Megan Carthel

Faculty, staff and students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty this past weekend for the annual Bobcat Build. Megan Carthel was there and has the story.

It's a day year of hard work and planning…
Emily Lund "…there's a lot" :10
…For a day of service…
Ian McCammon "…giving back" :10
…And a lot of fun.
Noragene Green "…dance" :08
The 12th annual Bobcat Build was one for the records—it was the biggest since the initiative started in 2002 with over 200 job sites. This year over four thousand students picked weeds, painted fences and more at job sites like this. (stand up)
Trauth "…proud" 10
Representative Lloyd Doggett even made an appearance and encouraged students.
Goggett: "….eat 'em up cats" :10
Bobcat Build is completely student-run. The event is organized by about 40 students on a planning committee.
Noragene Green: "….initiative" :08
For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Carthel               

Katelynn Duane

It's time to bust a few stereotypes here. There was a time when college-bound women were said to be seeking an M-R-S degree. Katelynn Duane examines the issue, in this Bobcat Update. 

College is one of the last times that a high concentration of men and women can be found working together in the same place. The term M-R-S degree was coined in the 40's and is used to describe women who attend college to meet their soul mates.
(Mosel-Talavera... 8 sec... beyond that)
The federal Department of Education recently released statistics that show women are more likely than men to receive bachelors degrees, and women -- on average -- have higher G-P-A's. Texas State Junior Rebekah Feltner says women don't go to college just to meet somebody.
(Feltner... 3 sec... a man)
The median age for women to get married for the first time is 27, often many years after graduation. Sociology professor Kelly Mosel says it's better for college-age women to focus on themselves and plan for their financial security rather than worrying about getting a ring or a new last name. 
(Mosel-Talavera... 14 sec... those things)
(Duane... 10 sec... Katelynn Duane)

Daniel Kittrell

The L-B-J Student Center will undergo some renovations soon. Daniel Kittrell has more in this Bobcat Update. 

The student center is gearing up for a facelift that will take a few years to complete. Some small changes have already been made. New furniture is being purchased for the lounge and study areas on the upper floors, and new furniture and trash cans have been placed on the patio outside the food court. Some students say the upgrades make them want to keep coming back. 
SB- Williams
Student Center Director Jack Rahman (RAY-men) says food options will also be changing. For example, Papa Johns will replace Pizza Hut. 
SB- Rahman, food bit
Students are encouraged to voice their thoughts on improving the Student Center. 
SB- Rahman, laser tag arena, paintball course
Rahman says he wants to make L-B-J a state-of-the-art facility where everyone wants to be.
SB- Rahman, parents say wow, crown jewel 
Stand Up- Daniel Kittrell

Alex Merced

The university is preparing for next year's Common Experience theme, which will be based on a historic moment in Texas State history.  Alex Merced has more in this Bobcat Update.

If you had walked on this campus 50 years ago, you would not have seen much diversity. At about the time Lyndon Johnson signed landmark Civil Rights legislation into law, Southwest Texas State admitted its first African-American female student. The Common Experience theme for the 2014-2015 school year will honor the 50th anniversary of the university's desegregation. Some students say the school has changed dramatically over the years.
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Today Texas State is considered a diverse campus. In 2010, it was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Sophomore Christian Clayton says he loves the diversity on campus.
SB
The Common Experience theme will honor five African-American women and will celebrate their leading role in bringing about integration.
Standup "….. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Merced." 

Bailey Bounds

The annual photography contest called A Week in the Life at Texas State is underway! Bailey Bounds has more in this Bobcat Update..

A Week in the Life at Texas State allows students to show through photographs what they experience at the university. The pictures should attempt to capture people and events as students perceive them. 
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The photographs can be anything from floating the river to studying. The options are endless. Organizers of the event want contributors to find what's unique.
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The competition is open to anyone who's enrolled at Texas State. A panel of judges will evaluate the students' entries based on technical skill, execution of theme and creativity. 
Stand up

Emily Liberto

Local caffeine fanatics can enjoy a wide variety of coffee flavors in San Marcos. Emily Liberto has more in this Bobcat Update.

