WEEK 1 - WEEK OF AUGUST 19 •
Participate in at least two Welcome Week events during the first two weeks of classes.*
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Follow @SamHoustonState on Instagram.
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Wear Orange on Bearkat Spirit Fridays at least twice during the fall semester to show your Bearkat pride.
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Take a picture in Sammy’s Huge Chair located next to the LSC and #SammysHugeChair during the first month of classes.
WEEK 2 - WEEK OF AUGUST 24 •
Attend Org-Stravaganza on August 26, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM in the LSC Orange Ballroom to explore student organizations and find your community on campus.*
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Participate in at least one Fraternity & Sorority Life recruitment event or attend an interest meeting to explore membership opportunities.
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Relax, lounge, and play games in the LSC Kat Klub at least twice during the semester.
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Log your campus involvement in BearkatHQ at least three times this semester to stay on track toward becoming an Ultimate Bearkat and earning your graduation medallion.
WEEK 3 - WEEK OF AUGUST 31 •
Enjoy live music at Sammypalooza on September 3, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Johnson Coliseum.*
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Use BearkatHQ to find and attend at least one student organization meeting.
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Attend at least one professor’s office hours this semester to ask a question, get support, or start building a connection.
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Invite your family back to campus for Bearkat Family Weekend and complete registration by October 1, 2026.
WEEK 4 - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7 •
Stop by the First-Generation Center in LSC 317 at least once this semester to explore the services and resources offered.
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Browse and apply for an on-campus job.*
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Learn the SHSU Fight Song.
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Join the Back to Bowers BLOWOUT on September 12, 2026, to celebrate the return to Bowers Stadium.
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
MAKE YOUR FIRST 79 DAYS GREATER.
WEEK 5 - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14 •
Celebrate Homecoming by attending at least two events from September 14–19, 2026, including the Homecoming Parade on Sam Houston Avenue.*
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Meet with an Academic Success Center Learning Coach at least once this semester to build stronger study habits and academic skills.*
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Meet with an Academic Success Center tutor at least once this semester to get extra support outside of class.*
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Attend the Study Abroad Fair on September 16, 2026, between 11:00 AM-1:00 PM in to learn about study abroad opportunities and begin exploring what programs may fit your future academic goals.
WEEK 6 - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21 •
Download the TimelyCare app and create your account for 24/7 access to virtual wellness services.
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Learn how Student Wellness supports your success by exploring their programs, resources, and peer-led wellness initiatives.*
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Workout in the Campus Recreation Center or sign-up to participate in a group fitness class.*
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Schedule a check-up with the Student Health Center in the patient portal.
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Schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center or via the TimelyCare app as needed.
WEEK 7 - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28 •
Submit your 2027-2028 FAFSA/TASFA as soon as possible after October 1, 2026, for priority consideration.*
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Attend one event during Conflict Resolution Month hosted throughout the month of October to learn conflict resolution and self-advocacy skills.
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Explore your academic college and participate in at least one program, service, or organization that supports your academic or career goals.
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Make one advising appointment before spring registration opens or stop by the SAM Center (CHSS 170) any Wednesday for Drop-In Advising.*
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
WEEK 8 - WEEK OF OCTOBER 5 •
Attend one event during Leadership Week (October 5-9, 2026) to develop your leadership skills and build campus connections.*
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Check and resolve any holds on your SHSU account at once prior to your designated open registration date to confirm you are able to register for Spring semester.
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Complete your Scholarships4Kats Application by the November 1st priority deadline.*
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Schedule and attend at least one Career Success Center appointment this semester to build your resume, practice interview skills, and/or start preparing for your job or internship search.*
WEEK 9 - WEEK OF OCTOBER 12 •
Catch a free ride to a local grocery store with Kat Tracks at least once this semester.
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Attend at least one SHSU athletics event and cheer on the Bearkats.*
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Explore BearkatHQ to choose one student organization, fraternity or sorority, or club sport to join, or learn how to start your own organization.*
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Put SHSU’s motto, “The measure of a life is its service,” into action by completing at least four hours of service this semester at a local service opportunity and logging your time into BearkatHQ.
WEEK 10 - WEEK OF OCTOBER 19 •
Connect with the Honors College at least once this semester to learn what they offer and decide if you want to apply for spring admission by December 1.
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Meet with Student Money Management at least once this semester for one-on-one support with budgeting, financial planning, and preparing for the spring semester.*
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Schedule an appointment for free legal advice on housing issues, powers of attorney, criminal law, business start-ups, background reports, employment issues, and more.*
WEEK 11 - WEEK OF OCTOBER 26 •
Attend CAB Takeover in the Lowman Student Center on October 29, 2026, from 7:00-10:00 PM.
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Experience the arts at SHSU by attending one Theatre or Musical Theatre performance during your first semester.*
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Attend one Student Government Association meeting held Tuesdays at 6:00 PM in the Criminal Justice Courtroom, located in the CJ building.*
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
MAKE YOUR FIRST 79 DAYS GREATER.
WEEK 12 - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2 •
Access the Career Success Center’s Learning Lounge in Blackboard and complete competencies for Career & Self-Development and Professional Communication.*
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Create or update your LinkedIn profile with the assistance of the Career Success Center.
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Join the Student Alumni Association for $25 a year for exclusive networking and scholarship opportunities.
WEEK 13 - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9 •
Register for Spring 2027 classes starting November 12 and use the how-to guides for quick refreshers or help navigating unfamiliar registration error messages.
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Attend one event hosted during Veterans Week (November 9-13, 2026).
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Attend one event hosted during National First-Generation Week (November 9–13, 2026).
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Attend Bearkat Family Weekend (November 13-15, 2026).*
WEEK 14 - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16 •
Attend Tree of Light on November 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Parker Plaza.*
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Book a study room in the Newton Gresham Library or the Lowman Student Center once this semester.
WEEK 15 - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23 •
(Thanksgiving Break—no items)
WEEK 16 - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30 •
Grab a free scantron from Student Money Management in Estill 112 or the First-Generation Center in LSC 317.
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Stop by the Fuel for Finals event on December 7, 2026, between 9:00-1:00 PM in Parker Plaza for free snacks and scantrons.
*Denotes action is eligible towards Ultimate Bearkat status
MAKE YOUR FIRST 79 DAYS GREATER.