09 19 2012

VOLUME 102, ISSUE 12

www.UniversityStar.com

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

WEDNESDAY GO NE ONLI NOW

SEPTEMBER 19, 2012

Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice

Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice is a local artist who plays every Monday at Triple Crown. For more, visit UniversityStar.com.

A NEW HIGH

Student enrollment surpasses previous record

By Greg Tate News Reporter

Undergraduate Enrollment

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

28,959 29,461

+1.7%

Total Enrollment

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

34,087 34,229

+0.4%

=1,000 STUDENTS Undergraduate Enrollment by College Applied Arts

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

Science and Engineering

3,254 3,377

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

3,515 3,832

McCoy College of Business Administration

University College

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

3,564 3,621

1,964 2,189

Health Professions

FALL 2011 FALL 2012

2,009 2,175

By Nicole Barrios News Reporter Texas State welcomed a record-high number of students this fall for the 15th consecutive year.

According to Institutional Research, there are 34,229 students enrolled at Texas State—a 0.4 percent increase from last fall. Of the total number of students, 29,461 are undergraduates.

This figure is a 1.7 percent increase from last fall.

Approximately 21,500 potential freshmen applied for the fall semester, 11.5 percent more than last fall. About 12,400 of those who applied were admitted and about 4,200 enrolled, making this Texas State’s second largest freshman class to date. Last year’s freshman class of 4,400 students was

County commissioners accepted a grant from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division on behalf of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office during their Sept. 18 meeting.

Grants Administrator Jeff Hauff said the $28,970 grant will go toward the purchase of new equipment. The grant will provide night vision recording equipment for the Narcotics Task Force and three laptop computers for booking areas within the jail. It will also allow for the purchase of audio and visual equipment for

The University Police Department is increasing officer presence near campus restrooms because of property damage in men’s stalls.

Signs have been posted near campus men’s rooms that read “Because of recurring property damage, this area is under surveillance by plainclothes law enforcement officers.”

UPD Sergeant Alex Villalobos said the signs were put up to prevent any more damages from occurring in the restrooms in which UPD has seen problems. Multiple cases of restroom damages have been reported to UPD from students and staff. This prompted UPD to further their surveillance of restrooms.

Villalobos said the damages have been seen in several buildings on campus, and no particular area has been hit the worst. The worst cases encountered by UPD were damages to multiple stalls consisting of holes and writings.

Luciano Medrano, a San Marcos resident, said he was walking around San Marcos applying for jobs when he cut through campus and decided to use a restroom in Flowers Hall. While in the restroom, he noticed there was a large hole in the wall of a stall.

“It was obviously a glory hole,” Medrano said. “It even had instructions. It said ‘tap your foot.’”

Medrano said he was shocked to see this in the restroom, but he found it funny.

READ RESTROOMS, PAGE 2 —Courtesy of Institutional Research

the university’s largest to date.

Michael Heintze, associate vice president for enrollment management, said these are preliminary enrollment figures. However, they will not vary greatly from the numbers to be verified by institutional research and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in the weeks to come.

Provost Eugene Bourgeois said the university has been working on accommodating the growing number of students on campus.

Last fall, the university asked academic departments to monitor students’ class schedules during the semester.

During the spring semester, the university followed up on those requests.

When advanced registration and summer sessions began, departments were asked to review schedules and current

enrollment data to determine whether additional sections of courses were needed.

Bourgeois said he communicated with academic chairs, directors and deans to see if there was a need to hire additional instructors. Bourgeois said although the university is still under a flexible hiring freeze, he is allowed to authorize faculty hires if necessary.

“If there is an enrollment demand that materializes in a particular discipline, a set of courses or a programmatic area, and that chair requests additional support, the provost’s office will transfer additional funds to allow them to hire those additional faculty members,” Bourgeois said.

General education courses experi-

READ ENROLLMENT, PAGE 2

Sheriff’s office grant used for new equipment

By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor

Vandalism leads to UPD restroom surveillance

interview rooms in a Dripping Springs substation.

“We have been notified of the award of this grant and staff recommend the approval of the award,” Hauff said.

The sheriff’s office will use the electronic recording devices to provide evidence in trials by capturing confession statements of suspects. The night vision cameras will record evidence to be used in court and have the ability to record, videotape and photograph under low lighting.

The laptops bought for booking areas will be used to expedite the time officers spend filling out paper work. This extra

time will allow officers in the sheriff’s office to be free to patrol, according to court documents.

Judge Bert Cobb spoke of the work put in to awarding the grant.

