ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Computer Services
From the University web site, students can activate and begin using SHSU computer accounts upon acceptance to the University. To ensure prompt communications, the University will send official statements and documents via the student’s SHSU e-mail address. This e-mail account will remain available to students 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.
The University has developed a state-of-the-art fiber optic network connecting all major campus buildings including residence halls. Attached to this network are servers for administrative functions, academic computing, and research computing. This network is also connected to the Internet, providing all students access to Internet mail, Web servers and many more valuable network resources.
Client computers supported are PC and Macintosh workstations. Numerous general use computer labs are operated by the Department of Computer Services and are open 24 hours a day during the week with extensive weekend hours. Most of the software applications for campus computers are available on all University computers connected to the Campus network (SAMnet).
Wireless access to the University computer network is currently available at numerous locations across the campus. Wireless service is provided via 802.11B wireless access points. For additional information on the wireless network, please refer to the University wireless website.
Students are encouraged to apply for part-time employment with Computer Services. Opportunities exist to participate in building and maintaining the computing infrastructure at the University. The Computer Services department employs more than 100 students as lab assistants, telephone operators, night-time system operators, web designers, programmers, helpdesk assistants, and software/hardware technicians. These students gain valuable experience for the future and provide an essential part of the operations of the department and University.
SHSU's Computer Services website is www.shsu.edu/~ucs_www/. Questions regarding SHSU's computer resources may be addressed to helpdesk@shsu.edu.
Institutional Research and Assessment
The Office of Institutional Research & Assessment (IRA) is an administrative and support unit within Sam Houston State University. The office collects, analyzes, appraises, reports, and disseminates data on behalf of the university community for the purpose of promoting evidence-based reflection, evaluation, planning, and action. The IRA Office provides information and conducts research studies to comply with federal, state, and other reporting mandates, as well as to assess policy, programs, special initiatives, and institutional need. The office supports all university units that pursue assessment-based improvement by providing technical assistance in implementing, documenting, and validating those processes. The IRA Office also collaborates with various graduate offices in providing authentic experiences for graduate student projects and internships in data processing, database management, data mining, statistical analysis, and applying research and evaluation methods.
Library, Newton Gresham
The Library contains more than 1.3 million books, bound periodicals, and government documents in a variety of formats, including multimedia, microforms, microfiche, recordings, videotape, DVD, and newspapers. The library subscribes to over 3,000 periodicals in print, and over 54,000 periodicals are available electronically. As a depository for selected federal and state government publications in a separate collection of over 230,000 print and non-print documents, the library also serves the citizens of five adjacent counties. The Library’s Thomason Room houses over 12,000 rare books and other materials on Texas, the Southwest, Mark Twain, Gertrude Stein, the Civil War, Library Science, Criminal Justice, and other topics. Other groups of materials housed in the Newton Gresham Library include paperbacks for recreational reading, current periodical issues, new books, and a children’s literature collection. The music listening room, study carrels, a small lounge area furnished with vending machines, and a copy center, including a public fax machine, are provided for the convenience of students and faculty.
Library resources, including the library catalog, may be electronically accessed through the library’s website from hundreds of library and campus computer workstations, as well as remotely from off-campus.
The library maintains database licenses to over 200 online databases such as ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, CJ Abstracts, NCJRS, Academic Search Complete, Business Search Complete, Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, West Law Campus, Biological Abstracts, and ScienceDirect. OCLC’s FirstSearch makes databases such as WorldCat, AGRICOLA, and Business and Management Practices available to SHSU students. TexShare, the statewide resource-sharing program, provides access to a variety of electronic databases, thousands of full-text journal articles, and print material. A complete list of the electronic databases and electronic journals can be viewed from the Library’s web page at http://library.shsu.edu. Access to online catalogs of libraries throughout the United States, including nearby university libraries such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas, is available via the Internet. Books, articles, documents, and other items which are not available locally may be requested through Interlibrary services.
