Human Resources and Payroll

SPOTLIGHT ON MASON

posted 10.02.2008

Flu shots for Faculty & Staff Available!

We've compiled information on the availability of flu shots for faculty and staff at no cost or low cost this season. If you have any questions, please call our Customer Service Center at 3-2600 and ask for the Benefits Team.

posted 10.02.2008

Customer Service Week

Customer Service Week runs from October 6 - 10. It's a great chance to recognize the role exemplary customer service can play for each and every one of us as members of the Mason team. It's also a wonderful opportunity to encourage training targeted specifically to topics related to customer service.

Our training team has lined up some terrific sessions to celebrate Customer Service Week. You won't want to miss the kick off event on Tuesday, October 7 with bestselling author Maryann Karinch. Please visit the HR & Payroll Training Site and click on "course calendars" to register.

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 07.03.2008

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!!!

Do you have an employee who is the "Cream of your Crop"? Reward him or her with a pint of ice cream from Ben & Jerry's. Certificates are good in any Ben & Jerry's store or grocery store that sells their products and are good through December 31st, 2008. 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. For more information please call 3-2739.

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 11.30.07

Everything Old is New Again

Retirement tax-savings limits for 2007 remain the same in 2008.
• Participants under age 50 can contribute up to $15,500 in the Mason Supplemental Retirement Annuity (SRA/403b) program and the Virginia Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP/457)

• Participants age 50 and over can contribute an additional $5,000 to each plan

To make a change, please complete a new Salary Reduction Agreement and submit it to HR/Payroll at MS 3C3.

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.

(Can't find something you remember seeing in this space? Check out recent announcements)