Erika Everett

Some Bobcat football players would like to turn pro, if they get a chance.  Pro Day was held last week at Texas State. Scouts from the Houston Texans, the Carolina Panthers and the Oakland Raiders attended. The athletes ran a series of drills that were recorded and sent to each of the teams. One of Texas State's hot prospects is wide receiver Da'Marcus Griggs. Unfortunately, the 20-11 N-F-L season is in jeopardy because the league and its players' union have not yet worked out a new agreement.

Amanda Escobedo

Texas state has received national recognition for its enrollment of Hispanic students. Amanda Escobedo has more in this Bobcat Update.

Texas State University is now recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution by the U-S Department of Education. In order to receive that status, the university's enrollment of Hispanic students had to reach 25 percent. Having reached that number means Texas State is now eligible for more federal funding.
SB
Stand up: "Texas State University President, Denise Trauth said that achieving the goal of H-S-I status means more opportunities for students and the university, and it means they will be setting more goals: increasing graduation and retention rates of Hispanics are at the top of their list."
Achieving H-S-I status has been a ongoing goal since Denise Trauth became president of Texas State in 2002. Currently, Texas State is the largest Hispanic Serving Institution in Texas. By comparison, the Hispanic enrollment at the University of Texas is less than 10 percent.
SB
...........................................
For Bobcat Update, I'm Amanda Escobedo.

Hollee Barfield

Heated disagreements over tailgate funding and dining options occurred Tuesday
night during the A-S-G Presidential and Vice Presidential debates. Presidential
candidate A-J DeGarmo said new blood is needed in the senate, as opposed to
recycling of members. But candidate Will Fox said DeGarmo feels that way because
no current senator would join his ticket. The full debate can be viewed on the
University Star's website. Elections will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kaylee Pfeiferling

Alkek Library at Texas State now features a digital production computer lab. Kaylee Pfeiferling (FIFE-ER-LING) has more in this Bobcat Update.

(STAND UP) "The fourth floor of the library is generally recognized as the SLAC floor but is now home to a new digital production lab."
The lab opened this semester and features some of the fastest, state-of-the-art equipment for either PC or Mac users. Among the software programs provided are Audacity, Final Cut Studio, and the entire Adobe Master Suite. The library is even offering assistance with what some would consider advanced programs.
SOUND BITE
The library has five employees who can answer questions and offer help whether it's for recreational use or for class projects.
SOUND BITE
So, whether you're computer savvy or computer illiterate, all students can use the digital lab to help enhance their work. The equipment is available all hours the computer lab is open. Walk-ins are welcome but if you need the extra help, it's recommended you make an appointment with a production team member.
STAND UP:

Louise Armstrong

The conflict in Libya has sparked debate worldwide. Bobcat Update's Louise
Armstrong tells us how some Texas State students have been expressing their
opinions.

The discourse board on the second floor of Evans Hall was set up by the
political science department as a place for students to discuss political
issues. Lately, most of the discourse on the board has been focused on Middle
Eastern issues, specifically the conflict in Libya. Middle Eastern Studies
Instructional Assistant(?)Lisa Edwards says students have been engaged in the
debate for several weeks.
<SB>
The Libyan conflict began in February when violent protests in the city of
Benghazi spread throughout the country. Libyan authorities began using
airstrikes against civilians after President Muammar Gaddafi refused to step
down. Earlier this month the U-N Security Council sanctioned a 'no fly zone'
over Libya and authorized air strikes. Junior Jannell Reyos says students need
to educate themselves about the conflict before adding their opinions to the
board.
<SB>
<Stand Up>

Nicholas Medina

For the first time ever, the Texas State Department of Athletics is giving one
lucky winner the chance to tryout and walk-on to the football team at this
year's Spring Football Game on April 16th. Those interested must pass some
eligibility requirements and apply on the athletics' website. The winner is
decided by performance in a series of drills and will represent the
entire student body on the kick-off team during the first home game of the
2011-2012 football season. For more information go to the Texas State Athletics
website or search Become our Bobcat Try-Outs on Facebook.

Danielle Elisabeth Madsen

Easter is a holiday that is celebrated around the world. At Texas State,
some are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ in a unique manner.
Danielle Elisabeth Madsen has more in this Bobcat Update.

(Stand Up) Many Christian organizations at Texas State are joining together for
a weeklong celebration called Resurrection Week. It will take place April 3rd
through the 7th. The pastor of Crosstalk Ministries, Chris Kipp, says
Resurrection Week will give students an opportunity to learn more about the
gospel message in an entertaining and informative manner.
(SB) Pastor Chris Kipp
Numerous organizers and students are involved with putting together the events
for Resurrection Week.
(SB) Pastor Dick Herman
Some of the festivities for Resurrection Week include an interactive art
mural, a party in Sewell Park, a discussion about what Easter means, and a
Passion Re-Enactment in the Quad.
(SB) Student Savannah Cleveland
(Stand Up) Although the Easter holiday begins on April 24, at Texas State, the
celebration is beginning a little early. For Bobcat Update, I'm Danielle
Elisabeth Madsen.

