Issue 17, Volume 82

PRINT WEEKLY. DIGITAL DAILY.

Breaking news online thedailycougar.com

Are you watching? coogtv.com

Tune in to student-run radio coogradio.com

Join the Student Media team Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Issue 17, Volume 82

uh.edu/csm

Weak foundations Under scrutiny from the Provost's Office, an SGA representative's proposal to apply UHin4 to the architecture school has collapsed before it began. | PG. 3

campusvueapartments.com | 866.823.8938

2 | Wednesday, January 25, 2017

NEWS thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

CITY

UT System drafts plans for Houston expansion The land that has been purchased is nearly half the size of UH, and larger than other Houston-area universities JASMINE DAVIS

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @JPDAVIS_TDC

The University of Texas System is set to expand its foothold in Houston with the proposed institution falling just less than 7 miles from the University of Houston.

In November 2015, the UT System Board of Regents voted to purchase 332 acres roughly 3.5 miles south of the Texas Medical Center. Though an official plan for the expansion has yet to be released, it has already faced opposition from many Houstonians.

"It's a duplication of state resources when there's already two state institutions in this city," said Trey Wilkinson, former president of the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation. "That's the thing we keep trying to convey."

Following the UT System's land purchase, the Alumni Association Foundation began a change.org petition calling on Texas legislators to prevent the expansion for this reason, additionally citing the expansion as unnecessary competition for the University of Houston.

In December 2015, a Dallas Morning News article addressed a letter from Houston Rep. Carol Alvarado to the Texas Higher Education Commissioner regarding the possible Houston expansion and the response it received from McRaven. In the letter, Alvarado said UT's purchase of the land undermines the state's authority on higher education and called on the commissioner to stop the expansion.

"Purchasing land does not require Coordinating Board approval," McRaven said. "If or when we consider expanding academic programs in Houston, that process would occur only with the full approval of the Coordinating Board and with thoughtful consultation with elected officials and our higher education colleagues in Houston."

Previously, McRaven has said that large cities draw multiple Tier One universities and that university systems should work together for the betterment of higher education in Texas.

"This isn’t a competition,”

McRaven said. “This is an opportunity. When Texas A&M opened a campus not far from UT San Antonio a few years ago, the UT System applauded it because it was good for San Antonio and it was good for Texas.”

However, Wilkinson said that were the expansion successful, the UT System's access to the Permanent University Fund would give it an unfair advantage in relation to other universities. The Permanent University Fund is a public endowment, providing financial support only to institutions belonging to the University of Texas System and the Texas A&M University System.

"We do think that with the money that the University of Texas System, through the Permanent University Fund, has access to, it could potentially be damaging to the University of Houston," Wilkinson said. "I think it's very important for our student body to know what the University of Texas System has done and how they've been very noncommittal as to what they plan to do."

McRaven previously told the Houston Chronicle that the UT System has no intention of using the possible expansion to compete with UH. "Bringing more of UT to the city of Houston and creating an intellectual hub in the city in no way creates competition for the University of Houston, nor do we see this as a UT versus UH scenario," McRaven said.

Members of the administration at UH have objected to the expansion on the grounds that the University of Texas System chose to purchase this land without discussing it with either the UH System or the Texas legislature.

“This is a trojan horse, and Houston should not let it inside the gates,” said UH William B. Gates Distinguished Chair of Law professor and UH Downtown interim president Michael Olivas when the purchase was made in 2015. “Were the situation reversed and UH bought land near the Austin Airport to provide state-level experiences for its students in the state capitol, UT would properly object.”

Olives said the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,

to which all public universities must adhere, is responsible for ensuring geographic balance, according to documents released by the Houston Chronicle.

In reference to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Olivas said the UT System should abide by the rules which have historically guided higher education institutions.

Olivas referred to the practice as common law.

"The University of Houston has played by the rules and the (Coordinating Board) should enforce these equally against all comers," Olivas said. "Purchasing land almost as large as the UH main campus violates every practice and policy so carefully carved out over the years."

One of the main concerns raised at the possibility of a UT expansion in Houston is that it may duplicate and therefore compete with services already offered by UH. This imbalance, Olivas said, would likely not be tolerated by the Coordinating Board.

"We're not afraid of competition," UH System Chancellor and President Khator said to the Houston Chronicle. "But make sure it's competition and not take over."

According to the Houston Chronicle, Chancellor of the UT System, William H. McRaven, said the committee charged with planning the expansion will brief the UT regents in early 2017. At this time, plans for the land will be announced.

“The University of Texas System has not said what it plans to do with the land. But we have seen, through media outlets, artistic renderings of a full campus,” Wilkinson said. “This is an election year, so we’re watching very closely what happens in Austin.”

Both Wilkinson and UH Media relations said the Texas legislature should be addressing this issue during its current session.

Additionally, Wilkinson said this will likely be a topic of discussion at UH Day at the Capitol, happening on March 1.

"We remain opposed to such expansion," UH Media Relations said. "Nothing has changed." news@thedailycougar.com

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT UNIVERSITIES' LOT SIZES IN HOUSTON In a city already boasting 14 higher education institutions, the proposed UT expansion would be the second-largest university campus in Houston.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON 667 ACRES

UT SYSTEM EXPANSION 332 ACRES

RICE UNIVERSITY 295 ACRES

SAM HOUSTON UNIVERSITY 272 ACRES

HOUSTON BAPTIST UNIVERSITY 100 ACRES

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 | 3

713-743-5314

thedailycougar.com/news

NEWS

news@thedailycougar.com

Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

UH IN 4

Architecture school rules no fixed-tuition plan for students ALEX MEYER

MANAGING EDITOR @ALXMEY

The blueprint of graduation status has been called into question for future architects.

After being encouraged by his constituents to address their concerns about the UHin4 fixed-tuition degree plan, Student Government Association architecture Sen. Hunter Bodiford met with Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Student Success Teri Elkins Longacre in November to discuss a potential five-year comprehensive plan, which was ultimately decided against.

