Roger Colombik has been a faculty member at Texas State University since 1988. His work has been displayed in Austin, Sarasota, Chicago and now Texas State. Colombik's recent collection is -- until November 14th -- in Gallery Three of the Mitte Art Building, which is located at Comanche Street and Sessom Drive.
SB
Colombik's portraits fill the window display in the lobby of the Mitte Building. The display features people he met during a trip to Yangon, Burma. In his pamphlet, he transcribed the conversations he recorded with the locals.
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The galleries are open every day 9 A-M to 10 P-M. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
10/24/14
Jaclyn Coles
The Texas State University Art Galleries is this month featuring the work of a Texas State professor. Jaclyn Coles has the story.
Trevor Smith
Poetry can be used to cross the cultural divisions. At least, that's the hope of those who helped organize a recent Poetry for Peace festival at Texas State. Trevor Smith tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Words can do great things. They're a means of self-expression and can bring people together. That's one of the reasons for having a Festival de Poesía por la Paz, or the Poetry for Peace Festival. The day-long event, sponsored by Sigma Delta Pi and Texas State’s Modern Language Department, featured students and faculty members performing poetry, short stories and music in their native tongues.
SB.
The works could be original or adapted from other artists. The festival, now in its fifth year, had humble beginnings. It evolved from short poetry readings into a full day of performances.
SB.
This year’s theme was peace. Sigma Delta Pi president José Martinez-Ramirez says organizers are always looking for new ways to bring attention to the event.
SB.
Dr. Miriam Echeverría [Who is this in relationship to this story? -- Does he or she have a connection to the festival, or was he or she merely an observer-participant? There's no context.] says he/she would like to see more people attending the events and greater accessibility to the performances.
SB.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Trevor Smith.
Words can do great things. They're a means of self-expression and can bring people together. That's one of the reasons for having a Festival de Poesía por la Paz, or the Poetry for Peace Festival. The day-long event, sponsored by Sigma Delta Pi and Texas State’s Modern Language Department, featured students and faculty members performing poetry, short stories and music in their native tongues.
SB.
The works could be original or adapted from other artists. The festival, now in its fifth year, had humble beginnings. It evolved from short poetry readings into a full day of performances.
SB.
This year’s theme was peace. Sigma Delta Pi president José Martinez-Ramirez says organizers are always looking for new ways to bring attention to the event.
SB.
Dr. Miriam Echeverría [Who is this in relationship to this story? -- Does he or she have a connection to the festival, or was he or she merely an observer-participant? There's no context.] says he/she would like to see more people attending the events and greater accessibility to the performances.
SB.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Trevor Smith.
Maia Wintrob
The no-smoking ban in public places has been in effect in San Marcos for about five months. Patrons of some local businesses where smoking used to be allowed are still adjusting to the change. Maia Wintrob has more on the story.
The San Marcos City Council passed a smoking ban last October, and it went into effect in June. Alyssa Guiliani, the General Manager of Bobcat Nation Bar and Grill, says the ban has actually help improve business.
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The smoking ban applies not only to tobacco products but also e-cigarettes and vaporizers. Owner of the Black Rabbit Saloon, James Wilson, says the flow of customers remains about the same as before.
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English Student Farron Johnson disagrees. Johnson says owners of bars and restaurants should NOT be told what to do -- after all, they own the property.
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But advertising major Eric Arredondo says the smoking ban is great for the city.
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Some property owners obtained permits to build outdoor smoking areas. If they post such a permit at their businesses, they have until January 1st before they have to go smoke-free indoors. If they DON'T have the permit and a customer is caught smoking indoors, then fines can be issued costing the owner at least 200-dollars. The fines go up for any subsequent offense. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maia Wintrob.
The San Marcos City Council passed a smoking ban last October, and it went into effect in June. Alyssa Guiliani, the General Manager of Bobcat Nation Bar and Grill, says the ban has actually help improve business.
SB
The smoking ban applies not only to tobacco products but also e-cigarettes and vaporizers. Owner of the Black Rabbit Saloon, James Wilson, says the flow of customers remains about the same as before.
SB
English Student Farron Johnson disagrees. Johnson says owners of bars and restaurants should NOT be told what to do -- after all, they own the property.
SB
But advertising major Eric Arredondo says the smoking ban is great for the city.
SB
Some property owners obtained permits to build outdoor smoking areas. If they post such a permit at their businesses, they have until January 1st before they have to go smoke-free indoors. If they DON'T have the permit and a customer is caught smoking indoors, then fines can be issued costing the owner at least 200-dollars. The fines go up for any subsequent offense. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maia Wintrob.
Adam M. Cook
Making it to class each day should be as easy as eating a quick breakfast, grabbing your bag, and heading out the door, but the journey is never simple -- nor easy -- for the student commuter. Bobcat Update's Adam Cook tells us more…
There are several ways to get to campus…
SB – Lopez – "the bus."
SB – Cox – "my bike."
SB – Moore – "my scooter."
…and each way can bring on a headache.
SB – Lopez "minute delay."
SB – Cox – "or construction."
SB – Garcia – "were closed."
Some Bobcats have suggestions for improving traffic flow.
SB – Lopez – "more busses."
SB – Richardson – "through neighborhoods."
SB – Garcia – "early usually."
SB – Cox – "route system."
There are no easy solutions, but patience and a good playlist to listen to can help make the commute more bearable. For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Cook.
10/23/14
Marisa Ross
San Marcos High is now enjoying its new football stadium, and the school's athletic department has some other construction activity underway. Marisa Ross has more in this Bobcat Update.
The San Marcos High School football team played its first game at the new stadium last Friday. The school's athletic director, Mark Soto says the stadium already feels like home.
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Construction of the new stadium began in January. It includes a play area for kids and comfortable seats. Cindy Price, who is the parent of a San Marcos High School student, says the stadium is great for the community.
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The Athletic Department also built a baseball field adjacent to the football stadium. Soto says it was time for the Rattlers to have facilities the team could call its own.
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San Marcos High will also be adding an activity center and a soccer field. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
10/21/14
Veronika Kondratieva
City officials are considering ways to control graffiti tagging, and they have a unique way to do it. Last weekend a new mural at Crook Park was dedicated. The mural by artist Mateo Jaimes (high-mus) is titled Currents. It highlights the spring-fed river and the many species found there. The mural design leaves very little open space on the wall in hopes that it will stop the graffiti. Other murals are in the works. One is already in place on South L-B-J Drive. It's called Alice in Wonderland. Now the city plans to put up yet another mural on a wall along a drainage ditch on Sessom Drive.
Stephanie Diaz
The student government is hoping it can help start a tradition at Texas State, called the Gold Rush.
The idea of Gold Rush is to distribute to the student body gold rally towels to be used at the last home game of every athletic team. Student leaders hope the towels will help boost morale and promote the university. You can expect to see the gold towels at the Bobcats' last home game of the football season on November 20th.
John Wilkinson
Online hacking can be a problem if you spend much time online. There are safeguards that you can take to avoid it. The website of Texas State's I-T department provides several tips on how to stay safe while using email and the cloud. For example, you can change your password frequently and stay current with updates. Also, if you use a computer that other people have access to, it's a good idea to log off your accounts before leaving. Security officials also advise users not to assume that files loaded to the cloud are secure. There have been several news accounts lately of users having their privacy invaded by hackers.
Stefanie Hardy
Traffic and parking are a constant struggle for students. The interim director of Transportation Services Nancy Nusbaum has proposed a plan for commuters. In the proposal, Speck Parking Garage would be only for students who commute to Texas State. It has over 700 parking spaces and the proposed rules would only apply Monday through Friday. Stephen Prentice, the assistant director of parking, says if approved these changes would take place during the 2015-2016 academic year.
Erin Cantu
Students needing help creating or refining their resumes can get assistance from Career Services at Texas State. Yesterday, Career Services offered a Job Search Assistance program for students at the HUB on the second floor of the L-B-J Student Center. The program allows students to meet with advisors to edit resumes and prepare for interviews. Career Services will be at the HUB again next Tuesday.
Lauren Levy
Texas State's L-B-J Student Center accepts meal trades at its food stations, but some students are concerned that all but two of the food places wait until after one p-m to start the trades. Lauren Levy has more in this Bobcat Update.
Chartwells offers the meal trade program as a way for students to have access to food while on the go. Meal trades vary by food station and are not available at Starbucks, the U-A-C Café, or Paws N Go.
Stand-up
Some students' schedules make it hard for them to wait until after 1 p-m, so they're forced to either eat upstairs or at another dining location.
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The dining halls are the only food venues open on the weekends; therefore, freshmen have limited options for where they can use their meal trades.
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Freshmen are not the only ones affected. Upperclassmen also find problems with the timing for meal trades, since lines are longer after one o'clock.
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Chartwells says it considered its peak business hours and space availability when it decided to start trades after one o'clock.
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The university's housing policy requires anyone who lives on campus to purchase a meal plan. For Bobcat Update, I'm Lauren Levy.
10/20/14
Jacqueline Davis
Prospective students need information to decide where they're going to college, and Texas State has several ways of providing that information. Bobcat Days are such an opportunity. Jacqueline Davis reports on one that was held this past Saturday.
High school students were given a warm Bobcat welcome this past weekend at Bobcat Day. The day began with informational sessions, which took place inside of the McCoy School of Business. Students were told about the university's many opportunities. University Ambassador Adam Zavala says he wishes he had participated in Bobcat Day when he was a high school student.
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The day also consisted of an Academic Majors and Student Services Fair in the L-B-J Student Center ballroom. The athletic department and others were there to showcase a variety of organizations. University ambassadors also provided students and their families with campus tours. Some ambassadors said they are sad that their time at Texas State is almost over as they have cherished it so much.
SB
Some of the students who attended Bobcat Day say that they are already sold on Texas State. It's their number-one choice.
SB
Bobcat Day happens only four times a school year. The next one will be on November 15th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacqueline Davis.
High school students were given a warm Bobcat welcome this past weekend at Bobcat Day. The day began with informational sessions, which took place inside of the McCoy School of Business. Students were told about the university's many opportunities. University Ambassador Adam Zavala says he wishes he had participated in Bobcat Day when he was a high school student.
SB
The day also consisted of an Academic Majors and Student Services Fair in the L-B-J Student Center ballroom. The athletic department and others were there to showcase a variety of organizations. University ambassadors also provided students and their families with campus tours. Some ambassadors said they are sad that their time at Texas State is almost over as they have cherished it so much.
SB
Some of the students who attended Bobcat Day say that they are already sold on Texas State. It's their number-one choice.
SB
Bobcat Day happens only four times a school year. The next one will be on November 15th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacqueline Davis.
10/19/14
Tiana Lee
Giving back to the community -- That's what a recent event, called Foodstock, was all about. Tiana Lee tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Several San Marcos businesses and organizations hosted Foodstock this past Saturday on the courthouse lawn downtown. Foodstock is an event that happens three times a year. It includes music, art, food, games and helping neighbors in need.
First United Methodist church member Tony Sorenson says the community should always extend a helping hand:
SB--"This is the first--our first responsibility..that need help." (9 secs)
Though the event is free, it gives the Hays County Food Bank organization a chance to accept non-perishable food items and monetary donations that will go directly to those in the community who seek assistance. Hays County Food bank event coordinator Mallory Raschke says the event has grown and the community always shows up in full support.
SB-- "They all give back….is a need." (13 secs)
The event also included a Turkey Tackling Hunger pep rally. San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero and Hays County Judge Bert Cobb participated by challenging the community to reach a goal of providing Thanksgiving meals to the 34-hundred struggling families in Hays County who otherwise would go without.
Texas State Student Volunteer Cinzia Ballou says the event gave participants an opportunity to unite for a cause.
SB-- "It just kind of shows that….you know what I mean" (10 secs)
Foodstock creates a feeling of good will:
SB --"Appreciative."--Ballou
SB --"Grateful" --Sorenson
SB --"Gracious." --Ranschke
Ranschke says more than one-thousand pounds of food and about four-thousand dollars were donated during the Foodstock event. More information on how to donate or volunteer can be found on the Hays Foodbank website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee.
10/18/14
Vicky Serrano
For the past three years, Texas State has been a smoke-free zone. Even so, there still seems to be an abundance of smokers. A variety of smoke shops can be found in San Marcos, and a lot of sales are being generated by people who are switching to electronic cigarettes. Bobcat Update's Vicky Serrano has more on the story.
Convenient. Cleaner. Cost-effective. Electronic cigarettes have gained in popularity over the years. They are also known as e-cigs or e-cigarettes, or maybe you've heard them called ENDS, which is short for electronic nicotine delivery system. In any case, they are battery-powered vaporizers, which simulate tobacco smoking by producing a nicotine high and a vapor that resembles smoke. E-Cigs are believed to be a healthier option.
SB
After his mother died from lung cancer, Texas State Senior Derrick Brennan decided to switch from tobacco to e-cigs.
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Brennan says e-cigs will do for the time being, but he'd like to quit smoking altogether. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Convenient. Cleaner. Cost-effective. Electronic cigarettes have gained in popularity over the years. They are also known as e-cigs or e-cigarettes, or maybe you've heard them called ENDS, which is short for electronic nicotine delivery system. In any case, they are battery-powered vaporizers, which simulate tobacco smoking by producing a nicotine high and a vapor that resembles smoke. E-Cigs are believed to be a healthier option.
