2/28/15

Brittany Green

News outlets on campus are finding ways to reach out to a generation that's gone digital. Brittany Green has more in this Bobcat Update.

A survey conducted by Elite Daily and the Millennial Research Core shows that most young adults are getting their news online as opposed to broadcast or print. According to the study, 83-point-four percent of young adults said that their primary source of news is either an online-only news site, websites managed by traditional news media organizations, Facebook, Twitter or other social media. Three-point-one percent said they get their news from print. Five-point-seven percent said they get their news in other ways. Some believe using online sources is easier and more practical.
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The student newspaper at Texas State, The University Star, has found ways to reach out, so that readers don't have to pick up a paper.
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The university's radio station, K-T-S-W, has also discovered the benefits of adding online components.
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Those in charge of the campus news organizations recognize that it's important to adapt to what the audience demands, and it looks as though the student media are meeting that challenge head-on. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brittany Green.

Charlena McNeil

Undergraduate students now have a chance to walk away with prizes of up to three-thousand dollars, if they can come up with a great business plan. Charlena McNeil has more on this Bobcat Update.

The McCoy College of Business has announced its 2015 Business Plan Competition, encouraging students to compete for its grand prize. The competition will consist of four rounds where students present their business ideas. Aspiring entrepreneur Adam Nwaozo (Waz-o) says he hopes this competition helps turn his business idea into something real.
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Presentations will be judged by a panel of industry professionals along with experienced entrepreneurs. Business major Josh Coleman says he feels the competition gives students a reason to work hard at something they're passionate about.
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The competition will have judges submit feedback after each presentation in order to provide students with an educational opportunity. All types of businesses are welcome to join the competition. The deadline to enter is March 6th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Charlena McNeil.

Erin Pollack

Life as a freshman can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Texas State has resources available to help freshmen overcome their anxieties about what's ahead. Erin Pollack has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State offers many services to freshmen including Personalized Academic and Career Exploration, or PACE. Claudia Gasponi, an employee of the Undergraduate Academic Center, says freshmen often don't know where to go for advice.
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These services are designed to help freshmen explore their personal interests, academic plans and work life. Michelle Bohn, a senior administration assistant, says there are steps students can take if they're unsure.
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The PACE center is located in the Undergraduate Academic Center, and the PACE MAC center is on the second floor of Commons Dining Hall. Freshman Kayla Henneke says she has been to the PACE center for advice.
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For more information, visit the PACE center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Pollack.

Chantel Nurkowski

The Texas State campus is kept clean and maintained every day, thanks to the building operations crew. Chantel Nurkowski has more in this Bobcat Update.

With roughly 36-thousand students filling the dining halls and classrooms each day, trash and spills are left behind. But with a cleaning crew in each building, the bathrooms, floors, and furniture are kept spotless. Custodian Maria Gonzales works in Centennial Hall, and says she enjoys her job because of the appreciation that is shown.
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The building operations crew gets help from students and faculty, which makes the job a lot easier. Head custodian Susanna Garcia says she's been working at Texas State for 23 years.
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Bobcats showing love for the housekeeping staff will continue to keep the Texas State campus beautiful. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chantel Nurkowski.

Tyler Stevenson

Texas employees, working for minimum wage, earn seven dollars and 20-five cents an hour. And, as Tyler Stevenson tells us in this Bobcat Update, students who earn that amount often struggle to make ends meet.

According to Texas State's financial aid website, the cost of attending the University full-time ranges between 18- and 32-thousand dollars. Many students are overwhelmed trying to budget college expenses on a minimum-wage budget.
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To make up for the lack of income, some students take out loans. But the thought of being in debt after graduation scares some students.
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Last week when Walmart C-E-O Doug Mc-Mill-en announced the company is raising its minimum salary to nine dollars an hour, it sparked a debate about whether all businesses should raise their minimum wage.
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However, there can be a downside to it.
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While Bouzard says she thinks government will eventually raise the minimum wage, she doubts the increase will be enough to cover the majority of student bills. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Stevenson.

