General Information for Undergraduate Admissions

(Revised 02-26-02 to reflect new admissions requirements and fees)

Sam Houston State University accepts applications for undergraduate admission from students without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, or age.

Applying to Sam Houston State University is a relatively simple process.  Prospective students should read carefully the following information.  And, although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that you and your family visit SHSU during your search process for college.

All undergraduate admissions applications and all transcripts (high school and college/university) are discarded/destroyed when students do not enroll (or register for classes) for the semester/summer session for which admission was sought.

The University Undergraduate Admissions office is located in the Estill Building, first floor.

Questions?  Contact the Undergraduate Admission staff at (936) 294-1828.

IF YOU ARE A BEGINNING Freshman Student

A beginning freshman student must graduate from an accredited high school, take the ACT Composite or SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative), and effective with enrollment for the Fall Semester 2002, the following test scores for beginning freshmen will be required.

• Students in the First Quartile, no minimum score on ACT Composite or SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative).
• Students in the Second Quartile, a minimum score of 19 on ACT Composite or a minimum score of 930 on SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative).
• Students in the Third Quartile, a minimum score of 22 on ACT Composite or 1030 on SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative).
• Students in the Fourth Quartile, a minimum score of 25 on ACT Composite or 1140 on SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative).

A beginning freshman student must submit the following documentation.

1. Completed Texas Common Application with a nonrefundable application fee of $20 US.
2. Official copy of ACT Composite or SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative) score.
3. Official copy of high school transcript showing class rank. Upon graduation from high school, applicant must provide a final official high school transcript showing final class rank and date of graduation.

A beginning freshman student who has attempted college/university course work while enrolled in high school or in the semester prior to entering Sam Houston State University must provide official transcript(s) indicating the completion of all transferable academic hours (excluding developmental, remedial, vocational/technical, continuing education, or lifelong learning courses) with an overall cumulative trans­fer grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all academic hours attempted. Provide all documentation as listed above for a beginning freshman student.

If you are a GRADUATE OF A NONACCREDITED HIGH SCHOOL including home school—

Sam Houston State University admits qualified students graduating from nonaccredited high schools or home school graduates who meet the following criteria.

• Score at least 21 on the ACT Composite or 1010 on the SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative).
• Present a high school/home school transcript that meets the Texas State Graduation Requirements as approved by the State Board of Education (see www.tea.state.tx.us/taa/ch74001101.html or Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 74)

Graduates of a nonaccredited high school, including home school, submit the following documentation.

1. Completed Texas Common Application with a nonrefundable application fee of $20 US.
2. Official copy of ACT Composite or SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative) score.
3. Official copy of high school transcript showing class rank.  If home school, provide notarized copy of transcript.  Upon graduation, applicant must provide a final official transcript showing final class rank and date of graduation.

if you are a Student who earned the GED

Sam Houston State University admits qualified students who have earned their GED and who score at least 21 on the ACT Composite or 1010 on the SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative) and submit the following documentation.

1. Completed Texas Common Application with a nonrefundable application fee of $20 US.
2. Official copy of ACT Composite or SAT I Total (verbal + quantitative) score.
3. Official copy of GED certificate with GED test scores.

if you are a Transfer Student—

Glossary NoteS:  A "transfer student" is defined to mean an undergraduate student who has attempted transferable academic course work from an accredited college or university.  "Transferable academic course work" is defined to mean those attempted hours of course work which are applicable to a baccalaureate degree program.

Transfer Students from U.S. Colleges or Universities

• Undergraduate students who transfer to Sam Houston State University from another regionally accredited college or university with less than 12 transferable academic hours must meet the standards of beginning freshman students (see Beginning Freshman Students of this policy) and must provide the following documentation.

• Undergraduate students who transfer to Sam Houston State University from another regionally accredited college or university with 12 or more transferable academic hours, (see Glossary Note above) must provide the following documentation.

• Sam Houston State University  accepts a maximum of sixty-six academic hours plus four hours of activity physical education (kinesiology) for a total of seventy semester hours from the accredited junior/community colleges attended.
• Courses taken at junior/community colleges do not satisfy the advanced hours requirement at Sam Houston State University.
• Students who are currently suspended from another college or university are not eligible for admission to Sam Houston State University.\
• All academic courses (excluding developmental, remedial, vocational/technical, continuing education, or lifelong learning courses) attempted at a four-year regionally accredited U.S. college or university will be transferred.

