Sammy Turner

A ranking of America's best colleges in 20-19 places Texas State near the bottom. The Forbes list is casting an unfavorable light on the university. Bobcat Update's Sammy Turner reports on student and faculty reaction.

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Forbes says when the rankings were calculated the magazine looked at several variables -- like student debt, alumni salary, graduation rates and student satisfaction. Texas State Freshman _____ ______says the low ranking fits the university's reputation.
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One Texas State junior said that despite the ranking, his experience at the university has been positive.
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Instead of dwelling on the rank, Senior Lecturer Gilbert Martinez offers a unique viewpoint on the results.
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Martinez says the university provides students with a lot of opportunities to build their futures.
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Some agree that the school provides ample opportunities but more students need to take advantage of what's offered.
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The university clearly has room to improve. For Bobcat Update, I'm Sammy Turner.

Mercedes Atkinson

Early voting is underway for the primary election, and some students are casting their votes at the L-B-J Student Center. Bobcat Update's Mercedes Atkinson has the story.

Early voting began last week. With a proper I-D, students and members of the community can line up and vote on the third floor of the L-B-J Student Center from 7:00 a-m to 7:00 p-m. Student Center Director Jack Rahmann says everyone is encouraged to advantage of the opportunity.
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Texas State Student Cody Lee DeSalvo says having a convenient voting location on campus gives students a better chance to participate in the election and helps boost voter turnout.
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Early voting ends on February 28th, but Texans can also vote on Tuesday, March 3rd. For more information about voting times and polling locations, visit the website of the Hays County Elections Administrator. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mercedes Atkinson.

Draven Hughes

Alcohol may be returning to a popular student hangout at Texas State. Bobcat Update's Draven Hughes has the story.

George's, located on the first floor of the L-B-J Student Center, is a favorite spot on campus for students to spend time playing games, eating, studying and -- in the past -- grabbing a beer. Student Government has passed legislation to allow students of age to have that option once again. The legislation would now have to be approved by the Student Body President before being sent to President Trauth for final approval. Some believe this could be beneficial to increasing business at George's.
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Some students are not as happy with the decision because they fear it could attract a different crowd.
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George's had difficulty selling alcohol in the past because it could only be sold by an employee of Chartwells, the university's catering service, and its employees are mostly student workers. [And that fact makes it difficult how? We need more information to make that logical leap.] For Bobcat Update, I'm Draven Hughes.

Marcel Negrete

The number of streaming services, like Netflix and Disney Plus, continues to increase. Each service has its own monthly price tag, which means subscriptions can get expensive if you want to keep up with your favorite shows. Bobcat Update's Marcel Negrete has the story.

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Netflix has garnered a large library of shows and movies from various TV networks, all for a single monthly price. However, these same networks are now eager to regain ownership of the content for their own streaming platforms. For example Disney Plus was launched three months ago with plans to strip all Marvel movies and other Disney-branded programs from Netflix.
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The new streaming services provide more entertainment for students, but they also add to monthly expenses.
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Some students say that they would be willing to pay more for the new services.
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The streaming landscape shows no signs of shrinking and continues to get more expensive. So far, students seem willing to pay. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marcel Negrete.

Hector Montemayor-Perez

The Coronavirus outbreak is now affecting Central Texas in a way. Some American evacuees who were on a Japanese cruise ship where the virus was known to have spread have been allowed stateside to seek treatment in San Antonio. Bobcat Update's Hector Montemayor-Perez tells us the victims have been quarantined.

Due to San Antonio's proximity to San Marcos, some may be worried about their friends and family.
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The Coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than two-thousand people worldwide with most cases occurring In China. Fifteen Americans have tested positive, and ALL of them have been quarantined. This quarantine should limit the possibility of an outbreak occurring here.
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If for some reason the virus is confirmed beyond those already infected, Texas State officials will take measures to control the situation.
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Standard hygienic rules can help stop the spread of illnesses. Health officials say washing one's hands, covering coughs, getting vaccinations and staying home if sick are keys to prevention. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hector Montemayor-Perez.

Mikal Henley

The U-S Department of Veterans Affairs is struggling to keep up with dispersing benefits to veterans enrolled at Texas State. The reason, according to Bobcat Update's Mikal Henley, is the V-A doesn't have enough staff on campus.

