HR News

Get Ready for Open Enrollment May 1-15

HR News Get Ready for Open Enrollment May 1-15 It’s almost time for the annual Open Enrollment period May 1 – 15 to make your health plan and/or flexible spending account (FSA) elections, to change your health plan, add or remove family members or waive state health coverage. Elections made during…

Open Enrollment is May 1-15

HR News Open Enrollment is May 1-15 Get ready for Health Open Enrollment from May 1 to May 15. Annual open enrollment is the time of year where you can make changes related to your health plan and flexible spending accounts. To participate in open enrollment this year, if you…

Transportation Survey & Raffle

Transportation Survey & Raffle The 2024 Transportation Survey is underway through Wednesday, May 1. Please take a few minutes to share how you get to, from, and around campus. The survey takes about ten minutes to complete. After completing the survey, you can opt-in to a raffle for prize packages…

Apply for the Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship

Apply for the Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Mason faculty and staff are invited to apply for the Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship, a $250 scholarship, dedicated to paying for books, software, and supplies needed for Mason courses. The criteria to apply are as follows: Enrolled in a degree or…

Best Practices for New Employee Onboarding

Best Practices for New Employee Onboarding Welcoming new colleagues warmly is essential for a positive onboarding experience at Mason. Here are some top practices and resources from HR professionals across our campus: Prepare and Welcome the New Hire: Send a detailed welcome email before their first day, including parking recommendations,…

Mason Degree and Certificate Milestones: Let’s Celebrate Your Success!

Mason Degree and Certificate Milestones: Let’s Celebrate Your Success! Mason Classified Staff, A/P Faculty, I/R Faculty, Adjunct Faculty, and Non-Student Wage employees are invited to share information on the degree/certificate (Trade certification/license, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Graduate certificate, Doctorate, etc.) that they have earned during this current academic year. Human Resources…

Spring Into Well-Being Week: April 22-26

Spring Into Well-Being Week: April 22-26 Mason’s annual well-being celebration, Spring Into Well-Being, will take place from Monday, April 22 to Friday, April 26. Each day will feature events that focus on a different well-being theme: Monday, April 22, Day 1: Physical Health Tuesday, April 23, Day 2: Resilience and Strengths Wednesday, April…

Patriot Packout: Join Mason’s Sustainable Move-Out!

Patriot Packout: Join Mason’s Sustainable Move-Out! Patriot Packout, George Mason University’s annual sustainable move-out initiative, is scheduled from April 15 – May 10! Each year, Patriot Packout volunteers collect like-new and gently-used donations at the Fairfax campus, the SciTech campus, and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. These donations support the…

Attend an Upcoming VRS DCP Regional Education Meeting

Attend an Upcoming VRS DCP Regional Education Meeting 📍 Virtual (Zoom) Register today for an online Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Regional Education Meeting or a virtual one-on-one with your Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialists. Overview of the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Cash Match Plan What is…

Mason Recreation Survey & Raffle

Mason Recreation Survey & Raffle Share your feedback with Mason Recreation to improve facilities, programs, and services for the George Mason University community! The survey is open through April 30. Plus, when you participate, you’re automatically entered into a raffle! Check out the prizes up for grabs: Student Raffle Prizes…

Ensuring Confidentiality: Faculty and Staff Experience Survey

Ensuring Confidentiality: Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Concerned about confidentiality? Here’s why you can trust the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey: We understand the importance of confidentiality in surveys, and we want to assure you that your responses are handled with the utmost care. Our partnership with Gallup ensures rigorous…

Supervisor’s Guide to National Student Employee Appreciation Week

Supervisor’s Guide to National Student Employee Appreciation Week Every year, the second full week of April presents a special opportunity to honor and celebrate the achievements of our student employees nationwide. As supervisors, this is an ideal moment to express gratitude for the invaluable contributions of each working learner within…

Attend the Outstanding Achievement Award Ceremony on April 16!

