Mason Staff Senate
Weekly staff devotionals started August 22 and continue every Monday as Christians gather together to encourage one another in fellowship. Meet at noon in the Johnson Center, Room 239A.
Bring your lunch and dive into God’s word. If you would like more information, please contact Averi Jordan.
Check out a list of employee affinity and resource groups across Mason.
The October Staff Senate meeting will feature Mason President Gregory Washington.
Wednesday, October 5
10 a.m. to noon
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. – Staff Senate General Business Meeting (agenda)
10:45 a.m. to noon – Guest Speaker
Hosted on Zoom
Passcode: SS123
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Webinar ID: 975 1903 7430/ Passcode: 078091
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 more ways to engage with the senate before, during, and after our general meetings.
The September Staff Senate meeting featured Andrew Lane, director of Performance Management and Employee Engagement, joined by members of his team, including Tamira Colbert, faculty/staff engagement assistant, and Stacey Ellis, faculty/staff engagement consultant, to discuss goals and initiatives following the results of the recent Gallup survey of Mason employees.
If you missed the session, you can watch or listen to the recording.
Role: Working with the Front of House Manager, I ensure all Hylton Performing Arts Center patrons have an enjoyable experience when they come to see the world-class event put on by the university. The job has changed to be a bit more paperwork focused, but I always pop out to talk with the patrons and help the crew when I have a chance.
Mason journey: I started out as an undergrad student in 2007 and joined the Hylton as a part-time ticket seller when it opened in 2010. I took on extra work with our Production and Front of House team, trying to get as many hours as I could, before they brought me on full time in 2016 as the Ticket Office Supervisor. I took a short break to earn my master’s in history from Mason and they brought me back as the office manager shortly before COVID hit.
Best thing about working at Mason: I love being around all the art and cultural opportunities the university provides. I’ve seen and shaken hands with some incredible artists over the years, including Leslie Odom Jr., Jane Lynch, Terry Crews, and Charlie Daniels, just to name a few. I also never would have been able to earn my master’s degree without the tuition benefits Mason provides for its staff.
Why I serve on Staff Senate: When the university closed its doors for the pandemic, it was difficult to understand everything that was going on. I started virtually attending the Staff Senate meeting and it was only through their hard work that I was able to learn what the university was planning and doing in response to COVID. They provided a meaningful connection with senior leadership when it was needed most. Now that we’re (mostly) on the other side, I wanted to do my share and provide that connection for the next generation of Mason employees. Especially those who work odd hours and who can sometimes get forgotten about by the folk upstairs.
At the end of the day: Whether as a student or an employee, I’ve been with George Mason for 15 years. I’ve watched the university grow, both metaphorically and literally, over the years. This place and this community feel like a second home for me and I am so lucky to be a part of the Mason Family.
Share the driving and the costs! Commute together. Help Mason Commutes become the go-to place for Mason ridesharing. The more people who create an account, the more robust the site will quickly become. Create an account today!
A reminder that you can check out a bike with your Mason ID from either the Recreation Athletic Complex (The RAC) or the Aquatic and Fitness Center. Return it to either location at no cost for one day. Check it out on a Friday and have it all weekend. You’ll receive the bike, day lights, a helmet, and lock. Read more details.
It’s always a great idea to have more than one way to get to Mason. Car-Free Day on September 22 is an opportunity to try a new way to commute. Take the Car-Free pledge and receive a Nift Gift with your confirmation email. You will also be entered into a raffle for some great prizes.
If you’re a full-time employee, remember that public transportation and vanpool costs are subsidized up to the IRS limit of $280/month. Find more details on the Commuter Choice Program.
Looking for a new way to get to work? Consider vanpooling. Travel with the same group of Mason colleagues, and reduce the time you spend driving. Plus, for full-time faculty/staff, the cost of your commute can be subsidized by Mason up to $280/month.
Seats currently available from:
Or, start your own vanpool! Read more details. Contact Parking and Transportation with any questions.
Parking and Transportation’s “As Is” Abandoned Bike Sale will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, from 2–4 p.m. in the visitor section of the Shenandoah Parking Deck. We have about 75 bikes to sell this year. One bike per customer. Mason students, faculty, and staff only. Questions? Contact Parking and Transportation at 703-993-2828 or via email.
Information Technology Services (ITS) is making important changes to George Mason University’s IT Security Awareness Training Program. This year’s training opens Wednesday, Sept. 28, and will close Wednesday, Nov. 16. Notification will be sent when the training is assigned.
Employees who fail to take the training by the deadline will have their accounts disabled, and their supervisors or manager will be notified. If your account is disabled, you will need to contact the ITS Support Center to re-enable it to take the training.
Employees who handle sensitive information will be required to take additional role-based training.
