Mason Staff Senate

Author: Amanda Corrigan

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August 2026

2026 Staff Senate Election Results

The election results are in! We are excited to announce both our newly elected and re-elected senators:

Fairfax Campus:

Stephanie Atkins, College of Education and Human Development

Matthew Berlejung, Information Technology Services

April Lopez, College of Education and Human Development

Georgina Mathies, Enrollment Management

Amanda Naylor, University Events

Emily Wang, Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning

Mason Square Campus:

Setarra Kennedy, College of Visual and Performing Arts

SciTech Campus:

Ethan Gardner, Government and Community Relations

Lorraine MacBride, Information Technology Services

Rizza Villacorte, College of Visual and Performing Arts

At-Large:

Lauren Reese, Information Technology Services

Thank you to our outgoing senators for your contributions and volunteerism:

Anthony DeMaio, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Hannah King, College of Education and Human Development

Regan McClure, University Libraries, Mason Square

Tiffany Sandstrum, College of Education and Human Development 

Donna Tressler, SciTech Campus Executive Office 

 

Categories
August 2026

August Benefits Corner: Patriot Perks

George Mason University employees have access to Patriot Perks, a program that connects the George Mason community with exclusive discounts at local businesses and national retailers.

Through this initiative, faculty and staff can save on a wide range of everyday expenses simply by showing a valid Mason ID or using designated promo codes.

What You’ll Find

Patriot Perks offers discounts across a variety of categories, including:

  • Dining and food services
  • Health and fitness
  • Entertainment and experiences
  • Retail and apparel
  • Travel and transportation
  • Professional and financial services

How It Works

  • Browse available deals online
  • Look for offers marked for faculty and staff
  • Present your Mason ID or follow the listed redemption instructions to save

The platform is regularly updated with new discounts, so there are always new opportunities to take advantage of.

Ready to start saving? Visit the official Patriot Perks website!

Categories
June 2026

June 2026 General Meeting Recording

The Staff Senate June General Meeting featured guest speakers, Paul Liberty, vice president of Government and Community Relations, and Tyler Javonillo, assistant director of State Government Relations. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.

Categories
June 2026

June Benefits Corner: Mason Recreation Membership Discount

Prioritize your wellness this summer with the Mason Recreation Faculty and Staff Promotional Membership. Whether you want to hit the pool, challenge a colleague to pickleball, or refresh your gym routine, we have everything you need to stay active right here on campus.

The cost is $75 for access from May 16 through August 15, 2026. Eligibility: must be a current George Mason faculty/staff member. Payroll deduction cannot be used to cover this membership. Enroll online or in-person.

Extra benefits include:

  • One free InBody Scan over the summer
  • 20% off an annual membership purchase after the summer, and a second free InBody Scan to track your progress
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Submit Staff Shout Outs

 

The Staff Senate would like to recognize outstanding staff members across the university with a shout-out in our newsletter. If your unit has recently honored a staff member with an award, recognition, or other achievement, please share it with us via this form so we can highlight them in an upcoming newsletter and/or on our website.

Each month, we look forward to sharing as many shout-outs as space allows. While we may not be able to feature every submission or include all accompanying photos, we will do our best to highlight as many wonderful updates as possible. If your shout-out is not included in the current issue, please know it may be considered for a future newsletter.

Categories
May 2026

SciTech Townhomes Offer Space and Affordability for Faculty and Staff

As the anchor for Northern Virginia’s first Innovation District, George Mason University’s Science and Technology Campus is going through a major growth spurt. George Mason employees now have the option to live in the center of it all. George Mason is offering affordable, high-quality housing to faculty and staff at the SciTech Townhomes. Faculty and staff are eligible to rent spacious two- or three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom units with private garages. Read more. To learn more, contact the property manager.

Categories
May 2026

May Benefits Corner: Commonwealth of Virginia Discount Marketplace

Commonwealth of Virginia Discount Marketplace is your exclusive employee perks program. After signing in, you will have access to a wide variety of money saving offers, including discount tickets, cars, rentals, and hotels; as well as amazing product and service deals for your everyday needs. You can sign-in and learn more here. 

Categories
May 2026

June 2026 General Business Meeting Announcement

Paul Liberty, vice president of Government and Community Relations, and Tyler Javonillo, assistant director of State Government Relations, will join the Staff Senate as our June General Meeting guest speakers.

Wednesday, June 3
9:40 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Staff Senate Recognition Ceremony 
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – General Business Meeting
11 a.m. to noon – Guest Speakers
Constituents are invited to attend in person at Fairfax, 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: SS123
Add this meeting to your calendar.

The Staff Senate collected questions in advance for consideration. We will accept 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 Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents. Find more ways to engage with the senate before, during, and after our general meetings.

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June 2026

May 2026 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 May General Meeting featured guest speaker, Dr. Gregory Washington, president, George Mason University. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.

Constituent questions that were submitted but not answered due to time constraints have been submitted to the appropriate teams for response. As responses are received, they will be posted here.

 

Categories
July 2026

Professional Development Series on Working in Uncertain Times

Registration for University Business Consulting’s (UBC) annual Summer Knowledge Share Series is now open! These professional development opportunities are free and open to all faculty and staff. This summer’s series – Winning this Season: Building Your Personal Playbook for Stewardship, Strategy, and Leadership in Uncertain Times – has two more sessions left this summer. Join UBC on July 8 for Offensive Moves – Adapting and Coordinating in a Complex Institution, and on August 11 for Coaching Your Team – Accountability, Well-Being, and Communication.

Sessions will be held at noon in Merten Hall and via Zoom. Find out more and register on the UBC website.