With the upcoming opening of the new Activities Building, students have a place to gather and build community.
George Mason University’s eagerly anticipated Student Activities Building on the Fairfax campus will open early next year after a phased launch. The $11 million, 25,000-square-foot building, designed for student engagement and situated behind the Recreation Athletic Complex, will welcome student gatherings into its spacious halls.
“With this new facility, we’re putting students at the heart of our community, creating vibrant spaces for connection and recreation,” said Pam Patterson, associate vice president for University Life. “This space embodies our commitment to student well-being and the University Life mission: Every Student Succeeds.”
The building provides event space for Registered Student Organizations, student engagement activities, the Green Machine pep band, and Recreation activities. The phased launch alleviates pressure on high-demand spaces like Dewberry Hall and The Hub Ballroom, providing much-needed availability for events like the Health and Fitness Expo, Career Fair, and IVth Night.
“We are thrilled to have a dedicated space for practices and a home base,” said Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens, associate professor of music and director of the Green Machine arts ensemble, which has been without a permanent home since its founding in 2006. Lauren Long, executive director of Student Involvement, added, “We’re excited that this space will support so many facets of student life. I am especially excited about opportunities for RSOs, like our dance teams, to have more space to come together, practice, meet, and build community.”
This flexible, student-centered space represents a significant step in enhancing the student experience at George Mason. According to Sheldon Tate, executive director of recreation, “This space is about improving the way we serve the community.” University Life has allocated funding for future equipment upgrades.
The building features two large, multipurpose spaces—each roughly the size of a basketball court—with collapsible dividers to allow flexible use. There are also small, medium, and large conference rooms, making it an ideal venue for many types of campus activities. “We designed this building with students’ needs in mind, and we look forward to seeing students engage with each other and feel more connected to campus,” Patterson said.
Written by University Life staff