Kayla Hale

March has been one of the driest months on record in Central Texas.
Water is a resource that cannot be taken for granted. Kayla Hale has more
in this Bobcat Update.

Several Texas State students participated this weekend in an effort to raise awareness
about the need for clean water.
Stand-up
The founder and president of the local Water-Aid Chapter, Maia Holmes, says clean water
sustains life.
Soundbite
Proceeds from the event will help water conservation efforts. Some of the funds will go
to the San Marcos River Foundation.
Students who want to participate can join the Water-Aid Chapter and support upcoming events.
For Bobcat Update, I'm Kayla Hale.

Ana Anguiano

Higher gas prices mean tighter budgets for everyone, including the University Police Department. Ana Anguiano has more in this Bobcat Update.

Student safety is one of Texas State's main priorities, and the recent surge in gas prices might affect how the the police department patrols the campus. Sue Stewart, who handles U-P-D Crime Prevention, says patrol units are under strict guidelines now that gas prices have risen.
Sound bite: "When gas started rising up… we have a policy that we try and keep our mileage down per vehicle, per shift.
The use of each vehicle under U-P-D's control is supposed to be limited to 20 miles or less per day.
Sound bite: "You still have to keep a specific amount of cars out to keep people safe."
Compared with other law enforcement divisions, U-P-D has an advantage because it has less to patrol.
Sound bite: "Because the campus is so small, we patrol all over."
Stand-up: "With the recent rise in gas prices, Texas State University's Police Department says students' safety is their number one priority. In this situation, high gas prices won't mean less patrolling units. For Bobcat Update, I'm Ana Anguiano"

Eddie Garcia

The City of San Marcos is asking for volunteers to fill empty seats on
the citizen boards and commissions. Eddie Garcia has more in this Bobcat Update.

A full list of the open positioins is available on the City of San Marcos
website. Mayor Daniel Guerrero says the main qualification -- besides being
a San Marcos resident -- is to have a willingness to volunteer.
Sound Bite
The open positions are in the Arts Commission, Convention & Visitor
Bureau Board, Human Services Advisory Board, Library Board, Neighborhood
Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
When filling out the application, it will ask you to rank order where you would
like to be placed. Be sure to designate any special talents that would make you
more suited to a certain board or commission. Once an application has been
filled out and approved by the City Council, you will be informed of the
appointment within a week.
Sound Bite
Stand Up

Anthony Sifuentes

A Texas State graduate student is gathering data about the health benefits of
yoga. Anthony Sifuentes has more in this Bobcat Update.

Graduated Research student Allison Abel recently completed the testing phase of
her thesis research, which seeks to show that Bikram (Beek - rum) Yoga, an
Eastern form of Yoga, can be beneficial for the heart and lungs. For 60 days,
Abel had her subjects perform Bikram, conducting tests before and after. Using
equipment such as a bike, a metabolic cart, a stethoscope, and a blood pressure
meter, she was able to test for maximum voluntary ventiliation, oxygen intake,
carbon dioxide production, and abdominal and respiratory strength.
Standup
A purpose for this research is to shed more light on Bikram Yoga and show it to
be more of an exercising tool than a method of relaxation.
(SB)
Abel's thesis advisor, Exercise Physiologist Lisa Lloyd, says that Abel's work
is important to the study of Bikram.
(SB)
While Abel says this research has been a great learning experience, she wants to
broaden her future work.
(SB)
Abel is comparing the before and after test results and looks to draw a
conclusion in June. For Bobcat Update, I'm Anthony Sifuentes.

Megan O'Connell

The stage has been set for tonight's kick-off concert of the Keep San Marcos
Beautiful Campaign series. The campaign is an initiative to help keep the city
clean by focusing on litter prevention and waste reduction. Tonight's featured
band, Fastball, will take the stage at 8:30. The free event is open to the
public at the San Marcos Parks Plaza located at 401 East Hopkins Street. Food
vendors will be on hand beginning at 6:30, and artworks will be on display.

Hollee Barfield

Texas State will likely experience an on-campus housing shortage next fall. An
increase of incoming freshman, and a lack of available dorms are to blame. The
current demolition of Falls Hall is also contributing to the shortage. There
are currently more than 400 students on a waiting list for the still-standing
dorms, but they are being urged to seek off-campus accommodations.