“Mr. Hauff has been very diligent in figuring out these grants,” Cobb said. “This is one that comes straight to the county, and we appreciate the work on that.”

Commissioners decided to apply for the grant in their meeting Feb. 21. The grant period is effective until March 31, 2013.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said the grant would not be matched by funds from the county.

Officials join forces to promote nature awareness

By Karen Zamora News Reporter The San Marcos City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding between four different parties to promote a San Marcos River educational center near Spring Lake during Tuesday’s meeting.

Hays County, Texas State, the Parks and Wildlife Department and the City of San Marcos have joined forces to collaborate on a plan for an “interpretive and education center.” The center will promote awareness for the San Marcos River.

According to the memorandum, the educational center would inform the public on protecting and preserving natural resources, engaging and enhancing research efforts and informing the public about recreation opportunities.

Michael Cosentino, city attorney, said the Memorandum of Understanding is a preliminary step needed to cooperate and set a plan to work in the future, not a binding agreement.

There are no finances involved in this particular document.

Wayne Becak, Place 4, said he thinks the plan is a good way to inform residents and non-residents about the natural and cultural resources near and around the river. He said it is important everyone in the surrounding communities knows how “special the most beautiful river in Texas is.”

The city council also discussed its specific role as a party member.

READ CITY COUNCIL, PAGE 2

Proposed highway expansion could alleviate traffic

By Monica Solis News Reporter Hays and Travis Counties decided at a Sept. 10 meeting to wait for renewed data on the proposed expansion of State Highway 45 before making a decision on whether to move forward.

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization presented data to county commissioners and residents showing the effects the proposed construction would have on the surrounding areas. The proposed expansion of Highway 45, estimated to cost $17 to $20 million, would connect Loop 1, also known as MoPac Expressway, to FM 1626. The connection will use a two

to three lane county road.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said Travis County will decide whether to take Hays County’s $5 million offer and proposal for the highway expansion based on the planning organization’s research.

The traffic model presented by officials compared the current number of households to the predicted number of future households, as well as the trips generated from those households.

Texas Department of Transportation officials said the data was not demographically diverse enough to accurately depict the full effects of the expansion.

READ HIGHWAY 45, PAGE 2 Star File Photo

Officials will consider the expansion of State Highway 45 after reviewing new information based on the possible impact on future home developments in the area affected.

2 | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | The University Star

NEWS

ENROLLMENT

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

RESTROOMS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Kathryn Parker, Staff Photographer

An increase of 0.4 percent has left Texas State with 34,229 students enrolled in classes. enced the biggest impact from the enrollment increase because of the growing freshman and sophomore populations, Bourgeois said.

University College saw the largest influx in undergraduate students with an 11.5 percent increase. The College of Science and Engineering experienced the second highest increase, with enrollment up 8.7 percent from last fall. The College of Health Professions saw an 8.3 percent enrollment increase.

Robert Habingreither, associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Science and Engineering, said the need for graduates in the science and engineering fields is driving up enrollment.

Barbara Sanders, associate dean of the College of Health Professions, said the re-

HIGHWAY 45

cent accreditation of the nursing program this summer is contributing to the increase in students.

“The good news is we have a lot of interest and well-qualified students,” Sanders said. “The bad news is we can’t meet the demand of enrollment in our professional programs.”

Recent statistics showing the demand for workers in the health professions industry is an additional contributing factor to the increase, she said.

Bourgeois said the academic year is off to a good start.

“Everyone in the administration is looking forward to doing what we can to ensure student success,” Bourgeois said. “And that includes accommodating these greater and greater numbers of students.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Captain Daniel Benitez said UPD is utilizing its resources to patrol the areas around damaged restrooms. Patrolling creates a heightened awareness that makes enforcement more effective and leads to fewer incidents.

Villalobos said he observed eight or nine cases of restroom vandalism this year. Some of the perpetrators were caught, but not all.

If a student is caught vandalizing any restroom on campus they will receive a criminal offense ranging from a class C misdemeanor to a felony. Villalobos said while the university budget pays for repairs to the bathroom, they are expensive.

As of Sept. 18, holes in restroom stalls in Centennial and Flowers halls have

CITY COUNCIL

been filled and writing has been painted over. Villalobos said the areas will continue to be monitored.

Villalobos said each instance of vandalism is different. Regardless of the damage, the problem lies in the necessary redirection of police and custodial resources to the area.

Villalobos said he believes the signs posted near the restrooms will be effective. UPD will do whatever is necessary to prosecute people who damage university property.

