| The institution provides student support programs, services, and activities consistent with its mission that are intended to promote student learning and enhance the development of its students. |
Judgment of Compliance
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Narrative
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers student support programs, services, and activities consistent with the university’s mission [1] to promote student learning and enhance student development. Along with services to foster student learning and scholarly endeavors, the university has programs, services, and activities in place to support development of citizenship, leadership, and social responsibility. The Divisions of Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, Finance and Operations, Information Technology (IT), Student Services, University Advancement, and the Department of Athletics contribute to “high quality education, scholarship, and service” [1] by developing university resources and infrastructures 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 with oversight in the Division of Academic Affairs.
Academic Success Center (ASC) [3]
This center offers a variety of peer-based academic support services, including: (a) College Reading & Learning Association certified peer tutoring programs for writing [4], reading [5], math and statistics [6], and physics; (b) an Online Writing Lab (OWL) for both distance education and local students; (c) computer-based and one-on-one teacher certification examination tutorials; (d) online writing, reading, and math resources [4]; and (e) a Supplemental Instruction program targeting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses with high rates of withdrawals, drops, and failures. The ASC writing tutors offer individual tutoring sessions and small-group instruction for any type of writing, ranging from freshman essays and research papers to lab reports, resumes, and scholarship and job application letters. Online and face-to-face writing support is also available for students working on M.A. theses, Ph.D. dissertations, and professional publications. The ASC’s math tutoring program provides drop-in, small-group, and one-on-one assistance for students seeking help in math, statistics, and physics courses, as well as for students in accounting, chemistry, and business analysis. In partnership with SHSU Online [7], the ASC uses GoToMeeting to provide synchronous remote assistance to SHSU distance and correspondence students. The ASC’s services are available for all undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled at SHSU, with locations on the main campus in Huntsville, The Woodlands Center, and the University Park campus [8].
Continuing Education [9]
Students may take advantage of non-credit courses, both face-to-face and online, for personal and professional development [10], [11]. Examples of courses include, but are not limited to, the following: mediation, introduction to various types of computer software, art, stress reduction, country and western dance, ballroom dance, yoga, and cake decorating. In addition to non-credit courses, this office (under the auspices of SHSU Online) administers credit-bearing correspondence courses [12] for SHSU students. A variety of courses are available for SHSU and non-SHSU students [13].
Elliot T. Bowers Honors College [14]
The Elliot T. Bowers Honors College is designed to attract and retain highly competent and motivated students and seeks to create an intellectual and social climate that encourages students to develop their potential both in and out of the classroom. To this end, the Honors College creates a community of scholars, wherein both students and professors interact and challenge each other in developing their abilities. Specifically, the Honors College provides personalized instruction and mentorship opportunities, which supports the university's overall mission of high academic standards and community service. Graduating with Honors from SHSU provides definite advantages for students entering graduate or professional school, as well as those starting out in their chosen profession.
Annually, the Honors College sponsors the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS) [15]. The URS provides 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 a professional environment.
Enhancing Undergraduate Research Experiences and Creative Activities (EURECA) Center [16]
EURECA encourages expanding undergraduate research by cultivating and developing faculty-mentored, discipline-specific inquiry among undergraduate students. The center also educates undergraduate students about how discipline-specific inquiry enriches the academic experience and helps them realize professional goals. Funding for the center supports faculty and student collaborative research projects [17].
Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (ELITE) Program [18]
The ELITE Program provides comprehensive support services designed to close the gaps between African American and Latino/Hispanic males and the mainstream male student population. Services include peer mentoring, mandatory advising, study skills, role models, leadership training, grade checks, team building, community service, and social activities. The goal is to retain the students from semester to semester, fall to spring, and ultimately to degree completion.
Global Center for Journalism and Democracy (GCJD) [19]
The GCJD provides opportunities for SHSU students to travel overseas to participate in the numerous professional training programs hosted by the center. In addition, the GCJD also profited students with workshops, internships, and mentorship opportunities. The GCJD is committed to bringing international journalists and experts to SHSU to share their experiences with students from across the campus.
Graduate Studies [20]
The Office of Graduate Studies starts working with students as they enter their programs. Before the first day of class, the office provides students a face-to-face orientation [21] that covers Blackboard (the university’s learning management system), IT, Library Services, Support Services, Bearkat OneCard, Financial Aid, and How to Succeed in Graduate School [22], as well as a tour of the campus and time to network with faculty advisors and other students. This orientation is offered at the Huntsville campus and at The Woodlands Center. It is also offered through web streaming for all online students; videos are then posted on the Graduate Studies website for future reference for both online and face-to-face students.
