Issue 1, Volume 90 by The Cougar

CAMPUS

Students’ first impression of newly renovated Rec Center

GAURAANGI GUPTA

NEWS EDITOR

@GAURAANGIGUPTA

The newly renovated Campus Recreation and Wellness Center reopened after being under construction for more than a year.

After the disappointment and frustration students met with last semester, the much-awaited opening brought a sense of relief for regular UH gym-goers.

“I am very excited and happy they finally made new additions operational for students,” said computer information systems senior and student worker at CRWC Mark Abidde.

The improvements included a replacement of all wood floors and terrazzo flooring, renovation of the entry and welcome desk, additional offices and the repair of the secondfloor fitness zone flooring.

The forced confinement of all students to the first floor during construction led to a lot of complaints. Because of the lack of space, students were unable to access some equipment but with the second floor re-opening, this issue seems to have been resolved.

“I really liked the extra space for stretching and it felt nice to have that extra space back,” said graphic design senior Madison Galvez. “It’s good for certain days where maybe I want to do

something that’s a bit out of the crowd.”

An important addition to the Rec Center during this plan was the introduction of the Red Zone on the first floor.

The Functional Training Studio is equipped with all the latest functional training and sports performance equipment.

Students can find racks, some cardio and multi-functional equipment including battle ropes, heavy bags, kettlebells and a MARs screen that demonstrates how to do different exercises using the equipment.

“I enjoyed the body weight workouts at the Red Zone because before, it was mainly just weights focused or with the cardio machines,” Galvez said. “I liked trying different workouts that I hadn’t been able to do before because of lack of equipment.”

The Red Zone also added extra spaces for students’ exercises and dispersed the crowd from the second floor, Galvez said.

In addition to this, the Red Zone now includes a slam wall for medicine ball workouts, a turf area with a wheelbarrow sled, plyo boxes and equipment to help with HIIT workouts or functional training movements.

Students like Abidde also

seem to be enjoying the addition of Shake Smart, which opened four months ago and replaced Smoothie King on the first floor of the facility.

“I know the Smoothie King had a bunch of snacks and highcalorie drinks,” Abidde said. “So this definitely feels much healthier, and so I like it.”

While the Rec Center seems to have replaced almost the entire flooring across the facility, students don’t feel satisfied with the amount of time and money it took.

According to regular gymgoers, apart from the Red Zone which seemed to be a fan favorite, there were no new additions to the equipment.

“I feel neutrally satisfied because the time they took was a lot, especially as we were being charged the same prices too,” Galvez said. “That bothered me, and I think a lot of other students were bothered by it as well.”

Galvez and other students complained that some equipment was still broken after the renovations. They feel that changing the floors didn’t make much of a difference and changing the equipment could have been a better approach. Despite the approximate 15 months of closure and delayed opening, there are still some

EDITORIAL

parts of the Rec Center that are blocked off like the ping-pong table and the Badminton court.

Apart from these issues, the CRWC seems to be having a positive response, especially from students who are working out at the Rec Center for the first time.

A common belief among all attendees was that the facility looks much cleaner and shinier now.

“I have been going to the gym for three months now, and I really liked my experience here,” said accounting junior Kristal Morales. “It was pretty relaxed and really cool. I got to do everything I needed and didn’t have to wait for other people to finish with their equipment, like in other gyms.”

While Morales’ experience was much better at the Rec Center, she emphasized adding more signage and maps around the facility to avoid confusion and improve user experience.

Overall, despite the delayed opening and closed down parts of the facility, the newly renovated Rec Center is now mostly functional and is being used by Coogs.

More information about the Rec Center including operating hours can be on their website.

news@thedailycougar.com

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Resources available at UH to combat mental health challenges

JOSHUA VASQUEZ STAFF WRITER

@J0SH_VASQUEZ

With the excitement and stress of a new semester comes shopping for supplies and dorm decorations, getting parking permits and figuring out where to get Cougar Cards.

However, one thing many students tend to overlook is their mental health.

UH has implemented programs and resources for students with mental health concerns.

These resources help students tackle with mental health issues in a very seamless process.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. News and Generation

Lab, 70% of students say they have struggled with mental health since starting college.

Chris Dawe, assistant vice president for student affairs for health and well-being, emphasized that there are various steps students can take when they feel down.

