Congratulations and Welcome Bearkat!
Accepted Freshman Checklist
Prior to orientation, you must activate your account and turn in documentation of TSI and Meningitis vaccination. You will meet your Academic Advisor and register for classes at your orientation session.
Activate your SHSU email and computer account through SamWeb.
After acceptance, your SHSU email is the only email used by SHSU offices. Activation is required to access different portals and register for Bearkat Orientation.
IT Website | Email Help Desk | (936) 294-1950 | Academic Building I - Suite 145
Check your TSI status by reviewing DegreeWorks (TSI section). If you are missing scores (or an exemption) for any component (Math, Reading, and/or Writing), “Testing Required” will be posted in that component. If you are not TSI exempt, or if you are missing a score for any component, you will need to schedule a TSIA2 exam; this can be completed either in person or online with the SHSU Testing Center. Please note this must be completed before you attend Orientation.
TSI Website | Email the Registrar’s Office | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building - Suite 331
Required before Orientation
Meningitis A documentation is required before selecting on-campus housing and registering for classes. Documentation must be submitted online to the KatHealth Patient Portal before you select your dorm room or attend your Orientation session.
Student Health Website | Email Student Health Center | (936) 294- 1805 | 1608 Avenue J
First-year students who have recently completed high school (within one year) are required to apply for housing, live on campus, and purchase a university meal plan.
Housing Website | Email Residence Life | (936) 294- 1812 | 910 Bearkat Blvd.- Lone Star Hall
Required before Orientation
Submit transcripts of all coursework completed before attending SHSU (dual credit/college coursework or AP/CLEP scores) to the Admissions Office after you have received final course grades. All transcripts must be official and from the college awarding credit. This must be done before academic advising at Orientation to ensure you create an accurate course schedule with your advisor.
Admissions Website | Email Admissions | (936) 294- 1828 | Visitor Center - 2nd Floor
Required before Orientation
Check holds, complete Pre-Registration Notices, and learn about the Bearkat Bundle with the Bearkat Registration Dashboard.
Registration Dashboard | Email the Registrar | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building - Suite 331
Required before Orientation
All incoming students are encouraged to schedule a 1-on-1 advising appointment prior to attending Orientation. This can be done from the SAM Center website and will give you the option to select an in-person or virtual appointment. If you are unable to complete this prior to your Orientation session, you will be able to attend a group advising session at that time.
SAM Center Website | Email SAM Center | (936) 294-4444
Required before Orientation
Register for Freshman Orientation through your personalized invitation. You will receive an invitation to register for Orientation when registration opens, but only if you have activated your SHSU email through SamWeb. You will meet with your Academic Advisor and register for classes at your Orientation session.
Orientation Website | Email Orientation | (936) 294-1844 | Visitor Center
All incoming students will register for classes at Orientation, but you may need to make schedule changes later. You can add, remove, or change courses within the Bearkat Registration Dashboard.
Registration Dashboard | Email the Registrar | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building - Suite 331
Request your Bearkat OneCard, the official ID of SHSU, online or in person. You must present a valid government or state issued photo ID to request your Bearkat OneCard. Activation is required for dorm room and dining hall access. *It will arrive in a green envelope so please don’t mistake it as junk mail.
Student Account Services Website | Email Student Account Services | (936) 294-2273 | Estill Building - Suite 103
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline each year. Be sure to review the Financial Aid website and complete all requirements as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Financial Aid Website | (936) 294-1774 | Estill Building - Suite 201
Complete the Scholarships4Kats application by the priority deadline each year. We automatically send your completed application to all relevant scholarships, and selected recipients receive an email in their SHSU email account with additional instructions.
Scholarships Website | (936) 294-1774 | Estill Building - Suite 201
Submit your FINAL and OFFICIAL high school transcript to the Admissions Office after finishing high school, by contacting the registrar at your high school. Failure to submit your transcript could impact and/or delay your financial aid.
Admissions Website | Email Admissions | (936) 294- 1828 | Visitor Center - 2nd Floor
Pay your tuition and fees by the deadline stated on your fee statement. Payments can be made online or at the Student Account Services Office.
Student Account Services Website | Email Student Account Services | (936) 294-2273 | Estill Building - Suite 103
Bearkat Kickoff is your freshmen introduction to SHSU and all campus has to offer. It is required for all freshmen the week before classes start.
Bearkat Kickoff Website | Email Bearkat Kick-Off
Explore Optional Opportunities
Enhance your Bearkat experience! These opportunities help you connect, learn, and make the most of your first year at Sam Houston State University.
ZeeMee is a great place to meet other new Bearkats. You can meet other students, find a roommate, ask questions of current students, stay up to date with Admissions announcements, or get help from an Admissions Counselor.
Check qualifications for the Honors College and complete the application to take advantage of all the Honors College has to offer. Honors students have specific scholarship opportunities, early registration benefits, smaller class sizes, graduation designations, and much more.
Honors College Website | Email Honors | (936) 294-1477 | Academic Building IV - Suite 202
An ePermit is required to park a vehicle on all SHSU campuses.
Parking Website | Email Parking | (936) 294-1800 | 820 Bowers Blvd.
Learn about First-Year Learning Communities, University 1101, and peer mentoring at FYE and at the Academic Success Center. First-Generation students can explore resources to help navigate the college experience, such as TRiO and the First-Generation Center.
Bearkat Camp is a traditions camp for incoming students, highlighting the pride, spirit, and traditions of SHSU.
Bearkat Camp Website | Email Bearkat Camp | (936) 294-1985
TimelyCare is a new virtual health and well-being platform for students. Through either a mobile app or your desktop, TimelyCare provides 24/7 access to virtual care from anywhere in the United States at no additional cost.
Student Wellness Website | Email Student Wellness | (936) 294-2653
FLP offers freshman seminars, workshops, and experiential learning to enhance leadership skills. Weekly meetings with peers, SHSU leaders, and guest speakers provide valuable insights and introduce university resources.
Freshmen Leadership Program Website | Email FLP | (936) 294-1785