Nov 02, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Student Services and Support


 

Bookstore

Owned and operated by the University, the University Bookstore has locations in the Jack B. Kelley Center and  the Amarillo Center. The bookstore stocks all texts and supplies required for class work, as well as personal and specialty items such as WTAMU apparel and gifts. For more information, access the website at wtbookstore.com.

Buff $mart

Buff $mart improves students’ understanding of financial literacy concepts and services, empowering students to make informed choices to improve their financial well-being. We provide money management workshops, classroom presentations, on-on-one peer financial coaching, outreach programs and online resources. Our services are for currently enrolled students and cover topics such as budgeting, understanding financial aid, credit management and money management after college.

Buffalo Gold Card

Buffalo Gold Card is the ID card system at WTAMU. All students receive an ID card their first semester at the University. Buffalo Gold Card works in the following ways:

  • Photo identification.
  • Virgil Henson Activities Center (VHAC) access card.
  • Hastings Electronic Learning Center (HELC) access card.
  • Library card.
  • Copy card.
  • Meal card.
  • Access card to residence halls (currently Cross Hall, Jones Hall and Shirley Hall only).
  • Athletic privilege card-Each student receives one ticket to all athletic events (except playoffs).
  • Debit card for use on and off campus-BuffCASH.

For more information, access the website at buffalogoldcard.com.

Career Services

The Office of Career Services, located in the Student Success Center of the Classroom Center (Classroom Center 113), assists students with choosing majors and conducting career exploration as well as finding part-time employment, internship opportunities and full-time jobs.

Working in a part-time job for some students is vital for them to help pay for college. Career Services assists students with finding part-time jobs through electronic listings of available jobs, both on and off campus, as well as volunteer opportunities.

Career Services also provides guidance to undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni who seek help with formulating and implementing career plans. Students deciding on a major or needing to know what careers are available for particular majors are encouraged to visit Career Services.

Internships combine traditional on-campus academic work with practical on-the-job training or experience in a student’s major prior to graduation. Students are assisted in finding paid internships, paid when possible, which are either full- or part-time, that provide hands-on applications of classroom experiences. Academic credit may be available for some work experiences. Make plans to visit with the staff in Career Services to find out more information about interning.

Career Services offers graduate job-search assistance, workshops on resume development, interviewing and job-search strategies; mock interviews; on-campus interviewing; job fairs; and an online database of job opportunities.

For more information, contact the Office of Career Services at 806-651-2345, wtcareer@wtamu.edu or wtamu.edu/career.

Child Care

Kids Kollege, located in Virgil Henson Activities Center, Room 116, is a state-licensed child-care facility that serves the University and surrounding communities year round. Children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years are eligible to register. Kids Kollege provides classrooms for ages 18 months to 2 years, 2 years, 3 years and 4 to 5 years. Scheduling options are flexible, and discounted rates are available for University students.

For more information regarding availability and registration, contact Kids Kollege at 806-651-2974 or wtamu.edu/kidskollege.

Computer Labs

Multiple computer labs are located across campus, some to serve specific educational departments, and others available to all WTAMU students.

The Hastings Electronic Learning Center (HELC) is home to almost 300 computers that are available to all students; included in this facility is an open-access lab and multiple computerized classrooms containing both Windows and Apple state-of-the-art computers. The HELC is open 24 hours per day during spring and fall semesters. A valid WTAMU ID is required to use the open access lab. Software available for use meets all University needs and includes current Windows and Apple operating systems, current Microsoft Office apps, as well as department-specific specialized software. Additional Windows and Mac computers are available for student and public use in the Cornette Library.

