Rewards & Recognition Announcements

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The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.


 

Summer 2026 PATS FOR PATRIOTS

HR News Pats for Patriots: Summer 2026 What if one small note of appreciation could brighten someone’s day, strengthen a team, and remind a colleague that their efforts truly matter? At George Mason, kindness has a ripple effect. The Pats for Patriots program is one simple but powerful way to recognize the people…

2026 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship – Call for Applications

2026 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship – Call for Applications George Mason faculty and staff are invited to apply for the Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship, a $500 scholarship dedicated to paying for academic materials for George Mason courses.  The criteria to apply are as follows:  Enrolled in a degree…

Impact Awards Process Moves to Ellucian Workflow

HR News Impact Awards Process Moves to Ellucian Workflow George Mason University’s Human Resources team is updating how Impact Awards are submitted. We’re moving from Dynamic Forms to the Ellucian workflow system to make the process smoother, more accurate, and easier to manage-from nomination to payment. This enhancement marks another…

Honoring the 2026 Employee Appreciation Day Professional Development Award Recipients 

2026 Professional Development Award Recipients In celebration of Employee Appreciation Day (March 6), Human Resources introduced a one‑time Professional Development Award to support employee growth and recognize excellence. Following a competitive review of redacted applications, one recipient was selected in each eligible category: Non‑Student Wage, Classified Staff, and AP Faculty.…

Outstanding Achievement Awards: Save the Date and Award Recipients

Outstanding Achievement Awards: Save the Date and Award Recipients Many thanks to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination and recognize the outstanding contributions of so many deserving George Mason faculty and staff!  Save the Date … and join the celebration on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:30…

Watch Online: University Day Service Award Ceremony Celebrating 5 to 55 Years of Service

HR News Watch Online: University Day Service Award Ceremony Celebrating 5 to 55 Years of Service Monday, March 16 at 12 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Watch the celebration online! George Mason University is proud to honor employees who are marking significant service anniversary milestones.  This year’s event will serve as…

Pats for Patriots: January & February Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots: January & February Round-Up As we look forward to leaving behind the unprecedented cold and snowy weather of early 2026, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support and camaraderie within our community.   A special thank you goes to our Facilities and Campus Operations team for their exceptional efforts in keeping our campuses safe…

Mason Money Returns: Central HR Gift Card Program

HR News Mason Money Returns: Central HR Gift Card Program We’re excited to share that Mason Money is once again available as an option within Human Resources’ Rewards & Recognition gift card program! This expanded offering provides a flexible, meaningful way to recognize faculty and staff while making the process simple and efficient.  Human Resources will process requests submitted through MyMasonHR and…

Last Call for Outstanding Achievement Award Nominations

Last Call for Outstanding Achievement Award Nominations The Outstanding Achievement Award nomination February 20 deadline is quickly approaching. Submit your nomination(s) today!  Over the past several weeks, we have highlighted the award categories introduced for the 2025 OAA ceremony. In addition to these newly created award categories, we continue to honor…

OAA Award Highlights: Patriot Pathbreakers Award

OAA Award Highlights: Patriot Pathbreakers Award The Patriot Pathbreakers Award, jointly established by Human Resources and the Staff Senate, seeks to honor two high performing teams who embody the George Mason value of thriving together. High performing teams are active pathbreakers, using the individual talents of team members to overcome obstacles and…

OAA Award Highlights: Innovation and Culture Champion Awards

OAA Award Highlights: Innovation and Culture Champion Awards Innovation Award  “Innovation is our tradition” is a core value at George Mason. Review the award details and criteria below and nominate a deserving faculty or staff member today!  Description: This award honors a faculty or staff member who has introduced innovative solutions, programs,…

OAA Award Highlights: Wage Staff and Mentorship Excellence Awards

OAA Award Highlights: Wage Staff and Mentorship Excellence Awards Wage Employee Service Award  George Mason wage employees contribute significantly to the mission of the university. Nominate a non-student wage employee today!  Description: This award celebrates a non-student wage staff employee who has consistently demonstrated excellence, dedication, and exceptional organizational citizenship, contributing significantly to the…

New OAA Award Category Feature: Rising Star and Lifetime Legacy Awards

Submit a Nomination for the Rising Star & Lifetime Legacy Awards Nominations for the Outstanding Achievement Awards are currently being accepted.  Over the next several weeks, each of OAA award categories will be highlighted. Consider nominating a university colleague, team member, or direct report today!    Rising Star Award  Description: This award recognizes an individual…

Pats for Patriots: November & December Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots: November & December Round-Up As the first semester and 2025 wind down, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible support and camaraderie that have helped us navigate the challenges of the past year. Together, we thrive, and the Pats for Patriots program beautifully captures…

2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards: Call for Nominations

2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards: Call for Nominations The Outstanding Achievement Awards (OAA) are a cherished George Mason tradition, honoring the dedication and accomplishments of faculty and staff. Last year, refreshed award categories led to a 146% increase in nominations! This year, we are continuing with those categories to ensure all…

Pats for Patriots: October Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots: October Round-Up Each month, Mason Chooses Kindness celebrates members of the George Mason community who make a difference. Through the Pats for Patriots initiative, students, faculty, staff, and alumni recognize acts of kindness, support, and encouragement that embody the spirit of George Mason.  Below is a snapshot…

Pats for Patriots: September Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots: September Round-Up In September, we brought our Pats for Patriots initiative to the annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service. During this event, in addition to the usual Pats, community members shared nearly 100 messages to express appreciation for the people who keep our campus…

Pats for Patriots: August Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots: August Round-Up Welcome to this month’s Pats for Patriots kindness recognition. As we begin a new academic year, campus is filled with energy, anticipation, and preparation. In the midst of this busy season, small acts of kindness can have an especially meaningful impact.  While we…

Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit – Now Rebranded!

HR News Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit – Now Rebranded! We’re excited to announce a fresh new look for the Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit! The rebrand includes newly designed printable PDF cards and Zoom virtual backgrounds-perfect for celebrating your colleagues in thoughtful, creative ways. Whether you’re recognizing a birthday, graduation, new…

Stacey Ellis Receives CUPA-HR’s National Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award

Stacey Ellis Receives CUPA-HR’s National Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award Stacey Ellis, faculty and staff engagement program manager at George Mason University, has been named the recipient of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR) 2025 Higher Ed HR Rock Star Award. This national award recognizes…