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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 and the University Calendar (both are online at www.wtamu.edu/student-support/registrar/academic-calendars.html).
Registration opens by classification in the following order:
- Graduate students
- Senior students and those eligible for priority
- Junior students
- Sophomore students
- Freshman students
Fall, May Intersession and both Summer Semesters: April 1 (or first business day following if April 1 occurs on the weekend)
Spring and January Intersession: Nov. 1 (or first business day following if Nov. 1 occurs on the weekend)
Priority Registration Eligibility
Students that meet the following eligibility requirements may be allowed to register during priority registration.
- Veterans
- Students must notify Military and Veteran Services of eligibility.
- Student Athletes
- Students who participate in an approved University sport may be eligible.
- Honors Program
- Students who participate in the University’s Honors Program may be eligible.
- Parenting Students
- Per Texas Senate Bill 459, students who identify as a “parenting student,” which is a student enrolled at an institution of higher education who is the parent or legal guardian of a child under 18 years of age, are provided early registration for courses. Prior to the semester registration date, students who meet these requirements will need to send an email to registrar@wtamu.edu from their Buff email account stating they are a parent of a child under the age of 18 and are eligible for priority registration.
New Freshman Students
Students who recently graduated from high school are required to attend one of the New Student Orientations (NSO) offered throughout the summer in order to register for classes. The Office of Admissions sends invitations for students to attend 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 start. New freshmen starting college any semester other than fall will be required to attend NSO.
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 Dec. 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.
- 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 available by going to My Buff Portal and clicking 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 being greenlighted by Advising Services.
Students with 45 or more hours who have not been 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 degree information form. Once completed, the form is routed to the appropriate dean’s office 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 fall for the following spring semester are greenlighted for May intersession, both summer sessions and spring 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 the web registration system 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.
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 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 and then clicking on Buff Connect. 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,” met requirements of TSI and cleared their record of any restrictions.
Schedule Changes/Dropping Classes
Refer to the calendar on Buff Connect for the last day to add or drop courses. Students wishing to drop all classes for a semester need to follow the withdrawal process (apps.wtamu.edu/forms/withdrawal.php). 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’s 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:
- 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 count toward degree and are not reflected in the cumulative grade point average (GPA).
- 1000-2999 - primarily freshman and sophomore level.
- 3000-4999 - open to students who have completed at least 30 hours and any prerequisite.
- 5000-5999 - graduate level stacked with undergraduate level.
- 6000-7999 - graduate level.
- 8000-8999 - doctoral students only.
NOTE: Students who have taken and received credit for an undergraduate “stacked” course at WTAMU cannot take and receive credit for the corresponding graduate course.
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. For course availability not listed in Student Planning, students are encouraged to contact the department of the course or the student’s academic advisor.
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. 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 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 from their student email account. 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 Office of Student Affairs 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 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 Degree Information Form. The Degree Information Form will be routed to the appropriate dean’s office for updating of the student record.
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
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. A grade for an EoD course will replace a grade on a student’s WTAMU 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 www.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. Self-paced courses are not covered by financial aid or waivers. For a catalog of available self-paced courses, visit www.wtamu.edu/eod, email EducationOnDemand@wtamu.edu, 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. Please note that students should reference the start and end dates in correspondence from the EOD office rather than the dates listed in Student Planning. Accelerated courses count towards Financial Aid hours if in the student’s degree plan. For a catalog of available accelerated courses, visit www.wtamu.edu/eod or call 806-651-2037 with any questions.
Semester-based Courses
During the fall and spring semesters, Education on Demand also offers on-campus semester-long courses in subject areas such as Media Communication, Music, American Sign Language, Science, and Sports & Exercise Science. Semester-based courses follow all University rules and guidelines. For a catalog of available semester-based courses, visit www.wtamu.edu/eod or call 806-651-2037 with any questions.
WTClass
WTClass, available at the link (https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/distance-education/future-students/distance-education-what-is-wt-class.html), serves as the central hub for students to engage with their academic materials and online courses. Within WTClass, students can easily navigate through their enrolled courses in an active semester to find essential components such as syllabi, lesson materials, assignments, exams, lecture notes, additional resources, grade reports, and avenues for communication with their instructors.
