Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I apply to WTAMU?

You could be an Education Buff, a Psychology Buff, a Social Work Buff, a Criminal Justice Buff … or maybe you don't know what kind of Buff you'll be. No worries. The student experience at WTAMU gives you many opportunities to find your interests, talents, and abilities. Trained counselors and fascinating classes help you narrow down your options and find your passions. We'll help you Discover the BUFF in You.

Whether you are an incoming freshman, a transfer student, a graduate, or an international student, apply to WTAMU through the following applications

2. Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is an important step in your educational process. The WTAMU Financial Aid Office is here to help you with your financial needs and get you on the fast track to educational success.

West Texas A&M University awards approximately $4 million each year in scholarships to new and continuing students, with the average award totaling $1,200 per year. Students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and special talent are considered for University scholarships. Financial need may be a consideration. BUFF Promise is an excellent resource for families to cover the costs of education.

Incoming freshmen and new transfer students must apply for admission at Apply Texas before completing the scholarship application. Once the Office of Admissions receives your application, an acknowledgment and your Buffalo Gold Card ID number will be sent in order to complete the application. You can also contact us for your Buffalo Gold Card number (your Apply Texas ID will not work for the scholarship application).

3. What degree programs are available in the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences?

The Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences offers 10 undergraduate degree programs and 12 graduate degree programs including 8 online programs. See the departmental web pages for program and degree information.

4. How do I get an academic advisor?

Advising Services is committed to providing academic advising to all undergraduate students, including prospective students, at West Texas A&M University. While services are typically focused on students who have less than thirty hours of credit and any student new to WT, they are available to any student, faculty, or staff member who has questions or needs assistance. Through the advising process, students will: be assisted with clarifying their personal and educational goals; learn educational options available at WT; select an educational plan consistent with their abilities, skills, interests, and goals; discover the many opportunities available for student engagement; and learn of resources available to assist them with being a successful student.

Students who have completed more than 30 semester hours are advised by their academic department.

5. How do I obtain a degree plan?

Students, who are currently enrolled and have completed 60 semester credit hours, are required to file a degree plan. Prior to obtaining a degree plan, students must meet with their advisers and declare a major.

6. How does a student with a disability seek accommodation?

The purpose of the Office of Student Disability Services is to provide assistance and accommodations to students with disabilities. West Texas A&M University is committed to providing all students with equal access to quality education. In addition to serving as an advocate for students with disabilities, the office also works very closely with faculty and staff members in order to monitor students' progress and encourage a positive educational experience.

7. How do I obtain personal counseling and crisis intervention services?

Life as a college student can be an exciting time filled with freedom, changes, and new experiences! It can be fulfilling, rewarding, and sometimes challenging. For many students, these changes and demands can be overwhelming. WTAMU's Student Counseling Services understands that students may need some support during the school year to help them succeed. The Student Counseling Center is able to help students through:

Personal Counseling
Career Counseling
Couples Counseling
Crisis Intervention

Student Counseling Services is located in the Classroom Center suite 116. Our center is the suite with frosted glass windows in the Student Success Center.

8. How do I apply for graduation? When do I apply for graduation?

Visit the Graduation Application page to download the application form and follow the instructions. Deadlines for submission of a graduation application are as follows:

December Graduation Oct. 1
May Graduation March 1
August Graduation July 1

9. How do I challenge a semester grade?

The procedures for challenging a semester grade are detailed in the WTAMU Code of Student Life, Appendix II.

10. How do I resolve a concern with a course or a faculty member?

If you have a concern with a course or a faculty member, you should make initial contact with the faculty member in an effort to resolve your concern. If no resolution is achieved, you may contact the head of the department that offered the course. If no resolution is possible, you may appeal to the dean or associate dean of the college.

11. How do I participate in studying abroad through the Go Global program?

Studying abroad is an experience you will carry with you throughout your life. It will not only expose you to a different and unique culture, but it will open doors in academic areas as well as future employment opportunities. Gaining experience through time spent abroad is something that no amount of classroom experience can simulate or replace.

