Erika Everett

Some Bobcat football players would like to turn pro, if they get a chance.  Pro Day was held last week at Texas State. Scouts from the Houston Texans, the Carolina Panthers and the Oakland Raiders attended. The athletes ran a series of drills that were recorded and sent to each of the teams. One of Texas State's hot prospects is wide receiver Da'Marcus Griggs. Unfortunately, the 20-11 N-F-L season is in jeopardy because the league and its players' union have not yet worked out a new agreement.

Amanda Escobedo

Texas state has received national recognition for its enrollment of Hispanic students. Amanda Escobedo has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State University is now recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution by the U-S Department of Education. In order to receive that status, the university's enrollment of Hispanic students had to reach 25 percent. Having reached that number means Texas State is now eligible for more federal funding.
SB
Stand up: "Texas State University President, Denise Trauth said that achieving the goal of H-S-I status means more opportunities for students and the university, and it means they will be setting more goals: increasing graduation and retention rates of Hispanics are at the top of their list."
Achieving H-S-I status has been a ongoing goal since Denise Trauth became president of Texas State in 2002. Currently, Texas State is the largest Hispanic Serving Institution in Texas. By comparison, the Hispanic enrollment at the University of Texas is less than 10 percent.
SB
...........................................
For Bobcat Update, I'm Amanda Escobedo.

Hollee Barfield

Heated disagreements over tailgate funding and dining options occurred Tuesday
night during the A-S-G Presidential and Vice Presidential debates. Presidential
candidate A-J DeGarmo said new blood is needed in the senate, as opposed to
recycling of members. But candidate Will Fox said DeGarmo feels that way because
no current senator would join his ticket. The full debate can be viewed on the
University Star's website. Elections will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kaylee Pfeiferling

Alkek Library at Texas State now features a digital production computer lab. Kaylee Pfeiferling (FIFE-ER-LING) has more in this Bobcat Update.

(STAND UP) "The fourth floor of the library is generally recognized as the SLAC floor but is now home to a new digital production lab."
The lab opened this semester and features some of the fastest, state-of-the-art equipment for either PC or Mac users. Among the software programs provided are Audacity, Final Cut Studio, and the entire Adobe Master Suite. The library is even offering assistance with what some would consider advanced programs.
SOUND BITE
The library has five employees who can answer questions and offer help whether it's for recreational use or for class projects.
SOUND BITE
So, whether you're computer savvy or computer illiterate, all students can use the digital lab to help enhance their work. The equipment is available all hours the computer lab is open. Walk-ins are welcome but if you need the extra help, it's recommended you make an appointment with a production team member.
STAND UP:

Louise Armstrong

The conflict in Libya has sparked debate worldwide. Bobcat Update's Louise
Armstrong tells us how some Texas State students have been expressing their
opinions.

The discourse board on the second floor of Evans Hall was set up by the
political science department as a place for students to discuss political
issues. Lately, most of the discourse on the board has been focused on Middle
Eastern issues, specifically the conflict in Libya. Middle Eastern Studies
Instructional Assistant(?)Lisa Edwards says students have been engaged in the
debate for several weeks.
<SB>
The Libyan conflict began in February when violent protests in the city of
Benghazi spread throughout the country. Libyan authorities began using
airstrikes against civilians after President Muammar Gaddafi refused to step
down. Earlier this month the U-N Security Council sanctioned a 'no fly zone'
over Libya and authorized air strikes. Junior Jannell Reyos says students need
to educate themselves about the conflict before adding their opinions to the
board.
<SB>
<Stand Up>

Nicholas Medina

For the first time ever, the Texas State Department of Athletics is giving one
lucky winner the chance to tryout and walk-on to the football team at this
year's Spring Football Game on April 16th. Those interested must pass some
eligibility requirements and apply on the athletics' website. The winner is
decided by performance in a series of drills and will represent the
entire student body on the kick-off team during the first home game of the
2011-2012 football season. For more information go to the Texas State Athletics
website or search Become our Bobcat Try-Outs on Facebook.

Danielle Elisabeth Madsen

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated around the world. At Texas State,
some are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a unique manner.
Danielle Elisabeth Madsen has more in this Bobcat Update.

