2/27/18

Bryson Hennington

Greek life will soon resume at Texas State. Activities have been suspended for the past three months following the death of a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity pledge.  Bobcat Update's Bryson Hennington has the story.
 
University President Denise Trauth ordered Greek activities to be suspended in November. The death of Matthew Ellis was but the latest incident involving Greeks that raised questions about student safety. Social activities were halted to give the university an opportunity to assess and change policies. Many students are looking forward to seeing Greek life return.
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There's hope that new rules -- enforced by Student Affairs -- will help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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Dr. Joanne Smith, Vice President of Student Affairs, says fraternities and sororities add value to campus life.
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After March 31st fraternities and sororities will be able to start a re-commitment process, which must be completed by September 1st to be reinstated. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bryson Hennington.

2/26/18

Talia Johnson-Watkins

The City of San Marcos has new technology to help enforce parking regulations. The system is called L-P-R, which stands for License Plate Recognition. L-P-R automates the process of issuing citations where there is time-limited parking. Talia Johnson-Watkins has more.

The L-P-R scanner takes pictures of a car's license plate and records the exact location of the vehicle when it's parked. If the car is parked there longer than the time limit, the L-P-R scanner notifies a parking enforcement officer who then issues a citation. Economic Development Administrator Kevin Burke says using the scanner will help create greater access to parking spots.
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Many employees and business owners downtown have expressed interest in the new system. Gil's Boiler employee Victoria DeLeon says the lack of enforcement of parking regulations has been a problem.
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DeLeon says parking lots aren't employee friendly because those who work downtown have to pay.
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The city is working on a long-term plan that will take years to implement.
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The license plate recognition program is set to go into effect today. For Bobcat Update, I'm Talia Johnson-Watkins.

2/24/18

Matthew Perez

A new vintage store has opened in downtown San Marcos. Bobcat Update's Matthew Perez has more.

The store is called Monkey's Vintage. Texas State students who shop there will find not only clothing bargains but also can earn money as well. Texas State student Kirby Sarminto says having stores, like Monkey's  Vintage, is beneficial to the community.
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Darius Mason says the new store adds to the city's culture.  
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Many students are already taking advantage of the buy/sell/trade platform.
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The store's manager says he's pleased [or she's pleased] with how customers have responded to the opening.
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Monkey's Vintage is located at 314 North L-B-J in San Marcos. Store Hours are from 1-7 P-M Tuesday through Sunday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Perez.

Bryant Billue

Students who recognize they have an addiction problem can seek help on campus. There's a local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous to lend support. Bobcat Update's Bryant Billue has more.

A-A meetings are held in Lampasas Hall in room 5-point-2-1 every Tuesday at 11 A-M until noon. Those who attend want help or want to help others with the same problem. Information that is shared remains confidential.
Texas State Senior Sabrina Chapo says not many people know Texas State has an A-A chapter.
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Honors College graduate assistant Cristina Rodriguez says the meetings are held in a convenient location.
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A-A meetings can be helpful to students who want to control their drinking or need help with addiction.
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Students can come to the Lampasas building on Tuesdays if they feel they need help or want to share their experiences with like-minded people. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bryant Billue. 

Debora Ayala

Many students are eagerly counting down the days until spring break. Bobcat Update's Debora Ayala has some tips for keeping it safe.

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Officer Sue Taylor with the University Police Department says students should watch out for one another:
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Spring break can be a time for students to meet new people and perhaps even find romance, but Officer Taylor reminds students that consent must be mutual for everyone to be safe and protected.
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Safety is always important no matter where you are and what time of year it is.
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Spring break is a time for students and teachers to relax and have some fun, but they need to be careful while doing so.
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Spring break will be March 12th through the 16th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Debora Ayala.

2/21/18

Greg Arellano

A San Marcos drag queen has inherited a new position of power within the nightlife scene and is making some sweeping reforms. Bobcat Update's Greg Arellano has the story.
 
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Carlos Molina, better known by her drag personality Chitah Daniels Kennedy, is no stranger to putting on a great show.
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So when it was announced that former Stonewall Manager Chris Rue was parting ways with San Marcos' only L-G-B-T-Q bar to take on another project in Gruene, Chitah became a natural candidate for the position of directing Stonewall's entertainment and events.
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Though the duties may differ under this new position, Chitah says that the objectives for directing don't differ very much from that of performing.
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And as far as employees and patrons go, they're excited about the new direction that Stonewall is headed.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Greg Arellano.

2/20/18

Mercedes Johnson

Texas State's basketball team has been on a streak, but not the kind of streak its fans would hope for. Bobcat Update's Mercedes Johnson has the story. 

