HR & Payroll 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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Pooled Positions Training
Pooled Positions Training For HR liaisons and EPAF submitters only: As you may be aware, Mason is transitioning to a set list of pooled position numbers across the whole university. To aid in this transition, Human Resources is offering virtual training sessions that will walk through: How the process of pooled…
Read MoreReminder: New Classified Staff Performance Management Cycle
New Classified Staff Performance Management Cycle The following announcement was adapted from an email sent to classified staff on December 13, 2022. More details are coming soon as we approach the new timeline. As part of Mason’s ongoing changes to the performance management and evaluation process, the Virginia Department of…
Read MoreUpcoming Performance Management Trainings
Upcoming Performance Management Trainings Human Resources has a number of upcoming training sessions focused on performance management, including Performance Management for Supervisors, Performance Management for Non-Supervisory Classified Staff and A/P Faculty, and Self-Evaluation Learning Labs. Check out the Performance Evaluation Resources page to learn more and to register.
Read MoreFidelity Resources for Black History Month
Fidelity Resources for Black History Month February is national Black History Month, and Fidelity is hosting an exclusive webinar on Thursday, February 16: How to Manage Money, Deal with Debt, and Create a Financial Legacy. The webinar will bring together leading Fidelity representatives and Tiffany “the Budgetnista” Aliche for a dynamic…
Read MoreOutstanding Achievement Award Highlight: Nominate a Colleague Today!
Outstanding Achievement Award Highlight: Nominate a Colleague Today! Nominations for Mason’s Outstanding Achievement Awards are open! The Outstanding Achievement Awards (OAA) honor Mason’s faculty and staff across sixteen award categories and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and contributions to the university. This week, we’d like to highlight two special awards:…
Read MoreEngagement in Action Training
Engagement in Action Training Engagement in Action for Supervisors Supervisors are encouraged to join an interactive session focused on faculty and staff engagement. Participants will take part in discussions surrounding Gallup survey engagement data and current best practices as well as learn new strategies to enhance the faculty and staff…
Read MoreW-2s Are Now Available Online
W-2s Are Now Available Online 2022 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…
Read MoreCertified Applicant Pool Training
Certified Applicant Pool Training To support Mason’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, HR & Payroll’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…
Read MoreTIAA Financial Seminars
TIAA Financial Seminars TIAA has a number of upcoming financial seminars. Read on to learn more! January Jan. 18 (12 PM): Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Jan. 18 (3 PM): Basic Social Security Strategies Jan. 19 (12 PM): Common Estate Planning Considerations February Feb. 15 (12 PM): Mid-Career Retirement…
Read MoreWeightWatchers (WW) January Newsletter
WeightWatchers (WW) January Newsletter WeightWatchers is here to help you reach your weight-loss and wellness goals in 2023. All benefit-eligible employees, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50 percent off the retail membership price. Join now for as low as $8.48 per month! To learn what you…
Read MoreReminder to Appropriately Document Flexible Work
Reminder to Appropriately Document Flexible Work As we start the spring semester, we’d like to remind you that flexible work requests must be appropriately documented and formally approved. It has come to our attention that some employees are regularly teleworking without flexible work agreements in place, or have not renewed…
Read MoreRegister for Supervisor Boot Camp
Register for Supervisor Boot Camp Supervisor Boot Camp is designed to provide essential information in a supportive cohort learning environment, with opportunities for participants to reflect, learn from one another, and network. This program is presented virtually in five 3-hour sessions over the course of 10 weeks. Registration is now open…
Read MoreRecruitment Notes Guidance
Recruitment Notes Guidance To stay in accordance with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) requirements, Talent Acquisition asks that hiring teams submit all completed search materials to jobs@gmu.edu for appropriate filing. Search materials include the interview notes, hiring matrix, confidentiality forms, search completion forms, reference checks, and any…
Read MoreOnboarding Toolkit for Supervisors
New Onboarding Toolkit for Supervisors Onboarding a new employee but unsure of how to set them up for success? Look no further than the new Onboarding Toolkit for Supervisors. This toolkit was designed to provide supervisors with supplemental information and recommendations for how to approach onboarding a new employee –…
Read MoreTalent Acquisition Resources
Talent Acquisition Resources The Talent Acquisition team has launched two online resources to further assist with departments’ recruitment efforts. Search Coordinator Resources The Search Coordinator Resources page is a quick reference guide for a search coordinator and/or anyone tasked to perform similar duties during a search. A search coordinator performs…
Read MoreChild Abuse and Neglect Reporting
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 mandated…
Read MoreEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Resources
HR & Payroll News Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Resources Mason’s faculty and staff have access to Kaiser Permanente’s EAP Wellness Resources, whether you’re a member of Kaiser or not. Visit their website to explore a range of self-care tools, tips, and activities to help you thrive in mind, body,…
Read MoreDrug and Alcohol Policy
Drug and Alcohol Policy The abuse of drugs and alcohol by employees is incompatible with the goals of George Mason University. The illicit use of drugs and alcohol can create a serious threat to the safety and welfare of the university community and undermine the productivity of the workforce. Those…
Read MoreOutstanding Achievement Awards: Call for Nominations
