Organizational Development and Learning

Choosing the Future Together: AI Innovation, Community, and Commitment

"As a public R1 university, Mason is recasting itself as an AI Innovation Nexus that unites education, research, and operations to serve society. This keynote outlines how responsible AI adoption, guided by community values and institutional commitment, positions Mason to lead in shaping the future we choose."

Dr. Amarda Shehu is Professor of Computer Science, Associate Dean for Research, and the inaugural Vice President and Chief AI Officer at George Mason University. She leads the university’s AI strategy across research, education, workforce development, and public engagement. She has led the Institute for Digital Innovation and has launched multiple transdisciplinary centers. She is also the architect of Mason’s new M.S. in Artificial Intelligence degree program and chairs the university’s AI-in-Government Council, advancing AI collaboration across academia, industry, and public agencies. An active AI researcher, Dr. Shehu has published over 200 papers with students and collaborators. She is a fellow of several societies and has received several recognitions and awards for her research, education, mentorship, and service.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Leading the Future from Where You Stand: A Facilitated Discussion on Personal Impact

JC Meeting Room B

Presented by Hilah Zia

In a time of rapid change and increasing complexity, how do we each contribute to shaping the future—regardless of our official title or position? This interactive facilitated discussion invites participants to explore how courage, community, and commitment are not just leadership ideals, but everyday practices that anyone can embody.

Together, we will reflect on what “the future we choose” means in the context of our individual roles and departments, and how small actions can create meaningful ripple effects across the university. Participants will engage in small group conversations, consider case examples, and leave with practical insights on how to lead from where they are.

This session isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about sparking a dialogue that empowers everyone to think critically about their impact, reframe challenges as opportunities, and connect their daily work to a shared vision for Mason’s future.

Saving Spoons with AI: Reframing Generative Tools as Access and Accommodation

JC Meeting Room A

Presented by Crystal Boyce

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are often described in terms of productivity, plagiarism, and efficiency – but what if we reframed them through a disability justice lens?

Generative AI tools can act as quiet, powerful accommodations; this workshop invites faculty and staff to explore generative AI as a support mechanism for energy-limited and neurodivergent users. Drawing on spoon theory and real-world examples, we’ll reframe generative AI tools as a scaffold: a way to externalize thought process to help reduce cognitive overload, emotional strain, and executive dysfunction in both professional workflows and student learning.

This session will challenge pervasive narratives about AI and integrity by focusing instead on AI as a support tool that enables sustainable practices – especially for workers and students who might otherwise burn out or disengage. Participants will engage in collaborative discussion, analyze critiques of AI through the lens of accessibility, and leave with inclusive strategies for integrating AI into their work and teaching practices.

Committees - Can’t Beat Them, Join Them: Maximize Your Return on Committee Service

JC Meeting Room D

Presented by David Farris

David is the author of Understanding University Committees: How to Manage and Participate Constructively in Institutional Governance. Based on his dissertation research and subsequent writing, David will discuss the benefits of serving on university committees, how to structure committees for success, interpersonal dynamics, and tips for managing committees to maximize productivity and engagement.

Courage is Calling: Answer the Challenge Within

JC Meeting Room C

Presented by Jamie Kizer

Fear stops more dreams than failure ever will. In this high-energy, transformational workshop, participants will discover that courage isn't about being fearless—it's about taking action despite fear. Drawing from ancient Stoic wisdom, modern neuroscience, and real-world leadership examples, this session provides practical tools to build courage as a daily practice. Through interactive exercises, personal reflection, and peer collaboration, attendees will identify their courage barriers and create actionable plans to overcome them. Whether you're avoiding difficult conversations, hesitating to pursue opportunities, or playing small in your leadership, this workshop will equip you with the mindset and strategies to step boldly into your potential.

Data Done Right: Mastering Precision for Results

JC Meeting Room E

Presented by Dimitry Veretennikov & Birgit Debeerst

In today's data-driven world, leadership depends on high-quality data to make informed decisions. Yet, collecting data that is accurate, consistent, and relevant remains a challenge. How can institutions of higher education ensure they are capturing the right data in the right way? In this session, the University Life Project & Process Management Team will share practical strategies for evaluating and improving data quality. Participants will learn techniques to support informed decision-making and advance their organization’s success.