“Strategies and protective factors for mental health and overall well-being include sleep, nutrition, physical activity and strong social connections,” Dawe said. “These elements help us establish good health habits and provide support during life’s challenges.”

He also stressed the importance of maintaining strong social connections, as

it will help students avoid the feeling of isolation.

According to research by the Pew Research Center, the Coronavirus pandemic was a trigger for worsening mental health globally, a view Dawe agrees with as well.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already rising problem of mental health issues among students,” Dawe said. “The U.S. surgeon general has called loneliness an epidemic, and it’s a particularly large issue in urban areas like Houston.”

Many universities across the country have enacted several programs for their students and have been encouraged to prioritize their mental health.

In 2023, UH reported multiple cases of suicide. Since then, the University has become even more mindful towards students’ well-being, and have been actively working to make students feel heard.

At UH, President and Chancellor Renu Khator, appointed a mental health task force in the same year to review the University’s mental health services.

“One thing that came out of the suicide cases is that a lot of the campus was really focused

on this idea of, how do we prevent suicide and create more mental health on our campus?”

Dawe said.

The University was under an external review, consisting of reviewers who looked at the Counseling and Psychological Services and made sure that things were being done openly, said Dawe.

Among the resources offered to students, Togetherall, a peer-to-peer support network, and WellTrack Boost, an app that provides learning modules, skill practice and connections to on-campus and community resources, are ones that Dawe says should be on every student’s phone.

Should a student need additional help, the university’s CAPS provides one-on-one counseling and support.

The counselling services follow the privacy rules and no information about students are released to anyone.

Additionally, students can access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and Mental Health Support Line, a 24/7 hotline for mental health support via call, text or chat.

The University is implementing a survey called

WISHES to gather data on student well-being and use it to evaluate and improve mental health programs and services.

Current initiatives include becoming a JED campus to prevent suicide and improve mental health, centralizing CAPS for better access and creating a crisis response team with licensed clinicians to support students in crisis.

They are also rolling out a resource guide or “green folder,” for all faculty and staff to help them support students in need.

It will offer mental health training like question, persuade and refer, and Mental Health First Aid to equip the campus community with skills to support students.

UH also plans to embed counselors in various colleges across campus to improve access to mental health services.

“We’re working with a number of the colleges and going to add more embedded counselors, so they’re not just in Health 2,” Dawe said. “This will make it more accessible and easier for people to get support wherever they are.”

news@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

VOTING

UH strives to become a voter-friendly campus

CINDY RIVAS ALFARO EDITOR IN CHIEF

@CINDYGISELLES

In an effort to increase civic engagement and voter education, UH is seeking a designation from the Campus Vote Project to become a voter-friendly campus.

The Voter-Friendly Campus program aims to help higher education institutions plan an achievable roadmap to meeting the voter registration requirements of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

The Center for Student Involvement has taken the initiative to coordinate action plans for the University and analyze its current civic engagement.

“We’re trying to enroll in The National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement to track the percentage of students on campus who register and actually vote,” said CSI Associate Director Eric Smith.

While also serving as a metric of success, enrolling in NSLVE would provide the necessary data to potentially earn a silver seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, one of the goals UH hopes to accomplish.

During a midterm election, earning a silver seal translates to 30-39% of voter participation from students while a presidential election requires 60-69% of voter participation.

Upcoming action steps

UH’s main goals are to increase voter registration turnout and education, increase the use of the on-campus polling location and engage non-partisan community partners to increase civic engagement.

Grassroots organizing will play an important role in working toward these goals, especially with registered student organizations on campus that are already face-to-face with students.

The Student Government Association has several plans in the works to increase voter education and registration turnout including a debate watch party and a Middle Ground-

inspired panel, according to SGA Chief of Staff Daniela Gonzalez.

“There’s a lot of things that affect all of us as college students that we don’t realize tie back to politics,” Gonzalez said. “So I think it’s important to take advantage of the fact that you can vote and voice your opinion.”

SGA Director of External Affairs Khushvir Chahal is also planning to host an RSO competition where the student organization that registers the most students to vote can win free food for their second general meeting.

Alongside the work of SGA, Smith hopes to offer student leaders of RSOs the opportunity to become Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrars through the Harris County Clerk’s Office and host consistent voter registration drives on

campus.