Attend the Outstanding Achievement Award Ceremony on April 16! 🗓️ Tuesday, April 16, 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 📍 Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center Mason faculty and staff, join us for the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award ceremony on Tuesday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Dewberry Hall! Can’t…

ProjectConnect Summer Sign-Ups

ProjectConnect Summer Sign-Ups Ready to expand your social circle and forge deeper connections at Mason? This summer, join a ProjectConnect group for faculty and staff! What is ProjectConnect? ProjectConnect is your ticket to building a stronger campus community. Engage in thought-provoking questions and fun activities in small groups of 4-6…

Wear Purple on April 17 to Celebrate Military Children

Wear Purple on April 17 to Celebrate Military Children In April, we honor the Month of the Military Child and as part of this observance, we celebrate Purple Up Day, a time to show appreciation for military-connected children and the challenges they face. Join us in wearing the color purple…

Celebrating National Autism Acceptance Month with Hire Autism!

Celebrating National Autism Acceptance Month with Hire Autism! April marks National Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and champion inclusion in our community. Let’s come together to foster acceptance and create a more inclusive environment for all. As part of our commitment to inclusion and diversity, we are…

Department of Education Training Opportunity: Discrimination on the Basis of Shared Ancestry

Department of Education Training Opportunity: Discrimination on the Basis of Shared Ancestry 🗓️ Wednesday, April 10 at 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. 📍 Virtual (Microsoft Teams) You are invited to a virtual training opportunity hosted by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) on Wednesday, April 10…

Manager Meetup: Thriving as a Supervisor in the Multi-Generational Workplace

Manager Meetup: Thriving as a Supervisor in the Multi-Generational Workplace 🗓️ Thursday, April 11 at 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. 📍 Virtual (Zoom) The UL Supervision Collective is hosting a Manager Meet Up to discuss Thriving as a Supervisor in the Multi-Generational Workplace on Thursday, April 11! This session we…

The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is Here!

The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is Here! The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey is here! Team members in your department/unit received a unique link to the survey from Gallup. In addition to taking the survey yourself, please encourage your department or unit to take the survey. Participation in this…

Achieve Escape Velocity with an MPS of Industrial-Organizational Psychology!

Achieve Escape Velocity with an MPS of Industrial-Organizational Psychology Do you want to launch a career building more productive, efficient, and safer workplaces? Apply your tuition benefit to earn an I-O degree at Mason! The I-O MPS program is an accelerated rigorous online offering with asynchronous and synchronous learning experiences. Mason’s…

Pats for Patriots March Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots March Round-Up The campus is turning green and gold as the grass returns and daffodils bloom. The Mason community is also blooming – with kindness. Below is a highlight of the Pats for Patriots submitted in March 2024. Thomas Ammazzalorso, Dorothy Hayden, Cedric Price and…

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day – April 25

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day is April 25! Share the magic of Mason with the youth in your life on April 25, Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day! From the bustling Mason Square to the vibrant Fairfax and SciTech campuses, we’ve got tie-dyeing, storytelling, outdoor games and…

Tuesday Treks: Fairfax Campus Connection

HR News Tuesday Treks: Fairfax Campus Connection 🗓️ Every Tuesday from April 9 to May 28, 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. 📍 Merten Hall Wellness Circle (Fairfax) Human Resources and Mason Leadership invite Mason faculty and staff to embark on a journey of social connection, informal conversation, and enhanced…

Faculty and Staff Experience Survey FAQs – Survey Launches April 3!