SB
After his mother died from lung cancer, Texas State Senior Derrick Brennan decided to switch from tobacco to e-cigs.
SB
Brennan says e-cigs will do for the time being, but he'd like to quit smoking altogether. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Jason McCall
There's a new sandwich shop on the square in San Marcos -- offering an experience you might NOT expect. Jason McCall tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Every gamer knows the feeling of playing a video game endlessly, and needing some snacks along the way. Pete Thompson knows this more than anyone, so he decided to open a shop where gamers can dine and play.
SB - Thompson - "some food"
The Hungry Gamer may have started as a joke between friends, but since its opening on Valentine's Day, Thompson has been serving up an interesting assortment of food and entertainment.
SB - Owen - "Good food."
Thompson says he's been doing what he can to spread the word about the gaming eatery.
SB - Thompson - "as well."
Texas State students probably see the square as a place for weekend partying, but Thompson says he wanted to create a different kind of atmosphere.
SB - Thompson - "around here."
SB - Owen - "some games."
No matter what your game is -- from cards, to board games, to first-person shooters -- you'll likely find it at the Hungry Gamer.
SB - Owen - "can happen."
SB/Standup - McCall - "McCall. Rematch?"
Every gamer knows the feeling of playing a video game endlessly, and needing some snacks along the way. Pete Thompson knows this more than anyone, so he decided to open a shop where gamers can dine and play.
SB - Thompson - "some food"
The Hungry Gamer may have started as a joke between friends, but since its opening on Valentine's Day, Thompson has been serving up an interesting assortment of food and entertainment.
SB - Owen - "Good food."
Thompson says he's been doing what he can to spread the word about the gaming eatery.
SB - Thompson - "as well."
Texas State students probably see the square as a place for weekend partying, but Thompson says he wanted to create a different kind of atmosphere.
SB - Thompson - "around here."
SB - Owen - "some games."
No matter what your game is -- from cards, to board games, to first-person shooters -- you'll likely find it at the Hungry Gamer.
SB - Owen - "can happen."
SB/Standup - McCall - "McCall. Rematch?"
Katherine Nelson
FIFI (provide a phonetic spelling in the printed version)-- the only flying Boeing B-29 Super-Fortress in the world -- is in San Marcos for a few days. Katherine Nelson has the story.
The Commemorative Air Force exhibit is hosting the CAF (Is this pronounced as an acronym, or is each letter said distinctly: C-A-F?) Airpower History Tour, which gives the public an opportunity a look inside and even ride rare aircraft like FIFI.
SB
The total cost to ride is ten-thousand dollars per flight, which includes fuel and maintenance.
SB
This flying museum is a way for the public to learn something new about the World War II aircraft.
SB
Volunteers enjoy giving tours to the public. (Let the CG identify him.)
SB
The last day to take a tour is Wednesday Oct 15. Take off will be held Thursday Oct 16th around 10:30 in the morning.
SB
Standup: The Commemorative Air Force Exhibit is open to anyone free of charge. You can come visit Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until four thirty. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katherine Nelson.
10/15/14
Marisa Ross
The Flu Shot Outreach program encourages students, faculty and staff to take care of their health. The frequency of people coming down with flu or colds peaks at this time of year. Marisa Ross has more in this Bobcat Update.
Flu season is here, and the Texas State Student Health Center is helping students get prepared. The Flu Shot Outreach, an annual event hosted by the Student Health Center, seeks to inform everyone that it's time to get a flu shot and take other precautions. Karen Gordon-Sosby, the Associate Director of the Student Health Center, says the event is an opportunity to share information.
SB
Students, faculty, and staff can get their flu shots paid for with insurance, or if their insurance doesn't cover the shots, the cost is 20-dollars.Texas State student Summer Rodriguez says some students choose not to participate because of the cost.
SB
Gordon-Sosby says she's pleased with the turnout this year. At least 360 students faculty, and staff received their flu shots at the Outreach. She says education is a key factor in boosting awareness:
SB
The Flu Shot Outreach was held on Tuesday in the ballroom of the L-B-J Student Center. Students who missed the event can still get their shots by making an appointment at the Student Health Center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
Flu season is here, and the Texas State Student Health Center is helping students get prepared. The Flu Shot Outreach, an annual event hosted by the Student Health Center, seeks to inform everyone that it's time to get a flu shot and take other precautions. Karen Gordon-Sosby, the Associate Director of the Student Health Center, says the event is an opportunity to share information.
SB
Students, faculty, and staff can get their flu shots paid for with insurance, or if their insurance doesn't cover the shots, the cost is 20-dollars.Texas State student Summer Rodriguez says some students choose not to participate because of the cost.
SB
Gordon-Sosby says she's pleased with the turnout this year. At least 360 students faculty, and staff received their flu shots at the Outreach. She says education is a key factor in boosting awareness:
SB
The Flu Shot Outreach was held on Tuesday in the ballroom of the L-B-J Student Center. Students who missed the event can still get their shots by making an appointment at the Student Health Center. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
10/13/14
Carlos Hernandez
Pet lovers will do almost anything to keep their animals happy. It might be as simple as taking them for a walk or buying them a new toy. Some pet owners might even dress up their furry friends and have a festival in their honor. Carlos Hernandez tells us more, in this Bobcat Update.
Pet Prevent a Litter, also known as PALS, hosted its 12th annual Pet Fest at the San Marcos Plaza Pavilion Park on Saturday. San Marcos pet owners helped raise money for multiple causes.
SB
The festival began at 10 am with a 5-K Run and Dog Jog, followed by musical performances, dancing contests, dog races, a K-9 demonstration and several costume contests. Some participants had been to Pet-Fests before, while others were first-timers.
SB
Pet Fest is PAL'S largest event of the year. It's free, but organizers do ask for a donation of dry pet food. All proceeds raised at the event go to PALS' spay and neuter programs, the pet pantry and education.
SB
Pet Fest is an event that pet lovers look forward to every year and for these furry friends, it's more than your average day at the park. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Hernandez.
10/11/14
Lauren Levy
On the seventh floor of Alkek Library, you'll find a unique collection of art and literature. It's called the Wittliff Collections. Admission is free. You can browse the archives or spend time in the reading room. Lauren Levy has more.
The Wittliff Collections host artist receptions, book signings, readings, and much more. You can meet the authors and photographers. The most recent event -- called East Texas in Story and Song -- featured Wes Ferguson, who wrote Running the River: Secrets of the Sabine.
Joe Lansdale, author of nearly 50 novels himself, attended the event. Lansdale is no stranger to the Wittliff. He has been donating his work to the collection since 1992.
SB:
Lansdale's latest book, The Thicket, is now available in the Wittliff Collections. At the reception last week, Lansdale's daughter, Kasey, performed a song from her new album, Restless, and also answered questions.
SB:
The Wittliff Collections are open Monday through Friday. For Bobcat Update I'm Lauren Levy.
Marquis DeBlaw
Health officials say the Ebola virus poses no immediate threat to students and faculty at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Marquis DeBlaw reports on the concerns some people have expressed after the virus claimed the life of a Dallas man last week.
Upon hearing that Ebola had been discovered in Dallas, many people were surprised. Texas State student Tyler Matt says he couldn't believe it.
SB
Matt says he has friends who have family in Dallas.
SB
Dr. Emilio Carranco, at the university's Student Health Center, says for Ebola to spread requires direct contact with a person who is infected.
SB
But some students aren't worried at all about Ebola threatening them.
SB
Some aren't aware that the virus spreads only through direct contact with the blood, secretions or bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated objects such as needles.
SB
Texas State is requesting that, if you fear that you've been infected, immediately see a physician for recommendations and monitoring. Thousands of people have died in West Africa as a result of the Ebola virus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marquis DeBlaw.
Presley Fowler
The Texas State Strutters are celebrating their 55th anniversary this school year. In honor of this occasion, the team has re-created an old and unique Strutter tradition. Presley Fowler has more in this Bobcat Update.
For 55 years they've been known for their high kicks, precision dance, and excellence. The Strutters were founded in 1960 and grew to become the largest university dance team in the nation. To honor the inaugural team, Strutter director Tammy Fife decided to re-create the original 1960's Strutter uniform.
SB:
The team debuted the outfits during the halftime performance at the Homecoming game, and they will be worn at several events this year.
SB:
The team's founder, Barbara Tidwell, envisioned the original uniform to be red and white, so that the dancers would stand out on the football field.
SB:
The high kicks haven't changed but the uniforms sure have. In fact, there have been eight different uniforms since 1960. But in the early 1980s, the university wanted the Strutters to change to maroon and gold.
SB:
SB:
Stand up: "You can find one of the original Strutter uniforms along with 55 years of Strutter history and memorabilia right here in the Strutter gallery, connected to Bobcat Stadium. For Bobcat Update, I'm Presley Fowler.
Reece Williamson
The university police department has been cracking down on cyclists. Reece Williamson has the story.
You see them everywhere -- hopping curbs, riding on sidewalks and even riding the wrong way on one-way streets. It's obvious that many cyclists don't think the rules of the road apply to them. This kind of behavior has resulted in tougher law enforcement. The University and the San Marcos police departments are writing more tickets.
SB)
Even though all of the rules of the road apply to cyclists, some say the penalties are too harsh.
SB)
University Police Department says that the rules are there to keep all vehicular traffic safe. When accidents occur, cyclists are the ones who usually pay the price. They're more vulnerable to injury.
(SB)
Several riders, including Alvin Benedict, feel the police should enforce the rules equally for all vehicles.
Stand up: No matter how you get yourself to campus, if you don't follow the rules on the road you will get a ticket. Remember safety first. For Bobcat Update I'm Reece Williamson.
Caelan Bernal
Texas State now has its most diverse student body ever -- part of the record-setting enrollment for this semester. Bobcat Update's Caelan Bernal has a report on what it means to students.
SB)
The enrollment at Texas State now exceeds 36-thousand students with minorities making up 46 percent of that number. This is the 17th consecutive year that the university has had record enrollment. Much of the increase comes from freshmen entering college for the first time -- freshmen, like Alex Franklin:
SB)
The enrollment increase is apparent on campus. During peak hours at the L-B-J Student Center, there are long lines for dining and for coffee.
SB)
Higher enrollment also means crowded buses.
SB)
SB) ---- I assume this is a standup. Otherwise, you're not providing a signature out.
10/10/14
Stephanie Diaz
Some Texas State professors are talking about changing the university's alma mater. The alma mater is the school song that's played at many university gatherings. Stephanie Diaz reports on why some people want different words to be used.
Psychology Professor Shirley Ogletree recently asked the Faculty Senate to consider a resolution that might lead to changing the words of the decades-old song.
SB
Ogletree says making the changes would be in keeping with this year's Common Experience theme.
SB
For example, Ogletree and other faculty members would like the phrase "cheering the oppressed" changed to "freeing the oppressed" to show the university's resolve to fight oppression in all its forms.
SB
Reaction to the proposal has been mixed -- many students simply don't know about it.
SBs
But freshman cheerleader Samantha Martinez knows the school song:
SB
Students, alumni and faculty will have a chance to offer their opinions about the proposed change, as will the descendants of Jesse Sayer who wrote the song.
Stand up: “Texas state’s Alma Mater was written in the early 1900s. It is usually introduced to
students during New Student Orientation, and it’s been a tradition to sing it at the end of an athletic event and at graduation. For Bobcat Update, I’m Stephanie Diaz.”
SB –Ogletree singing- (5): “O, Alma Mater, set upon the green hills..”
Evan Hancock
The recent decision to do away with the overnight hours at the Derrick Hall computer lab is receiving positive reviews among students and staff. Evan Hancock has the story.
At the start of this semester, the university changed the hours of operation of the I-T-S computer lab located in Derrick Hall. Before the change, students could use the lab anytime for emergency printing needs or late-night study sessions. But now it's open only until midnight at the latest. Sophomore Bao Nguyen says the change has helped improve his study habits.
SB
The reduction of lab hours also favors the staff, because now they no longer have to worry about trying to stay awake all night.
SB
With the lab being closed overnight, students can still use the library for late night studying.
SB
Standup: Looks like students are going to have to manage their time a little bit better if they want to get their work done on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Evan Hancock.
10/9/14
Trevor Smith
Thanks to some recent accomplishments by Texas State’s dance program, Bobcats have even more reason to be proud. Trevor Smith has more.
(Stand Up)
Dancing is an expression of the soul, some do it poorly, while others do it well. According to a list published by dance-colleges-dot-com, Texas State University’s dance program ranks 24th in the nation and fifth among colleges that solely offer undergraduate degrees. Division of Dance sophomore Julianne Way takes pride in the school’s high ranking.
SB
The ranking is an important honor for the program, which has fairly humble beginnings.
SB
Along with the four degrees offered, students can join five performance ensembles. One thing that Smith believes truly sets the Texas State University Division of Dance apart from other schools is its focus on the health and well-being of its students.
SB
The department’s next performance is fast approaching.
SB
The performance will take place 7:00 p-m November 14th and 15th at Jowers Dance Studio. Tickets will cost ten dollars and can be purchased online or at the door.
For Bobcat Update, I’m Trevor Smith
(Stand Up)
Dancing is an expression of the soul, some do it poorly, while others do it well. According to a list published by dance-colleges-dot-com, Texas State University’s dance program ranks 24th in the nation and fifth among colleges that solely offer undergraduate degrees. Division of Dance sophomore Julianne Way takes pride in the school’s high ranking.
