2/24/10

Josh Humphreys

The United States has issued an alert to anyone wanting to travel to Mexico, but that won't stop some Texas State students from participating in their study abroad programs. Joshua Humphreys has more in this Bobcat Update.
A travel alert, which is in reaction to recent violent attacks by drug cartels, advises Americans to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Mexico.
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Study abroad’s director says that there is a difference between a travel alert and a travel warning. With a warning,Texas State will not send any students to the affected country.
STAND UP
Students planning on studying Spanish through Texas State’s study abroad program this summer are asked to stay in groups and keep in contact with their program's student liaison.
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Since declaring war on the drug cartels in 2006, more than 16-thousand people have died south of the border. The travel alert gives advice to U-S citizens about how they should cooperate with Mexican officials and warns them to avoid certain places at night. For Bobcat Update I’m Joshua Humphreys.

Peter Norosky

New credit card restrictions make it tougher for Texas State students to get their hands on the plastic. Peter Norosky has more in this Bobcat Update.
Last May, Congress decided to crack down on credit card companies by regulating them more.  New restrictions will be enforced, including some that will affect college students who are under 21.  Minors are now required to have a co-signer when they apply for a credit card.
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Some of the new regulations are designed to help card-holders acquire or keep good credit.  For example, card issuers must now give 45-days notice before they can raise interest rates.  Also, banks must now mail credit card bills no later than 21 days before payments are due. These restrictions could be beneficial to students who are learning to manage their credit.
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Stand Up

Megan Turney

Crowded dorms at Texas State may soon be a thing of the past. Megan Turney has more in this Bobcat Update…
With enrollment at the university booming, the lack of housing on campus is a big issue. The Board of Regents at Texas State recently approved plans to build a new dorm that could house more than 600 students. Freshman Willem Gonzalez, who lives in one of the dorms, says he likes living close to campus, but wishes he had a little more space.
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Residence Life Director Dr. Rosanne Proite says she believes the new dorm, which will be built near the intersection of Sessom Drive and Comanche Street, will help eliminate over-crowding and improve students’ quality of life.
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While requirements for moving off campus have been relaxed to help reduce crowding, Proite says she still believes it’s important for students to begin their college careers close to campus.
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STAND UP: Construction on the dorm, which could cost upwards of 50 million dollars, could begin as early as next fall and the university is hoping it will be ready to house students in 2012. For Bobcat Update, I’m Megan Turney.

Caitlin Irwin

Texas State students looking for a good time at a cheap price will be pleased to hear that several San Marcos bars and restaurants have a solution. Caitlin Irwin has more in this Bobcat Update.
In today’s struggling economy, bars and restaurants are finding new ways to fill their tables. A nationwide trend is to create or extend happy hour schedules. The manager of the San Marcos restaurant Palmers says the clientèle during happy hour is about 80-percent students.
SB – Lloyd Briseno, Manager Palmers
Some bars, however, are still finding it easy to maintain a steady flow of patrons. For example, the Tap Room is as busy as ever.
SB – Tim Russell, Bartender Tap Room
SU - Happy hours around San Marcos bring students out and as the prices go down, its bottoms up. For Bobcat Update, I’m Caitlin Irwin. (this is a stand up) 

Nathan Seltzer

A program that provided late-night rides home to students who have been at bars ╨ could be revived. Student government and the city are preparing a pilot program of Students With Alternative Transportation ╨ or SWAT. It will investigate re-launching the program ╨ which was canceled last year due to a lack of student volunteers to drive rental cars. If the pilot program is successful, the new incarnation of SWAT could allow students to catch a bus home from downtown to anywhere along the Bobcat Tram route on weekend nights. A date for the test run has not yet been announced.

