Freshman Learning Communities

University 1101 Introduction to Collegiate Studies

University 1101 (UNIV 1101) – Introduction to Collegiate Studies is a three-credit-hour elective highly recommended for Honors students. UNIV 1101 is required for all first-year Sam Houston Honors Scholars and Terry Scholars. (Read sections below.)

  • A strong concentration on career research that compliments student strengths and interests is examined and aligned with college major and minor choices.
  • Students have success with new study strategies in the first year of college when they take UNIV 1101, and better success if they take the course as part of a First-Year Learning Community such as the Honors College UNIV 1101.
  • As a result of taking this class, students will be able to make research-based decisions about strategies for success in college and in future careers.

Incoming Honors College Freshmen are invited to register for either of the below-listed sections of UNIV 1101 and earn both regular credit hours and Honors credit hours for the course. Please note that though the course is only worth 1 hour of regular credit, Honors students will be awarded 3 hours of Honors credits.

Most students who actively take part in a first-year seminar course have higher GPA, higher success rates in college, and higher graduation rates. Students will receive academic and personal survival tools, get a general orientation to the resources and services available at Sam Houston State University, get to know other students, receive personal attention, and have fun. UNIV 1101 is designed to help make the transition to college life successful.

Each section of UNIV 1101 is limited to 25 students to foster student-based support and study groups. Honors students should register for this class under the University-Wide link in the registration menu. 

For more information, please contact 936.294.1477 or honors@shsu.edu.

Terry Scholars

In the fall of 2014, Sam Houston State University welcomed its first class of TERRY SCHOLARS, a group of freshmen students who have demonstrated promise as future leaders of the state of Texas and the nation. Selection as a Terry Scholar includes a generous scholarship award that covers six to eight full semesters of tuition, books, and expected on-campus living expenses at SHSU. Terry Scholars also benefit from specialized mentoring, as well as outstanding opportunities for personal and professional development through service activities.

Since 1986, the TERRY FOUNDATION has operated with the goal of helping young people to help themselves. Today, the lives of nearly 2,000 college alumni and nearly 1,000 current undergraduate students at universities across the state of Texas have been changed for the better by the Terry Foundation's unique combination of academic scholarship support and a strong emphasis on personal guidance and mentoring.

Honors College Associate Dean, Dr. Maria Holmes, is the designated SHSU Terry Scholarship Coordinator. 

Terry Scholars are required to do the following:

  • Reside on-campus in Terry Housing located in Piney Woods Hall
  • Register for the Terry UNIV 1101 course.
  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA.
  • Complete a minimum of 12 semester hours per semester.
  • Complete 10 hours of community service per semester for advance registration.
  • Attend Honors College Advising after Academic Advising.

For more information, please contact 936.294.1477 or terryscholar@shsu.edu.

Sam Houston Honors Scholars

Beginning Fall 2019 semester, incoming freshmen will be given the opportunity to receive the Sam Houston Honors Scholarship. For those who qualify, this competitive Sam Houston Honors Scholarship (distributed over a SHSU undergraduate college career no longer than four years, at a maximum of $18,500) will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Honors College Associate Dean, Dr. Maria Holmes, is the designated Sam Houston Honors Scholars advisor. 

Sam Houston Honors Scholars are required to do the following:

  • Enroll in an Honors UNIV 1101 course and reside in Honors designated housing in Piney Woods Hall.
  • Be Honors advised each semester after being advised by the SAM Center and/or department advisor.
  • Complete a minimum of 12 semester credit hours during a regular semester with not less than a 3.25 GPA. Repeats of courses previously attempted are not counted as part of the 12 semester credit hour minimum.
  • Maintain “sufficient academic progress” toward graduating “With Honors” as defined by the Honors Council.
  • Attend three qualifying honors events per year.
  • Conduct him or herself in a professional manner as befits an Honors student.

For more information, please contact 936.294.1477 or honors@shsu.edu. 

To apply, visit HONORS SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID.

honors college logo

The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College

Academic Building IV Suite 202 | Box 2479 | Huntsville, Texas 77341-2479

Phone: (936) 294.1477 | Email: honors@shsu.edu