The initiative would have advocated for students in the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design who are currently on the five-year bachelor of architecture degree plan and have difficulty keeping up with the program's financial requirements.

"A financial break is desperately needed for students who work hard for their degrees," Bodiford said.

On average, architecture students spend over $900 per year on model materials and $750 per year in printing costs that they don't receive reimbursement for, Bodiford said.

The total cost of tuition for a bachelor's degree in architecture at a non-fixed rate in 2016 is approximately $57,920, not including additional university or housing fees. The total cost of tuition for a four-year program, such as interior architecture, in 2016 in the UHin4 fixed tuition plan is approximately $39,616.

"Any money saved would be incredibly helpful for students," Bodiford said.

Interior architecture senior Logan Scott, who is in his final year in the UHin4 program, believes a fiveyear plan would prove helpful for students who may be struggling.

Scott considers himself and other members of the program to be at an unfair advantage over five-year students.

"For those students who are, by nature of the degree, in school longer than the average college attendee, it would be greatly beneficial both financially and academically," Scott said. "To restrict privileges to those students with a shorter degree plan — when those who are in longer programs are arguably more dedicated to their academic career — is callous to the needs of five-year students."

Statewide, the UHin4 program is not the only tuition program to cap at four years.

For reference, the University

of Texas's School of Architecture boasts a five-year bachelor's of architecture professional degree, a five-year plus summers dual-degree in a bachelor's of architecture and arts and even a six-year dual professional degree in a bachelor of architecture and science in architectural engineering, and their Longhorn Fixed Tuition program also covers only four consecutive academic years.

Architecture junior Brianna Blatchley supports herself financially, and she's often not able to go out to eat, buy new clothes or even enjoy school holidays because she's in the studio.

"I've spent hundreds of dollars in just my first semester on materials for projects," Blatchley said.

"And hundreds on the Keeland Center. That doesn't include the beginning of the year supply package that was offered which I paid $400+ on. Architecture is an expensive major and the school doesn't seem to be going out of their way to make it easier on students' pockets."

Blatchley credits the program for pushing students to their intellectual and creative limits, but wishes the program was cheaper and the University covered more supplies.

In an attempt to advocate for students like Blatchley, Bodiford was willing to concede on the program offering only the first four years with a fixed tuition, leaving the last year uncapped and subject to any increase in tuition at the time of enrollment.

Even so, Director of Marketing and Communication for the Office of the Provost Christine Klocke said there are no plans to extend the UHin4 program or the four-year fixed tuition degree programs that require more than four years to complete, despite the financial difficulties architecture majors face.

"To date, 99 percent of undergraduate degrees are eligible for the UHin4 program," Klocke said.

Several degrees within the College of Architecture, including environmental design, industrial design and interior architecture, are eligible for the program, Klocke said. Ninety-five percent of the class of 2020 is enrolled full-time with 70 percent enrolled in UHin4.

But Bodiford's concerns went beyond program eligibility and enrollment rates.

For bachelor of architecture students, a fixed amount of studio hours are required per

year. During their first year of the architecture program, the set studio schedule consists of Monday through Friday 9 a.m.

- 12 p.m., the second and third year, the set schedule is Monday through Friday 1 - 5 p.m. and the fourth and fifth year, the studio times are 1 - 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Despite these time restraints, students receive only five credit hours per studio session, Bodiford said.

"With those kinds of required in-class hours, a standard job is hard to maintain, and that does not even begin to describe the outside hours that students spend on their projects," Bodiford said.

After meeting with Longacre, Bodiford has no further plans regarding UHin4 reform. Additionally, "no discussions are underway" in the Office of the Provost to alter the architecture program, Klocke said.

Regardless, Bodiford intends

SGA Sen. Hunter Bodiford said the move was inspired by students' inability to keep up with extra costs. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

to continue communicating with the administration on behalf of architecture students.

"I know firsthand how hard architecture students work, and at the end of the day, on paper, if

MONTROSE: 1618 Westheimer Rd. • 713-523-8 701 BUFFALOEXCHANGE.COM •

they produce and complete the same requirements as other students, they should be eligible for the same benefits," Bodiford said. news@thedailycougar.com

4 | Wednesday, January 25, 2017

NEWS 713-743-5314

thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

Do students have a say?

THE BILLION DOLLAR CAMPAIGN EXPLAINED

JASMINE DAVIS

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @JPDAVIS_TDC

Last week, the University of Houston launched its “Here, We Go” fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $1 billion by 2020.

Headed by the Division of University Advancement, development officers will approach alumni, current students and prominent community figures for donations ranging from $15 to greater than $20 million.

The University began the quiet phase of the campaign in 2012, raising $684 million, more than half of the campaign target, prior to the public launch. In a Q&A with The Cougar, Vice President for the Division of University Advancement Eloise Dunn Brice said that universities usually hold off on announcing campaigns until they’ve raised a substantial portion of the goal.

Highlighting the Wednesday night debut of the campaign was a $20-million donation from the John P. McGovern Foundation. This will provide financial support to art students, faculty and members of the community, and the College of the Arts will be renamed the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts.

"As one of only three Tier One public universities in the state of Texas, and the only one in Hous-

ton, the University has a special and important responsibility to the region," Dunn Brice said.

According to an article from the Houston Chronicle, other donations have funded engineering and research building renovations, engineering scholarships and UH Downtown programs. In July, UH System Board of Regents Chairman Tillman Fertitta donated $20 million to redevelop athletics facilities.

UH Chancellor and President Renu Khator said that to date, 130,000 people have donated to the campaign. Of that number, more than 94,000 are first-time donors to the University.

UH’s campaign is similar to those frequently held by other large universities, such as Rice University’s 2008 campaign to raise $1 billion and Texas A&M’s ongoing campaign to raise $4 billion by 2020. During the Q&A, Dunn Brice said campaigns are instrumental to raising the level of giving for the University. With each subsequent campaign, the amount of regular donations increases.

