| The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, express or implied, between any applicant, student, faculty or staff member of West Texas A&M University or The Texas A&M University System. This catalog is for informational purposes only. The University reserves the right to change or alter any statement herein without prior notice. This catalog should not be interpreted to allow a student that begins his or her education under the catalog to continue the program under the provisions in the catalog. |
General Purpose of the Catalog
This catalog is an official bulletin of West Texas A&M University and is intended to give general information concerning procedures and fees in effect when the catalog was published. WTAMU reserves the right to make changes at any time to reflect current board policies, administrative regulations and procedures, amendments by state law and fee changes. Students are responsible for observing the regulations contained herein; therefore, they are urged to read this catalog carefully. This catalog does not contain all University rules for which a student is responsible. Students should also consult other publications such as the West Texas A&M University Code of Student Life, Residential Living Handbook and specific contracts.
Equal Opportunity Institution
West Texas A&M University offers all of its educational opportunities and extracurricular advantages to students without regard to race, creed, national origin, gender, age or disability, except where gender, age or disability is a bona fide occupational qualification. WTAMU is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity institution.
Statement Concerning Disabilities
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C.s 794, as amended), University programs and activities shall be conducted in such a manner that no otherwise qualified individual shall, solely by reason of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any such program or activity. The director of student disability services is the University’s disability compliance coordinator.
Education Code § 51.936 requirement to publish a summary of Education Code Ch. 37, subchapter F. Hazing in the University Catalog
The following is a summary of Chapter 37, subchapter F. (§§ 37.151-157) of the Texas Education Code, which prohibits hazing in Texas public or private high schools. Texas Education Code § 51.936 applies Ch. 37’s prohibition on hazing to institutions of higher education. This summary of Chapter 37 is provided as required by § 51.936(d).
Hazing is a criminal violation under Texas law. A person may be found guilty of criminal conduct for hazing, encouraging hazing, permitting hazing, or having knowledge of the planning of hazing incidents and failing to report in writing his or her knowledge to the Office of Student Affairs.
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 Student Affairs or other appropriate institutional official is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is in bad faith or malicious.
This state law does not limit or affect an educational institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing.
The Education Code defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.” The statute contains a list of conduct which constitutes hazing.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Notice
Annually, West Texas A&M University informs students of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. This act, with which the institution intends to comply fully, was designated to protect the privacy of education records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate or misleading data through informal and formal hearings, and to submit an explanatory statement for inclusion in the education record if the outcome of the hearing is unsatisfactory.
Students have the right to file complaints with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office of the Department of Education in Washington, D.C., concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the act. Written complaints should be directed to:
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office
Department of Education
Switzer Building, Room 4074
Washington, D.C. 20202
Local policy explains in detail the procedures to be used by the institution for compliance with provisions of the act. Copies of the policy may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar, located in Old Main, Room 103, on the WTAMU campus. Questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act may be referred to the Office of the Registrar.
Accreditation
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097, telephone (404)679-4501, to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The University has programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for the College of Business; Texas Education Agency; the State Board for Educator Certification; the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; the National Association of Schools of Music; the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education Programs; the Mechanical Engineering Program—Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, Md. 21202-4012, telephone 410-347-7700; the Council on Social Work Education; and The American Communication Association.
West Texas A&M University also holds membership in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Council on Education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the Association of Texas Graduate Schools and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
West Texas A&M University
Mission
West Texas A&M University, a member of The Texas A&M University System, is a student-centered, learning community dedicated to educating tomorrow’s leaders through innovative academic and co-curricular undergraduate and graduate programs. The University serves as the principal academic and cultural center of a multi-state region and is a significant catalyst for economic development by expanding the frontiers of knowledge through education, research and consultation. Its faculty and staff prepare students for leadership roles both in their chosen careers and as citizens of the nation and the world. West Texas A&M University is committed to providing a technology-rich education, constantly improving its academically challenging educational experience, and engaging students through effective teaching and practical experiences involving inquiry, discussion, research, creative activities, experiential learning and service. The University is committed to the intellectual, professional and social growth of students by providing an education grounded in the liberal arts and opportunities to develop strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, an understanding of cultural diversity, a commitment to ethical behavior, an appreciation for the fine arts and humanities, and a desire for life-long learning.
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 7,700 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 60 degree programs of study. Graduate students at the University choose from 45 master’s-level and one 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 five colleges and one school:
- College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering
- Department of Agricultural Sciences.
- Department of Engineering and Computer Science.
- Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
- Department of Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
- College of Business
- Department of Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance.
- Department of Computer Information and Decision Management.
- Department of Management, Marketing and General Business.
- College of Education and Social Sciences
- Department of Education.
- Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work.
- 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.
- Department of Music.
- 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 one doctoral degree, eight master’s degrees and 45 graduate-degree programs available in various disciplines.
Each college is administered by a dean who oversees the various degrees and programs of the institution. The Graduate School is administered by the dean of the graduate school and research.
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
West Texas A&M University is an “oasis” on the West Texas plains with its large shade trees, buffalo-statue water feature and grassy Pedestrian Mall. With a 176-acre main campus, 205 acres adjacent and east of campus, 186-acre Horse Center and 2,310-acre Nance Ranch, the University owns and operates 2,816 total acres.
Forty-one campus buildings include residence halls, 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 First United Bank Center. Frank Kimbrough Memorial Stadium, with a seating capacity of 20,000, is located north of the main campus, and the Amarillo Center, which occupies three floors of Chase Tower, is located in downtown Amarillo.
University officials are busy planning for WTAMU’s second century with an estimated $71 million worth of construction projects that will enhance the campus and set the stage for future growth. The new Buffalo Sports Park, located on the north side of campus, will be ready for the fall 2010 semester. Renovations also are planned for the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Virgil Henson Activities Center, Mary Moody Northen Hall and the old agriculture/nursing building as the future home for the University’s Engineering Program.
| 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 Counseling Services |
|
806-651-2345 |
| Commuter Services |
|
Student Affairs, Jack B. Kelley Student Center |
|
806-651-2394 |
| Continuing Education |
|
Continuing Education |
|
806-651-2037 |
| Correspondence Courses |
|
Continuing Education |
|
806-651-2037 |
| Counseling |
|
Career and Counseling Services |
|
806-651-2340 |
| Student Disability Services |
|
Student Services |
|
806-651-2335 |
| Financial Aid |
|
Financial Aid |
|
806-651-2055 |
| Housing |
|
Residential Living |
|
806-651-3000 |
| International Students |
|
International Student Office |
|
806-651-2073 |
| Medical Services |
|
Medical Services |
|
806-651-3287 |
| 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 Affairs |
|
Student Affairs |
|
806-651-2050 |
| Student Employment |
|
Student Employment Services |
|
806-651-2397 |
| Student Government |
|
Student Government |
|
806-651-2385 |
| Student Activities and Organizations |
|
CORE Center |
|
806-651-2313 |
| Student Success Center |
|
Student Success Center |
|
806-651-2273 |
| |
|
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|
|
| Testing |
|
Educational Services |
|
806-651-2341 |
| Tutoring |
|
Educational Services |
|
806-651-2341 |
| Veterans |
|
Registrar |
|
806-651-4936 |
| Colleges and School |
|
|
|
| College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering |
806-651-2585 |
|
| College of Business |
|
806-651-2530 |
|
| College of Education and Social Sciences |
806-651-2600 |
|
| 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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