Issue 42, Volume 79 by The Cougar

SPORTS

BASKETBALL

ORGANIZATIONS

Increasing aggressiveness

BSU makes spring comeback

After struggling in the first half against St. thomas, UH looks to get off to a fast start Friday against Texas State.

SEE PAGE 8

Black Student Union plans to make permanent return to campus.

SEE PAGE 6

NOVEMBER

CALENDAR CHECK: 11

Veteran’s Day. Show some love to the veterans who have fought for our country.

THE DAILY COUGAR

T H E

O F F I C I A L

S T U D E N T

N E W S PA P E R

O F

T H E

U N I V E R S I T Y

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Issue 42, Volume 79

O F

H O U S T O N

S I N C E

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM

STUDENT FEES

Media, arts present at 2nd day of Advisory Committee Zachary Burton, Sabrina Lloyd, Diana Nguyen Contributing writers

Fee-funded organizations deployed their representatives to the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center to defend their causes and request the approval of their annual budgets for fiscal year 2015. Ten of the more than 30 organizations went through the process of winning the hearts and minds

of the Student Fees Advisory Committee on Wednesday. SFAC is the designated body that provides the budget recommendations that make their way to President and Chancellor Renu Khator. Big changes ahead The Center for Student Media, composed of The Daily Cougar, Coog Radio and Student Video Network, presented requests to SFAC, focusing on obtaining funds for

new equipment and marketing. The Daily Cougar Editor in Chief Channler K. Hill spoke about the great changes that The Daily Cougar will face in the future and its need for more online content, more marketing promotions and more digital training tools. Beginning in Fall 2014, The Daily Cougar will become a weekly paper. It will be a larger edition, featuring SFAC continues on page 3

A golden opportunity The Cougars have a chance to move into the national conversation with games against ranked opponents in consecutive weeks. Read more on page 6. Every fall, student-fee-supported organizations make their way in front of the Student Fees Advisory Committee. There are two days of presentations left on Friday and Monday in the Rotunda Room of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. | Emily S. Chambers/The Daily Cougar

Caitlin Hilton/The Daily Cougar

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Senate bill proposes new Halal food options in dining halls Diana Nguyen, Tim Payne Contributing writers

Although Houston has one of the largest and fastest growing Muslim populations in the country, UH has yet to provide certain foods that meet their dietary guidelines — specifically halal food, which specifies, among other things, the manner in which

animals must be slaughtered under Islamic Shariah. With the requirement that students residing in on-campus residence halls pay for meal plans, some Muslim students are hesitant to stay on campus because of a lack of halal options. The bill was introduced to the

Senate Wednesday evening to propose the opening of halal vegetarian and vegan options in the New University Center. “Students really want their healthier options here on campus. There’s been a lot of recommendations from the SFAC that mention food options,” said Speaker of the Senate Sebastian

Agudelo. “ A lot of senators want that option as well. They stay late doing their homework, and they are hungry but have nowhere to go. It isn’t fair for them to pay for meal plans but not get their halal food. This should be a priority for the University and this administration.”

Later proposals included inviting Sen. Wendy Davis to campus, spurred by CLASS Senator Catherine Tassin De Montaigu, who found that Davis would be visiting Houston. SGA, however, was unable to secure her visit at the time. HALAL continues on page 11

The Daily Cougar

2 \\ Thursday, November 7, 2013

CALENDAR Today Jobs: The sales and Marketing Fair sponsored by the C. T. Bauer College of Business will be on campus from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Hilton UH. Dress professionally and bring a resume and possibly a portfolio.

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Music Lecture: Visiting speaker Oliver S. Wang will be talking about hip-hop culture in Asian-American popular music from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Moores School of Music, Room 108. Wang is a scholar of AsianAmerican popular music from the University of Berkeley. Space: The first woman of color to go into space, Mae Jemison, has been invited to bring public attention to the issues of ethics and leadership at the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Ethics and Leadership Lecture Series from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Cullen Performance Hall. Music: The Wind Ensemble of the Moores School of Music will be performing works by Strauss, Mendelssohn, Rosner and others from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Moores Opera Center.

Friday

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Health: Free diabetes screening will be given in honor of American Diabetes Month from 9 a.m. to 4

p.m. at the Health Center for UH faculty, students and staff. There will be three different tests available: non-fasting, two hour fasting and 8 to 10 hour fasting; students are encouraged to perform the latter for the most accurate results. To participate, bring a valid photo ID. Sports: Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball will face off Mississippi State from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Hofheinz Pavilion. Bring your ID for free entrance. Sports: Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball will fend off Texas State from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Hofheinz Pavilion. Students get in free with their UH ID.

Saturday Sports: Wheelchair Rugby Smash Tournament will be on campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. It was established by Adaptive Athletics of the Center for Students with DisABILITIES. Academics: The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals will hold a clinic to help UH and high school students fill out their applications from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Language Acquisition Center of Agnes Arnold Hall, Room 217. DACA aims to help undocumented populations integrate into society through a variety of programs.

