Project Update - Thompson Hall Sustainability - It's a ... - Facilities

Facilities...
Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
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Calhoun’s Corner
I know it’s already been a month, but welcome
back from the holiday break. While we don’t take
as long a break as the students, it really is good to
be able to take time away from the campus and
focus on the things that are really important to
you like your family. To those of you who worked
over break, thank you.
The year ahead will bring many changes to us. As
I write this, the legislature is working the details of
the Commonwealth’s budget and this will certainly
have an impact on us as an institution and as individuals.
While the economy shows signs of improving,
we continue to face tough times ahead in
the next few years. There will be continued emphasis
on improving our efficiency and reducing
our costs while still providing the quality service
you provide today. It is our responsibility as public
servants to do everything we can to ensure tax
payers are getting the most from investment in
public education. For us, this will mean continuing
to look for new ways to do our business.
Of course this year will also mean the retirement
of Dr. Merten who has led us superbly for over 16
years. Dr. and Mrs. Merten have always expressed
sincere appreciation for your tireless contributions
to educating our students. They know, like you
do, that how well our facilities work directly affects
teaching and learning and they have always
Project Update; Sustainability
Shop Spotlight; 2011 Award Winner
Earth Week; Employee of the Month; Vehicle Safety Tip
2011 Facilities Holiday Party
Page 6 2011 W-2s; DMV 2 Go
Page 7
Page 8
Safety Zone; Safety Training
Tool Box Tip; Next Edition; Let Us Know
publicly praised and thanked you for your
contributions. We’ll have a chance to say
farewell to the Mertens later this year, but if
you see them during the spring semester,
don’t hesitate to thank them for all their contributions
to the university and for their support
of the facilities organization.
Be safe in all you do!
Tom
in focus
Welcome New Hires
* Naveia Kennedy
Customer Service Cntr
* Fred Henderson
Carpentry Shop
* Darrell Huston
Paint Shop
* Robert Pleasants
PM Shop
* Chris Baumgartner
Sustainability
* Alfonso Nazario
Fire Alarm Shop
* Robert Donahue
PM & Construction
* Daniel Preston
Plumbing Shop
* Antwoine Towe
CHCP
* Jason Gwinn
HR/IT
* Elizabeth Long
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!
Space Planning

FACILITIES in focus
Project Update - Thompson Hall
Thompson Hall gets a major makeover! To say Thompson Hall has served us well would be a huge understatement. The building
was originally built in 1971 and was given its current name two years later after the retirement of Lorin Thompson as Mason’s first
president and when first opened, it was Mason’s Arts and Sciences building.
The 72,571-square-foot academic building was approved for renovation, which began in August 2010 and completed in December
2011, and will now house the College of Education and Human Development. The Thompson Hall renovation was a full wall to
floor renovation. Everything except the building envelope was renovated and anything that was unsafe was addressed so that we
ended up with a very new, energy efficient, healthy building. Classrooms have been modernized by incorporating the new University
standard for technology in the classrooms.
Included in this renovation are five University Registrar classrooms, six high-tech computer classrooms, one early childhood and
middle childhood teaching classroom that will help train the teachers of the future, one Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and
Achievement (VISTA) teaching laboratory, a number of high-tech conference rooms throughout the building incorporating the
latest presentation technology and conferencing technologies, a number of large dividable multi-purpose rooms, and a great suite
of offices that house the Dean and Administration for CEHD. Thompson Hall is now LEED certified and definitely ready to
serve another 40 years! Stop by and see for yourself.
Available Funds for Great Ideas
Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Sustainability - It’s a GREEN thing!
Do you have an idea to improve Mason and reduce its environmental impact? Then check out the Patriot Green Fund (PGF)!
This is a $100,000 per year sustainability grant that is devoted to making Mason’s campuses more sustainable through facility upgrades
or installations and student research projects. In 2011, we awarded 7 projects totaling $50,489. Not sure what kinds of
ideas we are talking about? Here are some examples: encouraging people to take advantage of Mason’s existing biking or carpooling
programs, reducing the amount and use of electronics and appliances in offices or residential halls, and installing renewable
energy sources on campus. Submit your idea by April 1, 2012. Check out http://pgf.gmu.edu for more information and the
application.