“I believe when you have an issue, you approach it directly,” Villalobos said. “It creates an environment that says ‘Hey, we’re not going to tolerate these types of things at this university.’”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

City Manager Jim Nuse said the mission of the center is to defend and protect the San Marcos River. There are other goals, but protection is the bottom line. The program has been in the planning stages for a number of years, but this particular coalition of the four parties has been working together for three months.

Becak said this is a place schoolteachers can bring their classes to learn about the river.

Nuse said he was surprised how many Texas schools have visited Spring Lake and participated in various educational events dedicated to the San Marcos River. This

center would continue to enhance the same experience.

The educational center would be part of the new Aquarena Center, Nuse said. The restoration is still in the construction phase.

Kim Porterfield, Place 1, asked if there is a current architecture rendering project or a study to get more information about the specifics of the center. She wanted to know if this project is similar to that of the nature center on Purgatory Creek.

Nuse said the city is considered an interested partner, but the university is “the boss” of the project. The city is more interested in the outcome of the project.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Terry McCoy, director of the Austin district transportation planning and development for TxDOT, said the demographics error was just a glitch in the system. TxDot will continue to work on the research with the planning organization, and more accurate demographics will be presented within the next two months.

Although Austin City Council removed the Highway 45 expansion proposal from the Imagine Austin plan earlier this year, Hays County is still in talks with Travis

County about the project. TxDOT will pursue a separate plan to build a six-lane toll road in the area, regardless of the counties’ decisions.

McCoy said the road expansion would complement TxDOT’s toll facility plans.

“We still have to look at the (board model) to determine how it would impact traffic,” McCoy said. “But there’s no question in my mind, and that’s why I fully support the project. It would be a significant enhancement to our system.”

Jones said the expansion of Highway 45 is necessary to improve public safety.

“If we don’t start doing these things, things are just going to get worse,” Jones said. “It’s not the roads that are bringing the growth.

(The growth) is coming anyway. We need to start getting caught up on these issues.”

Lucas Short, TxDot project manager, said he will help coordinate between different agencies as they go through the environmental process for the toll facility, which takes approximately four years.

The environmental process involves Travis and Hays counties, homeowners associations, Parks and Wildlife and Texas Commissions of Environmental Quality. This process exists so all environmental aspects and impacts of a project are considered.

“We have a detailed schedule lined out over the next few years,” Short said. “We want to ensure the (environmental coordination process) is followed.”

Voting on the proposed Highway 45 expansion is scheduled for October.

PAGE TWO

ON THIS

DAY IN

wild art

Read it any way you like.

HISTORY 1777– American soldiers won the first Battle of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War. 1881– President James A. Garfield died of wounds inflicted by an assassin more than two months earlier.

1934– Bruno Hauptmann was arrested in New York and charged with the kidnap-murder of the Lindbergh baby.

1955– President Juan Peron of Argentina was ousted after a revolt by the military.

1957– The United States conducted its first underground nuclear test, in the Nevada desert.

Erin Dyer, Staff Photographer

1985– The Mexico City area was struck by the first of two devastating earthquakes that claimed some 6,000 lives.

Ross Crawford, anthropology sophomore, hops on his bike to ride home Sept. 17 from class near the Den.

1994– U.S. troops entered Haiti to enforce the return of exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Items from Texas culture on display at Wittliff Collections

1995– The New York Times and The Washington Post published the Unabomber’s manifesto.

2001– The Pentagon ordered combat aircraft to the Persian Gulf in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

2002– President George W. Bush asked Congress for authority to use military force if necessary to disarm and overthrow Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein if he did not abandon weapons of mass destruction 2004– Hu Jintao became the undisputed leader of China with the departure of former President Jiang Zemin from his top military post.

2008– Struggling to stave off financial catastrophe, the Bush administration asked Congress for $700 billion to buy up troubled mortgagerelated assets from U.S. financial institutions.

2008– AMC’s “Mad Men” became the first basic-cable show to win a top series Emmy award.

2010– The BP oil well that had spilled hundred of millions of oil into the Gulf of Mexico was sealed with a permanent cement plug.

—Courtesy of The New York Times

In junction with the 2012–2013 Common Experience, the Wittliff Collections are currently displaying “Global Odyssey: From Texas to the World and Back,” an exhibition created from their rich literary holdings.

As Texans, we share a distinct heritage that we carry with us in all we do. Often, it is impossible to realize how much of our homeland sticks to the bottom of our shoes until we venture off to new places. While the items on display are from all corners of the world, the feel of it is distinctly Texan.