San Marcos is home to several coffee shops. From the relaxing feel of Tantra to the indie style of Wake the Dead, each shop is unique.
Stand up- The local coffee shops in San Marcos offer a wide variety of flavors from traditional roasts to more exotic blends.-
SB-Cheyenne Downs, Wake the Dead customer
Mochas & Javas has taken inspiration from a popular dessert and created the Chocolate Covered Cherry Mocha. The shop has also experimented with different ingredients such as protein and peanut butter.
SB- Andy Trevino, Mochas and Javas
Fuego is the newest shop in town. It opened in October. Its drive-thru has gained popularity. Fuego has some unique flavors, such as pecan pie lattes and nutella frappes.
SB- Chris Marti, owner of FuegoWhether customers prefer a classic dark roast or a flavored latte, they're likely going to find the flavor they want in San Marcos. For Bobcat Update, I'm Emily Liberto.

Jacob Payne

You may have heard of the five-second rule. It applies after you accidentally drop food on the ground. Presumably, if you swoop it up fast enough, it should still be safe to eat. Well, maybe. Maybe not. Jacob Payne has more in this Bobcat Update.

Research at Britain's Aston University offers some support for the theory that food picked up just a few seconds after being dropped is less likely to contain bacteria than if it is left for longer periods of time.
The findings suggest there may be some scientific basis to the five- second rule – the urban myth about it being fine to eat food that has only had contact with the floor for five seconds or less. Although people have long followed the five-second rule, there hadn't been any scientific inquiry into whether it was true or not.
(Interview #1)
The study, undertaken by Aston biology students and led by Microbiology Professor Anthony Hilton, tested the rule by having students drop toast, pasta, biscuits, and candy onto a floor that had been exposed to common bacteria. They then measured how much of the bacteria transferred when it was left on the ground for durations ranging from three to 30 seconds.
The results found that food left on the floor for less time does indeed get exposed to less bacteria. Despite this discovery, there are those who refuse to take any chances.
(Interview #2)
(Stand-UP)

Audrey Seifert

After a year of construction at a cost of three-point-five (M) million dollars, Old Main finally has the facelift it desperately needed. But what looks beautiful on the outside isfalling apart inside. Staircases are being blocked off, plaster is falling off the walls, and cracks are apparent in the floors, walls, and ceiling. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication is up for reaccreditation this year,so plans are being made to repair the building's inside as well.

Taylor Alanis

A former Texas State student is now in jail for crimes he committed back in Fall 2012. Bobcat Update's Taylor Alanis had the opportunity to sit in on his trial and has information about what San Marcos residents can do to prevent such a crime from happening to them.

24-year-old Jonathan Porterie was convicted of breaking into the rooms of several women at the University Club Apartments and molesting them while they were asleep.
When cross-examining one witness, Porterie's attorneys questioned whether residents at U-Club made it a habit to lock their doors. The witness said she hopes residents secure their apartments but they may at times forget when they visit their neighbors or go to the pool.
(STAND UP) Porterie's trial is just a reminder for San Marcos residents and perhaps even begs the question, Are we really being safe?
Some San Marcos residents say they aren't really that concerned with locking their doors because they feel safe where they live.
SB
Others say they make sure their homes are secure because they fear intruders. Ysabelle ____ says even though her roommates often forget, she always locks her door.
SB
Some San Marcos apartment complexes have security guards, gate systems and cameras to help their residents feel safe. But sometimes these extra precautions aren't enough and it all comes back down to lock and key.
(STAND UP)For those who forget to lock their doors, put a sticky note or a dry erase board with a reminder message for you and your roommates. Even if you are going to take a quick trip to your apartment's pool or grabbing the mail, it is wise to still lock your doors because you never know what can happen. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Alanis.

Skye Wallace

Officials in San Marcos are going bald for a good cause. Skye Wallace has more in this Bobcat Update.

