The Daily Texan 2019-09-17 by The Daily Texan

Serving The University Of Texas At Austin Community Since 1900 @thedailytexan | thedailytexan.com

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Volume 121, Issue 25

NEWS

OPINION

LIFE&ARTS

SPORTS

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

PAGE 8

PAGE 6

President Fenves announced an initiative affirming the University’s commitment to ethics.

Texas Athletics should not pressure athletes to change their majors.

Tom Herman and Longhorns seek first win against Cowboys since 2014.

Students commuting from as far as San Antonio share their experiences.

CAMPUS

UT Faculty Council talks new Title IX reporting policies By Lauren Grobe @grobe_lauren

To address concerns surrounding the penalties and impact on students created by new Title IX policies, the UT Faculty Council met Monday to discuss how Senate Bill 212 will be implemented at UT. Faculty Council meetings are monthly discussions between faculty and staff which delve into campus issues. On Monday, chief compliance officer Leo Barnes led a presentation at the first meeting of the semester on the new Title IX reporting policies outlined in SB 212, which went into effect Sept. 1. Barnes also formally introduced Adriana Alicea-Rodriguez as the new Title IX coordinator, who officially began work on Monday. “I’m looking forward to what we can do to continue to further the Title IX program on campus,” Alicea-Rodriguez said. Under SB 212, failure to report a Title IX incident as a college employee is a criminal misdemeanor, and the University is required to terminate employees who fail to report or file a false report. Barnes said University Compliance Services would work to make sure all faculty were informed of the change. “We’re fully aware that some of this is just going to be different,” Barnes said. While SB 212 went into effect in early September, the new reporting obligations and penalties go into effect in January. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will determine how this is enforced and will use the next few months to add specific statutes to clarify certain T I T L E I X PAGE 2

eddie gaspar

/ the daily texan staff

Dance senior Atticus Griffin practices for a Fall for Dance performance on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. The lack of men in the dance industry creates a gender imbalance where opportunities for men are higher than women due to less competition.

Gender bias in dance

Student discusses competitive nature of dance, stigma among genders due to lack of male representation in Department of Theatre, Dance. By Mackenzie Dyer @mackdyerr

hispers followed Atticus Griffin. They chattered about his color guard performances and chuckled when he said he wanted to perform for the rest of his life. In the dance studio, the whispers fell silent. Now, as he roams the

Forty Acres, dance senior Griffin said the stereotypes he faces as a man in dance are not what bother him — it’s the implications they have on women. While male dancers may be perceived as an underrepresented group by the rest of the world, he said men are more marketable as dancers because there are fewer of them. Because of this demand, Griffin said another

paramount problem arises. Men are more likely to get jobs than their female counterparts due to limited competition. “I have to be better than the other men in the room,” Griffin said. “That’s what they’re going to compare me to, but there’s less men. I know a lot of female dancers get frustrated because they feel like they’re good enough but they’re not getting parts because there’s way more female competition.”

This dynamic is reflective of Western culture, said Dorothy O’Shea Overbey, theatre and dance assistant professor of practice. To combat this, Overbey said the department is focused on social justice and creating equal opportunities for everyone. Dance sophomore Lindsey Ball said even though diversity and inclusion is D A N C E PAGE 3

FOOD

‘Iconic’ restaurant El Patio reopening in late September By Sara Johnson @skjohn1999

Local restaurant El Patio will reopen its doors in late September, two months after the owners announced its closure in late July. Kristyn Ciani, the granddaughter of El Patio’s original owners, said she, her cousins and restaurant industry contacts joined together to reopen the Guadalupe Street restaurant by the end of this month. “We’re going to be the same restaurant,” Ciani said. “Don’t come in and expect to see a bunch of changes. We’re trying to preserve the history and the tradition of it.” Ciani said memories of working in the restaurant as a child came to the front of her mind when she heard the restaurant was closing. She said hearing the news from her extended family, who had owned and operated El Patio for 65 years, was “devastating.” “It was something that (my father) poured his heart and

soul into for so long that I understood him wanting to take a step back and shift gears,” Ciani said. “I thought, ‘You know, maybe it is time.’” Ciani said seeing the lines of people visiting El Patio in the days before it closed reaffirmed the group’s decision to reopen the restaurant. “Here are all these men and women of all ages coming in,” Ciani said. “I thought, ‘Wow, this place is really something special.’ It was a place to go to feel like you were around family.” Restaurant critic Rob Balon said the atmosphere and quality of the restaurant make it a staple of the Austin food scene. “The family-friendly atmosphere is certainly one thing,” Balon said. “You go there, and you almost never get a bad meal. It’s a short, simple menu, and it’s enough to keep people coming back.” Ciani said the menu will remain almost exactly the same, with only an expanded drink menu, when El Patio reopens. “It’s really important to

kirsten hahn

/ the daily texan staff

El Patio co-owner Sled Allen works to reopen the Tex-Mex restaurant on Guadalupe Street after closing in July. Allen is a cousin of the original owners of the restaurant. preserve the traditions … and introduce a new generation to it,” Ciani said. “If you’re from Austin, you (already) know, but we want to get more in with UT

students and our neighbors.” Joe Vilches, a computer science and mathematics senior, said he has visited El Patio multiple times. He said having El

Patio back means having another place students can get together outside of classes. “The people there were always really nice,” Vilches said.

“It just felt like a good place to be, like you were welcome, and you could just chill and have a good time.” Balon said El Patio’s return showed the success of their business practices, from their simple menu to their welcoming atmosphere in their time as a long-standing Austin restaurant. “The word ‘iconic’ gets thrown around a lot,” Balon said. “They understand what a lot of chain restaurants don’t. Lots of these places have been dropping like flies. They’ve got a good enough thing going to keep it up when they come back.” Ciani said when the restaurant does reopen, she’s looking forward to carrying on a family tradition for years to come. “It takes on my granddad’s legacy,” Ciani said. “He would call everybody a cousin because everybody was to him. It’s a special situation for me now. I could probably think of a better word than special, but that’s what comes to mind. I don’t even know how to put it into words.”

