Category: News & Highlights

Risk, Safety, and Resilience’s Employee Health & Well-Being division is proud to share that TimelyCare is now available to all faculty and staff at George Mason University. TimelyCare is a virtual mental health and well-being platform that provides support and care services you can access online, available 24/7. It is offered as a benefit through George Mason University to support the well-being of both full-time and part-time employees.

University life can be as stressful for faculty and staff as it is for students. Teaching, research, administration and the many responsibilities that come with working at a large university like George Mason can be demanding. Having confidential access to mental health support helps create a healthier supportive workplace.

Your TimelyCare benefits include:

• TalkNow, a 24/7/265 emotional support line. This offers quick access to a trained mental health professional, typically in under five minutes.
• Up to 12 free scheduled counseling sessions per academic year. These sessions are completely confidential and typically an hour long. Your privacy is protected under HIPAA, just like any other medical provider.
• Health coaching to help build healthy habits in areas like sleep, nutrition, time management and more.
• Self-guided resources and peer support available 24/7/365.
• Free, confidential care that doesn’t require you to have insurance.
• Accessible care in different languages including American Sign Language.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Go to timelycare.com/gmu or download the TimelyCare app (App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Sign up using your George Mason University email address.
3. Select Faculty/Staff to start sessions immediately, or schedule a future visit through the app.

You can access support from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere. No need to worry about paperwork or insurance complications.

If you haven’t already, take a moment to register and see how TimelyCare can work for you. It’s one small step towards making a big difference for your mental health and well-being.

This June, in recognition of National Safety Month, Risk Safety, and Resilience (RSR) reminds the George Mason community about the importance of electrical safety. By staying informed and practicing safe habits, we can reduce the risk of electrical accidents.

Electrical malfunctions are a leading cause of workplace fires. Common issues like overloaded outlets, damaged power cords, and misuse of extension cords can create hazardous situations. By following a few simple tips, we can help prevent electrical accidents:

General Electrical Safety Tips:

Avoid Overloading Circuits

Plugging multiple appliances into a single outlet can lead to overheating and potential fire.

Operate electric-powered devices in dry conditions

Avoid using electrical devices in wet or damp environments.

Power Major Appliances Safely

Plug major appliances into wall outlets and avoid using extension cords with them.

Perform Regular Inspections

Check cords and outlets for damage and wear. Replace any frayed cords immediately.

Safety Devices

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs) can prevent electrical fires by shutting off power when a hazard is detected.

Safe Work Practices

De-energize equipment before maintenance and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Check for Warning Signs

Unusually warm outlets indicate unsafe wiring that needs inspection. Never connect plugs that have broken, bent, or missing prongs.

Working or Studying from Home?

Stay Safe with These Tips:

1. Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock and fire.
2. Make sure cords do not become tripping hazards.
3. Keep papers and other potential combustibles three feet away from heat sources.

Electrical safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s use National Safety Month as a reminder to stay alert and informed. Protect yourself and the George Mason community by staying smart about electricity.

Resources: Electrical Safety Guide

As the holiday season approaches, it’s essential to protect yourself and your loved ones from common respiratory illnesses. Employee Health & Well-Being, in partnership with Giant Pharmacy and the College of Public Health, is hosting a comprehensive vaccine clinic on November 12, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall (Fairfax). This clinic will provide seasonal flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID, and pneumonia vaccines for eligible George Mason University faculty, staff, and their families (18+) who are insured through Anthem BlueCross BlueShield or Aetna. Individuals insured through Kaiser, or those with other insurance coverage, should verify their eligibility before signing up for an appointment. Those ineligible for this event should consult with a healthcare provider or visit www.vaccines.gov to locate nearby vaccine providers. 

Registration

To register, click here to secure your spot, or visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/clear-the-air-way-2024. 

Appointments are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance registration is strongly encouraged to ensure availability. Walk-in appointments can be accommodated only in cases of cancellations or missed appointments. 

 Available Vaccines & Eligibility

• Seasonal Flu Vaccine: Recommended for individuals aged six months and older, to be administered annually. 
• 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine: Available for individuals aged six months and older, the CDC encourages everyone to receive this vaccine regardless of prior COVID vaccination status. 
• RSV Vaccine: Available for adults 75 and older, and those aged 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. 
• Pneumonia Vaccine: Recommended for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as adults aged 19-64 with certain risk factors.

