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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

All content by Sheryl Lawrence
News desk editor schedules last slack message, still forgets to respond

News desk editor schedules last slack message, still forgets to respond

Sheryl Lawrence, News Reporter May 9, 2022

People always ask me, “Why are you working for The Daily Texan if you’re an accounting major?” and the answer I always have is, “I don’t know.” The real answer is that when I scrolled through...

UT Health Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center open new Maternal Care Center

UT Health Austin, Dell Children’s Medical Center open new Maternal Care Center

Sheryl‌ ‌Lawrence‌ ‌, News desk editor February 3, 2022

UT Health Austin and Dell Children’s Medical Center partnered to open the Maternal Care Center on Jan. 18, the second phase of a partnership that opened the Comprehensive Fetal Care Center in May 2021. The...

UT System chancellor met with Biden Administration to discuss future of Cybersecurity

UT System chancellor met with Biden Administration to discuss future of Cybersecurity

Sheryl Lawrence, News Reporter September 14, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the September 10 flipbook.  The UT System chancellor met in late August with U.S. President Joe Biden to address the growing need to protect against...

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Student leaders call on the University to implement more COVID-19 safety protocols

Sheryl Lawrence, News Reporter August 23, 2021

Student leaders are calling on University administration to mandate masks and abolish attendance policies in response to student concern about the upcoming semester with COVID-19 cases rising in Austin...

Summer isn’t over yet! Here is your playlist to listen to for the rest of summer

Summer isn’t over yet! Here is your playlist to listen to for the rest of summer

Sheryl Lawrence, Life and Arts Reporter August 5, 2021

“UT-Austin canceling classes, closing operations March 13” is the headline that kept summer 2020 from being a hot girl summer. Summer 2021, however, has been an attempt to revive hot girl summer!...

RecSports to reopen faster than other campus facilities 

RecSports to reopen faster than other campus facilities 

Sheryl Lawrence, News Reporter July 19, 2021

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include clarifying information from the Office of the Dean of Students. This story was originally uploaded to the July 6 Flipbook. While some restaurants...

Mass shooting in downtown Austin: 12 injured, 1 deceased, 1 in critical condition

Mass shooting in downtown Austin: 12 injured, 1 deceased, 1 in critical condition

Sheryl Lawrence June 17, 2021

Content warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of gun violence and death. Editor's Note: This article first appeared as part of the June 14 flipbook. One person died and 13 people were...

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13 people injured after mass shooting in downtown Austin, 1 deceased, 1 in critical condition, 2 arrested

Sheryl Lawrence, News Reporter June 12, 2021

Content warning: This article contains discussions of gun violence and death. Update as of 11:00am Tuesday: The Austin Police Department identified and charged a third suspect with the murder of...

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UT President Jay Hartzell provides fall planning update, flexible work arrangements

Sheryl Lawrence June 2, 2021

UT president Jay Hartzell released a fall planning update to the UT community Wednesday with information on flexible work arrangements for the fall. Flexible work arrangements are a variation of where...

Citizens protest new abortion law outside Texas Capitol 

Citizens protest new abortion law outside Texas Capitol 

Sheryl Lawrence May 29, 2021

Protestors gathered outside the Texas Capitol on Saturday in protest of Senate Bill 8, which bans abortions when a heartbeat can be detected. On May 19, Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law one of the most...

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Longhorn Band director retires, Cliff Croomes to become first Black director of Longhorn Band 

Sheryl Lawrence May 19, 2021

Current Longhorn Band Director Scott Hanna is retiring effective May 31. Cliff Croomes will become the 15th director of the Longhorn Band starting June 1 and will be the first Black band director at UT,...

Gov. Abbott: public schools, government entities cannot require masks, UT-Austin makes masks optional

Gov. Abbott: public schools, government entities cannot require masks, UT-Austin makes masks optional

Sheryl Lawrence May 18, 2021

Update as of 5:00 p.m. Wednesday: UT President Jay Hartzell announced Wednesday that masks are optional on UT’s campus. Hartzell said the University recommends for individuals who are not fully vaccinated...