“The important thing is that your voice is heard,” said SGA President Diego Arriaga. “One vote can mean the difference between a lot of things.”

Last but not least, increasing the use of the on-campus polling location ensures it can continue to be provided to students and cultivate a culture of civic engagement at UH.

How to vote and upcoming events

The last day to register to vote for the general election is Oct. 7 with early voting starting on Oct. 21 and ending on Nov. 1. If registering for the first time, you must complete a voter registration application and mail it to your local county election office 30 days before the election date.

If you only need to change your name or address, it can be done online at Texas.gov.

An upcoming event for students to look forward to is the 2024 Texas Voting Summit on Sept. 13-14 at UH hosted by the Campus Vote Project alongside the Houston Youth Voters Conference, UH and Texas Southern University.

At this free event, college students, administrators and faculty can learn about nonpartisan efforts to increase voter participation at their campus.

Campus Vote Project is offering a free one-night stay at the UH Hilton Hotel on a first-come first-serve basis to attend this event.

news@thedailycougar.com

Texas Tribune brings politics, policies into the spotlight

EDITOR IN CHIEF

@CINDYGISELLES

The Texas Tribune Festival is returning to downtown Austin on Sept. 5-7 for its 14th year of sparking conversations about Texas’ current political climate and issues.

This year, notable figures like Nancy Pelosi, Liz Cheney and Wes Moore will be in attendance following some of Houston’s own leaders like Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Former Harris County prosecutor Sean Teare and Rep. Dan Crenshaw.

With over 300 speakers and more than 100 panels, attendees can expect to be exposed to different viewpoints following one of America’s most unpredictable elections.

TribFest lets Texans come together to wrestle with current politics and policy decisions and do so in an environment where ideas may be different than one’s own, said Texas Tribune Senior Director of Events and Live Journalism Matt Ewalt.

Despite being in Austin, TribFest provides several opportunities for Houstonians to learn more about their city but also explore other pressing issues around Texas.

Even if politics might be an overwhelming topic to digest, Tribfest provides different avenues where policy, politics and other forms of decisionmaking can be discussed.

“The festival is for any student, any Texan, who has an interest in the future of their communities, their state, their

world, whether it’s directly through politics, the arts or some other kind of public service,” Ewalt said.

Some panels that might interest Houston students include Hidalgo’s panel with Greg Hansch on her struggles with depression and mental health, ProPublica’s discussion of the rhetoric used on the border and Stacey Abrams’ session on voting rights and threats to democracy.

UH’s political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus will also moderate a session with Texas A&M’s retiring Chancellor John Sharp and Former Governor Rick Perry.

“As an extension of the Tribune’s journalism, it’s an opportunity to hear from people, but also to ask questions directly of our public officials and

others and to hold our public officials accountable,” Ewalt said. “That accountability is critical to the way the festival functions.”

The first two days of the festival are filled with panels, book signings and networking events while the final day on Sept. 7 ends with an Open Congress between 7th and 11th street in downtown Austin.

Student tickets are available at a discount for $50.

The Open Congress on Sept.7 is free and does not require a festival ticket.

For more information on the schedule, speakers or Open Congress you can visit Tribfest’s website.

news@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

CINDY RIVAS ALFARO

back to school

SCHOOL ESSENTIALS

Backpack essentials every student should have on hand

GAURAANGI GUPTA NEWS EDITOR

@GAURAANGIGUPTA

As the fall semester has finally begun, it is important to ensure that every student has the perfect backpack ready.

From electronics to food supplies, here’s a list of essential items students can carry this fall for a comfortable semester.

Extra clothes

While the Houston heat can feel unbearable, classrooms are equally cold, if not more.

This can be an uncomfortable situation

for a lot of students, leading them to lose focus.

Carry spare clothes, preferably a jacket, to avoid such situations. It can make a stylish and trendy fall outfit for those wanting to make themselves known.

Refillable water bottle

Using a refillable water bottle enables students to make choices that are both environmentally friendly and financially sustainable.

By choosing to refill their bottles instead of purchasing single-use plastic ones,

students can reduce plastic waste and save money over time.

UH has installed around 65 UH20 water filling station units to encourage the reuse of water bottles. Students and faculty members across campus widely use these stations for their convenience and environmental benefits.

