Immigration is a hot button issue in the presidential campaign this year. And it's an issue that touches the lives of many students at Texas State University. Bobcat Update's Eryka Villarreal reports on one man's efforts to call attention to the challenges that migrants face in America.
Texas State is considered an Hispanic-serving institution. It's growing population of Hispanics suggests that many students are connected in some way to immigrant families. One of Texas State's professors has devoted his life and career to drawing attention to immigrant concerns. Dr. Jaime Chahin knows the topic well. He was once a migrant worker, and now he's a respected scholar, an academic dean. Dr. Chahin wants more people to be aware of the issues.
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Dr. Chanin was recently recognized for his contributions at an awards ceremony held in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month. The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Policy Network.
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Stand Up.
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
9/27/15
9/26/15
Kendra Brown
Months have gone by since the Memorial Day Weekend flood, and many San Marcos residents are still picking up the pieces. Kendra Brown has more in this Bobcat Update.
For some San Marcos residents, Memorial Day weekend will never be forgotten. On May 25th more than 400 homes in the Wimberley and San Marcos areas were destroyed when the Blanco River rose well above flood stage.
SB Zaneta Hearst
Many residents were awakened to find water rising in their homes. There was very little time to grab necessities.
SB Marisa Pacheco
When the waters subsided and the affected families returned home, many found destruction.
SB Marisa Pacheco
With most of their belongings destroyed, families like the Pacheco's reached out to disaster relief programs for help.
SB Marisa Pacheco
Some Texas State students received help in refurnishing their apartments as well as payments for temporary housing and storage.
SB Zaneta Hearst
The Pacheco family has had a lot to deal with these past few months, but they've tried to stay positive.
SB Marisa Pacheco
Standup: The city of San Marcos continues to look for volunteers to help with flood repair needs. If you or someone you know would like more information on Volunteering, you can visit San Marcos T-X dot G-O-V and search Volunteer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kendra Brown
For some San Marcos residents, Memorial Day weekend will never be forgotten. On May 25th more than 400 homes in the Wimberley and San Marcos areas were destroyed when the Blanco River rose well above flood stage.
SB Zaneta Hearst
Many residents were awakened to find water rising in their homes. There was very little time to grab necessities.
SB Marisa Pacheco
When the waters subsided and the affected families returned home, many found destruction.
SB Marisa Pacheco
With most of their belongings destroyed, families like the Pacheco's reached out to disaster relief programs for help.
SB Marisa Pacheco
Some Texas State students received help in refurnishing their apartments as well as payments for temporary housing and storage.
SB Zaneta Hearst
The Pacheco family has had a lot to deal with these past few months, but they've tried to stay positive.
SB Marisa Pacheco
Standup: The city of San Marcos continues to look for volunteers to help with flood repair needs. If you or someone you know would like more information on Volunteering, you can visit San Marcos T-X dot G-O-V and search Volunteer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kendra Brown
Kimberly Benson
Intramural season is under way at Texas State. As Kimberly Benson tells us in this Bobcat Update, students who participate have a great time competing and hanging out with friends.
The Campus Recreation Center provides intramural teams for students. Fall teams include flag football, volleyball and indoor soccer. Spring teams include basketball and softball, as well as outdoor soccer. Intramurals allow students to harness their competitive side.
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Intramurals also give students an opportunity to play with friends, or even make new ones.
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Students can sign up at I-M-leagues-dot-com. The cost to join a team is 60 dollars. Students can find the intramural schedule at the Rec Center or online.Indoor soccer will kickoff October 6th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kimberly Benson.
The Campus Recreation Center provides intramural teams for students. Fall teams include flag football, volleyball and indoor soccer. Spring teams include basketball and softball, as well as outdoor soccer. Intramurals allow students to harness their competitive side.
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Intramurals also give students an opportunity to play with friends, or even make new ones.
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Students can sign up at I-M-leagues-dot-com. The cost to join a team is 60 dollars. Students can find the intramural schedule at the Rec Center or online.Indoor soccer will kickoff October 6th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kimberly Benson.
Marvin Parker Jr.
Game day Saturdays can be exciting in San Marcos. Bobcats show up at the football stadium for tailgating and a big game. But, as Marvin Parker Junior tells us in this Bobcat Update, there's something often missing -- the fans:
"Eat em up Cats" and "Go Cats Go" are chants often heard at Texas State on game days. But how much passion is behind all the chanting? It's rare for Bobcat Stadium to be filled.
