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Office of the Registrar
Old Main • 806-651-4911
Registration and Enrollment
The way and time a student registers vary according to the student’s enrollment status: continuing, freshman or transfer student. Registration dates are on the academic calendar on Buff Advisor and in the University Calendar online at wtamu.edu.
Continuing Students Registration
Registration is offered beginning April 1 (or first business day following if April 1 occurs on the weekend) for summer sessions and the fall semester, and Nov. 1 (or first business day following if Nov. 1 occurs on the weekend) for the spring semester. Currently enrolled students are encouraged to register at this time. Registration occurs by student classification:
- First - graduate and senior students only.
- Second - junior students.
- Third - sophomore students.
- Fourth - freshman students.
- Fifth - newly admitted or re-admitted students.
New Freshman Students
In order for students who recently graduated from high school to register for the summer or fall semester, they are required to attend one of the New Student Orientations (NSO) offered throughout the summer. The Office of Admissions sends invitations for students to attend a NSO when they have met requirements to be fully admitted. Students unable to attend NSO during the summer must register the week prior to the fall semester starting. New freshmen starting college any semester other than fall will be notified by letter when to register.
Transfer Students
West Texas A&M University promotes opportunities for admission and enrollment of undergraduate transfer students through a series of resources aimed at providing support, encouragement and information to earn a four-year degree at WTAMU. The following are the most frequent resources utilized and beneficial to prospective transfer students:
- WTAMU offers articulation agreements with two-year institutions that assist students with course selections and course transferability; transfer plans help students understand the course work they may complete at community colleges toward an associate degree, as well as the bachelor’s degree at WTAMU.
- Transfer students from Texas public community colleges who meet certain requirements are notified of guaranteed admission to WTAMU. Students must meet one of the following conditions and apply by August 1 for fall-semester admission or by Nov. 1 for spring-semester admission:
- Earned an academic transfer (not vocational-technical) associate degree from a Texas public community college, or
- Completed 24 or more academic transferable hours (non-vocational-technical) from a Texas Public community college with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or greater.
Students who wish to be considered for admission under this guarantee program must submit a transfer application for admission by August 1 for fall-semester admission or by Nov. 1 for spring-semester admission.
- More information about transferring to WTAMU is available on the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website, wtamu.edu/admissions, or by calling 1-800-99-WTAMU.
Schedule of Classes
The best source of registration information is through My Buff Portal and click on Buff Advisor. Links to information related to key dates for semesters, classes offered and payment dates are available on the main page of Buff Advisor. This information, along with the ability to search for classes, is open to the general public. Specific information for a student can be accessed using a University-assigned user name and password once a student has been admitted to the University.
Academic Advising
The Office of Advising Services, a component of the University’s Student Success Center, exists to facilitate the partnership between advisers and students as all work together to achieve academic success. Academic advising is a vital process in which staff and faculty help students map out and achieve educational and life objectives. Involving more than selection of courses, it offers the opportunity for the student to talk with a knowledgeable and interested professional about academic and personal plans and to receive advice and assistance toward accomplishing those goals.
Student and adviser share in expectations and responsibilities. The adviser provides the most accurate information available, answers questions and makes suggestions, encourages use of appropriate campus and community resources, and offers assistance toward meeting educational and career goals. The adviser, however, does not make decisions for the student. Those decisions about educational choices belong to the student, who must make the most of the opportunities offered and maintain satisfactory academic performance. The ultimate responsibility for knowing and fulfilling degree requirements lies with the student.
In a student’s first semester of enrollment, academic advising and placement begin with review of ACT/SAT scores, Texas Success Initiative (TSI) exemption status or assessment scores, high school transcripts and previous college credit.
All undergraduate students must be advised and “greenlighted” (cleared to register) each semester:
- those with fewer than 30 hours, as well as undecided majors, most BGS (Bachelor of General Studies) majors, and most BAAS (Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences) majors, in Advising Services;
- those with 31-45 hours in Advising Services or in their major departments as determined by departmental preference; and
- those with more than 45 hours in the major departments.
Some programs recommend and a few require that all their major students, regardless of the number of hours completed, be pre-advised in the department before greenlighting in the Advising Services.
Students with 45 or more hours who have not be assigned an adviser, who wish to change their adviser, or who wish to change their major should contact the department of their major and request an appointment to complete a change of adviser/major form. Once completed, the form should be taken to the Office of the Registrar for updating of the student record.
During advising, the adviser will “greenlight” the student, making the student eligible to register in the web registration system, Buff Advisor, for the next semester. Advising and greenlighting for the next semester begin approximately one month after the beginning of fall or spring semesters. Students advised in the spring for the following fall semester are greenlighted for May intersession, both summer sessions and fall semester all at once.
Students who have not met all TSI requirements, regardless of the number of credit hours completed, must register in Advising Services; they are not eligible to use Buff Advisor (for registration only) until TSI is completed. The TSI-affected student with 45 or more hours must first be advised and greenlighted by the major departmental adviser and then further advised in the Office of Advising Services regarding TSI compliance.
New students admitted through the individual admission program (IA), must register in Advising Services; they are not eligible to use Buff Advisor (for registration only) until conditions of their probationary admission have been completed.