Some students frustrated professors not listed on course schedule

Some students frustrated professors not listed on course schedule

Sheryl Lawrence May 8, 2021

TW: Discussion of sexual harassment When some students registered for classes, they noticed there was no professor listed for the course, causing concerns about safety and class preparedness.  Chemistry...

UT-Austin student organizations struggle to fill leadership positions, recruit members

UT-Austin student organizations struggle to fill leadership positions, recruit members

Sheryl Lawrence May 7, 2021
While UT is planning for a “near normal” fall semester, student organizations have had trouble during the past year filling leadership positions and keeping membership numbers and engagement high.
Dr. Mark Escott to become city of Austin chief medical officer, Dr. Desmar Walkes for medical director/health authority

Dr. Mark Escott to become city of Austin chief medical officer, Dr. Desmar Walkes for medical director/health authority

Sheryl Lawrence May 7, 2021

Dr. Desmar Walkes will be the city of Austin’s next medical director and health authority after Dr. Mark Escott resigned as interim health authority to become the city of Austin’s chief medical officer.  These...

Three years after UT System attains second-largest endowment nationwide, system experts break down how money can be spent

Three years after UT System attains second-largest endowment nationwide, system experts break down how money can be spent

Sheryl Lawrence May 6, 2021
In 2018, the UT System endowment fund grew to be the second-largest in the country with about $30 billion in funds. Now, UT System experts have broken down how this money is used and collected.
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Graduate students discuss insurance plan changes at Board of Regents meeting

Sheryl Lawrence May 5, 2021

The graduate student-led organization, Underpaid at UT, spoke at the UT System Board of Regents meeting Wednesday to address changes in their health insurance that will be in effect Sept. 1. Student...

UT Health Austin scales back COVID vaccination efforts, moves vaccine hub

UT Health Austin scales back COVID vaccination efforts, moves vaccine hub

Sheryl Lawrence April 30, 2021
UT Health Austin will move the COVID-19 vaccination hub site and scale back vaccination efforts after administering more than 120,000 vaccinations, according to a Friday email sent to the UT community.
Autistic students discuss the effects of online learning, COVID-19 pandemic

Autistic students discuss the effects of online learning, COVID-19 pandemic

Sheryl Lawrence April 30, 2021

Trigger warning: This article contains discussion of suicidal ideation. Autistic students who face accessibility barriers in day-to-day life have experienced different levels of comfort with online...

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UTPD files charges against former UT student for burglary of habitation and indecent assault

Sheryl Lawrence April 29, 2021

Trigger warning: This article discusses incident of sexual assault and harrasment. Support is available for anyone affected by sexual assault, interpersonal violence (including domestic and dating violence),...

UT Senate president, vice president discuss progress during the pandemic

UT Senate president, vice president discuss progress during the pandemic

Sheryl Lawrence April 29, 2021

The Senate of College Councils, one of the three legislative student organizations at UT, advocates for equal opportunities in the classroom and improvements to the quality of academics. Over the 2020-21...

Legislative student organizations debate The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company divesting from weapons manufacturing

Legislative student organizations debate The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company divesting from weapons manufacturing

Sheryl Lawrence April 27, 2021

Legislative student organizations passed a resolution demanding the UT System divest all money from weapon manufacturing before January 2022. The resolution is waiting for the University administration...

UT Senate passes resolution to continue online opportunities during “near normal” fall semester

UT Senate passes resolution to continue online opportunities during “near normal” fall semester

Sheryl Lawrence April 25, 2021
The UT Senate of College Councils passed a resolution urging University administrators to recommend that faculty continue pandemic accommodations such as recording lectures and posting class materials online to make the classroom more equitable. 
UT senate passes resolution making standardized tests optional

UT senate passes resolution making standardized tests optional

Sheryl Lawrence April 19, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the April 16 issue of The Daily Texan. The Senate of College Councils passed a resolution on Thursday urging the Office of Admissions to make standardized...

