Mason Staff Senate
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April 2026

Your Voice Matters: The Engagement Survey Is Now Open Through April 21

The 2026 Faculty and Staff Experience (FSE) Survey is officially open – and Human Resources wants to hear your voice. You play a vital role in shaping our community, our culture, and the student experience. The FSE Survey is more than a check‑the‑box activity; it is one of the most direct ways you can influence decisions, improvements, and initiatives that impact your daily work.

What the Survey Measures

The survey focuses on your workplace experience – what helps you do your best work and where barriers may exist. It asks about:

  • Whether you feel valued and supported
  • What resources and opportunities you have
  • How meaningful and purposeful your work feels
  • Your opportunities for growth and professional development

This data helps us understand not just how we’re doing, but how you’re doing.

Why Your Participation Matters

Your feedback drives meaningful change. Survey results guide leaders at every level in making improvements, revisiting priorities, and strengthening team culture. Your insights help highlight what’s working well – and where attention or support is needed.

It strengthens what we already do well. Positive feedback matters, too. When teams identify strengths, leaders can preserve and reinforce them, ensuring that the practices already benefiting you continue.

It sparks real conversations. Survey data opens the door for deeper dialogue within teams. Your responses help managers understand your experiences, invite discussion, and collaborate on solutions.

How Your Engagement Supports Student Success

When faculty and staff are engaged – supported, energized, and emotionally connected to their work – students benefit. Research shows that engaged employees create environments where students are more likely to thrive and feel confident recommending their programs to others. When you thrive, students thrive.

Help Shape George Mason’s Future

Your perspective is essential to building a workplace where everyone can grow, contribute, and succeed. The more voices represented, the clearer the picture we gain of our community’s needs and strengths.

The FSE Survey is open now through April 21.

Take the survey. Share your truth. Shape your workplace.

For questions, contact [email protected].

Categories
April 2026

OLLI Mason Ideas Festival Celebrates Lifelong Learning

Staff are invited to attend the first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Mason Ideas Festival on May 8-9. The free festival will introduce adults 50 and older to OLLI Mason’s quality educational, social, and cultural opportunities.

Held on the Fairfax campus, the OLLI Mason’s Ideas Festival will include a panel discussion on global perspectives in aging, as well as 20 educational classes on topics from art to health to history to yoga. Many of OLLI’s clubs will also take part in the festival, showcasing the variety of hobbies and interests that older adults can explore through the program.

You can learn more and RSVP on the OLLI Mason website.

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Profile of a Senator March 2026

Meet Diana St.Amand-Campos, Staff Senator

 

Role: In my role, I drive strategic partnerships, develop and promote programs, and support adult learners and professionals. I assist with grant proposals and contract opportunities to expand CPE offerings while ensuring programs are innovative, impactful, and aligned with both learner and organizational goals. 

Mason journey: I began my journey at George Mason University in October 2022, joining the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) division under the Office of the Provost. Prior to this role, I served as a Military/Veteran Advisor at Northern Virginia Community College, where I had the privilege of supporting service members, veterans, and their families in pursuing their academic and career goals. I also worked as a High School Outreach Coordinator, building bridges between education and opportunity for students preparing to take their next steps in life. These experiences shaped my passion for access, equity, and educational advancement, which I now bring to my role at Mason. 

Best thing about working at Mason: What I love most about Mason is the freedom to take initiative, lead projects independently, and deliver meaningful results that make a real impact. I also value the autonomy to innovate and shape programs that truly support learners’ growth. Mason empowers me to take ownership, drive initiatives, and see the tangible results of my efforts. 

Why serve on the Staff Senate: Service has always been at the heart of my career and personal mission. Whether assisting military families, guiding students, or now helping to create pathways for professional growth through continuing education, I find joy and purpose in being able to support others. As a Business Development Specialist, I work to connect organizations and individuals with programs that strengthen workforce skills, build careers, and contribute to community development. Serving in this capacity allows me to uplift people while advancing Mason’s vision of innovation and transformation. 

At the end of the day: As a Staff Senator, I believe in the power of being part of the conversation. Having a seat at the table is not only about representation but about ensuring that diverse perspectives, experiences, and needs are heard and valued. I see this role as an opportunity to be a beacon for change—bringing forward ideas that improve the staff experience and strengthen the Mason community. By working collaboratively with colleagues across the university, I aim to help shape solutions that create lasting impact for both staff and students. 

 

 

Categories
March 2026

March 2026 General Meeting Recording

 

The Staff Senate March General Meeting featured guest speaker, Chris Ackerman, vice president of Human Resources, and a panel of other George Mason Human Resources leaders. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.

Questions that were submitted but not answered during the meeting have been submitted to Human Resources for response. Once available, they’ll be posted here and shared in an upcoming Staff Senate newsletter.

Categories
March 2026

George Mason University Toastmasters Open House

George Mason University Toastmasters invite you to their OPEN HOUSE!

What: OPEN HOUSE
When: Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Noon – 1PM
Where: Merten Hall Room 3300 and via Zoom
More info and Zoom link: toastmasters.gmu.edu
VP of Membership: Rupa Mehta
email:[email protected]

Categories
March 2026

April 2026 General Meeting Announcement

Wednesday, April 1
10 to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting

Constituents may attend in person in Merten 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom* (Zoom Passcode: SS123).
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 931 0040 3860 / Passcode: 621190

Add to my calendar.

The Staff Senate April General Meeting will feature Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Administration and Operations.

The Office of Sustainability will present a brief recycling update at 11 a.m.

The Staff Senate represents all classified and non-student wage employees at George Mason University. Working closely with university administration, we address concerns that have an impact on the quality of work-life for the George Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents.

*The Staff Senate is requiring that virtual attendees join our Staff Senate General Meetings with their Patriot Pass credentials. If you are already signed into Zoom using your George Mason-licensed Zoom account, you should not see a difference. If you are not already signed into your George Mason-licensed Zoom account, you will be told authentication is required to join.