Advising (Student Advising and Mentoring Center)
The Student Advising and Mentoring Center (SAM Center) at Sam Houston State University offers academic advising to all undergraduate students and counseling and academic enrichment services to all undergraduate and graduate students. The SAM Center is a resource dedicated to helping students adjust to academic life at Sam Houston State University. Services available include assistance with time management and/or study skills, GRE, locating tutors, and special programs for student populations served at Sam Houston State University.
The SAM Center is housed on the first floor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building. The Center can be contacted by e-mail at SAMCenter@shsu.edu or by any of the following telephone numbers: (936) 294-4444; toll free, (866) 364-5211; in Houston area, (281) 657-6432.
English Language Institute
The mission of the English Language Institute is to provide necessary English language and cultural skills for international students to be admitted into academic programs at Sam Houston State University or other colleges and universities. Throughout the academic year, the English Language Institute (ELI) offers extra-curricular activities to enhance English language and cultural competency acquisition. For more information, visit English Language Institute.
Institutional Effectiveness
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (IE) is a University administrative service and support unit serving the entire University, within the Division of Enrollment Management. The Primary department functions include Institutional Research, Administrative Assessment, Legislative Relations and Public Policy.
Institutional Research includes the collection, storage, analysis, appraisal, and dissemination of data for external reporting on behalf of the University, as well as for use in evidence-based review, planning, and action by University administrators and academic leaders. Institutional Research maintains longitudinal databases from numerous centralized and decentralized data sources to enable the research and reporting required internally and by federal and state agencies for the assessment and publication of policy, programs, and special educational initiatives
The Administrative Assessment function incorporates the review and analysis of non-academic programs as part of the University’s commitment to ongoing program assessment and improvement, for strategic planning, and for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and other professional and educational accreditation organizations.
Finally, IE’s Legislative Relations and Public Policy roles seek to identify and act upon opportunities to create positive relationships with lawmakers at local, state, and federal levels and to educate decision-makers concerning Sam Houston State University’s outstanding contributions to academia, the workforce, and local, state, and national economies.
IT@SAM
The University has three departments to support the campus information technology within the Division of Information Technology Services: Emterprise Services, Infrastructure and Support Services, and Client Services.
The Enterprise Services department provided the programming, bussiness process analysis, reporting, and database administration supprot for all the administrative systems such as registration, admissions, grade entry, finance, and payroll. Most of these systems are available through the MySam campus portal.
The Infrastructure and Support Services department manages the server and networking infrastructure such as the gigabit connectivity for all campus buildings including residence halls. Each resident has his/her own high-speed internet connections. Also, wireless access points are provided throughout the main campus with SamNet.
The Client Services department manages campus computer labs and classroom technology, licensing and installation of campus software, campus tech support, Web development, and technology asset management. The Helpdesk is also in the Client Services department and is available to help students with their computers accounts, PINs, and profiles.
From the University web site, students can activate and begin using SHSU computer accounts as soon as they are accepted to the University. To ensure prompt communications, the University will send official statements and documents to student’s SHSU e-mail addresses. The assigned e-mail address will have the following format: username@shsu.edu. The use of University e-mail and all other computing resources is governed by the Computer Services Acceptable Use Policy:https://www.shsu.edu/administrative/policies. SHSU will never ask students to share their passwords with anyone. Each student will be assigned a six-digit personal identification number. This PIN should also not be shared with anyone. Former students who have completed at least 15 hours of course work at SHSU will be eligible to opt-in to keep an SHSU e-mail account.
The three IT@SAM departments employ students as lab assistants, web designers, service desk assistants, and software/hardware technicians. Students are encouraged to apply for part-time employment through Jobs4Kats.
For more information, visit Division of Information Technology Services. Questions regarding SHSU’s computer resources may be addressed to HELPDESK@SHSU.EDU or (936) 294-1950.
Newton Gresham Library
The Library contains more than 1.3 million books, bound periodicals, and government documents in a variety of formats, including multimedia, microforms, microfiche, recordings, videotape, and newspapers. The library subscribes to over 3,000 periodicals in print and over 54,000 periodicals are available electronically. As a depository for selected federal and state government publications in a separate collection of over 230,000 print and non-print documents, the library also serves the citizens of five adjacent counties. The Library’s Thomason Room houses over 12,000 rare books and other materials on Texas, the Southwest, Mark Twain, Gertrude Stein, the Civil War, Library Science, Criminal Justice, and other topics. Other groups of materials housed in the Newton Gresham Library include paperbacks for recreational reading, current periodical issues, new books, and a children’s literature collection. The music listening room, study carrels, a small lounge area furnished with vending machines, and a copy center, including a public fax machine are provided for the convenience of students and faculty. Library resources may be electronically accessed through an online catalog from hundreds of library and campus computer workstations as well as remotely via the Internet
The campus network may be used to search for full text in electronic databases. The library maintains database licenses to over 200 online databases such as Web of Science, ERIC, Education Research Complete, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, CJ Abstracts, NCJRS, Academic Search Complete, Business Search Complete, Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, West Law Campus, Biological Abstracts and ScienceDirect, Eighteenth Century Online, U. S. Congressional Serial Set and World Cat. TexShare, the statewide resource-sharing program, provides access to a variety of electronic databases, thousands of full-text journal articles and print material. A complete list of the electronic databases and electronic journals can be viewed from the Library’s web page at http://library.shsu.edu. Access to online catalogs of libraries throughout the United States, including nearby university libraries such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas, is available via the Internet. Books, articles, documents, and other items which are not available locally may be requested Interlibrary Loan.
