Author: Amanda Corrigan

April 2026 September 2026

New SciTech Townhomes Available

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date April 8, 2026

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.

New for Fall 2026: There are 20 brand new units available, including affordable 1-bedroom options!

For questions or to set up a tour, contact the property manager.

April 2026

2026 University Life Student Success Symposium Proposal Submission

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date April 7, 2026

Calling all faculty, staff, and graduate students – University Life (UL) wants you to present at the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium!

How? Submit a program proposal for the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium by April 13 at noon.

When? The UL Symposium Pre-Conference will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and the UL Symposium will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Where? Join UL at the Johnson Center on the George Mason University Fairfax Campus for this dynamic in-person conference

Proposal Submission Overview

To learn more about the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium, please see the event program overview and learning outcomes on the UL homepage.

Program submission guidelines, criteria for different program types, relevant competencies, and supporting materials are detailed on the UL Symposium Call for Programs webpage.*

*Please review the information provided carefully, as the requirements are different than other professional organization-based conferences*

To submit a program proposal for either a Symposium educational session or a Pre-Conference workshop, access the submission form here.

Registration for the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium will be live later this month.

Profile of a Senator April 2026

Meet Danielle Fritz, Staff Senator

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date April 7, 2026

Role: As Risk Control Manager at George Mason University, I oversee the Accident Incident and Programs, Events, and Camps (PEC) programs and serve as the International Travel Action Officer for the University Travel Advisory Committee (UTAC), ensuring compliance and safety. In addition, I support the administration of the Commonwealth’s Risk Management Plan and other specialty insurance programs. My responsibilities include managing certificates of insurance, providing technical oversight of risk-related databases and training platforms, and conducting claims and insurance data analysis.

Mason journey: I began my career at George Mason University in September 2011, shortly after relocating to the area with my husband, a Navy service member, and our three boys. I was first hired as a part-time administrative support staff member, and over the years, my role has evolved significantly. Each transition has offered new opportunities for growth, learning, and contribution—allowing me to build a fulfilling career while supporting the university’s mission.

Best thing about working at Mason: George Mason University has given me the opportunity to build a meaningful career—something that can be especially challenging for military spouses who relocate every few years. Beyond professional growth, what I truly love about Mason is the people. There’s a genuine sense of community among faculty, staff, and students that’s rare in corporate environments. It’s a place where collaboration, support, and belonging thrive.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: As an at-large member of the Staff Senate, I believe it is essential to ensure that the voices of staff working in remote or hybrid roles are heard and represented. These employees face unique challenges and opportunities, and I am committed to advocating for their needs, promoting inclusivity, and helping build stronger connections across our university community—regardless of physical location.

At the end of the day: I am thrilled to have been elected for a second term to the Staff Senate and plan to continue to advocate for remote/hybrid employees. I believe that, as staff, the better we support each other the better we support the institution.

April 2026

Outstanding Supervisor Awards 2026: Finalists and Nominees

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date April 7, 2026

The Outstanding Supervisor Award, sponsored by the Mason Staff Senate, seeks to recognize supervisors who routinely go above and beyond to provide unparalleled leadership, mentorship, and support within their departments or offices. Outstanding supervisors model and promote a positive work-life balance and strive to serve not only their departments or offices, but also their personnel.

During the Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on April 14, the Staff Senate will recognize two awardees for outstanding supervisor:

Ann Garner, assistant director, Career Advising, University Career Services
Olga O’Brien, general manager, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center

In addition to our two finalists, we would also like to recognize all of the outstanding supervisor nominees this year! Thank you for all you do to support your colleagues and the university!

2026 Nominees for Outstanding Supervisor:
Elizabeth Bartles
Ernest Barreto
Arne Bergquist
Rachel Cleaver
Kevin Connor
Krystal Dains
Birgit Debeerst
Elizabeth Dean
Michaela Ghosting
Jesse Guessford
Dr. Rebekah Hersch
Beverley Jackson
Kelly Keady
Jason King
Tonya Lawrence
Jason Limonta
Jenna McGwin
Robin Parker
Aliya Rinaldi
Tracy Shevlin
Korey Singleton
Amy Snyder
Julie Ta
Elizabeth Torrens

April 2026

April 2026 General Meeting Recordings

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date April 7, 2026

Tags Meeting Recording

April 2026

May General Business Meeting Announcement

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date April 7, 2026

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

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

Wednesday, May 6
10 a.m. to noon
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting
Constituents are invited to attend in person at Mason Square, Hazel Hall, Room 121, or join the meeting via Zoom.
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 946 9452 3314 / Passcode: 760740
Add this meeting to my calendar.

The Staff Senate collected questions in advance for consideration. We will also be accepting 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.

