NEWS ON THE DAILY
THE COUGAR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025
@THEDAILYCOUGAR
THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM
Est. 1934
ISSUE 4, VOLUME 91
The Daily Cougar Day: Celebrating 91 years of existence GAURAANGI GUPTA
MANAGING EDITOR @GAURAANGIGUPTA
O
ct. 5 marks the annual Daily Cougar Day, commemorating the first time the organization printed its issue in 1934 as the official student newspaper. The Cougar, as an organization, is even older than the University itself. Before 1934, the newspaper had been in publication since April 6, 1928. During that time, it was considered a part of Houston Junior College, a coeducational institution and one of multiple junior colleges. “It’s pretty incredible. Knowing the paper is older than UH adds even more weight to its importance as part of our shared identity,” said marketing senior Zack Patton. “I think it shows how connecting people through a common source of relevant information can actually precede and help build up a culture.” Even in 2025, the student-led newspaper strives to ensure that student voices are heard, and that the student body always stays informed.
“The Cougar is another way for me to stay actively involved in the University, it’s like a pulse check on student life and the broader forces that shape it,” Patton said. “It keeps me connected to what’s going on around campus: events, current trends, even political issues that directly affect students.” For many students, the Cougar provides a sense of community with the news spoken directly by fellow students who witnessed it, said accounting junior Zachary Calahatian “The Cougar has been passed down to passionate teams time and time again who put in the work to deliver honest and relevant physical media, especially in today’s world where I feel we need it most,” said history junior Mia Lee. The Daily Cougar did not start with us, and it will not end with us. As vol. 91, we are so proud to be your student-run, student-led newspaper. Always remember, when you don’t have anyone listening to you, The Cougar will always be there. news@thedailycougar.com
Members of the editorial board looking at archives of the The Cougar on Oct. 3, 2025. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
The Cougar’s managing editor, Gauraangi Gupta, sitting on her couch Oct. 3, 2025 in the Center for Student Media. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
UH launches pilot program to ease transfer for community college students JOSHUA VASQUEZ
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @_JOSH_VASQUEZ_
UH will launch a new transfer pathway program aimed at making bachelor’s degrees more affordable and accessible for community college students. The UH Next pilot program, set to begin in spring 2026, will allow students from five Houston-area community college systems to transition smoothly into the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences after earning an associate degree. Supported by a $378,000 grant from the Greater Texas Foundation, the initiative will feature joint advising, detailed degree maps and coordinated coursework to minimize credit loss and keep students on track for graduation. “Our goal is to increase college
access, speed the time to bachelor’s degree completion and prepare more Texas students for the job market,” said associate dean of undergraduate studies for CLASS Todd Romero. Participating institutions include Alvin Community College, College of the Mainland, Houston City College, San Jacinto College and Wharton County Junior College. “The program’s focus on continual advising and transferable degree plans will improve the experience for transfer students,” said UH Next program director Rachel Poling. The pilot will serve as a model for future expansion into other colleges and complements affordability initiatives such as the Cougar Promise tuition support program and various scholarships. news@thedailycougar.com
HOUSING EDITION