Looking Ahead: Events for Mason Staff, October 2014

Autumn in Virginia and at George Mason University is spectacular. The changing fall foliage never fails to amaze and surprise us. New and returning Patriots arrive and the campus is abuzz with the excitement of the start of the fall semester. As the semester progresses, it’s clear that this year will be both challenging and exciting. One of the challenges …

Budget and Parking to be Discussed at October Staff Senate General Meeting

Staff Senate General Meeting
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
12:00 - 2:00 pm
Fairfax, Research Hall 163. Video conferenced to Arlington, Founders Hall B119, Prince William, Bull Run 254

Guest Speakers:

J. J. Davis, Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance will discuss the university's current budget. (12:00 - 12:30 pm)

Josh Cantor, Director, Parking and Transportation, will discuss the current status and initiatives in his department. (12:30 - 1:00 pm)

Following the speakers, constituents (you!!) have the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, or offer accolades. The Staff Senate business meeting begins at 1 p.m. All are welcome, and registration is not necessary.

Budget Forum Scheduled for October 1

Provost David Wu and Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance J.J. Davis will hold an open budget discussion on Wednesday, October 1, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. All members of the university community are invited to attend. The budget discussion will provide an opportunity for the Mason Community to learn more about the budget climate and will serve as a follow-up to the budget forum that was held in early September.

The Budget Forum will be accessible as follows and will also be archived for online viewing after the event:

Fairfax: Research Hall, Room 163

Prince William: Bull Run Hall, Room 254

Arlington: Founders Hall, Room 322

Front Royal: Academic, Room 219

Loudoun: Signal Hill, Room 101

The previous budget forum held on September 4 may be viewed online.

For further information, contact Laura Bell at lbell@gmu.edu or Kathy Jayne at kjayne@gmu.edu.

William David Gibson Named September 2014 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to David! Known for his expertise in university policy and procedure and his outstanding attention to detail, David embodies what makes Mason a great place to work!

Getting the Most Out of Your Performance Review

With everything that has been going on it is probably hard to believe that it is performance evaluation time once again. (Reminder: Classified Staff Employee evaluations are due to HR & Payroll October 24.) However, before we know it, each of us will be sitting down to have a conversation with our supervisor, or those we supervise. In a time …

You Asked, We Listened . . . and Found the Answer: Parking Rates for Part-time Staff

A Mason staff member recently contacted the Staff Senate asking about parking rates for part-time and new employees. The question: As a part-time wage employee, I am requesting the university consider reduced parking fees for part-time and intermittent staff. We do not occupy parking spaces as full time staff members, so it would be appropriate and fair if we had …

Senator Highlight: Lindsey Lowenberg

Lindsey Lowenberg

Program and Administrative Specialist

Office of Distance Education

It may sound cheesy, but one of the main reasons I came to the Fairfax area is because of the weather. Being from New Orleans, the seasons I’m used to are hot and really hot. I love walking around campus during the different times of year and enjoying the seasons. …

Mason Among Top National Universities on U.S. News & World Report List

George Mason University ranks among the top 150 national universities in the United States, according to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report. Mason was listed as the 138th best university in America, according to the 2015 rankings that were officially released on Tuesday. That’s up from 141st in 2014. Mason also placed in the top 10 “up …

Are You Mason Ready?

The Mason Alert system was upgraded on Monday, August 18. All university employees, students, and affiliates issued a @gmu.edu or @masonlive.gmu.edu email are automatically enrolled in Mason Alert and provided with a Mason Alert account at alert.gmu.edu. University students and employees are encouraged to log into their Mason Alert account to register their mobile phones to receive text messages. In …

The Great Shakeout - National Earthquake Drill 10/16 at 10:16 am

Each year, Mason participates in a national earthquake drill called The Great Shakeout. It’s designed to promote familiarity with earthquake safety procedures and general preparedness. This year, the drill is on October 16, at 10:16AM. That’s right, 10/16 at 10:16AM! The date is easy to remember and so is the basic safety procedure during an earthquake: Drop, Cover, Hold On. …

Dining Plans Available to Staff

For the biggest discount on meals for faculty and staff , sign up for a Byte Plan which is good for meals at five dining halls: Southside, The Bistro, Ike’s, The Globe, and Pilot House.

The Mason Star Newsletter

The Mason Star Newsletter is available online. Read all about the accomplishments of Mason colleagues in this yearly newsletter that highlights the various awards and recognition throughout Mason. Congratulations to all of our Mason stars!

From our Friends in Human Resources & Payroll

Winter Wellness Day: Flu Shot Registration Now Open

Read more.

Bicycle Commuter Choice Available for Part-Time Faculty and Staff

October is National Work and Family Month: Family Weekend 10/17-10/19

Comments, Concerns, Ideas? Share them!

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