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(Brian A. Hayum/ Fourth Estate)

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

On April 10, the George Mason Land Use and Finance Committee approved an amended motion in a 3-1 vote that, if approved by the board on May 1, raises mandatory student fees by $96. The original proposal also included a 2.5% tuition increase, but the amendment, proposed by Board Secretary Armand Alacbay, would delay the tuition increase until fiscal year (FY) 2027. Visitors Robert Pence, Armand Alacbay and Jeffrey A. Rosen voted in favor of  the motion, while Visitor Drew Peterson voted in opposition. 

According to the Office of the Executive Vice President (EVP), the fee supports aspects of student life, specifically, student engagement, recreation, athletics, transportation and health. “These fees are needed to make critical investments in student infrastructure,” said Vice President of Finance Dan Stephens. 

“Without an increase, those might get delayed, and student service levels may be reduced… These additional resources will help us maintain our core mission of access and affordability,” he added.

Recent actions by the Trump administration have raised concerns about the uncertain financial environment that many universities are facing.

 “We are very confident about where we’re headed in FY26, but given this economic uncertainty, we are hoping that you recognize the need to have a steady revenue source,” Stephens said.

 In the past few weeks, President Donald Trump has frozen federal funds for several universities across the country, and has threatened to remove tax-exempt status from schools such as Harvard. 

“We are operating in an environment of almost unprecedented financial uncertainty – arguably greater than the pandemic,” read one presentation slide. 

Student representatives Carolyn Faith Hoffman and Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta expressed their support for the student fee increase. 

“I do worry about the potential for federal or state funds to be pulled,” Hoffman said, citing that an internal source of revenue could potentially offset any loss from the potential loss of funds. 

Maria Alejandra Romero Cuesta, the undergraduate student representative, agreed with Hoffman. “I think that an increase is necessary,” Cuesta said. “We need to understand that this political climate affects enrollment,” she added. 

Mason’s international reputation is another uncertainty that may affect enrollment and, consequently, finances. “I know there is a lot of fear out there in the international community,” Faculty Representative Mohan Venigalla said. “I would be remiss to think that international enrollments will be as robust as they were this year,” 

Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

The end-of-the-year celebration has finally arrived, with Mason Day occuring Friday, April 25, at 3 p.m. in Lots A and L. Mason Day features amusement rides, carnival delicacies, and an all-day concert. 

It feels like Coachella has reached the Fairfax Campus. Though the yearly festival ended days ago, the boho chic outfits don’t have to stay in the Valley. Sure, a basic t-shirt and jean shorts are appropriate for the occasion, but why not go the extra mile to add some accessories or different styles? Regardless of the boat you land in, here are some cool, Coachella-esque outfits for Mason Day. 

Keeping it classic

Sticking to the basics? A white tee and baggy jeans are the way to go for any casual event. However, while the classic outfit is perfect, adding a satin scarf either tied atop of the head, around the neck, or threaded through the jeans’ belt loops. The scarf elevates the street look with dashes of elegance and spunk. Further, the look is completed with sneakers like Onitsuka Tiger, Salomon, and New Balance 550s.  

Short dresses above all else 

It’s a warm day with highs in the 70s, it’s an absolute must to consider a mini dress. Babydoll dresses, in particular, are perfect for the weather, with a short overall length and flowy skirt(s). These dresses are best styled with riding boots— sporting a flat bottom, riding boots are comfortable for walking and standing around—and a cropped cardigan or a jean jacket. 

Linen for the weather 

The time of the year is here for flowy, maxi skirts. A breathable linen skirt is perfect for Mason Day, easy to style with any sort of top. For the ultimate spring-summer look, dress the skirt with a tank and cardigan, or switch to a graphic baby tee. The outfit is perfect when styled with ballet flats, chunky sneakers and riding boots.  

Keeping it masc

A more masculine fit can include an oversized or waist-length graphic tee and loose straight jeans accessorized with chains. For a denim-on-denim look, add an unbuttoned denim button-down shirt to have a light layer for the breeze. The outfit can’t go wrong with a trucker hat, with a plastered logo from your favorite baseball or basketball team. This works best with sneakers, Birkenstock Boston clogs, and cowboy boots. 

