2/19/16

Matthew Hamill

The Texas primary election is next week, but many Texans have already cast their ballots in early voting. Businessman Donald Trump leads the national polls in his quest to be the Republican presidential nominee. But the Lone Star state may play a key role in determining the eventual winner. Matthew Hamill has more.

When Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination, many people thought he wouldn't make it through the primaries. Here it is in late February, and the real estate developer is still very much in contention. A Texas State associate professor says it's still too early to tell how long Trump will last.
SB
Mihalkanin says many Texas voters will likely vote for Trump rather than their own U.S. Senator, Ted Cruz.
SB
At Texas State, many students are forming opinions about the candidates. P-R Major Rhet Williams says Trump has some good qualities.
SB
But Samuel Herbert says Trump might be faking it.
SB
SU: Like it or not, Trump has made himself a legitimate candidate. But for Dr. Mihalkanin, the important thing for Texas State students is to learn about the primary process, and vote.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Matthew Hamill.

2/13/16

Symone Suarez

February is Black History Month -- a designation that some students and faculty at Texas State feel is being overlooked. Symone Suarez tells us more in this Bobcat Update.
SU
SB
The Black Student Alliance is trying to increase awareness on campus about black history -- not only among African-Americans but all ethnic groups.
SB
African-American history professor Dr. Dwight Watson says minorities on campus need to be heard.
SB
Senior Ian Ramos recently stood in the middle of the quad reciting Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech. Those who heard Ramos were moved by the effort and applauded.
SB
Dr. King's speech in 1963 had an great impact. It provided an ideal to aim for -- an ideal that has yet to be achieved. For Bobcat Update, I'm Symone Suarez.

2/12/16

Carlos Ibarra

If you're a senior planning to walk during spring commencement at Texas State, you might be affected by new rules. Carlos Ibarra has more in this Bobcat Update.

The new requirements were passed last Fall to address issues related to construction near Strahan Coliseum.
SB
The biggest change affects students who still have courses to complete to earn their degrees. The university now expects applicants to be much closer to finishing before they can walk at commencement.
SB
This change has some seniors rethinking their graduation plans.
SB
Seniors with special circumstances can meet with their academic advisers for instructions on how to file an appeal. For Bobcat Update, I'm Carlos Ibarra.

Laura Carr

Cyclists are a dedicated bunch. You can see them on streets throughout San Marcos, and many of them even try to navigate the crowded walkways on campus at Texas State. But, as Laura Carr tells us in this Bobcat Update, some people regard bicyclists as a major nuisance and sometimes dangerous.

SB (cycling wheels)
We often hear them before we see them, if we even notice them at all. Cyclists aren't riding merely to stay in shape, they're using their wheels to commute. It's their transportation to and from the university. But the campus wasn't designed with cyclists in mind, and many of them are hoping the university community will be more accommodating.
SB
Some cyclists say they want their voices to be heard as the university updates its Master Plan, which will guide future growth and development on campus. Among the proposals being considered for the Master Plan is the addition of more bike lanes. Currently, the campus has only two streets marked with bike lanes.
SB
Some cyclists feel that adding bike lanes will not only solve traffic concerns, but also encourage students to go green.
SB
(Stand-Up of Laura on bike) To learn more or get involved, you can visit the Texas State Master Plan website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Laura Carr.

Taylor Farrell

If you're driving in San Marcos, you'd better keep your hands off electronic devices. Hands-free is now the law. In this Bobcat Update, Taylor Farrell tells us how Texas State students are adjusting to the law -- now that police are enforcing it.

February marked the beginning of police-enforcement of an ordinance that bans the handling of a device while driving a motor vehicle. The law prohibits the use of G-P-S, e-mail and even reading or sending text messages. With the new law in place, some students are having a hard time adjusting.
SB
Making a phone call or using a navigation system is still allowed, but only if you can do so hands-free. If caught violating the law, a driver may be fined up to 500 dollars. Creators of the law are hopeful that the high fines will make any potential violators think twice.
SB
While many students admit it's a difficult habit to break, they agree that being hands-free is for the betterment of San Marcos and for the safety of everyone.
SB
With a one-month grace period, violators will first be issued a warning. After that, fines will gradually increase with each violation. For more information, visit the City of San Marcos webpage. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Farrell.

Tessa Andrade

Many students noticed an art project on display recently at the L-B-J Student Center. In this Bobcat Update, Tessa Andrade tells us what grabbed their attention.

SU: A Texas State senior held the undivided attention of numerous students in the L-B-J amphitheater.
SB
Studio art senior Monica Rostovld is no stranger to making statements on Texas State's campus. Rostovld attracted national attention last April for her performance piece on the objectification of women.
Now Rostovld is gaining attention for pouring ketchup on herself and having people eat fries off of her body. She says it's all for art.
SB
Rostvold says her performance was intended to create a conversation about modern-day dating among young people. She says mobile dating apps, such as Tinder and Grinder, have changed the rituals of romance and created a hook-up culture.
SB
SU: Many students had a lot to say about the social commentary taking place in the amphitheater.
SB
Although much commotion was made, one can only assume she got her point across. For Bobcat Update I'm Tessa Andrade.

