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. Registration dates are on the academic calendar and the University Calendar (both are online at https://www.wtamu.edu/student-support/registrar/academic-calendars.html).
Continuing Students Registration
Registration is offered beginning April 1 (or first business day following if April 1 occurs on the weekend) for summer sessions, April 1 (or first business day following if April 1 occurs on the weekend) for 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.
- First - graduate students
- Second - senior students
- Third - junior students
- Fourth - sophomore students
- Fifth - freshman students
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
Each program provides individual academic advising. Please consult the Program Adviser for additional information (https://www.wat I.edu/academics/graduate-school/programs/graduate-school-program-advisor.html). Refer to the “Degree and Program Offerings ” section of this catalog for a list of available programs.
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 Student Planning on the home page 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 Degree Information Form with their academic adviser, been advised and “greenlighted,” and cleared their record of any restrictions.
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). 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 (https://www.wtamu.edu/about/calendar/index.html).
- For tuition and fee refunds, contact the Business Office.
- 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:
- 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:
- 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/doctoral 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 Course 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 Enrollment, Engagement and Success 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 Military and Veteran Benefits Coordinator can also file this request on behalf of a servicemember.
The Military and 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 who wish to change their graduate degree program/major must go through the Graduate School application process and complete all requirements for review and admission to the new program.
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.
Distance Education
West Texas A&M University offers quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional-level coursework remotely from campus through the World Wide Web. Instructors and students interact through email, chat forums, and discussion boards. Assignments are submitted using a variety of options. In some courses proctored exams are required, while in others projects, papers, or other forms of assessment may be used to assign a final grade.
The content and rigor of online courses is the same as our courses taught face-to-face on campus. All courses are taught by West Texas A&M University faculty members.
The syllabi for all WT courses are available for viewing at syllabus.wtamu.edu.
Requirements for licensure and/or certification vary from state to state. WTAMU programs prepare students for licensure and/or certification in the State of Texas, and the University does not represent its programs prepare students for licensure and/or certification in other states.
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 degree credit courses and programs offered by post-secondary 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 should contact the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs as WT may have a direct agreement with that state.
Education on Demand
Education on Demand (EoD), part of Extended Studies, offers in-residence self-paced, accelerated and semester-based courses for university credit. Students taking upper-level courses through Education on Demand are limited to 9 credit hours. The EoD office seeks dean approval on behalf of students registering for upper-level EoD courses. A grade for an EoD course will replace a grade on a WTAMU student’s transcript. EoD coursework is considered for aid deferments, insurance, athletics, attempted hours, overall completion percentage, cumulative grade point average and tuition rebates. For more information, visit wtamu.edu/eod or call 806-651-2889.
Self-paced Courses
Self-paced courses are online and available to start any time through Education on Demand. Students have up to 6 months to complete self-paced coursework. These courses suit students needing to take a course on an alternate timeline or want to enroll in courses outside of the University semester start dates. Self-paced courses count as part of the student’s load for the initial semester in which the enrollment was processed. Students register for self-paced courses through Buff Advisor or Student Planning by searching by semester and section C. For a catalog of available self-paced courses, visit wtamu.edu/eod or call 806-651-2037 with any questions.
Accelerated Courses
Education on Demand offers two sessions of online accelerated courses, which are 6-weeks long, during long semesters. Accelerated courses accomplish all learning objectives of a course in a 6-week time period, much like a summer class. E1 courses, the first session of courses, generally begin one or two weeks after the long semester starts. E2 courses begin mid-semester and finish before the long semester ends. Students register for accelerated courses through Student Planning by searching by semester and section E1 or E2. Accelerated courses count towards Financial Aid hours if in the student’s degree plan. For a catalog of available accelerated courses, visit wtamu.edu/eod or call 806-651-2037 with any questions.
Semester-based Courses
Education on Demand also offers on-campus semester-long courses during fall and spring such as American Sign Language I and II, Old Testament and New Testament, and Behind the Score, a variable credit music class. Semester-based courses follow all University rules and guidelines. For a catalog of available semester-based courses, visit wtamu.edu/eod or call 806-651-2037 with any questions.
WTClass
WTClass (https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/distance-education/future-students/distance-education-what-is-wt-class.html) 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 @buffs.wtamu.edu. This will be the student’s email address. This email address will be deemed the official means of communication with the student.