Throughout the year, the Office of Graduate Studies promotes academic, professional, career, and leadership development to create a culture of success for graduate students. Graduate Studies provides scholarly workshops to improve research skills (Conference Presentations 101, How to Develop a Literature Review, Thesis/Dissertation Tips and Tricks, How to Avoid Plagiarism, How to Read Scholarly Articles, Getting to Know the Library, Template Workshops for Completing the Dissertation or Thesis, etc.) [23]. Additionally, Graduate Studies provides more in-depth help through programming, such as Dissertation Boot Camp, in which students receive help from librarians, statisticians, editors, etc.; a Dissertation Support Group, which meets throughout the year; and individual dissertation editing services. In order to prepare graduate students for the workforce, Graduate Studies provides workshops such as Résumé and Vita Building, Using Social Media to Build Your Career, How to Begin a Private Practice for Counseling and Psychology Students, and How to Become a Faculty Member. The office also helps students who are currently teaching assistants with IDEA teaching evaluation workshops and workshops that address teaching online. Graduate Studies also provides leadership opportunities for SHSU students, including leadership workshops in coordination with the Professional and Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) and the Center for Leadership and Service, community engagement opportunities, and access to a leadership library. Students may also attend workshops to help their overall engagement with the university and chances for success, such as Stress Management for Graduate Students, Coffee and Conversations, and Graduate Student Mixers.
In order to better serve online students at SHSU, Graduate Studies provides web streaming of workshops, and records some of the workshops to be posted online. Other workshops, such as the Dissertation Support Group, and individual dissertation editors, are offered through Blackboard Collaborate for online students. Students have access to the videos and materials online.
Graduate Studies provides financial support for travel expenses and conference fees for students who present their research at state, national, and international conferences, as well as travel expenses for students who must travel to destinations to collect data for their research [24]. Financial support is also provided for students to purchase equipment, instruments, or other items needed to complete their research. This financial support is provided for online students as well.
Graduate Studies provides opportunities for graduate students to be recognized for their excellence through Thesis, Dissertation, and Capstone Project Awards; Teaching Assistant Awards; and Research Awards. Students are eligible for all of the awards whether they are face-to-face or online. Students who are nominated for the Teaching Assistant Award provide Graduate Studies with a portfolio demonstrating their teaching excellence. In the past, Graduate Studies has had students who provided videos or webpage submissions. Students can also participate in the Graduate Research Exchange, a research conference. The opening plenary session is recorded for online students, and online students are able to submit video presentations to be displayed and evaluated by faculty judges for research awards. Online students can also receive comments and questions through email on their research.
McNair Scholars Program [25]
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program provides talented low-income/first generation and ethnic minority 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.
Office of International Programs (OIP) [26]
OIP promotes, fosters, encourages, and coordinates international activities at SHSU, including the recruitment and retention of international students and the study and travel abroad of SHSU faculty and students. The OIP serves as a primary contact for international students at the university. The OIP is active in the recruitment of international students to the university and handles immigration procedures for international students. OIP staff also provides various support services for international students (i.e., transportation, cultural and social field trips, campus and community activities, an International Student Organization, a Global Ambassador Program, and receptions) [27].
Within the OIP, Study Abroad [28] offers SHSU students opportunities for independent study programs, exchange programs, and faculty-led programs, including but not limited to Italy, France, England, South Korea, Mexico, Ireland, China, Spain, Thailand, and Poland. In addition, merit-based scholarships [29] are available to assist qualifying students in covering some of the expenses of studying abroad. The Study Abroad website [28] offers numerous tips and resources for students interested in taking advantage of traveling abroad for study.
Also within the OIP, the English Language Institute (ELI) [29] provides a learning program that allows international students to improve their English language proficiencies, academic skills, and cultural awareness, all in preparation for admission into undergraduate or graduate studies at SHSU [30]. Additionally, the ELI offers advising to international students regarding visa issues, intervenes with students who might be struggling by coordinating support services (e.g., tutoring, counseling, and IT services), helps resolve problems international students might encounter, and helps international students integrate into the university and surrounding community through organized cultural activities.
Newton Gresham Library (NGL) [31]
The NGL is an integral part of the university’s learning and research mission and endeavors to create a physical and virtual environment that promotes the transfer and discovery of knowledge. The library holds more than 1.3 million books, bound periodicals, and government documents in a variety of formats, including multimedia, digital collections, microforms, microfiche, phonograph records, videotape, and newspapers. Other groups of materials housed in the NGL include paperbacks for recreational reading, current periodical issues, new books, and children's literature. A multimedia lab, music listening room, study carrels, a small lounge area furnished with vending machines, and a copy center that includes a public fax machine are provided for the convenience of students and faculty. Library holdings information may be electronically accessed through an online catalog, Engine Orange [32], from hundreds of library and campus computer workstations, as well as remotely via the Internet.