Faculty and Staff Experience Survey FAQs – Survey Launches April 3! Below are some Frequently Asked Questions related to the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey launch. As a reminder, the survey will launch this Wednesday, April 3. All employees will receive a survey invitation email from Gallup. Who is being…

Employee of the Month Call for Nominations

HR News Employee of the Month Call for Nominations Do you work with an extraordinary Mason administrative/professional faculty, classified staff member, or wage employee who goes the extra mile to support and uplift the university and its community? Nominate them for Mason’s Employee of the Month award! A digital form…

Gallup Success Story: Shannon Jordan and Housing and Residence Life

Gallup Success Story: Shannon Jordan and Housing and Residence Life After the University Life All-Staff meeting, where UL-specific 2022 Gallup Faculty and Staff Experience survey data was revealed, Shannon Jordan, Associate Dean and Chief Housing Officer, together with Housing and Residential Life (HRL) leadership, set sail on a journey to…

Announcing the Stars of 2024: Our Outstanding Achievement Award Winners!

Announcing the Stars of 2024: Our Outstanding Achievement Award Winners! Human Resources is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Awards! Please join us for the awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Dewberry Hall. The ceremony will also be live-streamed…

Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program

Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program Interested in elevating your leadership skills? Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program (LLP) today! The curriculum provides opportunities for experienced faculty and staff to advance their conceptual and experiential understanding of leadership in the context of a university setting. 39% of participants have entered…

Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Launches April 3!

Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Launches April 3! The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey (FSE) launches on Wednesday, April 3! Mason has contracted with Gallup to serve as our third-party survey vendor. Gallup’s employee engagement science and history researching the topic are unmatched. They have been studying employee engagement (including…

Gallup Success Story: The College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Gallup Success Story: The College of Humanities and Social Sciences In response to the 2022 Gallup Faculty and Staff Experience (FSE) survey, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) took decisive action to amplify employee engagement. Under the visionary leadership of Dean Ann Ardis, the CHSS Staff and A/P…

Updated Equal Employment Opportunity Poster from DHRM

Updated Equal Employment Opportunity Poster DHRM has just released an updated Equal Employment Opportunity poster. Please post this state-issued “Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law” poster with your other employment law posters. Those with poster boards will be receiving the updated poster via interoffice mail in the next week. Please…

Wheeling into Spring: Mason’s Biking Adventures Await!

Wheeling into Spring: Mason’s Biking Adventures Await! Learn to Ride with FABB Want to experience the joys of biking, but haven’t gotten around to learning? The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB), the City of Fairfax, and Mason Parking and Transportation will be hosting an adult Learn to Ride biking…

Queer Parents & Caregivers Group Meetup (4/8)

HR News Queer Parents & Caregivers Group Meetup (4/8) 🗓️ Monday, April 8, 9:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. 📍 Starbucks (Johnson Center) The LGBTQ+ Faculty/Staff Alliance is hosting a Queer Parents & Caregivers Group meetup on Monday, April 8! This event is open to all faculty, staff, and GTAs/GRAs who…

Gallup Success Story: Julie Zobel and the Risk, Safety, and Resilience Leadership Team

Gallup Success Story: The Risk, Safety, and Resilience Leadership Team After the 2022 Gallup Faculty and Staff Experience survey, Julie Zobel and the visionary RSR leadership team took the reins, delving deeper into their unit-specific survey results. Thus began the inception of a proactive, employee-centric approach to elevate engagement and…

New Search Training E-learning is Now Available!

HR News New Search Training E-learning is Now Available! We are excited to announce that the new, fully asynchronous Search Training is now available in MasonLEAPS! Detailed information about search training requirements and procedures can be found in the Search tab on our Trainings page. HR Liaisons can continue to verify transcript details for anyone in their…

Mason Pride Week + Queer Lunch Series for Faculty and Staff

HR News Mason Pride Week + Faculty and Staff Queer Lunch Series It is with Pride that we announce the Spring 2024 Queer Lunch Series, as well as a calendar of events for Mason Pride Week 2024 (March 16 – March 30)! The Spring 2023 Queer Lunch Series dates are: Tuesday,…

Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day

Celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, a valuable opportunity to honor the achievements and the significance of their role in shaping our past, present, and future. The origins of Women’s History Month can be traced back to the early 20th century…

Further Your Career with an MA in Higher Education at Mason!