Seventeen librarians, thirty support staff, and a number of student assistants provide reference, interlibrary loan, circulation, acquisitions, and other library services to the faculty, staff, and students of the University, as well as to visiting scholars and off-campus users. The University Archives, located on the 4th floor of the Library preserves the history of the campus, as well as a collection of faculty monographic publications. A computer lab and classroom, staffed by Computer Services, is available during regular library hours. The seventy plus networked workstations in this lab may be used to access the students’ personal computer space, as well as the library’s resources. To assist library users in utilizing library materials and services, printed guides, bibliographies, and online tutorials have been developed by library faculty and staff. This material is available at the reference desk and is accessible electronically from the library’s home page. An online instruction series demonstrating how to use databases and find information is available to all students from the Library’s homepage. Librarians also provide access to information and help in using the library’s resources and services to students on and off campus with online chat (see Ask A Librarian on the Library’s homepage), e-mail, and by phone.
Reading Center
The Reading Center personnel assist students, faculty, and staff with professional and academic endeavors. The primary goal is to empower all students with effective reading strategies and the confidence to excel in their expository reading. To this end, the Reading Center tutors provide students with one-on-one and small-group reading instruction. To facilitate faculty members, the Reading Center Coordinator is available to make reading strategy presentations in the classroom.
In addition to serving undergraduates to develop reading strategies and/or prepare for the THEA, the Reading Center can also be used by those whose first language is not English to prepare for the TOEFL. Also, students preparing for post-baccalaureate educational endeavors can use computer-assisted tutorials for the reading/verbal sections of the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, PCAT, or MCAT. In addition, computer-assisted and face-to-face tutorials for many teacher certification tests (TExES) are available in the Reading Center. Face-to face tutorials for the TExES may be scheduled at the University Center.
The Reading Center is affiliated with the Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Populations in the College of Education. The staff includes the Coordinator, a Reading Specialist, and two graduate assistants who are trained as reading instructors and tutors. For assistance, visit the 1st floor of the Farrington Building, contact the Reading Center by telephone at (936) 294-3114, or fax (936) 294-4717. Visit the website for more information: http://www.shsu.edu/~rdg_www/.
Research and Special Programs
The mission of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is to support the teaching, research, and scholarly activities of the faculty. The office provides support to faculty and staff in preparing and submitting grants and contracts to external entities proposals. ORSP assists the Research Council in overseeing the Research Enhancement Program and Faculty Research Grants. These programs provide internal research support to strengthen faculty efforts to obtain external grants and professional development support to promote scholarly activities to further intellectual progress in the individual faculty member’s discipline. Support for research and scholarly activities, which may involve undergraduate and graduate students, is considered a vital part of the success of the University’s mission. ORSP protects the interests of the University by ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations set forth by federal and state governments, The Texas State University System (TSUS), the University, and granting agencies. ORSP assists the University’s compliance committees that address the regulations and policies dealing with financial conflicts of interest and the use of humans and animals in research and hazardous materials.
Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies
The Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies (TRIES) is a research facility dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of scientific discovery through innovative research and to the growth of unique educational opportunities for both faculty and students at Sam Houston State University. The Institute hosts and supports leading researchers in environmental science and provides opportunities for acquiring external funding to support innovative research programs. The institute also maintains and operates a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory which serves both the University and the surrounding community.
Research activities within the Institute focus on the study of ecosystem dynamics and environmental stability. By understanding the holistic factors that influence environmental stability, we can better understand how to conserve species and manage the sustainability of natural resources. Specific research activities at the Institute include: environmental water quality and development of methods for reclaiming waste water; wetland ecology, conservation, and restoration; management of endangered and invasive species; environmental toxicology; environmental stressors and endocrine disruption; climate change and environmental monitoring; and general studies in environmental biology and urban ecology. While in keeping with the mission of TRIES (innovative research and discovery for a sustainable future), the specific areas of research are driven by the research interests and expertise of its scientists. Thus, TRIES welcomes the involvement and addition of innovative and talented scientists dedicated to this noble mission of TRIES.Student Advising and Mentoring Center (Sam Center)
Located in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building, the Student Advising and Mentoring Center (SAM Center) at Sam Houston State University offers academic counseling and enrichment services to students. The SAM Center is a resource dedicated to helping students adjust to academic life at Sam Houston State University. Services available include career testing, aid with time management, and study skills.
The SAM Center also offers a GRE/GMAT review for current and prospective graduate students to aid them in their pursuit of full graduate status.
The SAM Center can be contacted by e-mail at SAMCenter@shsu.edu, by telephone at (936) 294-4444, or in person in CHSS Building, Room 170.
Students are encouraged to be advised each semester to progress properly towards their chosen degrees. Each academic department has experienced advisors who can assist graduate students in determining the appropriate courses to take.
