Mason Staff Senate

Author: Amanda Corrigan

Announcements from George Mason Center for Community Mental Health

Center for Community Mental Health Services

Are you struggling with anxiety? Concerns? Need some support? George Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health offers two emotional support lines (English & Spanish) and 3 FREE coping skills therapy sessions to anyone connected to George Mason (students, staff, faculty, and contractors). Sessions are virtual and there is NO waitlist! Sessions are confidential and do NOT connect with your George Mason record or employment. Find more information on Emotional Support Line numbers and request for sessions.

Raising Kids in a Changing Landscape workshop – March 20

RSVP by scanning QR code in image below. Zoom link will be provided after registration.

Travel Well Clinic: Vaccine Clinic for International Travelers

The Travel Well clinic provides travelers with a convenient opportunity to get up to date on routine vaccines and receive any recommended travel-specific immunizations. Whether you’re heading abroad for work or leisure, staying protected against preventable diseases is essential.

The following vaccines will be available, and you may select from these when signing up for an appointment slot: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Meningitis. If your provider or a health official (like CDC or WHO) has suggested you receive another vaccine for your travel that is not listed here, please list that vaccine in the comments when registering and we will do our best to accommodate you at this clinic. Register for a vaccination appointment.

GMU Toastmasters Open House: “How to Become a TEDx Speaker”

Ready to take your public speaking to the next level? Join us for the GMU Toastmasters Open House and discover the secrets to landing your very own TEDx talk! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge, sharpen your speaking skills, and get one step closer to the TEDx stage!

Wednesday, March 12
Noon to 1 p.m.
Join in-person in Merten Hall, Room 3300 or by Zoom

Featured Speaker:
Mike Schmidtmann – Head of Speaker Curation at TEDx Warrenton

Mike will present “How to Become a TEDx Speaker,” offering expert insights on what makes a TED Talk truly memorable, how it differs from keynotes and Toastmasters speeches, and the types of topics that get selected and promoted. Learn the strategies to stand out and get chosen to deliver your own TEDx talk.

Stay connected and learn more about GMU Toastmasters:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
LinkedIn

Questions or Concerns?
Please email [email protected].

Announcements from Parking & Transportation

Reminder: Deadline for Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award Extended
Nominations for the Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award are still open and the deadline has been extended to March 14. If you or somebody you know embodies Rick’s drive, enthusiasm, and commitment for active transportation, we’d be delighted by your nomination. For more details and the nomination sheet.

Put this on your Radar: Bike to Mason Day
As the weather warms up and everything comes into bloom, take some time to enjoy the season by riding your bike to work! Stop by our table for refreshments, information, and giveaways at our annual Bike to Mason Day. This year’s event will be held on April 22 at the Fairfax Campus and on April 24 at Mason Square. Keep your eyes open for more information.

Did you know: Commuter Choice and Bike Commuter Choice
All full-time staff (non-student) are eligible to participate in our Commuter Choice and Bike Commuter Choice programs.

Commuter Choice: Employees can request up to $325.00 per month to put towards their commute by public transit or vanpool. This is a tax-free benefit paid for by the University. Any unused funds won’t roll over to the next month so please request what you need (this can be adjusted monthly).

Bike Commuter Choice: This program has four tiers based on how much you ride. The more you ride the higher the tier level and financial incentive. For more information please visit http://bike.gmu.edu and select the Faculty/Staff Bike Commuter Choice Program.

Sign Up for MasonCommutes.com
Looking for someone to carpool with? Or a bike buddy? What to track how much CO2 you’re reducing while carpooling or riding to work? Check out MasonCommutes – the go-to site for planning your commute.

If you have any questions on this or any of the above, please contact Parking and Transportation at 3-2828 or via email at [email protected]

Manager Meetup: Navigating Age Difference in the Workplace

Age diversity can bring unique challenges and strengths, and it’s vital to have effective strategies to foster collaboration and inclusivity. Join the Supervision Collective at the March Manager Meetup to discuss strategies for navigating age differences in the workplace!

On Thursday, March 13 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., the Supervision Collective is hosting a Manager Meetup: Navigating Age Difference in the Workplace. In this session we will discuss how ageism in the workplace can manifest, affecting both younger and older employees, as well as strategies for combatting it to create a collaborative space across all age groups.

Updates from ITS

DeepSeek AI Ban on University Devices and Networks

On Tuesday, February 11, Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 46, banning the use of DeepSeek AI and other applications owned by the Chinese company Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd. on all university-owned devices and university networks, effective immediately. The use of DeepSeek AI at George Mason University is now strictly prohibited due to data protection, privacy, and security concerns. All university employees must comply with university policies, standards, guidelines, and federal regulations.

Changes to Duo “This is My Device” 

Information Technology Services (ITS) has reduced the number of days Duo Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is active on devices. When users confirm their identity with 2FA, they will receive a ‘This is my device’ prompt. The authentication will be active for 7 days. Users will not experience any visual changes. The change to 7 days from 14 days will provide users with another level of security to protect their identities and George Mason University’s IT resources.

