FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE A guide established to help you stay informed, encourage your students’ progress, and support their transition throughout their first semester at SHSU.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE BEFORE THE SEMESTER •
Create a free account in the SHSU Parent & Family Portal to receive timely university updates and family resources.
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Review the SHSU Academic Calendar together and identify critical dates like university holidays, payment deadlines, and other important dates related to registration, financial aid, and advising.
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Make a plan together for managing tuition/Bearkat Bundle, housing and meals, transportation, personal expenses, and unexpected costs.
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Review FERPA and the Proxy Portal together, and agree on how your student will share academic, financial, and other important information with you. Your student can reference this SHSU How-To Guide for additional guidance regarding proxy portal.
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Agree on a communication routine that keeps you connected while giving your student space to adjust and build independence.
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Follow @SamHoustonState and @SHSUExperience for general updates and information.
THROUGHOUT THE FIRST SEMESTER •
Encourage your student to monitor SHSU email, Blackboard, MySam, DegreeWorks, and BearkatHQ regularly.
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Check the SHSU Parent & Family Portal once a week to receive university updates, resources, and family-specific information.
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Encourage your student to communicate directly with campus faculty and staff.
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Allow your student to make manageable mistakes and learn from the experience.
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Ask open-ended questions about classes, wellbeing, friendships, finances, involvement, and campus connections.
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Explore membership in the SHSU Parents’ Association for additional ways to connect, participate in events, and support the Bearkat community.
RISE TO GREATER.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE AUGUST
Planning ahead and building independence.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES •
August 10, 2026: Bearkat Family Weekend Registration Opens
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August 13 & 14, 2026: Freshmen Move-In Dates
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August 13 & 14, 2026: Parent & Family Sweet Send-offs
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August 14-18, 2026: Bearkat Kickoff
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August 18, 2026: New Student Convocation
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August 18, 2026: Full or Payment Plan Down Payment Due (Fall 15-week term)
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August 18, 2026: Last Day to Resign from University with a 100% Credit
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August 19, 2026: First Class Day
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August 19-28, 2026: Welcome Week Events
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August 26, 2026: Org-Stravaganza
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August 28, 2026: Class Schedule Change Deadline
FAMILY CHECK-IN •
Plan to stop by one of two Parent & Family Sweet Send-Off locations to enjoy a sweet treat and write your Bearkat a heartfelt note that will be mailed to your student within the next couple of weeks.
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Ask your student whether they have located their classrooms, reviewed each syllabus, and are aware of major deadlines this semester.
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Encourage your student to participate in Welcome Week activities and make Org-Stravaganza a priority for exploring student organizations and finding their place on campus.
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Recommend that your student review and complete the tasks listed on the First 79 Experience Guide throughout their first semester at SHSU to help them progress through the student journey and achieve Ultimate Bearkat status.
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Encourage your student to meet their resident assistant, professors, and at least one classmate in each of their classes.
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Let your student handle routine concerns first while remaining available to help them think through their options.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE SEPTEMBER
Building connection and healthy routines.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES •
September 1, 2026: 2027-2028 Scholarships4Kats Application Opens
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September 3, 2026: Official Census Date
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September 3, 2026: Last Day to Drop a Class and get 100% Refund without a “Q”
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September 3, 2026: Last Day to Resign from University without a Grade of “W”
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September 3, 2026: Sammypalooza
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September 7, 2026: Labor Day (University Closed)
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September 14-19, 2026: Homecoming Week
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September 16, 2026: Spring Academic Advising Opens
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September 17, 2026: Payment Plan (Fall 15-Week Term): First Installment Due
FAMILY CHECK-IN •
Focus conversations on your student’s effort, habits, and overall adjustment rather than asking only about grades.
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Encourage your student to attend a professor’s designated office hours (listed on their class syllabus) to ask questions, clarify course material, discuss assignments, receive feedback, and build a connection with your instructor.
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Remind your student to complete their Scholarships4Kats Application by the priority date (November 1, 2026) for consideration during the 2027-2028 term.
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Encourage your student to be part of the SHSU Homecoming experience by attending at least two Homecoming Week events from September 14-19, 2026, such as Sam Jam Carnival and the Homecoming Parade.
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Plan to attend Bearkat Family Weekend and register by the October 16, 2026, deadline.
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Help your student consider whether an on-campus job fits their goals, schedule, and responsibilities.
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Encourage your student to use BearkatHQ to find and attend at least one student organization meeting or event this month.
