The Daily Texan 2022-02-22

DT VOLUME 122, ISSUE 50 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

bus delays disrupt riverside residents For the second time this semester, residents voiced their concern after the Riverside shuttle faced delays and cancellations.

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University Housing residents report uncomfortably hot temperatures in Jester West and Dobie.

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Kassandra Moreno explains the beauty and connections behind her six tattoos.

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Texas Baseball fans came out in full force for the team’s opening weekend 3-0 sweep of Rice.

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UT must implement better transportation for students in Riverside after two bussing issues in February.

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New anonymous social media app comes to UT

BUSINESS & ADVERTISING (512) 471-8590 advertise@texasstudentmedia.com Director Gerald Johnson Business/ Operations Manager Frank Serpas III Advertising Manager Emily Cohen Manager for Product and Revenue Strategy Marlies Arevalo Are Media Account Executive Chance Weick Design Tillie Policastro Digital operations Jason Lihuang

By Joelle DiPaolo @JoelleDipaolo

On Feb. 10, UT became the third university to join the new anonymous social media app Fizz.

Founders Teddy Solomon and Ashton Cofer got the idea for Fizz in November 2020 as an anonymous, positive forum for college students.

Solomon said they created the app because when they attended Stanford as freshmen, they had difficulty connecting with other students.

“The main thing we noticed … at college communities as a whole, there was a lack of a centralized platform … if you wanted to go on and connect to the whole student body,” Solomon said.

On Fizz, students can anonymously share messages, polls and photos.

Solomon said students can use the app to learn about events on campus or meet new people. Tiffany Hoang, one of Fizz’s lead ambassadors at UT, described the app as a mixture of Reddit and Twitter.

Fizz’s founders launched the app at Stanford in July, but it has been introduced at three other institutions since: UT, Rutgers and Arizona State University. Each institution has their own Fizz domain — only students with a UTmail account can join UT’s domain.

“We chose UT because it’s a vibrant community where there seemed to be a big need for a centralized platform that was safe and respectful,” Solomon said in an Instagram message.

Hoang, a health and society sophomore, said students were excited about the app and its merchandise when she promoted Fizz’s launch.

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On Feb. 10 and 11, ambassadors handed out hoodies and bucket hats to students who downloaded Fizz.

Psychology senior Chad Youmans had a more skeptical view of the app.

He said using free stuff to get people to download an app is a questionable business practice.

“If you’re going to market your product and market your platform, do it on the strength of your product,” Youmans said.

Nicholas Grammer, a biomedical engineering and African and African diaspora studies freshman said because the app is only available on iOS, he downloaded the app to get a hoodie for his friend who has an Android. He said the anonymity makes it easy for people to be authentic.

“Anonymity has its ups and downs,” Grammer said. “People can just be who they want to be … which can be dangerous, but at the end of the day, we do that all the time

/ the daily texan staff

with normal social media.”

Youmans said the anonymity aspect can make forming connections more difficult.

“If you are going to make an app that is exclusively for students of a particular university, you’re really missing out by not having a more personal aspect of it,” Youmans said. “If everything’s anonymous, there will always be a little wall in between every connection you make.”

To ensure that anonymity does not lead to toxicity, Solomon said they employ 20 student moderators. Their goal is to respond to reported posts within two minutes.

“Having these moderators who are students in the community, who understand it, enjoy jokes (and) who know the discourse of what’s going on on the app,” Cofer said. “We found it’s all about setting the culture at the beginning.”

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Editor-In-Chief | @TEXANOPINION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

COLUMN

OPINION

It’s imperative that UT improve the bus system for students in Riverside Columnist Michael Zhang urges UT to improve its bus system for Riverside.

By Michael Zhang Columnist

eb. 1 was an ordinary school day for most students, but not for those in Riverside.

That day, Capital Metro Services only provided the entire Riverside residential area with one bus at 8:51 a.m.

