The Prospector

From its humble beginnings as a small college of mines, to one of the largest universities in the state of Texas. UTEP is a culturally diverse campus that offers some of the best opportunities for the bold students that search for them.

Newcomers to our campus can enjoy a variety of endless opportunities; starting with our six colleges and two schools for majors. Colleges of Liberal Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, Education and Health Sciences offer over 166 majors, with major flexibility for schedules and classes. If you feel like changing your career path, pick another major with a single call from your advisor. UTEP prides

itself in its communication and opportunities with its professional staff available during all workdays. Clubs, organizations, fraternities and sororities are great places to keep in mind. Making friends, colleagues or future business partners are critical aspects of success and UTEP encourages these interactions. The Student Government Association (SGA), overlooks the creation of further clubs while also being a great experience for students interested in government. Keeping an open mind, not only for others but yourself, can really help develop skills one never thought capable here at UTEP. Building friendships is not only

great advice for any newcomer, but extends to the fundamental basis of the university. UTEP stands as the only campus in the United States with Bhutanese architecture, a friendship that developed with the Kingdom of Bhutan back during UTEP’s foundation in 1917. UTEP’s original campus was burned down in a tragic fire and had to be relocated to the Franklin Mountains. Taking inspiration from a National Geography article “Castles in the Sky” about the Buddhist Bhutanese temples, the new campus was conceived. This not only stands as a unique literal feature of the campus, but an extended metaphor of how a single

BY EUGENIO CANTU The Prospector

tragic event can be recovered into a century of success and a long-time friendship between two nations.

Still, the first semester at UTEP does not need to start with tragedy to develop into success, however, there are things one simply cannot control. Hopefully, the first major you pick is your all-time passion, but do not think of yourself as a failure if it is not. A big part of your first semester is to discover the world outside the precautions of your school and parents, which is why it is so important to get involved and try as many activities as possible.

So, as the first piece of advice, try as many things as you can and

meet as many people as you can. Another great hint would be taking advantage of the online resources, especially in your UTEP email. There are a lot of job offers, club invitations and communications you can set up by paying attention to your online components.

Finally, make sure to always have plenty of school spirit. UTEP is a welcoming institution that is always ready to offer you more opportunities for success.

Showing initiative and motivation for the school can go a long way to keeping your heart humble and your mind focused.

Eugenio Cantu is a contributor and may be reached at ecantu3@miners.utep.edu.

UTEP has been open since April 16, 1913, and is a public research university. Photo by Jasmin Campoya/The Prospector

What to expect when living on campus

BY EMMANUEL RIVAS VALENZUELA

The Prospector College offers students many new experiences. One of those experiences includes living on your own. Some students choose to live in a rented apartment in the city while others may not be quite ready to make that commitment. Living on campus is a great medium between paying rent and paying with your sanity at home.

UTEP is not a traditional university like Texas A&M or Texas Tech whose students rely heavily on on-campus housing. Due to our university’s position in the city, many students commute to classes. However, a sizeable portion of UTEP students do live on-campus. I have met residents who come from all parts of the country and the world. I have also met others who live on the far outskirts of the city or even within El Paso.

In my two years at UTEP, I have resided in all three housing units of-

fered by UTEP Housing and Residency. In my first year, I lived out of a two-bedroom unit at Miner Village. The following semester, I was moved to Miner Heights.

Currently I reside in Miner Canyon, which is the university’s flagship housing hall as it opened in 2015.

Canyon, which consists of Copper and Whispering Halls, had a price tag of $23 million and it shows. Each unit includes a fully furnished kitchen and bathroom. Multiroom units also come with a living space for residents to spend time together along with ethernet ports to guarantee reliable connectivity.

I happen to live in a four-bedroom six-person unit, but Canyon also offers four-bedroom four-person units and studio units for one person. There is also a leisure room which houses a pool table on the second floor of Whispering Hall. Laundry rooms are also available, as is the case for all the complexes. The greatest asset to Canyon must

be the sight as it is nestled between the rocky terrain of El Paso. As new as Canyon may be, there are many shortcomings. Mail must be picked up at Boquillas Hall, which is entering the complex and is a heft y uphill climb from the units. Parking can be an issue as I have had to use the overflow parking lot often, which is just the Recreation Center parking lot. These issues are not deal breakers for me, but the greatest sin Canyon can commit is the fact that it is nearly two miles away from campus.

