Mason Staff Senate

Author: Amanda Corrigan

Categories
Featured on Homepage June 2025

Prospective Staff Senator Information Session Recording

 

On May 21, 2025, The Staff Senate held an information session and discussion for George Mason classified and non-student wage staff interested in learning about the nomination and election process, the work of the senate, and what senators do. During the presentation, constituents learned about the structure of the senate, how its committees work, and the time commitment expected of senators. The recording of this session is now available.

If you still have questions about our work or the nomination/election process, please email [email protected].

 

Categories
May 2025

Mason Arts Discounted Tickets

Discounted tickets for Individual performances now available! Faculty, Staff, and Alumni receive 10% off select tickets

Mason faculty, staff, and alumni save 10% off tickets for individual performances at the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Center for the Arts. Some exceptions apply.

Faculty/staff, present your Mason ID to the Ticket Office to claim your discount. Alumni, call or visit the venue Ticket Offices or register to receive communications and your alumni discount code.

Categories
Featured on Homepage May 2025

June General Meeting Announcement

Our June General Meeting will feature Lauren Posey, director, State Government Relations.

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
9:40 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Staff Senate Recognition Ceremony
10 to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Meeting
Constituents can 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 this meeting to your calendar.

The Staff Senate will collect questions in advance for consideration. We will also be accepting live questions, time permitting. Please submit your questions using the form below by May 23.

June 2025 Questions for Lauren Posey

    If yes, you will need to provide your name above so we can call on you during the meeting.

 

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 April 2025

Meet Kerry Hentges, Staff Senator and Programming and Administrative Coordinator, University Life SciTech

Kerry Hentges, Staff Senator and Programming and Administrative Coordinator, University Life SciTech

Role: As the Programming and Administrative Coordinator for University Life on the Science and Technology Campus, I’m passionate about creating dynamic student events that engage the SciTech community. I work with students and connect them with valuable University Life resources. I also serve as the HR and Finance Liaison, where I provide support and guidance to the University Life Regional Campuses team. 

 George Mason Journey: I joined George Mason as a young professional eager to make a difference helping others. I began my journey in Housing and Residence Life as an Administrative Assistant for the Shenandoah Neighborhood, where I supervised the 24-hour desk staff. In 2019, I joined the University Life SciTech team and started my role planning student events. Throughout my time at Mason, I earned my graduate degree in Visual Arts with a certificate in Art Education.

Best Thing About Working at George Mason: The best thing about working at Mason is the people! My coworkers are welcoming and always open to collaborate on projects. I have made a lot of great friends while working here.

Why Serve on the Staff Senate: I joined Staff Senate to foster my passion for helping others and learn more about the Mason community. Three of my top 5 strengths focus on my love of learning (Input, Intellection, and Learner). I want to continue to learn and grow in my role and support my fellow coworkers  in the work they do.

 At the end of the day: I love connecting with new people and helping them feel welcome at Mason. We are a diverse community that thrives on the unique contributions of each member. I am proud to be a part of this team.

Categories
April 2025

April General Meeting Recordings

The April General Meeting featured guest speaker Greg Farley, director, University Sustainability. Greg shared updates on current initiatives in University Sustainability.

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

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

Categories
April 2025

May General Meeting Announcement

Sharnnia Artis, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Office for Diversity Equity and Inclusion. photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

The Staff Senate May General Meeting will feature guest speaker, Sharnnia Artis, Ph.D., vice president, Office of Access, Compliance, and Community.

Wednesday, May 7
10 to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker, Sharnnia Artis
11 a.m. to noon – Business Meeting
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 this meeting to your calendar.

The Staff Senate will collect questions in advance for consideration. Please submit your question using the form below by April 25. Live questions will be accepted, 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.

 

 

 

 

Categories
March 2025

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.

Categories
March 2025

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.

Categories
March 2025

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].

Categories
March 2025

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]