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Many learn about the recent white out vs Southern Miss from social media.
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Even those who would like to be at the games can't always make it. Sometimes life gets in the way.
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And no matter how well the team plays, it's hard to cheer for someone you don't know.
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Stand up
"Eat em up Cats" and "Go Cats Go" are chants often heard at Texas State on game days. But how much passion is behind all the chanting? It's rare for Bobcat Stadium to be filled.
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Many learn about the recent white out vs Southern Miss from social media.
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Even those who would like to be at the games can't always make it. Sometimes life gets in the way.
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And no matter how well the team plays, it's hard to cheer for someone you don't know.
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Stand up
Abigail Neese
Students parking near businesses in San Marcos and then walking to campus should reconsider what they're doing. As Abigail Neese tells us in this Bobcat Update, there's a good chance a hefty fine will await them when they return.
Parking is a problem at Texas State -- nothing new there. Some students don't bother with purchasing parking permits because they know that finding an empty space is very difficult. But parking off campus may not be a solution. Businesses near campus have a message for students.
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The managers at Pie Society in the San Marcos Center say illegally parked vehicles are an irritation.
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Although enforced towing has helped reduce the problem, businesses are at odds with students who are parking in the lot and walking away for long periods of time. Restaurants are affected, because they don't have as many parking spaces for paying customers.
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Managers at the shopping center are doing whatever they can to ensure students get the hint and park elsewhere.
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Along with a 75-dollar towing fee, the standard cost to recover a towed car is 250 dollars, which is enough to make a commuter parking permit seem affordable. For Bobcat Update, I'm Abigail Neese.
Parking is a problem at Texas State -- nothing new there. Some students don't bother with purchasing parking permits because they know that finding an empty space is very difficult. But parking off campus may not be a solution. Businesses near campus have a message for students.
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The managers at Pie Society in the San Marcos Center say illegally parked vehicles are an irritation.
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Although enforced towing has helped reduce the problem, businesses are at odds with students who are parking in the lot and walking away for long periods of time. Restaurants are affected, because they don't have as many parking spaces for paying customers.
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Managers at the shopping center are doing whatever they can to ensure students get the hint and park elsewhere.
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Along with a 75-dollar towing fee, the standard cost to recover a towed car is 250 dollars, which is enough to make a commuter parking permit seem affordable. For Bobcat Update, I'm Abigail Neese.
Claire Grose
Texas State students who commute are constantly getting stuck in traffic because of trains. A major construction project is underway to help alleviate the frustration. Claire Grose tells us about an overpass being built in San Marcos..
It's a sight we're all familiar with -- backed up cars waiting for a train to pass. And by Strahan Coliseum, it occurs far too often. It takes a toll on people trying to get to work and students trying to get to class.
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But trains aren't the only thing causing traffic to slow down. Construction hampers traffic as well. But in this case the results will help correct the problem in the long run.
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Officials estimate it will take about two years to complete the project. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claire Grose.
It's a sight we're all familiar with -- backed up cars waiting for a train to pass. And by Strahan Coliseum, it occurs far too often. It takes a toll on people trying to get to work and students trying to get to class.
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But trains aren't the only thing causing traffic to slow down. Construction hampers traffic as well. But in this case the results will help correct the problem in the long run.
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Officials estimate it will take about two years to complete the project. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claire Grose.
9/19/15
Caryn Williams
Construction seems to be non-stop at Texas State. Several projects are underway to improve campus life. And, as Caryn Williams tells us in this Bobcat Update, the city of San Marcos is contributing as well.
One project near campus was recently finished. North L-B-J Drive is now much improved. The city has altered the turning lanes at Sessom Drive and built walkways to better accommodate students. It was a long and sometimes noisy process.
SB Lucas Eason
The six-and-a-half million dollar project started in October of 2013 and took nearly two years to complete. Improvements were made to increase safety for students going to and from campus.
SB Grace Elliott
The finished project features a wider street and sidewalks on both sides. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caryn Williams.
One project near campus was recently finished. North L-B-J Drive is now much improved. The city has altered the turning lanes at Sessom Drive and built walkways to better accommodate students. It was a long and sometimes noisy process.
SB Lucas Eason
The six-and-a-half million dollar project started in October of 2013 and took nearly two years to complete. Improvements were made to increase safety for students going to and from campus.
SB Grace Elliott
The finished project features a wider street and sidewalks on both sides. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caryn Williams.