UTEP Parking and Transportation attempts to alleviate this problem by offering a shuttle service to and from the university, but it has just become another thing I have to worry about as the shuttle’s arrival time varies by time and day of the week and student traffic.

Miner Heights is located on Schuster Avenue and opened in 2010. Heights does not offer single units but provides one-bedroom two-people units and two-bedroom

four-person units. Heights is quite serviceable and, in my opinion, is an overall step up from Canyon given the walking distance from the university. That being said, Heights is nothing exceptional as it offers several of the same amenities as Canyon like a kitchen and bathroom.

The real gem must be Miner Village. Opened in 2001, Village has four-bedroom four people units, two-bedroom two-people units, two-people studio units and oneperson studio units.

All the housing complexes offering the same base amenities, Village adds to those by offering a student area Summit Hall, Village’s housing office. This student area welcomes residents by providing Mac and Windows computers, a printing station, a pool table and a ping pong table. Mail is also located in Summit Hall past the front desk. The greatest feature of the complex must be the proximity to the school. Residents can walk to

Centennial Plaza in less than 10 minutes since the Village is located behind the Education Building. Another bonus is the span of restaurants, businesses and stores made available due to the complex’s location in Oregon Street.

Panda Express, Walgreen’s, Subway, Great Clips, AutoZone, Domino’s, McDonald’s and Cane’s are all within a five-minute walk from Miner Village.

Money may scare people away as I have heard horror stories of people paying upwards of $12,729 a year for a shared space with a community bath at other institutions. Fortunately for UTEP students, rates only range from $2,079 to $3,140 a semester.

Living on campus is a great thing as it opens the opportunity to not only meet new people but it is a chance to build character and grow on your own set of rules..

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is the sports editor and may be reached at erivas7@miners.utep.edu: @ rivasemmanuel2 on Instagram.

The Prospector Crossword

DOWN:

1. Where can students get tickets for games?

2. Name of our sister publication.

3. Which building had a pool before the Rec Center?

9. UTEP alumni playing with the Green Bay Packers.

ACROSS:

4. What is UTEP’s former name?

5. Name of basketball coach that led the team to the NCAA Championship 1966.

6. What is UTEP’s stadium name?

7. What is the name of the UTEP mascot?

8. Who is the longest reigning President of UTEP?

10. What is the name of the temple next to the centennial Plaza?

malavarado29@miners.utep.edu

VOL. 108 SUMMER 2023

COMIC BY MAYA ALVARADO

Take in the views of the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens

BY ELISHA NUÑEZ The Prospector

From calm water fountains to the awe-inspiring native plants of the desert, UTEP’s Chihuahuan Desert Gardens are a destination all Miners must go to at least once. With a variety of plants coming from New Mexico, Arizona, Texas and Mexico, a walk through this garden is enough to show you the biodiversity of a desert some people call home. If you have never been there, then this is a sign to go and soak in all the desert plant sights, calm spaces, and special features the gardens have to offer.

First established and formally dedicated in 1999, the gardens are here to honor the flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. With several different gardens showing off desert nature, accompanied by occasional sculptures or fountains, the complex is a great exhibit of the natural wonders the desert offers.

“Most of these plants are all from the Chihuahuan Desert. These,

or a lot of these are all plants that people could see if they went to the Franklin Mountains, Hueco Tanks, Guadalupe Mountains, or places like that,” said Kevin Floyd Ph.D., the botanical curator at the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. “I think it gives people a real appreciation of where they live. It’s a really beautiful place. The plants are really amazing, we probably have over 600 species of plants right now.”

Not only are the natural wonders in these gardens amazing, but so are the man-made ones. From a dripping fountain in the Contemplative Garden to a Bhutanese prayer wheel placed towards the top level of the gardens, the contrasts of natural and unnatural are tied in throughout the gardens.

“It’s a hidden treasure on campus, and I hear that from a lot of people that are visiting for the first time or (who) have even come multiple times. It’s just a really well-designed garden. It’s got the path that goes through it and then just a large

diversity of plants,” Floyd said. “It’s a really quiet place. A lot of the garden has these high walls, or it has a lot of plants around it. So, you can really sit in the garden and feel pretty separate from some of the hustle and bustle of classes and work and tests and all of that stuff.”