This is the University’s first major campaign in nearly 25 years.

In order to determine how funds will be spent, the University has set designated priorities. When donors are approached for donations, Dunn Brice said they are asked to direct their donations to those priorities. However, donors have

the final say in how their money is spent, and they and the University must agree on the terms of the donation before it can be finalized.

“The University spends the money that has come in for the campaign the way the donors direct it, and the donors direct it in the ways that we ask for it,” Dunn Brice said.

University priorities fall under six campaign initiatives, including boosting student success through scholarships, attracting and retaining top faculty, enhancing facilities, building a healthier Houston economy and powering a national athletics program.

Under these priorities, donors have the option to designate their funds to more than 40 areas within the University.

Available designations include the colleges, student affairs, the library and athletics. The $140 million campaign goal set for athletics has already been surpassed, Dunn Brice said.

"The priorities for Athletics projects in particular were ones that resonated with alumni and friends, and were among the first to be rolled out during the quiet phase of the campaign," Dunn Brice said.

Current students will not vote on how the $1 billion will be spent, though both Dunn Brice and Khator said there is an expectation for them to donate to the cam-

paign. However, students donating to the campaign will have the option to designate which area of the University they would like their funds directed to.

"Student donors, just like alumni and other donors who have generously given to the University, can direct their gifts," Dunn Brice said.

"We let each donor choose, rather than letting the student body vote as a whole."

One example of an opportunity for student donations, Dunn Brice said, was when graduating seniors in the fall had the opportunity to make a $15 donation to the campaign in exchange for a spirit cord to wear during commencement.

“We always deal with this notion that the campaign is just for rich people, and it’s not. The campaign is for everybody,” Dunn Brice said.

“We know students don’t have, for the most part, huge bucks to give here, but we want them to participate.”

Previously, it has been said that students will not have the opportunity to direct their donations, or vote on how the sum of all student donations will be spent.

"That is not something we'll go and ask the students: 'How do we spend your $15?'" Khator said at the campaign's public launch, regarding $15 donations from students for the purchase of spirit cords. "That is for a general pur-

pose, for the priorities."

Dunn Brice later clarified, saying students will be able to direct their donations via the website when they're made. Executive Director of Media Relations, Mike Rosen, claimed the discrepancy resulted from a misunderstanding.

"Students have a powerful and important voice," Dunn Brice said.

"That's why students who donate to the spirit cord program or other programs can use their voices by designating their contribution to a specific college, unit or special area."

Dunn Brice said the Division of University Advancement will be ramping up in the spring and offering more opportunities for student participation.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Khator’s goal is to gain a spot among the nation’s top research institutions in the Association of American Universities.

If admitted, UH would be one step closer to rivaling the academic prestige of other top Texas universities such as the University of Texas at Austin, a frequent competitor for the University.

"The purpose of the campaign is to move the University of Houston forward as a leading nationally relevant educational institution," Dunn Brice said. news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 | 5

713-743-5314

thedailycougar.com/news

NEWS

news@thedailycougar.com

Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

ADMINISTRATION

CLASS dean prepares to take post in February GABE LABOUNTY

CONTRIBUTING WRITER @GABRIELOL97

Following an exhaustive search, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences selected a new dean. Antonio D. Tillis, the dean of the School of Languages, Culture and World Affairs at the College of Charleston, will take over UH's largest college on Feb. 1.

Tillis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He was named a Professor of the Year while a faculty member at Dartmouth College and studied in Brazil as a Fulbright Scholar.

“This job is kind of like drinking from a fire hose—you need to find ways to solve your problems and not get too overwhelmed,” said Steven Craig, an economics professor who's served as interim dean for CLASS for two years.

“The whole University is trying to improve itself, so everyone is on the same page, and I’m sure he gets it that the colleges are a team.”

Prior to serving in his position at the College of Charleston, Tillis was the chair of African and African-American Studies at Dartmouth College, where he also won a Professor of the Year award in 2012. His research focuses on Latin American, Afro-Latin American and African Diaspora studies.

Tillis also co-edits a series titled "Black Diaspora Worlds: Origins and Evolutions from New World Slaving."

“I was attracted by the University's commitment to academic excellence, its diverse student population as well as its mission to be the city's premier academic institution,” Tillis said. “The city's rich ethnic populations, its strong tradition in the performing arts, as well as its breadth of culinary delights make it a most attractive place to work and to live.”

Following the decision to hire Tillis, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Paula Myrick Short released a statement emphasizing Tillis' qualifications and his vision for the future.

“I am proud to announce Dr. Antonio Tillis as the next dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences,” Short said. “Dr. Tillis brings strong

experience and enthusiasm to the college leadership role, and I look forward to working with him."

Potential problems Tillis may be taking charge of a college facing financial problems.

When Craig first took over as interim dean of CLASS two years ago, his first goal was to help the college find financial stability.

Craig worked with the provost and other administration to secure more funding for CLASS. “Finncial stability was a two year project,” Craig said. “Year one went smoothly, but year two was a bit rougher because we took a budget cut. We did not have as much money as we hoped. We tried to save up and build up money, but it was spent quickly.”

According to Craig, the financial woes that the college might be facing will only grow more daunting.

The state legislature plans to impose a budget cut on the University next year, which could influence future CLASS plans, like a new program fund, which the college uses for project funding and overall improvements.

Craig said that building this fund would signify that the college has come back from its financial imbalances.

“There might not be very much new money,” Craig said.

“We have some resources ( for the program fund) in theory, and if you start a new successful program, the money goes back to the college. UH doesn’t have a formal way to encourage new programs, so it’s up to the entrepreneurship of the programs.”

weaker areas,” Craig said. "We have done more senior hiring than in the past, which reflects our rising status all around.

An interesting thing is that our faculty turnover was very low, which means people are pretty happy.”

On Feb. 1, Craig will go back to the Department of Economics and continue what he considered some of the best research of his career.

