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Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY DELAIAH IYOB, STAFF WRITER

Here at George Mason University, there are tons of free resources readily available. Here are three resources to start exploring with.

1.  Rosetta Stone

Would you like to be bilingual or multilingual? Maybe you have had dreams of becoming a polyglot or even a hyperpolyglot! Well, there’s good news for you. The language learning program Rosetta Stone is free for students via the Mason Library website.  

With Rosetta Stone you have access to learning over 25 different languages. Some of these include Urdu, Swahili, Turkish, etc. Don’t believe this? See for yourself! You can sign up via the University Library website. In the search bar above, look up “Rosetta Stone” and click the appropriate link to get started. 

 The current regular 12-month subscription for Rosetta Stone costs $13.99 per month, which means that non-students pay an annual fee of $167.88 per year.  

As for the cognitive benefits, learning a second language helps to improve academic performance, boost creativity, and strengthen memory according to a 2022 Cambridge University article. Moreover, learning another language will help you develop better communication skills and be more marketable to potential employers!  

2. Tutoring

Are you struggling to understand the content in one of your classes? Rest assured, there are tutors at Mason who can help you for free and available in just about every subject! To find a tutor for your specific class, visit https://gmu.edu.Then, in the search bar, type out the class subject and the word “tutoring.” For example, if you type “statistics tutoring” in the search engine, you will find the location and contact information for tutoring in statistics.  

Outside of Mason, tutoring costs may vary depending on the state. According to care.com, a private (college-level) tutor ranges from $20 to $110 per hour. On average, 12 one-hour tutoring sessions could cost about $65.00 per session. Luckily, with tutors at GMU, you do not have to worry about this!  

1. Therapy Services

Do you find yourself stressed, lonely, anxious or depressed? From the onslaught of exams, work and personal issues arising throughout the semester, it’s common to feel this way. Taking care of your mental health is important; however, therapy can be expensive.

Fortunately, students have access to counseling and various forms of therapy services free of charge through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) . You can call “703-993-2380” or visit room 3129 inside the Student Union Building I (SUB I) to schedule an appointment to start individual therapy or even use other services such as psychiatry and their mind spa.

Once you have contacted CAPS, the process to get counseling is simple. The check in process should only take about 15 minutes. Visit their website for operating hours and more details to get the support you need.

Although the cost of therapy varies by state,  Forbes’s findings have discovered that psychotherapy costs an average of $150 per session. At this rate, 12 sessions would cost about $1,800. Thanks to CAPS, this fee would not apply to you while utilizing their services. 

Please take advantage of these helpful resources that Mason has to offer during your time here.

The Fourth Estate

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

During the month of December, as Mason’s fall 2024 semester wrapped up, several monumental moments have landed Mason in a few large news stories. 

On Dec. 13, 2024, President Gregory Washington addressed the “investigation of felony destruction” and the November FBI-raid of two students home in an official statement. The statement included details of the investigation, the suspension of a registered student group and addressed campus safety concerns. “GMU Police had cause under University Policy 1132 to issue a criminal trespass notice, barring two George Mason students from physically entering university property,” reads the statement. “Additionally, under the student code of conduct, the university imposed an interim suspension on a registered student organization.”

“Our university life staff are keeping a close eye on conditions for your well-being, and are available to you when you need them. Whether you can see them or not, extensive protections are in place, working as they are intended to, maintaining the safe learning and living environment we cherish,” the statement reads. 

The entire statement can be viewed below. 

On Dec. 4, a statement was published by the faculty and staff for Justice in Palestine at Mason. The statement, addressed to President Washington, recounts the details of the raid Nov. 7 and calls for the reinstatement of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter, revoking the trespass orders on the two students, returning their belongings and conducting a “full and independent investigation” on the decisions that led to the raid. The statement was signed by over 90 different organizations, including several SJP chapters around the commonwealth.  

After the fall semester ended, news broke of a Mason student linked to plotting a mass casualty attack. The student, a Mason freshman, is reported to be facing federal charges including, “distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction and the intent to murder internationally protected persons.” 

The FBI was alerted by the student’s behavior on social media. During an undercover investigation, an FBI informant communicated with the student who discussed further details of the plot, eventually leading to arrest. 

On Dec. 19, President Washington released another statement to provide an update on campus safety. “George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students,” reads the statement. 