The Veterans Affairs employees answer phones to make sure V-A students are up-to-date on their benefits.
The Veterans Academic Success Center, located here on the 4th floor of Alkek, helps students to receive their VA benefits in due time, however certain cases of priority create delays for the rest.
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Certain V-A beneficiaries are given priority because of their status.
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Veterans are urged to seek help from the Academic Success Center to increase the likelihood of receiving V-A benefits in a timely manner. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mikal Henley.

Christian Godinez

You can expect to see some new additions at the Alkek Library when renovations to the first, third, and seventh floors are completed this spring. The popular study hub is being upgraded in several ways. Bobcat Update's Christian Godinez has the story.

Coffee while studying can be a necessity for many students. That essential caffeine boost for what could be long hours of studying ahead can now be found at the library.
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Alkek is also implementing a new safety feature allowing students with university-issued IDs to access the library past 11 p.m.
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For more information about everything new at Alkek, visit the Texas State website or ask the staff at the library's information desk. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christian Godinez.
 

Vanessa Gerlich

The student-led organization Healthy Cats is promoting wellness and health education around campus. Bobcat Update's Vanessa Gerlich has more on the story.

Healthy Cats Peer Educators are bringing awareness to Texas State students regarding sexual health, drug and alcohol use, mental health and nutrition by hosting weekly meetings and presentations. Student leader Lindsey Bartholomew is one of the members in charge of organizing the presentations and reaching out to the community by handing out informational pamphlets and free gifts to students in the Quad.
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The educational leaders of Healthy Cats work to motivate students and provide a non-judgmental space for sensitive issues. Students are encouraged to get in touch with Healthy Cats to see what resources and options are available.
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Ethan Hunt

Candidates who are seeking leadership positions in student government are hoping to make their case to the student body. Bobcat Update's Ethan Hunt has the story:

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This year Cody DeSalvo and Eduardo Camargo are running against Catching Valentinis-Dee and Andrew Florence for president and vice president. They have created platforms to highlight what they hope to bring to Texas State students. The Valentinis-Dee/Florence plan focuses on sexual assault prevention.
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Meanwhile, the DeSalvo/Camargo platform calls for improving existing programs.
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The campaign platforms address several important issues, including tuition expenses, campus safety, and diversity. Social media accounts have been created for the campaigns to provide additional information. Online voting will remain open through Thursday, February 20th. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ethan Hunt.

Jake Norrie

Student elections are coming up soon at Texas State. A new president and vice president will be chosen to lead student government. However, those who are being asked to vote have reason to wonder what purpose student government serves. Bobcat Update's Jake Norrie has the story.

The current Vice President, Tucker Thompson, says student government allows viewpoints to be heard.
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However, Senior Denver Burris says the role of student government is less clear. Burris says elected leaders have very little impact on campus issues.
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The Student Government voting period will remain open through February 20th. For Bobcat Update I'm Jake Norrie.

Hope Kronke

Starting this semester, the University Bookstore is the ONLY place in San Marcos where Texas State students can buy their textbooks. Bobcat Update's Hope Kronke has the story.

With the closing of Colloquium Bookstore and Textbook Solutions this past year, Texas State students are now forced to buy their textbooks from the university or purchase them online. Students and faculty alike have mixed feelings about there being less competition in town.
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Students will have to work harder to find less expensive textbooks. Online services, like Amazon and Chegg, might provide better deals. Texas State [Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior??] Carli Saville says what's good for the bookstore may not be ideal for students.
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With all off-campus textbook stores officially closed, time will tell if students will continue to buy from the University or if sales will move online. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hope Kronke.

Rylee Kotzur

Texas State's study abroad program is cancelling all trips to China that were planned for this summer. Bobcat Update's Rylee Kotzur has the story.

Since 2017, Dr. Schiaffini-Vedani has organized trips to Beijing for students interested in studying the Chinese language. However, an outbreak of the Corona-virus has forced the university to change its plans. Texas State will NOT support the study abroad program in China this year.
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Many students who signed up for the Summer 2020 program are concerned about getting their application fees returned.
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Other study abroad programs have NOT yet been affected by the Corona-Virus outbreak. For Bobcat Update, I'm Rylee Kotzur.

Austin Bailey

Some Texas State students may not be aware of the university's pride and traditions, but as Bobcat Update's Austin Bailey tells us, there's an abundance of both if you look around.

Texas State is a school full of rich culture and traditions, and many alumni have extreme pride in their alma mater. However, awareness might be in short supply among current students. For them, the post-graduation leap into the San Marcos River may be the most notable tradition.
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Texas State (classification)___ ____ (name the speaker) says the university should do more to promote Bobcat pride.
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Missing orientation sessions as freshmen or transferring from other schools may contribute to some students never learning what it means to be a Bobcat. For Bobcat Update, I'm Austin Bailey.