“I am looking forward to working closely with CLASS colleagues to identify areas of academic innovation that will enhance undergraduate and graduate education at UH,” Tillis said. “I also look forward to interacting with faculty, staff and students as well as engaging the surrounding community.”

Toni Mooney-Smith contributed to the reporting of this story. news@thedailycougar.com

Antonio Tillis said his attraction to UH comes from its academic achievements, position in the city. and diverse student population. | Courtesy of Antonio Tillis

HIS MONEY TURNS SMALL BUSINESS INTO BIG BUSINESS.

TILMAN FERTITTA, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS IS THE

'Building strength' Under the direction of Craig, the college helped spin off the new Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts, which broke away from CLASS in 2015. The move has dropped the CLASS enrollment from 11,517 students in Fall 2014 to 10,948 students in the Fall 2016.

The college, under Craig's direction, has also added several new hires to the faculty list.

“We sharpened our college and we are building strength in

TUESDAYS 9P CST STREAM ON FOLLOW TILMAN: TilmanFertitta

@TilmanJFertitta

@TilmanFertitta

6 | Wednesday, January 25, 2017

OPINION 713-743-5304

thedailycougar.com/opinion

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The campaign: Where does our money go?

L

ast week, the University rolled out its "Here, We Go" campaign, which aims to rein in $1 billion to generate new scholarships, hire top-tier faculty members, improve campus facilities, develop the nearby economy and boost the athletic program.

Truly, it was a transformative moment for the University TREY STRANGE of Houston.

EDITOR IN CHIEF From the moment the campaign launched, we were entertained with astonishing figures: 135,000 donors. $684 million already raised. A $20-million donation to the College of the Arts. $140 million for athletics.

It was easy to get caught up

in the festivities, and apparently easier still to improperly communicate. While speaking to The Cougar about who will control the direction of student donations, both Chancellor Renu Khator and Vice President for the Division of University Advancement Eloise Dunn Brice said that the University will identify the priorities for that funding, even though donors with larger pockets get to decide what their money funds.

Later, when our assistant news editor, Jasmine Davis, attempted to contact the University about this issue, a UH spokesperson told her this was just a miscommunication.

Khator and Dunn Brice are both heavily involved with the campaign and critical to its success, receive yearly salaries of $699,999.96 and $399,999.96,

respectively, yet they couldn't seem to answer the most basic question for students: Where will our money go?

Maybe they didn't understand the question. But I am not so convinced, because this is not the first time university administrators have told me that students could not direct where this money goes.

I served a minuscule role on an advisory committee to the campaign launch in December, and in just the few meetings I attended, we were told multiple times that students would not be able to vote on what this money should fund.

We were constantly told that this money was for students — and I am not doubting that it is a very, very good thing for students — but they would have little input on what the University would do

with it. Instead, we brainstormed ways to convince students that their donations are a good idea, despite the more than $5,000 that each student pays per semester on tuition alone.

We live in an age of fake news and miscommunication. As students and residents in Texas, we spend too much money on tuition and taxes to allow our leaders to spread false facts.

And if this was more than that — actually an oversight of the University in allowing for student input — then the University and its department of advancement should highly consider reframing the way they think about campaigns. Without our voices, there is no university.

Trey Strange is the editor in chief of The Cougar and can be reached at editor@thedailycougar.com

CAPS

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Trey Strange

MANAGING EDITOR

Alex Meyer

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Leah Nash

OPINION EDITORS

Thomas Dwyer Jorden Smith ARTS EDITORS

Karis Johnson Karin Keller PHOTO EDITORS

WEB EDITOR

Emily Burleson NEWS EDITORS

Marialuisa Rincon Julia Araica Jasmine Davis

Justin Cross Ajani Stewart SENIOR STAFF

Katie Santana Peter Scamardo

SPORTS EDITORS

Leonard D. Gibson III JD Smith

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author.

Opinions expressed in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Students must speak up about mental health legislation

T

EDITORIAL BOARD

his year the 85th Texas legislature will meet and pass bills that affect all Texans While one could argue that every action that the legislature takes is important and should be evaluated, that would not be feasible.

It is our duty as citizens and as students to look at the policies that affect us personally.

For many students at the University DELANEY CATLETTSTOUT of Houston SGA COLUMNIST one of those issues may be higher education and/or mental health resources.

In November of 2015, Speaker Joe Straus, formed the Select Committee to look at the behavioral health system for adults and children in Texas.

According to Speaker Straus “The opportunity to improve our mental health system this

year is real and it’s important.

A smarter approach to mental health will improve treatment and care while saving taxpayers money.”

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 4 adults experience mental illness in a given year and suicide is the second leading death among those 15-34. This means that college students are the most vulnerable and the most affected. It is imperative for students to have access to the resources they need to be healthy. In the 2016 interim report of the Mental Health committee they state: “In August, the Texas Tribune reported that the appointment wait times for on-campus mental health services is two to three weeks at Texas' largest public institutions. Schools claimed this is largely due to workforce shortages. 127 The provider-to-student ratio recommended by the International Association of Counseling

“We must end the stigma around mental health and getting help. The committee was formed for this very purpose; it is crucial that students have a voice in it.

Delaney Cattletstout, SGA external affairs columnist

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.

GUEST COMMENTARY

1 in 4 adults experience mental illness in a given year and suicide is the second leading death among those 15-34. This means college studetns are the most vulnerable and most affected. | Photo by Brittaney Penney

Services is 1:1,000 - 1,500, depending on other services offered by the institution. 128 of the University Systems and/ or college campuses that were invited to testify, only the University of Houston-Victoria is in compliance with the staff-tostudent ratio recommendation with a ratio of 1:1,403. Other invited campuses have ratios ranging from 1:1,600 to 1:7,000.”

The ratio of students to counselors at the University of Houston is 1:3,292. We mustend the stigma around mental health and getting help. The committee was formed for this very purpose; it is crucial that students have a voice in it.