In addition to the NGL’s general holdings, students may access a variety of special collections, including the Special Collections Department, which houses rare books and documents; the University Archives; the Music Listening Room; and Government Documents. SHSU students are also able to access Digital Collections online [33].
The NGL website offers numerous digital resources accessible by all SHSU students. “Ask a Librarian” [34] allows students to chat online with, text, email, or call a librarian on staff. Online research tools [35] and guides help students search for books, articles and journals; cite sources; and utilize library services. Interlibrary loan [36] services offer students opportunities to request books and articles that are not held within NGL collections. Additionally, interlibrary loan can send SHSU books and articles to students taking classes exclusively through distance education or online formats.
Distance learners may also access information and resources directly through the NGL’s Distance Learning Services page [37], which houses important information and forms for these students. In partnership with NGL, SHSU Online has also made widely available through Blackboard access to library resources for distance and correspondence education students. The library tab in Blackboard provides access to research and library guides, library citation guides, the NGL catalog, a chat feature (to speak instantly with a librarian), and instructions for contacting a subject librarian who serves as an expert liaison for a particular discipline of study at SHSU [38].
Finally, the NGL has also established a dedicated service center at The Woodlands Center location [39]. This satellite location houses a full-time reference/instruction librarian to provide students with the same resources and services that would be available to them through the main library location. Through these various distance education services, SHSU students have complete library support without having to visit the main library.
Project CONNECT
This program is a federally-funded student support services TRIO program [40]. This program offers 165 first-generation, low-income, and/or disabled students registration assistance, a personal academic coach, individual tutoring, a textbook lending library, and seminars covering such topics as financial literacy, study skills, career exploration, and financial aid [41].
Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center
The SAM Center [42] offers diverse services for the students of SHSU. The SAM Center offers academic advisement and academic enrichment, and it is a resource dedicated to helping students develop skills that allow them to compete in the work force and to excel in the academic environment. A wide variety of services are made available to all students (online and traditional) at the university, including academic advising, study skills workshops, academic mentoring, graduate school preparation, and an early alert system [43].
Using a hybrid approach to academic advising, the SAM Center employs both professional advisors and faculty advisors. Eschewing set meeting times, the SAM Center employs a customer-service framework designed to accommodate the schedules of SHSU’s student population. Academic advising is mandatory for students who: (a) do not have an SHSU GPA (i.e., incoming freshman, transfer students), (b) have a GPA below 2.50, and (c) have completed 90 credit hours or more (i.e., seniors). Two advisors are assigned to The Woodlands Center [44] and one advisor to University Park [45]. Advising sessions for online students are scheduled via phone, e-mail, and/or Skype.
SAM Center Study Skills [46] is a 6-week workshop series designed to address the core skills essential for success as both students and professionals. The trained instructors are advanced students (i.e., peer mentors) who understand the rigorous demands of college and how to balance life with academics. Students meet once a week for approximately 50 minutes at a time to address a variety of topics, including time management, note-taking skills, critical reading skills, test-taking skills, and much more. For the online population, study skills sessions are available through videos, and the students have access to the same support materials as the on-campus students [46]. In addition, the SAM Center employs a part-time staff member (a licensed psychotherapist) at The Woodlands Center who conducts study skills sessions and facilitates support groups [47].
Academic Improvement Mentoring (AIM) is comprised of three programs designed to facilitate students’ academic performance and acclimation into the academic environment, thereby increasing retention. Paired with professional mentors, students learn about available academic services, university policies, and create personalized academic plans to enhance their studies. Two of the programs focus on students categorized as academically at risk: the Monitored Academic Progress (MAP) [48] program is for students suspended and conditionally readmitted ; the Help Eliminate Probation (HELP) [49] program is for students on academic probation. The third program, the Voluntary Intervention Program (VIP) [50], is a general mentoring program for all other students who are interested in one-on-one services concerning academics. These mentoring programs are available to all students via in-person meetings, e-mail, phone, and/or Skype.
The SAM Center provides preparation for graduate school through two programs: Grad Info 101 [22] and the GRE Prep Program [51]. Grad Info 101 is a workshop for aspiring graduate students that is co-presented by SAM Center mentors and representatives from both Financial Aid and Graduate Admissions. Together, they discuss timelines for graduate school application, common concerns for graduate academics, how financial aid is awarded for graduate school, and many other topics. The GRE Prep Program is a free test-taking technique program geared toward the GRE and intended to prepare SHSU students and alumni for the rigors of graduate exams. It is taught by experts from across campus (i.e., English faculty, math faculty, Graduate Studies representatives) in order to ensure student success, and it is available at both the main SHSU campus and The Woodlands Center.
First Alert [52] is an early alert system for faculty members who have concerns regarding their students. Once notified (e.g., digital form, phone call, e-mail), mentors at the SAM Center actively reach out to students via e-mail, phone, and mail, offering services and aid in order to enhance the students’ academic performance.
