The Final 79 Guide (FY26)

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FINAL SEMESTER

THE FINAL 79

A final-semester experience guide designed to help you prepare for commencement, celebrate your SHSU journey, and confidently take your next steps after college.

THE FINAL 79 GRADUATION READINESS •

Schedule an appointment with SAM Center to verify you are on track to graduate and have finalized all degree plan exceptions.*

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Apply to graduate. Application fee is $50 before September 3; and is $80 after.

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Ensure transfer credits are processed by the Office of the Registrar by December 14 at noon.

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Monitor your graduation status through your DegreeWorks.

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Verify the spelling of your full name in MySam and if a change is needed, follow these guidelines for submitting a Name Change Request Form.

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Verify your “Permanent Legal Address” on file in MySam by December 3 to ensure diploma is mailed to the correct address and use this guide to update your address. Note: Diplomas will not be mailed to the “Mailing Address” or any other address type on file.

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Resolve outstanding balances in full via MySam or Student Account Services.

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Complete Exit Counseling (if required) and contact Financial Aid & Scholarships for any assistance needed.

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Check your eligibility for the Tuition Rebate Program and apply (if eligible) by December 11 at 5:00 PM.

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Request official transcripts for graduate school applications, job applications, etc.

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Set reminder: Diplomas will be mailed to you about 8 weeks after commencement.

*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FINAL SEMESTER

COMMENCEMENT READINESS •

Check the commencement schedule for your ceremony date and time.

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Reserve your eight Commencement guest tickets using your SAM ID starting October 19 at 10 AM. Graduates will be notified if additional guest tickets become available.

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Order your cap and gown through Herff Jones by November 12.

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Check out videos on the SHSU Youtube page related to how to wear your regalia and other commencement-related information.

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Invite family & friends to ceremony and share the live webcast link with those who can’t come.

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Request commencement accommodation at least two weeks before your ceremony.

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On Commencement Day, arrive at the Recreational Sports Center (RSC) for check-in at least one hour before your scheduled ceremony with your cap and gown; purses and bags are not permitted.

See Graduation Checklist & Student FAQ for more information.

CAREER READINESS •

Meet with the Career Success Center to finalize your resume and cover letter.*

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Schedule a mock interview for personalized practice and feedback.*

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Refine your LinkedIn profile with the help of the pros at the Career Success Center.*

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Use the Career Success Center’s job search resources to help you apply for positions.

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Visit Tripod’s Thrift Store for professional clothing.

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Attend a Career & Internship Fair scheduled this semester.*

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Identify 3–5 professional references by getting input and guidance from the Career Success Center on who to ask, how to format your references page, and how to request recommendation letters.*

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Complete the Technology Competency in the Career Success Center’s Learning Lounge on Blackboard.

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Complete the 4th Year Success module in the Career Success Center’s Learning Lounge on Blackboard.

*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status

THE FINAL 79 GRADUATE SCHOOL READINESS •

Explore graduate programs by visiting the SHSU Graduate & Professional School website.

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Attend an event during Graduate Exploration Week (October 5-9). See events calendar for more information.*

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Schedule and prepare for any required graduate admission tests (ex. GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT).

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Apply to the SHSU Graduate & Professional School through ApplyTexas and complete all required steps for enrollment by December 15 for Spring 2027, May 15 for Summer 2027, and August 1 for Fall 2027.

RECREATION, WELLBEING, & SUPPORT READINESS •

Schedule a Senior Wellness Checkup with the Student Health Center to check in on your overall wellbeing before graduation.

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Make an appointment with Student Money Management to create a post-grad budget plan for managing your finances after college.*

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Schedule an appointment with Student Legal & Mediation Services for free legal guidance on apartment leases and disputes, employment issues, background reports, and other common legal concerns.*

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Utilize the Counseling Center or the TimelyCare app as a resource for mental health support, personal growth, and strategies to help you navigate your final semester of college.

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Stay active during your final semester by exploring the programs, activities, and recreation opportunities available through Campus Recreation.*

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Learn how to access CARE Network support and understand when to seek help for yourself or a friend.

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Schedule a consultation with Student Money Management to understand your student loan repayment options and next steps.*

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Book an appointment with the Academic Success Center for tutoring, writing support, academic coaching, and study resources to help you finish your final semester strong.*

*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FINAL SEMESTER

BEARKAT SPIRIT & TRADITIONS •

Attend Sammypalooza (September 3) and make a final campus concert memory before graduation.*

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Make one more Bowers Stadium memory by joining the Back to Bowers BLOWOUT on (September 12) during your final semester as a student.*

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Make your final Homecoming Week (September 14–19) as an undergrad memorable by joining the traditions, events, and celebrations that have shaped your Bearkat experience before graduation.*

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Order your official SHSU ring by October 9 to participate in the Ring Ceremony on December 4.*

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Attend the Grad Cap Decorating Party on October 28 from 12:00-3:00 PM in LSC 320.

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Share your favorite SHSU memory and/or advice for incoming students on social media using #BearkatGrad.

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Complete Ultimate Bearkat requirements by October 31 and attend the Induction Ceremony on December 3, where you will receive a medal to wear at Commencement.

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Invite your family to Bearkat Family Weekend (November 13-14) to celebrate how far you have come and make one more meaningful SHSU memory together before graduation.*

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Attend the Tree of Light Ceremony (November 17) and celebrate the season, the tradition, and the Bearkat community that helped guide your path to graduation.*

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Register by December 7 to participate in Bell Tower Bound on December 9 at 6:00 PM in Parker Plaza.

BEARKAT ALUM READY •

Leave your Legacy by contributing to the SHSU Class of 2026 Senior Class Legacy.

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Follow @SHSUAlumniAssoc on social media.

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Become a life member with the SHSU Alumni Association at a discounted rate.

*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status