Mason Staff Senate

Election Results: New and Returning Staff Senators

We are excited to announce our newly-elected and returning senators:

Arlington Campus:

Shams Bahabib, Interdisciplinary Center for Economic Science (incumbent)
Carlos Sandoval, Antonin Scalia Law School

Fairfax Campus:

Stephanie Atkins, Mason LIFE Program (incumbent)
Stacy D’Angelo, Digital Communications (incumbent)
Evan Frejo, Computer Science Department
Will Gautney, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Steven Lindner, Information Technology Services
Stacey Remick-Simkins, English Department
Lauren Reuscher, University Information (incumbent)
Kimberly Shaw-Mack, Human Resources and Payroll (incumbent)
Preston Williams, Office of Communications (incumbent)

SciTech Campus:

Colby Grant, SciTech Campus Executive Office (incumbent)
Kristen Wever, College of Science (incumbent)

At-Large:

Hugh Bayard, Office of Sponsored Programs
Taylor Griffin, School of Business

Meet Anthony DeMaio: Staff Senator and Office Manager, Office of Undergraduate Education  

Role: I provide logistical and financial support to the Office of Fellowships, the Office of Academic Advising, the Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECL), the Office of Student Scholarship, Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR), UNIV courses and programs, and the Mason Impact initiative. I get to work across all of these teams that work separately and together to make the undergraduate experience at Mason truly one-of-a-kind.

Mason journey: I came to Mason late in 2017 after spending 10 years running movie theaters in Florida, Maryland, and Virginia. When I started, we were a team of seven full-time employees, and half of the offices mentioned above did not exist. Since then, we have grown to a team of 18 employees, with a growing number of graduate assistants and undergraduate student workers.

Getting back to campus: Like many of you, I am trying to plan for the “next normal” that the fall semester brings for myself and my team. The last year has taught us that we can function entirely virtually, so we are taking those lessons to try and be as innovative with our approach to daily work as we are with developing transformational curricula and programs. I am excited to see how a hybrid approach to achieving our mission can allow us to pick the best outcomes from both in-person and virtual work environments.

Best thing about working at Mason: Seeing how much effort faculty and staff put in to try and provide a unique experience at Mason. Our office provides close to $1 million in grant funding to undergraduate students each year, and I know that there are countless others on campus who are trying to find engaging ways to challenge our students and enhance the impact they will make in the world.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: I have gotten to meet so many people working so hard to raise the profile of classified and wage employees through Staff Senate, and I am hopeful that I can bring a little bit of an outside perspective to our work. It’s been wonderful seeing so many people attend our monthly meetings and engaging in the events we have been able to put on this past year. Hopefully we will all be able to safely get together real soon!

At the end of the day: I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer, and playing every kind of board/card/video/dice/tile/miniatures game you can imagine. I am so thankful for the work-life balance Mason provides so that I can indulge in all of my hobbies!

Washington Nationals to Host Mason Day on Sept. 17

Join Mason alumni, students, parents, employees, and fans as the Washington Nationals host George Mason University Day on Friday, Sept. 17. The game against the Colorado Rockies begins at 7:05 p.m. Purchase tickets today.

The first 1,500 fans who purchase a ticket through this offer will receive a limited edition Mason/Nationals co-branded bobblehead. A button on the base plays the Mason fight song when pressed. Details regarding Mason Day and bobblehead pickup will be emailed to all special ticket event buyers 24 hours prior to the game.

To purchase a group of 13 tickets or more, email John Manzoian or call 202-640-7723.

Washington Nationals George Mason Bobblehead. Nats Screech mascot with Mason jersey.

Campus Maps and Directions

Are you providing campus maps to new students or employees? Find the most recent versions at maps.gmu.edu.

The website also includes driving directions to Mason’s campuses and sites.

Contact Philip Stamper at pstamper@gmu.edu with questions.

Updating People Finder

Is your contact information up to date in People Finder, Mason’s online directory? Take a look at peoplefinder.gmu.edu.

To update an existing listing or create a new listing, submit a request through the online form.

For department-wide updates, University Information can provide a spreadsheet of all employees currently listed in a particular unit. Contact masondir@gmu.edu to request a master list to review and update.

For questions, contact University Information at masondir@gmu.edu.

Parking and Transportation Updates

Mason Shuttle bus parked on Fairfax CampusPhoto by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/George Mason University

Fall Mason Shuttles Schedules Available

The fall 2021 Mason Shuttles schedules are available at shuttle.gmu.edu. Check out a summary of the shuttle start dates and major changes.

