This fall many students will be going to the polls for the first time to vote for a presidential candidate. But to participate, they have to be registered. College Republicans and Democrats are spreading the word on campus about early voting, and they're handing out registration cards.
(Insert Soundbite)
Staying informed and getting involved are part of the process.
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Election day is November sixth, but students can vote early from October 22nd through November second. One of the polling places in San Marcos is the L-B-J Student Center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christina Ochoa.
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
9/30/12
Christina Ochoa
Student representatives at Texas State are letting others know how important it is to register to vote. Christina Ochoa has more in this Bobcat Update.
9/26/12
Brittney Vaughn
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority has partnered with Texas State athletics to spread the word. If you've noticed a lot of pink in the quad this week, itÕs because Zeta sorority members are sporting the color to promote the fight against breast cancer. The girls are raising awareness by handing out pink ribbons and breast exam cards, and also by selling shirts for this year's "pink-out" football game. The game is this Saturday, and shirts are being sold for ten dollars. All proceeds from the pink-out shirts will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Kristen Buechler
A campus-wide tobacco ban at Texas State is not being rigorously enforced. Kristen Buechler has more in this Bobcat Update.
STAND-UP (Buechler- As of fall 2011, Texas State is a Tobacco-Free Campus.)
The tobacco restriction includes Sewell Park, the golf course, Bobcat Stadium and all university athletic fields. The University Police say they're attempting to enforce the ban, but their capability is limited.
SOUNDBITE (Daniel Benitez, University Police Captain)
SOUNDBITE (Robert Brewer, Texas State Student)
Some students want to see greater enforcement, and they've called police to complain.
SOUNDSBITE (Daniel Benitez, University Police Captain)
SOUNDBITE (Robert Brewer, Texas State Student)
The Student Health Center provides a free smoking cessation program. Medications are also offered at a reduced price to assist students who want to quit smoking.
SOUNDITE (Karen Gordon-Sorsby, Student Health Associate Director)
STAND-UP (Buechler- Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke are associated with significant health risks. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kristen Buechler.)
9/25/12
Christopher Green
Texas State University's most recognizable building is showing signs of wear and tear. Chris Green has the story in this Bobcat Update.
Old Main has been a fixture in San Marcos for more than a century. Thousands of students and faculty have passed through its halls since the building opened.
Stand Up
It's difficult to see the effects of time on the century-old building from afar, but students, staff and faculty who occupy the building for classes and office space are aware of its defects. Cracks in the walls and floors can be seen on all three floors of Old Main. Water damage can be seen on the third floor of the building. As is common with older structures, temperature control is a challenge.
Soundbite
Old Main is on the National Register Of Historic Places, which means that any changes to the structure must be carefully planned to preserve the building's integrity as a landmark.
Soundbite
For all its cosmetic flaws, Old Main still stands tall over the rising star of Texas. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chris Green.
Matthew Boyd
The PACE Center at Texas State University is now open. As Matthew Boyd tells us in this Bobcat Update, the center provides direction to incoming freshmen.
The PACE center is located on the first floor of the newly opened Undergraduate Academic Center. PACE helps students get their college experience off on the right foot.
SB
Many freshmen have already used the resources that the PACE center offers, including advising, university seminar, career counseling and peer mentoring.
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SB
Texas State hired nearly 40 new advisers to assist freshmen students at the PACE center. More advisers may be hired later if there is sufficient demand. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Boyd.
Erik Pompa
Some students find it challenging to ride their bicycles in and around the Texas State campus. Erik Pompa has more in this Bobcat Update.
In theory at least, riding a bike ought to help students arrive at their destinations more quickly. However, the campus is lacking when it comes to bike ramps and pathways, so cyclists often have to take alternate routes.
SB:
SB:
Some students complain that it's difficult to ride bikes on campus and not much easier navigating the busy streets of San Marcos.
