Houston running back Makhi Hughes protects the ball while running toward the end zone during the football game against Southern University on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at TDECU Stadium. | Payton Gaskill/The Cougar

No. 22 Houston Cougars beat the Southern Jaguars in TDECU Stadium 77-6, improving their record to 2-0. Houston’s defense only allowed Southern to get 121 total yards and intercepted the ball once. 

The Cougars had a total of 691 yards, 203 in the air and 388 on the ground. Fifth-year quarterback Conner Weigman had 120 yards and three touchdowns.

Additionally, freshman quarterback Keisean Henderson made his debut in the third quarter and had 137 total yards and three touchdowns. 

“(Keisean) is a very good athlete,” said Head Coach Willie Fritz. “He did a good job of running the offense for us and being in control.”

The first quarter started off with Southern punting the ball to Houston on the 37-yard line. The first drive for the Cougars in the game saw them march down the field and ended with Weigman throwing a nine-yard pass to senior tight end Patrick Overmyer. 

After touchdown, the Jaguars tried to answer but fifth-year defensive back Jalen Mayo strip-sacked junior quarterback Christian Johnson, giving the ball back to the Cougars at the 22-yard line. 

The drive ended in a nine-yard rushing touchdown from junior running back Re’Shaun Sanford II, putting Houston up 14-0. 

Johnson tried to throw a lateral pass to redshirt junior running back Trey Holly, but it was out of reach. Houston scooped up that lateral pass and positioned the Cougars at the 21-yard line. With four minutes left, senior running back Makhi Hughes got a rushing touchdown at the one-yard line, making the score 21-0. 

The Cougars got the ball again after a three-and-out for Southern. After a 27-yard catch-and-run from Sanford, Weigman threw an eight-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Amare Thomas a couple of plays later. 

The second quarter started with Southern putting together a drive but failed to convert on 4th  down, which gave Houston the ball back. Weigman threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Koby Young, putting Houston up 35-0. 

Southern senior quarterback Ashton Strother threw an interception and put the Cougars on the 25-yard line. Henderson completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Young, giving Houston 42 unanswered points. 

Houston went into halftime with one more touchdown from freshman running back John Hebert, making it 49-0. 

The third quarter started with Henderson fumbling the ball but quickly recovering it and running for a 54-yard touchdown. Houston quickly got the football back after a punt from Southern and scored another rushing touchdown by junior running back DJ Butler. 

At the five-minute mark in the third quarter, Hebert got another touchdown, putting Houston up 70 points. After the touchdown, Southern was able to score a touchdown, with sophomore quarterback Wyatt McCauley throwing a 70-yard pass to redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jayden Cook, making the score 70-6. 

The fourth quarter was limited to eight minutes and saw one last Cougar touchdown, which sophomore quarterback Luke Carney ran in for Houston, with the final score 77-6. 

“I was so happy we got to play so many guys and these guys worked their tails off,” Fritz said. “That’s very important to me.”

The Cougars look to keep their winning streak alive next week as they travel to Lubbock, Texas, to face the reigning Big 12 Champions, No. 12 Texas Tech on Sept. 18. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Houston blows out Southern Jaguars 77-6, advance to 2-0 record in the season" was originally posted on The Cougar

The University of Houston’s Police Substation serves students at the Welcome Center on Saturday Feb 21, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

The adjunct faculty member removed from campus on Sept. 10 amid child sexual abuse material allegations has been put on administrative leave and banned from returning to campus, according to a University spokesperson.

“The University has zero tolerance for child exploitation, abuse or child sexual abuse materials,” the spokesperson said. “Due to the nature of the allegations, the case will be investigated by a specialized task force within the Houston Police Department.”

The UHPD questioned the adjunct faculty member yesterday after being made aware of an ongoing disruption on campus.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Update: Adjunct faculty member put on leave, banned from campus" was originally posted on The Cougar

University of Houston student partaking in the Rec Centers 9/11 Memorial Step Tribute, on Friday, September 11, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

Campus Recreation held its first Memorial Step Tribute in honor of first responders who served on 9/11 at the Recreation Center today.

Using a StairMaster in the Rec Center lobby, the tribute served as a unique version of the Fireman’s Challenge.

“You do the floors that they climbed on that day, 110 floors or 2200 steps,” said Fitness Program Manager Victor Ramirez. “It’s a modification of it where we’re just going all day and people are signing up for timeslots.”

Each person who attended picked one or more slots of three minute intervals and switched off continuously from the beginning of the day to the end of the day.

“To give tribute is the main thing. To walk at least a little bit of what others sacrificed for us, is a blessing,” said psychology sophomore Naomi Chavera.

For Ramirez, who was responsible for initiating the idea, the tribute is not just to commemorate those fallen, but to act as a reminder, too.

“We’re starting to see the effects of time where people are thinking about 9/11 as the past, but it’s still a huge part of our history,” Ramirez said.

As time goes on, it is easy for younger generations to lose sight of the impact that an event like 9/11 created, Ramirez said.

Nonetheless, there are still many students who take it seriously.

“I think that it’s a terrible, terrible event that occurred, not just something that happened,” said optometry sophomore Daniel Maguadog. “I was lucky enough to grow up a few years before most of the undergraduates here, but I hate when it gets watered down.”

To Maguadog, the people who recognize the day as what it is have not gone unseen.

“I feel like the act of doing it is great, symbolic and gives light to what people climbed that day,” Maguadog said. “But the true power of the event they got here is the people walking by and not letting today be another random Friday.”

Not only did the students pay their tribute, but the University itself has permanently commemorated the event with a steel beam from the Twin Towers from “Ground Zero” on display outside of Student Center South.

UH is the first and only campus to have a piece of the World Trade Center in Texas.

The Rec Center made their own accessible memorial to those whose lives were lost, displaying names in the lobby and on TVs.

“I’m hoping that it becomes more real to the participants,” Ramirez said. “Reading it and seeing that, knowing that we’re going to continue to make a priority in our nation to remember this day.”

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Campus Recreation holds Memorial Step Tribute for 9/11" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston running back Re’Shaun Stanford II rushes 56 yards into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the football game against Oregon State University on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2026, at TDECU Stadium. | Payton Gaskill/The Cougar

After a win against Oregon State in their first home game of the year, the Houston Cougars will be facing off against the Southern University Jaguars in their second game of the season.

Hailing from the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Southern Jaguars are 1-1 heading into TDECU Stadium on Sept. 12. 

Southern has a chance to upset the Cougars, with their 34-15 victory over Kentucky State University showing the Jaguars can dominate on the field. Houston still has a chance to keep its win streak alive, but Southern will be a hurdle that could stop the Cougars. 

Houston’s keys to victory

Southern’s recent performance has a lot to say about their offense, as their victory against KSU had many offensive drives that saw success through the air. 

Sophomore quarterback Christian Johnson has a 200-yard passing game against KSU making him a threat to a struggling Houston secondary.

Southern also had a strong running game against KSU, with great success when it came to piercing through the KSU defensive line. Junior running back Trey Holly was leading the charge for the Jaguars, having 120 total yards and two touchdowns for the night. 

Houston’s defensive line will definitely be a point of interest heading into the game, but the weakest part of Houston’s defense is the secondary. After struggling to keep the Oregon State offense from scoring the previous week, the secondary will have a hard time if it isn’t ready to handle this Southern offense. 

What’s next?

Houston is heading into this game as the favorite to win, but Southern’s players will put up a fight at TDECU. As Houston’s second home game this season, the game will be a test to see if the Cougars can keep their home-field advantage. 

Time will tell whether Houston can keep their streak alive or Southern will take over TDECU as the winner.

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Preview: Houston faces off against Southern to keep winning streak alive" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

On Sept. 10, political science adjunct faculty, graduate student and Ph.D. candidate was removed from campus by UHPD following allegations of owning child sexual abuse material.

The faculty member can be seen admitting to these allegations in a live stream video conducted by PredatorPoachers. As of now, it remains unclear if they were arrested or if they are facing any charges.

“The University of Houston is aware of a concerning video involving an adjunct faculty member who is also a graduate student. The video involves discussion of child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse materials,” said a University spokesperson. “UH Police responded to the place where the video was being made in progress.”

According to the spokesperson, UHPD is currently conducting interviews and gathering more information related to this situation.

“We take allegations involving child exploitation, abuse and child sexual abuse materials extremely seriously,” the spokesperson said.

Students attending the faculty member’s class are still processing this news.

“Honestly I’m more disappointed than anything,” said psychology sophomore Jared, who requested to not reveal their last name because of safety concerns. “I figured he was such a cool guy up until this point.”

The University and UHPD will take appropriate action, including contacting the District Attorney, based on the facts of the situation, the spokesperson said.

“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and the community at large remain our highest priority,” the spokesperson said.

The Cougar is not naming the individual because charges haven’t been filed yet. This is a developing story and The Cougar will continue to report on it.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"BREAKING: Adjunct faculty removed amid child sexual abuse material allegations" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outside hitter Alyssa Gonzales (1) and setter Kalei Edson (6) celebrate their win at the end of the third set against Lamar University, Tuesday, September 8, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

Houston women’s volleyball rolled to their fourth sweep of the season, this time against the winless Lamar Cardinals, 3-0. 

Junior outside hitter Sydney Jones led the Cougars with 11 kills and senior middle blocker Alexis Roberson owned the middle with a team-high .667 hit percentage and four blocks. Junior outside hitter Kamille Gibson also added eight kills to the tally.

Houston clinched the sweep with an 8-2 run over the final ten rallies in the last set. After a kill from sophomore middle blocker Tara Greenberry, the Cardinals committed three attack errors over the next five rallies. Sophomore libero Gillian Pitts served two aces at the end of the match before sophomore outside hitter Noemi Despaigne ended it with her seventh kill.

Houston faced a competitive start in each set before eventually pulling away. The first set saw Houston own a 17-14 lead before the Cougars cashed a six-point run to put it out of reach. The following set saw Houston down 9-6 before outscoring the Cardinals 19-8 the rest of the set.

Lamar managed just 25 kills as a team, mirroring the number of errors they committed. Junior middle blocker Nisaan Martinez led the team with 10 kills. Senior outside hitter Grace Hill was not far behind with nine kills. No one else on the team surpassed two kills after them.

Houston will travel to Nassau, Bahamas, for the Paradise Invitational from Sept. 12-13, facing No. 14 Purdue on the first day of competition at 10:30 a.m. 

No. 3 Kentucky and No. 8 SMU will play each other that day as well, with the victors facing off in a championship match at 4 p.m. the next day and the losers will play each other in a consolation match at noon.

