| 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 Student Handbook, 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 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer committed to diversity.
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) and on the Registrar’s FERPA webpage. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Office of the Registrar.
See also “Student Directory Information” in the Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.
Accreditation
Refer to the “Accreditation ” section of this catalog.
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
- Terry B. Rogers 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 and 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 comprised of 3,021,400 GSF 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, WTAMU Co-Working Center 2019, the on-campus Buffalo Stadium that opened in the fall 2019 and the new Baptist Community Services Nursing Education floor in the downtown Harrington Academic Hall WT’s Amarillo Center fall of 2021.
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 and Professional Development |
|
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 |
|
Education Credit Union 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 and Professional Development |
|
806-651-2397 |
| Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success |
|
Student Enrollment, Engagement and Success |
|
806-651-2050 |
| 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 |
|
Military and Veteran Services |
|
806-651-4930 |
| Colleges and Schools |
|
|
| Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences |
|
806-651-2585 |
| Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business |
|
806-651-2530 |
| Terry B. Rogers 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: |
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West Texas A&M University
2501 4th Ave.
Canyon, Texas 79016-0001
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