Snacks

While UH has a lot of food options on campus, it gets difficult to get food in time especially in between different classes.

To avoid skipping meals because of long lines or busy schedules, it is recommended to have ready-to-eat snacks.

By having these convenient options on hand, students can ensure they have the necessary sustenance to keep energy levels high throughout the day.

Try to mix and match by maintaining a balance between healthy and tasty by packing snacks like fruits, nuts, seeds, candies, wafers and granola bars.

Electronics

Everything in today’s world revolves around electronics, including students relying on them for everything, from completing homework assignments to taking final exams.

Most courses require students to carry a laptop in order to be able to access textbooks and other study materials. An iPad or other smaller tablets can make for portable options.

Utilize these devices to make notes, record lectures and organize online planners. Carrying chargers is also vital as the campus has equipped the majority of its classrooms with charging ports to ensure that all devices stay powered throughout the day.

A lot of students also carry headphones, whether it’s smaller earbuds or over-the-ear ones. Many students are seen listening to music on their way to class or just to cancel out the background noise.

Health supplies

Students across the world have become more conscious post-COVID-19. Therefore, everyone should keep certain health supplies in their backpacks.

These items can include hand sanitizers, disinfectant sprays, feminine hygiene products, band-aids, face masks, tissues and pain relievers. If someone has allergies, they should also keep their prescribed medicine readily available.

news@thedailycougar.com

GAURAANGI GUPTA

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

A freshman’s survival guide to make it through college

REGAN GRANT

MANAGING EDITOR

@JPG.REGAN

Starting college can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. For freshmen stepping into this new chapter of life, the transition from high school to university presents a mix of excitement, challenges and opportunities.

To help ease the journey, here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and successful first year:

HEALTH

Master the art of time travel (or just get a planner)

College time moves differently— assignments have a way of sneaking up like a Netflix binge that suddenly turns into a 3 a.m. watch party.

To avoid the classic “I forgot we had homework” crisis, grab a planner or use a calendar app. Time travel might be out of reach, but it’s obtainable to manage scheduling.

Profs aren’t just for lectures:

They’re secret weapons

Professors are like college ninjas— super skilled and ready to help you succeed, but only if sought out. Pop by their office hours, ask questions and who knows, they might just drop some knowledge that’ll open doors to opportunities.

Student clubbin’

Join an organization on campus! Whether it’s ultimate frisbee, board games or anime, there’s a club for everyone. Dive in, make friends and maybe even pick up a new hobby or two. Plus, it’s a great way to get free pizza.

Get savvy with cash

Let’s be real — being broke is a rite of passage in college, but avoid living on instant noodles by keeping an eye on spending. Use student discounts, grab textbook rentals and maybe even snag a part-time job that won’t eat up free time. Budgeting might not be glamorous, but neither is running out of money.

Laundry roulette: Don’t be that person

Everyone knows laundry day is the

worst. Avoid the infamous “laundry pile-up” by setting a weekly schedule.

And for the love of all things clean, don’t forget clothes in the washer for too long — no one likes a game of laundry roulette, where stuff mysteriously ends up in the dryer or worse, on the floor.

Ask for help when needed

Never be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s struggling with a class, feeling homesick or just needing advice, there are resources available.

Academic advisors, campus counselors and peer mentors are all there to support students. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mind your manners: College Etiquette 101

College is a communal experience, so a little etiquette goes a long way. Hold the door open for other people, say thanks to the dining hall staff and be respectful in class (yes, that means putting phones away).

These small acts of kindness make campus life more pleasant for everyone. news@thedailycougar.com

Habits for a healthy lifestyle to start college off right

LESLY SALDANA STAFF WRITER

@LESLYSALDAN.A

Entering college life comes with significant changes in lifestyle, and staying healthy while adjusting to these changes is vital as it can help students set up for success.

Luckily, there are many ways a student can achieve a healthy lifestyle while balancing school life. Here are some helpful tips:

Finding healthy eating options around campus

It is not hard to find a place to eat when there are numerous dining spots scattered all around campus. However, not all of them offer healthy meal options.

Chick-fil-A, located in the Student Center South, might not be the healthiest but they offer some nutritious meals such as salads, wraps and grilled chicken sandwiches.

McAlister’s Deli, located across the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, and Einstein Bros. Bagels also offer numerous varieties of salads making them convenient options for health conscious students.

