INTRODUCTION

Purpose

The purpose of this publication is to provide general information about the academic programs of Sam Houston State University (SHSU) to students and prospective students as well as the faculty and staff of the University. Included is information concerning the academic calendar, admission and registration procedures, tuition and fees, degree requirements, services available to students, and the faculty and administrative officers of the University.

While every effort has been made to make this publication as complete and accurate as possible, it should be noted that changes may occur at any time in the policies, requirements, academic calendar, deadlines, fees, and curricula listed in this publication. Please visit the Sam Houston State University website at www.shsu.edu frequently for the most current information.

How to Use This Catalog
The 2008-2010 Undergraduate Catalog contains information for incoming students, current students, faculty, and staff. This catalog is designed to help students navigate through the various tasks they must successfully complete during their academic career. The “Map to Successful Enrollment through Graduation” highlights the key steps (from application to graduation) each entering student must consider.

The initial chapters (Admission, Registration, Tuition and Fees, Student Financial Aid, Degree Requirements and Academic Guidelines) within this catalog are arranged in the order most students follow on their path to graduation. The remaining chapters (Student Support Services and degree programs by College) provide information about support services and degree programs.

Useful Tools
The appendices found at the end of this catalog contain detailed information on a variety of topics.

Appendix A provides a list of course abbreviations (e.g., AGR represents Agriculture) used throughout this catalog and in many SHSU operations and publications (e.g., transcripts, registration, etc.).
Appendix B contains definitions of terms that are frequently used in the academic environment.
Appendix C details Sam Houston State University’s procedures and policies relating to transfer of credit.
Appendix D lists frequently used Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCN) and the SHSU course equivalent. This appendix will be of great value to transfer students and SHSU students who take an occasional class at a Texas community college.
Appendix E provides information about degrees offered at The University Center in The Woodlands, Texas.
Appendix F provides information about the International Baccalaureate.
Appendix G contains a listing of the University faculty.

Map to Successful Enrollment through Graduation

Steps to Successful Enrollment Through Graduation

Visit Campus and website: https://www.shsu.edu
Visitor Center/Tours: (936) 294-1844 or 866-BEARKAT

Set up mySammyPage: https://www.shsu.edu/mysammypage

Apply for Admission https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/commonapp.WBX

Apply for Financial Aid https://www.shsu.edu/fao

Complete Placement and TSI Testing

Complete the following after notification of acceptance to SHSU:

Complete application and pay deposit for Residence Life.
https://www.shsu.edu/reslife
Submit University Supplement for Financial Aid.
https://www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/forms.html
Register On-Line for New Student Orientation.
https://www.shsu.edu/orientation/
Complete Academic Coach Assessment.

Watch for instructional e-mail

Apply for BearkatOne ID Card.*
https://www.shsu.edu/onecard/
Complete academic advisement.*
https://www.shsu.edu/samcenter
Register and pay for classes.*
https://samweb.shsu.edu/regr01wp/
Check Financial Aid status.
https://www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/
Sign-up for Jobs4Kats
https://www.shsu.edu/~ccp_www/
Apply Financial Aid to your account.
https://samweb.shsu.edu/faid04wp/

Second Year: Official Declaration of Major/Minor.

Contact major department.

Every semester:

Verify degree plan and course selection with advisor. Contact the SAM Center.
https://www.shsu.edu/~sam_www/advisors.html
Seek Career Advisement and attend career fairs.
https://www.shsu.edu/~ccp_www/

Final Year:

Verify remaining graduation requirements through mandatory graduation advisement.
On-campus Interviews https://www.shsu.edu/careerservices
Apply/Pay for Graduation https://www.shsu.edu/~reg_www/forms/appdegree.pdf
Attend Destination Graduation (936) 294-1040
Confirm Graduation Status On-Line https://www.shsu.edu/~reg_www/graduation/
Complete Financial Aid Exit Counseling (may be completed at Destination Graduation) http://mapping-your-future.org/services/oslcidx.htm

* May be completed at New Student Orientation.