Issue 1, Volume 91

CAMPUS

Pixels vs. Paint: Students share mix feelings on new AI art course

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ NEWS EDITOR

@WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

This fall, the University will launch a new course called Art in the Age of AI. The course will be offered in a seminar format throughout the semester.

While many are hopeful about new learning opportunities, students are expressing mixed feelings towards this new addition.

Students’ concerns

A common worry around the course is that it will open doors to more artificial intelligence classes that would replace artists, instead of supporting them.

“I was respectfully angry and a little bit outraged,” said junior art history Mia Lee. “It’s concerning to me that it could be paving the way for more generative AI-focused classes to worm their way into the school of art.”

It isn’t just about the class itself, but rather what it represents. Students highlighted how UH has strict policies for the use of AI on assignments, but is lenient on the use of AI in art.

“It feels very disrespectful how the University is so cautious about AI being used in assignments and regular classes, but they don’t apply that same sort of caution with art,” Lee said.

Referencing to UH’s decision to use AI-generated murals on campus, Lee also talked about how students don’t feel recognized as an artist on campus when the University decided to use generative

ACADEMICS

AI rather than ask art students if they’d be willing to lend a hand.

However, the course being offered by an actual artist gives a sense of hope and relief.

“I looked into the class more to see if it was straight up a generative AI art class. It is not and is taught by an actual artist,” Lee said. “That makes me think it’s going to be more of a class that teaches how to use AI as a tool.”

Despite these frustrations, Lee says she remains cautiously optimistic as the future and technology are constantly advancing more each day.

“I just want people to be more aware so that if the school does try to introduce more AI-focused classes, we can find a way to push against it,” Lee said.

Art in the Age of AI: A class review

The course was designed through a Teaching Innovation Program award from the UH Office of the Provost, reflecting a University level interest in AI.

The lecture will aim to help students work critically and creatively with the new technologies being presented in modern day, said professor Abinadi Meza.

“The purpose is to help students use any tool they wish to with greater critical and creative skills in pursuit of their own visions and questions,” Meza said. “AI is already a standard general tool in the art world, but that doesn’t mean every artist should use AI in their work.”

The class is only part one of a two part seminar. The fall semester is focusing on the historical and theoretical aspect of AI.

Students will not be engaging in making creative projects.

The spring semester will introduce part two, “AI studio.” In this section students will be given a chance to explore AI tools in different ways such as for text, sound and art.

“The point in part one of the seminar is to offer a substantive critical and historical foundation to the students,” Meza said. “They will then go on to explore using the tools creatively and conceptually in part two.”

The course offers students an opportunity to understand the benefit, risk and complications of technology in the art world.

Historical parallels through photography

Meza drew parallels between the current debates over AI art and previous controversies surrounding photography.

During the 19th century, the development

of photography created enduring debates in the art world. It posed ethical issues on what constitutes art and the importance of a handmade creation rather than a mechanical one.

Meza emphasized how photography did not eliminate any previous discipline such as painting or handmade artistic practice.

“We could say it expanded artistic tools and objects toward a wider range of people and interactions,” Meza said. “In this way, it could be understood as a social and democratizing force, even if it raised - and continues to raise - ethical concerns.”

As AI becomes more integrated in the art world, institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum of American Art have already bought AI artwork.

news@thedailycougar.com

French, Interpreting and Translation degree programs canceled at UH

said the cancellation of the French B.A. reflects a national decline in language majors and shrinking enrollment at UH.

remains on that list for three consecutive years, the board requires it to be closed or merged.”

UH said students currently enrolled will be able to complete their degrees, as required courses will continue to be offered. Afterward, full-time faculty will continue to teach the minors courses, language courses and other courses as needed.

The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences will stop enrollment of new majors and the program will be discontinued in 2026.

“We try to make a case for studying French. I’ve been doing this for the past 30 years,” said French program director Claudine Giacchetti. “But we are up against a general decline in enrollment, a sharp decline in the liberal arts and a sharper decline in foreign languages.”

languages, they won’t get a good job,” Giacchetti said. “That’s not true, a degree in a foreign language can really open a lot of doors.”

She added that faculty hope to sustain the French minor and its diverse course offerings, which currently include business French and women in French cinema.

Interpreting and Translation B.A.

The Interpreting and Translation program, which focused on American Sign Language and English, will also be phased out. CLASS will stop enrolling new majors, with the final cohort set to graduate in 2028.