The gardens are not only one of the largest places and assemblies where you can observe the nature of the Chihuahuan Desert, but it is also a place for you to decompress, especially if you are a newcomer to UTEP. Located right behind the Centennial Museum, the gardens have free admission and offer many places to sit or relax.

“The (gardens) are very clean and very big as well. (Freshmen) should go visit the gardens,” said Sophia Chavez, a psychology major at UTEP. “(You) can go to study or relax. People can enjoy spending time there because of how comfy and (calm) the (gardens) are.”

Elisha Nunez is a staff reporter and can be reached through egnunez2@miners.utep.edu

The difference a degree can make: Metallurgy

BY H. CATCHING MARGINOT

The Prospector

It was April 16, 1913, when El Paso history would be changed forever. In an effort to acknowledge the important impact of mining and metallurgy on the ever-growing community, the State School of Mines and Metallurgy at El Paso was born. Metallurgy may not be as much of a household name in terms of its recognition as a field of study like business or nursing.

However, metallurgy was the fuel to kick off the creation of the school as we all know, The University of Texas at El Paso. That said, what is metallurgy and why is it studied? In the simplest terms, metallurgy is the science and art of extracting metals from their ores and in turn using them for unique use in the world. Metals are mixed with other compounds like sand or limestone which create minerals. Then in a process like smelting or electrolysis, the metals become extracted from the minerals, otherwise known as ores. Metallurgy has had a huge impact not only to the United States, but the entire world.

Metallurgy is studied now to help provide aspiring students in the science and engineering world with knowledge which can be used in

other fields or topics.

From the inception of the State School of Mines and Metallurgy, the only degree offered for the first few years was the engineering of mines. The beginning curriculum also being a mix of geology, mining and extractive metallurgy being the central topics first taught. Soon, the college joined the University

of Texas, becoming the Bachelor of Sciences in mining engineering in 1919.

Miner engineering was then split into two options of metallurgy and mining in 1922, with a third option of geology added to the degree in 1923 and a short-lived petroleum geology option later dropped. As 1957 rolled around, the Bachelor

of Sciences in mining engineering was put forward with the options of metallurgy, geology, and mining provided. Then in 1957, another big milestone occurred with the addition of a bachelor’s in metallurgical engineering being created as an expansion to its metallurgy option.

Later in 1964, mining engineering option was discontinued, having

just metallurgical engineering geology remaining. These departments still thrive today after all these years, continuing the landmark historical significance, the original School of Mines and Metallurgy first instilled. Since those early beginnings in metallurgical education back in the early 1900’s, UTEP still pushes the program with the support of a generous staff. Now in 2023, there is the department in metallurgical, materials, and biomedical engineering with the program of obtaining a bachelors in metallurgical and materials engineering.

Metallurgy has been able to provide future students with dependable careers in fields like oil, gas, scientific research and development, aerospace, biomedical and metal specialty and much more. Many graduates have been able to work doing quality assurance, production management, product development and more with companies that operate with metallurgy. For example, department chair Stella A. Quinones, helping distinguish the education of metallurgy in her many years of study and endorsement.If any field of study were to help start the legacy of UTEP, metallurgy is plenty up to the task.

H. Catching Marginot is a contributor and may be reached at hcmarginot@miners.utep.edu

The gardens are located behind the Centennial Museum and have free admission for all. They also offer many a place to sit, relax, and admire for all who want to appreciate various desert plants. Photos by Annabella Mireles / The Prospector

The metallurgy building is located next to the Business Administration building. Metallurgy is the science and art of extracting metals from their ores and in turn using them for unique use in the world.

Photo by Gabriel Guzman/The Prospector

Lending a Miner hand to student parents

BY ERIK ACOSTA The Prospector

Hearing a screaming child, along with the occasional headache and emotionally draining days, is the life of a parent. However, for those parents, pursuing their education while caring for a young child can possibly be a bit more overwhelming due to the time commitment needed for college. UTEP has programs in place to help students with children to make sure they still earn their degrees.

