The purpose of the University Records Management program at George Mason University is to assist the university community to maintain compliance with university policies, retention requirements set by the Commonwealth of Virginia, as well as federal and international laws, related to the life cycle of public records. URM consults on procedures and policies, as well as collaborates with other records and information-oriented units in this work. University employees routinely create, receive, use, and destroy records in the normal course of business, and records management provides rules and a structure for ensuring that all of these processes happen in a way that fits with our operational needs and our legal responsibilities. These policies apply to records in paper and electronic format.
Meet Our Team!
Clancy Smith, M.Sc. – University Records Officer
I’m a historian by training and an explorer at heart, with an MSc in History from University of Glasgow and a career focused on preserving institutional history and information. Since joining George Mason University in August 2023, I’ve worked in records management as the Records Management Specialist and currently serve as the University Records Officer, a role I stepped into in August 2025. Beyond the office, I’m happiest wandering through used bookstores, tracking down the perfect thrift find, or discovering cozy coffee shops that feel like hidden gems. I love traveling to places rich with history and character, especially anywhere with walkable streets, museums, great local cafés, and extra points if there’s a castle. My life is powered by curiosity, good books, strong coffee, and the unwavering belief that every cat I meet wants to come live with me.
Jessica Clark, MLIS – Records Management Specialist
I joined University Records Management in January 2026, bringing with me a decade of experience in records management. For me, records management is the perfect puzzle—both challenging and rewarding. Here at GMU, I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people as we collaborate directly with different departments to help identify and classify their records. Outside the office, I am a relatively recent transplant to Virginia. After moving here entirely sight unseen, I promptly fell in love with the mountain views, the four-season weather, and the beautiful mix of historic and modern architecture.