If you are interested in EARLY Undergraduate ADMISSIONS PROGRAM

• High school students who have completed the junior year may be accepted to attend classes at Sam Houston State University.
• To be accepted to attend classes, the students must provide official documentation for the criteria listed below, complete the undergraduate admissions application form, and pay the nonrefundable application  of $20 US..
• To qualify for the Early Undergraduate Admissions Program, a high school student must meet the following criteria:

• Upon graduation from high school, the student must submit a new undergraduate application to change the classification from "Early Admissions" to "Undergraduate Student" in order to continue taking classes at Sam Houston State University.

If you are interested in FULL-TIME EARLY Undergraduate ADMISSIONS PROGRAM Requirements

• Sam Houston State University recognizes that in some instances a truly gifted high school student may receive considerable educational benefit from a full-time early undergraduate admissions program to a college or university.
• To be admitted to the University, the student must provide official documentation for the criteria listed below, complete the Texas Common Application and pay the nonrefundable application fee of $20 US.
• High school students desiring to enter a full-time early undergraduate admissions program must fulfill the following requirements.

Admission of Undergraduate International Students

• All undergraduate international students must file the Texas Common Application and pay the nonrefundable application fee of $20.00 in U.S. currency.
• Sam Houston has five categories of undergraduate international students: beginning freshmen who have graduated from a high school outside the United States, beginning freshmen who have graduated from a high school in the U.S., transfer students who have attended a college or university from outside the U.S., transfer students who have attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained 60+ hours or an associate degree, and transfer students who have attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained less than 60 hours.
• International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school outside the U.S. must provide the following:

1. TOEFL score of 550 or 213 (computer version) if English is not their first language
2. Official high school transcript
3. Evaluation of high school transcript from an accredited evaluation company
4. Support documents

• International students who are beginning freshmen graduating from a high school in the U.S. must provide the following:

• International students who are transfer students who attended college or university outside the U.S. must provide the following:

• International students who are transfer students who attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained 60+ hours or an associate degree must provide the following:

• International students who are transfer students who attended a college or university in the U.S. and have obtained less than 60 hours must provide the following:

RequirementS for Registration by Undergraduate International Students

• To ensure that all undergraduate admission and immigration papers are in order, international students are required to visit the Undergraduate Admissions Office immediately upon arrival on campus.
• All international students are required to purchase the group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Proof of this insurance must be presented to designated university officials each semester before the registration process can be completed. Further information concerning this required coverage may be obtained from the University Health Center.
• Certified English translations are required for documents submitted in a language other than English.

Personal Review of Educational Potential (PREP) *

Undergraduate Admissions

* Subject to action of the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System

Sam Houston State University endeavors to assist all prospective students in achieving academic success.

Beginning freshman applicants who do not meet minimum requirements for admission but whose high school academic record indicates reasonable likelihood of success and are currently ranked in the top three quarters of their class are eligible for the Personal Review of Educational Potential (PREP) Program.

• Students in the fourth quarter of their graduating class are not eligible for this review.
• The Undergraduate Admissions staff will consider the following factors in the PREP process:

Procedures for consideration for the PREP program

To be considered for the PREP program, students should submit the following no later than June 1 of their senior year:

• A seven-semester transcript that includes class rank, SAT I and/or ACT and TAAS scores
• TASP scores or verification of TASP exemption
• A personal statement that addresses the factors the applicant wishes to bring to the attention of the Undergraduate Admissions staff regarding the student’s academic record
• Two letters of recommendation: one from a school administrator/counselor and one from a high school teacher

All students applying for this program will be notified of the results of their review within 30 days after receipt of their materials.

Please Note

The PREP program at Sam Houston State University is subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, to be effective with enrollment for the fall semester of 2002.

APPEALS Process for Undergraduate Admissions

Appeals for Special Undergraduate Admissions. An applicant who has been denied admission may appeal that decision in writing to the Undergraduate Admission Standards and Applications Committee, Sam Houston State University, Box 2418, Huntsville, Texas 77341.

Transfer Dispute Resolution Guidelines

The following guidelines and definitions are established to clarify and enhance Chapter 5, Sub-chapter A, Section 5.4 of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board rule pertaining to Transfer Curricula and Resolution of Transfer Disputes for Lower-Division Courses.

