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ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION

The principal objective of Graduate Studies is to offer education beyond the baccalaureate level to those who aspire to become intellectual leaders in the professions and in various fields of teaching and research. These studies are designed to assist graduate students in developing and pursuing individual educational programs requiring superior accomplishment through carefully directed intellectual activity.

Purpose. The purpose of this catalogue is to provide information about the graduate programs of Sam Houston State University to students, prospective students, the faculty, and staff of the University. Included is information concerning requirements for admission to Graduate Studies at Sam Houston State University, services available to students, graduate course offerings, and listings of the administrative officers and the graduate faculty of the University.

Although every effort has been made to make this catalogue as complete and accurate as possible, changes may occur at any time in requirements, deadlines, fees, courses, etc., listed herein. The reader is encouraged to visit the University’s website at https://www.shsu.edu for changes, additions, and related information.

This catalogue was prepared well in advance of its effective date; therefore the course descriptions are not provided in the nature of a contractual obligation and may vary somewhat from actual course content because of advancements in the discipline, interests of individual professors, or decisions to change the scope of a course.

Graduate Faculty. The faculty of Graduate Studies consists of those members of the University academic administration and faculty who have been appointed to graduate faculty membership in accord with established procedures. These members will be actively engaged in recognized scholarly activities, fundamental research, or professional activities.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs is responsible for the academic programs of all graduate students. The dean of each college serves as the official representative of the graduate faculty of the college and as the official channel of communication between the graduate students of the college and the University administration.

Graduate Courses. A graduate course is an advanced course requiring critical analysis and study. Typically, courses with numbers of 500- or 600-level are master’s level courses, 700-level or higher are doctoral level classes. Such courses normally require frequent use of the library for reference to papers reporting original research. To provide a greater range of academic course offerings, some graduate programs allow students to take a limited number of 400-level courses for graduate credit. In order to receive graduate credit for an undergraduate level course, the student must receive prior written approval from the department chair and the dean of the college. Please see the specific degree program in this catalogue for more details on taking 400-level courses for graduate credit.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Consideration for admission to Graduate Studies requires an applicant (1) to hold a baccalaureate degree from a college or university of recognized standing; (2) to show promise of ability to satisfactorily pursue advanced study and research; (3) to have had adequate preparation to enter graduate study in the chosen field; and (4) submit with the application acceptable scores on the appropriate entrance exam for each individual college and department.

Admission to Graduate Studies at Sam Houston State University and any of its sponsored programs is open to qualified individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.

Application Fee for Admission to Graduate Studies. A nonrefundable, one-time application fee must accompany the application form. Checks drawn on U.S. bank or U.S. money orders must be payable to Sam Houston State University. DO NOT SEND CASH OR BANK DRAFTS.

Admission Examinations. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are given at various centers throughout the United States and in other countries. To determine the most convenient locations, prospective applicants should write to Educational Testing Service, Rosedale Road, Princeton, New Jersey 08541. Information also may be obtained through the office of the appropriate academic dean or the Testing Center in Academic Building IV (see Testing Center).

• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
  This test is required for admission to graduate study in the College of Business Administration at Sam Houston State University. Registration for each test may be arranged by calling 1-800-GMAT-NOW or http://www.gmac.com. For additional information about the GMAT, please contact the College of Business Administration’s Coordinator of Graduate Studies at: Box 2056, Huntsville, TX 77341-2056 or by phone (936) 294-1239 or FAX (936) 294-3612, or e-mail BUSGRAD@shsu.edu. The College of Business Administration’s internet address is http://coba.shsu.edu. Subject to action of Education Testing Service, the GMAT may be offered on the University campus.
  
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  This test is required for admission to some programs of graduate study at Sam Houston State University. Registration for the computer-based examination may be scheduled by calling 1-800-GRE-CALL or http://www.gre.org. Subject to action of Education Testing Service, the GRE may be offered on the University campus.
  
• Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
  This test is accepted as an admission test by some programs of study. The MAT is administered by the Counseling Center and individuals may call for an appointment, (936) 294-1721. There is a fee for administration and scoring services.
  
• 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, and there is a fee for administration and scoring services. For further information, contact the English Language Institute, Sam Houston State University, Box 2030, Huntsville, Texas 77341; TOEFL, P.O. Box 6155, Princeton, NJ 0845-6155; or http://www.toefl.org.

MASTER’S PROGRAMS

The application process consists of the following steps:

1. Application for Admission to Graduate Studies with the one-time application fee. A formal application is required of all persons seeking admission to Graduate Studies. To allow time for processing, the application forms are online at https://www.shsu.edu/~grs_www (available from the office of the appropriate academic dean or the Office of Graduate Studies) and should be filed at least 30 days (60 days for international students) prior to the beginning of the semester.
   
2. Official transcripts of all college-level work, including the official transcript which shows the date the undergraduate degree was conferred. Electronically delivered transcripts transmitted to Sam Houston State University, via the University of Texas server, will be accepted as an official transcript by SHSU. Transcripts of international institutions must be evaluated; the student is responsible for sending the transcript(s) for evaluation and the costs incurred. Certified English translations are required for documents prepared in a language other than English. All transcripts (credentials) must be evaluated before admission decision can be made.
   
