Seventeen experienced faculty and staff members focus their efforts and expertise on academic advising for all students in the many degree programs at Sam Houston State University. Representing many departments on campus, the faculty members' talents and knowledge in all aspects of academic advising benefit any student who comes to the SAM Center.

Several programs have been created to help students in accomplishing their goals of success in the classroom. A six-week study skills program was inaugurated in the fall semester of 2002. Over 400 students enrolled and learned more about studying smart, procrastination, time management, reading textbooks and note taking, test-taking strategies, and stress management, as well as investigating other relevant topics dealing with success in classes.

Another program designed and initiated by the SAM center is the "First Alert" program aimed at pinpointing those students who are having difficulty in particular classes. Professors across campus recommend students to the SAM Center; then the Center follows up by contacting these students to discover particular problems which those students have. Solutions to these problems are then investigated and personal attention is given to the students with the goal of helping the student succeed in the specific class from which the request came.

More programs are being devised to benefit special populations and all students at Sam Houston State University. Students who have requests for help in any aspect of their academic pursuits can come to the SAM Center and we will be happy to help.