HR News

HR News shares the latest well-being and compliance announcements. HR Liaisons, who are automatically subscribed, should share relevant items with their departments.

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OLLI Mason Ideas Festival Celebrates Lifelong Learning

OLLI Mason Ideas Festival Celebrates Lifelong Learning Faculty and staff are invited to attend the first-ever OLLI Mason Ideas Festival on May 8-9, 2026. The free festival will introduce adults 50 and older to OLLI Mason’s quality educational, social, and cultural opportunities. Held on the Fairfax campus, the Ideas Festival…

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Connect with Bridge to Belonging

Connect with Bridge to Belonging Bridge to Belonging uses the evidence-based ProjectConnect curriculum to help faculty and staff build a stronger community and enhance workplace well-being. In Bridge to Belonging, faculty and staff will meet in groups of 4 to 6 participants over five 1-hour sessions and engage in thought-provoking questions and activities.   Session…

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Open Enrollment Coming in May 2026

Open Enrollment Coming in May 2026 Open Enrollment for health benefits and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) will be held from Friday, May 15 – Friday, May 29, 2026. In order to participate in open enrollment, you will first need to register in Cardinal (HCM), which is the Commonwealth of Virginia…

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Advance Your Career in Higher Ed by Using Your Tuition Benefit

Advance Your Career in Higher Ed by Using Your Tuition Benefit The George Mason Higher Education Program is excited to offer opportunities for employees interested in advancing their careers in higher education. George Mason employees are invited to join an upcoming information session. These sessions provide an overview of the…

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Small Teams Need the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Too: A Guide for Supervisors

Small Teams Need the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Too If you lead fewer than five direct reports, you might wonder whether the Faculty and Staff Experience (FSE) Survey is worth the effort. It is. The real value isn’t the results alone, but the conversations they prompt. Even on small…

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In Good Company: Crystal Davis

HR News In Good Company: Crystal Davis Meet Crystal, Training Assistant on HR’s Organizational Development and Learning (ODL) team. Crystal joined ODL earlier this year and helps keep learning resources organized and easy to access. She manages internal knowledge, supports projects across the team, and makes sure trainers and consultants…

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April is the Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child This April, join George Mason in celebrating the Month of the Military Child to honor the contributions of children with parents serving in the military. Frequent relocations, separations during deployments, and the challenges of reintegration can impact their experiences at school, at home,…

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Mason Day is April 24

Mason Day is April 24   Friday, April 24 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fairfax Campus, Lot L & Lot A Mason Day is taking place on Friday, April 24, from 3-10 PM on the Fairfax Campus (Lot L and Lot A). Mason Day features a carnival with rides, games,…

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Virtual Pre-Retirement Seminar

Virtual Pre-Retirement Seminar The George Mason University Benefits Team invites you to attend our upcoming Virtual Spring Pre-Retirement Seminar, designed for faculty and staff who are age 55 or older (or will turn 55 by the end of this year) and have at least five years of service. This two-day…

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Ride Into Spring with Bike to Mason

Ride into Spring with Bike to Mason Celebrate Earth Month by participating in Bike to Mason at the Fairfax Campus (April 21) or Mason Square (April 23). This annual event promotes wellness and sustainable commuting, with free snacks, bike safety checks, health screenings, and opportunities to explore biking resources on…

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Your Voice Matters: The Benefits of Taking the Engagement Survey

Your Voice Matters: The Benefits of Taking the FSE Survey As faculty and staff, you are the foundation of our institution’s success. The Faculty and Staff Experience (FSE) Survey is your direct line to leadership and a proven catalyst for meaningful change that impacts both your daily experience and our…

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Explore GMU’s Online Master’s in I-O Psychology

Explore GMU’s Online Master’s in I-O Psychology Learn more about GMU’s fully online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program in I-O Psychology on Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. During this virtual open house, you will hear from a panel of MPS I-O alumni along with program leadership about what…

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Submit Your Program Proposal for the University Life Student Success Symposium

