Employee Perks and Incentives
Working at Mason comes with lots of benefits and perks! Browse our resources below to learn more about your benefits, discounts, and where to explore!
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Benefits
Health Insurance, Retirement, and Leave Benefits
How do I enroll?
Benefits orientation is mandatory for all newly appointed faculty, both benefits eligible part-time (50% or more appointment time) and full-time. Steps to enroll will be provided therein.
Retirement
Full-time faculty and part-time salaried faculty (50% appointment time or greater) have the choice between two retirement plans. Faculty members who do not select a retirement plan within 60 days of their employment date will be irrevocably enrolled in the VRS Hybrid plan.
Faculty may choose between:
Optional Retirement Plan 401(a)- Faculty may choose to invest with one of two vendors (TIAA or Fidelity Investments). Mason makes an 8.5% employer contribution and faculty make a 5% pre-tax contribution to the ORP. All contributions are immediately vested.
Virginia Retirement System Hybrid- Combination Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) plan. The DB portion has a mandatory employee participation of 4% with an actuarially determined employer contribution and vesting after 5 years of service. There is a mandatory employee contribution of 1% in the DC and a 1% employer match. Participants may contribute up to an additional 4% in the DC portion with a corresponding employer match
Disability Benefits and Sick Leave
Mason provides two sick/disability plan options based on your retirement plan election.
Traditional Sick Leave: With the ORP retirement option, faculty are enrolled in the Traditional Sick Leave Program. With Traditional Sick Leave, administrative/professional faculty will earn 10 hours each pay period (see more details below under "Leave"). Faculty who elect the ORP are automatically enrolled in a Long-Term disability plan through the Standard.
Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP): New faculty electing the Virginia Retirement System Hybrid are enrolled in VSDP. VSDP participants receive a balance of sick leave and family/personal leave in January of each year (see more details below under "Leave"). Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance, and coverage in the VRS Long-Term Care Program are also included.
Supplemental Retirement Accounts
Tax-deferred annuity or tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) investment plans are
available to all Mason employees. These plans allow you to contribute a portion of your income towards a supplemental retirement plan through salary reduction, including an employer match, in some circumstances. Mason employees may participate in one or both of the plans up to the annual IRS limit. Contributions to either plan may be made pre-tax or under a Roth post-tax designation.
403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity, offered through TIAA & Fidelity Investments.
VA 457 plan, offered through the Commonwealth of Virginia. The record-keeper for investments is ICMA-RC.
Health Insurance
Faculty who work at least 20 hours per week may choose one of the following health insurance plans through the Commonwealth of Virginia:
Plans include prescription and dental coverage (with the exception of the Tricare Supplement, which does not include dental).
For the most up-to-date information on rates and coverage, please visit the DHRM website. You are also encouraged to review DHRM's Eligibility Guide for enrollment timeframes and qualifying mid-year event (QME) deadlines.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Mason Faculty may enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) through the Commonwealth of Virginia:
The Dependent Care FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses (child or elder care).
The Medical FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved medical expenses.
Basic Life Insurance
Mason automatically provides basic life insurance policy through Securian Financial for full-time faculty and part-time salaried faculty (50% appointment time or greater) effective on the employment date. Mason pays the entire premium. The basic benefit is two times the individual's annual salary. There is also an accidental death and dismemberment provision of four times the individual's annual salary. A benefit amount above $50,000 is subject to taxes, per IRS regulations.
Optional Insurance
Optional Life Insurance: Designed to supplement the basic VRS group life insurance coverage, VRS Optional Life, underwritten by Securian Financial, gives you the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for you and your family. The plan offers limited guaranteed issue within 31 days of employment. These plans are available to salaried employees who are benefits eligible.
Commuter Choice Transit Benefit
Full time (1.0) FTE employees may participate in the Commuter Choice program, which provides eligible employees with a monthly benefit to cover the cost of commuting by public transit or vanpool (up to the maximum amount allowed by federal law). Please see the Commuter Choice page for enrollment details.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Employees who have been employed with George Mason University for at least a year, and who have worked at least 1,250 hours during that year, are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under FMLA, the University is required to provide up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.
Employee Tuition Exemption
Faculty and staff (including adjunct faculty and non-student wage) are eligible for the tuition exemption. Conditions apply. Please see the Tuition Exemption page.
Leave
New Hire Leave
All full-time new hires will be awarded 40 hours of initial annual leave (or proportionate hours based on FTE). This balance will not be eligible for leave payout and expires one year from the date of hire. The system will use these hours first whenever you enter annual leave hours on your timesheets. Employees that transfer from one leave eligible job group to another do not receive this leave.*
*Generally, rehires who received payout upon a previous termination will also not receive new hire leave.
Sick Leave
Mason provides two sick/disability plan options based on your retirement plan election:
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- ORP retirement option with Traditional Sick Leave:
- Full-time 12-month faculty will earn a maximum of 240 hours (30 days) per leave year at a rate of 10 hours per semi-monthly pay period.
- A maximum of 1,000 hours (125 days) may be carried over from one year to the next each June 24th; once the 1,000 hour maximum is reached, accruals will stop until leave is taken and the balance reduced.
- Faculty members are not reimbursed for unused sick leave upon retirement or separation.
- All full-time new hires in the traditional sick leave program will be awarded 80 hours of initial sick leave (or proportionate hours based on FTE). These hours expire at the end of one year and will not be paid out at separation.
- VRS hybrid retirement option with VSDP Sick Leave and VSDP Family & Personal Leave:
- Leave is granted annually on January 10th each year, starting at 32 hours of family & personal leave and 64 hours of sick leave through the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program for full time employees.