NEWS

MEGAN MENCHACA

News Editor | @THEDAILYTEXAN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

CAMPUS This issue of The Daily Texan is valued at $1.25

PERMANENT STAFF Editor-in-Chief Spencer Buckner Managing Editor Catherine Marfin Assoc. Managing Editors Alex Briseño, Lisa Nhan Director of Digital Strategy Peter Northfelt Assoc. Editors Angélica López, Emily Caldwell, Abby Springs, Sanika Nayak Forum Editors Julia Zaksek, Kateri David News Editor Megan Menchaca Assoc. News Editors Gracie Awalt, Savana Dunning News Desk Editors Hayden Baggett, Nicole Stuessy, Jackson Barton, Hannah Ortega Beat Reporters Neelam Bohra, Lauren Grobe, Laura Morales, Emily Hernandez, Lauren Girgis, Sara Johnson, Graysen Golter, Tori May, Areeba Amer Projects Editor Chase Karacostas Projects Reporters Trinady Joslin, Tiana Woodard, Savana Dunning Projects Designer Emma Overholt Copy Desk Chiefs Jason Lihuang, Brittany Miller

Selvaraj, Sierra Wiggers Video Editor Faith Castle Assoc. Video Editor Jackson Barton Photo Editor Eddie Gaspar Assoc. Photo Editors Anthony Mireles, Joshua Guenther Senior Photographers Amna Ijaz, Ryan Lam, Brittany Mendez, Blaine Young Life&Arts Editor Jordyn Zitman Assoc. Life&Arts Editors Trinady Joslin, Brooke Sjoberg Sr. Life&Arts Writers Noah Levine, Mackenzie Dyer Sports Editor Donnavan Smoot Assoc. Sports Editor Wills Layton Senior Sports Reporters Daniela Perez, Myah Taylor, Stephen Wagner, Marcus Krum Comics Editors Channing Miller, Lauren Ibanez Assoc. Comics Editor Alekka Hernandez Senior Comics Artists Ella Williams, Rocky Higine, Barbra Daly, Steph Sonik Social Media Editor Rebeccah Macias

Associate Copy Desk Chiefs Lawson Freeman, Irissa Omandam, Jimena Pinzon

Assoc. Social Media Editor Michael Hernandez

Design Editor Christiana Peek

Audio Editor Sara Schleede

Associate Design Editor Renee Koite

Audio Producers Divya Jagadeesh, Harper Carlton

Senior Designers Kendall Jordan, Nila

Editorial Adviser Peter Chen

Newsletters Editor Taylor Leen

ISSUE STAFF Copy Editors Olga Bravova Adriana Van Tho Designers Christina Peebles Mckenna Lucas Illustrators Elaine McMurrray Jack Perry Leslie Tang Sophia Solomon

L&A Reporter Ariana Arredondo Opinion Neha Dronamraju Maggie Lazaroski Photographers Jamie Hwang Evan L’Roy Kirsten Hahn

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Spencer Buckner (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com

MANAGING EDITOR Catherine Marfin (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com

NEWS OFFICE

(512) 232-2207 news@dailytexanonline.com The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. If we have made an error, let us know about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com.

AUSTIN WEATHER TODAY Sep. 17

HI LO

93º 75º

TOMORROW Sep. 18

HI LO

91º 75º

I found out that my name didn’t have a capital ‘K’ in it my junior year.

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING (512) 471-8590 advertise@texasstudentmedia.com Director Gerald Johnson Business/ Operations Manager Frank Serpas III, Brady Beal, Janie Castillo-Flores Advertising Manager Emily Cohen Production Michael Gammon Special Projects Stephen Salisbury Account Executives Diane Byram, Pam Garner, Julianne Phillipp, Justin Zuloaga Design Tillie Policastro

THE DAILY TEXAN MAIL SUBSCRIPTION RATES

UT Ready promotes new safety resources By Emily Hernandez @emilylhernandez

Emergency kit giveaways and emergency preparedness pocket guides are a few of the resources Emergency Preparedness is distributing this semester as part of their new UT Ready campaign. UT Ready is a public awareness campaign based on the national Ready.gov campaign. Both programs educate people on how to prepare for small- and large-scale emergencies. UT Ready promotes new Emergency Preparedness resources, including the kits, pocket guides and classroom emergency guides. Jonathan Robb, director of Emergency Preparedness, said the campaign and pocket guides were developed in the spring and were pushed out over the summer at freshman and transfer orientations. However, this fall is when the majority of campus can see and understand the brand’s purpose. The teal and orange pocket guides are about the size of a UT ID and offer nine pages of information on what to do in specific emergencies, such as lockdowns, active shooters and evacuations. They also include general safety tips on emergency kits and safety hubs around campus. “We used to have an emergency desktop reference guide, and we felt that was a great resource, but it was hard for you to take with you because of how big it was,”

Robb said about the previous book-sized guides. “Finding something to take that same information (and) put it in a smaller, easy to use, easy to carry guide for all students, faculty and staff was the way to go.” Psychology freshman Ericka Torres said she was not given a pocket guide at the July 8-10 orientation, but it would be something she would keep on her person.

“Something that’s small and mobile makes a bigger impact than PowerPoints because I don’t remember half the stuff that was presented at orientation,” Torres said. “I’m not going to remember information and the numbers of different organizations.” Biology senior Teja Sebastian said while she was not aware of the pocket guides, she thinks they would be a

useful resource for students. “As college students, we lose things a lot, so that might be one problem with it,” Sebastian said. “I remember my freshman year when the (Harrison Brown) stabbing happened, and no one had any idea what to do, so I think it’s a step in the right direction.” Emergency Preparedness has placed classroom emergency guides by the doors of every room on campus.

