As the incoming Staff Senate Chair, Vice Chair, as well as, all returning Staff Senators and the staff in large, we would like to welcome all incoming 2023 George Mason University Staff Senators. Ours is a space where we share in the collective excitement, enthusiasm and dedication to maintaining Mason’s mission of one community. A community where all voices are heard, and one that is responsible for highlighting the voices of our constituents, forging new relationships, and cementing progressive partnerships. In this community, we strive to support and advocate, fueled onward by innovation and inclusivity.
While we at the Staff Senate are commemorating the 24th year of our existence, we are keeping an eye on the horizon toward our upcoming 25th. In the nearly two-and-a-half decades of existence, we have experienced so much growth. Growth not only in our possibilities, but also in the larger shape and structure of the university. In the world at large, we have transitioned from one where the largest panic-induced fear was computers shutting down and taking out the world economy, into one where one of the biggest fears is computers becoming sentient and taking over the world’s creativity and humanity. (Oh, the way things change while they stay the same.) During this time, the Staff Senate has done its best to support our constituents through worldwide eras of terrorism, recessions, growth, promise, a pandemic, and so much more. We have participated in such significant decisions as the most recent search for our university president, as well as smaller ones like the flavors of Rita’s Italian Ice served at our summer staff appreciation events. Throughout them all we have remained focused on the most important spirit of our foundation: How can we support our constituents?
As our university becomes larger and more widespread than ever, we want to be sure that we—as the collective Staff Senate—consider the ways we can continue to connect the university and remain grounded in our mission to inform, educate, and advocate for our constituents first and foremost.
Senators: Let us be sure to invest time into knowing those around us. Our position in the university and devotion to its betterment work wonderfully in conjunction with our wealth of knowledge and widespread home departments. From the Board of Visitors to the students and all the faculty in between, we should continue to make sure that we advocate for our constituents as the need arises. We are the individuals who will drive progression, and it is with this honor that we look forward to serving with you.
Constituents: We are here for you. Feel free to reach out and let us know what questions, problems, or concerns you have. If we do not have an immediate answer, we will try our best to connect you with the correct resource on campus, or at least point you in the right direction for further inquiry. If nothing else, remember that the Staff Senate is here to support you.
So, while we enter this new Staff Senate administration, this new era of technology, and this ongoing “new normal,”, we at the Staff Senate encourage everyone to come together as one larger community and work together to create a better Mason for all.
Lastly, we want to thank the outgoing chairs, Erin Iacangelo and Jessica Adams for their invaluable years of service. Both exhibited exemplary leadership during two challenging years. And like them, we are excited to press forward in excellence.
Sincerely,
Will Gautney and Jacqulyn Sims
Staff Senate Chair and Vice Chair