Issue 10 30 23 | October 30, 2023
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‘Benson you can’t hide’: Hundreds of protestors denounce violence in Gaza, call out Benson | October 30, 2023
Hundreds of students marched from TI Plaza to SSA at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 in response to UTD President Richard Benson’s statement expressing sympathy for Israeli casualties without acknowledging Palestinian casualties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At least ten groups helped organize the march, including Students for Justice in Palestine and the Muslim Student Association. The […]
SG asks Benson to support Israeli, Palestinian students amidst conflict | October 30, 2023
Student Government passed a resolution on Oct. 24 calling on President Richard Benson to amend his Oct. 16 statement about the Israel-Hamas war and acknowledge the suffering of both Israeli and Palestinian students. S.R. 2023-06 passed with overwhelming support; out of the 65 senators present, 62 were in favor and none opposed. Three senators abstained […]
CannibiSenS: testing saliva for weed | October 30, 2023
Much like a breathalyzer with alcohol, the recently developed CannibiSenS can determine how much THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is in a consumer’s body. The CannibiSenS, a device that measures THC levels through a saliva test, was developed earlier this year by a group of researchers at UTD, including biomedical engineering Ph.D. student Nathan […]
Overwatch tops out collegiate tournament | October 30, 2023
UTD’s Overwatch team finished in the top 16 out of over 200 teams in the Overwatch Collegiate Homecoming tournament on Oct. 20 after making it to the play-offs for the first time since spring 2022. The Overwatch Collegiate Homecoming tournament is one of the largest developer-supported Overwatch competitions and occurs every semester, with hundreds of […]
‘I credit everything that I have in my life to chess’ | October 30, 2023
From recruiter to chief science officer and from player to self-founded academy president, UTD’s chess program has taken Comets to places they never imagined possible. In commemoration of the program, on Oct. 7, staff and student alumni gathered to recount how UTD chess has led them to personal and professional highs. At the Chess Alumni […]
Sex offenders on campus: what do students need to know? | October 30, 2023
The UTD student body currently includes seven registered sex offenders. The Mercury decided to take a deep dive into their presence at UTD, what this means for student safety, campus affairs and criminal background’s impact on education as a whole. Texas is the state with the highest number of registered sex offenders at a total […]
Comics & Activities: 10/30/23 | October 30, 2023
Chess Pacman! Shape-Making Edition Rules: Black to move. Use the Black knight to take all of the white pawns one after another, without touching an empty square. Advertisement
Female rage and femme fatales | October 30, 2023
From femme fatales to Lizzy Bordens, women have long struck a chord of fear in the public with their own unique brand of rage. The Mercury decided to take a tour through our favorites, just in time to fill your Halloween watchlist. The horror and thriller genres are a catalyst for the rawest human emotions, […]
This Halloween, kick the overrated costumes and get original | October 30, 2023
When we think of horrifying, we imagine ghouls, beasts and other devilish creatures, but in reality there is nothing spookier than having a basic costume! As Halloween approaches, students reveal the most overrated costumes that horrifies them. Despite Oct. 31 being a great escape from the mundane — the one day where slathering yourself in […]
Nightmare on Rutford Avenue | October 30, 2023
On the night of Thursday, Oct. 26, Residential Life dressed up Residence Hall South with decorations, food and activities for Halloween. On the first floor, PA’s served popcorn and desserts, which students decorated with special seasonal toppings. The second floor was the main attraction, where an entire classroom was converted into a haunted house. Students […]
Vibrant visions: Latin American art exhibition unveiled | October 30, 2023
“La Frontera: The Border Exhibit” — a campus pop-up installation curated by Jorge Baldor — highlights the struggles, dreams and challenges of undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border into the U.S. This free exhibition will be available for all students until Oct. 31 in AHT. “La Frontera” was inspired by the death of Carlos Padilla, […]
A discussion with Domee Shi | October 30, 2023
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself, your background and how you got into filmmaking. So my background is, I was born in China, and I immigrated with my parents to Canada when I was two years old. And I grew up in the city called Toronto. I felt really lucky in that Toronto […]
The Fix: Okaeri Cafe delights | October 30, 2023