Old photographs, travel writing, passports and other materials and memorabilia from the journeys of renowned Texas writers exude a feeling of familiarity and adventure. Though each journey was different and each piece of literature distinct, the writers all used this life experience as an inspiration to write the literature of our state.

Also on view is “Las Sombras / The Shadows: Photograms by Kate Breakey,” an exhibition showcasing a new art book that speaks the natural language of the Southwest.

An Australian native now living in Arizona, Kate Breakey tells a story of stumbling upon a dead female coyote on the side of the road in Tucson. Before burying the coyote, Breakey laid the creature on a

sheet of photographic paper and, using the nineteenth-century camera-less technique, exposed her to light to capture the shadow. The result, developed in the darkroom, is a compelling piece of art in which the shadow reveals itself as the bright part of the image.

“Their imprints, ghostly shadows, are burned directly onto paper with light and with love to make a permanent record, a lasting impression,” Breakey said.

The galleries are filled with more than 200 of these life-size photograms of our region’s flora and fauna, all arranged by the artist in a Victorian “salon style.” Also on view are several hand-colored digital pieces from Breakey’s new series, “Creatures of Light and Darkness.”

The Wittliff Collections allow students not only to take part in the Common Experience, but to meet the woman who brought light to an old-fashioned process of recording shadows. An artist reception and book signing with Kate Breakey will be held Saturday, Nov. 10.

Admission is free and all are welcome. For details, visit the Wittliff Collections online at www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu, or call 512-245-2313.

—Courtesy of Amaris Diaz

Advertisement | The University Star | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | 3

4 | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | The University Star

OPINIONS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

Extra game day parking fees unfair to students with permits

Kara Ramer, Star Illustrator

T

he university’s handling of spectator parking at the Mill Street lot for the Texas Tech football game added insult to injury for students caught in the day’s chaos.

Not satisfied with $105 for each purple permit, Texas State chose to charge an additional $10 to park in the commuter perimeter lot around Bobcat Village on the day of the Tech game. In doing so, the university ignored the fact that those with commuter permits clearly already paid for parking as well as the mandatory athletics fee.

Charging commuters extra to park in their own lot is not typical Texas State game day procedure, though the traffic and parking regulations say additional fees may apply at certain times. Springing the new rule on students during an already hectic day was unfair.

The $10 fee is not unreasonable for college game day parking in the Mill Street lot near Bobcat Stadium. Tech fans in attendance were likely accustomed to paying much more for parking at other universities on their football schedule. Charging those without a permit to use conveniently located spaces is to be expected. However, students

with commuter passes have already paid their dues and deserve full usage of their spaces, especially when they come to support Texas State’s football team.

No students were affected quite as unfairly as those living in Bobcat Village. Residents were sent an email the night before explaining that if they left the apartment complex in their car during the game, they would not be allowed back into the silver permit zone. If residents left, they would be forced to pay the $10 to park in the surrounding commuter area. This effectively told students they could not leave their apartments, despite paying $245 for a silver permit.

Officials with the University Police Department and Parking Services vigorously enforced these rules when they surely could have found more productive uses of their time during the chaotic day. The university put quick and easy money ahead of the rights of students, who already paid $245 for silver permits. These backward priorities are nothing short of shameful, especially after the increase in parking permit fees this year.

Fortunately, the Associated Student Government recognized the problem and used its pull with the administration to fix the issue. With any hope, students can expect more reasonable parking restrictions in future games. It is doubtful, however, that any other home game on Texas State’s schedule will demand as many spaces as the Tech game

Democrats place education on the main stage

By Ravi Venkataraman Opinions Columnist

T

he Democratic National Convention built upon issues largely unaddressed at the Republican convention by emphasizing the importance of expanding Pell Grants and college tax credits.

The party made an effort to reach out to younger voters at this year’s convention by urging them to vote and take a hold of their future. The convention hosted a range of speakers including up-and-coming politicians like Julian Castro, celebrities like Scarlett Johansson and Kal Penn, professors and students.

On the second night of the convention, former president Bill Clinton added to the momentum.

“If you want every American to vote, and you think it’s wrong to change voting procedures just to reduce the turnout of younger, poorer, minority and disabled voters, you should support Barack Obama,” Clinton said Sept. 5 at the convention.

While Republicans praise presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s extensive business background and believe it will restore the American economy, Democrats have a different approach.

According to the Brookings Institution, Detroit’s manufacturing sector grew 10 percent between the second quarter of 2010 and that of 2011. While statistics show cities in the Rust Belt are economically recovering, analysts know this will not be sustainable in the long term. According to the same report, 43 percent of job openings nationally in 2012 require a bachelor’s degree or more. By stressing education and making it more accessible, President Barack Obama is creating a plan for steady,

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

enduring growth that will pull the economy out of its current state.