Our Future Together: You Are The Catalyst For Transformative Change

JC Meeting Room F

Presented by Melissa Bevacqua & Michelle Barr

In a time of rapid transformation, within what feels like constant pressure to change, how do you stay grounded in your values and the values of our institution, while embracing the unknown? Start with who you are, what drives you, and the unique value you bring to ensure alignment with the vision of our institution. We invite you to explore the intersection of bringing your best self to work and unlocking change, while also connecting with others and influencing decision-makers, even if you are not in a position of authority. We’ll tackle how to build trust through authentic, professional relationships that create deep connection and shared accountability across the institution. We’ll help you assess your environment, use your curiosity to ask powerful questions, and foster a spirit of collaboration to influence positive change. We’ll empower you to carry the institutional vision, mission and goals forward by connecting your everyday work to a larger purpose, demonstrating your leadership, regardless of your role, through consistency and commitment. Together, you’ll begin operating from a place of power, for navigating change, thriving with resilience, and strategically leveraging relationships that benefit you and our institution, supporting one another to shape “The Future We Choose.”

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.

"Wait—What? How Great Questions Change the Conversation"

JC Meeting Room A

Presented by Brittney Dalmas

In times of change, uncertainty, and siloed work, asking the right questions can be a powerful tool for connection, resilience, and clarity. This interactive session explores the simple but transformative shift from having answers to asking “What” questions, showing how curious, open-ended prompts can unlock understanding, build trust, and fuel momentum. Grounded in coaching practices and organizational psychology, participants will learn how “What” questions create space for emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and shared problem-solving. These questions not only strengthen relationships but also support personal and collective resilience by helping individuals pause, reflect, and navigate challenges with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how better questions foster deeper conversations, spark creativity, and build bridges across roles and teams. Whether you're leading a project, mentoring a colleague, or reconnecting with your purpose, you’ll leave with practical tools to ask differently and listen better.

Courage in Action, Community, and Commitment to Growth

JC Meeting Room B

Presented by Kimberly Jackson Davidson & Sarah Atif

The Office of the University Ombudsperson at George Mason University will host a session introducing the 3Practice Circles, a method for constructive dialogue amidst differing perspectives. The aim is to foster respectful communication across divides, avoiding abusive exchanges, forced agreements, and unconditional surrender.

The session starts with a brief introduction to the 3Practice Circles model and its origins. Six to eight volunteers will join Davidson and Atif, circle Co-referees, in a circle for a live demonstration. Other participants will observe the demonstration in fishbowl style. Two volunteers will share a personal response to a framing statement for two minutes each. Other volunteers in the circle will then ask clarifying questions, beginning with "[Name of responder], I'd be curious to know…?" The volunteer responder has one minute to respond to each question asked.

This introductory session allows time for two individuals to share their responses to the frame and participant questions. The session concludes with participants expressing gratitude to at least one other individual in the circle, followed by a brief feedback and Q&A section. Observers learn as much as volunteers.

George Mason University groups, organizations, and departments can email ombuds@gmu.edu to explore opportunities to host or participate in future 3Practice Circles.

Building Workplace Engagement through Advisory Councils: Empowering Connection, Collaboration, and Leadership from Any Seat

JC Meeting Room D

Presented by College of Humanities and Social Sciences Staff and Administrative Professional Faculty Advisor Council

This interactive workshop, led by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ Staff and Administrative/Professional (A/P) Faculty Advisory Council, explores how establishing an advisory council for A/P faculty, classified staff, and non-student wage employees in the college creates opportunities for leading from any role and embodying courage in action. Participants will learn how such councils foster employee engagement and enable team members to actively participate in driving positive change by serving as a bridge to senior leadership and administrators. The workshop highlights how advisory councils raise awareness of employees’ unique needs, empower and equip them to advocate effectively, and collaborate with university-wide partners to represent constituent concerns. Additionally, councils act as a vital resource for promoting enriching, engaging, collaborative, and supportive work environments within their respective units.

