RISE’s Haley Wallace,
President Lawrence Schovanec recaps the previous year and details plans for the future.
Intramural sports offer students the opportunity to stay active and make friends through competitive play.
Candace Braun Davidson, author of a college cookbook, recommends microwave-safe recipes for oncampus cooking.
By NATHAN KENISON Staff Writer
As students walk onto Texas Tech campus for the first time, they may notice a peeking head or perhaps a little critter scurrying around campus commonly known as a black-tailed prairie dog.
The curious ground squirrels seem like they’re all over, and if one drives a little further out to one of Lubbock’s local parks — they’re practically unavoidable.
Although nowadays prairie dogs might be taken for granted, there was a time when their future in the Hub City wasn’t so certain.
“The government was on a roll with poisoning prairie dogs in the early 1930s,” said Rob Weiner, a librarian and Honors professor at Tech. “So he (K. N. Clapp) established Prairie Dog Town to keep the population alive in Lubbock, which still exists today.”
Located in Mackenzie Park, Prairie
Dog Town is a seven-acre enclosure surrounded by a low wall, designed for the protection, conservation and observation of its namesake species.
Since Clapp placed just two prairie dogs in the park in 1935, their descendants have flourished into a thriving and active population beyond the local park’s perimeter.
Clapp served as a chairman of Lubbock's Park and Recreation Commission and “Mayor” of Prairie Dog Town until his death in 1969.
The City of Lubbock continues to maintain the attraction, which remains one of its biggest tourist draws, according to its official
Having kept prairie dogs as pets for over two decades, Weiner said he is continually amazed by their intricate systems of
communication and complex social structures.
Although they are actually rodents, prairie dogs are named for the distinct barking sounds they use to relay information.
“Each of their squeaks is a means of communication,” Weiner said. “For example, they could have a squeak that means ‘I see a man with a red shirt.’ They’re very, very intelligent.”
It was because of this intelligence that Clapp sought to be as careful as possible when designing an escape-proof enclosure. He utilized a steel mesh that extended deep below the ground.
Nevertheless, it does appear that the population has spread beyond the confines of the initial seven-acres, as prai rie dogs can be seen popping up around the adjacent baseball fields in Mackenzie Park.
Because of perceived en vironmental and agricultural con cerns, Weiner said pub licly funded poisoning programs in Lubbock still persist. However, in recent years,
biologists have declared prairie dogs a keystone species, i.e. organisms with a markedly large role in their environment relative to population size.
Olivia Addams, a junior natural resource management major from Lubbock, said prairie dogs do more for the environment than just dig holes.
“Some ranchers in other parts of Texas have said that removing prairie dogs can actually have a negative effect on livestock, because it can lead to the spread of brush and competing plant life,” Addams said. “So it’s all a balance … and removing them entirely can just throw off that environmental harmony in ways you could never foresee.”
prairie dogs remain a common sight in Lubbock, It is estimated that 98 percent of
the original black-tailed prairie dog population in the state has been lost.
According to the Texas Tech Natural Science Research Laboratory website, some scientists estimate prairie dog eradication could occur during the first half of the twenty-first century.
However, as populations continue to diminish across the state, Lubbock may serve as a future hub and haven for the resilient ground squirrels. At one point they were feared to be on the possible brink of extinction, and now they seem almost ubiquitous.
Although it may have started with just a small conservation park, Lubbock is now one big prairie dog town
Hello Red Raiders, and welcome to Texas Tech.
My name is Marianna Souriall, and I am the editor-in-chief of The Daily Toreador. This year will mark my second term as editor and my third year as a journalism student in the College of Media and Communication.
The DT is a student-run publication created by students for students, which means we take student input as our number one priority. Our main goal is to keep our audience informed about campus news and serve as a voice for the Red Raider community.
Our goal is demonstrated in all we produce from our content down to our name. The toreador is a bullfighter who is second to the matador in the ring. Just as on campus, we are here to serve you, the matadors.
The readers of The DT give our content purpose, so thank you for enabling us to do
what we love.
This publication will mark 99 years of service to the Tech community on Oct. 3. Through 99 years, we always have met readers where they are, constantly using platforms accessible and convenient to all. Today, we can be found on Instagram, Facebook and X, formerly Twitter. We publish on our website daily and in print once a month.
I have always loved journalism as it is storytelling in its truest form. As a journalist I get to experience life through all different lenses and serve as a liaison between one's story and the person who reads it.
Storytelling can take many forms, though my favorite is telling the stories that bring Tech to life. Tech is made up of different views, cultures and personalities. And just as in life, Tech has its shortcomings.
Good or bad, The DT strives to be a voice for
every community on campus.
To my family, thank you for showing me to appreciate life in all forms, and to The DT, thank you for giving me the space to share stories with others.
MOVE-IN
MEET
Reporters
Aynsley
Marianna Souriall is a journalism major from Magnolia. Raiderland
Texas Tech already has left the biggest impact on my heart through the friends I’ve made, people I’ve met and new-found experiences. I hope Tech treats you the same.
Welcome to your new home away from home, and I look forward to meeting each of you.
