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Fourth Estate/Viviana Smith

BY VIVIANA SMITH, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Instagram account “gmu4palestine” posted a statement addressing “the Interim Suspension of SJP at Mason and Targeting of Student Organizers.”

The statement follows the recent suspension of a formerly registered student organization, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at Mason, after a raid occurred in the home of two Mason students identified as leaders of the organization.

According to the statement by “gmu4palestine,” “On Nov. 7, a raid was conducted at the off-campus residence of two SJP student leaders by a large contingent of Fairfax County and GMU police officers. They were told the search was related to property damage incidents at the Fairfax campus.

The next day, on Nov. 8, one of the targeted students received an email notifying them of SJP’s suspension. However, due to the seizure of their electronic devices during the raid, they did not receive the notice until days later.”

On Dec. 4, Fourth Estate requested information from the Fairfax County department relating to the “property damage incidents”; however, in accordance with Va. Code 2.2-3706.1(D), those records are unavailable at this time. 

The 3-page statement, signed by 16 Mason student organizations, addresses the Mason administration directly, claiming the suspension of SJP is an infringement on free speech and student-led activism. “When student organizations like SJP are denied the ability to meet, advertise, or mobilize their peers, the fundamental right to engage in social movements is stripped away,” the statement reads. 

On Nov. 8, one of the two student officers whose home had been raided received an email of the organization’s suspension; however, their electronics were confiscated, preventing both from notifying other members. “Alarmingly, neither the SJP faculty advisor nor other members of the organization were informed of the suspension,” the statement reads. “This lack of transparency and communication undermines the integrity of the process and the students’ rights to be fully informed.”

According to Mason’s RSO and university policies and guidelines, violations of university policies and procedures result in offending student groups entering a “formalized resolution process” through the Student Involvement office or the Office of Student Conduct by referral. 

The resolution process includes, “notification of alleged violations and meeting date, meeting with RSO Lead Team members or a full-time Student Involvement staff member [and] email summarizing meeting and required next steps or referral to the Office of Student Conduct.” The penalty for student organizations found in violation of these guidelines range from a warning to a referral to the Student Conduct office. 

According to the Code of Student Conduct (CSC), “the University, at its discretion, may pursue disciplinary action against a student or student organization while the student or student organization is also subject to criminal proceedings, even if such criminal charges are pending, reduced, or dismissed.” Additionally, the CSC states that a student or student organization will receive conduct correspondence via email. 

The Fourth Estate contacted Mason Student Involvement to inquire if any other group members had received notice but has yet to hear back. 

In addition to the statement made by “gmu4palestine,” the official Instagram account for the Cuesta-McAulay administration released a statement in opposition to the suspension. “We affirm our support of the right to expression and due process as SJP faces unjust, ungrounded interim suspension,” the statement reads. “As elected representatives of the George Mason student body, the Cuesta-Mcaulay administration works to ensure that the diverse voices of our peers are not stifled…”

This is a developing story. Fourth Estate intends to provide updates as the story progresses.

Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR

I may be suffering from senioritis but I have concluded, over the years of being in school, that cramming for final exams is overrated. Finals are culminations of knowledge you received in your classes throughout the semester. If you are studious and retain the information taught by your classes each week, then by the time you reach your final exam, you should already know the material.

While I believe that not everyone should adhere to these beliefs because granted, some people do need that last-minute cram session, especially if taking a significantly hard class; however, by the end of the semester, you either know or don’t know the material and cramming won’t necessarily change that. Instead, it will only cause you to stress and make you more inclined to pull an all-nighter, which doesn’t really help you.

What does help you in your final exams is taking care of yourself and finding ways to relax after a hard semester. Here are three things you should do to relax before final exams.

1. Sleep

Often overlooked as busy college students, catching up on sleep is necessary. If your body is exhausted, then so is your mind. Additionally, by sleeping, you have a break from all the stresses of school, people or life in general. Sleeping not only supports physical well-being but also emotional and mental well-being. When we are well-rested, we handle stress better, including the stresses that come from final exams.

2. Light reading

Textbooks are boring and can be draining and sometimes the best way to counteract draining texts is by doing light reading of a book you enjoy. It doesn’t matter if the book is one that you have read before or one that you have been putting off. Reading helps you stimulate your mind and focus after being scattered from managing many tasks and assignments for weeks. As a plus, by reading something you enjoy, it can uplift your mood and lead you to facing your final exams more positively.

