Mason Staff Senate

Category: Profile of a Senator

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Profile of a Senator August 2020

Meet Stephanie Atkins, Office Manager, Mason LIFE Program and Staff Senator

Stephanie Atkins, photo by Creative Services/George Mason University

Role: I joined the the Mason staff in April 2015. Mason LIFE (Learning Into Future Environments), in the College of Education and Human Development, is a postsecondary program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Mason LIFE offers the opportunity for an inclusive university experience and was one of the first such programs in the country. I provide administrative support for the program and am the main point of contact for staff, students, and their families.

Mason Journey: I graduated from Mason with a BA in Sociology in 1998 and am taking advantage of the tuition waiver to pursue a graduate degree in the Masters Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) program. I am taking classes with a social justice and human rights focus, more specifically related to individuals with IDD.

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Profile of a Senator July 2020

Meet Shams Bahabib, Office Manager and Staff Senator

Role: I work in the Interdisciplinary Center for Economic Science as the Office Manager. The center is part of the Economics Department, which falls under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. In my role, I provide administrative support to the faculty and graduate research assistants, coordinate events, manage the center’s budget, and maintain activities related to sponsored research. In the Staff Senate, I serve on the Communications Committee.

Mason Journey: I started at Mason as an undergraduate student, earning my B.S. in Management. Within the first week of school, I started working as a student worker in the Volgenau School of Engineering. After graduation, I was hired to continue as staff. While working at Mason, I went back to school part-time and slowly but surely earned my master’s in Public Administration. I was then hired in my current position where I now work on the Arlington Campus.

COVID-19 Transition: I was nervous about the transition to remote work. However, everyone I work with stepped up to make it work. The transition was done quickly and thankfully almost seamlessly. While plans are still in the works for the fall, I am optimistic that everyone at the university will make it work.

Best thing about working at Mason: Without a doubt the best part about working at Mason is the people. I have worked with so many great people and cherish every relationship. I am also so proud of all the students that I’ve met who have gone on to graduate and do great things.

Why serve on Staff Senate: Staff Senate is a great way to meet and learn about staff at Mason. It is also a great way to learn about what is going on at the university. Even if you don’t serve on Staff Senate, it is beneficial to attend meetings.

At the end of the day: I am a proud Patriot as Mason has been a large part of my life. I have many memories as a student and as staff, and I am now making memories as a Staff Senator. I look forward to the future memories from other roles and opportunities at Mason.

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Profile of a Senator June 2020

Meet Stacey Remick-Simkins, English Program Coordinator and Staff Senator

Photo by Creative Services

My role on campus: I have worked in the English Department since 1996 and was one of the co-founders of the Staff Senate. I am serving a fourth term as senator.

Mason journey: I started out as a transfer student graduating with my B.A. in English in 1988. I left to work for a variety of companies and projects as a contractor and also traveled. When I was hired at Mason, I had no inkling of the extraordinary experiences I would soon have.

Lead from the front: Mason President Alan Merten wanted to start a Staff Senate just as the Staff Advisory Council was forming. Dr. Merten and Senior Vice President Morrie Scherrens joined us for many work sessions to answer questions and have lunch with us. They gave us full independence to create the organization we felt was going to foster innovation and partnerships. I served as vice chair from 2001-2002 and then was elected chair from 2002-2006.

Senate impact: The senate has been instrumental in the hiring decisions of many of our highest-level positions. We have influenced decisions such as how the Child Development Center was designed. We were involved in facilitating peace roundtable discussions after the 9/11 attacks. We reached out to the Virginia Tech Staff Senate after the mass shooting in Blacksburg. We have partnered with Mason Police to figure out ways to build community and outreach. We have successfully lobbied for the increase in tuition waiver hours from six to 12 per academic year, among many collaborative successes.

COVID-19 transition: Resilience is a Mason trait. We are rising to the challenges of a time of tragedy and grief the way we did after 9/11. I am not surprised by how the entire university has pulled together despite what seems like profound and overwhelming circumstances. I know Mason will not only survive but will be an example to the world of what it means to be the best of humanity.

Best thing about working at Mason: The spirit of community and the belief that humanity can be better than the sum of its parts. We are unique because that universality extends to our community. My years serving on the Quality of Work Life Task Force as well as countless search committees and other advisory committees has helped me build a love for and pride in Mason that I would not otherwise feel. My experiences have inspired me to stay here for the duration of my career. I will retire here.

Why serve on Staff Senate: It is an opportunity to build professional relationships and friendships, and to become an integral part of the Mason vision. It is a chance to try out new ways of interacting and innovating.

At the end of the day: I am grateful for the years of these amazing experiences. Mason is special. When I leave Mason, I will feel that this was my greatest personal and professional contribution. My senate colleagues have elevated the senate to a level that has exceeded my greatest hopes.

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Profile of a Senator May 2020

Meet Christina Frasson, Staff Senator and Videoconference Technology Specialist

Christina with her daughter, Ava.

