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ECU may be 1-3, but the Pirates pack a punch SPEAKER
Lecture to explain bipartisan extremes in US government Probably the only two consistencies in Washington politics are the terms left and right, which describe our bipartisan political structure — progressivism and conservatism. Thomas Spragens, political science professor at Duke University and author of “Getting the Left Right” and “Reformation of American Liberalism,” will speak at 5:30 p.m. Friday in the Honors College Commons as a part of the “Conservatism and Progressivism in America” Phronesis Lecture Series. Spragens will articulate on behalf of the liberal progressive in hopes of giving us a better understanding of today’s “left.” The lecture is open to students and the public; food and beverages will be served. — Travis Alford
Engineering program grows Cullen college sees enrollment increases in all courses offered Love Patel
THE DAILY COUGAR The Cullen College of Engineering is bringing in 16 percent more undergraduate students this fall. Undergraduate enrollment increased by 330 students in the 2011-2012 academic year, bringing the total to 2,399. Every class enrolled more students than the previous fall. Freshman enrollment increased to 603 students — up 25 percent from last year. Total
enrollment for the college increased 10 percent to a total of 3,286 students. Master’s enrollment decreased in 2011; but enrollment of doctoral and post-baccalaureates students increased by nine and 28 percent, respectively. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs David Shattuck said that the spike in freshman enrollment was due in large part to UH’s recently acquired status as a Tier One university and the introduction of the undergraduate petroleum engineering program. “We’re only just beginning and students keep coming in as we move forward,” said Shattuck. Five out of the six departments in the college experienced increases in enrollment of at least 28 percent, with mechanical engineering
Houston to host Occupy Wall Street solidarity protest today The Occupy Wall Street movement is coming to Houston today to protest “the corporate corruption of democracy.” Peaceful protestors will gather at 8:30 a.m. at Market Square Park and march to JP Morgan Chase Tower for a rally and then head to Hermann Square for a peaceful occupation. For more information search Facebook or Twitter for Occupy Houston or go to www. occupyhouston.org and join the discussion. — Brian Jensen
standing as the most popular program among undergraduates. Shattuck said the state of the engineering industry is another possible reason for the increase in enrollment. “Engineering in general is considered to be a hot field, because industry is hiring engineers,” said Shattuck. “Companies offering money and jobs to graduates is going to be viewed as something worth looking at, and we’re riding that wave right now.” The college has been pushing to increase its admission standards, but there is a program in place for freshmen who don’t quite meet those ENGINEERING continues on page 3
CAPS
Depression issues tackled in workshop
Families, friends invited to visit campus this weekend
CITY
Issue 27, Volume 77
UNIVERSITY
CAMPUS
The Dean of Students Office invites students and their families to take part in the UH Family Weekend this Friday and Saturday throughout campus. The weekend will provide the opportunity for families to learn about the activities and facilities available on campus, meet staff and faculty and attend the UH football game. Visit http://www.uh.edu/ parents/events/ to find out more information about the schedule of events and overnight accommodations. Parking instructions are also provided. — Michelle Casas
October 6, 2011
Remembering Steve Jobs
Michelle Casas
THE DAILY COUGAR
Associate Professor Fred Schiff spoke at Speak Out on Wednesday and advocated the use of Keynesian Economics in US financial policy. | Naheeda Sayeeduddin/The Daily Cougar
CAMPUS
Students, faculty talk politics at Speak Out Event series aims to give University a voice Nicole Carter
THE DAILY COUGAR Capitalism, the war in Afghanistan and children’s rights were just a few of the issues speakers discussed at Wednesday’s Speak Out event, hosted by the Fair Action Committee. Held at the UC Satellite, Speak Out events are designed to
raise political awareness among students and to gather support for the Fair Action Committee. Students and faculty were encouraged to attend and speak about pressing issues in their communities. Brendan Laws, a sociology senior and the head of the Fair Action Committee, emphasized the importance of fighting societal injustices, specifically targeting the ongoing 10 year war in SPEAK OUT continues on page 3
A Counselling and Psychological Services workshop on Wednesday increased depression awareness by offering students information on the illness and the resources for treatment that are available on campus. “Depression is one of the more common mental health problems, and it is very treatable,” said Lucy Phillips, a CAPS practicum therapist who led the workshop, which was held in the Student Services Center. The University of Michigan Depression Center says the peak onset of depression and other psychiatric disorders is between 15 and 24, with as many as 15 percent of college students reporting symptoms of depression. Though depression is often perceived as merely sadness, Phillips said there is a distinction between general sadness and actual depression. “Most of us do feel a bit down occasionally, but these feelings might not last very long,” said Phillips. “In any case we usually know we’ll feel better in a day or so.” Feelings of sadness are mostly fleeting, while symptoms of depressive disorders are usually long-lasting and increasingly difficult to manage in daily life. Phillips said these feelings often affect other areas such as grades and attendance in school, relationships, an increased use of drugs and
alcohol, and problems controlling behavior. Other symptoms of depression include feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, withdrawal from normal activities, loss of pleasure and enjoyment, changes in appetite and sleeping habits, fatigue, poor concentration and feeling worthless. Phillips said that people from different cultures might express their depressive symptoms in different ways, or cite some symptoms over others. There is not one specific cause for depression, but many possible causes as sufferers cope with multiple pressures and stressful situations such as the loss of a loved one, major life changes, health problems, school and financial stress. Depression can also be caused by genetics and biochemical imbalances in the brain, including the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, which are often the target of medications used to treat depressive disorders. The presentation also touched on bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, which is characterized by major swings between emotional high points and low points. This point hit home for sophomore human development and family studies major Andre Adourian, who said the manic symptoms described one of his friends to the letter. “It makes a lot more sense, DEPRESSION continues on page 3