The Bobcat Tram offers a cheap and convenient way for students living off campus to get to their classes, but the cost of riding the bus may be going up soon. The Transportation Services Department has proposed a fee increase from 78 dollars to 95 dollars.
(Standup)Although the bus fee increase has not yet been implemented, students all over campus are already forming their opinions.
SB
Transportation Services is also proposing a new Mill Street route. Some students say they wouldn't mind paying more if the increase results in an improved bus system.
SB
If approved, the higher fees will go into effect in fall 2014.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Lindsay Powell.
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
2/9/13
Lindsay Powell
As enrollment and tuition at Texas State go up, so might the bus fees. Lindsay Powell has the story in this Bobcat Update.
Marissa Lewis
The flu season is still upon us, but, as Marissa Lewis tells us in this Bobcat Update, there are some precautions students can take to avoid getting sick.
Health officials say this has been one of the worst flu seasons in America. The Centers for Disease Control says 41 states have experienced higher numbers of flu cases this winter.
SB
The Texas State University Health Center has administered hundreds of flu shots this year.
Standup
Although the best way to fight the flu is have a flu shot, other precautions should be taken.
Standup
SB
Health officials say it's a good idea to get plenty of rest, take vitamins, wash your hands regularly and eat with proper nutrition in mind.
SB
The Texas State Health Center urges students who have not been vaccinated to make an appointment as soon as possible.It's not too to avoid the flu. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marissa Lewis.
Health officials say this has been one of the worst flu seasons in America. The Centers for Disease Control says 41 states have experienced higher numbers of flu cases this winter.
SB
The Texas State University Health Center has administered hundreds of flu shots this year.
Standup
Although the best way to fight the flu is have a flu shot, other precautions should be taken.
Standup
SB
Health officials say it's a good idea to get plenty of rest, take vitamins, wash your hands regularly and eat with proper nutrition in mind.
SB
The Texas State Health Center urges students who have not been vaccinated to make an appointment as soon as possible.It's not too to avoid the flu. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marissa Lewis.
Scott Panther
Gas prices in Texas and across the country have been rising lately. Scott Panther has more on why the prices have gone up so dramatically.
The average price for a gallon of gas in Texas is three dollars and 36 cents. That's 21 cents more than just over a a week ago. Economists say the increase is due to oil prices going up and refineries closing. Some Texas State students say they have to limit their driving time to save on gas.
SB
A lot of students have been using public transportation or walking more to avoid driving. Stand-Up: Some students are riding their bikes to save on gas.
SB
In some parts of the country, the price of gasoline has reached an average of five dollars a gallon. It's getting so high that drivers have little choice but to try to be more fuel efficient. For Bobcat Update, I'm Scott Panther.
The average price for a gallon of gas in Texas is three dollars and 36 cents. That's 21 cents more than just over a a week ago. Economists say the increase is due to oil prices going up and refineries closing. Some Texas State students say they have to limit their driving time to save on gas.
SB
A lot of students have been using public transportation or walking more to avoid driving. Stand-Up: Some students are riding their bikes to save on gas.
SB
In some parts of the country, the price of gasoline has reached an average of five dollars a gallon. It's getting so high that drivers have little choice but to try to be more fuel efficient. For Bobcat Update, I'm Scott Panther.
2/8/13
Alixandra Papa
If you're feeling run-down this semester -- perhaps stuffy -- you're not alone. Many students, faculty, and staff are suffering from seasonal allergies. Alixandra Papa has more on the story.
Stand up: They call it Cedar Fever. This spring season allergies are at an all-time high and students are paying the costs. They are finding themselves stuck at home or here, at the Texas State Health Center.
The student health center has seen a rapid increase in appointments and medication needs this spring. One specific allergen, Cedar, is affecting a lot of people in Central Texas. Sophomore Micheal Averty says his classroom environment is being compromised.
SB
Students are using campus services, such as the PAWS Center at the L-B-J Student Center, for some of their medication needs.
SB
The Texas State Health Center is available for appointments Monday though Friday. Pharmacist Lucinda Mendoza says many medications are available at the Health Center, suitable for a college-student budget.