SB:
Not only do bicyclists face difficulties finding ways getting to and from classes, but they also have to deal with roads and intersections such as this, which have them worried. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erik Pompa.
In theory at least, riding a bike ought to help students arrive at their destinations more quickly. However, the campus is lacking when it comes to bike ramps and pathways, so cyclists often have to take alternate routes.
SB:
SB:
Some students complain that it's difficult to ride bikes on campus and not much easier navigating the busy streets of San Marcos.
SB:
Not only do bicyclists face difficulties finding ways getting to and from classes, but they also have to deal with roads and intersections such as this, which have them worried. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erik Pompa.
Matt Southall
Recent events have resulted in more Texas State students looking both ways before crossing the street. Matt Southall tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
An alarming number of pedestrian-related accidents inside the city limits has many San Marcos residents being more cautious at crosswalks. In the past month alone, three hit-and-run accidents occurred in the city, causing some of the locals to take notice, and pay more attention when crossing busy intersections.
SB
One of the hit-and-runs occurred on the square earlier this month, when a motorist struck three people, leaving two of them seriously injured. The driver fled the scene.
SB
City and county police are cracking down on jaywalking and other pedestrian-related offenses in an effort to reduce unnecessary tragedies. The city has also placed some electronic crosswalk signs at high-traffic intersections. The signs give visual and audio indications of when it's okay to cross the street.
SB
9/19/12
Matthew Rogers
Students at Texas State now have more eating options as the long-awaited reopening of Commons Dining Hall has arrived. Commons was closed last fall due to rodent problems in the building. The all-you-can-to-eat dining facility now features Boko's Mongolian Grill along with options students had before the closing. The renovations at Commons are similar to those performed on Harris Dining Hall in the summer of 20-11. Though the dining hall has re-opened, the rest of Commons is still being renovated.
9/18/12
Anyssa Bohanan
Using communication technology may be a key to keeping students safe during emergencies at Texas State University. In this Bobcat Update, Anyssa Bohanan tells us about the emergency alert system on campus.
Officials at Texas State say students can be assured that the campus is under constant surveillance to prevent criminal activity. Safety is a major concern at the university -- a job that is made more difficult with a higher enrollment. But when there's a threat, university officials can act quickly using a text message system called RAVE. It's a mobile system to get messages to the 11-thousand students who are signed up for the service.
(Soundbite: Robert L. Campbell, Texas State UPD Sergeant of Special Projects)
The alert system was most recently used over the weekend when two Texas State employees were attacked outside of Harris Dining Hall. An e-mail message containing information on the suspected attacker went to all students, but a similar *text* message only went out to those who had signed up to receive them.
(Soundbite: Teressa Waits, Texas State University Junior)
Texas State U-P-D said that the warnings are transmitted quickly with text messages being sent a few minutes before e-mails.
(Stand-Up: "Texas State is one of many universities in the nation implementing a service for student safety. One day, it may just save a life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anyssa Bohanan.")
Officials at Texas State say students can be assured that the campus is under constant surveillance to prevent criminal activity. Safety is a major concern at the university -- a job that is made more difficult with a higher enrollment. But when there's a threat, university officials can act quickly using a text message system called RAVE. It's a mobile system to get messages to the 11-thousand students who are signed up for the service.
(Soundbite: Robert L. Campbell, Texas State UPD Sergeant of Special Projects)
The alert system was most recently used over the weekend when two Texas State employees were attacked outside of Harris Dining Hall. An e-mail message containing information on the suspected attacker went to all students, but a similar *text* message only went out to those who had signed up to receive them.
(Soundbite: Teressa Waits, Texas State University Junior)
Texas State U-P-D said that the warnings are transmitted quickly with text messages being sent a few minutes before e-mails.
(Stand-Up: "Texas State is one of many universities in the nation implementing a service for student safety. One day, it may just save a life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anyssa Bohanan.")