The UH System Board of Regents voted Thursday, Aug. 21, to terminate the French and Interpreting and Translation Bachelor of Arts programs. The French minor will continue to be offered.

French B.A.

In a letter to the board, the Academic, Research and Student Success Committee

Only eight students are currently in the program, with graduation numbers falling from seven in 2021 to just one in 2025.

“Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board classifies ‘low producing’ undergraduate programs as those graduating fewer than 25 students over five years,” said UH Director of Media Relations Bryan Luhn. “If a program

Pointing to the program’s French club and committee professors, faculty and students are disappointed, Giacchetti said.

She also emphasized how people don’t see the point of speaking multiple language and that artificial intelligence is going to make things worse.

“Students wrongly assume that if they pursue liberal arts, especially foreign

“The decision to phase out the INTN program was based on routine program evaluation to ensure the college’s resources align with student priorities,” Luhn said. “The college will gradually shift resources to areas with higher student demand and instructional impact.”

Despite the closure, UH pledged to support students in finishing their degrees by having access to all required courses through 2028.

news@thedailycougar.com

The latest campus buzz: What’s new this semester

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ

NEWS EDITOR

@WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

Fall semester comes with new upgrades and changes to the University. From major construction projects reshaping campus to new partnerships and facility upgrades that benefit students, faculty and fans, the campus is undergoing a major look over. Here’s a rundown on what’s new for Cougar nation.

HoustonTxSnacks

UH has partnered with Victory Snacks to become the first University to join Victory Campus, a division that creates campusbranded snacks.

The HoustonTxSnacks line helps support athletes while giving students a Cougar themed snack to show off their school pride.

“These snacks are delicious, nutritious and most importantly, every time you buy one, it’s helping one of our players,” said coach Kelvin Sampson in a promotional

video.

The line features jerky, meat sticks, gummy candies, corn puffs and nuts. HoustonTxSnacks are available online and will be a new addition to the TDECU concession stand for this season’s games.

Facility upgrades

M.D. Anderson library has reopened the seventh and eighth floor giving students more study space. 80 seats have been added to each floor to accommodate student needs.

From individual carrels, rounded cushioned pods, as well as tables with privacy screens, students have a variety of options to fit their comfortability while studying.

The Retail, Auxiliary and Dining Center’s Phase II plan has shifted from building office space to expanding dining capacity. During the summer the University added 200 new seats and will be adding more to the second floor by 2026.

UH optometry kiosk at campus store

UH College of Optometry has opened a new kiosk at the UH Campus Store in Student Center South. The kiosk offers eyewear such as frames, sunglasses and even QR codes to help schedule appointments at the UH Eye Care Center.

“This kiosk reflects our commitment to providing convenient and accessible care to students, faculty and staff,” said dean of College of Optometry Michael Twa in an article by UH Newsroom.

This also helps optometry students gain hands-on retail experience while also providing more accessibility on campus.

Centennial Project

UH officially launched phase one of the Centennial Project on June 1. This project was made to commemorate the University’s 100 years anniversary and is expected to be finalized by 2027.

The areas affected include University Drive which will remain closed for vehicles until 2026. Temporary drop off and loading

zones will be set up in lot 1B and 1E. Campus shuttle stops have been relocated to Welcome Center North Garage.

Centennial Plaza, the area between the E. Cullen building and Charles F. McElhinney Hall, will be made into a central plaza for events and daily student use. Stephen Power Farish Hall will also be demolished during this transformation.

Wilhelminas Grove, adjacent to Cullen Family Plaza, will receive landscaping upgrades and shaded seating.

Kizuna Cafe

Domoishi has closed its door on campus but Coogs already have a new replacement with Kizuna Cafe having its grand opening on Aug. 26.

Students can enjoy bento boxes, hibachi, boba smoothies and snacks, along with a brand new study spot. This is nestled right at the edge of campus near The Nook.

news@thedailycougar.com

SEPT. 3

CAGE RAGE

COUGAR KICKOFF 3-6PM SC HOUSTON ROOM

AUG.27 & 28

CAT’S BACK AUG.27:4-6PM;AUG.28:1-3PM

STUDENT CENTERS

AUG. 28

UH VS. SFA LUMBERJACKS 7PM TDECU STADIUM

SEPT. 2

SEPT. 4

COUGARCON 4-8PM

STUDENT CENTERS

GREEK LIFE: BEHIND THE LETTERS 4-6PM

SC HOUSTON ROOM

GLOW PARTY 8-11PM SC HOUSTON ROOM

AUGUST 21SEPTEMBER13,2025

Scan QR code for full schedule of events

For event accommodations, please visit uh.edu/accessibility

Upcoming fall events students should attend this semester

GAURAANGI GUPTA MANAGING EDITOR

@GAURAANGIGUPTA

Fall semester is filled with multiple events. Be it from welcoming students, football season coming back to following age old running traditions, UH has a lot to look forward to this semester.