The YWCA’s University Learning Heights Academy is one of the top daycare facilities for young children, conveniently located at 315 W. Schuster Ave. Its proximity to campus makes it easy to drop off and pick up children for the day if there is a need because of classes or if someone works for UTEP.

The academy closely simulates a preschool, is highly regarded institution according to the academy website as it is a Texas Rising Star 4-star rated academy and is only available to UTEP students, staff, and faculty. According to texasrisingstar.org, when being ranked the state looks for high teacher-child interactions, alongside teacher and director qualifications, indoor and outdoor enviroments and lastly program administration.

Anyone can easily register a child for the program at any time of the year or can stop by for the day

if they prefer. It can be difficult for some parents to find a good, inexpensive daycare center for their children. Some daycare costs can occasionally exceed the amount of tuition, which can be challenging for single parents who may not have the financial means to pay for that level of care.

As expensive as college can be, no parent should worry about having enough money to care for their child while they are away pursuing their education. Heights Academy’s affordable hourly prices are aimed

DREAM BIG AND THEN... DREAM BIGGER!

to guarantee parents who are enrolled in college and have children do not have to be concerned about those financial challenges.

A place filled with a comforting atmosphere and little children’s laughter in the background, the academy is well-staffed with highly qualified teachers and highly trained caregivers who nurture and care for every child who walks through those lovely doors.

Heights Academy also has more than 35 years of experience making any parent more comfortable with

leaving their child in their care.

The main goal is to provide children with a positive educational experience through an experiential learning-based curriculum that focuses on communication, reading, problem-solving, math, and science. Hence, parents can relax knowing their child is getting the best preparation possible for kindergarten while out at UTEP pursuing their own degree. Also, all children who are enrolled will receive a three-course meal and healthy snacks to keep them ener-

gized while they learn and explore. Every child who enrolls in the academy is guaranteed to have a fun experience while learning, it also encourages the growth of the child’s social, emotional and physical skills. For many UTEP students taking on the challenge of balancing the busy parent life while maybe mixing in a daytime job along with a demanding schedule of earning a college degree can probably make the overall experience very overwhelming.

So, while out getting a degree, the academy is well-suited for taking care of children as it is a place filled with countless toys, colorful finger paintings that hang around the wall and occasional nap time with their stuffed animals, it truly is a loving environment for children.

If you are interested in enrolling your child prior to the semester starting, parents are asked to fill out the form on their website at utep. edu/student-affairs/early-learningacademy/ or parents are always welcome to stop by during the day prior to their classes starting.

Evening hours are also availble to student parents as long as there is enough demand for it. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call (915)5190000.

The Office of Student Fellowships and Awards supports UTEP students who are applying for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships to fund graduate school and overseas experiential learning (research, teaching assistantships, etc.).

What is an external fellowship?

Nationally competitive funding opportunities that are:

• Based on academic merit as opposed to financial need

• Open to students from a variety of majors

• Eligibility, application materials, and deadlines vary depending on the award

• Involve a substantial amount of time commitment and careful planning

What do these awards provide?

Depends on the award, includes but is not limited to:

• Funding for overseas experiential learning: research, intensive language study, teaching assistantships, etc., both during undergrad and beyond Funding for graduate school either domestically or abroad

Why should I apply?

The application process is a form of professional development in and of itself:

• Become a more confident writer

• Sharpen interviewing skills

• Think critically about future goals

Is my first or second year too early to start thinking about these opportunities?

Absolutely not! Most applications are due junior or senior year, but joining our Undergraduate Fellows Program as a first-year student or sophomore will help you prepare.

Erik Acosta is staff reporter and may be reached at emacosta6@miners.utep.edu

The YWCA’s University Learning Heights Academy is located at 315 W. Schuster Ave. Photo by Joel Molina/ The Prospector

Arts & Culture

Get creative with UTEP’s Digital Media Production Program

BY ELISHA NUÑEZ The Prospector

As new students prepare to start the next step of their education at UTEP, the time has come to choose degree plans and programs that fit their goals. With over 160-degree programs, UTEP has a variety of choices where students can find their calling. One such program is UTEP’s Digital Media Production program, which allows students to explore the steps of audio/video editing, photography, writing and much more.

Although UTEP is known nationwide for being an engineering and research university, there is still plenty of room for students who feel compelled to pursue something else. Inside the College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Communication you will find Digital Media Production. In a department with approximately 800 students, according to one professor, the pro -

gram boasts being the most popular of the others.

