09 27 2012

VOLUME 102, ISSUE 16

www.UniversityStar.com

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

THURSDAY GO NE ONLI NOW

SEPTEMBER 27, 2012

FashioNation

FashioNation is a student organization celebrating its fifth year as the campus’ only fashion club. For more on FashioNation, visit UniversityStar.com.

Alkek assault suspect detained

By Gregory Tate News Reporter A male allegedly under the influence of drugs was arrested and shocked by a stun gun early Wednesday morning after assaulting a woman in Alkek Library.

The unidentified male was arrested after the University Police Department officers shocked him with a stun gun multiple times, according to multiple bystanders. UPD did not return multiple calls for comment.

Nicole Rosenkranz, undecided freshman, said she was leaving the library at approximately 1:40 a.m. Wednesday when a Caucasian male began yelling at her incomprehensibly. He then slapped her as hard as he could and ran into the library, Rosenkranz said.

Rosenkranz said she went back inside the library to tell a security officer what happened, and University Police Department officers entered shortly after.

Tara Dees, international studies freshman, said she and her friends were studying on the fourth floor of Alkek when they heard loud noises. They went downstairs to see what was happening. Dees saw Rosenkranz’ alleged attacker lying on the ground.

Dees said UPD officers instructed the man to turn over so he could be subdued.

He resisted arrest and began attacking the officers, hitting one of them in the face.

Dees said the officers brought out their stun guns and warned the man multiple times he was going to be shocked. The individual was incompliant so the officers began to shock him several times.

“He was so whacked out on all those

READ ASSAULT, PAGE 2

Students to gain new transcript program

By Nicole Barrios News Reporter New technology will be unveiled early next month to improve the documentation of Bobcats’ activities, awards and involvement.

The iCAT, or Individualized Co-curricular Activities Transcript, will be a second transcript for students to utilize in recording not only academic achievements, but also involvement in the university and community.

Joanne Smith, vice president for student affairs, said six dimensions are included in the transcript. Organization involvement, leadership skills, academic success, special interests, career preparation and civic engagement are compiled to create these transcripts. The transcript will allow students to capture different aspects of life in which students are involved outside of the classroom.

Smith said they plan to complete all final details of the transcript program and are projected to have it up and running within the first two weeks of October.

Smith said the staff will be able to access the program during advising sessions and see students’ involvement with activities relating to their majors and career paths.

READ iCAT, PAGE 2

TENANT TROUBLES

Student renters encounter unforeseen charges

Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

Nancy Moore is disputing fees from Villagio Apartments after a subleaser left her daughter’s unit in poor condition. Moore’s daughter is being charged for damages she claims she is not responsible for.

By Taylor Tompkins Assistant News Editor Nancy Moore, a full-time triathlon athlete, said she has better things to do than fight her daughter’s former apartment complex.

Moore’s daughter lived at the Villagio apartment complex off Aquarena Springs this summer. Though she only lived there for two months, Moore’s daughter was charged for chipped paint and dirty carpets after moving out.

Sylvia Holmes, an attorney for Texas State students, said half of the cases coming into the Attorney for Students office are landlord-tenant complaints.

Many students are concerned with security deposits that have been paid and are not returned to them or receiving a bill for additional charges.

Holmes said apartment complexes compare damage reports that tenants fill out to determine who is responsible for the damages.

“I wasn’t expecting to see a $138 bill come in the mail,” Moore said. “I don’t pay bills that I can’t justify or have proof of services from. It’s a principle thing.”

Holmes said evidence of damages or lack thereof is crucial when disputing these charges. She said the best way to be proactive about fees is to take pictures when moving into an apartment

and filling out and making copies of inventory sheets.

“Otherwise it’s your word against theirs, and between a 19-year-old versus a 50-year-old who has been doing business for 20 years, there’s not so much credibility there,” Holmes said. “I hate to say it, but that’s the reality of the situation.”

Arielle Brea Lofton, nutrition and foods junior, lived in the same unit as Moore’s daughter from August to May. “I actually had to clean when I came in,” Lofton said. “If someone cleaned they didn’t do a very good job. Every-

READ APARTMENTS, PAGE 2

I wasn’t expecting to see a $138 bill come in the mail. I don’t pay bills that I can’t justify or have proof of services from. It’s a principle thing.”

—Nancy Moore, parent of former Villagio resident

Chartwells to sell Dr Pepper on campus

By Gregory Tate News Reporter After an absence of more than five years, Dr Pepper will be back on campus due to collaboration between Chartwells, Auxiliary Services and the Associated Student Government.

Dr Pepper will be distributed campuswide in bottle and fountain form, and Pibb Xtra will be phased out of dining halls and retail locations. John Root, director of Auxiliary Services, said the soft drink should be in dining halls by the end of October. Dr Pepper is already being sold in the Paws Market and other Chartwells retail locations.

Chartwells is independently contracted with Coca-Cola. Dr Pepper was removed from campus in 2007 after Coke Zero was

released. ASG president Nathan McDaniel and vice president Alison Sibley worked with Chartwells over the summer and negotiated a contract to distribute Dr Pepper again.

Root said it has been five years since Dr Pepper has been on campus, but Chartwells and ASG knew the soda was popular and wanted to find a way to bring it back to Texas State.

McDaniel said some students reacted negatively when Dr Pepper was phased out in 2007. “(The complaints) have died down a little bit since then, but there’s always been a constant pecking at it,” McDaniel said.

Sibley said because Coke Zero has become an established soft drink, the timing was perfect to bring back Dr Pepper. McDaniel, Sibley and a Chartwells national

representative negotiated with Coca-Cola to include Dr Pepper in their contract.

“It’s apparent now that companies are willing to work more for Texas State and want to be on this campus and give back to the students,” Sibley said.

