Frequently Asked Questions
First-Year Basics
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What are Bobcat Bucks? How do I transfer Bobcat Bucks into my student's account?
Bobcat Bucks are an alternative way for parents to deposit funds into their student’s account which students can use immediately with their BobcatCard. The GET website is available to deposit funds in order to transfer money into your student’s account. Participating locations can be found on the Bobcat Bucks Merchants website.
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What is UDrive Individual Cloud Storage? How can my student access it?
UDrive Individual Cloud Storage is a network storage space that provides students with 5 GB of online storage to save their files. Students are able to access important files from their desktop, laptop, or any computer on- or off-campus. Information on how to access their UDrive can be found on the Division of Information Technology website.
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What are the dining plans for students living on- or off-campus?
There are several dining plans to choose from. For a full list of options and places to eat on campus, visit Dine on Campus.
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My student lost their ID card. Where do they get a replacement?
Students should connect with ID Services in the LBJ Student Center to cancel their card and pay for a replacement.
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What is PACE?
The Personalized Academic & Career Exploration (PACE) Center is a program that provides services for first-year students. The PACE Center is home to the first-year programs and services that will help students start the path toward earning their degree at Texas State.
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What is the Common Experience?
The Common Experience at Texas State is a yearlong initiative designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation on a theme, enhancing student participation and fostering a sense of community throughout the campus. The Common Experience brings students together to read and engage with a powerful common reading book, explore related themes in University Seminar classes and other courses, and participate in related symposia with scholarly panels.
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What is Bobcat Welcome?
Bobcat Welcome is Texas State University's welcome program for first-year students. Beginning with residence hall move-in, Bobcat Welcome provides first year students with the opportunities to make friends, learn more about Texas State University, and prepare for the first week of classes!
Health Services
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My student is ill. Where can they receive medical care?
On-campus, we have the Student Health Center that serves all currently enrolled students. They take appointments during the day and provide after-hours services. All students, regardless of insurance coverage, are welcome at the Student Health Center.
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My student is not acting like him or herself, and I am worried they are depressed. Where can they receive assistance?
Students have free access to mental health resources on-campus through the Counseling Center. Students can call to make an appointment, and also use resources on the Counseling Center website.
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My student will be away from classes for a period of time due to prolonged illness or emergency. Who can assist my student?
The Dean of Students can assist students in communicating to faculty members on behalf of a student experiencing an emergency.
Academics
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What is the difference between academic probation and academic suspension?
A student is placed on academic probation when their GPA drops below a 2.0. Once placed on academic probation, the student has two long semesters (spring and fall) to raise their GPA to a 2.0. If after those two long semesters the student still has a GPA below a 2.0, they will be placed on academic suspension.
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My student is struggling academically. Is tutoring available?
Yes, there are several services on campus to assist students academically. In the library is SLAC, the Student Learning Assistance Center. Students receive free peer tutoring as needed. Math CATS provides free peer tutoring in math courses. The Writing Center provides free assistance with any writing project for any course. In addition, students majoring in the sciences, engineering, math or computer sciences can receive tutoring through the Collaborative Learning Center (CLC).
Students should also seek assistance from their faculty members or teaching assistants for any course.
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Where does my student go for assistance with course selection/academic advising?
All freshman are advised through the PACE Center, and all other students are advised by a faculty/staff member in the program they are majoring in. Visit the advising page for more information.
Housing and Student Life
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Are there resources to help my student find a place to live off-campus?
Yes, the Department of Housing and Residential Life has Off-Campus Living staff that can help your student with that.
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What is a Living-Learning Community (LLC)?
In an LLC, students live together in a residence hall and share a common interest, professional career track or major, all while providing them with different resources on-campus and creating that residential support.
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Where can my student get information about student organizations and clubs to join?
Student Involvement helps students connect with over 400 student organization, volunteer opportunities and student life events. Their office is housed in the LBJ Student Center on the 4th floor.
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What is Honors College? How can my student get involved in Honors College?
Honors College is a different interdisciplinary way of learning that is small in size and seminar-style based. Your student can become involved as an incoming freshman or any time throughout their college experience. Here’s how they can apply.
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My student is graduating! What do we need to know about commencement?
Congratulations! On the Commencement webpage you can view dates and times for ceremonies, parking and guest information, and find the link to live stream the ceremony.
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My student needs help with transportation off-campus. What options are available?
Transportation Services offers many services around campus and San Marcos, from bus shuttles to Zipcars for rent.
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Where can my student find a job while attending college, or after graduation?
Career Services can assist students from preparing a resume to applying for part-time and full-time employment. All services are free of charge, and services continue with the student as an alumnus of the university.
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How can I stay informed about campus emergency information?
Parents and family members can use the Safety and Emergency Communications page to remain updated with the latest information available to the university.
Celebrations
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What does it mean if my student made the Dean's List?
The Dean's List honors outstanding academic achievement by undergraduate students in each of the University's Colleges. Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn at least a 3.5 GPA at the end of any fall or spring semester in order to receive this distinction. Recipients' names are placed on a printed list on the third floor of the LBJ Student Center each semester and are invited to attend a reception in their honor. More information about the Dean's List can be found on the Dean's List website.
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My student is graduating soon. What do I need to know?
Congratulations on your Bobcat's upcoming graduation! Information regarding the ceremony including days, times, transportation, and much more can be on the Commencement website. If you aren't able to make it to campus for Commencement, check their website for the live stream of the ceremonies.
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My student plans to participate in the Ring Celebration. What do I need to know?
Hundreds of Bobcats, families, and friends gather at Ring Celebration to celebrate achieving an academic milestone and receiving the most visible symbol of Bobcat Pride: The Official Texas State Ring. Due to large crowds, it's important for everyone to understand how Ring Celebration works. For more information about the celebration, visit the Ring Celebration website.
Calendars
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Where can I find academic dates?
The student academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines and serves as a great resource to families and students.
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Where can I find tuition and fee related dates?
Student Business Services has a list of upcoming important dates related to tuition and fees listed on their website.
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Where can I find a list of important dates?
Texas State has a list of important upcoming dates listed out, view the important dates website for more information.
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Where can I find the events calendar?
For a list of upcoming events happening at Texas State, check the events calendar.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
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Where can my student find a list of scholarship opportunities?
The Bobcat Online Scholarship System (BOSS) allows students to use one application to apply for as many Texas State scholarships as they’re interested in. For more information, visit the BOSS website.
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Where can my student find help with financial coaching?
BobcatGold is a great resource for students to utilize for help with financial coaching and planning for their financial future. More information about BobcatGold can be found on their website.
Accessibility/Confidentiality
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What is FERPA?
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is the Federal law that protects the privacy of a student’s educational records and guarantees students access to their own records.
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What is HIPAA?
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is a federal law that protects privacy interests in the electronic exchange of health information.