Please reach out to The DT with any questions or information and follow us on all social media (@dailytoreador) to stay up to date with campus news.
8
9
10, 11
Multimedia
Raiderland is a special student publication for incoming and transfer students and their families produced by Toreador Media’s The Daily Toreador at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.
Questions, comments and concerns may be directed to:
By AYNSLEY LARSEN News/L a Vida editor
As the college transition process begins, many new students will face the challenge of getting to know and getting along with their new, random roommates.
Haley Wallace, program director of Communication Design and Outreach at Texas Tech’s Risk Intervention and Safety Education, offers advice for students in the early stages of making friends.
RISE also offers mental health services and more. Information can be found on the RISE website.
Go to things together
Taking advantage of events like ones hosted during Raider Welcome can help break the awkwardness facing yet unacquainted housemates, Wallace said.
“I think if you don't know them well and you want to bond with them, try doing a couple activities,” Wallace said. “Go take a walk around Urbanovski, go swim, you know, just do something together where you can talk about your life, your interests and kind of see where you might fit well.”
Wallace, who got to know her own randomly assigned roommates during her time at Tech, said her experiences allowed her to make friends with different backgrounds; Her then-random roommate became one of her long-term best friends.
“I had friends who came to Texas Tech, and then I came to Texas Tech as well, but I wanted to get a random roommate specifically so I wouldn't fall into just having the same friends as I did in high school, and I thought that was really useful,” Wallace said. “... I really enjoyed having a random roommate personally, and I think that it really did help me branch out.”
Have necessary conversations
It is inevitable conflicts will arise in most living situations, Wallace said, but setting boundaries and establishing expectations early on can help prevent future problems.
“I think kind of having those conversations first off so you don't just start leaving passive-aggressive sticky notes can be really useful,” Wallace said. “If you can kind of try to set the expectations for the future, I think that's best-case scenario.”
Resources are available on campus for conflict prevention and resolution, Wallace said,
We care for the Red Raider Student Body
including through RISE Peer Educators. College students themselves, Peer Educations can serve as an understanding asset for tips on healthy relationships, conflict management and general disagreements.
Should more serious issues arise, Wallace encouraged students to reach out to the Office of Student Conduct or licensed counselors.
“I think living with anybody in general, there's going to be conflict, disagreements. Living with somebody in close proximity makes things difficult,” Wallace said.
Open up: Everyone is as scared as you are
In general, everyone is nervous those first few weeks of college. Being willing to take the first step or make the initial introduction can be an easy way to make new friends, Wallace said.
“I think that that can be really scary, or it can be really empowering to look around and be like, ‘We're all in the same boat. We're all desperate for friends. We all want to succeed in college,’” Wallace said. “I think that can kind of bring some perspective back and make you not as scared to reach out to them.” You don’t need to be best friends
Though it may contradict the stereotypical college roommate stories, Wallace said not all roommates have to be close to be compatible.
“I think it's useful to say that you don't have to be best friends with your roommate. You just have to live together … ,” Wallace said. “If something, you know, comes up and it's non-negotiable, or you realize, like, ‘My roommate really isn't a good fit for me,’ all you really have to do is be civil in the same place that you're living and respect each other.”
As Texas Tech’s only professional, on-campus healthcare clinic, we offer the following services:
• Primary & urgent care
• Telemedicine visits
• Women’s health
• Behavioral health • Sports Medicine • Full-service pharmacy
Laboratory • X-ray services
For more information, visit www.depts.ttu.edu/studenthealth
Ice Cream Social, Scoop an Opportunity Job Fair
Aug 19, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Aug 19, Wiggins Complex Wiggins Graduate & Professional School Fair
Sep 10, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sep 10, |SUB Ballroom SUB Ballroom
JCPenney Suit-Up Event
Sep 15, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 15,South Plains Mall JCPenney Mocktail Party
Oct 1, 2024 | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Oct Mckenzie-Merket Alumni Center Mckenzie-Merket
Hire Red Raiders Job Fair
Oct 2, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 3:00
Non-Profit Job Fair
Oct 23, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Oct 23, 2024 11:00 AM 2:00 PM SUB Courtyard
Etiquette Dinner Oct 23, 2024 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMMckenzie-Merket Alumni Center Mckenzie-Merket Alumni Center
By MARIANNA SOURIALL Editor-in-ChiEf
Oftentimes people wonder what legacy they are leaving behind. For students entering college, perhaps the question becomes what or whose legacy am I carrying?
President Lawrence Schovanec said his parents’ legacy lives through him and his 11 siblings — education.
Schovanec is Texas Tech’s 17th president, and 2024 will mark his eighth year in the position.
“My parents realized that education was the one thing they could give us,” Schovanec said. “More than anything they would leave to us, in terms of possessions, that a college degree was the best gift they could give us, and it turned out to be true.”
Before earning a doctoral degree in mathematics, Schovanec grew up in Oklahoma where he embraced his Czech roots and community in the area.
Schovanec recalled sharing kolaches and a singular landline with his 11 siblings in his Oklahoma hometown.
making students still feel supported is a top priority for the coming year.