SB
The ranking is an important honor for the program, which has fairly humble beginnings.
SB
Along with the four degrees offered, students can join five performance ensembles. One thing that Smith believes truly sets the Texas State University Division of Dance apart from other schools is its focus on the health and well-being of its students.
SB
The department’s next performance is fast approaching.
SB
The performance will take place 7:00 p-m November 14th and 15th at Jowers Dance Studio. Tickets will cost ten dollars and can be purchased online or at the door.
For Bobcat Update, I’m Trevor Smith
Jaclyn Coles
College classes -- on occasion, for one reason or another -- have to be cancelled, which can be rather disrupting to the students who are enrolled. In this Bobcat Update, Jaclyn Coles takes a look at the procedures the university follows when a cancellation is necessary.
According to the faculty handbook, professors are required to report to their department chairs as soon as possible in the event they cannot make it to class. The university is required to record such absences and the reasons for them. These records are open to public inspection. Students have mixed views about last-minute cancellations.
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The 15-minute rule is a wide-spread belief at Texas State.
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Another student has a possible solution for handling last-minute cancellations.
SB
Texas State has a text alert system, but it isn't used for class cancellations. Usually students are notified of cancellations when they get to the classroom and find a notice on the door. Also, some professors send notifications by e-mail, but that method often doesn't reach commuters in a timely fashion. Last-minute cancellations can be very frustrating. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Keaton Hahn
Students who are thinking about adopting a dog might need to consider how much it weighs. In this Bobcat Update, Keaton Hahn tells us that certain apartment complexes may impose restrictions.
An apartment locator, who asked to remain anonymous, says that complexes housing more than 200 students are debating whether to place a weight limit for dogs. If enforced, the limit would be 50 pounds, and pets exceeding the limit would not be allowed on the property.
Some places already require residents to disclose whether they have pets and how big they are.
SB
According to a recent survey by the Campus Crest corporation, at least 65 percent of all dog owners on college properties have at least one dog that exceeds the 50-pound limit.
Some feel that this could have a negative affect on the campus community market,
SB:
Others feel that this could lead to losing a dear friend,
SB:
(Who says?-Attribution is needed.) The decision for the weight limit will be announced by December first. For Bobcat Update, I'm Keaton Hahn.
An apartment locator, who asked to remain anonymous, says that complexes housing more than 200 students are debating whether to place a weight limit for dogs. If enforced, the limit would be 50 pounds, and pets exceeding the limit would not be allowed on the property.
Some places already require residents to disclose whether they have pets and how big they are.
SB
According to a recent survey by the Campus Crest corporation, at least 65 percent of all dog owners on college properties have at least one dog that exceeds the 50-pound limit.
Some feel that this could have a negative affect on the campus community market,
SB:
Others feel that this could lead to losing a dear friend,
SB:
(Who says?-Attribution is needed.) The decision for the weight limit will be announced by December first. For Bobcat Update, I'm Keaton Hahn.
Adam Cook
Many college students feel a lot of stress as they try to perform well in their classes, and some take it even further if they have to work. Adam Cook tells us more in this Bobcat Update…
(SB-very quick bite)
Some students -- to pay the bills -- will even take on multiple jobs, which compounds their stress.
(SB)
Blanca Sanchez-Navarro, Texas State Assistant Director of Educational Programming and Outreach, Supervising Counselor, has witnessed the effects that stress can have on students.
(SB)
The Counseling Center offers assistance. There are many resources available for students.
(SB)
Students are encouraged to seek counseling if they need help dealing with their stress. For Bobcat Update, I'm Adam Cook.
10/3/14
Kinaya Ware
Officials at Texas State University are studying possible ways to change Greek life on campus. Kinaya Ware has more in this Bobcat Update.
The University's Student Affairs Office wants to improve the way in which the fraternities and sororities recruit new members and the quality of service that the Greek community provides. Another issue that's being addressed is diversity.
(SB Dr. Joanne H. Smith)
Members of the Greek community fear that many students are joining for the wrong reasons.
(SB)
Service is an important component of Greek life. For example, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority recently sold cookies in the Quad to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, and all proceeds from the fundraiser go to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
University officials have hired consultants to conduct a study and make recommendations on how to reshape Greek life at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kinaya Ware.
The University's Student Affairs Office wants to improve the way in which the fraternities and sororities recruit new members and the quality of service that the Greek community provides. Another issue that's being addressed is diversity.
(SB Dr. Joanne H. Smith)
Members of the Greek community fear that many students are joining for the wrong reasons.
(SB)
Service is an important component of Greek life. For example, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority recently sold cookies in the Quad to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, and all proceeds from the fundraiser go to the Susan G. Komen foundation.
University officials have hired consultants to conduct a study and make recommendations on how to reshape Greek life at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kinaya Ware.
Caitlin Greenlee
The Wittliff Collections at Texas State now feature new material from a literary icon. Bobcat Update's Caitlin Greenlee tells us more.
Standup: Cormac McCarthy is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. McCarthy is best known for such work as The Road, No Country for Old Men and All the Pretty Horses. Texas State University has procured a vast collection of his work.
Now through December 19th the Wittliff Collections will be showing an exhibit titled Cormac McCarthy: Unveiling a Literary Legend.The importance of these artifacts has huge significance to the students at Texas State University.
SB
TRANSITION
SB
Scholars come to Texas State from all over the world to get access to the McCarthy's work and research.
SB
TRANSITION
SB
Even though the exhibit is ending in December, the artifacts will remain at Texas State University for anyone wanting access to them.
SB
Standup: The Wittliff Collections have expansive literary and photographic archives of the Southwestern Writers Collection and Mexican Photography Collection. It is located on the 7th floor in the Alkek Library and available to anyone year round. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
Standup: Cormac McCarthy is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. McCarthy is best known for such work as The Road, No Country for Old Men and All the Pretty Horses. Texas State University has procured a vast collection of his work.
Now through December 19th the Wittliff Collections will be showing an exhibit titled Cormac McCarthy: Unveiling a Literary Legend.The importance of these artifacts has huge significance to the students at Texas State University.
SB
TRANSITION
SB
Scholars come to Texas State from all over the world to get access to the McCarthy's work and research.
SB
TRANSITION
SB
Even though the exhibit is ending in December, the artifacts will remain at Texas State University for anyone wanting access to them.
SB
Standup: The Wittliff Collections have expansive literary and photographic archives of the Southwestern Writers Collection and Mexican Photography Collection. It is located on the 7th floor in the Alkek Library and available to anyone year round. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
Jason McCall
A new comedy club has opened up on the square. It's another outlet in town for rising comics to test their material. Jason McCall tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
If you walk along the square at night, you'll find that some of your favorite venues are serving up more than drinks as usual. For example, if you go up one floor at Harper's Public House, you'll find some people who are serving up laughs as well.
Nicholas Aluotto, the owner of the Back Alley Comedy Lounge, has been working in comedy for years. He decided to settle down in San Marcos and then realized the local comedy scene needed more.
SB - Aluotto - "the way"
That's when the Back Alley Comedy Lounge opened its doors. Now Aluotto has a place where he, and many other rising comedians, can strut their stuff.
SB - Aluotto - " just hilarious"
The Back Alley boasts an impressive roster of comedians working on their material. From the owner, to the bartender, to even the doorman. Everyone involved with Back Alley knows what it takes to make their jokes work.
SB - Watson - "long time"
Although the path to great comedy may not be easy, Aluotto cherishes the journey for the comics that enter his club.
SB - Aluotto - "comics grow."
SB/Stand-up - McCall - "Jason McCall"
If you walk along the square at night, you'll find that some of your favorite venues are serving up more than drinks as usual. For example, if you go up one floor at Harper's Public House, you'll find some people who are serving up laughs as well.
Nicholas Aluotto, the owner of the Back Alley Comedy Lounge, has been working in comedy for years. He decided to settle down in San Marcos and then realized the local comedy scene needed more.
SB - Aluotto - "the way"
That's when the Back Alley Comedy Lounge opened its doors. Now Aluotto has a place where he, and many other rising comedians, can strut their stuff.
SB - Aluotto - " just hilarious"
The Back Alley boasts an impressive roster of comedians working on their material. From the owner, to the bartender, to even the doorman. Everyone involved with Back Alley knows what it takes to make their jokes work.
SB - Watson - "long time"
Although the path to great comedy may not be easy, Aluotto cherishes the journey for the comics that enter his club.
SB - Aluotto - "comics grow."
SB/Stand-up - McCall - "Jason McCall"
Vicky Serrano
Drought conditions persist in Central Texas, which means the region is drier and there's a greater chance of out-of-control fires. Such fires, though, can be prevented. Bobcat Update's Vicky Serrano has more.
Fire safety should be a top priority for everyone. It's easy to forget about potential dangers. The San Marcos Fire Department hosted its fourth annual Open House on Saturday at Fire Station Five to kick off Fire Prevention Month. The event included: safety house demonstrations, fire engine rides, a rescue helicopter landing as well as vehicle rescue demonstrations. San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens says firefighters play an important role in educating people on how to prevent fires.
SB
October is designated Fire Prevention Month, which is a time for firefighters and marshals to visit schools, businesses, apartments and civic organizations to share fire prevention and safety information. The San Marcos Fire Department also offers services such as installing smoke detectors and performing courtesy safety checks. Assistant Fire Chief Rick Rowell says he would rather be out of job if it meant there were no fires.
SBFire officials say it's good practice to replace the batteries in all smoke detectors at the start and end of daylight savings time. A working smoke detector could save a life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Fire safety should be a top priority for everyone. It's easy to forget about potential dangers. The San Marcos Fire Department hosted its fourth annual Open House on Saturday at Fire Station Five to kick off Fire Prevention Month. The event included: safety house demonstrations, fire engine rides, a rescue helicopter landing as well as vehicle rescue demonstrations. San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens says firefighters play an important role in educating people on how to prevent fires.
SB
October is designated Fire Prevention Month, which is a time for firefighters and marshals to visit schools, businesses, apartments and civic organizations to share fire prevention and safety information. The San Marcos Fire Department also offers services such as installing smoke detectors and performing courtesy safety checks. Assistant Fire Chief Rick Rowell says he would rather be out of job if it meant there were no fires.
SBFire officials say it's good practice to replace the batteries in all smoke detectors at the start and end of daylight savings time. A working smoke detector could save a life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Tiana Lee
Some college courses can be quite difficult -- even stressful, but there is help available. In this Bobcat Update, Tiana Lee takes a look at a service available to all students.
Located on the fourth floor of Alkek Library, the Student Learning Assistance Center, better known as SLAC, is a varied academic support program. SLAC offers services such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, and online resources -- based on a person's academic needs.
SLAC Tutor Jordan Cole says the program has been successful. It even proved useful to him during his academic career. Cole says students have been making good use of the program.
(Cole Soundbite)
Funded primarily through student service fees, SLAC's resources are offered at no additional cost to Texas State students.
Freshman Storm Renken recommends that all students take advantage of the program.
(Renken Soundbite) SLAC is open six days a week. No appointment is required for students who seek help. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee.
Located on the fourth floor of Alkek Library, the Student Learning Assistance Center, better known as SLAC, is a varied academic support program. SLAC offers services such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, and online resources -- based on a person's academic needs.
SLAC Tutor Jordan Cole says the program has been successful. It even proved useful to him during his academic career. Cole says students have been making good use of the program.
(Cole Soundbite)
Funded primarily through student service fees, SLAC's resources are offered at no additional cost to Texas State students.
Freshman Storm Renken recommends that all students take advantage of the program.
(Renken Soundbite) SLAC is open six days a week. No appointment is required for students who seek help. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee.
Claudia Torres
If you take a stroll downtown, you'll notice wider sidewalks and a fresh, new look. Claudia Torres tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
The construction project is almost finished, and the downtown streets are noticeably improved.
SB-Tim Elkins
The San Marcos Main Street Program is responsible for the preservation and economic revitalization of the historic downtown district. The program gives business owners an opportunity to apply for grants of up to two-thousand-dollars to revamp outdated signs and awnings.
Thairapy Owner Suzanne Riley is pleased with the city's transformation.
SB-Suzanne Riley
Vagabond owner David Marrs says it would be crazy for businesses not to take advantage of this grant.
SB-
Business owners who are interested in applying for one of the signage grants can visit the Main Street Program's office at 630 East Hopkins for more information. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres.
The construction project is almost finished, and the downtown streets are noticeably improved.
SB-Tim Elkins
The San Marcos Main Street Program is responsible for the preservation and economic revitalization of the historic downtown district. The program gives business owners an opportunity to apply for grants of up to two-thousand-dollars to revamp outdated signs and awnings.
Thairapy Owner Suzanne Riley is pleased with the city's transformation.
SB-Suzanne Riley
Vagabond owner David Marrs says it would be crazy for businesses not to take advantage of this grant.
SB-
Business owners who are interested in applying for one of the signage grants can visit the Main Street Program's office at 630 East Hopkins for more information. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres.
Kathryn Price
The U-S Census Bureau reports that show many young people are waiting on marriage. Kathryn Price has the story.
(Price…15 sec…last year.)
At the county clerk's office, people can purchase marriage license applications for 82 dollars and receive information on how to enroll in relationship workshops. Senior Katie St. Romain, who recently got engaged, says relationships take a lot of work.
(St. Romain…15 sec… takes work.)
There are many theories about why people are waiting to tie the knot. Married Graduate Student Daniel Montoya says finances have to be considered -- even when families are applying pressure to get married.
