Today @ Sam

For Week Of Aug. 31

Alcohol Summit Offers Sessions For Students, Parents

SHSU's Third Annual Alcohol Summit on Sept. 12-13 will provide topics of interest for the entire university community. This year, the summit offers programming for parents in conjunction with Bearkat Family Weekend activities. Details.

Employees Recognized For Service, Excellence

SHSU President Jim Gaertner presented service and excellence awards to faculty and staff during the group's annual meeting on Aug. 28. Details.

SHSU Spokesman Announces Retirement

Frank Krystyniak, SHSU's director of public relations, will retire Aug. 31 after 37 years as the voice of Sam Houston State University. Details.

Regents Approve SHSU 'Table of Programs' Additions

The Texas State University System, in a regular quarterly meeting that ended Friday in Austin, approved a motion that expands SHSU’s “Table of Programs” to allow it flexibility for future growth. Details.

New Center To Give Advice On 'Commanding Your Cash'

Sam Houston State University's new Student Money Management Center will teach students the basics of and provide solutions to issues that plague citizens of all ages: money. Details.

Now Is Not Too Early To Plan For Summer '09 Study Abroad

A number of SHSU students visited faraway places last summer, with such activities as a visit to a baboon sanctuary in Belize, an ancient pyramid in Mexico, and a hill tribe school in Thailand. Students were pleased with what they learned about other cultures as well as giving them comparisions that relate to their own. Details.

Online Classes Give German Students ‘21st Century’ Options

Students signed up to take two sections of German this semester will get a different experience than any other foreign language student has ever received: their professor, and even some of their classmates, will be almost 1,500 miles away. Details.

College Recognizes Its 'Outstanding'

Paula Adams, Andrea Foster, Beverly Irby, Marilyn Rice and Richard Watts were honored during the College of Education's annual meeting Friday afternoon for their contributions in a variety of areas. Details.

Balas Communicates Change As New Chair

Glenda Balas may have only taken over as chair of the mass communication department in July, but she ”hit the ground running” and the changes are literally visible. These changes include the physical renovation of areas of the Dan Rather Communications Building, as well as plans for a litany of program expansions and new hires. Details.

Ag Prof's Device Is Real Lifesaver

Doug Kingman recently received word that a device he invented, and which is marketed through a company he founded, was credited with saving the life of a grain worker in Illinois. Details.

Sam SHuttle Begins Operation

Sam Houston State students, faculty and employees now have a convenient and relatively inexpensive public transportation option for trips between the campus and The Woodlands. There are several stops and several locations in which to buy tickets. Details.

Morris Replaces Culak as University Police Chief

Kevin Morris, who earned two degrees from the Sam Houston State University criminal justice program, has been selected to replace Dennis Culak, who retires Aug. 31 as SHSU's director of Public Safety Services. Details.

SHSU 'In the News'

Larry Hoover, professor of criminal justice, was interviewed by Houston Channel 11 for a two-part series on the Houston Police Department's Crime Response Unit. Hoover said such blanket enforcement tactics can reduce crime by 20 percent, but there is a danger of overzealous policing infringing on constitutional rights.