Student Support

Student Support Services

Alumni Relations and Development

Located in the John R. Ragsdale Visitor & Alumni Center, the Office of Alumni Relations is a vibrant and growing part of the University Advancement Division and provides the support and direction for the Alumni Association. The alumni program is an important part of an integrated advancement effort to inform and engage graduates and former students with the university.

The Alumni Association exists to support and promote the University, and represents the interests of over 95,000 alumni. The association’s programs and activities are developed and planned in consultation with an alumni board of directors. The association sponsors distinguished alumni and alumni service awards programs, homecoming, tailgate parties,  regional alumni gatherings, newsletters, scholarships, student programs, merchandising, and the  official  university ring program.  In addition, they offer many affinity programs as benefits to alumni, such as a University credit card, auto and home insurance, short-term insurance, and the university license plate program.

Regular membership is open to all graduates and former students of Sam Houston State University.  Associate memberships are open to non-alumni friends. For additional information, please call (936) 294-1841 or visit the Alumni Association website at www.shsu.edu/alumni/.

The University must increasingly rely on private giving from its alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations to close the gap between what tuition, fees, and state support provide and what is necessary to offer programs of quality. The Annual Fund is an ongoing program to secure recurring contributions from alumni and friends. More than 8,000 alumni and friends contribute to the University’s scholarships, colleges, departments, and other programs.

The University is in its first capital campaign in the University’s history. A significant priority is to increase endowments for scholarships, faculty and staff development, student programs and the five colleges.

For additional information about providing support for the University through an annual, capital, or planned gift, please contact University Advancement at (936) 294-3625 or Box 2537, Huntsville, TX 77341-2537. Donors wishing to make a gift with a credit card can go online to www.shsu.edu/giving.

Athletics

Intercollegiate athletics are a vital part of the university experience for students at Sam Houston State University. The Bearkats compete at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports as a member of the Southland Conference.

Men’s intercollegiate sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track & field, and outdoor track & field. Women’s sports are basketball, cross country, golf, indoor track & field, outdoor track & field, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.

In the fall of 2010, Sam Houston will begin competition in women’s bowling, increasing the number of intercollegiate sports to 17.

Three of the past five years, the Bearkat athletic program as ranked as the best in the Southland Conference, winning the SLC Commissioner’s Cup all-sports trophy. Sam Houston is the first university to win the Commissioner’s Cup three consecutive years.

Since moving up to the NCAA Division I level in 1986, Sam Houston has participated in the national playoffs 14 times including consecutive appearances in the last three NCAA Division I baseball tournaments.

The Bearkats have won 22 Southland Conference team championships with 10 of those SLC trophies earned in the past six years. In addition, SHSU has won eight Southland post-season tournament titles.

While competing at a high level on the playing field, the Bearkats also have proven themselves tops in the Southland Conference in the classroom.

Each of the past four years, Sam Houston State has placed more individuals on the Southland Commissioner’s Honor Roll (student-athletes with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better) than any other league member. Four of the last five semesters, SHSU student-athletes have combined to produce a department grade point average (GPA) of 2.90 or above, a mark higher than the GPA of the university’s overall student population.

Eight times in the past four years, Bearkats have been recognized as the outstanding student-athlete in their individual sports. Winners of the SLC “Student-Athlete of the Year” honors have been Ryan Bright (2007 and 2008 men’s basketball), Stephen Prihoda (2007 baseball), Lata Assudani (2007 women’s tennis), Jennie Sewell (2007 women’s track and field), Jennifer Heinz (2008 women’s golf), Barkley Falkner (2009 men’s basketball) and Irina Sotnikova (2009 women’s tennis).

Sam Houston State University annually draws regional and national media attention through televised athletic contests. Bearkat football and basketball games have been featured in nationally televised games on ESPN2 and CBS. Each year, SHSU games are telecast on the Southland Conference TV network.