(Montoya…15 sec… childs bedroom.)
Professor Diann McCabe says many people feel it's important to be economically stable before getting married.
(McCabe…15 sec…a pattern.)
Freshman Lyndsay Long says she wants to learn more about herself before worrying about how to live with another.
(Long…15 sec…first myself.)
These people all have different theories about why statistically Americans are waiting on marriage, but they all seem to agree on one thing -- relationships take work. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
(Price…15 sec…last year.)
At the county clerk's office, people can purchase marriage license applications for 82 dollars and receive information on how to enroll in relationship workshops. Senior Katie St. Romain, who recently got engaged, says relationships take a lot of work.
(St. Romain…15 sec… takes work.)
There are many theories about why people are waiting to tie the knot. Married Graduate Student Daniel Montoya says finances have to be considered -- even when families are applying pressure to get married.
(Montoya…15 sec… childs bedroom.)
Professor Diann McCabe says many people feel it's important to be economically stable before getting married.
(McCabe…15 sec…a pattern.)
Freshman Lyndsay Long says she wants to learn more about herself before worrying about how to live with another.
(Long…15 sec…first myself.)
These people all have different theories about why statistically Americans are waiting on marriage, but they all seem to agree on one thing -- relationships take work. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
10/1/14
John Wilkinson
The Texas general elections are coming up, and that means it's your time to vote. John Wilkinson has the story.
Soon this room will be filled with voting booths where Texas State University students will be able to cast their ballots from the convenience of their own university.
According to the United States Census Bureau, adults aged 18 to 29 make up almost one-fourth of the voters, yet turnout rates are among the lowest in this age group.
SB
Some Texas State students say having polls on campus is a convenience.
SB
SB
You can vote in many locations in Hays County starting on October 24th, but if you want to vote on the Texas State campus you can do so from October 27th through the 30th at 11 a-m to 7 p-m in the L-B-J ballroom.
The general election is Tuesday, November fourth. For more information on voting locations, visit the Hays County Government website. For Bobcat Update, I'm John Wilkinson.
9/27/14
Jazmine Myles
A member of Texas State's Athletic Training staff recently passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. Jazmine Myles has the story.
David Gish was a part of the Texas State Athletic Training family for 25 years. Gish headed the athletic training department for 17 of those years beginning in 1998.
So, you can imagine that on Monday, September 22nd, when he lost his battle with cancer, it hit his colleagues hard. Those close to Gish are deeply saddened.
SB (Downey)
Jason Karlik has been with Texas State for 18 years and worked alongside Gish for his entire career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. Karlik had a close relationship with Gish and says he'll miss his friendship more than anything.
SB (Karlik)
The Athletic Department plans to pay tribute to Gish. In his honor, newly designed decals have been placed on the football team's helmets. A service for Gish will be held on Sunday, October 12th at 2:00 p.m. at the San Marcos Embassy Suites. According to the Texas State Athletic Department, a scholarship endowment has been created in Gish's name to support Athletic Training students. Donations can be mailed to the Texas State Athletic Department or dropped off at the Casey Athletics Administration building on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jazmine Myles.
David Gish was a part of the Texas State Athletic Training family for 25 years. Gish headed the athletic training department for 17 of those years beginning in 1998.
So, you can imagine that on Monday, September 22nd, when he lost his battle with cancer, it hit his colleagues hard. Those close to Gish are deeply saddened.
SB (Downey)
Jason Karlik has been with Texas State for 18 years and worked alongside Gish for his entire career as an Assistant Athletic Trainer. Karlik had a close relationship with Gish and says he'll miss his friendship more than anything.
SB (Karlik)
The Athletic Department plans to pay tribute to Gish. In his honor, newly designed decals have been placed on the football team's helmets. A service for Gish will be held on Sunday, October 12th at 2:00 p.m. at the San Marcos Embassy Suites. According to the Texas State Athletic Department, a scholarship endowment has been created in Gish's name to support Athletic Training students. Donations can be mailed to the Texas State Athletic Department or dropped off at the Casey Athletics Administration building on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jazmine Myles.
Archer Booker
Texas State may implement a new schedule design for incoming freshmen. Bobcat Update's Archer Booker has more on the story.
The Personalized Academic and Career Exploration Center – commonly known as PACE – helps students organize their college education. PACE is considering a proposal that would have incoming freshmen use a block schedule in hopes that it would prevent long gaps between classes. The long gaps may be causing some students to skip class.
SB
PACE wants advisers to help new students structure their schedules to stay on track.
SB
However, not everyone thinks a block schedule will keep students from playing hooky.
SB
Still, the PACE Center thinks that students who have back-to-back classes will have a better chance of succeeding than those who have long breaks in-between.
SB
For Bobcat Update, I'm Archer Booker.
Brittany Lesoon
Texas State's rec center has equipment available for students, staff and faculty, and the center offers a lot of fitness classes. Brittany Lesoon tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Many people apparently are not aware that the classes are available.
-SB- Juan Munoz(senior)
Each class has about 20 people participating and lasts from 20 to 60 minutes.
-SB- Kristen Sacky(Grad Assistant)
The classes will vary in intensity.
-SB- Kelli Ermis (instructor)
A complete schedule of times and fitness classes are posted on the rec center's website.
-SB- Kristen Sacky
The classes offer a fun way to exercise, and they're free of charge.
-SB/Standup- Brittany Lesoon."
Jax Stafford
When emergencies occur on campus, notifications are promptly sent to the university community. In this Bobcat Update, Jax Stafford takes a look at how the system works.
Texas State University is usually a safe campus, but officials know that that could change at any moment. They have to be prepared to deal with emergencies. To that end, an alert system is in place to notify students and faculty.
SB (JAYME BLASCHKE, DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY NEWS SERVICE)
The Clery Act requires schools using federal financial aid programs to keep track of on-campus crimes and to warn the community when necessary. The warnings arrive by text and e-mail.
SB (ALLISON COOK, SENIOR)
The University Police Department uses its RAVE system to send text alerts.
SB (JAYME BLASCHKE, DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY NEWS SERVICE)
SB (ALLAN HASS, SENIOR)
SB (JAYME BLASCHKE, DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY NEWS SERVICE)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Jax Stafford.
Meg Sween
The population of San Marcos continues to grow, which means more development. Some people are concerned that as more housing is constructed, the city could lose its natural appeal. In this Bobcat Update, Meg Sween describes the city's plan to strike a balance by adding to its park system.
(Stand-up) The city of San Marcos has plans to expand and develop the already existing 1,700 acres of parks in town. In an effort to provide better security and park maintenance, the development will span over the next ten years, until about 2020.
Several improvements have already been made. Walkways have been improved as have entries to the river. But some locals feel a few things have been omitted.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
The city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan has provisions for proper bathroom facilities, nature trails and better maintenance of the park facilities. However, some worry expanding the park system might not be what's best for the area.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
(Closing stand-up) Well, residents of San Marcos sure seem to enjoy the river and parks available. And today we did, too! For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.
(Stand-up) The city of San Marcos has plans to expand and develop the already existing 1,700 acres of parks in town. In an effort to provide better security and park maintenance, the development will span over the next ten years, until about 2020.
Several improvements have already been made. Walkways have been improved as have entries to the river. But some locals feel a few things have been omitted.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
The city's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan has provisions for proper bathroom facilities, nature trails and better maintenance of the park facilities. However, some worry expanding the park system might not be what's best for the area.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
(Closing stand-up) Well, residents of San Marcos sure seem to enjoy the river and parks available. And today we did, too! For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.
Jacqueline Davis
Texas State University's Theatre Department will stage Rent later this month. Rent is one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history. Jacqueline Davis has more in this Bobcat Update.
The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning musical, "Rent," will be performed at the university for the first time. And it will be the second musical production staged in the Patti Harrison Theatre inside the university's new Performing Arts building.
"Rent" is about young artists in New York City battling AIDS. The actors and production managers have been spending a lot of time in preparation. Assistant Production Manager Quinton Sanders says the musical may offer the unexpected for some people.
SB
As the actors spend hours each day rehearsing lines, the technical crew, managers, directors, and assistant directors have been working hard as well. They have been perfecting the lighting, painting the props and platforms, and carefully selecting the right costumes. Lighting Director Sarah Maines says the new theatre offers several advantages.
SB
The musical will be performed from Tuesday, October seventh, through Saturday, October eleventh, at 7:30 P-M, and on Sunday October 12th at 2:00 and 7:30 P-M. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, located inside the Theatre Building. General admission is 18-dollars while student admission will go for eight. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jacqueline Davis.
Erin Cantu
A Texas State student will be traveling soon to speak at a nationally-renowned music festival. Erin Cantu has more in this Bobcat Update…
A Texas State student has a chance later this month to be a part of something with national prominence -- the C-M-J Music Marathon. C-M-J, short for C M J , is a four-day-long conference and music festival in New York City. K-T-S-W Music Director Allison Johnson will participate on a panel.
(Johnson… 12… "…asked to be on a panel")
Johnson attended C-M-J in 20-13 but had not applied to be part of it this year. That's changed now -- since receiving the invitation.
C-M-J is one of the largest and longest-running music festivals of its kind in the country. More than 100 speakers will participate in the panel sessions. Johnson says working at K-T-S-W has been very beneficial to her.
(Johnson.. 8.. "this is where I feel like I'm in the zone")
K-T-S-W Station Manager Melissa Bond says Johnson will be a good representative for the station at the festival.
(Bond… 11… "that many things")
As music director of the station, part of Johnson's job is to review the many C-Ds the station receives each week and to help keep the station's music library organized. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Cantu.
Maia Wintrob
More students than ever are joining Greek life at Texas State. Maia Wintrob has a report.
Taking a stroll through campus, students can see the Greek community establishing a large presence. Greek affairs coordinator Lindsey Trione says that, over the past year, Texas State has experienced record-breaking registrations in the Greek community.
(SB)
Senior Jaire Ruffin says having more students involved allows for more diversity.
(SB)
According to Student Affairs, there are two-thousand and 500 students enrolled in Greek life, which means higher quotas for chapters.
(SB)
Trione says one result of the changes is that more students are taking an interest in recruitment.
(SB)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Maia Wintrob.
Taking a stroll through campus, students can see the Greek community establishing a large presence. Greek affairs coordinator Lindsey Trione says that, over the past year, Texas State has experienced record-breaking registrations in the Greek community.
(SB)
Senior Jaire Ruffin says having more students involved allows for more diversity.
(SB)
According to Student Affairs, there are two-thousand and 500 students enrolled in Greek life, which means higher quotas for chapters.
(SB)
Trione says one result of the changes is that more students are taking an interest in recruitment.
(SB)
For Bobcat Update, I'm Maia Wintrob.
Veronika Kondratieva
A San Marcos clothier has created a brand name for itself using the city and Texas State University as its backdrop. Veronika Kondratieva has more in this Bobcat Update.
It's called San Marvelous. The store makes all things related to San Marcos its central theme. San Marvelous opened earlier this month.
SB
Texas State alum Rio Rodriguez started working on the idea of a San Marvelous clothing line while he was a student majoring in fashion merchandise. Rodriguez says he wanted something that would better represent Texas State and its school spirit.
SB
The clothing line was launched online in the fall of 2013. Occasionally, San Marvelous representatives visited campus to create awareness and sell shirts. They were able to sell as many as 400 shirts a day. The next step was to set up a more permanent location where potential buyers could visit.
Texas State sophomore Celena Oum says she's excited about having the new store in town.
SB
Texas State freshman Jazmin Lowe says the tribal prints are her favorite.
SB
San Marvelous is located near the Texas State campus on North L-B-J. The store sells shirts and souvenirs.
Stand Up: "With its bright colors and unique styles San Marvelous is going to kick in full gear during Spring Break with its grand opening. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronika Kondratieva."
It's called San Marvelous. The store makes all things related to San Marcos its central theme. San Marvelous opened earlier this month.
SB
Texas State alum Rio Rodriguez started working on the idea of a San Marvelous clothing line while he was a student majoring in fashion merchandise. Rodriguez says he wanted something that would better represent Texas State and its school spirit.
SB
The clothing line was launched online in the fall of 2013. Occasionally, San Marvelous representatives visited campus to create awareness and sell shirts. They were able to sell as many as 400 shirts a day. The next step was to set up a more permanent location where potential buyers could visit.
Texas State sophomore Celena Oum says she's excited about having the new store in town.
SB
Texas State freshman Jazmin Lowe says the tribal prints are her favorite.
SB
San Marvelous is located near the Texas State campus on North L-B-J. The store sells shirts and souvenirs.
Stand Up: "With its bright colors and unique styles San Marvelous is going to kick in full gear during Spring Break with its grand opening. For Bobcat Update, I'm Veronika Kondratieva."
Taylor Chapman
Food is a necessity, but some students struggle to pay for three square meals a day. There is help available if they want it. Taylor Chapman has the story.
Texas State students living on a budget can take advantage of free meals that are being offered.
The Baptist Student Ministries is a group that offers free lunches on Wednesdays.
Sound Bite – Kimberly Cantrill
Advertising and word-of-mouth help spread the word about the free lunches. On average, about 200 students show up for the meals.
Another group, called the United Campus Ministries, offers free meals on Mondays. The U-C-M started its service last spring. The number of participants is growing as more people become aware of the service.