Riverside is a neighborhood in southeast Austin that is distant to campus, yet houses a large number of UT students. A video of students packed into a small bus trying to make it to class went viral.

The event showcased the extent of UT’s negligence, especially amidst a pandemic.

When this bussing issue first occurred, many thought it was a freak occurrence, as the next day the bus schedule returned to normal. However, on Feb. 15, CapMetro failed once again to provide buses in the morning for UT students in the Riverside community.

UT’s negligence in providing basic infrastructure is unacceptable. When students enroll at UT and pay thousands of dollars in tuition, they expect to at least attend class. UT needs to help provide adequate bus transportation for Riverside residents through an improved contract with

or create a UT transit system that services this area.

William Ramirez, economics and humanities sophomore and active member of coalition Rise Riverside, described his experience.

“Until like 11 a.m., there was only one bus running. So that was what was crazy … and that’s what kind of ticked me off, like, made me upset,” Ramirez said. “I would say Riverside is a neglected area … most students that do live there are primarily BIPOC students. So like, to a point, Riverside is neglected and left behind.”

This is a community which has dealt with similar issues before, including securing affordable housing against gentrification. His community that fights to achieve the same academic foundation as the rest of the student population.

UT students deserve the essential transportation services they were promised with their admission.

Even after being admitted into a prestigious university like UT, Riverside residents are once again forced to fight to attend classes.

This issue has a severe impact on a wide range of UT communities, yet UT has done nothing to alleviate the problem unfolding right before their eyes.

“We are seeing a higher percentage of service disruptions.

That is as a result of, for the most part, a staffing shortage amongst our bus operators … because

they had contracted COVID-19,” CapMetro deputy CEO Dottie Watkins said. “All of the bus operators and mechanics actually work for a private company that contracts with Capital Metro. There have been some complaints about issues with that contractor, but I think our shortages would likely have occurred regardless of who our provider was.”

CapMetro claims they are currently facing labor shortages due to the unavoidable impacts of the pandemic. However, at the end of the day, UT promised its students

a reliable source of transportation to and from campus when they partnered with CapMetro. By failing to get students transportation to campus, an accommodation that was guaranteed with admission, UT has failed in its mission as a university.

UT needs to invest more resources into this basic transportation service, and if they cannot guarantee consistent rides through their partnership with CapMetro, they must consider making a shuttle system of their own that can adequately service

the Riverside area.

UT, you cannot allow such an egregious failing in infrastructure to continue and claim to be an accessible university. It’s a failing that prevents students from receiving equal educational opportunities with their peers.

Fix this issue by investing resources into the bus system, or risk showing you’re so set on changing the world that you cannot meet the basic needs of the student body.

Michael Zhang is an undeclared PACE freshman from Katy, Texas.

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CITY

UT students call for reliable Riverside transportation Recent Riverside bus delays consistently inconvience students.

By Leila Saidane @leilasophiaaa

T students living in Riverside have experienced delays and service disruptions throughout the first few months of classes. After Route 670 of the UT CapMetro Shuttle — which services the Riverside area — faced severe wait times and cancellations again Tuesday, some residents voiced their concern over transportation accessibility at the College Student Commission on Friday.

Riverside residents also experienced disruptions earlier this month.

The route to Riverside often had less available drivers due to the current labor shortage and late start times, said Dottie Watkins, chief customer and operating officer at CapMetro.

The College Student Commission is a

recently formed advisory board comprised of 12 members representing UT, St. Edward’s University, Huston-Tillotson University and Austin Community College to bring issues concerning higher education to the city council.

“We absolutely, positively apologize for the issues that we experienced on Tuesday,” Watkins said. “Even within the operator shortages that we are experiencing, the experience (on) Route 670 should not have been as poor. It is something that we have since addressed. We updated our procedures, and we will continue to monitor closely to make sure it stays fixed.”

The University is working to ensure that student feedback is shared with CapMetro and provide resources to the campus community, including the UT carpool program and ZipCar, said Eliska Padilla, UT’s issues and communications manager.