(Stand Up) Many Christian organizations at Texas State are joining together for
a weeklong celebration called Resurrection Week. It will take place April 3rd
through the 7th. The pastor of Crosstalk Ministries, Chris Kipp, says
Resurrection Week will give students an opportunity to learn more about the
gospel message in an entertaining and informative manner.
(SB) Pastor Chris Kipp
Numerous organizers and students are involved with putting together the events
for Resurrection Week.
(SB) Pastor Dick Herman
Some of the festivities for Resurrection Week include an interactive art
mural, a party in Sewell Park, a discussion about what Easter means, and a
Passion Re-Enactment in the Quad.
(SB) Student Savannah Cleveland
(Stand Up) Although the Easter holiday begins on April 24, at Texas State, the
celebration is beginning a little early. For Bobcat Update, I'm Danielle
Elisabeth Madsen.

Kayla Hale

March has been one of the driest months on record in Central Texas.
Water is a resource that cannot be taken for granted. Kayla Hale has more
in this Bobcat Update.

Several Texas State students participated this weekend in an effort to raise awareness
about the need for clean water.
Stand-up
The founder and president of the local Water-Aid Chapter, Maia Holmes, says clean water
sustains life.
Soundbite
Proceeds from the event will help water conservation efforts. Some of the funds will go
to the San Marcos River Foundation.
Students who want to participate can join the Water-Aid Chapter and support upcoming events.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kayla Hale.

Ana Anguiano

Higher gas prices mean tighter budgets for everyone, including the University Police Department. Ana Anguiano has more in this Bobcat Update.

Student safety is one of Texas State's main priorities, and the recent surge in gas prices might affect how the the police department patrols the campus. Sue Stewart, who handles U-P-D Crime Prevention, says patrol units are under strict guidelines now that gas prices have risen.
Sound bite: "When gas started rising up… we have a policy that we try and keep our mileage down per vehicle, per shift.
The use of each vehicle under U-P-D's control is supposed to be limited to 20 miles or less per day.
Sound bite: "You still have to keep a specific amount of cars out to keep people safe."
Compared with other law enforcement divisions, U-P-D has an advantage because it has less to patrol.
Sound bite: "Because the campus is so small, we patrol all over."
Stand-up: "With the recent rise in gas prices, Texas State University's Police Department says students' safety is their number one priority. In this situation, high gas prices won't mean less patrolling units. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ana Anguiano"

Eddie Garcia

The City of San Marcos is asking for volunteers to fill empty seats on
the citizen boards and commissions. Eddie Garcia has more in this Bobcat Update.

A full list of the open positioins is available on the City of San Marcos
website. Mayor Daniel Guerrero says the main qualification -- besides being
a San Marcos resident -- is to have a willingness to volunteer.
Sound Bite
The open positions are in the Arts Commission, Convention & Visitor
Bureau Board, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Board, Neighborhood
Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
When filling out the application, it will ask you to rank order where you would
like to be placed. Be sure to designate any special talents that would make you
more suited to a certain board or commission. Once an application has been
filled out and approved by the City Council, you will be informed of the
appointment within a week.
Sound Bite
Stand Up

Anthony Sifuentes

A Texas State graduate student is gathering data about the health benefits of
yoga. Anthony Sifuentes has more in this Bobcat Update.

Graduated Research student Allison Abel recently completed the testing phase of
her thesis research, which seeks to show that Bikram (Beek - rum) Yoga, an
Eastern form of Yoga, can be beneficial for the heart and lungs. For 60 days,
Abel had her subjects perform Bikram, conducting tests before and after. Using
equipment such as a bike, a metabolic cart, a stethoscope, and a blood pressure
meter, she was able to test for maximum voluntary ventiliation, oxygen intake,
carbon dioxide production, and abdominal and respiratory strength.
Standup
A purpose for this research is to shed more light on Bikram Yoga and show it to
be more of an exercising tool than a method of relaxation.
(SB)
Abel's thesis advisor, Exercise Physiologist Lisa Lloyd, says that Abel's work
is important to the study of Bikram.
(SB)
While Abel says this research has been a great learning experience, she wants to
broaden her future work.
(SB)
Abel is comparing the before and after test results and looks to draw a
conclusion in June. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anthony Sifuentes.

Megan O'Connell

The stage has been set for tonight's kick-off concert of the Keep San Marcos
Beautiful Campaign series. The campaign is an initiative to help keep the city
clean by focusing on litter prevention and waste reduction. Tonight's featured
band, Fastball, will take the stage at 8:30. The free event is open to the
public at the San Marcos Parks Plaza located at 401 East Hopkins Street. Food
vendors will be on hand beginning at 6:30, and artworks will be on display.

