A San Marcos treasure is about to be extinct.

Upon asking anyone who visits or lives in San Marcos what they think of when they hear the city’s name, one of the most common responses is glass bottom boats. This fall, the historic buildings that currently comprise the Aquarena Center, which has defined San Marcos for decades, will be torn down and the land will be restored to its natural state. However, there's still time to protest the demolition of the historical buildings.

Anyone who has been on campus this summer has walked by the gaggles of eager and overwhelmed.

Individuals have probably looked at them and seen a little bit of one’s self from a few years ago. Orientation groups are a great way to become acquainted with the university but to broaden education, The University Star is going to give some “supplementary materials.”

The time spent in college is only a blip on the radar of students' lives.

Four or five years, if easily distracted by sunny days at the river, seems like forever to freshmen on move-in day. Like most good things, it does not last forever. Texas State exists to provide students with opportunities and an education, but it is important to not selfishly take without giving back.

The Associated Student Government deserves a pat on the back for another passing semester. The University Star is not happy with unfulfilled potential, but ASG overcame itself to shine in a few key areas.

Transparency — Pass

It is usually dangerous when a government body starts to regulate opinion.

Andrew Freiman, junior English major and local poet, chalked his words across the steps of Alkek Library last week. However, by mid-afternoon, Frieman’s poem had been washed away. That same day, the University Police Department questioned him about potential vandalism.

It is hard to accuse someone of vandalism when the evidence literally washes away. No charges have been pressed on Freiman.

Good reputations are earned with kept promises. If reputable people say they will help a friend move, they do it. If they say they will give them a ride to work, they do that, too.

More than a few students at Texas State have not grasped this concept. Workers at the Student Health Center have to deal with the constant issue of students missing appointments. Students schedule the appointment, but never arrive. It might not seem like a big deal to students who are making the appointments and staying home instead, but it is a troubling nuisance and a drain on health center resources.

Students have an opportunity to put the pedal to the metal.

A project nearly seven months in coming to bring safe rides to San Marcos saw a fresh start this weekend.

University officials cut funding for the Students With Alternative Transportation Program in early fall. The money once allotted for the program was put toward graduate student research.

The biggest question facing the newly-elected Associated Student Government president and vice president is pride. Not if they can follow through with a plan to force-feed others pride, but if the individuals can swallow their own.

The University Star editorial board did not endorse Melanie Ferrari for president, but has hopes she excels at serving students. Ferrari and Vice President Colter Ray are personable, energetic and boast impressive résumés. However, their job demands are great.

A driving argument behind a movement to instate a smoking ban on the Texas State campus is conveniently misleading.

Dr. Emilio Carranco, the director of the Student Health Center, has spent the last two weeks endorsing a smoke-free campus.

Carranco is the head official tasked with revising the smoking policy — pending approval from University President Denise Trauth — and has served equal parts as a lobbyist throughout his mission to gauge public opinion.

Sound like a double standard? It is.

It is good news Bobcat Ball was a success, but a careless boycott campaign and misguided accusations of anti-gay sentiment by Lambda’s president cast an unfortunate shadow over an important event.

Will the boycott raise awareness of the very real presence of homophobic discrimination and harassment in San Marcos? Not likely. Will it unfairly tarnish the reputation of an otherwise typical San Marcos establishment? Potentially.