9/29/17

Ariadna Camarillo

Many students face deadlines, tight schedules and plenty of stress. The pressures at times cause students to drop out of school. That's an end result Texas State hopes to avoid. In this Bobcat Update, Ariadna Camarillo tells us about the university's efforts to help students stay on track.

A Victorian-style building, located at the corner of North L-B-J and University Drive, is the Center for Student Retention. The Retention Management Office offers a variety of programs to students. 
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Incoming freshmen are encouraged to set and meet certain goals.
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This is a helpful resource, especially for first-generation college students who need guidance and support. 
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The Center for Student Retention wants to help students succeed.
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Doors are open for members of the Bobcat family. 
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Stand Up 

Orlando Williams II

Wells Fargo has been offering banking services in San Marcos for decades, and it has a presence at the L-B-J Student Center. The bank, though, has been mired in scandal in recent months. Bobcat Update's Orlando Williams tells us how its practices have affected students.

Some Wells Fargo employees were caught creating fake bank accounts to earn bonuses, and the institution has also been accused of charging customers for auto insurance they didn't need. Fortune Magazine recently had an article stating some doubt that Wells Fargo can survive the scandals. However, the negative publicity  seems NOT to have fazed students at Texas State.
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Changing banks because of the scandals is not happening among students we talked with.
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Some students said they'd rather just forgive and forget.
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 (STAND UP) Overall, Wells Fargo has tried its hardest to put the last two rough years behind them and Texas  State is sticking with them through thick and thin. For Bobcat Update I'm Orlando Williams.

9/25/17

Tanner Murphy

San Marcos residents and Texas State students can now enjoy a cleaner river experience, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer organizations. Here's Tanner Murphy with the story.

Tubing is a favorite pastime of San Marcos locals, but there are some whose love of the river goes above and beyond floating. Organizations like the Mermaid Society and San Marcos Lions Club strive to ensure that the San Marcos River remains beautiful. This past Sunday they sponsored the Mermaid Roundup River and Park Clean Up.
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Some volunteers walked along the river banks and picked up litter while others dived to the bottom of the riverbed to retrieve sunken debris. A few volunteers even wore mermaid tails as a celebration of the two-week-long San Marcos Mermaid SPLASH Festival. July Moreno, founder of the Mermaid Society of San Marcos, says that every volunteer is valuable and no contribution is too small.
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The Mermaid Roundup River and Park Cleanup is an annual event. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tanner Murphy.

Logan Lozano

The football game is being called the I-35 Showdown. Texas State and U-T-S-A had their first match up last Saturday in what is hoped will be a crowd-pleasing rivalry . Bobcat Update's Logan Lozano has the story.

The I-35 Showdown, between the Bobcats and the Roadrunners, is the re-birthing of a rivalry that school officials and football fans hope will become a lasting tradition. Even after a 44-to-14 loss, there is excitement at Texas State.
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Having Texas State and U-T-S-A playing against each other every year may generate more interest in the football program.
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The rivalry will continue next year, when the Roadrunners host the Bobcats, in San Antonio.
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9/23/17

Dennis Fant

A San Marcos business offers the purrfect solution for students who are not allowed to have pets in their home. Bobcat Update's Dennis Fant has more.

The Cattery Lounge and Snackery is a nonprofit organization located in downtown San Marcos. It's a place for cat lovers. For five dollars an hour, patrons are welcome to come in, do some homework and spend time with the cats.
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The location is close to Texas State, so students can easily walk in, buy some snacks and drinks, and relax.
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The Cattery Lounge is partnered with the local shelter, Paws of Central Texas. Organizers say they need volunteers.
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All the cats at the Cattery Lounge are friendly and available for adoption, and they can be taken home the first day you meet them. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dennis Fant.

Samantha Wells

Students, who enjoy filmmaking, can meet others who have similar interests -- thanks to an organization on campus. Samantha Wells has more on the story.

The Texas State Film Club is a student-run organization that began in 2015. The club had its first meeting of the semester last week. Several new faces, along with current members, attended.
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The club is not limited to theater majors. Any student who is interested in filmmaking can join. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and collaborate on projects.     
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Future meetings will include guest speakers sharing their experiences of working in the film industry.  
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The Texas State Film Club meets every other Wednesday in room 209 of the Theater Building. To get more information, you can join the club's Facebook page at Texas State Filmmakers. For Bobcat Update, I'm Samantha Wells.

David Baugh

Texas State career fairs give students the chance to connect directly with potential employers. Bobcat Update's David Baugh tells us more.
 
Career fairs help students learn about job opportunities, the importance of networking, and getting one's foot in the door.
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Employers typically seek students for summer internships as well as part-time and full-time paid positions. They're looking for people from diverse backgrounds who can enter the workforce well prepared.
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Students who want to attend the next career fair can visit Texas State's Career Services office to receive a list of upcoming events. Students of all majors are welcome! For Bobcat Update, I'm David Baugh.

Alex Wallace

San Marcos residents and Texas State students now have the opportunity to try a new cuisine. Bobcat Update's Alex Wallace has the story.