The training provides information about protecting Mason’s IT systems and employees’ information, which is a priority for ITS.
For more information, visit its.gmu.edu/itsat.
Mason faculty, staff, and students (in non-residence halls) are encouraged to transition to the eduroam network when connecting to Wi-Fi on campus. The Mason-Secure Wi-Fi network will remain available for some time but is no longer the primary supported network at Mason. Make the switch and set up your devices.
If you have any questions or experience issues connecting to eduroam, contact the ITS Support Center at 703-993-8870 or support@gmu.edu.
13th Annual Happy Heart Walk It’s time for our annual Happy Heart Walk on Wednesday, September 28! This year marks the 13th anniversary of the Happy Heart Walk. Join your fellow faculty, staff, and students in promoting heart health.
No need to register. Simply join the walk in person at one of the meeting locations at noon on September 28. Share your Happy Heart Walk photos on Twitter or Instagram with #HappyHeartWalk and/or tag @GMUHRandPayroll.
Can’t make it on September 28 but don’t want to miss out? Visit the American Heart Association’s website to search for a heart walk near you.
For more information, contact Tamira Colbert at tcolber2@gmu.edu.
Flu clinic sign-ups are now open. Register today to reserve your flu shot appointment at a Winter Wellness Flu Shot Clinic.
Clinic Tips:
Questions? Review the FAQ or contact the Faculty and Staff Engagement Team at engagehr@gmu.edu.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
American Pianistic Treasures
Sunday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Welcome back Jeffrey Siegel, a masterful “pianist who literally overflows with music” (Berlin Die Welt) to our stage for his popular series that tells the stories behind the music. In this “concert with commentary,” Siegel introduces the signature sounds of American piano music with beloved works ranging from Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” to George Gershwin’s solo piano transcription of his landmark “Rhapsody in Blue.” An interactive question-and-answer session will conclude this program.
An Evening with Norm Lewis
Sunday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Welcome trailblazing Broadway legend Norm Lewis for an unforgettable evening of songs that highlight his career on stage. Lewis made history as the first African-American actor to play the title role in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and earned Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his performance in the Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Don’t miss Norm Lewis on the Merchant Hall stage, performing the hits he helped make famous on Broadway. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Kristin Chenoweth in Concert: For The Girls
Saturday, Sept. 24, at 8:30 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover, and stage. She has received a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame; an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Pushing Daisies; a Tony Award for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; and a Tony nomination for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked. In this concert, Chenoweth will sing music from her album For The Girls, a heartfelt tribute to the great female singers throughout history.
Mike Super – Magic and Illusion
Sunday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Mike Super brings his mind-blowing illusions and combined hilarity to the Hylton Center to entertain the whole family. Mike has turned the traditional magic show on its side and dumped it right into the audience—as YOU become his onstage assistant! Whether he is performing for stage, screen, or in-person, Mike Super transcends the “trick” and connects with his audiences, making this a Hylton Family Series event sure to leave you spellbound! Recommended for ages three and up.
MOMIX: VIVA MOMIX
Saturday, Oct. 1, at 8 p.m.
Center for the Arts
Wish MOMIX a “Happy Birthday!” with VIVA MOMIX, a compilation of the company’s most dazzling vignettes from the past 40 years of inventive dance and acrobatics. Expect the unexpected as athletic bodies morph into wondrous shapes and create illusions. Formed by visionary choreographer Moses Pendleton, MOMIX has earned an international reputation for its ingenious, carefully crafted, and physically gorgeous productions—keeping audiences of all ages on the edge of their seats. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
Music for the Young and Youthful
Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center
For the young and young at heart! This Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel concert is something the whole family can enjoy. Peppered throughout the concert, Jeffrey will share insights and anecdotes about each work and composer, deepening the concert experience whether you are 6 or 106. An interactive question-and-answer session will conclude this program. This performance is appropriate for all ages.
Matinee Idylls: Alicia Ward
Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 1:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Join award-winning cellist Alicia Ward as she performs an impressive afternoon of classical music. Making her orchestral debut as a featured soloist at the age of 12, Ward has since performed throughout the United States and abroad as a chamber musician, recitalist, and soloist. Ward will be joined by a pianist, who will be announced at a later date.
Sneaker Sculpture Workshops!
Wednesdays, Oct. 5–26, 7-8:30 p.m.
Hylton Performing Arts Center, Novant Health|UVA Health System Rehearsal Room
Create custom-made sneaker sculptures based on the Jordan 5 using paper, fabric, and other unique materials. Templates and instruction will be provided to participants, who will use their own materials, including photos, packaging, shopping bags, posters, wallpaper, and more! This step-by-step process led by Andy Yoder, a Mason adjunct professor, allows plenty of room for personal customization and creativity. Free and open to veterans, servicemembers, military family members, and military caregivers.