Dining halls on campus are another great resource that offers a large variety of different foods that change on an everyday basis.

Calories for any of the foods served on campus can be found online on the UH dining website and on the dining hall menu screens.

Cooking

While it can be helpful to have access

to the nutritional facts of campus food, the most effective way of keeping a healthy diet is by cooking meals.

This gives a student the ability to control what is put into their diet and manage all kinds of nutritious needs. Most living spaces on campus are equipped with kitchenettes, allowing students to cook and prepare their own meals.

Cooking also allows for meal preparation which can keep students healthy on-the-go even on busy college days.

Working out

Working out at a gym or practicing yoga is another way to ensure a healthy lifestyle.

Lucky for Coogs, the Recreation Center is accessible to all students with their Cougar card.

The CRWC offers a large variety of gym equipment that helps target all muscle groups.

The right tools can be easily found for every kind of goal ranging from lifting weights, walking on a treadmill to even strengthening their core.

Aside from traditional gym equipment, the rec center offers many classes and activities such as yoga, pilates and rock climbing that are free to students.

The building is also equipped with several indoor and outdoor pools that provide yet another way to stay active.

Manage stress

Students tend to feel overburdened by the fast moving pace of college life. Therefore, it is essential to manage stress effectively and efficiently.

Practicing mindfulness, meditation and deep-breathing exercises are the most common practices to relieve stress.

UH also organizes a bunch of events to help students manage stress. Counseling and Psychological Services is also a good resource for students to seek support.

Get enough sleep

While it is important to make sure that each student is living their college life to the fullest, it is equally important to have a good sleep schedule.

A healthy sleep schedule requires an adult to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night, according to research.

Being sleep-deprived will only lead to more tiredness, decreased levels of efficiency and a reduced information retention rate as well.

Students can create playlists with soothing songs to help them fall asleep early and more easily.

Socialise

Having a healthy, balanced and active social life is as important as having good grades.

Students should ensure that they have enough time to socialise and meet new people.

College is all about networking and creating meaningful relationships. Therefore, it is important to have some time away from textbooks to invest in human interactions.

Find a hobby

College is a great opportunity to either work on existing hobbies, or find some new ones!

UH has a number of different organisations that students can join to enhance their skills and pursure their hobbies.

It can even lead to getting a leadership position while also earning money doing something they like and enjoy.

news@thedailycougar.com

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

ATHLETICS

Eddie Nuñez to serve as Houston’s next athletic director

CAMRYN

ALBERIGO SPORTS EDITOR

@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO

Eddie Nuñez will serve as Houston’s next vice president for intercollegiate athletics, the university announced Saturday afternoon.

Nuñez, who has agreed to a five-year deal with Houston, has held leadership roles with New Mexico and LSU.

“Eddie Nuñez brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success during a time of great transformation in college athletics,”

President Renu Khator said in a statement. “His leadership will be critical as we continue to elevate our athletics programs, enhance the student-athlete experience and build on the tremendous momentum at the University of Houston.”

Most recently, Nuñez served as the athletic director at New Mexico and presided over success on and off the field.

During his seven-year tenure, Nuñez oversaw the construction of the New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center.

Under his leadership, the Lobos secured

53 NCAA Tournament appearances, 22 Mountain West Conference titles and led the Mountain West in academic honors.

During his 14 seasons with LSU, Nuñez held seven positions. Notably, he led $400 million in facility renovations and construction and the renegotiations of a 10-year multi-media rights agreement.

“I am incredibly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the Cougars during this exciting time,” Nuñez, said in a statement. “I look forward to building on UH’s strong foundation of athletic and academic excellence. I am committed to providing our studentathletes with the resources and support they need to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.”

The Miami native played four years of college basketball. He started at MiamiDade Community College before taking his talents to Florida, where he played for Billy Donovan.

Nuñez replaces Chris Pezman, who was axed from his role as Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics in June.

Nuñez will become the 14th athletic director in Houston history pending approval from the UH System Board of Regents.