Outstanding Achievement Awards 2023: Call for Nominations The Outstanding Achievement Awards honor Mason’s faculty and staff across sixteen award categories and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and contributions to the university. You are invited to nominate a colleague for an award by the deadline of February 25, 2023. (Note that…
Read MoreSign Up for the BurnAlong Fitness App
Sign Up for the BurnAlong Fitness App This year, we encourage you to register for your free Burnalong account and share the gift of wellness with four family members or friends. As a BurnAlong member, you get four free sub-accounts you can share with anyone! For instructions on adding a…
Read MoreVirginia’s Hourly Minimum Wage Increase Reminder
Virginia’s Hourly Minimum Wage Increase Reminder Per the Virginia Minimum Wage Act, the hourly minimum wage in Virginia will increase on January 1, 2023 to $12 per hour. Impacted individuals include student wage, work study and non-student wage workers with current hourly rates below $12.00 per hour as of January…
Read MorePublic Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program State employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more…
Read MoreLeading to Well-Being Speaker Series
Leading to Well-Being Speaker Series Wednesday, February 15 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. EST Zoom Join Dr. Jacinta Jiménez, PsyD, BCC, author of The Burnout Fix, for a free webinar: “Beating Burnout and Boosting Resilience as a People Leader.” We all know that excessive stress is a health hazard.…
Read MoreSubscribe to HR & Payroll News
Subscribe to HR & Payroll News Want to receive all the latest HR & Payroll announcements straight to your inbox? All Mason employees are encouraged to subscribe to our newsletter! HR Liaisons, who are automatically subscribed, should continue to share relevant items with their departments.
Read MoreSave the Date: Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day
Save the Date: Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day Mark your calendars! April 27, 2023 will be Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day. This event allows faculty and staff to invite the children in their life to campus to learn more about what it’s like to work at…
Read MoreRegister for the MotiVAte App
Register for the MotiVAte App CommonHealth is excited to announce the release of the registration portion of the MotiVAte app. MotiVAte is an incentive-based program designed to help you capture and log your wellness efforts that are eligible to earn points. Once you register, you’ll be one step closer to…
Read MoreMason Needleworks Revival Meeting
Mason Needleworks Revival Meeting January 17, 2023 12 – 1 p.m. EST Merten Hall 4104 Join beginner and seasoned knitters and crocheters for time to work on a variety of projects, such as infant, toddler and child hats for Mason employees. Materials provided. For more information, contact…
Read MoreBeware of Unsolicited VRS Counseling Services
Beware of Unsolicited VRS Counseling Services VRS occasionally receives reports from members that various groups have contacted them to offer retirement counseling services or insurance products. Please be aware that VRS does not sell products or make unsolicited calls to offer services to members. All VRS counseling services are free…
Read MoreFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Update
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Update The Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) has updated Policy 4.20 – Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Effective January 10, 2023, Policy 4.20 changes the 12-month measurement period from the fixed 12-month period to a rolling 12-month period. Please review the…
Read MoreOnboarding Guidance
Onboarding Guidance Thank you for continuing to diligently follow the onboarding process when hiring new employees. A smooth onboarding process creates an environment where your new employees feel supported. Following each step in a timely manner gives your new employees a seamless transition and a successful start! For your reference,…
Read MoreFor Fidelity Customers: Keep Your Information Up to Date
For Fidelity Customers: Keep Your Information Up to Date Do you have a Fidelity Investments plan? Enhance your digital presence and stay connected – update your contact and beneficiary information on file today! It takes less than five minutes and is the best way to stay up-to-date on information related…
Read MoreConnect with Us on LinkedIn
Connect with Us on LinkedIn George Mason HR & Payroll is now ready to connect with you on LinkedIn! On our new page, you’ll find job posts that you can share with your network, our latest well-being announcements, and important HR & Payroll guidance. Don’t miss a beat! Connect with…
Read MoreEmployee of the Month Nominations
HR & Payroll News Employee of the Month Nominations Do you work with an incredible Mason administrative/professional faculty, classified staff member, or wage employee who goes the extra mile, collaborates with their colleagues, and supports the University? Nominate them for Mason’s Employee of the Month award! A digital form and…
Read MoreExclusive Pet Care Resources Through BrightHorizons
Exclusive Pet Care Resources Through BrightHorizons Looking for someone to walk the family dog while you’re at work? Need someone to watch your cat while you’re away? BrightHorizons Additional Family Supports has you covered. Mason employees get free member access to the following services through BrightHorizons’ online database: Find pre-screened…
Read MoreMason 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…
Read MoreReligious Holidays and Inclusive Scheduling
HR & Payroll 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 that many individuals across…
Read MoreAcceptable Use of State Electronic Resources
HR & Payroll News Acceptable Use of State Electronic Resources A friendly reminder that state electronic equipment (desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.) is for conducting professional business, despite the fact that they “travel everywhere” with us. All users have a responsibility to ensure they use these resources appropriately. Mason’s Policy 1301, Responsible Use of Computing…
Read MoreWW Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Offer
HR & Payroll News WW Commonwealth of Virginia Employee Offer Have you wanted to join WW? All employees, spouses, and adult dependents get an exclusive discount of 50% off the retail price of WW and can join now for as low as $8.48 per month.
