10/31/13
Tori Valles
Rachel High
Ashton Darnell
Max Anderson
10/30/13
Bria Lott
Reyna Caraveo
10/29/13
Jade Skaggs
Taylor Wilborn
Carlos Garcia
10/28/13
John Rodriguez
Patrice Cross
Valerie Kilgore
Glen Purvis
Kali Conley
10/26/13
Jordan Gass-Poore'
Campus Colony and Comanche Hill apartments staff notified tenants this year that the university-owned complexes, located on West Woods Street, will close in May. The student accommodations will eventually be torn down to make room for unspecified new housing units.
Campus Colony resident Jose Gonzalez says he may have moved last year because of the complex's affordability and location but has stayed because of its eccentricities.
SB (Jose Gonzalez, Communications Senior)
Gonzalez says he's glad that he'll be graduating in May because he wouldn't be able to afford to live anywhere else in San Marcos. Some of his friends and fellow tenants, on the other hand, won't be so lucky.
SB (Jose Gonzalez, Communications Senior)
With the closure, Bobcat Village and Riverside apartments, located near Strahan Coliseum, will be the only remaining university-owned complexes.
Dan Shedd
Even though it's football season at Texas State, that's not stopping the baseball team from preparing for its first season as members of the Sun Belt conference. Last season, as members of the Western Athletic Conference, the Bobcats finished with 29 wins and 29 loses, finishing third in the WAC. Texas State also sent three players to the Major Leagues via the M-L-B draft. To help get the team ready for the season, the Bobcats will play two intra-squad scrimmages with the teams chosen by the coaches.
Even though baseball season is several weeks away, sophomore second baseman Matt Smith says he enjoys playing baseball in the fall.
Matt Smith SB-
Back for his 15th season, Bobcat Head Coach Ty Harrington says fall baseball is a good opportunity for the younger members of the team to show what they have to offer.
Ty Harrington SB-
The baseball schedule won't be released until next year. The 2014 Sun Belt Conference championship will be held in Mobile, Alabama, hosted by the University of South Alabama.
Dan Shedd Standup-
For Bobcat Update, I'm Dan Shedd.
Zachary Covey
Throughout the fall semester the three intramural sports offered are football, volleyball and indoor soccer. The football season is nearing its end while soccer and volleyball are right in the middle of their regular seasons. Intramural Supervisor Cameron Wilson says that participation has been affected this year due to higher student enrollment.
SB: Intramural Supervisor Cameron Wilson
Intramural sports gives students a great opportunity to be competitive among their peers while playing the sports that they love.
Some students, such as intramural athlete Scott Davis, say they have gained a lot from playing every year.
SB: Intramural Athlete Scott Davis
Stand-Up: Zachary Covey
Jonathan Riedel
Tamara Price
Brandon McDonald
Adam Oriti
Lindsey Broyles
Alex Pena
10/24/13
Valeria Gonzalez Leyva
10/23/13
Ashton Darnell
The power of social media as a tool of engagement during events like Mass Communication Week allows students and speakers to interact by sharing information, photos, video footage and even memorable quotes from the event.
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This year's Mass Comm Week encouraged students to participate in social media contests by posting event photos and quotes with the M-C-Week hash-tag to sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The M-C-Week hash-tag gained traction on the very first day, showing up as trending on Twitter. This platform helped raise awareness about Mass Comm Week to a higher level.
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Mass Comm Week provided students with an opportunity to interact with professionals and learn more about career opportunities and challenges. Students also had a chance to meet several alums who returned to campus and talk about their experiences. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashton Darnell.
Jade Skaggs
Stand Up: Halloween is upon us, and it can be full of fun treats and some not-so-fun tricks. Here are some safety tips for students going to parties or just going out. First things first, be careful on the road. Watch out for intoxicated drivers and trick-or-treaters.
Also, travel with a group of friends so you can help caution each other from dangerous situations. And try to stay away from unlit areas and narrow streets. The bottom line is -- stay safe on Halloween.
SO: Saryn Nelson and Arianna Mixon
But some students don't really factor safety into their nights.
SO: Charles Lions and Donovan Curry
If you drink any alcohol Halloween night, make sure you arrange for transportation, such as a Designated Driver or a taxi, because if you stay safe and out of trouble, chances are you're going to have a great time.
Stand Up: So, when celebrating Halloween this year, be smart. A sudden arrest or a sick friend can bring your party to a sudden end. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jade Skaggs.
Victoria Galindo
10/22/13
Jade Skaggs
Jordan Gass-Poore'
Kali Conley
[Stand up] Rate-my-professors-dot-com is a leading website for professor reviews with more than 15 million ratings on around one-point-eight million professors.
