10/31/17

Samantha Wells

Students, who enjoy creative writing, now have the opportunity to perform their work in front of an audience. Bobcat Update's Samantha Wells has more on the story.

The Honors College Writing Circle is hosting Open Mic Night on the last Monday of every month. The first Open Mic Night was held last week. Students performed songs, poetry, short stories, and more.
SB 
The event gives students the chance to showcase their talents in creative writing. Any student, who is interested, can sign up to perform. 
SB
Future Open Mic Nights will be held in Lampasas Hall, next to Old Main. To sign up, e-mail Professor Jordan Morville. For Bobcat Update, I'm Samantha Wells.

Megan Hulsman

The Homecoming football game is this weekend, and many events are planned around it. Bobcat Update's Megan Hulsman tells us how students are celebrating. 

Homecoming week is one of Texas State's longest-running traditions. Many of the events this week are organized by the Student Association for Campus Activities. They include a volleyball tournament, carnival, talent show and a spirit rally. Some students look forward to certain events every year. 
SB 
The events lead up to the Homecoming football game and are organized to boost school pride and unite students, which is also achieved by adding Homecoming royalty to the mix. Organizations are able to recognize some of their finest members by nominating  them for Homecoming King, Queen or Gaillardian. Voted on by the students, the nominees are often leaders in their organizations and known by many. 
SB
STAND UP
Homecoming week will continue with the Soapbox Derby and end at Bobcat Stadium where the football team will play New Mexico State. The Homecoming King, Queen and Gaillardian will be announced at halftime. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Hulsman. 

10/29/17

Ashley Simpson

Texas State students are encouraged to think globally -- and, to that end, many are signing up to study abroad. They're given a chance to learn in an environment different from their own. Ashley Simpson tells us more, in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State hosted a Study Abroad Fair recently to provide information to those interested in studying, teaching or working in a foreign country. Several departments participated in the fair, including Mass Communication, Biology and Political Science. Studying aboard offers an opportunity to experience something new.
SB
The fair provided a breakdown of costs, travel times and financial aid.
SB
The fair not only provided tips about the logistics of studying abroad, but it also gave students an opportunity to hear from those who have gone before.
SB
For more information on how to start your journey to foreign lands, visit the Study Abroad Office. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Simpson.

10/28/17

Alejandra Avila

The Honors College recently hosted its eighth annual Day of the Dead Celebration. Bobcat Update's Alejandra Avila tells us more.

What started out as a simple altar display honoring the dead has turned into an annual event hosted by the Honors College in celebration of the Hispanic holiday.
SB
The Honors College -- along with the Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion AND the Office of Equity and Access -- celebrated El Dia de Los Muertos at the L-B-J Student Center with live music, food and an altar contest.
SB
The purpose of the altar is to commemorate loved ones who have passed.
SB
Day of the Dead is a tradition that's been celebrated for thousands of years, tracing back to indigenous tribes in Mexico. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alejandra Avila. 

Jasmine Torres

A retired F-B-I agent talks about a confrontation in Waco two decades ago. The incident occurred at the Branch Davidian compound where many members of a cult perished. Bobcat Update's Jasmine Torres tells us more.
 
Retired agent Byron Sage served as lead negotiator during a 51-day siege that ended in April 1993.
SB
David Koresh was the leader of the Branch Davidians. In late February of 1993, more than 70 federal agents attempted to raid the Davidian complex where they believed illegal weapons were being stored. Four agents were killed and more than a dozen injured.
SB
On April 19th, the siege ended after Koresh and his followers set fire to the compound resulting in the deaths of 76 people, including many children. Sage says the Branch Davidian case was the most difficult of his career.  Sage was a guest lecturer last week at Texas State, sponsored by the School of Criminal Justice. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jasmine Torres.

10/24/17

Alexis Sanchez

The Student Association for Campus Activities or SACA is a primary source for entertainment at Texas State. In this Bobcat Update, Alexis Sanchez tells us about a SACA-sponsored event that was full of action.