‘shelter,’ some people don’t understand exactly what they (are) supposed to do,” Robb said. “It may have been a while since they had that information, so we have it readily available.” To encourage students to create their own emergency kits with enough supplies to sustain a person for three days, Emergency Preparedness will give away premade emergency kits through tabling events and social media

The guides outline what to do during classroom-specific emergency protocols such as shelter in place, Robb said. “When you’re in that classroom, and they say ‘lockdown’ or

the coming months, Robb said. “We want everybody to understand that in order to prepare for an emergency, they need to utilize the resources that are available and understand that it all starts with each and every one of you,” Robb said. “That resiliency towards the emergency starts with you through our help.”

ella williams

/ the daily texan staff

NATION

Trump administration plans to ban flavored e-cigs Tobacco Survey found a 78% increase in e-cigarette usage among high schoolers and a 48% increase among middle schoolers between 2017 and 2018. The Trump administration anKelder said because the human brain nounced Sept. 11 that the U.S. Food and does not stop developing until the age of Drug Administration is readying to ban 25 or 26, young people get addicted to flavored electronic cigarettes from the nicotine more easily and may switch over market in light of cases of sickness and to traditional cigarettes and other drugs. death related to the devices. Kelder said he recommended restricThe Centers for Disease Control and tions on advertising and raising prices Prevention reported 380 cases of lung for e-cigarette products to decrease the disease and six deaths across the nation chances of youth using them. linked to the usage of e-cigarette prod“I know (high school) kids who won’t ucts. The center said it has not identified go to the bathroom anymore because the specific product or they’re full of (people substance that is causvaping),” Kelder said. ing the illness. “It’s a big and growing “We intend to clear problem that deserves the market of flavored our attention.” I know (high school) e-cigarettes to reverse Kemal Whyte, the deeply concernowner of Austin kids who won’t go ing epidemic of youth Smoke and Vape, to the bathroom e-cigarette use that is said he does not want impacting children, children using e-ciganymore because families, schools and arettes but disagrees they’re full of communities,” said with banning them Alex Azar II, the secfrom the market. He (people vaping).” retary of the U.S. Desaid the Centers for partment of Health Disease Control and and Human Services, Prevention report STEVEN KELDER in a statement. “We does not provide a health science professor will not stand idly by link between e-cigaas these products become an on-ramp to rettes and cases of lung disease, and the combustible cigarettes or nicotine addic- bigger issue is young people getting their tion for a generation of youth.” e-cigarette cartridges from sellers on the Steven Kelder, a professor at the UT street. Whyte said counterfeit cartridges Health Science Center at Houston, said sold on the street often contain Vitamin he agreed with the administration’s plan E acetate, which according to The Washdue to how prevalent e-cigarette use is ington Post, has been linked to rare cases among youth. The 2018 National Youth of lipoid pneumonia in Utah. Whyte said By Graysen Golter @graysen_golter

steph sonik

efforts should be focused on preventing youth from smoking, educating policymakers about e-cigarette usage and best practices for protecting customers. “Making a law against flavors isn’t going to stop (kids from smoking),” Whyte said. “Those same kids are the ones that were smoking cigarettes before, or their parents before them. Focus on where the problem is and focus on education because you banning flavors is not going to

/ the daily texan staff

stop that kid from (vaping).” Mary Ann Rodriguez, the interim medical director and health authority for Austin Public Health, said her department will soon focus on community outreach through youth training and social media to fight against the increase of e-cigarette usage in local areas. “That’s what we’re planning to do just to dissuade everybody from using e-cigarettes if we can,” Rodriguez said.

One Semester (Fall/Spring) $60.00 Two Semesters (Fall & Spring) $120.00 Summer Session $40.00

title ix

continues from page

One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer)

$150.00

To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 471-5083. Send orders and address changes to Texas Student Media, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713-8904.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Monday ....................... Wednesday, 12 p.m. Tuesday ..........................Thursday, 12 p.m. Wednesday .......................... Friday, 12 p.m. Thursday .......................... Monday, 12 p.m. Friday ...............................Tuesday, 12 p.m. .......................... 11 a.m. (Last business day prior to publication.)

COPYRIGHT Copyright 2019 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in the print and online editions, are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission.

The Daily Texan, a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78712. The Daily Texan is published daily, Monday through Friday, during the regular academic year and is published once weekly during the summer semester. The Daily Texan does not publish during academic breaks, most Federal Holidays and exam periods. News contributions will be accepted by telephone 2.120). Entire contents copyright 2019 Texas Student Media.

aspects of the law, Barnes said. “We’re hoping that as part of the rulemaking process … they will help us define some particular terms,” Barnes said. After the presentation, council members asked questions and made comments about the new policies. When classics associate professor Ayelet Lushkov asked about the protocol for when a student asks a professor not to report, Alicea-Rodriguez said professors are required to report in any situation. “Am I just supposed to report against the wishes of the student?,” Lushkov asked. Christen Smith, African and African diaspora studies associate professor, said students in a mental health crisis could be negatively affected if they report to a professor without knowing about the new policies. “I’m concerned about the

jamie hwang

/ the daily texan staff

The Faculty Council meeting on Monday discussed concerns over new policies and penalties for Title IX reporting. Senate Bill 212, passed Sept. 1, will require college faculty to report Title IX cases to the University or face termination starting January. triggering aspect of students having very personal information that they may not have wanted the University to know about being dis-

closed,” Smith said. When asked how students were being informed of the changes made by SB 212, Alicea-Rodriguez said the

office would inform students but gave no specific examples as to how. “One of the things that we’re going to be doing is

making sure that the students are aware of these new laws and expectations of them,” Alicea-Rodriguez said. Barnes said some staff on campus are still confidential reporters, such as the University Ombuds Offices and health care providers. Katy Redd, associate director for prevention, development and media relations for the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center, said Voices Against Violence offers private peer advocates and a private peer support program and is not required to report a Title IX incident disclosed to them. Integrated biology professor Norma Fowler said she recommends the victim services offered by the Austin Police Department and in the local community instead. “(The University is) getting further and further away from best practices,” Fowler said. “If you need to talk to somebody who could make this more humane, we’ve got them in Austin.”