Several Texas State students say they find the website helpful for registration.
Samantha SB
Maggie SB
However, there is an alternative to rate-my-professors-dot-com that some students might not know about. On the university's website anyone can view student evaluations completed in past semesters for all Texas State professors.
Mass Communication Senior Lecturer Kym Fox says rate-my-professors-dot-com may not be the best resource for students.
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[Stand up] Spring registration has been extended through December 17th and will reopen January 2nd. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kali Conley.
10/21/13
Scott Miller
10/19/13
Drew Bryant
Fifty cents may not seem like a lot of money to most people, but when you add up small amounts of money, big changes can happen. Last weekend, the Friends of the San Marcos Library hosted its semi-annual book sale at the City Park Rec Hall. The three-day-event helped raise funds for improvements at the library.
SB: Blake Dove- "helps buy furniture." (12 sec)
Book sales raise about 35-hundred dollars for the library, which means about seven thousand books find new homes. Some of those books are for children, and that's just fine to Ruby Servin and her family. She says in her home the kids are NOT allowed to play with iPhones or iPads at the dinner table, but a book is just fine.
SB: Ruby Servin "especially at dinner" (10 sec)A community input session is scheduled for October 24th, at which local
residents will have a chance to meet with the library staff to discuss a possible expansion of the facility.
If you missed out on the book sale this past weekend, another such event will be held in April. Book sales certainly aren't a novel idea to raise funds, but they are a great was for the City of San Marcos to help write a new chapter in the library's history. For Bobcat Update, I'm Drew Bryant.
Taylor Wilborn
Texas State has a beautiful campus, but that beauty can be marred by the carelessness of just a few people. Cigarette butts, plastic bottles, bags, cans and food are not always discarded properly. Littering is an unsightly problem.
SB: Kayla
The University has provided hundreds of waste cans throughout campus, placing one every few yards. Recycling bins are also available, offering students and faculty a convenient way to do their part to help the environment. Large dumpsters can be found behind several buildings where boxes and trash bags can be thrown away. While some students are concerned about the littering problem, others don't notice it much at all.
SB: George
If you have a large amount of trash or bulky items to get rid of, you can make a request online to have the trash picked up. Check out the Texas State Recycling and Waste Management webpage.
Stand Up: Taylor Wilborn.
Patrice Cross
Au Bon Pain, located on the first floor of L-B-J, was recently named one of the top five healthiest restaurants in Health Magazine. The menu items include made-to-order sandwiches, soups and salads, baked goods and other entrees. Many students say they're pleased with the fresher and healthier options that Au Bon Pain offers.
CG: Heather Enriquez, comm disorders junior SB: it definitely attracts more of our age b/c everyone is trying to be more healthy and that's exactly why I go here.
Enriquez says even though she's excited about the healthier options, there IS a downside.
SB: The only thing I don't really like is that it's kind of more on the expensive side as far as, you know, sandwich is more than your average chick fil a meal.
Au Bon Pain provides the health-conscious student with food choices that were not available on campus before it opened.
CG: Anna Gonzalez, political science junior SB: I don't think Texas State has enough healthy options for students on campus
Standup: With healthy food options to fuel your body throughout the day, make sure to stop by Au Bon Pain in L-B-J and give it a taste. For Bobcat update, I'm Patrice Cross.
Valerie Kilgore
For many students, college is a time for new and exciting experiences in addition to getting an education. The ultimate goal for most is to start a career after graduation. There are other things students need to keep in mind before they start looking for a job. Texas State graduate Justin Garelick says social media plays an important role in the hiring process.
Justin SB
Students need to be prepared for the interview and to dress appropriately, which for some may mean covering their body art. Tattoos are not in all cases a detriment.
Charles SB
Standup- Getting tatted up and posting party pictures on Facebook may seem cool now, but college students need to take into account how it will affect their marketability in the future. Most importantly, students need to network and gain experience through internships.
Charles SB
Standup- Even if you have a 4.0, you are not very marketable in today's job force without experience. Just remember to present yourself properly for the job that you want. For Bobcat Update, I'm Valerie Kilgore.
10/17/13
Brandon McDonald
Corri Zimmer
Tori Valles
Kayla Urbanovsky
Daniel Shoemaker
Max Anderson
STAND UP: The Alkek Library is a great resource for Texas State students, but the federal government shutdown meant government resources provided by the library were somewhat limited for a while.
The government shutdown, which was resolved in the eleventh hour deal last night, closed many government websites, limiting access to data, statistics and maps. Librarian Rory Elliott says the shutdown has had an impact.