Managed Windows Systems Upgrades Underway

Managed Windows Systems: Microsoft will end support of Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. ITS has begun gradually upgrading managed systems to Windows 11. As a reminder, users can self-upgrade their systems at any time through Software Center. If your system does not support Windows 11, please coordinate with your department to receive a new device. For more information, see the Windows 11 Roadmap.

Reminder: New Zoom Security Measures Coming May 2025

On Friday, May 16, 2025, ITS will implement a new security measure requiring all Zoom meetings to use a waiting room, passcode, or authentication for entry. If you currently have a Zoom meeting scheduled on or after the implementation date with no security measure in place, a waiting room will automatically be added to your meeting.

 

Updates from Facilities and Campus Operations

In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University. Photo by Facilities and Campus Operations
“Turning ‘trash’ into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream,”

When it’s time to clear out the garage or basement, some people might host a yard sale, selling old clothes, furniture, or housewares—whatever needs to go. After a successful yard sale, they might hope to have some extra pocket money.

Selling or redistributing surplus items from a public university is a bit more complicated, but the payoff is worth it. Since the arrival of Steve Pulis, purchasing manager in Facilities and Campus Operations, George Mason University has earned more than $1 million in surplus property sales—including furniture, equipment, and more.

Submit a Work Order if you notice something that is broken and needs to be fixed. You can also request via Work Order additional pick-ups for large volumes of trash/recycling.
  • You may submit a work order online or contact the Facilities Customer Service Center at 703-993-2525 for repairs and pick-ups of large volumes of trash/recycling. If an additional pickup is needed, you will not be charged a fee for large volume trash/recycling pick-ups.

Earth Month Begins April 1, 2025

Join University Sustainability and Facilities and Campus Operations, along with many partners, for a month of fun, educational, and engaging activities and events!

  • Earth Month is celebrated every April at George Mason University in support of Earth Day observed on April 22. Learn about Zero Waste Mason, Patriot Packout, the Patriot Green Fund, sustainable agriculture on campus, the Greenhouse and Gardens Program, the Better Bins Preview, enhancements to recycling and composting, and much more!
  • Make a sustainable impact, celebrate success, and learn about ongoing initiatives and how you can get involved in Earth Month. Visit the official Earth Month and start participating on April 1.

Meet Hannah King, Staff Senator and Communications Manager, College of Education and Human Development  

Role: I’m the Communications Manager for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). This includes managing all of our internal communications, flagship social media channels, working with the central George Mason communications team, and overseeing all of our communications projects including written pieces, photography, and videos.   

George Mason journey: I started at George Mason in January 2022 as a part-time Communications and Events Specialist in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management within CEHD. This was my first job after college, and I primarily worked on current student programming and communications within this role. During the spring 2022 semester, I partnered with our CEHD Student & Academic Affairs team to plan our CEHD Degree Celebration as we didn’t have anyone in that role at the time, and this helped familiarize myself with George Mason processes and teams, while learning more about our college. After the Degree Celebration, I was promoted into a full-time Communications and Event Coordinator role within the college and worked in that role for around a year before moving into my current role. I’ve had a lot of amazing opportunities for professional and personal growth during my time at George Mason, and I look forward to continuing my journey here.

Best thing about working George at Mason:  I believe the best part of working at George Mason is the community. I’m so fortunate to have an amazing team where I learn something new every day. There are so many wonderful people here, and it’s a place where various perspectives and voices are included and valued.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: I wanted to serve on the Staff Senate because I believe it’s important to advocate for staff voices and ensure we are a part of the decision-making process. I also want to give back to the community and help cultivate an inclusive, welcoming culture.

At the end of the day: I believe we are stronger when we work together. When we support one another and work together, we create a stronger culture and an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and ready to continue making George Mason a place where people want to come to work and go to learn.

March General Meeting Recordings

Charles “Cully” Stimson, Rector Board of Visitors. Photo by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/ George Mason University

The March General Meeting featured guest speaker Charles “Cully” Stimson, rector, George Mason University. During the general business meeting, there was a brief presentation regarding the Budget Model Redesign.

If you missed the session, you may review the recordings below:

April General Meeting Announcement

In honor of Earth Month, the Staff Senate April General Meeting will feature guest speaker Greg Farley, director, University Sustainability. Greg will share updates on current initiatives in University Sustainability.

Sonya Howell, director of payroll, Fiscal Services, will join the Staff Senate during the General Business Meeting Constituent Time to discuss the tax implications surrounding the Employee Tuition Exemption Benefit.

Wednesday, April 2
10 to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker, Greg Farley
11 a.m. to noon – Business Meeting
(Special Presentation on the Employee Tuition Exemption Benefit at 11:45 a.m. )

Constituents may attend in person in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom*.
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 931 0040 3860 / Passcode: 621190
Add to my Calendar

The Staff Senate will collect questions in advance for consideration. Please submit your questions by March 24. 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 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, and prompted to sign in. For more information, please access our helpful FAQ document.