If you would like to suggest an event for The Daily Cougar calendar, please submit a time, date, location and brief description to calendar@thedailycougar.com. The Cougar calendar runs every Monday and Thursday.

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Advertising (713) 743-5340 advertising@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/advertising

Student Publications (713) 743-5350 stupub@uh.edu www.uh.edu/sp Room 7, UC Satellite Student Publications University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015

Issue staff Copy editing Josh Chochran

Copy chief

ABOUT THE COUGAR The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer and online at thedailycougar. com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents. SUBSCRIPTIONS Rates are $70 per year or $40 per semester. Mail subscription requests to: Mail Subscriptions, The Daily Cougar, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-4015. NEWS TIPS Send tips and story ideas to the editors. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail news@ thedailycougar.com. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Submit newsâ&#x20AC;? form is available at thedailycougar.com. COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

David Bryant

Closing editors Natalie Harms, Channler K. Hill, Jenae Sitzes

The Daily Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. studentpress.org/acp

Thursday, November 7, 2013 // 3

The Daily Cougar

NEWS EDITOR

MEDIA

continued from page 1

16 to 24 pages. This cut in production enables the paper to be more cost-effective and allows the media group to spend more time focusing on its Internet presence and web content. In order to focus on web content and a larger readership, The Daily Cougar made requests to receive a larger budget for camera equipment, as well as new ways to distribute the paper and reach a larger audience. Other media groups, too, were faced with obstacles. SVN President Sophia Pereira’s main focus was obtaining a budget to increase the stipend for the studio manager position. She said the manager has many responsibilities, such as checking out equipment and channel operation, and that an increase in funding is vital because of the SVN studio in the new UC. Marketing was stressed by each of the media organizations. Coog Radio Station Director Samantha Wong emphasized its need for funding in order to get students engaged and listening. She also felt that promotional efforts would help increase its campus presence, including marketing and outreach around campus. Funding for spirit David Bertman, the director of bands and associate professor of music, fought to keep student-fee funding for the Spirit Squad to continue to build up the program to the level of other, larger music programs. “We find ourselves not able to support cheer and dance programs that is at the level consistent with other schools. We make our overall budget work by taking from different areas. I think it’s time to look at our cheer coaches with full time positions,” Bertman said. “University of Texas, University of Oklahoma — they have full time coordinators.” Travel and new instrument purchases are some of the costlier expenses, which the director requested to maintain the program’s competitiveness. To put travel costs in perspective, Bertman said it would take $7,000 to take the band just to Reliant Stadium. SFAC Chair Charles Haston was unsure of the band’s priorities and required more details before recommending a budget approval. “We’d like to see a band that is able to perform at a level where we can get the most out of them, but we aren’t at that point where we’ve enabled you guys to do that,” Haston said.

Laura Gillespie

news@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/news

BY THE NUMBERS Campus media, arts and more presented why they deserved to receive student fee funds Wednesday

Marching Band/ Spirit Squad

Base budget: $211,400 Requested to increase by: $150,000 Base budget: $255,122

Requested one-time allocation of: $3,881

The Daily Cougar

Base budget: $46,390 Requested to increase by: $3,442 Requested one-time allocation of: $24,224

Base budget: $176, 774 Requested to increase by: $1,904 Requested one-time allocation of: $4,240

Coog Radio

for participation in computer-based behavioral and pharmacological research as paid volunteers, 21-45 yrs, 8AM to1PM. 3-5 days per week. Earnings paid in cash daily. The University of Texas Medical Center 713.486.2635

Student Video Network

University Centers

Base budget: $753,576 Requested to increase by: $61,273

Base budget: $73,329

A. D. Bruce Religion Center

MALE SOCIAL DRINKERS WANTED

Base augmentation-base budget request: $33,275

Base budget: $901,656

Student Affairs IT Services

Center for Student Media

Children’s Learning Centers

Base budget: $171,791 Requested to increase by: $40,792

Base budget: $21,150

“We need to know what your priorities are, and we need a list of priorities from you. We need you guys to prepare what you guys are asking for, so that we have some idea what we’re dealing with here.” SFAC ran out of time when discussing the requested funds. It will reconvene at a future date to discuss the issue. IT needs new computers Student Affairs IT Services, which provides information technology support to a variety of departments within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, discussed its need for more computers, applications and software support. They went into detail about its fiscal year One-Time Allocation requests and base augmentation. A large portion of the money would be spent on new computers. UC Marketing Director Lawrence Daniel hopes this request will

Blaffer Art Museum

help increase technology innovation and support the students, staff and organizations at UH. “I think it’s a bold move. I think it’s really going to enhance sources that we can provide the students by supporting the staff, the student staff and organizations,” Daniel said. “It will definitely make us more innovative in regards to different technology. It’s more of us increasing our technology support for these departments so they can in turn create services for students who aren’t delayed or are more innovative by nature.” For the FY14, a budget forecast of a total of $485,480 was requested with $27,480 for the administrative charge and $458,000 for a total of 393 computers. For the following three years, a base funding of $57,805 each year was forecast. Additional reporting by Amy Zuckero. news@thedailycougar.com

Your perfect

all nighter companion.

The Daily Cougar

4 \\ Thursday, November 7, 2013

OPINION EDITOR James Wang EMAIL

opinion@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/opinion

CAMPUS

RELIGION

UH gains a piece of world history

Lutherans blend pub with pulpit

the garden on Jan. 22, for which the University’s Army and Air Force ROTC’s will be present. The University is hoping to bring in a speaker to talk about the significance of having this piece of structure on campus. UH is hoping that this garden can be used as a reflecting place for not only students on campus, but members of the Houston community. “We often shy away from discussing issues of the day, and even though it was 12 years ago, every student, faculty and staff can relate on some level and talk about how it’d be better to have a more peaceful society,” Kowalka said. When I first discovered that UH was to receive a piece of the World Trade Center, I wondered if we were deserving of it. While that may sound odd, I was concerned as to whether this piece of history would be respected so far from where the tragedy happened. I wondered if another place, maybe in the north, should have a piece of the World Trade Center.

ext time you stop by your local watering hole, don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending an evening eating bread and wine in lieu of knocking back a few Shiners. Calvary Lutheran Church, located in Fort Worth, has started hosting an evening Cara tradition called Smith Church-ina-Pub, and yes, it’s just what it sounds like. The church has begun holding Sunday night services in Zio Carlo, a fully functioning bar that’s to remain open during the evening’s gospel readings and message. Expectedly, the mixture of craft beer and Holy Communion has elicited some mixed responses. Les Bennett, a bartender at Zio Carlo, has found himself faced with confused patrons expecting Zio Carlo’s Trivia Night on nights that Calvary opens up shop. “I tell ‘em, it’s a church service,” Bennett said, “And they’re like, ‘In a pub?’ And I’m like ‘Yeah.’ Some of ‘em stick around for trivia, some of ‘em take off, some of ‘em will hang out and have another pint or two.” According to John Burnett of NPR, that’s exactly what those at Calvary are hoping for — to have the paths of those with and without faith to intersect, if only for a moment. “That’s one of the objectives: A guy sits at the bar nursing a beer, he overhears the Gospel of Luke, he sees people line up to take bread and wine, he gets curious,” Burnett said. It’s an edgy mission, sure, but that’s precisely what makes it so incredibly awesome, refreshing and vital to the survival of the church.

ARTIFACT continues on page 5

CHURCH continues on page 5

The 9/11 Memorial will be one of the feature attractions of the New UC’s Phase I grand opening in Spring 2014. | Photo courtesty of the University Center Services

ore than 12 years ago, children were pulled from school, teachers huddled together to whisper their concerns and parents cried for fear of the future on Sept. 11, 2001. No one can argue that this tragic event wasn’t lifechanging. Kelly Years later, Schafler people continue to mourn their loved ones who died as a result of this incident. The aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center was tragic, but from this tragedy, people are attempting commemoration. According to thegospelcoalition. org, nearly 350,000 tons of steel from the World Trade Center are being memorialized across the nation. In addition, some of these pieces have been given to family members of individuals lost at the World Trade Center. Understandably, most of these pieces of history were donated to people and places in the northeast

section of the United States, but some fragments have been donated to other areas of the nation. Texas is among the states that have been privileged enough to receive pieces to memorialize this historic event. Alpine, Texas is one of the cities to receive a piece of metal from the World Trade Center. In an article by newswest9.com, writer Nick Lawton speaks of Alpine showing respect. “It stands as a symbol of America’s strength and a reminder to never forget,” Lawton said. “Hundreds who attended (the opening ceremony) passed by and touched the beam.” UH will be the home of the second piece of the World Trade Center to be given to Texas. With the opening of the New UC in January, the World Trade Center Reflection Garden is also being opened. The Reflection Garden will be a place where students can go to sit and relax, while also surrounding a memorial of a tragic day in America’s history.

THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD Channler K. Hill Natalie Harms WEB EDITOR Jenae Sitzes NEWS EDITOR Laura Gillespie SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Shelton LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Paulina Rojas PHOTO EDITOR Fernando Castaldi OPINION EDITOR James Wang ASSISTANT EDITORS Jessica Crawford, Nora Olabi, Justin Tijerina, Monica Tso, Andrew Valderas EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

This piece will be placed in the middle of the garden and will be surrounded by benches and greenery. Keith Kowalka, assistant vice president of student affairs, explained how a piece of the World Trade Center came to the University. Gaining this structure actually began four administrations ago, when the director of external affairs at UH learned that the Port of New Jersey was giving away pieces of the World Trade Center. UH had to request a piece from the New Jersey Bay Consultant and wait to be allowed to receive it, but once it was approved, UH had to pay only for shipping. While I am sure the shipping on a 3,700-pound structure is a little expensive, it is still a small price to gain a piece of the World Trade Center. “I think it will be a nice place to think about where (people) were when the towers were attacked and think about how we as a society can grow and learn from it,” Kowalka said. There will be a dedication to

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Daily Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Daily Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250

words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing. GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must

be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to Room 7, University Center Satellite; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 7435384. All submissions are subject to editing.