Aaron Kolar

Controversial legislation is brewing in Washington that will affect the radio broadcasting industry. The bill would enact a  performance tax.  It would benefit artists whose music is played on radio stations, like Texas State's K-T-S-W.  Broadcasters would have to pay an extra fee, and it's a fee they don't want to pay.The National Association of Broadcasters is opposing the bill stating that radio stations already provides two-point-four (b) billion dollars in sales for the music industry. The N-A-B also argues that the fee would force some small stations off the air and that up-and-coming artists would struggle to get air time.

James McNeal

The 2010 census form will be arriving in your mailbox soon. James McNeal has more on what's being done to inform students about how to fill out the form.…
Look for the form to be delivered sometime next month.
The Texas State University Student Affairs office and the Bateman Public Relations team have joined forces to inform students about the importance of the census.
(SB… Smith... 12 secs)
Smith says more than seven-thousand students will receive the forms on campus.
(SB…Taylor… 10 secs)
The census helps ensure that San Marcos gets its fair share of political representation and government funding. After the census is completed, there's a possibility that the population of San Marcos will exceed 50 thousand, which could bring in more funding for area projects:
(SB… Smith… 8 secs)
(SU… McNeal… 8 secs… about the count.)
Facebook and Twitter are among the ways the Census Bureau is reaching out to explain the process to students. Some students are not sure if they should use their San Marcos address or their parents' address as their official residence for the census.
(SB… Smith… 12 secs)
After filling out the ten questions on the form, all you have to do is send it back in the pre-paid envelope.
For Bobcat Update… I’m James McNeal.

Jennifer Alvarez

College life can be an exciting time, but with it comes added pressures and stress. Jennifer Alvarez has more in this Bobcat Update…
Last week San Marcos Police were dispatched to the Sanctuary Lofts after receiving a report of a female student on the building's roof. Police were able to talk the woman out of taking any drastic action.  An investigation is underway. Her situation is a sad but familiar one. Some students feel overwhelmed.
SB (counselor on always being evaluated)
SU (option) According to the counseling center's website, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and almost ten percent of students have considered doing it.
SB (Fear of failure is so great)
College students aren’t the only ones affected by extreme stress. Last week an Austin man flew a airplane into an office building because -- according to statements he left behind -- he had ongoing tax problems.
SB (stacks statement)
The pressures of a college student can take a toll on maintaining relationships and grades. Some students have ways of alleviating the stress.
SB (how she gets rid of stress)
SU-->Texas State has a 24-hour emergency hotline available or you can set up an appointment on the counseling centers website. For Bobcat Update, I’m Jennifer Alvarez.

2/23/10

Sydney Liles

Texas State University students have seen something they aren’t used to…snow.  Students braved snowy conditions on Tuesday…and some even had a little fun.  Whether they were taking pictures…in a snowball fight…or making tiny snowmen…students enjoyed their time in the snow.  As it accumulated… the University closed at five Tuesday evening. Classes resumed the next day.  Parts of Central Texas saw up to three-inches of snow.    

Parker Hans

San Marcos is seeing more construction as the railway company Union Pacific continues to renovate its system. The upgrades stretch from San Antonio to Taylor, which is northeast of Austin. The workers are removing wood, mud and other elements that could cause damage to the trains. According to Union Pacific workers, the renovation in San Marcos should be finished by next week.  In the meantime, motorists can expect to face delays if they have to drive near the construction.  (Remove the sentence I added if the formatted version is more than a page long.)

Lauren Kendrick

We're only a week into Lent, but some students are finding it hard to stick to their commitments. Lauren Kendrick has more in this Bobcat Update.
SU: The season of Lent is upon us again.  Students and faculty are sacrificing things they can't live without in preparation for Easter.

2/22/10

Colleen Baker

Some areas of San Marcos are showing evidence of economic expansion. Colleen Baker has more in this Bobcat Update.
New businesses have opened on the downtown square.  Monroe Hair Studio is an example.  Another is the sandwich shop Jimmy Johns.
SB: GIBSON
Downtown is a prime location for new and old alike. Managers at the Coffee Pot say it's an asset to be in the center of town.
SB: VALENZUELA
(You need a different closing--with facts. Tell me why downtown is doing so well.)
For Bobcat Update, I’m Colleen Baker.

