TUESDAY November 19, 2024 VOLUME 114 ISSUE 15 www.UniversityStar.com
TXST plans for on-campus housing as enrollment increases By Lucciana Choueiry News Editor As enrollment grows, Texas State is adding two new dorms and introducing plans to accommodate on-campus housing options for upperclassmen. Texas State’s on-campus housing currently fits 9,042 students, including the recently opened Alamito and Cibolo Halls, according to Bill Mattera, executive director of the Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL). By 2027, that number is projected to increase to 11,300 with the addition of Canyon Hall and a second Hilltop Housing complex. Texas State University Provost Pranesh Aswath said enrollment is also expected to steadily increase through 2027, driven by the state’s rising high school graduation rates. On-campus housing plans are
A danger sign is posted at the demolition site of Arnold Smith Hall, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at Texas State. KOBE ARRIAGA | The University Star
designed to align with this antici“Canyon [Hall] helps us quite pated growth. a bit, it gives us another 942 beds Canyon Hall will begin housing which essentially allows us to fully freshmen in fall 2025 with the be okay with the first-year class,” addition of 942 beds and will be Mattera said. located between Supple Science and San Marcos Hall. SEE DORMS PAGE 3
Hays County property tax increase to impact rent By Jacquelyn Burrer News Reporter Hays County residents could see rising rent prices following the commissioners court’s decision to increase property taxes by nearly 14% on Sept. 17. The Hays County Commissioners Court raised the property tax rate from $0.3075 to $0.35 per $100 of valuation, effective in October. While the new rate is in effect, payments are not yet due, prompting apartment complexes to adjust in advance.
SEE COUNTY PAGE 2
SARAH MANNING | The University Star
Students experience increased base rent prices By Candace Taggart, Lesdy Hernandez News Reporters Over the last several years, rent increases about 13% in San Marcos with each year increasing 2 to 3% more, according to Eric Algoe, vice president for operations and chief financial officer at Texas State. Algoe said Texas State aims to provide more housing options for students due to the increase in rent in San Marcos. “The cost of living on campus is just so much more affordable than living in town,” Algoe said. “We’re not doing that because we just want more housing, we’re doing that because we want more students to be able to get a Texas State education.” Madison Rodriguez, English sophomore, who is in her second year at The Lodge Apartments said she experienced a significant increase in her
apartment base rent. In her first year, she paid $599 a month, now she pays almost $200 more than that. “My apartment is supposed to be the cheapest apartment in San Marcos,” Rodriguez said. “Now, my base is going to be around $640, and with all utilities making it around $800 a month.” The Attorney for Students office offers legal services and advice for students navigating off-campus housing options, and encourages students to have their attorneys help go over contracts with them. Ethan Chou, Texas State attorney for students, said leasing contracts for off-campus housing are usually complicated and long. Most student housing apartments offer rent-by-the-room leases, where tenants rent individual bedrooms and share common areas, ensuring they’re only responsible for their own rent.
SEE APARTMENTS PAGE 3
TXST to freeze tuition increase through 2025-26 By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter
English freshman Celia Strang holds positive signs, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the Stallions Statue. ISABELLE CANTU| The University Star
“Stand tall”: TXST community bands together after demonstration By Jamie Moore Life and Arts Reporter In the days following demonstrators with signs appearing on campus, the Texas State community rallied together to find ways to reconnect and create symbols of unity. Two demonstrators arrived before 12:20 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Fighting Stallions, holding multiple provocative signs targeting women and the LGBTQ+ community. A counterprotest from students quickly followed. The day after, students surrounded the stallions, holding signs bearing contrasting messages from the day before, such as “Free Hugs,” “Don’t Lose Hope”
and “Y’all Means All.” “Be you, simply just being yourself as a form of protest is a form of resilience, a form of courageousness,” Jerard Mosley, musical theatre freshman, said. “Simply just being yourself makes the world a better place, not falling to the systematic pressures of hate and all the other horrible things in the world.” Mosley stood with his friends to support the community on Nov. 7. He said random students who showed up and wanted to make a positive change rather than the moment being organized made it beautiful.
SEE COMMUNITY PAGE 6
Texas State University announced it will not increase the price of tuition for students through the 2025-26 academic year at an open house on Thursday, Nov. 14. The decision means students will not face an increase in tuition until at least the 2026-27 academic year. The decision does not freeze increases for fees, such as the athletics fee. Tuition for one year, based on 15 credit hours per semester, is currently $12,220 for in-state students and $24,520 for out-of-state students. “We are making a commitment. We didn’t increase tuition last year either, we’re not increasing tuition this year,” Texas State University’s Chief Financial Officer Eric Algoe said. “And there is a pretty good likelihood we’re going to try and maintain that commitment in the coming years as well.”
SEE UNIVERSITY PAGE 2