We encourage you to get academically advised before your Orientation session, however if you are unable to do so, you will have the opportunity to complete advising during your session. You can schedule your advising appointment here.
New Student Orientation
Orientation at SHSU helps you prepare for college life, connect with new friends, and start your Bearkat journey with confidence and determination.
Welcome to the Bearkat Family
SHSU Orientation helps new students get familiar with key services, programs, and people to support a smooth and successful transition into university life. These one-day sessions partner with campus departments to build skills, share important info, and foster lasting connections.
All new students will receive a personalized Orientation registration link via their SHSU email and text. You must activate your SHSU email to get the link. For help, contact orientation@shsu.edu.
All students graduating high school in 2025-2026 are required to attend orientation, even if they have transfer credits. Sessions open for registration in order—new dates will be released as earlier ones fill.
During orientation you will:
- Learn about campus resources and services
- Meet with faculty and staff in your program
- Get to know students from your major
- View Residence Halls
- Register for classes
- Have fun with your Orientation Leader
NEW REGISTRATION DATES WILL BE RELEASED IN SPRING 2026
Alyssa Rodriguez
“Orientation is when we are able to form those one-on-one connections and provide the guidance they are looking for,” Rodriguez said. “The main thing I tell them is to be kind to others. Some freshmen adopt a “too-cool-for-school” mentality and don’t want to participate in icebreakers. But you never know when you are going to talk to someone who will become your classmate, or even your best friend.”
Orientation FAQ
Orientation registration opens February 2025. All incoming students will receive a personalized orientation registration link through your SHSU Student Email and via text. Please email orientation@shsu.edu with any questions or concern regarding your registration information.
Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students who have graduated from high school within the 2024-2025 academic year. Students graduating from high school prior to May of 2024 are not required to attend orientation but strongly encouraged. Students and families will have the opportunity to interact with Orientation Leaders and various campus partners.
If you cannot pay for Orientation, our office offers fee deferments. The deferred fee can only apply to the student fee (not guest fees) and will appear on the following semester fee statement. When you submit your Orientation registration you will be able to select a fee deferment at that time.
Due to room and building capacity limits, and to ensure that all incoming Freshman students have an opportunity to attend Orientation (as it is a requirement), students are able to bring a maximum of two (2) guests, so long as they are registered. The orientation guest fee is $30 per guest.
A virtual orientation is available for incoming transfer students. Incoming freshmen can request a waiver to attend virtual orientation due to extenuating circumstances or if they are out-of-state students. To do so, email orientation@shsu.edu.
Your orientation fee will cover the following: resources and technology, staffing of staff members and student Orientation Leaders, office operating costs, an orientation t-shirt and promotional items. For those attending in person: lunch, facilities, and event parking. Please keep in mind that the orientation fee is non-refundable.
Yes, you can schedule a tour through Visitors Services to come visit campus!
Orientation Next Steps
Our team looks forward to seeing you at your orientation! You will receive a confirmation email indicating the date you have selected and your payment status. Please review the information below to ensure you are ready to attend your orientation session.
In order to REGISTER FOR CLASSES, students must meet meningitis requirements. Effective January 1, 2014 Texas state law (Senate Bill 62) requires that on the first day of class at an institution of higher education in Texas, Sam Houston State University, students must provide proof of immunization OR an accepted waiver for bacterial meningitis.
For more information and directions on how to submit, please visit SHSU Health Center: Meningitis.
Questions? Need Help? Please contact the SHSU Health Center at 936.294.1805 shc@shsu.edu
In order to be ADVISED and REGISTER, students must meet TSI requirements. Students attending Texas public institutions of higher education must be in compliance with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). The law requires all students entering college to be assessed for college readiness in mathematics, reading, and writing unless the student qualifies for a waiver or exemption.
To view your current TSI status: Visit My Sam and select the "Registration" tab. From the "Registration Toolbox" you can check your TSI status or view test scores.
For more information and directions on how to submit, please visit SHSU Registrar: TSI.
Questions? Need Help? Please contact the Registrar's Office at 936.294.1040 or tsi@shsu.edu
You will receive your Bearkat OneCard at Orientation check-in, however you must first request your card online and upload a photograph for your card. Please request your card as soon as you're registered for Orientation. Request your Bearkat OneCard.
Questions? Need Help? Please contact Student Account Services at 936.294.2273 or bearkatone@shsu.edu
Please contact our office at 936.294.1844 or by email at orientation@shsu.edu.
Beyond Orientation
Below are some helpful links that may be beneficial in your transition to Sam Houston State University. If at any time you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us 936.294.1844 or via email at orientation@shsu.edu.
Contact Us
Visitor Services
Office Hours
7:30am - 5:00pm
Address
Physical:
1905 University Ave
Huntsville, TX 77340
Box 2539
Huntsville, TX 77341-2539
seesam@shsu.edu
936.294.1844
Toll Free 1.866.BEARKAT
Map & Directions to the Visitor Center
Complimentary parking provided for all registered tour guests at 1905 University Ave., Huntsville, TX 77340