Mason Staff Senate
Categories
Featured on Homepage Profile of a Senator January 2026

Meet Sarah Alharshan, Staff Senator and Academic Advisor, Information Sciences & Technology (IST) Department    

Role: I serve as an Academic Advisor in the IST department, where I support undergraduate and graduate students throughout their academic journey at George Mason. I meet regularly with students to guide them in course planning, address academic or career concerns, and help them make the most of their Mason experience. I aim to create a welcoming environment where students feel heard, supported, and empowered to succeed. My work also involves collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure students are on track for graduation and aligned with their career goals. 

Mason journey:I began my career at Mason in February 2022 as an Administrative Specialist in the IST department. In 2025, I transitioned into my current role as an Academic Advisor. Before joining Mason, I worked overseas as a university lecturer, teaching undergraduate students in information systems. Shifting from classroom teaching to student advising has allowed me to continue supporting student success in a more personalized and holistic way. I am also honored to serve as a 2025 Staff Senator. 

Best thing about working at Mason: What I value most about Mason is its diverse and inclusive community. I don’t feel different here—I feel welcomed and appreciated. Working with both students and colleagues from many backgrounds enriches my day-to-day experience and fosters a sense of collaboration, learning, and mutual respect. The supportive environment and teamwork within the department truly reflect the spirit of Mason. 

Why serve on the Staff Senate:I joined the Staff Senate because I want to support Mason staff at a broader level. I believe in advocating for our needs, sharing our voices, and contributing to a more connected campus. I want to help address concerns, learn from others, and offer my own experience as part of a meaningful and supportive community. I also enjoy the opportunity to be involved in initiatives that positively impact the university. 

At the end of the day:At the end of the day, I feel fulfilled knowing I helped someone—whether that’s a student finding the right class or a colleague navigating a complex process. Supporting others is what motivates me, and being part of their success brings me joy and purpose. 

Categories
Profile of a Senator December 2025

Meet Chanel Figueroa, Staff Senator

 

Role: I am the CRM Training Specialist within Enrollment Management. My primary responsibilities are to support and curate training, adoption, and documentation for users of our CRM systems (TargetX and Patriot Connect).   

Mason journey: My journey at Mason began over 10 years ago, in 2013, when I worked as a Shift Lead in the Office of University Information (a division of University Branding at the time), where I supervised students working at the information desks around campus. I left the university, then came back in 2015 to work as a Recruitment and Outreach Specialist in CEHD. In this role, and subsequently as Assistant Director of Recruitment, I revamped recruitment activities for our programs, including building relationships on campus and with external stakeholders, planning recruitment events, guiding recruitment communications, and tracking them in our CRM systems. During my time in CEHD, I also taught University 100 several times and served on the CEHD Staff Council, a group that strived to enhance the experience for our staff. A project I’m proud of from my time on the CEHD Staff Council was the creation of a ‘New to CEHD Guide,’ a resource specifically tailored for new staff within the college.  

I left again in 2021 but returned in January of this year, which marks the culmination of the knowledge I gained in CEHD and some of the training skills I learned in my previous role. As Patriot Connect continues to come online, I’m excited to support our users on this new and exciting journey! 

Best thing about working at Mason: As cliché as it sounds, the people! I’ve returned to Mason (twice!) not only for the opportunities, but because the people at Mason are incredibly kind, engaged, and student-focused through and through. We collectively strive to embody Mason’s values every day. 

Why serve on the Staff Senate: Simply put, I am proud to be a member of the Mason staff. We work hard for our communities and deserve to have advocates. Additionally, I am so impressed by the work the Staff Senate does and am grateful for the opportunity to serve.  

At the end of the day: If, as a Staff Senator, I can give a voice to one of my colleagues or successfully support an initiative that enhances support for fellow staff, I will feel accomplished.  

 

 

 

Categories
Uncategorized

Mason Career Academy

Categories
Featured on Homepage December 2025

December 2025 General Meeting Recording

During the December General Meeting, Josh Cantor, director, Parking and Transportation provided an updated from Parking and Transportation. For those who missed the meeting, or would like to re-watch the session, the recording is now available.