Hollee Barfield

Texas State will likely experience an on-campus housing shortage next fall. An
increase of incoming freshman, and a lack of available dorms are to blame. The
current demolition of Falls Hall is also contributing to the shortage. There
are currently more than 400 students on a waiting list for the still-standing
dorms, but they are being urged to seek off-campus accommodations.

Louise Armstrong

The Texas State University Associated Student Government has voted in favor of a proposal to make six ramps on campus wheelchair access only. The senators voted 41-to-two on the bill after complaints from the Office of Disability Services that pedestrians and cyclists were making ramps too difficult to maneuver for disabled students. Painted signs will soon be applied to ramps, including the ones on the southside of the Alkek Library and the Jones Dining Hall.

Clair Hugo

Many of us welcome the warmer weather that spring has to offer, but for some it's a time of misery if they suffer from allergies. Clair Hugo tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

The tree pollen count is up, and people are noticing an increase in allergy symptoms
SOUNDBITE
Pollen may be an irritant to those who don't usually suffer from seasonal allergies. Unlike bee-pollinated trees, Oak and Juniper pollens often cause the worst symptoms due to wind pollination. This year it seems to be worse.
STANDUP
Another tell-tale sign of spring is the ever present yellow dust that you can find outdoors. For the allergy-sufferer, it's not a welcome sight. It usually means that a trip to the local pharmacy is in order.
SOUNDBITE (not filmed yet)
For now, we can only hope that rain will reduce the pollen count. For Bobcat Update, I'm Clair Hugo.

Genna Eneman

Associated Student Government elections are less than two weeks away. In this Bobcat Update, Genna Eneman reports on some of the more unusual campaign strategies this year's candidates are using.

Campaign signs and t-shirts began showing up around campus this week signaling it's time again to elect a new A-S-G president and vice president. This year's candidates have big plans to attract votes. William Fox and Shanna Schultz created a cellphone hotline that students can call or text and voice their concerns or ideas for next year's student government to address:
SB
Not only is the Fox-Schultz ticket available by phone, but they will be in the quad 24 hours a day Monday through Friday. Fox decided to camp out in the Quad so that he could be available to students at any time.
SB
Albert Degarmo and Tiffany Roamer will also be campaigning in the Quad, but they won't be taking the same approach as their opponents.
SB
Degarmo and Roamer plan to offer giveaways and a raffle next week. Student body elections will be April 5th and 6th. You can vote online or go to the polls at the L-B-J Student Center and the Quad. For Bobcat Update I'm Genna Eneman.

Erika Everett

Social Media sites -- such as Facebook and Twitter -- may be affecting your life more than you think. Erika Everett has more in this Bobcat Update...

Stand up --> With over 500 million members, Facebook is great for keeping in touch with family and friends. but students should be aware of what they post on these sites as it can be used as a great tool for networking, but can also be used as a weapon against you and your future.
It has become the norm for students to post what they are doing on Facebook without giving it a second thought. But status updates and online pictures can have regrettable consequences -- if care and some measure of discretion aren't exercised.
Senior Desmond Mcafee says he never thought about the effect that his Facebook profile could have on his future until he learned about it in a criminal justice class.
(Soundbite)
Online interaction can play a role in whether students find jobs. Social media are effective networking tools. According to inside-facebook.com, more than 20-thousand businesses have Facebook accounts, and many use them to communicate with potential employees.
(Soundbite)
Students who participate in social media should take full advantage of their networking potential, while remembering to proceed with caution. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erika Everett.

Kelsey Kearns

Texas State University's theater program has gained national renown. Kelsey 

Kearns has more in this Bobcat Update.

The theater department is one of the largest in the South and was recently 

mentioned in a New York Times article.

Stand up (6-8 seconds)

Musical Theater major Cole Harrell appreciates his professors' different

approach to teaching.

SB Harrell (15 sec)

The program is run by industry professionals who provide students with a

real-life perspective to show business. Publicity coordinator Jeremy Torres

says having professors who've had first-hand experience makes all the difference.

SB Torres (15 sec)

With so many industry contacts and a new performing arts center set to open on

campus in 2014, the theater department will likely thrive for many years to come.

For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsey Kearns.

Alanna Sarabia

A Greek District in San Marcos is taking shape. Several fraternities and
sororities already have houses in the community. Those that do NOT might have an
opportunity to lease houses in the near future. The San Marcos Re-development
Foundation is helping to organize the project. Eventually, the Greek District
will consist of nine houses. Ground breaking is planned for next January.

