Bobcat Welcome Week
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.
![bar](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/699391/w/2000/sIL2-TM1Czwy/Plain_Color_Bar.png)
BOBCAT LIFE DIGITAL ONBOARDING
Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding is a required portion of the Bobcat Welcome Week to help facilitate a successful transition to Texas State. Incoming first-year 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.
-
What is Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding?
Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding is a required transition program and the main focus of Bobcat Welcome Week for Fall 2024. It consists of six, 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 a first-year student, you should have access to the Canvas site beginning Monday, August 19th at 12:00pm. Completion of all modules is due Sunday, August 25th at 11:59pm.
-
How long do I have to complete my Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding Modules?
Incoming first-year students will gain access to the Canvas site starting Monday, August 19th, at 12:00pm and the modules are due by Sunday, August 25th 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.
-
Where can I find my Modules?
Modules can be found on the Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding Canvas site. Incoming first-year 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 2024)" site should be available in the Canvas dashboard. There, students can view the required modules and take the required quizzes attached to the modules to receive credit for the section. You will not receive credit for the Bobcat Welcome Week requirements if the modules are incomplete after August 25th.
-
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!
Campus Safety
During this module, the Texas State University Police Department will give you "Just the Facts" on how to stay safe on campus and what services the department offers. Topics include the Student Safety Escort service, lost and found, and outreach events.
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!
-
What are the quizzes, and how will they be graded?
Completing quizzes will be how your attendance is recorded for each required 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. Both quizzes are required to complete.
-
Are both the Content Check quizzes and the Feedback quizzes required?
Yes! They are both required to receive credit for Bobcat Welcome Week - 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.
-
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
BOBCAT WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE
-
Wednesday, August 21
-
First-Year Academic Success
9:00am - 10:00am
LBJ Student Center, Teaching Theater (4th Floor)This presentation introduces incoming Bobcats to the college experience, highlighting the importance of balancing academics, personal growth, and campus involvement. Come discover key resources, the value of mentorability, and gain insights from upperclassmen to help you thrive at Texas State.
-
First Gen Welcome Back Celebration
9:00am - 11:00am
LBJ Student Center, LBJ Ballroom
Texas State celebrates each year’s incoming first-generation students with our First-Gen Welcome—an event that takes place in LBJ Student Center and allows first-year and new transfer students to connect with their peers, familiarize themselves with campus resources, and take part in some fun First Gen Proud Bobcat activities and traditions like collecting a FREE First Gen Proud T-shirt.
Learn More About This Event -
Pancake Brunch
9:00am - 12:00pm
Calvary Chapel of the Springs- 310 W Hutchinson StA FREE pancake brunch with custom pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and milk. An event to meet other freshmen, play some games, and win some prizes.
Event Hosted by Cru. -
Bobcat Building Finder
9:00am - 4:00pm
LBJ Student Center, Alumni and Future Student Welcome CenterStop by the Alumni and Future Student Welcome Center to visit with our campus tour guides who can help you find where your classes are on campus or where other resourced are located.
-
Sex Signals
1:00pm - 2:30pm
LBJ Student Center, LBJ Teaching Theater (4th Floor)Join Students Against Violence for Sex Signals, an engaging and interactive program that combines theater and improvisational comedy to illuminate issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios.
-
The Collaborative Learning Center Open House
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ingram Hall, Room 3202Come and go event at The Collaborative Learning Center STEM Tutoring Center and Computer Lab.
-
Open House - First-Year Advising, University Advising Center, University Seminar, and the Transfer Center
1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Arch at Trauth-Huffman HallCome by the arch to meet the team in Trauth-Huffman Hall, your go-to resources as you transition to TXST. Connect with staff from First-Year Advising, University Advising Center, University Seminar (US 1100), and the Transfer Center.
-
Open House - College of Science and Engineering
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ingram HallThe College of Science and Engineering welcomes you to Texas State. Join us for featured departmental exhibits, meet and greet for pre-professional advisors, student organizations, and helpful resources available to you.