Department-specific computer labs are located conveniently across campus for academic programs in:

  • Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics
  • Electrical Engineering, Communications
  • Computer Information and Decision Management (CIDM)
  • Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts
    • Digital Media and Design
    • Audio suites for the WT radio station (KWTS)
    • Music Lab
    • Design Lab used by the Art, Theatre and Dance Department for stage production
    • Communications, Speech and Debate practice and tutoring
    • Speech and Debate
    • The Prairie (University newspaper)
  • Bivins Nursing Learning Center (BNLC)
  • Classroom Center
    • Testing Center
    • Writing Center
    • Science, English, and Math Tutoring Center
    • Student Disability Services Testing Center
  • Veterans Lounge

In addition, WT students in Amarillo enjoy a large computer lab at WT’s Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. The computers and services available there are similar to those available in the HELC.

Students’ printing needs are met using the cloud-based Buffprint system. Buffprint printers are located in most academic buildings as well as some residence halls. Students can also print on multiple high-capacity printers in the open-access lab in the Hastings Electronic Learning Center and the library. Each active student receives an abundant quantity of available prints for each semester’s printing needs.

Cornette Library

The Cornette Library was constructed on the campus of West Texas A&M University in 1974 and named after the third president of what was then West Texas State University, Dr. James P. Cornette, and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Cornette. The spacious 88,900 square-foot facility is located in the center of campus and as a facilitator of discovery, keeper of knowledge, and destination for study and reflection, offers students access to and use of private and public study spaces, computers, a coffee shop, and library resources, including approximately 1/4 million book titles in a variety of formats and nearly 200 databases. Cornette Library staff has as their mission to provide traditional and technology-rich academic resources and services and positive and successful library experiences that connect people at all academic levels with information and promote the development of information literacy skills. The library is also a federal depository for U.S. government documents and the home of the University Archives and the Texas Poets’ Corner.

English as a Second Language International (ESLI) Language Center

The ESLI University Language Center, located in the Old Student Union Building (SUB), prepares students in intensive English training for entrance to the University. Students may enroll and begin study in ESLi courses at the beginning of the fall, spring, or summer sessions. Upon successful completion of the ESLI program, the student is admitted to the University and does not need a TOEFL score.

The ESLI program is intensive with 25 hours of instruction each week during fall and spring sessions and approximately 30 hours each week during the summer session. Courses include reading, writing, listening and speaking, grammar, and i-skills. ESLi techniques include cultural context students need by involving them in academic excursions and recreational activities. ESLI has caring, empathetic directors and instructors who provide a friendly, professional and individualized learning environment. They also assist students in airport pick up, banking procedures and general orientation. All activities are part of the interactive immersion in the ESLI program. Prospective students should contact the ESLi office at (806)651-2980 or ysaenz@mail.wtamu.edu for more information and an application. Additional information is available online at esli-intl.com.

Judicial Affairs

The judicial process at West Texas A&M University is designed to hold students accountable for behavior deemed unacceptable, to educate students to make better choices and to provide students with due process, as defined by the law. The Code of Student Life outlines community expectations and can be found online at (http://www.wtamu.edu/about/university-reports.aspx)  or hard copies are available in the Office of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success, located in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Suite 102.

Labs-Writing and Math

To aid in academic success, labs are available in writing and mathematics. Each lab is operated by its academic department and staffed with graduate assistants and upperclassmen who have excelled in their work. The Math Lab assists students enrolled in development-sophomore level math classes. The Writing Center serves as informed readers, providing assistance for specific challenges encountered by writers and promoting good writing across disciplines. In addition to proofreading for errors, The Writing Center can provide feedback and guidance. A combination of computer software, textbooks and one-on-one assistance is used to help students. Hours of operation vary each semester due to teaching and class schedules.

Labs and Locations

  • Writing Center-Department of English and Modern Languages, Student Success Center, Classroom Center.
  • The Math Lab-School of Engineering, Computer Science and Mathematics, Classroom Center, Room 411.
  • Virtual Math Lab-wtamu.edu/mathlab.

Leadership Programs

Leadership skills are essential to career success and are skills that will last long after the college experience. WTAMU offers various leadership programs to assist students in developing these critical skills. Students are invited to join Leadership Board, an organization devoted to promoting the value of leadership on campus. This goal is accomplished through numerous programs and retreats designed to encourage discussion and education about leadership principles. A leadership retreat is planned for each spring semester, with the spring retreat usually consisting of a snow-skiing trip.