The Texas State basketball team is seven and eight in the Sunbelt Conference. The Bobcats have LOST their last six games in a row.
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Texas State's latest loss was to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the number one team in the conference. King says that even though they lost it has helped the team get on the right track. 
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King says practice has been intense, but it's not only practice that keeps him motivated… it's their dedicated fans. 
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Texas State plays against Georgia State tonight at Strahan Coliseum. The Panthers are ranked second in the conference. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mercedes Johnson.

2/18/18

Halee Brewer

Jones Dining Center and Harris Dining Hall on campus have added a new feature that has students feeling the beat. Bobcat Update's Halee Brewer has the story.

Jones Dining Center is not only a place for students to eat, they NOW can eat and enjoy their favorite songs.  Director of Marketing Steven Granados says the music is by request.
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When students come to Jones or Harris Dining Hall, they are given the opportunity to set the atmosphere. With the Rockbot app the people have the power to hear what they want.
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Students enjoy the music as do those who work there. Chartwells employee Jordan Hartman says the music has made her job way more fun.
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To put together your own playlist while you eat, download the Rockbot app and check into Jones Dining Hall. For Bobcat Update, I'm Halee Brewer.

2/17/18

Zach Butler

A group of Texas State Librarians recently called attention to sexual violence against women by hosting a reading of The Vagina Monologues. Bobcat Update's Zach Butler has the story:

The series of monologues -- written by Eve Ensler -- sheds light on violence and discrimination against women. Library assistant Donna Dean says the idea behind the reading was to make people more aware of the issues.
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Students could sign up to be a part of the reading or just be observers.  Undergraduate Librarian Lorin Flores says the event was a collaborative effort involving Texas State faculty members and V-Day, a non-profit organization that tries to stop violence against women.
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Around 25 students and faculty came to support the effort and to celebrate the play. One volunteer even reprised her monologue from 17 years ago. Liz King says that it was surprisingly emotional for her to be a part of the reading:
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Students who attended were encouraged to donate to the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center. For Bobcat update, I'm Zach Butler.

Rebecca Flores

Some Texas State students are pledging Not On My Campus. It's an effort to bring greater awareness to the harm caused by sexual harassment and assault. Bobcat Update's Rebecca Flores tells us more.

The Not On My Campus pledge is a student-lead movement that seeks to end the silence surrounding sexual assault. Those who take the pledge want a safer environment on campus.
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Some Texas State athletes have joined the movement. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee recently shared pictures of team members writing Not On My Campus on their hands. 
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Not On My Campus President Brooklyn Boreing says the movement has had a major impact at Texas State since it began a little over a year ago. 
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If you'd like more information about the Not On My Campus pledge, check out the group's Facebook page. For Bobcat Update, I'm Rebecca Flores.

Aaron Derton

A three-way primary has Democrats fighting an uphill battle to represent Texas House District 45. Bobcat Update's Aaron Derton has the story.

The next person to represent Hays and Blanco County in the Texas Legislature isn't a foregone conclusion. Three Democratic candidates are hoping to turn a predominantly Republican district blue. The only male candidate  in the race says he's got what it takes to represent the people of District 45.
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A former school board candidate says her dedication to the community will guide her decisions as a legislator.
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Erin Zwiener says she's been block walking almost every day and intends to bring a progressive voice to Austin.
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Early voting started this week. Election day is March sixth. For Bobcat Update, I'm Aaron Derton.

Trista Castillo

Scholarship  and FAFSA deadlines are approaching quickly. Bobcat Update's Trista Castillo provides some tips on how to finish your applications if you haven't already.

The deadline for submitting your FAFSA application is coming up soon, and if you want a scholarship you only have a week or so to submit a request. Officials say it's important to finish the paperwork as soon as possible for the best financial outcome.
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There are tutorials and helpful links on Texas State's financial aid and scholarships website, but incoming students say it's most helpful to visit the Financial Aid Office and talk to a counselor.
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The  Financial Aid Office posts flyers on campus to remind students to prepare early, and the office hosts workshops to provide assistance.
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If you have not yet completed your FAFSA or scholarship applications, visit the Financial Aid Office at J-C Kellam for help. For Bobcat Update, I'm Trista Castillo.

2/16/18

Alexis Gonzales

A student favorite has a new location under construction. Bobcat Update's Alexis Gonzales tells us more. 

At Hopkins and Comanche Streets in San Marcos is a new Gumby's Pizza, which will feature a patio, a bar, and classic menu favorites. The restaurant's grand opening will take place in a few weeks.
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The restaurant is a couple of blocks from the downtown square.
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Employees at Gumby's are very excited about what the restaurant will offer.
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Gumby's is set to open the week after spring break. For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexis Gonzales.          

Cassandria Alvarado

The Kissing Alley Concert Series continues to draw crowds. Bobcat Update's Cassandria Alvarado has more.

The Kissing Alley Concert Series is a free event in San Marcos that happens every third Thursday of the month. The series supports local live music, community radio and charitable drives.
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K-Z-S-M-dot-org and the city's Main Street program help organize the concert series.
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The next concert in the Kissing Alley series will be March 15th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Cassandria Alvarado.