My role on campus: I work for Enterprise Collaboration as the Videoconference Technology Specialist. In my role I have either managed or been involved in the deployment of our web conferencing and collaboration tools. Once deployed I help manage the administration and work to provide training materials and assistance. I also manage our videoconference spaces and have been working on a project to deploy a new telephony system in the upcoming year.

Live, learn, and teach: I grew up in the area and when I was younger I would come to Mason to watch women’s soccer games. I began as a transfer student at Mason the same semester we went to the Final Four (spring 2006) and was so lucky to experience that point in our history! I played club soccer for Mason and worked for Events Management (now University Events). My part-time job soon became full-time. In the last several years I have also completed my MA in Communication and an MA Certificate in Emergency Management and teach a section of Communication 100/101 each semester.

COVID-19 transition: This is definitely an interesting time for Mason as we have transitioned to working and teaching remotely. My department has played a huge role in this transition and it has been amazing to see the impact of our web conferencing and collaboration platforms. We went from having roughly 3,000 web conference sessions monthly to over 30,000! We’ve been working around the clock to help provide training and access to these resources. We have fast-tracked additional resources and solutions and have assisted in important events like the Town Hall and Admissions events.

To learn more about conferencing and collaboration at Mason visit: https://its.gmu.edu/help-support/workingremotely/

Mason is like family: Mason has been a second home for me. My colleagues have always been like one big extended family. Like many others, I have actual family here. My sister, Brittany Sanders, is graduate programs coordinator in the Department of Communication. And when I got married each of my bridesmaids were friends I made either as a student or employee at Mason!

I’ve grown so much over these last 14 years at Mason and I attribute much of that to the support I have received from my peers and the opportunities my supervisors have given me to advance my skill set.

Best thing about working at Mason: I’ve been able to embrace practically every role here (faculty, staff, student, alumna) and because of the nature of my employment at Mason I have been able to work with nearly every department in some capacity. This has made me better at my job and has kept every day new and interesting. I love being able to see the impact of our work throughout so many areas.

Why serve on Staff Senate: Everyone on the senate is passionate about making a difference and helping bridge the gap between Mason employees and the resources available to them. As senators we are empowered to take on highlighting or resolving issues we feel are important to the Mason community. I’ve seen the impact the senate has and its influence has grown over the years. I am so proud of the work we’ve accomplished.

At the end of the day: I am a proud mom to two amazing little girls, Ava (2) and our newest addition, Aubrey, born on May 5th. I often feel guilty when I work a little late. But then I remember I have so much to show for my time at Mason, from my undergraduate and graduate degrees, to the impact of my work, and the lasting friendships I have made. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had here because they will serve as an example for my daughters of what hard work and community can accomplish.

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Profile of a Senator April 2020

Meet Liam Andrew Dillon: Staff Senator and Ticket Operations and Audience Development Supervisor

Role: Within the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), we have two performing arts venues – the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus and the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus – that present elaborate, compelling events. I provide ticketing services as well as do community and audience outreach about the upcoming performances. Transitioning to the stay-at-home lifestyle, we are still making the arts accessible by bringing alive the new initiative, Mason Arts at Home. This brings audiences livestreamed performances, releases of previously recorded content, and interactive activities from across the CVPA!

Live and learn: What has been wonderful since starting at Mason is the opportunity to take classes to complete a degree. I had not finished my undergraduate career but was encouraged by my supervisor and colleagues to complete it at Mason. Currently I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) program, an adult completion degree that allows students who have had different paths in education finish what is rightfully theirs – a bachelor’s diploma and a chance at advancement in our careers. As Mason staff,  I encourage all to take advantage of what is offered through the Tuition Waiver Benefit program, an initiative started by the Mason Staff Senate. Much of what I have learned in the classroom has enhanced the skill that I bring to my job at Mason.

Best thing about working at Mason: I have had the pleasure to work with superb colleagues, including my brother, MacKenzie “Mac” Dillon, who works with our Front of House staff at the Center for the Arts. He greets people at the Concert Hall, assists them to their seats, and makes sure people are enjoying their experience with the arts. Mac is also a person with intellectual disabilities, but that is something that has never stopped him from being a warm, active conversationalist. We all talk about how diverse Mason is that we sometimes forget that it leads to diversity in our staff as well. The best thing about working at Mason is that I get to work with my brother and see him smile at every shift.

At the end of the day: CVPA is not just a place to have an education in the arts, but also a place to engage with individuals. It’s amazing to see how creative and adaptive each employee is in their role and how they succeed because of their engagement with the arts. In difficult times of social distancing, I urge staff members to take advantage of the benefit that arts can give you. Some recommendations would be to try classical music or opera, submit a dance on TikTok with your kids, find an image you like and try to trace it, and most importantly, give yourself a moment to engage in the diverse communication medium called art.