“I think it’s a great major if you are interested in producing creative work in a digital environment,” said Richard Pineda Ph.D., associate professor and department chair for UTEP’s communication department. “This (program) gives you an opportunity to be able to figure out how to use technology, to be able to create these digital products. There’s a lot of creative rewards in picking this major, but there’s also some financial rewards. Once you understand the core elements of digital media production, you will have some experience working with different entities. You could work for advertising firms, the film industry, a TV station, or other creative studios that are doing that work. There are a lot of different opportunities (in this program).”

Meagan Garcia, editor

Music coming to the Sun City

BY ANGELICA GUTIERREZ The Prospector

When artists come to El Paso to perform it allows them to reach a larger audience since the city is located on the U.S. border and is accessible to more people.

El Paso is home to many communities and there is a lot of diversity when it comes to music genre preferences, such as country, urban and pop.

Siddhartha, a Mexican musician, singer, songwriter and producer will be the first artist to perform in the month of June. His concert will take place June 11 at the Lowbrow Palace. Following up, CNCO, a Latin American reggaeton musical group formed in Miami, will be performing at the Abraham Chavez Theatre June 17. Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons will also be having a concert in June.

Santa Fe Klan, a Mexican rapper, singer, and composer, will perform July 27 at the El Paso County Coliseum. This artist incorporates genres such as cumbia and Mexican rap into his musical production. Lastly, Milky Chance, a German folk/rock band, will be performing at the Abraham Chavez Theatre July 31.

Two big concerts will take place in August at the Sun Bowl Stadium; one Aug.18 and the other Aug. 25. First is a rock concert headed by Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe with Alice Cooper as special guest. Second, RBD, the popular Mexican band announced its comeback. After many years of waiting, RBD fans are pleased to say they are going to see their favorite band live on stage.

From working with local news outlets to being involved in a feature film, digital media production is the right major for anyone looking to get behind the camera. You will also be working with a lot of software, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud, which is a platform involving video, photo and vocal editing softwares. What sets this program apart from the others offered at UTEP is how much it can include. Not only does majoring in digital media production allow students to work on hands-on projects such as digital projects, but throughout its duration students will learn to write, conduct research, and more.

“I used to be a criminal justice major, and when I switched over to digital media production, I ended up still taking a criminal justice class about film,” said Michael

Grijalva, a social media manager for a YouTube corporation. “So, digital production is one of the only majors that I think has a hand in almost any other major or department in the school. I’ve always been super interested in film, and I’ve always wanted to be an actor. So, while UTEP doesn’t offer film as a major, it did offer digital media production, (which) has been really helpful just because it helps you understand the ins and outs of filmmaking that doesn’t really get talked about.”

A major that can utilize skills from other subject areas to learning about the process behind making a video or podcast, the digital media production program is definitely one to keep in mind as you start your new journey at UTEP.

The Don Haskins Center will be hosting two Mexican artists in September. Marco Antonio Solis, also known as “El Buki,” is coming to El Paso Sept. 9 to perform hits songs such as “Si No Te Hubieras Ido,” and “¿A Dónde Vamos A Parar?” In late September, a very well-known regional Mexican singer, Alejandro Fernández will take the stage and sing some of his hits like “Me Dediqué a Perderte” and “Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti.”

Carlos Rivera, who sang “Recuérdame” for the famous Pixar movie “Coco,” is performing Oct. 13 at the El Paso County Coliseum. At the same venue, a group from McAllen, Texas called Grupo Frontera is giving a show Oct. 27.

The last concert booked in the Sun City this year is Nov. 4 carried out by a Northern band, Intocable. This band originates from Zapata, Texas and the show will take place at The Plaza Theatre.

Angelica Gutierrez is a contributor and may be reached at agutierrez89@miners.utep.edu

Digital media production student Daemien Gonzalez takes photos for a class project. Photo by Joel Molina/The Prospector

Digital media production student Daemien Gonzalez is in his last semester of the program. Photo by Joel Molina/The Prospector

A fresh perspective on Greek life

BY ERIK ACOSTA The Prospector

Chanting and laughing alongside brothers and sisters at meetings and wearing letters while out on the lawn on a sunny day at Centennial Plaza when tabling with friends, among other fun activities, is what some describe Greek life as. However, this is only the surface level of what Greek life has to offer at UTEP.