Submit a Proposal to Present at the 2026 UL Student Success Symposium This message is from the 2026 UL 2026 UL Student Success Symposium Planning Team: Calling all faculty, staff, and graduate students – we want you to present at the 2026 University Life Student Success Symposium! How? Submit a…

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Manager Meetup: Making Meetings Matter

Manager Meetup: Making Meetings Matter   Thursday, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.   Virtual As managers and supervisors, we are often responsible for the planning and facilitation of meetings and we know that our schedules are FULL of meetings. It is safe to consider that we know…

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Spring Into Well-Being Vaccine Clinic

Spring Into Well-Being Vaccine Clinic   Tuesday, April 14 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.   Population Health Center Join RSR-Employee Health & Well-Being for the annual Spring into Well-Being vaccine clinic, open to all employees of George Mason University, and their family members ages 18+ with insurance that allows pharmacy…

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Plan Your Retirement with Social Security

Plan Your Retirement with Social Security 🗓️  Tuesday April 21 at 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. 📍  Microsoft Teams Finding answers to your Social Security questions shouldn’t be a mystery. Join the Social Security Administration as they break down the essentials, helping you feel informed and confident for when you…

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Supervisor Evaluation of Performance: Are You Ready to Have the Right Conversation?

Supervisor Evaluation of Performance: Are You Ready to Have the Right Conversation? For many employees, the annual evaluation process is nearing the finish line. Once the supervisor step is complete, the evaluation moves to the Unit HR Reviewer or the Reviewer (indirect supervisor or proxy). After those steps are finished, supervisors can share a PDF copy of the evaluation…

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Outstanding Achievement Awards: Save the Date and Award Recipients

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

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Understanding George Mason’s Faculty and Staff Surveys: FSE, FEA, and COACHE—What They Are and Who They Serve 

Understanding George Mason’s Faculty and Staff Surveys: FSE, FEA, and COACHE-What They Are and Who They Serve George Mason University uses several key surveys to gather insight into the experiences, needs, and perspectives of our faculty and staff. Here is a quick overview of what each survey measures, who takes it, and how the results are used.…

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Save the Date: Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (10/21)

Save the Date: Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (10/21) Each year, George Mason designates a day for bringing faculty and staff together for professional and personal growth, known as Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day (FSED). FSED offers professional and personal development workshops, lunch, and a chance to network with George Mason colleagues. All Mason…

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Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program

Become a Leader Who Leaves a Legacy Every year, faculty and staff from across the university-people who may never sit in the same meeting or walk the same halls-step into a room together for the first time as strangers. Over nine months, through conversation, challenge, curiosity, and connection, they walk…

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Workplace Appreciation

Workplace Appreciation Learning Session With the scheduling of annual performance evaluation 1:1 conversations and the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey launching on April 1, now is an ideal time to explore the powerful impact of appreciation in the workplace, both at an individual employee and unit level.  Grounded in the book The 5 Languages of…

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FSE Survey Computer Lab Dates and Locations

FSE Survey Computer Lab Dates and Locations To support broad participation, Human Resources has computer lab spaces and information sessions across our campuses for employees who want a convenient, on‑site option for completing the survey.  Computer Lab Dates and Locations  April 9 – Fairfax Facilities Warehouse Conference Room: 7 – 9 a.m. and 1:30 – 3 p.m. …

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University Update: 2024 Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Results

University Update: 2024 Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Results Feedback from the 3,771 colleagues who shared their feedback in the 2024 Faculty and Staff Experience Survey provided valuable insight into our workplace culture and areas for continued growth. Your voice in this year’s survey is pivotal to drive our continued…

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The 3 I’s Effective Leadership: Innovation. Influence. Integrity

The 3 I’s Effective Leadership: Innovation. Influence. Integrity Leadership in higher education demands agility amid evolving student needs, complex systems, constrained resources, and rising expectations for innovation and accountability. At George Mason University, leaders must balance mission-driven impact with collaboration, trust, and results. To equip leaders for this reality, we…

