Issue 1, Vol. 92 by The Cougar

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Issue 1, Volume 92

Est. 1934

KAREN WEI | news@thedailycougar.com

NEWS

UH Board of Regents cut over 47% core curriculum: Professors, students voice collective frustration reject any courses that they don’t see as impartial or suited for workforce demands. After the review and subsequent comments from faculty, the core curriculum now has 147 core courses, said general counsel member Dona Cornell.

The University created its own Graphics: Lily Huynh/The Cougar framework Photos: Gillian Wisniewski/ The Cougar for evaluating each of its 280 CELENE BOURESLAN, GIA MEJIA core courses, which states NEWS ASSISTANT WRITERS that a core class must be @CELENE_BOURESLAN, @GIA.MEJIA foundational and fundamental, The UH System Board prepare students for civic of Regents met on Aug. 20 and professional life, equip at the Hilton Hotel for its students for the workforce first meeting of the 2026-27 and ensure knowledge that year. During the meeting, warrants accreditation. the regents discussed and Cornell explained that if a approved upcoming cuts to the core course fails to satisfy all curriculum, introduction of four of the University’s criteria, new programs and updates on it would no longer be a part the Centennial Project. of the core curriculum. However, the course Approved cuts to the would still be curriculum available for major The regents voted or general unanimously to approve the elective removal of 133 courses from the UH core curriculum. These cuts exceed the proposed 101 course cuts by 32. The courses were cut due to the passage of Senate Bill 37, which required all university systems’ boards of regents to create committees to review their curricula every five years and

requirements. Students who spoke at the meeting argued that courses being cut will lead to them being dissolved in the future. “Think about our George Washington, who fought for our nation, our MLK, who helped desegregate the system or our Rosa Parks, who chose not to stay silent,” said Vice President of SGA Ian Kariuki. “10 years from now, as a student, if I see a class that does not align with my major or minor, I will be less likely to take it, leading to classes being removed.” Other students in the meeting claimed that the removal of certain core courses undermines the diversity and independence of the student body. “The system is treating students like we are mindless drones; it is important to remember we are independent thinkers deserving of quality education and we deserve classes that represent the rich diversity of our campus, city, nation and world,” said anthropology and history senior Haylee Snyder. “According to section two, the board is responsible for protecting intellectual exploration and freedom; by cutting classes from the curriculum, how is the board fulfilling their obligations.” Professors who spoke at the meeting expressed their frustration, claiming that educators are being excluded from the decisionmaking process in favor of faculty and administrative leaders. “Curriculum needs review, I certainly don’t deny that, but this is supposed to be a conversation among

educators,” said director of classical studies Richard Armstrong. “It is ironic that after summer, when everyone is talking about Christopher Nolan’s “Odyssey,” we see that a course that deals with a hero like Odysseus is no longer foundational enough for the core curriculum.” Frustration from professors came not only from an educational view but from the sight of government interference in education as well. “This summer’s actions have proven me naive and now force me to recognize that our leadership bends to the whims of politics,” said English professor Maria Gonzalez

New programs

of Business advisory and internal audit, as well as oil & gas accounting.

Centennial master plan Alongside the Centennial Construction Project, the University is also planning to construct a new pavilion in the Centennial Plaza and a patio at Eric’s Restaurant to create more innovative social spaces. All centennial projects are set to be completed by spring 2027. Other construction initiatives include a new dining hall to replace Moody Dining Hall. Located in the heart of the Housing District, the hall will have three floors, eight food venues, a covered outdoor patio and

UH-Clear Lake will inaugurate a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Geographic Information Science and Cartography beginning spring 2026. The degree will offer an interdisciplinary hybrid program for students to analyze, manage and visualize spatial data using industry-standard GIS technologies, as stated by the board. UH will induct a Ph.D. in engineering data science and AI in spring 2026. The board stated the program was designed after research scientists identified AI and data-related careers as high-demand and high-wage occupations. Despite the new programs, two graduate certificates will be closed due to low demand and minimal student engagement: C.T Bauer College

seating for approximately 800 guests. The building is projected to be finished by Dec. 2027. UH is planning to build an Innovation Hub, which houses the Dakri Center for Economic Inclusion and Aspire Institute. It is four floors and includes maker spaces, laboratories and administrative offices and is planned for completion in Jan. 2028. Scheduled for May 2028, the University is building a dedicated space for the Hobby School of Public Affairs to replace the previous John M O’Quinn Law Library. news@thedailycougar.com

2 Wednesday, August 26, 2026

back to school

KAREN WEI News Editor @thedailycougar

OPINION

TIPS

Commuter backpack: Essential items to bring Cat’s Back: Kicking ANJALI MARTINEZ

MANAGING EDITOR @ANGI3_M415

With commuters making up 85% of the UH student population, a well prepared backpack can make the difference between a stressful day or a successful one.