- The leave granted each year is based on years of State Service so please see our VSDP Sick Leave and Family/Personal Leave page for more details.
- ORP retirement option with Traditional Sick Leave:
Annual leave
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- 12-month faculty earn annual leave on an accrual system.
- Part-time 12-month faculty (at least 0.50 FTE) earn annual leave on a proportionate basis.
- Leave is earned and available to use after the end of each pay period (e.g. leave earned for pay period of September 10-24 is earned and available to use after September 24).
- If no leave is taken, a zero leave timesheet must still be submitted via PatriotWeb. Accrual of leave will stop if timesheets are not submitted for six consecutive months. Accrual of leave will begin again when timesheets are submitted and leave will not be retroactively granted.
- No leave is earned for pay periods for which there is any leave without pay.
Accrual Rate and Carryover
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- Annual leave balances roll on June 24th of each year
- The accrual rate for annual leave and the maximum hours of accrued leave an employee may carry from one year to the next or for maximum payment as applicable are:
Employee Category | Hours Accrued per Pay Period | Hours Accrued per Year | Maximum Carryover Limits | Maximum Payout Limits |
Full-time 12-month Administrative/Professional Faculty | 8 hours (bi-weekly = 7.39 hours) |
192 hours (24 days) |
200 hours (25 days) |
288 hours (36 days)* |
*Leave payouts for restricted appointments is dependent on the availability of sponsored funding.
Benefits Action Summary
Action Needed: Time frames are based upon first day of employment.
Within 30 days |
|
Within 60 days |
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Within 90 days |
|
Within 2 Years |
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After 1 Year |
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1 Next time to enroll will be during Open Enrollment in May of each year with an effective date of July 1. Eligible employees may also enroll, stop, or modify within 60 days of a qualifying mid-year event (e.g. marriage, divorce, or birth of a child). Any mid-year changes will be effective on the first day of the month following receipt of the completed election form except for adding newborns, adopted children, or children placed for adoption. In these cases, health coverage is retroactive to the first day of the month in which the birth, adoption or placement for adoption occurred.
2 You must enroll every plan year in a Flexible Spending Account to have an account, so if you want to continue using your FSA or enroll in one for the first time, be sure to take action during Open Enrollment..
3 Irrevocable retirement plan election between the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Plan. If the form is not received within 60 days of the date you are first employed, you will be covered by the VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan.
4 Purchases from most categories of service will be at approximate normal cost during a two-year cost window for those hired on or after January 1, 2017, or those who have a break in service after January 1, 2017, and later wish to purchase that eligible period of service. After two years, the cost increases to actuarial equivalent cost.
How do I enroll?
Benefits orientation is mandatory for all newly appointed faculty, both benefits eligible part-time (50% or more appointment time) and full-time. Steps to enroll will be provided therein.
Instructional/Research Faculty Benefits Summary
Retirement
Full-time faculty and part-time salaried faculty (50% appointment time or greater) have the choice between two retirement plans. Faculty members who do not select a retirement plan within 60 days of their employment date will be irrevocably enrolled in the VRS Hybrid plan.
Faculty may choose between:
Optional Retirement Plan 401(a) (ORP)- Faculty may choose to invest with one of two vendors (TIAA or Fidelity Investments). Mason makes an 8.5% employer contribution and faculty make a 5% pre-tax contribution to the ORP. All contributions are immediately vested.
Virginia Retirement System Hybrid- Combination Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) plan. The DB portion has a mandatory employee participation of 4% with an actuarially determined employer contribution and vesting after 5 years of service. There is a mandatory employee contribution of 1% in the DC and a 1% employer match. Participants may contribute up to an additional 4% in the DC portion with a corresponding employer match.
Disability Benefits and Sick Leave
Mason provides two sick/disability plan options based on your retirement plan election.
With the ORP retirement option, faculty are enrolled in the Traditional Sick Leave Program. With Traditional Sick Leave, 9-month Instructional and Research faculty receive 30 days of traditional sick leave per academic year and 12-month faculty will earn 10 hours each pay period (see more details below under "Leave"). Faculty who elect the ORP are automatically enrolled in a Long-term disability plan through the Standard.
New faculty electing the Virginia Retirement System Hybrid are enrolled in the Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP). VSDP participants receive a balance of sick leave and family/personal leave in January of each year (see more details below under "Leave"). Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance, and coverage in the VRS Long-Term Care Program are also included.
Supplemental Retirement Accounts
Tax-deferred annuity or tax-sheltered annuity (TSA) investment plans are available to all Mason employees. These plans allow you to contribute a portion of your income towards a supplemental retirement plan through salary reduction, including an employer match, in some circumstances. Mason employees may participate in one or both of the plans up to the annual IRS limit. Contributions to either plan may be made pre-tax or under a Roth post-tax designation.
403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity, offered through TIAA & Fidelity Investments.
VA 457 plan, offered through the Commonwealth of Virginia. The record-keeper for investments is ICMA-RC.
Health Insurance
Faculty who work at least 20 hours per week may choose one of the following health insurance plans through the Commonwealth of Virginia:
- Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield (PPO or HDHP)
- Aetna (CDHP)
- Kaiser Permanente (HMO)
- TRICARE Supplement
Plans include prescription and dental coverage (with the exception of the Tricare Supplement, which does not include dental).
For the most up-to-date information on rates and coverage, please visit the DHRM website. You are also encouraged to review DHRM's Eligibility Guide for enrollment timeframes and qualifying mid-year event (QME) deadlines.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Mason Faculty may enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) through the Commonwealth of Virginia:
The Dependent Care FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses (child or elder care).