Evan Dennis

Driving is essential for most of us every day, but it can also be dangerous. The most recent available data, from 2008, shows there were just over 14-hundred traffic collisions in San Marcos, eight resulting in fatalities. Several intersections and roads are difficult to navigate for some drivers. Driving hazards include confusing road signs, five-way stops and construction. Another common hazard is that many drivers don't take the time to fully stop before entering intersections. On a section of North Street, the road is narrow and there are no sidewalks for pedestrians, which results in them walking in the road and creating yet another hazard.

April Adams

The city of San Marcos will soon launch some road improvement projects along Sessom Drive. Construction will begin on March 4th to repair drainage inlets and install new culverts near Sessom and North L-B-J Drives. Construction work will stretch all the way to Academy Street. The project is expected to take five to eight weeks, depending on weather conditions. Officials say they hope to get the repairs done quickly since Sessom is a busy street for Texas State students and the general public. This is the first of many road improvement projects scheduled over the next two years.

2/17/10

Tim Leeland

Spring break is fast approaching, and for some at Texas State that means it's time to start shaping up. The university's Recreation Center has more than 100 cardio machines  and a variety of free and machine weights.  It also provides students with a swimming  pool, eight basketball courts, a rockwall and racquetball courts.  If you prefer group exercises, they are available as well  ranging from yoga to spinning classes.  One class -- called the Cat Crunch -- focuses on the abs.  So, if you're thinking it's time to shape up for the spring or summer, the Rec Center can help.

2/16/10

Anisia Morales

Texas State students are facing problems when it comes to scheduling appointments at the Student Health Center.  Anisia Morales has more in this Bobcat Update.

The health center is being kept busy treating sore throats and a variety of respiratory ailments. The center has added more personnel to handle the increased demand. Student Health Center Associate Director Karen Gordon-Sosby says February has been a busy month.

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Most students have to wait a few days before they can see a doctor. Senior Christie Brantley says it’s hard to get an appointment.

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The Student Health Center’s website provides a way for students to look up over the counter medications. All they have to do is go to the site and click on symptom. Junior Megan Smith says the website is easy to use.

STAND-UP 

2/15/10

Liz Guzman

A couple of Texas State fraternities have been raising funds for Haiti relief. Kappa Alpha and Alpha Phi Alpha have been using their cooking skills to raise money. They call their event Hot dogs for Haiti. The University Bookstore was also involved and handed out t-shirts to anyone who bought food or donated money.  The fraternities have raised more than 300 dollars by selling hamburgers for two dollars and hot dogs for a buck. 

Adam Kolar

San Marcos will be honoring Martin Luther King Junior and President Lyndon Johnson by building a memorial at the intersection of M-L-K and L-B-J Drives.
A committee formed by San Marcos residents is overseeing the project.  Recently land at the intersection was transferred from county to city control for the memorial. The committee’s next step is to secure funding for the project, estimated at 150 thousand dollars. Officials say the memorial should be finished by next January.

2/12/10

Parker Hans

San Marcos restaurants are doing their part to help Haiti after an earthquake rocked the country’s capital. Parker Hans has the story:
Tres Hermanas restaurant owner David Chiu thought up the idea for “Dine-Out” for Haiti day after watching news coverage on the disaster. Chiu says he and others want to help.
 SB: (David Chiu)
A couple of other restaurants will be hosting the “Dine-Out” for Haiti.  A portion of their profits will go to an organization that will help the Haitian people.
SU:
Grins is another local restaurant that is participating in the “Dine-Out” for Haiti. Ten-percent of the proceeds will go to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund.
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“Dine-Out” for Haiti begins today and will last until the restaurant doors close. For Bobcat Update, I’m Parker Hans.

