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Code of Student Life

GENERAL RULES AND PROCEDURES ON CAMPUS

Students should understand that violations of Rules and Procedures contained in the Parking Rules and Regulations, Residence Hall Handbook, Contracts, Housing and Meal Agreement, The Code of Student Life, and any rules and procedures of The University render the student subject to discipline including expulsion from the University.

Following is a general statement of the rules and procedures of West Texas A&M University. Any action in violation of these rules and/or any other action in violation of the laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America will subject a student to disciplinary action by the University, separate and apart from any action which may be taken by civil authorities, up to and including expulsion from the University (refer to sanctions/penalties section).

1. APPROVAL OF CAMPUS SPEAKERS AND/OR PROGRAMS.

West Texas A&M University permits the expression of a full range of ideas provided that the expression of those ideas and the conduct are not in violation of University rules or state or federal laws. Speakers or programs shall be invited only by recognized faculty groups, University departments or registered student organizations. Approval of off-campus speakers or programs for student organizations is made by the faculty/staff adviser of the presenting organization. Speakers or programs sponsored by students who are not members of registered organizations must be reviewed by the vice president for student services (VPSS). Speakers or programs may not be permitted when there is a conflict with scheduled University events or facilities. In contested matters, a committee composed of the faculty senate president, the vice president for academic affairs, the vice president for student services, the organization’s faculty/staff adviser, and student government president and vice president will convene and make recommendations about the University’s position to the University president who shall make the final determination.

2. SELLING AND SOLICITATION.

  1. Registered campus organizations will be allowed to sell goods or services as part of their fund-raising programs in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center (JBKSC). Any such selling or solicitation must be scheduled through the JBKSC Information Desk. Charitable or non-profit organizations may sell or solicit goods or services in the JBKSC. Competitive goods or services to those sold by the University Bookstore or Food Service require the approval of the bookstore manager or food services manager. Campus organizations will receive priority in the assignment of available floor space. Any such selling or solicitation must be scheduled through the JBKSC Information Desk. All solicitation in residence halls must be approved by the director of residential living. Any other selling or solicitation of goods or services, taking of orders for goods or services, or solicitation of funds for any purpose is prohibited without an approved exhibitor’s agreement and prior permission of the VPSS.
  2. FLIERS/PROPAGANDA ON VEHICLES. No propaganda, advertising flier or informational flier will be placed on vehicles while parked on University property unless authorized by the University Police Department.
  3. The Charitable Raffle Enabling Act permits “qualified organizations” to conduct up to two raffles per calendar year. An organization may not offer money as a prize in a raffle. Each prize must be in the possession of the organization. Tickets may not be advertised through paid advertisements. Each ticket must state the name and address of the organization, the name of an officer of the organization and a general description of each prize with value of more than $10. Only members of the organization may sell tickets. WTAMU does not qualify under the definition of “qualified organization.” However, students or other affiliated organizations may be able to qualify if they are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c), Internal Revenue Code and meet other “nonprofit” organization requirements. Participation in an unauthorized raffle is a Class C misdemeanor.

3. CLASS ATTENDANCE

Students are responsible for attending classes in 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. However, students and/or the sponsor/coach of the official University activity must inform individual instructors prior to absence. Students who miss two or more consecutive class sessions due to illness or emergency should contact the Office of Student Services for assistance. Upon receipt of the documentation detailing the illness or emergency, the Office of Student Services will contact individual instructors, in writing, to explain the nature of the absence and request consideration in making up missed work without penalty. It will be the student’s responsibility to follow up with the individual instructor on missed work. Documents may be sent to the Office of Student Services at WTAMU Box 60775, Canyon, Texas 79016 or fax to (806)651-2926. Call (806)651-2050 for more information.

While the University does not have a standard requirement on attendance, individual instructors have the right to set reasonable and clearly explained attendance standards for their classes. If an attendance requirement is adopted because regular active participation is essential to satisfactory mastery of the course content, the requirement should be reasonable and clearly explained in the course syllabus. (If a student wishes to contest the fairness of an instructor’s attendance policy, a complaint should be filed in accordance with Appendix I or II in the Code of Student Life.) Rewards for good attendance or penalties for absences should be incorporated into the course rather than becoming a single factor resulting in a significant difference between the semester average and the final grade. This practice will ensure that students be apprised of their academic standing throughout the semester.

