The January edition of the Staff Senate newsletter is now available. Check it out!
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Category: January 2020
Role: I educate members of the Mason community on the policies and procedures for making purchases on behalf of Mason and (ultimately) the state. I teach people how to appropriately spend state money!
Mason journey: I started in University Career Services in 2011 and transitioned to University Life’s central office in 2014. I joined Fiscal Services in 2017.
Live and learn: In May 2019, I earned my master’s degree in Organization Development and Knowledge Management. We are a proud Mason family—my husband, Wayne Adams, is senior academic affairs coordinator in the College of Health and Human Services. He also earned his master’s degree here.
Best thing about working at Mason: The people! I love the work that I do and my ability to connect with individuals from all over campus no matter their position, title, or location. I enjoy helping people and encouraging them to be their best. The fiscal requirements of working for a state agency can be tedious, so I like to bring empathy, humanity, and a little bit of humor to the topic.
Why serve on Staff Senate: I want to be an advocate and a voice for staff members. I think everyone is valuable, and too often I hear from other staff members that they do not feel appreciated for what they bring to their team. Honestly, the staff (admins, analysts, advisors, and everyone in between) run this place, and we need to look out for those people who are the backbone of our community.
Added impact: I have worked hard, along with my supervisor, Heather Strange, to create the Fiscal Support and Connections Network (FSCN). This supportive and collaborative group of almost 200 people from all over the university come together once a month (roughly 20 to 50 people attend in-person or via WebEx) to share their knowledge, insight, and input to the fiscal procedures. Any Mason staffer who would like more information can contact me and subscribe to our newsletter for previous meeting notes and future dates.
At the end of the day: Mason is more than a job or a place of work for me; it is a family. A home. I have grown so much because of the people I have had the privilege to work alongside. I have discovered that in every experience and interaction we have a chance to learn and grow. Mason has made me the person I am today, for the better.
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Message from the Chair: January 2020
Dear Mason Staff,
I hope you had a restful winter break and were able to enjoy time with family and friends.
When a new semester begins, staff always have long “to-do” lists as we welcome our students back to campus. But with the start of this new semester—and decade—there is much to look forward to at Mason!
As you know, Mason is currently in the process of selecting its next president. I encourage you to follow the presidential search at presidentialsearch.gmu.edu. I am serving as the staff representative on the search committee, and our work is underway. The coming months will be a dynamic time for Mason, as the university selects its next leader.
The Staff Senate has lined up guest speakers for our spring meetings. Our February meeting will feature Josh Kinchen from LGBTQ+ Resources, who will share information about Mason’s recently updated Chosen Names and Pronouns Policy. This policy supports both students and employees, so it is vital for staff to be informed and help increase awareness of this initiative.
I am also delighted to share that we have a new vice chair of the Staff Senate, Erin Iacangelo Rogers. Erin has served as a Staff Senator since 2016, and she has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills as co-chair of our Events Committee. As we welcome Erin into her new role, I also want to thank Jenna McGwin, our former vice chair, for her outstanding service to the senate.
This is an exciting time for me personally, as well. My husband and I are preparing to welcome our second child, and time seems to be moving very quickly for me at the moment. I am looking forward to what the coming months will hold for my family. While I am away on maternity leave, I know that the senate will be in wonderful hands with Erin, our incredible administrative assistant Amanda Corrigan, and all the senators who work hard to represent you every day.
I wish you all the best as the new semester begins!
Lauren Clark Reuscher
Chair, Staff Senate
Lclarkg@gmu.edu
The Staff Senate will hold a Departmental Information Fair on the Fairfax Campus during our Winter Staff Appreciation Event from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, February 27.
This is a great outreach opportunity for Mason departments. We hope that staff can learn more about the opportunities, services, events and other activities available to them.
Departments may participate by staffing a table at the event to distribute literature and other items to staff. During the event, we will also provide refreshments and a raffle for participants.
Questions can be directed to Amanda Corrigan, administrative assistant for the Staff Senate, at acorrig2@gmu.edu or 703-993-4141.
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