Jordan McFeders

Music is an important part of many students' lives at Texas State. Jordan McFeders has the story in this Bobcat Update.

Some just listen to music for entertainment, while others use music as a form of expression.
SB
Deciding to pursue a career in music isn't the type of decision that is made randomly. Most musicians were doing music before they decided to take it seriously.
SB
Attending Texas State has also been helpful for musicians by giving them a means of connecting with each other and allowing them to be exposed to different genres of music.
SB
For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan McFeders.

Bianca Gandaria

Bobcats can now save their time and money when it comes to dressing sharp for their professional events. Bianca Gandaria has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State Career Services is stepping up its game. Last fall Career Services started a program to loan clothes to students for their job interviews. The program is called Career Closet.
SB
The Career Closet is a free resource for all students who are searching for professional-looking outfits to help them make a better impression during job interviews. To rent the clothes, students must meet certain requirements and agree to pay for dry cleaning before returning them.
SB
Career Closet is stocked full of clothing -- thanks to donations from local stores, the community and students. The clothing is inspected thoroughly and filtered for business-appropriate apparel.
SB
The closet is set to feel like an at-home wardrobe to make students feel comfortable as they search for the right attire. Everything is organized by size, and closet assistants help students find the right outfit to borrow. The closet is open to students Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bianca Gandaria.

1/30/16

Mae Gillen

Bobcats may have noticed in recent months that choosing where to eat on campus is more difficult. As Mae Gillen tells us in this Bobcat Update, the difficulty stems from Jones Dining Hall being closed for almost two years.

Construction is just a part of campus life at Texas State.
(NAT)
The noise, the traffic, the detours -- they're routine. Students get used to the hubbub of activity, but some are growing impatient with the ongoing construction projects. For example, Jones Food Court has been closed since the winter of 2014.
SB
The closing of Jones hasn't affected daily commuters, but those who live on campus relied on the cafeteria for meals. Those students now have to journey elsewhere.
SB
If the renovations are completed on schedule, Jones will reopen in the fall of 2016 with a more modern look. Students can expect the new and improved Jones to have a burger station, Latin food, and a sandwich shop. Not to worry -- Panda Express will be back too. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mae Gillen.

Sophia Campos

Most students have probably noticed that Texas State is experiencing a construction boom. As Sophia Campos tells us in this Bobcat Update, the university is adjusting to higher enrollment.

From the brand new walkway across from Commons Dining Hall, to the renovation of Jones Dining Hall, students are noticing big changes on campus.
SB
Although the changes are benefiting the rising student population, some students are forced to change their routes to class due to the construction.
SB
For the most part, students believe the renovations and new buildings on campus will help Texas State's reputation in the long run.
SB
The current construction on campus is part of a five-year plan that is now in its final stages. To prepare for the future, Texas State is developing a new, ten-year Campus Master Plan that will be presented to the Board of Regents next year. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sophia Campos.

Taylor Hughes

As Texas State University students begin the spring semester, they may find that adjusting to a different schedule can be rough. Taylor Hughes has more in this Bobcat Update.

College can add a new level of pressure to any student's life. Balancing classes with one's social life and a job are bound to increase stress levels.
SB
With some students cramming 40 hours of work each week into their schedules, finding time to relax is nearly impossible.
SB
Campus resources, such as the Counseling Center and other programs, can help students find new ways to deal with stress.
SB
However, some students aren't on campus very often, so they find other ways to cope.
SB
What seems to be an unavoidable issue can be remedied with a little help from organizations on campus and the extra step to make time to relax. For Bobcat Update, I'm Taylor Hughes.

1/23/16

Paul Livengood

Classes have begun at Texas State University, and for some, the spring semester will be their last. Paul Livengood will tell us more in this Bobcat Update.

After walking on campus as freshman, then four, five, sometimes even six years later, these same students are ready to walk across the stage. These same students have walked up and down the Alkek stairs time and time again, and have formed relationships with a wide variety of people.
SB
The small, tight-knit community makes San Marcos and Texas State feel like a home away from home.
SB
In the last semester of their college careers, seniors apply for graduation, look for their caps and gowns, and mentally prepare themselves to walk across the stage.
SB
One thing is clear among Texas State students: once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat. For Bobcat Update, I'm Paul Livengood.

Jordan McFeders

The number one problem at Texas State, according to many students, is parking. Jordan McFeders has more on this Bobcat Update.

All students know the struggle of finding parking on campus. With the growing number of students every year, parking spots are harder to come by.
SB
Buses are often crowded, making it hard for students to get to class on time. Some buy parking permits and drive to campus, but permits are very expensive and offer no guarantees.
SB
No new parking garages are under construction at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jordan McFeders.

Brett Ellis

Old Main has been an icon in San Marcos since its construction in 1902. Just seeing the structure jars fond memories for many who attend the university. Brett Ellis has more in this Bobcat Update.