Several city offices, including the San Marcos Fire Department, are rallying together to raise money and awareness for Waylon Malone. Malone was diagnosed with neuro-blastoma at the age of two. He has gone through a series of treatments, causing him to lose his hair multiple times. Malone's fight against cancer has prompted several San Marcos officials to shave their heads in his honor.
San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens says it's a great cause and anyone can participate.
SB
San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero says a personal tie to the cause made it easy for him to shave his head.
SB
Cancer survivors Cheryl Pantermuehl and Renate Yanity say shaving their heads was a great way to show their support for Waylon. 
SB
Stand-up) Here at Fire Station number five, over 25 people from the San Marcos area wait for their turn to go bald. They hope that at the very least it will put a smile on Waylon's face. For information on how to donate to the Malone family, go to w-w-w-dot-indiegogo-dot-com-slash-projects-slash-waylons-warriors. For Bobcat Update, I'm Skye Wallace. 

Jordan Chavez

The Baylor Bears are in the Sweet 16 of the N-C-double-A men's basketball championship tournament. Baylor eliminated Nebraska in the first round last Friday in Waco 74 to 60. The Bears then defeated Creighton on the Bluejays home court on Sunday. Baylor's center Isaiah Austin and guard Brady Heslip finished with 17 points apiece to lead the way. Baylor wrapped up the game 30 points ahead of Creighton. The final score: 85 to 55. The Bears will next face the Wisconsin Badgers on Thursday. The game will be televised on T-B-S.

Zach Harrow

March is national women's month. To celebrate, Texas State's radio station, K-T-S-W, will host a full day of programming made exclusively by women. On Sunday, K-T-S-W will provide shows and segments about women in news, sports and music. They will focus on women who have become leaders in their field, locally and nationally. This is the first time that K-T-S-W will have shows and segments produced, hosted and brought to you exclusively by women for 24-straight-hours.

Isamar Terrazas

The San Marcos Public Library is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. To mark the occasion, Mayor Daniel Guerrero will be talking about the library's history at an event on Sunday, which will include children performing in a mariachi band as well as the San Marcos High School jazz band. The celebration will also include food, games and an exhibit on the library's history. The event will be between two and four p-m at the library on Hopkins.

Andrea Rodriguez

A fund-raising campaign will likely have a big impact at Texas State University. In this Bobcat Update, Andrea Rodriguez tells us that the dollars raised will be used for a variety of purposes, including new buildings and scholarships.

The Pride-in-Action campaign has surpassed expectations raising more than 150 (m) million dollars. University officials say 24 (m) million dollars of that money will be used to enhance research; another 31 (m) million dollars will go toward building new facilities; 39 (m) million dollars will help expand scholarship opportunities for students; and 57 (m) million dollars will be used to improve academic excellence.
SB: McKinnon…15 seconds…"Funds are expanding"
Volunteer leaders were a driving force.
SB: McKinnon…12 seconds…"Alumni and friends"
Stand Up: With extraordinary success of Pride in Action campaign, Texas State University has benefited greatly with new facilities, expanding funds for scholarships and strengthening academic excellence.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Rodriguez.

Tyler Gaudin

The Bobcats football team is nearing the end of its second week of practice. Bobcat Update's Tyler Gaudin has more.

The Bobcats were six-and-six last season and for the first-time ever, they were bowl eligible. They're practicing now for the 20-14 season. Only a week from their first day in pads, the team hopes to go even further this year.
SB
As the 'Cats move forward they've replaced many of the seniors they relied on heavily last season. Many younger players are eager to carry the program forward.
SB
The Maroon and Gold game is a big test for these younger players to step up against their teammates and prove to the coaches and the students that they are ready to play.
SB
SU

Yolis Arroyo

Chartwells -- the Texas State food service -- has a new phone app. It's called App-On-Campus, which gives faculty and students an easy way to access information about on-campus dining options. Yolis (YO-LEASE) Arroyo (AH-ROW-YO) has more in this Bobcat Update. 

App-On-Campus provides more than just dining hall hours and menu options. It gives students a chance to find information about nutrition, upcoming dining hall events, special offers, and a map of Chartwells' locations.
Stand up: (Arroyo…9 secs...dining hall)
Chartwells says the app was created for students who want on-campus dining information readily available.
(Valencia…14 secs…show them)
Although Chartwells says it received mostly positive feedback in an online poll about the app, some students say the service won't be of much use to them.
(Dallie…10 secs…day basis)
Chartwells can take feedback about your on-campus dining experience directly from the app. For Bobcat Update, I'm Yolis Arroyo.

