Support Resources
Parenting
As Mason faculty or staff, many benefits and resources may be available to support you and your family. You can find more information below on parental leave, lactation, summer camps, discounts, and more. If you have further questions, please contact the Faculty and Staff Engagement Team at EngageHR@gmu.edu.
Note: If you are a student in need of parenting resources and support, Contemporary Student Services is here to help! Visit the Parenting and Expecting Students page for more information created specifically for students.
Prior to Birth/ Adoption
- Familiarize yourself with relevant Mason policies (i.e., Paid Parental Leave, Family Medical Leave, Flexible Work, etc.).
- Contact the Benefits team to discuss leave options. You may wish to supplement unpaid FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) status with eligible paid leave.
- Share your leave plan with your supervisor and department.
- Discuss the use of flexible work options with your supervisor to ease the transitions back to work after your child is born/adopted.
- Look into the prenatal care programs offered by your health plan. For Mason health plans, please see health insurance at Mason.
- If applicable, consider your lactation options. Remember that a pump and lactation supplies may be covered by your health insurance.
- If you are adopting, there are many resources available online or through the National Council for Adoption. For information, visit National Council For Adoption or talk with the agency handling your home study.
- To ensure your car seat is properly installed, use the Virginia Department of Health’s search tool to find a convenient location for a car seat inspection.
- It is never too early to start a college savings program. More information is available at Virginia529.
- Consider joining the Working Moms Support Group or Working Fathers Network.
- If you are in need of accommodation during pregnancy or after birth, please reach out to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at dei@gmu.edu.
Within 60 Days of Birth/Adoption:
- Birth/ Adoption is a qualifying mid-year event. Follow up with your Benefits Administrator at Mason within 60 days if you plan to add your child to your health insurance plan
- Consider enrolling in or increasing your Dependent Care and/or Health Flexible Spending Account election amounts. The Dependent Care FSA allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses.
Other Things to Consider:
- Beneficiary changes to life insurance, wills, and trust documents
- If applicable, talk with your supervisor to arrange space before your return to work
- Stop by HR to pick up your one-of-a-kind Mason baby hat created by the Mason Needleworks ERG for your new Patriot
It is the policy of George Mason University and the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide Paid Parental Leave to eligible faculty and staff to assist them in managing work and family obligations surrounding the birth or placement of a new child. The goal of Paid Parental Leave is to enhance the family-friendly practices already in place at the university while supporting new parents with meaningful bonding time with their child.
Classified Staff
Eligibility
Full-time and part-time classified employees who become parents via birth, adoption, or foster or custodial care placement may take Paid Parental Leave provided they are eligible for leave through the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Employees have six (6) months from the date of birth/placement to take Paid Parental Leave. Those not eligible on the date of birth/placement may become eligible during the following six (6) months and access parental leave once they meet the eligibility requirements.
Leave Amount
Up to 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave are available for full-time classified staff. Those working part-time will be allocated a prorated amount as appropriate.
The birthing parent may use Paid Parental Leave to supplement Virginia Sickness & Disability Program benefits attributable to a delivery and recovery following the birth of a newborn. Paid Parental Leave also runs concurrently with the FMLA period. It may be used with other paid and unpaid leave for the full FMLA period (see link above).
Leave Usage
Employees should contact a Benefits Administrator at least thirty (30) days before the leave period to begin the Parental leave process. Proof of birth or legal custody documentation will be required.
Employees can choose to use their Paid Parental Leave in one continuous period, or it can be split into two separate absences with at least one full working week in between. It may not be used in place of flexible work arrangements or to reduce the work schedule.
Paid Parental Leave can be used starting from the date of birth/placement of the child. Employees have six (6) months from that date to take the leave. Any unused hours after six (6) months will be forfeited.
If the leave is being used for an employee fostering or custodial care placement of a child, then Paid Parental Leave terminates at the conclusion of the foster or custodial care placement or within six (6) months of the placement, whichever comes first.