Each year committees put out

annual reports on their findings and their progress for the year.

In the 2016 interim report of the Mental Health committee they outline their challenges and their recommendations for Mental Health services in higher education institutions, which are as follows:

Challenges Many students in higher education institutions suffer from mental health illness, especially anxiety. Second only to financial constraints, mental health issues cause students to drop out of school. Institutions of higher learning at a minimum are required to have information on their websites about

Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole.

The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

studentpress.org/acp

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 | 7

713-743-5304

the availability of mental health services, but students may need additional services provided and not all campuses are compliant.

Mental health services on campuses of two year institutions are sparse to non-existent although these facilities serve a great number of students.

Mental health services provided by four year institutions have a disparity in the degree provision, from stellar to sparse.

Recommendations House Bill 197 should be amended to tighten compliance and ensure crisis resources are readily available to anyone on the school's website. 97 o Require the crisis hotline number to be displayed on the back side of every student ID card.

Require a PHQ9 depression screening for every student who presents to the general campus student health center to increase collaboration between health and counseling centers, as well as emphasize early intervention.

If a student falls within a specified guideline on the scale, the student must then be referred to the campus counseling center for a consultation. o Model after Texas A&M College Station program.

Promote community resources to help ease the burden of higher education counseling centers.

Though community resources vary across the state and each school has access to different kinds of resources, they are valuable and necessary partnerships to help students stay in school and receive services at the same time.

Promote the psychological health of the counseling center staff with routine staff wellness checks.

Provide statutory guidance regarding the minimum services state institutions of higher education should provide along with state funding and requiring these institutions to interact with their LMHA. The committee was chaired

by State Rep. Four Price. Members of the committee included: Greg Bonnen, Garnet Coleman (Houston), Sarah Davis (Houston), Rick Galindo, Sergio MuĂąoz, Andy Murr, Toni Rose, Kenneth Sheets, Senfronia Thompson (Houston), Chris Turner and James White.

You can find all of their contact information by visiting the Texas Tribune or State House directories.

By knowing the challenges, the recommendations and the representatives on the committee one can see where the legislature lays on the issue.

One can predict the legislation that will come up in this session.

Millennials are often labeled as complacent and entitled.

It is time that we change that image and make sure that we are educated on the issues and take

thedailycougar.com/opinion

action while we can.

The best way to do that is by contacting the legislatures that author bills that affect you, by lobbying at the capitol and by

OPINION

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

voting. We have the opportunity to make our universities better than when we came and we have the opportunity to speak up and end the stigma around mental health.

I challenge you to make a change.

Delaney Catlettstout is a political science senior and can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.

O I D A R G O O C

E M O C L WE jan. 2n5t tPhlaza e d u t S K C BA

M P 0 3 : 1 M A 0 11:3

free food, drinks, prizes, music, etc

8 | Wednesday, January 25, 2017

OPINION 713-743-5304

thedailycougar.com/opinion

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

PUZZLES

Almost 80 percent of adult smokers begin their habits before they turn 18 according to the national survey on drug use and health. Clearly, the current law prohibiting smoking under 18 is not working. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons ACROSS 1 Bad thing to fall for 5 Buddies 9 Atrocious 14 Sha ___ of music 15 Landed on a branch 16 Young pig (Var.) 17 Not that much 18 Thompson of films 19 Was the father to 20 Shop talk for sewer workers?

23 Steam open 24 Scenic views 27 Discreet and diplomatic 31 Eggs, to a scientist 32 You, once 35 Protective seed coat 36 ___ out a living (barely gets by) 37 What the PR rep wanted to do with Hamilton and Graham Bell 40 Type of rage with an apostrophe 41 Unit in physics class 42 Electrically charged particles 43 When showers are abundant (abbr.)

44 Type of ballroom dance 46 Wise old counselor to

the Greeks at Troy 48 Twist in agony 53 What texted bits of gibberish are?

57 Special Forces headwear 59 Thomas who founded Wendy’s 60 Kristofferson of music 61 Clear a blackboard 62 Abridge or add to 63 Fish-eating sea bird 64 Clothesline alternative 65 Untouchable Eliot 66 Symbols of poverty DOWN 1 Big, messy mix-up 2 Small house in the woods 3 Blue dyes obtained from plants 4 Photo option 5 Spanish seafood dish 6 ___ mater 7 Trace the shape of 8 Deer fellow?

9 Attack with vigor 10 Supporters of the American Revolution .11 Sign of something to come 12 Salt Lake City player 13 Was a guide 21 Detested 22 Soft palate attachment 25 Declares with confi-

dence 26 Feisty backtalk 28 Flower section 29 River through Nottingham 30 Chip and Joanna Gaines’ show, “___ Upper” 32 Figure of speech 33 Bun topping?

34 Conclude 36 Old name for Tokyo 37 Source of dietary fiber in cereals 38 Enhance with decorations 39 Prefix with “glycerine” 44 Bottom-of-the-page insert 45 Babies that give a hoot 47 Those right here 49 Comic book artist 50 ___ firma 51 Making haste (var.)

52 What you’ll find a lot of in Mississippi 54 Garden featured in Genesis 55 Uttered, as a farewell 56 Big rental car agency 57 Where many retire 58 Act human, proverbially

HEALTH

As smoking age rises, civil rights diminish

O

n Monday, the Houston Chronicle revealed a lawmaker’s desire to increase the smoking age to 21. This policy rather than bringing positive change would unfortunately be disastrous.

The lawmaker, Republican John Zerwas is pushing for a bill that PRANEETH KAMBAMPATI would raise COLUMNIST the smoking age to 21 based on a previous proposal suggested by Democrats for nearly a decade.

Lawmakers and physicians alike who support this effort say that this could ultimately save lives and money.

They arrive at this conclusion based on the suggestion that those “who don’t develop the habit in their teens are less likely to do so as adults.”