Entering college for the first time can be a nerve-wracking and overwhelming experience for some students. Trying to find a sense of community or belonging is something most incoming students navigate through.

Joining Greek life can help ease that transition as members are students who share the same familiar experiences as everyone else and anyone can join.

The fraternity and sorority coordinator at UTEP, Anthony Vincent, considers this aspect is what makes Greek life so unique for him.

“I think what makes our organization so special is the fact that it is made up of UTEP Miners, made up of students who are learning, growing and going through this collegiate experience at the exact time as everybody else,” Vincent said. “That’s one of the general overall arching pieces that really makes our community unique.”

Any student interested has a wide selection of organizations to choose from as there are 12 organizations on campus, each unique from the

rest. Even students who want to join a group based on their culture can do so since they offer culturally based organizations.

“We do have Latinx based organizations, organizations that have shifted to a multicultural lens as well as historically Black Greek letter organizations,” Vincent said.

“All of our organizations have shifted from serving a specific culture when they first founded their organization to being able to serve multiple identities on campus.”

Participating in these organiza-

tions helps students develop into well-rounded leaders. Apart from attending chapter meetings or participating in fun events, these organizations go beyond that level, especially in terms of socialization, which is why some people say it is important to get involved in a fraternity or sorority.

Associate Director for Student Organizations, Mallory Payan, thinks one of the benefits and why students join these organizations is because they get that sense of belonging and community.

“Our students are really just looking for; ‘How do I find a home or a group of people that I can relate to and that are going to make me better and that I can connect with?’”

Payan said. “I really think that does help students challenge each other, support each other academically and it builds the leadership and academics and overall, just helps them build their place on campus.”

Having supportive peers and networking with well-rounded individuals helps students get the most out of their Greek life and

college campus experience.

While Greek life may feature some exciting activities and the occasional hangouts, there is more to it, especially when it comes to social networking as they are there to help find internships, locate resources on campus and help members navigate through college.

“College is such a special time in student’s lives, they go through so much change and growth and it’s having those people around you that are going to help you navigate that change and growth,” Payan said. “Thats what it really is and that’s what sorority and fraternity life can be but sometimes we can get wrapped up from the meetings and what you see on the outside.” While it does cost money, some claim joining a fraternity or sorority is an investment because individuals who do so are investing in their future as it turns them into well-rounded leaders.

It teaches individuals at UTEP how to manage an organization, interact with others and create bonds with coworkers, staff and even faculty.

So, when classes are back in session, look around and interact with these organizations.

All students are welcome to participate in Greek life and they offer many chances for people to get to know them through events like the Get Involved Fair, Meet the Greeks and a variety of other activities can enrich a student’s life.

Erik Acosta is staff reporter and may be reached at emacosta6@miners.utep.edu

Resources to start your academic career at UTEP

BY AVERY ESCAMILLA-WENDELL The Prospector

Taking the first step at UTEP can be a daunting moment. The crowds of students, different buildings and events at the plaza can be very overwhelming. However, the help of faculty and staff can make the first day the best day of the school year.

New Student Orientation (NSO) occurs every semester before students start. High school graduates get to attend and see their future for the next few years.

Assistant Dean of Students for Engagement, Charlin JonesChavez, is one of the many faculty members at UTEP who provides freshman with information to have a successful first week.

“They get to experience not only

their academic resources, so that being, they’ll get to meet with their advisor and understand their collegiate experience in the classroom for their major, but they’ll also be introduced to their colleges,” JonesChavez said.

At NSO, students also meet organizations, sororities and clubs UTEP students established. Information on counseling services, health services and tutoring services are also provided to students wanting to seek those resources.

The Spirit Operations Department created by NSO helps students navigate the first three days of school.

The street team provides resources students need such as dining service and parking service information,

and a campus map.

“They’re set up in some high-traffic locations around 8 o’clock in the morning, through about 1 o’clock in the afternoon,” Jones-Chavez said. “It’s really just a chance for them to provide additional information on getting around and welcome (students) to campus and then making sure that they know there’s a number of events and activities happening.”