Elliott: SB
The impact of the shutdown was mixed.
Student 1: SB
Student 2: SB
STAND UP: If you do find yourself in need of government resources, log onto their website to see what resources are available. For Bobcat Update, I'm Max Anderson.
10/16/13
Robert Taylor
Chris Garcia
10/15/13
Jordan Gass-Poore'
One of the core components of the NASA program has always been research, which is an area that universities, like Texas State, can possibly contribute. Faculty from the university's College of Science and Engineering met recently with representatives from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Texas State Provost Gene Bourgeois says a collaboration between the two may lead to research opportunities for Texas State faculty:
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Bourgeois says the collaboration is in its infancy but hopes it will provide internship and co-op opportunities for Texas State students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
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Johnson Space Center representatives also visited the Texas State campus to tour its science and engineering facilities. Bourgeois says the university's designation as an emerging research institute last year helped solidify the NASA collaboration.
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10/14/13
Tamara Johnson
10/13/13
Montreal Williams
Downtown San Marcos is the epicenter of this thriving small town with its boutiques, restaurants and bars! Many downtowns feature law offices and banks, which San Marcos has and so much more. This town is like no other.
SB: Andrea Villalobs compares the city to others
According to the U-S Census, San Marcos is the fastest growing city in the United States. So it's no wonder that business owners want to be part of an economic boom.
SB: Manager of Langford Boutique, Danielle Henry talks
Stand Up: Downtown San Marcos is widely known for its nightlife but it's also known for its historical history like the Hays County Courthouse built in 1909.
SB: Kaylie Head talks about downtown historyA new sandwich shop, Erbert and Gerbert's, will open soon downtown. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montreal Williams.
10/11/13
Carlos Garcia
Standup: Dining halls at Texas State serve thousands of students each semester. But this year they are serving up a lot more in terms of health and nutrition.
With just a click online, students who use any of Texas State's eight dining halls and cafes now have access to the nutritional content of their food. That's because "Chartwells"-the company that provides the food, wanted to address student health concerns.
ABELSOT: ....people are self-conscious of what they eat...
"Balanced U" - the nutrition initiative- identifies the amount of fat, protein and carbs that are consumed, and even more extensive details are available on the website.
BRIDGEstandup: Students seeking healthier diets will enjoy the benefits of this initiative, but some fitness professionals say that nutrition is just one component of overall health.
Despite the benefits of exercise, data from the Journal of Physical Activity and Health show that 23 percent of students STOP participating in physical activity once they reach college. Personal Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Mark Grande says complacency is a real risk.
MARKSOT: ...eating well is important, but exercising regularly is also key...
OUTstandup: Beginning a healthy lifestyle could be difficult for some, but knowing what you're eating could serve as an important first step. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Garcia.
Danielle Rucker
Some Texas State students, like Braden Torrez, say the food service provider Chartwells is doing a great job. Torrez says he finds a lot of variety.
SB: Braden Torrez says he is pleased with the food choices we have on campus.
Other students disagree, especially when it comes to quality.
SB: Peyton Stevenson says the food is not always as fresh as he thinks it should be.
Chartwell's Marketing Manager, Abel Valencia, says new policies are now in effect to address the wants and needs of the students. He says it's hard to please everyone because the student population is very diverse. Dieters, diabetics, vegetarians and just plain picky eaters can make the process difficult. Valencia says Chartwells is doing its best to keep everyone happy.
SB: Abel Valencia says that they are doing their best to satisfy students.
STAND UP: Some Texas State students feel that the quality of food served on campus is not quite up to par. Others believe the food tastes great and we have a good variety of options to choose from. For Bobcat Update, I'm Danielle Rucker.
Zachary Covey
Stand-Up: Zachary Covey
Not since 19-95 has the government been shutdown as a result of political squabbling. Political Science Associate Professor Dr. William DeSoto recalls the circumstances of 18 years ago.
SB: Political Science Professor Dr. DeSoto
Obamacare -- the government-run initiative to have more Americans insured -- is at the heart of the budgeting issue. Many Republicans want the program eliminated or de-funded. But Democrats in Washington are holding firm. They see Obamacare as a way to lower health care costs and expand access. Public Finance Professor Dr. Jayce Farmer says the shutdown was not necessary.
SB: Public Finance Professor Dr. Jayce Farmer
Compromise may be the only solution to resolving the stalemate.
SB: Political Science Major Professor Dr. DeSoto
SB: Public Finance Professor Dr. Jayce Farmer
No one is certain when the shutdown will end, although Dr. Farmer says the duration could resemble the previous shutdown.
