Categories
June 2019

Message from the Chair – June 2019

Lauren Reuscher, Staff Senate. Photo by Creative Services/George Mason University

Happy summer, Mason staff!

My name is Lauren Reuscher, and I was recently selected to serve as the new chair for Staff Senate. I am excited and honored to step into this role.

I work in the Office of Communications and Marketing, and I recently celebrated my 10-year work anniversary at Mason. I have worked at the Fairfax, Arlington, and SciTech Campuses. I’m also a Mason grad—I completed my master’s in history in 2012 (one of the great benefits of working at Mason!). I am a working mom to a two-year-old daughter, who keeps my husband and me on our toes.

I joined Staff Senate five years ago, and it has been a rewarding experience. Your Staff Senators are incredibly engaged, knowledgeable, and hard-working. They devote time and energy to advocate for and appreciate the work of staff across the university. They are motivated to serve the Mason community beyond the scope of their day-to-day jobs. I’m lucky to be part of such an inspiring group.

If you’re looking for a way to get more involved on campus, consider joining us. The Staff Senate nomination period is open from June 10-21. Check out more information here. You can nominate yourself or a colleague. The Staff Senate thrives by having a variety of perspectives and experiences represented at the table.

As I start this new chapter in my service to the senate, I want to thank our outgoing chair, Chris Maier, for his hard work, dedication, and contributions to the university.

I hope you all can take some time to relax and recharge during the summer months ahead. We know things will only ramp up from here!

Go Mason!

Lauren Clark Reuscher
Chair, Staff Senate

Categories
June 2019

Re-Learn to Relax Well-Being Seminar

When is the last time you felt so relaxed that you could totally unwind? Life moves fast and those moments of quiet relaxation seem few and far between. The Re-learn to Relax: CommonHealth’s Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness for Busy Beginners program will:

  • Guide participants through a five-minute daily meditation exercise
  • Discuss the physical and mental benefits of meditation and mindfulness
  • Explore ways to find moments of calm during busy days
  • Discuss how to use technology to your advantage
  • Address techniques to help you power down for a good night’s sleep

Session details and registration links:

Fairfax Campus
June 13, Merten Hall, Room 1202, 12 to 1 p.m.
Register on MasonLEAPS and select “Request”

SciTech Campus
June 18, Bull Run Hall, Room 247, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Register on MasonLEAPS and select “Request”

Arlington Campus
June 25, Founders Hall, Room 313, 12 to 1 p.m.
Register on MasonLEAPS and select “Request”

If you have questions, email hr@gmu.edu.

Categories
June 2019

Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship

Are you a faculty or staff member enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Mason? Then apply for the competitive $250 book scholarship!

The application deadline is Friday, June 14, 2019. For details, questions, and to apply, visit the Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship page.

Categories
June 2019

Staff Senate Nomination Period Open June 10-21

Staff Appreciation Coffee KlatchBecoming a Staff Senator is a great way to get involved with the university community and to have an impact on your workplace. The Senate provides many opportunities to learn how the university works and to network with administrators and staff members outside of your unit.

The Senate accepts nominations each June, and elections are held in July. Terms begin in August and are for two years. 2019 dates are below:

  • Nominations accepted Monday, June 10, through Friday, June 21, at 5 p.m.
  • Elections held Monday, July 8, through Friday, July 19, at 5 p.m.
Categories
June 2019

Parking and Transportation Updates: June 2019

Mason Shuttle Schedule and Independence Day

There will be no shuttle service on Thursday, July 4, or Friday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

For questions about Mason Shuttles, contact shuttle@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828.

Commuting on I-66? Consider Alternate Commuting Options During Construction

As the I-66 construction project continues, this may be a great opportunity to consider new commuting options. Incentives are available for public transit, vanpooling, carpooling, and more. For additional details, visit the Transform 66 website.

Mason also offers incentives for commuting by public transit (Commuter Choice) or via vanpool and carpool. More information is available at transportation.gmu.edu.

Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu.

Dine Around via the CUE Bus

Use the CUE bus to check out some dining options in the City of Fairfax. Check out the Discover CUE website for ideas.

The CUE Bus is free for students, faculty, and staff with a valid Mason ID.

Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu with questions.

Categories
June 2019

Training Opportunities from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being

Leveraging the Power of Polarity Thinking ProgramBecome a Certified Leadership and Well-Being Coach

Become a certified leadership and well-being coach! Join the Professional Certificate in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being program, designed for professionals working for positive change and accredited by the International Coach Federation.

Now accepting applications for Cohort 7 – Fall 2019 Semester (September 2019 to January 2020) and Cohort 8 – Spring 2020 Semester (February 2020 to June 2020). The program takes place in five modules over five months.

Mason alumni and classified employees receive a 10 percent discount on tuition. Learn more by reading these coaching alumni stories and more information. Questions? Contact coaching@gmu.edu or 703-993-6090.