Paid Parental Leave can only be used once per child, and only once within a twelve (12) month period. If both parents work for the university and meet the eligibility criteria, each is entitled to up to 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave.
Please see DHRM (Department of Human Resource Management) Policy 4.21 for more information.
Faculty: Administrative & Professional, Research and 12-Month Instructional
Eligibility
Administrative & Professional, Research, and 12-month Instructional faculty who become parents via birth, adoption, or foster or custodial care placement may take Paid Parental Leave provided they work at least 20 hours a week and are eligible for leave through the Family Medical leave Act (FMLA).
Faculty members have twelve (12) months from the date of birth/placement of the child to take Paid Parental Leave. Those not eligible on the date of birth/ placement may become eligible during the following twelve (12) months and access Paid Parental Leave once they meet the eligibility requirements.
Leave Amount
Up to 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave are available for full-time faculty. Those working part-time will be allocated a prorated amount as appropriate.
The birthing parent may use Paid Parental Leave to supplement Virginia Sickness & Disability Program benefits attributable to a delivery and recovery following the birth of a newborn. Paid Parental Leave also runs concurrently with the FMLA period. It may be used with other paid and unpaid leave for the full FMLA period (see link above).
Leave Usage
Employees should contact a Benefits Administrator at least thirty (30) days before the leave period to begin the Parental leave process. Proof of birth or legal custody documentation will be required.
Employees can choose to use their Paid Parental Leave in one continuous period, or it can be split into two separate absences with at least one full working week in between. It may not be used in place of flexible work arrangements or to reduce the work schedule.
Paid Parental Leave can be used starting from the date of birth/placement of a child. Employees have twelve (12) months from that date to take the leave. Any unused hours after twelve (12) months will be forfeited.
If the leave is being used for an employee fostering or custodial care placement of a child, then Paid Parental Leave terminates at the conclusion of the foster or custodial care placement or within twelve (12) months of the placement, whichever comes first.
Paid Parental Leave can only be used once per child, and only once within a twelve (12) month period. If both parents work for the university and meet the eligibility criteria, each is entitled to up to 320 hours of Paid Parental Leave.
Please see University Policy #2230 for more information.
Mason offers private spaces on each campus to accommodate lactating employees. While we do have dedicated spaces for lactation on campus, we understand that convenience is important as well. Please contact your department's HR Liaison for information about other possible locations in and around your building.
If you are a student in need of a lactation room separate from the spaces listed, please contact Alissa Karton at akarton@gmu.edu.
Fairfax Campus
Fenwick Library – 1st Floor
Coming soon: Mamava lactation pod. Details on how to access will be updated once the pod is operational.
Horizon Hall – 4th Floor, Room 4005
This is the primary lactation space in Horizon Hall. This room is available on a first-come, first-served basis whenever the building is open. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Horizon Hall – 3rd Floor, Room 3218 *limited availability*
The lactation space is located on the west side of the building within the CHSS suite. It is only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., during business hours when the CHSS suite is open and staffed. If the office suite is not open, please use Room 4005 instead.
Room 3218 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Horizon Hall – 6th Floor, Room 6318 *limited availability*
The lactation space is located on the west side of the building and should be accessed by entering the CHSS suite (6200). It is only available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., during business hours when the CHSS suite is open and staffed. If the office suite is not open, please use room 4005 instead.
Room 6318 is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Johnson Center – Ground Floor (to the right of the elevator bank)
Available during JC operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space.
Merten Hall – 4th floor, HR Office
Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
Peterson Hall – 2nd Floor, Room 2414A
This room will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you encounter any issues with the space, please contact engagehr@gmu.edu.
SUB I – Room 1004 (to the left of the Mason Student Services Center)
Available during SUB I operating hours. This room will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you experience any issues with this space, please visit the SUB I information desk.
Mason Square
Van Metre Hall – Room 323A
Available in accordance with building hours, currently 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. Please lock the door when you are using the space. If you experience any issues with this space, please contact 703-993-2095 or arlops@gmu.edu.
