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The Academic Success Center offers a variety of academic support for SHSU students. These services include CRLA-certified peer tutoring programs for writing, math, and reading; an online writing lab; and a supplemental instruction program. The ASC’s services are available for all undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in SHSU.
The ASC’s Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction designed to help individuals become more successful, more confident writers. Students may seek assistance for any type of writing, ranging from freshman essays and research papers to theses, dissertations, and resumes. The ASC also features an online writing lab for students in online classes, tutoring designed to improve college-level reading strategies, and computer-based tutorials for many teacher certification tests. Additionally, the ASC’s math tutoring program provides drop-in, small-group, and one-on-one assistance for students seeking help in math and statistics.
On the main campus, the Academic Success Center is located in the Farrington Building; the ASC also offers services online and at The Woodlands Center. The ASC can be contacted by calling (936) 294-3680.
Advising (Student Advising and Mentoring Center)
The Student Advising and Mentoring Center (SAM Center) at Sam Houston State University offers academic advising to all undergraduate students and counseling and academic enrichment services to all undergraduate and graduate students. The SAM Center is a resource dedicated to helping students adjust to academic life at Sam Houston State University. Services available include assistance with time management and/or study skills, GRE, locating tutors, and special programs for student populations served at Sam Houston State University.
The SAM Center is housed on the first floor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building. The Center can be contacted by e-mail at SAMCenter@shsu.edu or by any of the following telephone numbers: (936) 294-4444; toll free, (866) 364-5211; in Houston area, (281) 657-6432.
English Language Institute
The mission of the English Language Institute is to provide necessary English language and cultural skills for international students to be admitted into academic programs at Sam Houston State University or other colleges and universities. Throughout the academic year, the English Language Institute (ELI) offers extra-curricular activities to enhance English language and cultural competency acquisition. For more information, visit English Language Institute.
Institutional Effectiveness
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness (IE) is a University administrative service and support unit, aligned within the Division of Enrollment Management, serving the entire University. The primary department functions include Institutional Research, Administrative Program Review, and Legislative Relations and Public Policy research.
Institutional Research includes the collection, storage, analysis, appraisal, and dissemination of data for external reporting on behalf of the University, as well as for use in evidence-based review, planning, and action by University administrators and academic leaders. Institutional Research maintains longitudinal databases from numerous centralized and decentralized data sources to enable the research and reporting required internally and by federal and state agencies for the assessment and publication of policy, programs, and special educational initiatives.
The Administrative Program Review function incorporates the review and analysis of non-academic programs and functions as part of the University’s commitment to ongoing, continuous program assessment and improvement for strategic planning, and for reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and other professional and educational accreditation organizations.
Finally, IE’s Legislative Relations and Public Policy research role seeks to identify and act upon opportunities to create positive relationships with lawmakers at local, state, and federal levels and to educate legislative decision-makers concerning Sam Houston State University’s outstanding contributions to academia, the workforce, and local, state, and national economies.
IT@SAM
The University has four departments to support the campus information technology within the Division of Information Technology Services: Client Services, Enterprise Services, Infrastructure and Support Services and Project Management Office..
The IT@Sam Service Desk provides support for computer labs, campus-managed laptops, and other classroom technology. IT@Sam open computer labs are staffed with a Lab Assistant and equipped with Windows workstations, DVD-RW drives, scanners, printers, USB ports for access with compatible flash/USB drives, and other peripheral items. Macintosh workstations are available in designated computer labs. A variety of software such as Microsoft Office, web browsers, SPSS, and Adobe products are available in the computer labs for use in the completion of assignments. Some software titles are available remotely.
Our SamNet wireless network can be accessed from any campus building with your SHSU username and password. All University residence halls have wired port connections available to connect to the Residence Hall Network. Designated halls have wireless network as well.From the University website, students can activate their accounts and begin using SHSU resources as soon as they are accepted to the University. To ensure prompt communications, the University will send official statements and documents to student’s SHSU e-mail address. The assigned e-mail address will have the following format: username@shsu.edu. SHSU will never ask students to share their passwords with anyone. The Service Desk is also available to help students with their computer accounts, passwords, and profiles.