Old Main's red roof, high spires and brilliant ornamentation are an iconic image for any incoming freshman or seasoned alum of Texas State. Recent renovations ensure that the building's legacy endures far into the future.
(SB)
Since its construction, Old Main has undergone many changes. For example, a third floor was added about 35 years ago to create a large meeting area and to be the home of the Mass Communication program. Students who are seeking degrees from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication pass through the same doors that former President Lyndon Johnson used when he was a student here.
(SB)
Even though the building is old and perhaps has seen some better days, the importance of the spirit and tradition of Old Main lives on.
(SB)
With its new purpose and classic style, Old Main will stand tall as it always has. For Bobcat Update, I'm Brett Ellis.

Katy Fordyce

The spring semester has begun and while many Texas State University students are looking forward to a new year, some see this semester as the end of their time at Texas State. Katy Fordyce talked with some seniors who want to graduate this May.

Some seniors have mixed feelings. There are aspects of their lives as students that they will miss, and there are other experiences they would be just as happy to forget. Many say they won't miss the struggle to find parking on campus.
SB
Many seniors say they will have fond memories of campus life. Amber ______ says she will miss her morning routine.
SB
San Marcos is the fastest growing city in the United States, which means there's a lot of construction activity on and near campus. Some students say they won't miss the roadblocks and detours the construction causes, nor will they miss all of the stairs that they have to climb to get to class.
SB
Even though many students will be leaving the place they've called home for many years, they'll always be Bobcats. For Bobcat Update, I'm Katy Fordyce.

Symone Suarez

Texas State is making a little progress with campus construction. A part of Bobcat Trail opened Tuesday and extends from North L-B-J Drive to Edward Gary Street, Symone Suarez tells us more in the Bobcat Update..

Bobcat Trail has been under construction for about four years now forcing students to find alternate ways to the east-west wing of campus.
SB
Students returning for the spring 2016 semester are relieved to see that an important part of campus has finally opened up and that they are able to get to classes faster without walking through crowded pathways.
SB
The trail is almost finished, and the university officials say there are plans for more such projects. They say in the short term, the projects may cause inconvenience, but the outcome will be worth it. For Bobcat Update, I am Symone Suarez.

Meagan Henderson

Students are back in school. Bobcat Update's Meagan Henderson caught up with a few to see what they did during the break.

It's that time of year again. Time for students to get back into the groove of going to school and not sleeping all day. And time to get back to doing homework while day dreaming about their breaks. It may be the weather or it could be the first week back, but most students don't appear to be excited about being back. They would probably like to still be on break. Especially one student who went on a trip over the break.
SB
Most students had fairly normal winter breaks though -- whether they vegged out on the couch or just hung out with friends. One student stayed around San Marcos and worked over her break.
SB
Even though Christmas break is over, many Bobcats are glad to be back in school. For Bobcat Update, I'm Meagan Henderson.

Juliana Darner

Out of all the "firsts" Bobcats have, first day of the semester is not one that is celebrated. Julie Darner has more with this Bobcat Update.

Texas State opened its doors to more than 36-thousand students today. With the promised chaos that is sure to come, some find comfort in their morning routines.
SB
After being off for a month, Bobcats have a new-found purpose.
SB
The first day back to campus is crowded. Long lines at student services never fail and finding text books could lead to a stampede. The campus bookstore had live music provided by KTSW to alleviate the stress. The store's busiest times were at ten A-M to one P-M.
SB
Sections of Bobcat Trail opened up today. Students can now walk from Commons to Flowers without worrying about construction or buses in their way.
The first day can be overwhelming. Seasoned students are always around to share their wisdom.
SB
Encouragement is around every corner.
SB
For Bobcat Update, I'm Julie Darner.

Laura Carr

It may be the beginning of a new year, but Texas State students are no stranger to the issue of parking on campus. Laura Carr has the story on this Bobcat Update.

With record-high student enrollment this year, parking spots are a hot commodity. Even with student parking permits available, there are usually more passes sold than actual spots available. Now, students face a new challenge.
SB
Early last year, the city of San Marcos began the construction of the Aquarena Springs Drive overpass, designed to ease the traffic near campus. However, construction materials are taking up some much needed student parking spaces.
SB
Some students say that the university should be more accommodating because of the added stress that people feel. Such accommodations would include creating more parking spots, giving permit holders access to more lots, and being more lenient to parking violators.
SB
For more information on any parking concerns, visit the Texas State Parking Services page. For Bobcat Update, Laura Carr.

Shannon Carrico

Cars, bikes and buses are busy bringing thousands of students back to Texas State University to start the spring 2016 semester. Shannon Carrico (CARE-i-CO) has the story.

Bobcats are back from winter break. The time off from school allowed students to go back home, travel to different parts of the country or even the world. Junior education major Natalie Dorman traveled to Colorado Bend State Park and said that it was a great trip to take.
SB
Now that students are back on campus, buildings are busier, the buses are busy transporting students to and from school, and the quad is full of life. Senior Namoi Faltin says that she has been enjoying her first day back at school.
SB
Even though the first day buzz eventually wears off, Faltin says that her goals for the semester will not.
SB
With goals set and the 2016 semester underway, students can now say that they're one day closer to summer. For Bobcat Update, I'm Shannon Carrico.