August, 28, 2013
Traditions Edition
An advertising special edition of The Daily Texan
LONGHORN LIFE
Page 2
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Editor’s Note Welcome back and hook ‘em, Longhorns! As you somewhat reluctantly change your alarm clocks and try to figure out which textbooks are really necessary, remember to embrace The University of Texas at Austin and all the traditions that uphold it. From exploring the terra cotta-topped buildings and hearing the chimes of the Knicker Carillon to the challenging classes and hundreds of student
organizations, tradition resonates through the 40 Acres like the screams of “Texas Fight” on game day; that’s why we’ve dedicated our first fall edition entirely to these events and happenings that bolster our Longhorn spirits. The UT Student Government has been making impactful moves on campus since 1902, and Student Body President Horacio Villarreal shares his insight and advice for the upcoming year right below this
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LONGHORN STAFF
note. To gear up for classes, head to page 6 to gain some knowledge on the economics behind textbook buying; you just may learn how to save yourself a couple extra bucks. Another fall means another Greek rush. If you make it into the sorority or fraternity of your choice, but are having trouble figuring out how you’ll manage to literally pay your dues, check out the next page for some tips from
longhornlifeonline.com
two Greeks paying their own ways. I know this is an unusually small edition of Longhorn Life, but don’t worry — we’ll be back with longer page counts for our following issues. In the meantime, you can head to our website, longhornlifeonline.com, for the rest of our content and photos, such as a glimpse into a day in the life of a Texas football player and the history of the big Texas flag and the organization that operates it. Be
facebook.com/txlonghornlife
sure to keep an eye on that website this semester; we’ve got a few cool tricks up our sleeves. Have a happy first day of class, Longhorns! Summer may be over, but that just means we have one more year of rich Texas traditions upon us. Get your horns up,
Ali Killian
Special Editions Editor
twitter.com/txlonghornlife
Student body president welcomes Longhorns Hello Longhorns, My name is Horacio Villarreal, and I am the student body president for the 2013-2014 school year. What an exciting time of the year — with classes starting, Texas football right around the corner, and thousands of eager, driven, fellow Longhorns all culminating to make the fall semester so great! I can vividly remember the first day of classes my freshman year; I was filled with anxiety for a variety of reasons. I was ready to meet new friends and get off to a good start in all of my classes. I urge each of you to push yourself in all facets, step out of your normal boundaries and take the utmost pride in being a Texas Longhorn. The time at The University of Texas at Austin flies by; I
am a living testament that it all happens so fast. For those who are returning to the 40 Acres, welcome back! This is not each of our first rodeos, but there are certainly things each of us can take from last year to grow on and put to good use to ensure that this year exceeds last year academically, socially and personally. I can assure each of you that myself, your Student Body Vice President Ugeo Williams, our entire executive board, hundreds of orientation advisors, Camp Texas counselors, faculty, staff and our administration have been working tirelessly throughout the summer to prepare all facets of the Longhorn experience to be the best it can be. With such a large student body,
we each must contribute to the mission of our university: to transform lives for the benefit of society. It is an amazing time to be a Texas Longhorn. Over the summer, our university was recognized as being one of the top 25 universities in the world. The world. Think about that. Each one of us has had the opportunity to contribute to this incredible accolade, and even more importantly — each one of us has the opportunity to continue to move our university in the right direction. We have a phrase that states, “What starts here changes the world,” and based off of the latest recognition, the world is certainly taking notice of the great work that is being done on the 40 Acres.
Special Editions Editor Ali Killian Web Editor/Associate Editor Andrew Huygen Designers Daniel Hublein, Karina Munguia, Rachel Ngun, Bailey Sullivan Writers Shantanu Banerjee, Priyanka Deshpande, Katie Dickerson, Kendall Ivie, Mira Milla, Katey Psencik, Jelisa Robinson, Sarah Strohl Photographers Joe Capraro, Leanne Chia, Mika Locklear, Sneha Joshi, Alejandro Silveyra, Taylor Womack
TSM ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SERVICES Director Jalah Goette Advertising Adviser CJ Salgado Campus & National Sales Rep Joan Bowerman Broadcast & Events Manager Carter Goss Student Manager Trevor Nelson Student Assistant Manager Zach Congdon Student Account Executives Chelsea Barrie, Aaron Blanco, Christian Dufner, Rohan Needel, Ted Sniderman Student Classifieds Clerk Hannah Davis Account Executive & Events Coordinator Lindsey Hollingsworth Special Editions & Production Coordinator Casey Rogers Senior Graphic Designer Daniel Hublein Student Graphic Designers Karina Munguia, Rachel Ngun, Bailey Sullivan
Ugeo, the entire Student Government organization and myself are resources for you. The reason we ran for Student Government president and vice president was to contribute to the university that has given us so much. We urge you to be involved on campus; to make a part of campus your own. Dream big, bring initiatives to the
photo by Rachel Robillard
table and work to make them happen, because you never know — you could have the next idea that transforms our campus for the betterment of society.