Laser tag is one of the many fun activities that SACA sponsors. It takes place once a year at the L-B-J Student Center. SACA's promotion coordinator Jesus Aleman says laser tag is a big success. 
SB
The event gives students the opportunity to de-stress from school and have fun with friends. This year students could choose between attempting to survive an alien or a zombie apocalypse.
SB
If you missed all the laser tag fun, you can check out the Texas State web page to learn more about upcoming events. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexis Sanchez. 

Chelsie Anguiano

The San Marcos music scene continues to flourish. One example is called Acoustic Fridays where San Marcos residents can enjoy live music. Bobcat Update’s Chelsie Anguiano has more.

STANDUP: Each week San Marcos locals come out to Root Cellar Bakery and listen to local musicians.
SB
Many of the locals like that it is a family-friendly place where people of all ages in San Marcos can enjoy the music.
SB
The musicians say it's a fun atmosphere -- where people can come out, listen to good music, and relax after a long week.
SB
STANDUP: The bakery offers a variety of pastries. Coffee and drink options are also available to customers. Root Cellar Bakery is located on the corner of LBJ and Hopkins Street. For bobcat update I'm Chelsie  Anguiano.

Bailey Green

The Kissing Alley Concert series is a free event for Texas State students. It's held on the third Thursday of each month on the San Marcos Square. Bailey Green tells us more in this Bobcat Update. 

The concert series is sponsored by a new radio station in San Marcos. K-Z-S-M hopes to inspire local bands and new artists to share their talents with the community. 
SB
K-Z-S-M has received some positive feedback for its concerts so far and is accepting entries from artists who want to participate in the future. The station wants each concert to be dedicated to a specific genre.  
SB
STANDUP:  The Next Walkabout and Kissing Alley Concert Series is set to take place on November 16th. For more information or how to get involved you can contact  them at K-Z-S-M-dot-org. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bailey Green.

10/22/17

Vianney Strick

Texas State University will be expanded and many of its buildings renovated over the next ten years. Bobcat Update's Vianney Strick tells us more.

The University Master Plan was finalized last week after a two-year development process. The Campus Master Plan will be executed over the next decade at the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses as well as the Science, Technology, and Advanced Research Park.
SB (interview giving an overview of the plan)
The plan calls for more academic buildings and walkways to connect students who have similar interests. Planners want to build communities within the university.
SB (interview explaining these student communities)
The students' call for more parking spaces was included in the plan.
SB (student wanting more parking and bus routes)
Three new parking garages with about two-thousand spaces will be added at the San Marcos campus. The University Master Plan provides for significant expansion at all three campuses.
Stand Up.

10/21/17

Peyton Donnell

The San Marcos River serves as the inspiration for an art exhibition now on display at the L-B-J Student Center. The exhibition is called From the Headwaters. Bobcat Update's Peyton Donnell tell us more.

Ten artists contributed pieces that are now on display. They are part of the Student Center's first exhibition of the year.  The Fine Arts Advisory Board recognized the most impressive works at a ceremony last week. One of the artists, Elaine Fuchs, says the river is an integral part of the Texas State experience.
SB
Student Curator Amy Rubio says putting together exhibitions like this can be complex.
SB
STAND UP: The exhibition will be on display through November 27th in the gallery space on the third floor of the student center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Peyton Donnell.

Aubrey Doherty

Allies of Texas State is an organization designed to help bring awareness to, and show support for, a certain community on campus.  Bobcat Update's Aubrey Doherty has more on the story.
 
October is Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender history month, and an organization called Allies of Texas State is hoping to spread the word. Last week the group celebrated Spirit Day to promote diversity on campus. Students were encouraged to wear purple, take pictures and learn more about Allies. 
SB
A goal of the Allies organization is to create a more inclusive environment and let students know they always have a place to go for support.
SB
Standup
The next Allies of Texas State event will be..........  For Bobcat Update, I'm Aubrey Doherty.

Jillian Schuster

Texas State has a new way to help students feel safer. Bobcat Update's Jillian Schuster tells us how. 