Eighteen librarians, twenty-nine support staff, and a number of student assistants provide reference, interlibrary loan, circulation, acquisitions, and other library services to the faculty, staff, and students of the University as well as to visiting scholars and off-campus users. The University Archives, located on the 4th floor of the Library, preserves the history of the campus as well as a collection of faculty monographic publications. A computer lab and classroom, staffed by Computer Services department, is available during regular library hours. The seventy plus networked workstations in this lab may be used to access the students’ personal computer space as well as the library’s resources. To assist library users in utilizing library materials and services, over fifty printed guides and bibliographies have been developed by library faculty and staff. They are available in print format in the reference area and are accessible electronically from the library’s home page. An online instruction series demonstrating how to use databases and find information is available to all students from the Library’s homepage. Librarians also provide access to information and help in using the library’s resources and services to students on- and off-campus with online chat (see Ask A Librarian on the Library’s homepage), e-mail, and by phone.
Mathematics Tutoring Center
The University provides free personal tutoring services to all students enrolled in freshman or sophomore mathematics and statistics courses: MTH 0331D <MATH 0331D>, MTH 0332D <MATH 0332D>, MTH 1314 <MATH 1314>, MTH 1316 <MATH 1316>, MTH 1324 <MATH 1324>, MTH 1332 <MATH 1332>, MTH 1369 <MATH 1369>, MTH 1384 <MATH 1384> and MTH 1385 <MATH 1385>, MTH 1410 <MATH 1410>, MTH 1420 <MATH 1420>, MTH 1430 <MATH 1430>, STA 3329 <STAT 3379> and SPSS.
Tutoring is available for upper level Math and Statistics classes ONLY. This does not include Business, Chemistry, Biology, etc. courses that include a math element. You must be enrolled in a specific Math or Statistics course for free tutoring.
Tutoring is also available for the algebra portions only of the following Physics courses:
PHY 1305 <PHYS 1305>, PHY 1304 <PHYS 1304>, and PHY 1311 <PHYS 1311>.
The Math Center is located in the Farrington Building, Room 104. The Center is staffed with graduate students from the Department of Math & Statistics and selct undergraduates majoring in mathematics. Hours of operation are posted on a semester-to-semester basis. For information regarding the Center, contact Debra Donald at (936) 294-1565. Contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics in the Lee Drain Building, Suite 420 for other infromation.
Reading Center
The SHSU Reading Center is an academic resource to assist students and faculty in pursuit of their academic and professional endeavors. The primary goal is to empower all students with effective reading strategies and the confidence to excel in expository reading. To this end, the Reading Center tutors provide students with individual and small-group reading instruction. To facilitate faculty members, the Reading Center Director, the Literacy Specialist, and graduate assistants can make reading strategy presentations in the classroom.
In addition to serving SHSU students who strive to become more proficient readers, the Reading Center is available for international students to engage in conversation groups, prepare for the TOEFL, and receive assistance with academic reading. Computer-assisted tutorials and one-on-one tutoring for test preparation are available for students wanting to pursue their education beyond the baccalaureate degree. In addition, computerized tutorials for many teacher certification tests (TExES) are available in the Reading Center.
The Reading Center is in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Populations in the College of Education. The staff includes the Director, a full-time Literacy Specialist, graduate assistants, and undergraduate student workers who are trained as literacy tutors. For assistance, visit the Reading Center in the Farrington Building, Office 109 or call at (936) 294-3114.
Testing Center
A variety of college entrance, vocational, guidance, state-mandated, distance learning, and/or placement exams are available at Sam Houston State University. The Testing Center is an open testing facility (testing SHSU students as well as the general public), has limited seating, and reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. This section addresses some of the testing choices a student may use for counseling purposes, college entrance certification, and/or college placement. The Testing Center is located in Academic Building IV, Rm. #102 (south of the Lee Drain Building on the corner of Avenue I and Bowers Blvd.) Testing policies and/or fees are subject to change at any time. Contact the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025, e-mail test.ctr@shsu.edu, or visit the web at www.shsu.edu/testing for the most current information.
College Entrance Exams
ACT. This test is one of the two college admissions exams accepted by Sam Houston State University. The test is given five times each year on SHSU’s campus. A student may receive college credit for a high score received on the English section of the ACT exam. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting ACT.