Hook ‘em, Horacio
Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan produced by students in Texas Student Media’s special editions office. Reach us at specialeditions@texasstudentmedia.com. Copyright 2011 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission. CONTACT TSM: We are located in the Hearst Student Media building (HSM). For advertising, call 512-471-1865.
LONGHORN LIFE
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
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Features
Afford Greek dues without breaking bank by Alex Vickery photo by Leanne Chia
There’s no denying that Greek life plays a major role in student life on the 40 Acres. Whether you’re an incoming freshman who can’t wait to don your dream letters, or a second-year student looking to join the vibrant community, rush will soon be upon you. But, you must also pay the price — literally. Between plopping down cash for fall textbooks, shopping for new dorm furniture and paying rent and tuition, the “broke college kid” label could not be more accurate. On top of that, sororities and fraternities aren’t very forgiving. While it may seem that those rushing are more than willing to fork over the money for expensive membership dues and social events, the truth is, not everyone can af-
ford the high costs. “Money was definitely a huge concern of mine,” said Olivia Ursi, a UT sorority member. “Everyone knows that UT sororities are some of the most expensive, and I really worried about getting into a sorority and not being able to stay if I couldn’t afford dues.” Ursi, the youngest of five
and the first in her family to go to college right after high school, had always pictured Greek life as a part of her ideal college experience. Throughout high school, she saved money from part-time jobs to fund her social activities. Now, she continues to have a job in college to help pay her sorority dues. As a sophomore biochemistry major, she
ensures that having a job on the side is doable. “[Having jobs in high school] made me more mature and more fiscally responsible … I also don’t buy as many things as the sorority has to offer, a lot of it is optional, and I don’t think many girls know that,” Ursi said. If you are determined to be in a sorority or a fraternity, don’t be deterred by having to pay for it on your own. Robby Lopez, the president of Acacia fraternity, chose not to accept financial support from his parents, and has learned that it’s not as hard as you might think. “All it takes is a level of focus and vision in order to make [paying dues] happen,” Lopez said. He suggests working a part-time job during the school year, as well as seeking out a full-time job during the summer to save up for
the next semester. Aside from that, there are other sources of income for college students, such as research studies around campus or other odd jobs. “In the end, the number one way to keep afloat is to manage your money and time wisely,” Lopez, a civil engineering senior, said. “Don’t panic or feel frustrated.” Many sororities and fraternities understand that not everyone is financially blessed. If they want you to be a member, they will work with you. Some have payment plans that allow members to pay their dues in smaller installments. If your house is part of a larger organization, there may be scholarships or grants available for members. Do research online or ask leaders in your campus chapter if they know anyone to contact.
If you have the determination to become involved in the Greek community, being resourceful and managing your time wisely can help you reach your goal. Both Lopez and Ursi assure that the rewards associated with Greek life are worth the hard work. Ursi, who rushed as a sophomore, is grateful for the support her sorority has given her. “If the sorority you choose is really your home, then they will figure something out just for you,” she said. Joining a sorority has made her more confident and motivated. “I made a ton of friends, some of whom will probably be my bridesmaids in the future,” Ursi said. “The circle of people you meet isn’t the only thing that helps — I feel like I became who I wanted to be in college.”
Traditions of the Tower by Cindy Jaimez photo by Alejandro Silveyra When you look up to see the Tower, you’ll find yourself noting seven different lighting configurations throughout the year. From completely orange to white, the iconic Tower’s lighting represents various events. The orange-lit tower signifies moments such as commencement, faculty and student achievements, UT’s birthday (Sept. 15) and in the past, victories against Texas A&M. The orange top and white shaft comes in for times such as the regular-season football victories, while the orange tower with a number one displayed is reserved for
national championships. For Gone To Texas, the official welcome for the incoming students, the Tower appears with the orange shaft and the top split orange and white. Special effects are utilized for the orange-lit tower for commencement, while the Tower darkens with a white cap and observation deck for UT Remembers, the annual memorial service, and other solemn occasions. Other times, expect to see the standard white tower. From 1933 to 1937, Carl J. Eckhard, Jr., a UT graduate and head of the Physical Plant at the time, supervised the Tower’s construction. The Tower first sported the orange lights in 1937. Ten years after the Tower’s construction,
Eckhard was among those who created guidelines for the Tower’s orange lighting. The tower’s light spectacle has its price, though. Lauren Lentz, the communications manager for campus planning and facilities management, said the annual average cost for keeping the Tower lit is $9,500, while it uses approximately 161,000 kilowatts of energy per hour. “[The energy use] would depend. For example, for the more victories we have, the more it is lit up,” she said. “There’s some variation from year to year, but that’s the average.” The other notable tradition of the Tower is the carillon; it is the largest carillon in Texas.