President Renu Khator and Board of

Regents Chairman Tilman Fertitta will formally introduce Nuñez at a public press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at noon in the TDECU Stadium Club. sports@thedailycougar.com

Eddie Nuñez and his two daughters Elizabeth and Anna on the sideline of a New Mexico football game at LSU. | Courtesy of New Mexico Athletics

Eddie Nuñez to depart New Mexico to become Houston’s 14th athletic director. | Courtesy of New Mexico Athletics

Setbacks and milestones T-10 days till kickoff

CAMRYN ALBERIGO

EDITOR

SPORTS

@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO

Houston football practiced in TDECU Stadium for the first time during the 2024 preseason camp on Tuesday, Aug. 13 marking a significant milestone in their preparations.

Construction of the new Football Operations Center kept the team from entering the stadium until this point.

VOLLEYBALL

The Cougars have taken the most reps on the team’s grass practice field and the indoor facility during their summer camp.

Now with less than two weeks until the season kicks off, the Cougars are embracing change, building endurance and attempting to maintain their health.

“We are trying to give our guys different environments to play and practice in, so they are used to everything,” said head

Alumn Morgan Janda: Houston’s new director of operations

CAMRYN ALBERIGO

SPORTS EDITOR

@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO

Houston volleyball’s new director of operations, Morgan Janda, is no stranger to UH. Janda, a setter, competed for UH during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, which followed a three-year stint with Sam Houston, where she competed in volleyball and track.

During her time in Houston, she recorded 1,258 assists across 212 sets and was one of three players to play in each of the Cougar’s 104 sets in 2023. Janda led the team with 758 assists in 2022.

In 2024, Janda revived her career as a dual sport athlete and competed as a jumper for UH track & field. She became the first Cougar to compete in two sports since Tyus Bowser competed in football and basketball.

Janda also earned her master’s in sports and fitness administration at UH. Now, the Katy, Texas native gets to apply the knowledge she acquired in the classroom as she returns to the program she competed with during two consecutive NCAA tournaments.

“It’s bittersweet because the athlete in me is eager to jump out there,” Janda said. “The other side of me is saying that the chapter is closed. I need to get out there and experience something new.”

As the director of operations, Janda gets a unique behind-the-scenes view of the program. From attending coaches’

coach Willie Fritz. “But we want to have a true home-field advantage and that is why we got to practice in TDECU.”

Since the beginning of preseason practice, Fritz has applauded his team’s ability to adapt to change, a skill that will continue to be necessary throughout the season.

Now that they are over the initial hump and more than 10 practices in for the season, Houston knows what it means to put in the work before game day, regardless of the environment.

“You want to practice physical and furious, but you want to stay on your feet,” Fritz said. “Nobody wants to hurt their teammate and you got to be smart to do that.”

However, non-contact injuries have shaped up to be the demise of the Cougars running back group which looked to be a stronghold for Houston’s offense.

Senior running back Tony Mathis Jr. tore his ACL during camp which will sideline him for the season.

Last season, Mathis appeared in 10 games for Houston, with two starts. Before his time in Houston, the rusher spent four seasons with West Virginia.

Redshirt freshman running back Steve Polk suffered an Achilles injury that will cause him to miss the season.

The Cougars return redshirt freshman running back Re’Shaun Standford II, who suffered a season-ending knee

injury during last year’s preseason, junior running back Stacey Sneed and sophomore running back Parker Jenkins. Jenkins led the Cougars with 464 rushing yards last season and started in eight contests.

To strengthen their unit, Houston welcomed freshmen running backs DJ Butler and J’Marion Burnette.

“I think two freshmen running backs are going to be great,” Fritz said. “Their first-day competing in a semi-live situation was in the stadium, so we got two more guys at the toughest position in football.”

Houston’s season-ending injuries did not stop at the running back group.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Caleb McMickle will be joining the two injured backs on the sideline after undergoing an ACL injury.

“I didn’t want to see anyone get hurt. It’s one of the only bad things about football,” Fritz said. “However, I know these guys will work hard and come back.”

Houston will look to adapt and establish their depth chart in the coming days and plans to extend this project into the first weeks of the season.

In addition, more practices inside TDECU are on the calendar ahead of the opener.

On Aug. 31 the Cougars will take on UNLV in front of their home crowd.

sports@thedailycougar.com

meetings to planning practices and team meals, Janda is already getting to engross herself in the complexity of athletics.

“I always knew those elements were there. Now that it is my role, I realize I should have been even more grateful,”

Janda said. “It’s a big eye-opener to see the other side.”

