What is Bobcats Back?

Bobcats Back is a series of events during the first week of each semester, dedicated to engaging our new and returning students through enriching programming experiences. 

Our Bobcats Back programming is designed to provide students with:

  • The opportunity to foster connections with their peers and the broader university community.
  • A range of programs and activities tailored to meet the unique needs of all students.
  • Awareness of the services and resources on campus and in the community that support student success.
  • Reaffirmation of the traditions that cultivate pride at Texas State University.

Dates

Monday, August 25, 2025 to Fri., August 29, 2025

For inquiries or more information, contact:
Deion Robbins, Coordinator for Campus Programming
Student Involvement
Student Involvement & Engagement
bps54@txstate.edu 
512-245-3219


First Day Photos

First Day Photos - Students taking a selfie photo

We welcome all students, new and returning, back to the start of classes with first day of class photo opportunities.

San Marcos Campus

LBJ Student Center Mall

Monday, August 25, 2025
11:00:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Click to view event!

Round Rock Campus

Avery Building 2nd Floor

August 25 - August 26, 2025
9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Click to view event!

Calendar of Events

Location:
Supple Science Student Lounge on the 3rd floor near the elevators (Rm 301); 301
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dr. Michele Fissel
Campus Sponsor:
Biology Department
Bio & Brew: Meet the Professors—an open meetup where students get to connect with biology professors outside the classroom. Coffee and breakfast bites will be available to all in attendance.

Location:
LBJSC Plaza; Backup 306
Cost:
Various Amounts
Contact:
Brandon Vannatta
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Student Involvement and Engagement
Spruce up your space with hundreds of posters featuring art, music, movies, pop culture, and more — all at great prices! Whether you’re decorating your dorm, apartment, or office, you’ll find the perfect piece to make your walls pop.

Location:
Avery Building, 2nd floor; 2nd Floor
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Joclyn Martinez
successrrc@txstate.edu
5127164001
Campus Sponsor:
Student Success & Academic Services
Kick off the first week of classes with a first day of class photo!📷 Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
LBJ Student Center Mall
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Julisa Hernandez, julisa.hernandez@txstate.edu; C:830-387-1154
Kick off Bobcats Back with Grateful Bobcats!
Join us at First Day Photos in the LBJ Student Center Mall to play a quick game, grab snacks and learn about Huddle Against Hunger & Student Philanthropy!

Location:
Avery 2nd Floor
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Patrick Harris, PhD, LPC
jh1637@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Psychology Department
Passing out information on managing stress, sleep hygiene, stickers, journals, and psychology department offerings 
Location:
Texas State University- Round Rock Campus The Quad; The Quad
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Savannah Pineda
successrrc@txstate.edu
Get to know the Texas State University Round Rock Campus Student Success resources available to help you thrive this semester plus enjoy some grab-and-go snacks. Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Supple Science Student Lounge on the 3rd floor near the elevators (Rm 301); 301
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dr. Michele Fissel
Campus Sponsor:
Biology Department
Bio & Brew: Meet the Professors—an open meetup where students get to connect with biology professors outside the classroom. Coffee and breakfast bites will be available to all in attendance.

Location:
LBJSC Plaza; Backup 306
Cost:
Various Amounts
Contact:
Brandon Vannatta
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Student Involvement and Engagement
Spruce up your space with hundreds of posters featuring art, music, movies, pop culture, and more — all at great prices! Whether you’re decorating your dorm, apartment, or office, you’ll find the perfect piece to make your walls pop.

Location:
Avery Building, 2nd floor; 2nd Floor
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Joclyn Martinez
successrrc@txstate.edu
5127164001
Campus Sponsor:
Student Success & Academic Services
Kick off the first week of classes with a first day of class photo!📷 Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
DERR 238; 238
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Illona Weber
512-245-8647
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Join us for games, prizes and snacks.
Get to know the tutors, meet other Bobcats, talk with faculty.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
DERR 238 - Math CATS; 238
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Illona Weber - 512.245.8647
Campus Sponsor:
Mathematics
Strong Start, Strong Finish!
Join us in Math CATS to get to know your tutors.
  • Meet and greet with your fellow classmates.
  • Talk with members of the math faculty.
  • Ask questions.
  • Play games.
  • Win prizes!  
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
LBJSC Hub (second floor); Hub (second floor)
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Health Promotion Services
Alicia Rosas, Marisa Montelongo, or Kelsey Banton
healthycats@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
University Health Services
Join Healthy Cats and Students Against Violence peer educators to chat about topics like healthy relationships, consent, sexual health and safer sex practices, and pick up some free cookies and condoms (while supplies last!). We'll be in the LBJ Student Center Hub from 11:30-2:30 PM! 🍪✨


Healthy Cats is a peer health education program focused on promoting individual areas of health and wellness.