A child looks out across the Austin skyline from the Tower observation deck.
Last year, it underwent a renovation at the cost of $71,000. Earlier this month, Austin Ferguson, a music junior and the student director of The Guild of Student Carillonneurs, told The Daily Texan that The Guild is “trying to come in and practice to break in all these new parts and get used to it.”
You can expect to find The Guild, the student organization in charge of ringing the bells at various times, at the top of the Tower. The Guild was founded in 2010 with a maximum of nine members. Currently, The Guild consists of six students with Andrew Dell’Antonio from the Butler
School of Music serving as the faculty advisor. It holds auditions the first week of school; only three new members are accepted each year. As you acclimate yourself to the 40 Acres, be sure to keep your eyes and ears open to discover the delights chiming and shining from the Tower.
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LONGHORN LIFE
1827
UT commissioned by Texas Constitution
1883
1894
First UT vs. Texas A&M game -— UT won 38-0
UT formally opened on Sept. 15
1885
First UT baseball game; orange and white became the official school colors
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
1903
“The Eyes of Texas” penned by John Sinclair
1914
Texas Exes established as the Ex-Students’ Association
1913
The Daily Texan became the university’s first daily newspaper
1957
1916 Bevo became school mascot
1937
UT Tower completed
1941
Permanent football team established
Darrell Royal became Texas’ football coach
1955
The first Hex Rally occurred
1893
HEAD TO LONGHORNLIFEONLINE.COM FOR THE FULL STORY
LONGHORN LIFE
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
1966
Charles Whitman climbed up the Tower, killed 16 people and injured 31 in a killing spree
1977
Earl Campbell became the first Longhorn to win the Heisman Trophy
1971
“Hook ‘em Horns” hand symbol first created
1967
Page 5
LBJ created the first presidential library on a college campus at UT
2006
2010
UT student Colton Tooley fired shots and committed suicide in the PCL
The Blanton Museum of Art opened — it is the nation’s largest art museum on a college campus
Texas Legislature established The University of Texas at Austin as the school’s official name
UT FOOBALL
LONGHORN TIMELINE
graphic by Rachel Ngun
LONGHORN LIFE
Page 6
Wednesay, August 28, 2013
Making cents
Doing more for less
Intro to textbook economics + by Priyanka Deshpande graphic by Bailey Sullivan
ESTIMATED
15,743 ts studen s aved
$2,302,393
,
BY RENTING
average ON BOOKS SUPPLIES
for in-state residents spent
& 2012-2013
31,337 ! 50% books
One thousand two hundred dollars. That’s the average estimated amount that a fulltime undergraduate student at a public institution spent on textbooks and supplies during the 2012-13 school year, reports a study published by The College Board. According to the study, the cost of tuition plus supplies (not including room and board) for such a student with in-state residency can reach up to approximately $9,200, possibly making textbooks count for over 10 percent of a student’s fees. Because textbooks can become a significant portion of a college budget, students must find ways to maximize their money’s worth when it comes to buying textbooks. Luckily, students can choose from a multitude of options, from buying or renting paper copies to using electronic textbooks, to accommodate their personal finances. College professors tend to emphasize that required textbooks are necessary to do well in a class. Skimping on textbook knowledge is not an option for most students, as these materials serve as the foundational basis for classes. Traditionally, students buy paper copy textbooks, new or used, and either keep or resell them at the end of the semester, usually for a lower price. Students usually choose to purchase books from local shops, such as the University Co-op, through online retailers such as Amazon. com or from fellow students. Recently, however, students have started to espouse a different method of obtaining textbooks — renting. Students
Options available for students based on learning style, personal finances
TRADITIONAL PURCHASES books = over
10%
• BOOKSTORE // UNIVERSITY CO-OP • ONLINE // AMAZON.COM • RENTING FOR SMALLER PRICE
OF STUDENT FEES
who rent textbooks from online sellers or local bookstores often pay less than the sale price for the book, but must return it to the store in an allotted time. While buying and reselling textbooks can cause students to lose money in the long run, renting can serve as a lesscostly alternative. According to the University Co-Op’s website, “from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, the Co-op helped 15,743 students save an estimated $2,302,393 by renting 31,337 textbooks.” “Textbook rentals have really changed the landscape of acquiring college textbooks,” said Michael Kiely, a sales representative for the University Co-Op. “We have seen tremendous growth over the last two years in textbook rentals. Because many books are not rentable — custom books, loose-leaf, workbooks,