Here are some must-attend events this fall:

Cat’s Back

Starting today, students will have the opportunity to meet and get to know hundreds of different student organizations on campus.

It is a two-day event and is free for all students. Apart from fun activities, the event also features free food and multiple chances to win prizes.

The event will take place in Student Center South from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 and from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. on Aug. 28.

First football game of the season

UH Cougars will kick off their first game of the season on home ground against Stephen F. Austin at the TDECU stadium.

The game will begin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28. Before the game, students can enjoy the tailgate experience at various Greek life tents.

Cage Rage

For newly enrolled Coogs, Cage Rage is a great opportunity to find new friends or spend time with classmates.

The event will feature a variety of activities like Bingo, games, inflatables, snacks and drinks all for free, while supplies last.

Students can also enjoy the pep rally with the Spirit of Houston Band, Cheer and Dance teams and the Houston Cougar Football players. The night will conclude with the annual fireworks show.

The event will take place on Sept. 3 from 6:30 p.m. onwards at the TDECU stadium. This is also a great opportunity for the class of 2029 to meet their other classmates and get a class photo taken.

Homecoming 2025

Homecoming is a long-running tradition at the University. The annual event is filled with rich history dating back to as far as 1946.

HOCO features a week full of celebrations, culture, concerts and Cougar Pride. This year, Homecoming will be held from Oct. 13-18.

The event will have plenty of activities catering to everyone, from on-campus students to commuters. It will conclude with the HOCO football game and the crowning of the HOCO 2025 King and Queen.

Glow Party

For students who enjoy dance and music with some neon fun, make sure to check out Glow Party on Sept. 4 in the Student Center South’s Houston Room.

Students can enjoy electronic music, free glow items and glow-in-the-dark paint. They will also be provided with free food and giveaways. The event will begin from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

news@thedailycougar.com

Department of

Campus Recreation

Download UHREC app for mobile entry! onelink.to

Programs

Aquatics

Group Fitness

Personal Training

Intramural Sports

Sport Clubs

Outdoor Adventure

Open Recreation

Student Employment + More!

Inside the Rec

Indoor Track Fitness Zone

Climbing Wall

Sport Courts

Functional Fitness Zone

Indoor/Outdoor Pools

Spas & Sauna

Multi-Purpose Rooms

Social Lounge + More

FOOTBALL

New football operations center, one-stop shop

CAMRYN

ALBERIGO SPORTS EDITOR

@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO

When junior quarterback Conner Weigman walked into Houston’s new Memorial Hermann Football Operations Center, he was in awe.

“I didn’t say much,” Weigman said. “I was just like, ‘Dang, this is what it’s supposed to look like. This is big-time college football right here.’”

Weigman, a transfer from Texas A&M, one of the wealthiest

programs in college athletics, has seen firsthand what it takes to compete in the facility arms race, having trained in top tier facilities since his freshman season.

Now, just over two years into its Big 12 membership, Houston is

signaling it belongs in that same race.

The $130 million, 158,943 square-foot complex houses recovery and nutrition stations, training and academic support spaces and a premium club level that enhances the game-day experience for fans.

For Houston’s players and coaches, the facility centralizes the program and signals to recruits that the Cougars are committed to supporting athletes beyond the field.

“We want to compete at the highest level. And so these are necessities. ... There are needs and wants,” athletic director Eddie Nuñez said. “This is a need.”

Entry and recovery

The facility sits at the heart of Houston’s football district, positioned between the 100,000-square-foot indoor practice building and the outdoor fields, keeping players’ routines streamlined and connected.

Upon entry, athletes walk

through a “car wash,” where nozzles spray water to keep debris from entering the main areas. Next, they step into a four-footdeep plunge pool, chilled to about 45 degrees, to jump-start recovery. Additional recovery spaces include zero-gravity massage chairs and infrared light therapy, offering targeted treatment to help players recharge for their next activities.

