New Groups Start This Semester Student Organizations Gain Recognition

Female students interested in singing a Capella, students fascinated by cutting-edge technology, enthusiasts of Spanish heritage, music students looking for volunteer opportunities and students who have roots in Nepal all have something in common this semester.

Five new student organizations have been officially recognized this semester at George Mason University, with each accommodating their diverse interests. Noteworthy, a women’s a Capella group and Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s music fraternity, may attract musically inclined female students.

Belting melodies ranging from barbershop songs to pop music, Noteworthy will perform for the university and surrounding areas without the aid of synthesizers or musical instruments.

The founders of Noteworthy, sophomore communication major Amanda Liverpool-Cummins and freshman nursing major Chelsea Bateman, created their group after having similar organizations in their high schools.

Students who wish to join Noteworthy must audition. While auditions usually occur at the beginning of the year, Noteworthy is currently welcoming auditions and encouraging interested singers to attend rehearsal. Noteworthy meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building.

While there are many student groups dedicated to diverse areas of music, it is often difficult for music students to find volunteer opportunities. “Between rehearsals, practicing and classes, music students don’t get much time to themselves, let alone to think about community service,” said sophomore graphic design and music double major Courtney Leonard.

Leonard created Sigma Alpha Iota, a women’s music sorority. Sigma Alpha Iota focuses on volunteerism and is currently working with the elderly and disabled through music therapy. Future plans include fundraisers and a recital with the male music fraternities on campus, Phi Mu Alpha and Rho Omicron Chapter.

Requirements to join include a minimum GPA of 2.5 and the successful completion of at least one music course. Meetings are every other Sunday at 7 p.m. Students who enjoy heated discussions about the newest gadgets and the future of technology will prefer the Information Society Movement (ISM), which also made its official debut this semester.

ISM unites students who are interested in technology’s role in society and provides them with connections to other academic institutions, businesses, the government and the community.

The organization provides a resource for students to discuss their ideas both during meetings and at any other time through the club’s online forum. It seeks to apply information learned within the classroom to real-world situations. Students who are interested in the ISM should join the announcement list at GMUISM@gmail.com.

The Nepalese Student Association and the Spanish & Heritage Education Association were also recognized as official Mason student organizations this semester.

According to Assistant Director for Student Organizations Sara Morrisroe, about 20 student organizations request recognition each semester. Out of the 20, about 17 are officially recognized. “We would like to see as many new student organizations get started at Mason [as possible],” said Morrisroe, “as it is a nice way for many students to find a community to belong to.”

Rules state that an organization must have at least eight Mason students who have a minimum GPA of 2.0. A university faculty or staff member adviser must be held accountable for the club as well. Furthermore, organizations are prohibited from duplicating an existing or inactive club.