The Student Government at Texas State recently hosted an open forum to give students an opportunity to voice their concerns about the election process. Bobcat Update's Peyton Donnell has the story.
The Senate has proposed a rule change that would allow candidates to offer support to one another. Being permitted to campaign openly has been restricted in Student Government elections. Some students aren't in favor of changing the rule.
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Student Body President Connor Clegg says the rule change would give candidates the ability to express more freely their beliefs and opinions.
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The rule has not officially been put into place, which is why the Senate is encouraging students to make themselves heard.
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Student Government leaders say they expect the matter to be resolved before November. For Bobcat Update, I'm Peyton Donnell.
Bobcat Update, a student-produced newscast recapping events at Texas State University, and is available for viewing on YouTube.
10/7/17
Jasmine Torres
The Texas State Honors College is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Bobcat Update's Jasmine Torres tells us more.
The Honors College was founded in 1967, and in the beginning only offered two courses. Today it offers 36. The Honors Colleges provides a learning community for students from all majors. The idea is for the students to work together in small groups to further their education. The program is known for its diversity.
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For its 50th anniversary, the Honors College is hosting 50 different events throughout the school year.
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Students say the Honors College benefits them in many ways. For example, they like the passion that certain professors bring to the table. It's very much a learning environment.
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All students can apply for the Honors College at any time. To get more information, you can go to the group's page on the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jasmine Torres.
The Honors College was founded in 1967, and in the beginning only offered two courses. Today it offers 36. The Honors Colleges provides a learning community for students from all majors. The idea is for the students to work together in small groups to further their education. The program is known for its diversity.
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For its 50th anniversary, the Honors College is hosting 50 different events throughout the school year.
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Students say the Honors College benefits them in many ways. For example, they like the passion that certain professors bring to the table. It's very much a learning environment.
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All students can apply for the Honors College at any time. To get more information, you can go to the group's page on the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Jasmine Torres.
10/4/17
Albino Hernandez
The Hays Consolidated Independent School District is building two new campuses and replacing another. In this Bobcat Update, Albino Hernandez tells us about a new high school and two elementary schools that are under construction.
The new high school is being built next to Carpenter Hill Elementary, which is on High Road close to Highway 21. Also, under construction is an elementary school on Old San Antonio Road in Buda. Adding the schools is necessary because of the tremendous population growth in Hays County.
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Construction of a replacement elementary school in Hays County will start early next year.
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The Hays C-I-S-D recently launched a nominating process to name the new schools. Nominations will be accepted for two weeks, but only residents of the district may participate. Administrators hope the new schools will be finished by fall 2019. For Bobcat Update, I'm Albino Hernandez.
The new high school is being built next to Carpenter Hill Elementary, which is on High Road close to Highway 21. Also, under construction is an elementary school on Old San Antonio Road in Buda. Adding the schools is necessary because of the tremendous population growth in Hays County.
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Construction of a replacement elementary school in Hays County will start early next year.
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The Hays C-I-S-D recently launched a nominating process to name the new schools. Nominations will be accepted for two weeks, but only residents of the district may participate. Administrators hope the new schools will be finished by fall 2019. For Bobcat Update, I'm Albino Hernandez.
Vianney Strick
Students who will be returning next spring need to prepare for registration. In this Bobcat Update, Vianney Strick tells us about some important deadlines that are coming up.
Students are only half way through the fall semester, but it's not too early to begin thinking about which classes they need to take next semester.
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Registration for the Spring 2018 semester begins October 23rd at 6 in the morning and ends December 22nd at 5 in the afternoon. Students who aren't registered by the deadline will still have a chance to sign up, but they'll have to pay a fine.
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Late registration begins January 4th and continues through the 11th. The late registration fee will cost 25 dollars. If that deadline isn't met, the last day to register is January 13th. The late fee then will be 100-dollars. Students who have problems scheduling their classes can use the Bobcat Schedule Builder, which will guide them through the process.
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Standup: For more information, you can visit the J-C Kellam Administration Building or go to the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vianney Strick.
Students are only half way through the fall semester, but it's not too early to begin thinking about which classes they need to take next semester.