Nicholas Medina

A lot of construction is taking place at Texas State. Some students might find
it difficult to park or even walk on campus. Major projects underway include a
multi-purpose education facility, a performing arts complex and the North Campus
Housing Complex, which is being built next to the Student Health Center. The
master construction plan -- when fully implemented -- will cost an estimated
619-million-dollars over ten years. It's scheduled to be finished by 20-15.

Louise Armstrong

The South by Southwest Film, Interactive and Music Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary over Spring Break. Louise Armstrong has more in this Bobcat Update.

Thousands flocked to the Austin Convention Center during Spring Break to attend the ten-day South by Southwest festival. The interactive, film and music event featured informative panels on media and technology, as well as film premieres and music shows. Many famous faces made their way to town to promote their new films, some which were shot in the city. Director Aaron James says Austin is quickly becoming one of the best locations to shoot films.
<SB Aaron James>
However, not all events required a paid badge or wristband. Many shows were free and open to the public, causing the city to flood with people later in the week. Hotels in Austin had no rooms available during the festival, and parking problems plagued many. Despite the crowds and lines, Junior Sonia Onescu says she believes South By Southwest is an event everyone should experience at least once.
<SB Sonia Onescu>
Stand Up: As South by Southwest 2011 draws to a close, festival goers can be assured that plans are already underway for next year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Louise Armstrong.

Valerie Soja

Texas State's Triathlon club is hosting its annual sprint triathlon this April
at Aquarena Springs. Valerie Soja has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State's annual sprint triathlon is a competitive endurance race consisting
of swimming, biking and running in immediate succession. The race is the primary
fundraiser for the Triathlon Club and also serves as a teaching tool for club
members to learn how to manage racing events.
Event coordinator Neal Lucas says it takes a lot more planning than one might
expect to put on this event.
SB
The race starts off with a 500-meter open water swim, from one end of Aquarena
springs to the other. Swimming in this portion of the river is usually off
limits because of the delicate ecosystem and endangered species that inhabit the
area. The 14-mile bike will be on a paved route towards Kyle and back, and the
finale is a 5-k run, which will be on a loop along a gravel and dirt trail.
Triathlon Club President Mike Quiroz says that it's great to have the facilities
to host this event right here in San Marcos.
SB
(Stand Up)The race begins at 8:30 AM Saturday, April 16th and is open to all
ages but is limited to 300 participants. For more information, to sign up, or to
volunteer visit txstatetri.com. For Bobcat Update, I'm Valerie Soja.

Douglas Bloom

College graduation is a defining moment in every student's life. It represents
the completion of years of intense studying, testing, and for some partying.
Douglas Bloom has more in this Bobcat Update.

Graduation shows that an individual is able to persevere and complete a
difficult goal. It shows that the individual is a person who gets things done.
Just as any spring semester at Texas State, this one will end with a few
thousand seniors receiving their diplomas at a commencement ceremony. Business
management major Daniel Benavidez is looking forward to graduation with a wide
range of feelings.
SB: Daniel Benavidez (8 Seconds)
Moving onto the work world and leaving the safety of college behind can be
frightening for many students. College is looked at as a time of freedom, where
a person is able to make mistakes and grow from them, setting the foundation for
the person they will become. Psychology major Nicolle Guice looks back at her
college experiences with fondness.
SB: Nicole Guice (rhymes with vice) (6 seconds)
Stand Up: (12 seconds)
With May graduation just around the corner, a significant and valued part of
this Texas State population will be ushered into the next phase of their lives,
making room at this ever-growing institution for the next wave of hopeful and
excited freshman. For Bobcat Update, I'm Douglas Bloom.

Kaylee Pfeiferling

Recent theft reports in San Marcos have put some students on edge. Kaylee
Pfeiferling (FIFE-ER-LING) has more in this Bobcat Update.

Having security gates and alarm systems help some off-campus residents feel a
littler safer, but much more can be done.
STAND UP: The majority of students I spoke to expressed concern over the growing
theft numbers and say they'd feel more secure if apartment complexes gave
them better precautionary information.
Since February 28th burglars have targeted 22 vehicles and 17 apartment
complexes in San Marcos. In one case, an intruder allegedly entered a female's
unlocked apartment at The Zone and physically asaulted her. Some residents at
the Villagio, a nearby apartment complex, says the crimes have hit too close to
home.
SB
Managers of the Villagio Apartments say they've taken measures to help their
residents feel safe. Days after the incident, they sent an e-mail to the complex
with information about the recent break-ins and what students could do to help
prevent similar situations from happening.
SB
One target for thieves occurs when people leave their valuables in plain sight.
SB
Police recommend that you keep your apartment and car doors locked and valuables
hidden. And they ask you to call 9-1-1 if any suspicious behavior is observed.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kaylee Pfeiferling.