Beyond the Buzz: Practical AI Strategies for Higher Ed Administrators

JC Meeting Room E

Presented by Adam Anthony

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in higher education conversations, but what does it really mean for administrators working to support students and manage complex operations? Beyond the Buzz: Practical AI Strategies for Higher Ed Administrators offers a grounded, hands-on approach to cutting through the hype and applying AI in ways that make a real difference. This session explores how AI tools can help administrators improve communication, streamline processes, and strengthen student engagement while maintaining ethical standards and human oversight. Participants will learn practical strategies for crafting effective prompts, refining outputs to match institutional voice and accuracy, and applying personalization techniques that resonate with diverse audiences. With a focus on actionable applications—from drafting outreach messages to generating reports and supporting decision-making—this session equips attendees with tools they can begin using immediately. More than a technology overview, it emphasizes clarity, confidence, and creativity in leveraging AI to advance institutional goals and enhance the student experience.

Self-Compassion: Directing Our Ethic of Care Inward

JC Meeting Room F

Presented by Jordan Ahlersmeyer-Huang

Working with students often requires us to provide empathy, care, and support for the students we encounter. Too often we neglect taking the time to turn that same empathy, care, and support towards ourselves. In this session, participants will learn more about the concept of self-compassion, examine what research says about the benefits of self-compassion, understand the misconceptions of what it means to be self-compassionate, and practice a variety of self-compassion techniques they can implement into their lives as we move through the academic year.

Navigating Change Through Coaching Conversations

JC Meeting Room C

Presented by Laxmi Shastry and Robyn Madar

• You are curious about what coaching actually is and how it works,
• You want to learn more about what no-cost coaching services and skill-building resources are available through GMU, or
• You are energized to explore the role of curiosity, courage, and connection in your life and work.

2 p.m.- 3 p.m.

Be Your Own Influencer

JC Meeting Room E

Presented by Stephanie Barnett

In a world full of voices telling you how to succeed, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. But what if your greatest source of influence is already within you? This session introduces Energy Leadership, a framework for understanding how your energy impacts your performance and presence. You’ll learn how to recognize and shift your energy to lead yourself more effectively—at work and in life. You’ll walk away with: A clear understanding of what energy is and its impact on performance Insight into what influences how you show up Practical strategies to shift your energy and boost personal effectiveness.

Generative Listening: A Tool & Mindset for Supportive Conversations

JC Meeting Room C

Presented by Laxmi Shastry

Add another strategy to your communication (and leadership, well-being, etc) toolbox! In this session we will learn about and practice “Generative Listening,” a type of listening that helps us understand what we do well by surfacing strengths, skills, & values. This is an interactive session where we will practice sharing our stories/experiences and listening in ways that support relationships, growth, and resilience. We will also consider how each of us can fold a ‘generative’ approach to listening into our different work and roles at GMU.

Failing Well: A Powerful Strategy to Support Success

JC Meeting Room A

Presented by Ethan Carter

Success rarely comes without setbacks and let’s face it, no one enjoys when their plans don’t work out. But what if you approached problems like a scientist? In this session, you’ll learn how to embrace failure as a learning tool by applying the six core principles of improvement science, using the assessment cycle, and building a learning network. Discover how “failing well” can become a powerful strategy on your path to success.

“From Vision to Victory: Reflect, Reset, and Reignite Your Goals”

JC Meeting Room D

Presented by Philip Wilkerson, Tim Attoh, Jamie Kizer

As the year winds down, fall can be the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reimagine what success looks like before the year ends. This interactive workshop invites George Mason University faculty and staff to harness the power of vision boards and intentional goal-setting as tools for both personal and professional growth. Participants will explore how vision boards can serve as visual motivation and how setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals can help you gain momentum—not just for the final months of the year, but into the next. Whether you’re celebrating wins or reassessing goals not yet met, this session will help you identify areas of growth, reconnect with your purpose, and finish the calendar year with clarity and direction. Key takeaways include: Understanding the benefits of vision boarding beyond New Year’s resolutions Techniques for setting and refining SMART goals Strategies to carry year-end reflection into the upcoming year All participants will leave with a personalized plan and renewed motivation to close the year strong.

