George Mason University's commitment to innovative and transformative programs has once again been recognized on a national scale. University Life’s Contemporary Student Services team has been selected as the NASPA 2024 Excellence Award Category Bronze Honoree, showcasing the university's dedication to serving its diverse student population.
NASPA, the leading association for the advancement of the student affairs profession, annually recognizes outstanding contributions to higher education through exceptional programs, innovative services, and effective administration. The Excellence Awards cover twelve categories crucial to student success and the growth of the student affairs profession, highlighting initiatives that address critical needs in various student demographics.
The Contemporary Student Services (CSS) unit, which supports off-campus, post-traditional, and military-connected students at Mason, stood out in the category for Commuter, Off-Campus, Military-Connected, Non-traditional, and Related students.
Launched in 2019, CSS was developed and continues to serve as a first-of-its-kind unit dedicated to serving the emerging and current contemporary student populations of Mason. CSS advocates, celebrates, educates, and serves to create and support a Mason community where each student belongs, realizes, thrives, and succeeds. CSS is intentionally collaborative across Mason and the broader community.
Contemporary students and their needs continue to evolve and accordingly, CSS has taken a “test and learn” approach to its work.
Part of this work is to ensure contemporary students have a “seat at the table” -- and that they are encouraged to share their experience and expertise with their student colleagues and the broader community. One example is CSS’ expanded student staff roles – a newly established Contemporary Student Ambassador position that provides students the opportunity for leadership experiences while being compensated for time, ideas, insights, and sharing experience.
Led by Director Joisanne Rodgers and Associate Director Shyama Kuver, Contemporary Student Services has become a cornerstone of the University Life vision that “Every Student Succeeds.”
“Receiving the NASPA Excellence Award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Contemporary Student Services team,” said Dr. Rodgers.“It reflects Mason's commitment to providing innovative and transformative experiences for all its students, regardless of their background or circumstances.”