Students Against Violence is a peer education program focused on preventing violence and promoting healthy relationships.
Click here for more information
more about event
Location:
LBJSC 303
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Jennifer Smith
js51@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Counseling Center
Join Counseling Center staff to learn how emotional wellness and mindfulness strategies contribute to improved grades, sleep, and overall student success.

Location:
MUS Bldg 236; 236
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Daris Hale
512-363-6382
Campus Sponsor:
College of Fine Arts and Communication
Why take your general education courses in San Marcos when you could take them in London/Paris or Rome/Vienna?  Come learn about the opportunities available to take 6 hours in roughly two weeks of travel!  We also have Honors courses available!   Take Intro to Fine Arts, Fund of Human Communication, International Cultures and/or Independent Study while overseas!  Then spend the rest of your summer traveling around Europe, becoming the best you and an amazing Bobcat! Make 2026 the best summer ever!  Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Lobby area of the School of Family & Consumer Sciences; Lobby area
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Cindy Fitchpatrick
(512) 671-0016
vrg64@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
FCS Events Committee
At this event for students,  the FCS student organizations will have informational tables set up throughout the lobby. 


Joining a student organization is a fun way to do professional and social activities that interest you and to meet new friends!!

Location:
LBJSC Plaza; Backup 306
Cost:
Various Amounts
Contact:
Brandon Vannatta
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Student Involvement and Engagement
Spruce up your space with hundreds of posters featuring art, music, movies, pop culture, and more — all at great prices! Whether you’re decorating your dorm, apartment, or office, you’ll find the perfect piece to make your walls pop.

Location:
George's (LBJSC 1st floor)
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Madyson Flint, mls332@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Career Services
Celebrate your first week on-campus by enjoying breakfast tacos* and bingo with Career Services! Each round of bingo offers valuable tips to help you make the most of your college experience and launch your career at TXST – think internships, part-time jobs, networking, job shadowing, and more.


Whether you’re in it for the tacos, the prizes, or the insider info, we’d love to see you there!


📍 George’s, 1st Floor of LBJ Student Center
📅Wednesday, August 27
🕙10 AM – 12 PM


*Breakfast tacos available while supplies last. Complimentary taco provided to bingo participants only.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
DERR 238; 238
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Illona Weber
512-245-8647
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Mathematics
Join us for games, prizes and snacks.
Get to know the tutors, meet other Bobcats, talk with faculty.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Commons Dining Hall, 1st Floor; 1st Floor
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Academic Engagement - acad_engagement@txstate.edu
Hey Bobcats! Welcome back! Academic Engagement is kicking off the semester with free food, giveaways and the reopening of our B3 & First-Gen Student Lounge. Whether you’re a new or a returning Bobcat, this is your chance to learn about the resources and services provided by Academic Engagement to help you be successful. Don’t miss it!

Location:
LBJSC, room 315; 315
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Dr. Oleksandra Sehin
During this session, Education Abroad staff member will introduce different types of education abroad programs, some financial solutions students might be able to use as well as the next steps for applying for education abroad programs. Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
DERR 238 - Math CATS; 238
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Illona Weber - 512.245.8647
Campus Sponsor:
Mathematics
Strong Start, Strong Finish!
Join us in Math CATS to get to know your tutors.
  • Meet and greet with your fellow classmates.
  • Talk with members of the math faculty.
  • Ask questions.
  • Play games.
  • Win prizes!  
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
The Quad at RRC
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Joclyn Martinez
successrrc@txstate.edu
5127164001
Campus Sponsor:
Student Success & Academic Services
Join us for yard games, music, food, giveaways, and more!🤩 Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Flowers Hall 230
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Leslie Garrett lg33@txstate.edu
512-245-5212
Campus Sponsor:
College of Liberal Arts
The College of Liberal Arts will host a Volunteer Fair for students on Wednesday, August 27th from 1-4 pm in Flowers Hall 230. If you are looking to get involved please join us to learn about all of the volunteer opportunities available. This is a come and go event from 1-4pm. Light refreshments will be served. 