Phone, laptop charger College schedules can be unpredictable which could lead to a student spending more time on campus than originally planned. To avoid accidentally running out of battery during an important lecture or while hanging out with friends on campus, come prepared with the wires that give your devices life.

Rain coat, umbrella Among other things, Houston weather is never known to be perfect. What can look like a sunny day in the morning can

quickly turn into an afternoon shower. Bringing proper weather gear can help students get from one class to another across campus.

Sweater, jackets Although the heat seems never ending, the classrooms and lecture halls of UH can pose a different picture. The rooms tend to get very cold, which can ultimately lead to distraction and feeling uncomfortable. Bringing a light jacket or sweater to classes can help students stay warm during unpredictable temperatures.

promote health and well being. As the school year begins, commuters may often find themselves juggling a lot at once. By packing smart (and light!) students can ensure they enjoy their time on the UH campus. news@thedailycougar.com

Water bottle Hydration is especially important during commuting and long college days. It plays a key role in maintaining brain function, sleep quality and mood - factors that make or break a day on campus. Keeping a water bottle or thermos in a student’s commuter bag can

ADVICE

Here’s what your professor wants you to know Some strongly recommend that students review the syllabi for each of their courses. Mapping syllabi out helps students identify weeks that may require extra study time and allows them to plan ahead rather than feeling overwhelmed when deadlines approach, said psychology professor Heather Dial.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

Isabel Bustos/The Cougar CELENE BOURESLAN

NEWS ASSISTANT WRITER @CELENE_BOURESLAN

Freshmen often struggle in their first semester of college because they aren’t aware of the academic expectations their professors set. Research indicates that

students who aren’t fully aware of their professors’ expectations tend to have low academic performance. Here is a list of behaviors that professors expect from students:

Be independent Freshmen should not expect the level of repetition and handholding they might have been exposed to in high school. In a college class, instructors want students to learn new facts, new ways of thinking and to learn semi-independently based on the written and oral materials presented to them, said assistant professor of psychology Ben Tamber-Rosenau. “You are ready for more advanced work or you would not be here and continued handholding undermines your development of the learn-to-learn skill that will serve you through college and the rest of your life,” Rosenau said.

Review the syllabus

If a student has a personal issue that is affecting their work and attendance or they find themselves struggling with a course’s content, then professors strongly recommend that students reach out to them or their teaching assistant. Dial suggests that students who are having difficulties with their course attend their office hours. If they are unable to attend the scheduled office hours, then they should email their professor to arrange a time that works for both of them. “A lot of instructors are willing to work with students if they know there’s something else going on that’s affecting attendance or work quality but you need to inform them of that and continue to communicate with them about it,” said English professor Alix Zachow. “One email and then ghosting is not the method you should have when that sort of thing is happening.”

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes Remember that in college, making mistakes is how students learn. “Mistakes are not the end of the world,” said accountancy and taxation professor Michael Newman. “If you make one, learn from it and move forward – don’t beat yourself up over something that is, at that point, in the past.” news@thedailycougar.com

off the semester NASHLY RAMIREZ

OPINION EDITOR @NASHLYNEWS

The first week of classes is always one of the busiest, yet calmest, parts of the semester. Between syllabus week, adjusting to a new routine and meeting new people, those first few days set the tone for the months ahead. Amid all the craziness, one of the most valuable things students can do is find a place to get involved. Whether that’s Greek life, a club tied to their major or an organization centered around a hobby, joining something outside the classroom can make a huge difference in both your college experience and your future. Thankfully, UH has no shortage of options. With more than 600 student organizations, there’s truly something for everyone. If that sounds overwhelming, that’s exactly why Cat’s Back exists. During Cat’s Back, student organizations fill the Student Center, giving students the chance to meet members, ask questions and learn about everything from academic clubs to cultural organizations and Greek life.