Students called to active duty should tell their instructors and must withdraw from the University by notifying the Office of the Registrar of that intent in person, by mail or by fax.

If a professor does not show up after 15 minutes of the starting class time, students have the right to walk.

4. DISRUPTION AND VIOLENCE

The University recognizes the right of individual students or student groups to disagree with national, state, local and administrative or faculty positions. Students have the right to express their disagreement on issues which have captured their interest and to assemble peaceably for that purpose, subject to reasonable restrictions as to manner, place and time. As a public institution, WTAMU will provide a free-speech area on the northwest side of Old Main. However, the following actions are specifically prohibited.

  1. Interference with University authorized functions or activities or with its educational or service programs either directly or indirectly by breach of peace, physical obstruction, coercion, tumult or other disturbances or interference of any nature whatsoever.
  2. Unauthorized occupancy of University facilities or property blocking access to or from such areas.
  3. Interference with University traffic (pedestrian or motor vehicle).
  4. Infringement of the rights of students, faculty, staff and/or other authorized persons to gain access to any University facility for the purpose of attending class, participating in interviews, conferences and/or other activities.
  5. Violations of criminal law must be dealt with through ordinary process of law. Members of the University community whose consciences demand that they express dissent through violation of law must be prepared to accept due process and penalties of law and should not expect amnesty to be a result of their membership in the academic community.
  6. Disruption, disturbances and violence will be governed by the Vernon’s Texas Codes Annotated (VTCA) Education code, Sec. 51.935 which appears in Appendix VI of the Code of Student Life and is incorporated herein for all purposes.
  7. No amplification devices can be used at the free-speech area on the northwest side of Old Main.

5. POLITICAL CAMPAIGN EVENTS ON WTAMU PROPERTY.

  1. Political Campaign Meetings or Speeches. Student organizations that are currently registered with the WTAMU CORE (Campus Organizations/Resources/Entertainment) office. The Office of Student Organization Services may invite candidates for political office to speak at their student organization meetings. Should those meetings be held in large meeting rooms or common areas, the candidate’s opponent(s) will be afforded access to the same or similar facilities provided there is a currently registered student organization to sponsor the event.
  2. Political Campaign Advertising. Advertising for all off-campus political campaigns is limited to “open board” posting areas on campus. Off-campus political campaign materials may not be placed in or on the grounds or on automobile windshields or utility poles. Currently registered student organizations may create and post advertisements for their events including on-campus political speakers provided their names and the dates of their events are clearly printed on all materials. In the event a campus facility is used as an official polling place, the official election and campaign rules and regulations of that election will supersede WTAMU advertising regulations.

6. DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Disruptive behavior, that which unduly disturbs or interrupts the institution’s educational or associated functions, is prohibited. Students will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the functions and purposes of West Texas A&M University. Although the University is committed to students’ constitutional rights, including due process in student disciplinary matters, it has an equal obligation to protect its educational purposes. The University will be concerned with individual or group actions that are in conflict with the welfare and integrity of the institution.

  1. Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom. Disruptive behavior in the classroom may include but is not limited to cellular phones or beepers; abusive language and/or behavior; physically and or verbally threatening faculty and/or other classmates; sleeping during class; and inappropriate interruptions.
  2. Disruptive, Life-Threatening Behavior. Disruptive behavior will also include life-threatening behavior. The vice president for student services, the director of residential living, the director of student counseling services, or the director of student medical services, or their designees, may pursue information that a student has engaged in life-threatening behavior to self or others. This implicated student must present himself or herself the next available business day to the director of student counseling services or their designee. At that time, evaluation session(s) will be scheduled to determine what further treatment or referral should occur. Failure to consult with student counseling services staff and other appropriate University staff can result in disciplinary action.

7. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

All students must meet financial obligations to the University within the time allowed. Payment of all charges, including but not limited to loans, room and board, health services, tuition and fees, fines, Buffalo Gold Card fees and laboratory equipment breakage or loss, is due in the time noted on the University statement. Students who fail to pay the amount due, in the manner required by the Office of Accounting and Business, are liable to appropriate legal action and/or withdrawal from the University. Failure to pay can also result in withholding of (1) registration privileges, and/or (2) official transcripts. When checks or drafts are returned unpaid for any reason other than an admitted bank error, the student must immediately pay in cash or certified funds the amount due plus a service charge to be determined by the Office of Accounting and Business.