Students discuss mental health resources at UT

Students discuss mental health resources at UT

Sheryl Lawrence April 16, 2021

TW: Discussion surrounding mental health. To report concerning behavior or ask for advice, students can call the Behavior Concerns and COVID-19 Advice Line at 512-232-5050. Students can also contact the...

Graduate Student Assembly passes legislation to extend funding, program time for graduate students

Graduate Student Assembly passes legislation to extend funding, program time for graduate students

Sheryl Lawrence April 15, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the April 13 issue of The Daily Texan. Graduate students are urging the University to grant an extension of funding and time to complete their research,...

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UT Health Austin distributes 100,000 vaccinations, lifts research operation restrictions, plans for 2021 fall semester

Sheryl Lawrence April 15, 2021

UT Health Austin said they hope to offer vaccinations to all UT community members by July after distributing over 100,000 vaccinations, UT President Jay Hartzell said Thursday in a message to the UT community....

UT-Austin administration working on changes to academic calendar

UT-Austin administration working on changes to academic calendar

Sheryl Lawrence April 13, 2021

UT may introduce shorter semesters and extend Thanksgiving break as the University administration works on changes to the academic calendar to meet updated federal aid and Texas Higher Education Coordinating...

Biden administration continues postponement of student loan debt payments for graduates

Biden administration continues postponement of student loan debt payments for graduates

Sheryl Lawrence April 12, 2021
Current students and alumni will not have interest accumulating on their public student loans and alumni can defer payment until at least Sept. 30 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
UT Senate of College Councils passed legislation to increase pass/fail options, awaiting approval from Student Government, Graduate Student Assembly

UT Senate of College Councils passed legislation to increase pass/fail options, awaiting approval from Student Government, Graduate Student Assembly

Sheryl Lawrence April 12, 2021
The Senate of College Councils passed legislation Thursday calling on the University to increase the limit of COVID-19 pass/fail exceptions from three to six due to Winter Storm Uri. 
Senate approves new pass/fail legislation

Senate approves new pass/fail legislation

Sheryl Lawrence April 9, 2021

The Senate of College Councils passed legislation Thursday calling on the University to increase the limit of COVID-19 pass/fail exceptions from three to six due to Winter Storm Uri.  The legislation...

Biden Administration continues postponement of student loan debt payments for graduates

Biden Administration continues postponement of student loan debt payments for graduates

Sheryl Lawrence April 9, 2021

Current students and alumni will not have interest accumulating on their public student loans and alumni can defer payment until at least Sept. 30 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the...

Texas state representative files bill to allow UT System student regent voting power

Texas state representative files bill to allow UT System student regent voting power

Sheryl Lawrence April 6, 2021
A Texas State Representative filed a bill at the beginning of March that would amend the Texas Constitution to provide student regents on the boards of public universities with voting power.
Student Government passes legislation to urge UT-Austin to make graduation ceremony more inclusive for Jewish students

Student Government passes legislation to urge UT-Austin to make graduation ceremony more inclusive for Jewish students

Sheryl Lawrence March 30, 2021

Trigger Warning: This article contains discussion of anti-Semitism and violence. The UT Student Government assembly passed legislation Tuesday urging administration to change the day of the week for...

Austin-Travis county mask mandate to remain in effect

Sheryl Lawrence March 26, 2021

The Austin-Travis county mask mandate will remain in effect until at least April 21 by the ruling of State District Judge Lora Livingston.  Travis County 261st District Court held the hearing on Friday...

UT-Austin Senate of College Councils encourages flexible attendance policies for students receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

UT-Austin Senate of College Councils encourages flexible attendance policies for students receiving the COVID-19 vaccine

Sheryl Lawrence March 26, 2021

The Senate of College Councils passed legislation by unanimous consent during their general assembly Thursday to urge the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost to recommend that faculty adopt...

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How Student Government executive alliance Anagha and Winston adapted and implemented their platform during their 2020-2021 term

Sheryl Lawrence March 24, 2021

Editor's Note: This article first appeared in the March 12 issue of The Daily Texan. Each March, the Student Government executive alliance is elected to serve as the voice of the student body. Each...

