Diversity and Inclusion
Military Members and Veterans
George Mason University understands the value veterans bring to our university and are proud of our commitment to hiring those that have served. The university is committed to hiring veterans (and military spouses/ partners) and providing them opportunities to grow and be successful at Mason.
Applying and Hiring
Veterans may browse George Mason University’s current full-time, part-time and temporary employment opportunities. Candidates must apply at jobs.gmu.edu, and provide the requested information as required for each job posted to be considered for a position.
Additionally, all applicable positions are advertised on the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) website and the Virginia Workforce Connection (VWC) website, which allows veterans the opportunity to view the available jobs. VEC has a specific page for veteran employment as well. Being located in an area where there are many military installations, Mason looks forward to capitalizing on this and improving the employment of veterans.
In accordance with DHRM’s Hiring Policy 2.10 and the Code of Virginia, George Mason University’s hiring process includes a veteran preference for all identified veterans, their surviving spouses and children, and members of the National Guard applicants. Please contact jobs@gmu.edu for specifics regarding how veteran preference is applied during the search and evaluation process.
George Mason University is a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program and has been a proud participant in the V3 program since its inception. The participants in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s V3 program have hired over 50,000 veterans since 2012, reaching a total of 67,000 hires in October 2020.
To learn more about the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program, visit their website.
George Mason University is also a member of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) since 2012. Developed by the Department of Defense and launched in 2011, MSEP coordinates member institutions to provide job opportunities and valuable resources to the military spouse community in an effort to help those that serve and the family members that help our military community thrive.
“Military spouses face a 24 percent unemployment rate and a 25 percent wage gap compared to their civilian counterparts.
Seventy-seven percent of these spouses want or need work, yet frequent relocation is often a barrier to finding and maintaining a rewarding career. The inability of spouses to obtain and retain fulfilling employment as they relocate with the military compromises the quality of life of military families and the readiness of the military force.”
-MSEP/DOD
Learn more about the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP).
Resources
George Mason University has an Office of Military Services on the Fairfax, Virginia, campus. While Military Services is primarily focused on students and guiding them through the educational process when they are using the GI bill, its collaborative effort with Military, Veterans and Families extends its reach to Mason employees.
- Browse Active Military Duty Information from the Virginia Department of Human Resources.
- Browse Active Military Duty Information from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
- Browse Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
- The Department of Labor e-Vets Resource Advisor assists veterans preparing to enter the job market. It includes information on a broad range of topics, such as job search tools and tips, employment openings, career assessment, education and training, and benefits and special services available to veterans.
- Browse the resources for Federal Benefits for Veterans from US Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- Browse resources from the Department of Labor Veterans Employment Training Service.
Using Military Leave
Classified staff and faculty members are entitled to up to 21 workdays of paid military leave in a federal fiscal year for each tour of active duty. In addition, for tours of duty that exceed 21 days, employees may choose to use their annual, overtime or compensatory leave balances during this time. Any leave in excess of the initial 21 days or other paid leave will be considered as unconditional leave without pay. In order to preserve reinstatement rights, the period of active duty must not exceed five years.
For 9-month faculty, since they do not complete monthly leave reports, a copy of their orders and the dates of the leave may be filed within their department or college. A 9-month faculty member who exceeds the allotted 21 day requirement during one tour of duty should be placed on leave without pay for the excess time taken. A request should be submitted through the appropriate dean or director and the Office of the Provost to Human Resources & Payroll to place the faculty member on leave without pay.
If employees are members of any reserve unit of the Armed Forces or the National Guard, they are eligible for leave with pay for up to 21 workdays in a federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for military duty which includes training. To qualify for reserve duty leave, employees must furnish their supervisors with copies of their orders or other documentation from a responsible military official. Only the dates specified in the orders may be charged to reserve duty leave.
For more information about your benefits while on military leave, please visit our Benefits While on Leave page.
Military Related Benefits Information
Classified staff members who take the 21 workdays of active duty or reserve duty leave should denote this on their timesheets with the leave code "MT."
Twelve-month faculty members who complete monthly leave reports should denote the military leave taken in the comments section of the report. Days taken in excess of the 21 paid military days should be coded on timesheets and leave reports as annual or other applicable leave.
In the fall of 2020, the University began the Military, Veterans and Families Initiative (MVFI). The Office of Military Services is participating as the education and VA benefits arm of the effort. If you have questions about veterans' benefits or resources or would like to schedule an individual consultation, contact the Office of Military Services at 703-993-1316 or email military@gmu.edu.
Military, Veterans and Families Initiative (MVFI) will host regular Coffee Chats in which Veteran employees, staff, and faculty can discuss current topics and share information.