Justin Sprague
Texas State is a fast growing university, and with the growth comes higher demands on the shuttle system. Justin Sprague has more in this Bobcat Update.
More than 38-thousand students are enrolled at Texas State, which means a lot of people are trying to get to and from campus in a timely manner. The shuttle system is in high demand and often overcrowded. The system has seven off-campus routes and three on campus. Students often face long waits when they try to catch a shuttle, and that can be frustrating.
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Having more routes and shuttles are possible solutions to the overcrowding and long waits.
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The Texas State shuttle system is operated by a firm called Transdev. Each shuttle is equipped with a G-P-S navigation to help students keep track of bus locations. For Bobcat Update Justin Sprague.
More than 38-thousand students are enrolled at Texas State, which means a lot of people are trying to get to and from campus in a timely manner. The shuttle system is in high demand and often overcrowded. The system has seven off-campus routes and three on campus. Students often face long waits when they try to catch a shuttle, and that can be frustrating.
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Having more routes and shuttles are possible solutions to the overcrowding and long waits.
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The Texas State shuttle system is operated by a firm called Transdev. Each shuttle is equipped with a G-P-S navigation to help students keep track of bus locations. For Bobcat Update Justin Sprague.
Garrett Caywood
Thanks to the efforts of a Texas State student, a section of Bobcat Stadium will accommodate the deaf during football games. Garrett Caywood has more in this Bobcat Update.
It's the first of a kind at Texas State -- a section will be reserved for the deaf and forthose who are fluent in American Sign Language. Former Texas State football player Brian Guendling is responsible for the change.
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Guendling says he presented the idea and gained immediate support.
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According to university officials, there are 32 deaf and hard-of-hearing students at Texas State. Guendling says he knows how important it is for the deaf community.
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Students in the section will also receive a discount. Tickets will cost them ten dollars instead of 25. For Bobcat Update I'm Garrett Caywood.
It's the first of a kind at Texas State -- a section will be reserved for the deaf and forthose who are fluent in American Sign Language. Former Texas State football player Brian Guendling is responsible for the change.
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Guendling says he presented the idea and gained immediate support.
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According to university officials, there are 32 deaf and hard-of-hearing students at Texas State. Guendling says he knows how important it is for the deaf community.
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Students in the section will also receive a discount. Tickets will cost them ten dollars instead of 25. For Bobcat Update I'm Garrett Caywood.
Dianne Zarate
The Texas State PACE Center will likely be as busy as ever, now that the university has set another record enrollment. Dianne Zarate has more in this Bobcat Update.
The university says the freshman class is up seven percent this year, and that means a lot of students will be setting up advising appointments at the PACE center. PACE stands for Personalized Academic and Career Exploration. It is designed to help freshmen make an easier transition into college life and to discover which career paths they might like to pursue.
PACE Advising Director Angelica Barrera says that no matter how large the class is each student will be accommodated.
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Senior Shane Sullivan, who serves as a PACE mentor, says the fishbowl is where students can find help.
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The PACE Center is located near Alkek Library facing Guadalupe Street. Just look for the Arch. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dianne Zarate.
The university says the freshman class is up seven percent this year, and that means a lot of students will be setting up advising appointments at the PACE center. PACE stands for Personalized Academic and Career Exploration. It is designed to help freshmen make an easier transition into college life and to discover which career paths they might like to pursue.
PACE Advising Director Angelica Barrera says that no matter how large the class is each student will be accommodated.
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Senior Shane Sullivan, who serves as a PACE mentor, says the fishbowl is where students can find help.
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The PACE Center is located near Alkek Library facing Guadalupe Street. Just look for the Arch. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dianne Zarate.
9/18/15
Angelica Buitron
Hispanic Heritage Month is underway. Several events are planned through mid-October to highlight Hispanic culture. Angelica Buitron has this Bobcat Update.
Texas State alumnae Karina Oguniana says Hispanic Heritage Month is a fun time. One of the big draws each year is Mama's Kitchen.
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Graduate Research Adviser Jose Campos says Texas State has a diverse campus with a significant and growing Hispanic population. Campos says events like Hispanic Heritage Month are important.
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Several campus organizations are participating in events during Hispanic Heritage Month. For example,Ritmo Latino will host El Baile on October 25th at George's. For more information about upcoming events, go online and look up Texas State's U-SAC website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Angelica Buitron.
