Director: Kay Angrove (936) 294-3422
Sam Houston State University is dedicated to helping first-year students make the transition to university life. Students taking advantage of the First-Year Experience program enhance their educational experience while enjoying the opportunity to build a solid foundation of skills needed for success. The University has developed a comprehensive, coordinated approach toward the first-year experience including a freshman seminar, learning communities, new student orientation, advising, newsletters, New Student Convocation, a Common Reading Program, and a comprehensive listing of academic support services offered for students at SHSU.
UNIV
1301 Introduction to Collegiate Studies is a three credit hour Freshman seminar. Class size is limited to approximately 25 students. Students will receive academic and personal assessments and survival tools, get an orientation to and use the academic resources (e.g., Writing Center, Reading Center, Math Center, SAM Center, Student Money Management Center, Health and Wellness Center, and Recreational Sports) at Sam Houston State University. Students enrolled in this course received personal guidance in selecting college majors and corresponding career fields. UNIVERSITY 1301 is designed to transition students to successful college experiences and to develop a plan for graduation and beyond.
Learning communities provide beginning freshmen the opportunity to take several classes with the same group of students. The learning communities are designed to foster the intellectual and social development of students through increased interaction with fellow students, faculty, and staff. SHSU learning communities pair three courses in the fall and three courses in the spring around an academic major of student interest theme. Each learning community is anchored by the UNIVERSITY 1301: An Introduction to Collegiate Studies course. The BearKat Learning Community provides beginning freshmen the opportunity to take two classes with other students who live in the same residence hall. There are planned program of activities designed to enhances academics as ell as provide a positive social atmosphere outside of the classroom. These students participate in a Study Skills seminar and may choose UNIVERSITY 1301 as one of their eight class options.
For further information call (936) 294-3422; e-mail fye@shsu.edu; or visit First Year Experience..