Developmental Education
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) focuses on using a statewide standard for assessing college-level readiness skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. All students who have not satisfied TSI requirements must enroll in developmental education or interventions in those areas needing remediation until such time as they pass the developmental course(s) or attain acceptable scores on the approved TSI assessment. Students who have met TSI requirements will be eligible for college-level courses in all areas.
Students who drop (any time after the 12th class day) or fail the same developmental education course for the third time will be developmentally suspended from the University for future semesters. Students who have been developmentally suspended and have not completed the sequence at another institution or passed TSI standards may appeal to be reinstated.”
Restrictions
Students should be sure to check and remove all restrictions from their record prior to attempting to register. Most restrictions will block students from registering for classes. Restrictions can be seen in Buff Advisor under “General Academic Information” and should indicate the office involved so the student will know who to contact for more information.
Registration Options
Buff Advisor
The University’s web registration system, Buff Advisor, is accessible through the WTAMU website homepage at wtamu.edu, then click MyBUFF portal. Directions are available through the help screen. To be eligible to web register, students must have attended the long semester prior or completed admission to the University, completed a Change of Adviser/Major form with their academic adviser, been advised and “greenlighted,” met requirements of TSI and cleared their record of any restrictions.
Advising Services
All students, including those who have not passed all sections of TSI, are required to visit with their academic adviser to be greenlighted each semester. Students who have not met TSI requirements are required to register in the Office of Advising Services. Students who have met TSI requirements and have a major should register through Buff Advisor.
Schedule Changes/Dropping Classes
Refer to the calendar on Buff Advisor for the last day to add or drop courses. Students wishing to drop all classes for a semester need to follow the withdrawal process. Classes dropped on or before the 12th class day in regular semesters (fourth class day in summer sessions) will not be reflected on the student transcript. Classes dropped prior to the last day to drop/withdraw will reflect a grade of “X” (drop passing). After midterm, classes may only be dropped with special permission and will reflect a grade of “X” (drop passing) or “XF” (drop failing), depending on whether the student was passing or failing at the time of dropping or withdrawing. Restrictions will prevent dropping classes on Buff Advisor.
Withdrawal from the University
Withdrawal is the dropping of all classes in a semester (with the option of returning). Withdrawing or dropping your last class cannot be accomplished through Buff Advisor. Withdrawing by the deadline can be done through:
Deadlines to Drop or Withdraw
- Check the University calendar (http://www.wtamu.edu/aspx/calendar_lg.aspx).
- For tuition and fee refunds, contact the Business Office or refer to the Schedule of Classes.
- If you drop a course or withdraw prior to the semester beginning, there will be no record of this on your transcript.
- 12th/4th Class Day - If you withdraw before the 12th class day (fourth class day for summer sessions) you will have no record of the semester except the notation “Student withdrew without earning credit (date)”.
- Courses dropped before the 12th/4th class day will show no record of the drop on your transcript.
- Courses dropped after the 12th/4th class day will appear on your transcript with the appropriate drop grade (X/XF).
- No enrollment, adds, or payments will be processed after the 12th class day (fourth class day for summer sessions).
- “Last day to drop or withdraw” - If you drop by the specified date for term, a grade of pass (“X”) is assigned for all courses that semester
A student who leaves the University without making arrangements to withdraw officially through the Office of the Registrar will automatically receive a grade of “F” in all classes in which the student is enrolled. Faculty members are not allowed to withdraw a student from the University or drop a student from a course.
Cancellation of Enrollment
The University may cancel enrollment of a student for reasons, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Failure to comply with TSI and/or the Developmental Education Policy.
- Disciplinary reasons.
- Failure to make timely payment of tuition and fees.
- Failure to remove administrative restrictions from student records (prior to the first class day of the semester).
- Other reasons as deemed appropriate by the University.
Explanation of Course Offerings
Semester Credit Hours
Students receive semester credit hours for all courses taken at WTAMU. A semester credit hour generally equals one hour of lecture or two to four hours of laboratory per week for 15 weeks.
Course Numbering System
- 0001-0999-developmental courses, do not apply toward a degree.
- 1000-2999-primarily freshman and sophomore level
- 3000-4999-open to students who have completed more than 30 hours and the departmental prerequisite.
- 5000-graduate stacked with undergraduate.
- 6000-master’s level.
- 7000-master’s/doctoral level.
- 8000-doctoral students only.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites are requirements which must be met before a course can be taken. Individual course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in the “Course Descriptions ” section of this catalog. Prerequisite exemptions can be made if approved in advance in writing by the appropriate department head.
Course Availability
Not all courses are offered each semester, summer session or intersession. Course rotation information can be found at https://apps.wtamu.edu/rotation.
Student Classification
A student’s class standing is not measured by the number of years attended but by the number of college-level hours completed.
0-29 hours-Freshman
30-59 hours-Sophomore
60-89 hours-Junior
90-plus hours-Senior
Student Course Load
Undergraduate
Fall/Spring Semesters
Full-time enrollment is a minimum of 12 semester hours. A normal semester for freshmen and students with at least a “C” average in college work is 16-17 hours. Physical education activity courses are considered part of the course load. Fewer semester hours should be taken by students with less than a “C” average. Enrollment in more than 18 hours requires approval from the student’s academic dean.
