School of Integrative Studies

SIS Newsletter

September 22, 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 October 2nd.

SIS Updates

SIS ADVISING TEAM

SIS Advisors are assigned based on a student's last name 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)

Friendly Reminder: We do not offer Walk-In Advising - please make an appointment before coming by!

SIS Faculty Updates

SIS Professor Cher Weixia Chen Among Leaders of Seven GCI Catalyst Research Projects

Chen is principal investigator of “AI-Powered Human Rights Education for All: Toward a Better World,” an 18-month interdisciplinary project developing an AI-driven virtual human rights classroom.

Dr. Al Fuertes Facilitates Trauma Healing & Resilience in Cape Town

SIS Professor Dr. Al Fuertes has just returned from Cape Town, South Africa, after conducting and facilitating a trauma healing and resilience seminar from September 3 to 10, 2026.

Dr. David Powers Corwin gave a talk at UVA Wise on September 2nd on Friendships as Queer Worldmaking for their Pride Week Programming. They discussed how the future is in intentional connections among people who we view as chosen family and fictive kin. We will discuss research and activism that is grounded in queer understanding of friendships, politically in an ideologically divisive world.

Upcoming Events

Health Professions Week

September 21-25, 2026

Join us for a week jam-packed with workshops, socials, trainings, giveaways, and more! Spots are limited, so register NOW via Mason360 for events!

September 22nd
- Service Fair (Volunteer Expo) 11AM-2PM
- Opioid Overdose Response & Naloxone Training 2:30-3:30PM
- Stop the Bleed Training 3:30-4:30PM
- Dental Admission Test (DAT) Student Panel 5-6PM
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Student Panel 6:30-7:30PM
September 23rd
- Take Care Fair: Mental Health Maintenance 12-3PM
- The Calling: A Medical School Journey Screening & UVA SOM Student Panel 6-8:30PM
September 24th
- Surgical Assisting Info Session & Suturing Workshop (Presented by ODU's Master of Surgical Assisting Program) 12-2PM
- Healthcare Who? Panel & Networking Night 5:30-8:30PM
September 25th
- Health Professions Program Fair 2-4PM

FALL CAREER FAIR 2026

September 29 - October 1st

Hi Patriots! The Fall Career Fair is your chance to connect with representatives from over 200 companies and organizations hiring George Mason students and alumni. Explore internships, part-time jobs, and full-time positions. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to show off your business attire, resume, and networking skills!

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Updates

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!

SMSC 2027 Scholarship Info

Considering the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation for a semester-long internship? Concerned about how you'll fund it? SMSC's Scholarship Applications Open Sept 15th