Facilities Sustainability Innovation Award
Help Keep Facilities Clean and Sustainable
Based on feedback from the lunch and learn we hosted at the end of 2011, our office is launching the Sustainability Innovation
Award. If you have an idea on how to make things more sustainable in the Facilities Department’s operations (e.g. saving energy
or water, reducing waste, raising awareness for sustainability, etc) submit it to gogreen@gmu.edu for a chance to win a Sustainable
Living Kit (worth approximately $50).
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!
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FACILITIES in focus
Mike Ruais - Manager, Arlington
Campus
Caitlin O’Keefe - Admin/Recycling
Sandy Houston - Supervisor,
Arlington
* Michael Johnson - Utility Worker
Charlie Morrow - Trades Worker
Marquet Anderson - Plumber
George Malenich - Plumber
Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Shop Spotlight - Arlington Facilities
* John Wickline - Supervisor,
Arlington
Chris McDonald - HVAC Tech
* Andre Perry - Electrician
Roy Rupert - Electrician Asst.
* Khanh Pham - Maintenance
Wage
* Not pictured.
Ever wonder how a massive multi-storied, new building keeps looking and functioning great? One only needs to look at
the GMU Founders Hall building in Arlington and you’ll see the Arlington Facilities Team at work! This highly functioning
team is managed and lead by Mike Ruais, (Manager), Sandy Houston, (Supervisor), and John Wickline, (Supervisor)
who have a combined 44 years service with GMU. The Arlington team certainly knows how to keep their building looking
and functioning great! According to Larry Spaine, ―We rarely hear from any customers in Arlington which is a testament
to Mike and his team. We know we can stay out of their way and they will make sure they get the job done in a professional
and timely manner.‖ Founders Hall is a great flagship building for us in Arlington and the Arlington Facilities Team
takes great pride in making sure it stands out as one of Mason’s finest! Great job team, you all make us PROUD!
Richard Goolsby Receives
2011 Exceptional Support Award
Congratulations to Facilities very own Richard Goolsby for being nominated and recognized
as a 2011 Exceptional Support Award recipient! Richard was selected and recognized
for his continued exceptional support at the GMU Annual Awards ceremony this
past October. Richard was nominated by a group of his peers and customers who
praised Richard’s work by saying: ―Richard has been a tremendous support and resource
as a construction project manager. He is always available and very reliable and
we can always count on him to visit all his projects and to keep up with the contractors
and the schedule.‖ ― Richard consistently goes above and beyond what is asked of
him.‖ ― He is a consistent performer and routinely handles multiple projects while
providing exceptional customer support‖. Way to go Richard, we are extremely proud
of you and your accomplishments!
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!
P a ge 3

FACILITIES in focus
August 2011
Tina Riley, PWC
October 2011
Earth Week is coming this April
Recent Facility Employee of the Month Award Winners
Robert Gallahan, HVAC
Winter Vehicle Safety Tip
Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Earth Week 2012 is a time to promote awareness and appreciation for the earth’s environment, sustainable living and earth awareness.
Earth Week is also known as National Green Week 2012. Environmentalists all over the world will work to raise awareness on
how to recycle and conserve energy this earth week!
Earth week(s) will fall on both the week of April 16-22nd and 23rd-29th. The weeks will officially be Earth Week-Think Global
(in tandem with International Week) and Earth Week-Act Local (in tandem with Mason Week). Sustainability is coordinating a
number of events, speakers, and programs across all campuses here at Mason. We would love to see some Facilities-related
and/or sponsored programming (e.g. a green architect, an electric car manufacturer, etc). Please contact the Sustainability office
to assist with setting up these events if you’re interested.
This winter before you hit the road, make sure you have your safety kit packed and
ready.