Intersessions
Students are limited to three semester hours (four hours if a lab science course) during an intersession due to the shortened time frame and format. Intersessions are available in winter (December/January) and in May.
Summer Sessions
Normal course load is six to seven semester hours per summer session. Full-time enrollment is six hours. Registration of more hours must be approved by the student’s dean before registration. A total of 15 hours for both summer sessions is the maximum load.
Graduate
Maximum semester load for graduate students is 15 hours per semester, seven hours during summer sessions. Course loads above the maximum may be approved by the candidate’s academic dean. Nine hours per semester is considered a minimum full-time load, six hours minimum per semester to receive federal financial aid.
Class Attendance
Attending class regularly is essential to your academic success. Students are responsible for attending classes for which they have registered. Students who miss classes for reasons of official University business will be given the opportunity to make up the missed work without penalty provided the student and/or the sponsor/coach of the official University activity informed individual professors prior to the absence.
Students called to active duty must withdraw from the University by notifying the Office of the Registrar of that intent in-person, by mail or by fax. If time allows, they should advise their professors of their departure.
If a student is hospitalized and family members need help with the notification of faculty, the Student Affairs office can provide that assistance. Whether or not the absence and any missed work will impact the student’s grade is at the discretion of the professor.
Residence Credit
Residence credit is granted for all scheduled classes offered by the University for which tuition is paid.
Residence Credit for Servicemembers
In accordance with Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), West Texas A&M University limits academic residence to no more than twenty-five percent of the degree requirements for all undergraduate degrees for active-duty servicemembers. Academic residence can be completed at any time while active-duty servicemembers are enrolled. Transferred credits must be from accredited institutions and in compliance with the University’s transfer credit policies.
Reservists and National Guardsmen on active-duty are covered in the same manner.
Active servicemembers who receive and submit orders to relocate or deploy, including activated Reserve and Guard members, should contact the Registrar’s Office in order to determine the action the University can take at that point in the semester. The Veteran Services Coordinator can also file this request on behalf of a servicemember.
The Veteran Services Office will review the orders and waive university residence requirements for active military members who are “ordered” to a new location for deployment or reassignment (e.g., military recruiters), in accordance with SOC requirements. The approved waiver will be sent to the appropriate dean’s office to file with the student’s record. Senior capstone classes, and similar courses, cannot be waived without department approval from the academic program.
Continuing Student Status
Students who enroll, pay fees and attend classes at WTAMU are in a continuing student status for the current and subsequent semesters. Reapplication to the University is required if a student fails to return for one long (fall or spring) semester. This includes students who enroll, pay registration fees and then withdraw prior to the 12th class day.
Auditing Courses
With permission of the instructor and approval of the department head, certain courses may be audited for non-credit. Individuals must be at least 19 years of age and have a high school diploma or its equivalent to audit a course. An audit fee of $20 per semester credit hour, or a maximum of $60, will be charged. Auditing status provides the privilege of class attendance only and does not include taking examinations, submitting papers or participating in laboratories, clinicals or performance activities (e.g., fitness and recreational activity courses, studio art, applied music, dance). If a course is filled with credit students, no audits will be allowed. No official University record is kept of audited courses. Information about courses for audit is available in the Office of the Registrar. Audit approval forms are available in the Office of Accounting and Business.
Changing Majors
Students with 45 or more hours wishing to change majors should make an appointment with a faculty adviser in the department of their new major. Students with fewer than 45 hours who wish to change majors should contact the Office of Advising Services. The adviser will visit with the student about the new major and complete a new Change of Adviser/Major form. A copy of the Change of Adviser/Major form will be sent to the Office of the Registrar to enter the new major and faculty adviser.
Intersession
Intersession is a mini-term of approximately 12-14 days typically offered immediately following the fall and spring semesters. Courses taken during intersession are considered part of the semester they precede for financial aid, grading and registration purposes. Students may take only one course during an intersession. Any student who has not met TSI requirements will not be eligible for intersession classes.
Distance Education
WTAMU is currently ranked in U.S. News and World Report as among the best online programs in bachelor’s degrees, M.B.A., graduate business, and veterans services. WTAMU is committed to providing learning opportunities to students beyond the conventional classroom, including online courses and online degrees.
Distance Education allows students to take courses through the World Wide Web without stepping foot on campus or inside a classroom. Most often students work from a remote location with an internet connection to complete assignments and exams in WTClass, the learning management system. Instructors and students interact through email communication, chat forums and discussion boards, usually asynchronously.
Distance Education courses can be synchronous or asynchronous. The first is similar to a traditional class where all the students meet at a pre-determined time. Asynchronous allows students who may be in other time zones or can’t meet during regular class times to work on the course when it best fits their schedule.
Courses offered through distance learning cover the same learning objectives as on-campus courses and, upon successful completion, grant the same amount of credit. Syllabi for all WT courses are available for viewing at syllabus.wtamu.edu.
Online Degree Programs
For more specific information regarding WT online degree programs contact the academic department.
State Authorization
WTAMU is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that allows students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions in another NC-SARA participating state. As such, students who are residents of member states may take WTAMU courses for credit. Students with residency in a non-member state must contact the Director of External Programming to confirm whether WTAMU is authorized to provide credit in their state.