Iris Fulton

Lenten season is underway, and many Texas State students are sacrificing something they enjoy during this 40-day period. Iris Fulton has more in this Bobcat Update.

Lent is a period of fasting that leads up to the Christian observance of Easter. The season is 40 days long and serves to represent Jesus Christ's 40-day fast in the desert. Many people choose to give up things that they are hooked on, such as cigarettes, sodas, social media or junk food.
(Montage)
Although Lent is known as a Catholic holiday, many other denominations participate as well. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter.
(Stand Up)

Frank Makri

Texas State students are well-aware that smoking on campus is banned, but they may not know that some off-campus locations in San Marcos will soon be affected as well. Frank Makri (MAK-REE) has more in this Bobcat Update.

Smoking has been a hot-button issue for quite some time, and attempts to limit it are not going away anytime soon. San Marcos will be enforcing a ban on smoking in restaurants and bars, as well as outdoors on the square, starting June 1st. Students who smoke are not happy about this new law.
SB: Middlebrooks...12 seconds..."Over the top"
Some students who work at bars worry the ban may affect their business.
SB: Moncanut...13 seconds..."Slippery slope"
Stand Up: Makri...11 seconds..."Smoking ban"
Students who don't smoke think the new law is a step in the right direction.
SB: Terry...10 seconds..."Good thing"
Other San Marcos residents have gotten used to smoking indoors and think the change is NOT needed.
SB: Wilson...13 seconds..."Won't last"
The ban includes e-cigarettes and vapes.  Be sure to contact San Marcos City Council for more information.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Frank Makri (MAK-REE).

Katie Sarkhosh

Many students would like to see more school spirit at Texas State. Katie Sarkhosh has more in this Bobcat Update.

There's a lot of pride at Texas State, but some people say school spirit seems to be lacking:
SB: "We have rowdy fans…
SB: "I would give school spirit a B+. We'll get there"
Lack of awareness may be the reason that few people are showing up at most sporting events.
SB: "The smaller sports never get advertised. I would go if I knew about them."
While football and baseball are two of the more popular sports, students say it's hard to attend many games.
SB: "People have busy schedules with studying and student organizations."
Many students believe incentives such as free t-shirts or a free concession item would improve attendance at games.
Stand-up: With years of traditions fueling Texas State events, there are plenty of reasons for Bobcats to have school spirit. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katie Sarkhosh.

Tyler Padalecki

Construction continues to affect students and businesses near campus. Tyler Padalecki has more in this Bobcat Update.

The intersection of North L-B-J and Sessom Drive is a busy one. The high-traffic area- both for drivers and students walking to campus- is located just north of the Texas State University campus, and is causing travelers to take detours to get to the shops nearby and to campus.
(SB)
Many residents living in nearby apartments are ready for the construction to be over.
(SB)
(Standup)
While the barriers will take some getting used to, many people do understand why the construction is necessary.
(SB)
North L-B-J will remain a one-way street until the piping system underground is finished. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Padalecki.

Brian Novak

Amazon has announced its annual prime membership fee has increased by 20 dollars to 99 dollars. Students who use Amazon's services to avoid long lines at The University Bookstore orColloquium can sign up for a student-discounted rate of 49 dollars. Prime members receive two-day shipping at no extra cost, plus the ability to borrow Kindle books as well as stream movies and television shows. Amazon says the membership has increased because of growing fuel and shipping costs.

Jacob Payne

March Madness has arrived. Second round action of the N-C-double-A men's basketball tournament tips off tomorrow (Thursday). This year some Texas State students filled out their brackets with extra care, because they see it as a chance to get rich. Jacob Payne has the story.