Integrate AI: Advancing Responsible AI Innovation in the Classroom at George Mason University

JC Meeting Room F

Presented by Charmaine Madison & Amarda Shehu

This session introduces PatriotAI and CoPilot, George Mason University’s initiative to foster responsible and innovative use of artificial intelligence across campus. Attendees will explore how GMU is building a collaborative AI ecosystem that supports research, enhances student success, and transforms operations. Through real-world examples and live demonstrations, participants will learn how PatriotAI and CoPilot are being applied in academic, administrative, and health domains. The session will include interactive discussions and opportunities to co-create ideas for future AI applications at Mason. Whether you're a technologist, educator, or administrator, this session will inspire you to think critically and creatively about AI’s role in higher education. This session will also feature a live demonstration showcasing how AI is currently being used in GMU courses to support faculty and students. Attendees will gain first-hand perspectives from both faculty and students on how AI tools are enhancing teaching and learning experiences. The demonstration will highlight tangible value, including improved engagement, personalized learning, and instructional efficiency. Participants will see real-world examples of AI-powered course assistants, content generation, and feedback mechanisms that are actively being used in classrooms across disciplines.

Stronger Together: Strategies for Support, Communication, and Community at Mason

JC Meeting Room B

Presented by Rose Nelson & Jackie Krehbiel 

This interactive workshop explores how we, as a university community, can foster meaningful support, well-being, and connection among Mason staff—and how that support strengthens the entire institution. Through guided activities, participants will reflect on real workplace scenarios and practice communication strategies that promote empathy, trust, and resilience. The session will highlight what staff across campus are saying they need to thrive and how those needs can be met, not just by leadership or the Staff Senate, but by each other. Participants will leave with practical tools to navigate change, uplift their colleagues, and build stronger relationships across departments. Whether you’re a staff member, faculty supervisor, or campus partner, this session offers actionable insights for creating a healthier, more collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture. This is advocacy in action, because when we support one person well, we create a ripple effect of care and connection across the Mason community.

Hilah Zia

Director of Research Administration, College of Engineering and Computing

Hilah is the Director of Research Administration at George Mason University’s College of Engineering and Computing, with over 12 years of experience in finance and contracts administration. She combines strategic planning, inclusive leadership, and data-driven decision-making to foster cross-functional collaboration and operational excellence. Hilah is passionate about building innovative, purpose-driven cultures where teams feel empowered to thrive. Her approach blends analytical insight with a deep commitment to collaboration and meaningful engagement.

Crystal Boyce

Biological Sciences Librarian, Sciences and Technology Team and Mercer Library; Learning, Research and Engagement

Crystal Boyce (she/her/hers) joined the University Libraries as the Biological Sciences Librarian in April 2025. Her career spans public, academic, and special libraries in southeastern and northern Virginia, Illinois, and Hawaiʻi. Crystal’s research and service passions explore tensions between the natural and social sciences, including methodologies and critiques of higher education. In her previous role as Instruction & Technology Librarian at Northern Virginia Community College, Crystal began exploring the role of artificial intelligence in libraries, drawing on personal experiences and professional development opportunities to familiarize herself with the topic.

David Farris

Associate Vice President, Risk, Safety, & Resilience

Dr. David Farris began his service to George Mason in 2004; he currently serves as George Mason University’s Associate Vice President for Risk, Safety, & Resilience, overseeing integrated programs in environmental health and safety, occupational safety, fire safety, emergency preparedness, employee health and well-being, and operational risk management. David holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration (2016) and an MBA (2007) from George Mason, as well as a BA in Biology from Texas A&M University (1999).