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Remind your student that tutoring, academic coaching, counseling, healthcare, and other campus support services (see Key Campus Resources) are most helpful when used early.
RISE TO GREATER.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE OCTOBER
Planning ahead and building independence.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES •
October 1, 2026: 2027-2028 FAFSA Available
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October 1-31, 2026: Conflict Resolution Month
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October 5-9, 2026: Leadership Week
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October 12-13, 2026: Fall Break (University Closed)
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October 14, 2026: Spring Registration Opens for Honors College Students
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October 16, 2026: Bearkat Family Weekend Registration Deadline
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October 17, 2026: Payment Plan (Fall 15-Week Term) - Second Installment Due
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October 22, 2026: Spring Registration Opens for Seniors
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October 29, 2026: Spring Registration Opens for Juniors
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October 29, 2026: CAB Takeover
FAMILY CHECK-IN •
Remind your student to meet with an academic advisor to review their degree plan and build a Spring 2027 course schedule before their assigned registration date. Students may schedule an advising appointment or visit the SAM Center during Wednesday Drop-In Advising hours.
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Ask which campus organization, program, or community has helped your student feel most connected to SHSU and encourage them to continue getting involved.
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Encourage your student to submit their 2027–2028 FAFSA or TASFA as soon as possible after October 1 for priority consideration.
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Remind your student to complete their Scholarships4Kats Application by the priority deadline (November 1, 2026).
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Participate in at least one Student & Family Experience or Parents’ Association event this semester.
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Encourage your student to attend at least one Leadership Week event and at least one Conflict Resolution Month event to strengthen their leadership, communication, and self-advocacy skills.
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Remind your student to check MySam for registration holds and resolve them before their registration date to avoid delays when registering for spring classes.
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Suggest that your student schedule a Career Success Center appointment for help with career exploration, resume support, and interview preparation.
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Remind your student to review official deadlines and speak with an academic advisor before dropping a course or resigning from the university.
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Talk with your student about where support may be needed, work together to identify the next step, and let them make the connection independently. The Office of Student & Family Experience can help identify and connect your family with the appropriate campus services and resources.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE NOVEMBER
Registering, reconnecting, and preparing.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES •
November 1, 2026: Scholarships4Kats Priority Date for the 2027-2028 term
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November 5, 2026: Spring Registration Opens for Sophomores
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November 9-13, 2026: National First-Generation Week
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November 9-13, 2026: Veterans Week
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November 12, 2026: Spring Registration Opens for Freshmen
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November 13-15, 2026: Bearkat Family Weekend
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November 13, 2026: Drop or Resignation (“Q”) Deadline
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November 17, 2026: Tree of Light
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November 17, 2026: Payment Plan (Fall 15-Week Term) - Third Installment Due
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November 25, 2026: Reading Day (No Classes)
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November 26-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Holiday (University Closed)
FAMILY CHECK-IN •
Confirm that your student has completed advising, resolved any registration holds, and registered for Spring 2027 classes. The SHSU How-To Guides provide step-by-step assistance for navigating and troubleshooting the registration process.
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Suggest that your student begin final papers, projects, and presentations early to allow enough time to complete each assignment before its deadline.
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Recommend that your student meet with Student Money Management to review their Spring 2027 finances, identify remaining costs, and create a personalized budget for the rest of the academic year.
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Attend Bearkat Family Weekend and allow your student to show you their favorite campus spaces, introduce you to important people, and share the routines they have established.
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Review the Residence Life check-out procedures and deadlines provided by the hall staff with your student, then work together to make any necessary arrangements around their final exam schedule.
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Encourage your student to attend the 105th Annual Tree of Light to celebrate the season, experience one of SHSU’s oldest traditions, and connect with the Bearkat community before the semester ends.
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Remind your student to reserve a study room in the Newton Gresham Library or Lowman Student Center and begin preparing for final assignments and exams before Thanksgiving Break.
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Use Thanksgiving Break as an opportunity to reconnect while allowing your student time to rest, study, work, and maintain the relationships they have developed at SHSU.
RISE TO GREATER.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE DECEMBER
Finishing the semester strong.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES •
December 1, 2026: Spring Admission Deadline for Honors College
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December 3, 2026: Last Day of Classes
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December 3, 2026: Last Day to Resign from the University and Receive a Grade of “W”
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December 4, 2026: Reading Day (no classes)
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December 7-10, 2026: Final Exams
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December 7, 2026: Fuel for Finals
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December 10-12, 2026: Commencement
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December 13, 2026: Residence Halls Close at Noon
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December 14, 2026: Final Grade Submission Deadline
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December 14, 2026: Payment Plan (Fall 15-Week Term) - End of Term Payment Due
FAMILY CHECK-IN •
Remind your student to confirm the dates, times, and locations of each final exam using the official final exam schedule.
