The role of the Division of Student Life 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 that stress the holistic approach in co-curricular involvement. Studies indicate that learning occurs in an environment conducive to social, recreational, educational, and intellectual interaction. A variety of student 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 our students, helping them to become educated, enlightened, and empowered in ways that will enable them to achieve and to contribute as productive citizens in their college, community, and country.
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: Athletics; Career Services; Child Care Services (Bearkitten Academy); Counseling Center, which includes counseling and disabled student services; Health Center; Lowman Student Center; Office of Student Life; Public Safety-Services; Recreational Sports and Activities; and Student's Legal Advisor.
Through leadership, program, and policy development, the Office of Student Life contributes to the overall intellectual, social, and personal development of the students. The Office of Student Life represents student needs to the university administration, faculty and departments and also transmits needs of these groups to the students. This office assists students who have questions about any phase of campus life.
The professional staff is responsible for the administration of a number of policies and procedures found in Student Guidelines, the student handbook. These include student conduct and judicial processes, and certain provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act.
In addition, the office is responsible for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; the Freshman Leadership Program; Orange Key Program; Alpha Lambda Delta, a freshman Honor society; advising the Parents' Association; advising Student Government Association; and working with the new student Orientation Program.
The office, in an effort to promote individual group development of students, co-sponsors educational programs and leadership development workshops.
The Office of Student Life is located in Room 309 of the Lowman Student Center, (936) 294-1785. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Career Services Center assists students and graduates of Sam Houston State University in their search for employment that is appropriate to their interest, skills, academic preparation and personal aspirations. Opportunities and resources are provided to assist students in learning the life-long process of career planning, career choice and rewarding employment.
Services of the Center include the following:
Job Vacancy Announcements
Hundreds of vacancy announcements are received weekly and made available for students to review.
Career Files
Interested persons should establish a placement file (or credential file) which contains important information and letters of reference that document a candidate's qualifications. This information is used to supplement applications to prospective employers.
Candidate Referrals from Database
Many employers request listings of available candidates. Students and alumni who are actively seeking employment may register for this service.
On-Campus Interviews
Many employers schedule on-campus interviews with students and graduates. Employers represent a wide variety of industries and offer opportunities for virtually all areas of study.
Individual Assistance
Students may schedule appointments to meet with a professional staff member to review career plans, discuss resumes, or plan job-hunting strategies.
Workshops
The staff offers a regular schedule of workshops on job-hunting topics such as resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search techniques.
Career Fairs and Special Events
The Career Services Center sponsors several special events including a Career Fair, Teacher Job Fair, MBA Hire-In, and others.
Career Library
The Career Library contains many resources, such as:
Literature about employers who interview on campus
Directories of employers of new graduates
Information and applications from school districts
Job market information
Federal and state government positions and applications
Military careers
Books and videos about various career opportunities
Books and videos on preparing resumes, interviewing, and job hunting
Alumni Services
Graduates of Sam Houston State University may continue to use all the services of the Career Services Center throughout their careers. Many graduates use the services whenever they change jobs or make career moves.
The Career Services Center is located at the corner of Avenue J and 16th Street; telephone (936) 294-1713.
CHILD CARE SERVICES
SHSU offers students with children access to a convenient, affordable child care center. The goal of this new program is to make it possible for students with children to start or continue their education at SHSU. The Bearkitten Academy is a full-service, certified child care center, with qualified teaching and support staff. Emphasizing a solid education foundation, the center provides quality child care in a healthy environment which promotes learning and developmental growth for each child. Please call (936) 293-8877 for rates, hours of operation, and other information.
Professional counseling services are available to students in the Counseling Center, North Annex-Lee Drain Building. A team of professional counselors provides educational, vocational, and personal-social counseling to individuals and small groups.
Stress management training is an on-going program accomplished with biofeedback equipment. Students who need to choose a major may benefit from interests tests. Sigi Plus, a computerized career exploration program, helps students learn which majors lead to various careers. Computerized programs assist students in determining deficiencies in study skills and providing remediation in the needed areas. Students may seek assistance for problems with drugs or alcohol. Workshops are conducted which improve social skills and assertiveness training. A variety of vocational and guidance tests are available to assist the counselor in working with the student.
Students are encouraged to utilize any of these services as the need may arise. To the extent permitted by law, all transactions in the Counseling Center are strictly confidential. There are no charges except for the nominal fee for tests.
Individuals may schedule appointments by calling (936) 294-1720.