SHSU Online
SHSU Online provides a wide range of services aimed at promoting student learning and success [53]. The center adheres to the assumptions expressed in the Principles of Good Practice for Academic Degree and Certificate Programs Offered Electronically [54], published by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), which articulates a number of measures aimed at ensuring the highest possible quality in the practices of providing student services. SHSU Online’s role in the provision of student services takes many supportive forms. SHSU Online is fully committed to the success of all SHSU students, including distance, correspondence, and on-campus learners who enroll in online and/or hybrid courses.
Turnitin [55] and SafeAssign [56] provide online plagiarism detection services, which helps students learn how to avoid plagiarism by identifying uncited or unoriginal content in student drafts. NBC Learn HigherEd [57] is a digital library that provides students with easy access to thousands of rich, dynamic, and innovative resources that they can use to augment their research and study habits. Tegrity’s Remote Proctoring [58] ensures the integrity of exams taken off campus, without the need for SHSU distance and correspondence students to search for and attend an expensive, and sometimes distant, test-proctoring facility.
Getting Started with Blackboard [59], an SHSU Online-designed online student orientation course, comprises multiple units, including What is Distance Learning?; How To Be a Successful Online Student; What to Expect from Online Learning; Taking Tests Online; Participation and Collaboration in an Online Course; and Time Management Skills. These online lessons are aimed at providing distance and correspondence students general recommendations for effective studying and success in an online learning environment.
SHSU Online also provides two additional online orientation options within Blackboard for distance education and correspondence students—the SHSU Online Student Orientation [60] and the Getting Started Online Student Orientation. The purpose of these two online orientations is to provide valuable and relevant information that will familiarize the learner with the experience of learning online and that will assist them in achieving readiness for online success.
Getting Started Online Student Orientation [59] delivers the following resources for distance and correspondence education students: (a) research-based tips for success in an online environment, (b) access to relevant and important policies and services as they relate to the online experience, (c) information concerning accessing assistance and technical support, (d) a thorough listing of the technical knowledge needed for success in an online course, (e) information and tools for assessing hardware and software capabilities, and (f) a digital tour of an online course to familiarize distance education students with their online learning environment.
SHSU Online Student Orientation [60] provides distance and correspondence students with information regarding the following services: (a) Student Central [53], an online campus community that integrates social media applications, discussions, and advice from former online students; (b) Career Resources for Students, which provides access to the SHSU Online Career Services listing [61]; (c) NBC Learn HigherEd [57], a digital library that provides students with easy access to thousands of rich, dynamic, and innovative resources that they can use to augment their research and study habits [62]; (d) Technical Resources, a bank of links that provide access to technical support information [63]; (e) Step-By-Step Tutorials for successful participation in Blackboard; (f) links to Computer Services and Disability Accommodations; (g) Online Campus Resources, a bank of links that provide access to the E-Library [37]; (h) Online Advising; (i) Social Media Communities; (j) the University Bookstore; (k) Online Tutoring; and (l) Other Campus Resources, a bank of links that provide access to the Writing Center, Graduate Studies, Financial Information, the Counseling Center, and the Veterans Resource Center.
SHSU Online provides abundant access to technical support [63] for distance and correspondence education students, with the purpose of promoting proper student support in the online environment. Whether students are enrolled in fully online, hybrid, and/or web-assisted face-to-face courses, they can benefit from technical support measures led and implemented by SHSU Online. For example, SHSU Online provides a technical support desk year round (excluding holidays), Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight. The support desk assists students in using Blackboard and third-party software programs via email, phone, and instant message/chat. SHSU Online also provides operational support through interactive video courses, which offer SHSU learners access to flexible, live, interactive courses conveniently located in areas of geographical accessibility to students.
Additionally, SHSU Online provides online resources aimed at teaching students how to succeed in utilizing Blackboard, how to operate hardware and software used in online courses, and how to maximize the use of technology resources to the betterment of their online study efforts. SHSU Online provides SHSU students with access to “just in time” self-help resources that enable them to research basic technical problems and to perform their own troubleshooting when possible. This service allows students to solve their own problems quickly and efficiently, while promoting a sense of autonomy and self-sufficiency in managing technologies used on a daily basis.
Finally, SHSU Online provides distance and correspondence education students access to an online campus community that integrates social media applications, discussions, and advice from former online students. Students have access to online resources, have the ability to share stories about their online learning experiences, and have the opportunity to discuss how to contribute to their online campus community [53].
Student Success Initiatives
Student Success Initiatives (SSI) include a variety of courses and support services designed to promote students’ intellectual, social, ethical, and leadership growth. These initiatives provide opportunities for all students to enhance their skills and to pursue continuous improvement in academics. Furthermore, selected 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 mentoring and orientation sessions, SSI provides the following programs and services: University 1301, a 3-hour freshman seminar; a program for students who are former foster youth, orphans, wards of the court, and/or homeless (FORWARD); a food pantry program; a P-16 college readiness initiative; a common reading program; New Student Convocation; and both residential and non-residential learning communities.
