Category: Campus News
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New political club to encourage student involvement in elections
A chapter of Texas Rising, a nonpartisan group that advocates for more progressive policy and participation from college students in local elections, was established on campus this semester. Computer science junior Christian Briggs helped the UTD chapter of Texas Rising from the parent organization Texas Freedom Network, a nonprofit entity that monitors far-right issues,…
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Marching for progress
A month ago, the Women’s March on Washington amassed over one million marchers in D.C. and over five million protestors worldwide. In the event’s aftermath, feminist students and professors on campus are left figuring out how to take that energy and apply it to activism moving forward. Annelise Heinz, an assistant professor of history in…
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CentralTrak closed indefinitely
CentralTrak, UTD’s artist residency program, is closing after nine years of housing students and international creatives. Administrators and directors on campus are working toward establishing a similar program that will fill the void left by the closure. The program provided a living space for four artists who had the ability to exhibit in the building’s…
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On the spectrum
Jennifer Partin was on her shift looking after children when she saw a young boy with autism grabbed and forced to make eye contact with another worker. “I wanted to say something, but I was just a lowly respite worker,” she said. “Every now and then I get pessimistic, so what I try to do…
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UV app privileges under classmen
Motivated by student feedback regarding widespread issues with the old online application, Residential Life has overhauled its process to account for the high demand in leasing out its limited housing space. “We needed to make a bigger change than just small tweaks here and there,” said Ryan White, assistant vice president of Residential Life. The…
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Chi Phi fraternity put on deferred suspension for hazing
This story has been corrected since its original publication. The disciplinary committee and Office of Community Standards and Conduct found Chi Phi responsible for hazing that occurred at a party off campus. The fraternity has been placed on deferred suspension until 2021. The investigation began Oct. 17, four days after the incident, and ended Jan.…
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UTD lags behind in languages
Despite the benefits of learning a new language, UTD students do not have the option of majoring or minoring in a foreign language. Research from Rosetta Stone concluded that people who speak a second language make on average $10,000 more per year compared to people who only speak English. Dennis Kratz, dean of the College…
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UTD lab to assess state of LGBT rights in Texas
A research lab on campus will conduct the first state-wide needs assessment of the LGBT community to provide sampling data for the state of Texas to determine if LBGT rights are being recognized and what the state can do to address the deficiencies. Professors Richard Scotch and Kara Sutton were approached by the leader of…
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‘White nationalist’ fliers on campus prompt response from students, administration
Editor’s Note: This story originally ran on The Mercury’s website. It has been updated since its original publication. The name of one source has been changed due to concerns of prosecution. Members of the Texas branch of a white nationalist organization, American Vanguard, posted fliers around campus last week. The incident is currently under review…
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Staff reminisce about recently deceased UTD employee
John George, a Garland native who worked in the UTD print and copy services for 21 years, passed away at 39 on Jan. 20. His family, coworkers and friends reflected on the unexpected loss and what he meant to them. Chris Rench, assistant director of print services and George’s supervisor, spoke about how George had…