SIS Newsletter
January 27, 2026
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 February 10th.
SIS Updates
We hope you all had a great first week of classes! Below are a few important dates to keep in mind for the first few weeks of this semester.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Last Day to ADD Classes: Tues. January 27th (TODAY)
- Last Day to DROP Classes (100% Tuition Refund): Tues. February 3rd
- Last Day to DROP Classes (50% Tuition Refund): Tues. February 10th
For the Spring 2026 Academic Calendar and the full list of important dates, visit the Registrar's page here.
Spring & Summer 2026 Graduation Applications Due
January 29, 2026, 10:00 AM to February 22, 2026, 11:00 PM EST
Online Location
FRIENDLY REMINDER: We do not offer walk-in advising appointments! Please use Patriot Connect to make your in-person or virtual advising appointments.
SIS ADVISING
SIS Advisors are assigned based on the student's last name. Look at the chart below to find your advisors by MAJOR and 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) |
Calling all SIS Athletes and Interns!
SIS STUDENT ATHLETES:
Want a chance to be featured in the SIS newsletter, on our website and social media?
We want to learn more about YOU! By having you answer a few questions about your team position, how your season is going, sports-academic-life balance, and anything you're willing to share about your academic journey. If you are interested, fill out the Google Form here!
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.
Upcoming Events
Higher Education Graduate Programs Information Session
Monday, February 2, 2026 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM EST
Online Location
Loss and Wonder at the World's End: Darwin, Colonialism, and the Lost Tribes of the Fuegian Archipelago
Visiting Scholar Lecture: Dr. Laura A. Ogden
Thursday, February 5, 2026 11:50 AM to 1:30 PM EST
Johnson Center, George's
Spring 2026 Urban Research Hub Speaker Series
Dr. Chrystal George Mwangi
Monday, February 9, 2026 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM EST
Horizon Hall, #1007
Education Careers Week (Feb. 2-6)
Recruitment season for educators, teachers, and administrators is coming up, and University Career Services has invited a range of diverse employers and alums to campus to share their unique insight and advice on jobs in the education sector. Education Careers Week, starting on February 2, features a series of virtual and in-person events to learn more about applying your degree to this rewarding field. Explore career paths in teaching in K-12 classrooms, education administration, EdTech, and more. A highlight of this week will be a site visit to the Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) Gatehouse Administration Center. Registration is required by January 29th at 5 pm. Get all the details at go.gmu.edu/educareers
Faculty Updates
Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation
Deadline to apply for the SMSC Paid Summer 2026 Research Experience is January 30th
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
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