Erik Pompa
Maintaining safety of students and faculty is a concern at Texas State. Erik Pompa has more in this Bobcat Update.
After a recent assault on campus, the University's Police Department is urging people to be more aware of their surroundings. Avoiding crime might be as simple as following a few common sense tips.
SB:
Some students are concerned about their safety and are taking precautions, especially at night.
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The University Police Department wants to prevent further attacks if possible.
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The police department also suggests that people avoid walking through dark areas, such as this parking lot, and to be readily available to call 9-1-1. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erik Pompa.
After a recent assault on campus, the University's Police Department is urging people to be more aware of their surroundings. Avoiding crime might be as simple as following a few common sense tips.
SB:
Some students are concerned about their safety and are taking precautions, especially at night.
SB:
The University Police Department wants to prevent further attacks if possible.
SB:
The police department also suggests that people avoid walking through dark areas, such as this parking lot, and to be readily available to call 9-1-1. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erik Pompa.
Gineen Pospisil
Texas State students who bike to class often find themselves in danger, because in San Marcos there simply aren't enough bike-friendly roads. Bikes are a practical alternative to driving cars or taking crowded buses, but it's a dangerous alternative. Many students are hoping city officials will consider adding more bike lanes to make it safer and to reduce traffic congestion. For now, though, the choices are limited. C-M Allen is one of the few streets in the city marked for bikers.
9/17/12
Evan Bolton
San Marcos has several projects underway that will improve some downtown streets. Among the improvements will be new underground utilities and reconstruction of roads and sidewalks. Many of the changes will occur along Hutchison Street from the C-M Allen Parkway to L-B-J Drive. Sidewalks that have deteriorated or are incomplete will be repaired. Several streets have been blocked in the area to prepare for the changes. The project is scheduled to be finished in 20-14.
9/15/12
Christopher Green
Texas State University students are facing fierce competition for parking at a popular lot on West Sessom Drive and Peques Street. Chris Green has the story.
Prior to the fall semester, an entire row of all-zone parking at the lot on West Sessom was converted to a restricted area. The lot had been the closest one on campus containing all-zone parking spaces. Monday through Friday you can see cars circling the lot like sharks, searching for parking spaces.
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Many students are unaware of the changes to the Sessom lot and have later discovered tickets on their vehicles.
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The restricted passes are issued to faculty and staff. Many of the restricted spaces in the Sessom lot stay empty much of the time. A row of car-pool spots is mostly unused. With parking at a premium all over campus, it's a daily challenge for Texas State students to arrive to class on time. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chris Green.
9/14/12
Aerin Carreno
Some Texas State students are concerned about the high cost of parking permits, permits that provide access to only limited areas on campus. Aerin Carreno has more.
New construction projects are underway. The student population at Texas State is soaring. And the number of parking spaces is dwindling. What these facts amount to is a growing sense of frustration for many, especially when they see parking fees going up. And those who don't buy a permit know there's a price to pay for their reluctance.
Soundbite
The residence hall permits are now 245-dollars, up 35-dollars from previous semesters. The restricted faculty and staff parking pass has increased by 40-dollars. And the restricted 7a.m. to 7 p.m. parking pass for administrators went up 45-dollars. Perimeter parking -- aimed at commuters -- went up ten-dollars and those permits now set a student back 105-dollars for the academic year..
Stand-Up
If you try to park without a permit, the fines can range from ten to 150-dollars per violation. Some violation notices include "improper display of permit", "parking out-of-zone", and "blocking a sidewalk". Though no one likes to be fined, there is an understanding of why it's necessary.
Soundbite
Appeals can be made at the Parking Services building within ten working days of the issued ticket. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aerin Carreno.
New construction projects are underway. The student population at Texas State is soaring. And the number of parking spaces is dwindling. What these facts amount to is a growing sense of frustration for many, especially when they see parking fees going up. And those who don't buy a permit know there's a price to pay for their reluctance.