The Medical FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved medical expenses.
Basic Life Insurance
Mason automatically provides basic life insurance policy through Securian Financial for full-time faculty and part-time salaried faculty (50% appointment time or greater) effective on the employment date. Mason pays the entire premium. The basic benefit is two times the individual's annual salary. There is also an accidental death and dismemberment provision of four times the individual's annual salary. A benefit amount above $50,000 is subject to taxes, per IRS regulations.
Optional Insurance
Optional Life Insurance: Designed to supplement the basic VRS group life insurance coverage, VRS Optional Life, underwritten by Securian Financial, gives you the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for you and your family. The plan offers limited guaranteed issue within 31 days of employment. These plans are available to salaried employees who are benefits eligible.
Commuter Choice Transit Benefit
Full time (1.0) FTE employees may participate in the Commuter Choice program, which provides eligible employees with a monthly benefit to cover the cost of commuting by public transit or vanpool (up to the maximum amount allowed by federal law). Please see the Commuter Choice page for enrollment details.
Employee Tuition Exemption
Faculty and staff (including adjunct faculty and non-student wage) are eligible for the tuition exemption. Conditions apply. Please see the Tuition Exemption page.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Employees who have been employed with George Mason University for at least a year, and who have worked at least 1,250 hours during that year, are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under FMLA, the University is required to provide up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.
Leave
Please visit the Benefits Leave page to learn about the Annual and Sick leave you have available to you. Be sure to note whether you are 9 month or 12 month Instructional/Research Faculty to view the leave options associated with your respective employee classification.
Benefits Action Summary
Action Needed:
Time frames are based upon first day of employment.
Within 30 days 1 |
|
Within 60 days |
|
Within 90 days |
|
Within 1 Year |
|
After 1 Year |
|
Next time to enroll will be during Open Enrollment in May of each year with an effective date of July 1. Eligible employees may also enroll, stop, or modify within 60 days of a qualifying mid-year event (e.g. marriage, divorce, or birth of a child). Any mid-year changes will be effective on the first day of the month following receipt of the completed election form except for adding newborns, adopted children, or children placed for adoption. In these cases, health coverage is retroactive to the first day of the month in which the birth, adoption or placement for adoption occurred.
2 You must enroll every plan year in a Flexible Spending Account to have an account, so if you want to continue using your FSA or enroll in one for the first time, be sure to take action during Open Enrollment.
3 Irrevocable retirement plan election between the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) and the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Hybrid Plan. If the form is not received within 60 days of the date you are first employed, you will be covered by the VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan.
4 You have one year from your date of hire to arrange to purchase prior service at approximate normal cost. After that one-year period, the rate for most categories of service will change to actuarial cost.
Parking
Special options for adjunct faculty parking are available on the parking website.
Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Employees who have been employed with George Mason University for at least a year, and who have worked at least 1,250 hours during that year, are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under FMLA, the University is required to provide up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.
Retirement
Individual Retirement Counseling
Sign up for one-on-one retirement planning with TIAA-CREF, Fidelity, or ICMA-RC on campus. For the schedule, please visit individual retirement counseling.
Supplemental Retirement Savings
- Mason offers both pre-tax and post-tax supplemental retirement plans
- You can contribute to both a 403(b) and the 457 accounts to the full limit allowed by the IRS
Employee Tuition Exemption
Faculty and staff (including adjunct faculty and non-student wage) are eligible for tuition exemption. Conditions apply. Please see the Tuition Exemption page.
Please contact the Registrar’s Office at 703-993-2441 for enrollment information.
Below is a summary of benefits available to classified staff. When you visit the New Employee Welcome (NEW) Center, you will be signed up for a benefits orientation during which a member of the Benefits team will discuss these topics in detail. For more information on each topic, please click the hyperlinks which will guide you to our Benefits website.
Retirement
Virginia Retirement System Hybrid - Combination Defined Benefit (DB) and Defined Contribution (DC) plan. The DB portion has a mandatory employee participation of 4% with an actuarially determined employer contribution and vesting after 5 years of service. There is a mandatory employee contribution of 1% in the DC and a 1% employer match. Participants may contribute up to an additional 4% in the DC portion with a corresponding employer match (see table below).
VRS Hybrid Contribution Schedule |
||
Employee | Employer | |
---|---|---|
Defined Benefit: | ||
Total Mandatory Contribution | 4.0% | Actuarially Determined Rate |
Defined Contribution: | ||
Total Mandatory Contribution: | 1.0% | 1.0% |
Voluntary Contributions | 0.5% | 0.5% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.5% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.25% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.25% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.25% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.25% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.25% |
Voluntary Contributions | +0.5% | +0.25% |
Total Voluntary Contributions | 4.0% | 2.50% |
Total Maximum Contributions | 9.0% | 3.50% + reduced Actuarially Determined Rate |
Virginia Sickness and Disability Program (VSDP)
Classified Staff are automatically enrolled in the VSDP. Under VSDP, full-time staff are credited with the following VSDP leave hours on January 10th each year:
Years of State Service | Sick Leave | Family/Personal Leave |
---|---|---|
Less than 5 | 64 | 32 |
5 to 9 | 72 | 32 |
10 or more | 80 | 40 |
Unused sick and family/personal leave may not be carried forward from one year to the next and staff are not paid for any unused leave at separation. (New full-time staff hired on or after July 10 will receive 40 sick leave hours and 16 family/personal leave hours for that calendar year.)
