Today@Sam Article
SHSU Polytechnic College Admissions Standards Among Items Approved By Regents
Nov. 22, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti
Admission standards for Sam Houston State University Polytechnic College were among the items approved by the Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents at their regular quarterly meeting Nov. 21-22.
The approved standards, aligned with those of TSUS two-year colleges, will enable SHSU to offer open admissions for students entering the Polytechnic College starting Fall 2025. The college will welcome students pursuing Level 1 and Level 2 certificates and applied associate degrees, including high school graduates, individuals with equivalent credentials, transfer students and others considered on a case-by-case basis.
Also in academics, permission was granted for the reorganization of the Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, effective Fall 2025. This restructuring aims to balance faculty, majors and student distribution while enabling faculty to concentrate on specific disciplines and pursue opportunities that align with their expertise.
Effective Fall 2025, authorization was granted for the following new programs:
- Undergraduate Certificate in Business Legal Analysis
- Undergraduate Certificate in Business Negotiation and Communication
- Associate of Applied Science and Level II Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Systems and Security and Level I Certificate in Computer Support Specialist
- Level I Certificate in Practical AI and Intelligent Automation
Approval was granted to change the title of the Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Equity and Inclusion to the Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice and Social Identity.
Faculty-led study abroad programs were approved. The initiative includes 20 courses in various disciplines, including biology, economics, foreign languages, nursing, management and others.
All academic affairs program changes are to be implemented upon final approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Permission was granted to exempt incarcerated individuals participating in an approved prison education program from paying the athletic, student service, medical and applicable program fees. This program is in partnership with Lee College and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Approval was granted to establish designated tuition at $20 per semester credit hour and a program fee of $225 per semester credit hour for courses offered by SHSU Polytechnic College.
The board authorized the university to set the tuition and mandatory fee rates for students solely co-enrolled in continuing education courses through centers and institutes located at SHSU and the corresponding SHSU course.
Under miscellaneous items, the naming of the Leroy Wilkinson Press Box was approved, honoring Wilkinson's nearly 50 years of service to SHSU. A proud Bearkat, he played on the 1963 NAIA championship baseball team and served as a radio color commentator for Bearkat football and basketball for 30 years.
Pamela Zelbst, a distinguished professor in the Department of Management, Marketing and Information was named a TSUS Regents’ Professor, a designation that recognizes faculty whose performance excels in research, teaching and service.
Authorization was granted for SHSU to confer the prestigious honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, upon esteemed journalist Dan Rather. This honor recognizes his exceptional support and contributions to the university's mission, values and goals. A proud alumnus, Rather earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1953.
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