Education on Demand
Education on Demand (EoD) extends University resources to meet the needs of learners whether they are for a group of casual learners or a college student in need of a credit course. This is accomplished through non-credit seminars, workshops, institutes, lectures, and contract training, as well as credit courses in self-paced, accelerated and semester-based formats.
For more information, call 806-651-2037or visit Education on Demand, wtamu.edu/eod.
Education on Demand Courses for University Credit
Education on Demand offers in-residence self-paced study, accelerated and semester-based credit courses. A maximum of 9 semester hours of any curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree may be completed through Education on Demand. A WTAMU student must have approval from his/her dean to begin course work through EoD. A grade for an EoD course will replace a grade on a WTAMU student’s transcript. EoD coursework will be considered for aid deferments, insurance, athletics, attempted hours and overall completion percentage, cumulative grade point average and tuition rebates.
Self-paced Study Courses
Self-paced study courses are available to start any time through Education on Demand. These courses suit students who need to take a course on an alternate timeline or want to enroll in courses outside of the University semester start dates. Self-paced courses are counted as part of the student’s load for the initial semester in which the enrollment was processed. For a catalog of available self-paced courses, call 806-651-2037 or visit wtamu.edu/eod.
Accelerated Courses
Two sections of accelerated courses, which are 6-weeks long, are offered during the long semesters. E1 courses are the first set of courses and generally begin one or two weeks after the long semester starts. E2 classes begin mid-semester and finish before the long semester ends. Accelerated courses accomplish all learning objectives of a course in a 6-week time period, much like a summer class. For a catalog of available accelerated courses, call 806-651-2037 or visit wtamu.edu/eod.
Semester-based Courses
Education on Demand offers American Sign Language I and II, Old Testament Studies, and New Testament Studies as on-campus semester-long courses, Pharmaceutical Use in Cattle as an online semester-long course. Semester-based courses follow all University rules and guidelines for long semesters. For a catalog of available semester-based courses, call 806-651-2037 or visit wtamu.edu/eod.
WTClass
WTClass (http://wtamu.edu/academics/distance-education-what-is-wt-class.aspx) is the learning management system through which students access their online courses. For each online course a student enrolls in, WTClass contains the syllabus, lessons, assignments, notes, resources, grade reports and communication the instructor provides.
Students use WTClass to access the course work. Lessons are posted by the professor with detailed lecture notes, reading materials or videos. Within the lessons, instructors post assignments which are turned in via a drop box. WTClass also contains a calendar allowing students to keep apprised of upcoming deadlines and exams.
Using the WTClass email, students have access to their professor as well as students enrolled in the class concurrently. So while students may never have face-to-face interaction with their peers and instructors, communication can flow freely between participants.
Smarthinking (http://students.wtamu.edu/wtclass/smarthinking.html), a free, online tutoring system, is available to students through a link on WTClass. Smarthinking offers live, on-demand tutoring where students work one-on-one in real-time with a tutor, communicating using a virtual whiteboard technology. Smarthinking tutoring is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Students planning to take an online class should reference the technical requirements (http://students.wtamu.edu/wtclass/requirements.html).
Email Address
All currently enrolled students will be given a West Texas A&M University email address. The address will consist of the first letter of the student’s name, first letter of the student’s middle name, the student’s full last name, plus a number beginning with 1@buffs.wtamu.edu. This will be the student’s email address for life. This email address will be deemed the official means of communication with the student.
Foreign Study
Students interested in studying outside the United States should contact their academic dean for more information.
Student Directory Information
Under provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, students have the right to withhold disclosure of directory information as listed.
(20 U.S.C. 1232g(b)(4)(a). Directory information consists of student’s name, local and permanent address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, classification, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight if a member of an athletic team, date of attendance, degrees, awards and honors received, enrollment status (part-time, full-time, undergraduate, graduate), the most recent educational institution attended and other information which would make the student’s identity easily traceable.
Students should carefully consider the consequences of a decision to withhold directory information as future requests from non-institutional persons and/or organizations will be refused. Filing a request to withhold information will also keep a student’s name from being listed for publication for honors such as Dean’s List or President’s List or in the graduation program. A request form to withhold directory information must be filed in the Office of the Registrar, no later than the 12th class day of the fall or spring semesters or fourth class day of summer sessions. A request to withhold directory information remains in place until the student informs the Registrar in writing to remove it.
Personal Information Changes
Students may initiate an official name change by presenting one of the following documents to the Office of the Registrar: birth certificate, court order, marriage license or divorce decree. Local or permanent address, phone or email updates should be done in person at the Office of the Registrar, through Buff Advisor or at wtamu.edu/registrar and following the instructions. A correction in social security number requires the student to bring the social security card to the Office of the Registrar for verification.
Photography and Recording of Students and Employees
West Texas A&M University reserves the right to photograph and record (through the use of still, video, audio or other medium) students and employees on campus and at University-sponsored functions and events. The University reserves the right to use, broadcast, distribute and/or publish any part of such images, likenesses, voices, appearances and/or performances for promotional, advertising, educational or other honorable purposes.