Sound Bite – Jaime Bouzard
Vending machines and Paws-N-Go provide quick snacks that are affordable, but having a free meal can be an attractive alternative -- once students discover them.
Sound Bite – Arturo Guzman
Another place that students can take advantage of is Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, the Catholic student ministry. It provides meals from eleven to one on Tuesdays.
Sometimes, though, a cup of coffee is all that's needed. If a free jolt of caffeine is required, you can get one from 8:30 to 12:30 at United Campus Ministries. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Chapman.
9/24/14
Caitlin Greenlee
Texas State provides a helpful service to bike owners. Caitlin Greenlee tells us more in this Bobcat Update:
People who ride bicycles on a regular basis probably know that bikes are not always cheap and easy to repair. But a service offered at Texas State can help when the need arises. Since 2007 the Bike Cave has been a place to go for repairs.
SB
The co-op is able to operate using donations from the community and tuition fees. Every semester, students are charged a one-dollar environmental fee. A fee, which Tim Hayes says, gets pooled into a fund that is then distributed by the Environmental Service Committee to places like the Bike Cave.
SB
Hayes, who rides his bike everywhere, says The Bike Cave is a unique and much needed service. Other students agree, stating that they prefer riding their bikes over driving vehicles, but that wouldn't be possible without the Bike Cave.
SB
The Bike Cave is located in room 100 of the Colorado Building on Pleasant Street. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to anyone on two wheels. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
People who ride bicycles on a regular basis probably know that bikes are not always cheap and easy to repair. But a service offered at Texas State can help when the need arises. Since 2007 the Bike Cave has been a place to go for repairs.
SB
The co-op is able to operate using donations from the community and tuition fees. Every semester, students are charged a one-dollar environmental fee. A fee, which Tim Hayes says, gets pooled into a fund that is then distributed by the Environmental Service Committee to places like the Bike Cave.
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Hayes, who rides his bike everywhere, says The Bike Cave is a unique and much needed service. Other students agree, stating that they prefer riding their bikes over driving vehicles, but that wouldn't be possible without the Bike Cave.
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The Bike Cave is located in room 100 of the Colorado Building on Pleasant Street. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to anyone on two wheels. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
9/23/14
Caelan Bernal
Texas State will soon be celebrating Homecoming. It's that annual ritual of inviting alumni back to campus to cheer on the Bobcats. But, as Caelan Bernal tell us in this Bobcat Update, the tradition includes so much more:
-SB-
One of the traditions is choosing a homecoming queen. Voting is underway, and Hannah Seaton is one of the candidates.
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A Texas State homecoming wouldn't be complete without a little competition. There will be a powder puff football game, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a talent show, and the Soap Box Derby. The first Soap Box Derby at Texas State was held back in 1967. It's a fan favorite.
The planners of Homecoming Week want it to be filled with fun:
-SB-
And, of course, students will show off their Bobcat pride on game day, Saturday October 4th. One student who will be cheering louder than most is Hudson Werkheiser.
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A complete calendar of the Homecoming events can be on the Texas State website.
-SB/Standup-
-SB-
One of the traditions is choosing a homecoming queen. Voting is underway, and Hannah Seaton is one of the candidates.
-SB-
A Texas State homecoming wouldn't be complete without a little competition. There will be a powder puff football game, a three-on-three basketball tournament, a talent show, and the Soap Box Derby. The first Soap Box Derby at Texas State was held back in 1967. It's a fan favorite.
The planners of Homecoming Week want it to be filled with fun:
-SB-
And, of course, students will show off their Bobcat pride on game day, Saturday October 4th. One student who will be cheering louder than most is Hudson Werkheiser.
-SB-
A complete calendar of the Homecoming events can be on the Texas State website.
-SB/Standup-
Katherine Nelson
An idea is being kicked around in San Marcos that some believe could lead to better behavior among bar patrons. The idea is to extend bars hours and make the last hour alcohol free. The hope is that some people will use that hour to sober up. Katherine Nelson has more.
The San Marcos Police Department says most of the arrests and citations they make in the early morning hours are related to drunken behavior. For example, people are caught jaywalking or driving while drunk. The editorial board of the University Star newspaper proposed an idea that it believes could help. The board is calling for a sober-hour policy:
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The Star editorial said having a sober hour might lead to better behavior.
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Not everyone agrees that the idea will work.
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However, one local establishment has such a policy:
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No formal action has been taken by the city to adopt such a policy, but the idea has generated some debate.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Katherine Nelson
The San Marcos Police Department says most of the arrests and citations they make in the early morning hours are related to drunken behavior. For example, people are caught jaywalking or driving while drunk. The editorial board of the University Star newspaper proposed an idea that it believes could help. The board is calling for a sober-hour policy:
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The Star editorial said having a sober hour might lead to better behavior.
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Not everyone agrees that the idea will work.
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However, one local establishment has such a policy:
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No formal action has been taken by the city to adopt such a policy, but the idea has generated some debate.
SB
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Katherine Nelson
Adam Cook
The N-F-L season is now in its fourth week, and for much of that time the league has been grappling with domestic abuse issues. Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was suspended after video emerged showing him strike his wife in an elevator, and a grand jury in Texas has indicted Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings for allegedly beating his four-year-old with a switch. Many Texas State students are big fans of professional football, so they've been watching with interest as these scandals have unfolded.
9/22/14
Presley Fowler
The University Police Department says bike thefts have increased on campus since the fall semester began. Police say higher-end bikes are being targeted -- especially those that are secured with cables because cables are easy to cut. Students are encouraged to purchase U-shaped locks. U-P-D also recommends that students register their bikes either online, in person, or at The Bike Cave on campus. Registration ensures that if your bike is stolen, it can be tracked back to you. Police say it's always better to lock bikes in public areas using racks provided by the university.
9/21/14
Joy Smith
Some Texas State freshmen are having trouble finding homes this semester because of the increase in enrollment. Joy Smith has the story.
This year Texas State has had a difficult time fitting the record-breaking freshmen class into on-campus housing. Even with the opening of two new residence halls on campus this year, some freshmen found themselves homeless the first few weeks of school. Many resorted to living off-campus for the fall semester.
(soundbite)
Space was so limited that some Residence Assistants were asked to room temporarily with freshmen while housing was sought.
(soundbite)
By now, most students have found their permanent homes for the semester. Those who were inconvenienced were compensated for their trouble. For Bobcat Update, I'm Joy Smith.
Maggie Ximenes
A decision may come soon on student government legislation that would remove fluoride from campus drinking water. Maggie Ximenes has more.
Texas State students rely on campus drinking water, but some members of student government do not want fluoride to be in it.
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Stand up: The San Marcos River is such a huge part of life for San Marcos. The fact that the city infiltrates the drinking water with fluoride raises concern for some citizens.
SB.
Others, though, believe fluoride is harmless and not a cause for concern.
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, fluoride is voluntarily added to some cities' drinking water to prevent cavities. The E-P-A also states too much fluoride can lead to the risk of bone fractures and developing pits in tooth enamel.
That's reason enough for some in student government to call for the removal of fluoride.
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The Student Government is asking for comments on the legislation before any votes are taken. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maggie Ximenes (he-men-es)
Marisa Ross
A vote on a bond aimed at alleviating the overcrowded conditions at the Hays County Jail has been postponed. Marisa Ross has more on the story.
Timing was a major concern in moving a bond election from November to May. County officials says it's important to educate voters on all aspects of the issue so they can be more informed. The bond measure offers several options. Voters can choose to renovate or expand the current facility OR build a new jail. Hays County Sheriff's Lieutenant John Saenz says the current jail doesn't have enough space.
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Saenz says officials have found ways to handle the overcrowding, but the solutions are for the short-term at best. One such remedy is out-sourcing inmates to other jails in the region. Hays County sends some inmates to Guadalupe County. Jail Administrator Mark Cumberland says he's concerned that more problems may arise.
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Cumberland says it's important for the county to set its priorities and plan for the long term. The Hays County Jail is over 25 years old and requires major improvements. On the list of needs are 600 beds, new equipment and new technology. Sheriff Gary Cutler says he would like to see the situation resolved soon.
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Sheriff Cutler and other county officials make it clear that having a new jail would be the best way to address the need for new beds and better technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
Timing was a major concern in moving a bond election from November to May. County officials says it's important to educate voters on all aspects of the issue so they can be more informed. The bond measure offers several options. Voters can choose to renovate or expand the current facility OR build a new jail. Hays County Sheriff's Lieutenant John Saenz says the current jail doesn't have enough space.
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Saenz says officials have found ways to handle the overcrowding, but the solutions are for the short-term at best. One such remedy is out-sourcing inmates to other jails in the region. Hays County sends some inmates to Guadalupe County. Jail Administrator Mark Cumberland says he's concerned that more problems may arise.
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Cumberland says it's important for the county to set its priorities and plan for the long term. The Hays County Jail is over 25 years old and requires major improvements. On the list of needs are 600 beds, new equipment and new technology. Sheriff Gary Cutler says he would like to see the situation resolved soon.
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Sheriff Cutler and other county officials make it clear that having a new jail would be the best way to address the need for new beds and better technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.
Kathryn Price
Every year the Texas State Board of Regents chooses what is called a Regent Professor. It's a highly coveted award among university professors. They must compete against faculty at all eight institutions governed by the Board. This year a Texas State professor at the San Marcos campus received the distinguished award. Kathryn Price has the story.
Music professor, world traveler and teacher of life's lessons. Dr. Ian Davidson fits many descriptions because he has accomplished so much. And now another line of distinction can be added to his vita. Davidson has been named Regent Professor. Davidson stays busy. He has served on the Faculty Senate -- the first professor from the School of Music to do so -- and he's even been nominated for a Grammy. Davidson says his professional endeavors are all for his students.
(Davidson …15 SECONDS…)
(Price …10 SECONDS…Texas State students.)
He says he travels a lot to give his students a better understanding of the arts than they could ever get from a textbook alone.
(Davidson…15 SECONDS…)
Graduate student Sophia Kuyenga says Davidson gave her the confidence she needed to continue composing.
(Kuyenga…15 SECONDS…)
Davidson plays with a group called Trio 488 consisting of himself and two other faculty members. Trio 488 will have a concert at the Performing Arts Center on October first.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
Music professor, world traveler and teacher of life's lessons. Dr. Ian Davidson fits many descriptions because he has accomplished so much. And now another line of distinction can be added to his vita. Davidson has been named Regent Professor. Davidson stays busy. He has served on the Faculty Senate -- the first professor from the School of Music to do so -- and he's even been nominated for a Grammy. Davidson says his professional endeavors are all for his students.
(Davidson …15 SECONDS…)
(Price …10 SECONDS…Texas State students.)
He says he travels a lot to give his students a better understanding of the arts than they could ever get from a textbook alone.
(Davidson…15 SECONDS…)
Graduate student Sophia Kuyenga says Davidson gave her the confidence she needed to continue composing.
(Kuyenga…15 SECONDS…)
Davidson plays with a group called Trio 488 consisting of himself and two other faculty members. Trio 488 will have a concert at the Performing Arts Center on October first.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
Jaclyn Coles
You might not notice them at football games, but there are always police officers around to maintain order and keep the festivities safe for everyone. The University Police Department gets help from City Police when the crowds are large. Jaclyn Coles has the story.
It's rare that Texas State has a sold-out game, but when the Bobcats do, there's need for a greater police presence. The recent Navy game is a good example. The stands were filled, and security was tighter.
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University Police Sergeant Jason Moreno was in charge of security before the game. Moreno says game day requires some extra preparation.
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Fifty officers were on duty at the Texas State-Navy game. They made three arrests, wrote 14 citations and issued 136 warnings. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
It's rare that Texas State has a sold-out game, but when the Bobcats do, there's need for a greater police presence. The recent Navy game is a good example. The stands were filled, and security was tighter.
SB
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University Police Sergeant Jason Moreno was in charge of security before the game. Moreno says game day requires some extra preparation.
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Fifty officers were on duty at the Texas State-Navy game. They made three arrests, wrote 14 citations and issued 136 warnings. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Claudia Torres
National Hispanic Heritage Month is underway. Bobcat Update's Claudia Torres takes a look at what that means to Texas State.
Culture. Heritage. Independence. These are just some of the aspects of the Hispanic culture that are being recognized during the month-long celebration. Texas State is involved in a big way, which seems fitting -- the Hispanic student body population is the largest minority group on campus.
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During this month, the Center for the Study of the Southwest is presenting a lecture series and an exhibit highlighting Latinos and Sports in the Southwest.
The Wittliff Collection has more than 20-thousand prints from distinguished Mexican authors, photographers and painters.
While there are many Heritage Month events planned at Texas State, some believe the effort doesn't go far enough.
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Texas State Alum Lyndon Johnson established National Hispanic Heritage Month, which ends on October 15th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres
Vicky Serrano
San Marcos city officials say tests now indicate there are no longer high levels of lead in the city's water supply. Vicky Serrano has more on the story.
High levels of lead. That doesn't sound healthy -- especially if the lead is being found in drinking water. But San Marcos recently had such a problem, which was cause for concern for anyone wanting to drink tap water in the city. Restaurants for a time were reluctant to serve water out of fear for their customers. A waitress at the Italian Gardens says she's relieved that recent water tests show better results.
[SB]
A lot of students carry water bottles on campus to cope with the heat and to quench their thirst. Theater student Nicholas Ortiz says he was unaware of the recent tests.