UNIV 1301 [64] is a 3-hour elective freshman seminar focusing on enhancing the skills needed by SHSU students to succeed in college academic programs. The content of 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. Additionally, students have the opportunity to create a complete college course plan and explore career interests and future employment opportunities.
The FORWARD [65] program targets former foster youth, orphans, wards of the court, and homeless students by providing a support system to pursue higher education and 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.
The Food Pantry [66] at SHSU is a collaborative initiative supported by students, faculty, and staff at SHSU. The mission of the Food Pantry is to support students who struggle with food insecurity, encourage an educational understanding of food insecurity, and provide a space for students to volunteer and network with their peers. The Food Pantry at SHSU helps students overcome physical barriers to academic success and encourages mutual understanding and support for students across the SHSU community.
SHSU P-16 College Readiness Council Initiatives [67] is comprised of a group of educators and community members in the regional geographical area. The goal of the SHSU P-16 Council is to work cooperatively with the area public schools and community colleges to ensure implementation of the college and career readiness standards and to create a college-going culture for all Texas students.
The goals of the common reading program, Bearkats Read to Succeed, [68] are to create a common academic/intellectual experience for incoming students and upperclassmen, facilitate a campus-wide, cross-disciplinary conversation, and enhance the campus community (i.e., among students, faculty, and staff).
New Student Convocation [69] is an annual event that serves as the official welcome for all new students entering into 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. 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 start or beginning.
The Freshman Learning Community (FLC) [70] cohorts provide an enhanced educational experience designed to foster students’ intellectual development through increased interaction with fellow students, faculty, and staff. The FLC cohorts offer first-year college students a unique opportunity to become familiar with necessary academic and social skills through residential and non-residential structures. Non-residential cohorts have been established for students studying business, education, criminal justice, and pre-law and, through the Advance and Reading and Writing Learning Communities, the students are provide general academic support. There are two residential learning communities: (a) Bearkat Learning Community [71], a program that provides incoming freshmen students the opportunity to take classes with other students who live in the same residence hall; and (b) the Criminal Justice Living-Learning Community [72], a residential experience for dedicated criminal justice majors.
The Testing Center
The Testing Center [73] helps promote the intellectual growth of students outside the formal setting of regular coursework by providing a host of computer- and paper-based testing services (e.g., ACCUPLACER, ACCUPLACER ESL, ACT-Residual, CLEP, COMPASS, and TSI) within a quality testing environment. Offices at both the main SHSU Campus and at The Woodlands Center are available to serve the student population. In addition, remote testing services [74] are also available for students who need to complete the TSI but are unable to travel to one of the two physical centers.
Division of Enrollment Management
The Division of Enrollment Management [75] works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students to encourage participation and success in higher education among a diverse student population. The division focuses on attracting, enrolling, retaining, and graduating students to empower them to be productive citizens. 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.
Career Services
The Career Services Office [76] 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 [61], assist students in learning and implementing the life-long process of career exploration, choosing a career, and, ultimately, obtaining rewarding employment.
The office sponsors special events, such as the annual Teacher Job Fair (fall and spring semesters), Career Expo (each fall semester), and the Summer Job and Camp Fair. As a member institution in the Houston Area Consortium of Career Centers, SHSU Career Services also participates in the Texas Job Fair, which attracts a large number of Houston-area employers each spring. Career Services offers a variety of programs and services to assist students, such as career assessments (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory), mock interviews, company information, cover letter and résumé advice, career counseling, Job 4 Kats [77] job listings, presentations [78] and workshops [79], a career library and computers, and on-campus interviews.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The Financial Aid Office assists students with financial planning for their educational futures [80]. 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. For specific and detailed information, students are encouraged to seek assistance by viewing the “Introduction to Financial Aid” [81] and/or “Scholarship Opportunities” webpages. Financial Aid counselors are also available to students who require additional assistance [82].
New Undergraduate Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation Program [83] hosts 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 the online orientation.
Veterans Resource Center
The Veterans Resource Center [84] 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 specifically provides necessary forms [85] to all eligible SHSU students.
Division of Finance and Operations
The Division of Finance and Operations [86] is committed to meeting 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 [87]
SHSU offers a variety of services to promote a safe campus environment. KatSafe emergency notification system [88] immediately notifies students, faculty, and staff of critical situations via voice/text messages and emails to designated numbers and email accounts. In addition, the campus is equipped with emergency call boxes stationed at strategic locations throughout the campus, including parking lots, walkways, and residence halls. Additionally, the University Police Department provides staff to escort students who do not wish to walk alone at night to and/or from campus buildings and parking lots. Students who wish to learn more about personal safety and self-defense may take advantage of programs offered by the University Police Department [89].