The university boasts one of the finest athletic complexes in the Southwest that serves as the site of both regular season competition and post-season tournament action.

Home athletic events are held at Bowers Stadium (football), Johnson Coliseum (basketball and volleyball), Don Sanders Stadium (baseball), softball (Bearkat Softball Complex), tennis (McAdams Tennis Center), track and field (York Track Center) and soccer (Pritchett Field).

Complete schedule and ticket information as well as the opportunity to watch live video of the Bearkats in action is available on the university’s web site at www.gobearkats.com.

Sam Houston State University annually draws regional and national media attention through televised athletic contests. Bearkat football and basketball games have been nationally televised on ESPN2 and CBS, and regionally televised on Fox Sports Southwest.

As a participant or a fan, there’s lots of excitement for all at Bearkat athletic events!

Bearkat OneCard Services

The Bearkat OneCard is the official ID card of Sam Houston State University. The OneCard is an all-in-one student ID which has been designed to be an efficient, multi-purpose card.  It provides students easy access to University facilities and services. The card can also double as a debit card connected to the OneAccount, a fully functional FDIC-insured checking account. As a MasterCard Debit Card, (NOT A CREDIT CARD) the Bearkat OneCard can be used for purchases at millions of merchants worldwide.

An Active Bearkat OneCard has the following uses:

• SHSU Library Card
• Parking Garage Access (OneAccount)
• Applying Financial Aid
• Managing Financial Aid and other Refund Preferences
• Managing Student Payroll Preferences
• Access to the HKC
• Access to SHSU Athletic Events
• Raven's Nest Golf Course
• Debit Card for the Bearkat OneAccount
• Bearkat Express Access
• Meal Plan Access
• Residence Hall Parameter Access

The Bearkat OneCard serves as the vehicle through which students choose the manner in which they receive financial disbursements from the University. Students set their own preference when activating their Bearkat OneCard online. 

Students have the option of: (1) sending disbursements to the OneAccount. Sending to this account is the fastest delivery method or (2) sending disbursements directly a third party bank of choice through ACH processing. Federal banking procedures requires two to three business days for processing.
To obtain a Bearkat OneCard you must:

• Have a photo taken in the Bearkat OneCard Office. It is mandatory to present a government issued ID at the time that the photo is taken.
• Have a valid address on file with Sam Houston
• Be registered for classes

When these steps have been completed, the Bearkat OneCard will be mailed to the address of record.  Upon receipt, the OneCard must be activated at www.BearkatOne.com for on campus usage.  At the time of activation a student can choose to activate the optional, free FDIC-insured, no minimum balance checking account. This debit/checking account has been carefully designated with the needs of students in mind.

The Bearkat OneCard Services staff provides assistance in taking ID photos, activating cards, configuring options, and providing information related to refund disbursements to students. The office also provides passport photos to all faculty, staff, and students free of charge.  For more information, please visit our office in the Estill Building, Suite 230, contact us by phone at (936) 294-2273, or visit www.shsu.edu/onecard.

Student Money Management Center. The Student Money Management Center (SMMC) is a financial outreach and educational program administered by the Sam Houston State University Division of Student Services.

The Mission of the Student Money Management Center is to improve the financial well-being of our students by providing the unbiased education, counseling, tools, and solutions students need in order to achieve financial independence.

The Student Money Management Center offers financial literacy outreach to students in the form of seminars and workshops on a number of financial literacy topics, including but not limited to:

• Budgeting
• Good Credit vs. Bad Credit
• How to Be A Smart Shopper
• Preventing Identity Theft
• Saving Money
• Setting Financial Goals
• Protecting Your Credit

The goal of the Student Money Management Center outreach program is for students to:

• Learn how to identify and track expenses during and after college
• Create a financial survival plan for college
• Graduate with a plan for repaying student loans and personal debt
• Locate external financial education resources
• Talk to trained professionals about personal financial decisions and issues in a confidential and comfortable environment
• Create a personalized budget for the upcoming semester or year at SHSU
• Learn how to obtain, interpret and understand a personal credit report
• Understand employee benefit packages and retirement plans prior to accepting a career opportunity

Contact the Student Money Management Center for more information at 936-294-2600; website:  www.shsu.edu/smmc~/.