Quicken Loans and Warren Buffett are offering 15 million people a very small chance at winning a very big prize – one billion dollars for filling out a perfect N-C-A-A men's basketball tournament bracket.
Many fans regard the N-C-double-A tournament as March Madness because of all the excitement it generates.
Every year, fans add to the madness by predicting the outcomes of all 63 games in the tournament. Buffett's new Bracket Challenge has put even more of a spotlight on March Madness.
(Interview #1)
While he may seem confident, the numbers indicate that the odds of someone filling out a perfect bracket are next to impossible.
There are two possible outcomes of every game, giving each person a one in nine quintillion chance of winning the grand prize.
Professor of Mathematics Max Warshauer says the odds are long even if you know a lot about the men's teams and how competitive they are:
(Interview #2)
(Stand-Up)

Lauren Higdon

Students dread it, but it's inevitable -- Time again for the midterms. Lauren Higdon has more in this Bobcat Update…

The Alkek Library has extended its hours to being open 24/7 now that students have begun studying for their midterms. The SLAC lab -- located in the library -- has experienced an overflow of students needing help in preparing for their tests.
SB
Some students find the library to be a convenient place to study. It's easier to go there than to go home.
SB
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So, hit the books and do whatever it takes to get ready.
SB
Good luck on those midterms Bobcats! For Bobcat Update, I'm Lauren Higdon.

Jordan LeCroy

If you're looking for quiet and solitude while on campus, you can find it. The library is one such place. And, in this Bobcat Update, Jordan LeCroy tells us about another.

Many students have some down time between classes, and because buses tend to be crowded and parking spots are hard to find, they'd rather spend that down time on campus
Standup: To avoid traveling to and from campus, students are passing the time at Boko's Living Room.
Located on the first floor of the L-B-J Student Center, Boko's Living Room is the perfect place for students to relax and kill some time. This comfortable recreation center provides many amenities to Texas State students. Private cubicles are offered for those who seek a quiet place to study or do homework. Chris James says Boko's Living Room is his go-to study spot.
(SB)
Boko's Living Room offers students some much needed R and R. It encourages students to rest up by providing blankets, pillows, and even alarm clocks to avoid snoozing through to the next class. Commuter student Bianca Lopez takes full advantage of these services.
(SB)
Boko's Living Room is also equipped with a movie theater that can be reserved as well as T-V rooms that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students can also access the Clicks computer lab which is located near Boko's entrance. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan LeCroy.

Jeffrey Stringer

It's time again to meet with your academic adviser -- registration will soon be underway for summer and fall classes. Jeffrey Stringer has more on the story.

Advising appointments are essential to some students who need guidance in planning their semester schedules. But others prefer to figure it out on their own.
SB: Whitehead…By Myself…8 sec
SB: Maldonado…For Convenience…7 sec
Advisers, though, can help students with matters that go beyond scheduling.
SB: Bishop…Them More…9 sec
Advisers can assist in job hunting and internships. They also have essential information about departmental activities and policy changes.
SB: Bowers…Situation Maybe…9 Sec
Stand Up: Hey Bobcats did you know that depending on what groups you are associated with can affect your registration date? Summer and fall registration is on March 24th. For Bobcat Update I'm Jeffrey Stringer.

Bailey Bounds

Perhaps you're looking forward to a summer of leisure after you finish the spring semester. But if lounging at the pool or sleeping until noon aren't for you, perhaps an internship is. Bailey Bounds reports on the vital role that internships can play.

The time has come for students to start polishing their resumes! Summer is quickly approaching, and internships are available. Texas State provides numerous options for students to find internships in their field of interest. Chuck Kaufman, the internship coordinator for the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, says internships are absolutely essential for many reasons. 
SB
Texas State's Career Services offers different opportunities as well, Job and internship fairs are held periodically for Texas State students and alumni. 
SB
Students who have internship experience learn more about what's expected in the workplace.
SB
Stand Up: Students should take advantage of these internship opportunities because they can be the key to career success after graduation or anytime during their career development. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bailey Bounds. 

Katelynn Duane

Graffiti -- the unauthorized drawings or messages you see on campus -- may be artwork to some, but they're also a crime. Katelynn Duane has more in this Bobcat Update. 