Within the first two weeks of the fall semester, UTEP hosts Miner Welcome, which consists of events such as the Texas Western Gold Rush on the first day, events at Centennial Plaza during the day and Miner Palooza.

Jones-Chavez said these events help students feel connected to

their university as a “true Miner.”

Many events are also hosted during the spring semester to bring students back to connect and get involved in the fall and the spring.

The NSO office is in the Mike Loya Academic Services Building and students can walk in with any questions they may have. Students may also check in with other student affairs such as the Dean of Students office and the Student Engagement and Leadership Center.

The most common resource Jones-Chavez suggests students use is MineTracker.

“Not only do our student organizations have information in there but so do our departments,” Jones-Chavez said. “We now have over 80 departments that have a

page in MineTracker where they’re posting events, more information about their offices, applications for different opportunities as well.”

MineTracker is the most reliable resource for students to stay connected and involved on campus.

The first day, week and month at UTEP may sound scary, but the resources UTEP provides will take the pressure away.

As a freshman, it is important to rely on the resources at NSO and first-week events so that the transition is smoother.

For more information, the office of New Student Orientation may be reached at orientation@utep. edu and (915) 747-6752.

Avery Escamilla-Wendell is the staff reporter and may be reached at amescamilla@miners.utep.edu or on Instagram @by_avery_escamilla

Employment, internship and volunteer opportunities available

Our mission is to provide a hands-on learning environment for students to learn practical journalistic applications and business practices. Student Media and Publications serves as a public forum for the University and a community that enables students to be informed and active participants in college life.

Opportunities are available for those students interested in journalism, media, video production, graphic design, marketing and advertising.

Sororities offered at UTEP include Apha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Xi Delta, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, Inc., Zeta Tau Alpha and fraternities include Alpha Kappa Lamda, Alpha Sigma Phi, Lamda Chi Alpha, and Phi Delta Theta. Jasmin Campoya/ The Prospector File Photo

Sports

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, editor

2023 football season preview

BY EMMANUEL RIVAS VALENZUELA The Prospector

Working out at the Rec Center

BY NICHOLAS MAES The Prospector

UTEP students looking for a place to get in shape, stay in shape, or have a good time on campus can turn to the UTEP Student Recreation Center or the Rec. Free for students who pay a fee on their tuition, the Rec is also open to the public with both monthly memberships along with day passes which are available for purchase.

Located at 3450 Sun Bowl Drive, the Rec has become a safe place for students to become more active in their busy lifestyles. The Rec Center experienced improvements from a fee increase approved by the UTEP student body in 2006. The renovations were completed in 2011 and included many improvements to a relatively new facility that was built in 1996.

important aspect of the third floor, however, is the indoor track that measures in at an eighth of a mile. The pool is down a long corridor to the other side of the building. The Rec has two pools, a competitive pool and a recreational pool. The competitive pool has a 13-foot depth, good for diving. The recreational pool is much shallower, with a maximum depth of four feet. The recreational pool also features an area for basketball and volleyball. It is important to note for the Rec pool to bring your own towels because the Rec does not have any for students to rent.

After a season that came to a heartbreaking end, the UTEP Miners are looking forward to a brandnew season with a fresh roster and new conference opponents.

Hoping to start the season strong, Head Coach Dana Dimel has hyped up the team’s spring efforts and new signings.

“We’re excited about spring ball and our team,” said Dimel in a press release. “We have 25 new, scholarship players that will all take part in spring ball. We’re going to have the most athletic group that we have had at UTEP. One of the big position battles to watch this spring will be second-string quarterback behind Gavin Hardison. Other focuses for us will be bringing along our second-string offensive line, since we have all five starters coming back, as well as developing our talent at linebacker and safety.”

The schedule was released at the start of the calendar year for the fall 2023 season with some new and familiar faces as teams like Rice and North Texas left Conference USA (C-USA) to join the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and the Sunbelt Conference. C-USA welcomes Liberty, New Mexico State (NMSU), Jacksonville State and Sam Houston in the latest realignment. The most exciting addition must be rival NMSU, adding a new layer to the rich history between both teams.