Kara Bell

Sweethearts in San Marcos are attempting to find new ways to bring a little love to their lovers' hearts this Valentine’s Day. Kara Bell has this Bobcat Update.
This Valentine’s Day couples are looking for new ideas to make their lovers smile like never before. Many are looking past the standard box of chocolates, cards and candy to a more romantic and creative approach. Some sweethearts say they know just what their mate would like this Valentine’s Day.
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Some couples, though, prefer just to spend quality time together on Valentine's Day without the pressure of thinking outside the box.
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Stores are well stocked this year in preparation for the holiday, so even the last-minute shopper will find something for their special someone. For Bobcat Update, I’m Kara Bell.

Todd Baxley

Starting this week, the Texas State Writing Center will be offering skill enhancement workshops.  Todd Baxley has more in this Bobcat Update…
For 25 years, the Writing Center has helped students improve their writing. This week the “Study Skills Smackdown” starts off another semester-long schedule of workshops to help students make better grades.
[SB}
Students in freshman composition classes are required to write numerous essays and many professors use an in-class method to test students. For those not used to writing in a college environment, writing an essay may
be a difficult process.  Some faculty members encourage the use of the writing center and their workshops.
[SB]
Students may also ask for one-on-one help with tutors.  They can make an appointment that will last either 25 or 55 minutes. The writing center can help on many different levels.
[SB]
Information about the Writing Center can be found on the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I’m Todd Baxley.

Lauren Murphy

Several Texas State students today are bearing a mark signifying the beginning of Lent. Lauren Murphy has the story.
In the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, Catholics around the world have been celebrating. Mardi Gras festivities have been seen at Texas State, too. But it’s not all about beads and parties. It's a religious celebration to observe Lent. Texas State Freshman Joey Alvarado says he will make the sacrifices necessary to become a better student.
SB Joey
Lent is a 40-day period of self-sacrifice during which many individuals fast or give up a favorite past time or luxury. According to a C-N-N report, many students are observing Lent by giving up Facebook, fast food and sweets. Texas State sophomore Michelle Jordan says she's not a participant but many of her friends are.
SB Michelle
The Texas State Catholic Student Center has been hosting services all day to accommodate students.  The services started early this morning and are being held well into the evening.  For those who aren’t able to go to a formal Ash Wednesday service, Chaplain Bouzard from Christ Chapel has set up a booth in the quad and will be available to students who want to participate.
SB Chapalin Bouzard
The Lent season is a very important time for many different Christian denominations, and Easter will marks the end of this religious season.  For Bobcat Update, I’m Lauren Murphy.

2/10/10

Denim Pittman

Many Texas State students are searching now for housing they'll need next fall. Denim Pittman tells us more in this Bobcat Update…
Residence Life has to make room for incoming freshmen. Those who live on campus now might not be able to return in the fall because of the limited space available. To decide who will be allowed to return, a lottery system has been set up. Residence Life Assistant Director Megan Dupree says this is the first year for the lottery.
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Many on-campus residents will have to find a new place to live in the fall. Burleson Hall resident Ian Smith says he's going to work this summer to save money for an apartment.
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Some students want to live as close as possible to campus. Sanctuary Lofts Operations Manager Lori Salinas says the search has already begun.
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Other students are finding creative ways to continue living on campus. Christian Taylor is applying to be a Resident Assistant.
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Dupree says that Residence Life tried to get the word out as soon as possible to students and their families.
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Standup

April Adams

Texas State University's Instructional Technologies Support division is upgrading the school's TRACS website. April Adams has more in this Bobcat Update…
With the population of Texas State University growing and more faculty, staff and students using online tools, it is important for technology to keep up. The Instructional Technologies Support division will soon launch a new version of the TRACS software program. The idea is to integrate TRACS to work more like a social-networking site, much like Facebook. Assistant Vice President of I-T-S, Dr. Milton Nielsen, says that one goal is to make TRACS more intuitive for students and faculty alike. He says it's essential for the university to keep up with technological demands. Nielsen anticipates that students will make the transition easily because they're familiar with the social-networking trend. 
Pre-Mass Communication freshman Chelsea Martin says she would be would be more motivated to learn with the upgraded TRACS.
SB
The newer version of TRACS will mix old conventions with new ideas, taking advantage of an environment, which focuses on communication and teamwork between students and faculty. Associate Director of University Honors, Diann McCabe, says the update will benefit her students.
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STAND UP
The new version of TRACS is expected to be available to all faculty, staff and students in the fall of 2012. For Bobcat Update, I'm April Adams.

