Most students have questions when it comes to getting advised. Here are a few FAQ's from the SAM Center that may help you be more prepared.

When will I be assigned an advisor?
When a student is accepted at the university, he/she will be advised by a trained advisor who will guide the student academically and discuss matters relating to his/her academic program.

How long does an advising session last?
The first advising session may last anywhere from 20-30 minutes, depending on the questions asked and the information desired.  Usually students are shown a degree plan for their proposed major; the degree plan's structure is explained so the student can use it as a reference.  Students are encouraged to bring in an updated degree plan with them at each advising session.

When can I register for my classes?
Each long semester there is an early registration period which is normally in November and April.  Once a student has been advised and cleared, that student may register for classes when his/her last-name letter is scheduled.  Early registration is arranged by classification with seniors registering on the first day, then juniors, sophomores, and freshmen on following days. All registration is online.

When can I be advised?
Advising begins each semester soon after the semester begins.  Once the schedule of classes is put online by the Registrar's Office, students may be advised and cleared.  All students are encouraged to be advised as early as possible in the semester to avoid having to wait once early registration approaches.

Who must be advised?
All students are encouraged to be advised to assure that they are taking classes relevant to their individual degrees. There are four categories of students who must be advised:

• Students with no SHSU GPA (all new freshmen and transfer students).
• Students who have below a 2.5 overall GPA.
• Students subject to TSI requirements.
• Students who have 90+ hours, including the current semester. This is to assure that they are on the right track towards graduation.

When is the best time to be advised?
Advising for the next semester begins early in the semester.  For example, advising for the spring semester usually begins in mid-September and advising for the summer and fall semesters begins at the beginning of February.  These beginning times coincide with the availability of the schedule of classes online for the semester for which you will be advised.

How do I get in contact with my advisor?
Advisors can be contacted by email or by coming by the SAM Center for a one-on-one session.

When can I make an appointment and how do I set one up?
Appointments for advising are made for the morning hours until noon up until two weeks before early registration when no appointments are made due to the high student traffic we experience.  During afternoon hours all walk-ins are advised.

If you look around campus, you will most likely catch a glimpse of a student holding a bright green book called Affluenza. This book was selected to be the inaugural book for the common reader program at SHSU, Bearkats Read to Succeed, also known as BRTS. Discussing overconsumption, an epidemic that is sweeping our country, this book has made an impact on students as well as the Huntsville community. On November 13th and 14th faculty, staff, students, and members of the community will have the opportunity to meet two of the authors of Affluenza. With sessions like What's the Economy For Anyway, Finding Real Wealth, Alternatives in Agriculture, and an opportunity to have coffee with the authors, you won’t want to miss this event! At this authors’ forum, you will get the chance to get your copy of Affluenza signed by John de Graff and David Wann! Most sessions will be held in the Lowman Student Center, but keep your eyes on the FYE website and around campus for schedules of the events during the upcoming authors’ forum!

Here is a little bit of information about the Affluenza authors:
John de Graaf, sociologist, has been writing and producing award-winning television programs for twenty years. Over twenty programs have been aired on PBS including Affluenza, Running Out of Time, For Earth's Sake, and Green Plans, among many others. He is a frequent speaker at colleges & universities and has been a visiting scholar at The Evergreen State College.

David Wann, environmental scientist, left the Environmental Protection Agency to concentrate on producing articles, books, and videos about sustainable lifestyles. He is the author of five books including Biologic: Designing with Nature to Protect the Environment, Deep Design: Pathways to a Livable Future, and Simple Prosperity: Finding Real Wealth in a Sustainable Lifestyle.

Thomas Naylor is a Professor Emeritus of Economics at Duke University where he taught for 30 years. As an international strategic management consultant, he has advised governments and corporations in over thirty countries.

Mon, Wed, Thur: 8am - 7pm
Tues: 8am - 10pm
Fri: 8am - 3pm
Sun: 2pm - 7pm
936.294.3680
Farrington 111

Mon-Thur: 8am - 7pm
Fri: 8am - 3pm
Sun :2pm - 7pm
936.294.3114
Farrington 109

Check out these websites for important dates and fun events!

History in October