DEFINITIONS

The definitions listed below were established by the Coordinating Board and will serve as criteria to resolve legal questions as specified in Section 1.23, Sub-chapter C, Chapter 61 of the Education Code, Section 61-078. The publications Transfer of Credit Policies and Curricula of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual: A Manual of Approved General Academic Transfer Courses for State Appropriations to Texas Public Community Colleges are the references for this issue: The following criteria for lower-division and upper-division course credit were adopted by the Task Force to Update the Academic Course Guide Manual.

1. Criteria for Lower-Division Course Credit
   Lower-Division (Baccalaureate/Associate Degree) Courses
   Courses offered in the first two years of college study are those which:
   
   1. Are identified by a majority of public 4-year undergraduate institutions in the state as courses intended to comprise the first two years of collegiate study, AND
   2. Stress development of disciplinary knowledge and skill at an introductory level; OR
   3. Include basic principles and verbal, mathematical, and scientific concepts associated with an academic discipline.


2. Criteria for Upper-Division Course Credit
   Upper-Division (Baccalaureate) Courses
   Courses offered only in the third or fourth years of a baccalaureate program are those which:
   
   1. Are identified by a majority of public 4-year undergraduate institutions in the state as courses intended to comprise the third and fourth years of postsecondary study, AND
   2. Involve theoretical or analytical specialization beyond the introductory level, OR
   3. Require knowledge and skills provided by previous courses for successful performance by students.


3. Free Transferability
   

   Lower-division courses included in the Academic Course Guide Manual and specified in the definition of 'Lower-Division Course Credit' shall be freely transferable to and accepted as comparable degree credit by any Texas public institution of higher education where the equivalent course is available for fulfilling baccalaureate degree requirements. It is understood that each Texas institution of higher education may have limitations that invalidate courses after a specific length of time.

   For Texas community colleges, these freely transferable courses are identified in the latest revised edition of Coordinating Board publication Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual Ð A Manual of Approved General Academic Transfer Courses for State Appropriations to Texas Public Community Colleges, (revised 1991). Specifically excluded are courses designated as vocational, ESL/ESOL, technical, developmental or remedial, and courses listed as 'basic skills.'

   For senior four-year institutions, lower-division courses that have the same course content and CIP codes as approved by the Coordinating Board shall bear equivalent credit. Specifically excluded are course designated as ESL/ESOL, technical and developmental/remedial courses.

   Within the spirit of the law it is realized that differences in interpretation of 'same course content' may generate disputes.



4. Disputes
   

   Transfer disputes may arise when a lower-division course is not accepted for credit by a Texas institution of higher education. To qualify as a dispute the course(s) in question must be offered by the institution denying the credit (receiving institution), or in the case of upper-level institutions, must be published as a lower-division course accepted for fulfilling lower-level requirements. For community colleges, the course(s) must be listed in the Community College General Academic Course Guide Manual, and be offered at the receiving institution. Additionally, the sending institution must challenge the receiving institutions denial of credit.

   
   

   Students at Sam Houston State University who require additional information/clarification regarding Transfer Dispute Resolution Guidelines should contact the Director of Undergraduate admissions.

COMMON COURSE NUMBERS

The Texas Common Course Numbering System was developed in part to assist students in identifying which courses at one college will meet specific course requirements at another college. In other words, the common course numbering system promotes the successful transfer of course work among colleges and universities in Texas, making the transfer process easy for students.

The common course number has a standardized four-letter prefix followed by a four-digit number -- example, ENGL 1301. The four-letter prefix identifies the subject area. Each digit in the four-digit sequence gives additional information about the course. The first digit identifies the course as either freshman level (1) or sophomore level (2). The second digit identifies the number of credit hours a student will earn upon completion of the course. Most often this digit will be a 1, 2, 3, or 4. The final two digits serve to establish the sequence in which courses are generally taken.

In the course description sections of the catalogue, the common course number is shown in brackets -- example, [ENGL 1301]. The following is a list of all the common course numbers currently adopted by Sam Houston State University. Courses which fulfill one of the General Education Requirements for the Core Curriculum are identified with the letters GE to the right of the Sam Houston State University course number.

COMMON COURSES
EFFECTIVE FALL SEMESTER 1996

ORIENTATION

The Office of Student Life coordinates the orientation sessions for new students. Summer Orientation Programs offer freshmen and transfer students the opportunity to learn about SHSU and the range of support services which are available across campus. During these sessions, students meet with an academic advisor and register for fall classes, they can secure on-campus housing for the fall, and can pay all of their fees for the semester. A mini-orientation program is offered for new students at the start of the fall semester, and again at the start of the spring semester. Please call (936) 294-1785 for more information about any of these programs.