The contract will expire May 31, 2015 and is worth approximately $475,000 annually.

Root said there is a $300,000 sponsorship payment that must be paid every fiscal year. Every time someone purchases an item from one of the more than 220 vending machines on campus, Coca-Cola keeps a portion of the money and Texas State keeps a portion in commission. Texas State makes between $160,000 and $175,000 from vending machine commissions per

READ DR PEPPER, PAGE 2

Bike lane improvements added in city

By Sara Elmiaari News Reporter The City of San Marcos is in the process of adding and improving bike lanes around town in response to complaints from cyclists and drivers alike.

Bike lanes have been added to River Road, Thorpe Lane, Cheatham Street and portions of C.M. Allen Parkway.

These lanes will help make San Marcos more cyclist friendly, Sabas Avila, assistant director of Public Services and Transportation for the city, said.

The city also put out a bike facility map last year. The map detailed San Marcos’ different bike lanes and their varying difficulty levels in an attempt to make cyclists feel more comfortable Katrina Barber, staff photographer

and safe.

Avila said the city does not have a set number of bike lane mileage it must meet. The Public Services and Transportation department is in the process of implementing a “complete streets initiative.” Whenever a road is re-paved or undergoing construction, the department will look at the road to see if anything can be done to help it accommodate more users.

“The days of just building roads for cars don’t apply anymore,” Avila said.

“We can’t keep up with the pace of vehicles, and we want to try to encourage people to get out of their vehicles by making roads more accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and transits.”

Avila said the department looked

at River Road in particular to try to make the four-way road accessible to more cyclists and pedestrians, increase safety and alleviate traffic.

The department met with the neighborhood along River Road and came up with a plan Avila calls a “roadway diet.”

River Road was reduced to three lanes, one going in each direction plus a center turn lane. Bike lanes were added on either side. The bike lanes created a buffer for pedestrians using the sidewalk along the road, Avila said.

“Almost immediately after we completed the project, we noticed more

READ BIKE LANES, PAGE 2

Corey Walo, sound recording technology senior, and Sarah Warren, biochemistry senior, ride their bikes Sept. 22 on Comanche Street. San Marcos will now seek to improve or add bike lanes to roads under construction to reduce congestion.

2 | Thursday September 27, 2012 | The University Star

NEWS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

APARTMENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

thing I was charged for was something I reported when I moved in.”

Lofton paid approximately $200 in fees after she moved out. She said her appeals to the complex regarding the fees were brushed to the side.

Lofton believes she was not taken seriously because the complex was receiving numerous complaints identical to hers at the time.

Hannah Voight, Villagio employee , said the complex charges $250 if it has to find

iCAT

a subleaser. People who sublease pay no deposit fee for moving into the apartment.

Other apartments such as University Heights, The Lodge and River Oaks Villas have similar policies regarding subleases, according to representatives in their offices.

Holmes said renters in Texas must give written move-out notice at least 30 days in advance and they must also give the landlord a forwarding address. The landlord then has 30 days to return renters’ money

ASSAULT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Daniel Brown, Personalized Academic Career Exploration center director and University College dean, said the new transcript will strengthen students’ resumes. It will give documentation from the university showing what students have been involved in.

“I don’t know of any school our size that’s tried to do this,” Brown said. “It’s another example of us being way ahead of the curve.”

Brown said the program will differentiate Texas State students as candidates for employment from other candidates across the nation.

“I want the work that our students present to be so exceptional that employers, graduate schools and professional schools not only want just one (Texas state student), they want five or six or seven or eight all at once,” Brown said.

Smith said students will be able to record information on events they have attended prior to this year. Many students will already have information on their new transcript from past events.

BIKE LANES

Smith said the event management system will automatically capture information when students use their student ID cards to swipe in at events. Additionally, students will be able to input their own information about involvement in organizations, clubs and activities, which will have a contact listed for verification.

Kevin McCarty, supervisor of System Services, said the department started to work on the system this July.

McCarty said they were “thankfully ahead of the game” in gathering information since 2002 from a greek members database, club database and student organization officers database they have managed.

Smith said the Student Affairs technology team has done a good job of quickly pulling together the tools and information already available to create the transcript program.

“It’ll be a great tool for students to be able to indicate how involved they were on campus and what kind of skills they’ve developed,” Smith said.

disagreements, Holmes said. The Attorney for Students office provides templates to students who are having these issues.

The Attorney for Students office’s services are free, and representatives will go over individual leases and explain renters’ rights and options with students.

“There are hundreds of college students who are going to have this kind of marking on their record,” Moore said. “It could affect their entire lives’ worth of credit rating.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

drugs,” Dees said. “(The officers) kept stopping because he seemed like he was okay and was done and then (he) would get back up and start swinging again.”

Rosenkranz said the man was shocked at least three times before officers could subdue him. She heard the man say he was under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Jessica Fiedler, accounting sophomore, said the officers enlisted the help of bystanders to control the man.

“They were like, ‘Does anyone want to help with this?’ and I thought they were being sarcastic,” Peeler said. “But they were like, ‘No, seriously, does anyone

DR PEPPER

want to help?’”

Quentin Delagarza, political science sophomore, was one of the students who helped subdue the man. Delagarza said he heard the man admit to being under the influence of LSD and mushrooms. Delagarza was treated on-sight for a mild injury sustained during the incident.

“He hit a girl. I don’t stand for that,” Delagarza said.

Rosenkranz said she had never seen the man before the incident.

“I told UPD that I never wanted to see him again, and they said that I won’t because he’ll be in jail for a very long time,” Rosenkranz said.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

people riding their bikes up and down River Road,” Avila said.