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Registration for the Spring 2018 semester begins October 23rd at 6 in the morning and ends December 22nd at 5 in the afternoon. Students who aren't registered by the deadline will still have a chance to sign up, but they'll have to pay a fine.
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Late registration begins January 4th and continues through the 11th. The late registration fee will cost 25 dollars. If that deadline isn't met, the last day to register is January 13th. The late fee then will be 100-dollars. Students who have problems scheduling their classes can use the Bobcat Schedule Builder, which will guide them through the process.
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Standup: For more information, you can visit the J-C Kellam Administration Building or go to the Texas State website. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vianney Strick.
Tyler Williamson
Enrollment at Texas State is down this semester, which ends a 19-year streak of numbers going up each fall. In this Bobcat Update, Tyler Williamson looks at the data.
Overall the enrollment numbers decreased slightly, but the freshman class is the largest ever. The university reports a two-point-five percent increase of freshmen surpassing the previous record set in 2016. Lower cost tuition, compared to other universities in the state, may be one reason the freshman numbers continue to go up.
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Higher freshman enrollment was apparently not enough to offset the lower number of transfer students coming to Texas State. This fall the university has about 200 fewer students than last year. Matt Flores is an assistant vice president of university advancement.
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Lower enrollment will not have an immediate impact on the university's wide array of research programs.
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Texas State continues to improve and create better learning environments for current and future Bobcats. For Bobcat Update, I am Tyler Williamson.
Overall the enrollment numbers decreased slightly, but the freshman class is the largest ever. The university reports a two-point-five percent increase of freshmen surpassing the previous record set in 2016. Lower cost tuition, compared to other universities in the state, may be one reason the freshman numbers continue to go up.
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Higher freshman enrollment was apparently not enough to offset the lower number of transfer students coming to Texas State. This fall the university has about 200 fewer students than last year. Matt Flores is an assistant vice president of university advancement.
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Lower enrollment will not have an immediate impact on the university's wide array of research programs.
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Texas State continues to improve and create better learning environments for current and future Bobcats. For Bobcat Update, I am Tyler Williamson.
9/29/17
Ariadna Camarillo
Many students face deadlines, tight schedules and plenty of stress. The pressures at times cause students to drop out of school. That's an end result Texas State hopes to avoid. In this Bobcat Update, Ariadna Camarillo tells us about the university's efforts to help students stay on track.
A Victorian-style building, located at the corner of North L-B-J and University Drive, is the Center for Student Retention. The Retention Management Office offers a variety of programs to students.
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Incoming freshmen are encouraged to set and meet certain goals.
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This is a helpful resource, especially for first-generation college students who need guidance and support.
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The Center for Student Retention wants to help students succeed.
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Doors are open for members of the Bobcat family.
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Stand Up
A Victorian-style building, located at the corner of North L-B-J and University Drive, is the Center for Student Retention. The Retention Management Office offers a variety of programs to students.
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Incoming freshmen are encouraged to set and meet certain goals.
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This is a helpful resource, especially for first-generation college students who need guidance and support.
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The Center for Student Retention wants to help students succeed.
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Doors are open for members of the Bobcat family.
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Stand Up
Orlando Williams II
Wells Fargo has been offering banking services in San Marcos for decades, and it has a presence at the L-B-J Student Center. The bank, though, has been mired in scandal in recent months. Bobcat Update's Orlando Williams tells us how its practices have affected students.
Some Wells Fargo employees were caught creating fake bank accounts to earn bonuses, and the institution has also been accused of charging customers for auto insurance they didn't need. Fortune Magazine recently had an article stating some doubt that Wells Fargo can survive the scandals. However, the negative publicity seems NOT to have fazed students at Texas State.
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Changing banks because of the scandals is not happening among students we talked with.
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Some students said they'd rather just forgive and forget.
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(STAND UP) Overall, Wells Fargo has tried its hardest to put the last two rough years behind them and Texas State is sticking with them through thick and thin. For Bobcat Update I'm Orlando Williams.