Weight room

The Cougars’ new weight room is uniquely located on the second floor, a choice that required designers to build a space sturdy enough to absorb heavy impact while remaining fully functional. Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, the room features Houston-branded plates at every station, with expansive windows offering views of the city, a daily reminder of the program’s connection to Houston.

FOC

Continues on page 9

A look at key transfers ahead of 2025 season

ALEJANDRO COMPEAN

SPORTS EDITOR

ASSISTANT

@ALECOMPEANNN

Entering the offseason after Houston’s second straight 4-8 finish, the goal for now secondyear coach Willie Fritz was clear. Retool, replenish and restore.

Fritz, with more time and resources in year two, focused on retooling his roster through the transfer portal, which brought in 30 new players to the school.

The program has restored depth, bolstering several positions and ensuring the Cougars can meet the demands of the Big 12.

Here are some of the transfers who could make an impact in Houston’s 2025 campaign.

Quarterback

Houston’s offense averaged a conference-worst 152.7 passing yards per game last season, but received a jolt when former Texas A&M standout Conner Weigman announced he would transfer to Houston in December.

Injuries have impacted the former five-star recruit’s past two seasons, with a season-ending foot injury in 2023 limiting him to four games and a shoulder injury in 2024 and costing him his starting role.

However, a noticeably slimmer Weigman has said he feels “one of the healthiest” he has been heading into a football season. It has shown in his performance throughout fall camp, with numerous end zone connections and tight-window throws that

Continued from page 7

made him a seamless match for Houston.

“Really blessed to have him here. I think it’s a good fit for him, and I think it’s a really good fit for the University of Houston,” Fritz said.

Weigman has worked with the first-team unit throughout fall camp, and all signs point to him being the team’s starting quarterback to begin the season.

Running back

One word among coaches and players alike has remained consistent throughout the entire summer: depth.

Few on Houston’s roster possess it more than its running back room.

Senior running back Dean Connors, who transferred from crosstown Rice, exemplifies the dynamic skillset that both Fritz and first-year offensive coordinator Slade Nagle envision, while bringing more experience to the group.

“I think coach Nagle is very creative. Whatever he wants me to do, whether it’s catching or running the ball, I have all my faith in him and we’ve done some great stuff so far,” Connors said.

Connors rushed for 771 and 780 yards over the past two seasons, while also gaining 403 and 485 receiving yards in those campaigns. He was Rice’s secondleading receiver in both seasons as well.

Wide receivers

Every year, there are position battles that go down to the wire,

Locker upgrade

with numerous players all vying for a starting spot or to be fixtures in the rotation.

Two of those in the thick of competition are junior wideouts Amare Thomas and Harvey Broussard III, who transferred from UAB and Louisiana, respectively.

Broussard, at 6-foot-3, boasts a unique skillset that could make him a viable end zone target over smaller defenders, while Thomas’ abilities have received praise from teammates and coaches.

“Jump balls, 50-50 balls, whatever you want to call it. That’s my skillset, and I’m going to use my advantage to do that,” Broussard said.

Tight ends

Last year, the idea of regularly running two tight end sets seemed inconceivable. This season, it may come to fruition.

Behind the addition of senior tight end Tanner Koziol from Ball State and junior Luke McGary from Tulsa, Houston has brought in two more ready-to-start tight ends, alongside senior Jayden York, who is entering his second year with the program.

York, aside from being settled into Houston, boasts four prior years of experience in the Big 12 as a member of Texas Tech from 2020-23.

Experience that those around him immediately benefit from.

“When I come off the sideline after the play, I’m with Luke McGary, I’m with Jayden York and we’re talking about it,” Koziol said.

“It’s been very complementary just getting better with everyone.”

Koziol and McGary bring similar skill sets, both possessing pass-catching and run-blocking abilities, which McGary says allows them to feed off of each other and is part of what makes the unit “so good.”

Offensive line

Fritz knew he was in desperate need of an overhaul of his offensive line, which ranked among the worst nationally in 2024.

He responded by bringing in five offensive linemen, all with several years of Division I experience.

Among them is fifth-year offensive tackle Dalton Merryman from Texas Tech, who played left tackle in the past but has worked at right tackle throughout the spring and fall camp.

“We’ve got some dogs. We’ve got some old heads on the line… some guys who have been around college football for a little bit,” Weigman said. “So to be able to have that familiarity within the game, and be comfortable behind them in the pocket, it’s gonna be huge for me.”