“It’s clear that students, depending on their background, have different challenges,” Schovanec said. “I think it’s our task to make sure that we make those students feel that this is a place for them, that they’re supported and that we recognize students do have special needs.”
A year removed from the initial signing of SB 17, Schovanec said he recognized the responsibility that fell on student organizations in regard to hosting events and promoting inclusivity.
“We worked with them (student organizations), and we met with them and we’re still finding our way in certain aspects of this new environment,” Schovanec said.
Additionally, the president said he met with the Students for Justice in Palestine organization when protests were organized regarding the war in Gaza.
As long as the rules of the institution are followed, Schovanec said protests are permitted.
Despite growing up in a Czech household, Schovanec said he never learned the language. However, he did embrace the food and noted how food can often reflect where a person is from.
Having always appreciated different views, the president said it is important students learn the aspects of civility at Tech where all views are welcome and conversation is encouraged.
“We had to make a correction in how we provided access and opportunity in light of SB 17,” Schovanec said. “We’ve done that. I would like to believe that opportunities for students haven’t been diminished, but we, as a state institution, need to obey the letter of the law.”
While Senate Bill 17 removed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices from campus, Schovanec said
Moving forward, Schovanec said the plans for the 2024-25 year are to listen and meet the needs of students whether it be through academics, financial aid, Student Government Association or elsewhere.
Schovanec said meeting with students will assist in identifying administrative shortcomings.
“One thing we ought to keep in mind is when we enhance services for all students, everybody benefits,” Schovanec said.
Throughout Schovanec’s presidential responsibilities, he carries the values his parents instilled in him. Simply put, he said it is his character.
“I just believe in the power of education,” Schovanec said. “I believe that education changes lives and it makes this world a better place.”
@MariannaS_DT
By MARIANNA SOURIALL Editor-in-ChiEf
Son to immigrant parents, Jad Zeitouni said he is living the American dream after adding Texas Tech student regent to his list of accomplishments.
Zeitouni was not only appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, but he is pursuing a doctoral degree at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, specifically in public health. His journey with the School of Medicine comes after graduating from the Jerry S. Rawls College of Business with a “Highest Honors” distinction from the Honors College.
While an undergrad, Zeitouni said he worked at a refugee camp in Lebanon teaching children English during the Syrian refugee
crisis.
“Families move here (the U.S.) to give themselves, and their family and their kids opportunities for a better future,” Zeitouni said. “My parents sacrificed so much, and I've been able to take that sacrifice, recognize it for what it is and try to go out and make the most of it.”
Zeitouni said the crisis in Lebanon struck a personal chord since his parents are from there. Having worked with children who escaped war, one of the main differences Zeitouni noted was the number of opportunities present in the United States.
“Texas Tech, I think, is a champion of that (opportunity),” Zeitouni said. “They're able to go to college, get a good degree, find a job here in the United
States. That's literally what my own father did, so I think Texas Tech is definitely a champion of that.”
As a strong believer in the opportunities available at Tech, Zeitouni said he hopes to create a pipeline for high school students to become Red Raiders and work on retention for students at Tech.
Additionally, Zeitouni said he met with all of the Tech System’s Student Government Associations to listen to the needs of the student body. There are five institutions in the Tech system.
“One of the things that we talked about, in general, was trying to do a pathway program to retain our students. That's something I think there is support for,” Zeitouni said. “From Texas
Tech in specific, from my meeting in general, things like parking and campus safety are priorities.”
Zeitouni said there has been work on parking and safety already, and SGA hopes the work will continue. Additionally, he anticipates the needs of the students will mature as members of SGA become more integrated into their roles.
There will be two town halls with Zeitouni once school begins. The town halls will serve as a way for the student regent to meet and listen to the needs of students.
One will be hosted inperson and the other will be virtual so that distance learners may join. The date has yet to be announced but will be coordinated with the SGA.
“I really want to take the year to represent the students to my fullest potential, so I'm always open to hearing new ideas, new perspectives,” Zeitouni said. “My email, my door, is always open, so to speak.”
Zeitouni has spent much of his life thus far researching and working on health care policies including through his work as an intern with the House of Representatives. The student regent also has interned with the United Nations Information Center, researching global health policies.
Through these internships and now student regent role, Zeitouni said he carries the lessons of his parents with him.
“So the biggest thing that they taught me is, whenever you meet someone, you greet
them with open arms, try to understand their perspectives and try to learn from them, from what they've been through,” Zeitouni said.
As student regent, Zeitouni said this ideology will be with him through every student interaction as he strives to listen to all students.
A student regent serves on the Tech System’s Board of Regents as a student body representative. Zeitouni is the 19th student regent, and he will serve a one-year term.
By PETER PIERUCCI Staff WritEr Events
The Texas Tech intramural program offers several sports for students to participate in, as well as special events for dorm residents.
Jordon German, program manager for sport programs, said there are three types of series of sports, those being modern, flash and classic.
“The modern series is self officiated,” German said. “You don't win anything, you just get a game scheduled and have fun.”
German said the flash series are one-to two-day tournaments while the classic series is officiated.
are hosted at the University’s Recreational center. All in-person students are permitted to join intramural sports as the fee is included in tuition.
