UNLOCK YOUR SHSU EXPERIENCE
WE’RE GIVING A FREE SAMMY THE BEARKAT KEYCHAIN TO THE FIRST 500 STUDENTS WHO REGISTER FOR BEARKAT KICKOFF.
HOW TO ENTER
Activate your SHSU email
Scan the QR code
Sign into BearkatHQ using your SHSU email address Search “Bearkat Kickoff”
Complete Registration
Winners will be notified via email about how to pick-up their gift at the Bearkat Kickoff table during check-out.
Dear Future Bearkat,
Congratulations on choosing Sam Houston State University!
We are excited to welcome you to campus and even more excited about the journey you are about to begin. As Vice President for Student Affairs, I can confidently say that your time at Sam will be about much more than earning a degree—it will be about discovering who you are, who you want to become, and how you will make your mark on the world.
At SHSU, we believe the college experience truly goes beyond the classroom. Learning happens everywhere; through friendships, leadership opportunities, service, campus traditions, and moments you’ll remember long after graduation. That’s why we encourage you to get involved early and take full advantage of everything Bearkat Nation has to offer.
Your next steps as a new student will begin with New Student Orientation, followed by Bearkat Camp and Bearkat Kickoff. Together, these experiences will help you navigate your transition to college, connect with campus resources, meet fellow Bearkats, and start building your SHSU community from day one.
Getting involved is one of the best ways to enhance your experience. Whether you’re interested in joining a student organization, exploring Greek life, serving in leadership roles, or discovering a new passion, there is truly something here for everyone. With hundreds of student organizations, you’ll find countless ways to get connected, make friends, and build skills that will serve you well beyond college.
Many of you will call campus home, and living on campus is an incredible way to be fully immersed in the Bearkat experience. Huntsville itself is a vibrant and growing community rich in history, full of unique shopping and dining experiences, and conveniently located near The Woodlands and Houston. It’s a great place to live, learn, and explore.
We are thrilled you are here. Take chances, ask questions, get involved, and make the most of your time at SHSU. You belong at Sam Houston State University, and we cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.
Sincerely,
Dannie Moore, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
Sam Houston State University
NEXT STEPS
GO TO BEARKAT CAMP
Your college experience starts here. Three days and two nights on the university’s campground with other incoming students.
Here, you’ll learn about Sam Houston traditions, make new friends, and discover what it means to be a Bearkat.
CAMP DATES
July 21 - July 23
July 26 - July 28
July 30 - August 1
August 4 - August 6
August 8 - August 9
Cost: $125, Scholarships Available
ATTEND BEARKAT KICKOFF
Bearkat Kickoff starts after you move into your residence hall and wraps with Convocation—the ceremonial start of your time here at SHSU.
Over four days, you’ll explore campus, discover opportunities, meet other freshmen, attend events, and prepare for life as a college student. All incoming students are required to attend.
JOIN US SEPTEMBER 3
A CONCERT EXPERIENCE JUST FOR BEARKATS.
FOLLOW @SHSUSTUAFFAIRS TO LEARN WHO THIS YEAR’S HEADLINER WILL BE.
CAMPUS TRADITIONS
TREE OF LIGHT
Tree of Light is one of the university’s oldest traditions. Each November, the campus community gathers in Frank Parker Plaza for the tree lighting ceremony, where student organizations and departments place their ornaments on a 42-foot tree.
WELCOME WEEK
Welcome Week occurs the first weeks of each fall and spring semester. Events happen throughout each day to welcome new students to Sam Houston State University and returning students to campus.
THE SAMMYS
The Sammys annual award ceremony is a black-tie event which recognizes and celebrates outstanding student leaders and organizations.
HOMECOMING
Homecoming is a spirit week packed with activities including a parade, Sam Jam carnival, student organization competition, football game, and crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.
BEARKAT ALLEY
Bearkat Alley is the official tailgate zone for every home football game. Wear orange and white to show off your Bearkat pride!
BELL TOWER BOUND
Bell Tower Bound celebrates graduates each fall and spring. Campus superstition warns students against walking under the bell tower before their degree plan is completed, but graduating Bearkats are encouraged to take their victory walk through its arches in celebration of their commencement.
GET INVOLVED
250+
ORGANIZATIONS
Academic
Club Sports
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Recreational
Social & More...
JOIN BEARKAT HQ
Sign into Bearkat HQ, the campus hub for events, to gain early access to campus life and student organizations
BECOME THE ULTIMATE BEARKAT
During your time at SHSU, you can become the Ultimate Bearkat by completing experiences such as attending a career fair, climbing the rock wall, and going to a football game. Create your own experience starting with Bearkat Kickoff!
Greek Life FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE
Whether you’re looking for brotherhood, sisterhood, cultural connection, or leadership growth, there’s a place for you here.
Interfraternity Council (IFC):
COUNCILS
With 14 fraternities, IFC is built on unity, leadership, and growth. IFC men challenge each other to lead with integrity, give back to the community, and create lasting brotherhood.
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC):
Our six culturally-based chapters celebrate heritage, scholarship, and service. MGC provides a strong sense of identity, unity, and meaningful campus engagement.