In most cases, these vaccines can be co-administered. However, attendees are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. 

For more information, contact the Employee Health & Well-Being team at [email protected] or call 703-993-6001.  

Stay healthy and protected this season by taking advantage of this convenient opportunity right on campus! 

We are excited to announce the release of the Risk, Safety & Resilience (RSR) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024. This comprehensive report highlights the key initiatives, accomplishments, and milestones that RSR achieved over the past year.

This year’s report also showcases our progress in adapting to emerging challenges, as well as the collaborative efforts that have driven improvements across campus. We invite you to explore the full report to learn more about the strides we’ve made in advancing our mission.

Read the full report here.

At the beginning of each semester, Risk, Safety, & Resilience (RSR) and the Department of Police & Public Safety want to remind everyone to become familiar with the university’s recommended procedures on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies that may occur on campus. The university is committed to creating an environment in which everyone in our community can thrive.

Be Prepared: All students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to register one or more cell phone numbers with Mason Alert, the university’s emergency notification system, to receive timely notification of events that affect your safety. Information on how to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies is available at ready.gmu.edu. Please also visit the university’s Active Threat Response webpage for information about how to respond to violence on campus and to register for Active Threat Training.

Online Emergency Preparedness Training: Students and employees are required to take Emergency Preparedness Training.  This online training provides details on how Mason prevents, mitigates, responds to, and recovers from emergencies on campus. This training is mandatory for all employees and students. Faculty and staff can access training through MasonLeaps.

In-Person Training: RSR offers Active Threat, Hands Only CPR, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Stop the Bleed and Narcan (Opioid overdose) training programs. Training is free for faculty and staff; register online here. Group classes can be arranged upon request, email [email protected].

Public Safety App: The Rave Guardian public safety app offers a virtual safety escort feature, allows you to submit tips to University Police anonymously, and functions as a virtual blue light phone that can relay your profile information and location if you activate an emergency call from the app. The application also has a map of all AED’s, Bleeding Control Kits and Narcan on campus. This application is free to all students, faculty and staff through the iTunes store and the Google Play store.

See Something Say Something: It is important to remember that everyone can play a role in sustaining a safe and secure campus. If you suspect a person can harm themselves or others, witness a crime, or observe a suspicious incident, report your observation to University Police immediately by dialing 911 or 703-993-2810. Remember, if you see something, say something; take the challenge. If you have any questions or concerns about Mason’s readiness for potential emergencies on campus, please contact RSR at [email protected] or 703-993-8448.

Risk, Safety, & Resilience is committed to supporting the health and wellness of our employees. The Employee Health & Well-Being team have several events coming up designed to help you stay informed, stay healthy, and feel your best!

Join Us September 17 for Tuesday Treks

Date: September 17
Location: Tuesday Treks Route
The Employee Health & Well-Being team will be out on the Tuesday Treks route offering complimentary blood pressure checks and distributing valuable information on managing and understanding blood pressure. Swing by during your walk for a quick check-up and some helpful tips to keep your heart healthy!

Flu Clinics – Protect Yourself This Season

With flu season approaching, it’s important to protect yourself and those around you. Employee Health & Well-Being, in partnership with Student Health Services and Human Resources, is hosting flu clinics across several campuses, so mark your calendars and get vaccinated!

• Fairfax Campus
  Date: October 10
  Sign Up Here
• Mason Square Campus
  Date: October 16
  Sign Up Here
• SciTech Campus
  Date: October 3
  Sign Up Here

Take advantage of these convenient opportunities to safeguard your health. Sign up today, and encourage your colleagues to do the same!

Stay Informed, Stay Healthy!

Whether you’re stopping by for a quick health check during Tuesday Treks or rolling up your sleeve for a flu shot, we hope you’ll join RSR in taking proactive steps towards a healthier future.

Dedicated to providing invaluable learning opportunities, the Risk, Safety, and Resilience (RSR) Emergency Management & Fire Safety team at George Mason University regularly hosts events that bring together professionals to share best practices and gain insights from one another. These initiatives not only highlight George Mason’s contribution to these critical fields, but also underscore its role in fostering a collaborative and informed professional community. 

Fire Safety Symposium: A Tradition of Excellence 

On June 21, RSR organized the 12th Annual Fire Safety Symposium, held at the University of Virginia. Spearheaded by Gregg Black with support from Gina Reistrup and Matthew Forker, the symposium welcomed 38 fire safety professionals from higher education institutions across the Commonwealth. This event provided a unique platform for the State Fire Marshal to address all institutions of higher education (IHE) simultaneously, emphasizing its importance as a singular opportunity for unified communication and collaboration in fire safety practices. 