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Cougars clip Lamar University Cardinals in three-set sweep" was originally posted on The Cougar

University of Houston-Campus Recreation & Wellness Center on Aug. 16, 2024 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

UH held its fall 2026 Rec Fest at the Recreation & Wellness Center on Aug. 31. 

Rec Fest is an event hosted by the University’s Campus Recreation team and aims to show the perks of rec-life for all UH students, on and off campus.

“Rec Fest is basically showcasing the department of Campus Recreation,” said Assistant Director of Marketing Communications Vykie Avila. “We have services, facilities and programs and we want to showcase some of those programs that we offer throughout each semester to the students.” 

During Rec Fest, Campus Recreation hosts games, challenges and a sports organization fair for all students to enjoy. The staff also prepares prizes and merchandise for those that attend and participate.

“We have food, t-shirts, raffles, a human claw machine, a robo surfer, logrolling and lots of different fun things for students to engage with,” said Interim Director of Campus Recreation Rachel O’Mara.

In order to secure games and prizes, Campus Recreation has to start their side of Rec Fest eight to 12 months in advance. The team tries to engage more students every year and do something different each year to make the event more fun, Avila said.

“I want everybody to come in,” Avila said. “I feel like sometimes the students don’t understand that when they come here and they use this as a stress-free environment, they’re learning how to stay healthy and have a better lifestyle.” 

During the event, the Recreation Center was filled with a large number of people attending specifically for the Rec Fest and its activities.

“This is way more active than I would ever think it would be,” said pre-business freshman Mark Wiley. “I go to the gym and I see these people working out, but I’ve never seen these many people show up at once. I see people playing basketball, everyone doing other sports, but I’ve never seen this amount of people so interested in sports.”

Wiley believes that more people should be interested in sports as it acts as a good pastime and helps stay healthy mentally, stay in a shape and keeps the heart going. 

The event cannot be a success without the help from everybody involved in Campus Recreation, Avila said.

“I think that it takes all of us, because I feel like two people are better than one person, seven people are better than one person,” Avila said. “It’s a collaboration between all the different program areas that we have here.”

Rec Fest is not the only event that Campus Recreation holds, as they are actively hosting more events throughout the semester, including a field day at Gertner Field, a 9/11 step challenge and a variety of outdoor experiences.

Even though it just took place, Avila and Campus Recreation are already planning the next Rec Fest.

“After this, we’ll start meeting again,” Avila said. “We have a committee, set with all the different program areas, there’s somebody representing somebody from each program area that we have. Then we’ll start planning.”

The Rec Fest gave students a warm welcome and hope to continue making a difference in the lives of those who attend UH.

“I became the Assistant Director of Marketing once we opened up this building, and I feel like it’s so much fun to see what students get out of Campus Recreation,” Avila said. “Then for them to come back and say ‘I love this opportunity, it gave me this’. That sense of belonging, that camaraderie with their peers, it’s neat to watch.” 

--
"Campus Recreation and Wellness Center hosts annual Rec Fest" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston wide receiver Koby Young celebrates after making a catch during the football game against Oregon State University on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2026, at TDECU Stadium. | Payton Gaskill/The Cougar

On Sept. 8, ESPN released its new AP Top 25 rankings, in which Houston moved from No. 23 to No. 22. The Cougars also moved to No. 22 in the USA Today LBM Coaches Poll. 

The week before, the Cougars beat the Oregon State Beavers 33-20 in their season opener at TDECU Stadium. Houston combined for 533 total yards, rushing for 228 total yards and fifth-year quarterback Conner Weigman throwing for 305 yards. 

That win marked the highest total yardage Houston has had in a season opener at home since 2015, when they compiled 621 yards against Tennessee Tech, according to Houston Athletics. 

The last time Houston was ranked No. 22 was in 2025, when the Cougars finished the season after a 10-3 record and a 38-35 win over LSU in the Texas Kinders Bowl. 

The Cougars could rise higher depending on how well they do in this 2026 season. This week, Houston will host the Southern Jaguars in TDECU Stadium on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Moving up: Houston ranked No. 22 in the AP poll after first week" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston celebrates after scoring a point during an NCAA college volleyball match against Abilene, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 in Houston,Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Houston volleyball outlasted Abilene Christian 3-2 in the second match of the Houston Invitational on Sept. 3 at the Fertitta Center.

Thursday evening’s match opened with the teams exchanging points during quick, back-and-forth rallies. Houston found its rhythm after building a five-point lead, which it continued to expand throughout the remainder of the first set. 

The Cougars won the set 25-13. Serves from junior outside hitters Sydney Jones and Lily Barron produced aces, while Jones also contributed several kills.

The Cougars came out strong in the second set, continuing to capitalize on service errors and rack up kills. Houston expanded its advantage throughout the set as Abilene Christian attempted to close the gap. The Cougars won 25-18 to take a 2-0 lead in the match.

The Wildcats found their groove in the third set, shifting the match’s dynamic and creating a neck-and-neck battle. Sophomore outside hitter/right side Hadlee Welch eventually broke the tie with a kill assisted by senior setter Rachel Koss, giving Abilene Christian a 25-23 win and forcing a fourth set.

Both teams traded narrow leads until Houston reached match point at 24-21. Despite strong serves from Houston freshman libero Cali Reece and a major block by junior outside hitter Kamille Gibson, Abilene Christian closed the gap. 

Consecutive kills from junior middle blocker Avery Thaler and junior outside hitter Maddie Finnegan secured the set for the Wildcats at 28-26, tying the match 2-2.

A fifth set was played to determine the winner. After Abilene Christian scored the first point, Houston responded with a 4-0 run and kept the Wildcats trailing for the remainder of the set.

Early in the set, sophomore libero Mattie Casale recorded a service ace during a crucial momentum shift for the Cougars. Another ace from junior setter Kalei Edson concluded the victory 15-12 and marked Houston’s second win of the day.

Houston will close the Houston Invitational against Houston Christian at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Fertitta Center.

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Houston holds off Abilene Christian for invitational victory" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston outside hitter Alyssa Gonzales and middle blocker Aidan Conner celebrate after scoring a point during the third set of the volleyball game against Houston Christian University on Sept. 4, 2026 at the Fertitta Center. | Payton Gaskill/The Cougar

Houston Cougars Women’s volleyball swept the Houston Christian Huskies 3-0 on Friday, Sept. 4, on a princess-themed night in the Fertitta Center.

The Cougars’ win streak extends to three games after another dominant performance in the Houston Invitational. Head coach David Rehr’s side maintained a stout defense that left Houston Christian unable to threaten a comeback.

Head coach Trent Herman’s Houston Christian team exited the arena earlier in the day after suffering a 3-1 loss to Abilene Christian. Still, signs of fatigue were not visible during the early part of the opening set.

It was the Huskies who jumped out to an early lead, but the Cougars battled back and were able to prevent them from stretching their lead past two points before overtaking them 12-11.

Junior outside hitter Sydney Jones’ three kills late in the set pushed the Huskies against the ropes. Houston Christian’s senior outside hitter Sa’Myah Medford’s misguided touch sailed past the boundary line, ending the first set in Houston’s favor 25-16.

Rehr’s team put together a dominant outing in the second set starting from the first point, quickly grabbing an 11-2 lead and facing little opposition.

Houston Christian could only compile 12 points before Houston scored six straight points behind Houston’s sophomore libero Gillian Pitts’ service and claimed a commanding 2-0 set lead.

The third set progressed in a similar back-and-forth manner to the opener until freshman setter Shannon Dworaczyk’s emphatic kill for a 9-4 lead marked the point of no return. The Huskies could only scrape five more points, while the Cougars found success readjusting their attacks laterally, scoring 18 on their nearly undelayed path to claiming the third set.

Pitts’ service on match point resulted in an ace and the Cougars became the queens of the Houston Invitational, finishing as the only unbeaten school in the tournament.

This victory marked the first win in Rehr’s tenure against Houston Christian and the Cougars’ fourth of the 2026 season. Houston now prepares for its next matchup against in-state Lamar University on Sept. 8, who are currently winless in their first four games.

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Houston Cougars sweep Houston Christian 3-0" was originally posted on The Cougar

Instructor of the fitness launch dance event demonstrates a dance, on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

UH relaunched the Fitness Court on Sept. 1 during their fall Kickoff as part of the Weeks of Welcome events. The Fitness Court’s grand opening was in April.

UH partnered with the National Fitness Campaign, a non-profit organization and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, who provided the sponsorship, in order to bring the Fitness Court to the students.

The court is an outdoor workout facility, which is accessible to all students, faculty and staff. It was proposed by Assistant Vice President of Student Health and Wellness Kim Clark.

Clark approached Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs for Student Housing and Residential Life Don Yackley about it and now that idea has become a reality.

Even though the court is outdoors, it doesn’t deter students from using it.

“It’s raining right now and I see somebody doing a pull up as we speak,” said pre-nursing sophomore Esther Waylee. 

However, the court being outside did raise some concerns from students. 

“If it’s hot outside, why would I workout there when I could just go inside to the Rec and work out in the AC?” said business major Aniah Joseph. 

A common complaint from students was the lack of an overhead cover for the court to provide shade in the summer and shelter from the rain. However, according to Yackley, this is just the first phase of the fitness court. 

“The second phase will be a cover,” Yackley said. “That will come, we hope, by the end of this academic year.” 

Yackley also assured students that the equipment is usable, even in the hottest of summer, because of its design. According to Yackley the  National Fitness Campaign builds and develops the equipment with a heat protected coating so that the equipment is usable even in the hottest of days.

The court is positioned in the heart of the residential community of UH located next to The Quad, south of the A. D. Bruce Religion Center. UH expects to see a lot more traffic in this area in the coming years with the completion of the new dining hall, according to Yackley. With this expectation in mind, UH placed the court here so it could be as accessible to more students.

Some students, however, feel as though the court, because of its placement, is more for residential students than commuters. 

“I mean, it’s away from any of the parking lots, so it’s kind of out of their way,” Perez said.

But this isn’t a shared sentiment among the student body. 

“I feel like both students, even if you’re a commuter or residential, you can use it,” said finance junior Shan Thind. “I mean, the Rec is open to every student on campus, so why would this be any different?”

The court itself also offers an online coaching option. By scanning a QR code, students are able to access a thorough course that gives them tutorials and tips on how to have a successful workout.

Trainers from the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center will also hold classes for students who are interested in experiencing what the court has to offer. 

“One piece of advice, I would say, is just do it,” Thind said. “Honestly, a lot of people seem to think that people are always watching you and seeing what you’re doing. I’ve worked out for a good amount of time. No one’s watching you. So honestly, just go to the gym, go to the rec, or even come out here and work out.”

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Fitness Court relaunches with focus on accessibility" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman (1) celebrates his touchdown, during the second half of an NCAA football match between the Houston Cougars and the Oregon State Beavers, Saturday, September 5, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

The Houston Cougars hung on against the Oregon State Beavers 33-20 on Sept. 5 at TDECU Stadium. The Cougars are now 4-1 against the Beavers in series history. 

The first quarter started with the Beavers pushing down the field and closing in on the 50-yard line. However, junior defensive back Javion White sacked sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson for 11 yards, causing Oregon State to punt.

On the tenth play of the Cougars’ first possession, fifth-year quarterback Conner Weigman threw a touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Amare Thomas for 31 yards, giving Houston the early lead, 6-0, due to a missed field goal by junior kicker Jonathan Dimas.  

Following Houston’s touchdown, Atkinson completed a 71-yard pass to freshman wide receiver Jesse Legree. This resulted in a three-yard rushing touchdown by Atkinson, giving Oregon State the lead, 7-6. 

Houston’s second drive followed with Weigman making a 49-yard pass to junior wide receiver Koby Young, setting the Cougars up at the 16-yard line. After an Oregon State sack, Houston settled for a 42-yard field goal by Dimes to give Houston back the lead, 9-7.

To begin the second quarter, senior running back Makhi Hughes fumbled the ball, giving Oregon State control, but the Beavers still punted the ball. 

After punts from both teams, Houston was able to march down the field and end the drive with a 56-yard rushing touchdown by junior running back Re’Shaun Sanford, widening the Cougars’ lead to 16-7. 

Houston closed out the half with a field goal, taking a 12-point lead over Oregon State, 19-7.

After a 30-minute weather delay, both teams went three-and-out to start the third quarter. At the 11-minute mark, Weigman was able to complete a 30-yard pass to senior tight end Patrick Overmyer, advancing to Oregon State’s 44-yard line. 

The Cougars ended the nine-play drive with a rushing touchdown by Hughes, giving the Cougars a lead of 19. 

Oregon State answered with a touchdown of its own after Atkinson threw a 25-yard pass to Legree, moving to the seven-yard line. Atkinson then threw a seven-yard touchdown pass back to Legree but could not convert on the two-point conversion, making the score 26-13.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Weigman completed a 27-yard pass to Thomas, setting up at Oregon State’s 43-yard line. However, Weigman threw an interception to junior defensive back Sailasa Vadrawale.

Atkinson threw a pass to senior tight end Eric Olsen for 24 yards, lining up at Houston’s 40-yard line. With nine minutes left in the fourth quarter, senior running back AJ Newberry scampered into the end zone and make the score 26-20. 

With six minutes left in the game, Weigman threw a 37-yard completion to Thomas and then scramble it in for a touchdown. The Beavers tried to keep the game close, but White sacked Atkinson on fourth down to ultimately seal the game for the Cougars. 

“It was the second sack of my whole career,” White said. “It felt amazing.”

The Cougars then ran out the clock to win the game 33-20. Weigman had 305 passing yards and a touchdown. Thomas went on to have 133 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Hughes had 98 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Houston will take on Southern in the upcoming week at 6 P.M. on Sept. 12. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Houston stand strong against Oregon State in the season opener 33-20" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston Cougars take the field at the start of an NCAA college football game against the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks, Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera / The Cougar

UHPD has partnered with METRORail to provide free passenger pickup to and from the game along the Purple Line at various locations for the upcoming game between the Houston Cougars and Oregon State Beavers on Saturday, Sept. 4.

The locations include UH South/University Oaks, TSU/UH Athletics District, Elgin/Third Ward, Leeland/Third Ward and EaDo/Stadium.

The shuttle trains will run approximately every 9 minutes, making it easier for students to attend the game. The service will begin from 8 a.m. through 11 a.m., or the end of the first quarter and 1:30 p.m. through 3 p.m., or when crowds clear.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"UHPD, METRORail partner to provide free game day transportation" was originally posted on The Cougar

Members of the University of Houston Student Government Association gather for a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

Growing safety concerns at UH have drawn students to advocate for change. Student leaders have been working all year to involve more students on the Safety and Security Committee.

Residence Halls Association President Yhoali Guerrero Becerril submitted a proposal requesting seats for major campus organizations.

The request was rejected by Committee Chair Chief and UH Chief of Police Ceaser Moore Jr., who stated student representation will not be increased on this committee, according to an email evidence obtained by The Cougar.

Student Government Association was also in communication with Moore and Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance Raymond Bartlett, to add more student seats into the committee. 

“SGA has exhausted all administrative channels in our efforts to expand student representation on the University’s Safety and Security Standing Committee,” said SGA Director of Public Relations Donya Oufi. 

The push for change follows multiple safety-related incidents over the past few years, including a robbery reported Aug. 12, just weeks away from the start of the fall semester.

While physical security remains a concern, students and elected student leaders point to a broader issue: the lack of transparency and communication from the University.

“Outside of surveying and listening to our opinions, if the security and safety leadership needs help with program planning, why don’t they involve students directly?” said health junior Jana Qaddoura.

The demand for transparency has created tension within University governance. On June 29, SGA Director of University Standing Committees Terrell Wallace reached out to Bartlett, in hopes of establishing a permanent, dedicated SGA student appointee.

However, Wallace was not granted a meeting with Bartlett who said over an email that he is not supportive of adding an additional member to the Committee whether it be a student, faculty or staff member.

“Safety is a shared responsibility and this committee was designed to ensure representation of key stakeholders from across the campus ecosystem, including students,” said a university spokesperson. “Students are represented by their elected leaders, the SGA president and vice president, who are responsible for meeting with all their student constituencies to listen for concerns and then elevate them to the committee for consideration.” 

Student leaders, however, argue that two student seats fall short of representation and are not enough to represent the diverse safety needs all students.

“Students have tried to fill the gap by assisting each other, but we shouldn’t be the only people trying to make ourselves feel safer,” Qaddoura said. “Our safety also needs to be accounted for by the University.”

A primary point of frustration among students is the unattended security vehicles parked across high-traffic areas. The lack of consistent foot patrols has altered daily campus routines for many students. 

“An incident happens on campus, maybe a few more security carts will be rolling around the parking garages for two to three weeks before security reverts straight back to normal,” Qaddoura said. “I, like other students, cannot go out to organization meetings, socials, or late events on campus without planning out in my head how I can get to my car safely.” 

Safety concerns are not limited to late hours or isolated areas on campus. There have been multiple incidents on campus during daylight hours in central hubs, including repeated bank robberies at the TDECU Credit Union inside Student Center South and near the MLK Metro bus stop. 

“TDECU sits in the Student Center South, so the fact that an armed robber can come into a heavily frequented area by students should have raised a major concern the first time it happened,” Qaddoura said. 

Beyond physical security, some students emphasized that preparing for campus crime required communication from day one. 

“I wish the way security on campus was presented was more serious during orientation,” said history junior John Unal. “They should acknowledge that UH is an urban university where crime is possible, and do more to teach students basic street smarts about living and studying in a metropolitan city.” 

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Safety and Security Committee: Student leaders demand more representation, administration denies" was originally posted on The Cougar

Isabel Bustos/The Cougar

On Aug. 26, floods swept through Nepal causing massive destructions in the country. In the days since, the death toll has crossed 1,000 and thousands more remain missing. 

Nepalese students at the UH Nepalese Student Association have responded to the devastating floods in their home country with shock and despair, while also finding ways to help from afar.

“We collected funds to donate over there so that they can help,” said President of the NSA-UH Ganesh Lamichhane. “I’m also trying to communicate with my friends in Nepal so they can give some clothes, not just money and maybe food also.”

Lamichhane’s family lives just a few miles from the areas worst affected by the floods. Friends of friends have died trapped in hydropower tunnels, where hundreds of workers are trapped. 

This devastation weighs heavily on Lamichhane. He hails from a hilly part of Nepal and worries about the ability for rescuers to reach people and distribute resources in remote areas with difficult terrain.

“I’m a PhD student here, I have to do the research, but I am always thinking about what’s going on,” Lamichhane said. “Are they alive or dead? Can they recover all the bodies or not?”

He also voiced concerns about the broader impacts of the floods and widespread casualties on Nepal’s linguistic diversity. Over 120 languages are spoken, many of them highly local.

“Let’s say there are 10 houses in one place and they wipe out all these houses,” Lamichhane said. “They can speak a very particular language, so we are losing their culture, their language. It’s a massive loss for us.”

NSA-UH outreach officer Evyak Joshi first heard about the floods on social media, then through messages from friends and family. His initial reaction was shock and disbelief, both of which quickly morphed into concerns for his community.

However, despite being far away Joshi also hasn’t been idle. His uncle is president of the Nepali Association of Houston and started a GoFundMe, as well as a fundraiser with Congressman Al Green. Joshi encourages people to support relief efforts locally, mirroring well with Lamichhane as well.

“It’s honestly really hard being here and not able to physically help or be there with them. There’s a helplessness that comes with watching this unfold from a distance,” Joshi said.

The floods felt like reminiscent of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods in India, said NSA-UH Vice President Pratik Poudel, where he lost nine of his neighbors, including two family members.

Now, Poudel is able to empathize deeply with people who have lost their loved ones. He’s keeping in touch with his family, who are near the flooded Narayani River but safe.

“For the most part, I don’t feel that being in the U.S. has made me less helpful,” Poudel said. “If I had been in Nepal, I don’t know how much I could have done to alleviate the situation directly. By being here, I can continue working and contribute financially to relief efforts in ways that I might not have been able to otherwise.”

Call for action

At the global level, Poudel believes that the floods highlight issues with early-warning systems and climate change preparedness.

The floods were caused by a chunk of ice that snapped off a glacier and tumbled into the valley below. Glaciers around the world are increasingly unstable because of human-caused global warming, caused by burning fossil fuels. 

Though international support has emerged for Nepal, organizations like the United Nations should address climate-related disasters with greater urgency. Nepal makes up for a small share of global carbon emissions, yet is currently facing the brunt of the consequences of climate change, Poudel said.

“Ultimately, I don’t think the question should only be, “Why did this flood happen?,” Poudel said. “We should also be asking: “What could we have done to prevent so many people from dying, and what can we do now to make sure this doesn’t happen again anywhere in the world?”’

Students can donate to the Nepali government directly here.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Nepalese Student Association at UH takes action after devastating floods" was originally posted on The Cougar

Flock cameras placed outside of Cougar Place, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

Last week, while stuck in afternoon traffic driving home from campus, I got too invested in my music and bumped the truck in front of me. My Civic could not hold up to the bulk of a Ford F-150, leaving my pride damaged and two pinky-sized indentations in my bumper.

Thanks to the rise of Flock cameras, those tiny dents could now be the key to someone tracking my car across the country.

The function of Flock cameras

In the past few months, the University quietly implemented a new technology as part of its campus security upgrade. 

Flock cameras aren’t just “modernized” security cameras. These black, teardrop-shaped devices use artificial intelligence to automatically record identifying features of passing vehicles, from minor scratches to bumper stickers.

Unlike regular security cameras, which require individual footage review, Flock stores search data in a network accessible to at least 5,000 agencies law enforcement agencies. This national surveillance system can then be used to track people across state lines.

Abuses, faults

The use of Flock cameras on campus raises serious privacy concerns for UH students. People should have the right to move freely, but now, regardless of criminal record, individuals are being tracked by unknown organizations. 

Concerningly, there is very little oversight in who can access this information and for what purpose; there have already been cases of police officers abusing these cameras to stalk their exes. An insecure network of cameras could increase the risk of harassment instead of reducing it.

In addition, AI-powered security systems are notorious for racial profiling. Automatic license plate readers have flagged false positives for stolen vehicles in the past, leading to innocent arrests or even being held at gunpoint.

Not “community-chosen”

UH students have long been concerned about safety, following a series of robberies and sexual assaults in 2025. It’s troubling that the University did not announce its decision to use Flock cameras publicly. Flock states that “communities shouldn’t have to choose between public safety and privacy,” yet the UH community didn’t choose Flock. 

We did not choose an intrusive, faulty system that puts undocumented, minority and female students at risk, especially when it hasn’t proven to reduce crime.

On the first day of this semester, a young woman was groped by a non-UH-affiliated man in the very heart of campus in broad daylight. The suspect was caught and arrested, not by a fancy camera, but by ordinary campus police officers. That is the type of security we need: present, human officers ready to defend, not distant eyes conducting mass surveillance from afar.

I am not afraid of these cameras because I have something to hide. I fear them because laws change and what is legal today can become a crime tomorrow. Only a few years ago, abortion was federally protected; now a woman traveling out of Texas for one can be digitally tracked and arrested. 

The eye of a camera always appears unobtrusive until it turns on you. UH should protect its students, not turn campus into a place where Big Brother gains another set of eyes.

--
"UH’s new Flock cameras raise privacy concerns" was originally posted on The Cougar

For many students, burnout doesn’t typically begin on the first day of class; it starts creeping in before then. There’s already a long list of things to get done before ever stepping foot in a classroom. Syllabi need to be reviewed, transportation routes planned and school payments arranged. Add work, organizations and maintaining a social life into the mix and suddenly it can feel like the semester started before you even set foot on campus.

It is easy to get caught up in the chaos of back-to-school season and feel like you need to do everything at once. But starting a new semester also means knowing when to slow down and prioritize your mental health and personal time. Being busy doesn’t always mean being productive and overcommitting yourself can quickly turn excitement for a new semester into exhaustion.

Always make space

All these tasks take up more mental space than expected. On their own, they may not seem difficult, but when piled together, they can feel overwhelming really fast. 

After classes start, the list only gets longer, leaving students to constantly balance academics with everything outside the classroom. But that doesn’t mean students should stop being involved.

If done right, being busy can make college exciting. Joining an organization, having a job you enjoy and going to events can be some of the best parts of college. The problem comes when there’s no time left to take a break. 

It’s important that students don’t stretch themselves too thin just to feel like they’re making the most out of college. Rest should not have to be a reward. Realistically, the list is never going to end.

Making space for yourself should be an essential part of your schedule, not something squeezed in whenever there’s time.

Finding a balance

Finding balance doesn’t necessarily mean doing less; sometimes, it just means being more intentional with your time. Looking ahead at your syllabi and adding major assignments and exams to your calendar can help you prepare for busy weeks instead of scrambling to keep up once they arrive.

But planning ahead shouldn’t only mean making time for school. Make room for yourself on that calendar, too. That can be as simple as eating lunch with a friend, going to the gym, watching a movie or sitting somewhere that lets you forget about your next assignment for a little while.

Taking that time away isn’t being unproductive. When you come back, you may find yourself more focused and able to recall information more easily. Giving your brain a break can reduce stress and provide the mental reset you need to return to your responsibilities with a clearer mind.

The semester ahead

The first week of classes may be over, but the semester is just getting started. There will be unexpected assignments, busy weeks and days when your schedule doesn’t go according to plan.

That’s part of the college experience, but making the most of college does not mean filling every minute until there’s no room for yourself. Our schedules can fill up more quickly than we can keep up, but the goal isn’t to have a perfect plan. It’s to build one that allows you to live a little less burned out.

Sometimes, doing less allows you to give more attention to the responsibilities that actually matter. It’s better to have a manageable schedule and do things well than stretch yourself too thin and struggle to give anything your best effort.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

--
"Your schedule needs room for you, too" was originally posted on The Cougar

From using card catalogs to computerized systems to find books, the MD Anderson Library has evolved in many ways over the past 75 years. Donors, alumni and faculty celebrated the library’s 75th anniversary on Aug. 29 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with the Catalog of Curiosities, five exhibits that feature the past, present and future of the library.

While the event celebrated the history of the library, it also looked forward to the future vision of a reimagined library.

“Libraries are a special place,” said donor relations manager Carina Pouraryan. “They’re always a place of community and how our communities interact with one another and seek knowledge changes.”

The transition from a quiet library filled with books to a collaborative, digital space was prompted by the rise of the digital age and how it has changed the way people learn. 

Monit Cheung is a professor of social work and has been teaching at UH for 36 years. Cheung said that when she assigns her students readings, she can tell some of them don’t read much.

“I hope the library will find creative ways to engage students in conferences that could be jointly hosted by the library and a department, so that students will feel they have events that belong to them,” Cheung said.

One of the resources students can access at the library is the special collections and university archives. The collections feature rare books and manuscripts and many are primary sources only available at UH.

“We exist for the students,” said Associate Dean for Special Collections and Preservation Lauren Gottlieb-Miller. “For an event like this where we’re able to build relationships with our donors and other interested members of the community to help bring attention to this, we can continue to improve and build the collections to benefit our students.”

Keith Hughey is an alumnus who graduated in the 1970s. He was invited to the celebration and experienced the special collections exhibit.

“The exhibits are just incredible, particularly some of the special archive exhibits,” Hughey said. “We’ve really enjoyed looking through those. It brings back some memories from being here on campus.”

The library continues to be a shared space for learning, collaboration and memories because of the community’s engagement. Earlier this year, students and staff participated in a daytime celebration of the library’s 75th anniversary. 

“Community support is the foundation of public spaces like this,” Pouraryan said. “Community support helps amplify the mission of the library and helps us move toward our vision at a sustainable pace.”

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"MD Anderson Library marks 75 years with gala event" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

Since Monday evening, UH students have been experiencing disruptions of several IT services, including AccessUH, UH website and Peoplesoft.

As a result, the last day to add classes for fall session one has been extended to Tuesday, Sept. 1, according to an Instagram story posted by Cougar One Stop, a one stop for enrollment and financial services.

University Information Technology is currently working with vendor partners to resolve the issue, said Assistant Vice President for Technology Services and Support David Johnson in an email.

Users may continue to experience periods when applications are unavailable or performance is degraded, until the issue is resolved.

Canvas, Office 365 and outbound traffic remain unaffected.

This is a developing story and The Cougar will continue to report on it.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Students experience IT service disruptions: Last day to add classes extended" was originally posted on The Cougar

Nina To/The Cougar

In 2026, the Houston Cougars have multiple returning starters who can turn the tide of their season. From quarterbacks to defensive backs, these starters play an important role for Houston.

Senior quarterback Conner Weigman is coming off his best career season in 2025, throwing for 2,705 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 700 yards and 11 touchdowns. Weigman has been named to multiple award watch lists, including the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, Maxwell Award and Preseason Davy O’Brien Award watch lists. 

Additionally, Weigman was named the Kinders Texas Bowl MVP after throwing for 230 yards and four touchdowns, tying Patrick Mahomes for most touchdowns in Texas Bowl history, according to Houston Athletics. 

Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas is also coming off his best season yet, with 966 yards and 12 touchdowns, ranking him second in receiving yards and touchdowns among receivers in the Big 12. Thomas has been named to the Biletnikoff Award watch list and is the Big 12 Conference’s Preseason All-Big 12 first team.

Thomas can create play-making catches that can define the game, has elite-level route-running abilities and can close out drives with points on the board. 

Fifth-year defensive backs Jordan Allen and Kentrell Webb are the anchors in the secondary. Webb had 72 total tackles, four pass deflections, a forced fumble and an interception last year. Allen had 48 total tackles, two pass deflections and half a sack. 

These two players are both on Pro Football Network’s All-Big 12 Third Team and provide experience in the secondary and can become valuable players in the upcoming season.

Finally, senior defensive back Will James enters the 2026 season after having five pass deflections, 38 tackles, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. He is on the Bronco Nagurski Award and Bednarik Award watch lists. 

All of these returning starters had an impact in the 2025 season, when Houston went 10-3 and won the Texas Bowl against LSU 38-35. With experience on their side, they are bound to make an impact again. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Most important returning Houston Cougars going into the 2026 season" was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

On Aug. 31, the UH Alert system sent out a notification informing the community that they are actively monitoring the potential for heavy rainfall in the Houston area on Tuesday.

Tropical Depression Five has formed in the Gulf and is forecasted to become tropical storm Edouard by Monday evening. Harris County remains under a flood watch from 1 a.m. Tuesday until 7 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

As of now, all UH facilities remain open and there are no changes to operations including the Sugar Land and Katy campuses.

Here are a few steps students can take to get ready for the coming days:

Charge phones, laptops

It is recommended to charge all devices in case the city loses electricity. This includes cellphones, laptops, tablets, rechargeable flashlights and portable power banks.

Additionally, ensure that generators are set up if needed.

Prepare an emergency kit

Make sure to keep basic essential items handy like medicines, bottled water, nonperishable food items, first-aid supplies, extra clothing, hygiene products, important documents and some cash.

Ensure that infants and pets have food as well. Pet owners are advised to pack leashes and carriers as well.

It is also recommended to store some warm water and fill up vehicles with gas.

Secure

Make sure to bring in everything inside your house that can blow away and cause destruction to both property and humans.

Make sure trash cans and lose outdoor decorations are inside as well. If you have a garage, make sure to move cars inside as well.

Stay informed

It is very important to know where students can keep themselves updated from during such situations. For UH, make sure to keep an eye out for the UH Alert system.

UH as also provided some additional resources as well like street flooding and travel conditions – Houston TranStar, National Weather Service website and the Harris County Flood Warning System.

Emergency contacts include 911 for life-threatening emergencies, 311 for non-urgent city services and 211 for evacuation assistance.

Stay warm and stay safe. Go Coogs!

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Weather alert: UH monitors heavy rainfall. Here is how to prepare" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Hi! Welcome to the first issue of April’s Angle of the 2026-27 academic year. I’m April, a political science and psychology junior. In this column, I share my thoughts and experiences on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help.

Everyone knows that there’s a fine line between college being the best years of your life, to being the absolute worst. This is heavily because college has a funny way of making everything feel serious— grades, networking, the feeling of impending doom at the thought of not figuring life out.

But somewhere between the deadlines and responsibilities, don’t forget to be you, romanticize the ordinary, try things just because they sound fun and get excited about little wins.

Maintaining your whimsy in college means being spontaneous, there is no better place to exercise your free will than college. Go on those random walks, dress up for spirit days and take a moment to recognize and enjoy the little things. Becoming an adult doesn’t mean losing your playful spirit or forgetting how to have fun!

As a self appointed whimsy maximizer, I’ve collected a list of my most whimsical activities and the joy they’ve added to my life! If you need any help visualizing this, check out my Pinterest @aprilbutunfiltered I’ve curated a board to help you chase your whimsical dreams!

To start off the list I have to talk about the importance of hobbies, to know me is to know I’m a serial hobby hopper. My current and favorite hobby is vinyl record collecting and playing. Over the summer I purchased a professional record player and I’ve been loving the process of learning how to use it.

This hobby is part of my mission to collect physical media. I have a sizable collection of novels and encyclopedias that I can always turn to when I need to connect with something more tangible than fleeting words on a screen.

I truly think this adds so much whimsy to my life, who doesn’t love knowing random facts about things like records or world history? Some hobbies that are on my list to conquer include interior designing, pottery, knitting and making ice cream from scratch!

Another thing I do to amp up the whim is talking. This can seem so obvious because everyone talks right? But no, it’s not just talking. I pride myself on being a conversationalist, talking your way around a room is a skill that comes in handy, especially in college.

Talking involves more than just listening and responding, being eloquent and unapologetically yourself goes so far especially in spaces where most conversations feel repetitive and frankly, boring. Speak to people like you already know them, like there’s knowledge to be gathered from them and knowledge to give to them, speak with confidence and certainty in your words. This will make those mundane conversations feel so rewarding.

We can’t discuss whimsy without highlighting how much fun it is to do all these activities with friends. I have some of the most whimsical friends who do things like carry around bubble solution when we go out, or document every moment on a digital camera and my favorite, scrapbooking memories at the end of the year. As little as these acts seem, they bring a fun light to every situation and make college enjoyable.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"April’s Angle: Maintaining your whimsy in college" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

The people you walk this campus with form an irreplaceable part of your college experience. Don’t just pass them by.  However, getting to know them in the first weeks of school can feel pretentious at best and transactional at worst.

The conversations never seem to deviate from some permutation of “what’s your name?” and “what are you majoring in?” 

But for those left unsatisfied by the mundane small talks that never gets any deeper than the surface, rest assured that there are (many) better options in store. Here’s a list of some conversation starters — and not just for freshmen! 

1. Are you watching any good movies or tv shows right now?
2. Have you gotten lost on your way to class yet?
3. What class are you most excited for? Which one are you least excited for?
4. What campus events are you planning to attend this week?
5. Are you planning on attending any football games?
6. How terrible was your commute this morning?
7. How long did it take you to pick out an outfit this morning?
8. Do you like your roommates so far?
9. Are you from the Houston area?
10. Do you have any student organizations that you’re planning to join?
11. Is your best friend going to UH with you?
12. Are you hoping to have more independence from your family or stay close to them in college?
13. Are you planning to find a job on campus? 
14. What are you the most stressed about right now?
15. Are you hoping to pick up any new hobbies in college?
16. Have you felt homesick yet?
17. I love your shoes/jewelry/bag/clothes. Where did you get it?
18. Have you considered participating in Greek life on campus?
19. Do you plan to stick with your current major, or are you still exploring?
20. Has college so far been like how you thought it would be?

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Skip the small talk: Try these 20 questions instead" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

On Aug. 24 at around 4 p.m. a sophomore was groped twice by a man at Student Center South. The incident occurred on the first day of classes for the fall 2026 semester.

The student, who has remained anonymous, explained that she was preparing to leave from work when she noticed the man sitting on the couch of SC, according to an article by ABC13 Houston.

As she walked past him, Love approached her and reached towards her chest, to which she moved away from and his hand hit her shoulder instead, the student said. 

The victim returned to her co-workers and they accompanied her to the car. The man later came running up and grabbed her chest. Her co-workers then alerted campus police.

The suspect was identified as a 25-year-old Marcus Love who was arrested and charged with indecent assault, said UHPD. 

The court records show Love has three prior convictions this year for theft of less than $2,500. The documents connected to those cases refer to him as homeless. 

However, Love appeared to be well-groomed and did not immediately stand out as someone who did not belong on campus, the victim said. 

Love is confirmed to not be affiliated with UH as a student or an employee. 

“The University of Houston is committed to the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff,” said a University spokesperson. “As a public, state-supported institution of higher education, our campus is open to the community we serve. However, being a public campus does not mean we tolerate individuals who violate the law.” 

UHPD officers have also issued a criminal trespass warning prohibiting Love from lawfully returning to campus property, UH spokesperson said. 

The student believes campus security is good, but urges students and staff members to report any suspicious behavior, according to the article. 

“We continuously evaluate and adjust our security measures — including physical security infrastructure, technology and active officer patrols — to maintain a safe environment for everyone while fulfilling our mission as a public university,” the spokesperson said. 

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"BREAKING: Sophomore groped on first day of class, suspect arrested" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

UH is set to launch a new peer mentoring program, Cougar Peer Undergraduate Mentoring Program, aimed at connecting incoming students with current students who can provide support, campus knowledge and guidance as they transition to college. 

The initiative is led by the Division of Student Affairs and will begin from Sept. 3 with a kickoff event from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom. 

“Student mentorship has played a vital role in my own life and development,” said Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Donell Young. “I have seen firsthand how meaningful mentorship can be in helping students grow, build confidence and navigate their college experience.”

The program is in collaboration with Mentor Collective and partnering with the Academic Affairs Center, the Bauer College of Business and several Division of Student Affairs departments, including the Center for Student Empowerment, Veteran Services, University Career Services and Student Housing and Residential Life. 

The University has recruited 500 peer mentors for the program’s first year. Cougar PUMP is expected to serve approximately 3,000–5,000 incoming students each year. 

“In addition to helping new students adjust to life at UH, mentors gain valuable experience themselves, including volunteer service hours, leadership and communication skills, résumé recognition, expanded campus and professional networks and professional development opportunities,” said a university spokesperson.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"UH launches peer mentoring program to ease transition for incoming students" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

With commuters making up 85% of the UH student population, a well prepared backpack can make the difference between a stressful day or a successful one.

Phone, laptop charger

College schedules can be unpredictable which could lead to a student spending more time on campus than originally planned.

To avoid accidentally running out of battery during an important lecture or while hanging out with friends on campus, come prepared with the wires that give your devices life.

Rain coat, umbrella

Among other things, Houston weather is never known to be perfect. What can look like a sunny day in the morning can quickly turn into an afternoon shower.

Bringing proper weather gear can help students get from once class to another across campus. 

Sweater, jackets

Although the heat seems never ending, the classrooms and lecture halls of UH can pose a different picture. The rooms tend to get very cold, which can ultimately lead to distraction and feeling uncomfortable.

Bringing a light jacket or sweater to classes can help students stay warm during unpredictable temperatures.

Water bottle

Hydration is especially important during commuting and long college days. It plays a key role in maintaining brain function, sleep quality and mood – factors that make or break a day on campus. Keeping a water bottle or thermos in a student’s commuter bag can promote health and well being.

As the school year begins, commuters may often find themselves juggling a lot at once. By packing smart (and light!) students can ensure they enjoy their time on the UH campus. 

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Commuter backpack: Essential items to bring" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

UH broke its freshman enrollment record, topping 7,000 new freshmen for the first time in its history and marking the third consecutive year of record freshman enrollment. Completed freshman applications also hit a record high of almost 39,000, an increase of 12% from last year.

4,100 new transfers also arrived this fall, and new graduate enrollment is up 6.5% from last year. The Honors College is welcoming 750 new students.

Outside of Texas, the top states sending freshmen to UH are California, Louisiana and Illinois and most new international freshmen are coming from Vietnam, Canada and India. 

The colleges enrolling the most new students are the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Cullen College of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and the C. T. Bauer College of Business.

Merit scholarships awarded to new undergraduate students increased 18% from last year and are up 51% since 2024.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"UH breaks freshman enrollment records with over 7,000 new freshmen" was originally posted on The Cougar

Isabel Bustos/The Cougar

Freshmen often struggle in their first semester of college because they aren’t aware of the academic expectations their professors set. Research indicates that students who aren’t fully aware of their professors’ expectations tend to have low academic performance. 

Here is a list of behaviors that professors expect from students:

Be independent

Freshmen should not expect the level of repetition and handholding they might have been exposed to in high school. 

In a college class, instructors want students to learn new facts, new ways of thinking and to learn semi-independently based on the written and oral materials presented to them, said assistant professor of psychology Ben Tamber-Rosenau.

“You are ready for more advanced work or you would not be here and continued handholding undermines your development of the learn-to-learn skill that will serve you through college and the rest of your life,” Rosenau said.

Review the syllabus

Some strongly recommend that students review the syllabus for each of their courses and map out the dates for exams, major assignments and projects. 

Mapping their syllabuses out helps students identify weeks that may require extra study time and allows them to plan ahead rather than feeling overwhelmed when deadlines approach, said psychology professor Heather Dial.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

If a student has a personal issue that is affecting their work and attendance or they find themselves struggling with a course’s content, then professors strongly recommend that students reach out to them or their teaching assistant. 

