Author: Hannah King

New Zoom Security Measures Coming May 2025
On Friday, May 16, 2025, ITS will implement a new security measure requiring all Zoom meetings to use a waiting room, passcode, or authentication for entry. If you currently have a Zoom meeting scheduled on or after the implementation date with no security measure in place, a waiting room will automatically be added to your meeting.

Telecom System Replacement Project Update
The implementation of the police dispatch system and migration to Vonage is complete, as well as the migration of all Fax machines to the new system. The PBX is in the process of being decommissioned, including removing all associated existing hardware and verifying no phone lines remain. Finally, the unification of all Vonage accounts will begin this summer, which will enable 5-digit dialing across the university.

Canvas Training
Beginning in the summer 2025 term, all courses will use Canvas as the university’s official LMS. Instructors who have not yet participated in Canvas training opportunities or have not begun this transition, please visit the Are You Canvas Ready? website for valuable information, resources and checklists.

Blackboard Storage Reminder
Before July 15, users are strongly encouraged to download and save any materials from Blackboard that they may want or need to keep. Once Blackboard access ends, these materials will no longer be available. You will not have access to these courses in Canvas. If you have any questions or need assistance downloading your materials, please visit the LMS website or contact the project team at [email protected].

Sonya Howell, director of payroll, attended our April meeting and gave a presentation about the Employee Tuition Exemption benefit program. We received a few questions that she didn’t have time to answer during the meeting, but written responses are provided below.

Q: Can the amount that is taken out of our paychecks for 2-3 pay periods (exceeding the amount of the IRS threshold) be shown on our 1098-T? Because eventually we are paying for that part of the tuition. If it is not shown on 1098-T, how do we claim it on our taxes?

A: The amount that is taken out of your paychecks for 3 pay periods only reflects taxes. The amount that exceeds the IRS limit of $5,250 reflects income. This amount is divided into 3 amounts and added to your paycheck as income for which taxes are calculated on and deducted.

The 1098-T is a statement that colleges and universities issue to select students. It provides the total dollar amount for qualified tuition paid by the student in a single tax year. Therefore, what you are paying above is taxes and not the cost of tuition.

 

Q: Is a graduate certificate from the Antonin Scalia Law School applicable for the tuition exemption? Also, if you live out of state but want to earn a degree, can you qualify for the tuition exemption?

A: Yes, employees can use the tuition exemption on courses for a graduate certificate. You can see all of the eligibility requirements on the tuition eligibility webpage. As long as the individual is a George Mason employee and is eligible per the criteria listed on the tuition eligibility webpage have no bearing on eligibility.

 

Q: Does the excess have to be reported as tuition assistance when filing your taxes or is it just coupled into your salary deduction?

A: This is a question to pose to a tax accountant. However, the excess amount is reported as income on your W2 for which taxes are calculated on.

I serve as the Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer here at George Mason. In this role, I’m focused on aligning our people strategy with the university’s broader mission. That includes everything from compensation and workforce planning to employee relations and how we show up as an HR team across the university.

I joined George Mason in February 2025, after working in a range of settings—higher education, healthcare, and research institutions. What brought me here was the university’s energy and its clear desire to grow in a way that reflects the community it serves. It’s a place where ideas can take shape, and where people are genuinely invested in the work and in each other. That’s not something you find everywhere.

The best part of working at George Mason? It’s the people. There’s a deep sense of purpose in the work being done across the university. No one is here by accident. Whether supporting students, keeping operations running, or solving problems behind the scenes, folks here show up every day with commitment and care. That motivates me to do the same.

I choose to serve because I see HR as more than a department. It’s a reflection of how an organization values its people. I want to help create an environment where staff feel supported, heard, and have room to grow. That’s what drives a strong, inclusive workplace.

What stood out to me most about George Mason’s culture was the openness. There’s a willingness to evolve here, to challenge outdated systems and look ahead. That mindset creates space to do things differently—not just for the sake of change, but to build something better.

Looking ahead, one of my goals is to help simplify how people experience HR at George Mason. That means clearer communication, better tools, and a stronger emphasis on service. I also want to strengthen how we support professional growth across the university and ensure our people feel seen and valued. We’re building something lasting—and that takes intention.

Since arriving, I’ve been impressed by how much George Mason invests in community. Whether it’s through feedback forums, employee events, or affinity groups, there’s a clear effort to stay connected. That speaks volumes about the university’s values.

At the end of the day, I want people to feel that working at George Mason is more than just a job. It’s a place where what you do matters, where you’re part of something larger, and where we’re working—together—to shape what’s next.

Please be advised that the Summer Semester shuttle schedule takes effect on Monday, May 19. To see the individual schedules, please visit the Parking and Transportation website for more information. Additionally, there is no shuttle service on the following holidays:

• Memorial Day, May 26
• Juneteenth, June 19
• Independence Day, July 4