Jamie Kizer

Trainer and Organizational Development Consultant

Jamie is passionate about empowering others and supporting them on their personal and professional journeys. As a Trainer and OD Consultant, she brings over 20 years of expertise in leadership development, entrepreneurship, and workplace coaching. She is certified to facilitate Crucial Conversations, Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile, and Everything DiSC and received her coaching certificate through Coach Training Alliance. Jamie holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education, with a concentration in Educational Leadership, at George Mason University. In her free time, Jamie enjoys reading, treasure hunting, and spending quality time with her family. She loves meeting new people and is always up for a coffee and a chat.

Dimitry Veretennikov

Business Intelligence and Analytics Manager, University Life

Dmitry Veretennikov is the Business Intelligence and Analytics Manager for UL Project and Process Management at George Mason University. He has extensive experience in business intelligence, social, and political studies and research. Before coming to George Mason University in 2023, he led analytics and research in the Research Center “Minority Report” (Russia), which had consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He holds a Master’s degree in Data Analytics Engineering from George Mason University and a PhD in Political Science from Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Birgit Debeerst

Director, Project and Process Management University Life

Birgit Debeerst is the Director for UL Project and Process Management at George Mason University, where she leads a team experienced in project management, process improvement, data analytics and User Experience (UX) research. She has been a part of George Mason University for 14 years. She studied and worked in several countries, including Belgium, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and South Korea before moving to the US. She holds a Master's degree in Korean Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (UK), and a Bachelor's degree in Japanese Studies from Leuven University (Belgium).

Melissa Bevacqua

Director of Admissions for Transfer Recruitment Admissions

Melissa Bevacqua is the Director of Admissions for Transfer Recruitment at George Mason University. She’s served in a director’s role in Admissions since 2017, during which time, our institution has recorded historic undergraduate enrollment growth. Melissa brings 24 years of enrollment management experience, and presents her work at regional and national conferences. She’s sought as a subject matter expert and speaker regarding the college search process. Melissa served as an adjunct professor at The University of Scranton, and received the Provost’s Part-Time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. She and her team received the Patriot Pathbreakers Award at Mason.

Michelle Barr

Salesforce Communications Manager

Michelle C. Barr has served as the Salesforce Communications Manager within Enrollment Management since 2019. She’s a Certified Change Management Professional and Salesforce Certified Administrator. Her experience prior to George Mason was in non-profit and government consulting. Michelle’s expertise in change management is grounded in guiding institutions through large-scale technology and process transformations, ensuring alignment between organizational goals and individual adoption. Over time, she has built deep experience in communications, marketing, and technology, with a focus on stakeholder engagement, training, and facilitation. She now integrates these skills to strengthen institutional resilience, improve user adoption, and foster collaboration across teams.

Stephanie Barnett

ODL Instructional Designer and Traininer

Stephanie has spent the majority of her career at George Mason University, beginning as a student employee and later serving in student and academic affairs roles in various departments. After volunteering to help develop a mentorship program for advisors, she recognized a passion for enhancing the employee experience. With that, she chose to transition into organizational development and learning, became a certified professional coach, and joined Mason’s HR team as a trainer and instructional designer. She is passionate about fostering connected and effective teams, strengthening self-leadership, and enhancing overall well-being in the workplace.

Brittney Dalmas

Director of Finance & Operations in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations

Brittney Dalmas is the Director of Finance & Operations in the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. She has worked at GMU for 13 years, starting out as a student worker. Brittney currently is enrolled in the ODKM program and has her Master's in Arts in English: Teaching Writing and Literature, along with her MFA in Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction.

Kimberly Jackson Davidson

University Ombudsperson

Adam Anthony

Director, University Life Marketing and Communications

Adam leads strategic communications initiatives that reach over 40,000 students, focusing on innovative practices in digital engagement, storytelling, and marketing technology. He has been an early adopter of AI in higher education communications, guiding teams on practical, ethical, and effective applications.

Laxmi Shastry

Trainer and Organizational Development Consultant

Laxmi ('luck-sh-mee') Shastry is a Trainer & Organizational Development Consultant in Human Resources. She works with campus units as a partner/resource for employee’s and team’s learning & development. Laxmi holds a master's degree in higher education administration and has a background in intergroup dialogue, training trainers, and leadership coaching. Laxmi is also a certified facilitator for Crucial Conversations. She believes facilitation skills are leadership skills and is passionate about building people’s confidence and capacity around asking questions, listening, and self-reflection.