The statement highlights that the arrest, which the university was made aware of on Dec. 17, is not tied to the Nov. 7 raid. “As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations.”

The statement cites the Patriot Plan for Community Safety and Well-Being to explain the safety measures the university expects to implement. This plan was first announced on Nov. 2, 2023, where President Washington addressed the “increased acts of violence and hostility toward members of the Jewish and Muslim communities.” The plan promises increased police presence, enhanced enforcement of codes of conduct, increased resources and “individual Compassionate Listening Sessions.”

The entire statement can be viewed below. 

There have been no official updates released regarding either arrests. 

Statement from President Gregory Washington published on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. 

Editor’s note: President Washington’s statement can be viewed here, on the Office of the President website.

“Dear fellow Patriots:

As we approach the close of the fall semester, I want to put to rest concerns we have heard voiced on campus in recent weeks, as recent headlines and social media have left some worried about the safety of the George Mason University campus. In particular, a recent off-campus police action has left many alarmed. Unfortunately, the often-distortive nature of social media has made matters worse.

Last month an ongoing investigation of felony destruction of university property necessitated that a search warrant be executed at the off-campus home of two students. Among the findings, the search turned up sufficient amounts of weaponry and materials calling for violence against Americans and in particular Jews to warrant immediate precautionary action to maintain the safety of the university community.

Following the completion of the search, based on the evidence obtained and in furtherance of the investigation, GMU Police had cause under University Policy 1132 to issue a criminal trespass notice, barring two George Mason students from physically entering university property.

Additionally, under the student code of conduct, the university imposed an interim suspension on a registered student organization.

As the criminal investigation continues, the bottom line for you is this: You are safe here, and you belong here, no matter what community you identify with. Our police department and a number of other less visible security teams are looking out for you 24/7. Our university life staff are keeping a close eye on conditions for your well-being, and are available to you when you need them. Whether you can see them or not, extensive protections are in place, working as they are intended to, maintaining the safe learning and living environment we cherish.

I hope you are focused on three priorities now: final exams, commencement for those graduating, and a well-earned winter break. Those are what this time of year is really all about. 

Good luck on your finals, travel safely when you are done, and have a joyous, restful and restorative winter break. You’ve earned it, Patriots!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President”

Statement from President Gregory Washington published on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. 

Editor’s note: President Washington’s statement can be viewed here, on the Office of the President website.

“Dear fellow Patriots:

I am writing to update you on a new situation we are managing relative to a student who was recently arrested by the FBI, as it has caused security concerns among some members of the community that I want to address.

George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students. The arrest, which the university learned of on Tuesday, December 17, so far appears to have no connection to an earlier police action involving two George Mason students whose home was searched in November.

Although the student did not live on campus, he has been barred from entering university property. As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations.

The recent developments have caused the university to take additional appropriate measures to maintain the safety of the university community. In addition to campus security measures first announced in November 2023 in the Patriot Plan for Campus Safety and Community Well-Being, the university has expanded its protective commitment on a number of fronts. Events like the two recent actions are proof that these systems are working as intended.

Enhanced law enforcement capacities – Robust law enforcement capacities are operational at George Mason, including the first fully equipped university SWAT team in Virginia.

Coordinated network of protection – George Mason University Police (GMUPD) maintains close ties with local, state, and federal law enforcement to enhance early detection, prevention, and when necessary, law enforcement actions. 

Student engagement – GMUPD officers are routinely present at student gatherings for those who express the need for enhanced security, and safety escorts around campus are increasingly conducted by uniformed personnel.  

Constant university vigilance – A university threat assessment team meets whenever needed to assess each threat reported and quickly address appropriate measures to resolve it. The University is constantly evaluating its safety protocols based on shifting conditions.

Emergency Operations Group – A cross-functional team of university officials meets regularly and as needed to provide on-demand emergency operations services to address a wide variety of campus emergencies.

These capabilities, plus more measures that by design remain invisible, form a protective web around the university campus that our proximity to the nation’s capital demands, with capabilities not always available to universities elsewhere.

As we work to maintain your safety here, my wish for you is a joyous and restful holiday. I’ll see you in the new year, Patriots.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President”

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY MICAHI OPPONG, STAFF WRITER

Now ranked as the fastest team in program history to reach 20 wins, Mason women’s basketball  extended its winning streak to eight with a 66-48 victory against the VCU Rams, the current #1 defense in the A-10, on Wednesday, Feb. 5. at the homecoming game.