3. Official scores on the appropriate entrance exam required by each college and department as listed below:
   College of Arts and Sciences — GRE
   College of Business Administration — GMAT
   College of Criminal Justice — GRE
   College of Education and Applied Science — GRE
   (Agriculture - GRE or GMAT; Counseling; Health; Kinesiology; Psychology; Language, Literacy, and Special Populations - GRE or MAT)
   
4. Other requirements, as specified by the department or academic college, may be necessary for graduate study in a specific department or academic college.
   

Admission to Graduate Studies remains valid for one (1) long semester only, unless the student, during this period, engages in active graduate work. If a student does not attend consecutive fall and spring semesters, he/she must submit a new application to the Office of Graduate Studies.

For more information:
Graduate Studies Website
Mailing address:
Office of Graduate Studies
Box 2478 Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2478
(936) 294-1971
graduate@shsu.edu
Office of Graduate Studies
Frels Office Bldg. Rm. 131
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS

College of Criminal Justice

Ph.D. program in Criminal Justice. In addition to all of the steps listed under the application process for Master’s Programs (page 23), students may obtain additional information on the College of Criminal Justice’s web site at https://www.shsu.edu/cjcenter/college/graduate/phd.htm for any additional requirements.

College of Education and Applied Science

Ed.D. Program in Educational Leadership. In addition to all of the steps listed under the application process for Master’s programs (page 23), students may obtain additional information at https://www.shsu.edu/~edu_elc/info.html. Students who wish to make application to enter the Doctor of Education degree program in Educational Leadership should contact: Director, Center for Research & Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership, Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, Box 2119, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2119. Telephone (936) 294-1147; email edu_edd@shsu.edu.

Ph.D. Program in Counselor Education. In addition to all of the steps listed under the application process for Master’s programs (page 23), students may obtain additional information at https://www.shsu.edu/~edu_elc/cnephd.html. Students who wish to make application to enter the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Counselor Education should contact: Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, Box 2119, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2119. Telephone (936) 294-1147; email edu_edd@shsu.edu.

PhD. Program in Forensic Clinical Psychology. In addition to all of the steps listed under the application process for Master’s programs (page 23), students who wish to pursue the doctoral program in Forensic Clinical Psychology should request materials directly from the Department of Psychology and Philosophy. Mailing Address: Forensic Psychology Program Coordinator, Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Box 2210, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2210; Telephone: (936) 294-1210; web site: https://www.shsu.edu/cjcenter/forensic/forensic.htm.

Please Note:
Admission to Graduate Studies may not be approved in instances where the facilities and staff available in the particular field are not adequate to administer the program. Admission to Graduate Studies remains valid for one (1) long semester only, unless the student, during this period, engages in active graduate work. If a student does not attend consecutive fall and spring semesters, he/she must submit a new application to the Office of Graduate Studies.

ADMISSIONS AND RECORDS PROCEDURES

The responsibility for admissions and records for graduate level studies at Sam Houston State University resides with the appropriate college dean. The following provides general guidelines for the procedures for graduate level studies; however, variations in procedures may occur among the colleges. Distance online students are required to follow the same procedures; see Distance Learning web site for additional information at http://distance.shsu.edu.

1. Submit application form along with a one-time application fee to the Office of Graduate Studies.
   
2. The original copies of all completed graduate studies admissions forms and documents are submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and filed in the office of the appropriate academic dean. Copies of pertinent forms and documents are maintained in the office of the appropriate department chair.
   
3. After all admissions forms and documents are gathered for an applicant, a graduate student folder containing the material is forwarded to the graduate advisor of the appropriate department for admission review. The graduate advisor initiates an admissions recommendation to the dean who sends an admissions acceptance or rejection letter to the applicant. Letters of acceptance are not issued to students seeking certification only. A copy of the letter from the dean is forwarded to the appropriate graduate advisor and another copy is placed in the graduate student folder which is maintained in the office of the dean together with the admissions review letter written by the graduate advisor.
   
4. The graduate student is responsible for the initiation of the graduate study plan which is prepared by the appropriate graduate advisor. The original copy of each graduate study plan is filed in the office of the dean with copies furnished to the appropriate department chair and the student.
   
5. Appropriate forms, including thesis proposal, completion of comprehensive exams, etc. are initiated at the program level then are forwarded to the office of the dean.
   
6. When the graduate student applies for a degree, the office of the dean forwards a copy of the student’s study plan to the Registrar. The Registrar will check the study plan and transcript of the degree candidate. The student is responsible for initiating counseling for any graduation requirement problems.
   
7. The appropriate dean is responsible for the certification for graduation of graduate students.

Regular Admission. The applicant shall have:

1. Earned a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) on all previous college studies or 2.8 on the last sixty semester hours of course work applicable to the baccalaureate degree. The minimum GPA may be waived in the College of Business Administration and in the College of Criminal Justice, if supported with an appropriately high admissions test score.
   
2. Submitted the appropriate admission test required for the graduate program. Many programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) while the College of Business Administration requires the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Some programs will accept the Miller Analogies Test instead of the GRE. Please check with the individual program for specific test requirements.
   
3. Fulfilled specific requirements as indicated by the department or college for the pursuit of graduate study. Meeting stated admission requirements does not constitute automatic admission to a graduate program at Sam Houston State University.
   

The above listing represents requirements for Regular Admission; refer to the appropriate section of this catalogue to determine the specified requirements. Specific requirements are listed under individual departmental sections of this catalogue. Any inquiries regarding these requirements should be directed to the individual department or to the dean of the appropriate college in which the department is listed.

International Students. A student from another country who seeks admission to Graduate Studies must meet the same requirements for admission and candidacy as students from the United States, including the submission of scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). International students should contact the Office of International Programs at the University.

Visit or call the Office of International Programs in Frels Bldg., Room 207, telephone (936) 294-3892. Information is available at the web site https://www.shsu.edu/oip. Mail address: International Programs, Sam Houston State University, Frels Building 207, Box 2150, Huntsville, TX 77341-2150.

According to the regulations of the U.S. Office of Immigration and Naturalization Service: “The issuance of a conditional or provisional Form I-20 A-B is not permitted because the regulations authorize issuance only after all admission standards have been met.”

In addition, prospective students from other countries must demonstrate the ability to speak, write, and understand the English language. Prospective students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is administered by the Educational Testing Service in over 200 centers around the world. A registration form and a “Bulletin of Information for Candidates” may be obtained by writing to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey 08541, U.S.A. or by contacting their web site at http://www.toefl.org.

All applicants for admission from non-English-speaking countries must present a score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Sam Houston State University has an English as a Second Language Program for non-English-speaking international students. Information about this program may be obtained by contacting the English Language Institute, Sam Houston State University, Box 2030, Huntsville, Texas 77341. Telephone (936) 294-1028 or email: www_eli@shsu.edu; web site: https://www.shsu.edu/~www_eli.

Each graduate student is responsible for becoming familiar with the rules and regulations pertaining to graduate study and the requirements for advanced degrees.

Conditional Admission. A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident applicant who is seeking a graduate degree but who has not submitted all of the application materials required by the University for Regular Admission may be granted Conditional Admission. Under the terms of Conditional Admission, a student may enroll for one semester. The college dean will determine maximum number of hours that a student may take under Conditional Admission. The student admitted under Conditional Admission status will be required to complete all requirements for Regular Admission prior to registering for a second semester. Some departments do not allow Conditional Admission.

International students cannot be granted Conditional Admission.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission. A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident who is seeking a graduate degree and who has submitted all required admission documents, but does not qualify for Regular Admission may petition for Post-baccalaureate Admission. Admission to Post-baccalaureate status is subject to individual college and departmental policy. No student may be admitted in Post-baccalaureate status without the prior written approval of the appropriate academic dean. In Post-baccalaureate status, a student who failed to initially qualify for admission to advanced degree programs may be provided the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to do graduate work, if the college and department so recommend. A student may complete a maximum of 15 semester hours on Post-baccalaureate status. After the completion of 15 hours with a “B” or better grade in each course, the student may petition the college dean for Regular Admission or an extension of Post-baccalaureate status. A maximum of 15 credit hours completed in Post-baccalaureate status may be applied to a graduate program, but the department concerned may choose to not accept some credit hours taken prior to Regular Admission.

International students cannot be granted Post-baccalaureate Admission.

Non Degree Admission. Applicants who do not intend to pursue a graduate degree but who wish to take courses for professional advancement, licensure, certification, or self-edification purposes, and who hold a baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution, should apply for Nondegree Admission. Applicants for Nondegree Admission must submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Studies: the general application for admission, an application-processing fee, an official copy of the transcript from the school which awarded the highest degree, and a statement of purpose. If the native language of the applicant is not English, official TOEFL scores must also be submitted. Nondegree students who later apply for Regular Admission to seek a graduate degree may apply a maximum of fifteen credit hours of course work taken in Nondegree status toward a graduate program at the discretion of the department concerned.

International students cannot be granted Nondegree Admission.

Graduate Transient Admission. Transient Admission may be granted to students who are accepted in good standing at regionally accredited graduate schools and who wish to enroll for one semester at Sam Houston State University. Applicants requesting this status must submit the following to the Office of Graduate Studies: the general application for admission, an application-processing fee, and certification of graduate standing in a regionally accredited institution. Some departments may require additional information for admission to this classification; therefore, applicants should contact the appropriate academic department. Students admitted in this category who later wish to enroll as prospective candidate for a degree at Sam Houston State University must submit a formal application for Regular Admission. A maximum of 15 credit hours taken as a Graduate Transient may be applied to a graduate degree program at the discretion of the department concerned.

Personal Standards. Sam Houston State University requires the same personal standards and applies the same criteria in considering applications for admission as it uses in the retention of students who are enrolled. To be consistent with this policy, the University reserves the right to refuse acceptance to prospective or former students who have criminal records including conviction of a felony, offenses involving moral turpitude, or other serious offenses. The personal standards of conduct expected of students who enroll at Sam Houston State University are provided in the student affairs handbook, Student Guidelines.

REGISTRATION

Before the initial registration, the student should consult the graduate advisor representing the field of his/her major interest.

• The normal load for a full-time graduate student is nine (9) to twelve (12) hours per semester. Students enrolled in master’s and doctoral degree programs should enroll in a minimum of nine graduate hours in the fall and spring semesters to be considered a full-time graduate student.
• Master’s degree students desiring to enroll in more than twelve graduate hours in any one semester must obtain approval from the dean of the college in which they are enrolled.
• Master’s degree students attending summer school must be enrolled in at least three graduate hours per session to be considered a full-time graduate student.
• Doctoral students desiring to enroll in more than nine graduate hours must obtain approval from the dean of the college in which they are enrolled.
• Doctoral students attending summer school must be enrolled in at least three graduate hours per session or a total of six graduate hours for the summer school to be considered a full-time graduate student.

It is important to note that the University requirements for full-time status and requirements of various financial aid programs may differ. It is also recommended that students consult with the University Student Financial Aid Office to determine how assistantships and fellowship may impact their financial aid.

Course Load for Graduate Assistants. Graduate students employed by the University at least half-time as assistant instructors, research assistants, or doctoral teaching assistants should enroll in a minimum of six graduate hours per semester to be considered a full-time graduate student. The maximum course enrollment load for graduate assistants on one-half time employment is nine hours per semester or three hours per summer session. Graduate assistants on less than a half-time assistantship may have their maximum course load authorization increased proportionately by the appropriate department/school chair. For more information on the employment of graduate assistants refer to Academic Policy Statement 890303 at https://www.shsu.edu/~vaf_www/aps/890303.html.

Requirements for Registration of International Students.

1. Immediately upon arrival on campus, international students should make contact with the Office of International Programs to ensure that all admission and immigration papers are in order. Visit or call the Office of International Programs in Frels Bldg., Room 207; telephone (936) 294-3892. Information is available at the website https://www.shsu.edu/oip. Mail address: International Programs, Sam Houston State University, Frels Building 207, Box 2150, Huntsville, TX 77341-2150.
   
2. Each student must provide evidence of his/her ability for financial support while studying in this country.
   
3. All international students are required to purchase the group Hospitalization, Medical Evacuation, and Repatriation Insurance available to all eligible SHSU students. Proof of this insurance must be presented to designated University officials each semester before the registration process can be completed. Purchase of this insurance is coordinated through the University Health Center.
   
4. Certified English translations are required for documents prepared in a language other than English. All transcripts (credentials) must be evaluated before admission decision can be made.
   [ International Student please read this ]

Dual Registration. Undergraduates at Sam Houston State University who at the beginning of a given fall or spring semester are within twelve (12) hours of graduation or at the beginning of a summer school are within six (6) hours of graduation may apply for admission to Graduate Studies provided they meet the appropriate entrance examination requirements and have a B average or better for the last three semesters of course work. Such students must complete their undergraduate work and obtain the bachelor’s degree during the first semester or summer session following their admission to Graduate Studies.
An undergraduate student may enroll in a graduate course for graduate credit only with the written approval of the appropriate college dean.
The combined undergraduate and graduate course load shall not exceed fifteen (15) semester hours in a semester or six (6) semester hours in a summer session.
Neither a graduate nor undergraduate course may simultaneously count toward graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Graduate Advisors. A graduate student entering the University for the first time is required to consult with the advisor in his/her particular field of interest regarding courses and various programs of study. Academic advisement is required prior to each registration. Graduate advisors will be available for consultation several days prior to registration. All students are advised to confer with graduate advisors on a regular basis, monitor their own academic progress, and review the study plan on a continuous basis.

Change of Schedule (Dropping and Adding Courses). Students may make schedule changes during periods of enrollment by accessing SamInfo via the internet. Enrollment periods are stated in the Schedule of Classes. No schedule changes may be made after the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar. A course dropped after the stated deadline is entered on the student’s permanent record with a grade of F.
To verify a class schedule after registering for classes and after processing schedule changes (drops/adds), refer to the instruction in the Schedule of Classes or at web site https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo and click on “Registrar.”
During registration, after the initial payment of tuition, those students who make schedule changes resulting in enrollment for additional semester credit hours are responsible for payment of additional tuition and fees. Additional costs incurred for classes added after established payment dates are due on the day they were added. Failure to meet these payment deadlines will result in the classes being dropped from the student’s schedule or resigned by the Business Office.

Correct Addresses. It is necessary to have on file with the University a correct residency address. A student who changes an address after completing registration needs to immediately report this address to the Registrar’s Office. The University assumes no obligation for failure of a student to receive communications. A student may change his/her address online at https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/registrar-menu.html or provide the Registrar’s Office with a written request for an address change.

International students must contact the Office of International Programs in Frels Bldg., Room 207; telephone (936) 294-3892. Information is available at the website https://www.shsu.edu/oip. Mail address: International Programs, Frels Building 207, Box 2150, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2150.

Name Change. Appropriate documentation which substantiates a legal name change for a student must be submitted to the Registrar prior to the student’s next registration. Registration under a name different from that used in the student’s last enrollment cannot be accomplished without the above certification, which becomes a part of the student’s permanent file. All degrees, grade reports and transcripts are issued under the student’s legal name as recorded in the Registrar’s Office.

Veterans Assistant Office. The Veteran Assistance Staff in the Registrar’s Office can assist in the processing of claims for the Montgomery G I Bill (MGIB), Chapter 30 – Veteran status, Chapter 31 – Vocational Rehabilitation and Chapter 1606 – Reservist. Other services provided in conjunction with the MGIB are late payment inquiries, changes in dependency status and changes in academic status (major/minor/semester hour load). Students who were Texas residents at the time of their entry into active duty, and who have exhausted their MGIB educational benefits, should inquire about their eligibility for benefits under the Texas Hazlewood Act.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION EXPENSES

Registration Expenses. ALL TUITION AND FEES ARE CORRECT AS OF THE DATE OF PRINTING BUT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY ACTION OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE OR BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS. The Texas Legislature has authorized collection of tuition and fees during a fall or spring semester by one of two methods: payment in full or one-half payment of the tuition and fees at registration and separate one-quarter payments due prior to the sixth and eleventh class weeks. Parking permits and late registration fees are examples of charges which must be paid in full and are not eligible for installment payment. There is an additional processing fee of $30 for administration of the installment payment plan. Failure to make timely installment payments will cause accrual of late charges ($15 per installment). There is no installment payment plan during the summer sessions; payment in full is due at registration

The University receives Instructional Funds from the State as follows. For the two long semesters, the total number of semester hours for which students have registered, as of the twelfth class day, is the number of hours on which the funds are based. For each summer session, funds are based on total registered hours as of the fourth class day of each session. Students who have not completed their registration by the above dates may not receive credit for work for the semester/session.

STATUTORY WARNING: A STUDENT WHO FAILS TO MAKE FULL PAYMENT OF TUITION AND FEES, INCLUDING ANY INCIDENTAL FEES BY THE DUE DATE, MAY BE PROHIBITED FROM REGISTERING FOR CLASSES UNTIL FULL PAYMENT IS MADE. A STUDENT WHO FAILS TO MAKE PAYMENT PRIOR TO THE END OF THE SEMESTER MAY BE DENIED CREDIT FOR THE WORK DONE THAT SEMESTER.

Any financial aid, tuition waivers, grants or deferments will be used to reduce the amount owed by the student, with the remaining balance eligible for the installment payment plan. There is no installment payment plan during the summer sessions; payment in full is due at registration. The Texas Legislature has reserved the right to discontinue the installment payment plan.

Students will not be admitted to classes by the instructors until their tuition and fees are paid.

Payments. Payments made for registration purposes may be made by cash, cashier’s check, personal check, money order, or VISA or MasterCard credit card. All checks and money orders are accepted subject to final payment. Students may access their account balances online. For additional information, see https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/financial-menu.html. To make credit card payments online, go to https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/credit.cgi.

Payments may be mailed to Cashier’s Office, Sam Houston State University, Box 2273, Huntsville, TX 77341-2273 or paid in person in the Cashier’s Office, 1st Floor, Estill Classroom Building. Physical Address: Cashier’s Office, Estill Building, Suite 103, 1903 University Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77341.

Student Accounts. In order to provide information and assistance to students, the Office of Student Accounts may be contacted to discuss status of financial records with the University, for example, payments made or owed, due dates for payments. Telephone: (936) 294-1089; website: https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/financial-menu.html.

Payment Deadlines. To avoid cancellation of his/her classes, students should refer to the payment deadlines listed in the Schedule of Classes. The student who does not make a payment by the specified payment deadline will have his/her schedule deleted; the student must then repeat the registration process for re-enrollment in his/her classes.

Financial Responsibility. Students are expected to meet financial obligations to the University within the designated time allowed. Registration fees are payable at registration, except for that portion of the registration fee that may be temporarily deferred, but payable later in scheduled payments as part of an installment payment agreement. Students are not entitled to enter classes or laboratories until their appropriate fees and deposits have been paid. Other charges are due at registration or within ten days after a bill is rendered by the University, or according to special payment instructions that may be printed on the bill or agreement.

Failure to pay the amount owed in full, including appropriate penalty and late fee charges, prior to registration for a future semester or prior to the last class day for the current semester or summer session can result in any or all of the following sanctions: 1) withholding of future registration privileges; 2) withholding award of degree; and 3) withholding of an official transcript.

Students who pay fees with a returned check may suffer the above sanctions as well as those shown in the following section.

Student Accounts. In order to provide information and assistance to students, the Office of Student Accounts may be contacted to discuss status of financial records with the University, for example, payments made or owed, due dates for payments. Telephone (936) 294-1089 or at https://www.shsu.edu/saminfo/financial-menu.html.

Collections for Nonpayment. Nonpayment by the end of the semester will result in transfer of the student’s account to a contracted collection agency and assessment of a collection fee of at least 25 percent of the outstanding balance. The University may also choose to litigate an account on advice of University legal counsel. Should an account be litigated, the student will be responsible for all litigation expenses including attorney’s fees and court costs. Accounts that are referred to a contracted collection agency may also be reported to credit bureaus.

Returned Check Policy. A returned check is defined as one returned to the University rightfully unpaid due to no fault of the bank or the University. The check may be written by the student or the check may be written on his/her behalf by a spouse, guardian, friend or sponsor.

The University reserves the right to refuse personal checks of any student who previously has had checks returned.

Each returned check is subject to a $25 check processing fee. Students have 10 days from the date on which notice is sent from the Business Office in which to pay the returned check and the returned check processing fee or inform the Business Office of their intent. Thereafter, the student may be resigned from the University. (The student should not assume that we are resigning him/her. If the student discontinues going to class without officially resigning from school, he/she will be subject to the grade of F.) Students who have been resigned are eligible for reinstatement upon redemption of such check or checks, plus the returned check processing fee and the payment of a reinstatement charge of $50. A student who fails to make payment prior to the first day of final exams will not receive credit for the work done that semester and will not be allowed to register for future semesters until the delinquent amount is paid. In addition, unpaid returned checks may be turned over to other agencies for prosecution and collection.

Students will be given the opportunity to be heard regarding any special circumstances. Such circumstances will be given full and fair consideration, and exceptions to the returned check policy may be granted by the Director of the Business Office or a delegated employee, based on the evidence presented.

Explanation of Fees. Tuition and Designated Tuition: Resident students pay $46 tuition per semester credit hour during fiscal year 2003-04; and $48 tuition per semester credit hour during fiscal year 2004—05. Nonresident and foreign students currently pay $262 tuition per semester credit hour. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board calculates each year the nonresident and foreign tuition. The designated tuition is required at the rate of $39 per semester credit hour for fiscal year 2003-04 and $48 per semester credit hour for fiscal year 2004-05.

• Graduate Tuition: A graduate tuition differential of $11 per semester credit hour will be assessed effective fall semester 2003.
• Student Service Fee: The student service fee per semester credit hour is $19 for fiscal year 2003-04 (not exceeding $171 per semester and $95 per summer session) and $21 per credit hour for fiscal year 2004-05 (not exceeding $195 per semester and $105 per summer session). The fee covers services at the University Health Center, Intramural Program, Student Life Support Programs, and Extramural Programs. The fee provides admission to athletic events at Sam Houston State University under the auspices of the Department of Athletics.
• Student Center Fee: The student center fee is required at the rate of $60 per semester ($30 per summer session) for fiscal year 2003-04 and fiscal year 2004-05 and is used to fund the Lowman Student Center programs and activities. This fee was increased in 2001 as a result of a student referendum to provide funding for major renovations to the Lowman Student Center.
• Medical Fee: Sam Houston State University charges and collects from all students a mandatory student Medical Fee of $30 per student for a long semester and $15 per student for a summer session in accordance with the provisions of V.T.C.A. Education Code, Section 54.5089. This fee is assessed and collected to update clinical services, to make additional medications available for pharmacy services, and to increase health education. (Effective for Fall Semester 2003.)
• Computer Use Fee: This fee will be charged at a rate of $11 per semester credit hour for fiscal year 2003-04 and $12 per semester credit hour for fiscal year 2004-05. It will be used for the training of students, faculty and staff, and for providing support services for operation, maintenance, and replacement of computer hardware and software.
• Recreational Sports Fee: Legislative action authorizes a recreational sports fee not to exceed $44 per semester ($22 per summer session) for fiscal year 2003-04 and $48 per semester ($24 per summer session) for fiscal year 2004-05. It may be used to purchase equipment for and/or construct, operate, maintain recreational sports facilities and programs.
• International Education Fee: This fee of $1 will be charged each semester or summer session and will be used only to assist students participating in international student exchange or study ABROAD programs.
• Library Fee: Board action authorizes a library fee of $30 per semester and $15 per summer session for fiscal years 2003-04 and 2004-05. The library fee directly benefits students by supporting their classroom and research needs. The Newton Gresham Library uses this fund to purchase books, add electronic databases, and new journal subscriptions.
• Advisement Fee: A fee of $50 for a long term (semester) and $25 for each summer term (session) is charged and is used to fund the Student Advising and Mentoring Center (SAM Center), which is available to all students. Advising through this center will take on a more proactive orientation in helping students succeed in university life.
• Late Registration Fee: A late payment fee of $10 will be charged all students who register on or after the first class day of any semester or summer session.
• Matriculation Fee: A matriculation fee of $15 is charged if a student resigns before the 1st class day of the semester or summer session.
• Special Fees:
  • Add/Drop Fee (per course) $52
  • Audit Fee (per course) $50
  • Laboratory Course Fee (per course) $58
  • Music Fee for Individual Instruction (per course with suffix of “x”):
    • 1 semester credit hour course $30
    • 2 semester credit hours course $60
    • 3 semester credit hours course $75
    • 4 semester credit hours course $75
• Course Fee: Per class ranges from $5 thru $100.
• University Center Fee: Classes provided at The University Center in The Woodlands will have an additional fee of $35 per credit hour for FY 2004 and $40 per credit hour for FY 2005.
• Distance Learning per course (in addition to tuition and fees) $303
  (Student Service, Student Center, and Recreational Sports fees are waived if only on-line courses are taken).

General Property Deposit. Each student is required to make a General Property Deposit of $10 which will remain with the University through his/her career here except as noted below. All charges for property losses, damages, and breakages in libraries or laboratories must be settled promptly. However, any unpaid current charges will be deducted from the deposit before a refund is made.

Refund of General Property Deposit. The General Property Deposit, less charges, will be returned to the student at the end of his/her career as a student. However, any General Property Deposit which remains without call for refund for a period of four years from the date of last attendance at this university shall be forfeited. The deposit will then become a part of, and operative to, the permanent use and purpose of the University Student Deposit Fund.

Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes. The Texas Legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board establish the Rules and Regulations for determining residence classification. Texas residency for tuition purposes is generally obtained by residing and/or being gainfully employed in Texas for 12 consecutive months immediately prior to enrollment in any college or university, by being a dependent of a Texas resident (individual who is claimed as a dependent for federal income tax purposes by the individual’s parent or legal guardian at the time of registration and for the tax year preceding the year in which the individual registers), or by being classified as a Texas Resident for the first five of the six years immediately preceding registration (not living out of the state more than 12 months immediately prior to registration).

A nonresident student may qualify to pay in-state tuition by meeting the requirements of a tuition waiver. Current tuition waiver options include but are not limited to: 1) the student or his/her spouse or parent is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and is stationed in Texas; 2) the student or his/her spouse or parent is employed at least half time by an institution of higher education in Texas as a teacher or professor; 3) the student or his/her spouse or parent has a teaching or research assistantship at any Texas institution of higher education on at least a half-time basis; 4) the student holds a competitive scholarship awarded by the university of at least $1,000 for the academic year or summer; or 5) is a student whose family has been transferred to Texas by a company in keeping with the state’s Economic Development and Diversification Program.