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

UNIVERSITY

Fenves presents new ethics initiative Honor Texas By Lauren Grobe @grobe_lauren

UT President Gregory Fenves announced a new initiative aiming to strengthen the University’s commitment to ethical conduct in the workplace via email Monday morning. Honor Texas is a commitment statement from the University designed to reaffirm the University’s ethical policies. The website for the new initiative lists five “Standards of Ethics” the University would like its employees to uphold and practice. These standards — integrity, honesty, trust, fairness and respect — reflect a commitment the University’s core values, according to the website. It also establishes the Advisory Committee on Ethics, which will guide the University in creating a more ethical workplace culture on campus. Recently the University has been recognized at times by the actions of individual’s “ethical lapses,” Fenves said in the email. “Any time we fall short, we erode the trust of those UT was founded to serve — the students who dedicate themselves to earning degrees, the society that relies on our breakthroughs in research and the public that supports us,” Fenves said. The initiative was announced days after a memo was made public regarding a law professor who defrauded Texas Law of about $1.56 million since 2014. In March, the University fired Michael Center, a former UT men’s tennis coach who federal

dance

continues from page

important to the faculty, the UT dance department is not free from gender bias. This imbalance exists because compared to the large number of females in dance, Ball said there is little representation in leadership and performing positions.

aly gomaa

/ the daily texan file

President Gregory Fenves announced a new initiative, Honor Texas, in an email to the student body Monday, which reaffirms the University’s committment to ethical conduct in the workplace. prosecutors accused of accepting a bribe to fraudulently admit a student into the University. “(Honor Texas) wasn’t in response to anything in particular but those things that have happened in the spring here, those definitely raised the issue to a higher level,” chief compliance officer Leo Barnes said.

“I think it’s a very different story from inside of the dance world looking out versus outside the dance world looking in,” Ball said. “It’s almost two contradictory efforts. If you emphasize too much of one, you’ll lose the whole battle.” Ball said on one hand, it’s destroying the stigma that men can’t dance. On the other, it’s ensuring that women are as valued their

Barnes said the events of the past year made it clear the University needed to address ethical conduct. “We’ve got to keep getting folks to understand that ethics are critical to our mission,” Barnes said. Honor Texas will hold discussions about ethical conduct and will send campus-wide surveys,

male counterparts. The way to level the playing field is to introduce more men into the dance world and ensure that equal numbers of men and women are attending dance classes, Ball said. “It’s not easy to see who is the most hardworking when there’s only a couple applicants in one gender and hundreds in another,” Ball said.

which the compliance office hopes to launch this fall, Barnes said. These discussions will be led by leadership and ethics experts, according to the Honor Texas website. Faculty will also conduct research on better training practices to address UT’s workplace culture, according to the website.

Ball said her goal is to see the world of dance choose the most talented and dedicated representatives, regardless of gender. Beyond gender bias, Overbey said that a lack of fine arts education is what has shaped the perception of it. Overbey said the arts are fundamentally weakened due to decreased funding and depth of experience in

Fenves said at the Faculty Council meeting on Monday Honor Texas is supposed to go beyond a typical training session and have a lasting effect on campus. “It’s not meant to be another training video … it really is a discussion and a process and an awareness about the works of ethical conduct,” Fenves said.

public education. “Nationwide, arts education funding has been declining pretty precipitously,” Overbey said. “People are not aware of concert dance, it’s not part of their lives. There is, underpinning the culture, this idea that things are only valued if they’re directly monetized.” Until the limitations placed on funding and parents own

bias against dance are no longer factors, Griffin said stereotypes against men in dance will continue. So will the whispers. “Nobody’s given people a reason to think differently,” Griffin said. “Parents tell their sons that dancing is not something boys are allowed to do. Boys think, ‘The dance team is for the girls,’ and I can do whatever else.’”

m y y f

t -

A DEBATE AND DISCUSSION

This event is part of a nationwide debate tour with Messrs. Brook and Sunkara. Other stops on tour include the University of Maryland and University of Colorado Denver.

OpiniOn

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

SPENCER BUCKNER

Editor-in-Chief @THEDAILYTEXAN

COLUMN

melanie westfall

/ the daily texan staff

Texas Athletics should not influence which major an athlete pursues By Neha Dronamraju Columnist

What would you give up for an athletic scholarship? Would you change your major, compromise your career path or put your dreams on hold? Would you sacrifice your academic autonomy to stay on your team? Some athletes with rigorous major requirements are pushed to switch their majors, and consequently their career paths, by Texas Athletics. Some athletes feel that UT’s main goals are to keep them academically eligible to compete and push them out in four years. If they start to struggle in school, they feel the department’s first instinct is to tell them to quit instead of offering resources for support. Texas Athletics needs to do a better job supporting athletes who don’t want to pursue their sport professionally after college. The department needs to understand that asking asking students to switch their majors is more than just switching around some classes — it can impact their lives after graduation. During the recruitment process, athletes are judged on both their academic and athletic records. According to Dr. LaToya Smith, the senior associate athletics director for student services, recruitment is primarily in the coaches’ hands. “They’re looking at how well (the athlete) has performed athletically, but also if they have the academic credentials to perform well here at the University of Texas at Austin,” Smith said. Texas Athletics places a premium on a recruit’s academic life, but it seems as though the emphasis starts to waver after the actual recruitment. A high school athlete may have the academic credentials to perform well at the University, but that potential is not being nurtured at UT. According to Smith, Texas Athlet-

ics offers resources such as strategy and content tutors who help athletes map out their course plans and assist them in understanding class content respectively. But if a student is still overwhelmed despite these resources, they are not cut much slack. One Texas athlete, who prefers to remain anonymous for the sake of their standing in their sport, experienced pushback when they tried to supplement their academic inquiries. According to them, athletes are pressured to prioritize their sport over academics.

Some athletes with rigorous major requirements are pushed to switch their majors by Texas Athletics.”

“We’re supposed to go to class,” they said, “but we’re not allowed to miss workout sessions, physical therapy or even dropins to go to things like office hours, review sessions or study groups.” This athlete feels that the athletics department doesn’t support them in their pursuit of a degree that requires more hours than others. “I didn’t take the right classes in high school, and I started struggling in some classes here,” they said. “While the athletic department offers really nice study spaces and tutors, I still had to put school on the back burner, and my grades were slipping.”

When the athlete expressed this concern to the athletics department, the coaches tried to dissuade them from continuing to pursue their major. According to them, their coaches are worried about them staying academically eligible to play their sport in addition to their graduation schedule. “In athletics, if you stay for more than four years, you still get to keep all your scholarships and perks, so they actually lose money and resources if they have to invest in you for an extra year,” they said. In response to this concern regarding a four-year graduation push, Smith gave the following statement: “I can’t specifically speak to why coaches want student athletes to graduate in four years, but I can say that it has been a directive from our University and the president to increase and insure four-year graduation rates, so we’re in compliance with that.” Regardless of where that initiative comes from, some athletes are feeling the resulting pressure. The particular athlete mentioned in this article did not end up switching out of their major after they were encouraged by the department head to do so. While this student was not deterred by pressure from Texas Athletics, they faced undue anxiety their first semester of college. According to Smith, there are over 500 athletes representing UT, and according to an email statement from her staff, only six of those athletes are double majoring. This speaks to the academic rigidity athletes are subject to. Juggling travel, workouts, training and a full course load can feel like a full-time job. On top of this, athletes are pressured to alter their future plans, which can cause immense stress and uncertainty. Instead of making their lives harder, Texas Athletics can support athletes unconditionally as they pursue their academic passions, without ulterior motives in mind. Dronamraju is a public health sophomore from Dallas.