Her new role requires her to be willing to absorb new knowledge every day and use skills she acquired during her time on the court, on the track, and in the classroom.

“It’s a lot of learning on the fly and doing things you’re not used to,” Janda said. “I think back to things I learned and thought I would probably never use, but now I am using it. It is amazing that I am doing it with the Houston program that I am so familiar with.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

E A SY TO ENJOY IN

After two seasons with UH, Morgan Janda takes on a new role. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Houston head coach Willie Fritz talks to the team at the end of practice, Tuesday, Aug. 13. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

AI chatbots are ruining education

RISHI CHAVA STAFF WRITER

@NOBODY_AUSSIE

UH Go, designed with your needs in mind. The UH Go app is your fast pass to UH. You can nd and pay for meals, view your grades, explore life on campus and easily access campus safety. All this in one easy to navigate spot.

Go to uh.edu/go to nd out more

ChatGPT is extremely popular among students, but unfortunately, it could be catastrophic for the future of education. AI models create a standard for students to accept subpar writing and therefore, subpar thinking.

This issue can all be summed up by one word: Tapestry.

Recently, users have noticed that ChatGPT overuses the word so frequently that even college admissions officers have complained on social media about countless essays using the phrase “rich cultural tapestry.”

It’s not just “tapestry” either. When looking into ChatGPT’s preferred vocabulary, it’s apparent how incredibly repetitive it is. Even their own Twitter account jokes about it.

This repetition is proof of the bland, uninspiring content that AI generates.

Writing is hard. It is a question with no answer, a test on which you can never get a perfect score. If you’re lucky enough to have a rubric, it’s likely vague with room for interpretation. Even with that guideline, following it doesn’t guarantee a good grade.

Considering the American education system prefers to test rather than teach writing skills, students often find AI-generated essays are better at checking boxes than their own writing. Though the AI content will be bland, formulaic and mediocre, a student might accept it as the best possible, since it’s far better than what they could do.

Ultimately, ChatGPT rewards mediocrity.

Imagine a student struggling to write an essay. They brainstorm a long list of ideas, and write a few paragraphs before realizing it has no hope of ever working.

Through perseverance, they come up with a sentence, then a paragraph. The next day, the student keeps testing and scrapping ideas. Eventually, they create something they’re proud to put their name on.

After all that work, their English teacher covers every inch of the paper with red ink and gives it a D.

Through the disbelief, disappointment and anger, maybe the student actually learned a few rules about writing. When writing their next essay, they apply those rules.

What happens after a semester? After a school year? After half a decade? Everything about their brain will be different. The ideas they have will be numerous and original, and they’ll be able to better connect them with other concepts.

As they string them together, they’ll become aware of the tiny details of their plan, and how they add up to create something exceptional. They’ll grow from their experiences, and eventually be able to improve upon their flaws.

What if on that first essay, that student used ChatGPT and their English teacher gave the bland, formulaic essay a decent grade? The student would miss out on that growth.

Looking further, what if millions of students across the nation skip out on developing those cognitive skills because an AI model spit out something mediocre, but passable?

Say a doctor is presented with an ill patient infected by a rare disease. With options and time running thin, he suddenly remembers something from his schooling a decade earlier; an obscure treatment only usable in a specific case. He quickly explains to his team, in no uncertain terms, what must be done to save the patient, and his team suggests detailed improvements to the process. Together, they save the patient’s life.

If the doctor never learned to write well and relied on AI throughout his decades of schooling, could he still think so efficiently? Could he still save the patient’s life?

This isn’t only a dilemma for doctors. It applies to engineers who build bridges critical to commerce, programmers who create databases for companies and economists who decide how to recover from a recession. It applies to everyone.

As AI becomes more accessible, there are growing incentives for millions of students to accept mediocre writing, and therefore mediocre thinking.

Usage of AI models in schools should not be standard. A less intellectually capable population is a huge price to pay for a small tapestry of convenience, and the consequences will be hell to pay if students continue accepting the mediocrity these models provide.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Transfer students often face difficult transitions

ANAYA BAXTER OPINION ASSIST

@ANAYABAX

Each semester, UH welcomes thousands of transfer students to campus. Leaving behind their former institution to continue their education prompts feelings of both excitement and anxiety.