Thursday, November 7, 2013 // 5

The Daily Cougar

OPINION GUEST COLUMN

Reflection on the 2012 SGA election James Lee Contributing Writer

ave you ever done something you felt you could never forgive yourself for? I have. Two years ago, I participated in the Student Government election fraud controversy that rocked the student body. Though I played a minor role in the event, my conscience weighed heavily on me. I felt I had let down my family, my classmates and myself. Unsolicited, I came forward with the information I had and became the key witness in the student trial that eventually reversed the 2012 student body election results. I could have remained silent and avoided the situation altogether. Ultimately, I was compelled to do the right thing and get the truth out. When the dust finally settled, I fell into depression: before, I was admired among my colleagues; after, I could hardly look at myself in the mirror. I had gone against everything I stood for, all in the name of a friendship that, in hindsight, wasn’t worth it. After a time, I enrolled in group therapy

CHURCH continued from page 4

“I’m not interested, frankly, in making more church members,” said Phil Heinze of Calvary Lutheran Church. “I’m interested in having people have significant relationships around Jesus. And if it turns out to be (over) beer, fine.” It’s no secret that the church is in decline — according to The Huffington Post, less than 20 percent of Americans regularly attend church. As reported by The Examiner, the average age of someone who regularly attends church is over 60 — in other words, our nation’s evangelicals are growing older, and they’re struggling to sow the seeds of a younger generation hopped up on spirituality. So, you’ve got a rapidly declining religion and a slew of young people just waiting for you to reach them. You could approach them as you always have — passing out booklets or pamphlets or Psalms on a laminated index card. But here’s the thing about our generation — we’re cynics, and it’s going to take a lot to grab our attention when we’ve got our noses shoved down the everrefreshing stream of information that is our Twitter feed. We’re used to being bombarded with new ideas and information, and we’ve grown to develop an incredibly short attention span for things that can’t be verified by CNN or NPR. If something doesn’t strike us

on campus and found I wasn’t alone. Other students just like me had made mistakes and were coping with regret. Through therapy, I realized if I ever wanted to have a positive impact on campus again, the first step to moving on was forgiving myself. When last semester’s student elections arrived, the very same students who had heard my confession before the 2012 trial urged me to run for student government. I was shocked and humbled by their support. My classmates and friends still believed in me. Despite my mistakes, students believed in my ability to impact our University. After careful consideration, I ran for student body senate and won my seat as a senator of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Since my time as a senator, I’ve represented the student body at the Texas Capitol, collaborating in an effort to defeat an anti-LGBT amendment that would have impacted funding for Texas universities. I’ve co-authored legislation in hopes of increasing student retention and graduation rates. And yesterday, in keeping with a promise I made to myself and the students

an inherently true, interesting or hip, it just isn’t something we have time for. We’ve grown accustomed to receiving hard facts, stats and truths a mile a minute through our smartphones. For the uninterested nonreligious, there’s already too much denouncing faith to begin with. Grappling with the intricacies of eternity is much too cumbersome a task when we’ve already got a queue of BuzzFeed lists to scroll through. It’s also no secret that today’s media hasn’t depicted the church kindly. With the pervasiveness of the gay marriage and contraceptive debates, Christianity seems to have absorbed the blow of being at the heart of the nation’s close-mindedness and intolerance because of a few radical outliers speaking in, and incriminating, the entire name of the church. Thanks to the pervasiveness of social media, most of our generation is all-too familiar with the church’s infamy in the media, and it’s turned off an enormous amount of people. So, the Calvary Lutheran Church was faced with a problem — there’s a huge mass of people that they want to reach, and an even bigger barrier dividing the two. Might as well speak the language of those they’re trying to attract. Senior staff columnist Cara Smith is a communications junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

who helped elect me, I introduced a bill to reform our election code in hopes of preventing future instances of election fraud and increasing voter participation. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the supportive community I’ve found at our University. I share my story with you now because I’ve learned a lot through this experience and I feel compelled to share it. I’ve learned that you have to be true to yourself, even if it means admitting you did something wrong. In order to grow and make a difference in life, you have to be able to admit your mistakes and forgive yourself. Most importantly, I want you to know that if you find yourself in a time of trouble, no matter how bad you think it might be, no matter how public or private a mistake, you can make a comeback. Go Coogs. James Lee is a political science senior and the current senator of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and may be reached at jamesmlee07@gmail. com