Senior guard Paula Suarez led the Patriots with 17 points on 6-of-10 (60%) from the field and 3-of-5 (60%) from beyond the arc, adding seven assists. Redshirt sophomore forward Zahirah Walton followed with 15 points, six rebounds and two steals.  

Sophomore guard Kennedy Harris returned to action after missing a game due to injury, opening the scoring with a three, That shot sparked a run of three consecutive 3-pointers between Harris, Walton, and Suarez.

Mason continued to move the ball and create shots, with Suarez scoring seven points without missing a shot in the second quarter. Mason’s defense held the Rams to 2-of-9 shooting (22%) in the 2nd quarter and 7-of-26 (27%) for the entire first half. Mason entered halftime leading 33-18. 

The second half brought more of the same defensive intensity. The Rams did their best to fight back, scoring 17 points in the third quarter compared to Mason’s 20, and tied Mason with 13 points in the fourth quarter. 

Mason forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 19 points on offense, creating 10 fastbreak points compared to the Rams’ two. This ultimately propelled Mason to another decisive win with the final score 66-48, with their largest lead being 21 points. 

The story of the game was on the defensive end of the floor, with a great overall defensive effort from everyone on the floor. Graduate forward Nalani Kaysia anchored the defense with 14 rebounds, two blocks and three steals. 

“That’s what she does first, is defend,” Mason head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis said of Kaysia’s defensive performance.“She’s quick off her feet, coming from volleyball, being able to jump, and get back on. She’s an amazing rebounder as you can see.”

The Patriots bench had a significant impact, contributing 25 points. Junior forward Nekhu Mitchell led the reserves with nine points and two steals, while sophomore forward Louis Volker scored six points and five rebounds. Graduate student Khamya McNeal  hit two 3-pointers off the bench. 

Following this win, Mason further extended the win streak to nine after defeating the Fordham Rams 70-43 on Saturday, Feb. 8. with Walton leading the way with 18 points and six rebounds, followed by junior guard Jada Brown with 12 points. Volker led the reserves with 9 points and five rebounds, with Mitchell contributing with five steals.

Mason had delivered another stellar defensive performance on the road, holding Fordham to under 30% shooting from the field and forcing 22 turnovers, converting into 28 points on offense.

The Patriots will play University of Rhode Island at EagleBank Arena on Feb. 12. Student tickets are available on Mason360, tip off is at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcasting on ESPN+. 

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

The George Mason Patriots won handily against The University of Rhode Island Rams, on Saturday, Feb. 8, with a score of 82-67. Now, with a nine-game win streak and an overall record of 19-5, it marks the program’s best overall start record since the 2010-11 season. 

The win came in front of a packed and raucous Homecoming Weekend crowd. “I told these guys before the game, ‘These are the games you’re going to remember for the rest of your life,’” Head Coach Tony Skinn said. “At the same time, I wanted them to have a little bit of poise and not get too sped up in a game like this.”

Despite the pregame message, the Patriots came out fast, firing on all cylinders. Senior guard Darius Maddox started the night off with a three-pointer from the top of the arc–one of seven three-pointers made by the Patriots in the first half, tying for the second-most three-pointers made in the first half this season. 

“I just stuck to my routine,” Maddox said after his game-high 24 points and four three-pointers. “I just try to find a good balance mentally, to just be confident to shoot the next one.”

While Maddox had a great shooting night from beyond the arc and the floor overall, (8-12 FG), he was not alone. Senior forward Jaylen Hanes finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, while freshman guard Justin Begg added 12 points; making three of four three-pointers. 

“I’m obviously excited, but it’s a team effort,” Begg said about his improved play and increased role off the bench. “All the guys were involved today offensively and defensively, and that’s what we teach every day in practice.”

“What you guys are seeing in Justin Begg is something that I saw when I recruited him,” Skinn said. “I think he’s our best natural playmaker, and he’s learning defensively to give us what we need.” 

The Patriots remain at the top of the Atlantic 10 Conference with a 10-1 record. “It feels great to be this high in the conference with only one loss,” Maddox said. “At the end of the day, especially me being a fifth year, understanding that we still have a lot of ball games to play, I just have to take it day-by-day.”

The Patriots will take on the Saint Louis  Billikens in their penultimate away game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 8:00 p.m., streaming only on ESPN+.