Human Resources and Payroll

SPOTLIGHT ON MASON

Posted 11.21.2008

HR/Payroll Customer Service Survey

Customer service is one of our primary objectives here in HR/Payroll. In preparation for Mason's SACS reaccreditation, we are trying to measure customer service satisfaction so we can serve you even better. Please assist us by filling out our Customer Service Survey. Any additional feedback is welcome. Please contact Meena Rajan with any additional comments.

Posted 11.19.2008

Gobble Gobble!

Please check out our annual timesheet guidance for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!

Posted 10.22.2008

Retirement tax-savings limits...

You still have time to take advantage of this great savings opportunity for 2008!

• Participants under age 50 can contribute up to $15,500 in the Supplemental Retirement Plan (403(b) program and the Virginia Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) (457(b)).
• Participants age 50 and over can contribute an additional $5,000 to each plan (for a total of $20,500 in each plan).

for 2009, the limits are as follows:

• Participants under age 50 can contribute up to $16,500 in the Supplemental Retirement Plan (403(b) program and the Virginia Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) (457(b)).
• Participants age 50 and over can contribute an additional $5,500 to each plan (for a total of $22,000 in each plan)

posted 10.07.2008

You "Spice Up Our Life" Award

Do you have an employee who "spices up your life"? Give a gift that everyone will appreciate - a hot, delicious Domino's Pizza and a refreshing bottle of Coke! Domino's Pizza & Coke certificates are good for a large one-topping pizza and a 2-liter bottle of Coke. Please send a brief description of why the employee should receive this award along with the G number and name of the employee to the Reward and Recognition Coordinator at awards@gmu.edu.

posted 09.18.2008

Financial Volatility

The recent financial press is full of news that may cause concern and stress. During these tumultuous times, the best thing to be is an informed consumer. Your investment vendor may have information on current financial conditions on its website. For example, both TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments have commentary available.

To further address your individual concerns about your personal portfolio, you may want to schedule time to review your portfolio with your vendor. TIAA-CREF and Fidelity are regularly on campus providing one-on-one financial counseling. Please see the Human Resources & Payroll Benefits website for information on scheduling an appointment.

If you have funds invested with other firms, you may want to contact your vendor(s) to obtain the latest available information. The Benefits website has contact information and weblinks for all of our Tax Deferred Annuity (TDA) vendors.

If you are experiencing undue hardship or stress, please remember that you have resources available to assist you. Information on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Value Options is available including phone numbers and websites. Helpful financial services information is also available on the Employee Relations website and the Work/Life website. To speak to a member of the Employee Relations team, please call our Customer Service Center at (703) 993-2600, Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

updated 09.18.2008

VRS Member Benefit Profiles (MBP) Online

New this year! Electronic MBPs. Be kind to the environment and still get the information you need. Now available on the VRS website through their myVRS page. Create a account and you're good to go! Helpful details on the myVRS fact sheet. Questions? Please call the Customer Service Center at 3-2600. Prefer paper? Send an email to benefits@gmu.edu. We will print out a copy and inter-office mail it to you.

updated 07.28.2008

Flexible Work Options are always in season!

Although Summer Flex has ended, you can still "test drive" a flexible work option. Each one comes with a 90 day trial period. For information, please see the flexible work page on the Work/Life website.

posted 07.16.2008

CommonHealth Has a New Look!

Visit CommonHealth's new website for wellness tips, information, help on quitting smoking, programming for future moms and more!

posted 04.09.2008

Change in the Standards of Conduct: State Personnel Policy Number 1.60

DHRM is issuing an updated Standards of Conduct Policy, effective April 16, 2008. This is the first major revision to this policy since 1993. The new policy will be available on April 16th.

posted 03.27.2008

A New Coaching Resource

The HR & Payroll Employee Relations Team is offering a Coaching Corner ... timely information on how supervisors can maintain positive relationships within their office, constructively address and manage conflict, improve morale, master motivation and more. Look for coaching tips regularly in eFiles and check out the Employee Relations webpage for additional helpful information and resources.

posted 01.31.07

Volunteers Welcome!

Mason Links is a growing Education Program for Mason Workers drawing on the resources and volunteer efforts of the entire Mason Community. Volunteer opportunities are available right away. If you have a couple of hours a week; you can make a big difference at Mason.

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