From the University web site, students can activate and begin using SHSU computer accounts as soon as they are accepted to the University. To ensure prompt communications, the University will send official statements and documents to student’s SHSU e-mail addresses. The assigned e-mail address will have the following format: username@shsu.edu. The use of University e-mail and all other computing resources is governed by the Computer Services Acceptable Use Policy: https://www.shsu.edu/administrative/policies. SHSU will never ask students to share their passwords with anyone. Each student will be assigned a six-digit personal identification number. This PIN should also not be shared with anyone. Former students who have completed at least 15 hours of course work at SHSU will be eligible to opt-in to keep their SHSU e-mail account. The Service Desk is also available to help students with their computer accounts, passwords, and profiles.
IT@SAM employs students in a varieyt of positions. Students are encouraged to apply for part-time employment through Jobs4Kats.
For more information, visit the Division of Information Technology Services. Questions regarding SHSU’s computer resources may be addressed to servicedesk@shsu.edu or (936) 294-1950.
Newton Gresham Library
The Library contains more than 1.3 million books, bound periodicals, and government documents in a variety of formats, including multimedia, microforms, microfiche, recordings, streaming video, videotape, and newspapers. The library provides access to over 50,000 journals and magazines online and over 250,000 electronic books. As a depository for selected federal and state government publications in a separate collection of over 230,000 print and non-print documents, the library also serves the citizens of five adjacent counties. The Library’s Thomason Room houses over 20,000 rare books and other materials on Texas, the Southwest, Mark Twain, Gertrude Stein, the Civil War, Library Science, Criminal Justice, and other topics. Other groups of materials housed in the Newton Gresham Library include paperbacks for recreational reading, current periodical issues, new books, and a children’s literature collection. The music listening room, study carrels, a small lounge area furnished with vending machines, and a copy center, including a public fax machine are provided for the convenience of students and faculty. Library resources may be electronically accessed through an online catalog from hundreds of library and campus computer workstations as well as remotely via the Internet.
The campus network may be used to search for full text in electronic databases. The library maintains database licenses to over 250 online databases such as Web of Science, ERIC, Education Research Complete, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, CJ Abstracts, NCJRS, Academic Search Complete, Business Search Complete, West Law Campus, Biological Abstracts and ScienceDirect, Eighteenth Century Online, U. S. Congressional Serial Set and World Cat. TexShare, the statewide resource-sharing program, provides access to a variety of electronic databases, thousands of full-text journal articles and print material. A complete list of the electronic databases and electronic journals can be viewed from the Library’s web page at http://library.shsu.edu/ . Books, articles, documents, and other items which are not available locally may be requested Interlibrary Loan.
Twenty librarians, twenty-nine support staff, and a number of student assistants provide reference, interlibrary loan, circulation, acquisitions, and other library services to the faculty, staff, and students of the University as well as to visiting scholars and off-campus users. Distance Learners will find librarians embedded in their online classes. A full-time librarian provides assistance to students at The Woodlands Center. University Archives, located on the 4th floor of the Library, preserves the history of the campus. A computer lab, staffed by Computer Services department, is available during regular library hours. The seventy plus networked workstations in this lab may be used to access the students’ personal computer space as well as the library’s resources. To assist library users in utilizing library materials and services, librarians developed online guides available on the Library’s website. An online instruction series demonstrating how to use databases and find information is available to all students from the Library’s homepage. Librarians also provide access to information and help in using the library’s resources and services to students on- and off-campus with online chat (see Ask A Librarian on the Library’s homepage), e-mail, and by phone.
Mathematics Tutoring Center
The University provides free personal tutoring services to all students enrolled in freshman or sophomore mathematics and statistics courses, excluding the calculus sequence, in the Mathematics Tutoring Center (Farrington Building). Students enrolled in the calculus sequence or higher level courses are encouraged to seek assistance from their instructors. The Mathematics Tutoring Center is staffed by graduate students from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and select undergraduates majoring in mathematics. Hours of operation and availability of tutors are posted on a semester-to-semester basis. For information regarding the Center, contact the Department of Mathematics and Statistics (Lee Drain Building, Room 420, (936) 294-1565.