Sarah Duran

There are many things to consider when choosing the right dorm room, especially price. In this Bobcat Update, Sarah Duran takes a look at what a few extra dollars can buy.

Texas State offers on-campus residents more than 20 options when it comes to choosing dorms.
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Dorms range from community-style living in Laurel Hall to upscale super suites in San Jacinto Hall. Students can find accommodations that fit a wide range of styles. In some halls, students can pay up to four-thousand-dollars in housing rates alone. San Jacinto resident Jessica says her dorm is worth the price, but there are some drawbacks.
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The adjoining suites in Tower Hall offer something extra.
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Whether students go all-out or opt for the less expensive, they'll find benefits in all the dorms. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sarah Duran.

Cody Wilson

Help is available for those who stress out before a test. In this Bobcat Update, Cody Wilson tells us about the Brilliant Bobcats College Success Series.

The words on the page start to blur together. Hours have gone by and it feels like nothing has been accomplished. The test is only hours away and studying any more seems impossible. Bad study habits can set students up for failure, but Brilliant Bobcats can help.
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Brilliant Bobcats hold several workshops each semester to assist students in overcoming their academic struggles. One recent workshop was called Breaking Bad -- No, not the TV show -- but breaking bad study habits.
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During the workshop, students shared tips on how to study and what has worked for them. Some solutions were pretty obvious.
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The workshop helps students realize that small actions can go a long way when studying. Instantly going over notes after class, talking with the professor during office hours and taking small study breaks are simple things that can help students retain information.
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The Brilliant Bobcat College Success Series is focused on teaching students various strategies and skills for success. The workshops vary from effective note-taking to money management. The program urges students to use all the resources available to them. For Bobcat Update, I'm Cody Wilson.

Claudia Hernandez

Texas State offers a service to students to help them have a competitive edge. It's called i-CAT. And, as Claudia Hernandez tells us in this Bobcat Update, the service is useful when students apply for jobs or scholarships:

i-CAT -- which stands for Individualized Co-Curricular Activity Transcript -- is used to document student experiences outside the classroom. Such experiences may include athletics, events, community service, scholarships and honors.
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The i-CAT record can be used to show employers or graduate schools something about students other than their grades.
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Some believe that the university can do a better job of informing students about this co-curricular transcript.
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The i-CAT service can be found online. Go to the Texas State website and search for i-Cat. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Hernandez.

Haley Watson

Colds and the flu can spread quickly on a college campus. Those who become ill can be treated at the Student Health Center. Haley Watson has more in this Bobcat Update.

Most students try to take precautions to stay healthy. In each building on campus they can find hand sanitizers and sanitation wipes to help reduce the spread of germs. But if all else fails a trip to the Student Health Center may be necessary, and it's a good idea to have insurance.
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Even though the health center is offering this option, many students don't know about it.
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Some students may still be under their parents' insurance plan since the cutoff age is now 26. Those who need their own policy can find information at the Student Health Center's website. The deadline is Friday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Haley Watson.

Nickolas Casiano

Music lovers at Texas State have two new exhibits at the Wittliff Collections to be singing about. Nick Casiano has this Bobcat Update.

The Wittliff Collections at Texas State's Alkek Library have been the home to multiple exhibits throughout the years. From The Faces of Texas to the Lonesome Dove collection, the Wittliff Collections offer a variety of exhibits for students, faculty and anyone interested in history.
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The Wittliff's newest addition is called Homegrown featuring hand-drawn music posters from Austin's music scene.
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Keeping with the Homegrown theme is another Wittliff exhibit called Armadillo Rising. It features artifacts from the 1970s including items like Willie Nelson's blue jeans and shoes, the guitar he played at Austin City Limits, and even some spent marijuana joints. The exhibits Homegrown and Armadillo Rising will run until July 3rd. For more information on events hosted by the Wittliff collections, you can visit the Wittliff Collections website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Nick Casiano.