[SB]
Tap water is just one of many options for drinking. Groceries stay stocked with bottled water, and filtering systems can be installed to help purify what you drink.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
High levels of lead. That doesn't sound healthy -- especially if the lead is being found in drinking water. But San Marcos recently had such a problem, which was cause for concern for anyone wanting to drink tap water in the city. Restaurants for a time were reluctant to serve water out of fear for their customers. A waitress at the Italian Gardens says she's relieved that recent water tests show better results.
[SB]
A lot of students carry water bottles on campus to cope with the heat and to quench their thirst. Theater student Nicholas Ortiz says he was unaware of the recent tests.
[SB]
Tap water is just one of many options for drinking. Groceries stay stocked with bottled water, and filtering systems can be installed to help purify what you drink.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Tiana Lee
The University Police Department is urging students to take more precautions. In this Bobcat Update, Tiana Lee tells us about how campus safety is being promoted.
One program that the university offers to promote campus safety is called Bobcat Bobbies. Students can use the service from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. to be transported on campus and avoid nighttime walking. Another safety resource is the 9-1-1 call boxes located on campus. By pushing a button on one of the boxes, students notify police of an emergency. A blue light will flash at the location to help locate the student. Safety should be everyone's concern on campus.
[Brittany Horton-Sophmore-SOUNDBITE]
Residence Halls promote safety by carefully monitoring who enters or leaves the buildings. Freshman Kylie Ballis says such precautions make her feel safer on campus.
[Kylie Ballis-Freshman SOUNDBITE]
Otto Glenewinkel of the University's Police Department says the job of promoting campus safety is never done. He says improvements can always be made.
[Glenewinkel--SOUNDBITE]
Glenewinkel says the police department has officers on duty throughout the day and night to help keep the campus safe. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tiana Lee.
9/17/14
Keaton Kahn
Pizza delivery is a booming business again, thanks to the return of Texas State students. A Dominos' manager says that pizza is being delivered in San Marcos once every 49 seconds. During the summer, the average slows to once every eight minutes. He also said college students on average spend 31 dollars a week on pizza. That can mean a lot in tips for those making deliveries -- especially when you consider there's a customer base of almost 37-thousand students in San Marcos.
9/16/14
Stephanie Diaz
Many Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, are celebrating the birth of their nations this month. Texas State is also celebrating its Hispanic culture. Students at the university represent a wide variety of ethnicities. According to Institutional Research, 55 percent of the student population is white, 30 percent are Hispanic, eight percent are African American and four percent identify themselves as multi-racial. Texas State is proud to be classified as a Hispanic-serving institution. The group's enrollment increased more than a thousand students from a year ago.
8/30/14
Caitlin Greenlee
New construction is underway at Texas State University, and it's causing quite a commotion. Bobcat Update's Caitlin Greenlee takes a look at what's happening.
Screeching, banging, and clattering. These are just some of the sounds along Bobcat Trail as construction crews work on a new pedestrian walkway between Commons Hall and Flowers Hall. One result of the project is that there's one-less bus loop on campus. For many years, buses had used that street to pick up and deliver students. That means routes have been changed, and some students have found it more difficult to get to school.
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As the university continues to grow, construction seems to be never-ending
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Others are excited that the university is prospering.
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The Bobcat Trail project will cost the university nearly five-point-five million dollars. It should be finished by December 20-15. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
Screeching, banging, and clattering. These are just some of the sounds along Bobcat Trail as construction crews work on a new pedestrian walkway between Commons Hall and Flowers Hall. One result of the project is that there's one-less bus loop on campus. For many years, buses had used that street to pick up and deliver students. That means routes have been changed, and some students have found it more difficult to get to school.
SB
As the university continues to grow, construction seems to be never-ending
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Others are excited that the university is prospering.
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The Bobcat Trail project will cost the university nearly five-point-five million dollars. It should be finished by December 20-15. For Bobcat Update, I'm Caitlin Greenlee.
Erin Cantu
Parking on campus is a challenge. Commuters have reason to be anxious every time they drive to Texas State, because it's very hard to find a place to park. Erin Cantu has more in this Bobcat Update.
Students purchase their passes from the university's Parking Services division. Parking Services is not lenient when it comes to parking outside of the designated zones. Some students feel pretty desperate when they try to find parking. They may circle the parking lots for 20 to 40 minutes to find an open space, and at times they'll resort to parking illegally. One student had to deal with this when the car next to hers parked too close.
(SB)
Commuters have three parking lots to choose from that are close to campus, and these lots are also open to red restricted permits, which means faculty can park there as well. This can cause confusion, especially when commuters have to vacate the lot at certain times. When students park where they're not supposed to be, they'll be fined if caught.
(SB)
Texas State is not planning to create a new commuter lot, so the struggle will continue for the foreseeable future. And remember: Permits are a necessity if you're going to park on campus. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erin Cantu.
Emily Burns
Construction projects are in abundance on campus, causing an inconvenience for some Texas State students. Vicky Serrano has the story.
The university has about 20 construction and renovation projects planned for the 2014-2015 academic year. Several of these projects are being worked on concurrently, which causes street closures and forced detours as well as class schedule changes. Many students are affected:
[Sound bite]
Some students have to take completely different routes to their classes, which means they have to spend more time in the heat.
[Sound bite]Of course, the temporary inconvenience that these construction projects may cause is offset by the long-term goal of accommodating an ever increasing student population.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
The university has about 20 construction and renovation projects planned for the 2014-2015 academic year. Several of these projects are being worked on concurrently, which causes street closures and forced detours as well as class schedule changes. Many students are affected:
[Sound bite]
Some students have to take completely different routes to their classes, which means they have to spend more time in the heat.
[Sound bite]Of course, the temporary inconvenience that these construction projects may cause is offset by the long-term goal of accommodating an ever increasing student population.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Vicky Serrano.
Megan Sween
Texas State students are having to find ways to cope with the extreme heat. Temperatures lately have peaked in the 90s every day, and for a time they often reached into the triple digits. Meg Sween has the story.
It doesn't take much time out in the heat to be overwhelmed, and since very few students have all of their classes in one building, at least some hiking is required. The heat is hard to escape.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
However, some students say they're on the best campus possible to deal with the heat in Texas. Sewell Park and the San Marcos River provide a needed respite nearby.
(SOUND BITE HERE)Health officials say one way to handle the heat is to stay hydrated. Carry along a water bottle, and find shade where you can. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.
It doesn't take much time out in the heat to be overwhelmed, and since very few students have all of their classes in one building, at least some hiking is required. The heat is hard to escape.
(SOUND BITE HERE)
However, some students say they're on the best campus possible to deal with the heat in Texas. Sewell Park and the San Marcos River provide a needed respite nearby.
(SOUND BITE HERE)Health officials say one way to handle the heat is to stay hydrated. Carry along a water bottle, and find shade where you can. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meg Sween.
Jaclyn Coles
Texas State continues to grow in population. The university's enrollment will likely top 35-thousand students again this semester. With growth, there are issues. Jaclyn Coles has the story:
Anyone who lives off campus needs a way to get here to attend class. That means either riding the bus or driving. But those who ride buses soon realize just how crowded it is. At peak times, they load up fast. And if you drive instead, there's the hassle of finding a parking space. It seems an impossible task -- especially as class time nears.
Students who've encountered overcrowding or the lack of parking spaces are hoping the university comes up with solutions.
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Some students say the bus system provides the best option for getting to campus.
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The university has a new bus service this semester. The contractor, Transdev, is operating a 45-bus fleet -- 43 of them are new. To pay for the new service, students approved an increase in the bus fee, which now costs 95-dollars a semester. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
Anyone who lives off campus needs a way to get here to attend class. That means either riding the bus or driving. But those who ride buses soon realize just how crowded it is. At peak times, they load up fast. And if you drive instead, there's the hassle of finding a parking space. It seems an impossible task -- especially as class time nears.
Students who've encountered overcrowding or the lack of parking spaces are hoping the university comes up with solutions.
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Some students say the bus system provides the best option for getting to campus.
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The university has a new bus service this semester. The contractor, Transdev, is operating a 45-bus fleet -- 43 of them are new. To pay for the new service, students approved an increase in the bus fee, which now costs 95-dollars a semester. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jaclyn Coles.
8/29/14
Kathryn Price
During the first week of school at Texas State, students couldn't help but notice the many construction projects on campus. Kathryn Price has the story.
There are two projects underway on Bobcat Trail. The goal of the projects is to upgrade the utility pipes and to create a green space in the area. Texas State Student [First Last] says she had to change her route to class because of the construction, and she's worried that the new route may take too much time.
SOUND BITE (15 SECONDS)
While [Last] is finding it difficult to get to class, Texas State Senior [First Last] says she's having trouble focusing in the classroom because there's too much construction noise.
SOUND BITE (15 SECONDS)
Despite the complaints, many students are excited about what the changes will mean for the campus. Texas State Student [First Last] says he's being positive. He's looking forward to being able to enjoy a green space rather than asphalt.
SOUND BITE (15 SECONDS)
Bobcat Trail is not the only construction project affecting students. The San Marcos City Council has two projects underway on north L-B-J. The city is upgrading drainage and walkways to accommodate the future residents of the Eight 17 Lofts being built nearby.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kathryn Price.
Claudia Torres
Students returning to Texas State for the fall semester can count on two things: tests and continued construction.
Construction on and near campus is making it more difficult for students to get to class on time. Some of them have no choice but to find new routes. In the long term, the changes will be beneficial, of course, but for now they create problems.
For example, anyone who lives on North L-B-J will have no choice but to cope with the improvements that engineers have planned for that area. Right now, it's just one big construction zone.
-Davis SB-
Construction is not limited to streets in San Marcos. Many new apartment complexes are being built to accommodate the university's higher enrollment. One of the projects -- at Top Apartments -- is behind schedule.
-Cole SB-Texas State University is the fourth largest university in the state and still growing, and, as a result, the city of San Marcos has experienced an unprecedented spurt in population. For two years in a row, the city has held the distinction of being the fastest growing small city in America. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres.
Construction on and near campus is making it more difficult for students to get to class on time. Some of them have no choice but to find new routes. In the long term, the changes will be beneficial, of course, but for now they create problems.
For example, anyone who lives on North L-B-J will have no choice but to cope with the improvements that engineers have planned for that area. Right now, it's just one big construction zone.
-Davis SB-
Construction is not limited to streets in San Marcos. Many new apartment complexes are being built to accommodate the university's higher enrollment. One of the projects -- at Top Apartments -- is behind schedule.
-Cole SB-Texas State University is the fourth largest university in the state and still growing, and, as a result, the city of San Marcos has experienced an unprecedented spurt in population. For two years in a row, the city has held the distinction of being the fastest growing small city in America. For Bobcat Update, I'm Claudia Torres.
Presley Fowler
Texas State is one of the larger universities in the state with an enrollment of nearly 36-thousand students. However, many students are concerned that there isn't enough space to accommodate the ever increasing numbers. Presley Fowler has more on this report.
(SB) "All these students you know they have to get parking somehow."
Texas State University is truly the Rising Star of Texas as enrollment continues to rise. Last year, the university set an enrollment record for the 16th consecutive year. And the trend is expected to continue.
To enable the growth, Texas State has built new dorms and other buildings on campus and it has added new buses for those who live off campus. But the lack of parking spaces on campus remains an issue.
(SB)"It's getting pretty ridiculous, you have to show up early just to get a good spot and even then I wait 30 minutes to drive here and then I take a 20 minute bus ride."
Senior Garrett Coats is frustrated that his commuter pass limits him to only certain areas on campus. With the closure of a major commuter lot this school year, students are now forced to park in the Mill Street lot and take a bus.
(SB)"I'm driving just to take the bus."
The lines at parking services are often quite long. A lot of people want permits, but they'll likely struggle to find places to park.
(SB)"I definitely think that they have more passes than spaces. I was actually driving around for about 15 minutes right now and I finally found a spot." (Veronika Kondratieva on CG)
And that is the main issue. With no cap on the number of parking permits sold, commuters will have to continue to fight for the last spot until new parking facilities are added.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Presley Fowler.
4/18/14
Andrea Rodriguez
A classic car museum in San Marcos is dedicated to preserving and displaying vintage automobiles. Bobcat Update's Andrea Rodriguez reports on how the non-profit museum plays an educational role as well.
Stand Up: Americans fell in love with the car industry, and Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum salutes that love affair right here in San Marcos.
The 43-thousand square foot facility houses 80 classic vehicles and memorabilia from the 1900's through the 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...8 secs...from all over)
The museum operates as a non-profit, educational foundation. Guests can learn about cars from the Great Depression to the early 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...15 secs...This is one)
The mission of Dick's Classic Car Garage is to show visitors the evolution of the automobile and how it has had an impact on society.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Rodriguez.
Stand Up: Americans fell in love with the car industry, and Dick's Classic Garage Car Museum salutes that love affair right here in San Marcos.
The 43-thousand square foot facility houses 80 classic vehicles and memorabilia from the 1900's through the 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...8 secs...from all over)
The museum operates as a non-profit, educational foundation. Guests can learn about cars from the Great Depression to the early 1950's.
SB: (Fortney...15 secs...This is one)
The mission of Dick's Classic Car Garage is to show visitors the evolution of the automobile and how it has had an impact on society.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Andrea Rodriguez.
Maritza Acosta
Diversity on college campuses is desirable, and, in many ways, expected. Maritza (MUH-RITZ-UH) Cruz explains in this Bobcat Update.