Career Services

The Career Services staff assists students and graduates of Sam Houston State University in their search for employment appropriate to their interests, skills, academic preparation and personal aspirations. Opportunities and resources are provided to assist students in learning and implementing the life-long process of career exploration, career choice and ultimately, obtaining rewarding employment.

Specific services include:

• Career Assessment tools
• MBTI®
• DISCOVER
• The Strong Interest Inventory®
• Career Counseling
• Mock interviews
• On-campus interviews
• Resume referrals to employers
• Web-based registration and resume service
• Job/Internship vacancy announcements and listings
• Workshops and individual instruction on resumé writing and interview skills

The Career Services office sponsors special events such as the annual Teacher Job Fair (fall and spring semesters), Career Expo held each fall semester, and the Summer Job and Camp Fair. As a member school in the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers, SHSU Career Services also participates in the Texas Job Fair which attracts a large number of Houston-area employers each spring.

The Career Library contains many resources to assist students in finding:

• career choices
• internships
• summer jobs
• professional employment

Printed materials in the Career Library include:

• employer information for new college graduates
• information and applications from area school districts
• job market information and applications for federal and state governmental positions
• materials on summer camps and internships

Numerous video tapes and books provide information on job searching skills and specific employers. A small computer lab is available for Internet job-searches and resume writing.

The Career Services department also provides many free materials such as career magazines, brochures, literature from employers, and informational hand-outs covering various career-related topics. Career Services is located at the corner of Avenue J and Bearkat Boulevard. Further information may be obtained by calling (936) 294-1713 or by visiting www.shsu.edu/careerservices/.

Student Employment

Information about student job opportunities and applications for student employment may be obtained from Career Services, located at the corner of Avenue J and Bearkat Boulevard. Career Services is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is (936) 294-1713.

Continuing Education

Continuing Education offers non-credit courses for personal and professional development. Courses include allied health certification courses, introduction to various computer software, conversational Spanish, sign language, real estate, paralegal, country and western dance, ballroom dance, instant piano, and much more. For more information, telephone (936) 294-4568 or visit the website at www.shsu.edu/~exl_www/.

Counseling Center

Counseling Services. The Counseling Center provides a variety of service to enhance student learning and assist students in achieving their academic goals. The Center is staffed by professional psychologists, post-doctoral residents, and graduate trainees who provide a confidential setting where students can freely discuss their concerns.  The typical range of services provided includes individual counseling, group counseling, vocational counseling, couples counseling, and outreach/preventive education presentations.  Staff members are available to assist students in crisis situations on short notice. Students can receive assistance with a variety of concerns, including adjustment problems, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, stress management, and many others.  Services are also available for international students who may request assistance in adjusting to life at an American university.   Groups that are commonly offered include a Women’s Support Group, Interpersonal Therapy Group, Relationship and Communication Skills Group for Students with Aspergers Disorder, Managing Anxiety Group, Self-Esteem Group and others. All of the services the Counseling Center provides are free. Individual and couples counseling services have a 12-session limit per academic year, and group therapy services are unlimited. All counseling is confidential within the limits of legal and ethical obligations.   

The Counseling Center is located in the North Annex of the Lee Drain Building.  To make an appointment, visit or call (936) 294-1720. The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with additional evening hours during the Fall and Spring semesters.  For more information, visit the Counseling Center website at www.shsu.edu/counsel.

Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids and services for students with documented mental or physical impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities.  To apply for services, students must register with SSD, participate in a disability intake, and submit current documentation from a qualified professional indicating the presence of a substantially limiting impairment.  Accommodation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, as supported by the student’s documentation and educational needs.  For additional information on the SSD documentation guidelines, procedures for requesting services, and adaptive technologies available on the SHSU campus, students are encouraged to contact the Counseling Center at (936) 294-1720 or TDD (936) 294-3786 or access the SSD webpage at https://www.shsu.edu/~counsel/sswd.html. 

Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD). TDD locations are as follows with corresponding telephone numbers:

Office of Student Life: (936) 294-3785
Counseling Center and Services for Students with Disabilities: (936) 294-3786
University Police: (936) 294-3787
Office of Undergraduate Admissions: (936) 294-3788
Registrar’s Office: (936) 294-3789

Dean of Students’ Office

Through leadership, programs, and policy development, the Dean of Students’ Office contributes to the overall intellectual, social, and personal development of the students. The Dean of Students’ Office represents student needs to the University administration, faculty, and departments and also transmits needs of these groups to the students. This Office assists students who have questions about any phase of campus life. In an effort to promote individual group development of students, the office co-sponsors educational programs and leadership development workshops.

The professional staff is responsible for the administration of a number of policies and procedures found in Student Guidelines, the student handbook. These include student conduct and judicial processes, and certain provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act.

In addition, the Office is responsible for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; the Freshman Leadership Program; Orange Keys Program; University Parking Appeals; Alpha Lambda Delta, a freshman Honor society; advising the Parents’ Association; advising the Student Government Association; the Students of Concern Team; Phi Sigma Pi, an honor society for upper classmen; the Co-Curricular Transcript; Ask Raven; Bearkat Ongoing Leadership Program (BOLD); and Greek Life.

The Dean of Students’ Office is located in the Lowman Student Center Suite #215, telephone (936) 294-1785. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday. Other times may be scheduled by appointment. Website: www.shsu.edu/~slo_www/.

General Conduct And Campus Regulations. It is expected that all Sam Houston State University 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 University 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 catalog, 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 Government Association. The Student Government Association exists for the sole purpose of serving the student community. It is the political voice and liaison for the student body. The University recognizes the need and worthwhile contribution of student input in all facets of the University decision-making processes. The Student Government Association has long been active in this regard and has worked for the betterment of student life and academic quality. The student body participates in the development and management of a well-rounded program of student activities by electing the Student Government Association officers and Student Senators. Each college within the University elects its representatives, the number being determined by the percentage of students majoring in the academic departments within the academic college.

Open meetings are conducted each Tuesday night. Students are encouraged to participate in their student government. Copies of the Student Government Association constitution and other information may be obtained from the Student Government Association Office, which is located in the Lowman Student Center Suite #326. Please call (936) 294-1938 for additional information.

Health Center

The Student Health Center, located at the corner of Avenue J and Bearkat Boulevard, provides comprehensive routine health services and education to currently enrolled students. The Health Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters. The Center is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the summer.
The Health Center sees patients by appointment.

The Health Center is equipped with an in-house pharmacy and laboratory providing convenient and affordable access to routine healthcare services.

The cost of office visits are covered by the Medical Service Fee paid at the time of registration. Fees are charged for laboratory tests, prescription drugs and certain procedures. These charges are due when services are rendered. However, these charges are at discount rates that are often below the market rate.

In addition to medical services, the Health Center offers health education, prevention programs, and general health information. Students with questions about any health issue are encouraged to contact the Health Center.

The Health Center prides itself in its accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).  Accreditation means that the department’s operations meet or exceed rigorous standards of quality.

In the case of on-campus medical emergencies, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be called. Persons experiencing a serious or potentially life threatening medical condition should seek medical attention at Huntsville Memorial Hospital.

Information regarding student health insurance is available through the Health Center. The student policy is mandatory for international students. Please visit the Health Center’s website at www.shsu.edu/healthcenter or call (936) 294-1805 for more information.

