Bobcat Welcome Week is Texas State University's program designed to officially welcome new students to the university community. Building on New Student Orientation, this week allows new students to further explore opportunities, services, and resources helpful in their transition.
BOBCAT LIFE DIGITAL ONBOARDING
Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding is your first step in Bobcat Welcome Week to help facilitate a successful transition to Texas State. Incoming students will receive access to this onboarding via Canvas prior to the start of their first semester. Each module is filled with information and resources that will help students navigate their time in college.
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What is Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding?
Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding is a transition program and the initial experience of Bobcat Welcome Week for Fall 2025. It consists of five, educational video modules housed in Canvas - Texas State's learning management system. These modules provide you with important information about a variety of resources you'll use in your first year as a Bobcat! If you are an incoming student, you should have access to the Canvas site beginning Monday, August 4th at 12:00pm. Completion of all modules is due Sunday, August 24th at 11:59pm.
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How long do I have to complete my Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding Modules?
Incoming students will gain access to the Canvas site starting Monday, August 4th, at 12:00pm and the modules are due by Sunday, August 24th at 11:59pm. We encourage you to complete them as soon as possible as these modules provide important information and resources from campus that you can begin using right away. These resources are provided to you with the intent to provide knowledge and access to services that will assist you with navigating Texas State throughout your first semester.
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Where can I find my Modules?
Incoming students should receive an email from Canvas informing them that they've been added to a new site, and the “Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding (Fall 2025)" site should be available in the Canvas dashboard. There, students can view the modules and take the associated quizzes attached to the modules to receive credit for the section. Students are unable to receive credit for the Bobcat Welcome Week components if the modules are incomplete after August 24th.
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What content will be covered in the required Modules?
Technology at TXST
As a Texas State student, you have access to a vast array of free technology services. The majority of your communication, research, information, and creativity will be connected to technology tools on campus, In this module, you'll view a top ten countdown of key tools and services you'll need to rock your first semester. All of this will mesh into your college life and make your Texas State experience smoother than ever.
Stand Up, Speak Up
This module will encourage you through video instruction on how to make safe, informed, and responsible decisions about alcohol and drugs at Texas State. You will also learn how to navigate moving from being a bystander to an upstander in alcohol, drug, and interpersonal violence situations.
Healthy Minds
There are many adjustments to be made in the first year of college that can be stressful and interfere with achieving goals. With awareness about mental health and by using prevention skills, college stress can be turned into a success!
Title IX and Consent at TXST
Every Texas State Student is protected under Title IX which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Students will learn what Title IX means for all students and the responsibility Texas State University has under the law. This module will discuss multiple ways a Title IX policy could be violated, who the student could report to if a Title IX violation has occurred, and what to expect from the process. Students will also recognize the role alcohol can have and the importance of understanding enthusiastic consent in every situation.
Every Texas State student has the right to learn and live free from experiencing sexual violence. This module will also discuss how consent can sometimes be complex but should never be blurry. Students will discuss the importance of understanding enthusiastic consent in every situation, and what to do if you or someone you know experiences violence or harms another person. Students will be able to recognize how the role of alcohol and our environment can inform our college experiences and what we can do to prevent violence from happening.
Alkek Library
Librarians from Texas State's Albert B. Alkek Library will share with you the wealth of resources and support offered at Alkek. From assistance with research, support in your academic courses, and the ability to borrow books, DVDs, and other equipment - Alkek is full of resources to help you during your time at Texas State!
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What are the quizzes, and how will they be graded?
Completing quizzes will be how your attendance is recorded for each module of Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding. Some Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding quizzes will test your content mastery, and some will ask for feedback and assessment data on the module's effectiveness. If the quiz says (Content Check) beside it, it will be over mastery of the module's content. You must score 100% to advance to the next module. If it says (Feedback) beside it, it will be for gathering information about this module to help make Bobcat Welcome Week better in the future.
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Do I have to complete both the Content Check quizzes and the Feedback quizzes?
Yes! They are both required to advance to next module - however, only the Content Checks are graded. You must receive 100% on the Content Check to advance to the next module. The Feedback quizzes are implemented to receive feedback on the effectiveness of each Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding module so that we can continue to improve them for each new class of Bobcats. You must submit the Feedback quiz to advance to the next module.
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I'm having trouble with my Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding. Who should I contact?
If you are experiencing a technological problem with Canvas - we encourage you to utilize ITAC's Canvas Support resources. You can also contact ITAC for additional support.
If you have questions regarding Bobcat Welcome Week, the Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding content, or any of the specific modules - please contact New Student and Family Experiences at nso@txstate.edu.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
JUMPSTART
Sunday, August 16 • 8:30 - 10:00 PM
FIRST FLOAT
August 17 & 18 • 10:00AM - 4:00PM
CLASS PHOTO
Monday, August 17 • 7:45PM
COLLEGE OPEN HOUSES
Tuesday, August 18 • 1:00 - 3:00 PM
LBJSC TAKEOVER
Tuesday, August 18 • 6:00 - 10:00 PM
ALKEK LIBRARY EXPERIENCE
Wednesday, August 19 • 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
REC FEST
Friday, August 21 • 7:00 - 10:00 PM
BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, August 22 • 7:00 - 10:00 PM
BOBCAT WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE
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Sunday, August 16
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Signature Event: JumpStart
Time: 8:00PM - 10:00PM
LBJ MallFreshmen and new transfers join their newest classmates to jump start their TXST experience with President Damphousse at the LBJ Mall.