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC):
Our five Panhellenic sororities empower women through leadership, academic success, and lifelong sisterhood. These chapters build confident leaders and community changemakers.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC):
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is comprised of nine historically African American Greek chapters. NPHC honors legacy while leading with excellence in service, scholarship, and community impact.
The Sam Jam Carnival happens every fall during Homecoming Week.
Follow @SHSUCAILIFE to keep up with events happening on campus.
LIVING ON CAMPUS
First-year students are required to live in university housing and purchase a meal plan
Priority housing reservations are open. A $50 non-refundable application fee is due upon submission of your housing contract
Apply now for preferred room selection in the Housing Portal
CHOOSING YOUR HOUSING EXPERIENCE
Whether you’re looking for a traditional experience, want to live with students who share your major and interests, or are looking for apartment-style living, we have the space for you.
RESIDENCE HALLS
Co-ed or Female Residence Halls
Shared or Individual Rooms
2-4 Roommates
ON-CAMPUS APARTMENTS
Co-ed Residence Halls
Full Kitchen with Dishwasher, Microwave
Laundry In-Unit (select floorplans)
2-4 Roommates
Studio/Private Rooms Available
Chick-Fil-A
Freebirds
Panda Express
Pastabilities
LOWMAN STUDENT
YOUR CAMPUS LIVING ROOM
The LSC is a place to hang out, grab a bite, or squeeze in a study session.
KAT KLUB
POD (Grab & Go)
Rising Roll
Sammy’s Scoops
Sammy’s Shakes
Starbucks (Multiple Locations)
Subway Tenders & Fries
The Brisket Burger
Wild Blu Sushi
The ultimate hangout—with bowling, air hockey, billiards, ping pong, board games, and video gaming spaces—conveniently located in the heart of campus.
STUDY ROOMS
Available daily. Visit the LSC Information Center, provide your Bearkat One Card, and reserve a room.
Study alone or with friends!
The Campus Recreation Center is packed with everything you need to support your health and wellness as a Bearkat.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS
Intramurals are an easy way to meet new people while staying active. There’s a team or event for everyone—from flag football and basketball to pickleball and cornhole.
CLUB SPORTS
Looking for something more competitive? Clubs sports are student-led, organized teams and activities. Instead of competing against fellow SHSU students, you’ll compete across the state or U.S. representing Bearkat pride. Huntsville is home to multiple national champion Club Sport programs.
INSIDE OUR SPACE
35-Foot Rock Wall
Racquetball Courts*
Basketball Courts*
Dedicated Cardio Space
E-sports Lab
Group Fitness Classes
Indoor Track
Multi-Functional Training Room
Pickleball Courts*
Outdoor Heated Pool
Studios
Volleyball Courts*
Weight Room
*Multi-Purpose Spaces
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Powell Student Health and Counseling Center is home to the team of primary care clinicians and mental health counselors dedicated to your wellbeing during your time at Sam Houston.
MEDICAL
Health insurance is not required and office visits are covered by your semester medical fee. Any other charges for your visit will be applied to your student account.
COUNSELING
In-person individual, couples, and group counseling sessions are available to students year-round at no cost—health insurance not required.
Access to TimelyCare, an online platform for counseling and mental health appointments, health coaching, and peer support connections, is available 24/7.
CARE NETWORK
The CARE (Community, Advocacy, Resources, Engagement) Network connects students to the right resources—academic, emotional, social, or financial—so you can succeed and thrive.
STEP 1
Submit a referral when you or someone you know needs support.
STEP CARE Network reviews the referral and follows up with the student.
STEP 3
Students can schedule a meeting to explore options and resources.
STUDENT AFFAIRS RESOURCES
FIRST-GENERATION CENTER
The First-Generation Center supports students on their journey as they pioneer the higher education experience. The center, located in the LSC, is a place to find community, a quick snack, or mentorship from faculty and staff through the Trailblazer program.
VETERAN & MILITARY CONNECTED CENTER
The Veterans and Military Connected Center provides military-affiliated students with academic support, and connects them with vital campus resources.
ELITE
ELITE (Establishing Leadership
In & Through Education) is an academic success program designed to support and empower students through community, mentorship, and leadership development.
STUDENT LEGAL & MEDIATION
Enrolled students can meet confidentially with licensed attorneys to discuss an array of legal questions, including:
Lease & Housing Contract Review
Understand leases and housing agreements before signing to avoid costly mistakes and misunderstandings, as well as matters involving security deposits and repairs.
Roommate Dispute Resolution & Mediation
Help students resolve differences peacefully and on their terms with a trained mediator.
Consumer Protection Assistance Guidance on car purchases, service contracts, billing disputes, and identity theft concerns.
Family Law
Assistance for name changes, divorce, child support, and related matters.
Criminal & Traffic Citation Guidance
Talk with an attorney to obtain advice before paying a ticket or going to court.
Business Start Ups
Interested in starting a business? We can help start your business legally.
SEE YOU THIS FALL
Access & Retention Programs
Campus Activities & Involvement
Campus Recreation
CARE Network
Counseling Center
Dean of Students’ Office
First-Generation Center
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Lowman Student Center
New Student Onboarding & Transition Programs
Residence Life
Services for Students with Disabilities
Student & Family Experience
Student Health Center
Student Legal & Mediation Services
Student Wellness
Title IX & Student Discrimination Resolution
Veterans & Military-Connected Center