Meagan Hunter

Of the several ongoing construction projects at Texas State, the renovations at the L-B-J Student Center and Alkek Library seem to have the most impact on student life. Meagan Hunter has the story.

The L-B-J Student Center has been under construction since May of last year, and Alkek Library since September. As of now, the first and seventh floors of Alkek are closed for renovations. The same is true for the amphitheater at the student center. Long detours are necessary on some parts of the campus. Navigating the changes can be difficult for some students, and there's some resentment among those who won't be around to see the finished projects.
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Others say the renovations will provide many benefits for current and incoming students.
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The construction projects are expected to be completed next spring. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meagan Hunter.

Jacob Salois

Classes have resumed at Texas State, and many students have discovered that the most direct route to a classroom isn't always possible. Because of construction activity, they often have to take detours. Bobcat Update's Jacob Salois has more.

Texas State students need to allow extra time for their transits to and from class. The L-B-J Student Center is undergoing major renovation, and the construction could cause problems for students who are trying to get across campus.
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There is now just one main entrance to the student center, and it's located next to the L-B-J bus-circle. As a result -- to reach the quad or Alkek Library from the student center --- a detour must be taken that includes a walkway through an area next to Arnold Hall. Students may also walk in the opposite direction outside the student center building, where there's a ramp to avoid the stairs.
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The detours are a nuisance, but they particularly affect disabled students. Wooden ramps have been constructed to accommodate them, and many who AREN'T disabled are taking advantage of the temporary walkways.
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The Texas heat also poses a problem. The detours mean students are having to walk farther and endure the heat longer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacob Salois.

Michael Garcia

Some students say the Hines building at Texas State is too hot, and it's affecting their academic pursuits. Bobcat Update's Michael Garcia has more.

The Hines Academic Building remains at a constant temperature of 75 degrees. The air conditioning seems fine when first entering the building, but as more students crowd the hallways and get seated for class, the temperature seems to quickly rise. Electronic Media major Dalton Williams says the heat keeps him from focusing when he's in the building.
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The seats in the classrooms at Hines are close together, and some students say they feel crowded.
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Texas State senior Brynn McCurley says the building's air conditioning affects the learning environment.
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Hines is located on State Street near Old Main. For Bobcat Update, I'm Michael Garcia.

Kyle Emmott

Parking can be a pain at Texas State. It's a big campus with thousands of students, and at times many of those students are searching for something elusive: a place to park. Bobcat Update's Kyle Emmott has the story.

For many who take the Texas State shuttles, parking is no problem or even a concern. However, for those who commute, like senior Degen Hodges, parking is the biggest problem they face daily.
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Students have a few parking options. They can buy an annual pass that doesn't guarantee a spot, or they can use the pay-to-park approach.
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Solutions aren't easy or cheap, but one choice is quite simple.
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The city of San Marcos is considering the possible
installation of paid-parking meters downtown, which would affect many students who park off-campus as a last resort. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kyle Emmott.

John Squyres

Several Texas State shuttles are being rerouted this semester, resulting in complications for students. Bobcat Update's John Squyres has the story.

The bus routes are typically a saving grace for students who live off-campus. But ongoing construction at the university has affected the shuttle service, causing some students to be frustrated. The bus routes have changed and the shuttles are often crowded.
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The changes can be disruptive.
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Despite these frustrations, students have little choice when it comes to their transportation to and from campus. They realize there's not much they can do about it.
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For information on bus routes, students can contact the transportation division online or by phone . For Bobcat Update, I'm John Squyres.

Sydney Smith

You don't have to walk far on the Texas State campus to find some kind of construction going on. Several projects are underway. Some of them started months ago. Bobcat Update's Syd Smith reports on what students are saying about the hubbub of activity.

Students have mixed feelings about the on-going construction on and near the campus. Some say it's having a negative impact.
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Construction is taking place at the L-B-J Student Center, Alkek Library, and across from the U-C-M. Despite being prevalent in these areas, the construction isn't causing major issues for most students.
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Renovations at the L-B-J Student Center alone are expected to cost more than 31-million dollars. The university says the project should be finished next year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Syd Smith.