STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The Department of Student Activities provides leadership and advisement to the Program Council, approximately 160 student organizations, Orange Pride Dance Team, cheerleaders, mascots, fraternities, sororities, multicultural and international student services, and the general student programming population. The department, located in the Lowman Student Center, offers quality programs and services that embrace a student development philosophy and provides an environment conducive to learning through involvement in co-curricular activities. Campus leadership training programs for student groups, University-wide student programs, and the University’s master calendar of activities are included in the department’s responsibilities.

Multicultural/International Student Services

The Office of Multicultural/International Student Services is committed to providing students with a variety of cross cultural experiences. The office assists all facets of the University in matters dealing with diversity, international, and cultural issues. Students, faculty, and staff who participate in the programs offered have the opportunity to experi ence mentoring, retention, and leadership development programs enhanced by cultural understanding. The Office of Multicultural/International Student Services contributes to the University’s diverse nature by providing information relative to the ethnic and international population and provides a means to encourage and support the ethnic and international student body in meeting their particular needs and concerns.

Program Council

Many opportunities for personal involvement and professional experience, on a volunteer basis, are available to students through the Program Council which is the student programming board that creates and sponsors many entertainment events and activities on campus. The Program Council receives a portion of the LSC fee to provide campus films, concerts, lectures, cultural events, recreational trips, and many more opportunities for fun, recreation, and relaxation. Membership is open to any student interested in the opportunity to develop leadership skills, participate in presenting campus programs, and meet other students with similar interests. Distinguished speakers, top quality performing artists, and cultural events provide co-curricular and informal education experiences in an effort to make free-time activities a cooperative factor in education.

Student Organizations

A variety of student organizations provide University students with an opportunity to become involved in campus life. Information regarding University-recognized organizations is available from the Student Activities office in the Lowman Student Center. University recognition is renewed each fall and spring semester; therefore, the listings are subject to change.

LOWMAN STUDENT CENTER

The Lowman Student Center (LSC) offers a facility where students can connect with other students and the University through meeting rooms, food courts, the bookstore, the art gallery, and a state of the art game room. The Department of Student Activities, located within the LSC, plans events and programs designed to enhance students’ extracurricular development. From special events like Welcome Week, Homecoming, and various leadership programs, there is something for everyone. Students may consider joining one or more of the 180 organizations at Sam Houston State University. By getting involved and connected, students may gain the opportunity to meet other students with similar interests, make new friends, gain valuable leadership experiences, and make better grades.

For additional information, contact the Lowman Student Center staff at (936)294-1759 or the Student Activities staff at (936)294-3861. Visit our website at https://www.shsu.edu/lsc or https://www.shsu.edu/studentactivities.

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES

The Office of the Vice President for Student Services provides administrative leadership, supervision, and coordination for the Division of Student Services. The division includes the following departments: Bearkat OneCard Services, Counseling and SSD Services, which includes disabled student services; Dean of Students’ Office; Health Center; Lowman Student Center and Student Activities; Recreational Sports and Activities; and Students’ Legal and Mediation Services. Visit the website at https://www.shsu.edu/~slo_stdss/.

STUDENT SERVICES

The role of the Division of Student Services is to complement the total educational mission of the University by providing opportunities for students to develop and grow in an academic environment. This is accomplished by offering quality programs and emphasizes the holistic approach in co-curriculum involvement. Studies indicate that learning occurs in an environment conducive to social, recreational, educational, and intellectual interaction. A variety of student service programs are designed to foster such interaction with students, faculty, staff, and the University community. The goal of the division is to contribute to the learning experiences of SHSU students, helping them to become educated, enlightened, and empowered in ways that they can achieve and contribute as productive citizens in their college, community, and country.

RECREATIONAL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAM

The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities offers broad-based recreational programming in the areas of Intramural Sports, Open Recreation, Aquatics, Club Sports, Outdoor Recreation, Wellness, and Special Events. Facilities managed by the Department of Recreational Sports and Activities include the Health and Kinesiology Center (which houses four basketball courts, 1/8-mile indoor running track, ten racquetball courts, weight room, and courts for badminton and pickleball), eight outdoor McAdams Tennis Courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, two outdoor swimming pools, and three athletic fields used for Intramurals. In addition, the department is responsible for the Pritchett Field Complex which includes two athletic fields used by club sports and an outdoor running track.

