Frequently Asked Questions

An off-site contact will be used to reset your password or PIN. It can be an e-mail address (not your SHSU e-mail address) or text message address (phone number plus carrier, ex. 936-294-1950@att.net), but you must have at least an e-mail address on file. They can be updated at any time once your account is active through SamWeb Click on IT@Sam, and then select Off-site Contact Preferences.

If you are currently employed by SHSU, you can also access these preferences through My Sam. From the Home tab, click on the Manage Off-site Contact Information link from the Manage My Profile channel.

What is a one-time token (OTT)?

A One-Time Token or OTT is a verification code used in the process of activating your account or resetting your password. A One-Time Token is NOT the same as a password or PIN and can only be entered in a designated One-Time Token (OTT) field. It can only be used once.

How can I set a password that meets complexity requirements?

Must have a minimum length of 15 characters.
Cannot contain your username or any of the parts of your full name.
Must not have been used previously.
Must be significantly different from previous passwords.
Passwords that increment (Password1, Password2, Password3 ...) are not acceptable.
It is strongly recommended that passwords contain a mix of upper case, lower case, and numeric characters or special characters (!@#%^&*+=?/~’;:,<>|\).

When will my password expire and how can I change it?

Computer account passwords are valid for 4 years. Change your password before the 4 years pass to retain access to your account. You can change your password by following any of the methods below:

On a campus PC, by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL and then Change Password
On a Macintosh, by selecting Apple, System Preferences, Accounts, clicking on your name, then Change Password

How soon can I activate my SHSU account?

Once you are accepted as a student or hired, an email is sent within 24 hrs to the email address provided on your applications or employment.

What is a SamID?

A SamID is a 9-digit assigned number that uniquely identifies you in the SHSU computer systems. This number is used in lieu of a social security number.

Prospective Students

How can I view the status of my application for admission?

Please visit the Admissions Office website for the most up to date instructions on checking the status of your application for admissions.

New Students

How can I activate my computer account?

Visit our Account Activation program.

How do I activate my email account?

Your email account is activated with your computer account.

How do I access Blackboard?

You can access Blackboard from the main SHSU website in the Campus Tools drop down. You can also log in at http://shsu.blackboard.com.

Current Students

How can I request a transcript?

Official and unofficial transcripts are available from MySam>MyAccount>Office of the Registrar. Please visit the Registrar's Office website for the most up to date instructions.

Alumni (Students who attended SHSU and received a degree)

How do I reactivate my computer account?

Visit our Account Activation program.

How can I request a transcript?

Please visit the Registrar's Office website for the most up to date instructions.

Will I still have access to the Newton Gresham Library's databases?

After leaving the university, you will no longer have access to the library's databases.

Former Students (Students who attended SHSU, but did not receive a degree)

How can I request or view a transcript?

Please visit the Registrar's Office website for the most up to date instructions.

Will I still have access to the Newton Gresham Library's databases?

After leaving the university, you will no longer have access to the library's databases.

Faculty / Staff

How can I activate my computer account?

Visit our Account Activation program.

How do I activate my email account?

Your email account is activated with your computer account.

How do I access Blackboard?

You can access Blackboard from the main SHSU website in the Campus Tools drop down. You can also log in at http://shsu.blackboard.com.

Retirees

What can I access now that I am retired?

Once your SHSU computer account is set to "Retiree" status, you will retain your access to:

MySam
SamWeb
E-mail (including aliases)

Can I still log onto the computers on the SHSU campus with my username and password?

After retiring, your account will continue to have access to the computers on the SHSU campus. Your S Drive will still be available.

Can I still use the SamNet wireless network on the SHSU campus?

You can still use the SamNet network, as long as you authenticate with your username and password.

Will I still have access to the Newton Gresham Library's databases?

After leaving the university, you will continue to have access to the library's databases.