Avila said he hears complaints from both drivers and cyclists regarding the status of the city’s bike lanes. A common driver complaint is more congestion is created when lanes are reduced to increase the size of bike routes. Avila said this is not true.

“What’s actually happening is by creating bike lanes, you’re taking people out of their vehicles and nine out of 10 times there is plenty of capacity on the roadways to accommodate those vehicles with less lanes than were originally there,” Avila said.

Peter Vogt, geography junior and vice president of the Texas State cycling team, said he likes using bike lanes because they are safer than riding on the side of the road. However, he said San Marcos’ bike lanes do not serve the community’s bicycling needs.

“It’s very easy to demonstrate that there aren’t bike lanes that go everywhere. So, it’s not a cohesive system and doesn’t serve everyone appropriately,” Vogt said. “The system is flawed.”

Jeff Engel, computer information systems junior, said it would be helpful if there were more bike lanes on Aquarena Springs Drive and Old Ranch Road. He said while there are bike lanes on Wonder World Drive, there are other heavily commuted roads in town that need to be accessible to cyclists.

Engel said making San Marcos more cyclist-friendly would be helpful for commuters.

“There isn’t much parking here at Texas State. So, it would be helpful for a lot of students because the trams are packed,” Engel said. “I understand it would be difficult to build a lot more bike lanes, but it would be extremely helpful.”

wild art

fiscal year.

The new contract included the addition of environmentally sustainable cups to every campus dining hall other than Harris and Commons. Root said ASG had a large hand in this incentive.

McDaniel said Coca-Cola initially did not want to include the cups in the contract because they start to decompose if they are not used quickly.

“We ensured them that we would use

The Wittliff Collections are co-sponsoring more readings with the Burdine Johnson Foundation, the Therese Kayser Lindsey Reading Series and the Department of English this semester, continuing a tradition of hosting exciting literary events. This week Texas State will welcome poet, author and translator Olga Broumas. Having grown up in Greece, Broumas often dips into classical mythology and fairytales with a native hand that navigates their relevance to modern readers with unstudied grace. The lull of her work is captivating, combining this lore with ever-present erotic undertones. Her poetry appears well-measured, even quiet, on the page, but Broumas explores ecstatic expression. The wordsmith’s poetry is meant to be heard in her own voice. Books by Broumas include “Beginning with O,” “Soie Sauvage,” “Pastoral Jazz,” “Black Holes,” “Black Stockings with Jane Miller,” “Perpetua,” “Sappho’s Gymnasium” with “T. Begley” and

Matt Jones, business management senior, keeps his balance while slacklining Sept. 25 at Sewell Park.

Correction

John Casares, Staff Photographer

Nathan McDaniel and Alison Sibley, ASG president and vice president, worked during the summer to negotiate an agreement with Coca-Cola to allow Dr Pepper to be distributed on campus.

them fast enough,” McDaniel said. “And on top of that, we know that our students will be drinking Dr Pepper.”

McDaniel and Sibley said they have received nothing but positive feedback from students about the return of Dr Pepper.

“If we can make one person feel at home because they see a Dr Pepper in their refrigerator, and now they see it in their Chartwells dining facility, then I’m a happy camper,” Sibley said.

PAGE TWO library beat Olga Broumas to visit Wittliff Collections

Katrina Barber, Staff Photographer

A Sept. 26 University Star article, “Football focuses on tactics to prepare for upcoming Nevada game,” should have said the football team was getting ready to take on University of Nevada-Reno.

It’s good medicine!

or send an itemized bill explaining why the money is not being sent.

“They’ve got to say what the charges are,” Holmes said. “They don’t have to give you receipts. They just have to give you essentially a bill that says ‘You had a $500 deposit. We’re keeping $100 for carpet, $50 for light bulbs, $60 for drip pans and here’s the remainder of your money.’”

A student who is unhappy with deductions and charges can argue the bill by writing a letter to the landlord expressing the

“Rave: Poems, 1975–1999.” She has also translated three books by Odysseas Elytis.

These include “What I Love: Selected Poems,” “The Little Mariner” and “Eros, Eros, Eros: Selected and Last Poems.” Broumas will read at the Wittliff Collections Sept. 27 at 3:30 p.m. and sign books after.

The reading series will continue with one of San Marcos’ newest residents, Cristina García. García is the author of novels, including “Dreaming in Cuban,” “The Agüero Sisters,” “Monkey Hunting,” “A Handbook to Luck,” “The Lady Matador’s Hotel” and “Dreams of Significant Girls,” to name a few. She is currently serving as the university endowed chair in creative writing at Texas State and will read Oct. 2 at 3:30 p.m. For the full list of events at the Wittliff Collections, visit www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu.

--Courtesy of Stephanie Motz

The University Star | Thursday September 27, 2012 | 3

OPINIONS

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

First-time renters must be wary of unfair landlord practices

Haley Householder, Star Illustrator

S

tudents should educate themselves on apartment leasing contracts and campus attorney resources in an effort to avoid paying excessive violation fees.

One of the most exciting experiences for any college student is leasing an apartment for the first time. Without having to deal with dorm rules or floor meetings, students finally get a real kitchen to cook their food, a larger space to decorate and can even throw a party or two.

But there are dangers in leasing an apartment, too, especially for students who are vulnerable first-time renters. It is too easy for apartment owners to take advantage of the naïve.

First and foremost, it is important that students read their leasing contracts carefully. In the excitement of picking out a first apartment, students may be tempted to merely skim 20-page leasing agreements, but that is not a good idea. Some violations of leasing contracts can result in significant fees, so it is important that students know and follow the rules and regulations of their apartments.

The Attorney for Students, located in the Dean of Students Office, exists to help students with legal matters.