2/26/15

Allie Ibarra

Spring Break is coming up soon, which means the Student Rec Center is more crowded than usual. Many students are trying to get beach ready. In this Bobcat Update, Allie Ibarra tells us about a variety of ways to get in shape.


The Student Recreation Center is a great place for students to get a good workout while preparing for those spring break beach bods. However, students often find the gym overcrowded during the spring semester making a quick workout turn into a big hassle. Fitness and Wellness Assistant Director Raquel McAfee says the department offers something for everyone.
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The department offers up to 60 group exercise classes a week including new some classes, like Barre Burn, Boot Camp, and Specialty Yoga. But not all students work out with spring break in mind. Senior Jannelle says she comes to the rec to help her reach her New Year's resolution goal.
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With New Year's resolutions to keep and spring break around the corner, the student rec center has everything you need to stay on track. For Bobcat Update, I'm Allie Ibarra.

Hannah Cramer

The key to good journalism is always being accurate. That's according to the C-E-O of the Texas Tribune who shared his insights with Texas State students last night. Hannah Cramer has more in this Bobcat Update.

Evan Smith talked about the risks that he and other investors took five years ago in establishing The Texas Tribune. It was launched as a non-profit organization to cover Texas news, especially politics. Smith told students at a Q-and-A forum last night that getting news stories right doesn't necessarily mean getting them first. He said the Tribune has earned respect for its approach.
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Texas State lecturer Dale Blasingame introduced Smith and asked a few opening questions. Students live-tweeted throughout the event and had the opportunity to ask Smith their own questions.
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Smith advised students on how they can find jobs in journalism.
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The School of Journalism and Mass Communication has other speakers lined up for its Digital Media Entrepreneurship Speaker Series. Later this semester Peabody and Emmy award winner Whitney Shefte will speak, followed later by independent filmmaker Bernie Burns. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hannah Cramer.

2/23/15

Asher Woolridge

Racial strife has been in the news this past year. Police and minority populations have clashed in cities like Ferguson, Missouri, and New York City. Texas State, though, has enjoyed relative calm. In this Bobcat Update, Asher Woolridge takes a look at how student diversity has contributed to greater understanding.

Violent confrontations are cause for concern, but students at Texas State are reasonably assured that such incidents won't happen here. Student Joseph Chrieien says communities hold much of the responsibility for how their citizens get along.
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Faculty members recognize the importance of having students feel comfortable in their learning environment. Assistant Dean of Students, Ishmael Amaya, says the minority population has grown significantly since he arrived here several years ago.
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Students, like Veronica Ramirez, appreciate the diversity at Texas State. She says she likes the abundance of cultures and finds a social atmosphere that she enjoys.
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Over the years the minority populations at Texas State have found acceptance. Apparently the university embraces diversity.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Asher Woolridge.

2/22/15

Austin Guerrero

Every year thousands of people are killed or injured in accidents caused by drunken driving. In this Bobcat Update, Austin Guerrero tells us about a local businesswoman who is trying to reduce those numbers.

Her name is Olivia Lukomski and her goal is to revitalize a non-profit organization called Bobcat Boost. The organization's mission is to provide San Marcos with free, safe and reliable transportation.
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The idea is to have a non-profit organization help people find a safe ride home rather than drive home drunk. But the organization is having trouble finding volunteers and funding. This is where Lukomski's food truck Dine and Dash comes in. She wants to use some of the food truck's profits to help fund Bobcat Boost.
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Lukomski says she doesn't see herself in the food truck business forever. Her focus is on the community and helping people find a safe way home. For Bobcat Update, I'm Austin Guerrero.

Ellis English

Spring break is coming up at Texas State and the university is offering some options for those who are unsure of their plans. Ellis English has more on this Bobcat Update.