Government senior Mariah Sanchez said she and sociology junior Kaitlyn Marcatante, who are

members of a Riverside Justice group, tabled on Speedway last week, inviting students to discuss the housing and transportation issues faced by Riverside residents.

Sanchez said Riverside students experience more issues due to unreliable transportation, like going long periods without eating, paying for expensive parking permits and staying on campus all day.

“You have to be really aware (of the bus schedule) the day of,” Sanchez said. “You have to wake up early, and it’s just very inconvenient that we have to be consciously thinking, ‘How are we going to get to school? What’s gonna happen when we wake up? (Are) there gonna be buses tomorrow?’”

Tatum Owens, secretary of the College Student Commission board and UT representative, said students should use the commission to express their concerns.

“The Commission can serve to help Austin students

in their transportation issues by connecting them directly to city council, through passing the recommendation based on the concerns of students,” the political communications junior said.

William Ramírez, an economics and humanities honors sophomore and Riverside resident, said he spoke on behalf of the Riverside Justice group at the College Student Commission.

“If people keep showing up to these meetings, they will have to give us solutions that aren’t deflecting the blame on the victims who are affected by the inconsistent bus schedules,” Ramírez said. “I feel like we’ve made a lot of noise and (gained) traction, but I want to ensure that we have not just complained and they heard this complaint. I want tangible solutions.”

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Life&Arts Editor | @TEXANARTS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

STUDENT LIFE

LIFE&ARTS

Tat-Tuesday: Tattoos uplift special bonds despite long distance relationships Sophomore Kassandra Moreno explains the connections behind her six tattoos.

By Kaiya Little @kaiyalittle

ressing a hand to rest on the space under her collarbone, Kassandra Moreno’s skin strums gently with the beat of her heart. Tracing the ink there, the marketing and advertising sophomore said the simple outline, which features two figures in an embrace, remains one of the most meaningful of her six tattoos.

Hundreds of miles away, the same art decorates Moreno’s mother in nearly the same spot. “(The tattoo is) a mom holding her daughter … and I added (numbers) to the design because we have a code to say I love you. We say ‘Two, three,’” Moreno said. “It’s like I’m carrying my mom with me.”

An open sketch pad for doodling since her 18th birthday, Moreno said every tattoo she gets acts as a nod to important friendships, music or symbols in her life. From the mini universe of her favorite astrological symbols to a fairy she designed in her likeness, Moreno said getting inked allows her to permanently capture every special bond.

“My mom is (my) number one,”

copyright kassandra moreno, and reproduced with permission

Moreno said. “I can tell her anything. Even though we’re apart, she still makes me feel like we’re connected. She had me when she was 21 — she was relatively young, but now that I’m almost the age where

she had me, we’re close.”

Though she maintains that any tattoos should be personalized and intentional, Moreno said the one she got to match with her long-distance friend of 12 years is the silliest in her

collection. When the two hold hands, the complete image of two swimming fish appears, reminding Moreno of their forever bond — even if she only has photos to commemorate it until they meet again.

“She’s my best friend,” Moreno said.

“It’s like, ‘Okay, you can’t get rid of me anymore. We’re there for life, and you’re going to have something on your body that reminds you of me.’”

Thinking back on her impulsive first trip to the tattoo parlor, Moreno said she remembers feeling nervous about the pain, but after successfully tattooing a planet in reference to “Seven,” one of her favorite Taylor Swift songs, every experience to follow has been a breeze.

“I didn’t know what to expect, because (I had seen videos of people) suffering hardcore. I was scared,” Moreno said. “But I was going through a breakup, so I was like, ‘Man, it can’t hurt that much right?’”

Moreno said she has no clue what art she will choose next, even though she already has an appointment booked for her seventh tattoo, but her tattoos will always be something for her to enjoy and express herself with.

“I don’t really care if people like (my tattoos) or not,” Moreno said. “They make me feel pretty — like makeup, but it’s there forever.”