Part-time classified staff are credited with the following hours on January 10th each of year:
Years of State Service | Sick Leave | Family/Personal Leave |
---|---|---|
Less than 10 | 32 | 32 |
10 or more | 40 | 40 |
Unused sick and family/personal leave may not be carried forward from one year to the next and staff are not paid for any unused leave at separation. (New part-time faculty hired on or after July 10 will receive 20 sick leave hours and 16 family/personal leave hours for that calendar year.)
VSDP also includes short-term and long-term disability benefits. There is a one year waiting period before the staff member is eligible for VSDP short-term disability coverage.
After one year of employment, new hires and rehires will be eligible for a 60% benefit for the first 5 years. After you have satisfied the waiting period, short-term disability benefits are payable during periods of total disability, partial disability, maternity leave, or periodic absences due to a major chronic condition, as determined by the VSDP administrator. Short-term disability benefits provide an income replacement for a maximum of 125 workdays. You become eligible for long-term disability payments after you satisfy a 180 calendar-day (26 weeks) waiting period, following the commencement of your disability. Long-term disability benefits provide you with an income replacement of 60% of your compensation and are payable during periods of total or partial disability.
VSDP participants are also covered under the VRS Long-Term Care Program. There is no cost to you. This long-term care plan assists you in paying for nursing home care, assisted living facility care, hospice care, at-home services and community-based care. The maximum daily benefit amount is $96 with a lifetime maximum of $70,080.
Supplemental Retirement Accounts
403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity, offered through TIAA & Fidelity Investments.
VA 457 plan, offered through the Commonwealth of Virginia. The record-keeper for investments is ICMA-RC.
The Cash Match Plan is available to salaried employees enrolled in the 403(b) plan or the 457 DCP who are not enrolled in the VRS Hybrid Plan or have maximized their voluntary contributions to the VRS Hybrid Plan. This plan provides a match equal to 50% of your contribution up to a maximum of $20 per pay check (The maximum cash match is $18.46 for bi-weekly employees paid over 26 pays)
Rehired employees not participating in the VRS Hybrid Plan will be automatically enrolled in a 403(b) plan after 90 days of employment if they do not either enroll in a supplemental retirement account or complete an opt-out form. Mason will deduct $20 per pay period and deposit it with Fidelity Investments, the default vendor for auto-enrollment. Mason will open a second account with Fidelity Investments and contribute a $10 per pay period cash match. Both accounts will be invested in Fidelity Freedom Funds, a fund tied to the estimated year of retirement based upon age.
Health Insurance
Classified Staff who work at least 20 hours per week may choose one of the following health insurance plans through the Commonwealth of Virginia:
- Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield (PPO or HDHP)
- Aetna (CDHP)
- Kaiser Permanente (HMO)
- TRICARE Supplement
Plans include prescription and dental coverage (with the exception of the Tricare Supplement, which does not include dental). Staff who work at least 30 hours per week have their premiums shared between the employee and Mason. Part-time classified staff who work 20-29 hours per week are eligible for health benefits, but must pay the total premium (employee plus employer contribution). Premiums are payroll-deducted on a pre-tax basis.
A decision to waive or enroll in single, dual, or family coverage must be made within 30 days of the employment date. For staff hired after the first of the month, health insurance will take effect the first of the month after the first date of employment. Staff hired on the first calendar day of the month will have coverage effective the first of that month if the form is received within 30 days of the first working day.
Plan or membership changes can be made during the Annual Spring Open Enrollment for an effective date of July 1. Membership changes can also be made within 60 days of a qualifying mid-year event and will take effect on the first of the month following receipt of a completed enrollment form or the event, whichever is later (except in the case of birth/adoption or divorce when coverage is retroactive to the first of the month in which the event took place).
For the most up-to-date information on rates and coverage, please visit the DHRM website. You are also encouraged to review DHRM's Eligibility Guide for enrollment timeframes and qualifying mid-year event (QME) deadlines.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Mason Classified Staff may enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) through the Commonwealth of Virginia:
The Dependent Care FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses (child or elder care).
The Medical FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for IRS-approved medical expenses.
Basic Life Insurance
Mason automatically provides basic life insurance policy through Securian Financial for full-time and part-time classified staff (50% appointment time or greater) effective on the employment date. Mason pays the entire premium. The basic benefit is two times the individual's annual salary. There is also an accidental death and dismemberment provision of four times the individual's annual salary. A benefit amount above $50,000 is subject to taxes, per IRS regulations.
Optional Insurance Plans
Family Medical Leave Act
Annual Leave
Full-time classified staff earn annual leave on an accrual system in accordance with the number of years of state service.
Part-time classified staff earn annual leave on a proportionate basis.
Leave must be earned before it is used and may not be advanced. Once separated from employment, classified employees are paid for unused annual leave up to the allowable maximum. Please note that no leave is accrued in a pay period during which an employee has unpaid leave hours. An employee must have worked or have been paid for the entire pay period in order to accrue leave in that pay period. The chart below shows the hours earned per years of service and the allowable maximums for each category for semi-monthly classified staff:
Years of Service | Hours Accrued per Pay Period | Hours Accrued per Year | Maximum Carryover Limits* | Maximum Payment Limits |
Up to 5 years | 4 hours (bi-weekly = 3.69 hours) |
96 hours (12 days) |
192 hours (24 days) |
192 hours (24 days) |
5 years | 5 hours (bi-weekly = 4.62 hours) |
120 hours (15 days) |
240 hours (30 days) |
240 hours (30 days) |
10 years | 6 hours (bi-weekly = 5.54 hours) |
144 hours (18 days) |
288 hours (36 days) |
288 hours (36 days) |
15 years | 7 hours (bi-weekly = 6.46 hours) |
168 hours (21 days) |
336 hours (42 days) |
288 hours (36 days) |
20 years | 8 hours (bi-weekly = 7.38 hours) |
192 hours (24 days) |
384 hours (48 days) |
336 hours (42 days) |
25 years | 9 hours (bi-weekly = 8.31 hours) |
216 hours (27 days) |
432 hours (54 days) |
336 hours (42 days) |
*As of January 9th each year
For further information on annual leave for classified staff please refer to DHRM Policy 4.10.
