FORWARD Thinking Newsletter

September 2015               From the Office for First-Year Experience                                      Issue 8

The FORWARD Program’s mission is to empower former foster youth, orphans, and wards of the court by providing the support system necessary to pursue higher education and to transition smoothly through college. If you are or were a foster, orphan, or ward of the court, you may be eligible for extra resources and assistance for your college education. If you want more information or need assistance, please contact us at the Student Success Initiatives office (AB4, Suite 202), call (936) 294-3422), or email forward@shsu.edu!

Congratulations graduating FORWARD seniors! As a FORWARD student, you are eligible to receive a FREE graduation package that includes a complimentary cap, gown and a graduation picture package. Students must submit an application and a 200-300 word essay describing your college experience as a FORWARD student and how this has shaped your life and graduation goals. Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, November 11, 2015 for December 2015 graduates.

This year’s chosen book is Enrique’s Journey, a New York Times bestseller, by Sonia Nazario. Stop by the Student Success Initiatives office (AB4, Suite 202) to pick up your FREE copy of this book. Sponsored activities include:

• Poetry/Lyric Contest: $500 scholarship. Deadline: October 26, 2015, 4pm.
• Freshman Essay Contest: $500 scholarship. Deadline: November 2, 2015, 4pm.
• English Department Essay Contest: $250 scholarship. Deadline: November 2, 2015, 4pm.
• Coll. of Educ. Classroom Design: $250—$750 scholarship. Deadline: November 2, 2015, 5pm.
• Research Poster: $500 scholarship. Deadline: November 2, 2015, 4pm.
• Art Contest: $100—$250 scholarship. Deadline: November 10, 2015, 4pm.

For details and submission forms visit the SHSU Common Reader Program website, or contact Kay Angrove (936) 294-3422, forward@shsu.edu.

Study Skills series includes six one-hour sessions designed to address core skills essential for academic success. The sessions address procrastination, time management, taking class notes, test-taking strategies, etc. Students who have attended the Study Skills program have dramatically improved their study habits as well as improving their GPA. Contact the SAM Center, (936) 294-4444, to sign up.

The SHSU Counseling Center provides individual, couples, and group therapy to students who are currently enrolled. Students can participate in up to 12 free sessions per academic year for individual and couples therapy, and an unlimited number of sessions for group therapy. Counseling services are available during normal business hours throughout the year (including breaks between semesters) except on University designated holidays. Group counseling for Fall 2015 includes Adjusting to College, LGBT, Understanding Self and Others, Mindfulness, and Sister to Sister groups. For more information, visit the Counseling Center or give them a call at (936) 294-1720.

The SHSU Food Pantry is located at the Canterbury House (1614 University Ave.) and provides food to students in need. Food will be distributed twice a month and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests can be filled out online and must be filled out separately for each distribution date. For more information, visit the Food Pantry’s website, Facebook, Twitter (@shsu-foodpantry), or Instagram (@shsu_foodpantry) pages.

The Student Success Initiatives Office
202 Academic Building IV Suite 200 | Box 2335 | Huntsville, Texas 77341-2335
Phone: 936.294.3422 | FAX: 936.294.2232 | Email:forward@shsu.edu