Unfortunately, the thrill of admission tends to fade when preparations for the school year start. Receiving an acceptance offer is only the beginning of several challenges awaiting new students, and this is especially the case for transfer students.

Transfer students are just as unique as their educational journey. Some come with an associate’s degree under their belt, experience from another four-year university or a renewed motivation for learning. Whatever the reason, the fall semester marks a new start for them.

While programs like Houston Guided Pathways to Success aim to ensure degree plans across universities correspond, many students lose credits while transferring. This is especially true for out-of-state and international students and it’s incredibly disheartening, as it’s a large waste of time and money.

Academic troubles also present themselves in the form of “transfer shock,” a phenomenon common among transfer students within their first couple semesters.

Following the transition from one institution to another, these students

often struggle with their classwork. Familiarizing oneself with their new environment, managing expectations and overwhelming emotions add to the difficulties that coursework already brings on.

Transfer shock is not a permanent phenomenon, but the ramifications of transferring schools can be long-term. These students often take longer to earn their bachelor’s degree than those who began at a four-year school. Along with inspiring frustrations and delaying post-graduation pursuits, this can be financially strenuous.

Transferring to a new university is just as taxing emotionally as it is academically.

It can be difficult to find one’s footing in a place seemingly so well-established. Peers who have curated their friend groups and learned the school culture appear to be miles ahead.

Settling down becomes increasingly difficult when feelings of impermanence settle in. For students, particularly those entering as juniors or seniors, it can be hard to feel grounded in a place they know they will not reside in for long.

Community colleges are commonly presented as stepping stones for fouryear universities. Students are motivated to do their best in hopes of pleasing future admissions officers.

Understandably, students from this background find themselves continuing this line of thinking, viewing their final years as preparation for employment

rather than a chance to immerse themselves in school.

Transfer students find themselves in a unique position where, according to credit hours, they are upperclassmen, but socially are on a similar playing field as freshmen. Even if they are not as brighteyed and familiar with higher education, they are still experiencing UH for the first time. This dynamic can be confusing and foster feelings of being left behind.

The complexities of leaving behind one school for another deserve recognition. It is no easy feat to enter unknown social

and academic spaces, and it’s even harder to thrive and find a sense of belonging.

Despite challenges, the first semester as a transfer student is an incredible opportunity for growth and discovery. It’s all too easy to let excitement die down and succumb to dread, but holding onto that enthusiasm could be a lifeline. Building a support system, getting involved on campus and opening up can ease students’ anxieties and make their transition enjoyable.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Don’t buy into something you know little about. Rather than following the crowd, rely on common sense. Look at the big picture and avoid risky ventures. Choose to let the dust settle.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -Focus on your mental, physical and emotional well-being. Release energy by engaging in activities or projects that bring you peace and encourage gratitude. Maintain a positive outlook.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- Enjoy your surroundings by taking a walk in your neighborhood. Expose yourself to something that prompts you to learn something new or make a change. Reach out to people who share your enthusiasm.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) --

You may not relish change, but you must make it. Trying something new will boost your curiosity and encourage you to take your skills to a new level. Unleash your talents and embark on new beginnings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Take the time to listen before you reveal your thoughts. Knowing what others want or need will help you communicate effectively. Arguing is a waste of time; incentives will help you get your way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

-- A lifestyle change geared toward health will be uplifting. Nothing worth doing is easy, but the hard work you put in will lead to exciting connections, pastimes and rewards.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

-- An opportunity to make your space functional will result in a new approach to chores. Combine something you love to do with someone you enjoy being around. Follow your heart.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Stick to the facts, or someone will question your validity. Gaining support will require proof and trust. Being disciplined and having a good work ethic will ensure you attract support.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

-- Make covert changes to avoid interference. Keeping your life simple and free from overdramatic people will help you get what you want. Don’t let certain changes cause you to make a premature move.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) --

Listen to your intuition and verify your feelings. Be polite, but ask direct questions. You cannot afford to let anyone take advantage of or mislead you. Don’t spend money in an attempt to win acceptance.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Change may be in the stars, but you’ll have more than one choice. Ask for expert advice, but make a move only if it’s worthwhile. With opportunities heading your way, you have more time than you realize.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -Someone authoritative will take note if you let your imagination take the reins. The more creative you are, the easier it will be to gain access to people, information and prospects. Do things your way.

—Eugenia Last

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar