Construction has become a familiar sight on campus as students begin the new school year. The University is cur- rently undertaking nine different construction projects to build new fa- cilities and update older ones. While the construc- tion hopes to improve Uni- versity buildings, it also is a source of problems for students navigating their way across campus. “We do know that the construction can cause the students, faculty and staff to have to change their usual routes to get to buildings on campus,” said Laurie Lentz, manager of Communica- tions for University Opera- tions. “But we do believe that once the construction is done, they’ll be very pleased with the results.” The Engineering Educa- tion Research Center will be over 400,000 gross square feet upon completion in 2017. The building is be- ing constructed on between San Jacinto Boulevard and Speedway, next to Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall. “I think it’s great,” me- chanical engineering fresh- man Cesar Urueta said. “It’s awesome that the Uni- versity is investing into the program that I’m in. I feel honored that I get to use the building for a long time dur- ing my career at UT.” Robert B. Bowling Hall is being constructed on the corner of Guadalupe Street and MLK Boulevard. When the building is completed by summer 2017, it will be over 200,000 square feet and host the Mc- Combs School of Business’ graduate program. Andres Bustamante, a sup- ply chain management soph- omore, said he is impressed with the improvements being made to his college. “For me, as a McCombs student, I’ve been so pleased with what they’ve offered me,” Bustamante said. “The programs they offer there are just extraordinary, so for them to build a new facility where you can go as a grad student is just awesome.” Upgrades to the Dell Medical District are also occurring, as construction of the Health Discovery Building and the Health Transformation Building are With the biggest freshman class in UT’s history trying to get ac- climated to college, sui- cide is of special concern this year. Suicide is the second- leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 19, fol- lowing accidental deaths and preceding homicide, the Center for Disease Control reported. Marian Trattner, the suicide preven- tion coordinator at the Counseling and Mental Health Center, said first-year students could be at higher risk for depression and suicidal thoughts. “I think college is super exciting for stu- dents, but it can also be a really stressful time,” Trattner said. “Espe- cially for a first-year student, you’re learning all about the college ex- perience, but you’re also learning how to live on your own for the first time and not under your parents’ wing.” Gustavo Molinar, a teaching assistant for the CMHC’s Peer Education program, offered tips for students who sense problems with their friends or roommates. “We tell students that you never put the idea [of] suicide into their head,” said Mo- linar, a psychology and health and society se- nior. “Tell your room- mate or friend that you’re there if they need it, and tell them about the mental health cen- ter and the crisis line.” Molinar said the stig- ma that still surrounds BUILDINGS page 21Wednesday, August 31, 2016@thedailytexanfacebook.com/dailytexanServing the University of Texas at Austin community since 1900dailytexanonline.com bit.ly/dtvidSPORTS PAGE 6COMICS PAGE 7LIFE&ARTS PAGE 8UNIVERSITYUniversity construction continuesBy Paul Cobler@paulcoblerSTUDENT GOVERNMENTSG holds first assembly meeting of yearMary Pistorius | Daily Texan StaffStudent government meets for their first meeting of the semester to discuss budgets and new staff apppointments. Their budget proposal met unanimous approval. A UT sorority has recently gone viral for a videoPAGE 3An Iranian prison has released a UT student PAGE 3NEWSTexas voters should reject Trump’s isolationism. PAGE 4Young Thug’s album cover pushes gender norms. PAGE 4OPINIONMalik Jefferson prepares to take on leadership rolePAGE 6Texas basketball’s key non-conference matchupsPAGE 6SPORTSRapper Common spoke and rapped for UT students. PAGE 8Motivational movies help students kick off semesterPAGE 8LIFE&ARTSTeaser would go here and then we would give them a Teaser would go here and then we would give them adailytexanonline.comONLINEREASON TO PARTYPAGE 7By Paul Cobler@paulcoblerASSEMBLY page 2CAMPUSNative American group shares culture, heritageBy Courtney Joyner@courtjoy42NAIC page 2CAMPUSNew club unites LGBT graduate studentsZoe FuDaily Texan StaffThe Queer Graduate Stu- dent Alliance promotes com- munity across queer graduate students and their allies. The organization held its first Meet and Greet Tuesday evening. By Ryan Prokell@rprokellQGSA page 2CAMPUSUniversity promotes suicidepreventionBy Sarah Philips@sarahphilips23SUICIDE page 2Student Government held its first general assembly meeting of the year Tuesday, approving the budget as well as laying out plans for the coming year. The first meeting of the 110th session included de- scriptions of the executive committee’s seven platform points and an amendment to the Student Government Code of Rules and Proce- dures that aims to increase the organization’s outreach. Mental health support, sexual assault awareness, campus safety, student health and wellness, fed- eral relations, student spirit involvement and campus inclusion are the execu- tive committee’s platform points they hope to push this semester. “All seven members of the executive board each have taken a policy area that we are each going to work with for the next year,” said chief of staff Isaiah Carter, a government junior. “We think that the best way to achieve all of them is to delegate them.” Kevin Helgren and Binna Kim previously ran on five platform points but have increased that number to seven in order to address more concerns, Carter said. “As chief of staff, I’m go- ing to be working on cam- pus safety the entire year,” Carter said. “Safety was something that happened because we got sworn in right after the tragedy on campus, so obviously safety became a priority.” The budget for the vari- ous committees and orga- nizations within SG, as well as for student organization appropriations was ap- proved unanimously by the body. “Student Government has a budget graciously given to us by the University of al- most $100,000,” said internal financial director Jonathan Harper, a finance and Plan II senior. “We went item by item and cut out about 30 to 40 percent of the items that were requested in terms of the monetary amount. We UT’s Queer Graduate Stu- dent Alliance hosted its first Meet and Greet at Gabriel’s Café on Tuesday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Established by several graduate students and staff members in April of this year, QGSA promotes community across the UT campus for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans- gender, queer and question- ing graduate students and their allies. The QGSA is an agency of UT’s Graduate Student Assembly. “QGSA was founded with the purpose of creating a community in which queer graduate students at UT could feel comfortable and welcome,” said Willis Brown, the president of the newly- formed organization. The alliance organizes social events and other rel- evant programming to pro- vide graduate students with the opportunity to connect with members of the LGBTQ community outside of their colleges. GSA is an advocate for graduate and professional student needs on the 40 Acres and serves as the official voice of UT graduate students. “It’s nice to have an umbrella organiza- tion to unify all the differ- ent graduate school LG- BTQ organizations,” said Four Directions, the Native American and Indigenous Collective’s annual welcome program, took place on the Main Mall on Tuesday night. NAIC, a division of the Multicultural Engagement Center, is an organization geared towards creating an open space for students who identify as a Native Ameri- can, indigenous or are curi- ous about those cultures. “What we do mostly is we interact with the com- munity,” NAIC co-president Yasmeen Davila said. “We try to bring the students in so they can learn about Native American issues and indigenous issues.” Davila, a history junior, said last night’s events were specifically geared toward new students on campus. “[Four Directions] is about visibility, and it’s about in- teracting and trying to get Native American and indig- enous first-year and transfer students to know that there are campus resources that are specifically for them and that they’re not by themselves that it’s an identity that they can claim,” Davila said. Luis Carcamo-Huechante, associate professor of Span- ish and director of Native 22NEWSWednesday, August 31, 2016Main Telephone(512) 471-4591Editor-in-ChiefAlexander Chase(512) 232-2212editor@dailytexanonline.comManaging EditorJacqueline Wang (512) 232-2217managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.comNews Office(512) 232-2207news@dailytexanonline.comSports Officesports@dailytexanonline.comLife & Arts Office(512) 232-2209lifeandarts@dailytexanon- line.comMultimedia Office(512) 471-8618multimedia@ dailytexanonline.comRetail Advertising(512) 471-1865advertise@texasstudentme- dia.comClassified Advertising(512) 471-5244classifieds@ dailytexanonline.comCONTACT USVolume 117, Issue 16TOMORROW’S WEATHERHighLow8465That’s why you gotta learn to cauterize your own wounds. COPYRIGHTCopyright 2016 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics, both in the print and online editions, are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission. The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. If we have made an error, let us know about it. Call (512) 232-2217 or e-mail managingeditor@ dailytexanonline.com. Zoe Fu| Daily Texan StaffJesus maintains the Wedgewood Condominiums in West Campus by clearing leaves on Tuesday morning. FRAMES featured photo thedailytexanQGSAcontinues from page 1ASSEMBLYcontinues from page 1mental health issues stops people from wanting to talk about it. He said next month’s Suicide Prevention Week will help with this. “It will help in the sense that students will really know that suicide preven- tion exists on campus,” Molinar said. “Some people think it’s a very taboo topic to talk about.” Suicide Prevention Week will kick off on Sept. 24 with a Kick Back Against Stigma kickball tournament. The CMHC offers coun- seling for students who need help and has a 24/7 crisis line students can use. Trattner said more than 5,000 students come to the center over the course of the year, and about 120 students see someone at the center weekly. “I know it can be very in- timidating to hit the fifth- floor button in the [Stu- dent Services Building], but students are not alone,” Trattner said. “We see thou- sands every year.” Nursing freshman Kelsey Bergman said she already knew about the CMHC when she was given infor- mation about student ser- vices on campus during orientation. She said she is glad the resource exists for students. “I’ve been to the Univer- sity Health Services build- ing, and the staff there is amazing and so helpful,” Bergman said. “If a person I knew was struggling, I would definitely encour- age them to seek help, and I would offer to go with them if they were scared.” On the other hand, An- jana Menon, international relations and global studies freshman, said she didn’t know the center existed but would still utilize its servic- es now that she knows. “I didn’t know we have [a] mental health counseling center on campus, but I’m glad I was made aware,” Me- non said. “So many people struggle with mental health issues without others know- ing, and it’s comforting to know we have resources nearby to provide support.” Mechanical engineering freshman Jacob Tam said he found the idea of walking into the center intimidating. “I know there is men- tal health counseling on campus, but it would seem intimidating to go,” Tam said. “If I saw one of my friends struggling, I would encourage them to go, but I wouldn’t force them.” SUICIDEcontinues from page 1scheduled to be completed by summer 2017. There are also plans for roadway restoration and sidewalk improvements scheduled to begin in the spring, Lentz said. The new tennis center will also begin construc- tion in March and finish in early 2018. The center will be com- posed of 12 tennis courts, bleachers and several additional buildings. Lentz said the con- struction is seen across campus as the University provides upgrades to the in- dividual schools and colleges within it. “It’s kind of a process of merging the needs of the individual schools with vi- sion of the campus as a whole,” Lentz said. Welch Hall is also having its teaching and research laboratories refurbished. Lentz said work on the 1929 wing is finishing up soon and work on the 1978 wing will start next summer. Lentz said the University hopes by placing resources into the infrastructure of the campus, students’ overall experience will improve. “The emphasis is re- ally on providing the very best education by creating the best research oppor- tunities and opportunities to collaborate and places to do that,” Lentz said. “The idea is to provide the best possible educa- tion and a positive overall experience on campus.”. By from page 1Emmanuel Briseño | Daily Texan StaffYolanda Palomares (center) speaks to the crowd after her, Yatiri Cohaila (left) and Diana Barragan (right) sang Native American spiritual songs on the steps of the tower Tuesday afternoon. Permanent StaffEditor-in-Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alexander ChaseAssociate Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benroy Chan, Mubarrat Choudhury, Michael Jensen, Emily VernonManaging Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie WangAssociate Managing Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Hix, Iliana StorchNews Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forrest MilburnAssociate News Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ellie BreedNews Desk Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Claire Allbright, Anusha Lalani, Catherine Marfin, Jasleen Shokar, Audrey ZhangSenior Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Cobler, Katie Keenan, Sarah Philips, Van NguyenSenior Investigative Reporter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brianna StoneLife&Arts Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elizabeth HlavinkaAssociate Life&Arts Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cat Cardenas, Katie WalshSenior Life&Arts Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chris Duncan, Lisette OlerSports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ezra SiegelAssociate Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyler HorkaSenior Sports Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Claire Cruz, Shane Lewis, Sydney Rubin, Michael ShapiroScience&Tech Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eva FrederickAssociate Science&Tech Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zia Lyle, Kate ThackreySenior Science&Tech Reporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lawrence Goodwyn, Julianne Hodges, Freya PreimesbergerForum Editors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leah Kashar, Jordan ShenharSenior Columnists . . . . . . . . . Alyssa Fernandez, Laura Hallas, Noah M. Horwitz, G. Elliott Morris, Janhavi Nemawarkar Copy Desk Chief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nicole FarrellAssociate Copy Desk Chiefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Natalia Ruiz, Kasey Salisbury, Colin Traver, Michelle ZhangDesign Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kelly SmithAssociate Design Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth JonesSenior Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sammy Jarrar, Megan McFarren, Lillian MichelPhoto Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joshua GuerraAssociate Photo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stephanie Tacy, Daulton VenglarSenior Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emmanual Briseno, Juan Figueroa, Zoe Fu, Gabriel Lopez, Mary PistoriusVideo Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monica SilverioSenior Videographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corey Cave, Maria Luisa Santos, Jane ZengComics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lex RojasAssociate Comics Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Victoria SmithSenior Comics Artists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tiffany Hinojosa, Albert Lee, Audrey McNay, Jaqueline TovarSocial Media Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrea LiuTechnical Operations Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jun TanPodcast Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lillian MichelEditorial Adviser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter ChenTexan AdDeadlinesThe Daily Texan Mail Subscription RatesOne Semester (Fall or Spring) $60.00Two Semesters (Fall and Spring) $120.00Summer Session $40.00One Year (Fall, Spring and Summer) $150.00To charge by VISA or MasterCard, call 471-5083. Send orders and address changes to Texas Student Media, P.O. Box D, Austin, TX 78713-8904.8/28/16This issue of The Daily Texan is valued at $1.25The Daily Texan, a student newspaper at The University of Texas at Austin, is published by Texas Student Media, 2500 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78712. The Daily Texan is published daily, Monday through Friday, during the regular academic year and is published once weekly during the summer semester. The Daily Texan does not publish during academic breaks, most Federal Holidays and exam periods. News contributions will be accepted by telephone (471-4591), or at the editorial office (HSM 2.120). Entire contents copyright 2016 Texas Student Media. Monday .............Wednesday, 12 p.m. Tuesday.................Thursday, 12 p.m. Wednesday................Friday, 12 p.m. Thursday.................Monday, 12 p.m. Friday......................Tuesday, 12 p.m. Classified Word Ads 11 a.m. (Last Business Day Prior to Publication) Business and Advertising(512) 471-8590 | advertise@texasstudentmedia.com Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gerald Johnson Business/Operations Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Serpas III Advertising Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .Emily Cohen Assistant Advertising Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colten Crist Account Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tim Bauer, Brady Beal, Rene De La Mora, Celeste Schurman Student Account Executives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . Spencer Beltran, Jonathan Clement, Sam Uzzell Product Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . .Stephen SalisburyIssue StaffReporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Joyner, Ryan ProkellLife&Arts Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mae Hamilton, Charles Liu, Henry YouttColumnists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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Jenah Taha .RECYCLEyour copy ofBUILDINGScontinues from page 18/31/16really wanted to find events and make sure they hap- pened, but areas that could be cut out, like T-shirts, we cut out.” Student Government agencies and student orga- nizations are encouraged to raise their own funds on top of those they are allocated by the budget, Harper said. “Certain organizations excel at raising funds and are more well known than others, while some need the Student Government funding to accomplish their events,” Harper said. “So we allocate on a needs base as well.” Assembly Bill 5 was approved unanimous- ly increasing the num- ber of executive staff positions from three to 16. Communications director Colton Becker said the in- crease in permanent positions to his executive staff will allow SG to be more transparent and reach out to a broader number of students. “I wanted to make Stu- dent Government more efficient and effective and allow us to communicate with the student body in a way that is reflective of us being the official voice of the student body,” said Becker, a nutrition junior. “I restructured the posi- tions that were there in order to make communi- cations a machine and to also create a lasting legacy so when the next commu- nications director comes in, instead of starting from scratch, they’re already on a path to greater and bigger things.” Elizabeth Elsen, interim director of the Gender and Sexuality Center at UT. “The GSA does a great job oversee- ing this unification.” Brown said the organiza- tion values the idea of a grad- uate school LGBT community and intends to push initiatives beneficial to this community while fostering discussion and dialogue both within and out- side of the organization. The group plans on bringing in outside speakers and hosting different meet and greet events this fall as it continues to grow and expand. “It’s definitely going to be an organic organization,” Brown said. “We plan on try- ing different things this fall and figuring out what works with regard to scheduling and what doesn’t.” Laura, a first-year law stu- dent, first heard of the orga- nization earlier this week and plans on attending its hosted events this fall. “It’s nice to have a forum to meet and mingle with new people who are in a similar situation,” Laura said. “The QGSA provides a great way of meeting graduate students outside of your college.” Pharmacy sophomore Kar- en Ayma said she is glad there’s an LGBT organization dedi- cated to providing graduate students additional resources which help them achieve their goals. “It’s so important to be able to network and connect with people who can understand the unique position of being queer in advanced academ- ics, and I would love to learn more about the organization,” Ayma said. American Studies, said the organization’s purpose is to build a community focused on Native American and indigenous culture. “[We want] to provide a space for members of the faculty and members of the student community to study the languages, culture and history of Indigenous people at UT-Austin,” Carcamo- Huechante said. The event, which included face and rock painting, infor- mational tables and poetry by the student organization Spitshine, was successful in drawing in students from outside the organization, said Emily Oertli, a civil engi- neering senior who attended the event. Oertli is not a member of the organization but said she is interested in cul- ture and is glad NAIC pro- vides a space for students to learn about the Native American community. Jasmine Bell, psychology junior and director of Spit- shine, said she hopes those who attended Four Direc- tions will be inspired to embrace their culture. The featured poems often include personal narratives about de- colonization, or the undoing of colonialism. “Decolonization is a very relevant theme in a lot of indigenous peoples’ lives,” Bell said. “Even though none of our performers are indigenous, we have also grappled with similar ex- periences that involve de- colonization, and I think it’s important to show how dif- ferent marginalized people can share a connection while still recognizing each have a unique experience.” UT-Austin’s Center for Mexican American Studies will host the 45th annual Linguistic Association of the Southwest conference, a three-day event from Sep- tember 15–17, which high- lights Mexican-American culture and language. LASSO focuses on re- searching and understand- ing the characteristics of language in the southwest- ern U.S. region, especially among the Mexican-Amer- ican community. This will be the University’s first time to host the event in 25 years, after hosting the con- vention in 1981 and 1991. John Morán González, director of the CMAS, said several of the speak- ers at LASSO conference study the effects of indig- enous languages in the area and how they affect Mex- ican-American identity and culture. “The conference will help us understand the differ- ent ways that this region’s populations … employ lan- guage to claim distinct yet related communal identi- ties,” González said. The conference theme, “Living Language in the Southwest,” allows for key- note speeches and panels on endangered languages, said Juan Colomina-Almi- ñana, assistant professor of Mexican American and Latino studies. “[It is] important … to focus our attention on the ways that the different Mexican-American speech communities perform their identities and express their attitudes and ideologies through language, and how we as linguists can scien- tifically and formally ap- proach these issues employ- ing quantitative as well as qualitative methodologies,” Colomina-Almiñana said. Nicole Guidotti-Hernán- dez, department chair of Mexican American and Latina/o Studies, said Mexican-American language communities in Texas de- serve the attention LASSO helps provide. “A conference like LAS- SO provides researchers a forum to discuss Mexican- American language com- munities, a topic vital to Mexican American Stud- ies, in conjunction with Indigenous language revi- talization and endangered languages, also areas of interest in MAS,” Guidot- ti-Hernández wrote in an email. Speakers at the event include professors and re- searchers from around the world presenting abstracts for papers on topics includ- ing Navajo poetry, sexism in the Spanish language and the science of bilingualism, González said. “I hope that everyone attending the conference can learn more about the cutting-edge research in Mexican American studies that CMAS sponsors for the intellectual benefit of the campus and Austin com- munities,” González said. Iranian government offi- cials released Omid Kokabee from state prison Monday, giving the former UT gradu- ate student “conditional freedom” while he serves out the rest of his 10-year sentence, according to state media reports. On Monday, Iranian me- dia outlets reported Kokabee, who had been imprisoned in his home country since 2011, had been released by the country’s judiciary. Kokabee was previously released under medical leave in April to treat his deteriorating health and diagnosis of kidney cancer. Kokabee’s release comes months after UT System Chancellor William McRaven and UT President Gregory Fenves authored a letter urg- ing authorities to release him in light of his condition. “During his time study- ing on campus in the phys- ics department, Mr. Kokabee was a valued member of our academic community and a promising young scholar,” McRaven and Fenves wrote. “At the University, we are very concerned about his impris- onment and now life-threat- ening health condition.” UT staff, faculty and fellow students have been actively following Kokabee’s impris- onment and health condition. Student Government com- munications representative David Maly, a journalism se- nior, said he sponsored a res- olution that passed in the last assembly backing up the letter from Fenves and McRaven. “He was already released on medical leave, but it’s [now] more freedom than what he had before,” Maly said after Kokabee’s release. “I hope that he can come back to UT soon and just pick up right where he left off with studying — it’s clearly what he’s passionate about.” In an open letter, Kokabee said he was being imprisoned after refusing to contribute to the Iranian government’s military research. “There’s the whole reason of why he was in jail in the first place,” Maly said. “Ac- cording to him, it … seemed like an unfair reason for him to be in jail at all.” Santiago Rosales, speaker of the assembly, said Maly’s resolution was approved with “full support” of his release at its last meeting. “We’re very relieved to see that the Iranian government has let him go,” said Rosales, a finance and economics ju- nior. “Though he’s on parole, hopefully he’s able to continue pursuing his passions.” The Student Engineering Council will host its an- nual UT Austin Engineer- ing EXPO on September 7 and 8. The event, which will be held at the Frank Erwin Center, will allow more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate engineering students to showcase their talents to over 300 compa- nies, including Amazon, AT&T, Capital One, Ford Motor Company, General Electric and Microsoft. Marco Heredia, a chemi- cal engineering senior and president of the council, said he has attended the event for the past three years, and has high hopes for the 2016 EXPO. “I am hoping to get to know companies a bit bet- ter and get a sense of their culture,” he said. “I per- sonally put a lot of value in company culture when recruiting, because the people and working envi- ronment are actually more important to me than the day-to-day work I would be doing.” Returning Longhorns also pop up at the event, looking to recruit more po- tential employees from the 40 acres. “It’s always exciting to see all the UT alumni who are now recruiting UT stu- dents on behalf of their companies,” chemical en- gineering senior Daniel Sullivan said. “They often share advice and stories about how their experience at UT helped them reach their current career path.” With numerous compa- nies at the event, Sullivan said students come hop- ing to put their best foot forward and leave a good mark on companies for potential employment. “As someone who is in- terested in the consumer- products side of chemical engineering, I’m looking forward to talking with PepsiCo, Johnson & John- son, and Anheuser-Busch, among many other compa- nies,” Sullivan said. The EXPO will host a wide range of companies from many different fields, giving engineering stu- dents plenty of options for what tables to visit. “The CIA, NSA, and San- dia National Laboratories are all names that stand out to me when skimming the company list,” Heredia said.“I find it really cool that these type of agen- cies come to UT Austin and are looking for engi- neers to help them fulfill their missions.” The council will also host a golf tournament for engineering students at the Lost Creek Country Club and a senior reception for graduating seniors on Sep- tember 6 to give students time to mingle with poten- tial employers while not at the event, Heredia said. The EXPO, which is the second-largest student-run career fair in the nation, has been going for more than 30 years. The EXPO committee is a group of 25 engineering students selected each year to plan the event. “The EXPO Commit- tee deserves a lot of praise for how well the career fair has gone in the past, and how I am sure it will go this year as well,” He- redia said. “I find it amaz- ing that students are able to put on such an incred- ible event and that often gets lost in the madness of it all.” W&N 3Name: 4893/Future Search Trials; Width: 29p6; Depth: 5 in; Color: Black, 4893/Future Search Trials; Ad Number: 4893NEWSWdnesday, August 31, 20163CAMPUSStudent Engineering Council to host annual expoCourtesy of SEC Expo CommitteeEngineering students meet with industry leaders at the 2015 UT Austin Engineering EXPO, photo courtesy of the SEC Expo Committee. WORLDIranian officials release imprisoned UT studentBy Forrest Milburn@forrestmilburncampus, overall improve. is re- the very creating oppor- opportunities places said. provide educa- overall campus.” CITYMexican-American conference comes to UTBy Forrest Milburn@forrestmilburnBy Lawrence Goodwyn@Tyler_GoodwynCAMPUSAPD arrests suspects on Guad for traffic, theft-related chargesBy Claire Albright & Jenan Taha@thedailytexanAustin Police Department officers arrested two men for theft at the intersection of 24th and Guadalupe streets on Tuesday afternoon. The two unidentified men were arrested for an outdat- ed traffic warrant and theft under false pretext, accord- ing to APD officials. “They were pretty much trying to pawn an item … for not what it was,” APD officer William Costell said. “In this case, they were sell- ing a fake stereo.” The stereo in question was not actually functional, Costello said. After APD received a call at 3:15 p.m. about the inci- dent, officers arrested the two around 4 p.m. in front of Big Bite and Pipes Plus, where APD officials towed and impounded the truck owned by the two men, ac- cording to employees at both businesses. From the arrest war- rants and call, Costello said it seems as if the two men were called in after driving around the West Campus area attempting to sell the nonfunctional stereo set. “If someone else has bought an item down in that area and it turned out not to work or not func- tional or not be what they thought it was, they can call the police and file a report,” Costello said. It was not clear whether the two men are UT stu- dents at the time of the ar- rest, Costello said. voice body,” said junior. posi- there in communi- and to legacy commu- comes starting from already greater and When attending the first day of college, students may be overwhelmed by the grand size of classrooms with some seating over 200 students. The obstacles that are present with the larger classroom size begin to affect the aca- demic success of students due to the increase in distractions and the decrease in the ability to have intimate professor-student interac- tions. Students should look into taking small- er classes, but when that is not a feasible op- tion, they should look into ways to make their large classes feel small. A landmark study in 1978 showed that as class size decreases, achievement increases and significant benefits begin to emerge as class size falls below 20 students. A more recent 2008 study showed test scores were lower in larger classes. With this, smaller classes seem to provide a more successful learning environment. Lynda Gonzalez, journalism and Latin American studies graduate student and TA, believes that smaller, seminar-style courses or lab sections create a space that encourag- es greater participation compared to larger lecture classes. “Some factors about large classrooms might hinder [students’] success in the sense that it’s easy for a student to go unnoticed in a large sea of people,” Gonzalez said in an email. “This setting doesn’t hold students accountable for actually paying attention in class. In the long run, these are crucial inter- personal skills that students need to have de- veloped by the time they graduate.” While a large classroom has the ability to hinder a person’s success, students still must learn the abilities to cope with them. “As a former high school teacher, I had students specifically choose to go to smaller universities because they wanted all of their classes to be small, but in the long run, they might miss out on building public speak- ing skills for addressing larger audiences,” Gonzalez said. In many cases, class size is not the key to a student’s success. Rather, an “engaging, or- ganized and approachable professor makes the biggest difference regardless of the class size,” Caroline Covington, journalism gradu- ate student and TA, said. While some people may argue that de- creasing class size will be coupled with an increase in financial expenditures on behalf of the institution in order to employ more professors to meet the proper student-teacher ratio, it’d be worth it. The academic success of the students will reap the benefits caused by this change, and the overall learning pro- cess will be improved. It is almost inevitable that students at some point in their college career will be placed into a large class. To overcome this, Kyser Lough, journalism graduate student and TA, suggests making an effort to sit closer to the front, not feeling shy about asking questions during class and taking advantage of office hours to remove the barriers that hinder stu- dent success within large classes. When walking into your introductory bi- ology class, don’t become overwhelmed by the massive size of the lecture hall — rather, overcome the size by utilizing smart tools to make the large class feel small. Lassmann is a journalism freshman from League City. As a stark contrast to his violent Slime Sea- son 3 album cover depicting an eye stab wound, Young Thug’s cover art on his new album, No, My Name is Jeffery, has sparked a new contro- versy due to his featured attire: a dress. The rapper is seen standing proudly in an Alessan- dro Trincone evening gown topped with a hat resembling a white toothpick umbrella. Young Thug’s bold cover, which dropped alongside nine new tracks on Aug. 26, is a stab at gender- ing clothing, and it is a notable and productive contribution to a social justice movement that is only recently becoming mainstream. Proponents of de-gendering clothing are starting to appear less radical as their move- ment is accumulating visibility from celebri- ties like Young Thug, a dominant voice gain- ing influence in a hip-hop community that often prides itself in being hyper-masculine. At an album viewing party at YouTube’s head- quarters, Young Thug asked his audience, “This is crazy, right?” This is not his first time ignoring gender stereotypes; the rapper has previously ap- peared in dresses, skirts and crop tops. While it may seem “crazy” to the mainstream media and rap consumers, Young Thug is harness- ing shock value and straying from conformity to appeal to a larger audience. “Young Thug is working within the tradi- tion of [his predecessors],” said William Mos- ley, an African diaspora studies Ph.D. candi- date who focuses on queer and feminist issues within African-American culture, “but he is showing this can be a successful aesthetic on a national level.” Mosley explained there are two types of opinions concerning “what is acceptable for black, presumably straight men to wear.” So- ciety is starting to become more understand- ing of queer issues by seeing more than a bi- nary. However, there is a “hangover [of the idea] that masculinity has a set standard.” This causes the public to assume a figure like Young Thug is gay because he appears in a dress, initiating a “disregard [for] the level of artistic and stylistically creative ideas [he] is exploring.” Social progress is being made, but these types of “hangovers” are slowing the process. “Jeffery is his most significant piece of work up to date in terms of listeners,” Mosley said, noting the impact the album art will have on the movement due to its thousands of views. He explained there has been a tradition of gender bending within Atlanta-based rap culture, particularly “when it comes to black male rappers wearing women’s clothing.” While Young Thug is clearly not the first rap- per to break the unofficial hip-hop dress-code — Cee-Lo Green and Andre 3000 have ap- peared in womenswear — his political state- ment is relevant in a time when gender issues are in the national spotlight. In a time of national scrutiny of gender policing, especially regarding alleged threats to bathroom security, it is necessary for pop- culture influencers such as Young Thug to use their reach to expose their audiences to social issues. The rapper’s songs on the album itself are similar in style to his previous one; It is his cover art that differentiates what he is ac- complishing as an artist. Conservative legislators may continue to push a “two-gender, cis-only” stance on pub- lic policy such as North Carolina’s transphobic Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, but the demeanor of pop culture consumers will continue to change as more of their icons rise to advocate issues like gender non-conformity. Elkins is a journalism sophomore from Tyler. Throughout the 2016 presidential election cycle, Trump has advocated a return to what he calls “Americanism,” an ideology primar- ily characterized by decreased international trade and a general lack of cooperation with the global community. Texans have been quite receptive to this approach, but data il- lustrates that our state has largely benefited from policy that engaged more with interna- tional markets. Attempts to shield the nation from the forces of globalization would be par- ticularly harmful to our state. To foster a bet- ter future, it is important for voters to reach out to the international community. The past two decades’ turn from domestic production to the rise of maquiladoras (Mex- ican factories operated by foreign corpora- tions) and a consequent loss of industrial jobs throughout the state has left Texans feeling cheated by trade deals. However, the North American Free Trade Agreement that Trump paints as such a det- riment to middle and lower class employ- ment has actually created 190,000 jobs and netted $16 billion in profits in Texas alone. The oil and gas industries, in addition to the electronics and natural resources economic sectors, have benefited from increased inter- national trade. While many blue collar jobs may have nominally suffered, it’s clear that more open markets have yielded net positive results for the Texan economy — including Trump voters. So why has Trump been so successful in capitalizing on these voters’ qualms? Ac- cording to Michael Anderson, UT Austin government lecturer, “a lack of control” over the job market and international politics is a very real fear in American voters. “Global- ization [was] okay when the U.S. [was] di- recting it and [was] the unquestioned prime power,” but now that other players demand a seat at the table, Texans and Americans are not so eager to involve ourselves in global trade and affairs. It is by no means a black and white issue, but on the whole, globalization is a force for good. For the betterment of the Texan econ- omy, it is crucial that we continue promoting inter-connection and cooperation between states. Opposing free trade is not a viable op- tion, but to mitigate the negative side effects, voters should demand their governments provide larger safety nets. For UT students, the opportunities to fos- ter an exchange of ideas are limitless. Market- ing senior Sasha Parsons, representing the UNA-USA student group, encourages Long- horns to take advantage of language courses and resources at Clements Center, as well as Model United Nations activities. Doing so helps students “learn to deal with trade offs… listen well, and be empathetic to the interests of others,” qualities which will serve our gen- eration well at negotiation tables. Whether or not Texans are excited to be in- volved with the outside world, reality deems it increasingly necessary. Facing the fifth year of the Syrian conflict, a refugee crisis and countless other issues that were caused, at least in part, by global apathy, now is not the time to shy away from the rest of the world. Now, more than ever, is the time to confront global crises together. Audrey Larcher is an economics and Plan II freshman from Austin. 4 OPINION4ALEXANDER CHASE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | @TexanEditorialWednesday, August 31, 2016COLUMNTexans should reject Trump’s isolationismBy Audrey LarcherDaily Texan Guest Columnist @veg_lomeinInfographic by Kelly Smith | Daily Texan StaffOpposing free trade is not a viable option, but to mitigate the negative side effects, voters should demand their governments provide larger safety nets. COLUMNBy Anna LassmannDaily Texan Guest Columnist @annalassmannSome factors about large class- rooms might hinder [students’] suc- cess in the sense that it’s easy for a student to go unnoticed in a large sea of people. —Lynda Gonzalez, Journalism and Latin American studies graduate student and teaching assistantSmaller classes mean greater chances to succeedZoe Fu | Daily Texan file photoStudents watch a campus political debate in Welch Hall on October 13, 2015. While UT’s many large lecture halls make events like these possible, they also affect its academic experience. COLUMNBy Ethan ElkinsDaily Texan Guest Columnist @eeelkins97Young Thug attacks gender roles with album coverLEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the writer of the article. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees. SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to editor@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be more than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability. RECYCLE | Please recycle this copy of The Daily Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange newsstand where you found it. EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan Editorial Board on Twitter (@TexanEditorial) and receive updates on our latest editorials and columns. NO, MY NAME IS JEFFERY Head coach Charlie Strong is set for a crucial season in 2016. After going 11-14 over the past two years, the pres- sure is on for Strong to start showing results and turn the program around. The quarterback battle between freshman Shane Buechele and senior Tyrone Swoopes stole most head- lines throughout the sum- mer, but Texas must shore up another critical uncertainty: the team’s run defense. “We have to play physi- cal,” Strong said. “When you talk about playing physical, we have to win at the line of scrimmage. Last year, we weren’t able to stop the run, and you have to be able to stop the run.” The Longhorns struggled to plug holes up front last season. They gave up 219.2 rushing yards per game — the third most in the Big 12. Defensive coordinator Vance Bedford said he was embarrassed by the defense’s inability to stop the run in 2015. He said the coaching staff’s top priority this offsea- son has been to strengthen the struggling unit. “We were terrible last year,” Bedford said at Texas’ media day on Aug. 6. “As coaches, we are going to work hard. We’re going to put our players in the posi- tion to make plays.” Tackling issues highlight- ed Texas’ defensive woes in 2015. The front seven strug- gled to finish plays all sea- son while taking poor angles on running backs. And the unit’s inability to wrap up the quarterback when breaking through into the backfield gave quarterbacks more time to find open receivers. Sophomore linebacker Malik Jefferson said tackling has been an emphasis this offseason. He expects the unit to show improved fun- damentals this year. “Guys are running to the ball,” Jefferson said. “When you have all 11 guys running to the ball, somebody may miss a tackle but somebody else is going to be there. And we’ve been focusing on tack- ling a lot. We’ve been focus- ing on tackling a lot, espe- cially every day we do some type of circuit drills to make sure we got our techniques down. It’s been helping us.” Senior safety Dylan Haines echoed Jefferson’s confidence. He said the defense — which played several freshmen in 2015 — is more experienced this season. And he believes the extra experience will help. “This year we just come in with more confidence and preparation,” Haines said. “We have a lot of guys who got a lot of experience last year … those guys are not freshmen anymore.” The Longhorns hope their extra preparation pays off against Notre Dame on Sept. 4. The Fighting Irish were one of the most efficient rushing teams in 2015, rank- ing No. 8 in yards per carry with 5.6. Senior defensive tackle Paul Boyette Jr. emphasized he is not worried about the team’s issues from last sea- son. He said the team is ready to make a statement. “[We understand] what needs to be done to get the school back to greatness,” Boyette said. “Texas football is defense … we want to be re- membered for the 2016 season going out there and being one of the most physical defenses in the nation.” Name: CLASSIFIDES; Width: 60p0; Depth: 10 in; Color: Black, CLASSIFIDES; Ad Number: - CLASS 5HONORABLE ROOMMATE, 2-2, ARBORETUMOne to Three tobacco-free, marijuana-free and illicit-drug-free, alcohol-free or only-light-drinking gentlemen or ladies sought as my new roommates in my spacious, carpeted quiet 2-2 modern NW Austin apt. 2 blocks fr 983/982 Express Bus Stop. $1,275 total combined rent, plus utils, central air, modern refrig., electric stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, washer/dryer. Nicely landscaped complex, with balcony overlooking forested area from this unit. Perfect for grad student. I’m a former “Daily Texan” reporter and UT-Austin Alumnus. John 512-342-2295 or mcmillanj@att.net. Leave msg if not avail. ADVERTISING TERMS There are no refunds or credits. In the event of errors made in advertisement, notice must be given by 10 am the fi rst day of publication, as the publish- ers are responsible for only ONE incorrect insertion. In consideration of The Daily Texan’s acceptance of advertising copy for publication, the agency and the advertiser will indemnify and save harmless, Texas Student Media and its offi cers, employees and agents against all loss, liability, damage and expense of whatsoever nature arising out of the copying, print-ing or publishing of its advertisement including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees resulting from claims of suits for libel, violation of right of privacy, plagiarism and copyright and trademark infringement. All ad copy must be approved by the newspaper which reserves the right to request changes, reject or properly classify an ad. The advertiser, and not the newspaper, is responsible for the truthful content of the ad. Advertising is also subject to credit approval. Reduce • Reuse • RecycleBURNTX.COMON FACEBOOK BURNTXON TWITTER @BURNT_XCACTUSYEARBOOK.COMOn Facebook cactusyearbookOn Twitter @cactusyearbookdigest.texasstudentmedia.comDAILYTEXANONLINE.COMFacebook at dailytexanTwitter @thedailytexanKVRX.COMFacebook at kvrxaustinTwitter @kvrxWATCHTSTV.COMFacebook at texasstudenttelevisionTwitter @texasstudenttvReduce Reuse RecyclePART TIME CASHIER NEEDED at independent pharmacy in West Austin. Shift includes evenings and weekends. References required. Call Mark or Elizabeth. 512-478-6419EXPERIENCED SALES ASSOCIATE WHO LOVES DOGSDogstuff is looking to hire a part-time Sales Associate for our store on Research Blvd. (close to Burnet Rd). Dogstuff is a small family business specializing in gifts for dogs & dog lovers. We are looking for someone to help with several duties in the store approximately 20+ hours a week. 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On UT Shuttle & City Bus Route; near grocery/retail/food; locally owned and operatedCALL 512-423-6610 or visitwww.apartmentsinaustin.usSPORTSWednesday, August 31, 20165— he earned Big 12 Defen- sive Freshman of the year honors after amassing 61 tackles, seven of which were for a loss. Since his high school days, Jefferson has been able to lead by example with his play. He racked up accolades in Mesquite, including an invite to the 2015 Under Ar- mour All-America Game. But he still feels he can improve as a vocal leader. “I think I could have been [more] vocal last year,” Jeffer- son said. “I just think I didn’t put myself in that situation.” Senior safety Dylan Haines is a more vociferous player who isn’t hesitant to speak his mind. After get- ting blitzed 50-7 by TCU last October, Haines called out his team for “not pre- paring like [they] should be preparing.” But he wasn’t speaking of Jefferson. In fact, Haines said Jefferson seems poised to become a forthright player on top of being a natural playmaker. Jefferson isn’t pro- grammed to flaunt his ego, according to Haines. In- stead, he simply suits and lets his play do the talking — which Haines said marks a true leader whether Jeffer- son speaks up or not. “I think now he’s at that point where he’s comfortable being the face of the pro- gram,” Haines said. “I think everyone in the locker room respects him — you have to.” MALIK continues from page 6talented,” Gilbert said. “They’re coming off a re- ally highly successful sea- son. They’re going to carry some confidence.” The Notre Dame defense held Texas to 163 total yards — 103 passing and 60 rush- ing — in last year’s season opener. That trend contin- ued for a Texas team that finished 2015 ranked 92nd in total offense, prompting the turn to Gilbert in 2016. Gilbert looks to change narrative for Texas’ offenseTexas’ offensive coordina- tor spot has been anything but consistent over the past few years. Including Gilbert, four different offensive co- ordinators have called plays since 2013. Gilbert hopes to change that trend this season. He said he’s been count- ing down the days until opening night since he ar- rived in Austin. And he has seen the offense progress throughout his first eight months on the 40 Acres. “It’s been about work since our feet hit the ground here,” Gilbert said. “It’s been about installing an offense. It’s been about changing an attitude.” Whether the attitude has changed or not, Gilbert said he is confident that the team has developed enough to be successful on opening night. “What we’re going to wor- ry about is us,” Gilbert said. “If we take care of us, then at the end of the day, lay the chips on the table and they’ll fall where they’ll fall.” FOOTBALLBy Ezra Siegel@SiegelEzraTexas looks to shore up tackling, run defenseAmy Zhang | Daily Texan file photoTexas had the third-worst rush defense in the Big 12 in 2015, giving up 219.2 yards per game. This season, senior defensive tackle Paul Boyette Jr. will anchor the defensive line and play a key part for the improving unit. STERLINcontinues from page 6 Sophomore linebacker Malik Jefferson timed the snap perfectly. He flew past Notre Dame’s offensive line and laid a mas- sive hit on Fighting Irish running back Josh Adams, putting an exclamation point on his nine-tackle career de- but on Sept. 5, 2015. But Jefferson doesn’t fo- cus on his numbers from last year’s matchup. Nor does he hone in on the highlight hits he delivered. The team lost 38-3 against the Fighting Irish. And that’s the only stat Jefferson thinks about. “I know I had a lot of suc- cess that game,” Jefferson said. “But that didn’t mean anything to me. We still lost.” Though he said he tries not to talk about the past because he can’t do any- thing about it, he hasn’t forgotten the 35-point beat- down to the Fighting Irish. In fact, he said he still feels “bitter” about the loss, and he looks back at the film to make sure the outcome is different on Sunday. “I’ve watched it mul- tiple times,” Jefferson said. “Throughout the sum- mer, throughout the year, I watched that game because I knew it was important to me.” While last year’s Notre Dame matchup might be the cornerstone of Jef- ferson’s film study, it isn’t the only game he revisits. Jefferson said he’s a wiser player because of the extra time he spends watching game tape. “Film is super important,” Jefferson said. “We put in a lot of time as a team. I put in extra time just watching little things. That’s the key to the game.” Longhorn nation pushed Jefferson into the limelight before he even stepped on campus last year. Recruited from Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas, Jefferson came into the program as Texas’ most-touted recruit in the class of 2015 — he ranked as the top recruit in the state, according to 247sports. But Jefferson has handled the spotlight well, accord- ing to senior linebacker Timothy Cole. Cole has four career starts in four years to Jef- ferson’s nine in one, but the senior has been around long enough to know Jefferson is “wise beyond his years.” He said Jefferson doesn’t give outside buzz any consideration. “I don’t think he pays at- tention to all of that,” Cole said. “With success on the field comes [what] I guess you could call the fame outside the field. But his main focus is just winning football games.” Texas didn’t do much winning in Jefferson’s fresh- man year, compiling a 5–7 record. But it wasn’t for a lack of effort from Jefferson 6 SPTS6EZRA SIEGEL, SPORTS EDITOR | @texansportsWednesday, August 31, 2016FOOTBALLJefferson leads Texas defense by exampleSIDELINEJoshua Guerra | Daily Texan file photoLinebacker Malik Jefferson looks to make the transition from rookie to leader in his sophomore season. Texas will rely heavily on the defense to stop the Big 12’s high-powered offenses. FOOTBALLOffensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert will take the field to call plays at Darrell K. Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium for the first time on Sunday night. He met with the media Tuesday to discuss the team’s new of- fense and mindset heading into 2016. Gilbert set for first challenge as Texas’ play-callerGilbert has kept the same mentality at each stop throughout his career: He ex- pects to have a chance to win every game he’s involved in. “At the end of the day, ev- ery time that we get on the field, we’ll do what it takes to win,” Gilbert said. “You don’t ever know what exactly that’s going to be every time you step on the field. Whatever it takes for us to have one more than they have, that’s what we’ll do.” The Longhorns’ abil- ity to outscore their oppo- nents starts with Gilbert. If he calls the right plays, it’s up to the offense to pull through with points. Aside from focusing on his own players, an of- fensive coordinator must scheme around the oppo- nents’ strengths. Gilbert knows he will face a formi- dable defense Sunday. He said the Fighting Irish boast a stout defensive line and will pose plenty of problems for Texas’ offense. “Those guys are really good up front — they’re really MEN’S BASKETBALL The Longhorns faced a grueling non-conference schedule in 2015. The team topped UNC — who went on to appear in the NCAA title game — and faced four other eventual NCAA Tournament teams. Additionally, the Long- horns played four of their first five games overseas, with the season opener in Shanghai, China, and three games during the Battle for Atlantis in the Bahamas. But Texas’ non-conference schedule isn’t nearly as dense this season. The sched- ule features only three teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament last year. Still, there are several matchups to keep an eye on. Gilbert hopes to stabilize Texas offenseNon-conference schedule to test Longhorns earlyNov. 21–22: Legends Classic TournamentThe Longhorns will spend their Thanksgiving break this year in Brooklyn, New York, where they will compete in the Legends Classic tournament. The team will face North- western in the first round and either Notre Dame or Colorado in its second game. Both the Fighting Irish and the Buffaloes made last year’s tournament, with Notre Dame making a surprise run into the Elite Eight, but each also lost their leading scorer. Notre Dame’s Deme- trius Jackson joined the NBA and Colorado’s Josh Scott graduated. However, both squads still boast a considerable amount of veteran experience on their rosters and either team will test the Longhorns early. Dec. 6 at Michigan Texas will head to Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Dec. 6 with hopes to avenge last season’s 78-72 loss to the Wolverines. The Longhorns were blitzed early by a Michigan three-point barrage — the Wolverines sank 11 shots from behind the arc in the first half. This year, Michigan will be without the services of star guard Caris LeVert, who was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in June. But the team still retains four of its top-five scorers from last season and will test the Texas defense. Dec. 17 vs. Arkansas This year’s Lone Star Shootout in Houston will feature two teams, not including the Long- horns, from last year’s NCAA Tournament: Texas A&M and Arizona. But the Longhorns will face Arkansas, who had a chance to contend for the SEC title behind the play of senior center Moses Kingsley. The 6-foot-10 center was one of the top defensive players in the na- tion last season, ranking No. 2 in the SEC with 76 blocks. Kingsley also led his team with 9.3 rebounds per game and finished second on the team in scoring with 15.9 points per game; the numbers earned him second team All-SEC honors. The Longhorns will look to contain Kingsley when the two teams meet at the Toyota Center. Jan. 28 at Georgia This year’s SEC-Big 12 Challenge pits the Longhorns up against the Bulldogs. Texas has a record of 2-1 in the annual challenge since its inception in 2013, with two wins over Vander- bilt in 2013 and 2015 and a loss to Kentucky in 2014. Georgia has only competed once in the challenge and fell 83-73 to Baylor last season. The Bulldogs seek to make it back into the NCAA Tournament after missing out in 2016, and they brought in some much-needed talent. According to 247sports, Georgia picked up the No. 35 recruiting class — their best since 2011. The team hopes to pick up a signature win over the Longhorns, while Texas looks to steal a road win in Athens, Georgia. MALIK page 5STERLIN page 5By Tyler Horka@TexasTy95MLBMARINERS RANGERS ATHLETICS ASTROS “Man I am excited for this weekend. The start of college football and the start of a special season! #Believe” Trey Holtz@TreyHoltzTOP TWEETTODAY IN HISTORY1990Ken Griffey Sr. played his first game for the Seattle Mariners, making him and Ken Griffey Jr. the first father-son duo to play on the same team. Former Texas athlete earns coaching jobTexas promoted former Longhorn and volunteer coach Wyatt Collins to a full-time position as an assistant men’s swimming and diving coach Tuesday. Collins replaces associate head coach Kris Kubik, who retired in July after 34 seasons with the program. “It truly is an honor and a dream come true to con- tinue working with this great university and amaz- ing program,” Collins said. “There is, without ques- tion, no combination of people who could replace [Kris Kubik]. I genuinely cherish the time he gave to me and this program, and I look forward to his continued support.” Collins swam one season for Texas after transferring from Bos- ton University, where he competed for two years. He graduated from Texas in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in history and was a two-time member of the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll. For the past three years, he assisted the Longhorns with workouts and video analysis to cor- rect stroke mechanics. He also helped head coach Eddie Reese with on-cam- pus recruiting and took care of meet entries and team travel. “Wyatt did outstand- ing work as our volunteer coach the last three years,” Reese said. “He has an excellent mind as a swim- ming technician, has built an excellent rapport with our team and has been an important part of our recent success. Wyatt de- serves this opportunity and I’m happy to have [him] on my staff.” —Claire CruzSPORTS BRIEFLYBy Shane Lewis@theREALsplewis By Tyler Horka@TexasTy95 Today’s solution will appear here next issue SUDOKUFORYOU 8 9 4 4 1 2 6 9 8 4 2 3 4 2 5 6 8 1 4 6 7 2 4 6 1 4 1 2 7 3 6 8 9 4 6 1 7 5 2 8 9 37 8 9 1 4 3 6 5 22 5 3 6 8 9 7 1 45 1 8 3 9 4 2 7 63 7 2 5 1 6 9 4 89 4 6 2 7 8 5 3 18 3 4 9 6 7 1 2 51 2 7 8 3 5 4 6 96 9 5 4 2 1 3 8 7Today’s SUDOKUFORYOU 9 3 7 1 4 6 1 7 5 2 8 9 37 8 9 1 4 3 6 5 22 5 3 6 8 9 7 1 45 1 8 3 9 4 2 7 63 7 2 5 1 6 9 4 89 4 6 2 7 8 5 3 18 3 4 9 6 7 1 2 51 2 7 8 3 5 4 6 96 9 5 4 2 1 3 8 7COMICSWednesday, August 31, 20167 Hip-hop artist Common visited the Hogg Audito- rium on campus yesterday. He talked with The Daily Texan about his recent proj- ects, his Chicago roots and his basketball prowess. The Daily Texan: Within the past few years, you’ve shifted toward acting. What prompted that decision? Common: In 2000, I re- leased Like Water for Choco- late and it was my best re- ceived album up to that date. I was really looking for some- thing new to do creatively. I was listening to all this differ- ent music — Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Radiohead — but there was still something out there that was pulling me. I went to acting class because I knew acting was another form of art I could do that I might be passionate about. But once I went to class, I realized I was passionate about it. As I continued to be excited about going to class, I [knew] I had to pursue this. For a while, I wasn’t as enthused about creating music. Some things just hit you in your soul and you don’t even have to think about doing it. That’s how I feel about the new project I’m doing called “Black Ameri- ca.” That’s how I’ve felt about some of my music before like Like Water for Chocolate, Be or Resurrection. They just had an energy to them that was really inspired. DT: You grew up in Chi- cago, which you said in your book is something that’s “in your blood.” How did your childhood there affect your career? C: I grew up in a black neighborhood in Chica- go. I got to experience all these different colors, being around people that did have money being around people that didn’t have money. I was introduced to some as- pects of life that gave me a sense of who I was, a sense of pride, a desire to progress and help others to progress. I relate to the struggle and don’t look down on people that don’t have [things]. In fact, those are the people I want to connect with and do more for. Chicago gave me that foundation. The people I grew up around, my friends, family — that’s who Common is. Even though I’ve evolved and seen other things in the world, I’m rooted in God and love and Chicago and family. DT: What advice would you give to students who might have similar artistic endeavors? C: If you are really pas- sionate about it, pursue it. Do it with the expectation that if you put all your heart and soul into it, you will get exactly what you’re supposed to get out of it. Don’t think, “I’ve been doing this for three years and I still don’t have a record deal, I still haven’t made it in my first film” and think that’s the end of the story. [It] had to be at least seven or eight years from when I first wrote my rap to when I first got heard on a national scale. When you truly love something, you have to remember that it’s one of your purposes. Don’t be afraid to have one thing you love and still find other things that you love. Know that it will be a journey, and the end destination is for you to just reach that greatness within yourself. DT: I heard you’re not too shabby on the basketball court. Which NBA players could you beat one-on-one? C: I’m just going to be in my dream world for a sec- ond: I could beat Steph Cur- ry, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Lebron, D-Wade, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. “What race are you?” the questionnaire reads above a set of yet unmarked boxes. White. Black. Hispanic. For many people, this re- quires just another stroke of the pen, but for audiology freshman Karis Paul, there’s a little more to it than that. Growing up in El Paso — where the population is ap- proximately 80 percent His- panic — Karis, the daughter of an Indian father and a half- Irish, half-Austrian mother, found acceptance in a town that exudes racial diversity. However, Karis was seen as white, leaving her uncertain of her identity in a nation that didn’t allow people to check multiple boxes in the census’ race category until 2000. “My situation was nothing that I was very aware of until I got a little older,” Karis said. “I would tell people I’m Indian, and they’d be like, ‘What? Are you serious? Show me a pic- ture of your dad.’ They would say, ‘You’re so not Indian.’” Only about 3 percent of stu- dents on campus identify as mixed race. Karis said this un- derrepresentation often leads to misunderstandings in con- versations about racial identity or, in her case, a sheer lack of such conversations. “When I meet new people, because I’m so fair-skinned, no one really asks about my racial background right away, so I’m usually the one that brings it up, if at all,” Karis said. “But my dad has always told me, ‘Don’t have a label. Just make friends as a human.’” Karis’ parents, Eric and Patricia Paul, named her af- ter a Greek word meaning “grace” or “a gift from God.” They wanted her to embrace her racial background with pride and stressed the value of individuality. “We see people as people,” Eric said. “So I think Karis grew up thinking she just was, well, Karis Paul. Identity is very important, and when we are secured in our identity, we are secured to accept and interact with other people.” Professor Aarti Bhalodia teaches courses on the Amer- icanization of immigrants. She said it may be a while be- fore American society shares the type of inclusive percep- tion the Paul family has re- garding racial identity. “It’s definitely going to require overwhelming, soci- etal-level change as to how we view race,” Bhalodia said. “Foremost, I would urge people to not see mixed race as something new because mixed race is something that has always been there. What is new is how people view it — and we still haven’t even figured that out.” Federal institutions admit that defining racial identity can be tricky, as evidenced by proposals to remove the word “race” from the U.S. census in 2020. John Har- tigan, cultural studies and anthropology professor, who specializes in the historical journey of racial identities, said this controversy is de- rivative of the longstand- ing disparity between racial perceptions. “What counts as white has very much changed through- out the centuries,” Hartigan said. “In U.S. culture, you have a long tradition of ethnic identity being something you can articulate in the frame of heritage but, in this case, your claims to heritage might not be able to overcome others’ social perceptions of you.” Karis, however, said she is in no rush to label herself. “I’m still just figuring out what my role is and what my identity means to me,” Karis said. “Now that I am seeing UT, how diverse it is, and just how proud people are about their own various cultural backgrounds, I definitely want that for myself, too.” With the school year in full swing, it’s time to hit the books again. To help you make this semester a great one, check out a few of these movies to get motivated. “Rudy” Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) dreams of playing football for the University of Notre Dame, but he lacks the grades, skill and stat- ure necessary to achieve his goal. Undaunted by his shortcomings, he sets out to become a member of the Fighting Irish, work- ing through junior college and, later, against a defiant coach who refuses to put him in a play. Drawing from the ac- tual experiences of the real Rudy Ruettiger, “Rudy” builds to a stellar climax in which he finally takes to the field. Like its central char- acter, the film is brimming with an inspirational spirit. The movie earns its biggest moments through wonder- ful characters and a mag- netic performance from Astin. “Rudy” is, without a doubt, one of cinema’s greatest sports pictures. “October Sky” Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is desperate to escape the mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia. When he watches Sputnik 1 pass over his home one starry night, he is inspired to build rockets of his own, hoping they will be his tick- et out. He and his friends fall in love with the craft, much to the chagrin of Homer’s father, John (Chris Cooper), who wants his son to work in the coal mines. Father and son clash as a national science fair ap- proaches, and Homer may not be able to win without his father’s help. “October Sky” is director Joe Johnston’s masterpiece. Like “Rudy,” this movie is biographical, following the real-life Homer, who went on to work as an engineer for NASA. It’s a thoughtful throwback to the 1950s, the beginning of an age that in- spired awe in people across the globe. It’s a powerful tale about a boy finding strength in his convictions, his friends and his mentors. “A Beautiful Mind” The third “based on a true story” movie on this list, “A Beautiful Mind” is a biopic about John Nash (Russell Crowe), a bril- liant mathematician who battled schizophrenia for much of his life. He’s in- troduced as a socially awk- ward Princeton student who develops a break- through theory of eco- nomics but fails at forming relationships. Then, as a professor, he meets Alicia Larde (Jennifer Connelly), a woman who will change how he sees people in ways he couldn’t have imagined. Director Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” features loss and tragedy as Nash repeatedly succumbs to his disease. Crowe is devastat- ing as a broken man, while Connelly brings warmth and comfort to the film’s sometimes cold, sometimes unsettling, atmosphere. “A Beautiful Mind” urges peo- ple not to overcome disabil- ity alone, but by leaning on the love of others. “Stranger than Fiction” It’s refreshing to see Will Ferrell in a dramatic role as Harold Crick, an IRS agent obsessed with keeping his life ordered, living strictly by the time on his watch. One day, he wakes up to hear a disembodied voice (Emma Thompson) narrat- ing his activities — and the voice declares he will soon die. With the help of a litera- ture professor (Dustin Hoff- man), Harold discovers that he is the main character in a book by author Karen Ei- ffel, renowned for killing off her main characters. Harold must grapple with the inevi- tability of his death and the unfulfilling life he’s lived. “Stranger than Fiction” uses the certainty of death as a motivator for improve- ment. It forces us to pon- der what we would do if we knew our lives would be cut short. Crick’s journey of self-discovery is a lovable and endearing one, and it’s one we all should take. 8 L&AELIZABETH HLAVINKA, LIFE&ARTS EDITOR | @thedailytexan8Wednesday, August 31, 2016Q&ACommon divulges passions, remembers rootsBy Elizabeth Hlavinka@hlavinka_eJoshua GuerraDaily Texan StaffHip-hop artist Common spoke at the Hogg Audi- torium on Tues- day night. Before his lecture, Common deliv- ered a UT- and Austin-related rap for student attendees. FILMMovies provide motivating stories to jump-start semesterBy Charlies Liu@CharlieInDaHausPhoto courtesty of TriStar PicturesIn “Rudy,” the titular char- acter, played by Sean Astin, overcomes multiple set- backs in order to achieve his goal of playing football for Notre Dame. CAMPUSFreshman discusses challenge of categorizing cultural identityBy Henry Youtt@henryyouttJuan Figueroa | Daily Texan StaffAudiology freshman Karis Paul is the daughter of an Indian father and a half-Irish, half-Austri- an mother. Mixed-race students make up only 3 percent of the students on campus.