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Beyond Burnout: Building Thriving Teams

HR News Beyond Burnout: Building Thriving Teams From our partners at University Life: Join the interactive session, Beyond Burnout: Building Thriving Teams! This interactive session, based on the book “Rethinking Employee Resilience: Why Our Current Approach to Worker Burnout is Failing, and How to Fix It”, offers a fresh perspective…

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LEAPS Performance Just Got Smarter

LEAPS Performance Just Got Smarter Our performance evaluation system just received two upgrades designed to protect your work and make collaboration between supervisors/reviewers and co-planners smoother. These enhancements are live now-no action needed on your part: 1. Auto‑Save for Notes and Comments Your typing now saves automatically-no manual save required.…

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Take Your Junior Patriot to Work on April 23

HR News Take Your Junior Patriot to Work on April 23 Mark your calendars! Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day will take place on Thursday, April 23. This event allows all employees to invite the youth in their life to campus to learn more about what it’s like to work at George Mason.   Activities are currently being…

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Explore the Full Value of Your Benefits at the 2026 Benefits Fair

Explore the Full Value of Your Benefits at the 2026 Benefits Fair :  Thursday, March 19 :  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (drop in anytime) :  Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall Did you know George Mason offers one of the most comprehensive and competitive benefits packages in Virginia higher education? From…

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Partnering for Progress: Insight into Our Gallup Collaboration

Partnering for Progress: Insight into Our Gallup Collaboration At George Mason University, understanding the experiences of our faculty and staff is key to building a thriving workplace. That commitment led to our 2022 partnership with Gallup, a global leader in employee engagement research.  Why Gallup? A Stronger Foundation for Listening …

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Women Veterans Week is March 15-21

HR News Women Veterans Week is March 15-21 Virginia is proudly home to more than 110,000 women veterans – the largest number of women veterans per population size of any state. They are employed in many different occupations throughout the state, including hundreds who are employed in our state government…

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Gut Check Workshop with CommonHealth

HR News Gut Check Workshop with CommonHealth  Tuesday, March 24 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.   Zoom Join Human Resources and CommonHealth, Virginia’s employee wellness agency, to learn why Gut Health is crucial for overall wellbeing and how it plays an important role in digestion, immune function, nutrient absorption, and…

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

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

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Pats for Patriots: January & February Round-Up

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

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Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Supporting You When Family Matters Most

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Supporting You When Family Matters Most At George Mason we understand that family comes first, and the vital role that employees play in caring for a loved one. We want you to know we are here to support you during those times. One of those…

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Elevating Employee Experience: A C3 Success Story

HR News Elevating Employee Experience: A C3 Success Story When you share honest feedback through the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey, open from April 1-21, 2026,  you’re not speaking into a void, you’re providing the data that shapes priorities, resource allocation, and workplace improvements. In direct response to the 2024 Faculty and Staff Experience Survey, George Mason Facilities &…

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Turning Insight into Action: How George Mason Units Used the 2024 Experience Survey to Strengthen the Workplace

Turning Insight into Action: How George Mason Units Used the 2024 Experience Survey to Strengthen the Workplace The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey provides insight into how employees across George Mason University experience their work, their teams, and the broader university environment. Its value comes not only from the data,…

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Mason Money Returns: Central HR Gift Card Program

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

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Attend an Upcoming VRS Presentation

Attend an Upcoming VRS Presentation Are You Ready to Retire? Thursday, March 5 at 10 a.m. This VRS presentation is designed for state employees who are within 5 years of retirement. It will guide you through important decisions, such as when to retire, selecting a benefit payout option, and benefits…

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Colors and Connection Workshop

HR News Colors and Connection Workshop   Tuesday, March 10 at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.    Virtual   Colors & Connection is a one-hour, interactive workshop designed to spark authentic connection and creative self-expression. Through simple, color-based art activities and guided conversation, participants explore how color can reflect on mood, emotion, and identity…

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In Good Company: Caitlin Carney