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UT-Austin reports first B.1.429 COVID-19 variant cases

Sheryl Lawrence March 15, 2021

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include additional information about the number of cases of the B.1.429 variant at UT and to clarify messaging from UT. The COVID-19 variant known...

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UT-Austin updates COVID-19 dashboard to include vaccination information

Sheryl Lawrence March 13, 2021

As of March 12, the UT COVID-19 dashboard includes information about vaccination efforts with UT Health Austin. The dashboard now provides information on the number of vaccine doses administered,...

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Kiara Kabbara, Ethan Jones elected student body president and vice president, Steven Ding, Suseth Muñoz for UT Senate

Sheryl Lawrence March 13, 2021

Legislative student organizations, which include Student Government, UT Senate of College Council and the Graduate Student Assembly, announced their representatives for the 2021-2022 academic year Thursday...

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Executive alliance candidates discuss platform points

Sheryl Lawrence March 9, 2021

Editor's Note: This story first appeared in The Daily Texan's March 5 print edition. UT students will have the opportunity to vote next week in student body elections and choose who will represent them...

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UT Senate of College Councils passes legislation to change cultural diversity flag requirements

Sheryl Lawrence March 5, 2021

The Senate of College Councils passed legislation to change the requirements for classes that fulfill the Cultural Diversity Flag requirement during their general assembly Thursday. The legislation will...

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Student body president debate focuses on transparency, increasing CMHC access and addressing food insecurity

Sheryl Lawrence March 5, 2021

Candidates for the 2021-2022 student body president and vice president discussed key points of their campaigns at the Student Government debate Monday evening.   The four executive alliances debated...

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Students dissatisfied with UT’s emergency preparedness communication amid inclement weather

Sheryl Lawrence March 4, 2021

Editor's Note: This story first appeared in The Daily Texan's February 26 print edition. While UT officials and offices prepared for the recent winter storm, some students felt communication...

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UT System financials relatively stable despite COVID-19 pandemic

Sheryl Lawrence March 1, 2021

This fiscal year’s revenues and expenses of the UT System have remained stable despite the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the UT System’s annual financial reports. The Daily Texan broke...

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What resources are available on campus after the winter storm?

Editor's Note: This story first appeared in The Daily Texan's February 23 print edition. Despite this week’s higher temperatures, Austin is still reeling from the effects of last week’s...

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Boil water notice lifted for UT-Austin main campus, West Campus, parts of North Campus

Skye Seipp, Sheryl Lawrence, and Lauren Abel February 22, 2021

Editor's Note: This story was updated as information became available.  The University’s main campus is no longer under a boil water notice, according to the emergency messages page....

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Austin City Council votes to conduct study to determine tobacco disparities within LGBTQ+ community

Sheryl Lawrence February 22, 2021

UT will conduct a community health needs assessment on tobacco use disparities among the LGBTQ+ population in Austin after the Austin City Council voted in favor of the study Feb. 4. The Gender, Sexuality...

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How to navigate the boil water notice and freezing, bursting pipes

Tori Duff and Sheryl Lawrence February 18, 2021

Many UT students in Riverside, North Campus and West Campus have frozen or busted pipes in their apartments or are experiencing water outages amid the inclement weather. Austin Water is advising community...

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Here’s what Austin officials are saying about inclement weather

Sheryl Lawrence, Kevin Vu, Tori Duff, and Samantha Greyson February 17, 2021

Editor’s Note: This story was updated regularly until Sunday, February 22. Information within this story may no longer be up to date. The Daily Texan is tracking press briefings held by city...

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Here’s what you need to know about power, water and shelter at and around UT amid severe weather

Editor’s Note: This story was updated regularly until Sunday, February 22. Information within this story may no longer be up to date. Students living off campus continue to face power and...

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Duren Residence Hall evacuated early Tuesday morning due to faulty water flow detector

Lauren Abel and Sheryl Lawrence February 16, 2021

Residents evacuated Duren Residence Hall due to a fire alarm into below-freezing weather and about 6 inches of snow at 1:47 a.m. Tuesday.  Resident assistants directed students to shelter in Kinsolving...