Defensive line

Leading Houston’s defensive line is senior Carlos Allen Jr., who Pro Football Focus rated as the top interior defender in the Big 12 last year. An established face of Houston’s defense, Allen has spoken highly of the team’s newcomers ahead of the season.

Among them is former Tennessee Tech defensive tackle Myles Parker. Parker spent two years with the program, recording 48 total tackles, including 29 in 2024 and a career-high five-tackle performance on Sept. 28, 2024, against Gardner-Webb.

Other names to keep an eye on are junior Khalil Laufau from Washington State and senior Eddie Walls III from FIU.

Linebacker

Last season, it was sophomore linebacker Corey Platt Jr. who followed Fritz to Houston.

This year, it’s senior linebacker Jesus Machado who did the same, ready to make his return following a torn ACL he suffered during the first quarter of the 2023 Military Bowl.

Machado, excited for the season, says he feels great and credits familiarity with Fritz and Tulane

teammates like Platt Jr. for quickly learning the defense’s scheme and playbook.

“Jesus is picking up what we’re doing. This is a different scheme than what we had at Tulane, but he’s a really, really smart football player, as well as Corey,” Fritz said.

Defensive backs

Houston witnessed firsthand the perils of the transfer portal this past spring, losing two starters in senior safety A.J. Haulcy and senior cornerback Jeremiah Wilson, who accounted for nine of the team’s 12 interceptions in 2024.

They departed on back-toback days, with Haulcy entering the portal just hours after participating in the school’s annual spring game.

As a result, coach Fritz used the second portal window to find more depth.

In the span of weeks, the program added sophomore cornerback Will James (Southern Miss), junior cornerback Keany Parks (Wyoming), senior cornerback Zelmar Vedder (Sacramento State), senior safeties Wrook Brown (Wyoming) and Blake Thompson (Louisiana Tech). Defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong has applauded their adaptability and how they’ve caught up despite limited practices, comparing it to the NFL, where players are added in the offseason and teams must find ways to “make it work” through all the challenges.

Special teams

Houston will be without its field goal specialist, Jack Martin, who departed this past spring after two years with the program.

Martin was perfect from under 40 yards out last season and finished 11-for-11 on extra-point opportunities in 2024.

To replace him, the program brought in senior kickers Ethan Sanchez from Old Dominion and Zac Yoakam from Notre Dame. Sanchez, in his career, is 11-for11 on field goals inside 50 yards and his 91.7 made field goal percentage ranked 12th in college football.

Yoakam kicked in 20 games across three seasons with Notre Dame due to limited playing time in 2023-24, appearing in just seven contests. sports@thedailycougar.com

“The reality is this facility is phenomenal,” Nuñez said. “And it helps us operate as effectively as possible for our student-athletes as a one-stop shop.” sports@thedailycougar.com FOC

Players can access the space through three dynamic 35-foot training paths: 18 and 24-inch risers, along with a turf ramp built for conditioning.

For football, a consistent space of its own will enhance functionality. Players no longer need to move from their practice lockers at the Athletics Alumni Center to TDECU Stadium.

Each locker features an overhead LED screen that can be updated to match game-day themes and easily reassigned between players.

Upon exiting the locker room on game days, Houston players

will race onto the field through a hype tunnel filled with lights, smoke and music, creating a dynamic entrance designed to amplify the team’s energy and excite fans inside TDECU Stadium.

UH needs to do more about student representation

ANNA MONROE OPINION EDITOR

The past school year left the University’s Student Government Association disbanded. After the administration ordered a cease of operation for SGA, nothing was heard until Aug. 23, two days before the start of the semester.

The summer was supposed to be spent reconstructing the constitution, but little was known about the process until recently.

Last semester, Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Kittle announced

that candidates were to be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sept. 12, and the new SGA administration would have started on Sept. 26.

However, the UH administration changed the dates and said elections are now being pushed to February 2026 through a press release. Throughout the document, there were statements explaining how the UH administration tried to save SGA, yet it failed to mention how it made students feel unheard. The reason the student body rejected the constitution was that they feared near-total UH administrative control,

rather than student-focused initiatives.

There have been no public or studentwide advertisements on these possible elections. UH administrators need to be louder in their attempts to pursue student representation and make it clear that SGA is seeking to fill their Senate.

