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OCTOBER 10, 2026

WELCOME BEARKATS Dear Future Bearkats and Guests, Welcome to Saturday@SAM! We are glad you are here to experience some of what makes Sam Houston State University a great place to learn, live, and make connections. Today you will tour campus, meet future peers at the student organization fair, and hear from faculty and staff who will support you on your Bearkat journey Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You probably have your own definition of what the “college experience” should be. You may see it only as an opportunity to study hard and get a degree; you might see it as one big social experience. My hope is that your college experience is somewhere in between. College is more than just a path to a degree; it’s an opportunity to explore the world around you and build a foundation on which to live the life you want to live. What you learn along the way will last you a lifetime. You’ll also make friends here that will last a lifetime. Know that as you navigate the life of a college student, Sam Houston State faculty and staff want you to be successful and are here to support you. Our motto, “The Measure of a Life is its Service,” provides a meaningful standard by which we can evaluate ourselves as people of purpose who provide value to others. During your time at SHSU, you will have opportunities to put the motto into action by participating in activities you value and serving our community. I hope you get a real sense of the Sam Houston State University experience today and that your visit is everything you want it to be. Welcome to Huntsville and Sam Houston State University. Eat ‘em up, Kats!

SATURDAY@SAM OVERVIEW 7:30 to 9:15 a.m.

10:40 to 11:20 a.m.

Check-In

Academic Overview #2

7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Campus Tours

Residence Life Open Houses & Campus Tours

8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Admissions & Financial Aid (Sessions offered every 15 minutes. Last session begins at 9:00 a.m.)

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

9:45 to 10:25 a.m.

Information & Academic Fair

Academic Overview #1

Admissions & Financial Aid Applications

12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

DINING OPTIONS Lowman Student Center 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Starbucks 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Chick-fil-A 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Freebirds 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Panda Express 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sammy’s Shakes 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Old Main Market 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ($8 Buffet)

CAMPUS TOURS

TOURS LEAVE FROM THE BELL TOWER EVERY 15 MINUTES 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. *Last morning tour starts at 9:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

ENGLISH TOURS → 30 Minutes

SPANISH TOURS Alisa White, President Sam Houston State University

→ 45 Minutes

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

SCHEDULE YOUR SATURDAY@SAM Want some tips on how to make the most of your day? Follow these guidelines:

OPEN HOUSES & TABLING PARKER PLAZA 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

→ Academic Success Center

→ SAM Center

→ Admissions

→ SH Hospitality

→ Financial Aid & Scholarships

→ SHSU Online

→ Honors College

→ Student Account Services

9:45 - 10:25 A.M. Academic Overview 1 Pg. 6

→ Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic

→ Student Money Management

→ Military Science

→ Testing Center

10:40 - 11:20 A.M. Academic Overview 2 Pg. 7

→ Office of the Registrar

→ The Smith-Hutson Scholars

→ Residence Life

→ Veterans Benefits Processing

ARRIVAL - 9:30 A.M.

Tabling/Open Houses Pg. 5 Admissions & Financial Aid Sessions

AFTER OVERVIEWS

Residence Life Open Houses Pg. 8 (Halls Open 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

OPEN HOUSES 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

STARTING AT 12:00 P.M.

Information & Academic Fair Pg. 9 (Located in Parker Plaza)

SAMMY’S SUGGESTIONS CAMPUS TOURS Take a campus tour first thing in the morning before sessions get started! Tours start at 7:30 a.m. at the bell tower.

ADMISSION SESSIONS Admissions sessions are offered every 15 minutes starting from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. in the LSC – feel free to attend the session that works best for your schedule.

→ Campus Activities & Involvement LSC | 215 → Campus Store LSC → Newton Gresham Library (NGL)

→ IRIS Technical Communication Suite Evans | 251 (12:00 to 2:00 p.m.) → Campus Recreation Center Opens at 12:00 p.m.

ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID SESSIONS SESSIONS WILL BE OFFERED EVERY 15 MINUTES

LOWMAN STUDENT CENTER SESSION LOCATIONS

8:00 a.m. | 8:15 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. | 8:45 a.m. | 9:00 a.m.

RESIDENCE HALLS Prioritize Residence Halls! Use the map on the back cover to find the shuttle pickup.

FAFSA & ADMISSIONS

PRO TIP The shuttle runs a route that lets you see EVERY hall style quickly.