Texas State alumnae Karina Oguniana says Hispanic Heritage Month is a fun time. One of the big draws each year is Mama's Kitchen.
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Graduate Research Adviser Jose Campos says Texas State has a diverse campus with a significant and growing Hispanic population. Campos says events like Hispanic Heritage Month are important.
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Several campus organizations are participating in events during Hispanic Heritage Month. For example,Ritmo Latino will host El Baile on October 25th at George's. For more information about upcoming events, go online and look up Texas State's U-SAC website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Angelica Buitron.
Wesley Wilkerson
Students enrolled in Texas State's Sound Recording Technology Program are in exclusive company. Bobcat Update's Wesley Wilkerson reports that only 60 students are allowed in the program at any given time.
Since 1994, the Fire Station Studio in downtown San Marcos has been home to the Sound Recording Technology program. That's when the first students were enrolled. In the two decades since, many sound engineers have been trained in the state-of-the-art facility, which is used to record local and regional musicians. The S-R-T program accepts very few students each semester. The application process is demanding.
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The program also enables students to tap into a wide network of job possibilities and to broaden their work experience. S-R-T often provides students with free access to regional concert venues for those willing to volunteer and lend their talents.
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To learn more about the program, visit the Texas State website and search Sound Recording Technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Wesley Wilkerson.
Since 1994, the Fire Station Studio in downtown San Marcos has been home to the Sound Recording Technology program. That's when the first students were enrolled. In the two decades since, many sound engineers have been trained in the state-of-the-art facility, which is used to record local and regional musicians. The S-R-T program accepts very few students each semester. The application process is demanding.
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The program also enables students to tap into a wide network of job possibilities and to broaden their work experience. S-R-T often provides students with free access to regional concert venues for those willing to volunteer and lend their talents.
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To learn more about the program, visit the Texas State website and search Sound Recording Technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Wesley Wilkerson.
Garrett Gonzales
In about a year, a law that allows concealed handguns on campus will go into effect. Bobcat Update's Garrett Gonzales tells us more.
On May 31st of this year, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that will allow faculty and students to carry concealed handguns on campus. The law will take effect on August first, 20-16.
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University President Denise Trauth is gathering information on the issue and appointed some committees and to help implement the law. The committees will have representatives from students, faculty and staff.
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The law will apply to registered gun owners over the age of 21. For Bobcat Update, I'm Garrett Gonzales.
On May 31st of this year, Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that will allow faculty and students to carry concealed handguns on campus. The law will take effect on August first, 20-16.
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University President Denise Trauth is gathering information on the issue and appointed some committees and to help implement the law. The committees will have representatives from students, faculty and staff.
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The law will apply to registered gun owners over the age of 21. For Bobcat Update, I'm Garrett Gonzales.
9/17/15
Tara Pohlmeyer
Texas State University students are still talking about the visit from filmmaker Robert Rodriguez as part of this year's Common Experience. Rodriguez is best known for his work on movies such as Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn and Spy Kids. Here with the story is Bobcat Update's Tara Pohlmeyer.
Rodriguez was on campus for the L-B-J Distinguished Lecture series. Students, faculty, and even the mayor of San Marcos had something to ask the award-winning director.
SB (Mayor)
Rodriguez shared his experiences and offered advice in appearances at Evans Auditorium and the Wittliff Galleries. Seating was limited at the Wittliff discussion, but it offered plenty of opportunities for questions and answers with the film director.
SB (Student who snuck in)
Many students left the event feeling inspired. Rodriguez urged everyone to follow his or her inner voice. He said that voice or passion is useful in selling ideas.
SB (Rodriguez)
A display of Rodriguez's work can be seen at the Wittliff Galleries on the seventh floor of Alkek Library. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tara Pohlmeyer.
Rodriguez was on campus for the L-B-J Distinguished Lecture series. Students, faculty, and even the mayor of San Marcos had something to ask the award-winning director.
SB (Mayor)
Rodriguez shared his experiences and offered advice in appearances at Evans Auditorium and the Wittliff Galleries. Seating was limited at the Wittliff discussion, but it offered plenty of opportunities for questions and answers with the film director.
SB (Student who snuck in)
Many students left the event feeling inspired. Rodriguez urged everyone to follow his or her inner voice. He said that voice or passion is useful in selling ideas.
SB (Rodriguez)
A display of Rodriguez's work can be seen at the Wittliff Galleries on the seventh floor of Alkek Library. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tara Pohlmeyer.
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