Mason Staff Senate

Author: Amanda Corrigan

Categories
February 2025

Updates from Auxiliary Services and Operations

 

Byte Plans Still Available

Make mealtime effortless this spring with a Byte Meal Plan—designed for busy faculty and staff who want convenience, savings, and great food on campus! Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining halls or use one meal swipe equivalency per day at The Eaterie, George Mason’s brand-new food hall featuring diverse, grab-and-go options.

Cheer on Mason Basketball at Our Watch Parties!

Join your fellow Patriots for the final two Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties of the season! Catch Mason Men’s Basketball at Commonwealth Brewing on Saturday, February 22, as they take on rival VCU, and don’t miss history in the making at PJ Skidoos on Friday, February 23, for our first-ever Women’s Basketball Watch Party as George Mason faces St. Joe’s. Enjoy giveaways, great food, and exclusive discounts with your Mason ID. RSVP today.

Categories
February 2025

Lead and Inspire: Join the Leadership Legacy Program

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? The 2025-2026 Leadership Legacy Program (LLP) is now accepting applications for passionate George Mason faculty and staff ready to make a lasting impact!

This transformative program is designed for those eager to build their leadership capacity – whether you’re stepping into a leadership role, preparing for future opportunities, or looking to grow as a leader in your current position. It’s all about strengthening George Mason’s leadership culture and fostering inclusive excellence.

Program Details:

  • Nine in-person seminars (October – May), Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Key themes: higher education leadership, shared governance, change management, and more
  • Self-assessments, case studies, leadership coaching, and peer learning

What’s Required for the Application?

  • Leadership philosophy (2 pages)
  • Responses to key questions about how the program will help you and George Mason
  • Current CV or resume
  • One supervisor recommendation

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to develop leadership skills that will benefit you and the entire George Mason community. Submit your application to [email protected] by March 21!

For more information, visit the Leadership Legacy website.

 

Categories
February 2025

George Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health Offerings

Are you struggling with anxiety?  Concerns?  Need some support?  George Mason’s Center for Community Mental Health offers two emotional support lines (English & Spanish) and 3 FREE coping skills therapy sessions to anyone connected to George Mason (students, staff, faculty and contractors). Sessions are virtual and there is NO waitlist! Sessions are confidential and do NOT connect with your George Mason record or employment.

Find out more about Emotional Support Line numbers and request for sessions .

 

Categories
February 2025

Parenting in the Age of AI

Categories
Profile of a Senator February 2025

Meet Stephanie Atkins, Staff Senator and Office Manager, Mason LIFE Program 

Role: My role here at George Mason is Office Manager for the Mason LIFE (Learning Into Future Environments) program. For those not familiar with the program, it is a postsecondary program that provides an inclusive and supportive university experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is an academic program within the College of Education and Human Development. I am often the first and main point of contact for anyone wanting to get more information about the program, which is the best part of my job. Daily tasks include answering questions from students, overseeing the HR process for all the student-wage and non-student wage support staff, and providing administrative support to all administrators and other stakeholders in the program.

George Mason journey: I am now a proud double George Mason alum, having gotten both undergraduate (BA Sociology ’98) and most recently, my master’s degree (MAIS ’23). After having spent most of my career as an administrator at a private preschool, I joined the staff at George Mason in April 2015. I previously served on the Staff Senate 2015 until 2022 before rejoining again this year.

Best thing about working at George Mason: The best thing about working at George Mason is interacting with the students. Seeing the growth from a shy, unsure first-year student to a confident, capable graduate at the end of their four-year journey is amazing!

Another wonderful thing about George Mason is the diversity of the student body, faculty, staff, and university community. I am proud to work at such a thriving university, welcoming environment, and with others who are passionate about the mission of the university.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: When I joined George Mason in 2015, I realized that I was doing the same thing that I had done as a commuter student in the late 90’s… I was coming to campus, doing my job, and then leaving. I didn’t venture out of my office in Krug Hall much, if at all. I thought back to hearing the Staff Senate presentation at my orientation and decided that would be a great way to learn more about other departments, get outside my comfort zone, and interact with more of the university community. I enjoyed my previous stint with Staff Senate and after taking time off to devote time to completing my graduate degree, I am happy to return to the Staff Senate to continue the mission of advocating for staff, educating staff about benefits and resources available, and appreciating all that George Mason has to offer.

At the end of the day: I love being part of the Mason LIFE program. I love that George Mason is an inclusive community for many different people, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the saying goes, George Mason is better together and diversity is definitely one of our strengths.

Categories
2025 January 2025 February 2025

2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards

While carrying on the tradition of recognizing our faculty and staff, Human Resources is excited to announce a refresh of the Outstanding Achievement Awards (OOA) award categories for 2025! With additional award categories, we look forward to ensuring all non-student employee classifications have the opportunity to be recognized and appreciated.

Visit the Outstanding Achievement Awards site to review the new awards and submit a nomination in either individual or team award categories.  New awards include the Rising Star Award, George Mason Lifetime Legacy Award, Wage Employee Service Award, Campus Culture Champion, Innovation Award, and more!

Categories
December 2024

Announcements from Parking and Transportation

PATRIOT PANTRY DONATION DRIVE

Make a donation valued at $15, $20, or $30 in person at any Parking Services office for Patriot Pantry. Parking and Transportation will take $15, $20, or $30 off an outstanding citation balance based on your donation amount.

GEORGE MASON SHUTTLES END OF SEMESTER & WINTER BREAK SERVICE CHANGES

George Mason shuttle service remains in operation until Friday, December 20. There will be no shuttle service between Saturday, December 21, through Sunday, January 5, 2025. All shuttle services will operate on winter break service hours starting Monday, January 6, 2025. No weekend service until the spring semester begins. Please use the CUE bus to travel during the closure. Full details on the schedule changes can be reviewed on the Transportation website.

