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Finals week events ongoing to help relieve study stress To continue the events of Stress-Free Finals Week, the Student Program Board will host the SPB Novelty Day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today at the UC front circle, along with Karaoke and Wings night from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight in the UC dining area. SPB Novelty Day will have four different booths, including Frisbee spin art, a silicone bracelet craft station, Pucker Power sour candy and the opportunity to sit in the BIG RED Khator Chair. Karaoke and Wings features an evening of buffalo wings and singing with friends. For more information on future events this week, visit http:// www.uh.edu/uc/stressfreefinals.html. — Julian Jimenez/The Daily Cougar
Amendment splits LGBT resource funding Taylor McGilvray
THE DAILY COUGAR A Student Government Association resolution opposing the redistribution of funding for university resource centers, specifically those for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, was officially passed on Thursday. SGA President Michael Harding signed the resolution at a meeting of GLOBAL, UH’s student organization for LGBT students and allies.
Student permits are only available online and will be mailed to the student’s selected address. While waiting for the permit, students may use the temporary permits, which can be printed after the purchase.
Struggles inspire book to help peers
Summer parking permits are now available. With a Peoplesoft number and password, students can register for a parking permit at www.uh.edu/parking. The permit price for Student Commuter is $40 and $117 for Student Garage.
If you have any problems, please contact Parking and Transportation Services at parking@uh.edu or 713-743-1097.
CORRECTIONS Report errors to editor@thedailycougar.com. Corrections will appear in this space as needed.
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The resolution is a response to budget amendment 143 to senate bill 1 in the Texas Legislature that would split the funding between LGBT resource centers with “traditional family value centers.” “(The bill) would drastically reduce funding to the LGBT resource centers,” Harding said. “This is a big problem because LGBT resource centers are facilities for LGBT students that provide a safe, comfortable and accepting environment.” SGA created the resolution with members of GLOBAL after the group protested the bill at an SGA meeting. “LGBT students have distinctive challenges because of how they are perceived
and treated as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” the resolution states. “These challenges prevent students from achieving their full academic potential or participating fully in the campus community.” The resolution also argues that if the bill passes there could be unnecessary spending increases. “In this time of economic crisis, universities are faced with drastic decisions and must best decide how to utilize funds to benefit all of their students,” the resolution states. “Requiring strict adherence to budget mandates prohibits flexibility and SGA continues on page 3
Emily Holley
THE DAILY COUGAR
— Tap Nguyen/The Daily Cougar
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SGA rejects LGBT budget cut
Student publishes college guide
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EVENTS Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds The Moores School of Music is featuring the Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Moores Opera House. Tickets cost $10, $5 for students and seniors. Screening: Veins in the Gulf Accompany poet Martha Serpas and filmmakers Elizabeth Coffman and Ted Hardin for a screening on the enviornmental crisis affecting Louisiana from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Aurora Picture Show.
FOR MORE EVENTS, CHECK OUT thedailycougar.com/calendar
Sammy Butts, an architecture student, has done more than most during his college years. On top of going to classes and school work, he wrote and self-published, “College the Book: The Powerful College Planning Guide.” “I remember the confusion of enrolling during my freshman year, especially when dealing with financial aid. I remember joking with a family member that there should be a book that tells you everything to expect,” Butts said. “Almost two years ago, I was having lunch with several friends who had just graduated. I had a light bulb moment and thought to myself, ‘I can write a book,’ so I did.” Those struggles are something most college students will face, but Butts’ book is set to relieve the stress of the enrolling process. He was inspired by his own struggles and frustrations, and he wanted to help prevent them from happening to the children of his hometown. “I frequently go back home to my school district where I am an employee and often talk to kids that are in very low-income families. Kids GUIDE continues on page 10
The UH Advertising team won second place at the national competition in Oklahoma City earlier this month, ranking UH among the top 20 schools in the nation. | Courtesy Larry Kelly/The Daily Cougar
COMMUNICATIONS
Ad team takes home the silver National win places UH team among the top 20 schools Misti Mynhier
THE DAILY COUGAR For the first time in 16 years, the UH student-advertising agency won back-to-back trophies — the most recent win occurring earlier this month at the National Student Advertising Competition. Cougar Concepts won second place at the annual contest held in Oklahoma City, Okla., and first place at the contest in 2010. “Our team narrowly missed winning the first place trophy by only eight-tenths of a point,” said Larry Kelly, professor and advisor for Cougar Concepts. About 162 schools competed within District 10. “They are competing against the best
and brightest students nationwide,” Kelly said. Cougar Concepts outscored schools like the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Texas State University, Texas Tech and the University of Oklahoma, ranking UH among the top 20 schools in the nation. The competition is widely recognized among the top advertising agencies, leading to job placement for graduating seniors. “Nearly every student who participates in the NASC annual competition come away from the competition with a job,” Kelly said. Each June, the NASC announces the client and the respective client case study is released each September. Cougar Concepts was assigned to represent JCPenny. Professor Kelly prepares the team by developing the overall plan each fall by interviewing prospective students. Cougar Concepts was judged by a panel ADVERTISING continues on page 3