Reading Center
The SHSU Reading Center is an academic resource to assist students and faculty in pursuit of their academic and professional endeavors. The primary goal is to empower all students with effective reading strategies and the confidence to excel in expository reading. To this end, the Reading Center tutors provide students with individual and small-group reading instruction. To facilitate faculty members, the Reading Center Director, the Literacy Specialist, and graduate assistants can make reading strategy presentations in the classroom.
In addition to serving SHSU students who strive to become more proficient readers, the Reading Center is available for international students to engage in conversation groups, prepare for the TOEFL, and receive assistance with academic reading. Computer-assisted tutorials and one-on-one tutoring for test preparation are available for students wanting to pursue their education beyond the baccalaureate degree. In addition, computerized tutorials for many teacher certification tests (TExES) are available in the Reading Center.
The Reading Center is in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Special Populations in the College of Education. The staff includes the Director, a full-time Literacy Specialist, graduate assistants, and undergraduate student workers who are trained as literacy tutors. For assistance, visit the Reading Center in the Farrington Building, Office 109 or call at (936) 294-3114.
Testing Center
A variety of college entrance, vocational, guidance, state-mandated, distance learning, and/or placement exams are available at Sam Houston State University. The Testing Center is an open testing facility (testing SHSU students as well as the general public), has limited seating, and reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. This section addresses some of the testing choices a student may use for counseling purposes, college entrance, certification, and/or college placement. The Testing Center is located in Academic Building IV, Rm. #102. Testing policies and/or fees are subject to change at any time. Contact the Testing Center at (936) 294-1025, e-mail test.ctr@shsu.edu, or visit the web at www.shsu.edu/testing for the most current information.
College Entrance Exams
ACT: This test is one of the two college admissions exams accepted by Sam Houston State University. The test is given five times each year on SHSU’s campus. A student may receive college credit for a high score received on the English section of the ACT exam. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting ACT.
ACT-Residual Test (ACT-R): The ACT-Residual test taken at SHSU is only valid at Sam Houston State University. It will not transfer to another college/university. Students taking this test must have applied for admission to SHSU before registering for this test or be a currently enrolled student at SHSU. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): The SAT test is one of the two college admissions exams accepted by Sam Houston State University. This exam is given three times each year on SHSU’s campus. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting SAT.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of non-native speakers of English. The TOEFL is administered several times per year. For information regarding paper-based or computer-based testing centers, visit Testing Center or TOEFL. For further information, contact the English Language Institute (ELI) Office.
Graduate
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT): The Graduate Management Admissions Test is offered on a weekly basis in the Testing Center. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting GMAT.
Millers Analogies Test (MAT): The MAT is a high-level mental ability test requiring the solution of problems stated as analogies. The Testing Center offers the MAT during the week. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting MAT.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Sam Houston State University administers only the GRE subject exams; the GRE general exam is not currently administered at this location. Visit the Testing Center or GRE for more information.
Credit By Exam
ACT/SAT English Credit: Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting high scores from the ACT or SAT test for credit in freshman English courses. The current policy is as follows:
ACT - A score of 33 or above in the English section of the ACT test qualifies a student for exemption from both ENGL 1301 <ENG 164> and ENGL 1302 <ENG 165>. A score of 27-32 qualifies a student for enrollment in ENG 1301H <ENG 164> (Honors Class), an accelerated class for students with superior skills in English. Students earning an A or B in ENGL 1301H <ENG 164> will automatically receive credit for ENGL 1302 <ENG 165> and become eligible for sophomore English. If the student does not make a grade of A or B in the ENGL 1301H <ENG 164> class, he/she will be required to take ENGL 1302 <ENG 165>.
