Sam Houston State University (SHSU) provides appropriate academic and student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission [1]. Along with services to foster student learning and scholarly endeavors, the University has programs, services, and activities in place to support the development of citizenship, leadership, and social responsibility. The Divisions of Academic Affairs, Strategic Enrollment & Innovation, Finance and Operations, Student Affairs, University Advancement, and the Department of Athletics contribute to “high quality education, scholarship, and service” [1] by developing university resources and infrastructure that support the intellectual transformation of students.
Division of Academic Affairs
The Division of Academic Affairs [2] provides coordination and support at SHSU for all academic personnel matters, programming, and other issues pertaining to the academic standards and mission of the institution. In addition to supporting the work of the faculty, this division is responsible for supporting and promoting student recruitment, success, and retention. The following are student support services that are within the Division of Academic Affairs.
Academic Success Center (ASC) [3]
The ASC at SHSU is a premier academic support center for all Bearkats that features a wide range of tutoring and coaching resources to help students succeed. In coordination with faculty and staff across the campus, the ASC offers tutoring in STEM, writing and world languages and culture, humanities subjects, nursing, pre-health, and subjects in the College of Business Administration. Their tutoring services offer in-person and virtual appointments, as well as embedded, one-on-one, small group, and facilitated study options for designated courses. During the fall 2024 semester, the ASC served 3,170 unique students with 82% of meetings being in-person and 18% virtual.
Writing appointments are 30 or 60 minutes during which students can receive one-on-one or small group support. Students receive support in a variety of writing enhanced courses that span across the disciplines of English, nursing, history, psychology, and business, as well as other subjects. Graduate level support is also provided for more advanced assistance. Students learn skills in prewriting, revising, and editing while working with writing tutors on tasks such as brainstorming, paper structure and flow, and citations. In addition, faculty can request writing campaigns in which tutors work directly with the instructor and students throughout the semester to support specific writing projects.
Math and STEM appointments comprise most of the tutoring support within the ASC. Math tutors consist primarily of mathematics, statistics, and math education majors, and most of these tutors have completed Calculus II and other advanced mathematics courses. All tutors have been recommended by faculty and have mastered the skills needed to support other peers in learning. Math and STEM appointments are primarily one-on-one student-clients and often differentiate in their learning. Small groups or facilitated study options are available to address larger needs.
The ASC partners with the College of Business Administration to support students in accounting, economics, business administration, and finance. Tutors from both the ASC and the college work within the center to support student-clients. Appointments are held in-person and virtually.
Embedded tutoring provides support to faculty and student-clients by embedding tutors in the course. These tutors are recommended by their instructor. Tutors attend class and meet with their professor at least once a week to emphasize instructional needs and to provide feedback on concepts that may not have been understood by students. Embedded tutors can meet with students outside the designated class time to provide additional study sessions. Students can also make appointments in the ASC for individual or small group instruction.
The ASC offers tutoring and coaching services at The Woodlands Center (TWC). Writing and coaching support are available in-person and virtually. Also, the ASC has an academic success hub which operates in collaboration with Career Services and the SAM Center-Advising, to provide academic support to students at TWC.
The ASC offers various workshops and study groups intended to enhance student success. These resources provide tools to help students navigate the college journey and build transitional skills for future careers.
The ASC offers a variety of academic support services to all SHSU students, although particular attention is given to first-year students, new transfers, nontraditional students, and students who come from families that traditionally have not had the resources to pursue an advanced education.
Coaching
The ASC offers holistic, comprehensive coaching to students at SHSU. These services are offered campus wide as well as to target, at-risk student populations. Coaching services are offered both in-person and virtually.
Academic Recovery. Academic Recovery coaching [4] assists students with identifying academic goals, working through challenges, and utilizing resources to reach good academic standing. Students on academic probation or academic suspension are provided zero-semester-credit-hour, course-based support for academic recovery. Course curriculum and content align with activities that lead to academic success in the students' other courses. Students meet with an academic recovery coach, receive coordinated care from other offices such as counseling services, engage with tutors for coursework, and more. All support is available both in-person and virtually. UNIV 2001, for students on academic probation, and UNIV 3001, for students on academic suspension, are designed for students to regain good academic standing, thereby increasing credit accumulation, increasing GPA, and decreasing time to completion.
Learning Coaching. Learning coaching [5] assists students with maintaining good standing and growing their academic skills during coaching sessions. Learning coaches help students balance academic demands and create a toolkit for success. The learning coaches guide students to success by covering topics such as accountability, time management, study tips, note-taking strategies, test preparation, and goal setting.
Jumpstart Success Coaching. JumpStart Success coaching [6] helps students with low TSI scores get a ‘jump-start’ on a developmental English course they will need to take, as well as complete ENGL 1301, a course required as part of the core curriculum. Students must have low writing and math TSI scores to be accepted into this bridge program, and students who successfully complete the program will become college ready in ELAR. The coaches connect with the students over the summer and keep in touch with them as they transition into the fall semester at SHSU.
Career Success Center [7]
The Career Success Center assists current students of all academic levels and graduates of SHSU in their search for employment appropriate to their interests, skills, academic preparation, and personal aspirations. Opportunities and resources, provided both on campus and remotely [8], assist students in learning and implementing the life-long process of career exploration, choosing a career, and, ultimately, obtaining rewarding employment. Events and services offered by the Career Success Center include the following:
Career Exploration & Planning [9]
Career Coaches are available at the main campus or The Woodlands Center to help students explore their interests and career goals. Assistance is offered to students to gain information regarding the best use of their degrees in their chosen fields and to decide the next steps. Career Assessments through the Focus 2 Assessment are also offered, which provide opportunities for students to discover how their personality type, work interests, skills, and personal interests can direct them toward career choices that best suit them.
BEARKATS GET HIRED [10]
Handshake is the current Career Service Management (CSM) platform being used as an online job-posting system. Its many features include the following:
Mock Interviews
In order to prepare for future interviews, students may practice interviewing techniques. Mock interviews can be scheduled to identify strengths and weaknesses to help prepare students for the world of work through feedback from a career counselor. Students are also given tips on marketing themselves professionally and making a good first impression.