The attorneys can review leasing contracts with students before they sign so they know what specific guidelines to follow. Students can also receive help from the office when they feel their rights as tenants have been violated and hold apartment owners accountable to the law.

Even when students have done everything possible to keep their apartments in good shape upon move-out, landlords may still try to keep student security deposits without explanation. This is not only unfair, but it is also illegal.

Staff Attorney Sylvia Holmes said in a Sept. 27 University Star article that landlords are required to send tenants an itemized bill explaining why they are keeping a student’s security deposit.

If students feel they are being charged unfairly for damages, they can write a letter to their landlord. The Attorney for Students offers a template for such a letter.

Landlord-tenant complaints take up about half of all cases that come to the Attorney for Students Office. So, it is not an uncommon problem. According to the same article, Emily Moore and her mother Nancy were angry

after being charged for dirty carpets and chipped paint in an apartment Emily subleased out for a mere two months.

The Moore family’s case is just one of many cautionary apartment leasing tales.

According to Holmes, the best proactive step a student can take to protect themselves from unfair fees is to make copies of their inventory sheet and take pictures when moving into a new apartment to document any deficiencies. That way, students will not find themselves in a “he said, she said” situation that pits a student against a powerful business owner.

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.

Research priorities should remain competitive with other universities

By Ravi Venkataraman Opinions Columnist

T

exas State, with a relatively new emerging research status, should put more funding into exploratory efforts in order to remain competitive with fellow Tier 2 institutions and top-level research universities.

The university recently took advantage of its emerging research status to promote the successful Pride in Action fundraising campaign. The $125 million raised from the campaign will be put toward a variety of campus projects, including renovations of Alkek Library, support for a larger student body, more scholarships and the construction of a new Performing Arts Center.

Texas Tech University, a fellow emerging research institution, is putting its Vision and Tradition campaign funds toward scholarships, fellowships, new facilities and most notably, endowments to attract teachers and researchers. According to a Sept. 13 University Star article, the Tech campaign has raised about $925 million over the last two years.

In fundraising efforts, Texas State does not match up to Texas Tech. Tech has made significant contributions to the physical and natural science fields in the past 40 years by developing a researchdriven culture. In addition, United Supermarkets, a Texas grocery store chain, has contributed millions of dollars to the Tech fundraising campaign, according to an Aug. 29 article on the Vision and Tradition: The Campaign for Texas Tech website.

However, as a new emerging research institution, Texas State can learn from Tech’s history and aim to increase fundraising, research and campus development. This is especially true with additional funding from the Texas Research

Incentive Program. The Center for Research Commercialization, which focuses on environmental sustainability and biotechnology, will help launch a variety of new projects. Additionally, the initial $1 million gift for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will fuel a solid start to an era of Texas State research.

Likewise, the new Science, Technology and Advanced Research Park will focus on turning high-tech analysis into attractive products for businesses and start-ups. The new academic buildings under construction seem prospectively promising.

Yet, the university’s goal of creating more master’s and doctoral programs and increasing research does not seem to fall in line with the overall designated fiscal budget. According to the 2012 fiscal year budget numbers, $225,325 was allocated to the new doctorate program in materials science. However, approximately $74,000 more was designated to the marching band than to the new program. These materials science students will be leading research in new laboratories. And if the program is not funded enough, how can they conduct

groundbreaking research properly?

Texas State is primarily an undergraduate-serving institution. Access and affordability are clear concerns of the Texas State University System. But, the value of the basic degree is not necessarily positively correlated with how many total degrees are awarded. With the new emerging research title, Texas State must invest in and actively promote a wide variety of research projects.

In the long term, focusing on research projects and a more active application of textbooks to real-life situations will help promote a constructive learning environment at Texas State. The synergy between the two components will better prepare students, both graduates and undergraduates, for the increasingly competitive job market. As always, it is important to keep the university on par with other emerging research institutions, especially if Texas State plans to move toward a Tier 1 classification level in the future.

-—Ravi Venkataraman is a creative writing masters student.

Texas State’s emergency response systems deserve student gratitude

By Alex Pernice Opinions Columnist

B

obcats should be thankful for the extensive safety and alert systems that are in place at Texas State amid recent security threats at college campuses in the country.

The bomb threats at the University of Texas and Louisiana State University have caused a stir both on national and local media networks. Other occurrences have also sparked concerns for students at Texas State. According to a Sept. 15 University Star brief, two custodial workers were assaulted at knife-point while walking on the west side The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

of campus.

In light of recent events, it seems as though not enough credit is given to the emergency response systems here at the university. The University Police Department’s emergency alert procedures and RAVE system may be taken for granted by many students on campus.

According to a Sept. 14 CBS News article, emergency texts and sirens were not sent out or blared until about 30 minutes prior to when the alleged bombs were supposed to detonate at UT, even though the university received the threat from a phone call more than an hour beforehand.

Many students specifically take for granted the speed at which the Texas State emergency response system sends out notifications. The Texas State emergency alert system provides the community with immediate information when it is needed most.

There are a number of ways UPD can get emergency messages out to students on or off campus. For example, the messages sent

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

to the signboards in campus classrooms are excellent ways of spreading information.

They are discreet, quick, and create a sense of urgency for those who may need to act immediately.

UPD’s RAVE system is a relatively new and useful service. By registering for the system, users can receive text alerts about any sudden danger on campus. It is a quick and convenient way to be notified of important information. It is certainly a service worth checking out, seeing as it uses everyday devices to warn students of potentially dangerous situations.

The alert emergency and timely warning emails are some of the most effective methods for getting urgent information to students, faculty and staff. The service can be as effective as a text message, as many phones today have apps that alert their owners of incoming emails.