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Check in with your student to ensure all Residence Life check-out procedures are complete, and all deadlines have been met before they leave campus.
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Send supportive messages that recognize your student’s effort and progress without adding pressure about grades.
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Ask your student to create an end-of-semester study plan that outlines when they will prepare for each exam, complete remaining assignments, and use academic support resources.
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Encourage your student to stop by the Fuel for Finals event on December 7, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in Parker Plaza for free snacks, Scantrons, and other testing supplies. Event sponsored by the SHSU Parents’ Association.
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Remind your student to prioritize their overall wellbeing and use the Counseling Center, TimelyCare, Student Health Center, or Campus Recreation as needed during finals.
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Celebrate the completion of your student’s first semester and recognize the confidence, relationships, independence, and skills they developed during their first 79 days at SHSU.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE WINTER BREAK
Resting, reflecting, and preparing for spring.
IMPORTANT DATES AND DEADLINES •
January 8-11, 2026: Residence Halls Open
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January 11, 2026: Last Day to Resign from University with a 100% Credit
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January 12, 2026: Full or Payment Plan Down Payment Due (Spring 15-week term)
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January 13, 2026: Spring Classes Start
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January 15, 2026: FAFSA Priority Date for 2027-2028 Term
FAMILY CHECK-IN •
Give your student time to rest before discussing grades or next-semester expectations.
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Encourage your student to review their final grades and contact their academic advisor if the results affect their degree plan, financial aid, or spring schedule.
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Choose a comfortable time to discuss what went well, what was challenging, and what your student would like to approach differently during the spring semester.
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Remind your student to confirm their Spring 2027 class schedule, check for new account holds, and complete any outstanding registration or payment requirements.
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Review financial aid, scholarships, tuition, housing, meal-plan, Bearkat Bundle, additional required course materials and transportation needs together before the spring semester begins.
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Discuss which academic resources, campus organizations, wellness services, and routines your student plans to continue using in the spring.
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Continue to allow your student to take the lead in resolving concerns while remaining available for guidance.
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Although it may feel early, talk with your student about sophomore-year housing, including whether they prefer to live on or off campus, potential roommates, budget, and upcoming application or lease deadlines. Students who choose to live on campus may need to join a waitlist on StarRez while availability and assignments are determined, and housing is not guaranteed. Students exploring off-campus housing can receive assistance from the Residence Life Off-Campus Coordinator, access several online resources, and attend the Off-Campus Housing Fair hosted at least once every fall and spring semester.
RISE TO GREATER.
FAMILY EXPERIENCE GUIDE KEY CAMPUS RESOURCES Student & Family Experience
On-Campus Student Job Postings
Academic Calendar
Parent & Family Portal
Academic Success Center
Parking & Transportation
Athletics
Payment Deadlines & Schedule
Bearkat Assistance Program
Proxy Portal
Bearkat OneCard Services
Residence Life
Campus Activities & Involvement
SAM Center
Campus Recreation
Services for Students with Disabilities
CARE Network
SHSU Food Pantry
Career Success Center
SHSU Hospitality (Dining Services)
Counseling Center
SHSU Kat Tracks
Dean of Students’ Office
Student Account Services
Division of Student Affairs
Student Health Center
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Student Legal and Mediation Services
First-Generation Center
Student Money Management
Fraternity & Sorority Life
The Student Network (formerly Student Alumni Association)
Global Engagement Center
TimelyCare
Lowman Student Center
University Police Department
Office of the Registrar
Veterans & Military-Connected Center
KEY CAMPUS RESOURCES •
“What have you already tried?”
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“Who on campus could help you with this?”
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“What does your syllabus, email, Blackboard, or MySam account say?”
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“What options are available to you?”
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“What do you think your next step should be?”
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“Would you like me to listen, help you think through options, or help you prepare for the conversation?”
REMEMBER Your role remains important, but it is changing. Your student needs encouragement, thoughtful questions, and reminders that campus resources are available. They also need room to make decisions, solve problems, advocate for themselves, and take ownership of their SHSU
MAKE YOUR STUDENT’S FIRST SEMESTER GREAT.