COLUMN

Language courses need more conversational speech practice By Maggie Lazaroski Columnist

Learning a new language is hard. Speaking it tends to be even harder. Foreign languages provide students with many advantages, such as a competitive edge in job hunting, a more global worldview and the opportunity to travel without having to worry about a language barrier. That is, if the student is able to retain the knowledge learned in their courses. In order to make the core language requirement more beneficial to students, the University of Texas language department needs to work toward implementing more spoken practice into their curriculum. An important factor contributing to the retention of English is a high amount of conversational practice after beginning to study the language. David Barny, French and Italian assistant instructor, agrees that practicing speech is vital to learning a language as it allows students to understand their coursework on their

own terms. more a student practices speaking, the more “The meaningful aspect of conversation is comfortable it becomes. what helps your progress,” Barny said about “They mostly teach us to talk about the tophis experience learning English as a second ics in our textbook, but when it comes to aclanguage and teaching tually talking to people French. “I remember so like you would with your many words and grammar friends, I feel like it’s kind aspects that I finally unof hard,” psychology sophderstood because I was in omore Kate Kirchmer said Just like anything the context of immersion.” about her experience tak“I wasn’t doing an exing Spanish courses at UT. else, the more a ercise, I wasn’t practicing “I know fancy words, but student practices with a student because not everyday language — it the teacher asked me to,” makes me nervous because I speaking, the more Barny said. “I was endon’t feel like I can say evcomfortable it begaged in a situation that erything that I’m thinking.” comes. mattered to me, and where The UT language curthe language was a tool to riculum needs to include complete a goal. That’s authentic, conversational where the immersion has speech in addition to the the strongest effect.” spoken practice outlined by the course mateLearning a language is intimidating. It is rials. This will make students feel more coma long process with no shortage of complica- fortable expressing their thoughts in a way tions, even without considering verbal commu- that is meaningful to them. nication. However, just like anything else, the Implementing more authentic speech

LEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the writer of the article. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees.

SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to editor@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be more than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability.

doesn’t require one specific plan of action. “I personally think that we can do more to promote French immersion in different ways,” said Barny. “I would really like to show movies. I see that we’re not doing that here, and I would like to start. I don’t know why we don’t have a movie program.” There is no unique solution to this problem. Outside of language courses, UT hosts weekly extracurricular practice meetings for a handful of languages that the school offers. Students can attend these meetings to further their speaking abilities. Professors could incentivize students to attend these meetings by offering exemptions from quizzes or homework assignments or by extending due dates. This way professors do not have to stray from the required curriculum, and students are more motivated to learn and retain languages. Foreign languages are an essential part of education, and our curriculum ought to treat them that way. Lazaroski is an international relations and global studies sophomore from Dallas.

RECYCLE | Please recycle this copy of The Daily Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange newsstand where you found it. EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan Editorial Board on Twitter (@TexanOpinion) and receive updates on our latest editorials and columns.

SPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

VOLLEYBALL

Undeterred by youth, Horns stay ranked in top 5 By Marcus Krum @marcuskrum

Texas volleyball is ranked No. 3 in the AVCA coaches poll for the third consecutive week to start the season, the poll revealed on Monday. For a team with little experience, the consistency shown from the ranking week in and week out shows their progression in the early season. Yet as the nonconference season has progressed, the Longhorns have seen several young players show major improvements in their roles. Sophomore setter Jhenna Gabriel has cemented her status as a focal point of the Texas rotation, posting 259 of the team’s 317 assists so far this season. Gabriel played meaningful time as a freshman, including career-high 53 assists against Michigan in the Sweet 16, but head coach Jerritt Elliott said in his weekly press conference Monday that Gabriel has improved in more than just her skill. “Jhenna’s grown up a lot,” Elliott said. “There’s still a process that we’re working with her on, to be accountable to work for every single point in every practice. She’s put some good weeks together … We know that we give up points with her blocking, but she can make it up in other areas. She’s got that capability, and I’ve seen good stretches of that from her.” On the other end of Gabriel’s sets stands sophomore outside hitter Logan Eggleston. Following an outstanding freshman season, capped off by winning Big 12 Freshman of the Year, she has returned

joshua guenther

/ the daily texan file

Texas volleyball head coach Jerritt Elliott addresses his team during a home game at Gregory Gymnasium. The Longhorns stand at No. 3 in the AVCA coaches poll for the third consecutive week, with matchups against Rice and Texas A&M this week. in 2019 looking sharper than ever before. She has increased her hitting percentage from .278 to .364 in the early goings of the season and looks to continue to expand her game offensively. “For her, it was getting her comfortable early in the season,” Elliott said. “We had to pull her a little bit early in some of those matches. A lot of that was nerves … Her numbers continue to improve from match

When you’re Texas, everyone comes after you every single night. My job is, ‘Can we prepare the same way emotionlly, mentally, physically?’” JERRITT ELLIOTT head coach

to match, so she’s becoming a complete six-rotation player.” Eggleston’s steady progression has transformed a potent Texas offense into a lethal one. With senior outside hitter Micaya White drawing attention on the other side, Eggleston is able to expand her repertoire of shots. “(Eggleston’s) attack range has really grown,” Elliott said. “Her shots are really opening up a lot of opportunities for her.”

check us out

RECYCLE your copy of

Housing available Skyloft is a new high-rise close to The University of Texas for students who want to live in the heart of West Campus. Our firstclass amenities and million-dollar views of Austin take off-campus life to all new heights. Everything about the Skyloft high-rise is designed with a luxury experience in mind. Amenities include rooftop pool deck, fully furnished apartments with modern kitchens and a smart TV, a fresh market, parking garage, bike parking, beautiful Austin views, in-unit washer and dryer, multiple study rooms, coffee bar, controlled-access entry, a business center and a fitness center. Skyloft is also pet-friendly! Visit SkyloftAustin.com and call 737-207-9400 to set up a tour.