Further Your Career with an MA in Higher Education at Mason! Are you looking to further your career in Higher Education? You can use your tuition benefit to pursue a degree with the Higher Education Program at Mason! Going part-time, you can complete the MA in Higher Education and Student Development in…

Pats for Patriots February Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots Recipient February Round-Up Mason’s Intentional Kindness Day, celebrated on February 15th, set the stage for record numbers of Pats for Patriots to be submitted. With over 1,000 Pats for Patriots submitted over the lifetime of the program, the Mason Nation is truly embracing the culture…

Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund

Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund The Virginia State Employee Assistance Fund (VSEAF) provides grants to eligible state employees suffering from a financial crisis as a result of an unplanned emergency or other event that impacts the employee or family members residing with the employee. The VSEAF is a recognized 501c(3)…

New Engagement Resource for Supervisors

HR News New Engagement Resource for Supervisors Mason supervisors are encouraged to check out the new Engagement at Mason page on our website. The page shares a variety of resources, including strategies for measuring employee engagement, tools for improving engagement, information on supervisor training and the faculty and staff experience…

Hybrid Retirement Plan Webinars

HR News Attend a Hybrid Retirement Plan Webinar MissionSquare Retirement is hosting a series of retirement webinars to review the Hybrid Retirement Plan including features, benefits and investment options, and virtual one-on-one appointments. Hybrid Retirement Plan: Features and Benefits What is the hybrid plan? What’s the difference between the defined…

New Position Vacancy Report Now Available for HR Liaisons

HR News New Position Vacancy Report Now Available for HR Liaisons HR Technology Services and the Business Intelligence Services group continue to partner on the creation of new MicroStrategy reports to meet the business needs of HR Liaisons and other users across Mason. A Position Vacancy Report is now available…

Get Ready for the Mason Open Golf Tournament

Get Ready for the Mason Open Golf Tournament Mason Recreation is thrilled to announce that the 2024 Mason Open Golf Tournament will take place on May 3 at Twin Lakes Golf Course! This is a great opportunity for golf enthusiasts to participate in a friendly competition for exciting prizes and…

Reminder: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting

Reminder: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting While everyone should be concerned about child abuse and neglect, the law requires certain individuals to report suspected instances. In 2012, the Virginia General Assembly (SB 239) added “any person employed by a public or private institution of higher education” to the list of…

Compensatory Leave Reminder

Compensatory Leave Reminder Have you earned compensatory leave? Make sure you’re aware of the compensatory leave limits and expirations: Exempt employees are limited to 96 hours of accrued compensatory leave. Non-exempt employees must be paid time and one-half for all hours worked more than 40 in a workweek (from 12:01…

Certified Applicant Pool Training

Certified Applicant Pool Training To support Mason’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR’s Talent Acquisition team is now offering training on how to certify the diversity of applicant pools in job searches. This training will encourage a more proactive recruitment approach by assessing diversity within the applicant pool prior…

Leading Through Reading: Spring 2024 Book Discussions

Leading Through Reading: Spring 2024 Book Discussions 🗓️ Tuesday, February 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 🗓️ Tuesday, March 12, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 🗓️ Tuesday, April 16, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 📍 Overlook at the RAC and Virtual Mason Recreation invites you to join in monthly book…

Flexible Work Sessions

Flexible Work Sessions Monday, March 11 & Thursday, March 14 at 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT Merten Hall, Room 2001 (Fairfax) & Virtual Join the Faculty and Staff Engagement Team for upcoming sessions on flexible work! This session is intended to provide an introductory overview of flexible…

Save the Date: Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day

Save the Date: Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day Mark your calendars! April 25, 2024 will be Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day. This event allows faculty and staff to invite the youth in their life to campus to learn more about what it’s like to work at…