DISABLED STUDENTS SERVICES
The staff of the Counseling Center and Services for Students with Disabilities can assist disabled students with their various needs for assistance. Also, the Committee for Continuing Assistance for Disabled Students which is composed of representatives from the faculty and staff and is chaired by the Director of the Counseling Center, assists students with academic disabilities.
Students may, but are not required to, avail themselves of assistance provided for disabled students by contacting the Director of the Counseling Center at (936) 294-1720 for an appointment. Students may request assistance from individual faculty members, department chairs, or deans. The faculty member or administrator contacted should refer the student who is seeking assistance to the Chair of the Committee for Continuing Assistance for Disabled Students, (936) 294-1720.
Students with disabilities may avail themselves of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and computer work stations with large-print and speech output capabilities in the Newton Gresham Library and the Counseling Center and ADA office. Students may also request registration assistance by calling the Registrar's Office (936) 294-1040 or admissions information by calling the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (936) 294-1828.
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD). Instruments for the deaf are located as follows with corresponding telephone numbers:
Associate Vice President for Student Services: (936) 294-3785
Counseling Center: (936) 294-3786
University Police: (936) 294-3787
Office of Undergraduate Admissions: (936) 294-3788
Registrar's Office: (936) 294-3789
Faculty members will inform students of the existence of the Committee for Continuing Assistance for Disabled Students. Classes scheduled in buildings which are not accessible to the disabled will be rescheduled or rearranged as necessary through the Registrar's Office. Disabled students may also wish to become involved in Barrier Free, an organization which provides support and important information. Further information may be obtained by calling (936) 294-1376.
The Health Center, located on the corner of Avenue J and 16th Street, provides routine medical and minor emergency services to all currently enrolled Sam Houston State University students. The general operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, telephone (936) 294-1805.
There is no cost for a physician's visit. These visits, along with nursing visits are covered by the Student Service Fee paid at registration by all students. However, there is a charge for laboratory tests, prescription drugs, and certain procedures. These charges are considerably less than those charges in the general medical community. Payment is due at the time that services are rendered. The Health Center files only claims made on the University sponsored insurance plan. Other insurance claims must be paid at the time of service and the student is responsible for reimbursement from their insurance company.
In addition to medical treatment, the Health Center is available to all students as a resource for health education, prevention programs, and general health information. Students with questions about any health issue are urged to contact the Health Center.
The student health insurance is available through the Health Center. For applications, deadlines, information, and claim forms -- please contact the Health Center, (936) 294-1843.
LOWMAN STUDENT CENTER
The Lowman Student Center is the community center for all members of the university family -- students, faculty, administrators, alumni, and guests. It is more than a building; it is an organization and a program which together represent a well-considered plan for the community life of the university constituencies. The Lowman Student Center provides many of the services, conveniences, and amenities which members of the university community require in their daily life on campus. Dining facilities, meeting rooms, a theater, an art gallery, a recreation area which includes table tennis, billiards, and electronic games, a commuter lounge, computer equipped study carrels, a music listening room, a reading room, television rooms, are among the many facilities found in the LSC. The Student Center provides a convenient setting for informal association and interaction outside of the traditional classroom setting.
RECREATIONAL SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES PROGRAM
The Department of Recreational Sports and Activities offers broad-based recreational programming in the areas of Club Sports, Intramural Sports, Informal Recreation, Aquatics, Outdoor Recreation, and Special Events. Facilities managed by this department include the Health and Kinesiology Center (which houses four basketball courts, 1/8-mile indoor running track, ten racquetball courts, weight room, courts for badminton and pickleball), eight outdoor McAdams Tennis Courts, two outdoor sand volleyball courts, Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, two outdoor and one indoor swimming pools, and three athletic field used for Intramurals. Also available is the Pritchett Field Complex which includes two athletic fields used by club sports, a 1/4-mile outdoor running/walking track, and a weight room.
The informal relationships which are established through involvement in sport and recreational activities often become an integral part of a student's life. The department invites students to become active participants in one or more of the various forms of leisure-time activities available. For more information, visit the departmental offices located on the first floor of the Health and Kinesiology Center or call (936) 294-1985 or 294-1966.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
The Department of Student Activities provides leadership and advisement to the Program Council, approximately 200 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 Affairs
The Office of Multicultural/International Student Affairs 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 experience mentoring, retention, and leadership development programs enhanced by cultural understanding. The Multicultural/International Student Affairs Office 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 Government Association
The Student Government Association exists for the sole purpose of serving the student community. It is the political voice and liaison for the student body. The university recognizes the need and worthwhile contribution of student input in all facets of the university decision-making process. The Student Government Association has long been active in this regard and has worked for the betterment of student life and academic quality. The student body participates in the development and management of a well-rounded program of student activities by electing the Student Government Association officers and student senators. Each college within the university elects its representatives, the number being determined by the percentage of students majoring in the academic departments within the academic college.