Some Wells Fargo employees were caught creating fake bank accounts to earn bonuses, and the institution has also been accused of charging customers for auto insurance they didn't need. Fortune Magazine recently had an article stating some doubt that Wells Fargo can survive the scandals. However, the negative publicity seems NOT to have fazed students at Texas State.
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Changing banks because of the scandals is not happening among students we talked with.
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Some students said they'd rather just forgive and forget.
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(STAND UP) Overall, Wells Fargo has tried its hardest to put the last two rough years behind them and Texas State is sticking with them through thick and thin. For Bobcat Update I'm Orlando Williams.
9/25/17
Tanner Murphy
San Marcos residents and Texas State students can now enjoy a cleaner river experience, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer organizations. Here's Tanner Murphy with the story.
Tubing is a favorite pastime of San Marcos locals, but there are some whose love of the river goes above and beyond floating. Organizations like the Mermaid Society and San Marcos Lions Club strive to ensure that the San Marcos River remains beautiful. This past Sunday they sponsored the Mermaid Roundup River and Park Clean Up.
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Some volunteers walked along the river banks and picked up litter while others dived to the bottom of the riverbed to retrieve sunken debris. A few volunteers even wore mermaid tails as a celebration of the two-week-long San Marcos Mermaid SPLASH Festival. July Moreno, founder of the Mermaid Society of San Marcos, says that every volunteer is valuable and no contribution is too small.
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The Mermaid Roundup River and Park Cleanup is an annual event. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tanner Murphy.
Tubing is a favorite pastime of San Marcos locals, but there are some whose love of the river goes above and beyond floating. Organizations like the Mermaid Society and San Marcos Lions Club strive to ensure that the San Marcos River remains beautiful. This past Sunday they sponsored the Mermaid Roundup River and Park Clean Up.
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Some volunteers walked along the river banks and picked up litter while others dived to the bottom of the riverbed to retrieve sunken debris. A few volunteers even wore mermaid tails as a celebration of the two-week-long San Marcos Mermaid SPLASH Festival. July Moreno, founder of the Mermaid Society of San Marcos, says that every volunteer is valuable and no contribution is too small.
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The Mermaid Roundup River and Park Cleanup is an annual event. For Bobcat Update, I'm Tanner Murphy.
Logan Lozano
The football game is being called the I-35 Showdown. Texas State and U-T-S-A had their first match up last Saturday in what is hoped will be a crowd-pleasing rivalry . Bobcat Update's Logan Lozano has the story.
The I-35 Showdown, between the Bobcats and the Roadrunners, is the re-birthing of a rivalry that school officials and football fans hope will become a lasting tradition. Even after a 44-to-14 loss, there is excitement at Texas State.
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Having Texas State and U-T-S-A playing against each other every year may generate more interest in the football program.
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The rivalry will continue next year, when the Roadrunners host the Bobcats, in San Antonio.
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The I-35 Showdown, between the Bobcats and the Roadrunners, is the re-birthing of a rivalry that school officials and football fans hope will become a lasting tradition. Even after a 44-to-14 loss, there is excitement at Texas State.
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Having Texas State and U-T-S-A playing against each other every year may generate more interest in the football program.
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The rivalry will continue next year, when the Roadrunners host the Bobcats, in San Antonio.
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9/23/17
Dennis Fant
A San Marcos business offers the purrfect solution for students who are not allowed to have pets in their home. Bobcat Update's Dennis Fant has more.
The Cattery Lounge and Snackery is a nonprofit organization located in downtown San Marcos. It's a place for cat lovers. For five dollars an hour, patrons are welcome to come in, do some homework and spend time with the cats.
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The location is close to Texas State, so students can easily walk in, buy some snacks and drinks, and relax.
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The Cattery Lounge is partnered with the local shelter, Paws of Central Texas. Organizers say they need volunteers.
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All the cats at the Cattery Lounge are friendly and available for adoption, and they can be taken home the first day you meet them. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dennis Fant.
The Cattery Lounge and Snackery is a nonprofit organization located in downtown San Marcos. It's a place for cat lovers. For five dollars an hour, patrons are welcome to come in, do some homework and spend time with the cats.