Krista Andrews

Texas State students are walking into a renovated L-B-J Student Center this semester. Bobcat Update's Krista Andrews has the story.

Construction on the student center is finally winding down. Nearly all of the fenced-off areas and alternate walkways have been removed allowing students to experience the building's new improvements with ease.
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Some students say the building's expansion was worth the wait.
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The student center now includes additional seating areas, larger meeting rooms and a refurbished welcome center. Renovations are scheduled to be fully completed by next month. For Bobcat Update, I'm Krista Andrews.

Emily Martin

A new student apartment complex will open in San Marcos this fall. However, some Texas State University students are concerned that construction will cause traffic problems near the campus. Bobcat Update's Emily Martin has the story.

The apartment complex, now under construction, is called Aspire. When finished, it will be the city's first 13-story building and will provide almost 600 housing units. The high rise is being built along Guadalupe Street and within walking distance of the University. Construction in the area has affected traffic.
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The apartment complex will have a parking garage, which could have an impact on the efficiency of the university bus routes.
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Currently the city has no plans to adjust nearby roads. For Bobcat Update, I'm Emily Martin.

Ryan Huntington

The south entrance to the L-B-J Student Center has reopened for the first time since July of 2018. Bobcat Update's Ryan Huntington has the story.

Students are relieved to find the walkways and south entrance of the center have reopened.
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The Student Center has indoor and outdoor seating areas and a welcome center. The building and its amenities are a great place to study, relax or grab a bite.
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Construction projects continue at the center. The second ballroom and a new Multicultural Center are projected to be finished by September. The renovations have a price tag of about 41 (m) million dollars. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ryan Huntington.

Christian Godinez

The upcoming Super Bowl will provide a showcase for advertisers who are spending some big bucks to attract attention to their products and services. This year, Planters, the food company known for its famous cartoon mascot, Mr. Peanut, has already received a lot of attention for a Super Bowl ad. In the commercial, the beloved mascot seemingly meets its demise. Bobcat Update's Christian Godinez has the story.

Many were shocked to learn that Mr. Peanut is a goner. Twitter posts -- using the hashtag 'RIPeanut' -- expressed condolences and some confusion.
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Since 1916, the cartoon mascot graced packaging and advertisements by Planters, eventually symbolizing the entire peanut industry. While many expressed grief over the sudden death of the icon, others wondered what steps the company would take.
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Planters confirmed the mascot's death, but it hasn't been revealed what the company plans to do to bank on all of the attention it has received from the stunt. For Bobcat Update, I'm Christian Godinez.

Hector Montemayor-Perez

Attending classes at Texas State can be a challenge for some students, especially those who commute and have to find elusive parking spots on campus. Bobcat Update's Hector Montemayor-Perez takes a look at the options.

There's always the option of walking to class, but you have to live on or very near campus for that to be possible. For those who live farther away, the university's shuttle system is needed.
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If you commute from somewhere not serviced by the buses, you'll have to purchase a permit for parking, and you have to be careful to park only where the permit allows if you want to avoid tickets or being towed. Another option is to bike to class.
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You can find more information about permits and parking on the Texas State website. Just search the term parking. For Bobcat Update, I'm Hector Montemayor-Perez.

Bradley Barnes

Texas State students may find it easier to get around campus this semester. Bobcat Update's Bradley Barnes has the story.

The campus is again full of activity, and the walkways are easier to move because the makeshift ramps near construction areas have been taken down. Most of the renovations at the L-B-J Student Center were completed during the winter break.
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Many students won't miss the inconveniences brought on by the wooden ramps and closed walking areas.
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The renovated section of the Student Center features open walkways, seating areas, and a new ballroom. For Bobcat Update, I'm Bradley Barnes.

Andrew Zimmel

A new learning management system is being rolled out for students and faculty at Texas State. Bobcat Update's ________ has the story.
The TRACS system is being phased out. It has been the university's online learning management system for several years. Texas State is shifting to the Canvas system, and students have mixed feeling about the change.
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Some students have complained to the administration about having to learn a whole new system so close to graduation.
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The new Canvas system is supposed to be easier to use as well as more sleek and accommodating. Some professors migrated to it this semester, and it will be the only option as of Spring 20-21. For Bobcat Update, I'm ______________.