8. HAZING

Hazing is a criminal violation under Texas law. A person can 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/her knowledge to the vice president of student services. Hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury and failing to report hazing 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.

Organizations found guilty of hazing can 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 vice president for student services 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, affiliated with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization.”

The statute contains a list of conduct that constitutes hazing.

9. HOUSING AND MEAL PLAN REQUIREMENTS

All students are required to meet housing and meal plan requirements. Students not meeting these requirements will be assessed housing and/or meal plan charges unless they have been approved for an exemption. Exemptions are valid for one academic year, so long as the requested exemption is still applicable to the student. Exemptions should be documented and approved through the Office of Residential Living prior to the beginning of each semester.

  1. Housing Requirement—All students with fewer than 60 semester hours accumulated or under 21 years of age on the first day of class of each semester, and enrolled in nine (9) or more hours are required to live in University residence halls. No arrangements should be made to live off campus until approval from the Office of Residential Living as been issued. Exemptions may be granted to students:
    • Living with a parent or guardian;
    • Who are married or have dependent children;
    • Who require, due to medical reasons, a special environmental need that the University cannot provide;
    • With extreme financial hardship which would prevent their continued enrollment; or
    • Who meet the exemption criteria to reside in a recognized fraternity house.
  2. All students under 21 years of age on the first day of class each semester, residing in on-campus housing or being assessed housing charges are required to purchase a University meal plan until the student has accumulated 45 semester hours. Full or partial exemptions may be granted to students:
    • Eating with a parent or grandparent;
    • Based on a medical need;
    • With extreme financial need;
    • Due to hours of employment.

10. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student organizations will be allowed to operate on campus only after properly registering with the CORE (Campus Organizations/Resources/
Entertainment) office each semester, and abiding by all University rules and procedures governing student organizations.

  1. Student organizations may be officially registered when formed for purposes consistent with the philosophy and goals developed for West Texas A&M University. Registration is granted by the chief student affairs officer through the CORE office. Any group of eight or more students wishing to organize a student organization may apply for registration through the CORE office in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Room 103. The group wishing to organize must submit:
    1. Application. Every new or inactive student organization must submit this form stating intended purposes, activities, etc.
    2. Semester Registration Form. This form lists officers, advisers, regular meetings, etc. This form must be updated and submitted to the CORE office each semester.
    3. Constitution and Bylaws. Every student organization must have an up-to-date constitution and/or bylaws on file in the CORE office.
  2. If a student organization is not registered with the CORE office for four (4) consecutive long semesters, that organization must re-activate its registration through the director of the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, the senior director of student development and the vice president for student services.
  3. Student organizations must have an adviser who is a West Texas A&M University full-time faculty or staff member.
  4. West Texas A&M University requires that for students to hold office in any student organization, they must maintain a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for undergraduate work and a 3.0 GPA for graduate work. Each student organization must have procedures defined in its constitution concerning academic deficiency and is responsible for administering these procedures.
  5. In order to maintain its official University registration and be afforded privileges of recognition, each student organization must register with the CORE office each fall and spring semester. Each student organization must send at least one representative, preferably the president, to scheduled CORE Roundtable meetings.
  6. Student organizations are responsible for compliance with University rules and procedures and state and federal laws.
  7. Actions of student organizations are subject to review. Failure to abide by University rules and procedures or state and federal laws may result in an organizational disciplinary hearing by the chief student affairs officer or designate. Sanctions may range from documented verbal reprimand to revocation of privileges.
  8. All student organizations will have their functions, whether on or off campus, approved by their official University advisers.
  9. Because of the number, variety and scope of activities sponsored by faculty, staff and students, West Texas A&M University cannot be held responsible for accidents or injuries incurred through activities sponsored by registered student organizations.
  10. More information and guidelines concerning student organizations are available in the Student Organizations Handbook.

11. ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)

The complete AIDS statement is on file in the Office of Life Services, the Office of Student Services and online at www.wtamu.edu/medicalservices. And is incorporated herein for all purposes.