SAT - A score of 700 or above in the verbal section of the SAT test qualifies a student for exemption from both ENGL 1301 <ENG 164> and ENGL 1302 <ENG 165>. A score of 600-690 qualifies a student for enrollment in ENGL 1301H <ENG 164> (Honors Class), an accelerated class for students with superior skills in English. Students earning an A or B in ENGL 1301H will automatically receive credit for ENGL 1302 <ENG 165> and become eligible for sophomore English. If the student does not make a grade of A or B in the ENGL 1301H <ENG 164> class, he/she will be required to take ENGL 1302 <ENG 165>.
Advanced Placement Program (AP). Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty semester hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. Sam Houston State University may award college credit for the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) Advanced Placement Examinations based on the score(s) received. Please visit Testing Center for more information or AP Program.
International Baccalaureate Program (IB): Sam Houston State University recognizes the International Baccalaureate program for those students who earn the IB diploma. Although Sam Houston typically accepts a maximum of thirty (30) semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests, students earning the IB diploma are capable of earning in excess of those 30 hours. Information on the International Baccalaureate Program may be obtained from high school counselors or by visiting Testing Center or International Baccalaureate.
SAT II Subject Exams: Sam Houston State University is an open national testing center for the SAT-II subject examinations. All SAT-II subject exams may be taken at SHSU. Only the SAT-II subject exams listed on the Testing Center website will be accepted for credit at SHSU (except in transfer from another college or university). Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty (30) hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty (30) hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. For more information, please visit Testing Center or SAT II.
Undergraduate and Graduate
College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Sam Houston State University is an open national testing center for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The University accepts CLEP Subject Exams for credit but does not accept General Exams for credit (except in transfer from another college or university). All CLEP exams may be taken at SHSU, but only the CLEP Subject Exams listed on the Testing Center website will be accepted for credit at SHSU (except in transfer). Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty semester hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. For more information, visit Testing Center or CLEP.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).Sam Houston State University is a testing center for the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exams. All DSST exams may be taken at SHSU, but only the DSST exams listed on the Testing Center website will be accepted for credit at Sam Houston State University (except in transfer from another college or university).
Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty semester hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty semester hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. For more information, please visit www.shsu.edu/testing or www.getcollegecredit.com.
TSI Placement
ACCUPLACER. The ACCUPLACER test is one of the TSI tests offered at this institution for evaluating a student’s performance in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is a computer-based test with results available immediately following completion of the test. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting ACCUPLACER.
ACCUPLACER-ESL: The ACCUPLACER-ESL test is one of the placement tests used by the English Language Institute for assessing a student’s performance in the English language. It is a computer-based test with results available immediately following completion of the test. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center, ACCUPLACER, or English Language Institute (ELI) Office.
COMPASS. The COMPASS test is one of the TSI tests offered at this institution for evaluating a student’s performance in reading, writing, and mathematics. It is a computer-based test with results available immediately following completion of the test. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center or by visiting www.act.org/compass.
Texas Higher Education Assessment-Quick Test (THEA-QT). The THEA-QT is one of the TSI tests scheduled to be administered on the SHSU campus each week. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center.
Professional, Certification, or Distance Learning Exams
Sam Houston State University Testing Center administers several professional, certification, and distance learning exams. Additional information may be obtained by visiting Testing Center.
Writing Center
One of the highest performing writing centers in the state, the Sam Houston Writing Center is designed to help individuals become better writers and develop more confidence in their writing abilities. To this end, the Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group writing instruction for the students, staff, and faculty of Sam Houston State University.
Students may seek assistance for any type of writing needs ranging from theses and dissertations to lab reports, case studies, research papers, as well as resumes, scholarship and job application letters. Writing Center tutors do not merely correct a student’s writing, but are trained to help students learn prewriting, revising, and editing skills. The Writing Center also provides distance tutoring for graduate students enrolled in off-campus or internet classes.
The Writing Center features a highly trained staff of English faculty and graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of majors, including English, psychology, history, forensic chemistry, music, foreign languages, and criminal justice. All tutors are certified by the College Reading and Learning Association and have received training in working with non-native English speakers. To contact the Writing Center: telephone (936) 294-3680, fax (936) 294-3560, email wctr@shsu.edu, website https://www.shsu.edu/centers/academic-success-center/writing/.