If students are not convinced of the sophistication of the security systems in the area, they should take a look at the situation

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

in Bastrop last year. According to a Sept. 28, 2011 University Star article, Hays County used the Capital Area Council of Governments’ Emergency Notification System to notify residents by telephone of the approaching wildfires. The system is much like Texas State’s RAVE system. The response was fantastic, and, because of it, many lives were saved. It is because of systems like these that there are such advanced emergency response methods here at Texas State.

The next time something as serious as the recent security threats pops up in your inbox or cell phone, do not simply pass over it. The Texas State emergency response and RAVE systems work hard to keep students safe and enable them to continue with education as worry-free 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 Thursday, September 27, 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

4 | Thursday September 27, 2012 | The University Star

TRENDS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

By Emily Collins Trends Reporter

Children’s author and Texas State alumna

Photo courtesy of Diana Lopez

One Texas State alumna has addressed the issue of unintentional strangulation deaths among young adults in her newest novel.

According to Center for Disease Control data, an estimated 82 children and adolescents died from unintentional strangulation between 1995 and 2007. Often mistaken for suicide, children who participate in what is known as “the choking game” fall victim to what begins as an innocuous attempt to experience a temporary high.

Diana Lopez, author and Texas State alumna, addresses the exhilaration and consequences of the game in her newly released novel, “Choke.” The story focuses on Windy, an insecure eighthgrade girl. When she befriends the mysterious new girl Nina, Windy embarks on a tumultuous friendship when the girls become “Breath Sisters.”

Lopez is the author of three novels including “Confetti Girl” which was the recipient for the William Allen White Award.

The University Star had the chance to speak with the author about her latest work.

EC: Why write a teen novel about the choking game?

DL: I started writing “Choke” pretty

University gears up for Homecoming festivities in October

By Randi Berkovsky Trends Reporter Posters, talent show auditions, soap box derby team-building and “powder puff” football can only mean one thing on Texas State’s campus: homecoming week is right around the corner.

The week of Oct. 6 to 13 will be full of activities for students to participate in or watch across campus. The activities will promote Bobcat pride and tradition.

The Student Association for Campus Activities will be putting on homecoming again this year and have the entire week packed with all the activities students love such as the powder puff football tournament, soap box derby competition, talent show and spirit rally.

This year, SACA has added two new events to the Homecoming line-up: the Student Organization Olympics and a homecoming concert tour.

“For (the Homecoming concert tour), we are getting Billboard Top 100 charter, Andy Grammer, who is most known for the song ‘Keep Your Head Up,’” said Myisha Bradham, student director of homecoming and SACA Pride and Traditions Coordinator.

Traditional events will be taking place alongside the new ones this year. Students can go to SACA’s Homecoming page on the Texas State website and click

the “participate” tab to find the different forms they need to sign up for events or to run for homecoming king and queen.

“A person must check out eligibility wise, and then they are free to campaign,” Bradham said. “We will have the elections beginning with dukes and duchesses which will be announced at the talent show, followed by gaillardians at the spirit rally, and homecoming king and queen, of course, will be announced at half-time of the football game.”

To promote these events, SACA has a variety of activities planned for The Quad during the week of homecoming.

They plan to sell t-shirts and give away free items such as rally towels, river boxes for floating and tickets to some of the events going on during the week.

Katie Smith, SACA vice president of marketing, said one of the promotional events will be a “Where’s Waldo?”-based game, with Boko substituting for Waldo.

Students can find Boko and take a picture with him to win a prize. She said another “guerilla marketing” tactic SACA plans to use is having a remote control car bump into people, and they get to pick it up and see what prize is on it.

“The more students participate, the better their chances are,” Smith said.

“These free passes could include wristbands to crowded events like the spirit rally or the talent show.”

soon after “Confetti Girl.” The CDC had done a study about the choking game. As a teacher, I was introduced to the effects this game had on some of my students. Even though the game has been a hot topic in the media, no one has really addressed children about the dangers. It motivated me to write the book. I wanted to write it before someone else did.

EC: As a teacher, have you witnessed similar events to those that are portrayed in your novel?

DL: Soon after the CDC report came out in February of 2008, I was teaching at a middle school in San Antonio. I discovered some girls were playing the game when they came to my class with bloodshot eyes. I don’t think they realized what they were doing to themselves. They thought it was funny. The girls didn’t see it as the shocking game it is. I found out they were taking turns choking each other in the bathroom with a scarf. I think students believe this game is okay because it isn’t illegal and doesn’t involve actual drugs. They want to experience that temporary high.

EC: What kind of impression do you hope your work will leave on young readers?

DL: In one respect, it’s a cautionary tale. I want teens to be aware of

FashioNation is still going strong after five years on campus.

FashioNation started in 2008 as a social club for anyone interested in fashion. At the time, the only interest club of that kind was mainly for fashion merchandising majors.

As the group grew in numbers their events grew. Around their third year, the organization coordinated fashion shows for sustainability and breast and prostate cancer.

“Our fashion shows get bigger and bigger every year,” Bianca Soto, fashion merchandising junior, said. “The second year we did boxer night and talked with the advisor for CAMCOSO I realized it was becoming a serious and real, impactful thing.”

FashioNation went through a faculty adviser change.

President Marcus Avila, international studies senior, said the group wanted a fashion merchandising faculty member and someone who would be more involved.

Avila said the new adviser, Keila Tyner, was a great addition and helped organize a trip to see the John Paul Gautier exhibit in Dallas.

“This is a really good, self-guided group,” said Tyner, an assistant professor of Family and Consumer Sciences.

“I think a student organization should be run by the students, so I’m just here to sign forms and suggest ideas. For example, I suggested they develop their own product and sell it to raise funds, but only if they want to.”

FashioNation originally had only members who were fashion-merchandising majors. Its members now include public relations, journalism and even animal science majors.