Searching for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of student life? Okaeri Cafe may just be the haven you’ve been seeking — this delightful Japanese cafe offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu of dishes and refreshing drinks, all wrapped in a cute and cozy ambiance. Located off Greenville Avenue, Okaeri cafe […]
Comets light up UTD at Garba | October 30, 2023
On Oct. 21, the Multipurpose Field was aglow with red, green and blue electronic lights as hundreds of students danced their hearts out to upbeat traditional Indian music. At Garba Night, hosted by the Indian Student Association, the warmth and friendliness of Indian culture inspired Comets to dance in huge circles and connect. Garba is […]
The emotional challenge of emotional support animals | October 30, 2023
Emotional support animals, or ESAs, are accommodations offered to UTD students who rely on their pets to help them function due to issues stemming from mental health or disabilities, though the process of registering an animal on campus can sometimes be difficult. Legally registering a pet as an ESA on campus requires documentation of a […]
ROTC program expanded to better serve Comets | October 30, 2023
As of Oct. 13, UTD has been certified as a Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps Provisional Extension Unit, which will make ROTC membership easier and more fulfilling for Comets. In the past, Comets interested in pursuing a military career would have to rely on UTD’s partnership with UT Arlington or the University of North Texas […]
Mental health text line to debut | October 30, 2023
“Comet Support,” a mental health text line developed as a partnership between UTD’s Office of Information Technology, the Wellness Center and the Student Counseling Center, is set to provide students with preliminary mental health help and connect them to campus-specific resources. Newly redesigned since The Mercury’s coverage of the app in 2022, Comet Support will […]
Tuition insurance now available to UTD students | October 30, 2023
UTD has partnered with GradGuard since fall 2022 to offer students tuition insurance that entitles them to a refund in case they must withdraw completely due to chronic illness, unforeseen injury or mental health conditions. Students interested in registering for insurance for the spring 2024 semester must do so before the first day of classes, […]
Homecoming crowning a win for LGBT+ Comets | October 30, 2023
In a true embodiment of a comet, the UTD student body has fabulously soared above the standards of the Texas government by electing Margaret Belford and Cristy Lopez Aguilar as homecoming King and Queen respectively. This comes in the wake of the 88th legislative session of the Texas legislature which began on January 10. During […]
Comets show out for homecoming | October 30, 2023
On Oct. 20, Comets and their families gathered in Parking Lot J for UTD’s Homecoming/Family Day. Activities included free food and bubble tea, bull riding, caricature drawing and a pop up farmers market. UTD students took part in the chalk art drawing competitions, and SUAAB declared the homecoming king and queen before hosting their Sub-Radio […]
Cigarettes After Sex brings smokey smooth sound to DFW | October 30, 2023
During their highly anticipated 2023 North American tour, Cigarettes After Sex delivered a soothing and enthralling performance on Wednesday, October 18., turning The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory into a dreamy oasis. The stage was decorated in a simple setup with minimal equipment as the crowd eagerly waited with quiet conversation for the scheduled start […]
Claire’s ‘Just Because’: a raw journey through adolescence | October 30, 2023
In a blend of retro-blues and psychedelic tones, Claire Rosinkranz’s music style takes a tour across a wide genre of music as she explores and creates a soundtrack that can only best be described as one of bedroom pop. “Backyard Boy” was Rosinkraz’s hit soundtrack when it first came out — however, she is not […]
Saw X revives franchise with gruesome horror | October 30, 2023
This year has been lackluster when it comes to the quantity and quality of horror films, but one classic has returned yet again for another installment of its franchise. “Saw X” was released Sept. 29, bringing back the gory, torture-filled flick that horror fans have been anticipating. The Saw franchise is widely known for its […]
The Eras Tour is just as “Enchanting” on screen | October 30, 2023
This past year, Taylor Swift has taken the world by storm, selling out American football stadiums for multiple nights and raking in $14 million in nightly ticket revenue. And now, with the release of the full The Eras Tour experience in theaters, Swifties can relive the best 2 hours and 48 minutes of their lives […]
The Mercury retracts article about overcrowding | October 30, 2023
