Merten Announces Assistance Fund

By Broadside Interim News Editor Kevin Loker

In an e-mail sent to the George Mason University community late Thursday night, University President Alan Merten announced the establishment of a $150,000 Adverse Economy Assistance Fund for students whose family’s economic situation have been “dramatically weakened” by the economic crisis.

The fund is to be used by the Office of Financial Aid in conjunction with other available assistance. Merten says he is hopeful the fund will help students who are debating between continuing their studies and withdrawing enrollment at the university.

“There is no easy answer to maintaining institutional momentum during difficult financial times,” said Merten in his e-mail to the community, “but being resilient and optimistic is the foundation of our plan. Our strength is our people.”

The university, facing a seven percent General Fund reduction in FY 2009 and another recommended eight percent reduction for FY 2010, raised more donations in 2008 than any other year on record. Merten says other factors include university community members “volunteering to accept salary reductions, deferring compensation package increases, individually absorbing costs that otherwise would be eligible for state reimbursement and contributing larger amounts of unrestricted donations to the George Mason University Foundation.”

“We will emerge a better university after these turbulent times,” said Merten in the e-mail, “because each of you believes that you can make a difference at Mason—and you can—and you do.”

Student Government leaders reacted positively to the message.

“I thought that Dr. Merten was very straightforward with the Mason community, and I think that students appreciated his candor,” said Student Body President Zack Golden. “I am very glad that the administration has made every effort to keep students in the loop about the budget situation.”

“I think the message shows that he understands what students are up against next year in terms of finances,” said Student Body Vice-President Claire Forman. “I think he does a good job addressing the most urgent topic facing the students.”

“I felt that [the e-mail] was timely and important to remind the Mason community of what has made us great. Mason has thrived in good times and bad times. We need to keep being innovative, take advantage of our location, stay focused and tell our story,” said Merten. ”The best is yet to come.”