Career Fairs
Each year the Career Success Center hosts a variety of career events open to all SHSU students and alumni, including Career Expo and Graduate/Professional School Fair (all majors), Fall and Spring Teacher Job Fairs, Victim Studies Job Fair, STEAM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering Technology, Agricultural Sciences, and Mathematics) Job Fair, Criminal Justice Job Fair, and Health Sciences Job Fair. Students can view attending employers by visiting the Career Success Center webpage and view the positions for which they are hiring.
On-Campus and Virtual Interviewing
Many employers representing a wide variety of industries schedule on-campus and virtual interviews with SHSU students and graduates. Students can view on-campus and virtual interview dates and employers on the Career Success Center webpage. Students can register for these interviews through a personal invite link.
Collaboration & Outreach [11]
Collaboration & Outreach is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment that promotes student retention and graduation. By prioritizing access and belonging, the Collaboration & Outreach programs, ASPIRE, Evolve, and SH ELITE, detailed below, ensure that every student feels welcome and valued, creating a foundation for academic and personal success. The Collaboration & Outreach mission is to enhance student success by providing comprehensive support services and fostering a sense of community. The unit aims to cultivate a campus community where every student can thrive academically and personally.
Collaboration & Outreach is integral to the university’s efforts to retain and graduate students. By creating a supportive environment and providing essential academic resources, the unit contributes significantly to the overall success and well-being of students. Efforts ensure that students not only remain enrolled but also thrive, ultimately achieving their academic and career aspirations.
Collaboration & Outreach ensures online students are fully integrated into its programming by offering virtual access to key events and resources within ASPIRE, ELITE, and Evolve. The department fosters a sense of belonging and support for online learners by offering hybrid workshops and services. This commitment helps undergraduate and graduate students achieve academic and professional success regardless of their physical location.
ASPIRE [12]
The ASPIRE Scholars Program is a student success program for master's level graduate students at SHSU. The program offers comprehensive support for scholars’ personal growth, professional development, and academic success. ASPIRE supports and encourages its scholars to pursue and finish graduate school, improve educational experiences, and prepare for careers.
Sam Houston (SH) Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (ELITE) Program [13]
SH ELITE is an academic success program designed to support and empower multifaceted students from various backgrounds to achieve academic and personal success in college. This program provides a range of services and resources aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by students. The program is committed to holistically developing underserved students to achieve success.
Evolve [14]
Evolve is a student support program dedicated to empowering all incoming transfer students at SHSU to thrive in their undergraduate journey. The mission is simple: to support transfer students in evolving as scholars and professionals. This is achieved through four key components: Intentional Relationships, Service Engagement, University Experiences, and Academic Enrichment.
Elliot T. Bowers Honors College [15]
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College attracts and retains highly competent and motivated students by cultivating an intellectual and social climate that encourages students to develop their academic, social, and professional skills. The Honors College is a community of scholars, wherein students and professors interact regularly. Specifically, the Honors College provides personalized instruction, mentorship, study abroad, and research and community engagement opportunities that support the University's strategic priorities of highlighting student success, fostering a culture of excellence, and providing greater access to the university and its resources. Graduating with Honors from SHSU provides distinct advantages for students entering graduate or professional school or starting out in their chosen profession.
Annually, the Honors College sponsors the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) and TEDxSHSU, undergraduate-focused and led symposia that give all undergraduate students opportunities to work with other students and faculty, grow as emerging professionals within their fields of study, and share their research in professional environments.
First-Generation Center [16]
The SHSU First-Generation Center (FGC) is dedicated to helping first-generation students and their families navigate their university experience. With an on-campus center centrally located in the Newton Gresham Library, students have access to a space to gather to study, participate in workshops, and meet new friends. Programs include: (a) the Trailblazer Mentor program that pairs a first-generation faculty member with a student, (b) a Milestone Workshop series covering student requested topics on financial literacy, time management, and resume building, (c) a scholarship program, and (d) sponsorship of a campuswide First-Generation Celebration Week each fall. All FGC workshops, approximately four per semester, are offered in a hybrid format (e.g., simultaneously via Zoom and in person) to serve all students, regardless of modality. During the fall 2024 semester, the FGC served 226 unique students through 275 appointments.
First-Year Experience (FYE) [17]
The FYE office provides a variety of courses and support services designed to promote students’ intellectual, social, and leadership growth. These initiatives provide opportunities for all students to enhance their academic and marketable skills and to gain a sense of belonging in the university academic community. Selected academic and non-academic support services are dedicated to informing and guiding students about issues and opportunities common to undergraduate students pursuing a college degree. In addition to providing custom group or individual peer-led mentoring sessions, FYE provides the following programs and services: University 1101: Bearkat U, a one-hour first-year course with an instructor dedicated to student success; embedded peer mentors; a program for students who are former foster youth, orphans, wards of the court, and/or homeless (FORWARD); a common reading program; New Student Convocation; and both residential and non-residential UNIV 1101 Bearkat U learning communities.
UNIV 1101: BearkatU [18]
UNIV 1101: Bearkat U is a one-semester-credit-hour general education, core-curriculum course focused on enhancing skills to succeed in college academic programs, to investigate available college majors and minors, and to explore career opportunities. The course features the differences in students’ prior learning habits (e.g., study skills, research literacy, note-taking, writing, time management, and money management) and the learning habits necessary to think critically about applying skills learned to earn a college degree. Students also explore career interests and future employment opportunities. UNIV 1101 is offered online and in person based on student demand. Five of the 86 fall 2024 sections were offered asynchronously online for a total of 102 online students.
First-Year Peer Mentoring Program [19]
Many first-year students at SHSU discover that transitioning to university life is challenging. SHSU peer mentors have experienced and overcome this transition first-hand and are willing to help. Whether it is the newness of the campus and community, learning how to manage time effectively, or feeling overwhelmed by college-level courses, peer mentors have managed these same challenges and want to empower students on their journey toward success. Students can book an in-person or virtual appointment through the First-Year Experience website.
The FORWARD Program [20]
The FORWARD Program targets the needs of former foster youth, orphans, wards of the court, and homeless students by providing a support system to pursue higher education and to transition successfully through college. FORWARD serves as a recruitment, retention, and graduation resource to help these students build meaningful relationships that are important to a successful college experience. A cross-divisional campus committee focuses on matching student needs with available resources by enhancing and customizing existing campus resources and incorporating community partnerships and external resources. Committee members directly serve students through professional mentoring relationships, by recruiting at special events, by presenting at professional conferences, and through continual research and publication of internal and external opportunities and resources to enhance student success in college. Students can meet with the THECB-designated campus liaison in any modality that best suits the student’s needs, online or in-person.