LIFE&ARTS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

STUDENT LIFE

Students, UT counseling staff reflect on ways academic stress can play out in everyday life

By Kaiya Little @kaiyalittle

Fumbling at soft fabric with caffeine-shaky hands, Danny Nguyen says his nights begin once he pulls the makeshift curtain under his bed closed, drapes his desk in shadows and hides the light of his laptop from his sleeping roommate.

Stray coffee cups, purchased in between the back-to-back classes and assignments, litter the table space. Rushing to check off every box in his planner, Nguyen said he often feels clouded by the guilt of his own expectations.

“Everyone here was top 6% or had an extremely high GPA, but I was barely top 6%. I think I was in the last spot that was accepted,” the undeclared freshman said.

“I make up for not being as academically knowledgeable by doing assignments ahead of time.”

Stimulated by a caffeinated medley of coffee and energy drinks, Nguyen said he averages four hours of sleep a night and has a toxic relationship with both school and exam-induced stress. As midterm season picks up pace, students like Nguyen must either find effective ways to balance their workload with their mental health or suffer the consequences of fatigue and burnout.

“I don’t feel the need to express my feelings to other people,” Nguyen said.

“Every once in a while, I’ll have a breakdown moment for a good minute (where I’m) crying with loud metal music playing in the background, and then I restart the bottling process.”

Surrounded by the intense academic culture at UT, psychology freshman Isabella Jasso said she often gets overwhelmed with the need to push her body and mind for the sake of a grade.

“My body doesn’t want to sleep … when I have tests coming up,” Jasso said. “It’s a vicious cycle between ‘I’m so tired; I want to go to sleep’ … and (not knowing) when to stop because I feel like if the test comes and there’s a question that I didn’t study, I’ll beat myself up for it.”

Between the stress of looming assignments and trying to maintain connected with long-distance friends and family members, Jasso said she tries to check her timetable against her boyfriend’s while he studies abroad in Rome. Though forced to adapt to calling at strange hours, Jasso and her boyfriend embrace the benefits of their time difference.

“It’s good that he goes to sleep (when I’m awake) … I try to take advantage of that time and try to get my stuff done because I don’t have the pressure of wanting to call him,” Jasso said. “It’s an effort to try and balance it all, but I think I’m doing better this semester than last.”

Katy Redd, associate director for prevention, development and media relations at UT’s Counseling and Mental Health Center, said she suggests students mitigate their stress by realizing that their peers likely experience the same frustrations. Instead of focusing on the more competitive aspects of the classroom, students can work together to destress and find community.

“It’s normal to not have everything figured out yet,” Redd said. “There’s a lot of students who are high achievers and seem to be amazing superstars. Then when you talk to them, it’s like, ‘I have the same issues. I’m just really good at putting this layer on the outside.’”

While she always recommends students consider joining groups on campus or visit university counselors, Redd said her greatest tip — especially to those facing the threat of comparison — is to simply be open to honesty and accepting support.

“One of the things that can be powerful in helping to combat those feelings (of stress) is being vulnerable and authentic with other humans,” Redd said. “Share that experience and common humanity.”

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FRA ME

Featuring the best from the photo department.

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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez gives a speech at Greg Casar’s rally in Austin. She came to support Casar and to reflect on her past of campaign management in Texas.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

NEWS

CAMPUS

Dobie Twenty21 and Jester West residents report uncomfortable room temperatures

By Abbie Bard and Morgan Severson @morgan_severson

Students living in Jester West and Dobie Twenty21 University housing say they’ve spent months living with hot temperatures inside their rooms.

University Housing and Dining has always managed Jester West, but began managing Dobie Twenty21 on Feb.1 after UT purchased the building last October in an effort to expand affordable student housing. Lately, students living at these facilities have experienced uncomfortably hot temperatures.

While the rooms at Dobie Twenty21 do not have thermostats, economics

sophomore Zach Lee said he experienced what feels like 85 degree temperatures in his room.