HR News In Good Company: Caitlin Carney Cait is three months into her role as a Principal Compensation Analyst, but ten years into a career she once swore she’d never touch. (“I told my professor I never wanted to work in compensation. Then he hired me.”) Now she loves it…

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Recruitment Support

HR News Need Recruitment Support? The Talent Acquisition team offers direct recruiting/sourcing assistance. This service allows units to request the support of our experienced in-house Talent Recruiter, who can help source passive candidates to boost the applicant pool for strategic vacancies at the university. This service provides a cost-effective alternative…

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Empowering Supervisors for Meaningful Performance Evaluation Conversations

Empowering Supervisors for Meaningful Performance Evaluation Conversations   Thursday, March 5  at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   Zoom  Supervisors play a vital role in shaping the faculty and staff experience at George Mason. From supporting well-being to guiding professional growth, the quality of conversations between supervisors and their teams directly impacts engagement,…

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In Good Company: Elan Adounvo

HR News In Good Company with Elan Adounvo Elan’s happiest places fall into two categories: anywhere her family can explore together, and anywhere with a spa robe. And when she’s not in “family adventure mode,” she’s in “spa day mode.” Quiet, warm, and peaceful is her kind of reset. If…

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Upcoming ASPIRE Workshops

Upcoming ASPIRE Workshops from the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community Designed and facilitated by the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, ASPIRE is a series of workshops that helps faculty and staff across the Mason Nation engage with each other as a community. By centering dialogue, connection, and shared…

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Elevate Your Impact: The Vital Role of Supervisors in Performance Success

Elevate Your Impact: The Vital Role of Supervisors in Performance Success Supervisors at George Mason University are the cornerstone of employee success, serving as the bridge between institutional goals and individual achievement. By actively participating in our performance engagement processes, supervisors do more than just complete a requirement; they cultivate a culture of excellence, growth,…

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Show Your Gratitude: Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day on March 6

Show Your Gratitude: Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day on March 6 Employee Appreciation Day (March 6, 2026) offers a dedicated moment to pause and recognize the people who make George Mason University thrive. Appreciation is most impactful when it’s intentional, timely, and authentic. Below are simple, effective ways supervisors and colleagues…

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You Spoke; We Acted: How George Mason Is Bringing Your Feedback to Life

You Spoke; We Acted: How George Mason Is Bringing Your Feedback to Life At George Mason University, your voice shapes both our workplace and your workplace experience. The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is one of our most important tools for understanding how you experience work-what’s working well, what needs attention, and where we must grow…

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2026 Perfomance Evaluation Timeline

2026 Annual Performance Evaluation Timeline *The employee self-evaluation step can be reopened by the supervisor.  **The supervisor evaluation step can be reopened by the reviewer. ***The reviewer evaluation step can be reopened by contacting leaps@gmu.edu.  

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George Mason University Awarded Best Workplace for Commuters!

George Mason University Awarded Best Workplace for Commuters! George Mason University has once again been recognized by Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) for its commitment to providing employees with high-quality commuter benefits and transportation options. For 2026, all three of George Mason’s campuses –  Fairfax, Mason Square, and SciTech – have earned BWC…

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Supervising Students for Success

Supervising Students for Success This practical, discussion-based training is designed to equip supervisors with the tools, knowledge, and strategies necessary to enhance the employment experience for student employees, also known as working learners. It emphasizes the transformative potential of on-campus student employment as a high-impact practice that bridges academic learning…

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Last Call for Outstanding Achievement Award Nominations

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

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2026 Mason Dance Company Gala Concert

2026 Mason Dance Company Gala Concert Experience the power of live professional dance this March at the Center for the Arts. The Mason Dance Company takes the stage with an exciting program featuring works by acclaimed choreographers Alejandro Cerrudo, Branndi Lewis, Andrea Miller, Victor Quijada, and Medhi Walerski. Audiences will…