The Common Reader Program [21]
The Common Reader Program creates a common academic/intellectual experience for incoming students and other undergraduate students; facilitates a campus-wide, cross-disciplinary conversation; and enhances the entire campus community (students, faculty, and staff). Common Reader author visits are held in person, and their keynote presentations are recorded to share with online students the next day through the UNIV 1101 Blackboard classes, and for other classes requesting the recording.
New Student Convocation [22]
New Student Convocation is an annual event that serves as the official welcome for all new students entering the SHSU academic community. Convocation is conducted as a formal ceremony akin to graduation, at which faculty appear in full academic regalia, wearing caps and gowns as they would for the graduating class. The event is held during first-year student move-in weekend so parents, family members, and guests can attend. It is a community-building tradition that promotes student identification with the institution and facilitates a sense of class membership. It combines with graduation to provide meaningful and complementary “bookends” to the college experience, with both programs serving as celebrative rites of passage that represent a new beginning.
First-Year Learning Communities (FLC) [17]
The First-Year Learning Communities provide an enhanced UNIV 1101 Bearkat U educational experience that fosters community and belonging through increased interaction with fellow students in the same major or area of interest. The FLC offers first-year college students a unique opportunity to become familiar with necessary academic and social skills through residential and non-residential structures. Students attend a major-themed section of UNIV 1101: Bearkat U with a professor often in the same discipline. Students, faculty, and a dedicated peer mentor support each other in the classroom and socially outside the classroom. Residential learning communities include the following:
Global Engagement Center (GEC) [23]
The Global Engagement Center fosters a campus culture that embraces intercultural engagement by providing exemplary services to the campus community. The GEC guiding principle is to “Put Students First.” The GEC leads and supports campus initiatives that give students the opportunity to become global citizens prepared for the opportunities that they will face in the 21st century. The GEC team works together to help both domestic and international students achieve their academic and professional goals. As the international gateway at SHSU, there are six areas of service under the office, with additional collaboration with colleges and departments to promote and highlight all international efforts and initiatives across campus. Areas of service include:
GEC staff are available to assist students by email, phone, and face-to-face or Zoom appointments.
McNair Scholars Program [24]
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to provide talented undergraduate students with effective preparation for doctoral study. The McNair program at SHSU encourages graduate studies by providing opportunities for undergraduates to define their goals, engage in research, and develop the skills and faculty mentor relationships that are critical to success at the doctoral level.
Newton Gresham Library (NGL) [25]
The Newton Gresham Library (NGL) contains more than 1.2 million print books, periodicals, audio and visual materials, and microforms. Students have access to over 800,000 eBooks, online journals and newspapers, as well as streaming media resources through the Library website. The Library also acts as a Federal and State government documents depository, providing access to almost 200,000 print and online documents. The Library maintains licenses to over 400 online databases. Books, articles, documents, and other items which are not available locally may be requested via the Library’s Interlibrary Loan service.
SHSU Special Collections in the Thomason Room on the Library’s 4th floor holds over 22,000 rare books and research collections on Texas, the Southwest, American authors, the Civil War, Criminal Justice, and other topics. University Archives, also located on the 4th floor of the Library, preserves the history of the campus. The Newton Gresham Library’s general collection includes popular and recreational reading materials, tabletop games, a children’s literature collection, a music and scores collection, and materials to help teachers create lesson plans. Creative, research, and study spaces at the Library include: a music listening room, 35 individual study carrels, eight technology-equipped group study and seminar spaces, a video recording studio, a copy center (including faxing, poster printing, and more), as well as a lactation room, vending machines, outdoor seating, and a Starbucks--all provided for the convenience of students, staff, and faculty.
Twenty-one librarians, twenty-nine support staff, and scores of student assistants provide reference, interlibrary loan, circulation, acquisitions, and other library services to the faculty, staff, and students at the University as well as to visiting scholars and off-campus users. Examples of student support services include library research guides, a One To One program, and embedded librarians. SHSU library research guides, webpages created by SHSU librarians to assist student with their research needs include links and descriptions of associated databases, electronic and print journals and monographs, multimedia assets, and other resources. Almost 250 guides cover a broad range of subjects, from overviews of disciplines to specific courses or assignments, as well as general-purpose guides to help instruct students on how-to topics relevant to academic research, source assessment, and scholarly communication. Graduate students are eligible to participate in the Library’s One To One program where students are assigned a librarian who works "one to one" with them for the duration of their doctoral program or thesis research. The assigned librarian is available by appointment to assist in conducting library research by helping formulate logical search strategies, determining the appropriate resources within the library or in other libraries, and identifying useful services. Distance learners will find librarians embedded in their online classes and a full-time librarian provides assistance to students at The Woodlands Center and the College of Osteopathic Medicine off-site locations.
Support services for faculty cover topics related to research, instruction, and scholarly publishing. Examples include availability of subject librarians, research guides, digital repositories, and library-facilitated instruction through guest lectures, workshops, virtual learning, course integrations, and course-embedded librarians.
A computer lab with over 75 networked workstations is available during regular library hours and is staffed by IT@Sam. To assist library users in utilizing library materials and services, librarians developed online guides available on the Library’s website. 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. Two active-learning spaces have been recently completed for use in library instructional sessions, and in support of other campus teaching and training activities. Finally, the Academic Success Center (ASC) and the First-Generation Center are located on the 2nd floor of the Library, providing academic coaching, First-Year experience, peer mentoring, and tutoring services for all students.
The following usage statistics are provided for Library services during calendar year 2024:
Online Professional Learning [26]
Online Professional Learning offers professional development courses for continued and lifelong learning in the areas of security & resilience, lifestyle learning, and professional skills. Included in these offerings is unlimited access to over 16,000 courses on LinkedIn Learning for SHSU faculty, staff, and current students. Online Professional Learning collaborates with the SHSU community and external partners to design training, professional development, and continuing education to help professionals upskill and reskill, support learning and development of partners, and build pathways to higher education.
