WT Expands Generous Tuition Discount to Part-Time Employees, Families

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Many part-time employees of West Texas A&M University and their families may now be eligible for half-off tuition and mandatory fees.

In a March 13 memo, WT President Walter V. Wendler announced that, beginning with this year’s Summer 1 session, the University’s Employee and Family Tuition and Fees Reduction program also would apply to employees who work 50 percent or more of the hours of a full-time employee. Their spouses and dependent children also are eligible.

“The waiver was inspired, in part, by the collaborative spirit across the campus community and is an expression of appreciation and support for faculty and staff,” Wendler wrote. “Thank you to the WT Staff Council and Faculty Senate for their leadership in seeking better educational benefits for employees and their extended families.”

The waiver program—which launched in May 2022—already is considered to be among the most generous offered by any state college or university in Texas or The Texas A&M University System. About 150 employees or their dependents have taken advantage of the waiver since its launch.

“We actively encourage and support education among our employees and their family. It is crucial for any institution of higher learning to do so,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “Earning a degree from WT also further enhances the institutional bond among faculty, staff and their families with the University.”

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who works at WT to earn or continue their education at a greatly reduced rate,” said Steven Knadle, assistant registrar and president of the WT Staff Council. “I hope everyone who is eligible takes full advantage of this program and earns their bachelors or master’s from our amazing institution.”

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for part-time employees and their families and shows WT’s commitment to the campus and regional community,” said Dr. David Craig, president of the WT Faculty Senate and associate professor of physics. “I hope many staff members who are eligible take advantage of it.”

The discount applies to both baccalaureate or graduate degrees, but not to certificate programs, non-degree applicable courses or second bachelor’s degrees. It also does not cover course materials, housing or meal costs.

Other conditions, including financial aid benefits, may apply, as well. The waiver is considered a taxable benefit only for dependent graduate students, per IRS guidelines. Students must remain in good academic standing to continue qualifying for the waiver.

The University currently employs almost 1,000 full-time faculty and staff members, and about 150 eligible part-time employees.

Other universities around Texas offer partial waivers or scholarships that do not approach the 50-percent level to be offered by WT, whether through limited scholarships or waivers for one course per term.

Recruiting, retaining and rewarding the highest level of faculty and staff is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $150 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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