The Mercury has retracted an article published on Oct. 2 in light of new information regarding false statements in the piece. The story was about overcrowding in classrooms and the potential reasons for overcrowding. Following publication, a staff member and member of administration raised concerns of falsified statements and misattributions about Andrea Croasdale Woudwyck, Ingrid […]
TikTok banned on Wi-Fi, devices | January 30, 2023
Chief Information Officers Frank Feagans and Nate Howe informed all Comets via email on Jan. 17 that UTD would block TikTok on devices connected to the university’s “wired and Wi-Fi networks.” After banning the app on state devices in December, Gov. Greg Abbott asked all public universities in Texas to present their policy on TikTok […]
A Guiding Light For Comets In Recovery | January 30, 2023
When molecular biology senior Kevin Juarez mistakenly walked into the Center for Students in Recovery, they were expecting to turn around, close the door and continue looking for the Wellness Center. Instead, Juarez was welcomed by a warm presence that would lift them up in their time of need and draw them to return – […]
Library open for 24 hours | January 30, 2023
To meet increased demand for study spaces, the Eugene McDermott Library is reinstating a 24 hour schedule from Monday to Thursday. From Sunday at 11 a.m. to Friday at 8 p.m., students can stop by 24 hours a day. On Saturday, students can visit from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The library has not been […]
Moot Court pair is No. 2 in nation | January 30, 2023
On the weekend of Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, political science senior Olivia Cooper and geospatial information senior Paulina Hruskoci secured a historic second place for UTD at the national Moot Court Competition hosted at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Moot Court is a nationally ranked annual competition that has undergraduate students across the […]
UTD Police Chief Larry Zacharias retires after 14 years | January 30, 2023
After 14 years of service, UTD Police Chief Larry Zacharias officially retired on Jan. 31. As the founding sponsor of UTD’s student Emergency Medical Response Unit program, a recipient of Richardson Citizen of the Year in 2008 and UT System Chief of the Year both in 2011 and 2019, Zacharias has been a commanding symbol […]
NASA selects UTD to build instrument | January 30, 2023
NASA has selected UTD’s Center for Space Science to build an exploration instrument for its 1995 CRAF mission. CRAF is an acronym for Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby. In addition, in mid-February the Center submitted a proposal to build another, similar instrument for NASA’s 1996 Cassini mission to Saturn, said scientists at the Center. The two […]
Educator Wins Global Award | January 30, 2023
Allan Dean Sherry will be named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors on Jun. 27 in Washington D.C. among other prestigious inventors. A retired pioneer in modern imaging agents and the founder of the specialized international molecular supplier Macrocyclics, Sherry has been granted the highest honor for his 34 world changing patents. Sherry’s […]
NASA Chooses UTD | January 30, 2023
NASA chooses UTD physics professor Philip Anderson to lead a historic investigation to chart Earth’s poorly understood ionosphere-thermosphere. NASA is calling this ground breaking investigation the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission, and it will explore and measure the ionosphere-thermosphere’s atmospheric levels spanning across our planet, which has never been done successfully. This dynamic region is […]
R.A.D classes resume after pandemic closure | January 30, 2023
The UTD Police Department has resumed R.A.D., a free self-defense class, for women and men this semester, reviving the program two years after its pandemic shutdown. R.A.D. — Rape Aggression Defense for women and Resisting Against Defense for men — is an ongoing three-day program open to students, staff and the general public. This semester, […]
Free membership for staff at SPN center all year | January 30, 2023
The SPN Wellness Center will be available to all faculty, staff and affiliates for no cost starting Jan. 17. After the 2022 campus climate survey, two complaints were brought to UTD’s upper staff and supervisors‘ attention. Staff had limited access to wellness benefits, and some employees couldn’t access needed showers after walking or biking to […]
Comics & Activities: 1/30/2023 | January 30, 2023
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‘Skinamarink’ Gets Under Viewers’ Skin | January 30, 2023
Despite poorly developed characters and a lack of plot, Kyle Edward Ball’s indie horror flick “Skinamarink” creates one of the most unnerving experiences in film through its intense atmosphere and unique cinematography. Produced primarily through crowdfunding with a meager budget of $15,000, “Skinamarink” follows two children named Kaylee and Kevin who wake up to […]
‘Single’s Inferno’ Brings the Heat | January 30, 2023