ARTIFACT continued from page 4

Liberal studies junior Kate Rowland doesn’t believe that location should have an impact on whether UH should have a piece. “I think it’s a nice tribute,” she said. “We are a really diverse campus, and the victims of 9/11 were diverse as well, and they were not all from New York City, so I don’t think it’s a problem.” I took the time to look through the pictures of pieces of the World Trade Center scattered around the nation. Seeing battered pieces of rubble arranged as a memorial has the potential to transport Americans back to Sept. 11, 2001. It sometimes seems easy to forget about the aftermath of tragedies if they aren’t staring you in the face; perhaps having a piece of the World Trade Center at UH will cause people to feel empathetic and blessed. After some consideration, I believe that UH is a good place to erect a piece of the World Trade Center. Having a fragment of history to remind us that pain is universal and has no prejudice might be exactly what our diverse campus needs. Opinion columnist Kelly Schafler is a print journalism junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

2013 Student Fees Advisory Committee Presentation Schedule FRIDAY, Nov. 8 8:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m. 3:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m.

Committee Business LGBT Center Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life Break Center for Student Involvement Student Government Association Public Comment Lunch Metropolitan Volunteer Program Frontier Fiesta Association Council of Ethnic Organizations Break Activities Funding Board Student Program Board Homecoming Board Adjournment

All sessions will be held in the Rotunda Meeting Room in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center. SFAC is charged with recommending funding allocations for Student Services Fees, making recommendations on behalf of all students. All presentations are open to the public, and a daily time is set aside for public comment. If you require disability accommodations, please call the Dean of Students office at 832-842-6183 to make arrangements.

For more information, visit uh.edu/sfac

STUDENT AFFAIRS

The Daily Cougar

6 \\ Thursday, November 7, 2013

SPORTS EDITOR

Christopher Shelton

sports@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/sports

STATEMENT SATURDAY

FOOTBALL

Joining the conversation

ESPNU picks up UH contest with Louisville

With a win at UCF, Louisville, UH’s national buzz could increase. Christopher Shelton Sports editor

Since their fifth victory of the season, a ranking in the top 25 has dangled just above the Cougars’ grasp. UH was undefeated and receiving votes for the first time since the 2012 preseason polls before BYU earned a 1-point win at Reliant Stadium on Oct. 19. But after traveling to New Jersey and defeating a good Rutgers’ team and taking care of business against a bad USF squad at home, UH has a chance to force Harris and Associated Press poll voters’ hands. Beginning Saturday, the Cougars have matchups against ranked opponents in consecutive weeks. A win against UCF and Louisville, respectively, would almost assure a spot in the top 20. The Cougars haven’t held a spot in the top 25 since placing No. 18 in the final 2011 AP poll, but national recognition is not something that motivates the team, said senior offensive lineman Rowdy Harper. “We’re used to not having much buzz at all so we’re fine with that really. We win for each other, and we win because we hate to lose,” Harper said. “Our goal was always to win conference so this next game we play is another step to try to win conference.” Defeating UCF on Saturday and Louisville the following week would mean more than an inclusion in the fodder of national media pundits, though. Wins would put the Cougars in the driver seat of the American Athletic Conference, and in position to visit the BCS for the first time in the program’s history. “We’re in control of our own destiny and it’s how we’ve worked BUZZ continues on page 9

FREE TUTORING

The Daily Cougar news services ESPNU will air the UH game against No. 20 Louisville at 6 p.m. Nov. 16. The game will be UH’s third appearance on ESPNU and its first since defeating Penn State in the 2012 Ticket City Bowl. Farrow, Stewart honored Running back Kenneth Farrow and defensive back Trevon Stewart, both sophomores, were named to the American’s weekly honor roll Stewart for their performances in UH’s 35-23 win against USF last Thursday night. Farrow had six carries for 51 yards and a touchdown to go along with five receptions for 24 yards and another score. Stewart had 10 tackles, his third double-digit tackle game this season and his third interception of the season.

Freshman quarterback Greg Ward Jr. has become a valuable asset to the offense by displaying a dual-threat skill set that keeps defenses off-balanced. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar

www.LAS.UH.EDU

All students are welcome! Room 109N Cougar Village 1

Banquet The 2013 Ken Baxter Football Banquet will be held Dec. 8, at the Bayou City Event Center. The night will kickoff at 6 p.m. UH will honor nine 2013 award winners, including the Andre Ware Offensive MVP, the Wilson Whitley Defensive MVP, the Tom Wilson Weight Room Off-Season MVP, the President’s Academic Excellence Award and the Bill Yeoman Special Contributors Award. In addition to the nine awards, 16 seniors will be recognized for their contributions to the UH program. The banquet will also include words from Mack Rhoades, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and head coach Tony Levine. sports@thedailycougar.com

Thursday, November 7, 2013 // 7

The Daily Cougar

SPORTS MEN’S BASKETBALL

Pushing the pace After timid beginning against St. Thomas, UH looks to up its intensity, limit turnover ratio Jordan Lewis Contributing writer

The Cougars hope to come out with more energy to start the season Friday against Texas State. Head coach James Dickey said he wants his team to be more aggressive and less hesitant than in its exhibition game against St. Thomas on Tuesday in order to get his team going early on. “The two biggest disappointments when you look at the stats are (St. Thomas’) 17 offensive rebounds, and I thought we would get to the free-throw line more than 20 times,” Dickey said. The Cougars’ defense got better as the game went on by out-rebounding St. Thomas 42-32. They jammed the ball inside in the second half, the opposite of what they did in the first half of the game. It is imperative that they be active defensively to take care of the basketball and beat the opposing team to lose balls, Dickey said.

