DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018
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Volume 107, Issue 17
BOOKSTORE
Campus bookstore considers undergoing change in management By Sabrina Anderson News Reporter Employees of the University Bookstore at Texas State suspect a change in management this year that could impact prices. In an attempt to lower prices on textbooks and other supplies for students, the university is looking into bidding out the bookstore to a larger company with more experience in managing university bookstores. John Root, director of auxiliary services, said the company in management will not own the space, but
INSIDE
rather work on Texas State's behalf in managing the store. "The main thing we're looking for here is that we get a company that can provide the students with the most affordable textbook prices," Root said. According to Root, the goal of letting another company manage the store is to have better deals on buying supplies or shipping fees. As the majority of these companies have hundreds of stores under their management, merchandising companies are more likely to give discounted prices on bulk buys, such as textbooks or apparel items. Root also states that as of Jan. 8 the bookstore
is available to bid on by these larger companies and will end Feb.19. Through this process of bidding, Texas State’s committee reviewing team for this project will determine whether or not it wants to proceed with the new management, depending on what the bids look like and what benefits come with the companies. If the university decides to choose a company to manage the bookstore, the companies who have made a bid will then go to a review committee around Spring Break time, where it will then be decided which company will be awarded the position of managing.
After an awardee is chosen to manage the store, the award proposal must then be sent to the Board of Regents where the proposal will be considered for approval May 18-19. Lauren Williams, assistant manager of the bookstore, said that if all goes as planned, whoever is chosen to manage the bookstore will have complete control in managing by Nov. 2018.
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VOLUNTEER
Senior lecturer's classroom comedy conquers the Twittersphere SEE LECTURER PAGE 3
Sex workers are people, not objects
Students build a new wheelchair ramp for therapy program SOAR-Horseback Riding for All. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ
SEE SEX PAGE 6
Texas State students build wheelchair ramp for local equestrian therapy program By Monique Flores News Reporter
Sophomore aims to take the game to the next level SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 8
Last fall, students volunteered after noticing a need at a local nonprofit which has reaped the benefits since. In November, students in Texas State’s Service-Learning Excellence Program and the Safe at Home initiative, an organization aimed at improving in-home accessibility to handicap individuals, crafted a wheelchair ramp for SOAR-Horseback Riding for All. The wheelchair ramp was needed to
improve accessibility for riders of all abilities and riding levels. It replaced an older, smaller installation that proved to be a nuisance over time. Joanna Norris, SOAR president and a certified therapeutic recreational specialist, developed the program with her sister, Joy Norris, vice president of SOAR. Joanna Norris said the volunteer work has made a daily difference to the organization. “We managed okay with our old ramp, but the new ramp has made a significant difference for our horses’ and riders’ accessibility levels,” Joanna
Norris said. “Every single one of our riders has noticed the difference and loves how easy it is to mount their horses and walk straight into the arena. It has made mounting (horses for) all of our clients smoother, faster and safer for everyone.” Joanna Norris said she and her sister developed the SOAR horseback riding program three years ago to provide individuals of all backgrounds and all levels the opportunity to ride and bond with horses.
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HONORS
The Honors College hires new associate dean By Sawyer Click News Reporter The new associate dean of the Honors College has completed his first week on campus after a competitive, committee-run hiring process. Peter Tschirhart comes into this position with a goal of further expanding the unique learning opportunities already offered in the Honors College. His first week on campus was spent learning new names and greeting new faces. Following months of extensive research, Texas State hired Tschirhart as the new associate dean of the honors
college. Tschirhart, a man with a passion for fitness and the arts, has coordinated with honors programs before and has research in developing sound maps. "I want to figure out how to take engagement in the honors college to the next level," Tschirhart said. "I want to find ways to incorporate activelearning strategies. Can we find ways to spread our impact on the community by engaging real-world projects?" Heather Galloway, dean of the Honors College, was involved in the hiring process.
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Peter Tschirhart, has taken the role of associate dean of the Honors College. PHOTO BY MARINA BUSTILLO-MENDOZA