Parental Leave
Up to 320 hours of paid parental leave are available for full-time classified staff. Those working part-time will be allocated a prorated amount as appropriate.
Parental leave can be used starting from the date of birth/placement of the child. Employees have six (6) months from that date to take the leave. Any unused hours after six (6) months will be forfeited. Holidays and weekends cannot be used to extend the parental leave usage window. For example, an employee whose baby was born on July 10, 2018 has until January 10, 2019 to use up their parental leave allotment.
Employees should contact a Benefits Administrator at least thirty (30) days in advance of the leave period to begin the parental leave process. Proof of birth or legal custody documentation will be required.
Please see DHRM Policy 4.21 for more information.
Commuter Choice Transit Benefit
Employee Tuition Exemption
Faculty and staff (including adjunct faculty and non-student wage) are eligible for the tuition exemption. Conditions apply. Please see the Tuition Exemption page.
Benefits Action Summary
Action Needed: Time frames are based upon first day of employment.
Within 30 days 1 | • Health insurance (complete form even if waiving coverage)
• Flexible spending accounts 2 • Additional life insurance |
After 1 Year | • VRS faculty and classified staff become eligible for short-term disability after a one-year waiting period. The date of any eligible event must occur after one year of employment to invoke short-term disability for that event. |
1 Next time to enroll will be during Open Enrollment in May of each year with an effective date of July 1. Eligible employees may also enroll, stop, or modify within 60 days of a qualifying mid-year event (e.g. marriage, divorce, or birth of a child). Any mid-year changes will be effective on the first day of the month following receipt of the completed election form except for adding newborns, adopted children, or children placed for adoption. In these cases, health coverage is retroactive to the first day of the month in which the birth, adoption or placement for adoption occurred.
2 You must enroll every plan year in a Flexible Spending Account to have an account, so if you want to continue using your FSA or enroll in one for the first time, be sure to take action during Open Enrollment.
Wage employees receive several benefits while working at Mason. These benefits include tuition assistance, ability to contribute to a supplemental retirement plan, participation in the Staff Senate and wonderful discounts!
Tuition Exemption
Faculty and staff (including adjunct faculty and non-student wage) are eligible for the tuition exemption. Conditions apply. Please see the Tuition Exemption page.
Supplemental Retirement Plans
Non-student wage employees are eligible to contribute to a supplemental retirement plan, such as a 403b or 457, to set aside money each pay period for long-term savings. The money deducted is invested in your choice of a number of stock and bond options. This contribution is deducted from your pay before state and federal income taxes are taken, lowering your current income and resulting in lower taxes as you save. While wage employees are not eligible for a cash-match contribution, supplemental retirement plans are a great way to start saving for the future. The interest or investment growth also accumulates free from income tax until the year you withdraw your funds.
The University offers two types of tax-deferred annuity plans:
Family and Medical Leave
Employees who have been employed with George Mason University for at least a year, and who have worked at least 1,250 hours during that year, are covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under FMLA, the University is required to provide up to twelve weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.
Financial Benefit Resources
As a qualified public-service employer, Mason’s salaried faculty and staff who work more than 30 hours per week may be eligible to participate in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. If you think you may be eligible, please complete the PSLF Employment Certification Form. Mason will need to complete a section of the form; please email the form to hrverify@gmu.edu or fax to 703.993.2601.
George Mason has partnered with TIAA and Savi to provide Mason employees access to tools that can potentially help reduce monthly student loan payment and work toward loan forgiveness. Brought to you by TIAA and Savi, the student loan debt assistance tool helps:
-
- Strengthen your financial footing in the short term
- Position you for student loan forgiveness
- Reduce your payment based on your income and family size
- Free up funds that you can direct towards other financial goals
- Remove the complexities of forgiveness and put the process on autopilot for a small fee
- Find the best federal repayment and forgiveness programs for your financial situation
Visit our website today to calculate your savings and learn more.
Mason employees may be eligible for a Mason tuition exemption. To learn more, visit our Tuition Exemption page.
George Mason University is offering the Mason Virginia Promise (MVP) Grant for qualifying dependents of Mason employees. The employee must be current, active, and benefits-eligible to qualify for this benefit. For more details, please refer to the Employee Dependent Tuition Benefit page.
Discounts
As a Mason employee, you receive a range of discounts from major brands to local businesses. Visit the Patriot Perks website to discover how you can save.
As a Mason employee, you receive a range of discounts from major brands to local businesses. Visit the DHRM website to discover how you can save.
An Executive Order gives full-time state employees in Northern Virginia up to $300 per month to commute by public transit or vanpool. This is a tax-free benefit paid by the university. Visit the Transportation website for more information.
- A Mason Recreation membership is more than just a gym membership. Our programs, services, and facilities are an essential (and fun!) component of student and faculty/staff well-being. We are proud to share what we offer with members of the Mason community.
- Take your walk indoors! Wellness by Mason offers Mason Walkin', 1-mile trails mapped out in 18 buildings in Arlington, Fairfax, and Science & Technology.
Services offered by George Mason University's Auxiliary Services & Operations such as parking and transportation, dining, retail, and banking.
George Mason Athletics is proud to announce and offer multiple discounts for all George Mason University Faculty & Staff members across our various campuses. To purchase discounted tickets visit this page.