New Health Assessment for COVA Care Members

New Health Assessment for COVA Care Members At the beginning of 2024, Anthem transitioned to a new Health Assessment called My Health Check-in. Unlike the former WebMD Health Assessment, My Health Check-in is 85% shorter and only takes about five minutes to complete. COVA Care Members will no longer be…

Empowering Employee Development: A SMART Approach to Success

HR News Empowering Employee Development Through SMART Goals In George Mason University’s quest for personal and professional growth, SMART goals have become a cornerstone of effective development strategies. SMART stands for: Specific: Set clear, precise targets that leave no room for ambiguity. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a…

Fun Fridays with Mason Recreation

Fun Fridays with Mason Recreation 🗓️ Friday, February 16, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 🗓️ Friday, March 15, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 🗓️ Friday, April 19, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 📍 The Overlook at the RAC Mason Recreation invites you to snack and game at one of their…

Pats for Patriots Recipient Round-Up

HR News Pats for Patriots Recipient Round-Up Pats for Patriots is a Mason Chooses Kindness initiative designed to show appreciation for a Mason colleague. The program extends a figurative pat on the back to fellow Mason colleagues, students, faculty/staff, and alumni and supports Mason’s culture of gratitude, recognition, and appreciation.…

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is Now Inspira Financial

HR News Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Changes The current Flexible Spending Account Administrator, PayFlex, which administers the Commonwealth’s Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for state employees will be rebranded as “Inspira Financial” as of 2024. Here’s what employees can expect: Transitional messages added to the login page for PayFlex (payflex.com). The same…

Kaiser Permanente Changed Dental Administrators

HR News Kaiser Permanente Changed Dental Administrators On January 1, 2024, Kaiser Permanente changed the Commonwealth of Virginia dental plan administrator from Dominion Dental to Liberty Dental Plan. Kaiser Permanente members with dental coverage were automatically transitioned from Dominion to LIBERTY with no changes to their dental benefits. Members received…

Black Male Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group Retreat

HR News Black Male Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group Retreat The Black Male Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group’s mission is to promote a sense of community among its members, improve their quality of life, and offer an atmosphere of cultural and social networking among its members. This group…

Mason Symphony Concert: Maestro Maiello’s Grand Finale

Mason Symphony Concert: Maestro Maiello’s Grand Finale 🗓️ Wednesday, February 21, 8 p.m. 📍 Center for the Arts Concert Hall Celebrate the upcoming retirement of Professor Anthony Maiello with the Mason Symphony Orchestra, a dynamic ensemble under the baton of Dr. Soo Han. Comprising outstanding string, wind, and percussion players…

W-2s Are Now Available Online

W-2s Are Now Available Online 2023 W-2s are now available online. Retrieving your electronic copy is easy and immediate! How to Access Your Electronic W-2 Log in to Patriot Web Click “Employee Services” Click “Employee Dashboard” Expand the “Taxes” section Click “W-2 Wage and Tax Statement” Select the tax…

Certified Applicant Pool Training Spring 2024 Schedule

Certified Applicant Pool Training: Spring 2024 Schedule To support Mason’s commitment to inclusive excellence, the Talent Acquisition’s Outreach and Compliance Team is offering a course on how to certify the diversity of applicant pools for job searches. The Certified Applicant Pool (CAP) training is offered throughout the Spring semester beginning…

Inclement Weather Policy Update

HR News Inclement Weather Policy Update As we navigate the winter season, we want to ensure everyone is well-informed of our Inclement Weather Policy, particularly regarding telework expectations. Your safety is our priority, and we have made some updates to better align with the evolving work environment. Inclement Weather…

Mason Mobile ID: Join the Eco-Friendly Wave in 2024!

HR News Mason Mobile ID: Join the Eco-Friendly Wave in 2024! Access your official university ID, campus services, buildings, spaces, meal plans, and Mason Money with ease on your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Android device. Here’s what you need to know: Choose Your ID: Mason students, faculty, and staff can…

Campus Notice: Spring 2024 Parking and Transportation Updates

HR News Campus Notice: Spring 2024 Parking and Transportation Updates As the Spring 2024 semester begins, Mason students, faculty and staff are reminded that traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus greatly increases, especially during the first few weeks of the semester. To help navigate potential parking and traffic delays,…

Reporting Accidents Reminder

Reporting Accidents Reminder We want to keep the Mason community safe! Please report all accidents, injuries, or conditions that may cause harm to an individual or the university. When dangerous or potentially dangerous conditions are reported, the university can take appropriate action to protect the community. Please report the following…

Book Discussion with The Center for Advancement of Well-Being

Book Discussion Event with The Center for Advancement of Well-Being 🗓️ Monday, February 19, 2024 ⏰ 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. 📍 Virtual (Zoom) The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being invites staff and faculty to discuss the book “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make-and Keep-Friends”…

Commuter Choice: Benefits for Northern Virginia-Based Employees

Commuter Choice: Benefits for Northern Virginia-Based Employees Save money this year! Full-time state employees in Northern Virginia qualify for up to $315 per month for public transit or vanpooling, thanks to an Executive Order. This a tax-free benefit. Visit the Mason Parking website for more details!

Notice for Spring 2024 Mason Shuttles Operations

HR News Notice for Spring 2024 Mason Shuttles Operations Shuttle Operations Update for Winter Break and Spring Service Winter Break shuttle service is underway through Friday, January 12. For routes with weekend service (Fairfax/SciTech, Gunston Mason, Sandy Creek/Metro, and the On-Demand shuttle), Spring service will begin on Saturday, January 13.…

Grubhub+: Exclusive Offer for Mason Employees

HR News Grubhub+: Exclusive Offer for Mason Employees Calling all Mason employees! Mason faculty, and staff receive unlimited $0 delivery fees on orders $18+ from Grubhub+ merchants. Order with Mason Money, and you can access endless food options, even in your hometown! Use your Mason email to register and explore…

Purchase a Byte Plan Through Mason Dining

Purchase a Byte Plan Through Mason Dining Save time and money this semester with our exclusive Byte Plans for Mason faculty and staff! Enjoy all-you-care-to-eat dining hall access for as low as $8.20 per swipe. Grab a colleague and learn more at Mason Dining.

Performance Evaluation Updates

Performance Evaluation Updates The Performance Evaluation Resources page has been updated with new versions of Mason’s performance evaluation materials, including: 2023-2024 annual evaluation forms Performance capabilities (rated performance categories) Rating descriptions and rubric We invite you to review these resources and explore the guidance across our Performance Evaluation pages. A/P faculty and…

December 2023 Salary Increases

HR News December 2023 Salary Increases Effective December 10, 2023, Mason will be implementing pay increases utilizing an increase funding allocation approved by the Commonwealth. The funds support the following increases: Classified staff hired on or before September 10, 2023, with satisfactory performance will receive a 2% across-the-board base salary…

Submit Ideas for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day

HR News Submit Ideas for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day HR’s Faculty and Staff Engagement Team is excited to partner with Fairfax, Mason Square, and Sci-Tech business units for the Take Your Junior Patriot to Work event on April 25, 2024. This event aligns with the national program,…

Pats for Patriots Recipient Roundup

HR News Pats for Patriots Recipient Roundup World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13, was an opportunity for faculty, staff, and students to promote kindness and compassion within the Mason community and beyond. But spreading kindness didn’t stop on November 13-many Mason faculty and staff took the time to…

Leave Balance Transfers

HR News Leave Balance Transfers Is your department or unit hiring an employee who is transferring within Mason or the state? Leave transfers are a complex matter when changing jobs within the state or within Mason. When hiring for a new position, please do not assume or agree to leave…

Nominate a Colleague for Recognition Leave!