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The location is close to Texas State, so students can easily walk in, buy some snacks and drinks, and relax.
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The Cattery Lounge is partnered with the local shelter, Paws of Central Texas. Organizers say they need volunteers.
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All the cats at the Cattery Lounge are friendly and available for adoption, and they can be taken home the first day you meet them. For Bobcat Update, I'm Dennis Fant.
Samantha Wells
Students, who enjoy filmmaking, can meet others who have similar interests -- thanks to an organization on campus. Samantha Wells has more on the story.
The Texas State Film Club is a student-run organization that began in 2015. The club had its first meeting of the semester last week. Several new faces, along with current members, attended.
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The club is not limited to theater majors. Any student who is interested in filmmaking can join. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and collaborate on projects.
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Future meetings will include guest speakers sharing their experiences of working in the film industry.
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The Texas State Film Club meets every other Wednesday in room 209 of the Theater Building. To get more information, you can join the club's Facebook page at Texas State Filmmakers. For Bobcat Update, I'm Samantha Wells.
The Texas State Film Club is a student-run organization that began in 2015. The club had its first meeting of the semester last week. Several new faces, along with current members, attended.
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The club is not limited to theater majors. Any student who is interested in filmmaking can join. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and collaborate on projects.
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Future meetings will include guest speakers sharing their experiences of working in the film industry.
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The Texas State Film Club meets every other Wednesday in room 209 of the Theater Building. To get more information, you can join the club's Facebook page at Texas State Filmmakers. For Bobcat Update, I'm Samantha Wells.
David Baugh
Texas State career fairs give students the chance to connect directly with potential employers. Bobcat Update's David Baugh tells us more.
Career fairs help students learn about job opportunities, the importance of networking, and getting one's foot in the door.
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Employers typically seek students for summer internships as well as part-time and full-time paid positions. They're looking for people from diverse backgrounds who can enter the workforce well prepared.
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Students who want to attend the next career fair can visit Texas State's Career Services office to receive a list of upcoming events. Students of all majors are welcome! For Bobcat Update, I'm David Baugh.
Career fairs help students learn about job opportunities, the importance of networking, and getting one's foot in the door.
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Employers typically seek students for summer internships as well as part-time and full-time paid positions. They're looking for people from diverse backgrounds who can enter the workforce well prepared.
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Students who want to attend the next career fair can visit Texas State's Career Services office to receive a list of upcoming events. Students of all majors are welcome! For Bobcat Update, I'm David Baugh.
Alex Wallace
San Marcos residents and Texas State students now have the opportunity to try a new cuisine. Bobcat Update's Alex Wallace has the story.
The downtown square in San Marcos has a new restaurant. Located on East Hopkins Street, Blue Dahlia Bistro opened its doors in July and is now offering a wide variety of European-style dishes as well as pastries. Those who are wanting to eat healthy foods will find plenty to choose from on the bistro's menu.
SB - Heather Dryer, Manager
Construction was halted several times due to strict city guidelines, and that delayed the restaurant's grand opening, but the wait may have been worth it. Blue Dahlia has a unique design. Its owners are proud of the details they incorporated. The restaurant has a patio decorated with plants and its walls are filled with art. Customers appreciate the environment.
SB - Hector Benitez - San Marcos Resident
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Wallace.
The downtown square in San Marcos has a new restaurant. Located on East Hopkins Street, Blue Dahlia Bistro opened its doors in July and is now offering a wide variety of European-style dishes as well as pastries. Those who are wanting to eat healthy foods will find plenty to choose from on the bistro's menu.
SB - Heather Dryer, Manager
Construction was halted several times due to strict city guidelines, and that delayed the restaurant's grand opening, but the wait may have been worth it. Blue Dahlia has a unique design. Its owners are proud of the details they incorporated. The restaurant has a patio decorated with plants and its walls are filled with art. Customers appreciate the environment.
SB - Hector Benitez - San Marcos Resident
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For Bobcat Update, I'm Alex Wallace.
Chelsie Anguiano
Some Texas State students are talking about the release of The Land of Milk and Honey. Bobcat Update's Chelsie Anguiano has more.