Items to include in your kit:
*Jumper cables to restart your engine *Cat litter or sand for tire traction
*Shovel to scrape snow away from tires *Ice scraper to clear windshield
*Warm clothes (gloves, hat, boots, jacket) * Blankets to keep warm inside the vehicle
*Flashlights with extra batteries *First Aid kit (include needed medication)
*Food items and portable can opener *Water bottles for each rider and pets
*AM/FM radio with batteries *Fully charged cell phone and charger
*Flares or reflective triangle *Make sure your gas tank is full
If you find yourself stranded, be safe, don’t run your car continuously, stay in your
car, put on your flashers and set out your flares or reflective triangle, call for help and
wait for it to arrive.
September 2011
Lance Florance, Warehouse
November 2011
Stephanie Fifield-Anson, Grounds
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!
P a ge 4

FACILITIES in focus Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Facilities Celebrates the Holiday’s
Once again, the Facilities department celebrated
another joyous holiday season with a gathering of
good friends, good food, good music, and good
door prizes! This year’s celebration included some
of the best food to date: turkey, ham, dressing, salads,
vegetables, chips, bread, all kinds of desserts,
and cold drinks!
Plenty of door prizes were won by a number of attendees
and four lucky winners helped divide up the
50/50 drawing, holiday music played, Dr. Merten
attended and spoke to the group at what was his last
official Facilities Holiday Party as our beloved President
(however I believe we will be seeing him at
future celebrations as well).
As we all know, none of this could happen without a
lot of help behind the scenes. This includes volunteers
that planned the event, purchased food, cooked
food, set up the tables, chairs, lights, music, and also
helped clean up! So as not to leave off anyone’s
name lets just say a big ―THANK YOU‖ to everyone
that had a hand in making this year’s celebration
a huge success!
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!
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FACILITIES in focus Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Page 6
2011 W-2s Now Available Online
Your 2011 W-2s are available online. Retrieving your electronic copy is easy and immediate. Simply log in to http://
patriotweb.gmu.edu, select "Employee Services," then "Tax Forms," and "W2 Year End Earnings Statement." By electing
to access your W-2 form electronically, a Mason generated paper W-2 will not be mailed to you. Going electronic puts
time on your side; download yours today.
Please contact the W-2 Hotline at 703-993-2311 or w2info@gmu.edu should you have questions.
For those who do not download an electronic copy, paper W-2 forms will be mailed no later than January 31st, 2012.
Please remember: You must ensure that your Permanent Mailing Address is accurate in Patriot Web Self Service.
The Department of Motor Vehicles is coming to Mason
Can’t get to the DMV? Don’t worry, the DMV is coming to you! That’s right, ―DMV 2 Go‖ is coming to each of the 3
Mason campuses.
Thanks to the latest technology, the ―DMV 2 Go‖ wireless office offers all the services normally offered at your local DMV.
Apply for or renew your drivers license—take road and knowledge tests, get your picture taken.
Get a copy of your driving record.
Obtain vehicle titles, license plates, decals, and transcripts.
Order disabled parking placards or plates.
Apply for or renew your ID card - available for adults and children.
Recently moved? Stop in to update your address on your DMV record, and update your voter registration card.
Request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to set up a myDMV account so you can receive DMV notices via email
or phone; or conduct secure transactions on the DMV website, www.dmvNOW.com.
Search for other state services through a Virginia Internet portal.
AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!
Look for the ―DMV 2 Go‖ Van at the following locations and times.
Arlington Campus: Monday March 5, 2012 from 9:00am—4:00pm
Fairfax Campus: Tuesday and Wednesday, March 6 and 7 2012 (Lot A near the Patriot Center) 9:00am—4:00pm
Prince William Campus: Thursday, March 8, 2012 9:00am—4:00pm
All of your excuses have now hit the road! Take advantage of DMV 2 Go!!!!!!!

FACILITIES in focus Fall/Winter 2011 Issue Page 7
Welcome to the Safety Zone
Working outside in the winter exposes employees to a number of hazards, including the risk of weather-related conditions such
as frostbite. Cold weather can affect the body's senses, altering the ability to see, smell and feel, according to the Department of
Labor and Industries. Dressing to protect against the elements can help reduce the impact cold weather has on workers' health
and productivity.