Dining Services [90]
Dining Services provides SHSU students with a variety of on-campus dining options. In addition to a number of different university meal plans [91], Dining Services offers numerous dining options. Primary on-campus dining facilities include the Old Main Market [92], an all-you-can-eat dining facility offering a variety of fresh, healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the PawPrint [93] food court, which houses Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Pizza Hut, Grill Works, and Subway; and South Paw [94], which houses Moe’s Southwest Grill. In addition, Dining Services operates two Starbucks coffee shops, located within South Paw and NGL. For those in need of a quick snack or supplies, Provisions on Demand (POD) [95] shops are located within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) and Lee Drain Buildings. A third POD is located at The Woodlands Center for students taking courses at that location.
Division of Information Technology
The Division of Information Technology (IT@Sam) has multiple missions on the SHSU campus; among them are to support teaching and learning and to enhance the student experience by providing technology and services that exceed student expectations. The following student support services are provided by IT@Sam.
IT@Sam--Information Technology [96]
IT@Sam provides the university community with the technology necessary to provide 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 ten-gigabit (10g) connection to the Internet that provides students access to e-mail, web servers, electronic course delivery, and many more valuable network resources. Wireless access for SHSU students is available at most locations throughout campus, including common areas of university residence halls.
IT@Sam has 16 computer labs across the main campus and The Woodlands Center [97]. Four labs offer students extended business hours: three on the main campus and one at The Woodlands Center. These open labs are equipped with high capacity printers, scanners, web cams, DVD burners, and USB ports for access with flash drives as well as other peripheral items. These labs have both Windows PCs and Apple Macintosh systems available for use. Additionally, there are nine labs on the main campus and four labs at The Woodlands Center that are dedicated to academic instruction and are 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. The lab schedule is also available online by choosing Computer Labs from the Fast Links dropdown menu on the main SHSU website. 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.
Students are able to activate and begin using SHSU computer accounts and other technology resources upon acceptance to the university, and they may access a wide array of services from the university website. Through the university’s MySam portal [98], 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 e-mail addresses. Students’ SHSU e-mail accounts remain available to them after graduation, allowing continuity for job searches and alumni interactions. Each student is provided a personal computer environment that is accessible from any campus computer as well as remotely.
Technology tutorials are available for IT@Sam services, [99] such as configuring wireless printing, forwarding SHSU e-mail, changing passwords, establishing a remote desktop connection, and many more. Students access services by visiting the main SHSU website and choosing Technology Tutorials from the Fast Links dropdown menu.
Division of Student Services
The role of the Division of Student Services [100] 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 initiate opportunities and provide resources for all students that promote life skills and development within the academic environment. As an integral partner in the educational process, Student Services provides quality programs and services for students and staff that foster growth and development. Departments within the division embrace a student development philosophy that emphasizes a holistic approach in co-curriculum involvement. The goal of the division is to contribute to the learning experiences of SHSU students, helping them to become educated, enlightened, and empowered to achieve and contribute as productive citizens in their college, community, and country.
Bearkat OneCard
The official ID card of SHSU is the Bearkat OneCard [101]. It has been designed to be an efficient, multi-purpose card that provides students easy access to university 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 refund disbursements are made is selected when enrolling for the Bearkat OneCard. The Bearkat OneCard also offers students the option of securing a free online checking account and may be used as a debit card.
Center for Student Leadership and Service [102]
The mission of the Center for Student Leadership & Service (CLS) is to provide students with intentional, structured training/educational opportunities that will expose them to the concepts of leadership theory, skills, and application, as well as promote community service as an integral aspect of education. The program encourages students to develop their own leadership identity/philosophy through ongoing education, experiential training and personal development. The development opportunities also foster university engagement within the larger community and encourage students to put leadership into practice. CLS programs include Discover Your Strengths seminars, Emerging Leaders program for transfer students, a leadership library, Learning to Lead workshops [103], Alternative Spring Break, Volunteer Opportunities Fair, a community agency listing, [104] and various opportunities for conference experiences.
The mission of Leadership Initiatives is to create active citizen leaders. The department provides students with intentional developmental opportunities and effective services that promote and support academic and co-curricular learning. Departmental areas include the CLS, student organizations, the Student Employee Leadership Institute, and the co-curricular transcript. Leadership Initiatives also supports more than 235 registered student organizations [105], which include the following categories: academic, cultural, programming, recreational, religious, service, social fraternity, social sorority, and special interest. Through involvement in these organizations, students are able to 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 Student Employee Leadership Institute [106] aims to develop student employees through intentional learning opportunities related to the work experience. Each spring semester, a cohort of student employees from the Division of Student Services and various other departments on campus engage in structured developmental opportunities that address learning in the following areas: knowledge acquisition/application, cognitive complexity, intrapersonal development, interpersonal competence, humanitarianism/civic engagement, and practical competence. Participants’ supervisors also play a mentoring role in applying learned material to the work environment.