For more information, call 806-651-2313 or see the website at wtamu.edu/leadership.

Emerging Student Leaders Academy

Emerging Student Leaders Academy is intended for freshman and sophomore students or new leaders of student organizations. Using the Habitudes curriculum, students embark upon a self-leadership journey to help guide them in their academics, job, and lives. Students can then take these leadership principles back to their organizations and apply them immediately.

Medical Services

Students are covered for general primary outpatient medical care at the Office of Medical Services, located in Virgil Henson Activities Center, Suite 104. Medical Services is staffed with a board-certified family physician, two nurse practitioners, two registered nurses and a registered X-ray technician. The clinic is open Monday through Friday; appointments are required. There are minimal charges for lab, X-ray, pharmacy and minor procedures; however, there is no charge for office visits. Student Medical Services is filing insurance claims and students are encouraged to bring their insurance cards to each visit. Emergency care is available 24 hours a day to students at the student’s expense through Family Medicine Center of Canyon.

Student health insurance is available for students at a moderate cost. Information is available through the Office of Medical Services. For more information, access the website at wtamu.edu/medicalservices.

Parking

Any car parked on campus must have a parking permit or risk being ticketed. Parking is enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Permits are good for an entire academic year ending in August. Students have their initial parking permit paid for with their tuition and fees by simply going to http://www.permitsales.net/WTAMU and placing an order using their official WT email address (all parking citations have to be paid prior to placing an order). Vehicles with temporary license plate numbers may be registered, but must be updated once actual plates have been received. Students are entitled to 21 days of free temporary parking permits, per semester. Replacement or additional permits, if needed, may be obtained at the Parking Services office, which is located in the Old Student Union Building (Old SUB) on the west side of the WTAMU campus on 23rd Street.

Police

The University Police Department (UPD) is a full-service police department dedicated to serving the needs of the University community. UPD is recognized with state accreditation through the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition Program. Highly trained police officers investigate all offenses occurring on University property and have jurisdiction locally in both Randall and Potter counties. UPD officers are available to assist with any problem 24 hours a day, seven days a week. UPD officers and administrators are available upon request to present proactive programs relating to sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, self-defense, crime prevention and active shooter.

Students, faculty and staff members are required to register their vehicles and obtain a parking permit. Parking rules and regulations are made available in the online process or a copy may be received by visiting Parking Services. The Uniform Traffic Act is strictly enforced at WTAMU and blatant moving violations will be issued state citations and handled by courts.

UPD may be contacted 24 hours a day at 806-651-2300.

Post Office

The WTAMU Post Office is located in the area between the Jack B. Kelley Student Center Food Court and the University Bookstore. It is a full-service post office.

Shuttle Bus Service

Monday - Friday (four buses)
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Monday - Thursday (one bus)
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

There are eight shuttle bus stops: (A bus tracker is located at the top right corner of the WT homepage.)

  • First United Bank Center (two stops) - northwest and northeast corners (Zone 27)
  • 4th Avenue - south of Agriculture & Natural Science Building
  • Pedestrian Mall - west side, by Jack B. Kelley Student Center
  • Russell Long Blvd. - north of Fine Arts Complex
  • Russell Long Blvd. - north of Virgil Henson Activities Center
  • Campus Evolution Villages - 47 Valley View Road, on the east side of the complex (Mornings - 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Afternoons - 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) Bus 1-53 has the letters CEV (Campus Evolution Villages) on the right side
  • Legends Canyon Apartments - 50 Valley View Road. (Mornings - 7:40 a.m. and 8:40 a.m. Afternoons - 12:40 p.m., 1:40 p.m., 3:40 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.) Bus 1-53 has the letters CEV (Campus Evolution Villages) and LCA (Legends Canyon Apartments) on the right side.