ACT-Residual Test (ACT-R). The ACT-Residual test taken at SHSU is only valid at Sam Houston State University. It will not transfer to another college/university. Students taking this test must have applied for admission to SHSU before registering for this test or be a currently enrolled student at SHSU. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). The SAT test is one of the two college admissions exams accepted by Sam Houston State University. This exam is given three times each year on SHSU’s campus. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting SAT.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of non-native speakers of English. The TOEFL is administered several times per year. For information regarding paper-based or computer-based testing centers, refer to the appropriate edition of the TOEFL Information Bulletin or visit their website at www.ets.org/toefl. For further information, contact the English Language Institute (ELI) Office on campus by calling (936) 294-3446.
Credit By Exam
ACT/SAT English Credit. Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting high scores from the ACT or SAT test for credit in freshman English courses. The current policy is as follows:
ACT - A score of 33 or above in the English section of the ACT test qualifies a student for exemption from both ENG 164 <ENGl 1301> and ENG 165 <ENGL 1302>. A score of 27-32 qualifies a student for enrollment in ENG 164 <ENGL 1301H> (Honors Class), an accelerated class for students with superior skills in English. Students earning an A or B in ENG 164 <ENGL 1301H> will automatically receive credit for ENG 165 <ENGL 1302> and become eligible for sophomore English. If the student does not make a grade of A or B in the ENG 164 <ENGL 1301H> class, he/she will be required to take ENG 165 <ENGL 1302>.
SAT - A score of 700 or above in the verbal section of the SAT test qualifies a student for exemption from both ENG 164 <ENGL 1301> and ENG 165 <ENGL 1302>. A score of 600-690 qualifies a student for enrollment in ENG 164 <ENGL 1301H> (Honors Class), an accelerated class for students with superior skills in English. Students earning an A or B in ENGL 1301H will automatically receive credit for ENG 165 <ENGL 1302> and become eligible for sophomore English. If the student does not make a grade of A or B in the ENG 164 <ENGL 1301H> class, he/she will be required to take ENG 165 <ENGL 1302>.
Advanced Placement Program (AP). Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty semester hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. Sam Houston State University may award college credit for the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Examinations based on the score(s) received.
Please visit www.shsu.edu/testing for more information or www.collegeboard.com
College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Sam Houston State University is an open national testing center for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The University accepts CLEP Subject Exams for credit but does not accept General Exams for credit (except in transfer from another college or university). All CLEP exams may be taken at SHSU, but only the CLEP Subject Exams listed on the Testing Center website will be accepted for credit at SHSU (except in transfer).
Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty semester hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. For more information, visit www.shsu.edu/testing or CLEP.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).Sam Houston State University is a testing center for the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exams. All DSST exams may be taken at SHSU, but only the DSST exams listed on the Testing Center website will be accepted for credit at Sam Houston State University (except in transfer from another college or university).
Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty semester hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. For more information, please visit www.shsu.edu/testing or www.getcollegecredit.com.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PROGRAM. Sam Houston State University recognizes the International Baccalaureate program for those students who earn the IB diploma. Although Sam Houston typically accepts a maximum of thirty (30) semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests, students earning the IB diploma are capable of earning in excess of those 30 hours. Information on the International Baccalaureate Program may be obtained from high school counselors or by visiting International Baccalaureate or Testing Center.
SAT II Subject Exams. Sam Houston State University is an open national testing center for the SAT-II subject examinations. All SAT-II subject exams may be taken at SHSU. Only the SAT-II subject exams listed on the Testing Center website will be accepted for credit at SHSU (except in transfer from another college or university).
Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty (30) hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty (30) hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. For more information, please visit www.shsu.edu/testing or www.collegeboard.com.
TSI Placement
ACCUPLACER. The ACCUPLACER test is one of the TSI tests offered at this institution for evaluating a student’s performance in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is a computer-based test with results available immediately following completion of the test. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting ACCUPLACER.
COMPASS. The COMPASS test is one of the TSI tests offered at this institution for evaluating a student’s performance in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is a computer-based test with results available immediately following completion of the test. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting www.act.org/compass.
Texas Higher Education Assessment-Quick Test (THEA-QT). The THEA-QT is one of the TSI tests scheduled to be administered on the SHSU campus each week. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center.
Other Exams
Sam Houston State University Testing Center administers several professional, certification, and distance learning exams. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center.
Writing Center
One of the highest performing writing centers in the state, the Sam Houston Writing Center is designed to help individuals become better writers and develop more confidence in their writing abilities. To this end, the Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group writing instruction for the students, staff, and faculty of Sam Houston State University.
Students may seek assistance for any type of writing needs ranging from theses and dissertations to lab reports, case studies, research papers, as well as resumes, scholarship and job application letters. Writing Center tutors do not merely correct a student’s writing, but are trained to help students learn prewriting, revising, and editing skills. The Writing Center also provides distance tutoring for graduate students enrolled in off-campus or internet classes.
The Writing Center features a highly trained staff of English faculty and graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of majors, including English, psychology, history, forensic chemistry, music, foreign languages, and criminal justice. All tutors are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association and have received training in working with non-native English speakers. To contact the Writing Center: telephone (936) 294-3680, fax (936) 294-3560, email wctr@shsu.edu, website www.shsu.edu/~wctr.