Family, Child, and Personal Care
Child Care
The George Mason University Child Development Center (CDC) is a NAEYC accredited early childhood learning environment. Visit their website to learn more!
Looking to get your kids involved in camps and education programs? Visit the Mason OBS website for more information!
As part of the Mason community, you have a host of benefits and resources to support your family. You can find these benefits and resources on our Parenting page.
Family and Personal Care
Human Resources assists Mason employees' spouses and partners find local job market information tailored to their interests and experience. To learn more, visit our Spouse and Partner Employment page.
All health plans offered at Mason to employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs).
Included are up to four sessions at no charge for such services as mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, grief counseling and legal or financial services.
Mason offers private spaces on each campus to accommodate nursing parents. While we do have dedicated spaces for lactation on campus, we understand that convenience is important as well. Please contact your department's HR Liaison for information about other possible locations in and around your building.
Students can visit the Parenting and Expecting Students resource page for additional information. If you are a student in need of a lactation room separate from the spaces listed, please contact Alissa Karton at akarton@gmu.edu.
Fairfax Campus
Horizon Hall – 4th Floor, Room 4005
This is the primary lactation space in Horizon Hall. This room is available on a first-come, first-served basis whenever the building is open. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Horizon Hall – 3rd Floor, Room 3218 *limited availability*
The lactation space is located on the west side of the building within the CHSS suite. It is only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., during business hours when the CHSS suite is open and staffed. If the office suite is not open, please use Room 4005 instead.
Room 3218 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Horizon Hall – 6th Floor, Room 6318 *limited availability*
The lactation space is located on the west side of the building and should be accessed by entering the CHSS suite (6200). It is only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., during business hours when the CHSS suite is open and staffed. If the office suite is not open, please use room 4005 instead.
Room 6318 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Johnson Center – Ground Floor Ladies Room (Closed for Construction in Fall 2023)
Available during JC operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space.
Merten Hall – 4th floor, Office 4100
Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Peterson Hall – 2nd Floor, Room 2414A
This room will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
SUB I – Room 1004 (to the left of the Mason Student Services Center)
Available during SUB I operating hours. This room will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you experience any issues with this space, please visit the SUB I information desk.
Mason Square
Van Metre Hall – Room 323A
Available in accordance with building hours, currently 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you experience any issues with this space, please contact 703-993-2095 or arlops@gmu.edu.
Science and Technology Campus
Colgan Hall Lactation Room, Room 209
Please fill out the online request form to register to use this space. Upon registration you will be scheduled for a brief orientation where you will receive a unique Omnilock code to unlock the room. Please contact Michael Galvin or Kerry Hentges if you experience any issues with the space.
Student Health Services – Colgan Hall, Room 229 (Student Health Services)
To request access the lactation room during business hours, please go to Executive Office Room 217 (Colgan Hall). Please contact 703-993-8355 or 703-993-8370 if you need access or experience any issues with the space.
Faculty and Staff Engagement Resources
Well-Being
- Mason’s Employee Health and Well-Being program is committed to providing occupational and individual health services to George Mason University employees in a convenient and affordable manner. Employee Health and Well-Being, started in the spring of 2022 will offer a variety of well-being focused services and resources to support Mason faculty and staff in their occupational role and personal health goals. Discover available services on the SEERM website.
- Enjoy a variety of mindfulness practices during the school year. These practices include mindful sitting, journaling, and guided meditation. No experience is necessary. Facilitators will vary throughout the semester. Check the Mindful Mason Moments website for meeting dates, times, and locations.
- Mason is partnering with BurnAlong to pilot the app that offers on demand fitness and health classes. The first 1,000 faculty and staff and first 6,000 students will receive free access! Mason students, faculty, and staff will be able to choose from more than 1,000 classes across more than 30 categories and will also have the ability to record classes on the platform. BurnAlong currently has Mason-branded classes on the platform! Start today on the Mason BurnAlong website.
- Mason provides a number of well-being resources for employees! Browse the Center for Advancement for Well-Being website to discover how to support your well-being.
- Want to get more steps in? Each Mason campus has several one-mile walking trails, mapped out on this Mason Walkin' guide.
Mason’s Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center offers a 12 week program focused on nutrition education, exercise, and lifestyle behavior change. Participants are offered 1:1 health, wellness, and personal training sessions. Mason employees are offered a 10% discount for the program. Learn more about the EIM program here. For more information, contact the Exercise is Medicine Program Manager, Robin Frey, at rfrey1@gmu.edu or call 703-993-4860.
Mason supports a flexible work policy that includes telework, flextime, compressed schedules, and job sharing. For details, please see the Flexible Work homepage.
CommonHealth, the wellness benefit for state employees, offers a range of opportunities including special rates on WeightWatchers, fitness center discounts, and more!
All employees, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50 percent off the retail price of WW and can join for as low as $8.48 per month. Sign up* or learn more at the WW CommonHealth website.
*You'll need your 7-digit employee ID to sign up. This number is your Cardinal ID without the leading or ending zeros (example: if your Cardinal ID is 00123456700, use 1234567 to sign up).
The Emotional Support Line is free, anonymous & confidential.
If you need immediate support, call the Emotional Support Line to speak with a volunteer trained to use an evidence-informed approach to address acute issues and provide screening for problems that require more intensive treatment.
Community
Recognition is a cornerstone at Mason. To see the many ways there are to recognize your colleagues and thank them for a job well done, please visit Reward & Recognition.
Mason has a variety of Faculty and Staff Networks intended to support our core values of “Diversity is Our Strength” and “We Thrive Together.” We encourage employees to join networks that will best support their engagement, well-being, or professional interests.