ONLINE

NOW OPEN! BLOCKS FROM UT CAMPUS

Wanted: waitresses

stories videos photo galleries thedailytexan.com

GET SOCIAL WITH DARNA RESAURANT TSM EXPERIENCE MOROCCAN & MEDITERRANEAN

CUISINES DOWNTOWN Texas Student Media willINkeep you AUSTIN connected with daily links to the news, sports and culture 408 stories W. 11th St shaping the UT community. Austin, TX 78701

OFFER

(512) 220-9705 www.darnatx.com

Housing available High Rise Student Luxury only steps to campus! Tour today to see why space matters in our spacious floorplans. Great amenities, caring staff and much more! Call 21 Rio at (512)391-1991 to schedule a visit.

Yet the youth of Eggleston and the rest of this squad poses challenges beyond just oncourt experience. The grind of a full slate of matches played multiple times a week takes a toll on a young team. Elliott said his biggest concern is where Texas is emotionally. “When you’re Texas, everyone comes after you every single night,” Elliott said. “My job is, ‘Can we prepare the same way emotionally, mentally, physically?’”

FREE MOROCCAN TEA POT WITH ENTREE PURCHASE

10% DISCOUNT WITH UT ID & FOR MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS

FRESH CATFISH, BLUE CRAB, OYSTERS, SHRIMP, CHICKEN BASKETS

3208 GUADALUPE ST. 512-580-0350 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

{

Now hiring waitresses. Make great $, flexible schedules, experience not necessary. Apply in person. Austin’s most fun gentlemen’s club, Perfect 10. 16511 Bratton Lane. Or our sister Club p10 Cabaret 404 Highland Mall Blvd. 512-238-7700

digest.texasstudentmedia.com

DAILYTEXANONLINE.COM Facebook at dailytexan Twitter @thedailytexan

KVRX.ORG Facebook at kvrxaustin

ADVERTISING TERMS There are no refunds or credits. In the event of errors made in advertisement, notice must be given by 10 am the fi rst day of publication, as the publishers are responsible for only ONE incorrect insertion. In consideration of The Daily Texan’s acceptance of advertising copy for publication, the agency and the advertiser will indemnify and save harmless, Texas Student Media and its offi cers, employees and agents against all loss, liability, damage and expense of whatsoever nature arising out of the copying, print-ing or publishing of its advertisement including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees resulting from claims of suits for libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright and trademark infringement. All ad copy must be approved by the newspaper which reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad. The advertiser, and not the newspaper, is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. Advertising is also subject to credit approval.

Reduce • Reuse • Recycle

D O N N AVA N S M O O T

Sports Editor | @TEXANSPORTS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

FOOTBALL

SPORTS

Horns focus on Cowboys

joshua guenther

/ the daily texan file

Texas head coach Tom Herman addresses the media Monday morning following Texas’ 48-13 Saturday victory over Rice. Herman highlighted the Cowboys dynamic offensive backfield, a healthier running back room and a quarterback inching towards Heisman contention.

Herman turns attention to lethal Oklahoma State offense following a 48-13 victory over Rice. By Donnavan Smoot @Dsmoot3D

fter a dominant bounceback victory over Rice, the Longhorns turn their attention to the Oklahoma State Cowboys to open Big 12 play. The Longhorns haven’t beaten the Cowboys since 2014, adding more storylines to the matchup than some might initially believe. Oklahoma State is potent

Through three games, Oklahoma State has averaged 50 points a game. Led by star

junior wide receiver Tylan Wallace, the Cowboys have major firepower on the offensive side of the ball. Oklahoma State’s new army of offensive skill players has brought back the fast-paced, big play offense Mike Gundy has popularized in his fifteen years as head coach. Between Wallace, redshirt senior quarterback Dru Brown and breakout sophomore running back Chuba Hubbard, the Cowboys possess a lethal offense once again. “It’s going to be a challenge, for sure,” Texas head coach Tom Herman said. “But you can’t sell your soul, I guess, to stop one because they’re so proficient in the other that you’ve got to be sound.” Containing Hubbard, who leads the nation in rushing yards and averages nearly eight yards per carry, will be no easy task for Herman. Paired with an All-American receiver like Tylan Wallace, the idea of covering the duo is “Armageddon,” according to Herman.

Running back room is healthier and cloudier

Junior running back Daniel Young returned to the lineup Saturday, bringing the number of scholarship backs for Texas to two, although Young played sparingly. Once it became clear the game was steadily won, freshman quarterback convert Roschon Johnson handled a majority of the snaps at running back. “Two scholarship running backs and a third converted quarterback playing that position very well allows you to take a deep breath a little bit in terms of the crazy contingency plans that we were all trying to dream up,” Herman said. Johnson’s success at the position makes the decision to insert Young into the lineup a tough one. The only thing that would make it easier would be the fact that after Oklahoma State, Johnson has the decision to redshirt — which would shut him down for the season. Ehlinger is playing himself Heisman conversation

into

Junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger has

come into his own this season, stepping up in light of injuries. “Sunday after last week’s game, we were like, (it) probably wasn’t (Sam’s) best game, and you look up he’s got 400 yards of total offense and five touchdowns, and you’re talking about that not being his best game,” Herman said. Ehlinger has already surpassed 1,000 total yards and 10 touchdowns on the season, all while completing 73.2% of his passes. The LSU loss on his record is a blemish that other Heisman hopefuls don’t have; however, the statistics are there and compete with others around the country. The largest area of growth for Ehlinger has been his control of the offense and the lack of turnovers. His number of interceptions per season has declined each year, allowing his arm to make plays rather than mistakes. “Just his control of the offense — completion percentages are great and all that stuff, but knowing where to go, getting us out of bad plays and into better ones and being on time with his throws.” Herman said.