Evan Dennis

It won't be long before San Marcos firefighters move in to a new station. Evan Dennis has the story.
Construction on the new San Marcos Central fire station began on January sixth and is nearing completion. It is located at 100 Carlson circle just off of I- 35 south near Aquarena Springs drive. Nearly 270- thousand dollars in federal funds were allocated for the project. Although the weather has slowed construction, Assistant Fire Chief Len Nored says the department hopes to start moving to the station soon.
SB: Len Nored
The new station is designed with the city's future in mind and offers many amenities to help make firefighters' jobs easier.
SB: Len Nored
The San Marcos Fire Department serves the city and Texas State University.. This will be San Marcos' fourth station, and all the old stations will remain operational after it opens. Nine new firefighters will also be hired. For Bobcat Update, I'm Evan Dennis.

Alex Hering

Texas State University Police say they are logging in to your favorite social networks to catch crimes on campus. Alex Hering has more on the story
There wasn't much evidence left to gather once Sergeant Bran Carpenter arrived at the fire-damaged Lyndon  Johnson statue in 2008. But Carpenter says YOU-Tube turned out to be a helpful resource in finding the people who committed the crime.  Carpenter says U-P-D will log onto such sites to search for leads.
SB - Sgt Carpenter
Carpenter says YOU-Tube has been helpful in tracking down graffiti and tagger footage. But some students are wary of the police techniques -- fearing that it may be an invasion of privacy
SB - Student
U-P-D says tracking video evidence online makes sense because it's already publicly available and easy to find.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Hering.

Joe Doyle

The McCoy College Ambassadors are hosting Business Leadership Week, a series of events designed to engage the campus community in the practice and discussion of business leadership, including the art of the interview. Joe Doyle has more in this Bobcat Update.
Here at the McCoy business college, students are learning skills to help them land the jobs and internships that greatly depend on interviews with Interview Express, a skills program developed by Students in Free Enterprise
Loving SB
Students are also learning that many of the more casual ways of introducing themselves that they use daily would prove unwise in the business world.
Bergman SB
The Interview Express Skill Building program has been a part of business leadership Week for the past four years. For Bobcat Update, I'm Joe Doyle.

Colleen Baker

Severe rainstorms have put more than just a damper on student events. Colleen Baker has more in this Bobcat Update.
Several Texas State organizations are adapting to this week's bad weather. The heavy rainfall has created a number of problems for on-campus activities.
SB: MARTINEZ
Although the Student Organization Fair was held inside the L-B-J Ballroom, Graduate Research Assistant Dominique McGee says they still felt the weather had a negative impact.
SB: MCGEE
Some organizations were not so lucky. The Study Abroad Fair, an event held only once each semester, had to be canceled altogether.
The involvement of student radio station K-T-S-W in the Student Organization Fair was also affected due to the rain.
SB: SWANK
In the meantime, students are finding ways to stay dry by any means necessary.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Colleen Baker.