Don't miss a beat! Connect with Us on all of our social media channels. Want to receive all HR News announcements? Subscribe to our HR newsletter!
Discover faculty and staff specific events using the faculty and staff filter on Today @ Mason.
Introduce your little ones to the world of work with Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day.
Continuous Learning
George Mason University is proud to serve as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Region Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (MA-HERC). As part of our commitment to fostering a workforce as vibrant and diverse as our student population, we partner with HERC to provide development and learning opportunities to employees.
As a HERC member, all GMU employees have access to a robust suite of webinars, blog posts, and toolkits to elevate workforce inclusion and DEI practices, in a community with 5,000 other higher education professionals.
This is free to all GMU employees.
Visit member.HERCJobs.org to create a free HERConnect login or contact Dwala Toombs, Outreach and Compliance Programs Manager, dtoombs@gmu.edu for more information and to take advantage of these resources.
Mason offers a wide array of learning opportunities. For a sample of what’s available, please visit the sites below for more information:
- Assistive Technology
- Center for the Advancement of Well-Being
- Center for Teaching & Faculty Excellence
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Facilities
- Fiscal Services
- Information Technology Services
- LinkedIn Learning (free access for Mason faculty, staff, and students)
- Mason Libraries
- Rosetta Stone (free access for Mason faculty, staff, and students). 30 languages to choose from.
- Office of Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics
- University Police
Mason’s internal Workplace Coaching program exists to provide all university faculty and staff an opportunity for professional growth and wellbeing. Are you looking to make a positive change in some aspect of your career or life? Could you use some support toward the achievement of your goals? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for coaching! Visit our Workplace Coaching page to learn more.
Continue to learn and grow in your as a professional! Browse our professional development opportunities that are available to faculty and staff.
Mid-Atlantic Region Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (MA-HERC)
George Mason University is proud to serve as a member of the Mid-Atlantic Region Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (MA-HERC). As part of our commitment to fostering a workforce as vibrant and diverse as our student population, we partner with HERC to provide development and learning opportunities to employees.
As a HERC member, all GMU employees have access to a robust suite of webinars, blog posts, and toolkits to elevate workforce inclusion and DEI practices, in a community with 5,000 other higher education professionals.
This is free to all GMU employees.
Visit member.HERCJobs.org to create a free HERConnect login or contact Dwala Toombs, Outreach and Compliance Programs Manager, dtoombs@gmu.edu for more information and to take advantage of these resources.
At Mason, we offer a range of technical trainings for faculty and staff. Browse our catalog and discover how you can grow in your role.
Mason Learning, Evaluation, and Performance System, known as MasonLEAPS, is a comprehensive, self-service system designed to integrate employee performance and professional learning.
On MasonLEAPS and LinkedIn Learning, you can register for webinars on areas that you'd like to learn more!
To login to the MasonLEAPS please visit the MasonLEAPS login page.
Mason employees may be eligible for a Mason tuition exemption. To learn more, visit our Tuition Exemption page.
George Mason University is offering the Mason Virginia Promise (MVP) Grant for qualifying dependents of Mason employees. The employee must be current, active, and benefits-eligible to qualify for this benefit. For more details, please refer to the Employee Dependent Tuition Benefit page.
On-Campus Made Easy
Mason offers private spaces on each campus to accommodate nursing parents. While we do have dedicated spaces for lactation on campus, we understand that convenience is important as well. Please contact your department's HR Liaison for information about other possible locations in and around your building.
Students can visit the Parenting and Expecting Students resource page for additional information. If you are a student in need of a lactation room separate from the spaces listed, please contact Alissa Karton at akarton@gmu.edu.
Fairfax Campus
Horizon Hall – 4th Floor, Room 4005
This is the primary lactation space in Horizon Hall. This room is available on a first-come, first-served basis whenever the building is open. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Horizon Hall – 3rd Floor, Room 3218 *limited availability*
The lactation space is located on the west side of the building within the CHSS suite. It is only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., during business hours when the CHSS suite is open and staffed. If the office suite is not open, please use Room 4005 instead.
Room 3218 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Horizon Hall – 6th Floor, Room 6318 *limited availability*
The lactation space is located on the west side of the building and should be accessed by entering the CHSS suite (6200). It is only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., during business hours when the CHSS suite is open and staffed. If the office suite is not open, please use room 4005 instead.
Room 6318 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Johnson Center – Ground Floor Ladies Room (Closed for Construction in Fall 2023)
Available during JC operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space.
Merten Hall – 4th floor, Office 4100
Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Peterson Hall – 2nd Floor, Room 2414A
This room will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
SUB I – Room 1004 (to the left of the Mason Student Services Center)
Available during SUB I operating hours. This room will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you experience any issues with this space, please visit the SUB I information desk.
Mason Square
Van Metre Hall – Room 323A
Available in accordance with building hours, currently 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you experience any issues with this space, please contact 703-993-2095 or arlops@gmu.edu.
Science and Technology Campus
Colgan Hall Lactation Room, Room 209
Please fill out the online request form to register to use this space. Upon registration you will be scheduled for a brief orientation where you will receive a unique Omnilock code to unlock the room. Please contact Michael Galvin or Kerry Hentges if you experience any issues with the space.
Student Health Services – Colgan Hall, Room 229 (Student Health Services)
To request access the lactation room during business hours, please go to Executive Office Room 217 (Colgan Hall). Please contact 703-993-8355 or 703-993-8370 if you need access or experience any issues with the space.