Bobcat Guardian is an app that allows anyone with a Texas State email address to set a safety timer when walking from place to place, and to connect with people who can help them out when needed.
SB (UPD chief)
The app also allows users to make emergency calls and send tips to the University Police Department if something looks suspicious. 
SB (UPD Chief)
Students say they feel safe on campus, but it's a good idea to be cautious when walking alone at night.
SB (Student)
The guardian app is free to download in the app store, and the University Police Department is always on standby. From Bobcat Update, I'm Jillian Schuster. 

Kyle Spencer

A student organization is fighting to make sure every voice is heard. Bobcat Update's Kyle Spencer has more.

The Pan African Action Committee is a multicultural student organization that seeks to expand black studies on campus. The committee also promotes diversity and challenges the way culture is taught and learned.
SB
The Pan African Action Committee meets every Wednesday in the L-B-J Student Center. At these meetings members discuss ways to make institutional changes in the community, while also sharing personal stories and providing a safe place for students to feel accepted and welcomed.
SB
(Standup) For more information on the Pan African Action Committee, you can visit the Texas State website or follow them on twitter @PanAfricanAct. All students are allowed to participate and are encouraged to join. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kyle Spencer.

Montana Kilgore

The Farmer's Market in San Marcos give residents a chance to buy locally grown food and homemade goods. Bobcat Update's Montana Kilgore has the story. 

Open to all San Marcos residents, the Farmer's Market is a place for anyone looking for a variety of unique goods. 
SB
Along with marketing their fresh goods, local farmers and artisans are able to build relationships with each other and customers. 
SB 
The Farmer's Market is every Tuesday afternoon from 3 to 6 at 312 East Hopkins Street, and on Saturdays from 9 a-m to 1 p-m on East San Antonio Street. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montana Kilgore.  

10/19/17

Naomi Garza

The saying goes, do unto others as we hope they would do unto us, and that's exactly what one Texas State Student is doing. Bobcat Update's Naomi Garza has the story.

Texas State's Tierra Cole and her family were victims of Hurricane Harvey that hit Houston this past August. Fortunately for Tierra, she and her family received a lot of support from their community, and now Tierra wants to pay it forward.
SB
SB
Future Bobcat Isabella Rolon says the living conditions in Puerto Rico are pretty dire. Isabella's grandparents and uncles are experiencing hardships following the devastating hurricane that hit the island. Many residents have no electricity; they lack food; and they're laid off from their jobs.
Tierra wants to organize an on-campus flash mob to bring more of a positive vibe to what has been so terrible and heart wrenching. She hopes to raise awareness about Puerto Rico's plight and help families like Isabella's.
SB
Isabella says she supports Tierra's idea.
SB
Anyone who wants to participate can email Tierra.
SB
Tierra says she expects the flash mob to take place sometime during the first week of November, so be sure to be on the lookout. I'm Naomi Garza and this is Bobcat Update.

10/18/17

Haley Polk

Mass Communication Week provides students with an opportunity to interact with professionals in the industry. Bobcat Update's Haley Polk has more. 

Mass Communication Week is a four-day conference held each year in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University. It gives students a chance to look into the future and hear from professionals who talk about issues, trends and careers in mass media. 
SB President of SPJ- Jacob Rodriguez :34-:51
This year Mass Communication Week featured more than 35 events representing the fields of advertising, digital and electronic media, journalism, and public relations. 
SB Larry Carlson-Mass Comm Week '17 Committee :1- :12
Students participated by covering the events using social media and interacting with the guests. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from and network with professionals. 
SB Kirsten Danis Managing editor at the Marshall Project :30-:47 
(Standup) Mass Communication Week is helpful to all students and will return next fall. For Bobcat Update I'm Haley Polk. 

Jasmine Torres

The Texas State Alumni Association is hosting a T-shirt trade-up in the L-B-J Mall and Hub.  Bobcat Update's Jasmine Torres tells us about the tradition -- aimed at boosting school pride and scholarship funding.
 