3. Go out with friends

Socializing is one of the greatest ways to relax and get your mind off of final exams and what better way than by spending time going out with friends. With Washington pretty much in our backyard, there are tons of events and activities to do, whether it is visiting the holiday market, going ice skating or taking time to walk down the National Mall. Additionally, if your friends are in school with you, you all can bond over the hardships of the semester while looking forward to the break. By being with those in your support systems, it can remind you of the bigger things in life than an exam and give you a boosted sense of morale to finish out your last part of the semester.

While final exams induce the need to cram, by choosing to sleep, do light reading and going out with friends, we can de-stress and go into your final exams with a clear mind, helping us to pass and finish out our classes strong.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/ Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CULTURE EDITOR

We’re college students, of course we love our late-night boba runs! 

You might have seen promotions of this boba chain in collaboration with “The King: The Eternal Monarch,” or noticed it buzzing on your way to campus. 

Well, the wait is over– The Alley, a popular Taiwanese boba chain, has finally opened its first location in the DMV! Located conveniently on Main Street in Fairfax, it’s just a quick 5-minute commute for students living on campus. The shop features a minimalist design with accents of black and white that create a clean, modern aesthetic.

“My first impression when I walked into The Alley was that there isn’t much color to the place, and it’s just very white and bright,” Aviroop Kaur Dhaliwal, a junior at Mason, said. “Most boba places have some type of theme or fun colors to go along with it, so this was a new experience for me.”

Open until 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1.a.m on the weekends, it’s perfect for those looking for a late-night boba fix or just a chill hangout spot with friends. “As an avid bubble tea drinker, I was surprised to find out that a new boba place opened up so close to campus with such late hours,” Dhaliwal commented.

The Alley’s menu has familiar options to regular boba-enthusiasts; however, one drink stands out: the Ube Brown Sugar Deerioca Creme Brulee Milk Tea.

“This drink was so unique! It’s rich, creamy and the perfect balance of sweetness with the ube flavor,” Mason junior Sthuthi Chakravarthy said. “I’ve never tasted anything quite like it before at a boba shop.”

Aside from this unique drink, most of the menu items are similar to other popular boba spots around campus. However, the prices at The Alley do lean towards the higher end for a similar portion size.

Overall, The Alley is a refreshing new option for boba lovers in the area. If you’re looking to mix things up and try something a little different, this spot could definitely be on your list. It’s the perfect place to switch up your usual boba routine and explore some new flavors, making it a must-try destination for those late-night cravings.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY KEVIN BINAJ, SPORTS EDITOR

As the leaves turned and the excitement of fall took over campus, Mason’s student-athletes hit the fields and courts with determination and grit. From the soccer pitch to the volleyball court, Patriot fans were witnesses to a thrilling sports season. 

Men’s Soccer

The men’s soccer team had a historic season, finishing with a record of 13-4-1 (6-1-1 in conference play) and securing a spot in the Atlantic 10 Tournament semifinals. This was their best season in over a decade, marked by strong team chemistry and dominant performances on both ends of the pitch. Their offensive spark came from standout graduate student forward Marek Gonda, who netted 8 goals and added 3 assists. Collectively, the team filled out the stat sheets scoring 36 goals, with 17 players registering at least a goal or an assist throughout the season. With most of their core players returning, the men’s soccer team looks poised to build on this season’s success and aim for a deeper postseason run in 2025.

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer team faced a tough fall 2024 campaign, finishing with a 3-10-6 record (1-5-4 in conference play). Despite the results, the team showed resilience and laid the groundwork for future improvement. Graduate student Katelyn O’Donnell, junior Michi Hooks, sophomore Molly Starner and sophomore Madyson Taylor gave Patriots fans moments of joy with each player netting two goals each throughout the season. While the results were not quite what the team was hoping for, the Patriots gained valuable experience that will be crucial heading into next season. There is no doubt that the team will aim to rebound in 2025. 