-
Open House - Honors College
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Lampasas Hall, Room 407Join us at the Honors College for cards and community at Welcome Back Blackjack, where each table is a jackpot of knowledge!
-
Open House - Department of Organization, Workforce, and Leadership Studies
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Pedernales, Room 113Undergraduate OWLS students are invited to stop by to meet the OWLS Department Chair, BAAS Coordinator, and our staff that offer administrative support. Refreshments will be served.
Learn More About This Event -
Open House - Air Force ROTC
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Derrick Hall, Room 324Come check out Air Force ROTC Detachment 840, here at Texas State! You can try out our certified Air Force Flight Simulator and learn about our program, and chat with other cadets in the program and our instructors!
-
Open House - College of Education
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Jowers Gym 101New students and transfer students can meet with program faculty and student organization representatives to find out how to make the most of their time at Texas State!
-
Open House - College of Liberal Arts (Popsicle, Prizes, and Professors)
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Flowers Hall, Room 230Meet professors, staff, and students from the “coolest” college! Oh, and come pick up your free popsicle, too!
-
Open House - College of Health Professions
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Encino Hall, Room 230Come explore Encino Hall and meet the faculty and students in the health professions programs offered at Texas State University, including the Round Rock campus where six of the eight programs are located.
-
Open House - College of Fine Arts and Communication
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Performing Arts CenterAre you a Fine Arts and Communication major? Come join us for our open house where you will get to know faculty, staff and fellow students within each department.
-
Open House - McCoy College of Business
1:00pm - 3:00pm
McCoy Hall, Room 119Are you a new McCoy undergraduate student? Come by the McCoy College of Business and take the first steps to becoming McCoy Ready.
Learn More About This Event -
Open House - School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Hines Academic Center, Room 103The School of Criminal Justice and Criminology invites all new undergraduate criminal justice majors to attend our open house. Students will have an opportunity to meet the school director and select faculty members.
-
Open House - School of Social Work
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Encino Hall, Room 215The School of Social Work (College of Applied Arts) will be hosting a Bobcat Welcome event on 8/21/24 in Encino Hall.
-
Open House - Family and Consumer Science
1:00pm - 3:00pm
FCS Building's Luxton Lobby
Interested in learning more about Family and Consumers Science Degrees? Our faculty members will show you around the building and answer questions.
Learn More About This Event -
Transfer Student Welcome
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Trauth-Huffman HallJoin the Transfer Center for a presentation about how to succeed at TXST and the offices that will support you in your academic journey.
-
Pre-Health Advising Welcome and Information Session
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Supple Science, Room 116Please attend this session if you are a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-PA or pre-optometry student. We will discuss timelines, courses, majors, minors, the JAMP and DEAP programs, and more!
-
Concrete Industry Management: Welcome Back Informational Session
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Roy F. Mitte (RFM) LobbyThe Concrete Industry Management program is hosting this event to showcase the opportunities it offers students. There will be free food, tours, and door prizes.
-
Fandemonium
8:30pm - 10:00pm
UFCU StadiumThe newest TXST Bobcats experience a high-energy display of Bobcat pride, tradition, and spirit. All Bobcats will receive a free Class of 2028 t-shirt, participate in the Class of 2028 class photo, and experience this one-of-a-kind event on the field of UFCU Stadium.
-
-
Thursday, August 22
-
Walk & Talk - Campus Rec & Healthy Cats
8:00am - 8:30am
Student Recreation CenterJoin Campus Rec and Healthy Cats as we enjoy a 30-minute walk around campus and talk about opportunities to increase your physical wellness this semester!
Learn More About This Event -
First-Year Academic Success
9:00am - 10:00am
LBJ Student Center, Teaching Theater (4th Floor)This presentation introduces incoming Bobcats to the college experience, highlighting the importance of balancing academics, personal growth, and campus involvement. Come discover key resources, the value of mentorability, and gain insights from upperclassmen to help you thrive at Texas State.