The co-curricular transcript [107] enhances the marketability of students by encouraging their participation in leadership activities, student organizations, community service, and professional development through formal documentation of extracurricular activities. It serves as an official record of their co-curricular involvement at SHSU.
Counseling Center
Professional counseling services are available to students in the Counseling Center [108]. Individual or group counseling is available for personal, educational, or vocational concerns. Students of all levels can receive help in choosing a major, managing stress, developing study skills, and reducing test anxiety. Students can also work on a range of personal concerns, including alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and physical or sexual abuse. Services are also available for international students who seek support in adjusting to life at an American university.
Dean of Students [109]
The Dean of Students’ Office contributes to the overall intellectual, social, and personal development of students through student advocacy, leadership, programs, and policy development. The Dean of Students’ Office represents student needs to the university administration, faculty, and staff, as well as transmits needs of these groups to the students. This office assists students who have questions about any phase of campus life. In an effort to promote both individual and group development of students, the office co-sponsors educational programs and leadership development workshops. Staff members are also responsible for the administration of a number of policies and procedures found in Student Guidelines [110], the student handbook. These include student conduct, the judicial process, and certain provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act. Additional programs and responsibilities that fall under the auspices of the Dean of Students’ Office include Greek Life [111]; Raven’s Call [112]; Parent Relations [113]; Bearkat Family Weekend [114]; Online Mentoring and Guidance (OMG) Program [115]; Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges [116]; Freshman Leadership Program [117]; Orange Keys Program [118]; The Students of Concern (SOC) Team [119]; University Parking Appeals; Alpha Lambda Delta [120], a freshman honor society; The Parents’ Association [121]; and advising the Student Government Association [122]. This office also houses the university’s official Title IX Coordinator [123].
Health Services [124]
The Health Center provides comprehensive routine health services and education for all currently enrolled students who have paid the medical service fee, which covers the cost of office visits. Students may schedule appointments in person or by phone. The Health Center serves students in the following areas: primary health care, women’s services, dental services, preventative and travel health, nursing services, laboratory and phlebotomy, pharmacy services, and student health insurance. Modest fees are charged for laboratory tests, prescription drugs, certain procedures, and supplies. In addition to medical services, the Health Center offers health education, prevention programs, and general health information.
Lowman Student Center (LSC) [125]
The LSC is conveniently located at the center of campus and offers several dining options and a variety of meeting facilities and services. The University Bookstore [126] is located on the second floor, along with the Art Gallery and Information Center. The LSC also houses the Kat Klub [127] entertainment center, a spacious ballroom, theater, food court, and 15 conference rooms. The LSC provides wireless computer access, as well as computer work stations on the first and second floors. Students may consider joining one of the many organizations that meet in the LSC. By getting involved and connected, students may meet other students with similar interests, make new friends, gain valuable leadership experiences, and improve their academic skills.
The LSC houses a variety of offices and student support programs. The Department of Campus Activities and Leadership provides advisement to student organizations and offers quality programs and services that embrace a student-development philosophy. The office also provides an environment conducive to learning through involvement in co-curricular activities. There are approximately 230 registered student organizations at SHSU. Additionally, the LSC houses the office of the Vice President for Student Services [100], Dean of Students’ Office [109], Student Legal and Mediations Services, [128] and the Student Government Association [122].
Recreational Sports and Activities Program
The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities [129] offers broad-based recreational programming in the areas of Intramural Sports [130], Informal Recreation [131], Aquatics [132], Club Sports [133], Outdoor Recreation [134], Fitness [135], and Special Events. The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities manages the Health and Kinesiology Center (HKC), [136] which houses four basketball courts; two multi-purpose rooms; 1/8-mile indoor running track; ten racquetball courts; a weight room; and courts for badminton, volleyball, and pickle ball. In addition, the department also manages the Recreational Sports Center (RSC), which houses departmental staff offices, a 34-foot climbing wall and boulder, a 10,000-square-foot weight room, and multipurpose rooms. Additional facilities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, eight outdoor tennis courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, the 6,100-seat Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum [137], a 345-acre University Campsite [138], and three athletic fields used for intramurals and club sports. In addition, the department is responsible for the Pritchett Field Complex [139], which includes two athletic fields and an outdoor ¼-mile running track.
