Oct 05, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

First-Year Success Programs


Designed to build a foundation for student achievement, first-year success programs at West Texas A&M University welcome and introduce all prospective and entering students and their families to the University’s student-centered learning community. These programs help students new to WTAMU make the transition from their previous environments to the academic, intellectual and social cultures of the University.

Discover WT

Students considering attending West Texas A&M University participate in these energy-filled events where the quality educational, social and cultural experiences available at WTAMU are showcased. The event is often the first exposure prospective students have to academic programs and campus organizations offered by the University.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO), part I of the orientation experience, is an academic orientation program offered during the summer and beginning of each long semester for students new to the West Texas A&M University. During the event, entering freshman and transfer students begin to learn skills to be successful at WTAMU, as well as register for classes. Students will develop a network of support and understand the differences between high school and college so that they may make a successful transition into university life.

First-year students unable to attend one of the summer orientations must attend the NSO offered the beginning of the long semester of entry. Any student registering during a NSO held after the priority registration deadline will be charged a late fee.

Buff Branding

Buff Branding, part two of our new student orientation experience, is a first-year success program designed to help first-year students get the most out of their college experience by learning about the West Texas A&M University campus culture and traditions. The program, a campus tradition for more than 25 years, takes place the weekend prior to the first class day.

Readership WT

Readership WT is a program that provides new students with a shared connective educational experience that sets the expectation for a culture of learning through the reading of a common book.

Convocation

The convocation ceremony is the traditional culminating orientation event tied to the Readership WT initiative that inspires first-year students to embrace the culture of learning. All new students, as well as the WTAMU community, will be invited to participate in this academic tradition. The ceremony is a special event where faculty dress in their academic regalia in order to welcome new students, reinforce traditions of the University, encourage students to become engaged members of the student body and provide suggestions for academic success.

IDS 1071

This First Year Seminar teaches new students the skills necessary for academic, personal and professional success. The course is taught by engaging instructors who have been hand selected to inspire and motivate students.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is a one-stop, student-centered support community located on the first floor of the Classroom Center, just down the hall from the University Bookstore. Services and programs within the Student Success Center include:

  • Advising Services, CC Room 110.
  • Career Services, CC Room 113. 
  • Educational Services (testing, tutoring, supplemental instruction, study skills), CC Room 108.
  • Financial Aid Satellite Office, CC Room 115.
  • First-Year Experience, JBK Room 133 B.
  • Nationally Competitive Scholarships, CC Room 115 B.
  • Student Disability Services, CC Room 106.
  • Student Counseling Services, CC Room 116.
  • Study Abroad, CC Room 115 A.
  • Transfer Services, JBK Room 133 A.
  • Veterans Services, CC Room 108 K.
  • Writing Center, CC Room 107.

For more information, call 806-651-CARE (2273) or come by the “Hub” (front counter of the Student Success Center).