Change Your Life for Greater Well-Being through Positive Leadership

Join leadership experts Dr. Steve Gladis and Dr. Beth Cabrera this fall for Mason’s Positive Leadership program! Learn skills and strategies for enhancing personal and professional well-being and boosting team performance.

The next cohort takes place November 18–19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, in the Johnson Center Bistro on Mason’s Fairfax Campus.

Learn more and register.

Learn Well-Being Leadership Skills to Manage Complexity and Stress

Successfully manage the complex, stressful situations you face personally and professionally. Join Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being October 28–30 for the new Leveraging the Power of Polarity Thinking certificate program!

The many different dimensions of effective leadership—from communication to change management—all include polarities: opposing forces that create tension in complex situations. You can learn one approach through this program and it can apply across the board to whatever decisions you face as a leader.

Learn more and register.

Categories
May 2019

Parking and Transportation Updates – May 2019

Mason Shuttle on the Fairfax Campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Mason Shuttles Summer Schedules Available

Parking and Transportation has posted the summer shuttle schedules at shuttle.gmu.edu. The summer schedules begin on Monday, May 20.

There will be no shuttle service on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day.

For questions, contact shuttle@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828.

Bike Maintenance from The Bike Lane

The Bike Lane will visit the Fairfax Campus with their mobile van to offer fee-based, on-site bike maintenance by appointment on May 13 and 16. They will set up in the Merten Hall parking lot.

For details and to schedule an appointment, visit the Parking and Transportation website.

Contact 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu with questions.

Motor Pool Fuel Cards, Required Training, and Reminders

Fuel cards are available for motor pool rentals to charge fuel costs back to the university. Drop by the Transportation office, located in Lot C, to check out a fuel card before your rental pick-up date.

Entering Fuel Agreements or allowing Enterprise to refuel after returning vehicles empty is not permitted.

Drivers for Enterprise vehicles through motor pool must complete a University Driver Safety Awareness Training and a refresher training every two years through the Office of Risk Management to be eligible to drive.

To drive a maxi van, you must be at least 20 years of age and pass the Van Driver Familiarization Class. Outside the Commonwealth of Virginia, Enterprise’s age requirement to drive a 12–15 passenger van is 25.

For upcoming training sessions and important reminders, visit the website.

Contact transpo@gmu.edu or 703-993-2828 with questions.

Categories
May 2019

June Staff Senate Meeting with President Cabrera

Ángel Cabrera, President, George Mason University

The June Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Ángel Cabrera, president, George Mason University.

Wednesday, June 5, 2019
10:30 a.m. to noon
Fairfax: Merten Hall, Room 1201
Arlington: Founders Hall, Room B119 (videoconferenced)
SciTech: Colgan Hall, Room 221 (videoconferenced)
WebEx:  gmu.webex.com / Meeting Number (access code): 648 314 965  / Meeting password: 2ktMam99 or join by phone: 1-240-454-0879

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.

All are welcome to attend the Staff Senate general meeting.

For questions, contact staffsenate@gmu.edu.

Categories
May 2019

Linking Up with Colleagues: Making Meaningful Connections on LinkedIn

Are you curious about LinkedIn? Do you want to create or enhance your profile and connect with colleagues, but don’t know where to start?

The Staff Senate would like to help! Join us as we partner with University Career Services to offer the inaugural session of our professional development series for staff!

Linking Up with Colleagues: Making Meaningful Connections on LinkedIn
Tuesday, June 11
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Fairfax: Research Hall, Room 163
Arlington: Founders Hall, Room 720 (videoconferencing)
SciTech: Bull Run Hall, Room 254 (videoconferencing)

Saskia Clay-Rooks, executive director of University Career Services, will provide an overview of LinkedIn, including:

  • How to enhance your profile and promote your professional brand
  • How to leverage the tool to make meaningful connections

This session is open to classified and non-student wage staff. Register today!

For questions, contact staffsenate@gmu.edu.

Categories
May 2019

Take a “Mom”ent to Honor our Mason Moms

This Mother’s Day, take a “mom”ent to reflect on the moms who shape and contribute to the diverse and talented workforce at Mason! The Mason Staff Senate would like to celebrate and honor: 1) the wonderful mothers who work on our campuses; and 2) mothers of those working at Mason.

Join the celebration by emailing staffsenate@gmu.edu with the material listed below by Friday, May 10:

Mason Working Moms:
1. Submit your selfie, portrait, or photo with your child(ren) or family to staffsenate@gmu.edu. Include your name and the department/unit where you work.
2. Optional: Include one piece of advice or encouragement that you can offer other working moms.

AND/OR:

Honor Your Own Mom:
1. Submit a photo of your mom to staffsenate@gmu.edu. Please include your mom’s name, your name, and the department/unit where you work.
2. Optional: Include one fun fact about your mom, or some memorable advice she has given to you.

We will put together an album of entries on our Facebook page on May 12 to celebrate and recognize our moms. Submit your entry by Friday, May 10, for the chance to be included. Like us on Facebook to celebrate with us!