Pre-Health Professions Support [27]
Sam Houston State University provides services to help Pre-Health professional students prepare for and apply to professional schools. Services are available to students while enrolled at SHSU and as needed after graduation. Preparation for professional health career commences in the first semester of the freshman year. Students are encouraged to begin by receiving advisement for the courses and course sequences appropriate to their enrolled degree and professional interests and goals.
SHSU Experience Office [28]
Led by the Chief Experience Officer (CXO), the purpose of the SHSU Experience Office is to work with institutional stakeholders and review institutional goals, values, and day-to-day practices to better align them. The CXO, along with the members of their leadership team, aim to create community where members of the organization understand how they can contribute to the institution's overarching priorities which includes recruiting and retaining valuable Bearkats. To do so, the SHSU Experience Office collaborates with division and college-level teams to improve the overall student experience, foster student success, and eliminate opportunity and achievement gaps in retention, graduation, and completion. The office staff also works with senior leaders, deans, directors, chairs, and faculty to ensure SHSU’s core values are reflected efficiently.
SHSU Food Pantry [29]
The mission of the SHSU Food Pantry is to support SHSU students who experience food insecurity, to encourage an educational understanding of food insecurity, and to provide a space for students to volunteer and network with their peers.
SHSU Online [30]
SHSU Online delivers extensive support services tailored to promote student learning, engagement, and success across all educational modalities, including online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. Aligned with the university's mission and adhering to the Principles of Good Practice for Academic Degree and Certificate Programs Offered Electronically as set forth by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), SHSU Online ensures academic rigor, quality, and accessibility in every student support service provided [31]. SHSU Online’s commitment to the success of all students, whether on-campus, distance, or hybrid learners, includes proactive outreach, academic support, and technology-driven resources designed to enhance the learning experience for SHSU students.
SHSU Online offers a suite of online resources designed to guide students in navigating the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) and other online tools. Resources include interactive guides on utilizing hardware and software relevant to online courses and maximizing digital resources to optimize the online learning experience. Students can access the SHSU Online Campus page, which consolidates links to essential student services such as library access, Student Central, financial aid, academic advising, and career services, ensuring all students have seamless access to university resources, regardless of their learning format [32] [33] [34].
In alignment with SHSU Online’s commitment to fostering autonomy and self-sufficiency, SHSU Online provides "just in time" self-help resources, enabling students to troubleshoot and resolve common technical issues independently. This approach empowers students to manage their technology confidently, building the digital skills necessary for success in an online learning environment.
The Online Campus
The Online Campus is an online portal that serves as a comprehensive hub for online and hybrid students. Through the Online Campus, students can access resources such as:
Onboarding, Online Orientations, Registration, and Advising Campaigns for Online Students
Registration and Advising Campaigns.In response to enrollment challenges and a commitment to student success, SHSU Online delivers proactive calling campaigns and advising initiatives for prospective and accepted online learners. Staff members, including those from cross-functional teams, reach out directly to students who are accepted but haven’t yet registered, assisting with course enrollment, clearing administrative holds, and offering guidance on navigating university resources. SHSU Online also tracks retention data from these campaigns to evaluate their long-term impact on student success and persistence.
Calling campaign services foster a personalized connection with students, helping them overcome potential barriers to registration and encouraging them to join the SHSU community. As a result, these efforts have not only driven enrollment but also reinforced SHSU’s mission to support students from admission through to degree completion.
In addition, SHSU Online coordinates the warm transfer for online students, connecting them personally with additional online services provided by other departments, such as Financial Aid, the Academic Success Center, the Student Wellness office, and SAM Center for student advising and mentoring.
Onboarding and Online Student Orientations.Recognizing that some students may be unable to attend on-campus orientation, SHSU Online offers a fully online version of general orientation. This program provides a welcoming introduction to university life and acquaints students with SHSU’s resources, policies, and support services. Access and information are posted on the Newly Accepted Students page on the online.shsu.edu domain [39].
SHSU Online supports students with personalized, technology-driven solutions that empower learners to succeed. Through its commitment to accessibility, self-sufficiency, and innovation, SHSU Online upholds the university’s mission of providing quality, student-centered education across diverse and evolving learning formats.
Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center [40]
The SAM Center provides holistic academic advising and mentoring to all students, regardless of location or learning modality though in-person and online appointments. Advisors assist students in discovering methods to set personal goals, establish strategies to achieve their objectives, and enhance skills to sharpen academic accomplishments, while providing incentives for realizing educational success. The SAM Center is dedicated to helping students excel in their academic environment and develop skills that allow them to compete in the workforce. In addition to academic advising, the SAM Center provides a wide range of mentoring activities and an early alert system [41].
Using a multifaceted approach to academic advising, the SAM Center employs professional advisors while assisting faculty advisors in their respective departments. Students can schedule advising appointments through the MySam online portal, utilizing “Campus Connect.” The SAM Center also has walk-in times available each Wednesday and offers extended drop-in advising sessions on certain occasions.
Academic advising is mandatory for students who (a) do not have an SHSU GPA (i.e., incoming freshmen, transfer students), (b) have a GPA below 2.0, or (c) have completed 90 semester credit hours or more (i.e., seniors); however, all SHSU students are encouraged to be advised each semester and avail themselves of the resources of the SAM Center.
The Graduate and Professional School [42]
The Graduate and Professional School (TGPS) provides an array of support services to promote academic growth and career and professional development in order to create and promote a culture of success for graduate students.
Orientation sessions are provided for all entering graduate students: those who will study at the main campus, at The Woodlands Center, or online. Care is taken that the needs of all entering graduate students are met, with videos that present orientation topics also being posted online.
The Graduate and Professional School offers academic support services to all SHSU graduate students throughout the academic year [43]. This includes TGPS seminar series, doctoral career seminars, graduate writing and accountability study groups, boot camps, and thesis and dissertation workshops. TGPS seminar series covers topics on academic and professional development to enhance the graduate learning process and graduate school experience. Doctoral career seminars are based on relevant topics for professional development of doctoral students such as teaching environment, learning loss data, classroom management best practices, and relevant university policies/procedures. Graduate writing and accountability study groups is a dedicated period of quiet, sustained writing to focus oneself for the completion of a specific writing task or assignment. Registered students have an opportunity for one-on-one accountability consultation prior to the study group meeting time to formulate a goal and reflect on personal writing habits followed by post-consultation to discuss outcomes and progress on determined goals. Boot camps are two-day intensive courses of training for students in graduate programs requiring completion of a thesis or dissertation. Thesis and dissertation workshops are offered for graduate students, faculty, and staff in graduate programs requiring completion of a thesis or dissertation and cover topics to include formatting, submission guidelines, and process.