FOOTBALL

Ingram, Smith find the spotlight against Rice By Donnavan Smoot @Dsmoot3D

Week Three could have gone many different ways for the Longhorns. Following a heartbreaking home loss against No. 4 LSU, Texas could have seen Rice, a perennial bottomfeeder in C-USA, and let up on the gas. Texas did the exact opposite. “We had to go out and play and start fast,” head coach Tom Herman said. “I thought both sides of the ball really, really showed that they believed that we had a great week of practice.” At the forefront of the fast start were the younger players, specifically sophomore running back Keaontay Ingram — getting the first five carries of the game. A week after dropping a wide open touchdown pass against LSU, which proved crucial down the stretch and hurt the sophomore’s confidence, the game plan was to get him involved early. “The biggest lesson learned (is) how to handle certain situations,” Ingram said. “Everything isn’t going to go your way. You just live and learn from it (and) get better.” Along with Ingram, freshman running back Roschon Johnson provided a onetwo punch with 14 touches for 89 yards and first-quarter touchdown that set the tone for the game.

Everything isn’t going to go your way. You just live and learn from it (and) get better.”

KEAONTAY INGRAM running back

anthony mireles

/ the daily texan file

Sophomore Texas running back Keaontay Ingram barrels through LSU’s defense on Sept. 7. Although Ingram struggled against the Tigers, the Longhorns’ starter bounced back with a pair of touchdowns against Rice. Once Texas earned a sliver of separation from the Owls, it became clear that the younger players, as well as the backups, would be the focus of the game. “To have that kind of depth is important,” Herman said. “We knew the load was going to fall on some other guys (that) may not have a ton of experience, but the lights are not too bright for those guys.” Going into the game, senior wide receiver Collin Johnson was announced out with a hamstring injury. With the starting x-receiver sidelined, the stage appeared set for sophomore Brennan Eagles to take flight against the Owls after stellar performances in his first two outings. But Eagles had a quiet game, with only one catch for 28 yards.

With Johnson sidelined and Eagles grounded, freshman Jake Smith became the featured receiver. Smith led the team in receptions, yards and had two touchdowns in the process. “It’s been crazy,” Smith said. “It’s just been a whirlwind of emotions and just awesome. I’m loving it. I’m having so much fun.” Smith’s role has expanded each week, from starting as just a punt returner to running deep seam routes. Despite only playing in only three games, Smith is already comfortable in his new setting. “Football is football,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, it’s just football. The game I’ve been playing for so long … My confidence is steadily rising. I would say after the LSU game, I felt really good.”

Smith has steadily improved game by game, a testament to his fast learning ability and football intelligence. When he first arrived at Texas, there was an adjustment period as with any young player. But even with the adjustment period, Smith felt he belonged on the first day of pads during fall camp. According to Smith, Texas has the “best wide receiver room in the country,” a room consisting of two draft pick-level talents in seniors Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson. Now combined with the explosiveness of Keontay Ingram and advent of freshman running back Roschon Johnson, the Longhorns youthful offense shines bright.

ComiCs

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Crossword ACROSS

24 Shankar with a sitar

1 Diana who led the Supremes 5 Masked man’s sidekick on old TV 10 Assembled 13 Norwegian city with the Munch Museum

SUDOKUFORYOU 7 3

7 9 3 2 5 9 8 4

9 7 2 8 5 3 5 2 4 7 6 2 8 4 1 8 4 1 5 8 5 3 2

Today’s solution will appear here next issue

6 8 1 5 4 3 7 2 9

7 3 2 9 1 8 4 5 6

5 4 9 6 2 7 8 1 3

1 6 3 7 5 2 9 8 4

2 5 7 8 9 4 3 6 1

4 9 8 3 6 1 5 7 2

8 7 4 2 3 6 1 9 5

3 2 5 1 8 9 6 4 7

9 1 6 4 7 5 2 3 8

26 Mum

50 Profit

29 Averts

51 Flight amenity that costs extra 53 Backbone of a boat 56 Zesty chip dip 60 Savings plans for one’s later years, in brief 61 Hit the jackpot 63 Old camera need 64 Idiotic 65 Oklahoma city named for an “Idylls of the King” woman 66 Class for U.S. citizen hopefuls, in brief 67 Disgustingly dirty 68 Pols like Pelosi

33 Computer company with a Predator line 34 Soothing lotion ingredient 36 Valuable bar at Fort Knox

15 Rich supply of ore

37 Actress Arthur with a Tony for “Mame” 38 See 23-Down

18 One of five Greats 19 Ledecky who has been named World Swimmer of the Year five times 20 Bill killer’s position

40 Kind of testing done at Ancestry .com 41 Rodeo rope 43 Acquires 44 “Turf” half of surf and turf

45 Outside surface 21 Cookout crashers 47 Deep-sea fishing nets 22 Bit of salt

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE F L O P

L U B E

A S I N

T H E P O A C T U T U R N O B E D M A X B O B G Y S L A G C A P O A R E N R E S E

A A B A I C O N N A T

L O W L I T E R O D E

1 13

14 “Hey Diddle Diddle” runaway

16 Safe for youngsters

49 Yoked pair in a field

Edited by Will Shortz

O C A V I D A R D C O W A N E E S T N C E Y I N E O C T C O O H B M E A E N D

S K I E S M O P E D S

S A G A A L I B P I T O E M M E N O B L S E T L C H O O O R S I T T E R S A T E N Q U I E F R A F E L

S I N A I C L O D T T Y L

DOWN 1 Alternative to rap and R&B 2 Fed. monitor of workplace hazards 3 Narrow cut 4 More substantial 5 Small recipe amt. 6 Founder of Harpo Productions 7 Common lunchtime 8 Drinking spree 9 Ablaze 10 Droplets seen early in the day 11 Tend to some p’s and q’s, say 12 Golfer’s bagful 15 Cause to expand, as bread 17 College V.I.P.

