Mason Staff Senate

Author: Amanda Corrigan

Categories
October 2025

Manager Meetup: Understanding Work Culture — A Continuous Journey

Join the Supervision Collective for an interactive session about workplace culture as an ongoing process that begins at hiring and continues throughout an employee’s time with the organization.

In the session, you will:

  • Reflect on your previous and current work culture experiences and the impact it has on work performance, productivity, and retention.
  • Collaborate by sharing strategies other teams use to foster a positive, consistent, and lasting workplace culture which can be implemented in your own team.
  • Date: Thursday, October 23 at 2 p.m.
  • Register Here

 

Categories
October 2025

November 2025 General Meeting Announcement

Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, Professor and Director of the George Mason Forensic Science Program
Dr. Mary Ellen O'Toole, Professor and Director of the George Mason Forensic Science Program

 

Wednesday, November 5
10 to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – Business Meeting

The Staff Senate November General Meeting guest speaker is Mary Ellen O’Toole, professor and director, Forensic Science program. Dr. O’Toole has spent her career studying the criminal mind. One of the most senior profilers for the FBI until her retirement in 2009, Dr. O’Toole has consulted and worked on some of the FBI’s most high profile cases involving infamous criminals. She will be joined by Emily Rancourt, professor and associate director, who works closely with Dr. O’Toole in the Forensic Science Program.

Constituents may attend in person in the Life Sciences and Engineering Building, Room 2402, Science and Technology Campus 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 will collect questions in advance for consideration. Please submit your questions using the form below by October 24. 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
September 2025

Supervision Collective: September Manager Meet-Up

Join the Supervision Collective for an interactive session focusing on preparing for mid-year check-in with your staff members for the current performance cycle. We will discuss strategies and tools to support you and your team in meeting their goals for this performance cycle and the academic year!

In the session, participants will:

  • Identify strategies to engage staff in mid-cycle performance conversations
  • Recognize the importance of revisiting performance goals with staff
  • Identify a timeline for engaging in these conversations with staff members

Registration here!

Categories
September 2025 October 2025

September 2025 General Meeting Recording and Written Follow-Up

The Staff Senate September General Meeting featured guest speaker, Chris Ackerman, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer. Responses to questions not addressed during the session have been collected and published.

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

Categories
September 2025

October General Meeting Announcement

Photo by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/ George Mason University

Dr. Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University, has been invited as our October Staff Senate meeting guest speaker.

Wednesday, October 1
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – Business Meeting

Constituents may attend in person in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via 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 collected questions in advance for consideration, but the deadline to submit has passed. 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
July 2025 August 2025

September General Meeting Announcement

The Staff Senate September General Meeting will feature guest speaker, Chris Ackerman, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.

Wednesday, September 3
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – Business Meeting

Constituents may attend in person in Merten Hall, Room 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom* / Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 931 0040 3860 / Passcode: 621190

The Staff Senate collected questions in advance for consideration. 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
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
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.

 

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.