Soundbite
The residence hall permits are now 245-dollars, up 35-dollars from previous semesters. The restricted faculty and staff parking pass has increased by 40-dollars. And the restricted 7a.m. to 7 p.m. parking pass for administrators went up 45-dollars. Perimeter parking -- aimed at commuters -- went up ten-dollars and those permits now set a student back 105-dollars for the academic year..
Stand-Up
If you try to park without a permit, the fines can range from ten to 150-dollars per violation. Some violation notices include "improper display of permit", "parking out-of-zone", and "blocking a sidewalk". Though no one likes to be fined, there is an understanding of why it's necessary.
Soundbite
Appeals can be made at the Parking Services building within ten working days of the issued ticket. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aerin Carreno.
Price Newell
Texas State is preparing to help its students stay healthy during the upcoming flu season. Price Newell has more in this Bobcat Update.
Colder weather is approaching, which means students will be spending more time indoors. When that happens, the chances of coming down with a cold or flu increase. Many students and faculty recognize the need for prevention if they want to stay healthy.
SB 1 (Student)
Flu vaccinations are offered at several locations in San Marcos, but some students doubt whether the vaccine is effective..
SB 2 (Karen Gordon-Sosby)
Student Health Center officials say Texas State students will have access to a new type of flu vaccine beginning in October.
SB3 (Karen Gordon-Sosby)
Other preventative measures that students can take to stay healthy are to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouths when coughing and get plenty of sleep. For Bobcat Update, I'm Price Newell.
Please don't write SLUG on your copy. Just type the script.
Texas State is an entity, a body, an institution -- It is singular. Pronouns referring to it should be singular. You used "their."
You made students possessive when you inserted an apostrophe. The word is not possessive in this case.
You're better off sticking to a basic Subject-Verb-Object structure. You tend to use too many introductory phrases and clauses.
Kristen Buechler
If you're looking to enhance your fitness experience, specialty classes are now being offered at the Campus Recreation Center. Kristen Buechler has more on the story.
The Student Recreation Center offers a wide variety of activities including personal training, group exercise and intramural sports. Although activities can be found for almost any level of fitness, the center decided to create even greater opportunities by adding three specialty classes -- T-R-X, yoga and hip-hop.
SB (Alison Smith, fitness and wellness graduate assistant)
Many students are looking forward to attending these new classes.
SB (Ashley Combs, Texas State student)
The instructors who teach these courses are all qualified.
SB (Jake Howard, T-R-X instructor)
All students interested are encouraged to sign up for these specialty classes at the front desk of the Recreation Center. During the intro week, there will be no charge. Registration closes after the first week.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kristen Buechler.
Alexis LaFosse
The new and improved Bobcat Stadium is now open. Alexis LaFosse has more.
The stadium's 33-million dollar expansion has resulted in more seats, restrooms, locker rooms and retail space. Many Bobcat fans are excited about the improvements that took more than a year to construct.
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The opening game was a sellout, even though ticket prices have been raised. The Bobcats played their first home game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Five more home games are scheduled this season.
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Texas State is now part of the Western Athletic Conference as an F-B-S competitor. Next year the Bobcats will join the Sun Belt Conference. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexis LaFosse.
The stadium's 33-million dollar expansion has resulted in more seats, restrooms, locker rooms and retail space. Many Bobcat fans are excited about the improvements that took more than a year to construct.
(insert SB)
The opening game was a sellout, even though ticket prices have been raised. The Bobcats played their first home game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Five more home games are scheduled this season.
(insert SB)
Texas State is now part of the Western Athletic Conference as an F-B-S competitor. Next year the Bobcats will join the Sun Belt Conference. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexis LaFosse.
9/13/12
Chrisdyann Uribe
A shortage of bus drivers is to blame for what some believe is an inadequate bus system at Texas State. Chrisdyann Uribe has the story.