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Students face power outages while UT facilities still have power, are available to students

Sheryl Lawrence and Lauren Abel February 15, 2021

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to include power outages at UT-owned Gateway Apartments. Students living off campus continue to face power outages and internet issues amid the winter...

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Student Government spring budget approved, funding remains same amid pandemic while spending decreases

Sheryl Lawrence February 15, 2021

The Student Government legislative assembly approved their spring 2021 budget on Feb. 2, including appropriation funds for other student organizations. Spending decreased this year due to the uncertainty...

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Speakers discuss steps for change at UT during final day of State of Black UT

Samantha Greyson and Sheryl Lawrence February 13, 2021

Panelists and keynote speaker Peniel Joseph addressed action the UT community can take to make the University equitable and inclusive for Black students during the third day of State of Black UT.  Edmund...

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UT-Austin continues study abroad programs, international travel with restrictions

Kaushiki Roy and Sheryl Lawrence February 9, 2021

Editor's Note: This story first appeared in The Daily Texan's February 5 online edition. UT is allowing students to study abroad during the spring semester, despite continued national and...

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UT implements inclusive access textbook program, leaving some students confused

Sheryl Lawrence January 26, 2021

UT is implementing a pilot program that offers inclusive access to digital course content through the University Co-op this spring, but some students are confused by its rollout.   The Longhorn...

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Austin Public Health officials advise students to avoid travel, wear masks over holidays

Sheryl Lawrence November 25, 2020

Some students canceled their travel plans as COVID-19 cases continue to rise before the holiday season, but others still plan to see family or friends while attempting to follow health guidelines. Dr....

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Students express frustration in online class size limits

Sheryl Lawrence November 23, 2020

Some students feel online class size limits are unreasonable and are preventing them from registering for classes they need to graduate.  Kathleen Harrison, communications manager for the Office...

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Texas Advance Commitment expansion brings tuition help, confusion to UT-Austin students

Sheryl Lawrence November 13, 2020

Under the expansion of the Texas Advance Commitment for fall 2020, 13,000 students have benefited, with 9,000 students receiving aid to fully cover tuition and nearly 4,000 receiving tuition assistance,...

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UHS holds annual flu shot campaign, adapts for COVID-19

Sheryl Lawrence November 6, 2020

Every October, University Health Services hosts a month-long campaign for students, faculty and staff to receive flu shots on campus. This year, the campaign administered 8,093 shots while accommodating...

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UT-Austin students feel anxious about election in polarized political climate

Hairuo Yi, Fiza Kuzhiyil, and Sheryl Lawrence November 4, 2020

Some students have expressed anxiety about this years’ election results, saying it is one of the most important elections of their lifetime. With increased student involvement on social media,...

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UT students struggle to receive timely help from Counseling and Mental Health Center

Sheryl Lawrence November 3, 2020

Some students say they have struggled to make timely appointments with the Counseling and Mental Health Center and reach the crisis hotline this semester.  Biology sophomore Ximena Pastor Navarro...

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Professors administer midsemester surveys, attempt to make accommodations

Sheryl Lawrence October 26, 2020

Some professors administered midsemester surveys to gauge students’ feelings about the semester before making changes to accommodate for current circumstances. Kathleen Harrison, communications...

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UT-Austin teaching assistants face challenges in online environment

Sheryl Lawrence October 20, 2020

Teaching assistants said they experience challenges with student engagement in online classes, but students now have greater accessibility to them when asking questions. Challenges include connecting with...

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UT-Austin Student Government agencies plan to work toward equity for students on campus

Sheryl Lawrence September 30, 2020

Student Government agencies added new appointees to their teams last week and are beginning to plan initiatives and events for the year to help and protect marginalized groups on campus. Neha Valmiki,...

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UT-Austin students struggle to connect to peers virtually from home

Sheryl Lawrence September 23, 2020

Some students who chose to stay home during the fall semester have searched for ways to stay connected to their peers socially and academically through social media and First-Year Interest Groups.  Psychology...

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