A new web series created by Texas State students is called The Land of Milk and Honey. The series recently launched on YouTube. In July a trailer for the program went viral and still has viewers talking.
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The video received more than 16-hundred retweets and over two-thousand likes. One of the show's creators is Miriam Kalala.
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Since its debut, The Land of Milk and Honey has drawn viewers from all across central Texas. The cast hopes it can reach a wide audience with stories that viewers can relate to.
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New episodes are released to YouTube each Monday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chelsie Anguiano.
A new web series created by Texas State students is called The Land of Milk and Honey. The series recently launched on YouTube. In July a trailer for the program went viral and still has viewers talking.
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The video received more than 16-hundred retweets and over two-thousand likes. One of the show's creators is Miriam Kalala.
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Since its debut, The Land of Milk and Honey has drawn viewers from all across central Texas. The cast hopes it can reach a wide audience with stories that viewers can relate to.
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New episodes are released to YouTube each Monday. For Bobcat Update, I'm Chelsie Anguiano.
Vianney Strick
Seniors need to make preparations now for the fall commencement if they're planning to graduate. As Vianney Strick tells us, one essential step is to apply.
Students who have met their academic requirements for fall graduation need to apply before the deadline October 6th.
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You can apply online using the university's self-service web page. To purchase your cap and gown, visit the University Bookstore, or go its website to order the regalia online.
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Commencement will be held December 15th and 16th at Strahan Coliseum. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vianney Strick.
Students who have met their academic requirements for fall graduation need to apply before the deadline October 6th.
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You can apply online using the university's self-service web page. To purchase your cap and gown, visit the University Bookstore, or go its website to order the regalia online.
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Commencement will be held December 15th and 16th at Strahan Coliseum. For Bobcat Update, I'm Vianney Strick.
Montana Kilgore
Market Days at Texas State give local businesses an opportunity to connect with students on campus. Montana Kilgore has the story.
During Market Days, local businesses fill the quad with a variety of booths where products are sold and advertised. Study Tack Founder Noor Lalani says the event has been effective in spreading the word about his new app.
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Many students interact with vendors, learning more about local businesses. Texas State Junior Jessica Lee says she loves seeing the variety of cultures and products at Market Day.
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The next Market Day will be October 17th from eight a.m. to five p.m. in the Texas State Quad. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montana Kilgore.
During Market Days, local businesses fill the quad with a variety of booths where products are sold and advertised. Study Tack Founder Noor Lalani says the event has been effective in spreading the word about his new app.
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Many students interact with vendors, learning more about local businesses. Texas State Junior Jessica Lee says she loves seeing the variety of cultures and products at Market Day.
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The next Market Day will be October 17th from eight a.m. to five p.m. in the Texas State Quad. For Bobcat Update, I'm Montana Kilgore.
9/20/17
Malcolm Thomas
The financial aid department at Texas State is enforcing a new policy that could help students in the long run. Bobcat Update's Malcolm Thomas has the story.
The financial aid department will start accepting aid applications for next year on October 1st. Financial aid supervisor Dr. John Kerr says students who apply early will receive the best aid.
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Kerr says not only will the application process open earlier, it should also be easy for students to apply. The application uses one's taxes from two years ago, so there is no need to rush to have the most recent year's taxes completed just for financial aid purposes. Students who are aware of the policy changes say they hope it will be effective and beneficial.
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Financial aid counselors encourage students to get ready for the application process.
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So, there you have it. With October 1st fast approaching, Dr. Kerr is encouraging all students to get in their financial aid application ASAP. For Bobcat Update, I'm Malcolm Thomas.
The financial aid department will start accepting aid applications for next year on October 1st. Financial aid supervisor Dr. John Kerr says students who apply early will receive the best aid.
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Kerr says not only will the application process open earlier, it should also be easy for students to apply. The application uses one's taxes from two years ago, so there is no need to rush to have the most recent year's taxes completed just for financial aid purposes. Students who are aware of the policy changes say they hope it will be effective and beneficial.
