Your Connection to SHSU

Bearkat Connect is a co-enrollment program between Sam Houston State University and Lamar Institute of Technology. Selected students are invited to enroll at both institutions while beginning their SHSU experience on the Huntsville campus. Students complete coordinated coursework, receive academic support from both institutions, and have access to SHSU campus life, student services, and university resources. 

• The program is intended to provide students with a structured and supportive undergraduate experience. 
• Students participating in the program will live on campus at SHSU and have access to campus life, student services, and university resources. 

Bearkat Connect is available to selected students who are invited to participate. Students who are offered a place in the program will receive instructions for reviewing the offer and joining the program.

Accept the Bearkat Connect offer and agreement. Once you have been admitted into the program, you will receive an email outlining your next steps. 

Yes. Bearkat Connect students are expected to complete the required orientation and onboarding steps before their first semester. Orientation information will be shared with students after they accept their Bearkat Connect offer. 

Students must complete the required coursework in their Bearkat Connect academic plan, remain enrolled at both SHSU and LIT, and meet the academic expectations set by the program. Specific requirements are outlined in the Bearkat Connect Program Agreement as seen within the program offer acceptance form.

Students who successfully complete the Bearkat Connect requirements will be eligible to continue at SHSU according to the program’s transition requirements. 

Completing Bearkat Connect grants full admission to SHSU. However, it does not guarantee admission to a specific college, major, or selective program at SHSU. Some academic programs may have additional requirements, such as minimum GPA standards, prerequisite courses, auditions, portfolio reviews, separate applications, or limited space.

Students who do not successfully complete Bearkat Connect requirements may not be eligible to continue through this co-enrollment program. Students should work with their advisor as early as possible if they are experiencing academic, financial, or personal challenges. 

Bearkat Connect students will complete coursework through both SHSU and LIT on the SHSU Huntsville campus. Students will live on the SHSU campus in Huntsville and complete their approved academic plan through the co-enrollment partnership. Students will begin with SHSU’s University 1101 course and three LIT courses. LIT courses will be taught by LIT faculty. 

Students are expected to:

• Stay enrolled at both SHSU and LIT. 
• Complete the courses listed in their approved academic plan. 
• Meet with advisors as required. 
• Check both SHSU and LIT email accounts regularly. 
• Complete registration, payment, financial aid, and enrollment steps by the published deadlines. 
• Ask for help early if they have questions or concerns. 

Students must remain enrolled in the required coursework for Bearkat Connect. Dropping required SHSU or LIT courses may affect your eligibility to remain in the program. Before dropping or withdrawing from any course, students should speak with their advisor to understand how it may affect their enrollment, financial aid, housing, and program eligibility. 

Yes, financial aid may be available; however, Bearkat Connect students are not eligible for SHSU scholarships or Bearkat Promise at SHSU for the first year in the Bearkat Connect program.  Students can apply for continuing student scholarships in their first year, for their second year at SHSU. 

Students will complete their FAFSA and send to Sam Houston State University (Title IV School Code: 003606).

No, SHSU will process your FAFSA and offer your aid. Your aid will be based on the combined enrollment from SHSU and LIT. 

You should contact SHSU's Financial Aid & Scholarships Office before making changes to your schedule. 

Students are responsible for paying tuition and fees to both SHSU and LIT and must meet each school’s payment deadline. Failure to do so results in removal from the program. 

Specific instructions for making payments is included on the checklist you will receive once you are admitted to the program.

Payment deadlines may differ by institution. Students are responsible for meeting all published payment deadlines. 

• SHSU Payment Information
• How to View LIT Bill

You will be both. Bearkat Connect students are co-enrolled at SHSU and LIT. This means you will complete coordinated coursework through both institutions and receive support from both schools. 

Yes. Bearkat Connect students are expected to live on campus at SHSU and will have access to SHSU campus life, student services, and university resources. Students must complete all housing requirements and meet published housing deadlines. 

LIT courses are taught by LIT faculty.