However, a waiver must be signed acknowledging the risks associated with playing sports.
A new event coming this year, German said, is called hall stars.
Hall stars is a tournament where each dorm is matched up against another to compete in various games.
The winning dorm will receive merchandise with the teams winning design and name on it. Merchandise includes shirts and
If you have a student at Texas Tech, you are a member of our Red Raider family. We offer ways to help you stay informed, be connected and remain an active part of your student’s success.
hats for participating members.
“We start Sept. 7,” German said,
“We have 10-building pickleball, and we will host dodgeball and tug-of-war”
of like march madness,” German said.
“You create a team and put yourself in the tournament.”
team with about 15 people and it was a great way to meet people and have fun.”
Intramural sports could also be a great job opportunity, Iversen said. There is also no prior knowledge of the sport needed to become involved with the sport.
website and sign in with a valid eraider identification.
The website will ask for basic information to ensure each student is participating in a game of their choosing.
There are special events each semester students can participate in German said.
“Our big event is called winter slam, which is a 64 team tournament kind
“That's how I met a lot of my new friends,” Iversen said. “I started a football Scan the QR Code for the Intermural Sports home page.
Ansley Iversen, program supervisor, said intramural sports is a great opportunity for freshmen to meet new people.
“You can be an official. I decided to be an official without knowing anything about softball or baseball,” Iversen said. “I got hired and met lots of people and I've loved it so much.”
German said students can use intramural sports to help grow their officiating skills and potentially officiate high school games.
To sign up for intramural sports, go to the imleagues
There are also opportunities to play in smaller games such as 3 vs. 3 basketball or archery. Individuals may sign up for smaller games through the website as they are scheduled in advanced.
There is no GPA requirement to join an intramural team. Visit the website for more information.
@PeterPierucciDT
The Texas Tech bucket list is a composite list of various tasks students may complete to make memories throughout the year.
Send photos of you completing the list to The Daily Toreador for a chance to appear on our social media platforms.
Participate in at least one activity each day during the multi-day Raider Welcome event
Attend the traditional Carol of Lights event, an annual campus event
Have your picture taken at the Two Tons of Tradition ring sculpture outside the Texas Tech Alumni Association’s McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center
Visit the Lubbock Lake Landmark and learn about the fossils found on the South Plains Hop on a Citibus and explore Lubbock beyond the Texas Tech campus
Build a snow sculpture in Urbanovsky Park
Smile and say hello to a random individual in the Student Union
Take a selfie at a campus landmark on the first day of classes and post it to social media
Join an intramural team and participate Attend a Student Government Association meeting
Participate in a face-to-face academic advising session
Earn a spot on the Dean’s or President’s List
Start a “Raider Power!” chant at a Tech sporting event
Attend a party
Find the Blarney Stone on the Texas Tech campus
Visit Prairie Dog Town in Lubbock’s Mackenzie Park, located just east of I-27
Invite your parents/family to Family Weekend/ Family Days on campus
Be a hero and give blood at the Aug. 22 blood drive in the Student Union Building’s Red Raider Lounge
Start your own podcast by visiting the Library and utilizing one of its podcast studios
Go a full semester without missing a class
Visit the city’s Tornado Memorial Park, located at Avenue Q and Buddy Holly Avenue, and learn how Tech was impacted May 11, 1970
Take a selfie with the Masked Rider and her horse, Centennial Champion
Recycle when and where you can on campus
Find one (or more) of the painted murals in town and grab a Lubbock selfie to post to social media
Make time to take in a few West Texas sunsets
Contact The Daily Toreador and suggest an idea for a story you’d like to see
Visit the Buddy Holly Center, 1801 Crickets Ave., and grab a photo of yourself with the giant glasses art installation out front
Wear a fun, campus-appropriate Halloween costume to your Oct. 31 classes
Find your favorite barbecue restaurant in Lubbock
Spend a Friday evening taking in the sights and sounds of the First Friday Art Trail
Go bowling or miniature golfing with friends
Buy a $5 gift card to your favorite coffee/tea/soft drink stop and gift it to a helpful Tech employee
Round up some friends and go on a road trip to an out-of-town Tech sports event
Attend an on-campus event just for the free food or merch
Take an arbitrary class unrelated to personal
interests just to broaden your horizons
Find the best breakfast burrito in Lubbock
Follow the Goin’ Band from Raiderland from the Music building parking lot to Jones AT&T Stadium before a home football game
Sit in the courtyard behind the Administration Building and watch unsuspecting students get sucked into the wind tunnel
Pick up the print edition of The Daily Toreador each month and read it
Drop by Raider Red Meats in the Animal Sciences building for a burger
Stop in and listen to one of the speakers in the campus Free Speech Area
Eat some fried cheese at Spanky’s, 811 University Ave.
Attend a men’s or women’s basketball conference home game
Go to Dirk’s, 1636 13th St., enjoy some chicken and take in the Tech-related cartoons showcased in its dining room
Scan TechAnnounce daily for interesting activities and opportunities
Roll up to Cadillac Ranch, on I-40 west of Amarillo, and leave your mark (take some spray paint –it’s legal and encouraged!)