SB
Stand up: So, if you're starting to feel a bit under the weather, take the proper precautions. Drink a lot of water, take medications, and make an appointment with the Health Center if needed. For Bobcat Update, i'm Alixandra Papa.
Stand up: They call it Cedar Fever. This spring season allergies are at an all-time high and students are paying the costs. They are finding themselves stuck at home or here, at the Texas State Health Center.
The student health center has seen a rapid increase in appointments and medication needs this spring. One specific allergen, Cedar, is affecting a lot of people in Central Texas. Sophomore Micheal Averty says his classroom environment is being compromised.
SB
Students are using campus services, such as the PAWS Center at the L-B-J Student Center, for some of their medication needs.
SB
The Texas State Health Center is available for appointments Monday though Friday. Pharmacist Lucinda Mendoza says many medications are available at the Health Center, suitable for a college-student budget.
SB
Stand up: So, if you're starting to feel a bit under the weather, take the proper precautions. Drink a lot of water, take medications, and make an appointment with the Health Center if needed. For Bobcat Update, i'm Alixandra Papa.
2/7/13
Lane Lewis
The stallions at Texas State are familiar to anyone who's ever strolled across campus. And, as Lane Lewis tells us, that area on the quad plays a significant role in student life.
The famed statue represents a free speech zone on campus. Students -- and, for that matter, non-students -- can use the area for free expression and even protests. Maybe so. But not everyone is pleased when certain views are espoused. The quad is a high traffic area, so speakers get a lot of attention and often a large audience. Some students accept it:
SB (Nathan Shackelford- Junior Mass Comm major)
(Standup) While some students defend others' right to publicly talk about religion in the quad, others feel like it has no place on campus.
SB (Ariel Basnight- Junior French major)
The university, however, makes no attempt to quiet or force out people who want their messages heard. If you want to speak out on campus, you can do so. You just can't expect everyone to like it.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Lane Lewis.
The famed statue represents a free speech zone on campus. Students -- and, for that matter, non-students -- can use the area for free expression and even protests. Maybe so. But not everyone is pleased when certain views are espoused. The quad is a high traffic area, so speakers get a lot of attention and often a large audience. Some students accept it:
SB (Nathan Shackelford- Junior Mass Comm major)
(Standup) While some students defend others' right to publicly talk about religion in the quad, others feel like it has no place on campus.
SB (Ariel Basnight- Junior French major)
The university, however, makes no attempt to quiet or force out people who want their messages heard. If you want to speak out on campus, you can do so. You just can't expect everyone to like it.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Lane Lewis.
2/6/13
Halie Davis
More apartments are opening in the San Marcos area to accommodate Texas State students. Many students have already begun their search for next year's housing. Roommates need to be found, leases have to be signed, and deposits must be paid. In some cases, such commitments are being made before the apartments are even built. Price and location are other factors that should be weighed in finding a suitable home. There's a high demand for apartments in San Marcos, which has prompted a lot of new construction. This fall five new apartment complexes will be completed..
Marco Enriquez
Texas State's enrollment continues to increase, and that presents a challenge for the university and the city of San Marcos. Students need a reliable transportation system to get around, and, as Marco Enriquez tells us in this Bobcat Update, building and maintaining such a system isn't easy.
The Texas State Tram is the primary mode of transportation for students who need to get to campus. However, with all of the construction on or near the university, many students are frustrated with the tram service.
(SB)
Much of the street construction directly affects one of the tram's major routes -- Sessom Drive.
(SB)
Many students are having to leave earlier than they're accustomed to just to make it to class on time.
(SB)
Students are left to bear the burden of local traffic congestion and can only hope that the university tram system gets better soon. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marco Enriquez.
The Texas State Tram is the primary mode of transportation for students who need to get to campus. However, with all of the construction on or near the university, many students are frustrated with the tram service.
(SB)
Much of the street construction directly affects one of the tram's major routes -- Sessom Drive.
(SB)
Many students are having to leave earlier than they're accustomed to just to make it to class on time.
(SB)
Students are left to bear the burden of local traffic congestion and can only hope that the university tram system gets better soon. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marco Enriquez.
