KTSW Loves: Bobcat Days

By Kayla Jones

Community Relations Member

Choosing the right university is a major decision for high school seniors. There are many factors to consider, such as the location, cost, and available majors. However, the most crucial factor is visiting the school to see if expectations are matched. To choose the best-fit college is essential because you will be there until you graduate. Texas State University recognizes the importance of this and offers Bobcat Days, or preview days twice a semester, for potential students and their families to explore and experience the campus.

Organizing Bobcat Days is a complex process that requires a lot of effort and coordination. Many freshmen students who decide to attend TXST do so based on their experience at Bobcat Days. Various groups, including the Future and Alumni Welcome Center, the University Ambassadors, different college departments, and student organizations, contribute to the event’s success. For many of the workers involved, the day starts early, at least two hours before the actual event, to ensure everything is in place and ready for the upcoming hours. University Ambassadors, in particular, have to manage many details to make sure the day runs smoothly. They have to greet students and their families, lead tours, and help lost guests, among other things. They work tirelessly throughout the day, doing whatever is necessary to ensure that everyone has a great experience.

I had the opportunity to ask Kai Woods, a University Ambassador, for her thoughts on Bobcat Days and her feelings about them: “Bobcat Days are fun because I interact with incoming bobcats and their families. I get to help these students make one of the most important decisions of their lives while representing a university that I love.”

Bobcat Day is an event where potential students and their families visit the campus on a Saturday and participate in multiple activities to get a feel of what being a bobcat is all about. During this full event-filled day, students and their families can explore the campus through tours and seek assistance from administration offices such as financial aid, business services, or the registrar’s office regarding their transcripts, tuition, and payments. There are also student panels where they can ask current TXST students any questions or concerns they may have. Additionally, students can attend a student organization fair to interact with other students to learn about the clubs on campus, such as KTSW, and explore their interests. For students seeking guidance on their academic path, there are advisors from most majors present who can help them understand the exact classes they need to graduate and discuss their future schedules. Lastly, students can tour the residential housing facilities to get a sense of what the dorms look like.

A typical Bobcat Day starts with check-in at around 8:00 a.m. You will receive a booklet containing all the activity times, a map of the campus, and a free shirt. You can choose which segment you want to attend, like a student panel or a panel about your major of interest. You can then take a tour and go to each spot mentioned in the booklet, where a friendly University Ambassador will give you a breakdown of the place and answer any questions you may have. Free transportation to residential housing is provided around noon. Keep in mind that you are free to do as you please, but someone will always be present to answer your questions or help if you get lost.

This event is a great opportunity for students to get a feel for the campus in person and experience student life first-hand. While the Bobcat Days for this semester have already passed, there will be two more that will occur in the spring! Texas State is committed to providing resources and support to help its students succeed. Attending Bobcat Day is the first step towards achieving these goals. For more information, visit the designated webpage for Texas State Bobcat Days.