Ethan Carter

Associate Director of Programs, Well-Being, and Assessment, Mason Recreation

Ethan is the Associate Director of Programs, Well-Being, and Assessment at Mason Recreation. With over 20 years of experience in campus recreation, he holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Athletic Training and Fitness Development, a master’s degree in Exercise Science, with an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership expected in May 2026. He is certified as an Athletic Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Known for his positivity, dedication to well-being, infectious laugh, and on rare occasions freestyle rapping, Ethan brings energy and authenticity to his work. He enjoys reading, watching soccer, playing board games, and spending time with his family.

Philip Wilkerson

Employer Engagement Consultant, Industry Advising and Employer Development, University Career Services

Philip Wilkerson is an Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University Career Services, connecting employers with students, faculty, staff, and alumni across industries including Media, Arts, Sports, Hospitality, and Technology. A Distinguished Toastmaster and TEDx Speaker, he was a 2024 NACE “Mentor of the Year” nominee for his leadership in higher education. His honors include GMU Employee of the Month, multiple “Forty Under Forty” awards, the Margaret C. Howell Award, and GMU’s Spirit of Giving Award. Philip also hosts the Positive Philter podcast, advises student organizations, and is a proud husband and father of two boys.

Tim Attoh

Member of Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce/Mason Enterprise Center

Tim Attoh, originally from Monrovia, Liberia, fled the civil war at age three, arriving in the U.S. as a political asylee. His family moved across Florida, California, Virginia, and briefly resided in Accra, Ghana, before returning to the U.S. in the early 1990s. After attending Virginia schools, he entered the workforce, starting as a phone secretary and later working as a furniture relocator. In 2000, he earned his real estate license, diving deep into the industry while also gaining experience with an FHA mortgage lender and as a marketing representative for a home remodeling company. In 2020, facing a prolonged battle with U.S. Customs and Immigration Service and the risk of deportation, he pivoted to entrepreneurship. Having lived as an undocumented immigrant for some time, he pursued technology sales, a field offering global opportunities. Recognizing clean energy’s potential to drive job growth, Attoh developed expertise in marketing this sector. With over 20 years in marketing and customer service, he prioritizes customer satisfaction, guided by the principle that the customer is always right.

Charmaine Madison

Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services (ITS)

Jackie Krehbiel

Administration & Finance Coordinator, Department: Science and Technology Campus Executive Office

Information Technology Services

ITS provides the infrastructure for the George Mason community to fuel its research, provide faculty and staff with the tools they need to reach everyday and strategic goals, an empower students with the tools they need to reach their potential.

Center for Community Mental Health

Free Emotional support line, Free 3 session skills-based intervention, Individual and group therapy on a sliding scale, comprehensive diagnostic assessments on a sliding scale

Employee Resource: Staff & Faculty Bible Study

Our mission is to be a safe place for believers in Christ to gather in fellowship to love and lift up one another. This group can be a resource to those who need to be met spiritually with community, encouragement, and prayer. It is also open to those who wish to learn more about Jesus and his mission by asking genuine questions and looking to the bible to determine answers about life, purpose, and truth. If you are interested in joining or have further questions, contact Averi Jordan at ajorda22@gmu.edu.

Center for the Advancement of Well-Being

Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being supports faculty and staff in building community, strengthening mind and body, managing stress, and pursuing purpose. Explore book discussions, Bridge to Belonging groups, mindfulness and sound journey sessions, a Mental Health First Aid class, and earn your Resilience Badge to thrive personally and professionally.

Facilities & Campus Operations

Facilities & Campus Operations ensures a quality, physical environment and provides faculty and staff with numerous opportunities to get more engaged! Opportunities include volunteering on-campus, attending semesterly tours, receiving grant funding for sustainability projects, collaborating on projects, and much more! Learn more about Facilities & Campus Operations: https://facilities.gmu.edu/

Continuing and Professional Education

(CPE) is designed for busy professionals. We see more than 3,000 students a year upskill their abilities so they qualify to advance their careers, work in new industries and with new clientele. Our courses include training and education for professionals to maintain their certifications and licensing.

