Freshman Checklist

Activate your computer account through SamWeb. Contact the IT@SAM Helpdesk at servicedesk@shsu.edu or call 936-294-1950 for assistance.

Check your SHSU email account for your TSI Status approximately five days after your acceptance email. If you are not exempt, you will be given instructions on how to complete a pre-assessment activity in order to take the TSI Assessment test. You must be compliant with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) law in order to be advised and register.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Follow up on your Financial Aid Status on My Sam or by calling 936-294-1774. Complete the Scholarships4Kats application.

Becoming a Bearkat

Apply for on-campus housing through the Department of Residence Life. All first-year students who have been out of high school for less than a year are required to live in university residence halls and participate in the university meal plan. For assistance contact 936-294-1812.

SHSU students will be required to submit proof of having received the Meningitis A vaccination before being able to register for the upcoming semester. Please note, if you have already submitted your Meningitis A form to the Student Health Center and have not been notified that your form was not accepted for incomplete data, you should be able to register for classes as soon as registration opens. For more information visit Meningitis Vaccination Requirement.

Meet with your academic advisor in the Student Advising and Mentoring (SAM) Center, located in the College of Humanities & Social Science Building – Suite 170. It is highly recommended that you meet with your advisor BEFORE attending Freshman Orientation. For assistance call 936-294-4444.

Request your Bearkat OneCard, the official ID of SHSU, in person (Main campus - Estill Building, Suite 230 or The Woodlands Center- One Stop Shop) or online. You must present a valid government or state issued photo ID in order to request your Bearkat OneCard.

Bearkat Bound

Submit FINAL high school transcript upon graduation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Submit official college transcripts (upon course completion) of any dual credit/college coursework taken during or after high school to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Sign up for Freshman Orientation through Accepted Students & Bearkat Orientation office. Freshman Orientation is required for all incoming freshmen.

Get information on First-Year Experience in Academic Building 4, Suite 202.  They can be reached at 936-294-3422.

Meet Career Services to participate in the Myers-Briggs Personality Profile. Assessment results will be provided to you at your orientation.

Visit the Registration website for information on registration for your courses.

If you will be parking a vehicle at SHSU, please make sure to register your vehicle with the Department of Public Safety Services and acquire an electronic permit to park.  An ePermit is required to park on all SHSU campuses at all times and range in fees and duration.  Options range from hourly and daily ePermits to full academic year ePermits.  For more parking information, including contact information, please go to www.shsu.edu/parking.

Title IX CampusSaVE Training is required of all incoming students at SHSU. Additional information can be requested from the Office of Equity and Inclusion

Pay your tuition and fees by the deadline stated on your fee statement. To pay in person, visit the Estill Building – Suite 103.