84°
UMass Boston's independent student newspaper

The Mass Media
Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco addresses the campus community at the campus update meeting on April 16.
Update addresses visa revocations, federal funding
Students walk on Harvard University’s campus amid the increasingly public battle between the university and President Donald Trump.
Harvard lawsuit challenges funding freeze
Faculty council urges administrators to meet with student activist group
Protestors from universities in Washington protest President Donald Trump’s dismantling of and funding cuts to the Department of Education April 4.
Suárez-Orozco, Meehan join letter opposing government intrusion
Professor Peter Kiang speaks to the audience alongside representatives from the Asian American studies program. Photo courtesy of Oscar Chen
Asian American Studies Program holds AAAS reception
Students walk on Harvard University’s campus amid the increasingly public battle between the university and President Donald Trump.
Harvard lawsuit challenges funding freeze
Thousands of protestors gather on City Hall Plaza April 5 to fight back against the Trump administration.
Thousands pack Boston streets, protest Trump
Students wait by the JFK/UMass commuter rail stop. Jeff Loussaint, a UMass Boston student who commutes to campus by the commuter rail, noted a lack of fare collection at certain times of day.
Audit uncovers issues with commuter rail contract
Patrons visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum days after the museum’s reopening.
JFK Presidential Library reopens, reinstates staff
Image by King of Hearts via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0
Mass. joins 15 state attorneys general in issuing DEI guidance
Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco addresses the campus community at the campus update meeting on April 16.
Update addresses visa revocations, federal funding
Faculty council urges administrators to meet with student activist group
Protestors from universities in Washington protest President Donald Trump’s dismantling of and funding cuts to the Department of Education April 4.
Suárez-Orozco, Meehan join letter opposing government intrusion
Professor Peter Kiang speaks to the audience alongside representatives from the Asian American studies program. Photo courtesy of Oscar Chen
Asian American Studies Program holds AAAS reception
Calvin Hill addresses state of DEI
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge sewn into their uniform. ICE reported that they have arrested 370 undocumented immigrants since their declared crackdown on Boston from March 18 until the report’s release March 24. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson.
ICE REVOKES UMASS VISAS
Students at UMass Amherst formed student encampments in support of Palestine last spring, alongside dozens of other universities across the country. Photo courtesy of Amanda Achin
UMass Amherst under investigation for alleged ‘antisemitic’ activities
Officials from the New England Commission for Higher Education stand at their open meeting on March 25.
Accreditation organization visits campus, surveys students
The U.S. Department of Education headquarters sits in Washington D.C. After the Trump administration ordered the dismantling of the department, thousands have lost their jobs. . REUTERS/Nathan Howard
Trump orders Department of Education to prepare for closure
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge sewn into their uniform. ICE reported that they have arrested 370 undocumented immigrants since their declared crackdown on Boston from March 18 until the report’s release March 24. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson.
Live Updates: ICE revokes UMass Boston visas
Corrections: Vol. LIX, Issue 16
Corrections: Vol. LVIII, Issue 15
Corrections: Vol. LVIII, Issue 12
Corrections: Vol. LIX, Issue 11
Corrections: Vol. LIX, Issue 10
The Beacon Scoop Shoppe finds a permanent home in a brand-new station. Photo courtesy of Dining Services
Dining Commons renovations include new ‘UCook Kitchen’
Students from the first Filipino American Studies class gather in Panethnic Pourovers. Photo provided by Alyanna Dusanban
New Filipino American studies class debuts
Goodbye, Mass Media
Geriatric African penguins perch on a rock at the New England Aquarium's penguin retirement home. Photo courtesy of the New England Aquarium.
New England Aquarium opens penguin retirement home
Vocalist and guitarist Will Donahue, guitarist Maxx Nunn, bassist Sammy Scott and drummer Isaiah Rowe formed their band in 2022 under the name Lunch Money. Photo courtesy of YELLOW
Berklee band ‘YELLOW’ debuts new alt-rock EP
Meet Maryam Halimi, an Afghan woman making history
Dr. Susan Tan, Assistant Professor of English, has written several children’s books, including “Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards.” (Submitted by Susan Tan)
Inside the imagination: An interview with Susan Tan
Executive Chef Jocelyn Aurelien smiles for a portrait in the Dining Commons.
Executive Chef Jocelyn Aurelien makes waves in UMass Boston dining
Elizabeth Fay was an editor for “The Afterlives of Frankenstein: Popular and Artistic Adaptations and Reimaginings,” which released in 2024. (Submitted by Elizabeth Fay)
The impact of Romanticism: An interview with Elizabeth Fay
Professor John Fulton, author of "The Flounder" and one of 35 winners of the National Endowment for the Arts grant. Submitted by Prof. Fulton.