It's something most students notice every day, graffiti on campus. The classification of graffiti can change from person to person, but according to Texas State policy, unauthorized markings of any kind on campus is considered graffiti. This includes chalk. Many students and faculty are concerned about what campus visitors will think when they see such tags. 
"If there's tours and new people coming, that could affect their decision to come to Texas State, if it's not a clean school." (Cadotte... 7 sec... clean school) 
"If there's graffiti all over our facility, then they're going to see that and possibly that will have a negative impact on what they think." (Rader... 14 sec... they think) 
University Police say the punishment for those seen tagging on campus can vary based on the amount of time it takes to clean up the markings. Officer Otto Glenewinkel says he's seen an increase in students tagging mailing labels and placing stickers in public places across campus. Sometimes these stickers can be very hard to remove, and the higher cost of removal makes the punishment for such crimes more severe.
SB: stickers
The University Police Department wants students to call crime stoppers to report any instances of graffiti. 
"This is your place as much as it is ours, so please do something if you see someone tagging." (Glenewinkel... 7 sec... someone tagging)
"Like officer Otto said, sometimes these stickers can be harder to remove than the actual paint. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katelynn Duane." (Duane... 10 sec... Katelynn Duane)  

Jordan Chavez

The Greek community at Texas State is adjusting to changes in the way it handles public relations. Jordan Chavez has the story.

Members of fraternities and sororities are voicing their opinions about a rule they say is new to Texas State. The guideline states that active members are not allowed to sale any apparel with their Greek letters to a member of another fraternity or sorority.
SB:
SB:
Stand-Up
SB:
Members who violate the rule may face penalties:
SB:
The rule, called U-A Ten, is designed to protect the single-sex status of sororities. Behind the effort are such groups as Protected by Title Nine and The National Panhellenic Conference. If you're interested in learning more about the subject, you can visit the Greek Affairs office, located on the fourth floor of the L-B-J Student Center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan Chavez.

Taylor Alanis

Two Texas groups are joining forces to help improve the working conditions of custodial workers. One group is called Generation Texas, and the other is the Center for P-16 Initiatives. A grant specialist for P-16 Initiatives, Isaac Torres, says more than three-thousand custodial workers are in the labor force in Central Texas and most earn less than ten-dollars an hour. Torres says a grassroots movement has been formed to provide assistance to the workers by helping them seek a better life. One part of the initiative is to encourage the workers to send their children to college.

Chayne Lawson

Becoming a missionary is a bold, life-changing move for a college student.  Chayne (Shane) Lawson has more in this Bobcat Update.

Many college students want to travel but don't know how or don't have the funds. If you're a student who wants to see the world, then maybe you should consider going on a mission trip. Texas State student Dustin West, a staff member for Hill Country Church, says he's had opportunities through missionary work to deliver an important message. 
SB
Texas State student Jessica Lee is a missionary who loves being around people and has a deep passion for serving wherever she may be. She believes it's important to share the gospel, not just in other countries, but on campus and in daily life as well.
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Kai Alpha staff member Richard Skinner raises money in order to fund mission trips, and he says many people are willing to help.
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Elissa Luevano, a campus minister for Every Nation Ministries, says she enjoys working with teams who get involved in missions and she believes that everyone should go on a mission trip at least once in their lifetime.
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If you're a student who's interested in traveling and serving, you'll find several ministries in Central Texas that can provide guidance. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chayne (Shane) Lawson.    

Jordan Chavez

The Greek community at Texas State is seeing changes in the way it handles public relations. Jordan Chavez has the story.


Members of fraternities and sororities say guidelines have been changed in how they can share and distribute their apparel. For one thing, they may NOT buy, sell or even give away clothes or other accessories, IF they're from a fraternity or sorority not their own.
SB:
SB:
Stand-Up
SB:
Members who violate the rule will face penalties.
SB:
The National Panhellenic Conference has rules -- in compliance with federal law -- designed to protect the single-sex status of sororities. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan Chavez.

Adriana Candelaria

The San Marcos River is much cleaner today -- thanks to the effort of a lot of people who care. Adriana Candelaria has more in this Bobcat Update.

