Well-Being
One of Mason’s strategic goals is to become a model well-being university. We’ve highlighted a sample of well-being opportunities below. We encourage you to visit the well-being university website to learn more about the depth and breadth of well-being at Mason.
We strive to support the six dimensions of well-being Mason has outlined (adapted from Gallup’s model of well-being):
Flexible Work
Mason supports a flexible work policy that includes telework, flextime, compressed schedules, and job sharing. For details, please see the Flexible Work website.
Learning Opportunities and Resources
Mason offers a wide array of learning opportunities. For a sample of what’s available, please visit the sites below for more information:
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- Assistive Technology
- Center for the Advancement of Well-Being
- Center for Teaching & Faculty Excellence
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Facilities
- Fiscal Services
- HR & Payroll
- Information Technology Services
- LinkedIn Learning (free access for Mason faculty, staff, and students)
- Mason Libraries
- Rosetta Stone (free access for Mason faculty, staff, and students). 30 languages to choose from.
- Office of Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics
- University Police
Practice Gratitude
Recognition is a cornerstone at Mason. To see the many ways there are to recognize your colleagues and thank them for a job well done, please visit Reward & Recognition.
Caregiving Resource from Bright Horizons Care Advantage
Mason faculty, staff, and graduate students have a complimentary subscription to this database of caregivers plus YearsAhead, a senior care resource. To learn more and to register for free access, please visit Bright Horizons.
Child Development Center
The Child Development Center, located on the Fairfax campus, offers parents convenience as well as peace of mind. The center provides an educational, nurturing, and fun environment for children ages 2-5.
Department of Motor Vehicles at Mason
DMV2Go comes to Mason regularly. For details and the current schedule, please see DMV2Go at Mason; a list of services is available at DMV2Go Services.
Working Dads Support Group
Join other Mason dads who are interested in getting together regularly to swap stories and gain insight into the fathering role. For the meeting schedule, to be included on the Working Dad's listserv, or if you have any questions, please contact Sean Cox at scox8@gmu.edu.
Working Mothers Support Group
The Support Group for Working Mothers at Mason is one way Mason faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. During the academic year, the support group meets every other week at noon in the Women and Gender Studies Center, Room 240K of the Johnson Center. The group meets less frequently over the summer. Please see The Working Mothers Support Group website for more details. For additional information or questions, please contact Heather Aleknavage at haleknav@gmu.edu.
BurnAlong
Mason is partnering with BurnAlong to pilot the app that offers on demand fitness and health classes. The first 1,000 faculty and staff and first 6,000 students will receive free access!
Mason students, faculty, and staff will be able to choose from more than 1,000 classes across more than 30 categories and will also have the ability to record classes on the platform. BurnAlong currently has Mason-branded classes on the platform! Start today on the Mason BurnAlong website.
CommonHealth
CommonHealth, the wellness benefit for state employees, offers a range of opportunities including special rates on WeightWatchers, fitness center discounts, and more.
Let’s Move, Mason!
Physical well-being is an important aspect of how we thrive. To aid in this, we are launching a new initiative for faculty and staff called, Let’s Move, Mason! This initiative is designed to get you moving throughout your day in a convenient way that is possible for you. Need some ideas on how to get moving? Check out the attached flyer!
Don’t forget to show us your moves! Tag Human Resources & Payroll (@GMUHRandPayroll) on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Be sure to use the hashtag #LiveWellMason.
Mason Recreation
A membership in Mason Recreation provides you access to three facilities on the Fairfax campus – the Aquatic & Fitness Center, the Recreation & Athletic Complex "RAC" and Skyline Fitness Center. In addition to fabulous facilities, they also offer a range of special events to keep fitness fun! Learn more about the services and amenities at Mason Rec or contact MasonRec@gmu.edu for further registration information.
Mason Walk ‘In
Take your walk indoors! Wellness by Mason offers Mason Walk 'In, 1-mile trails mapped out in 18 buildings in Arlington, Fairfax and Science & Technology.
Parking and Transportation
Mason’s Office of Parking and Transportation offers a variety of opportunities for those who bike to work including Bicycle Commuter Choice, showers, bike racks, shelters, pumps and a free lock if you register your bike at Mason.
Apple Federal Credit Union
On-campus financial services are available at Apple Federal Credit Union. For branch and ATM locations, please visit Apple Federal Credit Union.
Discounts (Patriot Perks)
Save some green on lots of different goods and services on the Patriot Perks page.
Retirement Planning
Plan for retirement whether you are just beginning your career or are about to retire.
Virginia 529
Start saving for college for your children or grandchildren. A Virginia 529 may help you. Details at Virginia 529.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
As a qualified public-service employer, Mason’s salaried faculty and staff who work more than 30 hours per week may be eligible to participate in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. If you think you may be eligible, please complete the PSLF Employment Certification Form. Mason will need to complete a section of the form; please email the form to hrverify@gmu.edu or fax to 703.993.2601.
Masonvale
Masonvale offers faculty, staff, and graduate students rental housing on the Fairfax campus. Choose from beautifully appointed one, two, and three bedroom units.
Employee Assistance Programs
All health plans offered at Mason to 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, grief counseling and legal or financial services.
Center for the Advancement of Well-Being (CWB)
The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being offers a range of well-being opportunities including free weekly Well-Being Practices (such as Yoga and Meditation) as well as a Brown Bag Lunch series. Details at wellbeing.gmu.edu.