OCTOBER 11, 2025
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!
Alisa White, President Sam Houston State University
RESIDENCE LIFE INFORMATION & ACADEMIC FAIR CAMPUS TOURS
JOIN ZEEMEE
ZeeMee is a social app where you can bring your college application to life through videos, group chats, and posts! Scan here and follow SHSU to get started.
VISIT THE LSC
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Visit the Lowman Student Center, located at the center of campus. Treat yourself to Starbucks and visit the Campus Store to find some Bearkat gear!
GIBBS RANCH TOUR
Noon & 1 p.m.
1143 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77320
Come tour our 1,500+ acre working ranch that serves the Agricultural Sciences programs as well as the Rodeo and Equestrian teams.
7:15 a.m.
Early Check-In
7:30 to 8:30 a.m.
Optional: FAFSA Workshop and Campus Tours
7:45 to 9:15 a.m.
Check-In
8:45 to 9:25 a.m.
Admissions and Financial Aid
9:45 to 10:25 a.m.
Academic Overview #1
10:40 to 11:20 a.m.
Academic Overview #2
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residence Life Open House and Walking Tours
11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
FAFSA Workshop and Apply Today!
Noon to 2 p.m.
Information and Academic Fair
DINING OPTIONS
Lowman Student Center
7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Starbucks
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chick-fil-A
7:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Panda Express
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Freebirds
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sammy’s Shakes
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
POD (Grab & Go)
All Day
Old Main Market
Lunch ($9.45)
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OPEN HOUSES & TABLING
PARKER PLAZA
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
→ Academic Success Center
→ Admissions and Accepted Students
→ Career Success Center
→ Financial Aid & Scholarships
→ Honors College
→ Military Science – ROTC
→ Registrar
→ Residence Life
→ SAM Center – Advising
→ SH Hospitality – Dining
→ SHSU Online
→ Smith-Hutson Scholars
→ Student Account Services
→ Student Money Management
→ Testing Center
OPEN HOUSES
8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
→ Campus Activities & Involvement LSC | 215
→ Campus Store LSC
→ Newton Gresham Library (NGL)
→ Veterans & Military-Connected Center
LSC | 327
ADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AID
ENGLISH
Admissions/Financial Aid
8:45 to 9:25 a.m., Johnson Coliseum
For prospective, accepted, and transfer students.
Scan the QR code to access the Admissions/Financial Aid presentation.
FAFSA WORKSHOP & APPLY TODAY!
→ Newton Gresham Library
→ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SPANISH
Admissions/Financial Aid
8:45 to 9:25 a.m., CHSS | 120
For prospective, accepted, and transfer students.
Scan the QR code to access the Admissions/Financial Aid presentation.
FAFSA WORKSHOP & APPLY TODAY!
→ Newton Gresham Library
→ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ACADEMIC OVERVIEW #1
Not sure what you’re interested in majoring in yet? These sessions are your chance to meet faculty and staff to learn more about degree programs and the academic experience.
9:45 TO 10:25 A.M.
Agricultural Sciences
CHSS | C090
Art
LSC | 241
Biological Sciences & Biomedical Sciences
CHSS | 140
Business Administration
LSC | White Ballroom
Chemistry & Forensic Chemistry
CFS | 103
Communication Studies
CHSS | 410
Computer Science, Cybersecurity,
Software Engineering
ABI | 204
Criminal Justice
CJ Center | Killinger Auditorium
Dance
GPAC | Recital Hall
Data Science, Math & Stats
LDB | 212
Dietetic (Master’s, Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Education (all majors)
LSC | Orange Ballroom
Engineering Technology
ABIV | Olson Auditorium
English
CHSS | 220
Environmental & Geosciences
LDB | 339
Fashion Merchandising (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Food Science & Nutrition (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Food Service Management (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
History
CHSS | 210
Integrated Studies
CHSS | 242 B
Interior Design (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Kinesiology
LDB | 214
Mass Communication
Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. | 125
Music
GPAC | Concert Hall
Nursing
LSC | Theatre
BUILDING LEGEND
AB1: Academic Building 1
ABIV: Academic Building 4
CHSS: College of Humanities and Social Sciences
CFS: Chemistry & Forensic Science Building
GPAC: Gaertner Performing Arts Center
ESTC: Erica Starr Theatre
LDB: Lee Drain Building
Philosophy
CHSS | 249
Physics & Astronomy
Farrington | 105
Political Science
CHSS | 242 A
Pre-Engineering (Mech., Elect., Civil) Farrington | 105
Pre-Law
CHSS | 252
Pre-Med, Pre-Health Advising
CHSS | 110
Psychology
CHSS | C070
Public Health
LDB | 215
Sociology
CHSS | 226
Theatre & Musical Theatre
ESTC
Undecided
LSC | 230
World Languages & Cultures
CHSS | 206
LSC: Lowman Student Center
Pirkle: Fred Pirkle Engineering Technology
ACADEMIC OVERVIEW #2
10:40 TO 11:20 A.M.
