Student gatherings: what’s permitted, what’s not
Vice president of student affairs clarifies restrictions, exceptions
Student gatherings and club events are prohibited until further notice – with exceptions for free speech activities. Student organization officers received an email from the Student Organization Center on Aug. 18 prohibiting face-to-face or socially distanced events – indoor or outdoor – during the fall 2020 semester. Furthermore, the email...
Making a name from TikTok fame
Three UTD students share their experiences going viral on TikTok
Famous isn’t an inaccurate description of finance freshman Karthik Veduruparthi. College student by day and TikTok star by night, he boasts six hundred thousand followers and counting. He, as well as computer science sophomore Tisha Arora and marketing sophomore Neha Dharma, are popular creators on the acclaimed video-sharing platform who...
Friendship through the screen
Connecting with students, classmates during online learning
A year ago, students walked into class, chose a seat and made small talk with their classmates — a luxury we no longer have. A valid concern, in light of students and teachers opting for online classes, is the issue of making friends virtually. Physics professor Amena Khan said in...
Think outside the (potato) bun
Taco Bell Cantina replacing IHOP on Rutford, opening Sept. 3
Edit as of 9/4/2020, 3:00pm: when contacted by The Mercury earlier today, Dining Services said that the Taco Bell Cantina was not able to open Sept. 3 as previously anticipated. Instead, they plan to open Sept. 10, and will still be available for walk-in and Starship deliveries. If you’re a...
University closes select fall 2020 dining venues
Decreased volume of student, faculty patrons led to shutdown
Comets will have fewer places to dine this semester, as about two-thirds of on-campus dining locations close until further notice. As of August 28, only six venues will remain open: Chick-fil-A, The Pub, Taco Bell Cantina, Dining Hall West, Papa John’s and The Market at DHW. At Northside, 7/11, the...
UT Dallas Police Department, Richardson Police respond to Black Lives Matter protests
Since July, UTD Police Chief mandated training covering topics such as anti-bias, civil rights
In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, the UTD Police Department and Richardson Police have implemented new training and procedural measures to address advocates’ concerns. Following the death of George Floyd in late May, a Richardson Police Department press release stated the department’s opposition towards the actions of the...
‘We have something for everyone, so stay active’
UREC decreases gym capacity, offers virtual group fitness classes
Students can now return to recreation facilities on campus—but with a few caveats. Tricia Losavio, the director of UREC, said that the Activity Center and Rec Center West are currently open, and over 250 students have used the facilities between Aug. 10 and Aug. 20. “Students have to register for...
Visas are vital
Immigration is crucial to national growth, should not be cut down
As election season nears, it is crucial to understand the impact of the working visa program and how halting it will deprive the nation of a prospering culture of wealth, diversity and knowledge. The current administration has been persistent in its agenda of restricting immigration. According to the White House,...
At the mercy of the machine
Hiring practices in the tech industry inherently discriminate against minorities
Hiring season is back in full swing. Candidates are polishing their interviewing skills, hoping to snag coveted positions at tech companies. Unfortunately, many minority applicants are shut out even before they can answer “tell me a little bit about yourself.” When Black Lives Matters protests erupted across the nation, major...
College + Greek life = a new you
Rather than partying all night, sororities are about taking on responsibility
The dreaded red solo cup. Every sorority girl’s worst nightmare is to be caught on camera with it. I won’t sugar coat it: your sorority or fraternity will absolutely dictate the types of posts you can make on social media at some level, at least until you’re 21. If you’re...
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