Grades
Grading System
The accompanying grade chart indicates grade symbols and their numerical equivalents for evaluating course work.
| Grade Symbol |
Explanation |
Grade Points |
| “A” |
Excellent |
4 |
| “B” |
Good |
3 |
| “C” |
Average |
2 |
| “D” |
Passing |
1 |
| “F” |
Failing |
0 |
| “P” |
Pass grade for developmental courses prior to 2002 fall semester |
- |
| “U” |
Fail grade for developmental courses prior to 2002 fall semester |
- |
| “I” |
Incomplete |
- |
| “X” |
Drop/withdraw prior to midterm (not calculated in GPA) |
- |
| “X” |
Drop/withdraw passing after midterm (not calculated in GPA) |
- |
| “XF” |
Drop/withdraw failing after midterm (calculated in GPA) |
0 |
| “S” |
Pass in CLEP, SAT, ACT and other specially approved courses |
- |
| “IP” |
Thesis/Dissertation in progress |
- |
NOTE: No grade of “D” can be used to satisfy a degree requirement in a program’s major requirements or major subject or as specified by the program. This rule includes transfer courses. A grade of “D” may be used to satisfy degree requirements for courses that are not listed as program major requirements or in the major subject and which are considered as elective, advanced elective, BA/BS requirements (if not specified by the program) and/or core curriculum courses. A grade for correspondence/education on demand courses which are taught by WTAMU faculty may be used to replace a “D” or “F” on a student’s transcript.
Incomplete Grade (‘I’)
A grade of “I” indicates a portion of required course work has not been completed and evaluated in the prescribed time period due to unforeseen, but fully justified (i.e. hospitalization, personal injury), reasons and that there is still a possibility of earning credit. It is the student’s responsibility to bring pertinent information to the instructor and request the incomplete option. Students electing the incomplete option must normally complete the required course work within the time designated by the instructor but not to exceed 12 months. If a student fails to complete the required course work within 12 months, the grade will be changed to an “F.” Once a grade of “I” is assigned by the instructor, the student cannot drop the course. Students who are given an incomplete do not re-enroll in the class to complete the “I.”
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The grade point average (GPA) is the average of end-of-term grades. A GPA can be figured for one term or, using the same method, a student can calculate the cumulative, or overall, GPA.
As an example, use the following grades for a semester:
To figure the GPA for a semester, first multiply the number of credit hours for each course times the numerical value of the grade (“A”=4, “B”=3, “C”=2, “D”=1, “F”=0). This will give the quality points for each course (e.g., to determine the grade point for English, multiply 3 x 2).
| Number of Credit Hours |
|
Numerical Grade Value |
|
Grade Points |
Course |
| 3 |
x |
2 |
= |
6 |
English |
| 3 |
x |
3 |
= |
9 |
computer |
| 5 |
x |
3 |
= |
15 |
math |
| 3 |
x |
4 |
= |
12 |
business |
| 14 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
Divide the total number of credit hours (14) into the total number of grade points (42) to calculate the GPA (3.0).
42 grade points ÷ 14 credit hours = 3.0 GPA
Repeating Course Work
It is the students’ responsibility to know what courses they have received credit for and to make sure they do not unintentionally repeat a course. If a student repeats a course at WTAMU, it is with the understanding that the last grade earned is the one to be counted toward fulfillment of requirements. To raise a grade, students may not repeat a course at another college or university, including a grade of “F,” received at WTAMU. The transferred work will not affect the grade point average (GPA) on the WTAMU transcript.
Students are charged a fee for any course attempted for a third or subsequent time at WTAMU other than a non-degree credit developmental course or exempted courses. For more information, refer to the “Repeated Courses - Third Attempt” document found on the Registrar’s Policies webpage (www.wtamu.edu/administration/registrar-policies.aspx).
Excess Undergraduate Credit Hours Rule
The state of Texas will not provide funds to state institutions of higher education for excess semester credit hours earned by a resident student. Because funding will not be provided by the state, and as permitted by state law, West Texas A&M University will charge tuition at the non-resident rate to all students who exceed the semester credit hour limit for their program. Excess semester credit hours are those which accrue after the student exceeds the allowable number of semester credit hours required for completion of the degree program in which the student is enrolled. Students may accumulate up to the allowable hours beyond the degree requirements and not exceed the limitation.
Allowable excess credit hours beyond degree requirements are:
- For students who began fall 1999 through summer 2006, 45 semester credit hours.
- For students who began fall 2006 and after, 30 semester credit hours.
Semester credit hours counted toward the limitation include all hours attempted by the student except:
- Semester credit hours earned by the student before receiving a baccalaureate degree that has been previously awarded.
- Semester credit hours earned by the student by examination or other procedure by which credit is earned without registering for a course for which tuition is charged.
- Credit for developmental education courses, technical courses, work-force education courses funded according to contact hours, or other courses that do not count toward a degree program.
- Semester credit hours earned by the student at a private or an out-of-state institution.
- Credit earned by a student before graduating from high school and used to satisfy high school graduation requirements.