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

ENGLISH Lowman Student Center (LSC)

Time

Scan the QR code to access the Admissions/Financial Aid presentation.

8:00 to 8:30 a.m.

White Ballroom Ground Floor

Orange Ballroom 2nd Floor

LSC Theatre 1st Floor

8:15 to 8:45 a.m.

Need help with FAFSA or Admissions applications? Our team is in the Library computer lab from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

8:30 to 9:00 a.m.

CAN’T FIT EVERYTHING IN TODAY? Come back any weekday to take a campus tour, eat in a dining hall, and visit with any of our campus departments.

SPANISH LSC | 230 Scan the QR code to access the Admissions/Financial Aid presentation.

8:45 to 9:15 a.m. 9:00 to 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW #1

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW #2

These sessions are your chance to meet faculty and staff to learn more about degree programs and the academic experience.

10:40 TO 11:20 A.M. 9:45 TO 10:25 A.M.

Environmental & Geosciences LDB | 339

Political Science CHSS | 242 A

Agricultural Business Pirkle | 210 B/C

Agriculture Sciences ABIV | Olson Auditorium

Fashion Merchandising (Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Pre-Engineering (Mech., Elect., Civil) LDB | 215

Agricultural Engineering Technology Pirkle | 300 A

Film & TV Production Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. | 125

Pre-Law CHSS | 252

Food Science & Nutrition (Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Pre-Med/Pre-Health CHSS | 110

Art Hoyt Art Complex | 219 A & B Biology & Biomedical Sciences CHSS | 140 Business Administration LSC | Orange Ballroom Chemistry & Forensic Chemistry CFS | 103

Psychology CHSS | C070

History CHSS | 210

Communication Studies CHSS | 410

Human Performance & Wellness Mngmt. LDB | 214

Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering ABI | 204

Integrated Studies CHSS | 242 B

Undecided LSC | 230

Kinesiology LDB | 214

World Languages & Cultures CHSS | 206

Media & Communication Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. | 125

Nursing LSC | Theatre Philosophy CHSS | 249

Sociology CHSS | 226 Theatre & Musical Theatre ESTC

Interior Design (Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Music GPAC | Concert Hall

Public Health LSC | 115

INTERESTED IN AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES? VISIT GIBBS RANCH

Physics & Astronomy LDB | 215

12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. 1143 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77320

BUILDING LEGEND AB1: Academic Building 1

ESTC: Erica Starr Theatre

ABIV: Academic Building 4

LDB: Lee Drain Building

CHSS: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

LSC: Lowman Student Center

CFS: Chemistry & Forensic Science Building

Pirkle: Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology

GPAC: Gaertner Performing Arts Center

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

Engineering Technology – Biomedical Engineering Technology Pirkle | 142

Mechanical Engineering Technology Pirkle | 242

Engineering Technology – Electronics Pirkle | 220

Music GPAC | Concert Hall

Engineering Technology – Environmental, Health, & Safety Management Pirkle | 430 Engineering Technology – Manufacturing Pirkle | 310 Environmental & Geosciences LDB | 339

Fashion Merchandising (Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Political Science CHSS | 242 A

Film & TV Production Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. | 125

Pre-Engineering (Mech., Elect., Civil) LDB | 215

Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering ABI | 204

Food Science & Nutrition (Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Pre-Law CHSS | 252

Construction Management Pirkle | 100

Graphic Design Hoyt Art Complex | 318 C

Dance GPAC | Dance Theatre

History CHSS | 210

Data Science & Mathematics LDB | 212

Homeland Security Studies CJ Center | Kerper Courtroom

Dietetics (Master’s, Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Human Performance & Wellness Mngmt. LDB | 214

Education (all majors) LSC | White Ballroom

Integrated Studies CHSS | 242 B

Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology Pirkle | 220

Interdisciplinary Ag., Ag. Teacher Certification Pirkle | 320

English CHSS | 220

Interior Design (Human Sciences) LDB | 220

Engineering Design Technology Pirkle | 240

Kinesiology LDB | 214

Engineering Technology – Architectural Design Technology Pirkle | 210 A

Media & Communication Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. | 125

CJ & Criminology CJ Center | Killinger Auditorium Communication Studies CHSS | 410

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

RESIDENCE LIFE

IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING

INFORMATION & ACADEMIC FAIR OPEN HOUSES & SHOWROOMS 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Visit with student organizations and the following campus resources and departments in Frank Parker Plaza!

