Mason Staff Senate

Meet Melissa Hallman, Staff Senator and HR Specialist & Liaison, Fiscal Services

 

Role: I am Fiscal Services’ first and only HR Specialist & Liaison, assisting Fiscal Services’ employees with all of their HR-related needs. Because of the placement of my position across the hall, I spend a lot of time interacting with Central HR with a goal to create a community space for Mason HR liaisons (or individuals with HR responsibilities) to collaborate, support, and learn together!

Mason journey: I started my Mason journey in Spring 2021 in the College of Science. Almost exactly a year later, I moved to Fiscal Services where I have never felt more at home. Prior to Mason, I spent 6.5 years at Northern Virginia Community College, after 3.5 years at Germanna Community College. So I suppose you could say higher ed is my jam.

Best thing about working at Mason: From day one I felt that Mason truly cared about its people. This belief originated because of what some might consider a very small part of their onboarding: picking up my Mason ID. I have worked (and attended) several higher ed institutions and Mason is the first to have the National Suicide and National Sexual Assault Hotline numbers on the back of every ID. As soon as I saw that, I fell in love with Mason. Add to that the amazing people I get to work and interact with on a daily basis and Mason is the first place I have ever considered worth retiring from.

Why serve on the Staff Senate: I am always advocating for better working conditions for my colleagues and co-workers to the point of once being told by a supervisor that I had no sense of self-preservation (and I took that as a compliment). Advocacy and service have always been a part of my makeup. Even as a child I volunteered regularly and participated in marches for equal rights and justice. Joining Staff Senate seemed like the perfect way to support my lifelong goal of creating a more equitable world (or work environment) for all I encounter.

At the end of the day… I go home, feed my derpy, grumpy-old-man of a mutt, Marty, and relax with Legos, paint (or diamond) by numbers, sculpey clay, knitting, baking, and putting together furniture when I have it; in other words, I love working with my hands. I am also a lifelong learner. In addition to being a full-time staff member, I am a part-time student in Mason’s Sociology and Anthropology department.

Nominate a Team for the Patriot Pathbreaker Award

 

One of Mason’s values is “We Thrive Together,” but what does that value look like in action? How do Mason teams actively nurture a positive and collaborative community?  Good teamwork is always important, and even more so this year.

The Patriot Pathbreakers Award, established by Human Resources & Payroll and the Staff Senate, seeks to honor two high-performing teams that embody the Mason value of thriving together. High-performing teams are active pathbreakers, using the individual talents of team members to overcome obstacles and make progress toward the team’s, unit’s, or Mason’s goals. These teams are innovative, adapting their services/processes when necessary to meet the changing needs of the Mason community. The sum of their efforts is a result of communication, teamwork, and team spirit and commitment.

This award is open to two teams and each team member will receive an award certificate and a GrubHub gift card. The teams and their work will also be highlighted in the Mason News.

Criteria

  • Teams must be comprised of Mason employees of any classification and any length of service. Teams do not have to be members of the same department, but must be a group of employees working towards a shared vision.
  • The team models active collaboration. They leverage each individual’s strengths and contributions and demonstrate mutual respect, inclusivity, and trust. When necessary, these teams innovatively adapt their services or processes to meet the evolving needs of the Mason community.
  • The teams utilize effective and positive communication strategies.

Nomination Form

To nominate someone, complete the electronic nomination form.

Winter Toy and Food Drive Donation Results

Thank you to all who generously donated to the winter toy and food drives for Inova Children’s Hospital, Patriot Pantry, Lucky Dog, and SERVE. Together, we donated over 250 items, equal to nearly $2000.

February General Meeting Announcement

Photo by Tanya Rosen-Jones

The February Staff Senate meeting will feature Kimberly Davidson, university ombudsperson.

Wednesday, February 1
10 a.m. to noon
10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11:00 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting
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.