Students who have exceeded the allowable number of semester credit hours may receive a waiver of the non-resident rate if they are in their final semester, will graduate pending successful completion of their course work for that semester and there are extenuating circumstances that precluded their graduation within the allowable number of semester credit hours. An appeal should be filed with the Office of the Registrar (form available on request) and a letter from the student’s academic dean verifying graduation eligibility must be included as supporting documentation. The Office of the Provost reviews submitted appeals and makes the final determination. Appeals for other extenuating circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Limitations on Number of Courses That May Be Dropped
Students who enroll as beginning freshmen (with or without previous college credit while in high school) at any Texas public institution of higher education beginning fall 2007 and later are subject to Texas Education Code 51.907, which was prompted by SB 1231 and passed by the 80th Legislature. An undergraduate student may not be permitted to drop a total of more than six courses, including any course a transfer student has dropped at another Texas public institution of higher education, after the institutional census date (usually 12th class day of fall and spring semesters and fourth class day of summer sessions).
Students may appeal a dropped course if they can provide documentation of extenuating circumstances related to the reasons for dropping the course (examples include severe illness or debilitating condition, death of a close family member, call to active duty). For more information about affected students, courses counted toward the drop limit and appeals, contact the Office of the Registrar in Old Main or at 806-651-4911.
President’s List and Dean’s List
Each fall semester and spring semester, undergraduate students are recognized for academic achievement if they earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher in at least 12 semester hours of “non-developmental” residence credit for which standard letter grades (“A,” “B,” “C,” “D”) are given. To receive this recognition, a student must have no grade of “F,” “XF” or “I.”
President’s List-4.00 semester GPA
Dean’s List-3.50-3.99 semester GPA
Grade Point Deficiency
A student whose WTAMU cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below the graduation requirements of “C” (“B” for graduate students) has a grade-point deficiency. This alone does not result in suspension from the University, but the deficiency must be removed in order for a student to fulfill degree requirements.
Academic Probation and Suspension
(Approved April 2009, Revised July 2010, Revised February 2015)
Procedure Statement
The intent of this procedure is to assist students with academic intervention and support at the earliest time possible.
Reason for Procedure
The purpose of Academic Probation and Suspension is to identify, warn, and provide assistance to students who are not making satisfactory academic progress. The procedure has four levels - academic warning, academic probation, academic suspension and academic dismissal. The semester grade point average (GPA) at the end of every fall, spring, and combined summer semester determines the academic status for the student. A semester GPA of less than 2.0 will result in academic warning, probation, or suspension depending on the student’s status at the beginning of that semester.
Procedures and Responsibilities
1.0 Definitions
1.1 Semester: fall, spring, or summer (The “Summer Semester” is inclusive of May Intersession, Summer I, and Summer II. The academic term from May through August is counted as “one semester.”).
1.2 Cumulative GPA: Grade point average for all courses in which the student received a grade at WTAMU.
1.3 Semester GPA: Grade point average for all courses in which the student received a grade during the identified semester.
1.4 Academic Warning (WRN1, WRN2, WRN3): issued to students whose cumulative GPA is 2.0 or above, but the semester GPA is below 2.0 or the student fails to successfully complete seventy-five percent (75%) of the semester credit hours in which they officially enrolled.
1.5 Academic Probation (PROB): issued when a student’s cumulative GPA is less than 2.0.
1.6. Continued Probation (CPRO): issued when a student was previously placed on probation and has not met the criteria to be removed from probation.
1.7 Academic Suspension (SUSP1, SUSP2: issued when a student does not earn a semester GPA of 2.0 or above while on Academic Probation.
1.8 Reinstatement to Probation (RPRO): when a student is returned to Academic Probation following Academic Suspension.
1.9 Academic Dismissal (SUSP3): issued when a student has twice been placed on suspensions and does not fulfill the conditions for reinstatement following the second suspension and reinstatement.
2.0 Procedure
2.1 Continued enrollment in an undergraduate program at West Texas A&M University is dependent upon a student maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward attaining a degree.
2.2 To assist students in maintaining satisfactory progress, West Texas A&M University has adopted academic standards designed to provide early identification of students who are experiencing academic difficulty, and to provide timely intervention through academic advising and academic support programs.
2.3 Delineation of Levels of Academic Standing
2.3.1 Academic Warning (see definition in 1.4): Academic Warning is the least severe of the levels in Academic Probation and Suspension and does not appear on a student’s official academic record. Academic Warning serves as an opportunity to address any academic difficulties with the goal of preventing a student from being placed on Academic Probation.
2.3.1.1 Students must meet with an advisor prior to each semester following inadequate performance to develop a plan and determine any necessary referrals to campus resources. Students must repeat this process every semester they are on Academic Warning.
2.3.1.1.1 Students who have earned less than 30 hours must meet with an Advising Services advisor.
2.3.1.1.2 Students who have earned 31 or more hours must meet with their academic advisor based on their major’s advising model (see www.wtamu.edu/advising). If the academic advisor is not available, the student should meet with the appropriate department head. If both the faculty advisor and department head are not available, the student should meet with the appropriate associate dean or dean of the college.