By state law, the student has the responsibility of registering under the proper residence classification. If a student has knowledge of an error in his/her residence classification for tuition purposes, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Residence Classification Officer immediately.

For more information concerning the Rules and Regulations for determining Texas residence classification, please contact the Residence Classification Officer, Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Sam Houston State University, Box 2418, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2418, or by calling (936) 294-3783 or 294-1828.

Academic Common Market. Fifteen Southern states including Texas participate in the Academic Common Market, an interstate agreement for sharing uncommon academic programs. Residents of these states who are accepted for admission into selected out-of-state programs can enroll on an in-state tuition basis. There are only two requirements:

1. Acceptance in a program to which your state has made arrangements to send its students;
   
2. Proof that the student is a legal resident of that state.
   

Additional information may be obtained at the Academic Common Market website at http://www.cep.unt.edu/ACM.html or from the Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Box 2087, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2087; (936) 294-1006.

TUITION AND FEES SCHEDULE

All tuition and fees are correct as of the date of printing but are subject to change by action of the State Legislature or the Board of Regents. Nonresident tuition (out-of-state and international) is calculated each year by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Tuition and Fees Per Semester
Fall 2003 — Spring 2004
See below; subject to additional fees.

Tuition and Fees Per Summer Session
Summer 2004
See below; subject to additional fees.

Included in the amounts above are Tuition and Designated Tuition, Student Service Fee, Student Center Fee, Computer Use Fee, Library Fee, Recreational Sports Fee, International Education Fee, Advisement Fee.

A graduate tuition differential of $11 per semester credit hour will be assessed effective fall semester 2003.

Course related or program related fees are examples of fees not included in the above estimates. The reader is directed to review Explanation of Fees in this catalogue. Additional information is available at www.shsu.edu/schedule.

TUITION AND FEES SCHEDULE

All tuition and fees are correct as of the date of printing but are subject to change by action of the State Legislature or the Board of Regents. Nonresident tuition (out-of-state and international) is calculated each year by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Tuition and Fees Per Semester
Fall 2004 — Spring 2005
See below; subject to additional fees.

Tuition and Fees Per Summer Session
Summer 2005
See below; subject to additional fees.

Included in the amounts above are Tuition and Designated Tuition, Student Service Fee, Student Center Fee, Computer Use Fee, Library Fee, Recreational Sports Fee, International Education Fee, Advisement Fee.

A graduate tuition differential of $11 per semester credit hour will be assessed effective fall semester 2003.

Course related or program related fees are examples of fees not included in the above estimates. The reader is directed to review Explanation of Fees in this catalogue. Additional information is available at https://www.shsu.edu/schedule.

Tuition and Fees Refund Policy. A student enrolled at Sam Houston State University may receive financial refund of tuition and fees as outlined in the schedules listed below.

1. Dropping Courses — a student who drops one or more courses for any given semester/summer session, but remains enrolled in at least one course.
2. Resignations/Withdrawals — a student who resigns/withdraws from all of his/her courses for a given semester/summer session, see below.

Refunds and credits from one department will be applied to any other outstanding balances in other departments. Any remaining refund will be mailed to the permanent address on the student record when the refund is processed. The University may refund tuition and fees paid by a sponsor, donor or scholarship to the source rather than directly to the student who has withdrawn if the funds were made available to the University.

Refund policies were established by Senate Bill No. 604 of the 65th Legislature and adopted by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, in August of 1977 and by the applicable federal regulations dealing with first semester financial aid students.

Dropping Courses. (see NOTE below) A student who submits a request to drop one or more courses from a schedule of classes may be eligible for refunds. The refund schedule for dropping courses is stated below.

NOTE: Class days are University class days, not the number of days an individual class meets. Class days are to be counted from the first class meeting of on-campus daytime courses as indicated in the Academic Calendar.

Resignations/Withdrawals. (see NOTE above) The student who officially withdraws from Sam Houston State university may be eligible for a refund of tuition and the specified fees, based upon the courses in which the student is enrolled on the official date of withdrawal. Refunds are made in accordance with the following schedule.

State Statutory Refund Schedule of Tuition and Fees
Fall and Spring Semesters Refund Schedules

NOTE: Class days are University class days, not the number of days an individual class meets. Class days are to be counted from the first class meeting of on-campus daytime courses as indicated in the Academic Calendar.

State Statutory Refund Schedule of Tuition and Fees
Summer Session Refund Schedules

NOTE: Class days are University class days, not the number of days an individual class meets. Class days are to be counted from the first class meeting of on-campus daytime courses as indicated in the Academic Calendar.

Students who receive Title IV aid and resign on or before completing 60% of the semester will be required to repay the percentage of unearned financial aid according to the federal “Return to Title IV Aid” formula derived from the 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. The percentage of aid to be repaid to SFA programs is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the number of calendar days in the semester.

Refunds are to be returned to lenders or program accounts in the following statutorily specified order provided the student has received funds from the account:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loans
4. Federal PLUS Loans
5. Other federal, state, private or institutional sources of aid
6. The student

The above schedule assumes the student has paid his/her fees in full. A different schedule applies to the installment payment plan participants — the primary difference in the schedule being the requirement for the University to compute the refund based on the assumption that the full amount of tuition and fees have been collected. Therefore, it is possible, and probable, that a student in the installment plan could owe more in tuition and fees than already collected by the University. These extra amounts, if any, would be due and payable before the student would be allowed to resign from the University.