The Intramural program offers a variety of team, dual, and individual sports. Offering leagues for those with a competitive motivation and a recreational league, the Intramural Program is comprised of three divisions — men’s, women’s, and co-recreational. The Informal Recreational program is designed to offer opportunities in self-directed recreational pursuits. Informal “free play” is an ideal alternative for those not interested in team affiliation, nor the commitment needed for club sports. The Outdoor Recreation program offers an extensive outdoor recreation rental program (tents, canoes, etc.) and the trip program (backpacking the Big Bend or skiing in Colorado are examples). The Club Sports program accommodates individuals who have an interest in competitive sports such as soccer, volleyball, and rugby. The Wellness Program offers a wide variety of interactive programs promoting a positive personal lifestyle. The department also offers special events such as concerts, sports trivia bowl competition, and fun days. The department also provides numerous employment opportunities for students who are interested in part-time work. Over 300 student positions are filled annually in the areas of Intramural Officiating, Facility Supervision, Aquatics, and Special Events assistants.

The informal relationships which are established through involvement in sport and recreational activities are an integral part of a student’s life. The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities invites students to become active participants in one or more of the various forms of leisure time activities available. For information pertaining to any of these Recreational Sports activities, stop by the administrative offices located on the first floor of the Health and Kinesiology Center, call (936) 294-1966 or visit the Recreational Sports and Activities website at https://www.shsu.edu/~rca_www/.

STUDENTS’ LEGAL AND MEDIATION SERVICES

The Students’ Legal Services office is located in the North Annex of the Lee Drain Building. An advisor has scheduled hours that allow students with various schedules to easily obtain an appointment by calling (936) 294-1717 or by visiting http://www.shsu. edu/~slo_stdss/legal/.

The advisor often helps students with legal problems by guiding them through self-help procedures and providing written materials concerning their legal issues. By guiding the student through the procedures required in administrative and judicial proceedings, it is anticipated that the student will be able to effectively deal with these problems currently and in the future. However, when the problem is of such a nature that legal representation is immediately needed, referral to several practicing attorneys in that area of law is made.

Students’ Legal Services also offers mediation services with a trained neutral third party (a qualified mediator) who facilitates an agreement between the parties.

All matters between the Students’ Legal Advisor and the student are confidential. Some areas of student concern are landlord/tenant issues, consumer protection, insurance, crime, family law, traffic tickets, automobile accidents, and employee rights.

ATHLETICS

The Department of Athletics at Sam Houston State University is committed to the concept that intercollegiate athletics is an integral part of the University’s educational enterprise. Athletics encompasses nine women’s sports and seven men’s sports. The women’s sports include: basketball, golf, softball, tennis, cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, soccer and volleyball. The men’s sports include: baseball, basketball, football, golf, cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.

Sam Houston State University is one of eleven schools competing in the Southland Conference. The current membership, with offices located in Richardson, TX, consists of: Lamar University, McNeese State University, Northwestern State University, Nicholls State University, Sam Houston State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Louisiana-Monroe, University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas State University-San Marcos. The conference conducts championship competitions in 15 sports at the NCAA Division I-A level and I-AA football level.

The Bearkat teams enjoy excellent facilities, including Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum and Bowers Stadium. A new baseball and softball complex is scheduled to open in spring 2005. Admission to all home athletic events is one of the activities covered by the Student Service Fee paid by Sam Houston State University students upon enrollment, and all students are encouraged to attend as many athletic events as they wish. SHSU athletic fans enjoy the excitement of collegiate athletics surrounded by the enthusiastic school spirit that adds to the fun and friendly competition with counterparts in the Southland Conference. Visit the Department of Athletics website at https://www.shsu.edu/~ath_www/.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Continuing Education offers non-credit courses for personal and professional development. Courses include mediation, introduction to various computer software, art, stress reduction, country and western dance, ballroom dance, yoga, cake decorating, and much more. For more information, telephone (936) 294-3701 or visit the website at https://www.shsu.edu/continuinged.