  1. Consideration of the existence of AIDS, or a positive HIV antibody test will not be a factor in the admission of prospective students or the continuing enrollment of current students.
  2. Students with AIDS, or a positive HIV antibody test will be afforded normal classroom attendance, working conditions, participation in extracurricular activities, and access to all University facilities, functions and events.

12. UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION

Any act of unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin or sexual orientation is prohibited. West Texas A&M University encourages a climate of uniqueness of the individual within our state, nation and world. The University also strives to protect the rights and privileges and to enhance the self-esteem of all its members. Any form of harassment and any form of unlawful discrimination against any individual is inconsistent with the values and ideals of the University.

13. ALCOHOL BEVERAGES

State and federal statutes concerning alcohol beverages will be strictly enforced on campus. In addition to these statutes, the University prohibits possession, consumption or providing to minors alcohol beverages on campus or in University public buildings and public areas, or at University-sponsored events including student travel on behalf of the University. Serving alcoholic beverages on campus or at a University-sponsored event requires the approval of the University president.
When alcohol consumption or possession occurs at prohibited places or events and/or when consumption causes disruptive behavior or results in public intoxication, the following procedures will be instituted.

  1. All violations of federal, state and local laws or University rules regarding alcohol shall be reported to the University Police Department. Each violation reported is considered to be one (1) offense.
  2. In addition to any action, which may or may not be taken by civil authorities when laws, rules or procedures regarding alcohol are violated, the University may take the following actions.
    1. First Offense (within any 12-month period): The student will successfully complete a University-designated online alcohol awareness program, unless otherwise notified by authorized University officials; pay a $50 registration fee; and complete five (5) community service hours.
    2. Second Offense (within any 12-month period): The student will pay a $50 assessment administration fee, attend at least one (1) assessment interview with a counselor from Student Counseling Services that might require testing to determine substance abuse/potential addiction and perform 15 community service hours as directed by the University judicial officer.
    3. Third Offense (within any 12-month period): Within the discretion of the University judicial officer, suspension from the University for a minimum of one (1) semester or enrollment in and successful completion of an alcohol rehabilitation program approved by the University judicial officer. Failure to complete the designated sanction without advanced approval from the University judicial officer will result in a $10 fine in addition to the original sanction. A restriction will be placed on the student’s records, transcript and registration privileges when disciplinary situations are not resolved. A student might also be found in non-compliance with authority resulting in additional disciplinary action.

14. ALCOHOL CONTAINERS

The possession of any alcohol container on campus is prohibited.

15. ILLICIT DRUGS

The possession, distribution, consumption, and/or use of illicit drugs or narcotics on University property or property under control of West Texas A&M University or at any event sponsored by the University or any University student organization, whether or not conducted on University property, including student travel on behalf of the University, is prohibited. This rule applies to all illegal paraphernalia utilized in conjunction with the consumption and/or use of the prohibited substances. Any violation of the above illicit drug, narcotic or hallucinatory agent rule may result in suspension or expulsion from the University. Procedures for controlled substance violations are as follows:

  1. All violations of federal, state or local laws, or University rules and procedures regarding controlled substances shall be referred to the University Police Department.
  2. In addition to any action which may or may not be taken by civil authorities when laws, rules or procedures regarding alcohol are controlled substances are violated, the University may take the following actions.
    1. First Offense (within any 12-month period): Within the discretion of the University judicial officer, suspension or expulsion from the University or enrollment in a drug rehabilitation and/or educational program approved by the University judicial officer may occur. If a student is allowed to remain enrolled, the judicial officer may also assess “special arrangements for continued enrollment.” If the offense relates to the sale or distribution of controlled substances, the student shall be expelled or suspended from the University. A restriction will be placed on the student’s records, transcript and registration privileges when disciplinary situations have not been resolved.
    2. Second Offense (within any 12-month period): If the student fails to comply with any requirements imposed as a consequence of a first offense or on a second offense, the student will be subject to expulsion from the University.

16. HARASSMENT

Conduct (physical, verbal, graphic, written, or electronic) with intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment, stalk or embarrass another that is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to cause a person to be stressed, tormented or intimated will result in disciplinary action.

17. NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AUTHORITY

Failure to comply with the oral and/or written directions of University officials acting in performance of their duties is prohibited. These officials include faculty members, administrators, staff members, University Police Department, and elected or appointed student officers or representatives.

