Dean's blog: Welcome back for the fall semester

Welcome to the Fall 2022 semester. As our classes begin, I want to reiterate a core Mason value that has never been more important. 

We thrive together. 

Hopefully this summer you’ve had quality time to relax and reflect on your journey to this moment. We are collectively moving forward, beyond the worst of the global pandemic, yet it’s important to acknowledge we all have been affected by hopefully good and probably also very challenging experiences. 

At Mason’s recent new student convocation, Provost Ginsberg declared that it’s not just Mason’s time. It’s our time. We are each at a point to begin our shift from surviving to thriving. 

The more than 3,900 science students we serve, and the thousands of others who rely on our core classes to build their STEM foundation, are counting on you, our dedicated, hard-working staff and faculty to deliver on our promise of being in the science success business.

Let’s continue to work together to create exciting opportunities to grow in knowledge and self-discovery. The Mason Science community will celebrate our successes together. And, just as importantly, we should also support each other when life is tough or plans don’t go as expected. In each scenario, we must remain committed to advance our science and encourage each other to reach for our fullest potential. 

Throughout the year, our college will continue to offer ways to come together, both face to face and virtually.  Be sure to register for ScienceConnect, our community-wide gathering in mid-September where you can meet and mingle with our students and 1,500 employees, including the 26 new faculty and 5 new staff who have joined us since spring commencement. I look forward to connecting with each other on campus. 

Also save the date for our annual State of the College address Wednesday, October 5, 2022 from 11 a.m. to noon. Please complete the registration form and let us know in where you plan to attend. 

Mason Patriots are known for their bold thinking and brave actions. I encourage you make the most of your time - build relationships, strengthen connections, and encourage collaborations in our labs and classrooms and beyond. 

It’s up to us to support and sustain our thriving Mason Science community.