General Info
What is Bearkat Learning Community?
Implemented in 2001-02, this is a program which provides incoming freshmen students the opportunity to take classes with other students who live in the same residence hall. This group of students also has a planned program of activities designed to enhance academics as well as provide a positive social atmosphere. BLC was implemented as a joint effort of the Department of Residence Life, the Division of Academic Affairs, and the Division of Student Services.
How many students will be in BLC in 2012-2013?
BLC participants are selected at random from incoming freshmen who apply for the program. In its first year of operation, 36 students participated in the program. Since BLC was so well-received, it was expanded in 2002-2003. Instead of one small residence hall (small residence halls are known as houses) two houses, Vick and Randel, which accommodate 88 residents, are used.
Is BLC open to both men and women?
Yes, both BLC houses will be coed next year, as are many residence halls at Sam Houston State University. Rooms are arranged in suites. The number of applicants to the program will determine the exact number of men and women assigned to the BLC houses.
What are the requirements for admission to BLC?
In order to participate in the Bearkat Learning Community program, the student must first be accepted to SHSU, have a completed Housing Application and $200 deposit on file, and fill out a separate BLC application. An essay stating why the student wishes to be in BLC must accompany the application.
What are the specifics about the essay?
The essay must be a single page typed and it should respond to the following prompt: Bearkat Learning Community is an opportunity for students who are committed to taking advantage of the full college experience, both academic and social. Students take two classes together while forming close supportive social relationships in a small residence hall. Please explain why you want to participate in this program. The completed essay should be sent via email to Dr. Bernice Strauss at sam_bss@shsu.edu . If you do not have access to email, the essay can be faxed to her at (936) 294-1149 or it can be mailed to:
Dr. Bernice Strauss
C/O Student Advising and Mentoring Center
P.O. Box 2074
Huntsville, TX 77341-2074
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Strauss at her email address or by calling (936) 294-4455.
How do I apply to BLC?
Applications may be picked up at a Saturdays @ Sam! session. You may also download and print the application to be sent via mail.
When will participants be notified that they have been selected for BLC?
After all applications have been reviewed, those selected will be notified shortly thereafter. Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will maintain a list of alternates.
Learning in BLC
What classes will BLC students take?
BLC participants must enroll in any two courses of the nine that are designated for them in fall and eight that are designated for the spring semester. The courses offered for BLC participants include composition (English), United States History, Political Science, Contemporary Biology, Weather and Climate (Geography), Music, and UNIV 1301 (fall only). Students who have already earned college credit in these courses (AP English, or courses at a junior college, for example) should carefully consider the commitment to BLC, which requires participation in at least two courses each semester.
Why these particular classes? What if a BLC participant wants to take other courses?
The courses selected for BLC participants are from the core curriculum. No matter what your major, you will be required to take these classes (with the exception of some science majors who may be required to take other science classes). There are nine courses to choose from, but program participants will only be required to enroll in two. This is designed to offer flexibility in scheduling. The BLC advisor will help you determine your schedule.
How will BLC participants be assured of getting these classes?
Special advising sessions are scheduled for participants during Orientation. For registration for Fall 2012, BLC participants will meet individually with the BLC advisor.
What about classes in Spring 2013?
A similar sequence of classes will be followed for Spring 2013. BLC participants should remember that participation in the program requires a year long commitment.
Living in BLC
If I apply for BLC, do I still need to submit a housing application?
Yes, you must have an application for housing and a deposit of $200 on file to be considered for BLC. If you are not selected for the program, you will be assigned to another residence hall.
Where do BLC participants live their second and subsequent years at SHSU?
BLC is a freshman community. This means that students may not live there after their first two semesters at SHSU. BLC students will be directed to choose another facility if they wish to remain on campus for their sophomore year and beyond.
Contact Info
Lee Courtney, Ph.D.
Professor of English and BLC Academic Advisor
(936) 294-1416
eng_lfc@shsu.edu
Andrew Miller, Ph.D.
Counseling Psychologist
(936) 294-1720
adm007@shsu.edu
Bernice Strauss, Ph.D.
Director of Academic Support Programs
(936) 294-4455
sam_bss@shsu.edu
Joellen Tipton
Director of Residence Life
(936) 294-1810
joellen@shsu.edu