18. DAMAGE, DESTRUCTION OR VANDALISM OF PROPERTY.

  1. Behavior that damages, destroys, vandalizes or litters any property of this or another educational institution or of another person or entity on University premises or at University-sponsored activities is prohibited.
  2. Students who are in violation may be responsible for the damage and may face disciplinary action.
  3. A registered student organization may be held liable for the destruction of property by one of its members in the name of the organization.

19. DISORDERLY BEHAVIOR.

Disorderly behavior is contrary to the rules of good order and behavior; violative of the public peace or good order; turbulent, riotous or indecent. Disorderly behavior on campus or at a University-sponsored event off campus is prohibited.

20. FRAUDULENT USE OR FALSIFICATION OF RECORDS/INFORMATION.

It is the responsibility of the individual student to give accurate written and oral information. Forgery, alteration or misuse of University records, documents or identification (i.e. ID card, University meal card, etc.) is prohibited.

21. CHEMICALS OR BIO-CHEMICALS.

The inappropriate possession, use, or threat of use of these items is strictly prohibited on University property or at University functions.

22. FIRE ALARMS, FIRES AND EQUIPMENT.

It is a violation of University rules for anyone to initiate a false alarm, cause a fire (intentionally or through negligence) or tamper with fire safety equipment. The University takes a zero-tolerance stance on this issue. In addition to criminal charges, violators will face stiff penalties ranging from any one or a combination of fines, probation, suspension or expulsion from the University.

23. FIREARMS, WEAPONS, AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS.

The possession, use or threatened use of these items is strictly prohibited on University property or at University functions. This includes but is not limited to pistols, rifles, illegal knives/swords, brass knuckles, stun guns, nun chucks, sling shots, pellet guns, blow guns, air-powered guns, projectiles, etc. These items or those similar in nature may not be used for display or decoration in University buildings.

24. LASER POINTERS.

The inappropriate use of laser pointers is prohibited.

25. GAMBLING.

Gambling in any form on University property or at any University function is prohibited by state law.

26. INCITEMENT OF OTHERS.

The incitement of persons to commit any act violating University rules is prohibited.

27. UNAUTHORIZED PRESENCE.

  1. Unauthorized possession, duplication, production or manufacture of any key, unlocking device or Buffalo Gold card for any University facility or property is prohibited.
  2. Unauthorized presence or attempted entry into or use of University facilities, property, networks or systems is prohibited.
  3. Students should be familiar with the visitation rules applicable to individual residence halls.

28. STATE AND FEDERAL STATUTES.

Students who are convicted of state and/or federal statutes may be subject to administrative action by the University which may include expulsion from the University.

29. MISAPPROPRIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, NETWORKS, SYSTEMS AND/OR FUNDS.

The misappropriation of University property, equipment, networks, systems and/or funds is prohibited. This also includes the inappropriate use of the University ID card/number. This card is the property of West Texas A&M University and is non-transferable. Use by other than named cardholder is illegal. If it is lost, stolen or damaged due to negligence, there is a $10 replacement fee. Inappropriate usage may include but is not limited to lending an ID card/number to someone to be used at the dining hall, food court, Buff Cash vendors, student computerized elections or any University event; using another person’s University ID card/number, with or without that person’s knowledge for the purposes listed above; and using a person’s University ID card/number for the purchase or receipt of tickets to University events.

30. TAMPERING WITH INFORMATION, FILES, RECORDS, NETWORKS OR SYSTEMS

Willfully destroying, damaging, tampering, altering, stealing, misappropriating, or using without permission any system, program, information or file of the University or of a member of the University community is prohibited.

31. TELEPHONES

Unauthorized use of University telephones including long-distance service is prohibited. West Texas A&M University assumes no responsibility for personal telephone use. The use of cell phone camera(s) will not be permitted without authorized permission from the subject or owner of the object being photographed.

32. COMPUTER AND NETWORK AND TECHNOLOGY USAGE

Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use or access of computers, systems or networks is prohibited. The guidelines for computing, network and technology resources are available in the Open Access Lab in the Hastings Electronic Learning Center or on the World Wide Web at www.wtamu.edu/rules/rules.htm and are incorporated herein for all purposes.