“I have to stand in front of my fans most of the time because I’ll just start sweating,” Lee said. “It’s just really uncomfortable.”

Even after buying two fans — one for each side of his room — Lee said that his room temperature has impacted his academic life because he has to go on campus to find buildings with more suitable temperatures.

“Usually I do a lot of my studying and homework here at Dobie,” Lee said. “But since it’s been like this, I’ve started to go to the PCL for hours at a time because it’s a normal temperature in there.”

Sustainability studies freshman Melissa Moya said she dealt with similarly hot temperatures in her Jester West dorm last semester, and also purchased two fans because of the issue.

“I’d wake up in the middle of the night sweating,” Moya said. “And it was awful because we can’t control the temperature at all.”

Donald Ates, director of residential facilities at UHD, said he has not noticed any maintenance request forms regarding the issue.

“So far, I haven’t heard of (any) temperature swings,” Ates said. “If we get (maintenance request forms), we normally address them through the work order system.”

Per UHD policy, the University must complete maintenance requests within 48 hours of their submission, but Ates said he aims to complete these requests within 24 hours of submission.

“We’ve got a system that I will go in and check,” Ates said. “These residents mean

a lot to me and I want to make sure they’re taken care of.”

Ates said students experiencing temperature issues in their room should submit maintenance requests and talk to their resident assistant or complex coordinator to make sure UHD is informed about the issues.

Moya said the temperatures became more manageable in November as the weather outside began to cool down, but that she is unlikely to live in University-managed housing again. Lee, who is still regularly experiencing hot temperatures, also said he won’t be staying at a UHD facility after his lease is up.

“It makes me really frustrated for paying (the) amount that I pay and not having basic amenities, just basic stuff that you should have in an apartment building or even a dorm,” Lee said. “I wouldn’t say this is the sole reason, but this definitely added to it. I’m not going to be staying at any other University-owned buildings in the future at all.”

lorianNe willett

/ the daily texan staff

Students stand in front of Jester West on Feb. 19. Jester West residents have been reporting high temperatures in their rooms for months.

SPORTS

HANNAH WILLIFORD

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Sports Editor | @TEXANSPORTS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

BASEBALL

Fan-ing the revenge flames

Baseball fans came out in full force for the team’s opening weekend sweep of Rice.

By Jordan Mitchell @TheJordanKenzie

exas baseball had a record-breaking attendance of 21,580 fans for its opening weekend series against Rice.

The previous record, set in 1990 during the opener against Arizona State, had 20,843 fans at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Texas’ 2–1 series win (9–5, 11–4, 6–3).

Following their successful opening weekends, both the 1990 and the 2022 teams were ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Coached by National College Baseball Hall

of Fame inductee Cliff Gustafson, the 1990 team came off a season where the Longhorns made a deep Omaha run, finishing as runner-ups in the College World Series.

In other words, crowds flooded the ballpark to support Texas in both 1990 and 2022 during the first games of their respective revenge seasons.

“We’re passionate about Texas baseball and supporting the team,” longtime Texas baseball fan Marc Peña said. “It’s (special) seeing the friends and the families out here during (the start of) baseball season.”

Redshirt sophomore pitcher Pete Hansen said that the fan presence motivates the team to exceed expectations.

“These guys are really excited to be back out here (in front of fans),” Hansen said.

“We’re gonna earn that ranking in everything that we do.”

Although Texas baseball’s 2022 campaign already boasts striking similarities to the 1990 team, the new squad doesn’t look to repeat history. Gustafson’s squad failed to bring home a championship after they lost in the regional final to Cal State Fullerton.

andrew zamora / the daily texan staff Texas pitcher Pete Hansen delivers a pitch against the Rice on Feb. 18. The longhorns went on to sweep the Owls over the weekend outscoring them 36-3 in three games.