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Profile of a Senator March 2020

Meet Colby Grant: Staff Senator and Campus Operations Coordinator

Photo Courtesy of Colby Grant

Role: To coordinate and manage all daily operations of the Science and Technology Campus (SciTech) and locations that the SciTech campus supports.  This includes strategic plan development, small and large project management, and coordination of necessary support services to serve students, faculty, staff and the local Manassas and Prince William County community.

Mason journey: I started my undergraduate work at Mason in the fall of 2001 and in 2004 became a student wage employee with Athletics and Recreation. In 2005, I graduated with a B.S. in Sport Management and I became classified staff shortly after in 2006 with Mason Recreation as Coordinator of Intramural Sports.  I also served as Coordinator of Outdoor Venues and eventually as Operations Manager of the Aquatic and Fitness Center and Skyline Fitness Center before leaving for the SciTech Campus in July of 2016.

Mason family: My sister, Nikki, was the first to attend Mason and graduated in 2002. I graduated in 2005 and my wife, Megan, graduated in 2006. My wife also works at the SciTech Campus for the National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases within the College of Science.

Best thing about working at Mason: Without a doubt it’s the people who work here. I have formed countless relationships, many of which developed into friendships outside of work. While I miss many of the folks I worked with at Fairfax, the people at SciTech make it a warm and inviting place that you can’t help but fall in love with.

Why serve on Staff Senate: Staff at Mason serve a huge role in what we do and are often overlooked and underappreciated. I wanted to be a voice for the staff at Mason, particularly those at SciTech. Being part of the senate is an amazing opportunity, not only to serve the university, but to develop professionally and meet great people from across campus, people who share a sense of responsibility for their community.

At the end of the day:  I truly love working at Mason and the opportunity I have had to serve as a Staff Senator, representing the amazing staff that contribute so much to our mission. Mason means a lot to me and my family and I would not be the person I am today without my experiences and relationships here.

Visit SciTech: Some members of the Mason community are not fully aware of the offerings and facilities at SciTech, including arts and recreation facilities. The campus, located about four miles off I-66, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017. Hop a shuttle bus from the Fairfax Campus and come out and see us.

Here are my Top 10 things to know about the Science and Technology Campus (in no particular order):

  1.  Campus: 134 acres, eight buildings (800,000+ sq. ft.) and one building in design. Also includes over 25,000 sq. ft. of lease space in neighboring Innovation Park as well as the Potomac Science Center in Woodbridge, VA
  2.  Over 600 faculty/staff
  3.  Over 4,500 students (both undergraduate and graduate), including 150 on-campus graduate student residents living in Beacon Hall
  4.  Schools/colleges represented: College of Education and Human Development, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Volgenau School of Engineering
  5.  Hylton Performing Arts Center
  6.  Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center
  7.  The EDGE (Mason Recreation’s Team Development and Experiential Learning program)
  8. Galileo’s Science Cafe Spring 2020 Series
  9.  Vogel Art Collection
  10.  Home of the Governor’s School at Innovation Park
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Profile of a Senator February 2020

Meet Kathy Dodd: Staff Senator and Social Media Manager

Photo by: Creative Services/George Mason University

Role: My biggest responsibility is to manage the university-level high-profile social media channels (see list below). This translates into developing and overseeing the execution of the strategic marketing initiatives for those channels and collaborating with other campus units to strive to have a singular voice on our multiple social media outlets. The more fun way to say it – it’s like I’m the person behind the curtain in The Wizard of Oz.

Ohio Girl: I was born and raised in Akron, Ohio – so that makes me a Cleveland sports fan. I’ve said the phrase, “There is always next year” more times than I can count! Pop is also soda. Sorry.

Best thing about working at Mason: I started at Mason in 2014 and I have to say that it’s the people, hands down. There are so many talented and hard-working people here in the Mason Nation that it brings me so much joy to come to work every day. I love that my job allows me to work with so many folks on campus, regardless of what they do in their daily job – from students to high-level administrators.

Why serve on Staff Senate: I come from a long line of service. My father was a union representative for United Rubber Workers during his time at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, so I saw that employee advocacy was important at a very early age. When I got to Mason, I knew that I wanted to help be that voice for the employees. With the role that I have at Mason, I get a really good sense of what is going on at the ground level to bring topics to the Senate and advocate for the employees here.

At the end of the day: I always feel connected to the Mason Nation and I am very proud to work for such a fine institution of higher education. Sure, in my role I get calls late at night about something that may have happened on campus, or have to monitor a situation from home – but I love my job and there is nothing else that I would rather do. This place feels like family, especially since most of my family are so far away! I’m proud to be a Patriot!

Follow George Mason University! If you aren’t already – you should follow the Mason Nation on Social Media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgemason

Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgemasonu

Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgemasonnews

Twitter: https://twitter.com/todayatmason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgemasonu/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/george-mason-university/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/georgemasonuniversity

And use the hashtag #MasonNation to stand out in your posts!

 

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January 2020 Profile of a Senator

Meet Jessi Adams: Staff Senator and Fiscal Training Manager

Jessi Adams, Staff Senate. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

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.