JUNIOR EXPERIENCE GUIDE
Learn how to maximize your junior year through leadership, involvement, professional development, and future planning opportunities through experiences designed specifically for junior-level Bearkats.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
• Schedule an advising appointment before spring registration opens or visit the SAM Center in CHSS 170 for Wednesday Drop-In Advising to review your remaining degree requirements and senior-year course sequence.*
• Complete a degree audit in Degree Works before registration each semester and identify any remaining prerequisites, GPA requirements, major milestones, or graduation requirements.
• Use Smart Plan to map out your final semesters that includes required courses, electives, internships, research, and other experiences needed to graduate on time.
• Use the official SHSU Academic Calendar every semester to remain aware of registration, payment, financial aid, scholarship, graduation, and academic deadlines.
• Check and resolve any holds on your SHSU account before your designated open registration date.
• Register for Spring 2027 classes using the available how-to guides to navigate unfamiliar registration requirements or error messages
• Meet with a Learning Coach at least once during your junior year to strengthen you time management, student habits, and strategies for balancing coursework with other responsibilities.*
• Make an appointment for tutoring or writing support with the Academic Success Center at least once this academic year before a major exam, research paper, presentation, or challenging assignment.*
• Meet with the Office of Undergraduate Research at least once before senior year to identify a faculty mentor, research project, creative activity, or presentation opportunity connected to your academic interests.
• Connect with at least two faculty members in your major who may provide mentorship, professional guidance, research supervision, or future recommendation letters.
• Learn what your academic college or department offers beyond the classroom, including professional organizations, conferences, internships, scholarships, and networking opportunities.
• Attend the Study Abroad Fair on September 16, 2026, from 11:00-1:00 PM in LSC 230 to explore programs that can still fit within your degree plan before graduation.
• Enroll in an Academic Community Engagement course, internship course, practicum, clinical experience, field placement, or other experiential learning opportunity connected to your major.
• Present your research or creative work, or support a participating classmate, at the 20th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in April 2027.*
• Review graduate or professional school prerequisites before senior year to ensure you have time to complete required courses, exams, research, or application experiences.
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
CAREER EXPLORATION & READINESS
• Meet with the Career Success Center at least once each semester to create and update a plan for internships, employment, or graduate school.*
• Complete a professional resume tailored to your intended career field and have it reviewed by the Career Success Center at least once during the fall semester.*
• Update your LinkedIn profile with your education, experience, leadership, service, skills, and accomplishments, and have it reviewed by the Career Success Center at least once before senior year.*
• Research at least two careers connected to your major, including required qualifications, salary expectations, employment outlook, and advancement opportunities.
• Apply for at least five internships, research positions, practicums, fellowships, or other career-related experiences aligned with your major or career goals during the fall semester.
• Complete at least one mock interview with the Career Success Center before interviewing for an internship, graduate program, leadership position, or professional opportunity.*
• Attend at least one Career and Internship Fair during your junior year to speak directly with employers, explore opportunities, and practice professional networking.*
• Meet with at least one faculty member, supervisor, or professional mentor during your junior year to identify the skills and experiences expected of competitive applicants in your intended field.
• Complete the Professionalism and Teamwork competencies in the Career Success Center’s Learning Lounge on Blackboard before senior year.
• Create or update a professional portfolio before senior year with at least three relevant projects, presentations, writing samples, or other examples of your skills, and have it reviewed by the Career Success Center.*
• Join at least one professional association during your junior year related to your academic or career interests and participate in a meeting, conference, webinar, or networking opportunity and document your experience in BearkatHQ to progress toward Ultimate Bearkat status.*
• Visit Tripod’s Thrift Store at least once before attending an interview, career fair, presentation, conference, or networking event that requires professional attire.
• Identify three to five faculty members, supervisors, or professional contacts who may be able to provide references or recommendation letters during your senior year next year.
• Complete at least one internship, practicum, research project, or other career-related professional experience before senior year and record it in BearkatHQ to progress toward Ultimate Bearkat status.*
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
• Complete the 2027-2028 FAFSA beginning October 1, 2026, for priority consideration by January 15, 2027.*
• Complete your Scholarships4Kats Application by the November 1, 2026, priority deadline for the 2027-2028 academic year.*
• Review your financial aid eligibility and remaining federal aid limits with Student Money Management before registering for your senior year.*
• Learn about emergency resources and support services, including the Bearkat Assistance Program, in case unexpected financial or personal challenges arise.
• Create a budget with Student Money Management for internships, professional exams, graduate school applications, relocation, graduation, and other expenses associated with your transition after college.