Luke McBroom

San Marcos nightlife may not gain many new bars in the future -- if a
proposed city ordinance is passed. Luke McBroom tells us more, in this Bobcat
Update:

The San Marcos City Council will meet tonight (March 24) to vote on
whether to approve a proposed limit of 15 alcohol-serving establishments in the
downtown area.
Currently there are seven such establishments on the square. They all have
restricted permits, which means they can serve alcohol as long as they also
serve food. New restaurants, like Chimeys and Vodka Street Bistro, follow these
requirements.
Bars and restaurants on the square are a major source of revenue in San Marcos.
(SB Jen Moran Manager at Sean Patricks)
In May of 2009, city officials extended the bar hours in San Marcos
from midnight to 2 a-m. Some council members fear that the downtown area is
becoming too closely identified with the local bar scene.
(SB: Christian Wallace, student)
(Stand up, McBroom)

John Spain

Some Texas State students are already making plans for the fall. John Spain
tells us about the university's registration process...in this Bobcat Update.

Thousands of current and prospective students are preparing for the fall
semester. The university is accepting applications from freshmen and transfer
students. Carlos Laird, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, says the
method by which students are selected for registration is being restructured.
(Laird 0:15 "...is registration.")
The Coordinator of New Student Orientation, Victoria Black, says the
university's process for incoming students will also be improved. Black says
orientation is one of the primary concerns of the admissions office.
(Black 0:10 "...incoming students.")
Some transfer students will be given the option to do orientation online. This
will help eliminate the need to travel to San Marcos before the fall semester.
(Laird 0:10 "...orientation early.")
Laird says the university hopes its enrollment gains will continue
(Laird 0:10 "...time soon.")
New methods for streamlining registration may soon be in place to help students
navigate the process once they arrive on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm John
Spain.

Bobcat Update-March 10, 2011

Avron Fernandes

More than 400 students from across Texas attended a fashion career program today
in San Marcos. Texas State's Fashion Merchandising Program sponsored the event
at the Embassy Suites. Many retail companies attended the event -- looking to
hire. And students who were there also benefited from hearing several speakers
who talked about the retail business in today's economy.

Amanda Escobedo

Students have an opportunity to participate in this year's common experience
theme at Texas State University. The theme is Sustainability. The Honors Program
is asking students to submit original artwork to add to the program's Art
Gallery. If you're interested in displaying your artwork, take it to the gallery
between now and the end of the semester. The gallery is located in the Coffee
Forum of Lampasas Hall.

Hollee Barfield

Students were startled earlier this week by sirens blaring in the Quad. In this
Bobcat Update, Hollee Barfield tells us what was happening.

The sirens caught everyone's attention for a reason -- to save lives. The sounds
were part of Operation Intervention, which is an effort to discourage drunken
driving. Police were on hand to supervise the demonstration. University Police
Officer Otto Glenewinkel used a simulator to show the effects of drunkenness.
(SB-Glenewinkel)
The idea of staging simulations was inspired by an event eight years ago in New
Braunfels. A high school senior, Anna Marie Hernandez, was killed when a
drunken driver -- traveling on the wrong side of I-35 -- hit Hernandez' car
head-on.
SB (Heath Purvis, Police Sergeant)
Stand Up - Operation Intervention has done well to serve its purpose, causing
many students to reconsider getting behind the wheel after drinking. For Bobcat
Update, I'm Hollee Barfield.

Bobcat Update-March 9, 2011

Ana Anguiano

Student evaluations at the end of the semester at Texas State will remain as they are. The university's Faculty Senate has rejected a proposal to put the evaluations online. When the surveys are administered later this spring, they will keep their paper form. According to the University Star, at least 12 departments were interested in switching to online surveys, but most of the Faculty Senate believed that switching would only decrease the amount of student participation. 

Genna Eneman

If you're looking for a fun way to show school pride, you can now buy a Texas State party shirt. The Collegiate Entrepreneur's Organization sold the shirts outside of the L-B-J Student Center earlier this week. The shirts feature a picture taken from The Hangover movie along with the slogan What happens at Texas State stays at Texas State. If you missed out on buying a shirt on campus, you can visit thirsty-clothing-dot-com and place an order.