HR News Nominate a Colleague for Recognition Leave! Did you know you can nominate colleagues for up to 40 hours of recognition leave? Recognition leave can be awarded to employees* for doing exceptional work that is above and beyond the usual scope of their job duties. Exceptional work can include,…

Next Hybrid Plan Voluntary Contribution Change Deadline

HR News Next Hybrid Plan Voluntary Contribution Change Deadline Hybrid Retirement Plan members can adjust their voluntary contribution elections on a quarterly basis – contributing up to 4% of their creditable compensation each month – to help meet their savings goals. Members can maximize a 4% voluntary contribution and will…

2024 Performance Evaluation Updates

HR News 2024 Performance Evaluation Updates The Performance Evaluation Resources page has been updated with new versions of Mason’s performance evaluation materials, including: 2023-2024 annual evaluation forms Performance capabilities (rated performance categories) Rating descriptions and rubric We invite you to review these resources and explore the guidance across our Performance…

Kaiser Permanente Is Changing Dental Administrators

HR News Kaiser Permanente Is Changing Dental Administrators Kaiser Permanente will change its dental administrator from Dominion Dental to Liberty Dental Plan effective January 1, 2024. Kaiser will notify all members by letter with details of the transition, including: Transition of Care (TOC) provisions available to members who are currently in…

2024 Holiday Schedule

2024 Holiday Schedule Mason’s 2024 holiday schedule is here! View the full 2024 holiday schedule on the Human Resources website. Guidance on holiday timesheet and pay procedures can be found on the Fiscal Services website. As a reminder, employees in 24/7 operational units (e.g., Mason Police, Facilities, and Housing &…

Compressed Schedules and the Holidays

Compressed Schedules and the Holidays If you use the compressed schedule work option, please be aware of the upcoming holiday. For the holiday, full-time employees with compressed schedules receive eight (8) hours of holiday pay and/or compensatory leave per day, depending on the situation, regardless of their compressed schedule hours. There…

Use Your Tuition Benefit to Pursue an MA in Higher Ed at Mason!

Use your tuition benefit to pursue an MA in Higher Ed at Mason! Pursue a degree from Mason’s Higher Education Program (HEP)! Full-time employees receive up to 12 credits of tuition remission per academic year. Going part-time, you can complete the MA in Higher Education and Student Development in three…

Changes to Timesheet Submission and Approval

HR News Changes to Timesheet Submission and Approval Payroll is now using Banner Communication Manager (BCM) for timesheet reminder emails, giving these emails a new, modern look (sample). The first emails using the new design were sent on November 2 for bi-weekly timesheets and November 8 for semi-monthly timesheets. Additionally,…

VRS Defined Contribution Plan Webinars

HR News VRS Defined Contribution Plan Webinars MissionSquare Retirement is hosting a series of retirement webinars as well as offering individual consultations. Topics include: Overview of the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan and Cash Match Plan Understanding Your Investment Options Distribution Strategies View upcoming dates and register. If you have questions,…

Pet Insurance Discount for State Employees

HR News Pet Insurance Discount for State Employees Did you know that Commonwealth of Virginia employees can get a discount on pet insurance with Spot Insurance? Check out the employee discounts page on the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) website to learn more!

Fall Retirement Counseling Sessions with TIAA, Fidelity, and MissionSquare

Fall Retirement Counseling Sessions with TIAA, Fidelity, and MissionSquare TIAA, Fidelity, and MissionSquare visit Mason for individual consultations with members and non-members of the TIAA Optional Retirement Plan (faculty only) or 403(b) plans. Consultants can address specific concerns, review your investment strategy and portfolio allocations, and discuss retirement planning or…

2023 Annual Benefit Statements Now Available in myVRS

HR News 2023 Annual Benefit Statements Now Available in myVRS The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) has posted the 2023 Member Benefit Profiles in the myVRS accounts for Plan 1, Plan 2 and Hybrid Retirement Plan members. The annual benefit statement is based on information employers report to VRS as of June…