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Healthy Heart Month

Healthy Heart Month Complimentary Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, & Glucose Screenings   February 26 at 10 to 11:30 a.m.   Population Health Center Join the Employee Health and Well-Being team for complimentary blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks this February. Register here! Presentation & Q&A: A Heart to Heart about the Mediterranean Diet:…

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Engagement in the Annual Performance Evaluation: Role of the Employee

Engagement in the Annual Performance Evaluation: Role of the Employee The annual performance evaluation of A/P Faculty and Classified Staff is set to launch with the self-evaluation opening on February 16, 2026. Employees play an active role in their own performance and development throughout the year. Key responsibilities include:    Demonstrate…

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Welcome Back: Building a Resilient 2026 Together

Building a Resilient 2026 Together As we step into 2026, we are continuing our commitment to Building Resilience and Well-Being: A Shared Responsibility. As highlighted in the DRIVER framework, resilience isn’t just about individual “grit” – it is a culture we build together through independence, flexibility, and supportive relationships.  Below are ideas and resources that…

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OAA Award Highlights: Patriot Pathbreakers Award

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

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Anthem Employee Assistance Program

HR News Anthem Employee Assistance Program From our partners at Virginia Department of Human Resource Management: The Anthem Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is now available to all employees who have waived their enrollment in a health plan. This includes non-benefit eligible wage employees, adjunct faculty, and TRICARE Supplement members. Employees…

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OAA Award Highlights: Innovation and Culture Champion Awards

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

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W-2s Are Now Available Online

W-2s Are Now Available Online Your electronic 2025 W-2 is available online. Retrieving your electronic copy is easy and immediate!   How to Access Your Electronic W-2  Log in to Patriot Web  Choose “Open Employee Dashboard”  Expand the “Taxes” section  Click “W-2 Wage and Tax Statement”  Select the tax year “2025”…

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In Good Company: Remy Franklin

HR News In Good Company with Remy Franklin Remy believes work goes better when the information is clear and the music is good. She joined George Mason in October 2025 as a Principal Benefits Analyst, where she focuses on turning complex benefits into something people can actually understand and use.…

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Updated MasonLEAPS View for the 2025-2026 Annual Performance Evaluation

Updated MasonLEAPS View for the 2025-2026 Annual Performance Evaluation Classified Staff, A/P Faculty, and their supervisors participating in the 2025-2026 annual performance evaluation will see a refreshed evaluation interface in MasonLEAPS. The process launches on Monday, February 16, with the required self‑evaluation for employees hired before December 31, 2025. If you participated…

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Inclement Weather and Telework: Policy 2207

HR News Inclement Weather and Telework: Policy 2207 With the winter storm this weekend, now is the perfect time to review the Inclement Weather/Emergency Closure Policy and begin discussing flexible work options with your supervisor and/or direct report(s). HR Liaisons, please check in with the supervisors in your unit to ensure…

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Discover Your Strengths at Work!

Discover Your Strengths at Work! As a way of supporting new employees, the HR Organizational Development and Learning team is excited to offer a new opportunity for recently onboarded employees – Your Strengths at Work: A CliftonStrengths Introduction for New Employees. As part of our commitment to fostering a strengths-based culture across the…

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OAA Award Highlights: Wage Staff and Mentorship Excellence Awards

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

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Kick Off 2026 with Wellness at the Core

Kick Off 2026 with Wellness at the Core! Start the new year by investing in your health and well-being. CommonHealth is excited to introduce the CORE Challenge, running from January 15 – February 15, 2026. Whether you want to level up your nutrition, boost your fitness, improve your sleep, or…

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Discover Workplace Appreciation Strategies

Discover Workplace Appreciation Strategies  Friday, February 6, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.   Thursday, April 9 at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.   Virtual (Zoom) With the annual performance evaluation cycle launching in February and the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey coming in April, now is an ideal time to explore the powerful impact of appreciation…

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Performance Management Update: A Simpler Path to Recognition

Performance Management Update: A Simpler Path to Recognition Effective immediately, George Mason is discontinuing the Acknowledgment of Extraordinary Contribution form for classified staff performance evaluations, following guidance from the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM). What This Means Supervisors can now assign an Outstanding overall performance rating without the extra…

