When the COVID-19 pandemic forced George Mason University to pivot to online learning last year, it meant a lot of work for Carlos Sandoval—a challenge he not only met but surpassed.
The technology and classroom services specialist for the Antonin Scalia Law School had a brief window to support and guide faculty and staff in the move to online during spring break 2020. Sandoval held online training meetings, designed video tutorials on WebEx for students and faculty, and led troubleshooting efforts.
For his exceptional work, Sandoval is February Employee of the Month.
“Put quite simply: The law school could not have succeeded [during that time] without him,” said Victoria Huber, Scalia Law’s associate dean for professional development. “Even before the emergence of COVID-19 in our region, Carlos was an unfailingly creative, helpful, and responsible colleague, but his talents and work ethic saved the day.”
Sandoval, who came to Mason in 2006 and started at Scalia Law in 2011, said he is “very excited and very humbled” to be Employee of the Month, especially given how hard Mason faculty and staff are working in these times.
“It was a very happy day,” he said of being informed about the acknowledgment. “It’s an honor just to be nominated, period, but especially during this time when there’s so many people going the extra mile.”
How he got here:
Long story short, I started working for Mason on the Fairfax Campus for Classroom Support. It was a great job where I learned a great deal and made many friends with whom I am still very close. After a few years, I had the opportunity to start working at the law school and didn’t think twice to make the switch. Who doesn’t like a good challenge? It has been a very fulfilling job.
Best day on the job:
There have been many days, but recently I had the chance to help one of our students with a personal technical issue that could potentially prevent her from getting a job she applied for. After hours of troubleshooting, we finally figured it out, and she was able to interview for the position and received a job offer. During COVID, technology has become a necessity and not a luxury, and having the opportunity to go the extra mile for someone feel great.
What he likes best about working at Mason:
Hands down the people, staff, faculty and students are what separates Mason and the [Scalia] Law School from any other job and university in the country. I work with the Law Library team very closely, and it’s like no other team I have ever worked with. Everyone is always looking to help each other and get the job done!
What he does when not working:
We used to really enjoy trying new restaurants and bars and traveling, but now we like trying new recipes both for food and cocktails at home. Like many people, we fantasize about traveling again when the world reopens.