Students are urged to review the academic calendar which provides the dates for advance registration. Students should schedule their advisement session with an advisor at an early date to ensure that the advisement procedures occur prior to advance registration.
Questions relating to Academic Advisement can be directed to either the appropriate graduate department or to the Director of the Student Advising and Mentoring Center, located in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building. Students can contact the SAM Center by phone at (936) 294-4444 and by e-mail at SAMCenter@shsu.edu.
Testing Center
Located in Academic Building IV, Room 102 (south of the Lee Drain Building, corner of Avenue I and Bowers Blvd.), the Testing Center at Sam Houston State University provides test site opportunities for a variety of state and/or national standardized college entrance, vocational, guidance, state-mandated, and/or placement exams. Mailing address: Testing Center, Sam Houston State University, Box 2240, Huntsville, TX 77341-2240; telephone (936) 294-1025; web address: www.shsu.edu/testing.
This section addresses some of the testing choices a student may utilize for counseling purposes, program entrance, and/or receiving college credit. SHSU accepts a maximum of thirty (30) hours of undergraduate course work credit through a combination of national standardized exams and/or locally designed departmental exams (except when transferred from another college or university).
College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Sam Houston State University is an open national testing site for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025 or by visiting the CLEP website at www.collegeboard.com/clep.
The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) Program. The DSST Program is a credit-by-examination testing service used by colleges and universities to enable students to earn college credit in subjects they have learned outside the traditional college classroom. Sam Houston State University is a testing site for DSST exams. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025 or by visiting the Thomson Prometric website at www.getcollegecredit.com.
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).This test is required for admission to graduate study in the College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University. Registration for this test may be arranged by calling 1-800-GMAT-NOW or by visiting the GMAT website at www.mba.com. For additional information about the GMAT, please contact the College of Business Administration’s Coordinator of Graduate Studies at Box 2056, Huntsville, TX 77341-2056; phone: (936) 294-1239; FAX: (936) 294-3612; e-mail: busgrad@shsu.edu. The College of Business Administration’s web address is http://www.shsu.edu/~coba.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This test is required for admission to most programs of graduate study at Sam Houston State University. Registration for the computer-based examination may be scheduled by calling 1-800-GRE-CALL or by visiting the GRE website at www.ets.org/gre. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025.
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). This exam is required for admission to law school. The exam is given at SHSU three times per year with registration handled through the testing company. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025 or from the Law School Admission Council’s website at www.LSAC.org.
Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The Miller Analogies Test is a test accepted and/or required by some programs for graduate school admission and is administered in the Testing Center. Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025 or by visiting the MAT website at www.milleranalogies.com.
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) Tests. Prospective police officers and/or jailers may take tests that are required by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education for certification by the State of Texas. An Endorsement of Eligibility form, signed by the instructor of the course or academy, must be provided by the student before the test(s) may be administered. This test is administered by the Testing Center and individuals may schedule an appointment or obtain additional information by calling (936) 294-1025.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL is required of non-native speakers of English. The TOEFL is administered several times per year, and there is a fee for administration and scoring services. The test is available in paper-based, computer-based, or internet based formats. For more information, refer to the appropriate edition of the TOEFL Information Bulletin or visit their website at www.ets.org/ell. For further information, contact the English Language Institute, Box 2030, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341; telephone: (936) 294-1028; website: www.shsu.edu/~www_eli/.
Writing Center
One of the highest performing writing centers in the state, the Writing Center is designed to help individuals become better writers and develop more confidence in their writing abilities. To this end, the Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group writing instruction for the students, staff, and faculty of Sam Houston State University.
Graduate students may seek assistance for any type of writing needs ranging from Master’s theses and doctoral dissertations to lab reports, case studies, research papers, resumes, and scholarship and job application letters. Writing Center tutors do not merely correct a student’s writing but are trained to help students learn prewriting, revising, and editing skills. The Writing Center also provides distance tutoring for graduate students enrolled in off-campus or internet classes.
The Writing Center features a highly trained staff of English faculty and graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of majors, including English, psychology, history, forensic chemistry, music, foreign languages, and criminal justice. All tutors are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association and have received training in working with non-native English speakers. Contact the Writing Center by phone at (936) 294-3680, by fax at (936) 294-3560, by email at wctr@shsu.edu, in person in the Farrington Building, Room 111, or find more information on the website at www.shsu.edu/wctr.