Volunteer with a local nonprofit (check out the Volunteer Center of Lubbock’s website)
Partake in a harmless prank war among friends at the residence hall
South Plains Mall is the largest retail center in west Texas, offering 100+ specialty stores, restaurants and entertainment including
Attend a university production — a play, musical, concert or recital
Eat at Skyviews of Texas Tech, 1901 University Ave. #600 (in the University Plaza Office Building)
Participate in one of the many Tech Homecoming activities, like the bonfire or the parade
Enjoy a weekend of college-themed movies (“Animal House,” “Old School,” etc.)
Attend a Tech home softball game
Visit Lubbock’s South Plains Fair, Sept. 20-28, and enjoy some traditional fair food (turkey leg, anyone?)
Participate in a friendly snowball fight on campus
Buy one or two toys you loved as a kid and donate to a local holiday toy drive
Visit the Career Center and explore ways it can help with your career plans
Catch a live concert by a Lubbock-native musician
Pull an all-nighter at the Library
Take a date to the Stars & Stripes Drive-in and order the Chihuahua sandwich
Attend a Tech home football game with your face and/or body painted in school colors
Stand in the center of Memorial Circle, inside the seven reservoirs of Pfluger Fountain, and listen
Take in one of the free Late Night Movies offered each week at the Student Union
Complete an internship relating to your major, even if it’s not required
Get your puppy fix by volunteering at The Haven Animal Care Shelter or Morris Safe House
Spend a day going to and from class without checking your cell phone
Get involved with a student organization at Tech (check out the Student Involvement website)
Attend RaiderGate before a home football game
Go to the Rec Center and work out daily for two weeks
Play flashlight tag at Memorial Circle at midnight with a group of friends
Participate in a peaceful political rally or protest
Take part in one of the trips offered through the Outdoor Pursuits Center
Create your résumé and keep it updated – just in case that dream opportunity pops up
Enjoy some nachos at Chimy’s on Broadway
Take at least one selfie with Raider Red each year
Float the Lazy River at the Leisure Pool
Get re-tweeted by an official Tech Twitter account
Take a group photo with friends at the “Riding into the Sunset” (Will Rogers & Soapsuds) statue when it’s wrapped for a home game
Treat a friend to a meal at One Guy’s across the street from campus
Take an offbeat class as an elective
Learn the official words to the Texas Tech fight song and “The Matador Song”
Participate in Tech’s annual Arbor Day in April
Take in a Saturday baseball game at Dan Law Field Splash in the puddles following a campus rain
Experience Mafia Queso at Orlando’s on Avenue Q
Volunteer to help build one of the homecoming
parade floats
Rush the United Supermarkets Arena court when Tech upsets a ranked opponent
Sign up to participate in or serve as a volunteer for the 2024 United Supermarkets Lubbock Marathon Oct. 27
Enjoy one of the concerts featured at the USA
Visit the National Ranching Heritage Center or Texas Tech Museum
Grab a freshman-year selfie at the Tech Seal (to pair with the one you’ll take your senior year in cap and gown)
See the pioneers of the South Plains mural in the Holden Hall rotunda
Participate in the next SGA election — either as a candidate or by voting online
Toss a tortilla at a football game without getting caught
After your freshman year, lounge on the Double T Bench in the courtyard behind the Administration Building
Go online and read up on the alleged hauntings on the Tech campus
Take in the Tech Pom Squad and Co-Ed Cheer team performances at Raider Alley before a home football game
Take a day trip to nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park (120-mile drive)
in the Canyon West
Milwaukee
HOURS: Monday — Friday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sundays
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation on the Texas Tech campus, but cyclists are advised by Transportation & Parking Services officials to be aware of safety precautions and regulations.
According to the Transportation & Parking Services website, https://www.depts. ttu.edu/parking/InformationFor/Bicycling.php, bikes should be registered with their office. It’s a free process that establishes legal ownership of the bike, which comes in handy if the bike should ever be stolen. The registration link is available on the website denoted above.
As a secondary precaution, a bike owner also should take photos of the bike and record its serial number (often found on the underside of the pedal crank), according to the website.
Bikes always should be locked up when parked, even during short time periods. A U-lock is recommended, as it is more difficult to cut (chains and cables are easily and quickly cut by bike thieves).
On the Tech campus, bikes always should be parked and locked to a bike rack – “never to railings, trees or other architectural or landscape features,” according to the website. “Locking to land-
scaping and architectural features can damage campus and even result in difficulty in entering buildings for students with disabilities.”
Bikes are not permitted in buildings.
Any bike found in violation of university regulations may be impounded.
Cyclists may use bike lanes and campus streets, the website states, as well as on sidewalks – except for the following (to avoid collisions with pedestrians):
• Sidewalks that run parallel to a street with a designated bike lane (cyclists must use the bike lane);
• Breezeways and sidewalks that cross breezeways;
• Sidewalks that run down the face of a building;
• Areas designated by signs as dismount zones, such as the area between the Student Union Building and the Library.