Avila said he hopes to have an agriculture major join someday, as fashion plays a role in all majors.

“We are all completely different,” Avila said. “What I think is fashion can be completely different from what my VP thinks. Whatever the opinion, we put that aside and focus on the fashion world and helping our members succeed.”

As students changed the demographics of FashioN-

EC: Along with two young adult books, you’ve written a literary novel for adults. Is there one genre you prefer writing over the other?

DL: I don’t know if I’d prefer one over the other. It’s easier to market the children’s books over the adult books.

For example, I’ve been asked to speak at schools and do readings all over Texas. Writing an adult book versus a children’s book is different in the sense that it taps into different emotions. My children’s work tends to be more hopeful.

EC: Texas State has educated many successful writers. Do you have any advice for the aspiring writer today?

DL: You get discouraged because people tell you that you can’t make a living. What I’ve learned is: if you have a terminal degree in creative writing, then you’re eligible to teach at community college and other university levels.

The program at Texas State forced me to write, but also helped me evaluate my writing through the value of critique. A writer needs to learn how to be objective about his or her work.

Contest, concert to benefit skate park

By Amy Greene Trends Reporter Skaters, students, musicians and community members are uniting to benefit the San Marcos youth and young-at-heart.

The ninth Annual Jonathan Broderick Memorial Contest will be held Sept. 29, after which Triple Crown will host a benefit show.

The contest will begin at 9 a.m. at the Skate Park of San Marcos.

There will be street, flow bowl and pool skate contests.

Triple Crown’s show begins at 9 p.m. and features live music by local bands. Charger Fits, Buzz n’ Bangs, Crystal Shit, Bonsai Nation and Hair Farmers are on the venue lineup for the benefit show.

“It is a pretty diverse lineup. There is everything from funk to punk rock and everything in between,” said Eric Shaw, Triple Crown booking agent. “Every band that is on the bill is from San Marcos and has students from Texas State.”

Shaw said there were a lot of bands that wanted to be involved and were happy to donate their services. He said some of the bands that play at Triple Crown use the skate park, where there is a connection with the music scene..

“All of the bands are playing for free and 100 percent of the door

Club expands social, career opportunities

By Paige Lambert Trends Reporter

the physical and emotional dangers.

However, it’s also about what defines a friend, what makes a good friend.

I want my readers to ask themselves what they would do if a friend dared them to go down the wrong path.

ation, they also molded its mission. During meetings, officers and members bring up modeling and career opportunities.

“We want FashioNation to be fun and social, but also a real world experience,” Avila said. “We try to educate our members in the business side of things. In a way these experiences are helping us teach each other.”

Avila said he heard about an internship with Kelly Cutrone, who owns one of the biggest public relations firms in New York. A member of FashioNation recommended him, which led to his receiving an offer for the internship.

Avila didn’t get the internship as he waited too long to accept.

“It was only a few days, but someone else snatched it up before me,” Avila said. “But that is the type of opportunity FashioNation gives you. It gives you lessons about the business and prepares you for something bigger.”

money from the show goes to the skate park,” Shaw said. “It is usually a really busy night. A lot of people come from out of town to attend the contest. This is the most bands we’ve ever had, with a different band starting every hour.”

Brett Anderson is an organizer for the benefit and a member of the Skate Park of San Marcos Action Committee. He said funds raised will be used for normal operation costs to keep the park and new skate spots open.

“Skate spots are little skate-able features that go in neighborhood parks,” Anderson said. “They don’t turn the neighborhood park into a skate park, but they give local kids a place to go if they can’t get downtown to the skate park.”

Anderson said his committee wants to build a second skate structure at the skate park in the future, but it is dependent on the funds they raise. He is hopeful that the contest at the skate park and the benefit show at Triple Crown will provide enough money for the second structure.

Anderson said last year’s benefit did not raise the amount of money they’d hoped for because of the rain. He is hopeful that this year will be different. The contest and the show will happen regardless of the weather.

Go fetch!

The University Star | Thursday September 27, 2012 | 5

SPORTS

Check out more at UniversityStar.com

Bobcats News and Notes Reading with the Cats

The Texas State men’s basketball team read to elementary school students at Wonderland Elementary on Monday and will visit Hernandez Elementary Sept. 27 as part of the “Reading with the Cats” program.

Roadrunner Football in New Mexico

The undefeated UTSA Roadrunners will play just their second FBS opponent this season when they travel to go up against the New Mexico State Aggies. This will be the Roadrunners’ first WAC conference game, taking place in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The Bobcats will go to New Mexico Oct. 6 to take on the Lobos.

A Saturday run

Cross Country will travel to Austin to take part in the Grass Routes Grand Prix this Saturday at the Hancock Golf Course. The Bobcats’ best finish so far this year in their three previous meets was fourth place by the women at the UT-Arlington Invitational.

classifieds

For Rent/Sale

Jobs

2 BED/2 BATH ONLY $655/mo or 1 Bedroom w/ study. Fantastic move-in specials. 396-1983

license. Email

GARAGE APT FOR RENT Canyon Lake on Tube Loop overlooking Guadalupe. $750/month all bills paid. 1 bedroom, 1 bath; 700 square feet. Fully furnished, central air, cable, trash service.

Large living area, full kitchen (minus stove). Contact George Wolf at (830) 907-3541 GATED COMMUNITY, LOVELY TX LIMESTONE HOME, located in the beautiful hill country, 63 acres with wonderful views, about 11 miles from campus. 3bed-2.5ba home. Wrap around porches, and courtyard in back. Pond, corral, fencing.

Ag. exempt. Opt. commercial frontage on RM 32. Broker (512) 947-7521.

Report compiled by Cameron Irvine, Sports Editor Twitter: @txstcamirvine

info@mygreatlocations.com for more details.