Intercollegiate Athletics

George Mason Athletics has many faculty/staff ticket offers across all of our sports!

Mason Recreation

Mason Recreation promotes well-being through dynamic, inclusive experiences. We provide space for the Mason community to move, play, connect, and thrive in a culture of active living and lifelong growth. Come visit us to learn more about our faculty and staff memberships.

Bookstore

The bookstore offers a 10% discount to faculty/staff when you show your Mason ID at the time of checkout on logo'd product. If you need to make department purchases, we offer a 20% discount on logo'd product.

George Mason University Toastmasters

George Mason University Toastmasters Club (GMUT) was established on June 6, 2008. It is a public speaking and leadership-driven organization providing its members the opportunity to meet for an hour each week to practice public speaking and presentation skills in a supportive environment. GMUT is part of Toastmasters International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization based in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs.

Auxiliary and Business Services

Auxiliary and Business Services (ABS) improves the quality of campus life for students, faculty, staff, and the community by providing quality goods, innovative services, and strategic business partnerships that improve value, increase student success, and enhance the university’s financial condition.

Risk, Safety, and Resilience

RSR is responsible for emergency management, fire safety, employee health and well-being, environmental health and safety, and operational risk management.

Higher Education Program

Use your tuition benefits to advance your career in Higher Education! Mason’s Higher Education Program offers an MA, PhD concentration, and two graduate certificates. Many alumni have leveraged these degrees to grow their careers in student affairs, leadership, and beyond. Invest in yourself—start today!

Mason Dining

Mason Dining is excited to showcase the wide variety of dining options available for Faculty and Staff.

Mason Working Moms Group

Mason faculty, staff, and students come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and advocate for change on campus. During the academic year, the group meets every other week at noon via Teams or hybrid meetings are typically held at the Fairfax Campus. The group meets monthly during the summer.

Parking & Transportation

Parking & Transportation provides and markets a wide array of commuting choices for all faculty,staff, and students. While managing all the parking, the P&T department also oversees the Commuter Choice program for employees, carpool/vanpooling programs, biking and other transit options.

AI Community of Practice

The AI Community of Practice is launching to provide a collaborative space for non-instructional faculty & staff to explore the use of AI in their daily work. We will facilitate peer-to-peer learning, knowledge exchange and skill development to provide practical support for those integrating AI into their work.

Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning

The Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL) is George Mason's central unit for civic education and community-based collaboration. We support faculty and staff in designing community-based learning courses, building partnerships, and advancing civic engagement. We offer training, course designation support, connections to local organizations, and resources for impactful teaching, research, and service that align with community goals.

GMU Ombuds Office

The Office of the University Ombudsperson for George Mason University was established in 2022 to provide an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource to help foster an environment of respect, honesty, fairness, and integrity and to bolster a supportive working and learning climate at the University.

Human Resources

Staff Senate

The Staff Senate’s work is threefold: to advocate, appreciate and educate Mason classified and non-student wage employees on matters that have an impact on their work life. We achieve those goals through engaging with our constituents, cultivating relationships with university administration, and working collaboratively across all campus communities.

Talent Acquisition, Human Resources

Talent Acquisition ensures consistency and efficiency that meets George Mason University’s standards of excellence across all decentralized recruitment at the university. The team supports the university in recruitment matters by setting and enforcing recruitment policies and procedures based on state and federal regulations as well as recruitment best practices.

UL Central

BurnAlong offers George Mason faculty and staff free access to thousands of on-demand and live wellness classes, including fitness, mental health, nutrition, and chronic condition management. Accessible anytime, anywhere, BurnAlong supports your holistic well-being with personalized programs and expert-led content tailored to your goals.

George Mason Police Department

Mason Police provide 24/7/365 law enforcement and public safety services to the George Mason University community.