For a full outline of state and university regulations pertaining to bikes or to view a map that includes locations of bike fix-it/air stations, parking areas and dismount zones, visit the website.
Transportation & Parking Services regularly hosts free bike clinics.
Watch for announcements about the clinics in TechAnnounce or The Daily Toreador.
Thanks Tech for voting Scott’s Car CareBest Car Repair & Oil Changes/Inspections for the past 23 years!
Texas Tech University has implemented many different practices and procedures to ensure the safety of students, faculty, staff and guests.
Listed below are some of the layers of security currently ensuring the safety of members of the Tech community, according to the Undergraduate Admissions website:
Texas Tech Police
Texas Tech Police officers patrol campus 24 hours a day.
The campus police department offers several programs designed to prevent crime in the Tech community. Officers are available to discuss topics such as theft prevention, alcohol awareness, residential security and storm readiness.
Building security
Uniformed officers patrol and open all academic buildings prior to classes in the mornings.
Blue Phone network
Tech provides 102 blue phones located throughout campus. These freestanding phones provide a direct line to the Texas Tech Police Department. Blue lights mounted on top of the phones make them easy to locate at night.
Shuttles
The Texas Tech Student Government Association contracts with Citibus to provide bus service on campus and to designated off-campus areas during weekdays. Evening shuttle services also are provided.
TechAlert!
TechAlert! Is Tech’s official emergency alert notification system. Within minutes of an emergency (severe weather or a school closure, for example) the system sends information via Texas message, telephone and email.
To ensure your information is entered correctly in the system, visit https://www.ttu.edu/techalert/.
By NATHAN KENISON Staff Writer University Student Housing website.
The lack of communal kitchens and appliances in most Texas Tech dormitories can be a challenge for students wanting to prepare their own meals.
“The apartment-style dorms usually have a basic kitchen in each room to do some cooking,” said Cole Hawkins, a fourthyear chemistry major from Dallas. “From what I’ve seen, there are some basic shared appliances at Murray, Carpenter-Wells and West Village … . But aside from that, you’re pretty much on your own.”
Kitchen appliances containing heating coils are prohibited in Tech dorms — including hot plates, broilers, toasters, air fryers, grills, waffle makers and sandwich presses — according to the
Even with limited options, workarounds exist for students who don't want to rely on fast food and oncampus dining options.
Candace Braun Davidson, author of “The Easy College Cookbook: 75 Quick Affordable Recipes for Campus Life,” said simple microwave-based recipes are a good place to start.
“I would say, for most students living on campus, the easiest thing to do is really start making use of that microwave,” Davidson said. “There's a company called Anyday that makes a lot of microwave-safe cookware too, and that, like, takes all the guesswork out of your microwaving.”
Davidson said it’s easiest to get started with breakfast, and eggs work well in a microwave if
cooked properly. She said students should familiarize themselves with their individual microwave, as every unit is different and there are no catch-all rules.
“First find out what your wattage is, because it can vary from 700 watts to 1200 watts, and even, like, 1500, and that can really affect your cook time,” Davidson said. “And so if you have a 700-watt microwave, it'll probably take you a little longer to cook something.
set a gauge for how your microwave handles that dish. Because the worst thing is when people overcook and they turn it into, like dry
“But I would say, if you're following a recipe online that says that you can microwave something, maybe go 10 percent less than what the time initially says, just to
If dishes are too bland or uninteresting, students may lose motivation for home cooking.
“I feel like measuring cups and a mixing bowl are
like the things that people always forget, and are very good to have on hand when you start out. Beyond that, you know, just like salt, pepper, oil, some noodles, or, like, quick-cooking rice, that sort of thing,” Davidson said.
“Basic seasonings, like chili pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, those are great additions.”
A good strategy is to keep chopped-up fruits and vegetables in special resealable containers to keep recipes adaptable, Davidson said.
“So for me, it really came down to using, like, a few core, versatile vegetables, and then keeping, like a salsa or a couple dressings and having a green protein that I could, like, throw some ingredients together and make all it and seem,
you know, more Mediterranean- inspired or something like that,” Davidson said, “and you can have, like, chicken, tomato, cucumber, just keeping those individual containers, and then you kind of mix and match.”
Mindful shopping is important when it comes to acquiring ingredients at reasonable prices, Davidson said.
“I’ve found that, beyond scouring the grocery store deals, it’s good to kind of shop for things that are in season, because inseason stuff tends to be a bit cheaper,” Davidson said. “Any rice, pasta, that sort of thing, will be pretty budget-friendly. Eggs have thankfully gone back down in price. Last year they were, like, super expensive, but that's a really good protein filler .”
@NathanKenisonDT
Plans are well underway for Texas Tech’s 2024 Family Weekend, Sept. 27-29.
The weekend’s activities will center around the Texas Tech vs. Cincinnati football game. Discounted football tickets are available by visiting the Athletics website and using the promo code FAMILY24, according to the Parent and Family Relations website. (Tech students will need tickets if they want to sit with their parents at the game; Tech students can, of course, sit in the student section free of charge if they have their current Tech ID.)
Families are encouraged
to drop by Drane Hall, 2515 15th St., from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 27 to pick up a map and an activities schedule.