Note: Parking permits are required on all University parking lots including, the First United Bank Center (Zone 27) and the parking lot north of the Sports Complex (Zone 17).

Student Counseling Services

Student Counseling Services is located in the Student Success Center of the Classroom Center, Suite 116. It is staffed with licensed mental-health professionals who are available for regular appointments as well as for crisis intervention sessions. Any student who is experiencing emotional difficulties, such as worry, anxiety, depressed mood, grief, relationship issues, or any other emotional problem, is eligible for 10 free counseling sessions per year. Career counseling is also available.

For more information, contact Student Counseling Services at 806-651-2340 or access the website at http://www.wtamu.edu/counseling.

Student Disability Services

Students with documented special needs or disabilities should contact the Office of Student Disability Services for assistance. Accommodations are determined on an individual basis. Accommodations provided may include:

  • Extended time on tests
  • Distraction-reduced environment for testing
  • Note-taking assistance
  • Oral Testing
  • Audio textbooks
  • Sign language interpreters
  • Physical arrangement to ensure classroom accessibility

For more information, contact the Office of Student Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center of the Classroom Center Room 106, at 806-651-2335 or wtamu.edu/disability.

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
  • Buff $mart
  • Career Services, CC Room 113
  • Educational Services (tutoring, testing, supplemental instruction, and study skills), CC Room 108
  • Financial Aid Satellite Office, CC Room 115 C
  • First-Year Experience Programs,  CC Room 133 B
  • Nationally Competitive Scholarships, CC Room 115
  • Student Counseling Services, CC Room 116
  • Student Disability Services, CC Room 106
  • 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).

Supplemental Instruction

Supplemental Instruction is an academic assistance program designed to increase student grades through the use of group study techniques. SI is offered primarily with history, political science, accounting, Spanish, biology and chemistry core classes. Attendance at SI sessions is open to all students in the class but is strictly voluntary.

For more information, contact the Office of Educational Services, located in the Student Success Center of the Classroom Center, at 806-651-2341 or wtamu.edu/SI.

Testing Services

Testing Services is responsible for coordination and administration of standardized tests. Registration materials for many standardized tests are available in the Office of Educational Services. Tests include ACT, CLEP, DANTES, GRE, LSAT, TSI Assessment, Residual ACT, Practice TExES, TExES and TOEFL. The Residual ACT is offered at the beginning of each semester to serve students who have not taken the examination or need to improve previous scores for admission purposes. Correspondence examinations are administered through the department for WTAMU students and students needing to take correspondence examinations from other universities.

 

For more information, contact the Office of Educational Services, located in the Student Success Center of the Classroom Center, CC 108, at 806-651-2341 or wtamu.edu/testing.

Tutoring

Tutoring is available free of charge through the Office of Educational Services. Tutors are generally juniors, seniors or graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge in their subject area. Tutoring is available primarily in core curriculum courses. Placement with a tutor is not guaranteed, as placement is dependent upon tutor availability.

To apply for tutoring, contact one of the following offices:

  • Educational Services-located in the Student Success Center, Classroom Center, CC 108, 806-651-2341, wtamu.edu/tutoring.

Veteran Services

Veteran Services provides services and programs that support the personal and academic successes of current and prospective student veterans, active military, and military dependents.

Staff includes a veteran who is a licensed professional counselor with experience in both personal and career counseling. A veterans administration (VA) certifying official is on staff to help complete and submit the educational benefits paperwork. 

Veteran Services is available to veterans:

  • Help with application for either state (Hazlewood Exemption) or federal (GI Bill) benefits;
  • Help complete educational benefit paperwork and course certifications;
  • Review degree plans;
  • Issue referrals if needed;
  • Transition to the educational environment.

Veterans are eligible for priority registration.

Veterans Services is located in the Student Success Center, Classroom Center, Suite 108, 806-651-4936 or by email at veteranbenefits@wtamu.edu.