Author: Amanda Corrigan

As the fall semester comes rapidly to a close, the days are flying by. Soon enough the university will shift into exam schedules and then we will be off for the break. It is important to remember that not all of our classified staff and non-student wage colleagues will have the same amount of time away from the university. Operations must go on and paychecks must be cut. To those of the Mason community who will need to be here at any time over the break, I and the rest of the Staff Senate thank you for your dedication and service to the university.

November has been a busy month. The Staff Senate has engaged an outreach program to meet you in your space. Following the survey we released for the President’s Contract Review, two of our Senators went out and connected with staff to hear their voice. We’ll be trying this out for a bit, so if you’d like to see them come to your building, send us a message!

I had the opportunity to lobby on behalf of staff during a visit from a group of state legislators.  I discussed with them the need for increased pay, as well as facility concerns regarding Robinson Hall and the infrastructure to the university that is in need of an overdue upgrade. Events like these are only strengthening our voice at Mason and if there are issues you’d like me to raise with the state, please let me know. 

I hope that you all enjoy the next few weeks as the semester winds down.  I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Have happy and safe holidays!

Nicole Roth
Chair, Staff Senate
[email protected]

This feature investigates and answers questions from Mason staff, related to anything at Mason. Submit your questions online.

Mason Basketball Ticket Discount

Q: Are there discounts available to staff for Mason Basketball tickets?

A: For men’s basketball, Mason offers discounted season tickets for faculty and staff. The tickets are prorated, and prices vary depending on the priority section. Discounted, prorated season tickets start at $182. There is also a Top of the Nation season ticket for $126. Top of the Nation is a regular season ticket that is located on either side of the Green Machine (sections 107 and 110), which doesn’t require any donation to the Patriot Club. Currently, there is no single game discount, but mini-plans that include fewer games can be purchased at a discounted rate.

For all other sports games/events, Mason faculty and staff can receive two tickets per Mason ID for $4 each.

To purchase discounted tickets or inquire about more information, contact Alyssa Williams, Ticket Sales Representative, at 703-993-3491 or [email protected].

University Libraries is packing and moving more than one million books and journals, special collections, archives, various equipment, and nearly 100 library staff into the new Fenwick Library. This enormous project affects all floors of the existing Fenwick Library.

Once print books are moved into the new space, they will not be directly available to users until the new facility opens in January 2016. Library staff will retrieve needed print items during the move. Submit requests at bit.ly/needthisitem.

Details about the Fenwick Library move are available at fenwickfocus.gmu.edu.

For questions, contact Susan Stockwell at [email protected] or 703-993-2225.

Parking Services is collecting toy and food donations at the Fairfax, Arlington, and SciTech Parking Services offices.

If you owe a fine for a parking ticket, you may donate new, unwrapped toys or nonperishable food items at the Parking Services office, and your account will be credited based on the following:

• 1 toy = $10 credit
• 2 toys = $20 credit
• 5 cans/boxes of food = $10 credit
• 10 cans/boxes of food = $20 credit

A $20 credit is allowed per citation, with credit for up to three citations ($60), or receive up to a $20 credit toward an upgrade to a parking deck spring permit.

The deadline to submit donations for credit is 12 p.m. on the following dates:

• Arlington: December 14
• SciTech: December 15
• Fairfax: December 16

Food donations will be given to Mason’s Pop Up Pantry. Suggested items include:

• Small cereal cups
• Pasta/rice
• Snacks (chips, crackers, protein bars)
• Non-refrigerated drinks (Gatorade, water, energy)
• Toilet paper
• Sauces/dressings
• Paper towels
• Shampoo/conditioner
• Deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, beef)

For questions, contact Parking Services at 703-993-2828.

Join your Mason family for a celebration as we conclude another successful year.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall

Drop off Toys for Tots donations in the Cinema lobby during the event.

Happy Holidays!

Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus is available to all active George Mason University employees at no cost. Mason provides each active employee with the latest version of Microsoft Office, which includes software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc., to use on personally-owned (non-Mason) computers or mobile devices. Each employee may install Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus on up to five (non-Mason) computers and five mobile devices (personal or Mason-owned) by using their @gmu.edu email address.

For additional information and installation instructions, visit tsd.gmu.edu/services/office365/ProPlus/index.cfm.

Contact the ITS Support Center at [email protected] or 703-993-8870 with questions.

Before I started working at Mason in October 2010, I was an undergraduate student in Mason’s Music Performance program. I came to Mason as a student because I had a music teacher in high school who studied music education at Mason and highly recommended the program. I completed my Bachelors of Music in Performance (Viola). While I was a student, I worked in the Johnson Center Library (now known as the Gateway Library).

I joined Staff Senate so I can offer a voice for my colleagues in the libraries and all Mason Staff, turning any complaints into action for improvement. I serve on the Events Committee (the “party-planning” committee), which organizes Staff Appreciation Events throughout the year, along with the annual Toys for Tots donation drive during the holiday season.

Fun fact about me: I was on the wrestling team in high school.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and music (playing, singing, listening, and arranging).

Katara Wright is an Access Services Specialist, Fenwick Circulation, with University Libraries. 

Wednesday, December 2
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Fairfax: Innovation Hall, Room 334
Arlington: Founders Hall, Room B119 (videoconferenced)
Science and Technology: Bull Run Hall, Room 254 (videoconferenced)
Front Royal: Academic, Room 219 (videoconferenced)

Guest Speaker:
Lori Ann Roth, Director of Training and Organizational Development, Human Resources and Payroll, will present a session on StrengthsFinder. All are welcome to attend and learn how to integrate strengths into our work at Mason. To take the StrengthsFinder assessment for free, visit masonwbu.gallup.com/signin/default.aspx#home. After the assessment is complete, print the “Strengths Insight” and “Signature Themes” documents and bring them to the meeting.

Guest speaker begins at noon, followed by time to ask questions, express concerns, or offer accolades about issues concerning Mason staff. Contact [email protected] with questions.

A heartfelt congratulations to Kelley Shillingburg, Finance/Fiscal Manager with the Mason Enterprise Center, for being selected as the November 2015 Employee of the Month award winner. Read more about Kelley in this Mason News article.

Do you know a superstar? Make sure he or she receives the deserved recognition, and submit a nomination for Mason’s Employee of the Month. Additional information can be found on the HR awards page.

Contact Reward and Recognition at [email protected] with questions.