Dec 10, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

WTAMU at a Glance



The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student, faculty or staff member of West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System. This catalog is for informational purposes only. The University reserves the right to change or alter any statement herein without prior notice. This catalog should not be interpreted to allow a student that begins his or her education under the catalog to continue the program under the provisions in the catalog.

General Purpose of the Catalog

This catalog is an official bulletin of West Texas A&M University and is intended to give general information concerning procedures and fees in effect when the catalog was published. WTAMU reserves the right to make changes at any time to reflect current board policies, administrative regulations and procedures, amendments by state law and fee changes. Students are responsible for observing the regulations contained herein; therefore, they are urged to read this catalog carefully. This catalog does not contain all University rules for which a student is responsible. Students should also consult other publications such as the West Texas A&M University Code of Student Life, Residential Living Handbook and specific contracts.

Equal Opportunity Institution

West Texas A&M University offers all of its educational opportunities and extracurricular advantages to students without regard to race, creed, national origin, gender, age or disability, except where gender, age or disability is a bona fide occupational qualification. WTAMU is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity institution.

Statement Concerning Disabilities

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.s 794, as amended), University programs and activities shall be conducted in such a manner that no otherwise qualified individual shall, solely by reason of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any such program or activity. The director of student disability services is the University’s disability compliance coordinator.

Education Code § 51.936 requirement to publish a summary of Education Code Ch. 37, subchapter F. Hazing in the University Catalog

The following is a summary of Chapter 37, subchapter F. (§§ 37.151-157) of the Texas Education Code, which prohibits hazing in Texas public or private high schools. Texas Education Code § 51.936 applies Ch. 37’s prohibition on hazing to institutions of higher education. This summary of Chapter 37 is provided as required by § 51.936(d).

Hazing is a criminal violation under Texas law. A person may be found guilty of criminal conduct for hazing, encouraging hazing, permitting hazing, or having knowledge of the planning of hazing incidents and failing to report in writing his or her knowledge to the Office of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success.

Both failing to report hazing and hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury are Class B misdemeanors. Hazing that results in serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor. Hazing resulting in death is a state jail felony. An organization found guilty of hazing may be fined $5,000 to $10,000 or, for incidents causing personal injury or property damage, an amount double the loss or expenses incurred because of the hazing incident.

It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing activity.

Any person reporting a specific hazing incident to the Office of the Vice President for Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success or other appropriate institutional official is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is in bad faith or malicious.

This state law does not limit or affect an educational institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing.

The Education Code defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.” The statute contains a list of conduct which constitutes hazing.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Notice

Annually, West Texas A&M University informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings, and to submit an explanatory statement for inclusion in the education record if the outcome of the hearing is unsatisfactory.

Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the act. Written complaints should be directed to:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office
Department of Education
Switzer Building, Room 4074
Washington, D.C. 20202

Local policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with provisions of the act. Copies of the policy may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar, located in Old Main, Room 103, on the WTAMU campus. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Office of the Registrar.

Accreditation

West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA. 30033-4097, telephone (404)679-4500, www.sacscoc.org, to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate (3 or fewer) degrees, Level V category.

The University has programs accredited by:

  • The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Texas Education Agency (TEA)
  • The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)
  • The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
  • The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
  • The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs (CAATE)
  • Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
  • The Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET
  • The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • The American Communication Association (ACA)
  • The National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST)

West Texas A&M University also holds membership in the American Council on Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the Association of Texas Graduate Schools and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

West Texas A&M University

Mission

West Texas A&M University is a diverse and inclusive student-centered community of learners that:

  • provides a technology-rich, academically rigorous educational experience at the undergraduate and graduate levels;
  • cultivates opportunities to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, information literacy, and ethical behavior;
  • directs resources in support of empowering co-curricular experiences;
  • maintains focus on the development of future leaders for our community, the state, the nation, and the world; and
  • serves through education, research, and consultation as a catalyst for economic development and enhancement of the quality of life for the region.

History and Organization

A legislative act signed into law March 31, 1909, established the first college in West Texas to be built west of the 98th meridian. West Texas State Normal School opened Sept. 20, 1910, in Canyon City. In 1917, the College became a degree-granting institution. School colors of maroon and white were chosen in 1910, with the buffalo selected as the school mascot in 1921.

Through the years, the institution’s name has changed to reflect its growth and expanding role in higher education. In 1923, it became West Texas State Teachers College. In 1932, the institution became the first teachers college in Texas to offer graduate instruction. Called West Texas State College beginning in 1949, the institution became West Texas State University in 1963. On Sept. 1, 1990, the University became the eighth academic member of The Texas A&M University System, and, once again, the University’s name was changed to reflect its expansion and affiliation with the A&M System. On Sept. 25, 1992, the Board of Regents elected to change the name to West Texas A&M University, effective June 1, 1993.