Mason Money is a prepaid declining balance account accessed with the Mason ID or Mason Money Card. It provides a fast, safe, and convenient way to make purchases on and off campus. Make deposits, check balances, deactivate lost cards using Mason Money Online.
Masonvale offers faculty, staff, and graduate students rental housing on the Fairfax campus. Choose from beautifully appointed one, two, and three bedroom units.
Campus | Type | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Fairfax | Meditation Space | Johnson Center, Room 321 (Northeast Corner) | |
Fairfax | Meditation Space | Angel Cabrera Global Center, Room 1322 | |
Fairfax | Meditation Garden | Outdoors between Horizon Hall & Harris Theater | |
Fairfax | MindSpa | SUB I, Room 3129 | Inside CAPS Suite / Registration required |
Arlington | MindSpa | Van Metre Hall, Room 222 | Inside UL Suite / Registration required |
Arlington | Meditation Space | Van Metre Hall, 2nd Floor | Adjacent to Quiet Study Area |
SciTech | Meditation Space | Katherine G. Johnson Hall, 3rd Floor | Back lab wing |
SciTech | MindSpa | Katherine G. Johnson Hall, Room 122 | Registration required |
The Payroll Deduction Program allows full-time, benefited, faculty and staff to payroll deduct their parking fees on a pre-tax basis, which reduces their taxable income.
- A Mason Recreation membership is more than just a gym membership. Our programs, services, and facilities are an essential (and fun!) component of student and faculty/staff well-being. We are proud to share what we offer with members of the Mason community.
- Take your walk indoors! Wellness by Mason offers Mason Walkin', 1-mile trails mapped out in 18 buildings in Arlington, Fairfax, and Science & Technology.
Services offered by George Mason University's Auxiliary Services & Operations such as parking and transportation, dining, retail, and banking.
George Mason Athletics is proud to announce and offer multiple discounts for all George Mason University Faculty & Staff members across our various campuses. To purchase discounted tickets visit this page.
Explore the Area
Fairfax
Experience the best of Northern Virginia by visiting Fairfax County, VA! Fairfax is an ideal getaway spot in Northern Virginia because of all the great activities to choose from, such as a family-friendly day trip with the kids filled with history and wonder, a night on the town with friends at trendy brewhouses or exquisite wineries, or an entire-family getaway for an upcoming holiday vacation.
Not only are there fun things to do in Fairfax but we are also a short drive or Metro ride to Washington D.C. If you're looking for things to do this weekend, make sure to visit our Fairfax events page.
Make plans to explore Fairfax!
Fairfax County is known to be one of the best and most economical places to stay while visiting the Washington, DC area. The best thing about staying in Northern Virginia is that you’re incredibly close to the nation’s capital with additional access to great shopping, dining, hotels and more in Fairfax.
Our area boasts great hotels to host meeting and conventions, hotels that are near the airport and even places to stay that will welcome your pets too! Whether you're looking for cozy or luxury, Fairfax County has a place for you. Browse our hotels by region, or search by amenities to find exactly what you're looking for. If you’re looking for a deal on your next stay, visit our Hotel Deals & Packages page.
For even more accommodation options, check out this guide.
Northern Virginia restaurants are open for business, and many offer indoor and creative outdoor dining options. Learn more about where to dine and taste!
Our robust event calendar is teeming with upcoming events and things to do in Fairfax County and the greater Washington, DC area. These Fairfax events give you a ton of options when looking for things to do and ways to enjoy your time here in Northern Virginia. Find the perfect thing to do in Virginia this weekend!
Northern Virginia
Step out into Northern Virginia! Browse what you can do in NoVA whether it's in Alexandria, Reston, or Prince William!
Looking to have an educational stay-cation in Northern Virginia? Explore the vast history of Northern Virginia by browsing the NoVA website by area.
Northern Virginia is brimming with arts and culture! Discover beauty by browsing the NoVA website.
Shenandoah
Find your epic experience in the Shenandoah Valley! Few destinations anywhere offer the diversity of attractions found in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and West Virginia along with our good neighbors in Bedford, Lynchburg and Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain Region.
There are epic experiences ahead and lots of things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. Whether it’s at a waterpark, on a hiking trail, on horseback, in a canoe, at a performance or festival, in a garden or museum, on a wine or beer trail – you might discover something that sparks a life-long interest.
Don't miss the next event happening in the Shenandoah Valley! Browse the Shenandoah Valley website and mark your calendars for the next fun event!
Washington D.C.
You can find all the best things to do right here in DC, from concerts and cultural events to American history, free attractions and so much more!
It’s easy to ride the Metro or hop on a bike and explore all that the nation’s capital has to offer. Walk the halls of free Smithsonian museums, paddle on the Potomac and Anacostia rivers or sit back on a double-decker tour bus and soak up some history. Local shops, funky marketplaces and people-watching hot spots beckon by midday, as nighttime gives way to multi-course dinners and drinks from local breweries. However you spend your time here, make it count.
Discover the best things to do in Washington, DC, from events happening right now to annual festivals and so much more.
A roster of versatile venues, exciting professional and collegiate sports teams and monument-starring endurance races make DC a one-of-a-kind sports destination.
The nation’s capital is a sports hub, a first-class city for hosting large and small sporting events for any skill level. The city’s many venues, including Capital One Arena, The Fields at RFK, the Entertainment and Sports Arena and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, provide numerous options for planners. Outdoor recreation is also plentiful in the city, as the District features the 1,754-acre Rock Creek Park and the national playground that is the National Mall. Marquee events like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon and the DC Bike Ride have used the city’s monuments as a scenic backdrop to unforgettable competitions.
Browse the DC sports website to see how you can become a part of the action!