Prof. John Fulton earns NEA grant for ‘The Flounder’
Public Enemy performed at 7:35 p.m. Sunday on the Blue Stage.
Dave Matthews Band, Public Enemy attract crowds at Boston Calling Day 3
Saturday's headline act, Fall Out Boy, featured pyrotechnics on the Green Stage at 8:55 p.m.
Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, The Black Crowes light up Boston Calling’s second day
T-Pain performed Friday night on the Blue Stage, accompanied by DJ Montay.
Boston Calling Day 1 features Luke Combs, T-Pain, Megan Moroney
Dallon Weekes, frontman of I Don't Know How But They Found Me, sings during the band's Sunday set on the Blue Stage at 3:15 p.m.
Live Coverage: Boston Calling Music Festival
Comedian Rachel Sennott stands with fellow cast members Maria Bakalova and Chase Sui Wonders at the premiere of “Bodies Bodies Bodies.” Photo by Katie Marriner is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
6 movies sure to get you into the spirit of summer
“My Head is Too Heavy” by Amy Giese focuses on the inaccuracies of photographic seeing and coming to terms with chronic illness. Photo courtesy of Emerson Curatorial Practices
MOVEMENT/S: A Student-Curated Exploration of Art in Motion
Idina Menzel’s character Jesse uses the titular redwood forest as an escape from her grief. Photo via Flickr licensed under CC0 1.0.
REVIEW: Idina Menzel’s “Redwood” misses the forest for the trees
Kathy St. George and Sam Simahk (center) with (from left) Meagan Lewis-Michelson, Kerry A. Dowling, Ronan Green, and Billy Meleady during "Going Up." Photo courtesy of Nile Scott Studios.
SpeakEasy’s “A Man of No Importance” honors the work and life of Oscar Wilde
Grand Kyiv Ballet enchants with ‘Swan Lake’
Grand Kyiv Ballet enchants with ‘Swan Lake’
A student observes Beth Campbell’s “Shifting,” a mobile piece commenting on familiarity and memory.
‘(Re)Visiting’ celebrates the history of visiting artists at UMass Boston
The Brattle in Harvard Square has been a hub for cinephiles since 1953.
Keeping cinema alive at The Brattle Theatre
Bob Dylan performing in 1978. Photo by Chris Hakkens is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Knocking on cinema’s door: Exploring Bob Dylan’s legacy in ‘A Complete Unknown’
Moviegoers enter for a daytime showing at the AMC at Boston Common. Photo by Saichand Chowdary / Mass Media Staff
Get excited for these upcoming 2025 releases
Rachel Zegler and Jaeden Martell, who play Laura and Eli, both starred in Y2K, which was released in December of 2024. Photo by Nicole Rivelli via A24.
Reimagining the ‘millennium bug’: Kyle Mooney and Evan Winter discuss A24’s ‘Y2K’
Pedestrians walk past the Boston Common AMC movie theater.
Flying high: ‘Wicked’ reimagines the land of Oz
Public Enemy performed at 7:35 p.m. Sunday on the Blue Stage.
Dave Matthews Band, Public Enemy attract crowds at Boston Calling Day 3
Saturday's headline act, Fall Out Boy, featured pyrotechnics on the Green Stage at 8:55 p.m.
Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne, The Black Crowes light up Boston Calling’s second day
T-Pain performed Friday night on the Blue Stage, accompanied by DJ Montay.
Boston Calling Day 1 features Luke Combs, T-Pain, Megan Moroney
Dallon Weekes, frontman of I Don't Know How But They Found Me, sings during the band's Sunday set on the Blue Stage at 3:15 p.m.
Live Coverage: Boston Calling Music Festival
Joe Keery, who sings under the name Djo, speaking at the 2017 San Diego Comic Con International panel for “Stranger Things.” Photo by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Djo’s ‘The Crux’ blends ‘70s rock and modern indie
A Philadelphia Eagles quarterback faces down a Washington Commanders player. The Eagles are known for using the “tush push” play. Photo via Flickr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Why would the NFL ban the ‘tush push?’
Sep 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the tenth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Famous athletes struggle with their mental health, too
Women’s softball huddles together during their final games this season.
Softball endures tumultuous final 10 days
Max Moss pitches at the game March 25 against Tufts University. Photo provided by Beacon Athletics
Baseball seniors celebrated amidst playoff push
Seth Libby, Shane McGonagle and other players gather on the field during their game April 19. Photo provided by Beacon Athletics
Men’s lacrosse cruises to blowout before falling in overtime thriller
Jack Baker and Matt Laverty shake hands on the field in the men’s lacrosse game earlier this month. Photo courtesy of Beacon Athletics
Men’s lacrosse steamrolls Mass Maritime Buccaneers
2-2 for the week, baseball falls in LEC standings
Players gather on the field at a men’s lacrosse game. File photo.
Men’s lacrosse turns heads with a dominant rebound
A softball player hits the ball at home plate in their game last week.
Softball head coach Natalia Ardagna wins 300th game
Women’s softball huddles up in a time out.
Women’s softball breaks record 15-game streak
A Philadelphia Eagles quarterback faces down a Washington Commanders player. The Eagles are known for using the “tush push” play. Photo via Flickr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Why would the NFL ban the ‘tush push?’
Celtics strut through Magic, Knicks up next
Drake Maye and the Patriots showing signs of growth
Everything you need to know for Super Bowl LVIII
