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Financial & Family Resources
The Scholarship Team in the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office coordinates and administers Sam Houston State University scholarship programs
for all student classification levels. SHSU utilizes a streamlined application, Scholarships4Kats. This application dramatically simplifies the process for students by importing key information from their student data record and allowing them to be automatically considered for all relevant scholarships. A student has to be accepted to Sam Houston State University to apply for scholarships.
For more information on scholarships, visit shsu.edu/scholarships CHECKLIST FOR EVERYONE
Go to fafsa.ed.gov and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Check the status of your application or review your aid notification by following the instructions below.
Check the status of your financial aid application online at shsu.edu
■ Click on “Campus Tools” at the top of the page ■ Select the “My Sam” link and log in ■ Click on “My Account” tab ■ Click on “Financial Aid Requirements”
SMITH-HUTSON SCHOLARSHIP
The Smith-Hutson Scholarship Program is targeted toward individuals with demonstrated financial
need and academic potential. The scholarship provides educational opportunities for Texas high school graduates and transfer students from a Texas community or junior college pursuing a baccalaureate degree from Sam Houston State University.
Students awarded Smith-Hutson Scholarships may receive financial support up to a maximum
of $18,500 per academic year. Other scholarships and awards received by a student reduce the SmithHutson Scholarship by the amount awarded. The scholarship is renewed for a total of four years of undergraduate study (two years for transfer students) if the student maintains the scholarship requirements. To remain eligible for renewal, scholars must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 30 semester credit hours each year. All applicants are required to file for FAFSA. Smith-Hutson Scholars also benefit from tutorial support, mentoring, and professional development advising from program staff.
Application opens October 1st and closes February 1st.
■ After you are awarded financial aid, you may view and accept your awards through MySam by visiting shsu.edu
■ Click on “Campus Tools” at the top of the page ■ Select the “My Sam” link and log in ■ Click on the “My Account” tab ■ Click on “Financial Aid Awards”
■ If you accepted a Direct Subsidized/ Unsubsidized Loan, you must visit studentloans.gov and complete the following:
■ Entrance Counseling ■ Master Promissory Note (MPN) ■ Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement
■ If you accept a Direct PLUS Loan, a parent listed on the FAFSA needs to visit studentaid.gov, log in using their FSA ID and complete the following:
■ Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan ■ Master Promissory Note (MPN for Parent) ■ Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement
Estill Building, Suite 201 Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm shsu.edu/financialaid | 936.294.1774
Farrington Building, Room 111 Chris Garcia & Bryan Rodriguez shsu.edu/smith-hutson | smith-hutson@shsu.edu | 936.294.3116
CASHIER’S OFFICE The Cashier’s Office is the one-stop shop for all of your payment needs. They accept payment for all University charges such as tuition and fees, housing, dining, parking, and more. They also process contracts and exemptions, outside scholarships, and analyze student accounts. Get in touch with them anytime by emailing cashiers@shsu.edu. They can help with questions about payments, payment plans, billing and more.
WHERE PAYMENTS ARE ACCEPTED
IN THE CASHIER’S OFFICE
Cash, check, cashier’s check, traveler’s check and money order.
ONLINE
Online through your Student Account Center Electronic Check (ACH) or credit card (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, JCB, and China Union Pay).
BY MAIL
Checks, cashier’s check, traveler’s checks and money orders.
INTERNATIONAL & WIRE PAYMENTS
Visit the Cashier’s Office website for payment instructions at shsu.edu/dept/cashiers/paymentmethods.
EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS
External scholarship funds should be sent to the Cashier’s Office for processing. Donors should print and complete the Scholarships Donor Form on the Cashier’s website. Please mail check, form, donor form and other supplemental information to the Cashier’s Office. Scholarships begin to apply to your account balance approximately ten days before classes begin or seven to ten business days after received in office.
■ Make a payment ■ Sign up for a payment plan ■ Add an Authorized User (parent or other person who can pay on your behalf and view your financial information) ■ View Statements
PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS
■ Pay in full OR Enroll in a payment plan
Estill Building Room 103 Box 2273, Huntsville, TX 77341 Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm shsu.edu/dept/cashiers.index.html | cashiers@shsu.edu | 936.294.1083
BEARKAT ONECARD
The Bearkat OneCard is the official ID of Sam Houston State University. The Bearkat OneCard signifies your status as an active member of the SHSU community—serving as your official identification card and much more. As an SHSU student you are expected to have your active Bearkat OneCard with you at all times on campus.
HOW TO USE BEARKAT ONECARD
GETTING YOUR BEARKAT ONECARD
Have your photo taken in the Bearkat OneCard Office or request a card online. (You must present a valid state or government-issued photo ID in order to request a Bearkat OneCard). Once completed and you are registered for classes, your Bearkat OneCard will be mailed to you. Select your refund preference to activate your campus ID functionality at bearkatone.com.