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join.

Click on surveys.

TEACHERS: PT MON.-FRI, 2:30-6:30pm Experience/ Edu major preferred, not required.

Must pass criminal background check & FBI fingerprinting. Child Development Center, Kyle. 512405-3700 or fax 405-3701. www. rockinghorseacademy.com WEEKEND HELP NEEDED working with horses & Girl Scouts. Must be able to ride a horse. Blue Streak Stables, 830372-1677.

Jobs

Misc.

!BARTENDING! Up to $300/ day. No experience necessary.

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

THE EGG DONATION CENTER of Dallas, Inc. 1720 Avenue K Plano, TX 75074 Phone: 972424-9369

GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR the right person at Great Locations!

FAX: 972-516-1161

Must be motivated, organized and driven! We’d like to talk to you if you have or are in the process of obtaining your real estate

Travel

SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate. com

Misc.

TIRED OF COMMUTING TO TSU? Need roommate to share beautiful newly remodeled 2BR/2BA condo. Fully furnished with new furniture. serious students only. On TSUshuttle route. $499 all bills paid, $200 down payment. Call Ann Beardsley at 512-997-8107 or e-mail annmjos@aol.com.

UNDECIDED MAJOR? NEED A MINOR? Do you like to grow plants? Follow your passion.

Consider horticulture! Contact the College of Applied Arts at (512) 245-3333 or Dr. Cade at tc10@ txstate.edu for more information.

6 | Thursday September 27, 2012 | The University Star | Sports

FOOTBALL

Forceful offense will test Bobcats Saturday

By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor The Bobcats are fresh off of their first home victory of the season, taking down the Lumberjacks from Stephen F. Austin in a 41-37 thriller. Now Texas State awaits a team it has never faced before: the Nevada Wolf Pack.

The University of Nevada-Reno (3-1) has won two games in a row, including its Mountain West Conference debut at Hawaii, a blowout victory, 69-24. The week before its trip to the Islands, the Wolf Pack battled and beat Southland Conference’s Northwestern State 45-24.

Its 31-24 win on the road over University of California, a team that went toe-to-toe with AP Top 25’s Ohio State, might have been the most impressive. Its lone loss was to South Florida in week two, where it was up as much as 21-6 before losing 32-31 at home.

The Wolf Pack is led by its explosive pistol offense, which boasts one of the top rushing teams in the nation (fourth, 317.75 yards per game). It’s eighth in total (557.25 ypg) and 12th in scoring offense (44 points per game). “(Nevada) has a great scheme,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “And they have a great head coach who developed the scheme. We are tremendous admirers of what they do. They have an outstanding offensive line, a quarterback who’s fast and that can throw. He’s a prototype pistol quarterback.”

One reason for such success is the Wolf Pack’s touchdown-crazed junior running back. Stefphon Jefferson leads the nation in rushing yards (174.8 ypg). He is coming off the best performance in his career with 170 yards on 31 attempts and seven total touchdowns. His performance earned him the Walter Camp National Player Offensive Player of the Week. He also tied an NCAA record (most touchdowns in a game) and broke several school/conference records.

Nevada has a dynamic quarterback holding the reigns in its offense in current sophomore Cody Fajardo. Last year’s WAC Freshman of the Year is currently the country’s 24th leading rusher (104.3 ypg), ninth in total offense (344 ypg) and 55th in passing efficiency.

Fajardo takes care of the ball with only one interception to his name. He has tossed four touchdowns and has passed for 958 yards. Wide receiver Brandon Wimberley is more often than not the go-to at wide-out when Nevada is not handing the ball off to its leading rushers.

Wimberley has caught a pass in each of his 31 games.

Star File Photo

Texas State football is preparing for this weekend’s game against University of Nevada-Reno at Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats are 2-1 after last Saturday’s win against Stephen F. Austin.

The senior has 24 catches for 255 yards on the young season.

Senior Zach Sudfield leads all tight ends with two touchdowns and 192 yards on 14 receptions. Kolby Arendse is another target with 10 catches for 132 yards.

“Fortunately, with us running this offense it will help our defense,” Franchione said. “We’ve spent a month working against passing, pass blocking offensive lines.

Now we are going to see an offensive line get under your pads and knock you off the ball.”

The Nevada offensive line is a big component to an effective running team. Its left side of the line has a total of 71 starts. This includes starting guard Chris Barker who has begun 44 games in a row.

“Their (offensive line) is pretty good,” said Bobcat junior safety Xavier Daniels. “They are sound, very fundamentally sound. (As a defensive player) you can’t get too high, and you can’t get too low. We have to forget about what happened last week and prepare for the next team.”

Nevada starts a freshman (DE Lenny Jones) and

two sophomores (DE Brock Hekking and DT Jordan Hanson). Three senior linebackers and junior DT Jack Reynoso add experience to their front. “[Nevada] has a really good defense,” said Bobcat senior quarterback Shaun Rutherford. “They have a lot of good players. We have the same mindset. We want to punch the ball down their throat and take what we can get.”

Senior Nevada defensive back Duke Williams roams the secondary with 36 tackles on the year. Senior defensive back Khalid Wooten will do a little bit of everything for the Wolf Pack. He intercepted a pass against Hawaii and ranks third on the team in total tackles (25).

A weakness of the Wolf Pack’s in its closer contests has been penalties and ball security. The team combined for 32 penalties in its first three games and 11 fumbles, four of which were lost.

Kickoff for the Mountain West Vs. WAC matchup is set for 1 p.m. at Bobcat Stadium.

Twitter: @jbrewer32

VOLLEYBALL

Texas State to face Vandals, Redhawks as WAC play picks up

By Jordan Cole Sports Reporter Texas State volleyball will hit the road for the first of four WAC road trips this weekend as it flies to Idaho to play Thursday and then to Seattle Saturday.

