SIS Newsletter
October 20, 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 November 4th.
SIS Updates
IMPORTANT DATES
- November 3rd- Election Day: University is closed
- November 25-29th - Thanksgiving Break
SPRING 2027 SEMESTER - PRIORITY DATES
The Spring 2027 Course schedule is available to view on Patriot Web, check out the classes before your time ticket opens up! Make your advising appointments now!
- October 29th - Seniors
- November 2nd - Juniors
- November 4th - Sophomores
- November 6th - Freshmen
SIS ADVISING TEAM
SIS Advisors are assigned based on a student's major and last name. Review the chart below to see who your advisor is:
| 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 appointments, please schedule one before stopping by!
INTS 490: Internship
Internships are vital. Not only does participation in an internship make a student more career ready, but it can also be an avenue to a job.
INTS 490 - INTERNSHIP
Have you heard about the INTS 490: Internship course? For more information, please visit the Internship page on our website.
The application submission period for Spring 2027 opens on October 26th, 2027 and closes on January 19, 2027.
| STEPS TO APPLY FOR INTS 490 | LINKS & NOTES |
| 1) Submit your online Internship Application | Internship Application |
| 2) Review the Internship Packet | Internship Packet |
| 3) Draft your Internship Learning Objectives (ILO) | See Internship Resources - How to Write Internship Learning Objectives |
| 4) Complete the Experimental Learning Agreement (ELA) form | Experimental Learning Agreement |
| 5) Scan & Email completed ILOs and ELA to Barbara O'Connell | boconne@gmu.edu Enterprise Hall, 4th floor Room 417 or the front desk |
| 6) Registration Instructions | will be sent via email after approval |
Your current place of employment MAY BE ELIGIBLE to serve as an internship credit if it can provide clearly define new learning experiences that differ from your usual job responsibilities.
SIS Intern Spotlight
Upcoming Events
INTERNSHIP WEEK 2026
Monday, October 26 - Friday, October 30th
- Mon, Oct 26: Getting Started with Internships & More
- Tues, Oct 27: Employer Insights for Internship Success
- Wed, Oct 28: Internship Fair
- Thurs, Oct 29: Advice from Students Who Have Been There
- Fri, Oct 30: Site Visit - Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts
For more information visit Handshake's website.
Information Session: Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Fee Waiver Offered for Spring 2027 Applicants!
Monday, October 26, 2026 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Online Location
The PopCulture Ideas Lab - Presents a Conversation with Dr. Taylor Cole Miller
Monday, November 9, 2026 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM EST
Johnson Center, Room C
Graduating this semester? Attend the GRAD FAIR!
The Winter Grad Fair will be held November 4th and 5th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center. For more info, visit GMU's graduation page.
SIS Faculty Updates
Information on Voting
2026 General & Special Elections: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
In Virginia, polls are open 6:00am - 7:00pm on Election Day. Anyone in line at 7pm will be allowed to vote.
On the ballot: U.S Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, state constitutional amendments, Fairfax County bond issues, and local races.
For more information on voting at Mason, click here.