The Graduate and Professional School provides the Teaching Assistant Certification Series (TACS) [44], a curriculum of professional development for any graduate student interested in a future career involving teaching, especially those considering becoming university faculty members. This program does not involve additional formal coursework or tuition.
The Graduate and Professional School also provides graduate students opportunities for career and professional development, via individualized resume and LinkedIn consultations, mock interviews, and curated LinkedIn Learning courses [45]. Other events like the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) program [46], graduate exploration week, and graduate appreciation week are also offered to cater to specific needs of graduate students.
The Graduate and Professional School offers an online community for all graduate students on Blackboard. This online community is used to communicate all SHSU resources for graduate students. It is also used to post announcements about TGPS academic support services and career and professional development events. Recordings from different workshops and seminars are posted on the site.
The Graduate and Professional School provides opportunities for financial support for travel expenses and conference fees for graduate students who present their research at state, national, and international conferences and provides travel expenses for students who must travel to destinations to collect data for their research [47]. Financial support opportunities extend to both in person and online graduate students.
The Graduate and Professional School’s Road to PhD graduate scholars’ program [48] provides doctoral students with the tools and training to acclimatize them to the academic rigor of doctoral education and includes academic support, mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities.
TRiO Student Support Services
TRiO [49] is a federally funded program at SHSU dedicated to increasing the retention and graduation rates for low-income students, first-generation students, students who are or were formerly in the foster care system, and/or students with documented disabilities at SHSU.
Undergraduate Research [50]
Undergraduate Research at SHSU advances the culture of scholarly and creative excellence by cultivating and developing faculty-mentored, discipline-specific inquiry among undergraduate students. The unit also educates undergraduate students about how discipline-specific inquiry enriches the academic experience and helps them realize professional goals.
Veterans Resource Center [51]
The Veterans Resource Center provides resources and support for returning veterans and assists them with their transition into university life at SHSU. An on-campus Vet Success Counselor is available to help student veterans manage their educational benefits, explore career options, coordinate services, and locate needed resources. The Veterans Resource Center website also provides necessary forms to all eligible students.
Division of Strategic Enrollment & Innovation
The Division of Strategic Enrollment & Innovation [52] works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to encourage participation and success in higher education among SHSU’s student population. The division merges enrollment, technology, and data analytics to remove barriers to student enrollment, success, and access. Through cross-campus teamwork, the division encourages the cooperation and enthusiasm of faculty and staff in (a) administering and tracking programs that result in more students enrolling at the institution, (b) helping students attain their educational objectives, and (c) nurturing future loyal alumni who will contribute to the life of the institution. The division oversees the following student support services.
Bearkat OneCard
The official ID card of SHSU is the Bearkat OneCard [53]. It has been designed to be an efficient, multi-purpose card that provides students easy access to the University’s facilities and services. The OneCard provides access to residence halls, dining services, parking facilities, the library, the health center, recreational sports, athletic events, and other University services. The manner in which financial aid refund disbursements are made is selected when enrolling for the Bearkat OneCard.
Bearkat Orientation
Bearkat Orientation [54] features organized, purposeful, and positive introduction sessions for all new SHSU students and their families. These sessions help students become familiar with services and programs vital to their successful transition to full and active members of the SHSU community. Partnering collaboratively with other University offices and departments, these sessions help students gain the skills, information, and meaningful relationships important to successful long-term academic and personal outcomes. Students who are unable to come to campus complete an online orientation.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office [55] assists students with financial planning for their educational futures. Aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work study. Most aid is based upon financial need, whereas most scholarships are merit based. Students have access to the Scholarships website [56]. Financial Aid counselors are also available to students who require additional assistance.
IT@Sam - Information Technology
IT@Sam [57] supplies the University community with the technology necessary for the highest level of services to students. The University uses a high-speed fiber-optic network that connects all major campus buildings and residence halls. Attached to the campus network are servers for administrative, academic, and research computing functions. The network utilizes a redundant ten-gigabit (10G) connection to the Internet that provides students access to email, web servers, electronic course delivery, and numerous additional network resources. Wireless access for SHSU students is available at most locations throughout campus, including common areas of university residence halls.
SHSU has 16 computer labs across the main campus and The Woodlands Center. Three general use labs are available for students at extended open hours: two on the main campus and one at The Woodlands Center [58]. There is also an after-hours lab at Woodforest Bank Athletic Center available to any student with an active Bearkat OneCard. These labs are equipped with high-capacity printers, scanners, web cams, DVD-RW drives, and USB ports for access with flash drives and other peripheral items. These labs have both Windows PC and Apple Macintosh systems available for use. In addition to the three general use labs, there are nine labs on the main campus and four at The Woodlands Center dedicated to academic instruction and open for general use when no classes are scheduled. All IT@Sam labs are available for enrolled students, faculty, and staff to use. Lab schedules are posted online and outside each lab. All IT@Sam labs have standardized software to ensure that the student experience in the lab environment is consistent. Printers in the IT@Sam labs are configured for wireless printing, allowing printing while personal devices are connected to the University’s wireless network, SamNet. Additionally, IT@Sam offers a virtual computer lab 24 hours a day through the MyWorkspace application available on multiple platforms, and it offers access to many of the University’s campus-wide software titles, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office Suite, and others.
Students can activate and begin using SHSU computer accounts and other technology resources upon acceptance to the University, and they may access many services from the University website. Each student is provided a personal computer environment accessible from any campus computer and remotely. Through the University’s MySam portal [59], students may check their status and progress with such items as admissions, program requirements, financial aid, and grades. To ensure prompt communications, the University also provides official statements and documents via the MySam portal, as well as through notices sent to students’ SHSU email addresses. Students’ SHSU email accounts remain available to them after graduation, allowing continuity for job searches and alumni interactions.
Technology tutorials are available for IT@Sam services [60], and they include such topics as configuring wireless printing, forwarding SHSU email, changing passwords, and establishing a remote desktop connection. Students can access services through the IT@Sam website or the main SHSU website.