The Bobcats are 6-8 on the season, 1-2 in the WAC, and head coach Karen Chisum, sixth winningest currently active coach, is looking to get a 750th victory.

First on the schedule for the Bobcats are the Idaho Vandals. The Vandals are 4-10, 2-2 in the WAC. Though they are a sub-.500 team, the Vandals are coming off one of their best performances of the year with a 3-0 sweep over Utah State, the same team that overpowered the Bobcats at home two weeks ago.

Utah State was undefeated in WAC play before suffering that loss to the Vandals.

In this match, senior setter Caleigh McCorquodale and the Vandals’ Jenny Feicht will battle for the top spot for career assists in the WAC. McCorquodale has 702 career assists. McCorquodale said the team is focused on controlling the manageable players instead of worrying about what their opponent is going to do.

“We just have to go out there and learn from this last week and the losses that we have had, and work on what we’re doing as a team before we worry about other teams,” McCorquodale said.

After they stop in Idaho, the Bobcats will head to Seattle Saturday to square off against the Redhawks. The two teams have never played each other. It

will be the first time any Texas volleyball team has appeared at Seattle’s Connolly Center.

The Seattle University Redhawks and the Bobcats match up very well on paper as their records parallel each other. The Redhawks are 6-8 and 1-3 in the WAC. They have been competitive in each of those losses and played in six five-set matches this season, including their last loss against Utah State. In five of those five-set matches the Redhawks had their backs against the wall, down two sets to one. Then they won that crucial fourth set and forced the fifth.

“They’re good and they are battling,” said Associate Coach Tracy Smith.

“They are taking good opponents to five sets at home. Right now the focus is on our own side of the net, though. We have to find a way to get our basic, good

volleyball back in rhythm.”

The Bobcats will have to keep the pressure on at all times if they want to leave with a win this game. Smith said that was something she and Coach Chisum have been trying to instill in their team.

“We’re trying to get them to fight,” Smith said. “Coach Chisum knows how to make that happen. She wants them to play like bobcats. Bobcats are aggressive. They fight and scratch and claw to get it done.”

The first match will begin at 9 p.m.

Sept. 27 in Moscow, Idaho at Memorial gym against the Vandals. The second match will begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 in Seattle, Washington at the Connolly Center.

Twitter: @TXStatesman

SOCCER

Seattle, Idaho come to San Marcos for first WAC weekend

BY THE NUMBERS - SOCCER

1

10

By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter The Bobcat soccer team (3-7-1) will enter their first year of WAC play on Friday night, taking on the University of Idaho (3-9) at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.

The Vandals enter the game on a losing streak. They have lost seven of their last eight games and hope to get back on the winning path as they enter San Marcos.

This season Idaho has been outscored 10-27. The Vandals have not scored in five games this season, but that does not mean Coach Kat Conner and the girls are taking the WAC, or Idaho, lightly.

“We have to prepare the players for the new style they’re going to see, and the new nuances that these two teams are going to throw at us compared to what we saw previously in the Southland,” Conner said. “It’s building the confidence that the players can compete at this level and have the chance at championship opportunities.”

The Bobcats will enter Friday night’s matchup looking to build on the game they had against Texas Southern. The Bobcats scored six goals against the Tigers last Friday night, ending a five-game losing streak. It also ended a four-game scoreless streak.

With the offense starting to click, Texas State’s attack will try to take advantage of an Idaho defense that has given up 2.25 goals a game, and 17 in their past six matches, which ranks last in the WAC. “We’re excited from our win against Texas Southern on Friday, and ready to roll and get into our conference,” senior defender Alissa Scott said. “We’re really starting to work well together and putting

Louisiana Tech University, heading into WAC play, is No. 1 in the WAC in shots, goals, points, assists, goals allowed (four in 12 games), corners, yellow cards (only 0.17 a game) and shutouts. It has not allowed a team to score multiple goals this season and maintains a 9-1-2 record.

7

Unbeaten streak for University of Denver. The Pioneers have not lost in a soccer match since Aug. 17 when they fell to Colorado College 1-0. It’s their only loss of the season.

Denver’s Kristen Hamilton leads the WAC with seven goals in 11 games in 2012.

Louisiana Tech’s Emily Brennan trails her by just two goals, with five in 12 games.

10

Points for Texas State’s Tori Hale so far this year, good enough for fourth in the WAC. Hale has three goals and four assists for Texas State in 11 games. She leads the team in both categories.

Star File Photo

Texas State soccer will take on University of Idaho and Seatle University this weekend in the next two WAC meetups of the season.

everything together.”

Following the match against Idaho, the Bobcats will take on a tough Seattle University (5-5) team that will be coming off playing UTSA, another WAC opponent.

Seattle has not fared well on the road this season, posting a 1-4 record coming into the Bobcat Soccer Complex. The Redhawks have been shut out four times this season. The inability for Seattle to score goals bodes well for Texas State’s defense. The Bobcat defense has already posted three shutouts and looks to capitalize on that.

“We’re just going to try to do the same thing and keep the pace we had going on Friday and take more shots and be more aggressive,” sophomore midfielder Tori Hale said before practice on Wednesday.

This weekend the Bobcats will complete a five-game home stand in which they are currently1-2. Texas State will face its first WAC tests, San Jose State University and Utah State, on the road next weekend.

Twitter: @TState_Sports18

Squire Creek course awaits golfers The Texas State men’s golf team will travel to Choudrant, La. Monday, Oct. 1 to compete in the Squire Creek Invitational hosted by Louisiana Tech University at the Squire Creek Country Club.

For the complete preview, scan here or vist UniversityStar.com.