International Programs

The Office of International Programs (OIP) promotes and coordinates international activities at Sam Houston State University, including the recruitment and retention of international students and study and travel abroad of SHSU faculty and students. OIP is the primary contact for international students at the University, and the staff provides assistance and information to international visitors.

The OIP staff assists with immigration rules and regulations for international students. This office also provides various support services for international students; i.e., initial airport arrival transportation, cultural and social activities, both on campus and off-campus. Sam Houston State University offers opportunities to study abroad around the world through exchange universities, faculty-led programs and third-party study abroad providers.

Visit or call the Office of International Programs in Farrington Building, 116; telephone (936) 294-4737. Information is available at the website www.shsu.edu/oip. Mail address: International Programs, 1908 Avenue J (SHSU Box 2150), Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2150.

Lowman Student Center & Student Activities

The Lowman Student Center (LSC), conveniently located at the center of campus, offers several dining options and a variety of meeting facilities and services. The University bookstore is located on the second floor, along with the Art Gallery and Information Center.  The LSC also houses the Kat Klub entertainment center, a spacious ballroom, theater, and sixteen conference rooms.  The LSC provides wireless computer access, as well as computer work stations on the first and second floors. An ATM is located on the first floor near the Kat Klub. Students may consider joining one of the many organizations that meet in the Lowman Student Center. By getting involved and connected, students gain the opportunity to meet other students with similar interests, make new friends, gain valuable leadership experiences, and make better grades.

For additional information, contact the Lowman Student Center staff at (936) 294-1759 or visit our website at www.shsu.edu/lsc.

Multicultural and International Student Services. In order to provide the Sam Houston State University community with diverse cultural experiences, the Multicultural and International Student Services (MISS) Office coordinates the programming for Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage, and International Student Programs. The specific purpose of these programs is to: (1) promote cultural awareness in the University community, (2) enhance and cultivate leadership, social and academic skills through participation in cultural programs, (3) assist in the retention and graduation of students of color, (4) provide a vehicle by which culturally diverse students can share ideas and talents through a variety of workshops and presentations, and (5) facilitate individual experiences so they explore, identify and evaluate their beliefs and values.

Museum, Sam Houston Memorial

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum, established in 1936 as a Texas centennial project, is an integral part of Sam Houston State University and is dedicated to preserving the memory of General Sam Houston (1793-1863). A soldier, statesman and politician, the only man to serve as governor of two states and president of an independent republic, Sam Houston led the fight for Texas’ independence and then served Texas as President, U.S. Senator, and Governor. Located on fifteen acres, the museum complex preserves three fully furnished original Houston buildings - Woodland Home, Steamboat House, and Law Office - as well as a kitchen, blacksmith shop and other exhibit structures. The Memorial Museum Building houses the major collection of Houston memorabilia and exhibits. The Katy & E. Don Walker, Sr. Education Center is named for a distinguished alumnus of Sam Houston State University and his wife, and provides auditorium, classroom and meeting spaces, as well as a gallery for traveling exhibits and ‘Wigwam Neosho’ - the museum store and gift shop. The museum offers many educational opportunities for Sam Houston State University students. These include semester and year long internships, both undergraduate and graduate exploring a variety of museum study options.  We also provide several part-time student jobs, tours, and research and writing programs using archives, manuscripts and artifacts. Numerous lectures, symposia, and workshops are offered throughout the year, many carrying academic credit.  Classes as diverse as history, biology, political science, and aret use the Museum and grounds as a laboratory, studio and classroom.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Accreditation certifies that a museum operates according to standards set forth by the museum profession, manages its collections responsibly and provides quality services of museum visitors.

The museum complex is located at the corner of Sam Houston Avenue and 19th Street, and can be reached by calling (936) 294-1832; or by visiting the website at www.samhouston.memorial.museum.