Read MoreState Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Reporting
HR & Payroll 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…
Read MoreVRS Member Benefit Profile (MBP)
HR & Payroll News VRS Member Benefit Profile (MBP) If you are enrolled in a retirement plan with VRS (Plan 1, Plan 2, or Hybrid), your annual Member Benefit Profile (MBP) is available on your myVRS account. To view it, select the My History menu then select Annual Statements. The MBP…
Read MoreEPAF Deadlines
HR & Payroll News EPAF Deadlines With the holiday break coming soon, please be mindful of EPAF submission and payroll deadlines. Our HR assistants constantly monitor the EPAF queue to review and approve EPAFs for all colleges and departments. If the HR queue receives an EPAF on or before the…
Read MoreReporting Accidents Reminder
Reporting Accidents Reminder We want to make sure the Mason community stays 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…
Read MoreCompensatory Leave Reminder
Compensatory Leave Reminder Have you earned compensatory leave? Make sure you’re aware of the compensatory leave limits and expirations: Employees are limited to 96 hours of accrued compensatory leave. Per State Policy 3.10, accrued compensatory leave expires one year from the pay period in which the hours are accrued, regardless of…
Read MoreLeave Balance Transfers
HR & Payroll 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…
Read MoreAccess Optional Group Life Insurance Benefits Through myVRS
Access Optional Group Life Insurance Benefits Through myVRS Eligible members can now use myVRS to access and manage optional group life insurance coverage with Securian Financial, the insurer for the VRS Group Life Insurance Program. Eligibility If your employer participates in the VRS Group Life Insurance Program, you are covered under…
Read MoreCompressed 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…
Read MoreImportant Information for Kaiser Permanente HMO Members
HR & Payroll News Important Information for Kaiser Permanente HMO Members For urgent and emergency care while traveling out of state, Kaiser Permanente HMO members now have access to Cigna’s PPO Network of providers and facilities. To get care, they’ll simply need to present their digital ID card, available in…
Read MoreUpdated Flexible Work Guidance
HR & Payroll News Updated Flexible Work Guidance The Faculty and Staff Engagement Team would like to share updates with individuals who have an active Flexible Work Agreement in MasonLEAPS. In May 2022, all hybrid and remote telework Classified employees were required to complete the Commonwealth’s Standard Telework Agreement (via…
Read MoreVRS Members: Be Alert for Unsolicited Retirement Counseling Services
VRS Members: Be Alert for Unsolicited Retirement Counseling Services From time to time, VRS receives reports from members and employers that various companies or groups have contacted them via email or phone to offer retirement counseling services or insurance products. Please be aware: VRS does not use unsolicited calls to…
Read MoreExperiencing Issues with Cardinal
Experiencing Issues with Cardinal New this year, Open Enrollment is held online on Cardinal, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s new online portal. As we are transitioning to this new platform, you may be experiencing issues, which are detailed below. We recognize that this has been frustrating. Please know that we are…
Read MoreFaculty/Staff Reward and Recognition Program
Faculty/Staff Reward and Recognition Program George Mason University values a culture of recognition! HR & Payroll’s Reward and Recognition program offers recognition opportunities that are fun, meaningful, and linked to the values and mission of Mason. The Reward and Recognition program aims to recognize individuals and teams for contributions to…
Read MoreRecipient Spotlight: Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship
HR & Payroll News Recipient Spotlight: Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship HR & Payroll’s Faculty and Staff Engagement Team is excited to announce the 2022-2023 Faculty/Staff Book Scholarship recipients. The scholarship aims to encourage continuing education for Mason employees while recognizing that the pursuit of an education is a life-long process. The…
Read MoreUpdated Administrative/Professional Faculty Handbook
HR & Payroll News Updated Administrative/Professional Faculty Handbook The Administrative/Professional (A/P) Faculty Handbook has been updated. These revisions streamline the language and create more clarity. Below are some of the substantive revisions: Added new text that clarifies that the A/P Faculty Handbook applies only to the performance of A/P faculty duties, as…
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