Since its inception in 2011, the Fire Safety Symposium has become a cornerstone event for George Mason, consistently facilitating the exchange of knowledge and fostering relationships among fire safety professionals. The annual gathering not only reinforces best practices but also highlights Mason’s ongoing leadership and dedication to fire safety in the higher education sector. Risk, Safety, and Resilience founded this annual event and has continued to plan, organize, lead, and deliver the Fire Safety Symposium at institutions across the Commonwealth.  

UCC Boot Camp: Cultivating New Leaders in Emergency Management 

The same day at Mason Square, another significant event took place — the International Association of Emergency Managers Universities and Colleges Caucus (UCC) Boot Camp. Organized by David Farris, this event catered to emergency managers new to the higher education environment, providing them with essential training and insights specific to their roles. 

With over 40 participants, the boot camp was a resounding success, marking the second time it has been at George Mason. David Farris, alongside Marc Barbiere (Georgetown University), who serve as UCC region III co-chairs, played pivotal roles in ensuring the event’s success. By focusing on the unique challenges and responsibilities of emergency management within higher education, the UCC Boot Camp stands as a testament to George Mason’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of emergency managers. 

A Legacy of Impact 

Through events like the Fire Safety Symposium and the UCC Boot Camp, RSR continues to make significant contributions to the fields of emergency management and fire safety. These initiatives not only enhance professional development but also strengthen the network of professionals dedicated to maintaining safe and resilient educational environments. George Mason’s dedication to hosting and organizing these events underscores its pivotal role in shaping the future of safety and resilience in higher education. 

As we fade out of summer and into fall, we’re providing important reminders to help keep the Mason Nation strong!

Follow the sound practices we’ve used in the past: 

• Stay up to date, as eligible and recommended, on seasonal vaccines;
• Get a COVID or Flu test when you have symptoms;
• Isolate when you have a contagious illness; and
• Mask up when it makes sense.

Except for students seeking care at Student Health Services, Mason no longer has COVID-specific policies or procedures in place and instead we are relying on our community to follow guidance provided by both their own primary care provider (PCP) and local and federal public health.

Vaccines

Information and recommendations on the newest COVID-19 vaccine approved by the FDA will be available to the public shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting being held today (September 12, 2023).  COVID-19, Flu vaccines and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines (if recommended for you) are available through many pharmacies, urgent care facilities, and doctor’s offices.

Tests

Faculty/Staff

While COVID testing at Mason is no longer available to faculty and staff, tests are available through urgent care facilities, some doctor’s offices, and over-the-counter. It is prudent to determine if you have COVID when feeling symptoms in order to follow isolation and masking guidance geared towards limiting the spread, especially to high risk individuals.

Physicians and Urgent Care facilities can also test for Flu, RSV and other illnesses as symptoms indicate.

Students

Those being seen at Student Health Services may be tested for COVID or other respiratory illnesses, as medically indicated.  Visit the Student Health Services COVID Services webpage for detailed guidance specific for Mason students.

Masks

Masks are still very effective at limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses.  It is recommended to mask up when emerging from isolation, and prior to and when interacting in person with those that are at higher risk for severe illness and complications.  As we learned during the pandemic, N-95 masks provide a greater level of protection than cloth and surgical masks.

Absences

Faculty/Staff

Those that need special accommodations or arrangements related to telework or leave should engage their supervisor and Human Resources when needed. Faculty should be flexible with students who are ill and not require medical excuse notes.

Students

Those that need special arrangements related to class attendance or assignments should contact their instructor(s).

Additional Resources

Here are some links that may help you navigate seasonal illnesses and their impacts:

• Mason Communicable Disease Guide
• CDC health guidance
• CDC guidance on isolation with COVID
• Mason Policy 2215: Family Medical Leave
• Mason Policy 2216: Work Schedules and Attendance for Classified Employees 

Stay safe and strong Patriots!  

Angela Chezem, MD, FAAFP  

Medical Director, Employee Health & Well-being

Safety, Emergency, & Enterprise Risk Management

ehw.gmu.edu 

Nandini Koka, MD, FAAFP, FCUCM 

Executive Director, Student Health Services

University Life

shs.gmu.edu