Dressing in some Patriot pride

Patriot pride is forever in style. It’s Mason Day, after all, so why not go for university merch paired with a mini denim skirt, dad jeans, or loose-fit jean shorts? Or, try going for a cropped look by snipping off a couple of inches of the Mason tee, or cut the neckline to achieve an off-shoulder touch. However, if you’re like me, go for a baby tee look by buying a children’s size top to get a more fitted silhouette. Any shoes work effortlessly with this outfit as long as it’s comfortable for festival activities.

(Courtesy of Miranda Hanlon)

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

Cool air circulates as the newest building on Mason’s Fairfax campus welcomes students. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, polished concrete and sleek panels, the new building feels adjacent to a tech incubator or a futuristic airport terminal. In many ways, it’s impressive, but there’s a lingering frigidness. 

Mason is no stranger to the modern, high-tech architectural designs, with projects like the Fuse Building and the Activities Building signaling an innovation-focused vision. However, as construction accelerates, Mason’s new identity begins to lack the character that makes campus feel more than just square footage and photo-ops. 

The Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, is nearing the ‘closeout’ stage, with interior designs still being sketched. This innovative building featuring state-of-the-art laboratories boasts an exterior of slanted steel paneling, a caved corner balcony and green-space rooftop. Meanwhile, the new Activities Building on West Campus is still in  the design development phase, where planning structural systems and visual scales are crucial. 

Though these buildings are on two different campuses, both projects reflect a larger aesthetic that is also occurring at other schools. For instance, Virginia Tech recently opened the Academic One Building, featuring geometric paneling and tech-forward vibe, at their new Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard. 

Both Mason and Virginia Tech seem to be aligning their construction efforts with Arlington’s tech hub, positioning themselves as research universities with sleek, future-facing designs. However, there’s a disruption to the nearby historic neighborhoods that emphasize a colonial aesthetic. 

“I like the contemporary architecture because I think it sends a message that Mason is about the future,” said Professor Lisa Bauman, who teaches ‘Introduction to Architecture,’at Mason.

“We have a lot of embedded ideas in America about what college is supposed to look like… We’ve all watched Harry Potter, seen movies set at Harvard or Yale with ivy-covered stone. Then students come here and see brick and steel—and they’re disappointed. We should explore why that is.”

Professor Bauman acknowledges the vision and disconnect because of the emotional and cultural expectations that come with change, especially on campuses we live and study at. Embracing innovation while holding onto those supposed realities is truly at the crux of Mason designing new spaces. 

(Courtesy of Miranda Hanlon)

But a common pattern emerging with the buildings are the color schemes that fall into modern defaults—slate grey, black, white—with a dash of green and gold. At first glance, buildings like Horizon Hall are “cool” because they’re new and refreshing. But after walking past another brick-and-steel structure, the novelty wears off.  

The architecture, then, lacks a sense of place, rootedness, emotional attachment—a nod to Mason’s Virginian roots or complex colonial context. Minutes away, the brick-lined colonial charm in Old Town Fairfax remains—where is the rich integration?  

It’s why Bauman’s point is reinforced when students often gravitate towards Virginia Tech or even UVA’s stone architecture, not just because of traditionalism, but rather its timeless aspect. Even if Mason were to go full-throttle with the modern design, the fieldhouse-like Activities Building, with its glass ceiling, could’ve married form and function—modern, yet playful and radiant. 

As Mason expands and designs in the same style, the campuses start to feel more like Silicon Valley than as a school near the nation’s capital. Then again, Mason doesn’t need Gothic revival towers. However, it should embrace elements that mix heritage with innovation: arched brickwork or textured stone. Mason’s mission thrives on and celebrates differences in diversity and inclusivity. The architecture should reflect those values, not mute them. 

Mason’s new buildings are undeniably stepping into the future—but they shouldn’t disregard the stories, cultures, and history that have surrounded and shaped the campus. The next design chapter should be as reflective as it is innovative.