Ag. Business
Pirkle | 210 C
Ag. Engineering Technology
Pirkle | 300 A
Animal Science (Including Pre-Vet)
CHSS | C090
Animation
LSC | 241
Biological Sciences & Biomedical Sciences
CHSS | 140
Business Administration
LSC | White Ballroom
Chemistry & Forensic Chemistry
CFS | 103
CJ & Criminology
CJ Center | Killinger Auditorium
Communication Studies
CHSS | 410
Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
ABI | 204
Construction Management
Pirkle | 100
Dance
GPAC | Recital Hall
Data Science, Math & Stats
LDB | 212
Dietetics (Master’s, Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Education (all majors)
LSC | Orange Ballroom
Electronics & Computer
Engineering Technology
Pirkle | 220
English
CHSS | 220
Engineering Design Technology
Pirkle | 240
Engineering Technology –
Architectural Design Technology
Pirkle | 210 A
Engineering Technology –
Biomedical Engineering Technology
Pirkle | 142
Engineering Technology –Electronics
Pirkle | 220
Engineering Technology –
Environmental, Health, & Safety Management
Pirkle | 100 A
Engineering Technology –
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Pirkle | 140
Environmental & Geosciences
LDB | 339
Fashion Merchandising (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Food Science & Nutrition (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Food Service Management (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Graphic Design
Hoyt Art Complex | 219 A&B
History
CHSS | 210
Homeland Security Studies
CJ Center | Kerper Courtroom
Integrated Studies
CHSS | 242 B
Interdisciplinary Ag., Ag. Teacher Certification
Pirkle | 320
Interior Design (Human Sciences)
LDB | 220
Kinesiology
LDB | 214
Mass Communication
Dan Rather Comm. Bldg. | 125
Mechanical Engineering
Technology
Pirkle | 242
Music
GPAC | Concert Hall
Nursing
LSC | Theatre
Philosophy
CHSS | 249
Photography
Hoyt Art Complex | 421
Physics & Astronomy
Farrington | 105
Plant & Soil Sciences
Pirkle | 300 B
Political Science
CHSS | 242 A
Pre-Engineering (Mech., Elect., Civil)
Farrington | 105
Pre-Law
CHSS | 252
Pre-Med, Pre-Health Advising CHSS | 110
Psychology
CHSS | C070
Public Health
LDB | 215
Sociology
CHSS | 226
Studio Art
Hoyt Art Complex | 105
Theatre & Musical Theatre
ESTC
Undecided
LSC | 230
Victim Studies
CJ Center | Flag Room
World Languages & Cultures
CHSS | 206
RESIDENCE LIFE
OPEN HOUSES & SHOWROOMS
10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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.
IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING
GO VISIT
Belvin-Buchanan Hall (CAM Majors)
→ 2 per Bedroom / 4 per Restroom
→ Co-ed Halls (Except Estill Hall)
Upgraded Traditional
→ 2 per Bedroom / 4 per Restroom
→ Co-ed Halls Traditional
→ 2 per Bedroom / 2 per Restroom
→ Co-ed Hall Private
→ 2 Single Rooms / 2 per Restroom
→ Co-ed Halls
Estill Hall (Female Only)
White Hall (Unique Floor Plan)
SHUTTLE SERVICE
Piney Woods Hall
San Jacinto Hall
Star Hall
Jackson-Shaver Hall
Raven Village
Sam Houston Village
See map for shuttle pick-up/drop-off locations. Shuttle service provided by:
Lone
INFORMATION & ACADEMIC FAIR
CAMPUS TOURS
English & Spanish Tours 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
English Tours
→ 30 minutes
Spanish Tours
→ 45 minutes
Campus walking tours will begin at the tent near the Bell Tower. Tours will go out every 15 minutes.
Visit with student organizations and the following campus resources and departments in Frank Parker Plaza!
DEPARTMENTS
& ORGANIZATIONS
Noon to 2 p.m.
Access & Retention Programs - ELITE
Bearkat Marching Band
Campus Activities & Involvement
Campus Recreation
Counseling Center
Disability Services
First-Generation Center
First-Year Experience
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Freshmen Leadership Program
Global Engagement Center
Programs - Study Abroad
Jack Staggs Counseling Clinic
Lowman Student Center
Pre-Health Professions
Shop Sam Houston
Student & Family Experience
Student Health Center
Student Wellness
TRiO Student Support Services
University Hotel
Veterans Benefits Processing
INFORMATION FAIR
Scan the QR Code to see the full list of current student organizations!
ACADEMIC COLLEGES
→ 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
→ SamPoly
→ School of Nursing
COLLEGE TERMS
Below are some words that you may hear used in your Saturday@SAM sessions and as you start your college journey.
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.
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.
Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
An application used by students to apply to receive federal funding/financial assistance for college.
First-Generation Student
A student whose parent/guardian did not graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The average of a student’s final grades in all courses.
Higher Education
Refers to any formal schooling after high school.
Major
Focus area of study for a degree program.
Minor
Secondary area of study, requires less credits than a major.
Texas Application For State Financial Aid (TASFA)
An application for students who are Texas Residents but do not qualify for federal aid (ex. DACA).
Transfer
To earn credits at one college or university and move them to another.
Tuition
Cost of college classes, usually paid per credit hour.
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.
CONTACT US
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
→ 936.294.4444
CHSS Building, SAM Center
Admissions
→ 936.294.1828
Visitor Center | 2nd Floor
Bearkat OneCard (Student ID)
→ 936.294.2273
Estill Building | 103
Campus Activities & Involvement
→ 936.294.3861
Lowman Student Center (LSC) | 215
Campus Recreation
→ 936.294.1985
Campus Recreation Center
Campus Store
→ 936.294.1864
Lowman Student Center (LSC)
Cashier’s Office
→ 936.294.1083
Estill Building | 103
Counseling Center
→ 936.294.1720
Health & Counseling Center
Financial Aid & Scholarships
→ 936.294.1774
Estill Building | 201
First-Generation Center
→ 936.294.3006
LSC | 317
First-Year Experience and Freshman Learning Communities
→ 936.294.3422
CHSS | 190
Health Center
→ 936.294.1805
Health & Counseling Center
Honors College
→ 936.294.1477
AB IV | 202
Military Science (Army ROTC)
→ 936.294.4994
New Student Orientation
→ 936.294.1844
Visitor Center | 1st Floor
Registrar/Texas Success Initiative (TSI)
→ 936.294.1040
Estill Building | 3rd Floor
Residence Life
→ 936.294.1812
Lone Star Hall
Services for Students with Disabilities
→ 936.294.3512
Lee Drain Annex
Student Money Management
→ 936.294.2600
Estill Building | 112
Testing Center
→ 936.294.1025
AB IV | 102
Veterans Benefits Processing
→ 936.294.1440
Estill | 228
Veterans & Military-Connected Center
→ 936.294.1046
LSC | 327
OFFICE HOURS
Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NOTES
NOTES
CAMPUS MAP
Bearkat
Bearkat
EAST
SYCAMORE