Location:
Room 215; 215
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Richard Brooks
rb1217@txstate.edu
Join us at the School of Social Work (College of Applied Arts) Bobcat Welcome Back Event! We are in Encino Hall in Room 215 for our meet and greet activities.  We will provide plenty of water, snacks, and self-care activities.  It is a great chance to catch up or help build our community.  

Location:
TXST campus LBJ room 306; 306
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Astrid Banegas: 512-924-6793
Lauren Hopkins: 214-683-4350
Alani Wells: 737-266-1735
We will have two writing activities to encourage students to engage with their self and others. Great time to connect with new people. Free snacks are provided.  Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
LBJ Room 323
Cost:
Free
Contact:
TXST Passport Services Office:
Passport@txstate.edu
512-408-6386
Campus Sponsor:
TXST Passport Services Office
To provide guidance on the process of applying for a U.S. passport through the Texas State University Passport Services Office Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
LBJ Student Center - LBJ Ballroom; LBJ Ballroom
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Fraternity & Sorority Life Office = (512) 245-5646
Campus Sponsor:
Fraternity & Sorority Life Office
Please join us for an information session to learn about the Interfraternity Council's Fraternity Recruitment Program. Meet all 16 fraternities and enjoy free food and refreshments! Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
LBJSC Plaza; Backup 306
Cost:
Various Amounts
Contact:
Brandon Vannatta
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Student Involvement and Engagement
Spruce up your space with hundreds of posters featuring art, music, movies, pop culture, and more — all at great prices! Whether you’re decorating your dorm, apartment, or office, you’ll find the perfect piece to make your walls pop.

Location:
Texas State University- Round Rock Campus Avery 2nd Floor; 2nd Floor
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Savannah Pineda
successrrc@txstate.edu
Students will discover essential mobile apps that support their success at Texas State University Round Rock Campus and enjoy a free donut when they download the apps! Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
LAMP 407; LAMP 407
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Honors College (honors@txstate.edu)
Join the Honors College for bingo and freshly-popped popcorn! All undergraduate students are welcome.

Location:
Concho Green
Cost:
Free
Contact:
 
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Student Involvement and Engagement
Kick off the new school year with a high-energy Movie Night under the stars! Join us for a screening of Twisters, the thrilling new sequel to the 1996 classic. Grab your friends, bring a blanket, and enjoy snacks, community, and storm-chasing excitement as we welcome everyone back to campus. Food provided!

Location:
LBJSC Plaza; Backup 306
Cost:
Various Amounts
Contact:
Brandon Vannatta
Campus Sponsor:
Department of Student Involvement and Engagement
Spruce up your space with hundreds of posters featuring art, music, movies, pop culture, and more — all at great prices! Whether you’re decorating your dorm, apartment, or office, you’ll find the perfect piece to make your walls pop.

Location:
FCS 187
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Michelle Lane, PhD
Associate Professor
Program Coordinator Nutrition and Foods
email:=ML48@txstate.edu
512-245-4654
Campus Sponsor:
School of Family and Consumer Sciences
New student orientation for new, nutrition majors. Come meet the faculty, learn about degree options and requirements, and get involved in student organizations.

Location:
Career Services (LBJSC 502)
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Jessica Alva*, jessica.alva@txstate.edu
Madyson Flint, mls332@txstate.edu
Campus Sponsor:
Career Services
Fall into your on-campus job search by preparing your application materials and joining us for Part-Time Power Hour Drop-Ins! We'll help you navigate the job search process and walk you through the steps of applying for on-campus positions.



What to Expect:


Check Your Applications: Gain insider tips on tracking your applications and knowing when to follow up!


Do's and Don'ts: Master essential resume tricks, interview hacks, and learn about common mistakes to avoid in your job hunt.
Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Texas State University- Round Rock Campus The Den; The Den
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Savannah Pineda
successrrc@txstate.edu
Kick off the semester with purpose! Join us for a fun and interactive goal-setting activity where you'll create your own Fall Semester Bingo card. Click here for more information
more about event

Location:
Avery 2nd Floor; 2nd Floor
Cost:
Free
Contact:
Joclyn Martinez
successrrc@txstate.edu
512.716.4001
Campus Sponsor:
Student Success & Academic Services
Join us for a Campus Clean-Up as we work together to beautify the pond area! Let’s make a positive impact on our campus environment while enjoying the outdoors.



What to Bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Sunscreen
  • A hat
  • Plenty of water


RSVP by August 28
Click here for more information
more about event