Anthony Sifuentes

With spring break coming up, an effort is being made to promote a safer vacation. Two groups, The Network and Men Against Violence, were on the Quad Tuesday distributing free condoms as well as brochures on sex and drinking. Students had the chance to win prizes by spinning a wheel and answering frequently asked questions about contraception and alcohol. For those students caught in the spirit of Mardi Gras, they could win buttons and beads, or perhaps a Frisbee.

Nicholas Medina

Texas State's Theater and Dance department has good reason to *act* pleased this week. Nicholas Medina explains, in this Bobcat Update.

The department is celebrating last week's success at the American College Theater Festival in Amarillo. Each year the festival brings students and faculty together to see some of the region's strongest productions and to participate in workshops.Those who attended the festival say they benefit regardless of whether they win awards or not.
(SB)
Texas State hasn't had this much success at the A-C-T-F in recent years, so winning this year is especially gratifying for the group. Some of the students are looking forward to the next level of competition, which will be next month in Washington, D.C., where scholarships will be on the line.
(SB)
Out of the 43 students representing Texas State at the festival last week, 18 received awards for best in the region. They won in the categories of acting, directing, writing, and dramaturgy. Seven out of those 18 are advancing to Washington to try to win national honors.
(Standup)

Alanna Sarabia

Seniors planning to graduate in May are getting ready to enter the job market. It's time to prepare resumes and cover letters, and to follow up on job leads. One way to find a lead or two is by attending the Job and Intern Expo taking place this week at Texas State. Alanna Sarabia has more in this Bobcat Update.

It's the largest career fair of the semester. So large, in fact, that it would only fit in Strahan Coliseum to accommodate all 80 employers. To prepare for the big day, career services provided resume help in the quad this week.
Career advisors put on a two-day "Rock yo Resume" to prepare students for the job expo.
Stand Up: This is where students drop off their resumes to advisors to be critiqued and reviewed.
Sound Bite: " I already knew what I wanted to do as a career but this really helped me fix my resume and format it correctly." (student who just got her resume critiqued)
VO: The Job and Internship EXPO is open to all college students.
Sound Bite: " What we do is help students......with a shaky market....there is still opportunities there and this is one of those opportunities ."
The expo will continue this evening until 6 -o-clock -- and if you miss out, don't worry, there will be another held in the fall semester.
For Bobcat Update I'm Alanna Sarabia.

Sam Howell

Texas Governor Rick Perry is asking public universities in the state to put a
cap on what it costs to earn a bachelor's degree. The amount he has in mind is
ten-thousand-dollars. Many students are choosing to attend community colleges
before attending four-year universities. It's much less expensive to earn an
associate's degree. Tuition for 60 hours of credit at Texas State is around
16-thousand-dollars. Compare that with Austin Community College where the same
amount of credit can be earned for about 35-hundred dollars.

Danielle Elisabeth Madsen

Texas State's radio station, K-T-S-W, has announced its lineup for Mr. Fest,
which is the station's annual music festival. This year the festival will take
place on April 29th and 30th at seven different locations in San Marcos. Vendors
and family-oriented entertainment will be set up on the lawn of the Hays County
Courthouse. Entrance to all events will be free of charge.

Clair Hugo

Sunday marked the 83rd annual Zilker Park Kite Festival in Austin. Clair Hugo
has more in this Bobcat Update.

Families, friends and their dogs enjoyed Austin's ideal weather on March 6th for
America's oldest continuously-running kite festival at Zilker Park. Kite
enthusiasts say they felt lucky to have sunny, blue skies with a nice breeze on
Sunday. However, some may have hoped for more wind.
SOUNDBITE
Some people traveled from all over the world to attend the Zilker Park Kite
Festival. Richard Dermer, director of the American Kitefliers Association, has
traveled as far as New Zealand for his kite hobby. He says that Zilker is the
best kite festival in the southwest and definitely an annual rite of passage to
the spring season.
SOUNDBITE
The array of limitless kites came in a variety of styles, sizes and shapes.
Areas were set up for kite-making workshops and kite demonstrations. Kids and
adults alike participated in contests from the most unusual kite to highest
angled kite.
SOUNDBITE
Austin police closed down part of Barton Springs Road to allow nearly
20-thousand attendees to safely walk or bike as they pleased.
Between the beautiful weather and the creativity among the kite fliers, this is
certainly a festival to remember. For Bobcat Update, I'm Clair Hugo.

