Congratulations and Welcome Bearkat!
Accepted Veteran Freshman Checklist
Welcome to Sam Houston State University! Follow this checklist to complete important enrollment and veteran benefit steps before attending orientation.
Activate your SHSU email and computer account through SamWeb.
Your SHSU email is the official communication channel for all university offices and is required to access student portals and register for Orientation.
IT Website | Email Help Desk | (936) 294-1950 | Academic Building I – Suite 145
Check your Texas Success Initiative (TSI) status in DegreeWorks.
If you are not exempt or are missing scores in Math, Reading, or Writing, schedule a TSIA2 exam with the SHSU Testing Center before attending Orientation.
Email Registrar’s Office | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building – Suite 331
Students under 22 must submit proof of the Meningitis A vaccination before registering for classes or selecting on-campus housing. Submit documentation online via the KatHealth Patient Portal.
Email Student Health Center | (936) 294-1805 | 1608 Avenue J
First-year students who have recently completed high school are required to apply for housing, live on campus, and purchase a meal plan.
Housing Website | Email Residence Life | (936) 294-1812 | 910 Bearkat Blvd. – Lone Star Hall
Submit all official college transcripts, dual credit, or AP/CLEP scores to Admissions after final grades post.
This must be completed before Orientation to ensure your advisor can build your correct course schedule.
Email Admissions | (936) 294-1828 | Visitor Center – 2nd Floor
All Veteran Students must submit their joint service transcript available through https://jst.doded.mil/jst/home.
Air Force Veterans, please visit https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Registrar/Transcript-Requests/
Check for holds, complete Pre-Registration Notices, and review the Bearkat Bundle through the Bearkat Registration Dashboard.
Email Registrar’s Office | (936) 294-1040 | Estill Building – Suite 331
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
Register for Freshman Orientation through your invitation after activating your SHSU email.
You’ll meet your advisor and register for classes during Orientation.
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 FAFSA by the priority deadline each year. Review your financial aid requirements early to avoid processing delays.
(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 4Kats Website | (936) 294-1774 | Estill Building - Suite 201
After registering for classes, meet with the Military Benefits Coordinator to process your educational benefits.
Review the Hazlewood Checklist and VA Checklist for eligibility and required documents.
Veterans Resource Center | Email Veterans Benefits | (936) 294-1440 | Estill Building – Suite 228
Submit your final, official high school transcript to Admissions after graduation.
Failure to submit may delay financial aid disbursement.
Email Admissions | (936) 294-1828 | Visitor Center – 2nd Floor
Pay tuition and fees by the deadline stated on your fee statement. Payments can be made online or at Student Account Services.
Email Student Account Services | (936) 294-2273 | Estill Building – Suite 103
Bearkat Kickoff is required for all freshmen and takes place the week before classes begin. It’s your chance to explore campus and meet fellow Bearkats.
Optional Veteran Opportunities
Enhance your SHSU experience with programs and resources designed for first-year and veteran students.
ZeeMee connects new Bearkats! Meet other students, ask questions, and connect with SHSU Admissions.
Apply to the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College for smaller classes, early registration, and special opportunities.
Note: VA educational benefits do not apply to Honors College courses.
Email Honors | (936) 294-1477 | Academic Building IV – Suite 202
An ePermit is required to park on campus.
Disabled veterans may qualify for a free parking voucher—contact the Parking Office for details.
Email Parking | (936) 294-1800 | 820 Bowers Blvd.
Learn about First-Year Learning Communities, University 1101, and the First-Generation Center.
Programs like TRiO and peer mentoring can help you transition successfully to college life.
Bearkat Camp is a traditions camp for new students highlighting SHSU pride, spirit, and community.
Bearkat Camp Website | Email Bearkat Camp | (936) 294-1985
TimelyCare provides 24/7 virtual access to health and counseling services at no additional cost.
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