Research shows cultural and ethnic diversity is a key component in providing a quality education, and Texas State is on the right track.
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Some Texas State students believe having cultural awareness promotes higher levels of tolerance and helps with problem solving.
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Professor Gloria Martinez says having diverse instructors is also helpful.
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Maritza Cruz.
Olympia Mendoza
If your wallet feels a little empty, Money Savvy Cats can help you find the cash you need. Olympia (Uh-lim-pee-a) Mendoza (Men-dos-a) has more in this Bobcat Update.
Managing money is difficult for some people. Offering assistance is Money Savvy Cats -- a program designed to help students make better decisions when working with their finances. One common issue for students is that they don't know how to build and maintain good credit.
SB:
The program offers courses for which students can receive credit. For example, Consumers in the Marketplace and Family Finance are just two of the courses a student can take. The courses focus on personal financial management.
SB:
Money Savvy Cats advises students to keep track of all transactions to avoid identity theft.
Stand Up:Saving money can be quite the challenge for the life of a college student. Money Savvy Cats prevent students from being in lifelong debt and gives tips on cashing in the big bucks. For Bobcat Update, I'm Olympia Mendoza.
4/17/14
Lauren Higdon
Giving blood is truly a gift of life, and a great way to help out individuals in need. Lauren Higdon has more in this Bobcat Update.
Blood drives on college campuses are common, and they're necessary -- as a way to increase the blood supply. The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas was recently at Texas State to gather donations before school is out for the summer.
SB
The before and after process of giving blood is important to follow, and essential in your recovery after a blood donation.
SB
A Texas State sorority helped spread the word about the importance of blood donations in hopes of getting students involved.
SB
SB
Ending with stand-up while giving blood.
Blood drives on college campuses are common, and they're necessary -- as a way to increase the blood supply. The Blood and Tissue Center of Central Texas was recently at Texas State to gather donations before school is out for the summer.
SB
The before and after process of giving blood is important to follow, and essential in your recovery after a blood donation.
SB
A Texas State sorority helped spread the word about the importance of blood donations in hopes of getting students involved.
SB
SB
Ending with stand-up while giving blood.
Taylor Alanis
San Marcos is certainly more than just a stop along I-35. It's become a destination and that means newer and bigger hotels coming to town. Bobcat Update's Taylor Alanis has more.
With San Marcos attracting more tourists, the city needs for more hotel rooms.
According to representatives from the San Marcos visitor's center, the city will welcome six new hotels over the next 18 months, including big names like Holiday Inn and Marriott. There is a high demand for family-friendly stays with accommodations like restaurants, adjoining rooms, and free Wi-Fi. Some San Marcos hotel employees don't mind the new and bigger neighbors. In fact, some even welcome them.
SB
San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce President Brian Bondy says it was just a matter of time before San Marcos got more hotels. The city is growing as more businesses and people make San Marcos their home.
SB
Although some current hotel employees agree the new hotels will bring more business to the city, it also means more competition.
SB
Bondy says the busiest time of the year is during Spring graduation and summer. Hotels book their rooms pretty fast this time of year.
SB(Stand-up) Among the new hotels will be this Marriott Courtyard which will feature a resort style swimming pool, theater room and fire pits for guests. Although it won't be open in time for graduation, its 97 rooms will open just in time for the busiest parts of summer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Alanis.
Audrey Seifert
The school year is winding down and that means students are finishing their projects and taking their finals. Then, it's time for the next step. Bobcat Update's Audrey Seifert (sigh-fert) reports on what some students are planning to do this summer.
(Stand Up) While some students are worrying about their grades.
SB Chavis Hamilton)
Or getting excited about graduation.
SB Perrett)
Everyone has plans for the break. Many are getting ready for travel.
(SB Katherine Hornak & Thomas/Tirado)
If they can afford it.
(SB Hamilton)
Others are ready to get to work on new job opportunities and even summer classes.
(SB Emily Mark, Michael Iven, & Emily Nye)
While everyone's plans may different, there's one thing they have in common.
(SB Hornak, Nye, Mark, Thomas/Tirado)
(Stand Up)
(Stand Up) While some students are worrying about their grades.
SB Chavis Hamilton)
Or getting excited about graduation.
SB Perrett)
Everyone has plans for the break. Many are getting ready for travel.
(SB Katherine Hornak & Thomas/Tirado)
If they can afford it.
(SB Hamilton)
Others are ready to get to work on new job opportunities and even summer classes.
(SB Emily Mark, Michael Iven, & Emily Nye)
While everyone's plans may different, there's one thing they have in common.
(SB Hornak, Nye, Mark, Thomas/Tirado)
(Stand Up)
Adriana Candelaria
Students with learning disabilities face obstacles as they pursue their education but many find ways to overcome them. If anything—they seem to dig deeper to find solutions. Adriana Candelaria has more in this Bobcat Update.
Andrew Bradley says note taking is a challenge for him because the classroom can be distracting. Students merely shuffling their feet or tapping their pencil can throw him off. But Bradley says he works with his professors and gets help when he needs it
SB: (Bradley…15 sces.. get it on paper)
Students with legal documentation can sign up with the testing center located under Commons dinning hall to be accommodated in an environment that suits them best. Heidi Moore who is a supervisor at the testing center says services provide a gateway for the student’s success.
SB: (Moore...20 secs… in your grades)
Stand up:(Candelaria…20 secs…for Bobcat Update, Adriana Candelaria)
Andrew Bradley says note taking is a challenge for him because the classroom can be distracting. Students merely shuffling their feet or tapping their pencil can throw him off. But Bradley says he works with his professors and gets help when he needs it
SB: (Bradley…15 sces.. get it on paper)
Students with legal documentation can sign up with the testing center located under Commons dinning hall to be accommodated in an environment that suits them best. Heidi Moore who is a supervisor at the testing center says services provide a gateway for the student’s success.
SB: (Moore...20 secs… in your grades)
Stand up:(Candelaria…20 secs…for Bobcat Update, Adriana Candelaria)
Katelynn Duane
Some major cities, including San Antonio and Houston, are making fewer public intoxication arrests because law enforcement officials have an alternative. Bobcat Update's Katelynn Duane reports on the pros and cons of what are called sobriety centers.
Public Intoxication is a class C misdemeanor. But due to the nature of a P-I, police can spend up to an hour booking an individual for an offense. Texas State Police Captain Daniel Benitez says that decriminalizing P-I's could be a good thing but worries that the number of offenses could go up if there's no punishment.
"It could provide a safe haven, it would save us time and it could save us money, downfalls include that people could not suffer consequences from their actions."
"It takes more of cops time and it takes more tax dollars and they won't have to spend that money any more which is good, but then they won't think that they'll get punished for their actions."
Texas State Freshman Matthew Hubble has dealt with a P-I charge firsthand and thinks decriminalization is the way to go.
"After I was released I still had the arrest and the charges over my shoulder even though I had been released from jail."
By decriminalizing public intoxication, offenders would be free to leave the center without any repercussions after they've sobered up.
"Honestly feel like the pi charge is so they're not causing harm to themselves or others, and putting them in center is going to take them away from danger."
"According to the Texas State police department records, 27 people have already been arrested for public intoxication this year."
That number doesn't include San Marcos P-D arrests. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katelynn Duane.
4/15/14
Jeffrey Stringer
Stress is a way of life when finals come around, and the best way to beat the butterflies is to find a healthy way to relieve stress. Jeffrey Stringer has more in this Bobcat Update.
The best way to avoid stress is to study early and often. This can be achieved in a variety of ways from studying in a group at SLAC to creating and reviewing flashcards on your own.
SB: My Mind…Kathy Tran….5 sec
Another simple way to lower stress is by organizing your class material. You could combine your teacher's presentations with your notes along with information from textbooks. Some students organize their material by typing what they've written as notes while others rewrite what they believe are important parts of the lecture.
SB: For Me…Brittany Vazquez…10 sec
The easiest way is to beat stress is to be prepared. Look over the material in advance and get enough sleep before the big test. If you find yourself suffering from insomnia, Texas State has a sleep lab available for students where doctors are available to analyze you while you sleep so you can find the cure for your sleepless nights.
SB: Already know…Carmen Westerberg…15 sec
Standup: Jeffrey Stringer….Jeffrey Stringer…6 sec
Jordan Chavez
For all you music lovers, K-T-S-W will host the seventh annual Mister Fest later this month. The event will showcase several local artists and will also feature a comedy show and poetry readings. Mister Fest will be held at eight different venues in downtown San Marcos. You can find a schedule for the shows at M-R-fest-dot-net. There will also be a vendor market on the courthouse lawn. But if you're concerned about spending too much money, don't worry -- all of the events are free. The Mister Fest slogan this year is No cash, No Wristband. No Problem.
Zach Harrow
The Personalized Academic and Career Exploration
center, commonly known as PACE, will host a collection of
conference-style events this week. The events are designed to promote a
student's transition to having full-major status at Texas State. A
variety of events will be offered in the L-B-J Student Center Ballroom.
The events will cover such topics as creating a professional image and
taking the next step in pursuing a college degree. There will be free
food and door prizes at the events. More information can be found at
the U-A-C or at the L-B-J Student Center.
4/14/14
Aiden Diaz
A couple of student organizations have teamed up to offer free meals each week. United Campus Ministry-Wesley and Christ Chapel provide the lunches every Monday. The organizations start serve from noon until one-30, or until the food runs out. The free lunches will continue for two more weeks before shutting down for the summer. The U-C-M Wesley building is located on five-ten North Guadalupe Street in San Marcos.
4/10/14
Isamar Terrazas
It's an unprecedented gathering of Presidents in Austin. A civil rights summit at the L-B-J Presidential Library continues. Today the keynote speaker was President Obama. Bobcat Update's Isamar Terrazas is there and files this report.
President Obama arrived in Texas yesterday to make a stop at Fort Hood to pay tribute to the victims of the recent mass shooting at the base. He and the First Lady then traveled to Austin. Protesters greeted the presidential entourage, but at the civil rights summit they were given a warm reception. In remarks for the occasion, President Obama said progress can be slow and difficult process, but President Johnson found ways to make things happen and one of his stellar achievements was passage of the Civil Rights Act.
(Obama... your vision)
President Obama and former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are participating in the summit. In his speech yesterday afternoon, former president Clinton said the Johnson legacy not only included Civil Rights but voting rights as well.
(Clinton..)
Former President Bush will speak tonight. The events in Austin are being held to mark the 50th anniversary of passage of the Civil Rights Act.
Reporting from Austin at the L-B-J Presidential Library, I'm Isamar Terrazas.
President Obama arrived in Texas yesterday to make a stop at Fort Hood to pay tribute to the victims of the recent mass shooting at the base. He and the First Lady then traveled to Austin. Protesters greeted the presidential entourage, but at the civil rights summit they were given a warm reception. In remarks for the occasion, President Obama said progress can be slow and difficult process, but President Johnson found ways to make things happen and one of his stellar achievements was passage of the Civil Rights Act.
(Obama... your vision)
President Obama and former presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush are participating in the summit. In his speech yesterday afternoon, former president Clinton said the Johnson legacy not only included Civil Rights but voting rights as well.
(Clinton..)
Former President Bush will speak tonight. The events in Austin are being held to mark the 50th anniversary of passage of the Civil Rights Act.
Reporting from Austin at the L-B-J Presidential Library, I'm Isamar Terrazas.
4/9/14
Tyler Gaudin
A student organization for transgender students at Texas State is promoting greater awareness of issues that affect them on campus. Tyler Gaudin has more in this Bobcat Update:.
News reports suggest that students who are transgender face discrimination. For example, a transgender student in Oregon recently was kicked out of his dorm at George Fox University because it was an all-male dorm. If such an incident occurred at Texas State, an organization exists that could offer support to those who feel victimized: Standup: Texas State is the only university in the nation with an organization for transgender students. The organization is called Transcend. Transcend sponsored a webinar this past Tuesday to give transgender students an opportunity to talk about their experiences.
SB: Trans.
Some students believe Texas State is an accepting campus.
SB: Greg
There's also an organization on campus called Allies to provide support for the broader L-G-B-T-Q-I-A community.
SB: Corey
The Allies group also offers training for faculty, staff and students to help them identify and address discriminatory behavior. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Gaudin.
News reports suggest that students who are transgender face discrimination. For example, a transgender student in Oregon recently was kicked out of his dorm at George Fox University because it was an all-male dorm. If such an incident occurred at Texas State, an organization exists that could offer support to those who feel victimized: Standup: Texas State is the only university in the nation with an organization for transgender students. The organization is called Transcend. Transcend sponsored a webinar this past Tuesday to give transgender students an opportunity to talk about their experiences.
SB: Trans.
Some students believe Texas State is an accepting campus.
SB: Greg
There's also an organization on campus called Allies to provide support for the broader L-G-B-T-Q-I-A community.
SB: Corey
The Allies group also offers training for faculty, staff and students to help them identify and address discriminatory behavior. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tyler Gaudin.
4/8/14
Iris Fulton
With only one month left until the end of the semester, many students are feeling the time crunch to apply for jobs. Iris Fulton has more on how students can prepare.
Applying for jobs can be stressful, especially when it comes to building the resume that could make or break you. Career Advisor Allison Birk says Career Services offers a lot to ease the job-search stress.
SB (Allison Birk-Career Advisor)
Along with resume assistance, Career Services helps students with the entire job interview process.