SPRING PERMIT SALES BEGIN JANUARY 6

Starting January 6, 2025, spring parking permits will be available for purchase on the Parking Portal.

Spring 2025 Permit Sales Dates:

  • Monday, January 6, 8 am ET: Faculty & Staff, Graduate Students, and Senior
  • Tuesday, January 7, 8 am ET: Juniors and Sophomores
  • Wednesday, January 8, 8 am ET: Freshmen
Categories
December 2024

Updates from Human Resources

Lead with Purpose: Join the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series (ELSS)

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Applications are now open for Cohort 8 of the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series (ELSS), a transformative program designed for supervisors looking to grow as leaders. This hybrid series runs from February 2025 to May 2026 and is open to Mason faculty and classified staff who supervise at least one faculty or classified staff member.

What is ELSS?
ELSS is a dynamic leadership development program that equips participants with the skills, tools, and mindset to:

  • Embrace and embody a leadership mindset.
  • Create and implement a vision for themselves and their teams.
  • Build and sustain high-performing teams.
  • Strengthen self-awareness, enhance communication, and foster meaningful relationships.

What You’ll Gain:
In addition to expert-led sessions, participants will:

  • Complete a professional development project.
  • Build a network of peers across George Mason.
  • Work with mentors or coaches to set and achieve growth goals.

If you’re working remotely, don’t worry—this cohort offers hybrid options to ensure accessibility for all participants.

How to Apply:
Applications are due by Friday, December 13, at 5 p.m. Email your completed application to [email protected].

Learn more about the program and how to apply. If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Beck-Wilson at [email protected].

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your team—apply today!

Create Thriving Teams: Q12 Insights & Articles

Explore the key to building stronger, more engaged teams with our Q12 Insights & Articles page. Based on Gallup’s renowned Q12 framework, this collection of articles offers a deep dive into what drives workplace engagement and how you can foster it within your organization. Whether you’re looking to strengthen team connections, enhance employee satisfaction, or improve overall performance, these insights are tailored to help you create a thriving work environment.

From actionable strategies to practical applications, our articles provide the tools and knowledge needed to make meaningful changes in your workplace. Perfect for managers, HR professionals, and team members alike, this resource is your guide to turning engagement ideas into impactful results.

Visit the Q12 Insights & Articles page today and start shaping a better workplace for everyone.  VPN access is required to access the articles.

 

 

Categories
December 2024

Updates from Facilities and Campus Operations

Student helping to assess biodiversity at George Mason University. Photo by: Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications/George Mason University
  • George Mason University published in Guide to Green Colleges for 15th year in a row, learn more here!
  • Submit a Work Order if you notice something that is broken and needs to be fixed while you’re wrapping up the year and preparing for the Winter Holiday. You can also request via Work Order additional pick-ups for large volumes of trash/recycling.
    • You may submit a work order online or contact the Facilities Customer Service Center at 703-993-2525 for repairs and pick-ups of large volumes of trash/recycling. Recycling collection will remain the same: once a week, unless additional collections are needed. If an additional pickup is needed, you will not be charged a fee for large volume trash/recycling pick-ups.

 

Categories
Profile of a Senator December 2024

Meet Jackie Krehbiel Staff Senator and Admin and Finance Coordinator, SciTech Campus Executive Office

Jackie Krehbiel Staff Senator and Admin and Finance Coordinator, SciTech Campus Executive Office

Role: I am responsible for managing and analyzing financial performance for the Science and Technology Campus Executive Office Revenue and Operations budgets. I process, track, and reconcile financial transactions and produce monthly reconciliation reports through TouchNet, MicroStrategy, and Banner. Part of my responsibilities include assisting the Executive Office Associate Director of Administration with the Science and Technology Campus Advisory Board and performing administrative duties for the Science and Technology Leadership Council. I am also responsible for maintaining the SciTech Campus and Potomac Science Center websites and information boards across the campus. I am the Telecom Coordinator and Equipment Liaison for the office. I also greet, direct, and assist visitors, customers, and students with accurate and reliable information while providing a welcoming atmosphere in the reception area of the Executive Office. 

 

George Mason journey: I previously was employed at a major university in my hometown and after moving to Virginia and watching the youngest graduate from high school, I wanted to return to work in higher education. I initially began my employment as part-time in the department of Environmental Science and Policy in September 2018 and transitioned to fulltime eight weeks later with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety/Lab Safety at the Science and Technology campus in November 2018. In November 2022 I joined the staff of the Executive Office. 

 

Best thing about working at George Mason: The best thing about working at George Mason is the opportunity to develop strong, close, working relationships with an immensely talented group of people from across all campuses. While having distance and diversity between our campuses, there is a closeness among the university population that looks and acts quite similar to family dynamics. 

 

Why serve on the Staff Senate: Serving on the Staff Senate allows me the opportunity to be a voice for our workforce, to learn and grow as an individual, and becoming familiar with the needs of such a multifaceted and dynamic group of people. As I work with this group, they instill in me the desire to think beyond myself and see the bigger picture of service to the community instead of only just self-service. 

 

At the end of the day:  We, as Staff Senators, are collectively engaged in helping our fellow colleagues across all campuses and in doing so we are supporting each other with optimism as we strive to bring about change and the willingness and drive to do so. In the words of The Dalai Lama, “Optimism doesn’t mean that you are blind to the reality of the situation. It means that you remain motivated to seek a solution to whatever problems arise.”