12. How do I drop a course or withdraw from the university?

Dropping a course (not withdrawing) by the deadline can be done through:

Buff Advisor
In-person at the Office of the Registrar
By fax or letter including signature, student ID, course, and section and term.
Withdrawing is dropping 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 in person at the Office of the Registrar

Check the University calendar for deadlines.

13. What does it mean to be given an academic warning?

A student has a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) and a semester GPA. The cumulative GPA is based on all hours for which a student has received a grade from WTAMU. The semester GPA is based on only the hours for which a student received a grade in a single semester. An academic warning is given when a student’s overall GPA is 2.00 or above but the semester GPA is below 2.00 or when the student failed to complete at least 75% of the courses in which he was officially enrolled (courses passed, failed, or dropped). The student will be advised to see his academic adviser for assistance with academic intervention or the need for support services. A student who has been given an academic warning may register for classes the next semester without any restrictions. However, a student who has received three consecutive academic warnings must consult with the Dean or Associate Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences for individual consultation.

14. What do I do if I have been placed on academic probation?

A student is placed on academic probation when his cumulative grade point average (GPA) is below 2.00. The student will be advised to see his academic adviser for assistance with academic intervention or the need for support services. A student will continue to be on academic probation but may register for classes as long as his semester GPA is 2.00 or above. The student will remain on academic probation until his cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above. Once a student’s cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above, the student will be returned to regular academic status.

15. What do I do if I am suspended from the university?

A student who is suspended from the University has two options: to serve the suspension or to appeal the suspension to the Academic Review Committee. A student who has been suspended from the university for the first time (First Suspension) will be required to sit out for two consecutive academic semesters. Summer I and Summer II count as a single academic semester. After serving the suspension the student must re-apply to the University using the EZ form.

After applying for readmission the student must make an appointment with the Dean or Associate Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences for reinstatement. A student may also appeal his suspension to the Academic Review Committee. The Suspension Appeal Form can be found on the Registrar’s web site at http://wtamu.edu/ student-support/registrar/registrar-probation-suspension.html . A student who is reinstated either after serving the suspension or after a successful appeal will continue to be on academic probation until his cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above. Once a student’s cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above, the student will be returned to regular academic status.

16. What if I am suspended from the university for a second time?

A student who has been reinstated after a first suspension and whose semester grade point average (GPA) remains below 2.00 will be suspended a second time. A student who has been suspended from the university for the second time (Second Suspension) will be required to sit out for a calendar year or may appeal his suspension to the Academic Review Committee. The Suspension Appeal Form can be found on the Registrar’s website at http://wtamu.edu/student-support/registrar/registrar-probation-suspension.html . If the appeal is denied, the student will be required to serve a one-year suspension. After serving the suspension the student must submit a re-entry application and submit a Request for Reinstatement after Serving a Second Academic Suspension. The Request for Reinstatement must be approved by the Academic Review Committee. After approval by the Academic Review Committee, the student must be reinstated by the Dean or Associate Dean of the College of Education and Social Sciences. A student who is reinstated either after serving a second suspension or after a successful appeal will continue to be on academic probation until his cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above. Once a student’s cumulative GPA is 2.00 or above, the student will be returned to regular academic status. A student reinstated after a second suspension and whose cumulative GPA remains below 2.00 will be dismissed from the University (Academic Dismissal).

17. What is the tuition rebate? Am I eligible for the tuition rebate?

The purpose of the rebate program is to provide tuition rebates that will provide a financial incentive for students to prepare for university studies while completing their high school work, avail themselves of academic counseling, make early career decisions, and complete their baccalaureate studies with as few courses outside the degree plan as possible. The amount of tuition to be rebated to an eligible student under this program is $1,000 unless the total amount of undergraduate tuition paid by the student to the institution awarding the degree was less than $1,000, in which event the amount of tuition to be rebated is an amount equal to the amount of undergraduate tuition paid by the student to the institution. Details concerning eligibility for the rebate.

18. How do I apply for a tuition rebate?

Apply here for the tuition rebate.