Student Money Management
Student Money Management [61] inserts personal financial outreach programming into the co-curricular agenda of the student body. The topics suggested by the State of Texas Legislature include, but are not limited to, budgeting, managing credit cards, spending, saving, repaying and consolidating loans, paying taxes, planning for retirement, insuring and financing healthcare, and other benefits. The outreach is provided through personal coaching (in-person, phone, or virtual), workshops, and classroom settings.
The Testing Center
The Testing Center [62] helps promote the intellectual growth of students outside the formal setting of regular coursework by providing an array of computer- and paper-based testing services within a quality testing environment. Offices at both the main campus and at The Woodlands Center are available to serve the student population. In addition, remote testing services [63] are also available for students who need to complete the TSI Assessment or ACCUPLACER but are unable to travel to one of the two physical centers.
Division of Finance and Operations
The Division of Finance and Operations [64] is committed to meeting the division mission, goals, and objectives in a manner consistent with the SHSU institutional mission statement, philosophy, and strategic plan initiatives. The division constantly strives to provide a healthy, safe, well-maintained campus for SHSU faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Campus Safety
The SHSU Department of Public Safety Services [65], offers a variety of services to promote a safe campus environment. Public Safety components include the University Police Department, Parking & Transportation, and Emergency Management. Each department brings a level of experience that promotes safety across all campus properties.
In the event of a critical incident, the university employs the KatSafe Emergency Notification System [66]. The system has multiple methods of notification, dependent upon the situation, to provide critical information to students, faculty, and staff. These methods include emergency voice and text messages, emails, a siren system, and screen grabs when a network computer is in use. In addition, there are numerous calls boxes strategically stationed throughout the campus.
To further help our mission for a safe campus, the University Police Department [67] provides additional support staff during the evening and night-time hours to provide escorts for students who do not wish to walk alone from one campus location to another [68]. In addition, the Compliance & Insurance Office administers programs that protect the university community and its operations [69].
Dining Services
Dining Services [70] provides SHSU students with a variety of on-campus dining options and several different meal plans [71]. Primary on-campus dining facilities include the Old Main Market and General’s Market, all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities that offer a variety of fresh, healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the PawPrint food court located in the Lowman Student Center (LSC), which houses Chick-fil-A, Pastabilities, Panda Express, Wild Blue Sushi, Subway, Freebirds, and Sammy’s Shakes; and South Paw, which houses Brisket Burger, South Paw Tenders & Fries, and Sammy’s Scoops. In addition, Dining Services operates two Starbucks coffee shops, located within the LSC and Newton Gresham Library. For those in need of a quick snack or supplies, Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.) shops are located within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Lowman Student Center, College of Business Administration, and Lee Drain Buildings. Additional P.O.D.s are located at The University Hotel, The Woodlands Center, and College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additional lunch and snack items are offered in the CJ Café serving Rising Roll.
Division of Student Affairs
The role of the Division of Student Affairs [72] is to complement the total educational mission of the University by providing opportunities for students to develop and grow in an academic environment. The mission of the division is to engage students by providing innovative programs, facilities, and services that help students grow, develop a sense of belonging, and enhance the quality of their lives.
As an integral partner in the educational process, Student Affairs provides quality developmental programs and services for students. Departments within the division embrace a student development philosophy that emphasizes a holistic approach in co-curricular involvement. This philosophy includes focusing the division’s efforts on the following key student success priorities:
Campus Activities & Traditions
Campus Activities & Traditions [73] provides students with involvement opportunities that promote and support academic and co-curricular learning. It includes the Campus Activities Board (CAB) [74] and a variety of special events. The department plans and implements large-scale programs [75] such as Welcome Week [76], Bearkat Spirit Friday [77], Bearkat Alley [78], Homecoming [79], the Tree of Light [80], and The Sammys [81]. Staff members also assist students in understanding University policies and procedures and provide support in planning student events.
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
CAB [74] is the official programming board of SHSU. It is a student-run organization devoted to creating educationally distinct programs that encourage the development of leadership and life skills through interaction among the student body. CAB develops students outside of the classroom by offering numerous opportunities to become leaders and by empowering students to contribute to and serve the SHSU campus. It works with numerous campus departments and organizations to provide programs to the student body throughout the academic year. The mission of CAB is aimed at achieving and maintaining a balance between a professional and social atmosphere to challenge students continuously to grow and apply learned knowledge to any situation. CAB seeks to create fun, innovative programs by the students and for the students to develop individuals holistically.
Campus Recreation Program
The Department of Campus Recreation [82] offers broad-based, student recreational programming in the areas of Intramural Sports [83], Aquatics and Safety [84], Club Sports [85], Outdoor Recreation [86], Fitness [87], and special events. The department manages the Campus Recreation Center (REC) [88], which houses departmental staff offices, a 34-foot climbing wall and boulder spaces, a 10,000-square-foot weight room, multipurpose rooms, three fitness studios, five basketball courts, a 1/8-mile indoor running track, three racquetball courts, and courts for badminton, volleyball, and pickle ball. Additional student facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, eight outdoor tennis courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, the 345-acre University Camp [89], and three athletic fields used for intramurals and club sports. The department is also responsible for the Pritchett and Holleman Field Complex [90], which includes three athletic fields and an outdoor 1/4-mile running track.
Counseling Center
Professional counseling services (in-person and virtual) are available to students at the Counseling Center [91]. Group counseling, individual counseling, as well as psychoeducational workshops and after-hours peer support are available to assist students who present with personal, social, educational, or career concerns. Students of all levels may receive support towards achieving goals that support their matriculation towards graduation. These might include managing stress, coping with anxiety/depression, concerns with family dynamics, intimate partner violence, and relationships concerns. Additionally, any student who is experiencing a crisis may access support to de-escalate the crisis and achieve stabilization. Case management services are available to monitor students who have more intensive/acute needs and to link them to the appropriate community providers. Services are available for every currently enrolled student, including online students.