Students can trade up their old t-shirts from other schools and get a new Texas State shirt in return. Students who don't have shirts to offer can still participate by donating five dollars to a Texas State scholarship fund.
SB
The Texas State shirts have different designs on them every semester. Students can submit their ideas through the Alumni Association page, and the best one gets featured on the shirt.
SB
Some students look forward to this event every semester.
SB
The Texas State Alumni Association hosts t-shirt trade ups every semester. For more information, please visit the Pride and Traditions page on the Texas State website. This is Jasmine Torres for Bobcat Update.

10/16/17

Kat Huerta

The city of San Marcos hosts a national indigenous festival that continues to grow each year. Bobcat Update's Kat Huerta tells us more.

The Sacred Springs Powwow --  an annual Native American festival -- welcomes indigenous tribes across the country to participate in dances, storytelling, and lectures. 
SB
The festival is now a two-day event, which means more volunteers are needed.
SB
Even though the event has been growing over the years, the participants wish more people were educated on their own indigenous culture.
SB
The festival celebrates indigenous cultures and offers a deeper understanding of traditions that run the risk of being forgotten. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kat Huerta.

10/14/17

Ashley Simpson

The Search for Justice is this year's Common Experience theme at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Ashley Simpson tells us how the theme is being addressed.

The Common Experience is designed to cultivate an intellectual conversation on a wide range of topics. There are panel discussions, art exhibitions, research, films, and guest speakers -- all aligned to tell a multi-layered story as it relates to the theme. The Search for Justice proved to be an ideal fit for including Anthony Graves who spoke last week at Texas State. Graves spent 12 years on death row for a 1992 murder conviction. Altogether, 16 years of his life were spent behind bars before he was ultimately exonerated of killing six people.
 (SB)
After gaining his freedom, Graves decided to dedicate his life to helping prove the innocence of wrongfully convicted inmates. He started the Anthony Graves Foundation, which raises awareness about the  need for criminal justice reform.
(SB)
Hearing about Graves' experience helps students relate to the struggles he endured. For some, his stories hit home.
(SB)
Despite the hardships Graves faced, he found a way to forgive and to hold on to hope:
(SB)
(Stand Up) Anthony Graves continues to restore hope in those who have lost it and seek justice for those who deserve it. With Bobcat Update, I'm Ashley Simpson.

Scott Stutzman

An organization recently visited Texas State to capture some unusual student portraits. Bobcat Update's Scott Stutzman tells us about a group called Dear World.

Everyone at Texas State has a unique story to tell.  Dear World is an art collective that takes portraits of ordinary people -- the portraits show words and phrases important to the subject's life written on his or her body. Dear World then curates the subjects' stories as they relate to the chosen phrases. Texas State's Office of Student Involvement invited Dear World to campus to engage with students and faculty members.
SB
Participants told stories central to their personal identities. Some talked about their childhood.
SB
Participants also listened to other people's stories and gained insight in a rare and intimate way.
SB
Dear World captures these stories alongside portraits of the subject. Event organizers knew a campus as diverse as Texas State would have plenty of perspectives to explore.
SB
Dear World reminds us that every story is important, no matter how small. For Bobcat Update, I'm Scott Stutzman.

Veronica Vergara

The first phase of a photo-digitizing project -- aimed at preserving San Marcos history -- is now complete. Bobcat Update`s Veronica Vergara has more on the story. 

A team at University Archives has been entrusted with preserving photo negatives donated by the San Marcos Daily Record. It`s estimated to be a collection of about 800-thousand images taken from the mid-1930`s into the 2000`s. They provide a glimpse into the city`s past. 
SB
For those involved in the project, it's an extraordinary experience -- preserving moments in time of a place they call home. 
SB
San Marcos is a rapidly growing city, and the team at University Archives hopes the digitizing project can engage the community in remembering, discovering and appreciating the city`s history. 
SB
The San Marcos Daily Record`s negatives are available online on the project's Flickr page where 14-hundred images have been stored. More will be added in the days and weeks to come. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronica Vergara. 

10/11/17

Malcolm Thomas

Immigration issues affect many Texas State students. In this Bobcat Update, reporter Malcolm Thomas talks with a student who shares her story.
 