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Financial aid counselors encourage students to get ready for the application process.
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So, there you have it. With October 1st fast approaching, Dr. Kerr is encouraging all students to get in their financial aid application ASAP. For Bobcat Update, I'm Malcolm Thomas.
9/18/17
Naomi Garza
With the semester in full swing, students are busy at work. Their agendas are filling up with assignments and deadlines to meet. One deadline to keep in mind is October 30th -- the last day to drop a class. Bobcat Update's Naomi Garza has more.
Dropping and withdrawing are two very different things. When you drop a class, you remain enrolled in the university if you're taking at least one credit hour, while withdrawing is completely removing yourself from the university. And what students need to be aware of are the effects that dropping or withdrawing may have on their academic careers, and they should consider the financial ramifications.
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The deadline for dropping a class with a W is October 30th. The deadline for dropping a class and receiving a 100 percent refund has already passed.
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Dropping or withdrawing may affect students financially AND academically. Dropping a class, such as a prerequisite, can mess up degree plans and change their graduation date.
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One very important thing to keep in mind is that state law allows students to have only six Ws throughout their undergraduate career.
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Speak with an advisor to help figure out whether dropping is the best option.
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Stand Up
Dropping and withdrawing are two very different things. When you drop a class, you remain enrolled in the university if you're taking at least one credit hour, while withdrawing is completely removing yourself from the university. And what students need to be aware of are the effects that dropping or withdrawing may have on their academic careers, and they should consider the financial ramifications.
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The deadline for dropping a class with a W is October 30th. The deadline for dropping a class and receiving a 100 percent refund has already passed.
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Dropping or withdrawing may affect students financially AND academically. Dropping a class, such as a prerequisite, can mess up degree plans and change their graduation date.
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One very important thing to keep in mind is that state law allows students to have only six Ws throughout their undergraduate career.
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Speak with an advisor to help figure out whether dropping is the best option.
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Stand Up
9/17/17
Megan Hulsman
Texas State football fans are apparently an unhappy bunch. Megan Hulsman tells us the reasons why, in this Bobcat Update.
E-S-P-N recently ranked Texas State football fans as the least happy in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The fans scored the football team the lowest in three of six categories- program power, rivalry dominance and twitter buzz. Some students say the athletic program needs to use social media more to promote the team.
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Low student game attendance has long been a problem at Texas State. The athletic department would like to see more support, which could in turn help team performance.
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(STAND UP)The Texas State football team may not be the best, but students can help that. Through social media participation and game attendance, the Bobcats may just be looking at a winning record. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Hulsman.
E-S-P-N recently ranked Texas State football fans as the least happy in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The fans scored the football team the lowest in three of six categories- program power, rivalry dominance and twitter buzz. Some students say the athletic program needs to use social media more to promote the team.
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Low student game attendance has long been a problem at Texas State. The athletic department would like to see more support, which could in turn help team performance.
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(STAND UP)The Texas State football team may not be the best, but students can help that. Through social media participation and game attendance, the Bobcats may just be looking at a winning record. For Bobcat Update, I'm Megan Hulsman.
9/15/17
Kelsie McCord
Just three weeks into the semester and Texas State students are already publicly debating some heavy topics. Bobcat Update's Kelsie McCord has more on the story.
A crowd of students gathered around the Fighting Stallions statue for much of the day today. A man loudly preaching his religious views sparked quite a bit of curiosity, and even outrage, from some students.
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The commotion attracted a diverse crowd. Students from a variety of backgrounds voiced their opinions and posed questions to the speaker on topics ranging from religion and race, to gender roles and sexual orientation.
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The iconic statue in the middle of campus is a designated free speech area at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsie McCord.
A crowd of students gathered around the Fighting Stallions statue for much of the day today. A man loudly preaching his religious views sparked quite a bit of curiosity, and even outrage, from some students.
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The commotion attracted a diverse crowd. Students from a variety of backgrounds voiced their opinions and posed questions to the speaker on topics ranging from religion and race, to gender roles and sexual orientation.
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The iconic statue in the middle of campus is a designated free speech area at Texas State. For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsie McCord.
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