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT POLICY

The Academic Advisement system for Sam Houston State University, approved by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, requires that students in one or more of the following categories are subject to Academic Advisement prior to registration:

Students Subject to Academic Advisement:

• All students whose current overall SHSU GPA is below 2.50
• All students who do not have an SHSU GPA, i.e., new freshmen and new transfer students
• All students subject to TASP regulations

Each student who is subject to Academic Advisement will be assigned an advisor. Students who are classified as 'General Studies' students, i.e., no declared major, will be assigned a designated General Studies Advisor. Students who have declared a major will be assigned an advisor within their major department/program.

Each student subject to Academic Advisement must be advised by his/her designated advisor prior to the beginning of Advance Registration. Students subject to Academic Advisement will not be permitted to register until they have been advised. Students subject to TASP regulations are subject to TASP advisement.

Students may view the name of their advisor by accessing the appropriate computer option through SamInfo Telephone Access or SamInfo Computer Access. Specific information for accessing this data is provided in the Schedule of Classes. Detailed registration procedures are included in the Schedule of Classes which is published twice each year -- Summer School/Fall Semester, and Spring Semester.

Students are urged to review the academic calendar which provides the dates for Advance Registration. Students should schedule their advisement session with their designated advisor at an early date to ensure that the advisement procedures occur prior to Advance Registration.

Questions relating to Academic Advisement should be directed to the Office of the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, 200 Lee Drain Bldg., (936) 294-1401.

TEXAS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONSORTIUM, INC.

Sam Houston State University is a member of the Texas International Education Consortium, Inc. (TIEC), a nonprofit organization which coordinates joint international educational activities in Texas for public institutions of higher education and engages in the separate and joint pursuit of international educational exchange. TIEC also assists institutions of higher education in Texas in building improved international education programs for students, faculty, visitors, and participants of other nations.

GENERAL CONDUCT AND CAMPUS REGULATIONS

It is expected that all Sam Houston State students are on campus for serious educational pursuits and that they will conduct themselves so as to preserve an appropriate atmosphere of learning. It is also expected that all students who enroll at Sam Houston State agree to assume the responsibilities of citizenship in the campus community. While enrolled, students are subject to University authority which includes the prerogative of dismissing those whose conduct is not within the aims and policies of the University. Students are responsible for abiding by all published University rules and regulations as printed in this catalogue, in the student handbook, Student Guidelines, and in other official University publications. Failure to read these publications will not excuse the student from the requirements and regulations described therein. In addition, students should be familiar with House Bill 141 of the 61st Legislature on Disruptive Activities and Senate Bill 24 of the 70th Legislature on Hazing, extracts of which can be found in Student Guidelines.

STUDENT ABSENCES ON RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS

Section 51.911 of the Texas Education Code requires that an institution of higher education shall allow a student who is absent from class for the observance of a religious holy day to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. The student, not later than the 15th calendar day after the first day of the semester, or the 7th calendar day after the first day of a summer session, must notify the instructor of each scheduled class that he/she would be absent for a religious holy day. Refer to the academic calendar for the deadline date for notification by students to the faculty members of the student's intent to be absent on religious holy days.

Academic Disciplines Categories Assoc. Bacc. Mast. Doct. Prof.

FOOTNOTES

(Footnote references identify Texas CIP code names and code numbers rather than institutional program names.)

1. Environmental Science (03.0102.10) only
2. Interior Architecture (04.0501.00) only
3. Educational Administration & Supervision, General (13.0401.00) only
4. Electronic Engineering Technology/Technician (15.0303.20), Industrial/Manufacturing Technology/Technician (15.0603.00), and Manufacturing Technology/Technician (15.0603.10) only
5. Industrial/Manufacturing Technology/Technician (15.0603.00) only
6. Combinations of previously approved programs only
7. Interdisciplinary Studies, General (30.9999.01), Applied Arts & Sciences (30.9999.40), and combinations of previously approved programs only
8. Combinations of previously approved programs only
9. Fitness & Sports (31.0501.10) only
10. Forensic Psychology (42.0201.10) only
11. Drafting, General (48.0101.00) only
12. Health Studies (51.0301.20), Medical Technology (51.1005.00), and Music Therapy (51.2305.00) only

* Approved by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, August 20, 1999, subject to action of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

2000-2002 Undergraduate Catalogue