Matt Southall

Recent events have resulted in more Texas State students looking both ways before crossing the street. Matt Southall tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

An alarming number of pedestrian-related accidents inside the city limits has many San Marcos residents being more cautious at crosswalks. In the past month alone, three hit-and-run accidents occurred in the city, causing some of the locals to take notice, and pay more attention when crossing busy intersections.
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One of the hit-and-runs occurred on the square earlier this month, when a motorist struck three people, leaving two of them seriously injured. The driver fled the scene.    
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City and county police are cracking down on jaywalking and other pedestrian-related offenses in an effort to reduce unnecessary tragedies. The city has also placed some electronic crosswalk signs at high-traffic intersections. The signs give visual and audio indications of when it's okay to cross the street. 
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Matthew Rogers

Students at Texas State now have more eating options as the long-awaited reopening of Commons Dining Hall has arrived. Commons was closed last fall due to rodent problems in the building. The all-you-can-to-eat dining facility now features Boko's Mongolian Grill along with options students had before the closing. The renovations at Commons are similar to those performed on Harris Dining Hall in the summer of 20-11. Though the dining hall has re-opened, the rest of Commons is still being renovated.

Anyssa Bohanan

Using communication technology may be a key to keeping students safe during emergencies at Texas State University. In this Bobcat Update, Anyssa Bohanan tells us about the emergency alert system on campus.

Officials at Texas State say students can be assured that the campus is under constant surveillance to prevent criminal activity. Safety is a major concern at the university -- a job that is made more difficult with a higher enrollment. But when there's a threat, university officials can act quickly using a text message system called RAVE. It's a mobile system to get messages to the 11-thousand students who are signed up for the service.
(Soundbite: Robert L. Campbell, Texas State UPD Sergeant of Special Projects)
The alert system was most recently used over the weekend when two Texas State employees were attacked outside of Harris Dining Hall. An e-mail message containing information on the suspected attacker went to all students, but a similar *text* message only went out to those who had signed up to receive them.
(Soundbite: Teressa Waits, Texas State University Junior)
Texas State U-P-D said that the warnings are transmitted quickly with text messages being sent a few minutes before e-mails.
(Stand-Up: "Texas State is one of many universities in the nation implementing a service for student safety. One day, it may just save a life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anyssa Bohanan.")

Erik Pompa

Maintaining safety of students and faculty is a concern at Texas State. Erik Pompa has more in this Bobcat Update.

After a recent assault on campus, the University's Police Department is urging people to be more aware of their surroundings. Avoiding crime might be as simple as following a few common sense tips.
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Some students are concerned about their safety and are taking precautions, especially at night.
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The University Police Department wants to prevent further attacks if possible.
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The police department also suggests that people avoid walking through dark areas, such as this parking lot, and to be readily available to call 9-1-1. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erik Pompa.

Gineen Pospisil

Texas State students who bike to class often find themselves in danger, because in San Marcos there simply aren't enough bike-friendly roads. Bikes are a practical alternative to driving cars or taking crowded buses, but it's a dangerous alternative. Many students are hoping city officials will consider adding more bike lanes to make it safer and to reduce traffic congestion. For now, though, the choices are limited. C-M Allen is one of the few streets in the city marked for bikers. 

Evan Bolton

San Marcos has several projects underway that will improve some downtown streets. Among the improvements will be new underground utilities and reconstruction of roads and sidewalks. Many of the changes will occur along Hutchison Street from the C-M Allen Parkway to L-B-J Drive.  Sidewalks that have deteriorated or are incomplete will be repaired. Several streets have been blocked in the area to prepare for the changes. The project is scheduled to be finished in 20-14. 

Christopher Green

Texas State University students are facing fierce competition for parking at a popular lot on West Sessom Drive and Peques Street. Chris Green has the story.

Prior to the fall semester, an entire row of all-zone parking at the lot on West Sessom was converted to a restricted area. The lot had been the closest one on campus containing all-zone parking spaces. Monday through Friday you can see cars circling the lot like sharks, searching for parking spaces.
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Many students are unaware of the changes to the Sessom lot and have later discovered tickets on their vehicles.
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The restricted passes are issued to faculty and staff. Many of the restricted spaces in the Sessom lot stay empty much of the time. A row of car-pool spots is mostly unused. With parking at a premium all over campus, it's a daily challenge for Texas State students to arrive to class on time. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chris Green.

Aerin Carreno

Some Texas State students are concerned about the high cost of parking permits, permits that provide access to only limited areas on campus. Aerin Carreno has more.