Student Financial Aid. The Office of Financial Aid at Sam Houston State University is available to assist students in achieving their educational goals even when their personal or family finances are limited. While the student and his/her immediate family are primarily responsible for financing an education, the University recognizes its role in making a maximum effort to acquire additional funds for qualified students through a variety of aid programs.

Detailed information on all assistance programs, eligibility requirements, student budgets, priority dates, and the method of aid processing is available online at https://www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www. Additionally, a student may request the information by inquiring in person at the Estill Bldg., Room 201, or by writing to the Office of Student Financial Aid, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville TX 77341-2328, or by phoning (936) 294-1724.
Specified financial aid programs which the University Financial Aid Office administers are as follows:

Grants

• Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
• Texas Public Education Leverage Educational Assistance Partnership Grant (LEAP)
• Employment
• Federal College Work Study Program
  Texas College Work Study Program
• Loans
• Short-term Loans (STL)
• Emergency Tuition and Fees Loan (ETFL)
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Federal Stafford Student Loan Programs
• College Access Loan (CAL) - Only for Texas residents and students paying state tuition.

Scholarships

• SHSU scholarship recipients are not selected by the Financial Aid Office (FAO). However, all scholarship awards, SHSU and/or outside donor awards, must be coordinated by the FAO, in order to assure compliance with State and Federal Regulations.
• Various academic departments offer scholarships to students majoring in that particular discipline. Any student interested in a specific departmental scholarship may request further information from the chair of that department or refer to “Scholarship Information” online at https://www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www for specific details about scholarships available through SHSU.

Graduate Assistantships. Graduate programs offer a limited number of graduate assistantships. Full-time assistantships require a 20-hour per week workload. Students earning an assistantship receive a monthly stipend and other benefits, which may include qualifying for in-state tuition. For additional information about the availability of assistantships, please contact the appropriate graduate program coordinator. See Employment of Graduate Assistants, Academic Policy Statement 890303 at https://www.shsu.edu/~vaf_www/aps/890303.html.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Residence Halls. The University operates over thirty residence halls, small houses, and apartment complexes, including a small house (capacity 30 residents) for juniors, seniors, graduates, and nontraditional (24 years of age or older) students and one honors house. A brochure which includes complete details of the housing program at Sam Houston, including information regarding specific residence halls, applicable rates, and policies, is available upon request from the Department of Residence Life, Box 2416, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341. Additional information may be obtained by calling the Department of Residence Life at (936) 294-1812 or on the Residence Life web site at https://www.shsu.edu/~hou_www.

A student is required to be enrolled in the University each semester, including summer, in order to reside in university housing. Either the husband or wife must be enrolled in the University while living in any SHSU apartments.

A housing application/contract form is included with the University brochure and may be filed in person or by mail. A room deposit of $200 is required with the application for housing. Assignments are made on a space-available basis according to the date of deposit and will not be made until the student has been accepted to the University. Prior to the beginning of a semester, the student will be mailed a residence hall or apartment contract and assignment, the appropriate arrival and check-in hours, and other information. This contract will be in effect and must be adhered to for the academic year.

Should you become unable to fulfill your reservation, refunds may be made under certain conditions. Please refer to the housing application for specific details regarding refunds which are determined by the dates cancellations are received.

Payment for housing may be made in full at registration, or in three installments. The balance of rent or one-half of the balance is due during academic registration. Additional installments are due prior to the sixth and eleventh class weeks. Rent for summer terms is due in full at academic registration, and a late fee of $10 is charged on all payments received after established deadlines.

University residence halls are closed during the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas, and during spring break.

Sam Houston State University Colony Apartments
The University maintains two-bedroom, unfurnished apartments located on Bobby K. Marks Avenue across from the University Theatre Center, for upperclassmen. All residents must be enrolled in the University.

Sam Houston State University Bearkat Village I and II Apartments
The University maintains two-bedroom, fully furnished apartments located on Bowers Blvd. across from Bowers Stadium, for upperclassmen. All residents must be enrolled in the University while residing in the apartments.

Food Services. The Department of Residence Life currently provides four meal plans. Payment for meal plans may be made in full at registration or in three installments. The installments are one-half at registration and the balance in two equal payments prior to the sixth and eleventh class week, respectively. Also available is the Bearkat Express plan which may be opened upon payment of an initial deposit with meal charges deducted as usage occurs. Money deposited into Bearkat Express account is nonrefundable.

All students are encouraged to take advantage of meal plans. Meal service begins the day the residence halls open and continues through final examinations. ARAMARK manages the campus food service and offers Café Belvin plus several other campus dining facilities.

Rates and detailed information may be obtained from the Department of Residence Life, Box 2416, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas 77341, or by calling (936) 294-1812. See website at https://www.shsu.edu/reslife/diningandmeal/indexmeal.html.

Summer Housing and Food Services. Summer accommodations vary from year to year because of renovation and maintenance schedules; however, facilities are offered to both single and married students. Rooms in large residence halls and small houses for single students, and apartments for families usually are open for summer school students. Assignments are made according to date of deposit.

The Bearkat Express plan is also available during summer sessions. Additional information concerning the summer food plan may be obtained from the Department of Residence Life.