More than 200 community members worked together this past weekend to pick up trash in the tributaries connected to the San Marcos River. They carefully combed the waterway.
SB: there are some areas that people don't think about. If they see it on their streets it blows somewhere, it gets caught into a drains and it goes into the river (11seconds)
Stand-up: Not only do fish take in the plastic but we pick up some of the pollution as well
Texas State students will study what was collected to determine where it's coming from and how it's affecting the river.
SB:I think it's going to make our river cleaner and a nicer place to hang out in because no one wants to live in a place that's full of trash (7 seconds)
Warmer temperatures will mean more people at the river -- a cleaner river at that. For Bobcat Update, Adriana Candelaria.

Zach Harrow

The new performing arts center at Texas State is finally open. In this Bobcat Update, Zach Harrow tells us why all students should be excited about the newest addition to Texas State University.

On February 27th, Texas State finally pulled back the curtain on the new 40-million-dollar performing arts center. Located on the corner of University Drive and Moon Street, the center comes in at just over 69-thousand-square-feet.
(Stand Up)After years of construction and millions of dollars, the new performing arts center is finally open and is already being used by Texas State students and teachers to its full potential.
Across the street from the original Texas State Theater building, the center will host all future theater, dance and music events by Texas State.
SB: Maresca: ...12 sec: "...better sound"
The center includes classrooms, rehearsals studios, faculty offices and, most importantly, performance stages. Having a new building doesn't mean the theater department will abandon its older facility. The familiar round building will continue to be used, though it's clear the new structure will offer many enhancements.
SB: Blair: … 13 sec:  "...more seats". 
The premiere production in the new performing arts center will be Cole Porter's musical, "Anything Goes," starting April 7th.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Zach Harrow.

Isamar Terrazas

Students in the Anthropology Department at Texas State are helping law enforcement agencies identify the remains of dozens of undocumented immigrants. Isamar Terrazas has the story in this Bobcat Update:

Spradley…4 secs…This is a huge issue. It's a silent mass disaster along the U-S/Mexico border,in particular, Texas.

Helping identify human remains is a huge learning opportunity for students, and their work is also helping national and international agencies in identifying missing persons. Last summer, 63 bodies were exhumed from a Brooks County cemetery and brought to the Freeman Ranch at Texas State. There, graduate students and undergraduate volunteers, remove any remaining flesh from the bodies, completely clean them up and begin the identification process. The bodies arrive with personal items, like clothes and jewelry, which are stored in an ice box for preservation. The department works with Baylor University and the University of North Texas as well as the Argentine Anthropology Forensics Team.

Spradley…15 secs…We don't just want to box up a set of skeletal remains and then just send them back to the families without any supporting information.

Stand up: These are the remains of a 30-to-40-year-old Hispanic male. The forensics team at Texas State is hoping to identify him in order to be sent to his loved ones.

Once some of the characteristics needed are established, the information is then uploaded to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NAMUS. The system is helpful in reaching   families in Mexico, Central and South America. The processing of immigrant bodies would be too gruesome for the untrained, but for forensic science students it is a necessary task that they volunteered to do. 

McDaniel…15 secs…Some of these are really young individuals and we don't have that many young individuals in our collection so we can learn from that too aging and sex methods.

None of the remains have been identified as of today but the forensics team is working to ensure that all the remains can be given a proper burial with a full name on each grave.

Spradley…15 secs…When somebody crosses the border to come into this country, it's just wrong for them to be buried and never thought of again. Everybody deserves the chance of identification. We have human rights in life and death.

Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Isamar Terrazas.

Katie Sarkhosh

Many students are studying hard before Spring Break. Alkek Library has extended its hours this week in order to support students preparing for midterms. The library opened at seven A-M Monday morning and will remain open 24 hours a day until midnight Thursday. The library will also be open Friday from seven to five. If you need to study over Spring Break, Alkek will be open Monday through Friday from eight to five. Regular library hours will resume on March 16th. 

Tyler Gaudin

The Bobcat women's basketball team has been on a roll. The team has now won seven of its last ten games. After beating Georgia State 54-to-47 last Saturday, the Bobcats now sit tied for third place in the Sunbelt conference standings and have clinched a spot in the conference tournament. If the Bobcats win the tournament, it will be their first conference tournament championship since 2003. The tournament will take place next week in New Orleans.