2.3.1.2 At the end of a semester in which a student is on Academic
Warning, the student will either
2.3.1.2.1 Be removed from warning status by earning at least a 2.0 semester GPA and completing at least 75% of the courses in which they are officially enrolled, or
2.3.1.2.2 Continue on academic warning (WRN2)by earning less than a 2.0 semester GPA or completing less than 75% of the semester credit hours in which they are officially enrolled but maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, or
2.3.1.2.3 Be placed on Academic Probation by earning less than a 2.0 semester GPA and their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, and
2.3.1.2.4 A student remaining on Academic Warning must follow the procedures outlined in section 2.3.1.1.
2.3.1.3 Students who have received three consecutive semesters of Academic Warning (WRN3) must consult with their College Dean or Associate Dean.
2.3.2 Academic Probation (see definition in 1.5): Academic Probation is an indication of serious academic difficulty that may ultimately lead to suspension from the University. Probation appears on the student’s academic record.
2.3.2.1 Students will be placed on Academic Probation at the end of any semester when their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.
2.3.2.2 Students placed on Academic Probation are required to be re-advised (greenlighted) and complete a Probation Conditions and Plan for Academic Improvement form. Failure to comply may result in the deletion of future semester registrations.
2.3.2.2.1 Students who have earned less than 30 hours must complete the Probation Contract and Plan for Academic Improvement with an Advising Services advisor.
2.3.2.2.2 Students who have earned 31 or more hours must complete the Probation Contract and Plan for Academic Improvement with their academic advisor based on their major’s advising model (see www.wtamu.edu/advising). If the academic advisor is not available, the student should meet with the appropriate department head. If both the faculty advisor and department head are not available, the student should meet with the appropriate associate dean or dean of the college.
2.3.2.2.3 The individual meeting with the student will complete the Probation Conditions and Plan for Academic Improvement and submit a copy to the Registrar, provide a copy to the student, retain a copy, and send a copy to the student’s faculty advisor if appropriate.
2.3.2.3 At the end of the semester on which a student is on Academic Probation, the student will either
2.3.2.3.1 Be removed from Academic Probation by earning a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above, or
2.3.2.3.2 Continue on Academic Probation by earning at least a 2.0 semester GPA but the cumulative GPA remains below 2.0, or
2.3.2.3.3 Be subject to Academic Suspension by failing to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher.
2.3.3 Academic Suspension (see definition in 1.6): Academic Suspension is an indicator of severe academic difficulty and appears on the students’ academic record. Academic Suspension allows the student time to reassess academic and career goals and/or resolve other causes for continued academic failure.
2.3.3.1 Students on Academic Suspension may not take courses nor participate in any extracurricular/co-curricular activities.
2.3.3.1.1 Students suspended the first time may not enroll for two consecutive semesters.
2.3.3.1.2 Students suspended a second time (after one reinstatement) may not enroll for three consecutive semesters (one calendar year).
2.3.3.1.3 Students failing to meet the reinstatement requirements following the second suspension will be dismissed.
2.3.4 Academic Dismissal (see definition in 1.8): following a second reinstatement after a second Academic Suspension, a student failing to fulfill the terms of his or her reinstatement contract will be dismissed.
2.3.4.1 Students dismissed by the university may only be reinstated under the university’s Academic Fresh Start procedure.
3.0 Reinstatement
3.1 Reinstatement after serving first Academic Suspension
3.1.1 Students serving a first Academic Suspension may seek reinstatement after a minimum of two semesters.
3.1.1.1 Students must Re-apply for admission using the EZ-Re-Entry Application for Admission found at the following site: https://apps.wtamu.edu/ez/.
3.1.1.2 An email or letter will be sent to the student regarding the need for submitting any additional information such as transcripts, etc. and if there are holds on the student records from the previous enrollment that need to be cleared. Students who attended another institution since last being at WTAMU must meet the university’s admission requirements on the transfer GPA.
3.1.1.3 A copy of the EZ Re-entry Application and other college transcripts will be forwarded to the appropriate Dean or Advising Services for review. Forms will be sent to the college in which the student plans to major.
3.1.1.4 The student will receive an email at that time to contact the Dean’s Office or Advising Services to make an appointment for completion of a “Reinstatement After Serving First Academic Suspension” form. This form will be sent to the Office of the Registrar to complete the re-admission process. In addition, a copy of the form will be given to the student, retained by the Associate Dean and a copy sent to the student’s academic advisor when appropriate.
3.1.1.4.1 Students who have earned less than 30 hours must submit the form to Advising Services. Please Note: Some departments require their students to meet with someone in the department regardless of the number of hours obtained.
3.1.1.4.2 Students who have earned 31 or more hours must submit the form to the appropriate college dean.
3.1.1.5 Once reinstated and readmitted, the student will be able to visit with an advisor to be greenlighted and enroll for the requested semester.
3.1.1.6 Students will return to the University on academic probation.
3.1.2 Students may appeal their first suspension by following the procedures outlined in Section 4.0.
3.1.3 Students reinstated may be required to complete testing, advising, and/or counseling, as considered necessary by Advising Services and/or college dean or associate dean.
3.1.4 Students reinstated may be required to take additional coursework designed to facilitate success, as considered necessary by Advising Services and/or the appropriate college dean or associate dean.
