College of Humanities and Social Sciences Staff and A/P Faculty Reward and Recognition Program
The CHSS Staff and A/P Faculty Reward and Recognition Program exists to foster a culture of appreciation and excellence by acknowledging outstanding performance, dedication, and contributions of CHSS A/P faculty, classified staff, and non-student Wage employees. Through this program, we aim to enhance employee engagement, morale, motivation, and job satisfaction, ultimately contributing to a positive work environment and the overall success of the college and institution.
Objectives
- Develop and implement a system that highlights staff accomplishments and provides tangible rewards for exceptional performance.
- Create opportunities for staff to acknowledge each other's efforts and successes through peer-nominated awards and public recognition events.
- Develop additional avenues for supervisors to recognize and reward exceptional performance
- Design recognition criteria that reflect the college’s mission and strategic priorities, reinforcing behaviors that support institutional success.
- Implement recognition practices that contribute to staff satisfaction and a sense of belonging, addressing key factors that influence retention.
- Reward staff members who introduce new ideas or solutions that enhance college operations or student experiences.
- Design a recognition system that provides equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of role or department, and includes diverse forms of recognition.
The CHSS Staff and A/P Faculty Reward and Recognition Program will provide opportunities for employee recognition within the college and support its mission and vision.
2025 Award Recipients
Kate Bryan, Mary Roper Award
Erin McSherry, Outstanding Supervisor Award
Eleana Velasco, Civility Award
Sean Dixon, Outstanding New Employee Award
Katherine Foarde, Service Excellence Award
Janice Cohen, Mentorship Award
David Soorenko, Trailblazer Award
Robyn Mehlenbeck, Trailblazer Award
Awards
Eligible employees: Classified Staff
The Mary Roper Award honors a classified staff member who has shown outstanding service in support of the core goals of the college – improving the quality of the liberal arts experience for all students, increasing the capacity for noteworthy and innovative scholarship and creating and strengthening external relationships. The recipient directly supports the mission of the department or college through his or her work with faculty, students, staff or the greater university community.
The college holds a reception each fall to honor the award recipient as well as other outstanding staff members. This event is open to all members of the College of the Humanities and Social Sciences.
The award is named for Mary Roper, who worked in the Department of Biology and in the dean's office of the College of Arts and Sciences for a total of 14 years.
Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff, and Non-Student Wage employees that joined CHSS within past 1-3 years
This award is presented to recognize exceptional performance and contributions by a new member of the college who has consistently demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and initiative in their role. This individual has made a significant impact through their hard work, quick learning, and positive attitude, embodying our organization's values and exceeding expectations in their early tenure. Their commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and contribute effectively to team goals make them a valuable asset to CHSS. The employee must have at least 1 year of service in CHSS to be eligible for this award.
Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage
The Service Excellence Award is presented to recognize outstanding commitment to service excellence. This award recognizes a CHSS employee’s ongoing commitment to providing expert service to our internal and external stakeholders and upholding our college mission. The award is for an exemplary colleague who has demonstrated initiative and creativity, exceptional individual and/or team contributions, and continuous improvements in the way we support students, faculty, and staff. They are dedicated to continuously improving productive interactions and frequently exceed expectations by demonstrating excellence in customer service - communications, problem solving, adaptability, and maintaining a professional attitude. Their professionalism and proactive approach have significantly contributed to enhancing the overall experience of those with whom they interact.
Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage
The CHSS Trailblazer Award is for employees who are highly engaged, leads the charge to tackle initiatives and promotes cultural change, and strives to empower others. These employees are natural leaders who inspire others and who, regardless of position or title, exceed the responsibilities of their position in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to departmental and College success.
Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage
The CHSS Mentorship Award is granted to an employee who has made a positive impact on their colleagues through effective mentorship, coaching and/or supervision. This employee serves as a role model and mentor to their colleagues, helping them to develop and improve their skills, acclimate to new positions, or learn new processes so that they can achieve success.
Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage
The CHSS Outstanding Supervisor award recognizes a supervisor who demonstrates exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and exceptional mentorship, allowing for the personal and/or professional development of their team. Their ability to motivate others, resolve challenges with tact and innovation, and consistently exceed expectations embodies the true spirit of leadership. This award recognizes a person who inspires others, demonstrates trust in their team, and advocates for the betterment of those they serve.
Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage
The Award acknowledges an employee who establishes and maintains positive, collegial, and effective working relationships with fellow staff, faculty, students and other internal/external stakeholders. This employee upholds Mason’s core values and mission to and demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, civility, and respect for self, our students, our colleagues, and the community at-large.
Join us in honoring the 2025 award recipients at the CHSS Staff & Administrative/Professional Faculty Awards Celebration on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at the Center for the Arts, Third Tier Lobby.