Saturday’s activities include the First-Gen Family Tailgate, the Burkhart Alumni Tailgate, the Texas Tech Parents Association Tailgate Party, the WCOE Family Weekend Tailgate, Raider Alley Tailgate and a live musical performance and the TTU Libraries Relaxation Station. Visit the Parent and Family Relations Family Weekend page for more complete information.
Some of the activities slated for Friday, Sept. 27
• Noon to 4 p.m. – Library Makerspace and VR Lab walking tour (free)
• 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – A faculty/staff meet and greet at the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual and Performing Arts’ School of Theatre & Dance building, Maedgen Central Atrium (free refreshments, giveaways and activities)
• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – College Connect: Red Raider Explorer Challenge, where guests ages 5 and older can participate in a campus scavenger hunt with their Tech siblings to learn about the university and its traditions (giveaways and prizes).
• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – College of Arts and Sciences Party at the Academic Science building (activities and prizes).
• 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Red Raider Family Block Party at Drane Hall; come-and-go activities, including yard games (free).
• 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Texas Tech Parents Association Family Dinner; tickets required. Visit https://www. texastechparents.org/page/FWFD.
• 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Housing Fair with the Texas Tech Parents Association and The Daily Toreador in the Student Union interior courtyard (free admission, giveaways).
• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – A performance by Derek Hughes, stand-up magician, in the SUB’s Allen Theatre. Come see this finalist from “America’s Got Talent!” free.
• 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Halloween Arrives Early: A Family-friendly Ghost Hunt with Raider Power of Paranormal. This simulated “ghost hunt” will feature lots of photo opportunities; artist-drawn family caricatures; and spooky stories.
• 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Davis College Family Night at the historic Dairy Barn; free food and yard games. RSVP at https://forms.office.com/r/r3fuEf5kg3.
Best Steak
1st: Texas Roadhouse
2nd (Tie): Las Brisas and Triple J Chophouse
3rd: LongHorn Steakhouse
Best Barbecue
1st: Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q
2nd: Evie Mae’s
3rd: J&M BBQ
Best Hamburger
1st: Blue Sky Texas
2nd: Twisted Root
3rd: Spanky’s
Best Pizza
1st: Capital Pizza
2nd: One Guy from Italy
3rd: Woody’s Brick Oven Pizza
Best Mexican Food
1st: Taqueria Jalisco
2nd: Torchy’s Taco
3rd (Tie): Albarran’s Mexican Bar and Grill & Chimy’sw
Best Italian Food
1st: Orlando’s Italian Restaurant
2nd: Italian Garden
3rd: One Guy from Italy
Best Asian Food
1st: Hayashi Japanese Steakhouse
2nd: Pho District 1
3rd: P.F. Chang’s
Best Margarita
1st: Chimy’s Cerveceria
2nd (Tie): Chuy’s Tex Mex and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
3rd: Caprock Café
Best Place for a Cold Beer
1st: Bier Haus
2nd: Two Docs Brewing Co.
3rd: Caprock Café
Best Happy Hour
1st: Sonic
2nd: Chimy’s
3rd: HTeaO – Lubbock
Best Fast Food
1st: Chick-fil-A
2nd: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
3rd: Whataburger
Best Late Night Restaurant
1st: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
2nd: Whataburger
3rd (Tie): Taco Bell and McDonald’s
Favorite Restaurant
1st: Chuy’s Tex-Mex
2nd: Dirk’s Signature Chicken & Bar
3rd: Hawaii Poke & Ramen
Friendliest Service
1st: Chick-fil-A
2nd: H-E-B
3rd: 7 Brew Coffee
Best Breakfast Restaurant
1st: Lubbock’s Breakfast House
2nd (Tie): The Farmhouse and Toasted Yolk Cafe
3rd: The Pancake House
Best Coffee Shop
1st: 7 Brew Coffee
2nd (Tie): J&B Coffee and Dutch Bros. 3rd: Starbucks
Best Sweets
1st: J’s Creamery
2nd: Insomnia Cookies
3rd: Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe
Best Ice Tea
1st: HTeaO
2nd: Raising Cane’s
3rd: Tea 2 Go
Best Supermarket
1st: H-E-B
2nd: United Supermarkets/Market Street
3rd: Walmart
Best Place to buy Flowers
1st: H-E-B
2nd: United Supermarkets/Market Street