Employee of the Month Form Update

HR News Employee of the Month Form Update The Employee of the Month nomination form has moved from a PDF to a Dynamic Form! The new format streamlines the process, making it easier to submit letters of support, and we hope that this increased efficiency will encourage even more nominations!…

Work Anniversary Recognition Program

HR News Work Anniversary Recognition Program With many of our faculty members back on campus, we’d like to highlight the work anniversary recognition program that launched over the summer. The program focuses on three forms of recognition: Yearly work anniversaries will be recognized by Human Resources with individual appreciation emails…

Fall Cleaning in Patriot Web

Fall Cleaning in Patriot Web Human Resources would like to share a friendly reminder that now is a great time to do some fall cleaning in Patriot Web! Please take a few minutes to ensure that your information in Patriot Web (e.g. addresses, phone numbers, emergency contacts) is up-to-date.

Religious Holidays and Inclusive Scheduling

HR News Religious Holidays and Inclusive Scheduling As part of Mason’s commitment to inclusive excellence, please be sure to consult University Life’s Religious Holiday Calendar when scheduling important activities. Please use this resource to avoid scheduling events, meetings, or major deadlines on religious holidays observed by individuals across our campuses.…

Mason Talent Temps

Mason Talent Temps Did you know Mason offers an in-house temporary employment service? The Talent Acquisition team maintains an applicant pool to assist hiring managers in filling temporary short- and long-term vacancies and to aid job applicants seeking temporary employment. Mason Talent Temps provides temporary staffing coverage for various needs…

Improvements to the Impact Award Nomination Process

Improvements to the Impact Award Nomination Process The process for submitting employee Impact Awards has moved from a PDF to Dynamic Forms! This change will streamline the approval process and allow multiple employees to be nominated on one form. Impact Awards are designed to acknowledge admin/professional faculty, classified staff, and…

Pats for Patriots: Celebrating Kindness and Bringing Gratitude to Work

Pats for Patriots: Celebrating Kindness and Bringing Gratitude to Work At the start of a semester and throughout the busy academic year, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound acts of kindness that brighten our days. The workplace, often a hub of activity and collaboration, is the perfect setting…

Sign Up for VRS Member News

Sign Up for VRS Member News Stay updated on the latest announcements from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS). This newsletter is published quarterly and includes information about upcoming deadlines, webinars, and policy changes. Sign up at the VRS website.

Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit

Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit As part of our comprehensive recognition program, a refreshed Recognition and Appreciation Toolkit is available to all Mason employees. The revamped toolkit includes: Tips for celebrating an employee using their workplace appreciation language; Virtual appreciation tools, including Pats for Patriots, printable cards, e-cards, and virtual backgrounds…

Register for CommonHealth Wednesday Wellnotes

Register for CommonHealth Wednesday Wellnotes Want a mid-week pick-me-up? Sign up for CommonHealth’s Wednesday Wellnotes. To learn more about CommonHealth, visit them at their website.

State Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Reporting

HR News State Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Reporting The State Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Hotline provides the opportunity for citizens and state employees to anonymously report suspected incidents of fraud, waste, abuse, or corruption that may have occurred in state agencies and institutions. Every state employee has an obligation to report significant…

Congratulations to the 2023-24 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Winners!

Congratulations to the 2023-24 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship Winners! Human Resources is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2023-24 Faculty and Staff Book Scholarship, which grants each winner $250 in support of continued academic studies. The scholarship can be used for books and additional learning materials from the Mason…

State Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) All health plans offered to state 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, financial, grief counseling, and legal services…

VRS Selects New Record Keeper for Defined Contributions Plans

VRS Selects New Record Keeper for Defined Contributions Plans The Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Board of Trustees has named Voya Financial to serve as the third-party record keeper for the VRS defined contribution plans (DCP) beginning January 1, 2025, subject to final contract negotiations. See news release. The selection follows…

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