33. THEFT

The University has zero-tolerance concerning theft. The attempted or actual theft of University services, property, property of other University students, of other members of the University community, of campus visitors on University property, or at University-sponsored activities is prohibited. Possession of property known to be stolen or belonging to another person without the owner’s permission is considered as theft. Students found in violation of this rule will face disciplinary sanctions.

34. TRAFFIC AND PARKING

Any individual who operates or parks a motor vehicle within the boundaries of the campus shall comply with traffic and parking rules developed by the Faculty-Student Parking Committee. Copies of the rules are available from the University Police Department.

35. RACIAL AND ETHNIC HARASSMENT

In providing an educational and work climate that is positive and discrimination-free, faculty, staff and students should be aware that racial and ethnic harassment in the workplace, residence or educational environment is unacceptable conduct and will not be condoned. See Appendix II for grievance procedures.

36. FIGHTING /ACTS OR THREATS OF VIOLENCE

The University has zero-tolerance concerning fighting or acts of violence. The use of, or threat of, force or violence or terroristic activities against members, guests or property of the University is prohibited. STUDENTS INVOLVED IN FIGHTING MAY BE SUBJECT TO A MINIMUM OF ONE SEMESTER SUSPENSION.

37. ENDANGERING SELF AND/OR OTHERS

Any act that endangers or threatens to endanger the health, safety, or well being of self or others may result in disciplinary action. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to evacuate facilities for emergencies, throwing or causing anything to fall from balconies, windows or upper floors which, in the case of housing, may result in immediate relocation and disciplinary action. Rappelling off University buildings is prohibited unless authorized by a department head supervising such activity.

38. TOBACCO

All buildings on the West Texas A&M University campus are tobacco free. No tobacco products (cigars, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, etc.) can be used in any University building, including the Jack B. Kelley Student Center, Virgil Henson Activities Center and Cornette Library. All residence hall common areas and sleeping rooms are smoke/tobacco free.

39. SEXUAL OFFENSES

  1. Sexual Misconduct. Attempting or making sexual contact, including but not limited to inappropriate touching or fondling, against the person’s will, or in circumstances where the person is physically, mentally or legally unable to give consent.
  2. Sexual Assault. Sexual assault or rape is the use of physical force or emotional coercion to force sex. Sex without conscious and total consent is rape. Taking sexual advantage of a person who is mentally or physically incapable of giving consent (for example, intoxication) is rape. Victims of sexual assault or rape may be eligible for reimbursement from the Crime Victims Compensation Act of any medical or psychological assessment/counseling expenses incurred as a result of the sexual act. Victims also have the right to file a restraining order or peace bond against the alleged offender to help assure that there will not be any further contact between the two parties. Sexual assault or rape is not restricted to strangers but may include an employer, acquaintance, classmate, professor/instructor, coworker or spouse. In cases of alleged sexual assault, both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary hearing brought alleging a sexual assault.
  3. Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment in any form is prohibited. Students shall not engage in sexual harassment toward another student or a University employee. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other oral, verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The creation of an environment hostile to learning through offensive sexual comments or propositions, engaging in suggestive touching or showing of offensive sexual materials also is prohibited.

40. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION REQUIREMENT

Notification to persons required to register as sex offenders. In accordance with Article 62.064 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a person who is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student at a public or private institution of higher education in this state, and who is required to register under Article 62.061, as added by Chapters 1193 and 1415, Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999, or any other provision of Chapter 62 (Sex Offender Registration Program) shall, no later than the seventh (7th) day after the date on which the person begins to work or attend school, report that fact to the authority for campus security for that institution.

The authority for campus security at West Texas A&M University is:

Chief of Police
West Texas A&M University Police Department
WTAMU box 60295
Canyon, Texas 79016

To arrange an appointment for registration or if you have questions, contact Sgt. Patrick Coggins or Lt. Monty Platt at (806)651-2300.

41. PETS

Animals will not be allowed to run at large on campus and must be leashed at all times. Animals shall not be left unattended or secured to University property. With the exception of fish and certified working animals only, animals and/or pets are not allowed in residence halls. Certified work animals must be registered with the coordinator of disabled student services.

Kay Hagar
Student Development
khagar@mail.wtamu.edu