Finding your place at UH While many students think of Cat’s Back as a freshman event, it shouldn’t be. If you’re a first-year student looking for your community or a senior looking to get more involved before graduation, it’s never too late to find an organization that matches your interests. If you’re not sure what you’re interested in or want an idea of which orgs to look for, UH offers a quiz that students can take based on their interests, which narrows down the best-fit organizations and gives you a better idea of what to look for when attending Cat’s Back. If you’re a commuter, an organization can give you a reason to stay on campus a little longer and get to know classmates beyond the classroom. If you live on campus, it can be the push you need to leave your dorm, try something new and take advantage of everything the university has to offer. Organizations also offer students opportunities they might not find elsewhere. Whether that’s leading a team, planning events, volunteering, networking with alumni or simply finding people who share your interests, those experiences often become just as valuable as the classes you’re taking. They build confidence and create memories that last long after graduation. That’s why Cat’s Back is one of the most important Weeks of Welcome events you can go to. Even if you don’t end up joining an organization that day, walking around, asking questions and exploring what’s available could lead you to opportunities you didn’t know existed. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

sports

MICAH CLAY Sports Editor @thedailycougar

FOOTBALL

Cougars return to preseason Top 25 for first time since 2022 EMILY TRAWEEK

SPORTS WRITER @EMILYTRAWEEK

UH football is currently No. 23 in the 2026 preseason AP Top 25 poll. The Cougars are officially recognized by The Associated Press as a preseason-ranked team for the first time since 2022 and the 13th time in program history. AP college football polls released its first preseason college football poll in 1950. Preseason rankings are determined by a panel of roughly 60 to 70 sports journalists who cast votes based on team statistics recorded from the previous season. Head coach Willie Fritz has also been recognized by the American Football Coaches Association Poll, with Houston ranked No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. In the 2021 season, Houston finished 12-2 (8-0 AAC) with 502 points. Quarterback Clayton Tune threw for a total of 3,546 yards and 30 touchdowns. The team averaged 413.9 yards and 35.9 points per game. The Cougars went undefeated in conference play at 8-0 for the second time in program history and for the first time since 2011. Houston won 11 consecutive games during the 2021 season, advancing to the AAC championship game against No. 4 Cincinnati. Houston capped off that year with a 17-13 victory over Auburn in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, securing the third 12-win

Nina To/ The Cougar

season in program history. Tune was named the MVP after throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns. Other key players that season included wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Alton McCaskill. Dell was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. Under head coach Willie Fritz, Houston improved by six wins from 2024. The Cougars

concluded the 2025 season with a record of 10-3 (6-3 Big 12). That same year, Houston celebrated a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Conner Weigman threw four touchdown passes, tying the previous Texas Bowl record set by Patrick Mahomes in 2015. Senior quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 25 touchdowns and recorded 2,705

passing yards. Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas totaled 966 yards with 12 touchdowns. Weigman and Thomas will continue their careers with Cougar football this season. Houston football will open its regular season against Oregon State at 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at TDECU Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. sports@thedailycougar.com

FOOTBALL

Know about the new improvements coming to TDECU stadium DANIEL CONTRERAS

SPORTS ASSISTANT @DANTHESPORTMANS

UH has announced some new improvements to TDECU stadium and its game day experience over the summer. UH announced these changes to the stadium after several responses from Cougar fans wanting more out of their game day experience. After hearing those suggestions, Houston gave a list of upcoming changes that will become staple for a Cougar game day experience. One of the big things to come out of the list is a new change to the student section’s location, which will now have additions to the level 100 part of the stadium. This is the closest the students have been to the field and it will be great to see the student section closer to the team. The student section will now expand to the visitors side of the stadium, adding sections 132 and 133. This change will give Houston a better home-field advantage and allow Houston to have more visibility for those watching the game at home. The Spirit of Houston will also be moving to section 137 as a way to improve the sounds and sights in the stadium, adding on to the gameday experience. Houston is also planning to add new

Houston fans representing blue during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

programs that allow fans to get closer to the team and tailgate together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Not only will this allow families to engage with the team, but it will also allow fans to meet up easier and make friends faster. One of those programs is a newly reformed Shasta’s Kids Club that will have benefits for those that come to TDECU as a familiy. The program will add a reenergized kids zone that will be nearby one of the improved tailgating areas. Another new program that UH will be adding this upcoming season is the Coogs Unlimited Gameday Experiences, where fans can purchase exclusive gameday experiences that will allow closer contact with the Houston football team. The program will have behind-the-scenes opportunities, but more information on that will be coming out near the start of Houston’s season. These changes will go into effect during the 2026 season and onward, with many promising events happening at all of the upcoming home games. Houston will kick off its season against Oregon State at home on Sept. 5 and these changes will definitely enhance the game day experience. sports@thedailycougar.com