Dean of Students
The Dean of Students' Office [92] provides premier student and family support services and programs with a focus on student success, access, engagement, and retention. Through restorative practices, the department provides holistic student support and opportunities for leadership, development, and community engagement. Student support and restorative practices include the Student Code of Conduct, University policies, behavioral intervention, hazing notice and training, student grievances, and absence notifications. Online students have access to all services provided by the Dean of Students’ Office. Online students can participate in Student Government Association by emailing sga@shsu.edu to request a Zoom invitation. To provide a safe community experience each student is responsible for compliance with the Student Code of Conduct [93]. Student engagement and retention programs include the Freshmen Leadership Program, SHSU Orange Keys, Student Government Association, Bearkat Kickoff, Raven’s Call, and Expressive Activity. SHSU parent programs support parents, families, and supporters of students by building community, parent connection and engagement, and scholarship opportunities.
Fraternity & Sorority Life
The Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) [94] community at SHSU has had a long and rich history, dating back to 1959. Since that time, fraternities and sororities have had a continued and active presence on campus. The University is supportive of the goals and ideals of the fraternity and sorority community, which complements the motto of the institution, “The measure of a life is its service.” These ideals include academic achievement, personal development, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and civic responsibility. In addition to the minimum expectations to achieve academic Good Standing, chapters can achieve excellence through deeper engagement in FSL and university programs. Chapters can achieve excellence in four pillars, or areas of focus. The “Pillars of Achievement and Excellence” Program [95] at SHSU aims to challenge the FSL community and its membership to live up to these common ideals upon which our respective organizations were founded. The “Pillars of Achievement and Excellence” program will challenge all SHSU FSL students to have integrity- steadfast adherence to the oaths we took as we make lifelong commitments to our respective organizations. The “Pillars of Achievement and Excellence” Program serves to assist the University FSL community in general and each chapter in functioning at the highest level of success and excellence possible. The program serves to assess chapters on best practice standards to be viable and successful members of the University FSL community and of their inter/national organizations. The program also intends to help provide for the best possible experience for individual members.
Health Services
Student Health Services includes the Student Health Center (SHC) [96] and Student Wellness Office [97]. These two areas work collaboratively to provide comprehensive routine health services and health and wellness education for all currently enrolled students. Students access these services by having paid the medical service fee or being granted a fee waiver. Students may schedule appointments through their individualized online patient portal platform or by calling the Student Health Center. Students and student groups can attend educational sessions and interactive events with the Student Wellness office or request a personalized event with specific topic content. The Student Health Center serves students in the following areas: primary health care, minor injuries, sexual health and wellness care, nurse clinic for testing, immunizations and health checks, laboratory and phlebotomy, and over-the-counter health products.
The Student Health Center processes all immunization records for incoming students to show proof of the State of Texas required meningitis A vaccine to be current with THECB rules and guidance. Incoming students submit this information through their patient portal and after verification by the SHC staff housing and registration holds are lifted through an interface process between the SHC and the student information system.
A student health insurance plan is provided for hard waiver student groups who are required to carry health coverage, including the international student population and the College of Osteopathic Medicine students. A domestic student may also voluntarily subscribe to this insurance product. Modest fees are charged directly to the student account through the cashier's office for laboratory tests, certain procedures, and supplies. In addition to medical services, the Student Health and Wellness areas also has administrative oversight for Timely Care, an online mental health and wellness platform offered for all enrolled students without any additional fees. Through this service students have 24/7 access to licensed professionals for virtual mental health support including, talk now, scheduled one to one counseling services, psychiatry (through a referral only), and self-help and guided learning resources.
Lowman Student Center (LSC)
The LSC [98] serves as a multifunctional space where students can not only meet their academic needs but also engage socially, develop leadership skills, and access support services tailored to enhance their university experience. The LSC is situated at the heart of campus, providing a range of amenities and services that cater to students' needs and interests. Some of the amenities and services the LSC provides are the Campus Store [99], the Kat Klub entertainment center [100], two spacious ballrooms, theater, food courts, 18 meeting rooms, mother’s room, study spaces, and lounges. Overall, the LSC serves as a hub for campus life, offering not only practical amenities like dining and meeting spaces but also fostering a community environment where students can engage with each other and participate in various activities and events.
The LSC is home to a variety of offices and student support programs, including the Vice President for Student Affairs [101], Campus Activities and Traditions, Dean of Students, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Campus Activities Board, Student Involvement: Leadership and Service, Student Legal and Mediation Services, and the Student Government Association.
Parent & Family Relations
Parent & Family Relations [102] understands the importance of working with parents as a part of a student’s support team and network. Its mission is to create unique opportunities to engage and support parents, who in return, contribute to student retention. Parent & Family Relations facilitates communication between the university and parents. They assist parents and family with questions about specific departments, student support services, deadlines, or anything else about SHSU. Support services and programs provided by Parent & Family Relations include CampusESP Parent Engagement Platform, SHSU Parents’ Association, and Bearkat Family Weekend.
Residence Life
The Department of Residence Life [103] provides each on-campus resident with a convenient, well-maintained, and safe living environment at a reasonable cost while fostering learning through setting and upholding community standards, providing community activities, and encouraging campus connections and opportunities to enhance the student’s overall experience of university life [104].
Approximately 4,400 students, of which nearly 70% are first-year freshmen, are housed on campus. A variety of building options and floor plans are offered within ten residence halls, four small housing units, and three apartment complexes reserved for upperclassmen [105]. The department also provides resource personnel to aid students in seeking solutions to problems and difficulties that arise, serve as role models, facilitate personal development, and assist in the development of an educational atmosphere.
There are ten Living Communities within the residence hall system accommodating primarily first-year students in various majors or shared experiences: Agriculture, College of Arts and Media Creative Community, Criminal Justice, Education, Health Careers, Honors, Humanities and Social Sciences, Military Science (ROTC), Pre-Nursing, and STEM. Other academic-oriented enhancements within the residence halls include two community learning centers and two Faculty-in-Residence [106].
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
SSD [107] promotes full and equal access for students with disabilities to educational and extracurricular programs, services, and activities at SHSU. The SSD Office is centrally located in the Lee Drain Annex on the Huntsville Campus.
SSD provides academic accommodations, auxiliary aids and services, and consultation and referral services for students with disabilities on the Huntsville and satellite campuses and in the online learning environment. SSD supports online, i.e., distance learners, by providing services remotely, including alternative textbook services, access to web-based text-to-speech software for reading digital text, and transcription/captioning of instructional media for deaf/hard-of-hearing students. Students requesting SSD services submit current documentation of their impairments consistent with the SSD General Documentation Guidelines and complete the SSD intake process, per the Procedures to Request Services.