Dial suggests that students who are having difficulties with their course attend their office hours. If they are unable to attend the scheduled office hours, then they should email their professor to arrange a time that works for both of them. 

Since professors teach a lot of students, they may not realize or remember to check in on a specific student, so it is important that students take the initiative to reach out to their instructors, said English professor Alix Zachow. 

“A lot of instructors are willing to work with students if they know there’s something else going on that’s affecting attendance or work quality but you need to inform them of that and continue to communicate with them about it,” Zachow said. “One email and then ghosting is not the method you should have when that sort of thing is happening.”

Build consistent study habits

Various professors appreciate students who diligently keep up with their studies. It is highly recommended that students dedicate two to three hours a week to studying, in addition to the standard hour of class. Instead of committing to a single, lengthy study session per week, students can review their course material daily in smaller chunks. 

“I encourage students to set aside a little time each day for studying, even when they do not have an immediate assignment due,” Dial said. “Consistent study habits can make a significant difference in their understanding and retention of course material.”

Do the assigned reading

Students today tend to read a lot less of the assigned reading than students used to; that accounts for most of the struggle that students have, Rosenau said.

It may be long and tedious, but doing the assigned reading before class can reveal what topics students do and don’t know. Rosenau suggests that after the assigned reading, students should write any questions about difficult problems down so they can be prepared to ask about them in class. 

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Remember that in college, making mistakes is how students learn. 

“Mistakes are not the end of the world,” said accountancy and taxation professor Michael Newman. “If you make one, learn from it and move forward – don’t beat yourself up over something that is, at that point, in the past.”

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Back to School: Here’s what your professor wants you to know" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston fans representing blue during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas, | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

UH has announced some new improvements to TDECU Stadium and its game day experience over the summer. 

UH announced these changes to the stadium after several responses from Cougar fans wanting more out of their game day experience. After hearing those suggestions, Houston gave a list of upcoming changed that will become staple for a Cougar game day experience. 

One of the big things to come out of the list is a new change to the student section’s location, which will now have additions to the level 100 part of the stadium. This is the closest the students have been to the field and it will be great to see the student section closer to the team. 

The student section will now expand to the visitors side of the stadium, adding sections 132 and 133. This change will give Houston a better home-field advantage and allow Houston to have more visibility for those watching the game at home. 

The Spirit of Houston will also be moving to section 137 as a way to improve the sounds and sights in the stadium, adding on the to gameday experience. 

Houston is also planning to add new programs that allow fans to get closer to the team and tailgate together, creating memories that last a lifetime. Not only will this allow families to engage with the team, but it will also allow fans to meet up easier and make friends faster.

One of those programs is a newly reformed Shasta’s Kids Club that will have benefits for those that come to TDECU as a familiy. The program will add a reenergized kids zone that will be nearby one of the improved tailgating areas.

Another new program that UH will be adding this upcoming season is the Coogs Unlimited Gameday Experiences, where fans can purchase exclusive gameday experiences that will allow closer contact with the Houston football team. The program will have behind-the-scenes opportunities, but more information on that will be coming out near the start of Houston’s season.

These changes will go into effect during the 2026 season and onward, with many promising events happening at all of the upcoming home games. Houston will kick off its season against Oregon State at home on Sept. 5 and these changes will definitely enhance the game day experience.

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Know everything about the new improvements coming to TDECU stadium this fall" was originally posted on The Cougar

UH is known for many things: one of the nation’s top entrepreneurship programs, a diverse student body and a nationally recognized basketball team. Unfortunately, being known as a safe campus isn’t one of them.

Campus safety remains a major concern for new and returning students. UHPD reported an aggravated robbery Aug. 12, just days before students were scheduled to move into campus housing. The incident followed three reported robberies during the spring semester. 

For many students, incidents like these raise the same question: If the university has invested in additional officers, cameras and patrols, why do so many still feel unsafe?

A presence without reassurance

This concern has surrounded campus for years. In a Reddit post dating back to 2024, a user who identified themselves as a UH student said they saw little change in campus security despite a string of reported crimes. The user claimed that after requesting a late-night security escort, no one arrived for 30 minutes, ultimately leaving them to walk to their car alone.

The student wrote that the experience left them questioning whether the university was doing enough to protect students and, for the first time, made them feel afraid to walk across campus at night.

That experience highlights a larger issue with campus security. Having officers, emergency call boxes and escort services available is important, but those resources mean little if students don’t feel they can rely on them when they need help.

The problem isn’t necessarily a complete lack of security. Anyone who regularly walks around campus has probably seen UHPD vehicles or security officers patrolling. 

The disconnect comes from seeing that presence every day while still receiving alerts about robberies and other crimes in the same places where students are supposed to feel protected.

Of course, no university can prevent every crime, especially on an open campus in the middle of a major city. Expecting UHPD to be everywhere at once would be unrealistic. 

But students should be able to expect a timely response when they request help and greater transparency about what is being done when the same safety concerns persist semester after semester.

Safety is a shared responsibility

While precautions like walking in groups, staying aware of one’s surroundings and using security escorts are useful, campus safety cannot fall solely on students. There is only so much someone can do to protect themselves when the environment around them doesn’t feel secure.

UH has made investments in campus security and that shouldn’t be ignored. But the continued concerns among students show that simply having security measures in place isn’t enough.

Students don’t need the impossible promise of a crime-free campus. They need security resources that respond when called, preventative measures they can actually see working and transparency about what changes after something goes wrong.

A university should be a place where students worry about getting to class on time, passing an exam or finding a parking spot, not whether they’ll make it back to their car or dorm safely.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

--
"Security without safety: UH students deserve better" was originally posted on The Cougar

Nina To/the Cougar

University of Houston football is currently No. 23 in the 2026 preseason AP Top 25 poll. The Cougars are officially recognized by The Associated Press as a preseason-ranked team for the first time since 2022 and the 13th time in program history.

AP college football polls released its first preseason college football poll in 1950. Preseason rankings are determined by a panel of roughly 60 to 70 sports journalists who cast votes based on team statistics recorded from the previous season. Head coach Willie Fritz has also been recognized by the American Football Coaches Association Poll, with Houston ranked No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

In the 2021 season, Houston finished 12-2 (8-0 AAC) with 502 points. Quarterback Clayton Tune threw for a total of 3,546 yards and 30 touchdowns. The team averaged 413.9 yards and 35.9 points per game.

The Cougars went undefeated in conference play at 8-0 for the second time in program history and for the first time since 2011. Houston won 11 consecutive games during the 2021 season, advancing to the AAC championship game against No. 4 Cincinnati.  

Houston capped off that year with a 17-13 victory over Auburn in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, securing the third 12-win season in program history. Tune was named the MVP after throwing for 283 yards and two touchdowns.    

Other key players that season included wide receiver Tank Dell and running back Alton McCaskill. Dell was selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Under head coach Willie Fritz, Houston improved by six wins from 2024. The Cougars concluded the 2025 season with a record of 10-3 (6-3 Big 12). 

That same year, Houston celebrated a 38-35 victory over LSU in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Conner Weigman threw four touchdown passes, tying the previous Texas Bowl record set by Patrick Mahomes in 2015. 

Senior quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 25 touchdowns and recorded 2,705 passing yards. Senior wide receiver Amare Thomas totaled 966 yards with 12 touchdowns. Weigman and Thomas will continue their careers with Cougar football this season.

Houston football will open its regular season against Oregon State at 11 a.m. Sept. 5 at TDECU Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. 

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Cougars return to Preseason Top 25 for first time since 2022" was originally posted on The Cougar

The Board of Regents gathered for the August meeting, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar

The UH System Board of Regents met on Aug. 20 at the Hilton Hotel for its first meeting of the 2026-27 year. During the meeting, the regents discussed and approved upcoming cuts to the curriculum, introduction of new programs and updates on the Centennial Project.

Approved cuts to the curriculum 

The regents voted unanimously to approve the removal of 133 courses from the UH core curriculum. These cuts exceed the proposed 101 course cuts by 32. 

The courses were cut due to the passage of Senate Bill 37, which required all university systems’ boards of regents to create committees to review their curricula every five years and reject any courses that they don’t see as impartial or suited for workforce demands. 

After the review and subsequent comments from faculty, the core curriculum now has 147 core courses, said general counsel member Dona Cornell 

The University created its own framework for evaluating each of its 280 core courses, which states that a core class must be foundational and fundamental, prepare students for civic and professional life, equip students for the workforce and ensure knowledge that warrants accreditation. 

Cornell explained that if a core course fails to satisfy all four of the University’s criteria, it would no longer be a part of the core curriculum. However, the course would still be available for major or general elective requirements. 

Students who spoke at the meeting argued that courses being cut will lead to them being dissolved in the future. 

“Think about our George Washington, who fought for our nation, our MLK, who helped desegregate the system or our Rosa Parks, who chose not to stay silent,” said Vice President of SGA Ian Kariuki. “10 years from now, as a student, if I see a class that does not align with my major or minor, I will be less likely to take it, leading to classes being removed.”

Other students in the meeting claimed that the removal of certain core courses undermines the diversity and independence of the student body. 

“The system is treating students like we are mindless drones; it is important to remember we are independent thinkers deserving of  quality education and we deserve classes that represent the rich diversity of our campus, city, nation and world,” said anthropology and history senior Haylee Snyder. “According to section two, the board is responsible for protecting intellectual exploration and freedom; by cutting classes from the curriculum, how is the board fulfilling their obligations” 

Professors who spoke at the meeting expressed their frustration, claiming that educators are being excluded from the decision-making process in favor of faculty and administrative leaders.

“Curriculum needs review, I certainly don’t deny that, but this is supposed to be a conversation among educators,” said director of classical studies Richard Armstrong. “It is ironic that after summer, when everyone is talking about Christopher Nolen’s “Odyssey,” we see that a course that deals with a hero like Odysseus is no longer foundational enough for the core curriculum.” 

Frustration from professors came not only from an educational view but from the sight of government interference in education as well.

“This summer’s actions have proven me naive and now force me to recognize that our leadership bends to the whims of politics,” said English professor Maria Gonzalez

New programs

 UH-Clear Lake will inaugurate a Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Geographic Information Science and Cartography beginning spring 2026. 

The degree will offer an interdisciplinary hybrid program for students to analyze, manage and visualize spatial data using industry-standard GIS technologies, as stated by the board. 

UH will induct a Ph.D. in engineering data science and AI in spring 2026. The board stated the program was designed after research scientists identified AI and data-related careers as high-demand and high-wage occupations. 

Despite the new programs, two graduate certificates will be closed due to low demand and minimal student engagement: C.T Bauer College of Business business advisory and internal audit, as well as oil & gas accounting.