“So, help me,” Obama said at the Sept.

6 convention. “Help me recruit a hundred thousand math and science teachers within 10 years and improve early childhood education. Help give 2 million workers the chance to learn skills at their community college that will lead directly to a job. Help us work with colleges and universities to cut in half the growth of tuition costs over the next 10 years.”

Creating manufacturing jobs in the U.S. is extremely important. However, the focus of global economic competition has transitioned from industrialization to innovation.

If the United States cannot provide the means to receive a solid education, it will fall behind sooner than expected to rising economic powers such as China and India, who are investing billions into math and science programs.

“And, after a decade in which exploding college costs have increased the drop-out rate so much that we’ve fallen to 16th in the world in the percentage of our young adults with college degrees, (Obama’s) student loan reform lowers the cost of federal student loans and, even more importantly, gives students the right to repay the loans as a fixed percentage of their incomes for up to 20 years,” Clinton said Sept. 5 at the convention. “That means no one will have to drop out of college for fear they can’t repay their debt, and no one will have to turn down a job, as a teacher, a police officer or a small town doctor, because it doesn’t pay enough to make the debt payments. This will change the future for young Americans.”

If the United States wants to compete on an international level, it needs to better prepare itself and future generations through education. To do that, it needs someone who understands the value of education, not someone who expects students to be able to afford education without additional aid.

—Ravi Venkataraman is a creative writing masters student.

Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor............................................Karyn Kittlitz, starwebeditor@txstate.edu

did. At the very least, Bobcat Village residents might not be barred from entering their own apartment complex without an extra fee next time.

Football games, especially ones as large as the one against Tech, are a valuable asset for the university. They are full of opportunities to monetize school spirit, including concession, merchandise and ticket sales. University officials’ looking for ways to capitalize on game attendance is not surprising or wrong. It is essential if the university hopes to keep pace with other major athletic programs across the country.

But, surprising students with fees for parking spaces they already paid for is a dishonest cheap-shot that runs contrary to Texas State athletics’ policy of free home game attendance for students. There are plenty of opportunities to make money off students at football games, but the university should not have forced it out of them—especially when they already paid for a parking space.

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board.

Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Mill Street tram route needs additional buses

By Alex Pernice Opinions Columnist

F

or many students who live offcampus, especially those who live on Mill Street, getting to class via the tram system has already become a challenge this semester.

The increase in population due to the “phase 2” completion of Copper Beech and Aspen Heights communities within the Mill Street area has caused intense congestion on the tram route. According to a Sept. 6 University Star article, an additional 1,000 students are using the Mill Street bus route this semester.

This surge in population numbers has resulted in many problems for students commuting to campus in a timely manner. Transportation Services should either plan to expand their Mill Street line with more buses, or split the current resources between separate Copper Beech and Aspen Heights routes.

I have learned getting to class on time from my home at Copper Beech requires catching a bus at least 45 minutes in advance. On some mornings while waiting for an available tram, I have seen two or three completely full buses pass by. Because of this, I now tend to leave my house at least an hour early. There have been many other residents who have experienced similar issues as well. When students wake up extra early to catch a bus to campus and end up getting to class 10 minutes late, it may discourage some from even trying to go in the first place.

There has been some confusion about the total number of buses on the

Multimedia Editor.........................Alex Peña, starmultimediaeditor@txstate.edu Design Editor................................Michelle Wadsworth, stardesign@txstate.edu Account Executive........................................Christina Carr, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive...................................Casey Neubauer, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive..................................Michelle Rohmer, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist.............................................Mary Scheske, ms88@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

Mill Street route. I have often stood at the bus loop wondering why more than a handful of Aquarena Springs buses have passed by while no Mill Street buses are in sight. Several buses should be relocated to the Mill Street route in order to adequately serve the area because of the huge influx of residents to both Copper Beech and Aspen Heights.

To make things even more convenient for students, separating Aspen Heights and Copper Beech into two bus routes could help relieve traffic. As the community of students continues to grow, the transportation system should become more streamlined and efficient.

By dividing up the two complexes, the university could better ensure that students can travel to and from campus with greater ease.

This year, the traffic at The Quad bus loop has been frustrating for students. To help alleviate this issue, the university needs to better utilize the LBJ bus loop during the school week. If half of the total trams went to each area, it would be a lot easier to find a bus without having to push and shove to get there. Plus, overwhelming crowds become a safety hazard for tram drivers, especially when students stand close to the curb or in the path of oncoming buses.