Through the WTClass email system, students gain direct access to their professors and fellow classmates enrolled in the same course. Despite the absence of in-person interactions, seamless communication is facilitated, fostering an environment where students can engage with both peers and instructors effortlessly.
Students planning to take an online class should reference the technical requirements (https://students.wtamu.edu/wtclass/requirements.html).
Brainfuse (https://landing.brainfuse.com/saml.asp?oauth_consumer_key=6B2DAF0D) is a free, online tutoring system and is available to students through a link on WT Class or Buff Connect. Brainfuse offers live, on-demand tutoring where students work one-on-one in real-time with a tutor, communicating using a virtual whiteboard technology. Brainfuse tutoring is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Brainfuse also includes the following academic tools:
- Skillsurfer - Live skill building and a library of lessons, videos, tests and more
- LEAP Learning Platform - College readiness test center with customized study plans and lessons
- Flashbulb - Create and share flashcards, tests, and games
- eParachute - Discover the college majors and careers that match your interests and skills
- Language Lab - Live help for language learners
- Meet - Schedule sessions with friends in the virtual study room
- Brainwave - Create and share movie-like notes and ideas
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 and Nationally Competitive Scholarships
The Office of Study Abroad and Nationally Competitive Scholarships offers students an array of opportunities to experience the world 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. Students have the opportunity to take up to 12 credits for semester programs, 6 credits for summer programs, and 3 credits for January intersession.
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.
Faculty-led programs can happen from 2 weeks to 4 weeks, during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. For more information about current faculty-led programs, please visit www.wtamu.edu/academics/study-abroad/programs/study-abroad-faculty-led-programs.html
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 or 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 and count toward the student’s WTAMU GPA.
Current reciprocal/exchange program: University of Galway in Galway, Ireland.
To learn more, please visit: www.wtamu.edu/academics/study-abroad/programs/study-abroad-exchange-programs.html.
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 students’ WTAMU GPA but do count toward their cumulative combined GPA.
Current direct enrollment program: School of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy.
To learn more, please visit: www.wtamu.edu/academics/study-abroad/programs/study-abroad-exchange-programs.html.
Provider Programs
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 toward 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 toward 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 and Nationally Competitive Scholarships will assist students in the process of finding and applying for internships abroad.
Students interested in study abroad opportunities should visit: www.wtamu.edu/academics/study-abroad/index.html.
Student Directory Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. Students have three primary rights under FERPA (1) The right to inspect and review their educational records. (2) Have some control over the disclosure of information from their education records. (3) Seek to amend incorrect education records.
Schools may disclose, without student consent, “directory” information that would generally not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed such as:
- a student’s name
- address (home, local and email)
- telephone number(s)
- date and place of birth
- honors and awards
- dates of attendance
- major field of study
- classification
- participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- height and weight if a member of an athletic team
- degrees
- enrollment status (part-time, full-time, undergraduate, graduate)
- the most recent educational institution attended
Students wishing to withhold the release of directory information should complete a “Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information” found on the Registrar’s website no later than the 12th class day of the fall or spring semesters or fourth class day of summer sessions. Note: 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 to withhold directory information remains in place until the student informs the Registrar in writing to remove it.
All student complaints related to FERPA should be handled through the WTAMU Office of the Registrar. If a complaint cannot be resolved, students may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
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 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 courses in the degree program’s major requirements, for courses in the program’s major subject (including electives), or for other courses as specified by the program (including transfer courses). 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/student-support/registrar/registrar-policies.html.
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.
There are some exceptions to the limits under repeated coursework, excessive credit hours and he number of courses that may be dropped for students who have had a break in enrollment of 24 or more months and had earned at least 50 credit hours before the break in enrollment. Direct questions to the Office of the Registrar.
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 August 18, 2021, Revised June 7, 2021)
Procedure Summary
The Academic Probation and Suspension procedure intends to assist students with academic intervention and support at the earliest time possible by identifying, warning, and providing 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 of the student. A semester GPA of less than 2.0 will result in an academic warning, probation, or suspension depending on the student’s status at the beginning of the semester.
Procedure
1. 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 West Texas A&M University (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 yet 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.
1.10 Associate Dean of the student’s college: the Associate/Assistant Dean of the College of the current major of the student.