The downtown square in San Marcos has a new restaurant. Located on East Hopkins Street, Blue Dahlia Bistro opened its doors in July and is now offering a wide variety of European-style dishes as well as pastries. Those who are wanting to eat healthy foods will find plenty to choose from on the bistro's menu.
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Construction was halted several times due to strict city guidelines, and that delayed the restaurant's grand opening, but the wait may have been worth it. Blue Dahlia has a unique design. Its owners are proud of the details they incorporated. The restaurant has a patio decorated with plants and its walls are filled with art. Customers appreciate the environment.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Wallace.

Chelsie Anguiano

Some Texas State students are talking about the release of The Land of Milk and Honey.  Bobcat Update's Chelsie Anguiano has more.
 
A new web series created by Texas State students is called The Land of Milk and Honey. The series recently launched on YouTube. In July a trailer for the program went viral and still has viewers talking. 
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The video received more than 16-hundred retweets and over two-thousand likes. One of the show's creators is Miriam Kalala.
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Since its debut, The Land of Milk and Honey has drawn viewers from all across central Texas. The cast hopes it can reach a wide audience with stories that viewers can relate to.
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New episodes are released to YouTube each Monday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chelsie Anguiano.

Vianney Strick

Seniors need to make preparations now for the fall commencement if they're planning to graduate. As Vianney Strick tells us, one essential step is to apply.

Students who have met their academic requirements for fall graduation need to apply before the deadline October 6th. 
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You can apply online using the university's self-service web page. To purchase your cap and gown, visit the University Bookstore, or go its website to order the regalia online. 
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Commencement will be held December 15th and 16th at Strahan Coliseum. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vianney Strick.

Montana Kilgore

Market Days at Texas State give local businesses an opportunity to connect with students on campus.  Montana Kilgore has the story.

During Market Days, local businesses fill the quad with a variety of booths where products are sold and advertised. Study Tack Founder Noor Lalani says the event has been effective in spreading the word about his new app.
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Many students interact with vendors, learning more about local businesses. Texas State Junior Jessica Lee says she loves seeing the variety of cultures and products at Market Day.
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The next Market Day will be October 17th from eight a.m. to five p.m. in the Texas State Quad. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montana Kilgore.

9/20/17

Malcolm Thomas

The financial aid department at Texas State is enforcing a new policy that could help students in the long run. Bobcat Update's Malcolm Thomas has the story.
 
The financial aid department will start accepting aid applications for next year on October 1st. Financial aid supervisor Dr. John Kerr says students who apply early will receive the best aid.
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Kerr says not only will the application process open earlier, it should also be easy for students to apply. The application uses one's taxes from two years ago, so there is no need to rush to have the most recent year's taxes completed just for financial aid purposes. Students who are aware of the policy changes say they hope it will be effective and beneficial.
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Financial aid counselors encourage students to get ready for the application process.
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So, there you have it. With October 1st fast approaching, Dr. Kerr is encouraging all students to get in their financial aid application ASAP. For Bobcat Update, I'm Malcolm Thomas.

9/18/17

Naomi Garza

With the semester in full swing, students are busy at work. Their agendas are filling up with assignments and deadlines to meet.  One deadline to keep in mind is October 30th -- the last day to drop a class. Bobcat Update's Naomi Garza has more.

Dropping and withdrawing are two very different things. When you drop a class, you remain enrolled in the university if you're taking at least one credit hour, while withdrawing is completely removing yourself from the university.  And what students need to be aware of are the effects that dropping or withdrawing may have on their academic careers, and they should consider the financial ramifications.
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The deadline for dropping a class with a W is October 30th. The deadline for dropping a class and receiving a 100 percent refund has already passed.
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Dropping or withdrawing may affect students financially AND academically. Dropping a class, such as a prerequisite, can mess up degree plans and change their graduation date.
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One very important thing to keep in mind is that state law allows students to have only six Ws throughout their undergraduate career.
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Speak with an advisor to help figure out whether dropping is the best option.
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Stand Up

9/17/17

Megan Hulsman

Texas State football fans are apparently an unhappy bunch. Megan Hulsman tells us the reasons why, in this Bobcat Update.
 
E-S-P-N recently ranked Texas State football fans as the least happy in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The fans scored the football team the lowest in three of six categories- program power, rivalry dominance and twitter buzz. Some students say the athletic program needs to use social media more to promote the team.
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Low student game attendance has long been a problem at Texas State. The athletic department would like to see more support, which could in turn help team performance.
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(STAND UP)The Texas State football team may not be the best, but students can help that. Through social media participation and game attendance, the Bobcats may just be looking at a winning record.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Hulsman.

9/15/17

Kelsie McCord

Just three weeks into the semester and Texas State students are already publicly debating some heavy topics. Bobcat Update's Kelsie McCord has more on the story.