Since campus population numbers have significantly increased each year, students end up spending many school days waiting at least half an hour for a bus to take them to campus. Overall, it would make sense to divide the existing number of buses between The Quad and LBJ bus loops to create less hassle.

Students’ lives will be made a lot easier if something is done to combat the congestion problems on the Mill Street route. If students want to see improvements any time soon, Transportation Services must implement changes as soon as possible.

—Alex Pernice is a mass communication sophomore.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000.

Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright Wednesday, August 25, 2012. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy.

Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

Advertisement | The University Star | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | 5

6 | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | The University Star

TRENDS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

Students, faculty explain process of ‘coming out’

By Jordan Gass-Poore’ Trends Reporter

Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

Stephen González, communication design senior, is the former president of the Lambda organization.

Love notes between Barbara Billings, biology freshman, and her former girlfriend Ana were kept hidden in the only place the high school couple felt was safe: Ana’s backpack.

However, the day Ana left her backpack on the family’s couch was the day her mother said she was told by God to search through its contents.

The truth had come out.

Billings may now be able to joke with her father about women they find mutually attractive. However, that was not the case when, at 17 years old, she was prompted by the discovery of her love notes to Ana to tell her parents she is a lesbian.

“My parents are very awkwardly okay with it, (but) at the same time they think it’s just a phase,” she said.

“I really want them to understand it’s not a phase.”

In high school, Billings and Stephen González, communication design senior, were in different phases of coming out.

González said he referred to the advice of his priest and did not let others’ words influence him, despite being teased in high school for his sexual orientation.

“My priest told me this: ‘The first thing you have to realize is it’s your

life, and you have to make of it what you want it to be,’” González said. “I remember thinking, ‘If someone isn’t going to accept me, then why do I need them in my life?’”

The advice from González’s priest proved to be healthy—not only for him, but for his bullies too. He said his former bullies have since made amends with him.

González transferred from Del Mar College to Texas State in 2010.

He said the move allowed him to fully express himself and make lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender friends.

He did not want to fear that relatives would discover his sexuality.

González’s membership in Lambda of Texas State, a social and educational organization for LGBT students and their straight allies, provided the impetus for change within himself.

He said his position as president of Lambda of Texas State gave him the confidence to tell his parents he is gay.

“It was shocking at the time,” González said. “They were scared and confused. However, at the end of the conversation, they were laughing.

I think they realized they did not need to approve of my lifestyle. They just needed to accept me as their son.”

Andy Campbell, art and design senior lecturer, said he was privileged to have had an easy time coming out to

his family and friends.

The Austinite said in a way, his mother “dragged him out of the closet” at 12 or 13 years old.

When Campbell was about six years old, a desire to bring a “very cute” gymnastics instructor flowers was, in retrospect, the moment he knew his sexuality.

González was in seventh grade when he realized his attraction to men.

However, in hindsight, he experienced a similar scenario as Campbell.

When González was about four years old, he found himself enjoying holding hands with a boy.

González said he struggled with his romantic feelings thinking “Was ‘this’ going to be with him forever?”

He said a best friend’s mother, whose brother is gay, approached and reassured him that his sexual orientation was not wrong. He said she was the first adult to do so.

Since then, González said he has matured and thrived at Texas State, because of his fellow Lambda members, who are considered family.

“I definitely think this campus is LGBT friendly,” he said. “It is really accepting, because now I’m at the point where I don’t care who knows about me. And it’s not like I say, ‘Hi, I’m Stephen and I’m gay,’ but I genuinely feel that this is a safe campus.”

Acquisition librarians expand academic resources

By Paige Lambert Trends Reporter Within the walls of Alkek Library are resources and books of all kinds. Dissertation writers, book worms and last-minute test crammers swarm the building by the thousands every day.

Faculty and staff collaborate to find the best material to help students get the grades and expand their research to fill eight stories of knowledge.

Requests for material can come from anyone. Students and guests can put in a request through Alkek’s web page, stating the urgency and format of the material. Each department has faculty liaisons and subject librarians who use a system that alerts them when a new title for their designated subject is available.

Faculty liaisons look for material best suited for research, while subject librarians are more focused on student needs, said Paivi Rentz, head acquisitions librarian.

The subject librarians see what resources students request every day and try to fill that need.

Acquisition librarians look for awards and reviews for requested material to see if it would be a good buy. These librarians allocate money for each department, determining where the biggest need is and renewing subscriptions.

Rentz said the books can come from academic distribution centers or commercial bookstores, depending on the availability and reputation of the company.