-
On-Campus Job Fair
11:00am - 1:00pm
LBJ Student Center, 2nd Floor - near the bookstoreLooking for a part-time job on campus? Swing by the LBJ Student Center Amphitheater to connect with a variety of departments across campus looking to hire you!
-
Lawn Games at the Library
12:00pm - 3:00pm
Alkek LibraryCome explore Alkek Library - and discover the treasure and riches hidden across the seven floors!
-
Build Your Transfer Toolkit Virtual Presentation
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Virtual EventJoin the Transfer Center for a virtual Transfer Toolkit presentation! We will be discussing how you can succeed at Texas State and the offices that will support you in your academic journey.
-
LBJSC Takeover
6:00pm - 10:00pm
LBJ Student CenterLevel Up Your Bobcat Experience at the LBJ Student Center Takeover!
Get ready to meet your new Bobcat clutter and make the LBJ Student Center your TXST home!
-
-
Friday, August 23
-
First-Year Academic Success
9:00am - 10:00am
LBJ Student Center, Teaching Theater (4th Floor)This presentation introduces incoming Bobcats to the college experience, highlighting the importance of balancing academics, personal growth, and campus involvement. Come discover key resources, the value of mentorability, and gain insights from upperclassmen to help you thrive at Texas State.
-
Ministry Fair
11:00am - 1:00pm
LBJ Student Center, 2nd Floor - near the bookstoreWe 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!
-
Bobcat Healthy Minds: Preview Campus Resources for Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness
1:00pm - 2:00pm
LBJ Student Center, Room 3-21.2Looking for ways to keep your mind healthy this Fall? Join staff from the Counseling Center who will be sharing tips for mental wellness and ways to boost academic success.
-
Red Hot Trivia
1:00pm - 2:00pm
LBJ Student Center, George's (1st Floor)Join Healthy Cats and Students Against Violence for Red Hot Trivia! Test your knowledge as a team on topics like alcohol, drugs, sexual health, and consent. Winners for each round of trivia (3 total rounds) and overall winner will receive prizes!
-
Pre-Health Advising Welcome and Information Session
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Supple Science, Room 116Please attend this session if you are a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-PA or pre-optometry student. We will discuss timelines, courses, majors, minors, the JAMP and DEAP programs, and more!
-
Rec Fest
7:00pm - 10:00pm
Student Recreation CenterJoin your fellow Bobcats at your new Student Recreation Center (the Rec) for an epic night of laser tag, silent disco, inflatables, and more!
-
-
Saturday, August 24
-
Service Saturday: First Year Service Project
9:00am - 1:30pm
Meet at LBJ Statue on QuadChoose your own adventure as Leadership & Service provides students the opportunity to engage in various service opportunities and take the first steps in learning how they can give back to the San Marcos community.
-
New Voice Orientation
9:30am - 3:30pm
School of Music - MUS 236 (Recital Hall)Required orientation for all incoming music voice majors (freshman and transfer students). Meet your professors, perform in front of your peers, and learn valuable information to prepare you for your college journey at TXST!
-
Bobcats After Dark
7:30pm - 10:00pm
Upper Bobcat Trail (Greenspace Between Family Consumer Sciences and Roy F Mitte Buildings)The last event of Bobcat Welcome Week is Bobcats After Dark! It's an event that allows First-Year students to start building their community with each other and student organizations!
-
Bobcat Welcome Week FAQs
![boko](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/699472/w/2000/kLLAY_gH_yV4/Boko.jpg)
-
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, Required events, 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!
-
Who is Bobcat Welcome Week for? Do I have to attend?
The Bobcat Welcome Week experience is designed for all new Texas State students as they transition back to our campus. Certain aspects, such as the Bobcat Life Digital Onboarding, are geared for students who are stating 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.
-
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.
-
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
-
What if I need accomodations 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
![welcome](https://docs.gato.txst.edu/699366/w/2000/Rk0riRFNsofv/fans.jpg)
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.