Erika Everett

There are clubs and organizations of all kinds in San Marcos. Just look around
and you're apt to find someone somewhere sharing your interests in something.
Take, for example, beards. That's right...beards. Erika Everett has more in
this Bobcat Update.

The group is the San Marcos Bearded Men's Club. All of its members appreciate --
facial hair. Will Parrish, a graduate student and one of the group's founding
members, says the Bearded Men's Club wants to be heard.
Soundbite
The Bearded Men's Club is not among those formally recognized by Texas State,
but most of its members are associated with the university, as current or former
students. The club holds meetings at Showdown Amusement Bar on the square and
the members even have an official handshake. Senior Maxfield Baker says he
wasn't aware of the organization, but now he's considering becoming a member.
Soundbite
(Stand up) Not all members have to have beards. Occasionally women and
non-bearded men attend the meetings as well. As long as you have an appreciation
for facial hair, you will be welcomed with open arms.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Erika Everett.

Eddie Garcia

The Great Texas Warrant Round Up is in progress this month. In this Bobcat
Update, Eddie Garcia tells us how San Marcos is participating.

Last weekend the warrant round up in San Marcos was a relatively quiet affair.
Authorities say one reason fewer people are being arrested is that word is
getting out about outstanding warrants. The city, for example, maintains a list
of warrants online. City Marshal Kenneth Bell says his office plans well in
advance of the round-up.
Sound Bite K-2
People can avoid being arrested if they go -- when summoned -- to the San Marcos
Municipal Court. Often the lines at the court can be long, so plan accordingly.
Court Administrator Susie Garcia says those who have warrants against them
should expect to pay more, because usually that means they failed to appear in
court when scheduled.
Sound Bite S-!
The marshals have assistance from the San Marcos Police Department on the day of
the warrant round up. Authorities show up at houses, apartments, work or even
classes to arrest people. They will then take the suspects to municipal court,
or, in some cases, jail.
Sound Bite K1
Stand Up

Kayla Hale

Seniors graduating this semester can earn some benefits by giving up an
hour-and-a-half of their time. Kayla Hale has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State is administering the Collegiate Learning Assessment at the Testing
Center, located on the first floor of Commons Dining Hall. Required as a part of
the university's accredidation process, the assessment is not attracting many
takers. The Testing Center is having trouble finding seniors willing to come in
and take the C-L-A. Testing Administrator Brenda Dozier (DOE-ZER) says the staff
is doing everything it can to get the word out.
SB (Dozier)
SB (Stand In)
Scott Trimble, a testing center supervisor, says students can add to their
Bobcat Bucks, if they'll participate.
SB (Trimble)
Students often use Bobcat Bucks for purchasing food and drinks, but there are
other uses as well, such as renting caps and gowns for graduation. The test is
only offered to the first 100 seniors who come in. Testing occurs Tuesday
through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m and until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. The deadline
is in early April.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kayla Hale.

Megan O'Connell

Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow concealed handguns on
college campuses. Megan O'Connell has more in this Bobcat Update.

The matter has come up before and is very controversial. The Associated Student
Government at Texas State last semester voted in favor of allowing concealed
handguns, but A-S-G's president vetoed the bill. Now, the issue is being debated
in Austin. State Senator Jeff Wentworth has introduced a bill that would lift
the prohibition against carrying guns on campus. The University Police
Department at Texas State has not taken a formal stand on the issue. Officer Sue
Stewart says there are pros and cons.
SB
Opinions vary on campus. Senior David Sellers says allowing concealed handguns
could come in handy.
SB
However, Freshman Alyssa Stevens says she doesn't see the need.
SB
STAND-UP In the end it will be University who makes the final decision whether
concealed handguns will be allowed on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan
O'Connell.

Kaylee Pfeiferling

The smell of fresh tamales and hot beignets had Texas State students and faculty
lined up in the quad this afternoon at the monthly farmers market. Twenty-four
vendors from San Marcos and surrounding areas featured everything from clothes
and jewelry to pralines and honey, and, of course, fresh local produce. The
popularity of today's event led many vendors to sell all of their products. The
market will return to the quad the first Wednesday of every month.

