SIS Newsletter

March 10, 2026

SIS Newsletter March 10, 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 March 24th.

SIS Updates

Happy Spring Break SIS Students!

Our office will be open during spring break, please don't forget to schedule an advising appointment before coming by the office. 

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 advisor 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)

 

Important Dates

Graduation is around the corner! 

SPRING GRADUATION

  • Commencement is on Thursday, May 14th @9:30AM at the Eagle Bank Arena
  • CHSS Degree Celebration is on Saturday, May 16th @2:00PM at the Eagle Bank Arena
    • FYI, all our undergrad majors (INTS, EVSS, BIS and HDFS) are a part of the School of Integrative Studies - which is housed within the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) 

SUMMER GRADUATES: Graduation applications are due by June 29th! (Summer Grads walk at the Spring Degree Celebration!)

Scholarship Opportunities

Take advantage of your week off and apply for SIS scholarships

Open to ALL SIS Majors (INTS, BIS, HDFS, & EVSS): 

  • First Generation Scholarship
  • Lucas Leadership Scholarship
  • SIS Founders Endowed Scholarship 

Open ONLY to SIS FRESHMEN (INTS, EVSS, & HDFS): 

  • Jon Sultan Writing Award

Open ONLY to INTS Majors: 

  • Drs. Surya & Cecil Howard Book Fund

Open ONLY to BIS Majors

  • BIS Endowed Scholarship
  • Jack Fahey Giving Back Endowed Scholarship
  • Linda D. Hemm Endowed Scholarship (Juniors & Seniors)
  • Dr. Kenneth Thompson Scholarship 
Calling all SIS 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!

Check out our past SIS Athlete spotlights here: Nick Barenz | Drew Canody | Elijah Lazor | and Gabriel Silveira

Upcoming Events

 Life Sciences Concentration? CHECK THIS OUT! 

 SCIENCE CAREERS WEEK 

Science Careers Week is your chance to learn about a variety of jobs and experiences in a dynamic career field. During the week of Mar 23-27, students are invited to participate in panel discussions investigating multiple disciplines, including forensics, sustainability, research, and more. Don’t miss your chance to get insights and make connections you won't find anywhere else. All the details are in Handshake: https://tinyurl.com/scienceweekGM

Spring 2026 Urban Research Hub Speaker Series

Black Communities of Fairfax: A History

Clock Icon for Monday, March 16, 2026  4:30 PM to  6:00 PM EDTMonday, March 16, 2026 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM EDT

Map Icon for Horizon Hall, #1007Horizon Hall, #1007

The co-authors of Black Communities of Fairfax: A History, will lead an engaging roundtable, discussing the process of doing local history and their research methods.

Details

Linkup Mentoring: Navigating Career Challenges - A Holistic Approach

Clock Icon for Monday, March 16, 2026  5:00 PM to  6:30 PM EDTMonday, March 16, 2026 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM EDT

Map Icon for Johnson Center, BistroJohnson Center, Bistro

This spring’s panel will explore career pivots, workplace transitions, leadership growth, and overcoming setbacks. We’ll also address often unspoken topics like navigating the workplace as a neurodivergent professional, managing social anxiety, handling stress, and protecting your mental well-being while pursuing ambitious goals.

Details

Fellowship Fest: Carnival of Opportunities

Clock Icon for Tuesday, March 17, 2026 12:00 PM to  1:00 PM EDTTuesday, March 17, 2026 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM EDT

It’s your lucky day! Stop by our carnival-themed Fellowship Fest to learn about scholarships and fellowships that can open doors to research, graduate study, international experiences, and more. Play games, meet advisors, and uncover opportunities that can support your academic and professional goals. Funding your future has never been this fun.

Details

Pop 'N Talk with CHSS Peer Mentors

Clock Icon for Thursday, March 19, 2026  2:30 PM to  4:30 PM EDTThursday, March 19, 2026 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM EDT

Map Icon for Horizon Hall, Atrium (bottom floor)Horizon Hall, Atrium (bottom floor)

Stop by our Pop 'N Talk walk-in hours! Whether you want to learn about campus resources or just need to talk to someone who's been there, our CHSS peer mentors are here for you! No appointment necessary. Just drop by Horizon Hall Atrium any Thursday during the semester from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

Details

Fulbright U.S. Student Program Info Session

Clock Icon for Wednesday, March 25, 2026 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM EDTWednesday, March 25, 2026 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM EDT

Come learn about the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which can take you to one of over 140 countries to study, do research, or work as an English teaching assistant. Applicants that will have completed a Bachelor’s degree by Spring 2026 can apply.

Details

Pop 'N Talk with CHSS Peer Mentors

Clock Icon for Thursday, March 26, 2026  2:30 PM to  4:30 PM EDTThursday, March 26, 2026 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM EDT

Map Icon for Horizon Hall, Atrium (bottom floor)Horizon Hall, Atrium (bottom floor)

Stop by our Pop 'N Talk walk-in hours! Whether you want to learn about campus resources or just need to talk to someone who's been there, our CHSS peer mentors are here for you! No appointment necessary. Just drop by Horizon Hall Atrium any Thursday during the semester from 2:30pm-4:30pm.

Details