Women’s Volleyball 

The women’s volleyball team wrapped up the fall 2024 season with an 11-19 record, going 6-12 in Atlantic 10 play. While the results were mixed, the team showed flashes of potential and improvement under head coach Megan Shifflett Bachmann. The team showed moments of brilliance, particularly with their kills. The team totaled 1420 kills over the season compared to the 1349 kills their opponents managed against them. Senior Olyvia Kennedy led the frontline with 291 kills over the season, while sophomore Camryn Weldon managed an impressive 639 assists. Sophomore Autumn Martinez-Robison excited fans with a whopping 67 aces. With a core of talent returning and several promising recruits joining the program, the Patriots have a strong foundation to build upon for next season.

Cross Country

The Mason cross country teams achieved impressive milestones this season at the NCAA Regionals in Rock Hill, S.C. The women’s team placed 17th, a significant improvement of nine spots compared to last year, showcasing their growth and determination. Meanwhile, the men’s team delivered a standout performance and secured 11th place, a five-spot jump from their 16th place finish in 2023. 

Both teams demonstrated remarkable progress, building momentum for future seasons. With this trajectory, they are well-positioned to aim even higher in 2025.

Patriot Pride on Display

The fall 2024 season was a testament to Mason’s commitment to excellence, teamwork and growth. With individual stars emerging and teams making strides, the Patriots have set the stage for success in the seasons to come.

Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

Mason Women’s Rugby Club team ended their fall season as champions in the conference tournament. The tournament win, contrasted with their second-place finish just a year ago, was a moment of culmination for a team that has become a tight-knit group of about 16 active players on and off the field. 

Founded in 2008, the Mason Women’s Rugby Club team was made for a purpose far beyond the sport. 

“We have, not only just a community for those interested but also a pathway towards growth… No one who enters the team is the same person after they leave.” President Fabi Rosales said. “Usually, they’re much better, have more confidence…. We’re not going to leave you hanging. We have a place for you.”.

Team Captain Meana Jacobs also spoke about the sense of community she found on the team when she transferred from Loyola University Chicago. Despite being exposed to other sports before discovering rugby, Jacobs mentioned that the physicality and the camaraderie that came with the sport drew her to playing.

Looking toward the spring season, starting the first Monday of the spring semester, the team is ready to make noise as conference champions. “It establishes us as a threat,” Rosales said about what the conference championship means for the upcoming season. 

With increased recognition comes higher expectations, and the proud president emphasized that sentiment.

 “When we started picking the team back up, we were doing it for fun,” Rosales said. “But now, we’re ready to take this team to the next level and we’re ready to be competitive… the conference championship solidified where we want to go from here.” 

While the team grows in membership and stature, a core aspect of the club resides in inclusivity. “We have a place for you…,” Rosales said. “Every person is a rugby player.” 

Rugby here at Mason is filled with competitive and driven women. Since rebuilding the team after the COVID-19 pandemic, this community has grown more with each practice and match.

For anyone interested in joining the club,  you can send an email to the team (masonwomensrugbyclub@gmail.com) or simply show up to practice! Dates can be found on the Mason 360 app or website.

Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR

With only a few weeks left in 2024, it is that time of year when we say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new. What better way to say “hello” than by making New Year’s resolutions? I am not talking about basic goals such as exercising or reading more, although they are great goals to have. I am talking about goals that allow you to say “hello” to fresh new changes in your life.

Here are three New Year’s resolutions that I recommend having as you enter 2025.

1. Setting boundaries

A new year often calls for a time of wanting to do more things or being more open to putting yourself out there and having more responsibilities. While wanting to do more is fantastic, it is essential to fill your schedule responsibly. When having so much to do and gaining more responsibilities with more people relying on you, pressure builds. Too much pressure can cause burnout and exhaustion as you constantly find yourself being pulled in many directions.

To prevent burnout and exhaustion from happening, make the resolution to set boundaries. Setting boundaries may seem challenging and there might even be people who may feel hurt by your boundaries but don’t let their hurt cause you to hurt yourself. Setting boundaries allows you to take control of your life and prioritize your needs, goals and values while ensuring that the time and energy you give are allocated effectively. It is through setting boundaries that we can give the best versions of ourselves. When we do more and have more responsibilities, set boundaries so you can give the best version of yourself to those responsibilities.

2. Adding fun into your life

With each passing year, it is easy to get caught up in the “grind mindset,” whether putting your all into your academic studies or making your way up the corporate ladder. When caught up in that particular mindset, we lose out on what life can be. By adding fun to your life, you are taking a moment to appreciate the journey that life is and understanding that life means way more than academics and work.

