SIS Newsletter
November 18, 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 December 2nd.
Important Dates & SIS Updates
IMPORTANT DATES
- Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26th - Sunday, November 30th
- Exam Period: Wednesday, December 10th - Wednesday, December 17th
- Winter Commencement: Thursday, December 18th
SIS UPDATES
SIS advisors are now assigned based on the student's last name.
| MAJOR | ADVISOR (BY LAST NAME) |
| Integrative Studies (INTS) | Martin Abruzzo (A-K) Sara Montiel, Ph.D. (L-Z) |
| Environmental & Sustainability Studies (EVSS) | Martin Abruzzo (A-L) Kelly Dunne (M-Y) |
| Human Development & Family Science (HDFS) | Kelly Dunne (All HDFS students) |
| Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) | Jessica Shindler (A-G) Mary Slone-O'Neill (H-R) Sharron Caldwell (S-Z) |
ACCELERATED MASTERS STUDENTS
If you have been accepted to an Accelerated Masters Degree program, please make an appointment with your advisor early during the spring semester to complete the BAM transition form to stay on track!
SIS Intern Spotlight
CALLING ALL SIS INTERNS:
Are you currently enrolled in INTS 490 and have a cool internship to share about? Have you already earned credit for your internship via INTS 490 and want to spread the word about this course?
Please email Barbara O'Connell (boconne@gmu.edu) for more information on our SIS Intern Spotlight opportunities.
SIS Faculty Updates
Events
Sophia Balakian (Assistant Professor), “Refugees, childcare, and the future of resettlement in the United States”
CHR Residential Fellow Talk
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EST
Horizon Hall 6325 and zoom
Study Abroad Opportunities
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.
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
Surveys and Important Links
Study on Undergrads and their use of AI
SIS Graduate Lecturer, Kris Cleland, is researching how undergraduate students are using AI in their everyday lives and in navigating college.
Are you an undergraduate student that would like to share your thoughts and experiences on how you and other students are using AI in your everyday life and college? Please reach out to me at kcleland@gmu.edu to schedule an interview over Zoom! Interviews are expected to last about an hour, largely depending on how much you want to share.
Explore the Global Career Accelerator (GCA)
GMU now offers the Global Career Accelerator, a 3- or 6-credit program that helps students build real-world career skills through project-based work with real companies. Open to all majors with no prerequisites.
Tracks include Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Web Development, and more.
Learn more and register: podium.studyabroad.gmu.edu