Megan Turney

Business Leadership Week is bringing some big names to Texas State.
Megan Turney has more in this Bobcat Update…
Richard Garriott, a computer gaming entrepreneur and space tourist, spoke
to students Monday about the importance of privatizing the business of
space travel.
Garriott, who spent 30-million dollars to spend 12 days in orbit, told
students that it takes a lot of motivation and hard work to get into space. 
SB
Garriott urged students to stop thinking of space travel as a
something reserved only for astronauts and to pursue space travel
commercially. Garriott said that with modern techonology, space
travel is relatively easy, as the materials needed to send a rocket
into space are all available for purchase on the internet.
SB
Garriott was the Spotlight Speaker of Business Leadership Week, hosted
by the McCoy College of Business. 
STAND UP

2/9/10

Joshua Humphreys


Two academic departments at Texas State will soon be changing their names. Joshua Humphreys has more in this Bobcat Update.
The College of Education is changing the names of two departments to follow the example of other schools and universities. This change comes after other major universities began consolidating their education departments to more professional names that better reflect what the department actually does.
SB
The Department of Educational Administration and Psychological Services is being renamed to the Department of Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology.  This name will help associate the careers that the departments' students will be entering.
SB
The Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation will also be renamed to the Department of Health and Human Performance. The title encompasses the department's focus on all aspects of health and physical education. 
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The Department Chair of Health and Human Performance says these department name changes will not affect any degree plans or classes but will reflect the many programs that each department offers.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Joshua Humphreys.

Lauren Kendrick

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, the shelves of San Marcos businesses are stocked full of gift ideas for your sweetheart. Lauren Kendrick has more in this Bobcat Update.
If you still haven't decided on what to get that special person in your life for Valentine's Day, don't worry. H-E-B has a wide array of candy and flowers to choose from at an affordable price.
SB
The traditional Valentine's Day gifts include chocolate, flowers, and stuffed animals, but that might not be for everyone. Local flower shop, Bizzy B's, has some suggestions for those guys who have no clue what to get their significant other.
SB
Another helpful suggestion is to plan ahead if you're taking your sweetheart to a restaurant this weekend. Suzanne, owner of Mint Café, says use common sense such as making reservations or calling ahead.
SB

Whether you're planning to stay in or go out to celebrate Valentine's Day, there are plenty of options around town. Just don't wait until the last minute
For Bobcat Update, I'm Lauren Kendrick

2/8/10

Jennifer Alvarez


The San Marcos City Council may decide soon to allow a form of adult entertainment the city hasn't had before. Jennifer Alvarez has more in this Bobcat Update:
Strip clubs may be in San Marcos' future. Council members began amending an ordinance affecting sexually oriented businesses last month, and the changes make it possible for strip clubs to be created. Some city council members have expressed reservations about allowing strip clubs, but they also recognize that there could be a positive economic effect.
Some students say it's time to bring something a little different to the area.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is considering possible locations for strip clubs. One condition is that such businesses must contain a 15- hundred foot buffer away from churches, schools, bars, and residential zones. Also included in the ordinance was the allowance of adult bookstores, video stores, and novelty stores. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jennifer Alvarez


Caitlin Irwin

Toyota dealerships are servicing recalled vehicles this week after receiving parts for accelerator pedals. Caitlin Irwin has the story.
According to the company press release, Toyota has tried to accommodate the two-point-three (M) million vehicle owners of recalled models in the U.S. 
Toyota dealerships nationwide have extended their hours of operation, many to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in an attempt to help those who aren't available during regular business hours.
The San Marcos Toyota dealership is open later than usual for service needs. Mass Comm. Student Colleen Baker says her 2010 Camry is already scheduled for pedal replacement service next week because of the recall.
SB
According to Toyota, the company is focused on making this recall simple and trouble-free for its customers.
SB
In Texas, there have been no reports so far of any accidents related to Toyota's accelerator problem. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Irwin.

Tim Leeland

Texas State University students frustrated by a shortage of on-campus parking may see some improvement soon after a new parking garage is opened. Tim Leeland has more in this Bobcat Update.
Construction of the Matthews Street Garage began in December of 2008. According to Texas State University, it is now 45 percent complete. Some students believe it will improve on-campus parking:
SB:
The Matthews Street Garage will have five levels and hold up to 956 vehicles.
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The parking garage is in the middle of the Texas State campus.  It will cost approximately 25 (M) million dollars to complete.  University officials say they expect it will open this summer. For Bobcat Update I'm Tim Leeland