This year's spring break is from March 16th through the 19th and what better way to spend the week off than by traveling. This year Texas State is hosting four trips for any student who wants to go and explore nature.
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For those who want to attend, spots are filling up fast and the best way to sign up is by going to the Campus Activities and Student Organizations desk located on the fourth floor of L-B-J. For students who aren't able to leave campus, some dorms will remain open. However, the dining halls won't.
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And, of course, Sewell Park is always a great place to spend time -- whether you want to rent kayaks or work on your tan. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ellis English.

James Smith

Social media websites are useful tools for connecting with friends these days, but there are other ways you may have not considered. Bobcat Update's James Smith tells us how a bus can be a great place to meet.

The Texas State tram system provides a service to more than 30-thousand students, and apparently it's a hot spot for chit-chat among strangers.
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One tram driver has noticed this also and believes students are just more focused on their studies now that the semester is in full swing.
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Though most Bobcats keep to themselves when riding to and from campus, some say that it's hard to turn down a conversation when they're approached.
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A simple introduction is often all it takes.
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All because one person wasn't afraid to take the first step. For Bobcat Update, I'm James Smith.

2/21/15

Angelica Cobos

Changes are on the way to help handle the increasing population of San Marcos -- which is, according to the Census Bureau, the fastest growing city in America. Angelica Cobos has more in this Bobcat Update.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently granted the San Marcos Regional Airport five-point-seven (M) million dollars to make some needed improvements.
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One part of the project is to widen the airport's entrance and create a left-hand turn lane from the airport onto Highway 21. Another part of the project will be to install a navigational system to alert pilots when their aircraft are too high or too low as they're landing.
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The San Marcos Regional Airport is considered a reliever airport for the international airports in Austin and San Antonio. When emergencies occur at either of the larger airports, pilots can divert to San Marcos. Officials say having reliever status is yet another reason the airport needs to be in tip-top shape.
Stand Up: With the population growing, more planes are coming in, which means even more changes are on the way. For Bobcat Update, I'm Angelica Cobos.

Hunter Cortez

Student feedback is being sought on how to improve the university's library. Hunter Cortez has more in this Bobcat Update.

Libqual is a national survey that is sent to campus libraries around the country. It allows students to access a questionnaire that takes about five-to-ten minutes to complete. University Librarian Joan Heath says comments received from the survey are used to make changes -- such as buying new furniture and upgrading computer labs. Many students, though, haven't heard of the survey Libqual. The ones who have say they believe their voices are being heard.
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Library administrators are offering incentives to complete the survey. However, one student says such enticements -- for example, possibly winning a set of Dr. Dre's headphones -- are NOT enough to convince her the survey is worth her time.
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Library administrators say students still have two weeks left to participate in the survey. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hunter Cortez.

Ben Godson

Torchy's Tacos has finally opened in San Marcos. Ben Godson has more in this Bobcat Update.

After a long wait, Torchy's Tacos is now serving customers. Students from Texas State have been lining up for the restaurant's Mexican cuisine. However, the city already has several restaurants with that type of food. In fact, two are within a block of Torchy's. Store owner Mike Rypka says there's room enough for all.
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Torchy's is located near the square in the building formerly occupied by the U-S Postal Service. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ben Godson.

Josue Plaza

Students who are struggling with writing assignments don't have to struggle alone. Josue Plaza tells us about The Writing Center.

The Writing Center is located on the first floor of the Academic Services Building-North. Students can go there if they need help with their assignments.
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It doesn't matter which step of the writing process is causing problems. The Writing Center offers a wide range of services, including help with Power-Point presentations, essays and cover letters. Each tutoring session is individualized to the student. One such program is called the Tutor Corps, which is exclusively for veterans, taught by veterans.
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According to research, students are less successful at the college level when they fail to engage in campus activities and services.
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Each semester, The Writing Center helps almost three-thousand students. So if you're looking for a little guidance, the Writing Center is here for you. For Bobcat Update, I'm Josue Plaza.

