Comet Cruisin’ for a bruisin’
Shuttle service gets new buses, amended guidelines
To help keep passengers safe, UTD parking and transportation services has installed sanitary features in its new Comet Cruisers and is now operating under updated guidelines and reduced hours. Numerous campus services have had to make adjustments over the past few months, and the Comet Cruiser bus service is no...
“It’s a comfortable place for students to isolate”
CCHN designates one hundred units as COVID quarantine spaces
UTD’s Residential Life office has allocated 100 suites at Canyon Creek Heights North to use as quarantine isolation units. Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Matthew Grief – who oversees all of University Housing – said the units are reserved for students who are confirmed COVID-19 positive or presumptive positive....
SG vice president candidate disqualified from elected position
Stephanie Royer, running on ConnectUTD ticket, will not be serving as VP
The Student Government election board has voted unanimously to disqualify vice president candidate Stephanie Royer from her recently elected position as VP. The global business and biology senior ran on the ConnectUTD ticket alongside presidential candidate and public affairs senior Ali Darvishi. Following multiple allegations regarding Royer’s involvement in online...
What’s up with Honorlock?
Students voice concerns, UT system said program does not violate FERPA
UTD has implemented online exam proctoring through Honorlock, but the software’s collection of data has led to widespread concerns about student privacy. Available through a browser extension, Honorlock requires a functioning webcam and microphone to be used during exams. Before starting, students are required to have sufficient lighting, present a...
Center for Global Business creates virtual internship program
Global business majors required to complete international business requirement can work virtually
International travel ground to a halt last semester, but the Center for Global Business has developed solutions to allow students to gain international experience virtually. Global business and human resource management junior Grace Richmond was one of 56 students approved to study abroad last spring. Richmond had planned to go...
Vending machines offer disposable face masks
UTD joins other universities selling PPE to students
Vending machines across UTD are now selling disposable surgical face masks to help students safely return to life on campus. As schools and businesses begin to reopen amidst mounting safety concerns, they’re implementing a variety of strategies to keep people safe. One method of increasing the accessibility of personal protective...
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...
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...