Louise Armstrong

The Texas State University Associated Student Government has voted in favor of a proposal to make six ramps on campus wheelchair access only. The senators voted 41-to-two on the bill after complaints from the Office of Disability Services that pedestrians and cyclists were making ramps too difficult to maneuver for disabled students. Painted signs will soon be applied to ramps, including the ones on the southside of the Alkek Library and the Jones Dining Hall.

Clair Hugo

Many of us welcome the warmer weather that spring has to offer, but for some it's a time of misery if they suffer from allergies. Clair Hugo tells us more in this Bobcat Update.

The tree pollen count is up, and people are noticing an increase in allergy symptoms
SOUNDBITE
Pollen may be an irritant to those who don't usually suffer from seasonal allergies. Unlike bee-pollinated trees, Oak and Juniper pollens often cause the worst symptoms due to wind pollination. This year it seems to be worse.
STANDUP
Another tell-tale sign of spring is the ever present yellow dust that you can find outdoors. For the allergy-sufferer, it's not a welcome sight. It usually means that a trip to the local pharmacy is in order.
SOUNDBITE (not filmed yet)
For now, we can only hope that rain will reduce the pollen count. For Bobcat Update, I'm Clair Hugo.

Genna Eneman

Associated Student Government elections are less than two weeks away. In this Bobcat Update, Genna Eneman reports on some of the more unusual campaign strategies this year's candidates are using.

Campaign signs and t-shirts began showing up around campus this week signaling it's time again to elect a new A-S-G president and vice president. This year's candidates have big plans to attract votes. William Fox and Shanna Schultz created a cellphone hotline that students can call or text and voice their concerns or ideas for next year's student government to address:
SB
Not only is the Fox-Schultz ticket available by phone, but they will be in the quad 24 hours a day Monday through Friday. Fox decided to camp out in the Quad so that he could be available to students at any time.
SB
Albert Degarmo and Tiffany Roamer will also be campaigning in the Quad, but they won't be taking the same approach as their opponents.
SB
Degarmo and Roamer plan to offer giveaways and a raffle next week. Student body elections will be April 5th and 6th. You can vote online or go to the polls at the L-B-J Student Center and the Quad. For Bobcat Update I'm Genna Eneman.

Erika Everett

Social Media sites -- such as Facebook and Twitter -- may be affecting your life more than you think. Erika Everett has more in this Bobcat Update...

Stand up --> With over 500 million members, Facebook is great for keeping in touch with family and friends. but students should be aware of what they post on these sites as it can be used as a great tool for networking, but can also be used as a weapon against you and your future.
It has become the norm for students to post what they are doing on Facebook without giving it a second thought. But status updates and online pictures can have regrettable consequences -- if care and some measure of discretion aren't exercised.
Senior Desmond Mcafee says he never thought about the effect that his Facebook profile could have on his future until he learned about it in a criminal justice class.
(Soundbite)
Online interaction can play a role in whether students find jobs. Social media are effective networking tools. According to inside-facebook.com, more than 20-thousand businesses have Facebook accounts, and many use them to communicate with potential employees.
(Soundbite)
Students who participate in social media should take full advantage of their networking potential, while remembering to proceed with caution. For Bobcat Update, I'm Erika Everett.

Kelsey Kearns

Texas State University's theater program has gained national renown. Kelsey 

Kearns has more in this Bobcat Update.

The theater department is one of the largest in the South and was recently 

mentioned in a New York Times article.

Stand up (6-8 seconds)

Musical Theater major Cole Harrell appreciates his professors' different

approach to teaching.

SB Harrell (15 sec)

The program is run by industry professionals who provide students with a

real-life perspective to show business. Publicity coordinator Jeremy Torres

says having professors who've had first-hand experience makes all the difference.

SB Torres (15 sec)

With so many industry contacts and a new performing arts center set to open on

campus in 2014, the theater department will likely thrive for many years to come.

For Bobcat Update, I'm Kelsey Kearns.

Alanna Sarabia

A Greek District in San Marcos is taking shape. Several fraternities and
sororities already have houses in the community. Those that do NOT might have an
opportunity to lease houses in the near future. The San Marcos Re-development
Foundation is helping to organize the project. Eventually, the Greek District
will consist of nine houses. Ground breaking is planned for next January.

Nicholas Medina

A lot of construction is taking place at Texas State. Some students might find
it difficult to park or even walk on campus. Major projects underway include a
multi-purpose education facility, a performing arts complex and the North Campus
Housing Complex, which is being built next to the Student Health Center. The
master construction plan -- when fully implemented -- will cost an estimated
619-million-dollars over ten years. It's scheduled to be finished by 20-15.