A crowd of students gathered around the Fighting Stallions statue for much of the day today. A man loudly preaching his religious views sparked quite a bit of curiosity, and even outrage, from some students. 
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The commotion attracted a diverse crowd. Students from a variety of backgrounds voiced their opinions and posed questions to the speaker on topics ranging from religion and race, to gender roles and sexual orientation. 
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The iconic statue in the middle of campus is a designated free speech area at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsie McCord.

Ashley Simpson

Campus carry is still a controversial issue at Texas State -- a year after the law went into effect on campus. Bobcat Update's Ashley Simpson has more.

The law allows individuals with a concealed handgun license to carry weapons on campus. Some students are concerned about the law and how it might affect campus safety. Texas State President Denise Trauth says administrators are aware of the issues and want to continue a dialogue with the campus community about concealed carry.
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President Trauth said in a statement that the university may change where designated gun-free locations are on campus. Currently, concealed carry is prohibited in such places as the Child Development Center and the L-B-J Student Center.  Proposals have been made to add faculty offices and testing centers to that list.
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Not everyone sees campus carry as a threat. There are varying perspectives when it comes to the law. 
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For more information on campus carry, visit the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Simpson.

9/3/17

Scott Stutzman

Students who commute to classes at Texas State have some issues to contend with when they arrive on campus. Bobcat Update's Scott Stutzman has more.
 
The semester has just started, and, already, students are encountering a problem -- the lack of parking. Part of the issue is constant construction, which reduces the number of available parking spaces.
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Parking lots fill up quickly on campus. That's bound to happen at a university where there's high enrollment and a lot of construction. The university's shuttle service helps, but even it falls short, according to some students.
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The parking issues at Texas State won't be alleviated anytime soon. Finding ways to campus that don't involve a car seem to be best alternative for the time being. For Bobcat Update, I'm Scott Stutzman.

9/2/17

Ashley Ruiz

A Texas State organization is stepping up to raise donations for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Bobcat Update's Ashley Ruiz has more.

Tents line the Quad as new and old Bobcats make their way to class. However, one tent in particular sticks out. Under it is a simple box with a sign reading 'Hurricane Harvey donations'. The Texas State Quidditch team is hoping to make a  difference.
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Acosta says the team would like to have donations of baby food, canned food, diapers, blankets and toiletry items.
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Former team captain Clayton Carlisle is from Houston. He says his family is lucky. Since their house is on a hill, the family experienced little damage. The main issue now is being able to get out of the neighborhood.
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The Texas State Quidditch team will be out in the quad all week collecting donations. If you miss them there, they'll still accept donations through September 6th at 7 o'clock when they meet at Derrick Hall. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Ruiz.

Jackie Lang

Last fall Texas State dismissed four fraternities after a Greek member was found dead following one of its gatherings. Bobcat  Update's Jackie Lang tells us more.

The death of freshman Jordin Taylor [WHEN?] cast a shadow on Greek organizations at Texas State. Fraternity and sorority members seek to new people, make connections, and give back to the community. They'd rather be known for their achievements rather than harm coming to one of their own.
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Greeks encourage students to watch out for one another. Safety is an important issue. 
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Students who are interested in Greek life are encouraged to stop by the booths that fraternities and sororities set up on the Quad this time of year. Or they can visit the Greek Affairs page on the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jackie Lang.

Taeler Kallmerten

The 2017 fall semester has begun and students are already stressing but not about grades. Bobcat Update's Taeler Kallmerten has the story.

Many students have been lining up outside the parking services building trying to get their parking passes. But a few of them won't be able to leave with what they came for.
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Some students say they are unsatisfied with parking services.
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Some commuters say they're afraid they won't even be able to buy a parking pass.
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SU: To purchase passes online, look up parking services on the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taeler Kallmerten.

Charles Mays

Some Texas State students are still adjusting to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Charles Mays has more in this Bobcat Update.

Hurricane Harvey, initially a Category 4, was one of the biggest storms to hit the United States in over a decade. After moving to other parts of Texas, the storm was downgraded to a Category 1, but still brought heavy winds and extensive flooding. Some students experienced the storm first-hand.
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Texas State President Denise Trauth sent an email last Thursday afternoon cancelling classes and other activities for the following Monday to ensure the safety of the students and faculty. The sudden cancellation affected many students schedules and plans.
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Weather forecasters say Harvey is supposed to make another land fall some time after midnight near the Texas-Louisiana state line. For Bobcat update, I'm Charles Mays.

Veronica Vergara

Students who use the new crosswalk on East Sessom Drive have reason to feel safer.  Bobcat Update`s Veronica Vergara has more on the story.

With countless students commuting to campus, this additional crosswalk is an improvement for pedestrian traffic to and from the University. 
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However, not everyone is convinced the changes at the crosswalk make it safer.
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Unlike the traditional intersection traffic light system, this crossway is strictly for pedestrian traffic. Yellow yield lights flash to warn drivers to slow down and prepare to stop for students crossing, yet some drivers seem unfamiliar with the new stop. 
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It`s recommended that drivers using East Sessom Drive familiarize themselves with the changes and be mindful of classmates crossing the street. For Bobcat Update. I'm Veronica Vergara.