Press & Copy Center, Sam Houston

Sam Houston Press & Copy Center is the University’s in-house printing and copying facility. It provides year-round service for students, faculty, and staff of Sam Houston State University. Copying, binding, fax services and printing services are offered to students and student organizations.

Sam Houston Press & Copy Center is located on the first floor of the Thomason Building. The facility is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information or to arrange an appointment for placing an order, call (936) 294-1856.

Public Safety Services, University Police, and Parking & Transportation Office

University Police Officers are licensed peace officers as defined under the laws of the State of Texas and thereby have the authority of peace officers. Their primary jurisdiction, under H.B. 391, includes all counties in which property is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of Sam Houston State University.

The University Police Officers subscribe to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, a portion of which reads, “As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against deception, the weak against oppression or intimidation, and the peaceful against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all citizens to liberty, equality, and justice.” In this endeavor, the University Police earnestly solicit the support of the faculty/staff and students. Many officers are students thus providing a balance within Public Safety Services from a student’s perspective.

In addition to University regulations, all the general and criminal laws of the State and the United States are declared to be in full force and effect within the properties of Sam Houston State University. All persons are responsible for compliance with these laws.

All thefts, vehicle accidents, or other offenses that occur on campus should be reported immediately to the University Police. The University Police Building is located at 2424 Sam Houston Avenue (Sam South Complex) —Telephone Number (936) 294-1794. Police Officers are on duty 24 hours every day. The Business Office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Visit the website at www.shsu.edu/~upd_www/.

Campus Safety. Sam Houston State University offers a variety of services to promote a safe campus environment. The campus is equipped with emergency call boxes stationed at strategic locations throughout the campus to include parking lots, walkways, and residence halls. Additionally, the University Police provide staff to escort students not wishing to walk alone at night to and from campus buildings and parking lots. Students wishing to learn more about personal safety and self defense may take advantage of programs offered by the University Police Department. For more information, call (936) 294-1794.

Parking & Transportation

Parking Permits. Students, full or part-time, who operate or expect to operate a motor vehicle, motor cycle, or motor assisted cycle on University property, regularly or occasionally, are REQUIRED to register the vehicle with the Department of Public Safety Services and obtain a parking decal assigning a designated color area for parking. The University reserves the right to require proof of ownership of the vehicle being registered. Parking and Traffic Regulations and Information governing the operation of motor vehicles is issued with each parking permit and is available in administrative offices and on our website. Failure to read the regulations is not an excuse for failure to comply with the regulations.

Safety Office. The University Safety Office is responsible for administering safety programs designed to assure a safe and healthful campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. These programs include fire, health, and occupational safety, as well as safety audits and investigations of any unsafe conditions or safety hazards reported within the campus community. Any person noting a safety hazard on the University campus is urged to report the condition to the Safety Coordinator as soon as possible, telephone (936) 294-1921. The Safety Office is located in the Sam South Complex, Building B, 2424 Sam Houston Avenue.

Recreational Sports and Activities Program

The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities offers broad-based recreational programming in the areas of intramural sports, open recreation, aquatics, club sports, outdoor recreation, wellness, and special events. Facilities managed by the Department of Recreational Sports and Activities include the Health and Kinesiology Center (which houses four basketball courts, two multi-purpose rooms, 1/8-mile indoor running track, ten racquetball courts, weight room, and courts for badminton, volleyball, and pickleball). The Recreation Addition includes a 34’ climbing wall, boulder, a 10,000 square foot weight room, and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Additional facilities include eight outdoor tennis courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, a 345 acre university campsite, and three athletic fields used for Intramurals. In addition, the department is responsible for the Pritchett Field Complex which includes two athletic fields and an outdoor running track.