Laura Valencia, a Texas State senior, moved to the U-S when she was nine years old. As of a year ago, she became an American citizen. Valencia is grateful she earned that status BEFORE immigration officials began rounding up undocumented citizens for deportation. However, she's still very concerned about the well-being of those dealing with immigration issues.
SB
The Student Government's lack of support for an immigration attorney on campus has made Valencia fearful. She's concerned that Texas State will not provide adequate assistance to students who face possible deportation. Also, she says she encounters prejudice on campus, which makes her feel unsafe and unsupported.
SB
(Standup) If you are feeling unsafe, threatened or need someone to talk to—visit the Student Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the L-B-J Student Center on the fifth floor. You will be supported. For Bobcat Update, I'm Malcolm Thomas.

10/10/17

Jamonique Florence

Texas State President Denise Trauth and the Campus Carry Task Force want to hear the university community's thoughts about the implementation of the Campus Carry law thus far. Bobcat Update's Jamonique Florence tells us  about the university's efforts to spark discussion.

When firearms have a presence on campus, safety is a central concern. In September, President Trauth e-mailed a survey invitation  to all students, faculty, and staff urging them to participate in a holistic review of the Campus Carry law. Since last year, the law has allowed anyone with a concealed handgun license to carry such a weapon on campus. The purpose of the survey is to find out what people think about possible changes to the Campus Carry  rules . More gun-free areas are being considered, including testing centers and faculty offices.
SB-Ericka Ceppi, Marketing Sophomore
Many areas, including, but not limited to, spaces providing services or events for minors, health care services, and competitive sporting events, have already been declared gun-free zones.  While these areas prohibit Campus Carry, there is only so much university officials can do to ensure maintained safety.
SB-Christine S. Sellers Ph.D., Director of the School of Criminal Justice.
Protecting the safety of anyone who visits the university begins with educating and raising mental-health awareness. 
SB-Christine S. Sellers PhD
A full list of gun-free areas is available on the Campus Carry page of the Texas State website.
(STANDUP) Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take the survey and share their thoughts on the newly proposed gun-free zones and the campus carry law. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jamonique Florence.

Bailey Green

A new business, called Perk Up, is now open in San Marcos. Bobcat Update's Bailey Green has more. 

Danita Hays and David Graffagini are the co-owners of Perk Up. They grew up in central Texas and say their experience gives them insight on how to start a new business. 
SB
Perk Up's vantage point and lighting are unique, as is its motto.
SB
Perk Up offers a variety of healthy food options.
SB
(Stand Up) With their spacious location, healthy options and variety of coffee, Perk Up is sure to make an impact and expect growth of new customers. With Bobcat Update, I'm Bailey Green. 

Chelsie Anguiano

The Gallery of the Common Experience provides a setting for new artwork that Texas State students, faculty and staff can enjoy. Bobcat Update's Chelsie Anguiano has more.
 
(STAND UP) Each year the coffee forum in Lampasas Hall switches up their artwork to give a variety of pieces that the public can view. The artwork that is displayed during the exhibit is created by students and the public. The  exhibit gives the artists the opportunity to display their skills through their artwork.
SB
The theme for the 2017-2018 school year is Reformation: An Exhibit on Justice.
SB
One piece is notable for portraying the U-S border patrol denying access to a family. The artwork prompted a lot of emotion.
SB
(STAND UP) The exhibit consists of 2D work, 3D work, film, dance, and poetry. People are encouraged to stop by Lampasas Hall, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the artwork that is displayed throughout the exhibit. For Bobcat Update  I'm Chelsie Anguiano.

10/9/17

Jackie Lang

Texas State's Theater Department will present A Doll House later this week. Bobcat Update's Jackie Lang tells us more. 

A Doll House, directed by Bruce Turk, will be performed Thursday through Sunday in the Black Box Theater on campus. The evening shows will begin at 7:30, and there's a Sunday matinee at two o'clock Sunday.
SB-Tierra Henry, Theatre Major
Tickets will sell for 15-dollars for adults and eight dollars for students and can be purchased online or at the theater center. Parking will be available in the garage located at the corner of University Drive and Edward Gary Street.
SB-Payton Trahan, Performance Education Major
SU: All tickets are general admissions, so seats will be first-come, first-serve. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jackie Lang.