India Johnson
The Student Recreation Center has been more packed than usual lately. A lot of students already have spring break in mind, so they've been going to the rec center to get in shape. India Johnson has the story.
Students have been swarming in and out of the rec center. Access to the facility is easy -- just a simple card swipe or scanning of one's palm will do it -- and the students have been lining up in record numbers. They're taking advantage of the basketball courts, free weights, cardio workouts and more. The place is so busy that some students find that they have to wait just to get a workout, and regulars are finding it difficult to complete their everyday routines.
(SB)
Students say they've noticed how much busier the Rec Center is this semester.
(SB)
Standup
Students have been swarming in and out of the rec center. Access to the facility is easy -- just a simple card swipe or scanning of one's palm will do it -- and the students have been lining up in record numbers. They're taking advantage of the basketball courts, free weights, cardio workouts and more. The place is so busy that some students find that they have to wait just to get a workout, and regulars are finding it difficult to complete their everyday routines.
(SB)
Students say they've noticed how much busier the Rec Center is this semester.
(SB)
Standup
Stephen Munson
Texas State officials say students can expect to see parking permit prices to go up next year. Stephen Munson tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Parking on campus is expensive, and next fall it will be even more so. Residential and campus apartment parking is expected to increase by 330 dollars, which is more than double what students pay now.
SB
All-permit lots offer many students the chance to park near campus, but those lots fill up quickly. The lots get so full that students turn into vultures as they circle around waiting for a spot to open up so they can swoop in and grab it.
SB
Permit prices have become so prohibitive that some students are planning to move off campus to avoid emptying their pockets for a sticker that doesn't even guarantee them a spot.
SB
As parking availability on campus continues to decline, permit pricing is on the rise, leaving students with empty pockets and nowhere to park. For Bobcat Update, I'm Stephen Munson.
Alexa Perez
When fall arrives, the Austin and San Antonio commuter trams will no longer be available at Texas State. Alexa Perez has the story.
This is the last semester you'll see the blinking "Austin" and "San Antonio" signs on the Bobcat Trams.
At the request of the university, an assessment was conducted in November regarding the effectiveness of the Texas State transit service. Included in the study was the Bobcat Tram Inter-urban Service, also known as the B-T-I, which connects San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
The study's findings have prompted university officials to cancel the B-T-I service. The service is apparently costing too much to provide.
SOUNDBITE
University officials say students who relied on the service will have to find other ways to get to campus.
SOUNDBITE
Also discovered in the review is that many students believe the tram system has been unreliable.
STAND-IN: Without the Interurban Tram Services, more students will be forced to fill the commuter lots.
The last day for B-T-I services to Austin and San Antonio is August 23rd, 2-thousand-13.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexa Perez.
This is the last semester you'll see the blinking "Austin" and "San Antonio" signs on the Bobcat Trams.
At the request of the university, an assessment was conducted in November regarding the effectiveness of the Texas State transit service. Included in the study was the Bobcat Tram Inter-urban Service, also known as the B-T-I, which connects San Marcos to Austin and San Antonio.
The study's findings have prompted university officials to cancel the B-T-I service. The service is apparently costing too much to provide.
SOUNDBITE
University officials say students who relied on the service will have to find other ways to get to campus.
SOUNDBITE
Also discovered in the review is that many students believe the tram system has been unreliable.
STAND-IN: Without the Interurban Tram Services, more students will be forced to fill the commuter lots.
The last day for B-T-I services to Austin and San Antonio is August 23rd, 2-thousand-13.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Alexa Perez.
Taylor Henderson
A recent bathroom assault at the University of Houston leaves some Texas State students uneasy about campus safety. Taylor Henderson tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
According to campus police, during the fall semester several late-night attacks occurred at Texas State, and statistics show there were more than 20 on-campus assaults in 2011. Students feel especially vulnerable at night when it's dark and fewer people are around, and some would like to see campus security improved.
(SB)
The university police say they've been working on ways to improve campus safety.
(SB)
University officials say they hope they'll soon be able to increase patrols at night. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Henderson.