2. PROCEDURE
2.1 Continued enrollment in an undergraduate program at WTAMU is dependent upon a student maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward attaining a degree.
2.2 To assist students in maintaining satisfactory progress, WTAMU had adopted academic standards designed to provide 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 departmental academic advisor. 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 Associate Dean of their 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.
2.3.1.2.4 A student remaining on Academic Warning must follow the procedures outlined in 2.3.1.1.
2.3.1.3 Students who have received three consecutive semesters of Academic Warning (WRN3) must consult with the Associate Dean of their college.
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 official 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 in Advising Services. Failure to comply may result in the deletion of future semester registrations.
2.3.2.2.1 All Students must complete the Probation Conditions and Plan for Academic Improvement form online. The online document should be submitted at least five working days prior to the start of the semester.
2.3.2.2.2 After the Probation Conditions and Plan for Academic Improvement form has been received, students will be contacted by Advising Services to complete the process.
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 student’s official 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 extracurriculur/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 may not enroll for three consecutive semesters (one calendar year).
2.3.3.1.3 Students returning from a first or second suspension may not enroll in an intersession or summer session without approval from the Associate Dean of their college.
2.3.4 Academic Dismissal (see definition in 1.9): following a second reinstatement after a second 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 by filing an appeal with the Academic Review Committee and receiving approval for reinstatement from said committee.
3. 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 reapply for admission using the EZ-Re-Entry Application for Admissions found at 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.
3.1.1.3 A copy of the EZ-Re-Entry Application for Admissions and other college transcripts will be forwarded to the appropriate Associate Dean of the student’s college 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 Associate Dean of their college 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 readmission process. In addition, a copy of the form will be given to the student,retained by the appropriate 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 complete the above process with 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 complete the above process with the Associate Dean of their college.
3.1.1.5 The reapplication and reinstatement process should be complete at least five working days prior to the start of the semester.
3.1.1.6 Once readmitted and reinstated, the student will be able to visit with and advisor to be greenlighted and enroll for the approved semester.
3.1.1.7 Students returning from a first or second suspension may not enroll in an intersession or summer session without approval of the Associate Dean of their college.
3.1.1.8 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 the Associate Dean of their college.
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 Associate Dean of their college.
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 re-apply for admission using the EZ-Re-Entry Application for Admissions found at https://apps.wtamu.edu/ez/.
3.2.2.2 Student must complete and submit the Request for Reinstatement after Serving a Second Academic Suspension form found on the Registrar’s webpage under Forms. This form must be completed in accordance with the deadlines established by the Registrar.
3.2.2.3 The Academic Review Committee is the decision-making body for this request. The committee will review each student’s appeal and documentation and render a decision.
3.2.2.4 The Registrar will communicate the committee’s decision to the student via email.
3.2.2.5 If approved, the student will be instructed to contact the Associate Dean of their college 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 readmission process. In addition, a copy of the form will be given to the student’s academic advisor when appropriate.
3.2.2.6 The reapplication and reinstatement process should be complete at least five working days prior to the start of the semester.
3.2.2.7 After the reinstatement meeting, the student may be instructed to meet with the academic advisor for advising.
3.2.2.8 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 Student may appeal their second suspension by following the procedures outlined in Section 4.
4. 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 (available through the Office of the Registrar website) and any supporting documentation.
4.2.1 The appeal must be completed in accordance with the deadlines established by the Registrar. Please visit https://www.wtamu.edu/student-support/registrar/registrar-probation-suspension.html.
4.2.2 The appeal will be reviewed by the Academic Review Committee.
4.2.3 Before appeals will be reviewed and processed, the student will be considered suspended and may not enroll in classes or participate in extracurricular activities.
4.2.4 While the appeal is being reviewed 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; however, the Academic Suspension remains on the student’s official academic record. Reinstatement will follow the procedures outlined above in Section 3.
4.4 If denied, the student may submit a written appeal directly to the Associate Provost. Extenuating circumstances and/or additional information must be included. The Associate Provost may request a meeting with the student. If approved, the Associate Provost will notify the student, the Registrar, Advising Services, the Chair of the Academic Review Committee, and the Associate Dean of the student’s college.
For more information, contact the WTAMU executive vice president and provost 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.
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