etc. — more books are bought than sold, but that gap is closing quickly. Most students prefer to rent.” E-books serve as another substitute for traditional textbooks. Those students that hope to avoid the hassle of buying and reselling or renting print copies, or are comfortable learning from an electronic source, can benefit from the digital availability of textbooks. A price comparison of most college textbooks on websites like Amazon. com reveals that e-books can be significantly cheaper than traditional textbooks. Amazon.com even advertises that consumers can save “50 percent when [they] buy Kindle eTextbooks.” According to Tom Malek, vice president of Learning Solutions for McGraw-Hill Higher Education, e-book prices are much lower than
of costs can be cut by using digital books
“3 percent of college students are purchasing e-books” their hard-copy counterparts because there is essentially no printing, warehouse or shipping costs associated with them. With just a click of a button, e-books can be purchased and accessed on computers and laptops, and increasingly on mobile devices and tablets like iPads and Kindles. Some students prefer e-books to paper textbooks because they can be more economical in other respects, as well. “I prefer electronic textbooks to traditional paper books not because of the medium of the material, but because of the circumstances of the acquisition,” said James Cong, a biomedical engineering sophomore. “I am unwilling to pay to high costs for expensive books with low resale value.” Despite their easy access
and lower price, e-books are not as popular as one might expect. Kiely noted that only approximately 1 percent of the Co-Op’s textbook sales consist of e-book purchases. “Studies currently show that about 3 percent of college students are purchasing ebooks,” Malek said. In his article “Solving the E-book Problem in Higher Education” posted on Forbes. com, he goes on to say that while e-books have the potential to enhance the learning experience, many undergraduates prefer to continue learning from print books because the students are familiar with them, and find them more comfortable to use. Experts also say that because the current generation of undergraduate students have grown up with paper textbook copies, they are less likely to
adopt electronic educational materials than future generations, even though they are exposed to the technology now. UT students are no exception to this nationwide trend. “Reading an actual book is so much less tiring for the eyes than reading an e-book,” said Aydin Zahedi, an aerospace engineering sophomore. As always, being able to learn from a textbook, print or digital, is probably the most important factor in students’ decisions to purchase or rent traditional textbooks instead of e-books, or vice versa. Whether you choose printed books or e-books, buying or renting, explore the options available to you and make the best decision based on your personal learning style and financial situation.
Wednesay, August 28, 2013
OURCampus
OUR CAMPUS
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Celebrating the faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin
BEHIND THE SCENES by Jelisa Robinson photo by Taylor Womack
Stop any UT student and ask them about their freshman year, and they will probably tell you that it was fun but at times a bit overwhelming. When you first step foot on the 40 Acres, home to 50,000 students, you may wonder how you are going to do well, get involved and find opportunities to make your experience worthwhile at such a big university. The Office of the Dean of Students is the place to go. Whether you are a seasoned senior or an excited freshman, the DOS has something
for you. Interested in joining a sorority or fraternity? Have a chat with advisors about the different Greek-lettered organizations on campus. Volunteered in high school and want to continue that passion? Check out the various volunteer events around campus and in the Austin community. Want to be a leader? Come learn about the Leadership and Ethics Institute. Whatever you want, DOS has your back. “I love being a part of students’ growth and development,” said Smita Ruzicka, an assistant for the Dean of Students Leadership and Ethics Institute. Ruzicka beams that the
best part of working there is seeing the progress of “amazing student leaders.” There are many opportunities to lead outside of being an officer in an organization. “Leadership is not about a title, but about following your passions and making moves, and DOS helps you do that,” Ruzicka advised. The staff have a sincere passion for being advocates for all students, helping them navigate the university and encouraging responsibility and leadership. In fact, Ruzicka could not stop talking about how much she enjoys collaborating with her coworkers. “I love working with people
Smita Ruzicka
Assistant for the Dean of Students Leadership and Ethics Institute who are just as passionate about helping students as I am,” she said. The Office of the Dean of Students is a hub of resources on campus that
at the Office of the Dean of Students
will enhance the careers of current students, parents, faculty, staff and alumni. Here you will find departments that cater to many interests. Sorority and Fraternity Life leads members and prospective members to support services, leadership opportunities and educational programs in the Interfraternity, Latino Pan-Hellinic, National Pan-Hellenic, Texas Asian Panhellenic and University Panhellenic councils. Legal Services for Students is where you can learn about the legal process and ask for advice. DOS even has a travel program students can utilize to take a trip abroad.