“We had too many careless turnovers, and most of them (were) unforced,” Dickey said. “They’re a more position-defensive team and not pressing you, so we’ve got to be a lot better in preparation for Texas State.” When the second half began, the Cougars woke up. “In the first half, I feel like we came out very dull, and I don’t know why, because in the locker room, it Thomas felt like we had a lot of energy,” said junior forward TaShawn Thomas. “We were talking to each other before we went down the tunnel, and we were like, ‘We’re not playing like us; we’re playing down to their level, and we should be playing at a higher level.’” Dickey said that senior guard Tione Womack could be thrown into the mix to pick up the tempo and move sophomore guard L.J. Rhodes to the opposite guard. “Tione really helped us win a bunch of games down the stretch last year. And Tione’s going to help us, and L.J. can move over (to shooting guard).” sports@thedailycougar.com

Although his team won their exhibition against St. Thomas, head coach James Dickey said his team needs to cut down on “careless” turnovers. | Caitlin Hilton/ The Daily Cougar

EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE Making the decision to attend law school is huge. Deciding which one to go to can be intimidating. At South Texas College of Law/Houston you will ﬁnd: x an exceptional faculty x

an advocacy program rated No.1 in the nation by the Blakely Advocacy Institute affordable tuition rates, as evidenced by a “Best Value” private law school ranking in The National Jurist magazine the Randall O. Sorrells Legal Clinic, which houses more than 10 direct-service clinics, academic externships and a vibrant volunteer pro bono program

an award-winning legal research and writing staff

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SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE OF LAW/HOUSTON Houston’s Oldest Law School, 713.646.1810 t www.stcl.edu x

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8\\ Thursday, November 7, 2013

LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

Paulina Rojas

arts@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/life-arts

CAMPUS

Black Student Union makes comeback Members work to ensure this important organization does not disappear again Rachael Sneed Staff writer Campus life will be renowned with the return of the Black Student Union in Spring 2014. UH’s goal of becoming a more social campus seems ever closer, with current organizations bringing plenty of events and services to students. Student involvement will continue to grow with the addition of more student organizations. The Black Student Union’s goals are to orient African-American students to UH, facilitate effective communication between students and organizations, uplift communities and create and promote a professional environment among African-American students. Originally appearing on campus in January 1971, BSU returning will help to create more student involvement on campus by bringing positive and beneficial events to students. “The organization has sprung to action for periods of time,” said National Pan-Hellenic Council adviser Cassandra Joseph. “Our current executive board has worked to bring back BSU and to make sure that the organization continues for generations after we all have graduated.” BSU plans on collaborating

Lunchtime lullaby L.A. based artist Rayvon Owen serenaded students on Wednesday as part of the Student Program Board’s lunchtime concert series at the University Center Satellite. Owen belted out covers of current hits, including Bruno Mars’ “Treasure.” SPB’s next event will be the Coca Cola Free Movie Night at 7 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Cullen Performance Hall. For more information about SPB and it’s events, visit uh.edu/spb. Paulina Rojas/The Daily Cougar

The Black Student Union was founded in January of 1971. The organization is being brought back in the spring by civil engineering junior Zhetique Gunn and kinesology junior Lashone Garret. | Courtesy of the Black Student Union with other African-American campus organizations, including Collegiate 100 Men, Collegiate 100 Women, NAACP and the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Along with

those organizations, they plan on working with the Student Program Board, the Metropolitan Volunteer Program, the Caribbean Student Organization, the Council of

Ethnic Organizations and Cougars on Campus. BSU has had trouble in the past with keeping its presence on UH’s campus, but its new executive

board has set a plan and plenty of goals to make sure it stays. Intermittently appearing and disappearing from the campus scene from 2005 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2012, BSU is confident it won’t have the same problem again. “We have a vision and plan on using that with the professionalism we’re promoting,” said civil engineering junior and BSU President Zhetique Gunn. “We’re getting active in BSU.” BSU is planning two events, including a panel for KIPP Northeast College Preparatory High School students on Nov. 13. It will give the students a tour of UH’s campus, explain college life and experiences and answer any questions the students may have. BSU will also host a Back to School Family Reunion in January. This organization is open to students of all majors and classifications who are interested. Members have a wide range of majors, including kinesiology junior and Vice President Lashone Garrett and sociology junior and Secretary Halle Salmond. Students who are interested in joining BSU may email uhbsu@ yahoo.com. arts@thedailycougar.com