SB: Public Finance Professor Dr. Jayce Farmer
Stand-Up: Zachary Covey
Kali Conley
The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone ages six months and older get a yearly flu vaccine, but some Texas State students don't think the vaccine is necessary.
SB (Josh Martinez-English Major)
SB (Ty Hunter Stone-Cipher-Sophomore)
College students are frequently near other people when they're attending classes, riding the trams, or living in dorms. This proximity can make it easier for students to catch the flu.
Business major Simone White says she doesn't normally get flu shots but is rethinking that decision since coming to the University.
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[Stand-Up] On October 16th the Student Health Center will be offering flu shots to all Texas State students in the L-B-J ballroom for 15 dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kali Conley.
10/10/13
Jonathan Riedel
Matt Uzick
10/9/13
Taylor Wilborn
Due to the lack of class availability or scheduling conflicts, many students have long breaks between classes. The long hours can be frustrating if you don't live on campus and have nowhere to go, but there are many places on campus that offer something to do. If it's been a long day and you need a nap, Boko's Living Room can serve the purpose. Boko's is located in the L-B-J Student Center and is available to all students.
SB: Boko's Living Room Manager
You can also go around the corner to Georges to watch t-v or grab a snack. Not only is Georges convenient for its big screen, the bar also offer billiards and Ping-Pong to keep you busy. If you're hungry, you can find a lot of food places on campus, which have large tables for studying or hanging with friends while you enjoy your meal. If you're hoping to be productive during your downtime, you can go to one of the many study areas on campus where there are couches, lounge chairs, computers and printers. You can do those finishing touches on your homework and print it too. And if you need to do some last minute reading, Starbucks offers more comfortable seating. Many students never realize these services exist.
SB: Students who does nothing
Registration can be crazy, which means you may not always get the perfect schedule. So, if you do get stuck with long, awkward breaks between classes, be sure to take advantage of the amenities on campus.
Stand Up: Taylor Wilborn
Dan Shoemaker
Lindsay Broyles
Dan Shedd
10/8/13
Max Anderson
10/7/13
Valerie Kilgore
Ben Bethea
Scott Miller
10/4/13
Kayla Urbanovsky
Whisper is a social media app -- unlike any other. It allows users to post anonymous secrets online by placing text over pictures and then uploading them. It also maps the phone's G-P-S to let the user know how close, in miles, other storytellers are. Whisper resembles a Facebook page called Texas State Confessions. Junior Michael Vielma says it's a great tool for students to find a voice.
SB: Michael Vielma
Users don't have a public identity on the site, which helps students post how they're feeling without the worries of judgment from their peers or rude comments from readers.
SB: Chris ThompsonStandup: For those social network over-sharers, Whisper may be the new home for them to post their secrets and to relate to others who are dealing with the same things. It's available for download on Android and Apple i-Phones. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kayla Urbanovsky.
10/2/13
Bria Lott
Chris Garcia
Victoria Galindo
Jade Skaggs
Stand up: In honor of the collaboration of Lyndon Baines Johnson and Martin Luther King Jr., San Marcos is building a memorial to remember the events that changed history.
King led the non-violent, civil rights movement promoting equality and fairness for millions of African-Americans, and Johnson, as president, signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Johnson, of course, is an alum of Texas State and lived for a time in San Marcos. Two city streets are named in honor of King and Johnson. The streets intersect, and that is where the proposed statue will be placed.
Diann McCabe Sound Bite
Texas State students will be involved in getting the word out.
Bailey Campbell Sound Bite
Organizers say the statue will likely be erected sometime next year.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Jade Skaggs.
10/1/13
Corri Zimmer
It's quiet right now at Bobcat Stadium, but last Saturday that wasn't the case as the Bobcats advanced their record to three-and-one with a 42-to-21 victory against the Wyoming Cowboys.
While the offense received most of the attention Saturday night, the Bobcat defense was equally impressive. Playing against an offense that usually averages 400 yards per game, Texas State limited Wyoming to a season-low 21 points and 356 yards.
Many Bobcat fans are wondering if this is the same team they saw go four-and-eight last year. Kicker Will Johnson says having confidence is what makes this year different.
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The Bobcats will travel to Lafayette this Saturday to play their first division game in the Sun Belt conference. Louisiana-Lafayette was picked as the Sun Belt conference pre-season favorite. Johnson says the Bobcats have some things they need to work on before they go.
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Kickoff is set for Saturday at 6:00 p-m at Cajun Stadium. For Bobcat Update, I'm Corri Zimmer.