Categories
Featured on Homepage December 2025 January 2026

February 2025 General Meeting Announcement

Wednesday, February 4
10 to 11 a.m. – Business Meeting
11 a.m. to noon – Guest speaker, Marvin Lewis

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 this meeting to my calendar.

Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics, has been invited as our Staff Senate February General Meeting guest speaker. Vice Rector Michael Meese has been invited to provide an update from the Board of Visitors at the beginning of the business meeting at 10 a.m. His attendance is pending.

The Staff Senate will collect questions for Mr. Lewis in advance for consideration. Please submit your questions using the form below. Live questions will be accepted, time permitting.

    If yes, you will need to provide your name above so you can be called on.

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.

Categories
November 2025

December 2025 General Business Meeting Announcement

Wednesday, December 3
10 to 11 a.m. – December Staff Appreciation Bingo!
11 a.m. to noon – Business Meeting

Space Update: Constituents may attend in person in the Main Reading Room at Fenwick Library, Room 2001, 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 this meeting to my calendar.

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.

Categories
Profile of a Senator November 2025

Meet Kat Trejo, Staff Senator and ADVANCE Success Coach, Student Success Coaching   

Kat Trejo, Staff Senator and ADVANCE Success Coach, Student Success Coaching

Role: In my role, I am responsible for transitioning students from the ADVANCE program that come from one of our six partnered community colleges including Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), who have the last names K-O. I ensure they understand what documentation is required of them to continue transitioning over with little to no issues. After matriculation has been finalized, I provide holistic care to my caseload within the Student Success Coaching’s nine focus areas to help students navigate their college experience and discuss all aspects of their life that affect their overall well-being while at George Mason. 

Mason journey: My journey began at George Mason in the summer of 2018 as a STEP Scholar. I graduated in the Spring of 2022 with a Bachelors of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with an individualized concentration in Community Engagement with Displaced Populations. I have always been passionate about the Mason community and being able to assist in bridging gaps for other first-generation students, like myself.  

 Best thing about working at Mason: The best thing about working at Mason is the level of community you can find among students, staff and faculty. Those at Mason truly care about the success of our students regardless of their background or life circumstances. 

 Why serve on the Staff Senate: I chose to serve on Staff Senate because I want to be able to foster discussions around topics we don’t see commonly discussed as it relates to student and staff/wage employees success and well-being. In a time where our institution is under attack, I think the best way forward is to continue fostering difficult discussions with a community care lens since we are all in this fight together. 

 At the end of the day: I have a true passion for service and commitment to those who come after us. As staff, we not only keep our students going but we keep each other going as well. Giving back to the very people who put in countless hours of love, empathy and problem-solving into all student cases should be talked about, celebrated and discussed about how to continue making things easier and more accessible for them to keep up the good work. 

 

 

Categories
November 2025

Supervision Collective: November Meetup

Join the University Life Supervision Collective for an interactive discussion, Leveraging Strengths to Build Stronger Teams on Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 2 to  3 p.m. Get ready to unlock StrengthsFinder to support your team in illuminating complementary team dynamics. This interactive hour will help you:

  • Consider how Strengths can inform team dynamics
  • Understand tools to support the use of Strengths on your team
  • Leverage Strengths on your team and encourage the use of Strengths

In the session, participants will:

  • Explore how Strengths show up on your team in the workplace
  • Examine examples of Strengths Mapping to inform team dynamics
  • Identify a minimum of one strategy to implement in your practice leveraging Strengths

Register now!

Categories
November 2025

November 2025 General Meeting Recording

 

The Staff Senate November General Meeting featured professors Mary Ellen O’Toole and Emily Rancourt from the Forensic Science program. For those who missed the meeting, or would like to re-watch the session, the recording is now available. Note: This recording contains content that may be sensitive for some viewers regarding criminal case investigations. The portion of the recording describing the Forensic Science Research and Training Laboratory begins at 22:30.

During our general business meeting, Gregg Black, director of emergency management and fire safety, shared an update on campus event security. For those who missed the meeting, or would like to re-watch the session, the recording is now available.

Categories
October 2025

October 2025 General Meeting Recording

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

The Staff Senate October General Meeting featured guest speaker, Dr. Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University.

For those who missed the meeting, or would like to re-watch the session, the recording is now available.