Bobcat Update, March 3, 2011

Luke McBroom

Texas State Athletics is getting another big boost to its facilities.
Construction has begun on the new track and field facility, which should be
completed before the 2012 season. The current home for the Track and Field team
is Bobcat Stadium, but plans have been approved to remove the existing track.
The new track and field facility will seat one thousand people and have throwing
rings a well as a pole vault pit. The eight-lane track will meet all
N-C-double-A regulations for division-one athletics.

Bobcat Update-March 2, 2011

Alanna Sarabia

The Student Rec Center is especially busy these days. Students are lining up in
search for a good workout. Spring Break is just two weeks away, and the Rec
Center is crowded. Evenings are when most students visit the center, which often
means long waits for machines. Even if you have no need to tone up for a visit
to the beach, you'll find that the Rec Center is a great resource for a
healthier lifestyle.

Ty Bishop

A Texas State residence hall is being torn down -- after more than four decades
of use. Ty Bishop has more in this Bobcat Update.

Many who lived in Falls Hall have fond memories of their stay there. Some showed
up Monday, along with current residents, when Texas State President Denise
Trauth and the Division of Student Affairs had a so-called decommissioning
ceremony. A-S-G President Mel Ferrari says that Falls Hall will always have a
place in her heart.
(SB Ferrari….)
The hall, which was opened in 1967, is being torn down to build a Performing
Arts Center that will hold a recital hall and a theater center. The Performing
Arts Center, also known as PAC (pack), will cost 83-(M)illion-dollars to
construct. The new center will hold 300 people in its recital hall, and 400
people in its theatre. Vice President of Student Affairs, Joanne Smith, says
that the center is needed.
(SB Smith…..)
Standup:
The ceremonial ground breaking for PAC is planned for June 3rd. University
officials say the building should be completed by September 2013. For Bobcat
Update, I'm Ty Bishop.

Anthony Sifuentes

A Texas State graduate student is lending a helping hand in the identification
of human remains found along the U-S-Mexico border. Anthony Sifuentes has more
in this Bobcat Update.

Graduate Research Assistant Cristina Figueroa-Soto is assisting Texas State
Anthropology Professor and Principal Investigator for Project Identification
Kate Spradley in examining human skeletons at a medical examiners office in
Arizona. Figueroa-Soto records measurements of the postcrania
(post-kray-nee-uhl). The results are stored in a database, which can later be
used to help determine a person's sex, age, ancestry and place of origin.
Spradley says that Figueroa-Soto's assistance is vital to the project:
(SB)
One purpose of the research is to identify common characteristics of Hispanics.
And being Hispanic herself, Figueroa-Soto says she feels the research, which is
grant-supported, provides an important service:
(SB)
According to Spradley, very few graduate students receive the kind of experience
that Figueroa-Soto is getting. Figueroa-Soto says she will use it to build on her
future work:
(SB)
Standup

John Spain

Construction of the North Campus Housing Complex is underway. The residence
hall will feature double- and single-occupancy rooms. It will be a large complex,
occupying about 200-thousand square feet with recreational facilities and a
24-hour front desk. Each floor will offer study and lounge areas. A two-story
community center will serve as the hall's main entrance. The housing complex
should open in the fall of 2012.

Hollee Barfield

Depending on results of an upcoming trial, Texas State's Student Perceptions of Instruction surveys may go paperless. Currently, instructor evaluations are given in class and submitted on scantrons.. However, this method is considered by faculty and students to be time-consuming and wasteful. A possible solution is to conduct online surveys. According to the University Star, Faculty Senators will ask Provost Perry Moore what he thinks of the online evaluation proposal.

Lynn McCann

Spring break is only a couple of weeks away, and many Texas State students have
already made plans for their time away from the classroom. Lynn McCann has more
in this Bobcat Update.

It won't be long before students converge on places like South Padre Island or
perhaps one of the popular beaches in Florida. Historically, Mexico has been a
favorite destination for some, but it's riskier these days because of the drug
wars. Extra precautions have to be taken when traveling to foreign lands.
SB – Britney Munguia, senior
Reservations have to be made months in advance, and group-travel deals can
easily sell for more than 300-dollars.
SB – stand up…"to offer."
Also during spring break, Austin will be hosting South By Southwest. Those
attending will be able to experience unique music and innovative films. A few
events are free of charge, but most require a badge.
SB – Christine Wieters, senior
But you don't have to travel far at all to enjoy spring break. Sewell Park is a
perfect place to catch some sun, go swimming, snorkeling or canoeing. You can
play basketball or volleyball, and most days you can throw a Frisbee around
with Frisbee Dan.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Lynn McCann.