Before Valentine’s Day, learn the do’s and don’ts of the first stages of courtship from “Single’s Inferno,” the hit Korean reality dating show whose second season is gaining international popularity. “Single’s Inferno” revolves around 12 singles who are thrust onto Inferno — a remote island — and told to mingle in an attempt to forge […]
Heartbreak in Ireland | January 30, 2023
The Oscar nominations brought both bountiful wins for movie lovers and despicable snubs of amazing performers like Mia Goth. Amongst big names, one lesser known film that deserves a handful of Oscars is “The Banshees of Inisherin,” which captures the complexity of human relationships in a single story and pulls the viewers into the chaos […]
Comets connect with culture through Makar Sankranti | January 30, 2023
The group Hindu Yuva at UTD celebrated Makar Sankranti at the DFW Hindu Temple on Jan. 15 to commemorate the start of a new season. Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated across India that illustrates solidarity in diversity. Each state has different ways of observing Makar Sankranti; however, harvest is the factor that brings them […]
Tre Stelle masters low-key ambience | January 30, 2023
Just 10 minutes from campus lies the family-owned Tre Stelle Coffee Co., a hidden gem of a coffee shop. With its diverse menu and refreshing atmosphere, this spot is a must for any student in need of a caffeine fix. Situated on Preston Road, Tre Stelle has an abundance of classic and specialized café drinks […]
Local Band Drops Single | January 30, 2023
With a perfect blend between rock, punk and pop, Dallas-based indie band Chancy has been hitting all the right notes since 2017. With their latest single ‘Draw It’ released on January 6, the group has proven itself a true local band with relatable lyrics, playful band members and an appeal for dorky, good-hearted UTD students. […]
Arwa Yemeni Brings a World Class Experience | January 30, 2023
Arwa Yemeni is a ten minute drive from campus that students won’t regret due to its cultural authenticity, tasteful coffee and aesthetic studying atmosphere. Thinking of exploring the Middle East? Arwa’s Yemeni Coffee has got you covered with their world class ethnic Yemeni experience. At Arwa Yemeni, one can smell the ancient cities through the […]
We’re not Russian, We’re Ukrainian | January 30, 2023
Ukrainians have suffered greatly at the hands of Russians, in part due to the international community’s insufficient response to Russian imperialism. I wear many different labels. I’m a Comet, a Houstonian, a Texan, an American, a Ukrainian and a Crimean Tatar. However, it has become obvious to me that not many of my peers on […]
Automatic Mickey D’s has an OverArching Plot | January 30, 2023
The new automated fast food workflow is a dangerous sign of corporate greed amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Working people and college students alike have long subsisted on customer service, whether that be in retail or fast food. So how would we survive if that was no longer an option? Well, a pilot test location for […]
Students should show their school spirit at UTD sports | January 30, 2023
UTD students like to make fun of our athletics, but the truth is that our legendary sports program has something epic to offer for everyone. Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. UTD is not known for its sports. We are by all definitions a campus of nerds, usually interested in either doing research […]
Tennis Teams Take The Court | January 30, 2023
After impressive seasons in 2022, the UTD men’s and women’s tennis teams look to achieve new successes. With games coming up for both teams on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5, Coach Bryan Whitt hopes to start the year off on the right foot. The men’s team is first up on the schedule, playing their first […]
CV Welcomes New Dean | January 30, 2023
The Hobson Wildenthal Honors College welcomes a new dean in spring 2023 with plans to expand the Collegium V program and create more honors initiatives. On Jan. 17, 2023, the national search for a new honors college dean concluded when Donal Skinner was chosen for the role. Skinner enters UTD with a history of high-ranking […]
The Rule of Kyle Poerschke | January 30, 2023
Kyle Poerschke — holding a UTD record with 43 points scored in one game — was awarded the U.S. Basketball Writers Association Division III National Player of the Week on Jan. 18. “You know, outside of this interview, [the Men’s Basketball Team] doesn’t get a lot of recognition,” Poerschke said. “We’re just doing it for […]
Regional town hall for students, comet watch party | January 30, 2023
Spill the Tea The Galerstein Gender Center will be hosting a series of sessions dedicated to hearing student perspectives on how to better support the student body at UTD. Students will be able to discuss important topics such as inclusion and equity with provided tea and snacks. There will be four different sessions on Jan. […]
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