2/17/15

Matthew Connor

Once a year, Texas State Career Services holds a job fair for students at the School of Criminal Justice. Bobcat Update's Matthew Connor has more.

Employers come to Texas State all the time, but they were looking for something specific last week at the Criminal Justice Job and Internship fair. Recruiters were seeking students who might work in law enforcement or corrections.
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The event has been held annually since the mid-eighties. Many employers have been coming for years, finding new applicants to do new jobs.
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Over 40 employers attended, including the San Marcos Police Department, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as well as the retailer Target. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Connor.

2/12/15

Jade Lewis

Texas State students sooner or later have a choice to make -- whether to live on-campus or off. There are benefits either way, depending on a person's preferences. Jade Lewis has more in this Bobcat Update.

More and more students are finding themselves torn between options. Perhaps they'd like to find an apartment off-campus, but they don't want to give up the accommodations they can find in dorms.
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Some students prefer privacy, so apartment living is an attractive alternative.
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Finances are apparently easier to manage when living off-campus, especially when it comes to school fees.
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One thing students can agree on -- whether they live on-campus or off -- is the extreme hassle of parking.
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Either choice has its pluses or minuses. Often it comes down to personal preference whether you live in a dorm or an apartment. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jade Lewis.

Connor Markey

The Texas State quidditch team has been practicing hard to prepare for the southwest regional championships this weekend, which the university is hosting for the first time ever. Connor Markey has more on the story…

Quidditch has been a growing sport among university students since 2011. The Harry Potter-inspired game has caught on around the country. At Texas State, participation has increased from 40 to 120 active members.
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The Texas State team has been doing a lot to prepare for the tournament including practice three times a week, group workouts and conditioning.
Both the varsity and the J-V Sharknados will be competing with 24 teams from six different states for a spot in the world cup. Varsity is watching out for the University of Texas while the Sharknados are preparing for Sam Houston State University.
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The tournament will take place this Friday and Saturday at the Texas State soccer complex from seven A-M to one P-M. For Bobcat Update, I'm Connor Markey.

Ben Slade

It's said that a dog's life is a walk in the park, but they pay us back with companionship and sometimes something more. A Texas State organization is sponsoring an event that could make your pet a prize winner. Bobcat Update's Ben Slade has more.

Texas State Epsilon Nu Tau is organizing an Ultimate Pet Contest. Students can enter a picture of their pet for a chance to win 100 dollars.
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Epsilon Nu Tau is hoping the event will be a fundraiser for the entrepreneur organization. A five-dollar entry fee will be charged to contestants. Once submissions are in, Epsilon Nu Tau will pick the finalists and students will vote on them in the quad.
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The contest is also giving back to the community. Fifty percent of proceeds will be donated to the San Marcos Animal Shelter. Some students are getting their pets ready for the event.
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If you think your pet has what it takes to bring home the prize, contact Epsilon Nu Tau for more details. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ben Slade.

Aaron Anderson

The Alkek Library at Texas State will be renovated this year to update its technology. Aaron Anderson has more in this Bobcat Update.

With more than one-million people visiting its library each year, Texas State has decided to add some new features including new technologies and more flexibility for study and research.
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New features will include a high‐density repository, collaboration zones, presentation rooms, an interactive theater, visualization walls, 3-D printing, maker space and a cafe. Some students, though, are unaware of the planned changes.
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Alkek Library will evolve over the next decade. No timetable has been for completion of the renovations. For Bobcat update I'm Aaron Anderson.

David Cornwell

The San Marcos River will receive a lot of attention next month when volunteers gather to participate in the Great Texas River Clean Up. In this Bobcat Update, David Cornwell tells us more about the event -- which is marking its 30th year.