Payments
Building Access
BANKMOBILE VIBE ACCOUNT
The BankMobile Vibe account is an optional account
designed specifically for students with access to the largest fee-free ATM network, money management tools and a one-of-a-kind recognition program.
■ Direct deposit your paychecks. ■ EasyDepositSM check capture through the BankMobile Vibe app. ■ Reload @ the RegisterTM at participating retailers with your Bearkat OneCard and add cash directly to your card at the register. ■ Transfer money from a 3rd party account into your BankMobile Vibe account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost. ■ Withdraw cash from over 55,000 fee-free
Allpoint® ATMs. Find an Allpoint ATM near you at allpointnetwork.com. ■ Use the Bearkat OneCard for everyday purchases anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted.
BENEFITS Activating your Bearkat OneCard will grant you access to the many benefits offered to at SHSU:
■ Meal Plans ■ Bearkat Bucks ■ Assigned residence hall access ■ Athletic & university sponsored events ■ Recreational Sports facility ■ Kat Klub ■ And more!
REFUNDS Students have control of how they receive
refunds from SHSU. Refunds may include but are not limited to: excess financial aid money, dropped class refunds, or Residence Housing deposits.
Students have two options for receipt of refunds:
electronic deposit to existing account or electronic deposit to BankMobile Vibe checking account.
CARD LOST OR STOLEN? YOU CAN ORDER A NEW CARD!
Bearkat OneCard Office | 936.294.2273 | Estill, Suite 103 | Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Bank Mobile | 1.877.BEARKAT after 5 pm and on weekends
@bearkatonecard
bearkatone.com
There will be a $25 fee placed on your fee statement for lost cards. If your card is stolen, please contact the Bearkat OneCard office immediately.
Student Money Management Center is a financial outreach and educational program designed to empower students to achieve financial independence.
shsu.edu/smmc
SCHEDULE COACHING SCHEDULE A PRESENTATION
THE CENTER PROVIDES
■ One-on-One Financial Coaching ■ Financial Workshops, Seminars, and Presentations ■ Online Personal Finance Education ■ Free Food Calendar
STUDENTS CAN LEARN ABOUT
■ Budgeting, Financial Aid Refunds, and Wages ■ Good Credit vs. Bad Credit ■ Setting Financial Goals ■ Identity Theft Protection ■ Student Loan Repayment
SHSU_SMMC @SHSU_SMMC @SHSU_SMMC
Estill Building, Suite 228 smmc@shsu.edu | 936.294.2600
START YOUR PROFILE IN
There are plenty of available opportunities both on and off campus and Handshake is the place to find them! Aside from getting paid, working while attending school benefits you!
shsu.edu/careerservices Grow your network of professional contacts
Gain valuable workplace experience
Acquire personal management skills and much more!
WORKING WITH FAMILIES PARENT & FAMILY RELATIONS
The Department of Parent & Family Relations understands the importance of working with families as part of a student’s support team and network. Parent & Family Relations facilitates communication between the university and family members. Together with the help of the University community they are here to serve you.
shsu.edu/parentrelations
Parent Portal
A new way to stay involved with your student and SHSU. Parents stay connected, students stay successful.
Create your parent profile today!
shsu.campusesp.com/signin
@BearkatParents SHSUParents
Parent & Family Relations Sam Houston State University parents@shsu.edu | 936.294.2714
As Bearkats, we’re part of an alumni family of 130,000 people and growing!
The SHSU Alumni Association supports the heritage and future of our institution by serving the interests of alumni, current students and friends of the university.
Joining the Alumni Association allows you to rekindle and strengthen
the relationships you made at SHSU. In addition to all of the perks you get for being a member, your membership allows the association to expand and improve the programs and services. Through alumni events, scholarships, and legislative advocacy, your membership helps make a difference. Simply put, your membership matters.
STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
The Sam Houston State University Student Alumni Association is dedicated to building strong relationships between the students of the past, present, and future. Our actions today will encourage university spirit, tradition, and honor preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
WHY JOIN SAA?
■ Bearkat membership kit including t-shirt, lapel pin, car decal and membership card. ■ Campus and community involvement opportunity and a place to make new friends. ■ Network with alumni in your career field. ■ Community service opportunities. ■ Traditions volunteer opportunities. ■ Members only events: ■ Welcome Back Party ■ Tailgating with FREE food ■ Holiday Reception ■ Spring Award Banquet
DOWNLOAD THE SHSU ALUMNI MOBILE KATAPP!
Sam Houston State University Alumni Association
@shsualumnassoc @SHSUAlumniAssoc
1605 Sam Houston Ave. Huntsville, TX 77340 alumni@shsu.edu | 936.294.1841
HISTORY & TRADITIONS