The material is ordered every fiscal quarter. Doing so helps the purchasing system run and conserve money for requested material.

While the allocation covers all types of resources, some departments put more emphasis on nonconventional material. The division of dance, for example, has eight to 10 databases of choreographed video and documentaries.

The Department of Theater and Dance looks for different formats of plays based on the ones requested by students, said faculty liaison John Fleming. There are also radio play versions so students can hear professional actors’ dialogue.

Requesting up-to-date material can also aid the expansion of a department’s possibilities.

“We had to show that we had adequate library material for MFA,” Fleming said.

“We got as much creative stuff as possible.

We actually have more material than UT Austin.”

To keep the standard for an MFA, the Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor Department of Theater and Dance is working on getting a catalog of more than 2,000 Sarah Williams, English sophomore, browses the art history section on the seventh floor at Alkek. plays in both electronic and hardcopy form. These new plays will be used mainly for auditions and class projects throughout the year.

The items gathered aren’t just for academia. Many provide information for working in that particular career after graduation.

“Our military science does have history books about Amazonian women and World War Two. There is even an e-book about Medal of Honor recipients,” said collection development librarian Selene Hinojosa. “However, there are also guides to being security personnel and interviewing skills needed for police officers. We try to provide everything students need to be successful.”

Bob Bullock museum provides taste of Texas music over time

By Amy Greene Trends Reporter A Texas music-style time travelling experience is taking patrons on a journey that begins with the Native Americans and continues with sounds that fill radio airwaves.

Gary Hartman, director of the Center for Texas Music History, curated the Texas Music Roadtrip exhibit at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin.

Hartman said he worked on the exhibit for about three years before the doors opened in March. He said the exhibit is organized into five regions of Texas and focuses on the diversity of Texas music.

“So many people, when they think of Texas music, think of country music,” Hartman said. “But anyone who lives here knows that there is so much more to Texas music than just country.

There is blues, gospel, jazz, conjuto, Tejano, rock and roll, German, Czech, Cajun and zydeco.”

The exhibit features photos, costumes, hand-written lyrics, musical instruments and a sampling jukebox that plays nearly every genre of Texas music. He said that visitors can expect to see some of their favorite musicians alongside some unfamiliar musicians.

“There are so many musicians from Texas and so many types of music in Texas,” Hartman said. “We tried to choose famous people and not-so-fa-

mous people. We didn’t want it to just be a hall of fame kind of thing.”

Hartman said one of his favorite artifacts in the exhibit is the songbook of Willie Nelson as a boy.

“You just imagine him as a 10- or 11-year-old kid writing out these songs,” Hartman said. “You can kind of see that he is already forming his songwriting skills, even as a child.”

Kathryn Siefker, exhibit contact coordinator at the Bob Bullock Museum, said that many people have called the museum asking about the exhibit, particularly Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar.

“Obviously it has been a great thrill and it was a great find to have Stevie Ray Vaughan’s number one guitar since it hasn’t been on display since he died in 1990,” Siefker said. “I talked to one guy who lives in Tennessee, and he was going to plan his summer vacation around coming to the museum to see Stevie Ray Vaughan’s guitar. He said it was going to be a pilgrimage for him.”

Siefker said one of her favorite pieces on display is the baby grand piano that used to be at the Armadillo World Headquarters.

“It has been played by so many musicians, like Fats Domino, Neil Diamond, and Bette Midler,” Siefker said.

“If any of those artifacts could talk, I think the piano would have great things to tell us.”

The exhibit will be on display until Oct. 14.

The University Star | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | 7

SPORTS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

FOOTBALL

UNDER THE

HELMET

Rejuvenated Bobcats preparing for Saturday

By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor The Bobcats are in the midst of a new game week after recovering mentally and physically from their first loss of the season to Texas Tech.

“We are a lot more rejuvenated,” said Isaiah Battle, junior wide receiver. “We got our legs back under us. At the same time, we got to learn a lot about our opponent. We came into this week ready to work, feeling fresh. We’re hoping to get this win, because we need it.”

Players admitted the loss was disappointing, but it did not take long to erase the game from their memory. However, Battle is using the loss as further motivation during preparation for SFA. “(We’re) definitely (preparing for SFA) the same if not more (than Houston/Tech),” Battle said. “We know what we don’t want to happen. We have definitely learned from our mistakes from the Tech game.”

The Bobcats used the bye week as a way to get their minds back to normal. In addition, they used the time to rest and nurse injuries after two physical games.

The coaching staff members have not reported any major injuries for the Bobcats. According to a Sept. 13 University Star article, starting running back Marcus Curry, who missed the Tech game, will be back against the Lumberjacks.