Open meetings are conducted each Tuesday night. Students are encouraged to participate in their student government. Copies of the Student Government Association constitution and other information may be obtained from the Student Government Association Office which is located in the Lowman Student Center, Suite 318.
Student Organizations
A variety of student organizations provides university students 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.
Parking Permits
Students, full- or part-time, who operate or expect to operate a motor vehicle, motorcycle or motor-driven vehicle on university property are REQUIRED to register the vehicle with the Department of Public Safety-Services and obtain a parking decal assigning a designated area for parking. The university reserves the right to require proof of ownership of the vehicle being registered. Parking and Traffic Regulations and Information governing the operation of motor vehicles is issued with each parking permit and is available in administrative offices. Failure to read the regulations is not an excuse for failure to comply with the regulations.
University Police
University Police Officers are licensed peace officers as defined under the laws of the State of Texas. Their primary jurisdiction, under H.B. 391, includes all counties in which property is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of Sam Houston State University.
The University Police Officers subscribe to the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, a portion of which reads, "As a law enforcement officer, my fundamental duty is to serve mankind; to safeguard lives and property; to protect the innocent against violence or disorder; and to respect the Constitutional rights of all citizens to liberty, equality, and justice." In this endeavor, the University Police earnestly solicit the support of the faculty/staff and students. Many officers are students thus providing a balance within Public Safety-Services from a student's perspective.
In addition to University regulations, all the general and criminal laws of the State and the United States are declared to be in full force and effect within the properties of Sam Houston State University. All persons are responsible for compliance with those laws.
All thefts, vehicle accidents, ore other offenses that occur on campus should be reported immediately to the University Police. The University Police Building is located at 843 S. Sam Houston Avenue (Sam South) -- Telephone Number (936) 294-1794. Police Officers are on duty 24 hours every day annually. The Business Office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Safety Office
The University Safety Office is responsible for administering safety programs designed to assure a safe and healthful campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff. These programs include fire, health, and occupational safety, as well as safety audits and investigations of any unsafe conditions or safety hazards reported within the campus community. Any person noting a safety hazard on our campus is encouraged to report the condition to the Safety Coordinator as soon as possible, telephone (936) 294-1921. The Safety Office is located in the University Police Building, 843 S. Sam Houston Avenue (Sam South).
It is important that students be alerted to the need for legal counsel at an early stage of any controversy that he/she may be involved in. Thus, the Students' Legal Advisor counsels registered students about their legal problems twenty (20) hours each week. The office is located in the North Annex of the Lee Drain Building, and the advisor has scheduled hours that allow students with various schedules to easily obtain an appointment by calling (936) 294-1720.
All matters between the Students' Legal Advisor and the student are confidential--even the fact that the student has been in to see the advisor. No discussion is disclosed without the student's signed consent. Some areas of student concern are landlord/tenant, consumer protection, insurance, criminal, family law, traffic tickets, automobile wrecks, and employee rights.
The advisor often helps students through their legal problems by guiding them through self-help procedures plus the distribution of 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 those problems currently and in the future. However, when the problem is of such a nature that legal representation is immediately needed, referral to a practicing attorney in that area of law is made.
Students' Legal Services now offers mediation services. This is a fast, economical and confidential way to resolve disputes. Students sit down with a trained neutral third part (a qualified mediator) who facilitates an agreement between the parties. Mediation allows Students' Legal Services to help in the area of student to community disputes, but more importantly in the area of student to student disputes. At the present time, we offer these services to students in the areas of greatest need, e.g., (1) landlord-tenant, (2) family and child custody, (3) consumer protection, and (4) other miscellaneous interpersonal disputes.
The advisor is also available to speak to student organizations, residence halls, and classes whose subject matter involves legal areas.
VETERANS ASSISTANCE OFFICE
Veterans may request assistance with filing for V.A. benefits, late payment inquiries, changes in dependency status, address changes or changes of academic status (course load) by contacting the Veterans Assistance staff of the Registrar's Office.
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