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Monday, August 17
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Signature Event: Class Photo/Fandemonium
Time: 7:45 PM
UFCU StadiumJoin your classmates for the official Class of 2030 Photo and kick off your journey with an unforgettable night of spirit, tradition, and high-energy fun—right on the field at UFCU Stadium!
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Signature Event: First Float
Time: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sewell ParkJoin us at Sewell Park for our Inaugural First Float!
This event is exclusively for first-year and transfer students.
Come kick off your Texas State experience by floating the beautiful San Marcos River, playing yard games, enjoying free popsicles, and grabbing your very own custom First Float sticker!
Tubes and stickers are first-come, first-serve! Last tubes go out at 3:00PM!
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Tuesday, August 18
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Signature Event: LBJSC Takeover
Time: 6:00 - 10:00PM
LBJ Student Center
Join us to find your Bobcat clutter and make the LBJ Student Center your new home! -
Signature Event: First Float
Time: 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Sewell ParkJoin us at Sewell Park for our Inaugural First Float!
This event is exclusively for first-year and transfer students.
Come kick off your Texas State experience by floating the beautiful San Marcos River, playing yard games, enjoying free popsicles, and grabbing your very own custom First Float sticker!
Tubes and stickers are first-come, first-serve! Last tubes go out at 3:00PM!
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Signature Event: College Open Houses
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Come back later for more details!
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Academic Services Resource Fair
11:00AM - 1:00PM
LBJ Student Center, 322Step into your academic journey with confidence! Join us at the Academic Services Resource Fair, where students can explore a showcase of campus resources designed to support success from day one. Meet representatives from a variety of learning support departments and student support programs across campus Whether you're looking for study tips, mentorship opportunities, or ways to get involved, this fair is your one-stop launchpad into the Bobcat academic experience.
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Wednesday, August 19
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Signature Event: Alkek Library Experience
Time: 10:00AM - 6:00PM
LBJ Student CenterStop in between classes to pick up some swag, learn about our immersive spaces on the first floor and connect with research help!
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Thursday, August 20
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Ministry Fair
11:00AM - 1:00PM
LBJ Student CenterWe hope you are able to join us at this tabling event to learn more about religious groups, student organizations, and other faith communities in the Texas State/San Marcos area who can support you throughout your collegiate journey!
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Friday, August 21
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Signature Event: Rec Fest After Dark
Time: 7:00PM - 10:00PM
Upper Bobcat Trail to the Student Recreation CenterHosted on the Upper Bobcat Trail all the way into the Rec Center, we will be offering Texas State students the opportunity to meet and interact with over 60 student organizations and sport clubs, get free stuff, win giveaways, and hang out with peers. Students will also be able to get dinner, snacks, and drinks, explore the rec center, use the facilities, and play different games. We will have a DDDJ, arcade games, and different program-specific activities setup.
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Ministry Fair
11:00AM - 1:00PM
LBJ Student CenterWe hope you are able to join us at this tabling event to learn more about religious groups, student organizations, and other faith communities in the Texas State/San Marcos area who can support you throughout your collegiate journey!
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Saturday, August 22
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Signature Event: Block Party
Check back later for more details!
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Bobcat Welcome Week FAQs
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What is Bobcat Welcome Week?
Bobcat Welcome Week is a university transition program designed to officially welcome new students to the university. Building on New Student Orientation, this week allows new students to further explore opportunities, services, and resources helpful in their transition and pursuit of student success!
The Bobcat Welcome Week experience includes: Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding, Signature events, and Community-hosted events. Each component of the Bobcat Welcome Week experience is designed to provide you with all the information and resources you need to develop your unique place within the Texas State community!
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Who is Bobcat Welcome Week for? Do I have to attend?
The Bobcat Welcome Week experience is designed for all new and returning Texas State students as they arrive to campus. Certain aspects, such as the Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding, are geared for students who are starting their first year at Texas State. Transfer students are not required to participate in Bobcat Welcome Week, but are encouraged to attend signature and community-hosted programs to learn more about the programs and services available to them at the university.
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Can graduate students attend Bobcat Welcome Week?
The Bobcat Welcome Week experience is primarily designed for undergraduate students to better prepare them for their first year at Texas State. Graduate students are welcome to attend any of the Signature and Community-hosted events as they will provide some exposure to programs and services the university has to offer.
The Graduate College has a two-part, optional orientation opportunity for new graduate students through their New Graduate Student Orientation (NGSO) experience: NGSO: Canvas, a self-paced guided resource you have access to throughout your time at Texas State, and their in-person NGSO: Meet & Greet events.
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What if I have questions about Bobcat Welcome Week?
If you have questions about any component of the Bobcat Welcome Week experience, you can contact the New Student and Family Experiences in the following ways:
- Phone: 512-245-3655
- Email: nso@txstate.edu
- In Person by visiting New Student and Family Experiences on the 2nd floor of the Housing and Residential Life Building
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What if I need accommodations to attend an event?
If you require accommodations to attend or participate in any of the Bobcat Welcome Week events, please contact New Student and Family Experiences at nso@txstate.edu. Requests should be submitted at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the event.
Bobcat Welcome Week Program Outcomes
By attending Bobcat Welcome Week programming, students will:
- Build a network of peers, faculty, and staff and connect to a welcoming community to assist in their social transition to college.
- Be further exposed to campus and community programs and services designed to assist in their holistic development to student life.
- Be introduced to the TXST community of scholars and increase knowledge of academic colleges, academic expectations, academic support resources, student success strategies, and curricular offerings to assist in their academic transition to college.
- Develop a sense of belonging and connectedness to being a Bobcat.
Accommodations Requests
If you require accommodations to attend or participate in any Bobcat Welcome Week required or signature events, please complete this form.