Karen Buenrostro
Construction sites at Texas State are posing new challenges for students. Karen Buenrostro has more on the story.
Many students are being forced to find new routes to their classrooms. They have to because of barricades that have been put up for construction. Several streets are also being worked on, which affects pedestrians and drivers alike. Crossing the street can be hazardous, especially at busy intersections.
--SB--
Jay walking is never a good idea when there's a lot of traffic.
--SB--
--SU--
Many students are being forced to find new routes to their classrooms. They have to because of barricades that have been put up for construction. Several streets are also being worked on, which affects pedestrians and drivers alike. Crossing the street can be hazardous, especially at busy intersections.
--SB--
Jay walking is never a good idea when there's a lot of traffic.
--SB--
--SU--
1/19/13
Jessica MacCall
The Texas State International Office celebrated the first week of classes with a party. Jessica MacCall tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
Every semester the Texas State International Office partners with Student Affairs and the University Bookstore to welcome new international students to the university.The party kicked off Thursday afternoon in the L-B-J Ballroom. About 35 new students attended the reception, where they had an opportunity to meet and socialize with their classmates.
SB
The social featured free food, games, door prizes and karaoke. Several international student organizations were also present to talk about the many different ways to get involved at Texas State.
SB
Student body president Nathan McDaniel welcomed the students and challenged them with some Texas State trivia and prizes.
SB
After teaching the new students the Texas State hand signs, McDaniel led them in signing the song every Bobcat needs to know - the Texas State fight song. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jessica MacCall.
Haley Parmer
It seems that construction projects are underway all over San Marcos these days. The Texas State campus is where most of the activity is taking place. And, as Haley Palmer tells us in this Bobcat Update, a new project has just begun.
The latest construction site is Old Main, Texas State's oldest building. Old Main is where Journalism and Mass Communication students have most of their classes. The building needs a new roof and windows. Also, the landscaping will be changed.
Some students say the university should have waited until summer to start the construction. But others, like senior Alex Navarro, agree that some of the renovations are needed.
(SB)
Construction barriers have been set up, causing students, faculty and staff to take different paths than normal to get inside the building. Senior Bianka Valdez says the noise from the construction has affected her ability to focus in class.
(SB)
University officials say the construction at Old Main, which will last through the summer, will cost about three-and-a-half (m) million dollars to complete. For Bobcat Update, I'm Haley Parmer.
Shelbie Watts
Walk across campus and you'll likely encounter one or more construction projects. They're a part of everyday life at Texas State and will be for quite a while. Shelbie Watts has the story.
Since 2011, the university has organized its construction activities under a Master Plan. New buildings have gone up, and several more are still under construction. Older buildings, like Old Main, are being renovated. For some students, the projects amount to an inconvenience.
(Soundbite)
Some streets are also construction zones. For examples, Sessom Drive has been reduced to two lanes to repair waste-water lines, and the sidewalks along University Drive are being taken out. These projects should be finished in about a month.
(Soundbite)
The university says the Master Plan should be fully implemented in about four years with a price tag of more than 730-million dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Shelbie Watts.
1/16/13
Marco Enriquez
Some students are finding it more difficult to get to class lately. The reason -- barriers have been put up for new construction. Marco Enriquez has more in this Bobcat Update
Scaffolding, buzz saws, bulldozers, concrete trucks -- You can find them on campus at various locations. Texas State is getting a facelift of sorts. New buildings are going up, and old buildings are being renovated. If you have classes near Old Main, Brogdon Hall or the new theater building, you'll likely have to find a new path.
(SB)
Bus routes are also affected by the construction projects. Some students are showing up late to class because of the construction.
(SB)
Texas State students might as well get used to the noise. Beeping, pounding and grinding are going to be commonplace for a while. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marco Enriquez.
Scaffolding, buzz saws, bulldozers, concrete trucks -- You can find them on campus at various locations. Texas State is getting a facelift of sorts. New buildings are going up, and old buildings are being renovated. If you have classes near Old Main, Brogdon Hall or the new theater building, you'll likely have to find a new path.
(SB)
Bus routes are also affected by the construction projects. Some students are showing up late to class because of the construction.