New construction projects are underway. The student population at Texas State is soaring. And the number of parking spaces is dwindling. What these facts amount to is a growing sense of frustration for many, especially when they see parking fees going up. And those who don't buy a permit know there's a price to pay for their reluctance.
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The residence hall permits are now 245-dollars, up 35-dollars from previous semesters. The restricted faculty and staff parking pass has increased by 40-dollars. And the restricted 7a.m. to 7 p.m. parking pass for administrators went up 45-dollars. Perimeter parking -- aimed at commuters -- went up ten-dollars and those permits now set a student back 105-dollars for the academic year..
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If you try to park without a permit, the fines can range from ten to 150-dollars per violation. Some violation notices include "improper display of permit", "parking out-of-zone", and "blocking a sidewalk". Though no one likes to be fined, there is an understanding of why it's necessary.
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Appeals can be made at the Parking Services building within ten working days of the issued ticket. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aerin Carreno.

Price Newell

Texas State is preparing to help its students stay healthy during the upcoming flu season. Price Newell has more in this Bobcat Update.

Colder weather is approaching, which means students will be spending more time indoors. When that happens, the chances of coming down with a cold or flu increase. Many students and faculty recognize the need for prevention if they want to stay healthy.
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Flu vaccinations are offered at several locations in San Marcos, but some students doubt whether the vaccine is effective..
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Student Health Center officials say Texas State students will have access to a new type of flu vaccine beginning in October.
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Other preventative measures that students can take to stay healthy are to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouths when coughing and get plenty of sleep. For Bobcat Update, I'm Price Newell.  
Please don't write SLUG on your copy. Just type the script.
Texas State is an entity, a body, an institution -- It is singular. Pronouns referring to it should be singular. You used "their."
You made students possessive when you inserted an apostrophe. The word is not possessive in this case.
You're better off sticking to a basic Subject-Verb-Object structure. You tend to use too many introductory phrases and clauses.

Kristen Buechler

If you're looking to enhance your fitness experience, specialty classes are now being offered at the Campus Recreation Center.  Kristen Buechler has more on the story.

The Student Recreation Center offers a wide variety of activities including personal training, group exercise and intramural sports.  Although activities can be found for almost any level of fitness, the center decided to create even greater opportunities by adding three specialty classes -- T-R-X, yoga and hip-hop. 
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Many students are looking forward to attending these new classes.
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The instructors who teach these courses are all qualified. 
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All students interested are encouraged to sign up for these specialty classes at the front desk of the Recreation Center. During the intro week, there will be no charge. Registration closes after the first week. 
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kristen Buechler.

Alexis LaFosse

The new and improved Bobcat Stadium is now open. Alexis LaFosse has more.

The stadium's 33-million dollar expansion has resulted in more seats, restrooms, locker rooms and retail space. Many Bobcat fans are excited about the improvements that took more than a year to construct.
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The opening game was a sellout, even though ticket prices have been raised. The Bobcats played their first home game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Five more home games are scheduled this season.
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Texas State is now part of the Western Athletic Conference as an F-B-S competitor. Next year the Bobcats will join the Sun Belt Conference. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexis LaFosse.

Chrisdyann Uribe

A shortage of bus drivers is to blame for what some believe is an inadequate bus system at Texas State. Chrisdyann Uribe has the story.

Many complaints are made by students as they are forced to wait longer at the bus stop due to an already crowded bus. Some students are late to class because too few buses are being used on each route. One problem is that the bus system doesn't have enough drivers.
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Many bus drivers are working overtime to be able to make up for the shortage.  One driver said he worked a 12-hour shift to make sure the students were being served.
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While many students blame the transportation department on being disorganized, it is actually a need for more drivers. Officials of the bus system say they hope to create new routes to better serve the students even though there aren't enough drivers. 
For Bobcat Update, I'm Chrisdyann Uribe.

Matthew Boyd

With the rapid advancement in technology over the past decade, more students are using technology to stay connected in the classroom. Matthew Boyd has more in this Bobcat Update.

It is apparent just by peeking in a lecture at Texas State that more and more students are using technology in classrooms. Many students bring their laptops, tablets and smart phones into the classroom.
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Some students use technology to help with their schoolwork, but others are engaging in non-class related material. To their classmates, using technology in such a way can be annoying.
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Students aren't the only ones with mixed feelings about technology in the classroom. Professors have differing opinions as well.
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Whether professors try to ban the use of technology in the classroom or embrace it, there's no doubt that such devices play a major role in students' lives. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Boyd.