3.2 Reinstatement and/or Readmission after serving second Academic Suspension
3.2.1 Students serving a second Academic Suspension may seek reinstatement after a minimum of one calendar year.
3.2.2 After serving the suspension, a student may seek reinstatement and readmission to the University.
3.2.2.1 Students must reapply for admission using the “EZ Re-entry Application for Admission” found at the following site: https://apps.wtamu.edu/ez/.
3.2.2.2 Students must complete and submit the “Request for Reinstatement after serving a Second Academic Suspension” form found at http://wtamu.edu/webres/File/Administrative/Enrollment%20Management/Registrar/Request%20for%20REINSTATEMENT%202nd%20susp%2011%2009%2010.pdf
This must be completed in accordance with the time frame established by the Registrar. Please visit: http://wtamu.edu/administration/registrar-probation-suspension.aspx
3.2.2.3 The Academic Review Committee is the decision-making body for this request. The Committee will review each student’s documentation and render a decision.
3.2.2.4 The committee’s decision will be communicated to the student via email.
3.2.2.5 If approved, the student will be instructed to contact the appropriate Associate Dean’s office or Advising Services to make an appointment for completion of a “Reinstatement After Serving Academic Suspension” form. This form will be sent to the Office of the Registrar to complete the re-admission process. In addition, a copy of the form will be given to the student, retained by the Associate Dean and a copy sent to the student’s academic advisor when appropriate.
3.2.2.6 After this “Reinstatement Meeting” the student will be instructed to meet with the academic advisor for advising.
3.2.2.7 If approved, a student will be reinstated to academic probation. At the end of the semester in which enrolled, a student will either be removed from academic probation by earning a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, OR continue on academic probation by earning at least a 2.0 for the semester GPA but still having a cumulative GPA of below 2.0, OR be placed on academic dismissal from the university by failing to earn a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher.
3.2.3 Students may appeal their second suspension by following the procedures outlined in Section.
4.0 Appeal of Academic Suspension
4.1 Reinstatement without serving suspension is rare. However, mitigating circumstances may appropriately call for an appeal.
4.2 Students seeking first suspension, second suspension or dismissal appeal must submit the “Academic Suspension Appeal Form” (form available through the Office of the Registrar website) and any supporting documentation.
4.2.1 The appeal must be completed in accordance with the time frame established by the Registrar. Please visit: http://wtamu.edu/administration/registrar-probation-suspension.aspx.
4.2.2 The appeal will be heard by the Academic Review Committee.
4.2.3 While the appeal is being heard and processed, the student will be considered suspended and may not enroll in classes or participate in extracurricular activities.
4.3 If the appeal is granted by the Academic Review Committee, the student will return to Academic Probation. Reinstatement will follow the procedures outlined above in Section 3.0.
4.4 If denied, the student may appeal directly to the Associate Provost. The student must provide to the Associate Provost in writing the reason for the appeal and additional evidence to support the appeal. The Associate Provost will decide whether to meet with the student to consider the appeal. The Associate Provost will notify the student, Registrar, Advising Services, and the associate dean of the college in which the student will be returning of his/her decision.
For more information, contact the WTAMU provost/vice president for academic affairs at 806-651-2044.
Transcripts
Official West Texas A&M University transcripts (permanent academic records) are available from the Office of the Registrar.
Currently enrolled students may request transcripts in writing in person at the Office of the Registrar, located in Old Main, or via an email from their @buffs.wtamu.edu email account which includes the student’s name and WTAMU ID number. Additional information about where to send the transcript or if they want it held for pick-up needs to be included also. Transcripts for currently enrolled students are free of charge and are processed on Fridays.
Former WTAMU students must order transcripts online at www.wtamu.edu/transcripts. A processing fee is charged per transcript. Certified PDF electronic transcripts are $3.55 and paper transcripts are $4.55.
Tuition and Fee Refund Procedure
Section 54.006 of the Education Code sets the policy for refund of tuition and mandatory fees to students who withdraw from the University. That policy for withdrawals is as follows:
If a student withdraws during a fall or spring semester or a summer term of 10 weeks or longer, the refund is as follows:
| (A) prior to the first class day |
100 percent (less $15.00 matriculation fee) |
| (B) during the first five class days |
80 percent |
| (C) during the second five class days |
70 percent |
| (D) during the third five class days |
50 percent |
| (E) during the fourth five class days |
25 percent |
| (F) after the fourth five class days |
None |
If a student withdraws during a term or session of more than five weeks but less than 10 weeks, the refund is as follows:
| (A) prior to the first class day |
100 percent (less $15.00 matriculation fee) |
| (B) during the first, second, or third class day |
80 percent |
| (C) during the fourth, fifth, or sixth class day |
50 percent |
| (D) seventh day of class and thereafter |
None |
If a student withdraws from a term or session of five weeks or less, the refund is as follows:
| (A) prior to the first class day |
100 percent (less $15.00 matriculation fee) |
| (B) during the first class day |
80 percent |
| (C) during the second class day |
50 percent |
| (D) during the third class day and thereafter |
None |
The refund is calculated on the total cost of tuition and mandatory fees charged for the courses in which the student was enrolled prior to withdrawal.
If a student drops a class on or before the census date of the semester (12th class day for fall and spring semesters; 4th class day for summer terms) and remains enrolled in a least one course for that term, the tuition and mandatory fees for the dropped class will be refunded to the student.
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