Day: October 4, 2021
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Ask Sophie: Test Anxiety
After a long, hard week of studying, you take a deep breath and print your name on your exam booklet, eyes skimming over the first question. But as you try to make sense of the words, your heart sinks, your stomach churns and your mind suddenly goes blank. If this experience sounds familiar, you’ve likely been…
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Technology support on tap
Are you or a loved one suffering from computer gremlins? Luckily, OIT’s newly-opened TechKnowledgy Baris conveniently located in the lower floor of the Student Union and is dedicated to showcasing new technology and helping Comets resolve any device-related headaches. Though not the first time that OIT has had a walk-up help desk, Chief Information Officer…
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Stroke rehab device speeds up motor skills recovery
UTD researchers received FDA approval for their stroke rehabilitation device, bringing eight years of research by over 500 students and faculty to fruition. In 2013, the UTD Texas Biomedical Device Center set out to create a device that would increase the stroke recovery rate. At the time, PhD students Ben Porter and Navid Khodaparast demonstrated…
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Pipe rupture leaves Comets high and dry
A hairline fracture in a piece of PVC pipe six inches in diameter was all it took to dramatically disrupt the daily routines of many Comets living in the Phase 6 University Village apartments. There’s no certain answer to what caused the leak, which saw city water – which would not be restored to buildings…
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Bottles in DHW? H2NO
A recent reimplementation of the “no water bottles” policy in Dining Hall West (DHW) is intended to address the issues of cross-contamination and the use of the Dining Hall as a to-go facility. Students might bring their water bottles into DHW when getting a meal right after class, wanting to refill their bottles with cold…
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UTD’s students need a (balanced) return to in-person instruction
Last week, there was a Change.org petition suggesting that UTD return to fully online learning for the semester. While that particular suggestion doesn’t seem to be getting serious attention, Student Government is polling students about a resolution to extend de-densification, and a vocal segment of Comets have been campaigning against this week’s proposed operations adjustment.…
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Performative activism distracts from real issues
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2021 Met Gala dress exemplifies how individuals use performative activism to gain social capital rather than actively promote change. Performative activism typically entails fruitless and pointless actions from celebrities and influencers that take away from the voices of people with less social or political influence and overshadow their initiatives. This type of activism…
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Beautiful space comic embodies creative spirit
“Wandering Star” by Teri Sue Wood centers around Cassandra, a big deal space-war hero. But Wood’s visuals, themes and opening scene make it immediately clear that this series is no generic war hero’s narrative. The series starts with Cassandra being interviewed about her time fighting the main antagonists of her galactic universe – the Bono…