What this logic fails to realize is that currently despite a regulation that makes the legal smoking age 18, nearly 2500 kids under 18 try smoking for the first time every single day. The peak years for smoking and beginning to smoke is between the ages of 11 and 13.

Furthermore, according to

a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 80 percent of adult smokers begin their habits before they turn 18. So clearly, the current law prohibiting smoking under 18 is not working.

A new law that would only increase the year to 21 would not have a substantial impact on the teen smoking rates.

Whether they get their first cigarette from the family or friends, teen smokers rarely go out and buy cigarettes themselves. Instead they rely on those around them to get access.

Increasing the legal age would not target the means by which the teens get access to tobacco.

Beyond just the ineffectivity of the law, there’s another reason why a proposal to increase the legal age of smoking to 21 would be harmful to society.

Currently, the age of 18 is unique in that it’s the social division between a minor and an adult.

Yet legal age laws for drinking suggests that individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 are not capable of making an independent decision whether or not to buy their own alcohol.

This type of restriction creates a situation where an

individual who is 18 can be punished as a major to the full extent of the law because they were mature enough to understand the consequences of the action, yet they are not mature enough to understand the harmful effects of alcohol or in the case of this proposed law, tobacco.

Furthermore, tobacco does not create potential for one to harm another person through usage at the same scale that alcohol does. Alcohol and the effects of drunk driving are very well known, yet there is no such equivalent for smoking.

Therefore, this proposal while not only not affecting teen smoking rates, it also undermines those who are aged 18 to 21.

Ultimately as Zerwas admits himself, “There's obviously some people who are going to see this as an infringement on rights and stuff, and those voices need to be heard. And yeah, that's a loss of potential revenue” Awareness and programs to help ease people off the addiction are far better at reducing the prevalence of smoking.

Columnist Praneeth Kambhampati is a biomedical sciences sophomore and can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 | 9

713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

SPORTS

sports@thedailycougar.com

Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

After finishing second in last year's national championship, senior sprinter Cameron Burrell won't be satisfied unless he wins both the 60m and long jump this season. | Courtesy of Stephen Pinchback

TRACK & FIELD

Senior sprinter sets sights on dual titles PETER SCAMARDO

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @PLSCAMARDO2

At the Leonard Hilton Invitational last year, senior sprinter Cameron Burrell became the fastest man in the country, running a 6.55 in the 60m. At the time, he had the fastest time in the world.

One year later, at the very same meet, Burrell has gotten off to another fast start with a time of 6.66 in the win, the No. 6 fastest time in the country.

One of the most accomplished athletes for the Cougars in recent years, Burrell starts his senior season with the motivation of just missing out on a national title last year. Burrell and Ronnie Barker from Texas Christian University ran the No. 3 and No. 4 fastest times in NCAA history. Only one one-hundredth of a second separated the two.

“It’s the first meet of the season, and that’s usually about

where I start off,” Burrell said.

“I want to finish what I started.

End my senior year with that national championship I’ve been working so hard for.”

Leaving his mark Four years ago, Burrell had big shoes to fill when he arrived on campus as the son of Olympic gold medalist and Houston head coach Leroy Burrell, but he has quickly put his success on a platform of its own. He has become a figurehead for both the sprinting unit and the entire track & field team.

Even with the Burrell's successes on the track, he has not accomplished his goal of becoming a champion in multiple events. Hoping to win both the 60m and the long jump, Burrell looks to assistant coach and Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis for inspiration.

Were it not for an error at the American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships last

“I want to finish what I started. End my senior year with that national championship I've been working so hard for."

Cameron Burrell, sprinter

Burrell is leaving a legacy worthy of his Olympic coaches | Justin Cross/The Cougar

year, Burrell might have already accomplished this goal. Still, whether he is a champion in both events at season's end will determine for him the success of the season.

“He wants to go beyond his personal best — he wants to be a national champion in the long jump.” Lewis said. “If he does that then the sprints will happen. He’s locked in in the sprints and it’s just a matter of getting his long jump back where he’s confident.”

The sprints were a key cog in the men’s dual conference championships last season and nothing has changed this year.

They are expected to win numer-

ous events for the Cougars and score valuable points when they matter.

Leading the pack Burrell will not only be looked at as a key athlete who will win events but also as a leader through performance for his teammates. For junior-college transfer Eli Hall-Thompson and sophomore Barbadian international Mario Burke who are expected to continue the success of past sprinters, getting to train with Burrell has only helped them perform at the collegiate level.

“He’s been a huge help,” Burke said. “Coming from back home, I

used to be running the fastest on the team, winning all the time.

My transition on the team has been from being the hunted to hunting Cam.” In addition to being the school record holder in the 60m, Burrell has won numerous conference titles and has always qualified for the NCAA. The question has been raised whether the senior has become one of the athletes that will bring future talent to the program.

The humble Houston native is the proof of the impact of his coaches. While the program might not have as much money or as costly facilities as other schools, they do have coaches that care about their athlete’s well-being and who will prepare them for the future.

"I think he feels he failed to reach some of his goals (last year)," Leroy Burrell said. “I would hope that he’s expecting to perform at the level he performed last year, be in the hunt to put himself in position to compete for an NCAA championship. I think he’s looking forward to being a solid two event athlete and leading the team to bigger and better things.” sports@thedailycougar.com

10 | Wednesday, January 25, 2017

SPORTS 713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

ACADEMICS

Putting the student back in student-athlete J. D. SMITH

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @IDSMITH_08

As the NCAA enters its seventh year investigating the academic fraud case against the University of North Carolina, the role of the student-athlete is constantly debated. Are they employees of the school that should be treated as such, or is there still room for the student aspect of student-athlete?

University of Houston athletics looks to fit the second definition, totaling an overall 2.88 GPA in the fall, and continuing their recent success with their fourth straight semester over 2.85. Additionally, a record-high 96 student-athletes were named to the Dean’s List.