Leanda Harley

It's not uncommon for a first-year student to be unsure of what career path to take. Fortunately, Texas State has a program specialized just for that. Bobcat Update's Leanda Harley has more.

The Fall of 2017 has brought the largest class of freshmen in Texas State history. As the Spring semester approaches, advisors are preparing for the mass volume of freshmen seeking career counseling.
SB
The first-year program helps students figure out who they are and what type of jobs they can land after graduation.
SB
SU The PACE center is located on the first floor of the U-A-C building. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit pace-dot-txstate-dot-edu. For Bobcat Update, I'm Leanda Harley.
                                                                                                               

10/7/17

Montana Kilgore

The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is featuring 20-dollar dog adoptions through the end of the month. Bobcat Update's Montana Kilgore has the story.

The low-cost adoptions are being offered as part of Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month. It's the first part of the Home-4- the-Holidays campaign that the animal shelter will have from now until January second. Each adoption includes spaying or neutering the pets along with rabies vaccinations, de-worming, microchips, city licensing and heartworm tests.
Animal Services Community Outreach Coordinator Lauren Volpe says the campaign brings more traffic to the shelter and more opportunities for adoptions.
SB
A goal for Home-4-the-Holidays is to find orphaned pets loving homes -- pets like seven-year-old Freddy and one- year-old October, who have been residents at the shelter for weeks. The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter team hopes that  dogs like these will have forever homes this holiday season.
SB
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is located at 750 River Road. For more information, go to san marcos T-X dot-gov-slash-animal-adoptions. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montana Kilgore.

Kyle Spencer

Texas State is offering students some help to improve their writing. Bobcat Update's Kyle Spencer has more.

Write Time is a group that provides students with a designated time to focus on their writing. Participants are challenged to think about their writing in different ways and are encouraged to push themselves to improve.
SB
Each session students set goals, and they have tutors guiding them. Students are given time to focus solely on their writing, and later they work with their tutors to reflect on what they've accomplished and to plan for the next session.
SB
(Standup) Write Time is held every Monday from 10-12:30 and every Thursday from 11-1:30 in the Writing center.... room 108. The event is free and open to all. For Bobcat Update I'm Kyle Spencer.

Taeler Kallmerten

Sleeping in hotel rooms and commuting to campus may not be the ideal college experience, but it's the reality some students are facing. Bobcat Update's Taeler Kallmerten has more.
 
Allison Fluker has been spending her final semester staying in the Comfort Suites hotel. Fluker is one of the many students displaced after Pointe San Marcos, an upscale student housing complex, failed to finish construction in time for the fall semester.
SB
SB
The Pointe San Marcos offered its residents compensation options, such as Rent-credit, gift cards and hotel accommodations. Tanner Murphy chose the rent-credit option and was initially angry about the inconvenience, but now he says management has done its best to work with him. 
SB:
While some students are making the most of the situation, others are taking action. Michael McDaniel says residents have contacted the Pointe's leasing office, American Campus, and its corporate headquarters as well. The residents are using a Group-me app to coordinate their efforts. McDaniel says anyone who wants to be more informed is welcome to join the Group-me.
SB:
SU: As Fall is quickly approaching a lot of us are worrying about what we're going to do decorate our apartments. For the student that are displaced they have a lot more to worry about than that.  They have to worry about when they can have a place to call home. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taeler Kallmerten.

Aubrey Doherty

The Joann Cole Mitte Art Gallery is hosting an eye-opening exhibit, and this week a panel of unlikely guest speakers will help bring it to life.  Bobcat Update's Aubrey Doherty has more on the story.
 