Eric Ramirez

Flu has taken a toll at Texas State. Several students have had to skip class to recover after catching the bug. Eric Ramirez has the story.

Nationwide the flu virus has affected thousands of people. It's not an illness to take lightly. Many deaths have resulted from those who were caught in its grip. The Student Health Center has treated several students who have had the symptoms. Assistant Director Julie Eckert says there are some preventive measures students can take.
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Eckert says the health center has been treating patients who have the flu, and it's still offering vaccinations to avoid the illness altogether.
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Depending on a student's insurance coverage, the cost of the flu shot is minimal or free. For Bobcat Update, I'm Eric Ramirez.

Sara Lange

The new Ingram School of Engineering building is under construction, which, for some people, is a major inconvenience. Sara Lange has the story.

With a construction budget of 120 (m) million dollars, the new Ingram School of Engineering building has been in the making for over two years now, according to the school's website.
The building will be six stories high and have 166 thousand square feet in office and classroom space. The construction project has been a burden for some students, like Sophomore Kendall Anderson.
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However, engineering students are eager to see the doors open.
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Chandler Watson

Food services on campus offers a wide variety of choices. Bobcat Update's Chandler Watson tells us how students are using meal plans to pay for their nutrition.

Texas State requires freshmen and those who live on campus to buy a meal plan. The 150-swipe meal plan is approximately 12-hundred bucks per semester. Some students, like freshmen Jai Stevens, say the meal plan is beneficial for incoming students.
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Meals paid for with the plan cost about eight dollars each. Upperclassmen Justin Gonzales says he prefers the swipe system, rather than paying out of pocket.
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At the end of the day, it's all about preference. Whether you'd like to stay in to cook or get a meal trade to eat, the choice is yours.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Chandler Watson.

2/15/18

Marta Ramirez

The Art Gallery in the Lampasas Building has a new theme called We Are Dreamers. Bobcat Update's Marta Ramirez tells us more.
The term Dreamers has been in the news a lot lately as it relates to young undocumented immigrants who are hoping they can remain in the United States  They had been protected by the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program, but the federal government is set to end that program if Congress doesn't act in the next few weeks. Lampasas is hosting an Art Gallery to display opinions on the topic through artwork.
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The gallery features pieces from not only students but also various artists in San Marcos who wish to express their views.
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The We Are Dreamers Art Exhibition is open weekdays from 8 a-m to 5 p-m in the Lampasas Gallery.  For Bobcat Update, I'm Marta Ramirez.

2/11/18

Michael Salas

Many students struggle when it comes to eating a healthy diet, but there are organizations on campus offering some guidance. Bobcat Update's Michael Salas tells us more.
 
The Black Men United and The Talented Tenth Project are working together to promote healthier lifestyles. As part of their Humanitarian Week, they hosted a recent Get You a Man Who Can Cook event. The idea was to share health tips and recipes to generate greater awareness.
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Members of the organizations say the event helped them make new friends, and another benefit was learning how to cook healthier foods.
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If you would like more information about upcoming events, you can find Black Men United and The Talented Tenth Project on Twitter. For Bobcat Update, I'm Michael Salas.

2/9/18

William Perron

Texas State offers help to students who are seeking jobs or internships. Bobcat Update's William Perron has the story.

Finding a job can be hard, but Texas State tries to make it easier. For example, there are several career fairs each semester. Faculty member Bruce Howard says career fairs are a good way to get one's foot in the door.
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Showing up at a career fair can lead to a job interview. One key to having a successful interview is finding the right fit.
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Students who attend fairs appreciate the resources that the school provides.
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There are several career fairs throughout the semester. The website, Jobs-4-Cats, and the T-X-State Career-Fair-Plus app has information on when and where the fairs will be held as well as a list of participating companies.  For Bobcat Update, I'm William Perron.

Treavian Simmons

The student government president at Texas State is under fire. Many students are calling for Connor Clegg to resign or be impeached. Bobcat Update's Tre Simmons has the story.

The fall 2017 semester left an uneasy atmosphere for many Texas State students as racist flyers and banners were posted at various locations on campus. Many students and organizations, such as the Pan African Action Committee, were left wondering whether any action would be taken by University President Denise Trauth to address the tensions. The perceived lack of concrete response has only heightened concerns on campus, and some students want to impeach the student body president Connor Clegg, because of racially-tinged social media messages that he posted years ago
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The campus protest moved to the L-B-J Student Center where the student government meets weekly.
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Some PAAC members and protestors expressed their concerns.
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Others offered ways to correct errors of the institution's recent past.
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The Pan African Action Committee meets every Wednesday at 5 P-M in Lampasas. The group encourages student involvement. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tre Simmons.