• Use the SHSU Food Pantry as needed to help you remain healthy, financially stable, and focused on your education.
• Meet with Student Money Management at least once this year to create or update a personal budget for rent, bills, groceries, and other junior-year expenses.*
RECREATION, WELLBEING & SUPPORT SERVICES
• Make an appointment with the Student Health Center at least once a year for preventive care, illness treatment, routine services, and resources that support your overall wellbeing.
• Participate in at least three Campus Recreation activities during your junior year, including fitness classes, intramural sports, club sports, informal recreation, esports, aquatics, or outdoor adventures.*
• Review the services offered by Student Legal & Mediation Services during your junior year so you know where to seek legal guidance, mediation, or conflict-resolution support if needed.*
• Use the Counseling Center or TimelyCare for mental health support, personal growth, stress management, and strategies for balancing junior-year responsibilities.
• Learn how to access CARE Network support and understand when to seek assistance for yourself or another member of the Bearkat community.
• Attend at least one Student Wellness presentation, program, or event during your junior year to support your wellbeing.*
• Visit the First-Generation Center at least once during your junior year to prepare for senior-year milestones, explore mentoring and leadership opportunities, and connect with resources that support your career and graduation goals.*
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
BEARKAT SPIRIT & TRADITIONS
• Participate in at least one Welcome Week event during both the fall and spring semesters and help welcome newer students to the Bearkat community.*
• Enjoy a live performance at Sammypalooza on September 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Johnson Coliseum.*
• After completing 75 credit hours, attend one of the SHSU Ring Ordering sessions to learn about the ring tradition, try on available styles, review pricing, and explore the ordering process. Rings can also be explored and ordered online if you are unable to come to campus.
• Join the Back to Bowers BLOWOUT on September 12, 2026, to celebrate the return to Bowers Stadium.*
• Take an active role in Homecoming Week (September 14–19, 2026) by helping lead at least one organization activity and participating in at least one event that week.*
• Register by October 1, 2026, for Bearkat Family Weekend (November 13-14, 2026) and invite your family or supporters to experience the traditions and community that have shaped your SHSU journey.
• Attend at least three Sam Houston Athletics games during your junior year to cheer on the Bearkats and help build an energetic game-day atmosphere.*
• Attend Tree of Light on November 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Parker Plaza and reflect on the people and experiences that have helped guide your journey at SHSU.*
• Participate in the Official SHSU Ring Ceremony after meeting the eligibility requirements and ordering your official SHSU ring.*
• Experience March 2 the Grave on March 2, 2027, by joining the Bearkat community in honoring Sam Houston’s legacy and participating in SHSU’s oldest tradition.*
• Show your SHSU pride by wearing orange for at least four Bearkat Spirit Fridays during your junior year.
• Submit at least one nomination for the 33rd annual Sammy’s and attend the ceremony to recognize the students and organizations making a difference at SHSU.*
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT, LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
• Serve in a leadership role in at least one student organization, campus program, employment role, or community organization during your junior year and document your experience in BearkatHQ.*
• Participate in at least one Conflict Resolution Month event in October to strengthen communication and selfadvocacy skills.*
• Log your experiences in BearkatHQ at least twice a semester to track your progress towards earning Ultimate Bearkat status and receiving a medallion to wear at graduation.
• Help lead change through the Student Government Association by contributing to at least one campus initiative, committee, or issue affecting students.*
• Participate in at least one Leadership Week event (October 5–9, 2026) to build skills you can apply in student organizations, internships, employment, and future leadership roles.*
• Live out SHSU’s motto, “The Measure of a Life is its Service,” by completing at least 20 volunteer hours each semester with local nonprofits in the Huntsville and Walker County community and logging your time in BearkatHQ.*
• Celebrate your transfer journey by participating in at least one event during National Transfer Student Week (October 19–23, 2026), if applicable.
• Experience the arts at SHSU by attending at least one performance, exhibition, or event hosted by the College of Arts & Media.*
• Attend CAB Takeover in the Lowman Student Center on October 29, 2026, from 7:00-10:00 PM.
• Join or renew your membership with The Student Network (formerly the Student Alumni Association) for $25 a year to build alumni connections, access scholarship opportunities, participate in professional development, and enjoy other exclusive benefits.
• Participate in at least one event during National First-Generation Week, November 9-13, 2026.
• Attend at least one event during Veterans Week, November 9-13, 2026.
• Join your fellow Bearkats for a day of service by participating in Bearkat All Paws In, scheduled for April 2027.*
• Review your progress towards earning Ultimate Bearkat status and identify any remaining requirements needed to earn a medallion to wear at graduation.
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