The Miners will start the season on the road with a conference game against C-USA newcomer Jacksonville State Gamecocks, who are coming from Atlantic Sun Conference (A-SUN), Saturday, Aug. 26. Coming from a 9-2 overall season, the Gamecocks went undefeated in conference play. These two teams have never faced each other.

UTEP’s home opener will see a matchup between the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals Saturday, Sept. 2 at home in the Sun Bowl. A Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, Incarnate Word

had a successful 12-2 season making it to the FCS Playoffs Semifinal where the team fell to North Dakota State 35-32.

The Miners will then hit the road for two away games against powerhouses Northwestern University Saturday, Sept. 9 and the University of Arizona Saturday, Sept. 16.

UTEP will close out the month of September at home to face University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels Saturday, Sept. 23 and the C-USA member Louisiana Tech (LA Tech) Bulldogs Friday, Sept. 29. A Mountain West team, UNLV will be coming off a losing 5-7 season. LA Tech is a C-USA carryover who fell to the Miners last season.

UTEP will kick off the month of October in Miami, Florida to face the Florida International University (FIU) Panthers Wednesday Oct. 11 before heading home to face I-10 rival NMSU Wednesday, Oct. 18. To close out October, the Miners will head to Huntsville, Texas to play the Sam Houston Bearkats Wednesday, Oct. 25.

The final stretch for the regular season falls in November as the Miners will play the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers Saturday, Nov. 4 at home, the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders Saturday, Nov. 18 on the road and Liberty University Saturday, Nov. 25 at home.

In order to be bowl eligible, the Miners will need to win at least six games in the regular season. The team came close last season needing a win going into the final game against the No. 25 ranked University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners which UTEP lost 34-31. This season looks promising as Coach Dimel signed several new players in the offseason.

Student tickets are available via Ticketmaster and UTEP Athletics using a UTEP student email.

2023 UTEP Football Schedule

Walking into the Rec, the first thing you notice is the rock wall and the open space. Getting into the Rec is as simple as scanning your UTEP identification card. If you forget your ID, the staff can take your ID number instead. Once inside, heading to the right will take you to the pools and fitness rooms, and going left will take you to the main area.

The entrance to the Rec puts students on the second floor of the building. Going downstairs, students can check out basketballs and volleyballs as well as other equipment for use. This first floor is where students can find the rockclimbing wall and basketball courts. Locker rooms are also available on this floor for students to lock up personal items for the day.

Returning to the second floor, students can find the free weights. This 6,500 square foot area contains essential high-quality equipment to cater to your workout needs.

Dumbbells and plates of a variety of weights make this area a welcome space for beginners who want to get started on lifting or continue their physical health journey.

Going to the third floor, students will find more gym equipment. Weight machines, stationary bicycles, treadmills and steppers are all plentiful on this floor. The most

Although the extensive facilities available in the Rec are important, they only portray one part of what the Rec has to offer. There are numerous classes to take throughout the semester, including dance, jujitsu, bachata and Zumba.

Not only is the Rec a great place to work out, but it can also open doors to different opportunities, as it did for student employee Aaron Castro. Castro was also inspired by P.E. teachers to take on both his major and his position at the Rec. “Since I majored in kinesiology, I wanted a job that had sports involved in it,” Castro said. “It’s really what inspired me to be here, it’s a really fun and friendly environment where I can surround myself with what I want to become.”

For students who may be considering another gym to work out, what sets the Rec above the competition are the facilities and the trips. “It’s honestly way more worth it than for me to go to an EP Fitness or an Elev8 Gym...because there’s a lot more than just working out, it’s a place for leisure time and just to chill out,” Castro said.

Although the trips do require a separate fee from what is included in tuition, it is still worth more than going somewhere else. The facilities speak for themselves, and the Rec continues to play an important role in the physical health of the UTEP community.

For more information visit www. utep.edu/student-affairs/rsd/. Nicholas Maes may be reached at nemaes@miners. utep.edu

UTEP is looking forward to the brand-new season, which starts Aug. 26. Joel Molina/The Prospector File Photo

The Rec is a safe place for students to become more physically active in their busy lifestyles. Gianluca Cuevas/The Prospector

for students with disabilities. AIM allows students to access or request services online and from the safety and comfort of their home 24/7.

The system will allow you to log on with your single sign on UTEP credentials, so there will be no new passwords or usernames to memorize.