Centennial master plan

Alongside the Centennial Construction Project,  the University is also planning to construct a new pavilion in the Centennial Plaza and a patio at Eric’s Restaurant to create more innovative social spaces. 

All centennial projects are set to be completed by spring 2027.

Other construction initiatives include a new dining hall to replace Moody Dining Hall. Located in the heart of the Housing District, the hall will have three floors, eight food venues, a covered outdoor patio and seating for approximately 800 guests. The building is projected to be finished by Dec. 2027. 

The University is planning to build an Innovation Hub, which houses the Dakri Center for Economic Inclusion and Aspire Institute. The hub is four floors and includes maker spaces, laboratories, and administrative offices and is planned for completion in Jan. 2028. 

Scheduled for May 2028, the University is building a dedicated space for the Hobby School of Public Affairs to replace the previous John M O’Quinn Law Library.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"UH Board of Regents cuts over 47% core curriculum: Professors, students voice frustration" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh and Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

From inconvenient detours to the disappearance of some of the campus’s most recognizable spaces, construction on UH’s campus is getting in the way of an ordinary college experience.

Between fenced-off walkways, constant noise and buildings hidden behind scaffolding, it’s becoming harder for students to experience the campus as previous generations did. While campus improvements are necessary, they come at the cost of the atmosphere that makes college feel like college.

A campus under construction

Construction for the Centennial Project began in June 2025 and is set to finish in May 2027. That’s almost two full years. Considering that the average college student earns their bachelor’s degree in four years, construction could make up nearly half of a student’s college experience. 

Frustration with the ongoing construction has become a common theme among students, but it isn’t new. In an April social media thread, students questioned how much longer the projects would continue, with one asking, “Is there a timeline for how long this will take? I’m hoping my entire time at UH doesn’t have construction.” Another user replied, “I’ve got some bad news for you.”

Construction has become an accepted part of campus life, but that doesn’t make it any less disruptive.

The college experience, interrupted

One of the most common and romanticized aspects of a college experience is simply walking around campus while enjoying the scenery. 

Now, instead of walking to class with a Cougar Grounds coffee and your favorite playlist, students navigate construction noise, fenced-off sidewalks and dust in the air.

The finished Centennial Project will undoubtedly improve the campus for future students. The frustration isn’t with the improvements themselves; it’s that many current students won’t be around long enough to enjoy them.

Ongoing work on University Drive, Centennial Plaza and Wilhelmina’s Grove will continue to reroute pedestrian traffic, with the main path shifting to the Lynn Eusan Park side and the primary Student Center South entrance temporarily closing. 

While another section of Centennial Plaza is expected to open in September, major construction is scheduled to continue through May 2027.

With so many walkways closed, students are forced to take lengthy detours, causing many students to rush to class or arrive late. 

The Houston heat only adds to the frustration; it feels like it’s 100 degrees outside most of the year. No one wants to walk more than they should just to get to a lecture. 

The beloved fountains

The Cullen fountains were a comfort spot for many students. It was normal to see students studying on the benches with the sound of the water in the background. They brought life and ambiance on the way to class. 

With them gone, there’s nowhere else on campus that captures the same atmosphere. One TikTok user commented “I loveeedddd eating with friends or crashing out here, no in between” on a video about the fountains. Many others in the comments under the video also shared their personal connections to the fountains.

While the fountains won’t be gone forever, it’s safe to say it’s frustrating to have a beloved part of campus unavailable.

More than a picture

Students graduating in 2026 and 2027 now have hardly any places on campus to take graduation pictures. 

Graduation pictures are a big deal for many students. They’re more than a social media post. They document the hard work and effort put into earning a degree. 

These undergraduates spend an average of 4 years balancing lectures, labs, organizations and, more recently, loud construction.

After all the dedication, they aren’t even able to fully take in their accomplishment. The interruption of construction on campus goes beyond the loud noise and orange caution tape.

The Centennial Construction Project will eventually leave UH with a more modern campus, but many of today’s students will graduate before they ever get to enjoy it. For them, construction won’t just be part of campus; it will be part of their college memories.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

--
"Construction is changing the college experience" was originally posted on The Cougar

Students explore Cougar Kickoff during weeks of welcome, Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/ The Cougar

The first week of classes is always one of the busiest, yet calmest, parts of the semester. Between syllabus week, adjusting to a new routine and meeting new people, those first few days set the tone for the months ahead.

Amid all the craziness, one of the most valuable things students can do is find a place to get involved. Whether that’s Greek life, a club tied to your major or an organization centered around a hobby, joining something outside the classroom can make a huge difference in college experience and future opportunities. 

Thankfully, UH has no shortage of options. With more than 600 student organizations, there’s truly something for everyone. If that sounds overwhelming, that’s exactly why Cats Back exists. 

Held during Weeks of Welcome alongside events like Cage Rage, CougarCon and RecFest, the two-day event brings hundreds of organizations together in one place, making it one of the easiest ways to discover what campus has to offer.

During Cats Back, student organizations fill the Student Center, giving students the chance to meet members, ask questions and learn about everything from academic clubs to cultural organizations and Greek life.

Finding your place at UH

While many students think of Cats Back as a freshman event, it shouldn’t be. If you’re a first-year student looking for your community or a senior looking to get more involved before graduation, it’s never too late to find an organization that matches your interests.

If you’re not sure what you’re interested in or want an idea of which orgs to look for, UH offers a quiz that students can take based on their interests, which narrows down the best-fit organizations and gives you a better idea of what to look for when attending Cats Back. 

In the day-to-day, between classes, work and other responsibilities, it’s easy for students to forget or deem being part of an organization unimportant. In reality, it’s important to be part of something bigger than yourself, to have responsibilities that give back to your community or interests and to put your skills to good use.

If you’re a commuter, an organization can give you a reason to stay on campus a little longer and get to know classmates beyond the classroom. If you live on campus, it can be the push you need to leave your dorm, try something new and take advantage of everything the university has to offer.

Organizations also offer students opportunities they might not find elsewhere. Whether that’s leading a team, planning events, volunteering, networking with alumni or simply finding people who share your interests, those experiences often become just as valuable as the classes you’re taking. They build confidence and create memories that last long after graduation.

That’s why Cats Back is one of the most important Weeks of Welcome events you can go to. Even if you don’t end up joining an organization that day, walking around, asking questions and exploring what’s available could lead you to opportunities you didn’t know existed.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

--
"Cats Back: Kicking off the semester" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

UH now ranks No. 52 in this year’s Global University Visibility rankings, up 15 spots from last year. In the “Public Interest” metric, which measures domestic and international search interest in a university, UH ranks No. 6 in the world, behind only Boston University, Brown, UCLA, USC and Oxford.

The GUV rankings include 193 countries and are intended to study which universities command the most global attention. Data points include social media, website visitors and video views.

The University attributes its rise in the rankings to the strength of faculty research, academic success and post-graduation accomplishments by students and to the achievements of UH Athletics. 

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"UH rises to No. 52 in Global University Visibility rankings" was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh / The Cougar

This morning, at approximately 8:18 a.m., UHPD responded to a robbery report at the Metro bus stop #11474 located at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Wheeler Avenue, on the west side of the street, near College of Optometry. The incident occurred almost two weeks before campus reopens for the fall 2026 semester. 

Three suspects involved in the incident were observed leaving campus on foot. All suspects were Black males, between 17-20 years of age.

The first suspect was wearing a grey hoodie and light grey pants, the second suspect was wearing a red t-shirt and dark-colored pants and the third suspect was wearing a black t-shirt and light-colored pants, with long dreadlocks. 

No weapons or vehicles were reported at the scene, according to UHPD. 

Students were notified of the incident through UH Alert system at approximately 10:17 a.m. and are encouraged to be alert and cautious of their surroundings.

This is a developing story and The Cougar will continue to report on it.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"BREAKING: Robbery reported at Metro stop near College of Optometry" was originally posted on The Cougar

Gauraangi Gupta/ The Cougar

Hello to all the incoming freshmen! Welcome to UH! Before anything, let me congratulate you on this incredible achievement. Maybe you don’t hear it often, but I know it wasn’t an easy task.

It might seem super confusing and overwhelming right now, but don’t worry, I promise it will get better. I’ll speak from my experience and help you make sense of things a little bit. After all, I am still learning too. Rest assured, the next four years of your life will be the best ones!

I came to UH as an international transfer student from India in 2023. I was scared that I’ll be all alone on a big campus. However, I instantly felt a connection with UH because of how welcoming it was.

That’s exactly how I found my way to The Cougar, to my people. I started as a staff writer and now, this is my third year working as your Editor in Chief. I recently graduated with a major in marketing and will now pursue a master’s in marketing.

College has truly been the best part of my life. It changed me in ways I didn’t even imagine. Over the past three years, I learned a lot of new things and even unlearned a few. My biggest takeaway is to savor every moment, even the bad ones. Believe me, you will end up learning from each one of them.

I tried to make as many friends and connections as I could. However, I also made sure to find “my people” I call them “My board members.” These are the top three people you can always go to anytime, share your problems, achievements and even mistakes with. They can be anyone, your family, roommates or classmates.

College gives you the opportunity to explore and find your true self. You’re free from “parental guidance” and need to start making your own decisions now. Start trusting your instincts. Believe in yourself! Now, considering you’re only human, you’re bound to make mistakes. Don’t let setbacks discourage you.

Think of them as learning experiences. They are important for character development and actually make you realize how you’re not some kid in high-school anymore. You are now a soon-to-be professional, changing and shaping this nation for the better.

Build your own path and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid of what people will think. From my experience, other people are way too busy navigating their own lives. Dream big and chase your dreams. This is the time. If you realize engineering isn’t the right major for you, that’s okay. Pursue whatever your calling is because switching your major is easier than pondering on a “what if” for the rest of your life.

Whether it’s academics or hobbies, explore as much as you can. UH offers over 500 organizations for students. Attend events organized on campus. It’s a great way to get involved and just get the vibe of college life.

Lastly, UH is a great school, and I say this not because I am a student, but because it provides you with life changing opportunities whether it’s the facilities, resources or just support. It’s built on resilience and a community so strong that you will never feel alone.

Take inspiration from the ones who left their legacy behind at UH. You’re a Cougar now, so take pride in it. Wear the Scarlet Red and Albino White with pride at games, yell “Go Coogs!” with your Cougar Paw up at every chance you get, take thousands of pictures, spend time at The Den and soak in every second of your college life.