The “grind mindset” can easily cause constant worry about the future and may make you miss out on what is happening in the present. Adding fun to your life is a way to experience the moment you live in, which can impact your future by improving your quality of life.

3. Making yourself happy

The year seems to pass quicker each year. The days might be long but sometimes it feels that as soon as you start to say “happy,” “one” follows right behind. Life is extremely short in the grand scheme of all there is in the entire universe. Because life is so short, it’s important to make yourself happy. There’s nothing selfish in making yourself happy, being happy is fundamental to being able to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

When you are happy, you navigate challenges more easily, nurture and strengthen your relationships, and add value to yourself and your needs. All this helps you make decisions leading to a life in your best interest. By making yourself happy, you aren’t avoiding responsibilities or challenges; instead, you are creating joy and enhancing each aspect of your life.

By making resolutions to set boundaries, add fun into your life and make yourself happy, I am sure that 2025 will be your year. 

Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the time has finally arrived when Christmas music can be played anytime. While in years past, it seemed that Christmas music started playing before Halloween–a travesty in itself–I feel that this year has been different. There seems to be a lack of Christmas music despite officially being in December.

Don’t get me wrong. I used to hate Christmas music, especially when it was played before Thanksgiving. Over the years, just like the Grinch, my heart grew and softened quite a bit, becoming a little bit more welcoming to the Christmas spirit; however, now that it is past Thanksgiving, I can’t help but notice where the Christmas music has gone and realize how much the music does help with feeling the Christmas spirit.

If you are like me and notice a lack of music causing a lack of Christmas spirit, here are four songs to get you back into feeling holly and jolly.

1. “Last Christmas” by Wham!

When it comes to Christmas music, you have to have a build-up. You can’t just go straight into Bing Cosby and expect to become immersed in the Christmas spirit immediately. You have to have fun first. You have to dance a little. Let the Christmas spirit enter through 80s synth-pop, specifically through “Last Christmas” by Wham!.

When the Christmas season rolls around, there’s always a tinge of sadness associated but it is also a season filled with hope and moving on and going forward. George Michael encapsulates these elements through the lyrics and the instrumentals of “Last Christmas.” The song allows listeners to recognize the heartbreaks that occur in the Christmas season but gives them the ability to dance anyway, hoping that next year will be better. Once we can recognize the bitter moments and learn to dance anyway, the Christmas spirit begins to infiltrate.

2. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé

After awakening the mind to dance through the bitterness, the ability to notice the beauty of the Christmas season follows. There’s no better way to see this beauty than by listening to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” While technically, any version of the song could work, I believe the Michael Bublé cover is the best.

Known for his polished and classical jazz-blended vocals, Bublé’s voice creates a timeless feeling of nostalgia with a hint of charismatic charm to the song. His voice evokes the beauty of the song and leads listeners to visualize while creating a cozy, festive mood that is sure to allow anyone to feel the Christmas spirit as the Christmas season unfolds.

3. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by The Jackson 5

The Christmas season is not only a time for reminiscing and beauty but it is also a time for whimsical playfulness, which The Jackson 5 encapsulates through “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” With such a lively tempo channeling child-like wonder, the festive cheers of the Christmas season are heartened. Additionally, through the family appeal of The Jackson 5, their togetherness transcends their artistry into how the Christmas season intertwines with family.

What truly makes the song one to settle anyone into the Christmas spirit is the childlike imagination of the season. Although, as listeners, we know that Santa Claus referred to in the song is supposed to be the dad; however, when we sing along, we match the childhood belief that there is a Santa Claus. Keeping hold of childhood beliefs such as Santa Claus creates the Christmas spirit and only causes the spirit to grow stronger.

4. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

To wrap up the list of Christmas songs, it would be shameful not to throw out one of the most popular songs of the Christmas season, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. Love or hate the song, the Christmas spirit lives deeply within it. As someone who used to be annoyed whenever the song would come on, whether in stores, the radio or even on TV, those feelings all changed when accepting the catchiness of the song and having fun loudly singing it.

The acceptance of the appeal to “All I Want for Christmas is You” and having fun being loud with singing and declaring your enjoyment over the song is what truly allows the Christmas spirit to take you over completely at full force. It is not the song that gets you into the Christmas spirit but rather the acceptance of enjoying the Christmas season and not holding back on the joys of the season.