Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

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Staff Senate Newsletter:
October 2020

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Classes have resumed online and in-person, with many staff reporting to campus for work. Remember to do your part by wearing your face covering, observing social distancing, completing the Mason COVID Health Check, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if you are unwell. Find information and read timely updates on the Safe Return to Campus website.

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Staff News

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One of the Staff Senate’s top priorities is to advocate for the inclusion of staff voices throughout the different levels of decision-making at the university. This past year, the Staff Senate has worked with university leadership to assign staff representatives to the Presidential Search Committee, the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Task Force, and the University Master Plan Committee, just to name a few …

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Check out this brief monthly update on our advocacy, appreciation, and education activities ...

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Dr. Gregory Washington joined the Mason Staff Senate during the October Staff Senate meeting. If you missed the session or would like to hear the discussion, you may watch the recorded session.  

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During the October Staff Senate Meeting, constituents shared questions and comments for the senate in the Zoom chat. Time did not allow us to address each question individually during the meeting. Follow-up information is provided …

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November Staff Senate Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 4
10 a.m. to noon
Zoom 

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 …

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Congratulations to Kate Bryan, receptionist and administrative assistant in the English Department, for being selected as the October 2020 Employee of the Month! Read more about Kate in this Mason News article.

Do you know a superstar? Make sure they receive the deserved recognition by submitting a nomination for Mason’s Employee of the Month. Additional information can be found on the Human Resources and Payroll website.

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Enjoy meeting some of our senators this year as we share their role in serving Mason staff and the university as a whole.

"I feel like I am working with people who all have the same goal—making George Mason the best it can be as it becomes a leader among other universities. I feel like all students, faculty, and staff have a lot of pride in where they work. This is not a feeling that I have seen or felt in many other workplaces. I also enjoy the quality of life, even with the added responsibilities that I have during COVID-19. I do not feel that I am only defined by my work ... "

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Campus Updates

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Flu Shots Provided through Insurance 

Virtual Performance Conversations Playlist

Updating Information in Patriot Web

Lactation Spaces and Safe Return to Campus

Mason Families Share …

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Bicycle Commuting 101: Online via Zoom

Change Your Commute: Vanpool

Reminder: Mason Shuttles Service Reductions 

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Information Technology Services (ITS) is observing National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October. ITS will host two events about online safety and security: 

Brian DeMuth
CEO of Grimm, a cyber security engineering and consulting firm
Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m.

Reddit Ask Me Anything with IT Security Office Staff
Tuesday, Oct. 27…

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Mason Administrative Professionals (MAP) will have an October Happy Hour on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m. via Webex ...

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The Artist-Activist: Centering Black Voices with Bree Newsome
Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m.

Gaining Ground: A Celebration of Diverse Voices in Musical Theater
Friday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: with Anne-Marie McDermott, piano
Sunday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. …

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You Ask, We Answer

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The Staff Senate seeks your comments, concerns, and ideas about issues on campus that are important to you. We welcome all input. You may remain anonymous, but if you wish to receive a response, please include your contact information.

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