SGA also needs students from all backgrounds, both new and experienced. With few people informed about SGA, the variety of students involved won’t represent its student population.

UH administrators are expected to reconstruct the constitution, yet with school starting and no notice of what the constitution entails, students are left disappointed and confused.

The administration has a responsibility to communicate to its students about essential information regarding their student representation. A cold shoulder to students’ concerns is not what UH nor SGA needs.

Importance of SGA

The concern lies with the mission of SGA, or lack thereof. SGA is supposed to be a voice for the students, having a hand in the University administration. This allows them to have more influence on solutions to changes or issues the student body might have.

H-TOWNIN EASY TO ENJOY IN

“The Student Government Association exists to serve as the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed and empowered in the overall policy, decision-making process and services offered at the University of Houston,” said the SGA mission statement.

UH sits in a time where students feel ignored, helpless and overwhelmed not only by things happening locally, but nationally as well. This is when a student government association is supposed to be called to action. However, people have not heard a word.

Additionally, SGA is supposed to be an outlet for students to experience the real workings of a government, and the effects of SGA are impactful up to the admin level. From making decisions on parking prices, meal plans and campus safety, they play a vital role in raising awareness of important issues like suicide and sexual assault prevention.

For the University to have a successful student government, the administration needs to start communicating with its student body. If they are concerned about the betterment of students, then students need to be involved in the conversation. opinion@thedailycougar.com

‘Trump effect’ on higher education: What’s next for students?

NASHLY RAMIREZ STAFF WRITER

@NASHLYRAMIREZZ

President Donald Trump has been in office for seven months as of Aug. 20. If students are wondering why it feels longer than seven months, it is because there were numerous policy shifts, budget changes and the dismantling of several federal offices.

These changes have caused unease across the country, closer to home and on campus.

One of these changes is a budget proposal aimed at reducing the federal work-study programs by $980 million, as well as eliminating the federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program.

Cutting funding for these programs would cause many students to lose essential aid, forcing them to take on more loans, work longer hours or reconsider continuing their education altogether.

If students are wondering what the reasoning is behind defunding these programs, most of it is conservative political rhetoric.

According to the budget proposal, the administration claims that FSEOG “funds radical leftist ideology instead of investing in students and their success,” and federal work-study “is a handout to woke universities and a subsidy from federal taxpayers, who can pay for their own employees.”

These cuts are not only a change in budgets, but it is also a message to universities and students about

rally outside the

its international

who and what they are willing to spend their money on.

By targeting programs that support low-income and firstgeneration students, the Trump administration is ensuring that higher education can only be readily available to people who have $20,000 lying around for at least four years, which is mostly the wealthy.

Beyond proposing deep cuts to financial aid programs, his administration has also ramped up pressure on universities to prove they are not considering race in admissions.

In statements and policy memos, officials have framed affirmative action as a form of “discrimination against qualified applicants,” language that mirrors broader efforts to dismantle civil rights protections in education.

These moves have coincided with a harsher stance on immigration,

particularly for students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Policy.

The administration has repeatedly hinted at ending protections for undocumented students, with some allies even suggesting that recipients “selfdeport,” and even offering a $1,000 stipend to those who willingly leave the country. It’s rhetoric that has left thousands of students questioning whether they will be able to finish their degrees.

Such measures do not merely alter policy; they signal to marginalized communities that their place in higher education is conditional and subject to the political winds in Washington.

Future for UH students

So what does this all mean for UH? What can students expect to come in the following months?

The UH community has already

begun to feel the effects of the Trump administration’s attack on higher education.

Last semester, students protested against the university’s lack of support for international students and demanded that the University declare itself a sanctuary campus. According to officials, a small number of UH students were affected by visa revocations.

Because of Senate Bill 4, public universities like UH are unable to adopt policies that limit their cooperation with the federal government.

Therefore, UH’s hands are tied when it comes to protecting students from the federal government.

It even affects faculty, as a UH professor had to abruptly leave the country because their visa was terminated.

For UH, a university that prides itself on its diverse culture, these changes can cause big issues. Many students may think twice before deciding to attend an American university and there will be a growing divide between the people who can absorb all of these changes and those who cannot.