The Intramural program offers a variety of team, dual, and individual sports. Offering leagues for those with a competitive motivation and a recreational league, the Intramural Program is comprised of three divisions - men’s, women’s, and co-recreational. The Informal Recreational program is designed to offer opportunities in self-directed recreational pursuits. Informal “free play” is an ideal alternative for those not interested in team affiliation, nor the commitment needed for club sports. The Outdoor Recreation program offers an extensive outdoor recreation rental program (tents, canoes, etc.) and the trip program (backpacking the Big Bend or skiing in Colorado are examples). The Club Sports program accommodates individuals who have an interest in competitive sports such as soccer, volleyball, and rugby. The Wellness Program offers a wide variety of interactive programs promoting a positive personal lifestyle. The department also offers special events such as concerts, sports trivia bowl competition, and fun days.

The department also provides numerous employment opportunities for students who are interested in part-time work. Over 400 student positions are filled annually in the areas of intramural officiating, facility supervision, aquatics, and special events assistants.

The informal relationships which are established through involvement in sport and recreational activities are an integral part of a student’s life. The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities invites students to become active participants in one or more of the various forms of leisure time activities available. For information pertaining to any of these Recreational Sports activities, stop by the administrative offices located on the first floor of the Recreation Complex, call (936) 294-1985 or visit the Recreational Sports and Activities website at www.shsu.edu/recsports.

Residence Life

Residence Halls. The Department of Residence Life operates about twenty-eight residence halls, including an apartment complex for upperclassmen. A housing brochure will be sent to the students upon acceptance to SHSU. This brochure provides many details of the residence life program at Sam Houston State University, including information regarding specific residence halls, applicable rates, and some policies. Students can also visit the Residence Life website at www.shsu.edu/~hou_www/, or call (936) 294-1812.

A person may not live in University housing unless enrolled in classes at SHSU for each particular semester.

Application for housing may be made via the website once the student has been accepted to SHSU, or may be filed in person, by mail, or by fax. A deposit of $200 is required with the application for housing. Assignments are made on a space-available basis according to the date of deposit. Prior to the beginning of a semester, students will be mailed a residence hall or apartment assignment, the appropriate arrival and check-in hours, and other pertinent information. The housing contract will be in effect and must be adhered to for the full academic year.

Should a student become unable to fulfill a reservation, a refund may be made under certain conditions. Please refer to the Housing Application/Contract for specific details regarding refunds which are determined by the date the cancellation is received.

Students may pay for housing in full at registration or in an installment arrangement. Payment of rent and/or deposit may be made with MasterCard or VISA, if desired. A late fee of $10 is charged on all payments received after established deadlines. Information on specific dates of payments and amounts due may be obtained from the Department of Residence Life.

University residence halls are closed during the Thanksgiving holiday, academic breaks between semesters, and during spring recess. The student may stay in the residence hall during these periods, if approved, for a separate fee unless the buildings are closed for maintenance or renovation.

Bearkat Village Apartments. The University maintains two-bedroom, fully furnished apartments for upperclassmen. The apartments are located on Montgomery Road across from Bowers Stadium. All residents must be enrolled in the University.

First-year Students Required Housing And Meal Plan Policy.All students who have graduated from high school within the current or previous calendar year are required to reside in University housing and to purchase a meal plan for their freshman year, which will normally include the fall and spring semesters. For example, a December 2007 high school graduate would be required to live on campus the Spring 2008 semester, as well as the entire 2008-2009 academic year. Anyone signing an academic year housing/meal plan contract will be required to fulfill the terms of that contract. Exceptions to the Freshman Required Housing and Meal Plan Policy may be made by the Department of Residence Life if:

1. residence in University housing will impose a significant hardship, financial or otherwise; or
2. the student is married and living with his/her spouse; or
3. the student commutes from the home of his/her parents, grandparents, or a brother or sister; or
4. the student graduated from high school at least one year prior to attending Sam Houston State University; or
5. the student is a veteran of military service.

The student must provide documented evidence to warrant consideration for a waiver of this requirement. A denial of this request may be appealed to the Assistant Director of Residence Life. Charges for both services will be added to the student’s account until approval for the waiver is obtained. Any student that does not comply with the above policy will be subject to disciplinary action as specified by the Code of Student Conduct as published in Student Guidelines.