Alex Merced

The Texas State Ticket office is having a busy sales week. The 2014 football season tickets went on sale Tuesday. Fans can buy a package deal for six home games at Bobcat Stadium. The ticket office is also preparing for one of the biggest baseball games of the year. The University of Texas Longhorns will travel to San Marcos next Tuesday to take on the Bobcats. The Bobcats will play host to the Longhorns for the first time since 2009. Five-hundred student tickets will be available for pickup tomorrow at Bobcat Stadium.

Ila Mar

Subleasing and re-letting apartments can be a difficult process for students who are eager to move on. In this Bobcat Update, Ila Mar offers some tips to make it easier.

Intro: The spring semester is already half way over, and right now lots of students are planning where they will live next year. While many people are signing new leases, others are trying to sublease and re-let but aren't having a whole lot of luck. 
SB: "Wells…5 seconds…found anybody."
Texas State Junior Wrangler Wells has been trying to sublease his roommate's room at the Lodge for the past two weeks. He says he's tried every way he can think of to get the word out, but he's had no response.
SB: "Wells…10 seconds…no responses."
He has even tried bringing out the best parts of his apartment complex.
SB: "Wells…5 seconds…little puppy."
‪Standup: But there are still many options students have when they're trying to sublease or re-let an apartment, like working with apartment locators and leasing offices.
SB: "Agent…5 seconds…leaving soon." 
Places like Apartment Pros even have special programs set up for people who have to sublease.
SB: "Apartment Pros…10 seconds…find sublets."
According to apartment locators, it's also extremely helpful to advertise your apartment on websites like Craigslist and student-rent-dot-com.
As for Wells, he hopes he gets a roommate soon.
SB: "Wells…5 seconds…his lease."
For Bobcat Update, I'm Ila Mar.

Olympia Mendoza

Texas State has an observatory that's definitely worth observing. Olympia (Uh-lim-pee-a) Mendoza (Men-dos-a) has more in this Bobcat Update.

Stand up: When was the last time you looked up at the stars? Well, you don't have to look very far because Texas State University offers its very own observatory here in the Supple Science Building. 
The universe holds billions of stars and galaxies that are viewable through Texas State University's 16-inch diameter telescope. High-tech computer programming is also used to scan and locate different aspects of the sky.
SB:
Anyone can experience a night of stargazing on Wednesdays after sundown from 7-9. The observatory is also educational.
SB:
The observatory is located on the fourth floor of the Supple Science Building. For Bobcat Update, I'm Olympia Mendoza.

Daniel Kittrell

Many students who live on North L-B-J Drive are fed up with the construction. Daniel Kittrell has more in this Bobcat Update. 

Apartment complexes along North L-B-J may be anticipating trouble as leases expire. Many students are considering other options, because the location is not as attractive as it used to be because of construction. They would rather move out than to put up with the hassles.
SB- Samantha Majcher 
While construction is underway, some apartments have had their utilities shut off periodically, which is frustrating to students.
SB- Sydney Meyer
The busy road also makes it difficult to walk to campus. 
SB- Samantha Majcher 
Other students don't let the construction bother them, because they enjoy being close to the university. 
SB- Pep
SU

Iris Fulton

You might want to think twice about posting that glossy-eyed picture of yourself on social media.  That is, if you ever hope of landing a good job. Iris Fulton has more in this Bobcat Update.

Social media sites are very popular. Users often post pictures and a lot of personal information. Employers know this, and they go online, too, to screen applicants before interviewing them. Career advisers say college students need to keep their social media postings clean and professional.
SB
Most social media sites offer privacy settings, which allow you to hide pictures that you don't want employers to have access to. However, this doesn't always keep snoopers away. Private profiles can still be accessed using sites like f-b-viewer-dot-com.
SB
Texas State career adviser Eden Bunch says social media sites
can affect your career.
SB
Stand up: Whether your social media profiles are private or public, avoid posting material that relates to subjects such as alcohol, drugs, violence or anything else that a future employee may find inappropriate. For Bobcat Update, I'm Iris Fulton.