Study Abroad
The Office of Study Abroad offers students an array of opportunities to study abroad. The Office provides access and advising on different international experiences engaging students in a variety of cross cultural experiences while earning credits towards a degree.
Faculty-led Programs
Faculty-led programs are led and instructed by WTAMU faculty. Students enroll in a WTAMU course(s) associated with the program. Students must be admitted to a faculty-led program.
Short-term faculty-directed programs offered by the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences are part of the College’s Go Global initiative. The Go Global experience provides students the opportunity to apply new knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding to their professional roles in order to create a positive impact on the local and global community. For more information about Go Global, please visit: http://www.wtamu.edu/academics/go-global.aspx.
Reciprocal/Exchange Programs
Reciprocal/exchange programs are based on agreements between WTAMU and partner universities in other countries. Students admitted may enroll in a reciprocal exchange program for a minimum of one semester up to one year. Students pay the same tuition and fees as they would at WTAMU. Not included in the cost are travel expenses and room and board. Credits are earned on reciprocal/exchange programs count for the student’s WTAMU GPA.
Direct Enrollment Programs
Students may enroll directly in a university abroad. A completed Pre-Approval of Foreign Courses form is mandatory for students wanting to transfer academic credit to WTAMU. Credits earned through direct enrollment programs do not affect the students’ WTAMU GPA but do count for their cumulative combined GPA.
Affiliated Programs
WTAMU partners with a variety of organizations to provide unique programs for students. Partners may be other universities and educational organizations. Programs vary in length and subject. A completed Pre-Approval of Foreign Courses form is mandatory for students wanting to transfer degree credit to WTAMU. Credits earned on affiliated programs do not affect students’ WTAMU GPA but do count for their cumulative combined GPA. Affiliated programs may offer independent studies, research opportunities, service learning, internships, and/or language immersion. Many of these programs offer financial assistance.
Third-party Provider Programs
Third-party providers facilitate the process for students to find and apply for programs, which may vary in location and length from those offered by WTAMU. A completed Pre-Approval of Foreign Courses form is mandatory for students wanting to transfer degree credit to WTAMU. Credits earned through third-party provider programs do not affect students’ WTAMU GPA but do count for their cumulative combined GPA. Third-party provider programs may offer independent studies, research opportunities, service learning, internships, and/or language immersion. Many of these programs offer financial assistance.
Internships
Credit-bearing internships abroad are available to WTAMU students based on their degree plan. Students must obtain approval from their academic adviser and dean and enroll in a WTAMU Internship course to be awarded academic credit for these experiences. The Office of Study Abroad will assist students in the process of finding and applying for internships abroad.
Students interested in study abroad opportunities should visit: http://www.WTAMU.edu/academics/study-abroad.aspx.
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. 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” |
Failing (for graduate students) |
0 |
| “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 after the official reporting date (12th class day fall/spring and 4th class day summer (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: A grade of “D” may not be used to satisfy requirements for any graduate degree program. A grade of “C” may not be used to satisfy requirements depending on the graduate program of interest. A grade on a course taught by WTAMU faculty (including Education on Demand courses) will replace any previous grade earned in the same course 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 4 months. If a student fails to complete the required course work within 4 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.” A student is not eligible to graduate until the grade of “I” is replaced with a final grade in the course (A,B,C,D or F).
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).
Grade Point Deficiency
A student whose WTAMU cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below the graduation requirements of “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
Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average for all course work completed toward degree requirements. Courses with grades of “D,” “F,” “I” (incomplete), “IP” (thesis in progress) or “X” (drop or withdrawal) cannot be used to satisfy requirements of a graduate degree but will be used in determining a student’s academic standing.
If a student’s grade point average falls below 3.0, the student will be placed on academic probation. Length of the probationary period will be determined by the dean of Graduate School. Probationary standing may impact eligibility for waivers and thus total program cost. Students who do not raise their grade point average to at least 3.0 by the end of the probationary period will be dismissed from Graduate School and suspended from further work toward a master’s degree at WTAMU. Students suspended from the Graduate School may request removal from suspension by seeking a written request from the appropriate academic dean to the graduate dean.
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.
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