Thursday, November 7, 2013 // 9

The Daily Cougar

SPORTS

BUZZ continued from page 6

up until now to get that chance to do that,” Harper said. But defeating Knights and Cardinals on the road in consecutive weeks is no easy task. UCF has already defeated Penn State and Louisville on the road and nearly defeated Southeastern Conference championship contender South Carolina at home. The Knights are led by junior quarterback Blake Bortles, who has 15 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, and junior running back Storm Johnson on offense. Both made several plays in UCF’s come-from-behind win against Louisville. The Knights’ defense only allows 19 points per game. “When you put on the video and look at their statistics and look at their depth chart, obviously, know who’s coaching them, there is no glaring weakness,” said head coach Tony Levine. “You don’t say ‘Well, they’re deficient in this area.’ They’re extremely well coached across the board.” The Cardinals have Heisman trophy candidate and possible first overall NFL draft pick Teddy

Energy & Sustainability Minor INTERDISCIPLINARY: OPEN TO ALL MAJORS This minor provides an interdisciplinary approach to broad issues regarding energy and sustainability, with a common introductory course and capstone course. Topics include existing, transitional, and alternative energy resources; and energy and sustainability. To declare the minor requires junior standing and a 2.5 cumulative GPA on 15 or more hours at UH.

REQUIRED COURSES | SIX HOURS ENRG 3310 (#25010) Introduction to Energy and Sustainability Spring 2014: TTh 1–2:30PM ENRG 4320 (#25011) Case Studies in Energy and Sustainability (Capstone) Spring 2014: TTh 4–5:30PM (to be taken upon completion of, or current enrollment in electives)

Though UH’s skill position players are filled with underclassmen, the team is confident it can win its next two road games. | Justin Tijerina/The Daily Cougar Bridgewater behind center, but the Cougars are confident all that matters is what occurs inside the locker room. “We’re going to do what we do

— tackle, play good defense and get turnovers,” senior defensive back Thomas Bates said. sports@thedailycougar.com

ELECTIVE COURSES |12 HOURS Students choose an additional 12 hours of courses, with no more than six hours from any one area and no more than 12 hours of ENRG courses for this minor. Courses offered include topics in architecture, biology, economics, english, geology, history, engineering, atmospheric science, and more. For a complete list of courses, visit bauer.uh.edu/esi For more information email:

Joe Pratt at joepratt@uh.edubauer.uh.edu

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10 \\ Thursday, November 7, 2013

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Bulletin Board WHAT WILL WE BECOME, years from now? Better or worse? Fools, victims, fortunate souls, survivors in dangerous times? Remembering the Future, science fiction stories by Alan Kovski. Available via Amazon.com. AFTER CATASTROPHIC BIOLOGICAL warfare, we may not agree on what nature is or what civilization is. WILDERNESS, a science fiction novel, is by Alan Kovski. Available via Amazon.com

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CASHIER/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Are you organized and dedicated? Are you fluent in Spanish and English and able to communicate business content effectively? If so Dixon Motors wants to meet you. Position handles a variety of tasks including preparing and presenting vehicle loan documents, collecting payments from customers, and performing general administrative tasks i.e., (clerical work, filing, research, answering telephones). This part-time role, primarily works on Friday and Saturday however other days / afternoons may be needed as appropriate.. If interested and believe you match the qualifications listed below, please send your cover letter and resume to Via email: michael@ dixonmotorcars.com. Via Mail: Dixon Motors, Attention: Operations Manager, 7902 North Freeway, Houston, Texas 77037. THANKS for reading The Daily Cougar!

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ACROSS 1 Runs 5 What father knows? 9 Actor’s minimum wage 14 “The Exotic Tangelo from Jamaica” 15 Opera staple 16 Detroit athlete 17 Pfizer creation 18 Ship’s post that secures cables 19 Old anesthetic 20 Remove, as a monarch 22 Doesn’t proceed openly 23 A number’s homophone 24 Succumb to gravity 26 Like some favorites 29 Caterpillar roll ingredient 30 Dell rival 34Wept 35 Tel ___ 36 Barely cooked 37 Reusable bag 38 Public row 39 Vintners’

vessels 40 Planning to vote no 41 Thousandths of an inch 42 Eyelashes 43 “Trinity” author Uris 44 Shoguns’ capital 45 Goaloriented activity 46 Wrap your mind around 48 Secondperson pronoun 49 Old Plymouth model 52 Lose 57 Word before “light” or “sound” 58 Uncle ___ (rice brand) 59 Friend in a fracas 60 Shaped like a watermelon 61 Double preposition 62 Dissolute man 63 Patently sentimental 64 Above 65Exercises one’s pupils

DOWN 1 Director Apatow 2 Fairy tale baddie 3 Oversupply 4 Pleasant excursion 5 Dogfaced primate 6 “___ go bragh!” 7 Responsibility for home builders 8 Rat-a-___ 9 Office employee of old 10 Give details 11 Eastern potentate 12 Bulb used in cookery 13 Is mistaken 21 Cathedral cross 22 Complete, as a crossword 25 They’ll hold your horses 26 Pertaining to base 8 27 Talk in a monotonous voice 28 “I think so too!”

