The George Mason University Board of Visitors decided at their meeting Wednesday to raise room and board rates by 4.46 percent for the 2011-2012 academic year.
The rate hike must first be approved by the Virginia State Board of Education.
According to the finance and land use agenda for the BOV meeting, proposed board rates will increase between $100 and $200, with the majority of the rate increase being approximately four percent. The expected increase for most returning students who live on campus will be $400, or 4.46 percent according to the agenda.
The increased rates are due to the higher cost of operating the facilities and to support residential communities, according to a Mason Gazette article. The article stated that the actual cost for students will vary depending on where they live and what meal plan they select.
“George Mason University has historically (over the past 10 years) had one of the smallest room and board increases within the Commonwealth of Virginia,” according to the agenda.
The increased rates are due to the higher cost of operating the facilities and to support residential communities, according to a Mason Gazette article. The article stated that the actual cost for students will vary depending on where they live and what meal plan they select.
“George Mason University has historically (over the past 10 years) had one of the smallest room and board increases within the Commonwealth of Virginia,” according to the agenda. “These proposed rates are necessary to cover the increased costs of staffing, utilities and rising construction costs.”
A graph featuring all of the proposed changes to room and board rates can be found at the BOV’s website.
Before these changes are implemented, they must be approved by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
In addition to the housing rate changes, the BOV approved two new degree programs — Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies and Executive Master of Science in Management of Secure Information Systems.
The BOV decided to approve an international research foundation that will be affiliated with the university. The foundation will help facilitate international research agreements, according to the Mason Gazette article.
There will also be a new department within the Volgenau School of Engineering called the Department of Bioengineering.
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