From a distance they appear to be just painted plates, but the message they hold for Mark Menjivar, assistant professor of the school of Art and Design, is much deeper.
SB
The Last Supper is an exhibit by artist Julie Green representing the dehumanization of last meal requests for inmates on death row.   In keeping with the theme, ex-inmates whose stay in prison ranged from ten to almost 30 years were invited to speak about their experiences.      
SB
Jorge Antonio Renaud spent 27 years incarcerated. He is now an organizer for the Center for Community Change.
SB
Former death row inmate Anthony Graves was the featured speaker at Evans Auditorium last night.
Stand Up

Peyton Donnell

The Student Government at Texas State recently hosted an open forum to give students an opportunity to voice their concerns about the election process. Bobcat Update's Peyton Donnell has the story.

The Senate has proposed a rule change that would allow candidates to offer support to one another.  Being permitted to campaign openly has been restricted in Student Government elections. Some students aren't in favor of changing the rule.
SB
Student Body President Connor Clegg says the rule change would give candidates the ability to express more freely their beliefs and opinions. 
SB
The rule has not officially been put into place, which is why the Senate is encouraging students to make themselves heard. 
SB
Student Government leaders say they expect the matter to be resolved before November. For Bobcat Update, I'm Peyton Donnell.

Jasmine Torres

The Texas State Honors College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Bobcat Update's Jasmine Torres tells us more.
 
The Honors College was founded in 1967, and in the beginning only offered two courses. Today it offers 36. The Honors Colleges provides a learning community for students from all majors. The idea is for the students to work together in small groups to further their education. The program is known for its diversity.
SB
For its 50th anniversary, the Honors College is hosting 50 different events throughout the school year.
SB
Students say the Honors College benefits them in many ways. For example, they like the passion that certain professors bring to the table. It's very much a learning environment.
SB
All students can apply for the Honors College at any time. To get more information, you can go to the group's page on the Texas State website.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Jasmine Torres.

10/4/17

Albino Hernandez

The Hays Consolidated Independent School District is building two new campuses and replacing another. In this Bobcat Update, Albino Hernandez tells us about a new high school and two elementary schools that are under construction. 

The new high school is being built next to Carpenter Hill Elementary, which is on High Road close to Highway 21. Also, under construction is an elementary school on Old San Antonio Road in Buda. Adding the schools is necessary because of the tremendous population growth in Hays County.
SB
Construction of a replacement elementary school in Hays County will start early next year.
SB
The Hays C-I-S-D recently launched a nominating process to name the new schools. Nominations will be accepted for two weeks, but only residents of the district may participate. Administrators hope the new schools will be finished by fall 2019. For Bobcat Update, I'm Albino Hernandez.     

Vianney Strick

Students who will be returning next spring need to prepare for registration. In this Bobcat Update, Vianney Strick tells us about some important deadlines that are coming up.
 
Students are only half way through the fall semester, but it's not too early to begin thinking about which classes they need to take next semester.
SB
Registration for the Spring 2018 semester begins October 23rd at 6 in the morning and ends December 22nd at 5 in the afternoon. Students who aren't registered by the deadline will still have a chance to sign up, but they'll have to pay a fine.
SB
Late registration begins January 4th and continues through the 11th. The late registration fee will cost 25 dollars. If that deadline isn't met, the last day to register is January 13th. The late fee then will be 100-dollars. Students who have problems scheduling their classes can use the Bobcat Schedule Builder, which will guide them through the process.
SB
Standup: For more information, you can visit the J-C Kellam Administration Building or go to the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vianney  Strick.

Tyler Williamson

Enrollment at Texas State is down this semester, which ends a 19-year streak of numbers going up each fall. In this Bobcat Update, Tyler Williamson looks at the data.

Overall the enrollment numbers decreased slightly, but the freshman class is the largest ever. The university reports a two-point-five percent increase of freshmen  surpassing the previous record set in 2016.  Lower cost tuition, compared to other universities in the state, may be one reason the freshman numbers continue to go up.
SB
Higher freshman enrollment was apparently not enough to offset the lower number of transfer students coming to Texas State. This fall the university has about 200 fewer students than last year. Matt Flores is an assistant vice president of university advancement.
SB
Lower enrollment will not have an immediate impact on the university's wide array of research programs.
SB
Texas State continues to improve and create better learning environments for current and future Bobcats. For Bobcat Update, I am Tyler Williamson.