“We are focused on building champions for life,” Vice President for Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “Our three core pillars in that pursuit are academics, athletics and as members of our community and when we have success in any of those three pillars, we celebrate our student-athletes’ achievements.”

Since Yurachek took over the program in April 2015, Cougar athletics have posted four of the top academic performances in school history. The number of student-athletes achieving a 4.0 semester has steadily increased, with 14 reaching the feat last fall.

Junior golfer Megan Thothong is one of the 14, totaling a 4.0

in three straight semesters. The Dallas native had success both on the course and in the classroom, being named to both the American Athletic Conference All-Academic and All-AAC teams in 2016.

“I work just as hard in the classroom as on the course,” Thothong said. “People like to joke that being a student-athlete is like having two full-time jobs and coming into college it was important for me to do really well in both.”

Everything's a competition Athletes are competitive by nature and that competitiveness extends beyond the fields, into the classrooms and even within the athletic department. Eleven of the 17 programs now have a cumulative GPA over 3.0, with softball leading the pack at 3.53.

Softball also led all programs with a 3.59 last semester, its highest fall GPA in program history.

First-year head coach Kristin Vesely knows the importance of excelling in the classroom, especially for female student-athletes.

“Female athletes don’t have as big an opportunity to go pro and while we have pro in our sport, it’s not at a high-income level and it’s not enough to sustain a living,” Vesely said. “If they’re able to master being at the field for 20 hours a week, being in class for 15 hours and still get A’s that shows

so that after the first week we know if something is not going well,” Vesely said. “We’re very big into team study hall and the incoming freshman have 10 hours a week of mandatory study hall.”

Vesely adds to a program that has had the best overall GPA each of the past four fall semesters and was second in cumulative GPA after spring 2016.

As each student-athlete comes to Houston they meet with an academic advisor to work out a degree plan, creating a calendar to fit all their classes around practices and competitions.

“From the very beginning we are used to getting our work done,” Thothong said. “We have (Associate Athletics Director for Academic Services) Maria Peden and she helps us set up our fouryear course to see which classes we should take to set us up for success.”

Most student-athletes go pro in something besides sports and even for those that do, having a strong educated background is important out in the real world.

With only three semesters left at UH, Thothong understands the reality of the situation facing her.

“Not everyone is going to become a professional athlete,” she said. “It’s all about setting yourself up for success.”

Despite a record 96 athletes named to the Dean's List, the Cougars rank near the bottom of the AAC in academic performance. | Ajani Stewart/The Cougar

something to people.”

Still improving Houston still has work to do as a department, ranking in the lower half of the AAC by overall GPA. In addition, of the over 2,300 student-athletes named to the AAC All-Academic team in 2015-2016, only 159 came from the Cougars, ranking No. 10 out of 12 schools.

With one of the three core programs of the department being academics, there are many resources available to the student-athletes who are struggling in the classroom.

“Academic resources, study hall sessions and individual tutors, along with frequent communication with UH faculty on academic performance of at-risk students and early

warning systems are in place,” Yurachek said. “Our studentathletes are monitored and supported on a daily basis by a committed staff of academic advisors and coaches who prioritize academic success.”

In addition, individual coaches instill their own academic requirements and resources for their athletes.

Setting the standard As a stand-out player at Oklahoma University under longtime head coach Patty Gasso, Vesely learned the importance of succeeding in all aspects of being a student-athlete, instituting her own standards on the program.

“They meet weekly with (assistant) coach (Jessica) Schultz and update us on grades

sports@thedailycougar.com Comparison of student athletes' average GPA in American Athletic Conference

Comparison of student athletes' average GPA in American Athletic Conference

3.30 3.20 3.10 3.00 2.90 2.80 2.70 2.60

Spring ‘13 Houston

Fall ‘13

Spring ‘14 UCF

Fall ‘14

Spring ‘15 Cincinnati

Fall ‘15

Spring ‘16 Memphis

Fall ‘16 Temple Katie Santana/The Cougar

Katie Santana/The Cougar

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 | 11

713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

SPORTS

sports@thedailycougar.com

Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

FOOTBALL

Applewhite brings innovative changes to coaching staff LEONARD D. GIBSON III

SPORTS EDITOR

@ LEONARDDGIBSON

The Tom Herman era of Houston football is over, and it’s Major Applewhite’s turn to take the reins. As head coach, Applewhite has implemented some changes to the coaching staff ’s structure that may be unfamiliar to Cougar fans.

Earlier in January, Applewhite finished his staff. His completed staff, however, looks different from last year’s staff under Herman and from most other schools’ programs. He and his staff believe that this new format will improve the Cougars next season.

“The main thing going through this was to make sure we had it right,” Applewhite said in a press conference.

Special Teams The biggest change in Applewhite’s coaching structure is the lack of a dedicated special teams coordinator.

Applewhite’s plan for special teams is to have one coach from offense and one from defense collaborate to handle the return game and the cover game. Applewhite himself is familiar with special teams, having experience with the kickoff return and punt unit as a graduate assistant at the University of Texas. He will also be a part of special teams.

Applewhite’s decision to not have a dedicated special teams coach doesn’t mean he thinks it’s unimportant. He stressed its importance and how a single play can flip a game in an instant.

Applewhite isn’t at the point where he can announce which two coaches will be in charge of special teams.

Offense On the offensive side of the ball, Applewhite gave some of his coaches multiple titles that he thinks are essential for running an offense.

Darren Hiller is the offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Last year, the Cougars did not have a coach with the run game coordinator title.

“I’ve always found it funny that all offensive line coaches don’t have run game coordinator attached to their name,” Applewhite said.

Applewhite said he believes the offensive line coach is the

run game coordinator by default because the run game has to go through the line.

“From the offensive line perspective, I don’t think I’ve changed in my thinking what I’m doing on a day-to-day basis,” Hiller said. “Everywhere I’ve ever been as an offensive line coach, I felt like I am a coordinator in the fact the running game has to go through the offensive line.”