Daisy Saenz

San Marcos is developing a comprehensive master plan to keep up with the city's increasing population. As Daisy Saenz tells us in this Bobcat Update, the city is experiencing some growing pains that need to be addressed.

The comprehensive master plan covers many of the city's development needs, including transportation. City officials have been meeting with area residents to talk about traffic issues, including pedestrian and bicycle safety.
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Input from the community has led the city to take a closer look at coordinating bus service with the university as well as the Lone Star Rail District. Another idea to come from the meetings is to offer free bicycles to students who agree to leave their cars at home.
Texas State University has been involved in the planning. City officials say that from the very beginning it has been a joint effort to help alleviate traffic congestion and expand transportation options.
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Residents and students can expect more details about the plan later this week. If the City Council adopts the plan, implementation may begin as early as next year.
Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Daisy Saenz.

Christina Ochoa

Texas State University set a attendance record Saturday while hosting its first ever F-B-S home game against Texas Tech University. We asked Texas State students about their experience -- in this Bobcat Update.

William Bolling

Many Texas State students are learning to adjust to the construction zones all over campus. William Bolling has more…

As the student body grows each semester, campus expansion becomes a central focus. First time Texas State students and veterans alike will find it hard to ignore the many different construction projects taking place during the semester. Often times students will have to set aside extra time in the mornings or afternoons in order to get to class on time. First Sound bite (Grant) Because several construction projects take place on the Texas State campus, detours are created to safely navigate students and faculty to their destinations. Sidewalks are often blocked and fences are raised to prohibit students from moving through construction zones. Though some detours work just fine, many students find them to be a longer and more inconvenient alternative. Second Sound bite (Matt) Whether you are able to easily adjust to Texas State's campus construction or have a difficult time with it, most people enjoy seeing the final product. For Bobcat Update, I'm William Bolling.

Matthew Boyd

As the first week of school ends, students at Texas State have already had to find alternate routes to their classrooms. Matthew Boyd has more in this Bobcat Update.

With multiple construction projects going on all over the Texas State campus, many sidewalks and roadways are closed to accommodate for the construction, leaving many students having to find different routes to their classes.
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While some students are unhappy with all the inconveniences that come with the construction, some are happy to see what direction the campus is headed.
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With the increasing enrollment at Texas State, construction will be a mainstay for several years to come, but future students will have the opportunity to benefit from the growth. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Boyd. 

Reid Farris

Increased enrollment at Texas State has prompted a campus-wide facelift. Construction sites are plentiful on campus. It seems there's a new building going up on every corner. Reid Farris has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State is now home to more than 34-thousand students, so there's a high demand on campus for more facilities. To accommodate the construction, many sidewalks have been closed, and some students find the necessary detours to be a  nuisance.
[Interview 1]
Building planners are using as much the available space on campus as they can.
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Some projects won't be finished anytime soon. For example, the performing arts center won't be completed until 20-14. But other sites, such as the Undergraduate Academic Center and the North Campus Housing Complex, opened this fall.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Reid Farris.

Noel Fisher

Almost everywhere one looks on the Texas State Campus these days, students, faculty, and visitors see the signs of expansion. Noel Fisher has more in this Bobcat Update.

Many construction projects are underway at Texas State. The most ambitious project is the new performing arts center, which is set to open in the spring of 20-14. The complex will contain a 400-seat theater and a 300-seat recital hall. The building will also contain rehearsal spaces and a scenery shop.
(1st interview)
Near the L-B-J Student Center, the North Campus Housing project is complete and residents have already moved in. While many are pleased with the construction, the noise from heavy machinery can be disruptive:
(2nd interview)
Other new buildings include the new Undergraduate Academic Center and houses a new program designed for freshmen. The personalized Academic and Career exploration, or PACE program will assist freshman in finding the right career path based on the students interests and skills. The U-A-C also houses the Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology departments. For Bobcat Update, I'm Noel Fisher.

Christina Ochoa

Students at Texas State University are dealing with campus construction as the first week of classes begin. Christina Ochoa has more.

Students will have to get used to taking different routes to classes this semester at Texas State University. The campus construction has closed several walking areas as well as roads. Plans to expand the university have been in effect since last spring and have blocked several main areas of campus. Commuters have felt the impact of construction as traffic builds near campus.
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The construction has forced returning students to help out freshman during P-A-W-S Preview week.
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Once construction will be completed, future students will have the opportunity to benefit as new buildings and centers will be open. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christina Ochoa.