This fall, DOS has a few things in store; one of which is HornsLink, a comprehensive tool that Ruzicka said “brings many opportunities into one place.” For anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by the search for events, experiences and opportunities for involvement, this tool will make it easier for you to take your college career by the horns. You will be able to create a profile and, based on your interests, you will be linked with events and organizations that suit your fancy. “We are excited to welcome the class of 2017,” Ruzicka said. “DOS is here for you!”
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OUR CAMPUS
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Wednesay, August 28, 2013
Meet the Manager of Hogg Auditorium Cecilia Lopez Manager of Hogg Auditorium Cecilia Lopez came to the 40 Acres as undergraduate student and never left. Having completed an undergraduate degree in government, she later pursued a master’s degree in college and university student personnel administration at UT, and now works for University Unions. Currently, as manager of the Hogg Auditorium, she interacts with student organizations and other University entities that choose to host their events at Hogg, has oversight for both the Hogg facility and the events that are planned and produced there, trains student employees and manages the University Unions’ social media channels. Lopez believes her job gives her a chance to fulfill her desire to give back to UT for all the opportunities it has given her. by Priyanka Deshpande Longhorn Life: How did you make the decision to come to UT-Austin as an undergraduate and then graduate student? Cecilia Lopez: I was an out-of-state student from Virginia as an undergraduate, and initially my plans were to stay local and possibly even commute to school; I will always be grateful for my extended family that lives in Texas who encouraged me to apply and visit campus. I applied, was
admitted, and then made my way to Austin for a campus visit. During my visit, I noticed something different about the UT campus from other schools — to this day I can’t quite put my finger on it. I think it was the sense of community, energy and the spirit that was evident in the student experience. Honestly, I also just had a gut feeling that this was where I wanted to spend the next four years, and to this day, I’ve never been
photo by Alejandro Silveyra
so grateful to have trusted my gut in this decision. Seven years later, I am finding myself on the other side of the table as a student affairs professional on the very same campus. The fall following my graduation from undergrad, I started graduate school, also on the 40 Acres. My decision to stay came from a sense of wanting to pay it forward — to give back for the experiences that this
university has provided me since the moment I moved into my room in Jester West as a freshman. Additionally, I also decided to stay and pursue my graduate degree here because of the faculty in the Higher Education Administration Program — I appreciated the balance between having faculty that were on the field as practitioners in student affairs as well as those who were conducting research.
constantly seeking new paths to serve students and support their experience on the 40 Acres. The people, the environment, the sense of community and the spirit that’s captured not only in athletic events but in the character of our students, my colleagues and the quality of the work that this campus produces — all were many of the reasons that I am grateful to have had the opportunity to stay.
it. Though challenging at first, the size of the campus brings a wealth of opportunity, resources and it is actually possible to find “your” place on campus. The spirit and watching how the campus community comes together both in times of challenge and celebration is definitely special. When you are a part of the UT family, you feel that you’re a part of something greater.
LL: What about UT’s academic culture and school spirit helped you make the decision to stay and work for UT?
LL: What about Austin and UT makes them different from other places you’ve lived and worked?
LL: What advice can you give to present and future Longhorns, students and faculty about making the best out of their time at UT?
CL: When I completed my graduate degree I decided that, if the opportunity became available, I wanted to stay and work for UT because I am a true believer of what our institution work towards. I “grew up” here, and I wanted the opportunity to be able to pay it forward. I love this campus, its student body and the colleagues that I now have the privilege to work with. I am energized by
Welcome TO
CL: I love the fact that Austin is a constantly growing city, yet there is a nice balance of the pace of life, the people are friendly and the majority of the time they are willing to help. I am used to the fast pace of the Washington, D.C. area, so Austin was a nice change — where no one is running into a metro station to catch the next train all the time. And UT is large; that’s what I love about
CL: My advice is to go outside of your comfort zone. Take on something new. Pursue opportunities that will help you grow professionally and personally. Maximize your potential. Let the 40 Acres impact you, find ways to impact it and do your part to impact the lives of those around you. Your UT experience will be as enriching and impactful as you make it.
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