Though the future is not certain, the next few months can determine how UH will respond to the pressure put against its low-income and foreign students and if they will defend the right to education for all, or adapt to a more exclusive version of who belongs on campus.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR

Listen, observe and launch a spontaneous move to combat anything that doesn’t sit right with you. Your mission is to take control and responsibility for your choices. Refuse to let others fill your dance card for you. It’s OK to put yourself first.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

-- Allocate your dollars to something that contributes to personal growth. A kind or romantic gesture can lead to a sense of responsibility and security, helping you put your life into perspective.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

-- Refuse to get caught up in someone’s drama. Spare yourself grief, save your reputation and maintain your position. Focus your energy on building wealth and fostering a healthy lifestyle.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

-- Live, learn and experience

pastimes that help you grow emotionally. Let your physical needs come front and center. Everyone has a right to freedom of thought.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Tidy up loose ends first, and you’ll experience an attitude shift that will enhance your day. A commitment to someone special will lead to plans that require a budget and research.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Gauge your time and the requests others make, and refrain from taking on too much. Someone will take advantage of you or try to take ownership of something that belongs to you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

-- You’re on the path to growth and gain. Review your options, set a budget and be relentless in your quest to excel. Personal

and professional improvements are within reach.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Recognize when someone is jealous or uses emotional manipulation to hold you back. Sometimes, the ones you least expect are the ones you must watch out for most. Keep your eyes open and protect your secrets.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Draw on your resources for facts and solutions. A shift in how you invest and earn a living is apparent. An unexpected event will turn into a blessing in disguise.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -Look for the good in everyone and everything. A pessimistic or stubborn approach will lead to trouble. Life is about more than perfection or always getting your way.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Set yourself up for success. Mingle, network and market yourself by offering your skills and experience to those you want or need to impress. Explore and express your thoughts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -Lead without force. Capturing the attention of those already on your team will help you build a solid foundation. Invest more in yourself, your skills and your dreams.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Draw on your resources and forge ahead with confidence. You have plenty to gain if you are open to suggestions, use your creativity to expand your interests, and welcome suggestions, changes and contributions.

—

EUGENIA

LAST

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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Universal Crossword

ACROSS

Cobra relative 6 One of 192 in a qt.

Burlesque performers’ neckwear 13 Nepali or Thai 14 Kangaroo’s “fifth leg” 15 Comes to a close

Toyota sedan

Green ingredient in gumbo

School for British princes

Middle Eastern ruler

Beats by ___ 21 Near, in verse

Winter driving hazard 24 “No need to stress” (In this answer, note letters 3-7) 28 Onedimensional 30 Mister, in Mexicali 31 Like : Facebook :: ___ : Reddit 34 One of the Kardashians 36 Lennon’s “Imagine” co-writer 37 Girl Scouts’ cloverleaf emblem (... letters 4-7) 39 Takes testimony from 42 Pull hard 43 Cookie Monster sound

45 Equine fathers 46 Teen detective ___ Holmes

49 Post-lunch nap

51 “Does my face ring a bell?”

53 Knicks’ home, briefly

56 Name hidden in “Tibetan yak”

57 Billboards, e.g.

58 Clothing 60 They’re unrolled in yoga studios

62 Grammy alternative?

64 Conical Native American home (... letters 2-5)

65 Playground scrape, say 66 Pun-loving parents

67 Thrill to bits

8 Backup strategy

9 One of the “Stayin’ Alive” trio

10 Exactly 11 Trivial bother

12 ID assigned shortly after birth

14 Rich cake

20 Eat at a booth, say

22 Org. with taxing work?

25 Dry as a bone

26 Areas

27 Cupid, to ancient Greeks

29 “Am ___ believe ...”

31 Express verbally

32 Dried plum

33 Famed slicing-anddicing infomercial product

35 Screws (up)

38 Suffer defeat

40 Center of a nectarine

41 *Certain citrus fruit discards

44 “Hamilton” star Lin-Manuel

47 Pieces of photography gear

48 Comedian Poehler

50 Long punctuation mark

52 They can march or rock

54 Try to startle, as a puppy might

55 Largest Greek island

59 IPA, e.g.

60 Janitorial implement

61 Amaze

63 “So-o-o relaxing”

64 Steeped beverage

Edited by David Steinberg August 25, 2025 PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

68 Chest day muscles, briefly

69 Onetime Iranian ruler

70 Fall bloom DOWN

1 Medieval spiked weapon 2 “Ditto” 3 Imitate 4 *Standard unit of petroleum 5 “___ Way You Want It” (Journey hit) 6 *Briefly stops working 7 Counterpart of ma’am