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New International Student Orientation

​​All incoming international students must attend orientation and complete check-in to prepare for academic success and life at SHSU.​
​​SHSU students interacting on campus.​

​​International Student Orientation Overview​ 

​​The Global Engagement Center (GEC) welcomes all new international students each semester with a required orientation. This program is delivered in two parts:  

​Part 1: Virtual Orientation – Blackboard Modules To help you prepare before arriving, you’ll complete a series of orientation modules on SHSU’s virtual learning platform, Blackboard. These modules open 15 days before the in-person orientation and must be completed by the day of orientation to avoid a registration hold.   

​Part 2: In-Person Orientation Join us on campus to connect with other students, ask questions, and learn about life at SHSU. Lunch is provided! ​ 

​​​​Accessing the Virtual Orientation in Blackboard​ 

  1. ​​Log in at shsu.blackboard.com using your SHSU username and password. 
  2. .Under "My Organizations," click "SHSU New International Student Orientation." Don’t see it? Email gec@shsu.edu. 
  3. ​Click on the "Modules" tab on the left menu. 
  4. ​Start with Module 1, watch the video, and complete the quiz at the end. 
  5. ​You must score 80% or higher to unlock the next module. 
  6. ​Complete all 12 modules and quizzes before the deadline. 

​Tip: You can complete the modules at your own pace—just finish them by the deadline to stay on track!​ 

​​Register for Orientation​

Date: Sunday, August 16th, 2026 from 10 AM to 12 PM

Location of Orientation: Lowman Student Center Rm 320

Bring these documents to Orientation: Passport with visa, Initial I-20, I-94 record (find here after you enter the U.S.) 

Note: Failure to check-in at orientation with your documents may result in termination of your SEVIS record and F-1 status. 

Date: To be determined. 

Registration will open once date is confirmed. 

Location of Orientation: To be determined. 

Bring these documents to Orientation: Passport with visa, Initial I-20, I-94 record (find here after you enter the U.S.) 

Note: Failure to check-in at orientation with your documents may result in termination of your SEVIS record and F-1 status. 

​​Register​

​​Important Reminders for Incoming International Students​ 

​​Secure Your Housing Early 
Housing in Huntsville fills quickly! We recommend securing housing for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 as early as possible. 

  • ​Apply through the MySam portal 
  • ​View on-campus housing and meal plan rates here 
  • ​Explore off-campus options here 
  • ​Questions? Contact Residence Life or Angela Kizzee at akizzee@shsu.edu / 936-294-1762 

​Health Requirements 

​For any questions regarding either form or the student health insurance plan, please call the Student Health Center at 936-294-2549 or email shc@shsu.edu. 

​Advising & Enrollment 
Schedule your academic advising appointment to remove holds and register for classes. 

  • ​Undergraduate: 12 credit hours (max 3 online) 
  • ​Graduate: 9 credit hours (max 3 online) 

​Orientation Requirements 

  • ​Bearkat Orientation is required for freshmen and recommended for transfers. Questions? Email orientation@shsu.edu 
  • ​New International Student Orientation is mandatory for all F-1 and J-1 students​ 

Contact Us 

Visit Us

Physical Address 
1908 Avenue J, Farrington Building Office 116 Huntsville, TX. 77341 
Google Map Link 

Email & Phone

Email Address 
gec@shsu.edu  

Phone Number  
936.294.4737  

Mail 

1908 Avenue J, Box 2150 Huntsville, TX 77341