“Bye weeks are valuable,” Coach Dennis Franchione said. “Last year we played 12 straight. And mentally, physically and emotionally, that’s a challenge.

I like the fact that we get another open date later (in the season). It does give time for players to work on academics and time for them to rest a little bit.”

The bye week also allows the Bobcats to take a look at the first two games of the season. Franchione and the coaching staff spent the time squaring away any

issues concerning all team units during their film time.

“We spent (the bye week) working on us,” Franchione said. “We tried to find the things to get better at, moved some personnel around, looked at some things offensively and defensively. The focus was on units getting better, positions getting better and players getting better. We identified entities to improve and tried to work on that.”

The Bobcats are hoping to get back to running an efficient, smart and balanced offense against SFA. Both quarterbacks, senior Shaun Rutherford and junior Tyler Arndt, were listed as No. 1s on the official depth chart released this week.

Rutherford got slightly more snaps than Arndt during practice, but the rotation at running back has returned to where it was with the addition of Curry.

The practice involved running plays, including the option read, which was effective against Houston.

The Bobcats’ defense faces a very similar animal this week: a pass-heavy, hurryup offense that likes to use no huddle.

The Bobcats go into the game week preparations for SFA using their experience against Houston and Texas Tech, with fresh legs and strategy.

“The couple of days we got off were to rest our minds and bodies,” senior safety Jason McLean said. “It was good to get everybody healthy again and to get ready for SFA. I think it was a good opportunity to get better in practice, and we are practicing hard.”

SFA (1-2) posted big numbers offensively in two of its games this season.

The Lumberjacks scored 49 points in a win against Southwestern Oklahoma.

SFA scored 35 points in another road loss to Montana State after getting shut out by SMU in Dallas.

Twitter: @jbrewer32

UPCOMING

WAC FOOTBALL TXST Vs. Stephen F. Austin (1-2) 6:00 p.m.

Radio: AM 1260, AM 930, FM 89.9

UTSA Vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State (0-3) 1:00 p.m.

IDAHO Vs. Wyoming (0-3) 4:00pm TV: ESPN3

LTCH @ Illinois (2-1) 7:00pm TV: Big Ten Network

NMST Vs. New Mexico (1-2) 7:00 p.m.

TV: ESPN3

SJST @ San Diego State (2-1) 7:00 p.m.

UTST @ Colorado State (1-2) 6:00 p.m.

Star File Photo

Texas State football has spent the past week preparing for this weekend’s matchup with Stephen F. Austin at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats hope to rebound from their first loss of the season against Texas Tech.

classifieds For Rent/Sale

Jobs

Misc.

2 BED/2 BATH ONLY $655/mo or 1 Bedroom w/ study. Fantastic move-in specials. 3961983

with SPSS A+. Call Sarah 830- 481-7718 or email sewoolse@utmb. edu.

FAX: 972-516-1161 SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39.

For application go to www.123donate.com

FOR SALE - CONDO at Village at Springtown, 2/2 downstairs, tile floors, refrigerator, range, W/D. Walking distance to HEB. For information call 512-3574208 or 512-738-6895.

HERE IN BEAUTIFUL San Marcos, Tx we are looking for new, talented

CALL TODAY! DIRECTV Packages start as low and motivated real estate as $29.99/month.Authorized Directv Dealer/ agents!

Se Habla Espanol High speed internet for less Find out more about us than $.50 a day. Satellite at MyGreatLocations.

Express 818-785-6675 com or email us at

!BARTENDING! Up to $300/day. No experience necessary. Training info@mygreatlocations.

Provided. Age 18+ OK. com (800) 965-6520 ext. 157.

STUDENTPAYOUTS. BARTENDER NEED- COM ED AT RILEY’S TAVERN. Must be self- Paid survey takers needsufficient, reliable, and ed in San Marcos. 100% trustworthy. Must have FREE to join. Click on a current TABC certifisurveys. cation. Please apply at 8894 frankmary 1102 WEEKEND HELP Hunter, TX 78132. www. NEEDED working with rileystavern.com horses & Girl Scouts.

Must be able to ride GRADUATED NURS- a horse. Blue Streak ING STUDENT needs Stables, 830-372-1677. statistics tutor for one hour a week. Must be comfortable with applying basic statistical tests THE EGG DONAto data sets. Familiar TION CENTER of Dallas, Inc. 1720 Avenue K Plano, TX 75074 Phone: Jobs 972-424-9369

8 | Wednesday September 19, 2012 | The University Star | Advertisement