Note: Fall shuttles will be at 90% seating capacity and face coverings will continue to be required on board all shuttles regardless of vaccination status in keeping with public transit guidelines.   

Reminder: Mason Shuttles is operating on a summer schedule for most of August. There are two routes operating this summer: Fairfax to SciTech (on a reduced operating schedule) and the On-Demand Shuttle (serving stops on and around the Fairfax Campus). The CUE bus is operating on its regular schedule with service to Vienna Metro. Find details on the Mason Shuttles summer schedule at shuttle.gmu.edu.    

Save the Date: Abandoned Bike Sale

Parking and Transportation will host an Abandoned Bike Sale on Friday, Sept. 24 from 2-4:30 p.m. in Parking Lot C on the Fairfax Campus. Approximately 85-90 bikes are available for sale.

This year will be a little different than past sales. To space out customers, an online registration site will be available to sign up for a time to stop by in 15-minute increments. Walk-in customers will not be permitted. One bike per customer. 

Details and registration are available at bike.gmu.edu. Questions?  Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or transpo@gmu.edu.

Is Rideshare for You?

Fall semester will be here before we know it. If you are commuting to campus, you may see traffic increase, particularly if your commute includes a major highway or arterial. 

We can’t keep you out of traffic, but maybe you can reduce your time at the wheel. Consider ridesharing—either car or vanpool. 

Mason Parking and Transportation has collaborated with regional partners on ridesharing and to compile a resource blog on ridesharing

Look for virtual “Rideshare Drop-In Sessions” to continue via Zoom in August and September. Visit the Parking and Transportation website for details. 

Human Resources and Payroll Announcements

Updates for Impact Awards and Departmental Monetary Awards

Reward and Recognition is updating its processes to follow Commonwealth of Virginia policy. Individual impact awards and departmental monetary awards will no longer be grossed up to cover the payroll taxes normally deducted from an employee’s paycheck so that the employee will receive the value of the award in the net pay. All monetary awards, regardless of the funding source, are subject to taxes in accordance with IRS regulations. 

Questions? Contact awards@gmu.edu.

WW Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Offer

Have you wanted to join WW (Weight Watchers)? All employees, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50% off the retail price of WW. Join now for as low as $8.48 per month. 

Sign up or learn more at the WW Commonwealth website.

New “My Team” Feature in Patriot Web

A new Patriot Web Employee Dashboard feature for supervisors became available on Aug. 2. This new supervisor functionality is called “My Team.”

The new My Team button can be found within the Patriot Web Employee Dashboard, next to “My Profile.”  With this new view, supervisors will see their direct reports and those employees’ direct reports. Additionally, supervisors will be able to view their direct reports’ work email addresses (not actual email correspondence) and telephone numbers. 

To use this new functionality: 

  1. Log in to the Employee Dashboard
  2. Once in the Employee Dashboard, you will see a button labeled “My Team”
  3. Click on the My Team icon to see your list of employees 

Webinar: Preparing for Back-to-School

As you start to prepare for the new school year after months of worries and unstructured learning, this Preparing for Back to School Bright Horizons workshop will help you learn how to make the most of learning with your child at home, optimize learning with play and unstructured time, and how to encourage social development. 

Register for one of the sessions on the flyer.

Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship Awardees Announced

Marie Calle, development coordinator with the College of Science, and Jacelyn Tyson, director of administration and budget with the Office of Communications and Marketing, have each been awarded Faculty/Staff Book Scholarships for the 2021–22 academic year. 

Both employees receive $250 to help pay for textbooks or other course materials while they pursue their degrees at Mason. The scholarship has been awarded since 2011 to help support Mason employees’ professional and personal development. Congratulations to Jacelyn and Marie! 

Upcoming Performances at Mason

Explore the SeasonTickets for fall performances at the Center for the Arts and the Hylton Performing Arts Center went on sale Tuesday, Aug. 10. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the incredible performances and amazing artists coming to our stages this fall! 

Flip Book

July in Review

September Staff Senate General Meeting

September Staff Senate General Meeting

The September Staff Senate meeting will feature guest speaker Paul Allvin, vice president of strategic communications and marketing. Paul will share updates regarding the university’s rebranding efforts as Mason approaches its 50th anniversary.

Wednesday, Sept. 1
10 a.m. to noon (Guest speaker 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., general meeting to follow)
Hosted on Zoom
: https://gmu.zoom.us/j/93999749658?pwd=UGRZMXdJbFpXaXpRdmRhdG1wMXMyZz09
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Webinar ID: 939 9974 9658/ Passcode: 224754

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 ways to virtually engage with the senate before, during, and after general meetings.