31 Make watertight, in a way 32 A Muppet 33 Put another way 35 Some corrosives 38 Windowwashing flaw 42 Cheep joint? 45 Herb in the mint family 47 Word to a marksman 49 Some singing groups 50 Edible seaweed 51 What to do “in the name of love” 53 “… and ___ the fire” 54 Sunblock ingredient 55 Mrs. Peacock’s game 56 Potato parts 58 Feathery garb

Fat Burger by Francis Emelogu

Puzzle answers online: www.thedailycougar.com/puzzles

Household Haiku by Marian Smith

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On Twitter @thedailycougar

Thursday, November 7, 2013 // 11

The Daily Cougar

NEWS LAW CENTER

More students providing legal services to needy Nora Olabi Assistant news editor

UH is a multicultural hub and, with this mélange of ethnicities at the University, comes a variety of needs, one of them being legal services. Besides fostering the next generation of attorneys, second- and third-year law students work for free, or “pro bono,” in the Houston community. They provide legal services to people who would otherwise be left with no legal recourse. Barbara Stalder is the civil clinic student legal services coordinator at the UHLC who oversees law students’ pro bono work. She also works to provide legal services to lowincome families dealing with issues like immigration and divorce. “The reason why I do pro bono work is because I believe I have Stalder duty and responsibility to the profession and the community to give back a small portion of what I have received,” Stalder said. “There is a quote that reads, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ I remind myself that I have been given much, and helping others is one small way I can pay it forward.” Ritika Narayanan, a second year law student who works pro bono on immigration cases, believes the law should not only serve the affluent, but people from all levels of society. “For me, this isn’t all about making money, and being able to give back to people who can’t afford it is part of why this system was put in place,” Narayanan said. “It wasn’t

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“As a political organization here on campus, we should have more events like this. I was very disappointed. We lost out on a good opportunity,” De Montaigu said. The conversation then turned to vacant spaces in the SGA Senate, when the presidential appointment of Mohammed Elsaadi to Senator of the Cullen College of Engineering took place.

only meant to serve those who could afford to pay for it. So I think in that light, long-term, it’s giving back in a way in which the law was initially designed to do: to serve the mass majority as opposed to only those who could afford counsel.” For Amir Roohi, a third-year law student who has also done pro bono legal work, providing legal services is crucial to the community, especially because most people have very limited knowledge about the law. “I think there’s a misconception that everyone has access to legal recourse, and they don’t,” Roohi said. “We go to law school for three years because it’s a complicated mess, and to assume that people are going to do it ... by themselves is ludicrous and (to assume that they) can afford a lawyer that’s going to be good is also ludicrous. We have such an amazing justice system; everyone should have access to it regardless of if they have money.” Fostering engagement with the community and a desire to give back is important for students, both altruistically and professionally, said representatives of the Pro Bono Counsel at Vinson & Elkins during a lecture. Rebekah Wendt, a second year law student who has worked pro bono, feels that it is her responsibility to use her power and place in society to effect a change for the better. “It’s all about giving back, because just the fact that we’re here in law school and are able to study means that I’m in a very privileged position in the world,” Wendt said. “And I think that comes with a responsibility to help people out to the extent that I can and being aware that you have a lot to give to people who need help.” news@thedailycougar.com

“I’ve been very involved on campus, so I wanted to further my campus involvement. I scheduled a meeting with Cedric and asked what available positions SGA had,” Elsaadi said. As the evening wound down, Director of External Affairs Bria Riley updated SGA on the Voter Outreach and Education. “The voter turnout increased by double. I’m very proud of our engagement,” Riley said. news@thedailycougar.com

NOVEMBER 11-15, 2013

Opening Ceremony Featuring UH Language and Culture Center Singers Monday, November 11, 12:00PM - 1:00PM UC Satellite, Patio Hill International Lunch and Dinner Cuisines Monday through Friday, Fresh Food Company in Moody Towers Study Abroad Photo Contest Submissions now Through November 14, midnight Sponsored by Office of International Studies and Programs For information go to: www.facebook.com/studyabroaduh International Marketplace Thursday, November 14, 11AM to 3:00PM Butler Plaza History of the Sari Friday, November 15, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM Small Conference Room, Room #124, Fresh Foods, Moody Towers (To participate in wearing a sari, RSVP to: pfernandes@uh.edu You must purchase lunch there for admission to this event.) Fun Friday at Lynn Eusan Park Friday, November 15 Food, Henna, and Dance Demonstrations: 6 PM. The Film “Bride and Prejudice”: 7 PM Co-sponsored by the Council of Ethnic Organizations and Center for Student Involvement For more information, visit our website: issso.uh.edu/events/iew2013.html Sponsored by International Education Week Committee

12 \\ Thursday, November 7, 2013

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