Hiller isn’t coaching the running backs, however. Kenith Pope, one of the only returning coaches from Herman’s staff, is the running backs coach.

“It’s a title,” Applewhite said.

“You don’t get lost in stuff like that.”

Applewhite hired Brian Johnson in December as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Applewhite emphasized the importance that these two responsibilities are connected.

“I believe offensively you have to call the game from that position,” Applewhite said.

“The guy who’s coaching the quarterbacks needs to call the plays.”

Last season, Applewhite was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Comparisons Compared to other collegiate teams around the country, the Cougars differ greatly.

In the American Athletic Conference, having the offensive coordinator be the quarterbacks coach as well isn’t the most popular. Only five teams other than the Cougars do this.

Including Houston, fifty percent of teams in the AAC have these two titles attached.

The offensive line coach also have the title of run game coordinator is very unpopular in the AAC. Only the Naval Academy and University of Southern Florida do so.

Navy ranked first in the AAC last season in rushing yards with 4342 yards, and USF was in second with 3709. Navy had 742 attempts, and USF had 570.

Houston ranked eighth with 1912 yards and 561 attempts.

In Houston’s first loss of the season in 2016, the Navy Midshipmen ran all over the Cougar defense. Navy totaled 306 rushing yards with five separate players having five or more carries. They averaged 4.9 yards per carry. The Midshipman who led the team with 32 carries, 115

Major Applewhite's coaching structure changes look to innovate Houston's football program. | File Photo/The Cougar

yards and one touchdown was their quarterback.

In that same game, Houston put up only 125 rushing yards total with senior quarterback Greg Ward Jr. being the leading rusher. Ward Jr. had 17 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown.

Junior running back Dillon

Birden carried the ball 13 times for 51 yards.

The coaches that Applewhite has hired are excited for the new coaching structure. “(Applewhite’s) plan to put the staff together, how he assembled that and his thought process on that, I thought was excellent,”

said defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio.

With the new coaching staff established under Applewhite, the Cougars look to innovate and improve an already successful program. sports@thedailycougar.com

worship DIRECTORY

CATHOLIC MASS ON CAMPUS

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

SUNDAYS: 10:45 AM - Religion Center 6:00 PM - Catholic Center WEEKDAYS: Tuesday—Friday 12:00 Noon CATHOLIC NEWMAN CENTER Confession: Before or After Masses Office # (713) 748-2529

First Service: 7:15 am Second Service: 9:00 am Third Service: 11:00 am Fourth Service: 1:00 pm Sunday School:

9:00 am

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 12 noon & 7:00 pm

Sunday Bible Class

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN WORSHIP DIRECTORY, CONTACT A SALES REPRESENTATIVE AT 713-743-5356

12 | Wednesday, January 25, 2017

SPORTS 713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

BASKETBALL

Catching up with former Houston point guard Ronnie Johnson DEZ EWELL

STAFF WRITER

@SRA_EWELL

In the 2015-2016 season, redshirt Junior Ronnie Johnson contributed a large part to the Cougar team. He went 35.7 percent for 3-pointers and 40.4 percent from the field. All-in-all, he contributed 291 points for the Cougars.

Previously, he played for Purdue from 2012-2014 before coming to Houston.

After last season, however, Johnson transferred to Auburn.

The Daily Cougar got the chance to catch up with him and ask how he’s doing in an all new school.

The Cougar: How has it been since the transfer to Auburn?

Ronnie Johnson: It’s good. It’s different. It definitely is different than the city of Houston and the school too. It’s just really a college town out here and in Houston you have the whole city surrounding the school. I’m

cess is to take what the defense gives me.

just here grinding, playing basketball and trying to make the most of my last year.

TC:What are your plans after college ball? Do you plan on chasing NBA basketball, European basketball or taking your degree and doing something different?

TC: Being from Indianapolis, a good sized city, how does it feel to go from a small college town in Purdue, to a big city in Houston, to another college town in Auburn? Where do you feel most comfortable?

RJ: I’m going to try to play professionally, whether that be overseas or the NBA. I’m going to see what’s all in store for me towards the end of the season. I’ll have to see what different teams my coaches have talked too.

RJ: :I definitely like the city more. I’m a city person. I’m more comfortable in the city. I thought Houston had great diversity man, it’s beautiful out there.

TC: So what made you choose to transfer to Auburn?

RJ: My cousin, Chuck Person, he coached for the Lakers, played in the NBA, played for the Pacers. He had a long NBA career. He’s the all-time leading scorer here at Auburn. He talked me and my dad into leaving Houston and coming out here and playing for him. He told me he “got me” and I trust him.

TC: When it comes to gameplay,

"I'm still with them at heart. Houston will always be a part of me," said Ronnie Johnson. "I'm always 'reppin' Houston and the Cougars!" | Justin Cross/The Cougar

do you feel more comfortable in Auburn’s system maybe than you did in Houston.

RJ: Not really. I really am playing more of a role here at Auburn. I thought the offense (Coach Sampson) had was more guard oriented and I thought the whole spacing and how serious coach Sampson took that stuff was

fantastic. This system here at Auburn is a little different but I find my ways and do what I have to do.

TC: Do you feel that your role at Auburn is to feed the big man, specifically Austin Wiley?

RJ: Actually, Austin Wiley is my cousin too, and my thought pro-

TC: If you could tell the UH fans one thing, especially the ones that followed you and are watching you at Auburn, what would you tell them?

RJ: I’m still with them at heart.

Houston will always be a part of me.

That’s where I received my degree so I’m always “reppin” Houston and the Cougars! So I’m still representing. sports@thedailycougar.com

VOTE ONLINE FOR YOUR FAVORITE

FOOD, FUN, SHOPPING AND SERVICES

AROUND TOWN AND ON CAMPUS

Submit your ballot online at

Winners announced in the April issue of Cooglife

www.cooglife.com/choose

7 @cooglifemag

@cooglifemag

facebook.com/cooglife