SB (Mimi Nguyer- Senior student)
All of the services offered are free to any Texas State student.
SB (Blan Dysart- Career Counselor-Intern)
(Standup) Whether you’re a graduating senior trying to land a good job, or you’re a student applying for a summer job to earn a little extra cash, career services is here on the fifth floor of LBJ student center to help you create a stellar resume. For Bobcat Update, I’m Iris Fulton.
Applying for jobs can be stressful, especially when it comes to building the resume that could make or break you. Career Advisor Allison Birk says Career Services offers a lot to ease the job-search stress.
SB (Allison Birk-Career Advisor)
Along with resume assistance, Career Services helps students with the entire job interview process.
SB (Mimi Nguyer- Senior student)
All of the services offered are free to any Texas State student.
SB (Blan Dysart- Career Counselor-Intern)
(Standup) Whether you’re a graduating senior trying to land a good job, or you’re a student applying for a summer job to earn a little extra cash, career services is here on the fifth floor of LBJ student center to help you create a stellar resume. For Bobcat Update, I’m Iris Fulton.
Chayne Lawson
The Associated Student Government plays an important role on campus as it strives to improve student life at Texas State. Chayne Lawson has more in this Bobcat Update.
Student body president Vanessa Cortez has been involved with A-S-G for the past four years. She says she hopes school spirit has been bolstered during her tenure.
SB:
The student body recently voted for some constitutional changes affecting A-S-G, and the organization will soon change its name.
SB:
Cortez says she's helping now in making the transition to a new president.
SB:
Stand-up: If you are a Texas State student with ideas or concerns, Cortez encourages you to be involved with the Associated Student Government. For Bobcat Update, I’m Chayne Lawson.
Student body president Vanessa Cortez has been involved with A-S-G for the past four years. She says she hopes school spirit has been bolstered during her tenure.
SB:
The student body recently voted for some constitutional changes affecting A-S-G, and the organization will soon change its name.
SB:
Cortez says she's helping now in making the transition to a new president.
SB:
Stand-up: If you are a Texas State student with ideas or concerns, Cortez encourages you to be involved with the Associated Student Government. For Bobcat Update, I’m Chayne Lawson.
4/7/14
Tyler Padalecki
A couple of Texas State organizations are teaming up to raise money for a national charity. Tyler Padalecki has more in this Bobcat Update.
The Order of Omega and the Texas State Dean of Students Office are working together to help raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Part of the effort was a 1990s-themed Greek Week last week during which the university’s fraternities and sororities competed in several events. The pageant included a runway show.
(SB)
(Stand-up)
(SB)
For Bobcat Update, I’m Tyler Padalecki
The Order of Omega and the Texas State Dean of Students Office are working together to help raise money for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Part of the effort was a 1990s-themed Greek Week last week during which the university’s fraternities and sororities competed in several events. The pageant included a runway show.
(SB)
(Stand-up)
(SB)
For Bobcat Update, I’m Tyler Padalecki
Ila Mar
It's registration time again, and finding the best classes for your lifestyle isn't always easy. Ila Mar brings us some helpful resources to find classes that are your perfect fit.
Here at Texas State there are many online options available that help you find classes to your liking before registering. One outlet that many students don't realize is available is the public access page on the Texas State website. This webpage allows students to view details about a particular class and even view instructor evaluations. Many Texas State administrators want to remind students that this resource can be better than other course rating websites.
SB: (Thorne...12 sec...conversation.)
The public access page offers professor resumes, specific course syllabi for comparing classes, and student critiques in a bar graph format for easy reading. Dr. Thorne believes that public student evaluations are more credible than ratings on other sites, because every student has to complete them.
SB: (Thorne...14 sec...evaluation.)
Freshman Justin Lee, says he doesn't know many students who have used the page before, but after using it himself, he highly recommends it.
SB: (Lee...7 sec...or not.)
Texas State syllabi are uploaded before each semester, and evaluations are updated a few weeks after each semester ends. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ila Mar.
Here at Texas State there are many online options available that help you find classes to your liking before registering. One outlet that many students don't realize is available is the public access page on the Texas State website. This webpage allows students to view details about a particular class and even view instructor evaluations. Many Texas State administrators want to remind students that this resource can be better than other course rating websites.
SB: (Thorne...12 sec...conversation.)
The public access page offers professor resumes, specific course syllabi for comparing classes, and student critiques in a bar graph format for easy reading. Dr. Thorne believes that public student evaluations are more credible than ratings on other sites, because every student has to complete them.
SB: (Thorne...14 sec...evaluation.)
Freshman Justin Lee, says he doesn't know many students who have used the page before, but after using it himself, he highly recommends it.
SB: (Lee...7 sec...or not.)
Texas State syllabi are uploaded before each semester, and evaluations are updated a few weeks after each semester ends. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ila Mar.
Megan Carthel
The San Marcos Police Department will say goodbye to Chief Howard Williams later this year. Megan Carthel has more on this story.
After 36 years on the police force, Chief Howard Williams now says, it's simply time to go.
Williams: "…been a blast" :10
Williams, a graduate of Texas State, joined the San Marcos Police Department in July 2003 and guided the department through a period of growth, from a budget of seven-point-seven million dollars and 109 employees in 2003 to 13-point-three million dollars and 141 employees today. He's also written three books in police sciences.
Williams: "…to be the first one" :08
Williams says his time in the force has been filled with many happy and satisfying moments, but some sad ones as well.
Williams : "…bike accident" :15
Williams says he's looking forward to spending more time with his wife and spoiling his grandchildren.
Williams: "…vegetate":10
Chief Williams has bonded with his staff over the past eleven years in a way most bosses do not.
Klett: "…happy birthday" :08
Wiseness: "…birthday" :08
Williams: Happy birthday song :10
Wisener: "..jokester" :05
However, Chief Williams, lovingly called Howy by friends and coworkers will also be remembered by his great work within the community.
Klett: "..home phone" :08
Wisener: "…brilliant" :05
Williams says he loves his line of work because of the satisfaction it brings him.
Williams: "…doing right" :09
Williams last day as chief will be August 1st. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Carthel.
After 36 years on the police force, Chief Howard Williams now says, it's simply time to go.
Williams: "…been a blast" :10
Williams, a graduate of Texas State, joined the San Marcos Police Department in July 2003 and guided the department through a period of growth, from a budget of seven-point-seven million dollars and 109 employees in 2003 to 13-point-three million dollars and 141 employees today. He's also written three books in police sciences.
Williams: "…to be the first one" :08
Williams says his time in the force has been filled with many happy and satisfying moments, but some sad ones as well.
Williams : "…bike accident" :15
Williams says he's looking forward to spending more time with his wife and spoiling his grandchildren.
Williams: "…vegetate":10
Chief Williams has bonded with his staff over the past eleven years in a way most bosses do not.
Klett: "…happy birthday" :08
Wiseness: "…birthday" :08
Williams: Happy birthday song :10
Wisener: "..jokester" :05
However, Chief Williams, lovingly called Howy by friends and coworkers will also be remembered by his great work within the community.
Klett: "..home phone" :08
Wisener: "…brilliant" :05
Williams says he loves his line of work because of the satisfaction it brings him.
Williams: "…doing right" :09
Williams last day as chief will be August 1st. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Carthel.
Zach Harrow
With graduation coming up students are starting to look for jobs and plan for their future careers. This week Texas State is hosting events for students across all majors on their path to a strong career. Events are going on in LBJ, Tower Hall and Old Main and will allow students to network with professionals and ask questions. Students who are interested in interning, volunteering, or working abroad, will be able to learn more from representatives from a wide range of study abroad programs. Starting tonight there will be an Education Career Mixer in Tower Hall from six to seven p-m.
4/5/14
Isamar Terrazas
Large areas of Texas are coping with severe drought. In this Bobcat Update, Isamar Terrazas tells us what it would take to get out of these dry conditions.
Spring is normally a wet season for parts of Texas, but most of the state has so far seen little rainfall. The Lone Star State has been in a drought for almost four years. The 2013 Halloween flood helped a little, but its impact was brief.
Spencer...15 secs...out of the woods.
The flood may have provided some relief from the drought for a couple of days, but so far this year Central Texas has only seen two-inches of rain. With hurricane season right around the corner, [TITLE FIRST NAME] Spencer says being hit by a major storm might be a good thing for Texas.
Spencer...15 secs...tropical system.
Stand-up: Grasses haven't turned green because the period from December through February is the 10th driest in the last 10 years, and March hasn't helped at all.
The City of San Marcos is currently under stage-two water restrictions, which means only scheduled watering is allowed. One positive result of the restrictions has been lower utility bills.
Klein...15 secs...will be lower.
City officials recommend cutting water usage even more if it's possible. Forecasters are already predicting what the summer season has in store.
Spencer...10 secs...not good news.
Fines for breaking the stage-two water restrictions in San Marcos range from 100 to two-thousand dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Isamar Terrazas.
Olympia Mendoza
A mentoring program called, Brilliant Bobcats, offers workshops that teach students special strategies to ace their exams. Olympia (Uh-lim-pee-a) Mendoza (Men-dos-a) has more in this Bobcat Update.
Having trouble with a class? No need to stress because Brilliant Bobcats is here to help get students back on track. The program was created by the Retention Management and Planning Office and is designed to work on issues such as procrastination, fear of public speaking, and financial crises.
SB:
Brilliant Bobcats instruct students on how to improve their note-taking skills and be better test takers. Setting goals and then keeping them is part of the process. Academic coaching is available to those who want one-on-one training.
SB:
Students can attend the upcoming workshops by registering on the Texas State website.
Stand up: Being well organized and learning time management skills are one of the many things that help students achieve academic success. Brilliant Bobcats is a program that offers many resources to help students prepare for the challenges of college life. For Bobcat Update, I'm Olympia Mendoza.
Yolis Arroyo
Most college students seem to take it for granted that they can work out the simple problems in life -- getting to class on time, keeping their grades up, or finding a parking spot on campus. However, one Texas State University student finds even the simple tasks can be challenging. Yolis (YO-LEASE) Arroyo (AH-ROW-YO) has more in this Bobcat Update…
Two years ago, Nathan Garcia would never have guessed that his blurry vision would be the first symptom of a life-altering condition.
(Garcia…12 secs…the bottom.)
Nathan served in the Army Reserves while attending college and visited an eye doctor after he had problems seeing while performing a drill. That doctor referred him to specialists who conducted an M-R-I and found cysts. Nathan had brain surgery to remove the cysts. But it wasn't the surgery that caused Nathan to be afraid.
(Garcia…9 secs…hearing that.)
He was later diagnosed with a rare disease called neuromyelitis optica, which affects the optic nerves and spinal cord. Doctors now consider him legally blind. For Nathan, everyday tasks now require extra effort.
(Garcia…14 secs…Cowboys play.)
Stand up: Nathan says he's learned to truly appreciate the little things in life, and that small acts of kindness can have a huge impact.
(Hill…12 secs…vision disability.)
(Garcia…7 secs…was huge.)Nathan says anyone can be going through a lot more than what's on the surface, and for that reason, it's important not to judge a book by its cover. For Bobcat Update, I'm Yolis Arroyo.
4/2/14
Jordan Chavez
An increasing number of professors are relying on technology to teach courses and interact with students. Jordan Chavez has more in this Bobcat Update.
From assigning homework to posting grades, professors are changing the way they communicate with students.
SB
Commuting students say having professors who use technology is an advantage for them.
SB
Math Professor Shawn Peterson says he uses a phone app called Top Hat to give students a short quiz at the beginning of each class.
SB
STAND-UP
SB
For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan Chavez.
From assigning homework to posting grades, professors are changing the way they communicate with students.
SB
Commuting students say having professors who use technology is an advantage for them.
SB
Math Professor Shawn Peterson says he uses a phone app called Top Hat to give students a short quiz at the beginning of each class.
SB
STAND-UP
SB
For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan Chavez.
Zach Harrow
More green space is being planned for Texas State. The area near Commons hall will soon have a different look and feel. At a presentation held in L-B-J this afternoon, plans were outlined for the redevelopment of Bobcat Trail. The road between Flowers Hall and the Commons Dining hall will be re-designed, replacing the current road and bus loop with student walkways and trails. The construction of the project will have an impact on bus service, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, parking and campus accessibility. Construction is expected to start as early as next month and be completed by December of 2015.
4/1/14
Chayne Lawson
Superfly's is a local retailer of Lone Star music. It occupies the store that for many years had Sundance Records. Texas musicians benefit from Superfly's emphasis on Lone Star music. For example, Randy Rogers will release his latest C-D and D-V-D called Homemade Tamales on April 14th at the store. Rogers will also be selling homemade tamales, showing parts of his D-V-D and playing songs, starting at 6 p.m.
Katie Sarkhosh
Paws Market in the L-B-J Student Center will be changing management soon. Chartwells, which already controls most of the food options on campus, will take over the Paws Market by the end of the semester. Until then, the market will remain student run. School officials say the management change was needed because Paws Market is now less profitable.
Tyler Gaudin
Texas State's Department of Theater and Dance is opening a new production Monday called Anything Goes. Directed by Kaitlin Hopkins, the production will be the first musical performed at the University's new Performing Arts Center, Anything Goes -- written by Cole Porter -- will run each evening April seventh through the 15th with a matinee on Sunday April 13th. Tickets are 15 to 18 dollars for adults and 8 dollars for students.
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