each have earned the highest GPA from the major’s graduating class.

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SIS Faculty Updates
SIS Assoc Prof Susan Howard Wins 2025 Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence

SIS Assoc Prof Susan Howard Wins 2025 Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence

GMU President Gregory Washington announced recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence - SIS Associate Professor Susan Howard was honored as a Faculty Excellence in Social Impact Award Recipient.

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Sophia Balakian publishes article in American Ethnologist Journal

Sophia Balakian publishes article in American Ethnologist Journal

SIS Asst. Professor Sophia Balakian's latest research article "The Fraudulent Family: US refugee admissions, moral economies of kinship, and DNA testing in Africa," has been published in the "American Ethnologist Journal" by the American Anthropological Association.

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Higher Ed Prof Kelly Schrum Wins 2025 David J King Teaching Award

Higher Ed Prof Kelly Schrum Wins 2025 David J King Teaching Award

The David J. King Teaching Award is given annually to a faculty member who has made significant, long-term contributions to the overall educational excellence of the university. Higher Ed Professor Kelly Schrum has been named the 2025 David J. King Teaching Award Winner. 

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SIS Student Athlete Spotlight
SIS Athlete Spotlight: Gabriel Silveira

SIS Athlete Spotlight: Gabriel Silveira

Meet Gabriel Silveira, an SIS Senior, who is majoring in Integrative Studies with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Development. He plays soccer as a left winger for the Men's Soccer team. 

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Upcoming Events

2025 OSCAR Seminar Series: Navigating Undergraduate Research Experiences (All seminars will be conducted virtually via Zoom)

UK Awards & Fellowships - Info session

Clock Icon for Tuesday, April 22, 2025 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM EDTTuesday, April 22, 2025 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM EDT

Are you interested in attending graduate school in the United Kingdom? Are you passionate about fostering U.K.-U.S. relations? Attend an info session to learn about awards that can pay for grad school in the U.K.! Sessions will include information about the: Rhodes Scholarship, Global Rhodes, Marshall Scholarship, and the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship. Miss the info session and want more information? Email flwshps@gmu.edu.

Details

Real Talk: Disclosing your Disability

Clock Icon for Wednesday, April 23, 2025 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDTWednesday, April 23, 2025 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDT

(Virtual Event) Panelists will lead you through a comprehensive five-step process designed to help you effectively navigate workplace accommodations. This process includes identifying your specific needs, determining which aspects of your job may require adjustments, and exploring practical solutions to enhance your performance. Additionally, panelists will provide guidance on how to properly document your needs and present a well-supported case to your employer for necessary accommodations.

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Planet Virginia

Clock Icon for Sunday, April 27, 2025 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM EDTSunday, April 27, 2025 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM EDT

Join us for Planet Virginia, hosted at Mason for the first time ever! Come out on Saturday, April 27 from 11 AM – 6 PM for hands-on experiences, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly fun.

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SIS Student Updates
GMU Forensics Team places 3rd at the AFA Tournament in North Carolina

GMU Forensics Team places 3rd at the AFA Tournament in North Carolina

GMU's Forensics Team traveled to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte to compete at the American Forensics Association National Speech Tournament. Mason placed 3rd out of almost sixty schools. INTS students Grace Cora and Lexi Martinez were on the team, both of them placing individually and as a duo. 

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