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In Good Company: Raquel Lopez

HR News In Good Company with Raquel Lopez A Career Built on Connection When Raquel joined our HR team as a Benefits Assistant last August, she brought more than 25 years of experience supporting employees across Latin America and the Caribbean. But she also brought something she considers equally important:…

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Faculty Success Workshop Series: Demystifying the Process of Obtaining Funding from Foundations 

Faculty Success Workshop Series: Demystifying the Process of Obtaining Funding from Foundations   Wednesday, February 4   1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.   Zoom External funding is often essential for faculty research, scholarship and creative activity. Private foundations have always served as important sources of support, especially for topic areas outside federal funding agency priorities. Writing a foundation grant…

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

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

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Register for Supervisor Boot Camp

Register for Supervisor Boot Camp Register now for our upcoming Supervisor Boot Camp! This program is designed to provide essential information in a supportive cohort learning environment, with opportunities for participants to reflect, engage with and learn from one another, and network. Participants must supervise at least one direct report. This…

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In Good Company: Chris Ackerman

HR News In Good Company with Chris Ackerman Building a People‑First Culture at George Mason If you ask Chris Ackerman what’s been most helpful in his first months at George Mason University, he doesn’t point to a policy, a process, or even a program. Instead, he talks about listening –…

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Policy 2202 Updates: Student Wage

HR News Policy 2202 Updates: Student Wage Human Resources is providing an important update regarding Policy 2202: Flexible Work to ensure continuity in student employment practices and allowing adequate time for campus units to prepare for upcoming changes.  Implementation of, and compliance with, the 2025 Policy 2202 update, which included the addition of student wage employees, has been extended until the beginning of the…

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Introducing Our New Hires

HR News Introducing Our New HR Team Members! This week, Human Resources welcomes three new teammates. Each brings valuable experience to support our mission and strengthen the employee experience. Jessica Pyryt Director, Employee and Workforce Relations Jessica is thrilled to join George Mason as the Director of Employee and Workforce…

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In Good Company: Hayley Simson

HR News In Good Company: Hayley Simson There’s No Place Like Home Hayley’s Mason story began in 2019 when she transferred from Radford, looking for a campus that felt like home. She found it at George Mason, where family ties and a welcoming community made all the difference. She joined…

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Prepare for W-2s: Verify Your Permanent Address in Patriot Web

Prepare for W-2s: Verify Your Permanent Address in Patriot Web As we prepare to issue your 2025 Form W-2 in the new year, please take a moment to verify that your permanent mailing address in Patriot Web is accurate.  Ensuring this information is up to date helps prevent delays and ensures correct delivery for any future correspondence. Your W-2 will be available…

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Protected: Compensatory Leave Reminder

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Protected: Compressed Schedules and the Holidays

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Protected: Leave Balance Transfers

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Protected: Annual Leave Rollover Reminder: January 9 Deadline 

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Protected: Prepare for W-2s: Verify Your Permanent Address in Patriot Web

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In Good Company: Dawn Oram

HR News In Good Company with Dawn Oram Meet Dawn: The Strategist Behind Total Rewards When it comes to making sure George Mason employees feel valued, Dawn Oram is leading the charge. As our new Senior Director of Total Rewards, Dawn brings more than 26 years of experience in compensation,…

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Virginia’s Hourly Minimum Wage Increase Reminder

HR News Virginia’s Hourly Minimum Wage Increase Reminder Per the Virginia Minimum Wage Act, the hourly minimum wage in Virginia will increase on January 1, 2026 from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour. Impacted individuals include student wage, work study and non-student wage workers with current hourly rates below $12.77 per…

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Pats for Patriots: November & December Round-Up

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

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2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards: Call for Nominations

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

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Introducing Our New Hires

HR News Introducing Our New HR Team Members! Human Resources is pleased to welcome six new professionals to our team. Each brings valuable experience to support our mission and strengthen the employee experience. Please join us in welcoming them and learning more about their backgrounds: Dawn Oram Senior Director of…