Illustration of Bruins’ right winger Trent Frederic. Illustration by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff.
Don’t poke the bear: Bruins fans have nothing to worry about
Guard Emanuel Zayas dribbles the ball on the court. Photo by Dong Woo Im / Mass Media Staff.
Men’s basketball drowns Rhode Island College
UMass Boston junior sprinter Dorinda Okorji wins Second LEC Track Athlete of the Week / Photo and graphic courtesy of Beacons Athletics.
Track and field keeps showing promise with spike in performance
Forward Keriann Farina shoots the ball against Rhode Island College at a home game last semester.
Women’s basketball losing streak extends to four in a row
Men’s hockey players huddle during a home game. Photo courtesy of Beacon Athletics.
Men’s hockey picks themselves up after minor slip on ice
Forward Katie Wilbert shoots the puck against Salem State University at a home game on Jan. 26. Photo by Dong Woo Im / Mass Media Staff.
Leah Bosch leads women’s hockey to sixth straight victory
A plane just after taking off. Many citizens traveling back to the U.S. have found their international credentials to be under-valued.
My BU Degree Got Me to Paris. Why Can’t It Help Me in Boston?
Students sprawl on the Campus Center lawn to soak up the spring sun.
Finding joy together in the warmer weather
The Student Immigrant Alliance and Immigrant Student Program office serves as a resource to the immigrant student population during the current time of political strife.
Are US citizens next to be at risk of deportation?
A Philadelphia Eagles quarterback faces down a Washington Commanders player. The Eagles are known for using the “tush push” play. Photo via Flickr is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Why would the NFL ban the ‘tush push?’
Sep 24, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the tenth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images/ File Photo
Famous athletes struggle with their mental health, too
UMass Boston raised tuition by 2.5 percent in the 2024-2025 school year.
A look into the rising cost of college education
The fight to value life and the fight for living wages
Students enjoying the Quad, which was completed earlier this year.
The need for sustainable urbanism at UMass Boston
Open letter to administration regarding Oct. 8 vigil
Posters and infographics from UMass Boston’s Students for Justice in Palestine’s Memorial for Martys of Gaza event.
Navigating between two worlds: How UMass Boston can support students from war-torn countries
Feb 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) attempts a free throw against the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter at the TD Garden. Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
It’s time to give Jayson Tatum his due credit
Celtics spread joy with visit to Boston Children’s Hospital
Students gather at Emerson College’s encampment for Palestine on Thursday, Photo submitted by Elijah Horwath / Mass Media Staff.
Universities are violently repressing free speech—what’s new?
Students boarding the shuttle bus at the Campus Center. Photo by Saichand Chowdary / Mass Media Staff.
Why finding an affordable apartment feels like chasing a unicorn
Students sit outside the Campus Center over the summer. Photo by Olivia Reid / Photography Editor.
UMass’ economic contributions: More than just numbers
The seal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Del Rio, Texas. The DHS, alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has deported dozens of immigrants in the past few weeks. REUTERS/Marco Bello
How is anyone ‘alien’ in a ‘nation of immigrants?’
The importance of student activism in an increasingly oppressive world
On power: An appeal to the reformers
On power: What is to be done now?
An American Flag on the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, Aug. 31, 2023.
How to wage real American war
A plane just after taking off. Many citizens traveling back to the U.S. have found their international credentials to be under-valued.
My BU Degree Got Me to Paris. Why Can’t It Help Me in Boston?
On power: An appeal to the reformers
Dear UMass Boston Administration
On power: What is to be done now?
A vigil last fall semester was ordered to disband by university administrators for lack of advance notice.
What does it mean to be “For the Times” in times like these?
Letter to the Editor: Climate change denial threatens America’s security
Letter to the Editor: Respect pro-Palestinian protestors
Letter to the Editor: Israeli Apartheid Week
Letter to the Editor regarding Israel and Palestine
Letter to the Editor
Bobby’s Summer Vacation
Ask Bobby #43: Guts and all
Ask Bobby #43: Guts and all
Ask Bobby #41: Remember last Valentine's?
Ask Bobby #41: Remember last Valentine’s?
Ask Bobby #40: Skincare
Ask Bobby #40: Skincare
A “Big A— Fan” is placed by the residence halls to combat coastal wind by blowing it straight back to the ocean. Dakota Brown for The Mass Media
University fights back against wind on campus
Vol. LIX, No. 16
Vol. LIX, No. 16
Vol. LIX, No. 15
Vol. LIX, No. 15
Vol. LIX, No. 14
Vol. LIX, No. 14
Vol. LIX, No. 13
Vol. LIX, No. 13
Vol. LIX, No. 12
Vol. LIX, No. 12
UMass Boston's independent student newspaper

The Mass Media
UMass Boston's independent student newspaper

The Mass Media
All content by Janani Vijayashanker
The logo of Meta, parent company of Facebook.

Is the metaverse feasible?

By Janani Vijayashanker
February 18, 2022
Load More Stories