You’ll find a variety of living options to suit your needs at SHSU. We offer both female-only and co-ed residence halls that are fully furnished, as well as small houses and apartments. If you’re interested in the Honors College or specific majors, you can apply to live in one of our living communities, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers and form deeper relationships with your professors. All first-year students who have been out of high school for less than a year are required to live in university housing and participate in the university meal plan.

DEPARTMENTS & ORGANIZATIONS

GO VISIT

Traditional

Belvin-Buchanan Hall (CAM Majors)

→ 2 per Bedroom / 4 per Restroom

Estill Hall (Female Only)

→ Co-ed Halls (Except Estill Hall)

White Hall (Unique Floor Plan)

Upgraded Traditional → 2 per Bedroom / 4 per Restroom → Co-ed Halls

12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Piney Woods Hall San Jacinto Hall

SHUTTLE SERVICE

COME VISIT US

See map for shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations. Shuttle service provided by:

→ Newton Gresham Library

Admissions & Financial Aid Applications → 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Access & Retention Programs - ELITE

Global Engagement Center - Study Abroad

American Democracy Project

HR - Student Employment

Bearkat Marching Band

Pre-Health Professions

Campus Recreation

Shop Sam Houston

Career Success Center

Student & Family Experience

Choir/Music

Student Health Center

Counseling Center

Student Wellness

Disability Office

TRiO Student Support Services

First Generation Center

University Hotel

First-Year Experience

University Police Department

Freshmen Leadership Program

INFORMATION FAIR Scan the QR Code to see the full list of current student organizations!

Semi-Private → 2 per Bedroom / 2 per Restroom

Lone Star Hall

ACADEMIC COLLEGES

→ Co-ed Hall

Private

Jackson-Shaver Hall

→ 2 Single Rooms / 2 per Restroom

Raven Village

→ Co-ed Halls

Sam Houston Village

CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER Opens at 12:00 p.m.

RESIDENCE LIFE VIEWBOOK

Scan the QR code to access the Residence Life Viewbook for more information on housing and dining rates, floor plans, what to bring, and more!

Located directly across from the parking garage - check your campus map for directions.

→ College of Arts & Media → College of Business Administration → College of Criminal Justice → College of Education → College of Health Sciences → College of Humanities & Social Sciences → College of Science & Engineering Technology → College of Osteopathic Medicine → Polytechnic College

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

COLLEGE TERMS

Below are some words that you may hear used in your Saturday@SAM sessions and as you start your college journey.

Below is a list of common departments for your future reference. Please note that offices will not be answering phones during Saturday@SAM. Academic Advising

Residence Life → 936.294.1812 Lone Star Hall

Admissions → 936.294.1828 Visitor Center | 2nd Floor

First-Generation Center → 936.294.3006 LSC | 317

Services for Students with Disabilities → 936.294.3512 Lee Drain Annex

Bearkat OneCard (Student ID) → 936.294.2273 Estill Building | 103

First-Year Experience → 936.294.3422 NGL | 109

Student Money Management → 936.294.2600 Estill Building | 112

Campus Activities & Involvement → 936.294.3861 Lowman Student Center (LSC) | 215

Health Center → 936.294.1805 Health & Counseling Center

Testing Center → 936.294.1025 AB IV | 102

Campus Recreation → 936.294.1985 Campus Recreation Center

Honors College → 936.294.1477 AB IV | 202

Veterans Benefits Processing → 936.294.1440 Estill | 228

Campus Store → 936.294.1864 Lowman Student Center (LSC)

Military Science (Army ROTC) → 936.294.4994

Veterans & Military-Connected Center → 936.294.1046 LSC | 327

COL L EG E TER MS

→ 936.294.4444

Academic Advisor A staff member who will help students choose majors/minors and help determine which classes are needed. ApplyTexas College application used for all public universities in Texas. Bachelor’s Degree A four-year undergraduate degree.

Minor Secondary area of study, requires less credits than a major.

Credits/Credit Hour Measure of class time/# of hours a student spends in a class. Degree Program The combination of any major/minor that a student chooses and what is required to graduate.

Transfer To earn credits at one college or university and move them to another.

Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) An application used by students to apply to receive federal funding/financial assistance for college.

Tuition Cost of college classes, usually paid per credit hour.

Grade Point Average (GPA) The average of a student’s final grades in all courses.

Major Focus area of study for a degree program.

Texas Application For State Financial Aid (TASFA) An application for students who are Texas Residents but do not qualify for federal aid (ex. DACA).