Science and Technology Campus
Colgan Hall Lactation Room, Room 209
Please fill out the online request form to register to use this space. Upon registration you will be scheduled for a brief orientation where you will receive a unique Omnilock code to unlock the room. Please contact Michael Galvin or Kerry Hentges if you experience any issues with the space.
Student Health Services – Colgan Hall, Room 229 (Student Health Services)
To request access the lactation room during business hours, please go to Executive Office Room 217 (Colgan Hall). Please contact 703-993-8355 or 703-993-8370 if you need access or experience any issues with the space.
Childcare at Mason
Mason Child Development Center (CDC)
The George Mason University Child Development Center (CDC) is a NAEYC accredited early childhood learning environment. Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit cdc.gmu.edu or email cdc@gmu.edu.
Mason Camps and Youth Programs
Mason hosts a variety of camps and youth programs. Visit https://camps.gmu.edu/ for more information.
Other Childcare Search Tools
The state’s Search for Child Care web tool provides facility information and inspection reports for licensed and religiously exempt childcare centers, licensed and voluntarily registered family day homes and certified pre-schools.
Or, for additional resources and support in meeting the childcare needs of you and your family visit Child Care Aware, Virginia's resource and referral agency.
Dependent Care FSA
A Dependent Care and/or Health Flexible Spending Account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible dependent care expenses. If you have questions, contact benefits@gmu.edu.
Mason Camps and Youth Programs
- Mason hosts a variety of camps and youth programs. Visit https://camps.gmu.edu/ for more information.
Alexandria
Arlington
Fairfax
- Fairfax County Park Authority Camps
- The Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department Camps Programs
- Fairfax County Public Schools Summer Learning Programs
Loudoun
Prince William
- Prince William County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Summer Camps
- Prince William County Summer Schools
Washington, D.C.
Other Camp Listings
- Washington Parent Summer Camp Guide
- YMCA Summer Camps
- National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts Day Camp
- Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Camps
- TeenLife Summer Programs
- American Camp Association (ACA)
Every April, faculty and staff are invited to bring the children in their lives to campus for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work day. This is Mason’s version of the national event, and is an opportunity for Junior Patriots to learn more about Mason and explore our campuses.
For more details, visit the Take Your Junior Patriot to Work page or reach out to EngageHR@gmu.edu.
As a Mason employee, you receive a range of discounts from major brands to local businesses. This includes a section of discounts specific to kids and families. Visit the Patriot Perks website to discover how you can save.
George Mason University is offering the Mason Virginia Promise (MVP) Grant for qualifying dependents of Mason employees. The employee must be current, active, and benefits-eligible to qualify for this benefit. For more details, please refer to the Employee Dependent Tuition Benefit page.
- Join the Working Moms Support Group or Working Fathers Network to connect with other parents on campus. Employee resource groups are voluntary, employee-led groups that serve as a means of connection for faculty and staff.
- All health plans offered at Mason to employees and their dependents have employee assistance programs (EAPs) which include up to four sessions at no charge for such services as mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, grief counseling and legal or financial services.
- LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform with 9,000+ digital courses taught by industry experts covering a wide range of topics including Strategies for Working Parents, Teaching Your Kids About Finance, Balancing Work-Life as a Work from Home Parent, and more. Best of all- it’s free to Mason employees.
- Did you know Fenwick Library has children’s books? Stop by the library, check out the catalog, or review this list of children's films and movies. Faculty and staff of the University may check out materials from the libraries with their valid Mason ID.
University Policies and Parent Guide
- Parent Guide for Mason employees
- Policy 2202: Flexible Work
- Policy 2215: Family Medical Leave
- Policy 2228: Children and Minors in the Workplace
- Policy 2230: Faculty Paid Parental Leave
- Policy 2231: Break Time for Lactating Employees
DHRM Resources and Policy
The Faculty and Staff Engagement team compiles these resources and programs for use as referral only. Mason does not recommend or endorse any company or organization listed. By providing this information, the university assumes no financial or other responsibility for any relationship established by and between any company or organization listed on the Human Resources website and any other individual.