Announcement text: University Studies is hiring Mason faculty and staff to teach UNIV 100 – ‘Introduction to George Mason’ in Fall 2026. Visit our webpage to learn more about this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of first-year students. Attend an information session or more information. Complete an application by February 18, 2026.
Role at Mason: As an Exploratory Academic Advisor, I support students who are undecided, undeclared, or have been redirected following academic program termination. My goal is to help them discover a meaningful academic path that aligns with their interests and strengths. Our office also assists non-degree students who are interested in taking courses at Mason.
My Mason Journey: I joined George Mason University after spending seven years with the Virginia Community College System. I realized that to grow professionally, I needed to transition to a new institution. In 2019, I was fortunate to join Mason’s Office of Graduate Admissions—a move that proved to be one of the best decisions of my career. After four years in that role, I transitioned to Exploratory Academic Advising. During my time at Mason, I’ve earned a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Development, and I’m currently pursuing a PhD in Education: Higher Education, with plans to complete the program in 2027.
What I Love About Working at Mason: The Mason community is the heart of what makes this university special. Through both my professional role and my academic journey, I’ve built lasting friendships and found unwavering support. Collaborating with our incredible students and colleagues makes Mason an inspiring and fulfilling place to work.
Why I Serve on the Staff Senate: Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to promoting equitable access to professional development and opportunities for all staff. It’s disheartening to see talented individuals overlooked or denied growth. Serving on the Staff Senate allows me to advocate for initiatives that empower staff and help create pathways for career advancement.
At the End of the Day: Whether in my role as an advisor, a Staff Senator, or a PhD student, my mission is to help shape systems and policies that provide holistic, equitable support for both students and staff. We often speak of meeting students where they are—but I believe this philosophy should extend to our staff as well. Everyone’s educational and professional journey is unique, and it’s essential that we support long-standing, dedicated staff just as we do recent graduates. This commitment is central to the Mason Way, and I’m proud to uphold it.
In my research, I carry this philosophy forward by recognizing that every student brings a distinct story. As Virginia’s largest and most diverse university, Mason has a responsibility to honor those stories—whether they reflect traditional paths or are marked by adversity. By embracing this diversity, educators can better serve students with empathy and insight. That’s why I actively seek opportunities to present on trauma-informed practices in education, aiming to equip fellow practitioners with tools to help change lives and break cycles of poverty and trauma.
The Staff Senate was joined by multiple guests during the February General Meeting. If you missed the meeting, or would like to rewatch the sessions, please find links below.
Wednesday, March 4
10 to 11 a.m. – Guest Speaker
11 a.m. to noon – General Business Meeting
George Mason Athletics will be providing tickets to the March 7 men’s basketball game for meeting attendees.
Constituents may attend in person in Merten 1201, or join the meeting via Zoom* (Zoom Passcode: SS123).
Call in: 301-715-8592 or 267-831-0333
Meeting ID: 931 0040 3860 / Passcode: 621190
The Staff Senate March General Meeting will feature guest speaker, Chris Ackerman, vice president of Human Resources, and a panel of other George Mason Human Resources leaders.
The Staff Senate will collect questions for Mr. Ackerman in advance for consideration. Please submit your questions using the form below. Live questions will be accepted, time permitting.
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 George Mason community. The work of the senate is accomplished through open and continuous communication with its constituents.
*The Staff Senate is requiring that virtual attendees join our Staff Senate General Meetings with their Patriot Pass credentials. If you are already signed into Zoom using your George Mason-licensed Zoom account, you should not see a difference. If you are not already signed into your George Mason-licensed Zoom account, you will be told authentication is required to join, and prompted to sign in. For more information, please access our FAQ document.
The Jack Wood Award highlights the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, businesses/not-for-profits, community members, and elected officials/staff who demonstrate leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community. This illustrious distinction honors former Mayor Jack Wood, who played an instrumental role in establishing George Mason in Fairfax and establishing Town-Gown relations between the university and the community. Awardees will be notified by March 26. The Board of Visitors will honor awardees on April 30.
Nominations are due by March 13. Self-nominations are welcome. Community relations/outreach professionals are not eligible.
Questions? Contact Traci Kendall at [email protected].
Information Technology Services (ITS) is hosting, “Intro to PatriotAI” at Mason Square (Arlington Campus) on Tuesday, February 17, and Thursday, February 19, for faculty, staff, and students. These hands-on sessions are designed to introduce this suite of AI tools and provide tips and best practices to set users up for success – no prior experience required. Whether you’re exploring PatriotAI for personal growth or professional innovation, the training will help you build confidence and clarity.
You can learn more and register for an event on the ITS website.
Congratulations to Brian Barfield, building engineer, for being recognized as the January 2026 Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Employee of the Month! Barfield was nominated by fellow Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center colleagues, Karla Balk, Fitness/Operations Supervisor; Robert Hinzman, Operations Manager; and Olga O’Brien, General Manager.
While only being a team member at the Freedom Center for 5 years and less than one year in his new leadership position as Building Engineer, Barfield has demonstrated his incredible leadership skills and has consistently gone above and beyond in his role to support the George Mason community and visitors.
Learn more about Brian on the Facilities website!
We’re excited to open the call for speaker proposals for the Thrive at Mason Bootcamp, which will be held virtually on July 14-15, 2026.
This year’s theme, Thrive in Practice: Tools, Processes, and Practical Skills, focuses on actionable approaches staff can apply directly in their day-to-day work. This event is designed to support practical learning through knowledge sharing, real-world examples, and skill-building experiences.
We invite George Mason colleagues to submit session proposals that highlight effective tools, streamlined processes, and practical skills. Proposed sessions may take the form of presentations, interactive workshops, demonstrations, panels, and facilitated discussions.
If you are interested in contributing as a volunteer speaker, please complete and submit the Speaker Proposal Submission Form. Additional details regarding session forms, timelines, and expectations will be shared upon selection following proposal review.
Submit a Proposal: Thrive at Mason Bootcamp 2026 – Speaker Proposal Submission Form
Proposals are due by March 3, 2026. Speakers will be selected by the end of March 2026.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact [email protected].
Thank you for considering this opportunity and for supporting learning and growth across the George Mason community.
University Libraries offer 24/7 online access to Rosetta Stone, the premier software for language learning. Acquire a new language or brush up your skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as grammar and vocabulary.
It takes the average learner 50 hours to complete a chosen language level with the Rosetta Stone Library Solution. Schedule 30 minutes a day and best practices show that within 20 weeks the self-paced learning can be accomplished.
For more information, visit the University Libraries website.
The Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason is one way faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus.
If you are interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers, please join them! Spring meetings will kick off on Microsoft Teams with a hybrid format. Feel free to visit their website for meeting dates and more information.