(SB)
Texas State students might as well get used to the noise. Beeping, pounding and grinding are going to be commonplace for a while. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marco Enriquez.
Maddie Serviente
There's a lot of construction activity on campus. And, as Maddie Serviente tells us, it can be good or bad depending on your perspective.
Texas State has several projects underway to improve the facilities on campus. But construction also has a downside. Traffic is disrupted. Parking is harder to find. Bus routes have to be changed. And some students discover that they have to find new routes to class.
SOUND BITE
The construction will bring many benefits, but a lot of current students won't be around to see the end result.
SOUND BITE
The Campus Master Plan should be completed within four years at a cost of 585 (m) million dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maddie Serviente.
Texas State has several projects underway to improve the facilities on campus. But construction also has a downside. Traffic is disrupted. Parking is harder to find. Bus routes have to be changed. And some students discover that they have to find new routes to class.
SOUND BITE
The construction will bring many benefits, but a lot of current students won't be around to see the end result.
SOUND BITE
The Campus Master Plan should be completed within four years at a cost of 585 (m) million dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Maddie Serviente.
Morgan Wilson
Some students have reason to believe that construction projects never end at Texas State. Morgan Wilson has more in this Bobcat Update.
Construction projects abound at Texas State. Streets are being improved. New dorms have been added. By the time the university completes everything on its drawing board, more than 585 million dollars will be spent.
You don't have to go far on campus before seeing a construction site. For example, Old Main's roof and windows need repair. Unfortunately, the construction can also be disruptive.
SB
Construction is underway at the Bobcat Trail Mall, Commons Dining Hall, Brogdan Residence Hall, the Performance Arts Center, and the Psychology building. For many, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
SB
The construction projects are not likely to be completed before 2015. For Bobcat Update, I'm Morgan Wilson
John Beck
Construction is affecting many of the activities on campus this semester. John Beck has more in this Bobcat Update.
Whether it's the long commute to campus, say by car or bus, or the shorter one from a dorm or from class to class, students and faculty alike are being affected by the constant presence of construction on campus. Day one of the spring semester was no different than last semester as students were welcomed by the familiar sounds of machinery and the clanging of hammers. Surprising to some, however, was the sight of scaffolding and fences around Old Main.
SB
Normal pathways are being disrupted at Texas State because of sidewalk closures and barriers.
SB
Off-campus traffic is being affected as well. Bus routes have been altered due to road closures near campus. Students are having to adjust their schedules accordingly.
SB
Texas State students and San Marcans alike will have to work around the construction projects for several months to come. The facelift will cost an estimated 585 (m) million dollars.
For Bobcat Update, I'm John Beck.
Whether it's the long commute to campus, say by car or bus, or the shorter one from a dorm or from class to class, students and faculty alike are being affected by the constant presence of construction on campus. Day one of the spring semester was no different than last semester as students were welcomed by the familiar sounds of machinery and the clanging of hammers. Surprising to some, however, was the sight of scaffolding and fences around Old Main.
SB
Normal pathways are being disrupted at Texas State because of sidewalk closures and barriers.
SB
Off-campus traffic is being affected as well. Bus routes have been altered due to road closures near campus. Students are having to adjust their schedules accordingly.
SB
Texas State students and San Marcans alike will have to work around the construction projects for several months to come. The facelift will cost an estimated 585 (m) million dollars.
For Bobcat Update, I'm John Beck.
Dawn Brooks
The New Year brings new construction to the Texas State campus. Dawn Brooks has the story.
Students are affected by the continuing construction on and around campus. The ever-expanding student population has made it necessary to construct new buildings. And all of that activity means parking is at a premium.
Soundbite (Coble)
Some parking spaces are no longer available to students. Those who commute will find it very difficult to park close to campus. Another issue that students are dealing with is the noise.
Soundbite (Burnam)
The most recent project is at Old Main where the roof will be repaired and the windows replaced. Those who work at the campus radio station have been told to expect some disruptions.
Soundbite (Davis)
Those who are affected by the ongoing projects should not expect relief any time soon. According to the Campus Master Plan, construction will last through at least 2017. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dawn Brooks.
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