Dining Service. Four meal plans are currently available. All required first-year students must choose between the 20, 15 or “any 160” meal plans. The 5 meal plan is designed for and restricted to upperclassmen living on or off campus. The 20, 15 or 5 meal plans offer the given number of meals per week (Monday through Sunday). The fourth option provides for “any 160” meals during the semester. Students who purchase the 5, 20, or “any 160” meal plans receive 100 “Bonus Points” toward the Bearkat Express. Students who purchase the 15 meal plan will receive 155 “Bonus Points” toward the Bearkat Express. The Bearkat Express is a declining balance account in which a minimum of $25 is deposited and the cash price of food purchases is deducted from the balance. Bearkat Express funds are nonrefundable. Bearkat Express is welcome at any ARAMARK managed campus dining facility. Rates and additional information are available from the Department of Residence Life.

Summer Housing.The buildings that are open for summer school housing vary from year to year because of renovation and maintenance schedules. Rooms in residence halls and Bearkat Village apartments are usually open for summer school students. Assignments are made according to date of deposit.

Student Services, Division of

The role of the Division of Student Services is to complement the total educational mission of the University by providing opportunities for students to develop and grow in an academic environment. This is accomplished by offering quality programs and emphasizes the holistic approach in co-curriculum involvement. Studies indicate that learning occurs in an environment conducive to social, recreational, educational, and intellectual interaction. A variety of student service programs are designed to foster such interaction with students, faculty, staff, and the University community. The goal of the division is to contribute to the learning experiences of SHSU students, helping them to become educated, enlightened, and empowered in ways that they can achieve and contribute as productive citizens in their college, community, and country.

The Office of the Vice President for Student Services provides administrative leadership, supervision, and coordination for the Division of Student Services. The division includes the following departments: Bearkat OneCard Services, Student Money Management Center, Counseling and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD); Dean of Students’ Office; Health Services; Lowman Student Center; Student Activities; Recreational Sports and Activities; and Students’ Legal and Mediation Services. For more information, visit the website at www.shsu.edu/vpss.

Students’ Legal And Mediation Services

The Students’ Legal and Mediation Services office is located in the Lowman Student Center, suite 33. The student’s legal advisor has scheduled hours that allow students with various schedules to easily obtain an appointment by calling (936) 294-1717. Brochures concerning specific legal issues are also available for registered students.

The advisor often helps students with legal problems by guiding them through self-help procedures and providing written materials concerning their legal issues. By guiding the student through the procedures required in administrative and judicial proceedings, it is anticipated that the student will be able to effectively deal with these problems currently and in the future. However, when the problem is of such a nature that legal representation is immediately needed, referral to several practicing attorneys in that area of law is made.

All matters between the students’ legal advisor and the student are confidential. Some areas of student concern are landlord/tenant issues, consumer protection, insurance, crime, family law, traffic tickets, automobile accidents, and employee rights.

Visitor Center

Located in the John R. Ragsdale Visitor & Alumni Center, the Sam Houston State University Visitor Center is the welcoming point of the University. Visitors are encouraged to register at the Center upon arrival to campus to ensure the maximum benefit of their visit. Buses are welcome and easily accommodated. Please contact the Center to:

• Schedule a tour of the campus
• Obtain departmental brochures to assist in educational planning
• Register for Saturdays@Sam Campus Preview Day

The Visitor Center, located at the Bowers Boulevard entrance to campus is housed with the Office of Alumni Relations. Visitors can enjoy showcased SHSU alumni success stories, university history, and view the university’s “story” on video in the state-of-the-art theater.

Saturdays@Sam campus preview days are held in the fall and spring of each year for prospective students, parents, and guests. For more information, please contact the Visitor Center at (936) 294-1844 or visit www.shsu.edu/visitor.