Residence Life [140]
The Department of Residence Life provides services that contribute to students’ physical well-being and enhance their intellectual, emotional, cultural, and social development. Residence Life provides economical housing that offers services and conveniences that permit students to make maximum use of their time for intellectual, personal, and social development. Residence Life also seeks to facilitate greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individual, cultural, and lifestyle differences [141]. The university provides residence halls, housing units, an apartment complex for upperclassmen, and meal plans [142]. Approximately 3,300 students are housed within the 26 residence halls and apartments. Residence Life also provides resource people 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 a number of different living and/or learning cohorts within the residence hall system. Specific halls contain reserved rooms designated for students participating in the Bearkat Learning Community, Honors College, Criminal Justice cohort, Terry Scholars, and Smith-Hutson Scholars.
Services for Students with Disabilities [143]
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is located in the Lee Drain North Annex, next to the Farrington Building. SSD provides academic accommodations, auxiliary aids and services, and consultation and referral services for students with disabilities at SHSU. Students requesting SSD services are required to submit current documentation of their impairments that is consistent with the SSD General Documentation Guidelines and to complete the SSD intake process, per the Procedures to Request Services.
Student Activities [144]
Student Activities provides students with involvement opportunities that promote and support academic and co-curricular learning. Students can engage and connect with others through several programs: Program Council (PC), Multicultural Student Services (MSS), Spirit Programs, and a variety of special events. The department plans and implements large-scale programs [145] such as Welcome Week [146], Bearkat Alley [147], Homecoming, Firefest [148], the Tree of Light, and The Sammys [149]. Staff members also assist students in understanding university policies and procedures and provide support in planning student events.
PC [150] is a student-run organization devoted to creating educationally distinct programs that encourage the development of leadership and life skills through interaction among a diverse student body. The mission of PC is aimed at achieving and maintaining a balance between a professional and social atmosphere in order to continuously challenge students to grow and apply learned knowledge to any situation. This student programming board seeks to create fun, innovative programs, by the students and for the students, in order to satisfy their needs and develop individuals holistically.
MSS [151] provides support and enhances the SHSU experience for underrepresented students and the campus community as a whole through student organization advising and development, diversity education, and cultural programming. The specific purpose of these programs is to promote cultural awareness in the university community; to enhance and cultivate leadership, social, and academic skills through participation in cultural programs; and to assist in the retention and graduation of students of various backgrounds (based on culture, gender, physical ability, race, religion, and sexual orientation).
Spirit Programs [152] consist of Co-Ed Cheer, All-Girl Cheer, Orange Pride Dance Team, and the “Sammy the Bearkat” mascot program. These teams provide support at various athletic events, including football, volleyball, and basketball games. They also engage students at over 350 events over the two long semesters. In addition to these events, Spirit Programs members are active in community service efforts and make numerous campus appearances. They compete nationally within their respective associations and together hold 15 national titles.
Student Government Association (SGA) [122]
The SGA exists for the sole purpose of serving the student community. It is the political voice and liaison for the student body. The university recognizes the need for and worthwhile contribution of student input in all facets of university decision-making processes. The SGA has long been active in this regard and has worked for the betterment of student life and academic quality. The student body participates in the development and management of a comprehensive program of student activities by electing the SGA officers and student senators.
Student Legal and Mediation Services [128]
Student Legal and Mediation Services provides students with legal advice and conflict-resolution skills, so students can focus primarily on their educational goals. 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 can refer students to local attorneys. Student Legal and Mediation Services also offers mediation services with a trained neutral third party (a mediator), who helps facilitate agreements between parties. All matters between the office and the student are confidential.
Student Money Management Center [153]
The SHSU Student Money Management Center 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, and insuring and financing healthcare and other benefits. The outreach is provided through personal coaching, workshops, and classroom settings.
Athletic Department
The role of the Athletic Department [154] 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 targeted at SHSU's student-athletes.
Learning Enhancement Center (LEC) [155]
The LEC houses the academic offices for athletics and hosts study groups and the tutorial program strictly for student athlete use. The LEC also features study and work areas, complete with 24 computers and printing capabilities. Working in conjunction with Career Services, [76] student-athletes receive advice and develop skills related to résumé writing, interviewing, and searching for employment. Seminars are provided each semester, and provided SHSU students with hands-on advice as they prepare to enter the job market.
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 that 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 [156]
This 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 bridge the gap and ease student-athletes’ transition into college athletics, academics, and their subsequent careers.
Tutorial Assistance for Student-athletes [156]
Tutors are 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 [157] is responsible for enhancing the visibility and image of SHSU. The primary goal is to build strengthened relationships between the university and its various constituents and to present a compelling case for involvement with and support of SHSU. This division supports students through the Sam Houston Memorial Museum.
Sam Houston Memorial Museum [158]
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum, established in 1936 as a Texas centennial project, is an integral part of SHSU and is dedicated to preserving the memory of General Sam Houston (1793-1863). The museum offers many educational opportunities [159] for SHSU students.
Supporting Documentation