4 Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

opinion

NASHLY RAMIREZ Opinion Editor @thedailycougar

SAFETY

Security without safety: Students deserve better NASHLY RAMIREZ

A presence without reassurance This concern has surrounded campus for years. In a Reddit post dating back to 2024, a user who identified themselves as a UH student said they saw little change in campus security despite a string of reported crimes. The user claimed that after requesting a late-night security escort, no one arrived for 30 minutes, ultimately leaving them to walk to their car alone. The student wrote that the experience

MANAGING EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

Karen Wei

SPORTS EDITOR

Micah Clay

OPINION EDITOR

Nashly Ramirez SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

Umniyah Alazzawi April Badmus Maria Krylova Nanaki Matharu

Lily Hyunh/The Cougar

left them questioning whether the university was doing enough to protect students and for the first time, made them feel afraid to walk across campus at night. That experience highlights a larger issue with campus security. Having officers, emergency call boxes and escort services available is important, but those resources mean little if students don’t feel they can rely on them when they need help. The problem isn’t necessarily a complete lack of security. Anyone who regularly walks around campus has probably seen UHPD vehicles or security officers patrolling.

Lily Huynh and Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

From inconvenient detours to the disappearance of some of the campus’s most recognizable spaces, construction on UH’s campus is getting in the way of an ordinary college experience. While campus improvements are necessary, they come at the cost of the atmosphere that makes college feel like college.

A campus under construction Construction for the Centennial Project began in June 2025 and is set to finish in May 2027.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Anjali Martinez

The disconnect comes from seeing that presence every day while still receiving alerts about robberies and other crimes in the same places where students are supposed to feel protected. Of course, no university can prevent every crime, especially on an open campus in the middle of a major city. Expecting UHPD to be everywhere at once would be unrealistic. But students should be able to expect a timely response when they request help and greater transparency about what is being done when the same safety concerns persist semester after semester. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Construction is changing the college experience

UMNIYAH ALAZZAWI

thedailycougar.com

Gauraangi Gupta

CENTENNIAL

ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR @OPINIONSBYUMNIYAH

i The Cougar EDITOR IN CHIEF

OPINION EDITOR @NASHLYSNEWS

UH is known for many things: one of the nation’s top entrepreneurship programs, a diverse student body and a nationally recognized basketball team. Unfortunately, being known as a safe campus isn’t one of them. Campus safety remains a major concern for new and returning students. UHPD reported an aggravated robbery Aug. 12, just days before students were scheduled to move into campus housing. The incident followed three reported robberies during the spring semester. For many students, incidents like these raise the same question: If the university has invested in additional officers, cameras and patrols, why do so many still feel unsafe?

Considering that the average college student earns their bachelor’s degree in four years, construction could make up nearly half of a student’s college experience. Construction has become an accepted part of campus life, but that doesn’t make it any less disruptive.

Essence of a college experience One of the most common and romanticized aspects of a college experience is simply walking around campus while enjoying the scenery. Now, instead of walking to class with a Cougar Grounds coffee and your favorite playlist, students navigate construction

noise, fenced-off sidewalks and dust in the air. The finished Centennial Project will undoubtedly improve the campus for future students. The frustration isn’t with the improvements themselves; it’s that many current students won’t be around long enough to enjoy them. Ongoing work on University Drive, Centennial Plaza and Wilhelmina’s Grove will continue to reroute pedestrian traffic, with the main path shifting to the Lynn Eusan Park side and the primary Student Center South entrance temporarily closing. While another section of Centennial Plaza is expected to open in September, major construction is scheduled to continue through May 2027. With so many walkways closed, students are forced to take lengthy detours, causing many students to rush to class or arrive late. The Centennial Construction Project will eventually leave UH with a more modern campus, but many of today’s students will graduate before they ever get to enjoy it. For them, construction won’t just be part of campus; it will be part of their college memories. opinion@thedailycougar.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Gillian Wisniewski CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Lily Huynh WEB EDITOR

Kelsey Williamson ASSISTANT EDITORS

Celene Boureslan Isabel Bustos Daniel Contreras Oscar Herrera Gia Mejia Yocelin Real Nina To David Soto

ISSUE STAFF CLOSING EDITORS

Gauraangi Gupta Anjali Martinez

COVER

Lily Huynh

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.

ABOUT THE COUGAR

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No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

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www.uh.edu/csm