3rd: House of Flowers
Best Beauty Salon
1st: Hello Gorgeous
2nd: Studio J Salon
3rd: Bloomington Salon
Best Car Repair
1st: Scott’s Complete Car Care
2nd (Tie): Christian Brothers Automotive
and Nick’s Automotive
3rd: Crash Collision
Best Car Wash
1st: Mighty Wash
2nd: Take 5 Car Wash
3rd: Mister Car Wash
Best Liquor Store
1st: Spec’s
2nd: Ravi’s Liquor
3rd (Tie): Pinkie’s and Ollie’s
Best Sporting Goods Store
1st: Academy Sports
2nd: Cabela’s
3rd: Cardinal’s Sport Center
Best Department Store
1st: Dillard’s
2nd: Marshalls & HomeGoods
3rd: Ross
Best Women’s Clothing Store
1st: Lululemon
2nd: T.C. Elli’s
3rd (Tie): Piper and Chrome
Best Men’s Clothing Store
1st: Dillard’s
2nd: H&M
3rd (Tie): American Eagle and Academy
Best Breakfast Burrito
1st: Raider Burrito
2nd: Torchy’s Tacos
3rd: Rosa’s Café & Tortilla Factory
Best Chicken Fried Steak
1st: Caprock Cafe
2nd: Cast Iron Grill
3rd: Dirk’s Signature Chicken & Bar
Best Chips & Salsa
1st: Torchy’s Tacos
2nd: Chuy’s Tex-Mex
3rd: Taqueria Jalisco
Best Donuts
1st: Rise ‘n Shine
2nd: Krispy Kreme
3rd: Shipley’s Do-Nuts
Best French Fries
1st: Wingstop
2nd: Chick-fil-A
3rd: Five Guys
Best Onion Rings
1st: Blue Sky Texas
2nd: Spanky’s
3rd: Sonic
Best Chicken
1st: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
2nd: Chick-fil-A
3rd: Dirk’s Signature Chicken & Bar
Best Value Meal
1st: McDonald’s
2nd: Taco Bell
3rd (Tie): Rosa’s Café and Wendy’s
Best Wings
1st: Wingstop
2nd: Buffalo Wild Wings
3rd: Wing Daddy
Best Queso
1st: Torchy’s Tacos
2nd: Chuy’s Tex-Mex
3rd (Tie): Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Rosa’s
Best Women’s Shoe Store
1st: DSW
2nd: Dillard’s
3rd (Tie): Lady Foot Locker and New Balance
Best Men’s Shoe Store
1st: Finish Line
2nd: Academy
3rd: Dillard’s
Best Western Wear
1st: Cavender’s Western Wear
2nd: Boot Barn
3rd: Dollar Western Wear
Best Jewelry Store
1st: James Avery
2nd: J. Keith’s Jewelry
3rd (Tie): Robert Lance Jewelers and Paramount Jewelers
Best Place to Buy Tech Gear
1st: Red Raider Outfitter
2nd: Texas Tech Campus Bookstore
3rd: Cardinal’s Sport Center
Best Place for Oil Change/Inspection
1st: Take 5 Oil Change
2nd: Jiffy Lube
3rd: Rapid Oil Change
Best Place to Study
1st: Texas Tech Library
2nd: Texas Tech Student Union
Building
3rd: J&B Coffee
Best Patio
1st: Bier Haus
2nd (Tie): Little Woodrow’s and Caprock Cafe
3rd: Chimy’s Cerveceria
Best Residence Hall
1st: Talkington
2nd (Tie): Chitwood/Weymouth and Stangel/Murdough
3rd: Murray Hall
Best Place to Eat on Campus
1st: Chick-fil-A @ the SUB
2nd: The Market @ Stangel/Murdough 3rd: The Commons
Best Texas Tech Tradition
1st: Tortillas
2nd: Carol of Lights
3rd: Masked Rider
Best Date Spot
1st: Stars & Stripes Drive-in
2nd: Funky Door Bistro & Wine Bar
3rd: Fresh American
Best Place to Work
1st: TTU College of Media & Communication
2nd: H-E-B
3rd: The Daily Toreador
Best Night Club
1st: Logie’s on Overton
2nd: The Roof
3rd: Rodeo 4
Best Bar
1st: Logie’s on Overton
2nd: Bier Haus Lubbock
3rd: Chimy’s Cerveceria
Best Texas Tech Men’s Sport
1st: Basketball
2nd: Football
3rd: Baseball
Best Texas Tech Women’s Sport
1st: Soccer
2nd: Basketball
3rd: Track & Field
Best Non-Greek Student Organization
1st: Goin’ Band from Raiderland
2nd: The Daily Toreador
3rd: Hispanic Student Society
Best Texas Tech Landmark
1st: Memorial Circle
2nd: Texas Tech Seal
3rd: Will Rogers & Soapsuds
Best Off Campus Housing
1st: Capstone Cottages
2nd: The Carlton House
3rd: 21 Hundred at Overton
Best Church
1st: St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church
2nd: Redeemer Church
3rd: Indiana Avenue Baptist Church
Best Bank
1st: Wells Fargo
2nd: Chase Bank
3rd: Texas Tech Credit Union
Best Health Club
1st: Texas Tech Recreation Center
2nd: Cycle Bar
3rd: TruFit Athletics
Best Sports Bar
1st: Logie’s on Overton
2nd (Tie): Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux and Buffalo Wild Wings
Best Greek Sorority/Fraternity
1st: Kappa Kapp Gamma
2nd: Zeta Tau Alpha
3rd (Tie): Delta Gamma and Chi Omega
Most Helpful Tech Department
1st: Hospitality Services
2nd: College of Media & Communication
3rd: IT Help Central
Best Head Coach
1st: Joey McGuire - Football
2nd: Grant McCasland - Basketball
3rd: Tim Tadlock – Baseball