The San Marcos River is known for its vibrant, clear and full of life feel and appearance. However, with some in the community not paying attention to where their trash goes, the river is in need of a major cleanup. The Keep San Marcos Beautiful Coordinator, Amy Kirwin, is seeking volunteers to help with this year's effort.
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The Great Texas River Clean up will be held on March 7th. This is an opportunity for the community to get involved in a conservation effort.
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The goal for this year's clean-up extends beyond the river itself to include creeks and tributaries. Organizers say there is much to do.
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Students and local residents who spend leisure time at the river know all too well the importance of keeping it clean.
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Volunteers will be needed at five different sites this year. The effort will not only clear the river of trash, it will also serve to educate people about how to conserve one of the city's valuable resources. For Bobcat Update, I'm David Cornwell.

Marcos Esparza

Registration is now open for one of Texas State University's biggest traditions. Marcos Esparza has more in this Bobcat Update

Bobcat Build is the largest service project at Texas State and the second largest student-run organization in Texas. Every spring semester, Texas State students travel to job sites to do service projects for residents and local businesses in San Marcos and surrounding areas.
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Over the past 12 years the event has seen major growth, originally having just a couple hundred students and a few job sites in the city. Last year Bobcat Build had a record four-thousand students at more than 250 job sites as far away as New Braunfels and Driftwood.
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Students and organizations can register online using the Bobcat Build website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marcos Esparza.

Brandi Calhoun

Texas State University offers many specialty programs that provide students with hands-on, in-the-field experience -- qualities that help set the university apart from other schools. Brandi Calhoun has the story.

Students have opportunities at Texas State that can give them a head-start after they graduate. They get to use real equipment and put into practice what they will actually be doing in their prospective fields.
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Students are given opportunities to work with companies where they can gain experience in what will be their jobs. Often there are alums present who can provide a guiding hand.
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Even the teachers take pride in the fact that their programs stand out.
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Texas State works closely with many professional and student organizations. The University Star and radio station K-T-S-W offer on-campus experience for those who want to work on their skills.
For more information about career choices and how to prepare for them, contact visit Career Services. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brandi Calhoun.

2/6/15

Brittany Green

San Marcos has been named one of the ten most relaxed small cities in America. Bobcat Update's Brittany Green has more on the story.

Movoto Real Estate takes into consideration many categories when evaluating the most relaxing cities including commute time, cost of living, population density and even the number of massage businesses per capita. Texas has three cities on the list: Cedar Park, Georgetown and San Marcos.
According to Movoto, the shorter work week and lower cost of living have made San Marcos one relaxing place to be.
Some residents say there's much more to it than that.
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Beautiful scenery isn't the only thing that helps residents unwind.
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Not all San Marcos residents feel like the city puts them at ease.
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Movoto ranked San Marcos number ten out of 140 small cities across America. Not bad at all.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Brittany Green.

Ellis English

Chick-Fil-A and Blimpie's have a policy that upsets many Texas State students who want to eat at the restaurant chains' on-campus locations. The restaurants do not accept meal trades until after one p-m. Ellis English has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State has a sizable student population, which means there are high demands placed on the variety of eateries on campus. Lately, though, Jones Dining Hall has been closed for renovations, and two popular eateries at the L-B-J Student Center have restricted when meal trades can be used. Students cannot use meal trades at Chick-Fil-A or Blimpie's before one p-m., and that means students have to use other dining services.
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Although Chick-Fil-A and Blimpie's aren't accepting meal trades before one, they're still attracting a lot of customers.
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The two franchises are located on the first floor of the L-B-J Lair. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ellis English.

Courtney Pitkin

This is Black History Month, and, in this Bobcat Update, Courtney Pitkin tells us how Texas State is observing the annual tradition.

During February, America celebrates African-American history, literature, art and food. Texas State
has several events planned including exhibits and student organization gatherings. For example, this week the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion had an event in the L-B-J ballroom
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Mama's Kitchen provided food for the event.
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On the first floor of the library is a display featuring African-American artists and authors. It includes books, photography and other artwork. For Bobcat Update, I'm Courtney Pitkin.