SSD affords students with disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential through the following:
SSD seeks to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for students with disabilities through the following:
Student Involvement: Leadership & Service
The Department of Student Involvement: Leadership & Service [108] provides students with intentional, structured, educational training opportunities that promote and support academic and co-curricular learning. Experiences are offered in a variety of formats, in-person, online, and some with access 24/7 to best meet the needs of today’s student. Students also seek interaction and support both in-person and virtually depending on their primary learning modality. Through leadership development programs, service-learning initiatives, and student organization involvement, we expose students to the concepts of leadership theory, skills, and application that promote community service as an integral aspect of education.
The department provides students with intentional developmental opportunities and effective services that promote and support academic and co-curricular learning. Leadership programs include Discover Your Strengths workshops, a Leadership Library, and connections to leadership opportunities across campus. Service-Learning programming includes Community Connections Fairs, MLK Day of Service, Volunteer Opportunities & Organizations Fairs, and a partnership with GivePulse to connect students and local community agencies for service.
The department supports more than 300 recognized student organizations which include the following categories: Academic, Advocacy, Affinity & Community, Club Sports, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Recreational, Religion & Spirituality, and Special Interest. Through involvement in these organizations, students can apply classroom learning to the real world, develop leadership skills and abilities, build résumés and expand career opportunities, and make lasting friendships and social connections with their peers.
The department also uses Anthology Engage to enhance student engagement, development, learning, belonging, and retention through their Ultimate Bearkat Society Path [109]. Staff within Student Involvement partner with offices across campus to offer the Path for students to intentionally engage in experiences that foster development in career readiness, communication, critical thinking, ethics, teamwork, wellness, and spirit & traditions. Along the path, students reflect on their experiences and complete a capstone project to be eligible for induction into the Ultimate Bearkat Society. Inductees earn a medallion for graduation, which contributes to retention and persistence towards degree completion. This innovative endeavor maximizes and optimizes the student experience.
Student Legal and Mediation Services
Student Legal and Mediation Services (SLMS) [110] provides students with legal advice, mediation services, and conflict-resolution training so students can focus primarily on their educational goals, including academic focus and retention. The University has an attorney on staff dedicated to advising currently enrolled SHSU students about their legal rights and responsibilities. This service is available to students seeking counsel prior to signing or entering into a legal relationship, as well as those who may be in the middle of a controversy, assuming they are otherwise unrepresented by counsel. The office educates students about their legal rights, their responsibilities, and conflict-resolution skills in anticipation that the student will be able to deal effectively with these issues both currently and in the future. If outside legal representation is needed, the office refers students to local attorneys. SLMS also offers mediation services with a mediator, who helps facilitate agreements between parties and hosts Conflict Resolution Month annually. All matters between the office and the student are confidential. SLMS provides its legal services through in-person, phone, and Zoom-based consultations. Student Legal and Mediation Services has twice been the recipient of the prestigious J. Raymond Schiflett III Award for Outstanding Office of the Year by the University Student Legal Services Association-Western Region in 2016 and in 2023.
Athletic Department
The role of the Athletic Department [111] is to develop student-athletes as complete individuals and educated citizens who are fully prepared to contribute positively to society, while also providing a positive image for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community by competing at the Division I level of college athletics. The department has a variety of success initiatives that are designed for SHSU's student-athletes [112].
Learning Enhancement Center (LEC)
Located in the Woodforest Bank Athletic Center, the LEC is a support center for Bearkat student-athletes. It is equipped with 75 computers and large study tables. The LEC is a natural gathering place for student-athletes who come for academic advising, to study, to check course assignments online, be tutored, or to relax between class time and practice. The LEC is staffed by the compliance and academic staff that support the student-athletes and staff within the department. The academic staff works as team in advising student-athletes and coordinating the Sam Houston student-athlete services program.
Mandatory Academic Advising for Student-Athletes
Student-athletes receive assistance with scheduling courses, registering, interpreting their degree plans, and understanding their NCAA academic/eligibility requirements. All student-athletes are required to be advised at the SAM Center first, then within the Athletic Department. All student-athletes who have 90 hours or more are required to be advised for graduation status approval.
Monitoring of Academics
Academic progress is monitored by grade-checks (three times per semester) and meetings with an academic advisor to discuss progress, grades, and strategies for academic improvement.
NCAA Student Affairs Life Skills Program
The NCAA Student Affairs Life Skills Program provides a mandatory class for all incoming freshman student-athletes to enhance their opportunities for success while attending SHSU. The NCAA Student Affairs Life Skills class is structured to cover topics that ease student-athletes’ transition into college athletics, academics, and their subsequent careers. In addition, the Student-Athlete Services staff also offers career development opportunities working in conjunction with the Career Success Center. Throughout the academic year student-athletes receive advice and develop skills related to résumé writing, interviewing, and searching for employment. Seminars are provided each semester and supply SHSU student-athletes with hands-on advice as they prepare to enter the job market.
Tutorial Assistance for Student-Athletes
Tutorial assistance for student-athletes is available in all academic subject areas for all student-athletes. Tutors’ availability is structured to meet the student-athletes’ schedules. Student-athletes are required to bring their textbooks, notes, and class outlines for the tutors to reference. Student-athletes also use the tutorial services of the academic departments and Academic Success Center.
Division of University Advancement
The Division of University Advancement [113] is responsible for promoting the university and its accomplishments by fundraising and engaging internal and external audiences through Advancement Services, Development, Donor Relations, SHSU Alumni Association, Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library, and the Sam Houston University Foundation.
University Advancement supports student success by promoting scholarships, career readiness, and mentorships.
Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library [114] was established in 1936 as a Texas centennial project and is an integral part of SHSU. In 2017, the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas approved a resolution for the creation of the Sam Houston Republic of Texas Presidential Library at Sam Houston State University. This resolution honors Sam Houston’s contributions in shaping the state, as well as his serving as the first and third president of the Republic of Texas and recognizes the unique attributes of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The goal of the Sam Houston Republic of Texas Presidential Library is to compile, conserve, and share (both online and in-person) documents related to Sam Houston and his career to spur ongoing research into the life and times of one of the most interesting politicians in American history.
The Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of General Sam Houston (1793-1863) and offers many educational opportunities for SHSU students and the Bearkat community.