Mason Staff Senate

Day: April 7, 2026

Categories
April 2026

2026 University Life Student Success Symposium Proposal Submission

Image

Calling all faculty, staff, and graduate students – University Life (UL) wants you to present at the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium!

How? Submit a program proposal for the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium by April 13 at noon.

When? The UL Symposium Pre-Conference will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and the UL Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Where? Join UL at the Johnson Center on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus for this dynamic in-person conference

Proposal Submission Overview

To learn more about the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium, please see the event program overview and learning outcomes on the UL homepage.

Program submission guidelines, criteria for different program types, relevant competencies, and supporting materials are detailed on the UL Symposium Call for Programs webpage.*

*Please review the information provided carefully, as the requirements are different than other professional organization-based conferences*

To submit a program proposal for either a Symposium educational session or a Pre-Conference workshop, access the submission form here.

Registration for the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium will be live later this month.

Categories
Featured on Homepage Profile of a Senator April 2026

Meet Danielle Fritz, Staff Senator

 

Role: As Risk Control Manager at George Mason University, I oversee the Accident Incident and Programs, Events, and Camps (PEC) programs and serve as the International Travel Action Officer for the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC), ensuring compliance and safety. In addition, I support the administration of the Commonwealth’s Risk Management Plan and other specialty insurance programs. My responsibilities include managing certificates of insurance, providing technical oversight of risk-related databases and training platforms, and conducting claims and insurance data analysis.

Mason journey: I began my career at George Mason University in September 2011, shortly after relocating to the area with my husband, a Navy service member, and our three boys. I was first hired as a part-time administrative support staff member, and over the years, my role has evolved significantly. Each transition has offered new opportunities for growth, learning, and contribution—allowing me to build a fulfilling career while supporting the university’s mission.

Best thing about working at Mason: George Mason University has given me the opportunity to build a meaningful career—something that can be especially challenging for military spouses who relocate every few years. Beyond professional growth, what I truly love about Mason is the people. There’s a genuine sense of community among faculty, staff, and students that’s rare in corporate environments. It’s a place where collaboration, support, and belonging thrive.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: As an at-large member of the Staff Senate, I believe it is essential to ensure that the voices of staff working in remote or hybrid roles are heard and represented. These employees face unique challenges and opportunities, and I am committed to advocating for their needs, promoting inclusivity, and helping build stronger connections across our university community—regardless of physical location.

At the end of the day: I am thrilled to have been elected for a second term to the Staff Senate and plan to continue to advocate for remote/hybrid employees. I believe that, as staff, the better we support each other the better we support the institution.

 

Categories
April 2026

Outstanding Supervisor Awards 2026: Finalists and Nominees

The Outstanding Supervisor Award, sponsored by the Mason Staff Senate, seeks to recognize supervisors who routinely go above and beyond to provide unparalleled leadership, mentorship, and support within their departments or offices. Outstanding supervisors model and promote a positive work-life balance and strive to serve not only their departments or offices, but also their personnel.

During the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on April 14, the Staff Senate will recognize two awardees for outstanding supervisor:

  • Ann Garner, assistant director, Career Advising, University Career Services
  • Olga O’Brien, general manager, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center

In addition to our two finalists, we would also like to recognize all of the outstanding supervisor nominees this year! Thank you for all you do to support your colleagues and the university!

2026 Nominees for Outstanding Supervisor:
Elizabeth Bartles
Ernest Barreto
Arne Bergquist
Rachel Cleaver
Kevin Connor
Krystal Dains
Birgit Debeerst
Elizabeth Dean
Michaela Ghosting
Jesse Guessford
Dr. Rebekah Hersch
Beverley Jackson
Kelly Keady
Jason King
Tonya Lawrence
Jason Limonta
Jenna McGwin
Robin Parker
Aliya Rinaldi
Tracy Shevlin
Korey Singleton
Amy Snyder
Julie Ta
Elizabeth Torrens

Categories
Featured on Homepage April 2026

April General Meeting Recordings

Photo provided.

The Staff Senate April General Meeting featured guest speaker, Julie Zobel, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Administration and Operations. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.

The Office of Sustainability presented a brief recycling and Earth Month update.

 

 

Categories
Featured on Homepage April 2026

May General Business Meeting Announcement

Gregory Washington, President, Office of the President, George Mason University. Photo by: Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

 

Dr. Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University, has been invited as our May Staff Senate meeting guest speaker.

Wednesday, May 6
10 a.m. to noon
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting
Constituents are invited to attend in person at Mason Square, Hazel Hall, Room 121, or join the meeting via Zoom.
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 946 9452 3314 / Passcode: 760740
Add this meeting to my calendar.

The Staff Senate collected questions in advance for consideration. We will also be accepting live questions, time permitting.

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 Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents. Find more ways to engage with the senate before, during, and after our general meetings.