Many complaints are made by students as they are forced to wait longer at the bus stop due to an already crowded bus. Some students are late to class because too few buses are being used on each route. One problem is that the bus system doesn't have enough drivers.
Soundbite
Many bus drivers are working overtime to be able to make up for the shortage. One driver said he worked a 12-hour shift to make sure the students were being served.
Soundbite
While many students blame the transportation department on being disorganized, it is actually a need for more drivers. Officials of the bus system say they hope to create new routes to better serve the students even though there aren't enough drivers.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Chrisdyann Uribe.
Matthew Boyd
With the rapid advancement in technology over the past decade, more students are using technology to stay connected in the classroom. Matthew Boyd has more in this Bobcat Update.
It is apparent just by peeking in a lecture at Texas State that more and more students are using technology in classrooms. Many students bring their laptops, tablets and smart phones into the classroom.
SB1 (Student, Chaunce Blake)
Some students use technology to help with their schoolwork, but others are engaging in non-class related material. To their classmates, using technology in such a way can be annoying.
SB2 (student, Lauren Cox)
Students aren't the only ones with mixed feelings about technology in the classroom. Professors have differing opinions as well.
SB3 (professor, Kate Peirce)
SB4 (professor, Becky Jackson)
Whether professors try to ban the use of technology in the classroom or embrace it, there's no doubt that such devices play a major role in students' lives. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Boyd.
9/12/12
Daisy Saenz
San Marcos is developing a comprehensive master plan to keep up with the city's increasing population. As Daisy Saenz tells us in this Bobcat Update, the city is experiencing some growing pains that need to be addressed.
The comprehensive master plan covers many of the city's development needs, including transportation. City officials have been meeting with area residents to talk about traffic issues, including pedestrian and bicycle safety.
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Input from the community has led the city to take a closer look at coordinating bus service with the university as well as the Lone Star Rail District. Another idea to come from the meetings is to offer free bicycles to students who agree to leave their cars at home.
Texas State University has been involved in the planning. City officials say that from the very beginning it has been a joint effort to help alleviate traffic congestion and expand transportation options.
SB
Residents and students can expect more details about the plan later this week. If the City Council adopts the plan, implementation may begin as early as next year.
Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Daisy Saenz.
Christina Ochoa
Texas State University set a attendance record Saturday while hosting its first ever F-B-S home game against Texas Tech University. We asked Texas State students about their experience -- in this Bobcat Update.
9/6/12
William Bolling
Many Texas State students are learning to adjust to the construction zones all over campus. William Bolling has more…
As the student body grows each semester, campus expansion becomes a central focus. First time Texas State students and veterans alike will find it hard to ignore the many different construction projects taking place during the semester. Often times students will have to set aside extra time in the mornings or afternoons in order to get to class on time. First Sound bite (Grant) Because several construction projects take place on the Texas State campus, detours are created to safely navigate students and faculty to their destinations. Sidewalks are often blocked and fences are raised to prohibit students from moving through construction zones. Though some detours work just fine, many students find them to be a longer and more inconvenient alternative. Second Sound bite (Matt) Whether you are able to easily adjust to Texas State's campus construction or have a difficult time with it, most people enjoy seeing the final product. For Bobcat Update, I'm William Bolling.
As the student body grows each semester, campus expansion becomes a central focus. First time Texas State students and veterans alike will find it hard to ignore the many different construction projects taking place during the semester. Often times students will have to set aside extra time in the mornings or afternoons in order to get to class on time. First Sound bite (Grant) Because several construction projects take place on the Texas State campus, detours are created to safely navigate students and faculty to their destinations. Sidewalks are often blocked and fences are raised to prohibit students from moving through construction zones. Though some detours work just fine, many students find them to be a longer and more inconvenient alternative. Second Sound bite (Matt) Whether you are able to easily adjust to Texas State's campus construction or have a difficult time with it, most people enjoy seeing the final product. For Bobcat Update, I'm William Bolling.
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