In its sweep of Rice, Texas made visible The battle for designated hitter between strides towards its CWS aspirations. Former redshirt senior Murphy Stehly and sophodesignated hitter Ivan Melendez’s move to first more Dylan Campbell proved that there is base went off without a hitch, posting a perfect no wrong answer for the starting player. Stefielding percentage with 28 putouts and four hly produced two doubles and a trio of RBIs, assists. The El Paso product also blasted two while Campbell reached home plate twice on moonshots over the “Monster,” a 28-foot wall four walks and a couple of hits. in UFCU Disch-Falk’s center field.

Overall, Texas played a complete weekend Despite his power behind the plate, Melenof baseball, outscoring Rice 36-3 with the dez said he does not have a goal for how many pitchers allowing a mere 18 hits in 93 at-bats home runs he hopes to hit this year. Instead, and the defense recording one fielding error. he’s focused on team success.

“We’re definitely hungry and want to “We just want to win a national chamwin,” redshirt sophomore Trey Faltine said pionship,” Melendez said. “I think (home in a press conference. “(We) want to not only runs) come on their own if I just put (in) prove to everybody else, but prove to ourselves The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation good swings.” thatNew we are capable.”

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Crossword ACROSS

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

A look at Texas men’s basketball’s incoming class

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By Christina Huang @stina_huang

With just four games left in the regular season, three high school players have committed to Texas men’s basketball for the 2022-23 season. The incoming class will be vital to the Longhorns’ success next season since only three current players on the roster are underclassmen. Back in November, Texas head coach Chris Beard spoke to the media about two of his signees, Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris.

“Both will have a chance to make immediate impacts for a lot of reasons,” Beard said.

“We’re getting two talented guys that have been coached, and that’s always what we’re looking for in recruiting.”

Dillon Mitchell

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Forward Dillon Mitchell has been having a monster senior season at Montverde Academy in Florida. The 6-foot-7-inch athlete was recently selected to compete in the McDonald’s All-American Boys Game. Previous Longhorn All-American selections include Andrew Jones, Jarrett Allen and Kevin Durant.

Mitchell’s stock has been improving within the last few weeks, with On3 Sports boosting his ranking from No. 20 to No. 2. Mitchell has been touted as a strong defender who will fit into Beard’s

established elite defense.

“Defense is perhaps his best attribute,” 247Sports’ Jerry Meyer said. “(It’s) tough to find a player he can’t guard.”

Mitchell is the No. 1 overall forward and No. 7 player in the nation, according to On3 Consensus.

Arterio Morris

Point guard Arterio Morris was also selected as a McDonald’s All-American earlier this month. Morris and Mitchell’s dual-selection is just the fifth time in Texas history where at least two signees were named as All-Americans in the same year. Morris, a Dallas product, received multiple offers from the Big 12. Some of his most notable potential landing spots included Baylor and Texas Tech, but Texas assistant coach Jerrance Howard convinced Morris to come to Austin.

Morris’ most recent stats have him averaging 18.3 points and 6.6 assists prior to entering district play. The Kimball player’s presence in Austin could have a major

impact on the Longhorns’ offense. Right now, Texas is sixth in the Big 12 for points per game.

Rowan Brumbaugh

Northfield Mount Hermon’s Rowan Brumbaugh will also have a chance to make an offensive impact at the Forty Acres next fall.

Brumbaugh recently put up 17 points, four assists and four steals in Mount Hermon’s win over New Hampton on Feb. 19. The New Englander will also be reunited with his high school teammate, Cole Bott, when he arrives in Austin. The Massachusetts product originally committed to Northwestern back in August 2021, but decommitted from the school in December.

Just days later, Brumbaugh announced his new commitment to Texas on Dec. 30.

The point guard held offers from currently ranked teams such as Kansas, Wisconsin and Providence. He is currently the No. 20 point guard in his class, according to 247Sports.

copyright texas athletics, and reproduced with permission Dillon Mitchell and Arterio Morris are two of the three members of Chris Beard’s incoming basketball recruiting class.

COMICS

B A R B R A D A LY

Comics Editor | @TEXANCOMICS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2022

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