If you are working outside either at work or home try the following recommendations:
Always dress with loose outer layers and tighter inner layers to help trap heat. Do not over-bundle.
Use outer layers of clothing as a windbreaker. This will make the layers underneath more effective.
To minimize sweat, remove layers if you begin to feel hot. Try to avoid getting clothing wet, as this reduces protection
from the cold.
Wear a hat or other head protection to help retain body heat.
Be sure to protect your feet, as they likely will feel the effects of the cold first. Wool socks are effective, and four-buckle
overshoes provide additional protection for your feet.
Wear proper gloves. A thin pair of wool gloves worn under leather gloves will provide adequate protection.
Be careful not to overdress, as this can restrict movement, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Don’t overexert yourself! If you feel you need a break, try to find a convenient break area out of the cold and take time to
rehydrate yourself.
All new shop employees must receive safety training as soon as possible after their start date. Your immediate supervisor
can assist you in determining which training you require and when you should sign up. EHS is offering the
safety training sessions listed below in February, March, and April. Advance registration is required. You may view
all available sessions and register for training from the EHS website, ehs.gmu.edu, by clicking on the green, ―Need
Training?‖ button in the lower right-hand corner.
February 1, March 7, and April 4 at Prince William, Occoquan Building, Room 110A
February 2, March 1, and April 5 at Fairfax, Police & Safety Headquarters, Room 230
Lock Out/Tag Out, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Safety Refresher, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Hazard Communication, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Respiratory Protection, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Bloodborne Pathogens, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
March 28 and April 25 at Fairfax, Police & Safety Headquarters, Room 230
April 12 at Arlington, Founders Hall, Room 207
April 13 at Prince William, Occoquan Building, Room 110A
Fire Extinguisher Use, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!

FACILITIES in focus Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Let Us Know What You Think
Thank you for taking the time to read Facilities in focus.
We hope that you enjoyed this issue and we look forward to
making each issue better and more informative. To do that
we need your feedback. Please take a minute to answer a
few questions and provide us with your thoughts as to what
you liked, what you didn’t like, and what you would like to see
in the next issue. Thank you.
Yes
No
Did you find this issue
informative?
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Safety Toolbox Talk
You may submit ideas that impact your personal safety or the safety of the
greater community. Your participation will help raise safety awareness and engage
our community in an effort to increase safe practices at Mason.
Please submit your safety ideas via email to safety@gmu.edu. Contributors will
receive a gift of appreciation and their names, department, and ideas will be
posted monthly on the EHS website, http://ehs.gmu.edu.
Job Safety Analysis
Did you enjoy reading
this Issue of
Facilities in focus
EHS encourages faculty, staff, and students to
participate in the new EHS Safety Challenge reward
program. All members of the Mason community
are invited to submit a safety improvement
that has been identified and implemented
or an idea for a safety improvement.
EHS is continuing to conduct job safety analyses (JSA) with all departments
in Facilities Management. This is a process that identifies
potential hazards associated with tasks being conducted and controls
necessary to prevent these hazards. EHS will be contacting Shop
Supervisors to schedule JSAs. If there are high hazard tasks that
need to be evaluated immediately, please contact Craig Colvin at
(703) 993-5588.
TEAR OFF AND SUBMIT
Check those articles that you
would like to see on a regular
basis in this newsletter.
Calhoun’s Corner
Project Updates
Shop Spotlight
Employee of the Month
Winners
New Hires for the
Quarter
Informational Articles
Page 8
Provide us with any other comments you would like
below. Let us know what other type of articles/
information you would like to see (i.e. Classified
Section, Sustainability, Environmental Health and
Safety, Training).
Comments:
Next Quarter’s Edition
Articles to look forward to in next quarter’s
edition of FACILITIES in focus include:
Calhoun’s Corner: University News
Project Update: See what project is next
Shop Spotlight: Tune in to find out who’s next
Employee of the Month Winners
Safety Training Update
HR News
Sustainability Review
Please return to Sandy Beckett at the Facilities Admin Bldg Front Desk or mail to MS 1E4
FACILITIES in focus created strictly with the Mason Facilities Employees in Mind!