The best part of your life is only beginning!

editor@thedailycougar.com

--
"Letter from the Editor: Welcome to adulthood! You’re gonna love it" was originally posted on The Cougar

Hailey Nguyen / The Cougar

Texas has always been known for its hot summers. Long days by the river, sweat-soaked afternoons and jokes about frying eggs on the pavement have become routine for us. 

We expect the heat, but what we didn’t anticipate is the record-breaking heat returning every summer. The mugginess is lasting longer, nights are staying warmer and all-time highs continue to break. 

It’s no longer just “normal Texas weather.” It is part of a larger pattern.

The hidden cause

Climate patterns have always fluctuated, but today’s extreme heat is becoming increasingly common. Texas is feeling these effects firsthand as summer temperatures reach dangerous levels frequently.

Even though weather patterns play a natural role, scientists agree that human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are driving heat waves to be more severe. One of the newest contributors to rising energy demand is artificial intelligence.

Often unnoticed by many of its users, AI has become a part of everyday life. Businesses rely on it to increase productivity, students utilize it to brainstorm ideas and millions of people use it to generate images.

What users may not realize is that every prompt is processed in massive data centers that consume enormous amounts of electricity. As a result, AI facilities require volumes of water for evaporative cooling to keep their servers operating smoothly.

Although AI is not the sole cause of climate change, it is certainly expanding the world’s carbon and energy footprint.

As tech companies race to build the newest model and add new features, energy demand continues to grow. In Texas, data centers are being built rapidly, placing additional strain on the state power grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, powered by fossil fuels.

Finding innovative solutions

AI is marketed as the future that helps people work faster and solve complex problems. Although true, the infrastructure supporting the technology carries high environmental costs that are often overlooked. 

As companies race to develop the next generation of AI, they must prioritize new technologies to help conserve energy and reduce its environmental impact. Investing in renewable microgrids and waterless cooling systems for their data centers could help reduce unnecessary strain on the environment and transition toward clean infrastructure.

Without cleaner, more efficient infrastructure, AI’s continued growth could contribute significantly to climate change. As AI’s energy demands continue to grow alongside other sources of emissions, the consequences become increasingly visible in Texas.

The ecological toll

These extreme temperatures extend far beyond discomfort. They affect almost every part of our daily lives. 

Outdoor workers face the greatest risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Those with medical conditions become more vulnerable during these prolonged heat waves. Even healthy individuals experience dehydration, fatigue and respiratory problems as high temperatures coincide with poor air quality.

Recovering from these long summer days has also become more difficult as nighttime temperatures continue to rise.

Instead of cooling off overnight, many remain trapped in dangerously high temperatures, causing continuous stress on the body. For families without reliable air conditioning or struggling with rising electricity costs, these conditions become more than inconvenient, they become a direct threat.

Wildlife is also at risk. Unlike humans, they cannot simply escape to air-conditioned buildings. As water sources shrink, droughts intensify and animals struggle to find basic resources. 

Fish populations can decline as shallow lakes and rivers become too warm. Pollinators face habitat loss and heat stress, threatening the ecosystems that depend on them. Even native Texas species adapted to the heat are being pushed past their limits.

The environmental effects create a chain reaction. When wildlife begins to struggle, ecosystems become more fragile. Predators lose prey, plants lose pollinators and landscapes become more prone to wildfires and droughts. 

What may start as another hot summer can quickly reshape entire ecosystems.

Choose action

It is true that Texas has always experienced extreme weather, but the difference today is the intensifying frequency of these events. Records are being challenged every year, no longer just every few decades. 

Scientists have warned for years that climate change would result in longer, more frequent heat waves and that has already become our reality. We complain about the heat, but actually addressing it requires government action, corporate responsibility and individual compliance.

Making sustainable choices like supporting environmentally responsible businesses, advocating for clean energy alternatives and recognizing that new technology comes with environmental trade-offs is a good place to start.

Texans have become resilient to the heat, but that should not mean accepting dangerously hot summers as routine.  AI isn’t solely responsible for these changes, but its rapidly growing demand for electricity highlights the difficult balance between technological progress and environmental sustainability.

The rising temperatures are a clear warning. It’s no longer just another hot Texas summer. It is evidence of a world that demands attention before today’s record-breaking climate becomes tomorrow’s baseline.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

--
"Texas heat is changing, AI is part of the reason" was originally posted on The Cougar

Navigating the UH campus means knowing who to go to in times of need. There are various networks to ensure the safety and wellness of all students.

Counseling and Psychological Services

An immediate support crisis line is available through Counseling and Psychological Services at any time. CAPS is open for in-person consultations at the Health 2 office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and anyone can contact them if they are concerned about another student. They can be reached at 713-743-5454.

Additionally, CAPS provides one-on-one counseling for students seeking personal growth, coping strategies for emotional distress or a deeper understanding of their well-being. 

Group therapy is available for those who want to participate in ongoing groups during the academic semester, allowing students to learn new ways to cope, behave and interact with others. 

Couples counseling is provided by CAPS for those who are having issues with their romantic partner or if the relationship issues are the main source of the student’s unhappiness. A counselor will be able to observe and help shape the way the student and their partner interact for the better, in terms of communication and behavior patterns.

UH Care Team

In cases of broader academic, behavioral or emotional distress, the UH Care Team will step in to provide proactive community support. The team assesses students through online referral forms.

Sexual Misconduct Support Services

Staff members at Sexual Misconduct Support Services assist students with confidential advocacy. They are located at Student Center South Room 256 and can be reached at 832-842-6183. SMSS helps students with emotional support, safety planning and understanding the reporting process.

This confidential resource supports those who have been impacted by any form of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking and intimate partner violence.

University of Houston Police Department

Physical and transit safety is provided by the UH Police Department, located on 4051 Wheeler Ave. with a substation located in the Welcome Center. Students can report crimes directly through the UHPD portal or by calling 713-743-3333.

For those feeling unsafe while walking, UHPD provides security escorts to accompany students to their start and end destinations on campus.

Cougar Ride

Cougar Ride is an after-hours transportation service. They will provide rides to and from all campus shuttle stops, as well as the MD Anderson Library, Cougar Village and Moody Towers.

Their operational hours are Monday through Thursday 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Students can access Cougar Ride through the UH GO app.

Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

Bringing all these distinct emergency and safety divisions together, Stay Cougar S.A.F.E is a digital platform. The campus-wide initiative is an online hub to connect all students to direct UHPD’s Fire and Life Safety, Office of Emergency Management, Environmental Health Safety, Automotive and Fleet Management and Risk Management. 

Through the website, students can find a quick link to all the emergency call boxes across campus. Additionally, the hub contains a link to Bikeep, for information on registration and locking student bikes.

Student Health Center

For the quickest way to care in everyday life, the Student Health Center is located in the Health 2 building. The doors are open to routine check-ups, well-woman exams, mental health support and prescriptions.

The Health Center can be reached at 713-743-5151 and the pharmacy at 713-743-5125.

A.D. Bruce Religion Center

For students seeking spiritual guidance centered on their well-being, the A.D. Bruce Religion Center provides spiritual support for diverse faith traditions.

news@thedailycougar.com

--
"Staying safe on campus: Know your resources" was originally posted on The Cougar

Houston Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson thanks students and fans after an NCAA college men’s basketball game on Wednesday Mar. 4, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Houston has had a successful year when it comes to athletics. From the football team securing its first bowl win since 2022 to the Women’s Golf team advancing to the NCAA golf tournament for the first time in their history, Houston has produced several notable storylines.

This past offseason for the athletics department has also seen tremendous growth in the recruiting classes for the many sports Houston plays, as talent from across the nation has started taking note of the Cougars’ recent accomplishments. With this new wave of success, Houston may be a top-tier destination for athletes in the coming years.

When looking at next year’s rosters for the Cougars, many talented seniors and players have left Houston for bigger opportunities, with most reaching professional leagues like the NFL and the NBA. With these players leaving Houston, what does next year have to offer for Cougar fans?

Men’s Sports

Several men’s programs have either improved drastically or have had many players return from their previous seasons. For example, the Houston football team is coming off a bowl win from their 2025 campaign and has retained many of their underclassmen in the process. 

The Houston men’s basketball team has seen the same success, as many players from last year’s March Madness tournament have returned to support the Coogs in their 2026 season. Many of these players have reasons to keep playing in Houston, and that is what is providing roster continuity.

Besides those two sports, Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field have had major success in their own area, qualified for NCAA postseason competition, with CC attending the South Central regional in 2025 and T&F attending the NCAA Championships.

Lastly, baseball and golf have had interesting seasons so far. Baseball was projected to be one of the better teams in the Big 12, but ultimately fell apart midway through the season, ending any chance of playoff hopes. After their last season’s performance, Houston opted to get new head coach Will Davis, replacing former head coach Todd Whitting.

As for golf, they have remained consistent despite some early challenges at the beginning of their season. They have reached their respective regionals for the sixth season in a row, but lost the Director of golf and head coach Jonathan Dismuke to retirement. 

The golf department has since found a new head coach with Andrew Danna, with Danna becoming the eighth in Men’s golf history. With a new head coach in Houston golf, we have yet to see if the championship consistency will remain at Houston.

Women’s Sports

The women’s athletics department has had some ups and downs this year, with many sports having great seasons while others fell apart after many missed opportunities. 

Starting with the basketball team, their season ended early after a poor postseason performance in the Big 12 tournament. Despite this season’s challenges and disappointments, head coach Matthew Mitchell has made some big moves in the transfer portal and in recruiting, bringing in talent that can change the entire trajectory of women’s basketball in Houston.

Unlike the past two sports, the Women’s golf team in Houston has had an all-around amazing season. In their first season at the NCAA Championships as a team, they finished 20 overall against many of the biggest teams in golf. 

Lastly, the tennis team in Houston has also made some big achievements in their season, as they won against many in the conference. However, when the postseason came along, the tennis team failed to make any progress and ultimately lost in the first round of the Big 12 tournament.

Both of these teams have lost their head coach, with tennis hiring Valeriya Zeleva and golf hiring Rachel Pollock. These new hires could potentially change the game in Houston, and it won’t be long until the Cougars make waves in college athletics.

What’s next?

With all of these moves in the athletic department, many fans of the Cougars remain hopeful for an amazing new year in sports. Some of these rosters have begun anew and have to prove themselves in their respective areas, while most have time to improve themselves from their previous year in sports.

With 2026 coming closer each day, Houston has a lot to be hopeful for in the next year of athletics.

sports@thedailycougar.com

--
"Turning the page: Houston’s next chapter in college sports" was originally posted on The Cougar