First-Generation Student A student whose parent/guardian did not graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the United States.

Higher Education Refers to any formal schooling after high school.

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

Cashier’s Office → 936.294.1083 Estill Building | 103 Counseling Center → 936.294.1720 Health & Counseling Center

CHSS Building, SAM Center

Financial Aid & Scholarships → 936.294.1774 Estill Building | 201

New Student Orientation → 936.294.1844 Visitor Center | 1st Floor Registrar/Texas Success Initiative (TSI) → 936.294.1040 Estill Building | 3rd Floor

OFFICE HOURS Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Undergraduate A student who has not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree.

Scan here for more college and SHSU campus terms, and Google Translate for Spanish.

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

NOTES

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

NOTES

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

THANK YOU!

Thanks for spending your day with us! We hope that you got your questions answered and enjoyed meeting all of our helpful Bearkats. Our faculty and staff will be here all along the way to support you through your college journey.

WE WANT EVERYONE TO WANT TO BE A BEARKAT! REQUEST INFORMATION shsu.edu/beabearkat

#beabearkat | shsu.edu

SEE YOU SOON STAY CONNECTED 14

SATURDAY@SAM | FALL 2026

VISIT SHSU Come back to campus any time! We have full Campus Tours in English and Spanish, and Transfer Tours. You can also attend a Preview Day for your specific academic area to spend a day-in-the-life of a student!

JOIN ZEEMEE Connect with SHSU on ZeeMee to chat with our Admissions student team and stay informed about upcoming deadlines and events. You can also connect with other new Bearkats.

/SHSUAdmissions

@shsuadmissions

Texas State University System Board of Regents Stephen Lee, Chairman............................................................Bastrop Tom Long, Vice Chairman............................................................Dallas Charlie Amato, Regent.................................................... San Antonio Duke Austin, Regent................................................................. Houston Sheila Faske, Regent.............................................................. Rose City Russell Gordy, Regent.............................................................. Houston Tom Long, Regent............................................................................Dallas William F. Scott, Regent.......................................................Nederland Alan L. Tinsley, Regent.................................................... Madisonville Johnny R. Weisman, Regent......................................New Braunfels Elizabeth Diaz Arreola, Student Regent......................Beaumont Brian McCall, PhD, Chancellor.................................................Austin

Res. Life

Estill Hall

Lone Star Hall

AVENUE J

Post Office

Health & Counseling Center

UNIVERSITY AVE.

Old Main Dining Hall

BelvinBuchanan Hall CAM Creative Community

Food Pantry

AVENUE I (RON RANDLEMAN)

BEARKAT BLVD. San Jacinto Hall

SAM HOUSTON AVE. (HWY-75)

Sam Houston Village

Office

San Jacinto Hall

Elliott Hall

CJ Center

17 TH STREE

Parking Garage

17 TH STREET

Gaertner Performing Arts Center

Parking Garage Jackson Shaver Hall

Hoyt Art Complex

The Quad

School of Music

AVENUE J

Austin Hall

Peabody Library

Erica Starr Theatre Center

BOBBY K. MARKS DR.

Margaret Lee Houston

Lowman Student Center AB I

Dan Rather Comm.

Administration Building

Thomason

UNIVERSITY AVE.

Bell Tower

Newton Gresham Library

Frank Parker Plaza

Smith-Hutson Business

Lee Drain

Farrington

Estill

CHSS

ente or C Visit

SAM HOUS TON AVE. (H

Lee Drain Annex

BOBBY K. MARKS DR.

Garrett Teacher Education Center

Evans

Johnson Coliseum

W Y-75)

AB IV Parking Garage WEST BOWERS BLVD.

Life Sciences

Chemistry & Forensic Science

I NUE AVE

R E S IDE NCE HA L LS 21 STREET & A PAR T M E NTS

General’s Market

O PE N B U I L D I NG S

Recreational Sports Center

AVENUE J

South Paw

SAM HOUSTON AVE. (HWY-75)

PAR K IN G

IN F O R M AT I O N T E NTS WAT E R STAT I O NS AVENUE J

ACA DE MI C CO L L E G E S

White Hall

Piney Woods Hall

e illag

22ND STREET

en V Rav

I NUE AVE

S H U T T LE P I CK- UP

EAST BOW

EAST BOWERS BLVD.

Fred Pirkle Engineering Tech.

YK BB

STOP

S H U T T LE STO P

KS AR