April 2026

Your Voice Matters: The Engagement Survey Is Now Open Through April 21

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date March 30, 2026

The 2026 Faculty and Staff Experience (FSE) Survey is officially open – and Human Resources wants to hear your voice. You play a vital role in shaping our community, our culture, and the student experience. The FSE Survey is more than a check‑the‑box activity; it is one of the most direct ways you can influence decisions, improvements, and initiatives that impact your daily work.

What the Survey Measures

The survey focuses on your workplace experience – what helps you do your best work and where barriers may exist. It asks about:

Whether you feel valued and supported
What resources and opportunities you have
How meaningful and purposeful your work feels
Your opportunities for growth and professional development

This data helps us understand not just how we’re doing, but how you’re doing.

Why Your Participation Matters

Your feedback drives meaningful change. Survey results guide leaders at every level in making improvements, revisiting priorities, and strengthening team culture. Your insights help highlight what’s working well – and where attention or support is needed.

It strengthens what we already do well. Positive feedback matters, too. When teams identify strengths, leaders can preserve and reinforce them, ensuring that the practices already benefiting you continue.

It sparks real conversations. Survey data opens the door for deeper dialogue within teams. Your responses help managers understand your experiences, invite discussion, and collaborate on solutions.

How Your Engagement Supports Student Success

When faculty and staff are engaged – supported, energized, and emotionally connected to their work – students benefit. Research shows that engaged employees create environments where students are more likely to thrive and feel confident recommending their programs to others. When you thrive, students thrive.

Help Shape George Mason’s Future

Your perspective is essential to building a workplace where everyone can grow, contribute, and succeed. The more voices represented, the clearer the picture we gain of our community’s needs and strengths.

The FSE Survey is open now through April 21.

Take the survey. Share your truth. Shape your workplace.

For questions, contact [email protected].

April 2026

OLLI Mason Ideas Festival Celebrates Lifelong Learning

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date March 23, 2026

Staff are invited to attend the first-ever Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Mason Ideas Festival on May 8-9. The free festival will introduce adults 50 and older to OLLI Mason’s quality educational, social, and cultural opportunities.

Held on the Fairfax campus, the OLLI Mason’s Ideas Festival will include a panel discussion on global perspectives in aging, as well as 20 educational classes on topics from art to health to history to yoga. Many of OLLI’s clubs will also take part in the festival, showcasing the variety of hobbies and interests that older adults can explore through the program.

You can learn more and RSVP on the OLLI Mason website.

Profile of a Senator March 2026

Meet Diana St.Amand-Campos, Staff Senator

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date March 9, 2026

Role: In my role, I drive strategic partnerships, develop and promote programs, and support adult learners and professionals. I assist with grant proposals and contract opportunities to expand CPE offerings while ensuring programs are innovative, impactful, and aligned with both learner and organizational goals.

Mason journey: I began my journey at George Mason University in October 2022, joining the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) division under the Office of the Provost. Prior to this role, I served as a Military/Veteran Advisor at Northern Virginia Community College, where I had the privilege of supporting service members, veterans, and their families in pursuing their academic and career goals. I also worked as a High School Outreach Coordinator, building bridges between education and opportunity for students preparing to take their next steps in life. These experiences shaped my passion for access, equity, and educational advancement, which I now bring to my role at Mason.

Best thing about working at Mason: What I love most about Mason is the freedom to take initiative, lead projects independently, and deliver meaningful results that make a real impact. I also value the autonomy to innovate and shape programs that truly support learners’ growth. Mason empowers me to take ownership, drive initiatives, and see the tangible results of my efforts.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: Service has always been at the heart of my career and personal mission. Whether assisting military families, guiding students, or now helping to create pathways for professional growth through continuing education, I find joy and purpose in being able to support others. As a Business Development Specialist, I work to connect organizations and individuals with programs that strengthen workforce skills, build careers, and contribute to community development. Serving in this capacity allows me to uplift people while advancing Mason’s vision of innovation and transformation.

At the end of the day: As a Staff Senator, I believe in the power of being part of the conversation. Having a seat at the table is not only about representation but about ensuring that diverse perspectives, experiences, and needs are heard and valued. I see this role as an opportunity to be a beacon for change—bringing forward ideas that improve the staff experience and strengthen the Mason community. By working collaboratively with colleagues across the university, I aim to help shape solutions that create lasting impact for both staff and students.

March 2026

March 2026 General Meeting Recording

Post author By Amanda Corrigan
Post date March 9, 2026

The Staff Senate March General Meeting featured guest speaker, Chris Ackerman, vice president of Human Resources, and a panel of other George Mason Human Resources leaders. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the session, please review the recording.

Questions that were submitted but not answered during the meeting have been submitted to Human Resources for response. Once available, they’ll be posted here and shared in an upcoming Staff Senate newsletter.

Tags Meeting Recording