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Winter Break Deadlines for EPAFs

HR News Winter Break HR Action Deadlines Please be aware of the Winter Break Deadlines for EPAFs, CTFs/FTFs, Hiring Actions, and Job Postings: EPAFs Semi-monthly effective 12/10: Fully approved to HR by COB 12/05 Bi-weekly effective 11/30: Fully approved to HR by COB 11/29 Bi-weekly effective 12/14: Fully approved to…

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PageUp Tips: Visibility, Applicant Management, and Access

HR News PageUp Tips: Visibility, Applicant Management, and Access Staying Warm with Helpful Hiring Tips The major updates introduced last month are still underway. For a refresher, please review the October edition. This month, we’re highlighting a few helpful tips and reminders related to PageUp: Seasonal & Temporary Hiring Support…

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Background Check Reminder

HR News Background Check Reminder Teaching faculty must initiate background checks by Saturday, January 10 to ensure they can begin teaching by the start of the semester. We are asking academic unit HR liaisons to please reach out to new instructional faculty to ensure they are initiating their background checks…

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Holiday Timesheet Guidance

Holiday Timesheet Guidance The university will be closed on November 26, 27, and 28 in observance of Thanksgiving. For guidance on completing timesheets, including information about alternative work schedules and recording compensatory time earned, please refer to the holiday guidance on the Payroll website. As a reminder, classified employees who are required…

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Finish Strong: George Mason’s BIS Program Turns 50

Finish Strong: George Mason’s BIS Program Turns 50 Thinking about finishing your degree?  For 50 years, George Mason’s Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) program has helped thousands of adults complete their education and achieve their goals. Whether you’re seeking career advancement, a new path, or personal fulfillment, BIS makes it…

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2026 Retirement Plan Contribution Boosts

HR News 2026 Retirement Plan Contribution Boosts Good news for anyone saving for retirement: the IRS has officially released the 2026 contribution limits for workplace retirement plans, and several key numbers are going up. The announcement, published November 13 in Notice 2025-67, means retirement plan participants will be able to stash…

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Virginia Veterans Network Holiday Sweepstakes

HR News Virginia Veterans Network Holiday Sweepstakes The Virginia Veterans Networks (VVN) is a free online hub of resources, programs, and services available to Virginia military veterans, transitioning service members and their families. Created by veterans for veterans and managed by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS), VVN provides…

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Engagement at George Mason: Your Go-To Resource for Building a Thriving Workplace

Engagement at George Mason: Your Go-To Resource for Building a Thriving Workplace At George Mason University, faculty and staff engagement is a commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels connected, valued, and empowered to succeed. Employee engagement is about more than job satisfaction. Research shows that engaged employees…

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In Good Company: Stephanie Barnett

HR News In Good Company with Stephanie Barnett From Academic Advising to Instructional Designing Stephanie Barnett has been the HR Team’s inaugural Instructional Designer & Trainer for six months, but her journey at Mason began back in 2003. She has a rare gift: creating a sense of comfort and trust…

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Annual Leave Rollover Deadline: January 9, 2026

HR News Annual Leave Rollover Deadline: January 9, 2026 As we approach the annual leave rollover date of January 9, 2026, all eligible staff and faculty are encouraged to review their current leave balances in Patriot Web and plan accordingly. Any unused annual leave that exceeds the carryover limit will…

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Career and Professional Development Month Is Here!

Career and Professional Development Month Is Here! The Office of Alumni Relations is excited to announce a robust lineup of programming for Career and Professional Development Month this November. Designed to support alumni and the broader Mason community, this initiative offers relevant, meaningful opportunities for professional development, lifelong learning, and…

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Pats for Patriots: October Round-Up

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

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Catch-Up Ceremony: Service Milestones & Eligibility Dates

HR News Catch-Up Ceremony: Service Milestones & Eligibility Dates

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