24 29

49 52

36 39

18 20

No. 0813

50 53

PUZZLE BY LYNN LEMPEL

23 With 38-Across, like Romeo and Juliet … and like the shaded words? 25 Fervent 26 Expensive dark fur 27 Tool for a Himalayan climber 28 Lowest in importance 29 Baffling question 30 Musical pause

31 Based on major and minor scales 32 H.R.s and R.B.I.s 35 Bitten-into apple, for Apple 38 Apple throwaway 39 “Cómo ___ usted?” 42 Gender discrimination 44 Made do despite difficulties 46 Finishes, as a cartoon 48 Move up

50 Sparkle 51 Desdemona, to Othello 52 Flower named for a goddess 54 Sicilian tourist draw 55 Prohibition and Victorian periods 57 Solitary 58 Svelte 59 Throws into the mix 62 Critically important

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

8 L&A

J O R DY N Z I T M A N

Life&Arts Editor | @JORDYNZITMAN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

STUDENT LIFE

LIFE&ARTS

Commuting limits college experience Students living off campus to avoid high housing costs can face long drives, parking difficulties. By Ariana Arredondo @arixgraciela

roggy eyes focus on the red traffic light as Adriana Quintanilla, a fifth year sociology major, drives into Austin. The car radio flashes 4:36 a.m. as Quintanilla puts her foot back on the gas, hoping to avoid early morning traffic. Quintanilla is one of many students who commute to school. According to U.S. News and World Report, 82% of the UT student body lives off campus. These students’ decisions are often driven by their financial situations or individual schedules. In Quintanilla’s case, her experience is particularly time-consuming: She lives in San Antonio. “I was going to sign my housing contract for 2016,

but then my dad got sick,” Quintanilla said. “I ended up moving to San Antonio, so I could keep working and help my parents pay bills.” Since her sophomore year of college, Quintanilla has lived on San Antonio’s North Side. Now between working shifts at Krispy Kreme and finishing up her degree, she makes the two-hour commute to Austin three days a week. Quintanilla said the hours she spends driving each day hinder her ability to have an active social life and study. “My grades have suffered a lot because when I was in Austin, I never had to worry about getting enough sleep,” Quintanilla said. “Here, I have to make sure I get enough sleep so I don’t get tired while driving to Austin, whereas before I could pull all-nighters and study.” Study time for commuters often gets crammed in between bus rides and long drives. Communication and leadership freshman Joseph Mayang chose to bus 45 minutes to campus every day from his hometown of Pflugerville rather than pay to live in the dorms. “Dorming is really expensive, and I didn’t want that financial burden on my parents,” Mayang said. “I decided to sacrifice convenience for money.”

barb daly

Mayang lives with his family and said he feels he is struggling to fully immerse himself in the college experience. His loud home life and busy schedule lead him to stay on campus to finish work rather than go out. However, he still makes the commute each day back to his family home. “I feel like it’s kind of hindered my transition into

college because I’m still tied to my family,” Mayang said. “I go home every day, and I see them. It’s the same as high school.” For some commuter students, however, living at home and away from campus can provide the opportunity to be more independent and explore Austin. Among the morning crowd of commuter students look-

ing for a parking spot is Sophia Marioni, an undeclared natural sciences freshman. She commutes every day from her apartment in Riverside and said she enjoys both the travel itself and the opportunity to separate home and school life. “You kind of have to mature faster,” Marioni said. “I’ve liked being independent and learning how to really live on my own.”

/ the daily texan staff

From racing to the bus stop to packing their own lunch, students said they are able to adapt to their individual schedules and make the best of living off campus. “Commuting does have its advantages, but it is really tiresome,” Mayang said. “And you are going to be emotionally, physically and mentally drained. Just take it day by day.”

ART

Toymakers talk inspiration, bringing imagination to life at MondoCon By Noah Levine @ZProductionz

At MondoCon, toymakers went back to their roots to discuss their inspirations. On Sept. 14 and 15, Mondo, an art house which produces toys, vinyl records and screen printed shirts and posters, hosted the fifth annual MondoCon. At MondoCon, attendees purchased incredible artworks from a variety of artists, played Mondo board games and listened in on several panels featuring discussions on toy-making, art design and more. The Daily Texan sat in on the “Art of Toy Making Panel,” which featured several artists discussing their inspiration for designing and the process of manufacturing toys. Many of the artists attributed the start of their interest to the films they were exposed to as kids. Hector Arce, the production manager for collectibles at Mondo, helped design

the Godzilla creature from the 2014 rendition of “Godzilla.” He said an event from his childhood inspired him to follow his artistic career path. “I remember going to Kmart with my dad when I was like five and seeing the ‘Godzilla’ VHS and him being like, ‘You know what that is?’” Arce said. “I was like, ‘It looks like a dinosaur. That’s awesome.’ He bought it for me. It changed my life and put me on this path of wanting to create art sculptures”. Brock Otterbacher, creative director of toys and collectibles at Mondo, said his inspiration stemmed from the use of visual effects in films. “I was always inspired by visual effects,” Otterbacher said. “There’s a shot in (‘The Accidental Tourist’) with a commercial airline going by the camera. I remember yelling at my brother to rewind it over and over again so I could watch the composite shot.” Erique Watson, brand man-

ager at Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. and toy designer, said part of the beauty of his job is being able to provide customers with the same toys he cherished as a child. “The first action figure my dad bought me was ‘Faker,’” Watson said. “I actually got lucky enough to do an exclusive (‘Faker’ figurine) with Diamond (Comic Distributors, Inc.). This was one of these things where (I could take) something that I cared about when I was like six and put it out to the same kind of people who had this figure back in the day.” After discussing their artistic inspirations, the panel went on to discuss the process of designing a “Mer-Man” figure from the “Masters of the Universe” series. Attendees were shown stages of the design process, including sketches and 3D sculpts. Otterbacher said one of the most unique aspects of the figure was designing its fishlike eyes. “(We) wanted the eyes be

A panel of MondoCon artists led a panel discussion about the toy-making process, art design and more. clear and paint the pupil on top of it so the light behind would actually give the illusion that it was like a fish eye,” Otterbacher said. “We kind of engineered (the eyes) to pop out.”

T H R O U G H T H E LENS

While sculpting is a huge part of the toy-making process, Florian Bertmer, a MondoCon artist, said painting is where the toy really shines. “Painting is maybe 40% of

Featuring the best from the photo department.

joshua guenther

| daily texan staff

Mechanical engineering freshmen Rachel Hoepfl, left, Jake Koneval, bottom, and Kayla Casuga practice passing during the Texas Juggling Society’s weekly meeting on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in the Student Activity Center dance studio.

the final product,” Bertmer said. “For (the painter) to add the textures really helps push it further than what originally it was, which was a great sculpture.”