Today, West Texas A&M University is a strong regional university with a quality faculty, selective admissions, small classes averaging 23 students and affordable tuition. With more than 9,500 students, WTAMU is large enough to insure diversity in lifestyles, values and backgrounds. The University is well suited for community college transfers and older students returning to college. An active campus life, with more than 125 recognized student organizations, helps keep students involved in the University beyond the classroom. West Texas A&M University strives for excellence in every facet of its classes, activities and planning. The broad curriculum offered by the University strikes a balance between solid liberal arts education and professional programs. Within the student population, approximately 80 percent are undergraduates in 59 degree programs of study. Graduate students at the University choose from 38 master’s-level and two doctoral degree programs.

West Texas A&M University is the primary source of university education, research and service for the Texas Panhandle and adjacent regions of neighboring states. The University strives to prepare students for professional careers by providing sound baccalaureate and graduate education, including foundations for good citizenship and responsible, effective leadership. As the primary university in this lightly populated and geographically remote region, WTAMU has a special mission to serve as a cultural resource and to develop ties with education, health services, agriculture and industry in order to contribute to the economic development of the region. Although the primary responsibility is teaching, WTAMU actively engages in research, particularly that which will enhance the cultural and economic environment.

West Texas A&M University is organized into seven academic units:

  • Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
    • Department of Agricultural Sciences
    • Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences
    • Department of Chemistry and Physics
  • Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business
    • Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance
    • Department of Computer Information and Decision Management
    • Department of Management, Marketing and General Business
  • College of Education and Social Sciences
    • Department of Education
    • Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
    • Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
  • College of Engineering
    • Engineering
    • Computer Science
    • Mathematics
  • Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities
    • Department of Art, Theatre and Dance
    • Department of Communication
    • Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages
    • Department of History
    • School of Music
    • Office of General Majors
  • College of Nursing and Health Sciences
    • Department of Communication Disorders
    • Department of Nursing
    • Department of Sports and Exercise Sciences
  • Graduate School is responsible for administration of two doctoral degree and 38 master’s degree programs.

Each academic unit is administered by a dean who oversees the various degrees and programs of the institution.

West Texas A&M University is governed by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents whose nine members are appointed to six-year terms by the governor of Texas. The board appoints the president who directs the operations of the University. The board is responsible for the establishment and control of the University’s rules. On the recommendation of the president, the board appoints all faculty and other employees. Upon recommendation of the faculty and under authority vested by the board, the president confers all degrees.

The Campus

The campus of West Texas A&M University, in the northeast corner of the town of Canyon and approximately fifteen miles south of Amarillo, is an “oasis” in the Texas Panhandle. Despite the vast, open plains that cover the region, trees and foliage are in abundance. With a 176-acre main campus, 205 acres adjacent and east of campus, a 186-acre Horse Center and the 2,310-acre Nance Ranch, the University owns and operates 2,816 total acres.

Campus buildings include residence halls and academic buildings with classrooms, laboratories and offices, as well as the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Virgil Henson Activities Center, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel, and the First United Bank Center. The Charles K. and Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall has many scenic features, including the Hayward Spirit Tower and the Original Texans marble sculpture and fountain. New facilities include the Agricultural Science Complex completed in 2018, the Harrington Academic Hall of WT’s Amarillo Center open spring 2019, and the on-campus Buffalo Stadium scheduled to open fall 2019.

These new improvements as well as the lasting icons make up our campus. State-of-the-art facilities, enhanced technology, student-centered learning environments and community-friendly outdoor spaces set the stage for WT’s service to its students, the community, the Panhandle region and beyond.
 

Phone Numbers
Phone calls to the University may be made by calling the appropriate office or the main switchboard: 806-651-0000.
Area   Office   Phone
Academic Advising   Advising Services   806-651-5300
Admissions   Admissions   806-651-2020
Amarillo Center   Amarillo Center   806-651-8200
Athletics, Intercollegiate   Intercollegiate Athletics   806-651-4400
Campus Visits and Tours   Admissions   806-651-2833
Career Planning   Career Services   806-651-2345
Counseling   Counseling Services   806-651-2340
Student Disability Services   Student Services   806-651-2335
Education on Demand   Extended Studies   806-651-2037
Financial Aid   Financial Aid   806-651-2055
Housing   Residential Living   806-651-3000
International Students   International Student Services   806-651-2073
Medical Services   Medical Services   806-651-3287
Money Management   Buff $mart   806-651-2369
Operator, University   University Operator   806-651-0000
Payment of Tuition and Fees   Accounting and Business Services   806-651-2080
Police   University Police Department   806-651-2300
Registration   Registrar   806-651-4911
Scholarships   Scholarship Services   806-651-3330
Student Employment   Career Services   806-651-2397
Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success   Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success   806-651-3330
Student Government   Student Government   806-651-2385
Student Activities and Organizations   Student Engagement and Leadership   806-651-2313
Student Success Center   Student Success Center   806-651-2273
Testing   Educational Services   806-651-2341
Tutoring   Educational Services   806-651-2341
Veterans   Veterans Services   806-651-4936
Colleges and Schools    
Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences    806-651-2585
Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business   806-651-2530
College of Education and Social Sciences    806-651-2600
College of Engineering   806-651-5257
Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities    806-651-2777
College of Nursing and Health Sciences    806-651-3500
Graduate School     806-651-2730
Written inquiries should be addressed to the appropriate office plus the following address:  

West Texas A&M University
2501 4th Ave.
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001

 
Web Address: wtamu.edu