Student Life

Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs plans and administers programs, services, and activities for students that are compatible with the philosophy and objectives of the University. Programs are based on the beliefs that teaching, guidance, and counseling are one and the same, that individual and group counseling are vital to positive academic performance, and that student developmental programs and co-curricular activities enhance the total growth and development of students. The Student Affairs programs have three major objectives:

1. to create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to students’ academic and personal wellbeing;
2. to incorporate a living-learning concept that will assist students with their development; and
3. to cooperate with curricular, social, recreational, cultural, and educational programs in the University community.

All programs, services, and activities not listed in this catalog are described in detail in the Midwestern State University Student Handbook. Copies of the Midwestern State University Student Handbook may be accessed electronically via the MSU website and my.MSUTEXAS portal. Hard copies are available at the Clark Student Center Information Desk. Specific services and programs addressed in the Midwestern State University Student Handbook are

1. Bookstore (http://msutexas.edu/bookstore)
2. Career Management Center and Testing Services (http://msutexas.edu/career)
3. Clark Student Center (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/csc)
4. Counseling Center (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/counseling)
5. Dean of Students (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/dean)
6. Dining Services (http://dineoncampus.com/midwesternstate)
7. Disability Support Services (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/disability)
8. First2Go (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/first2go)
9. International Services (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/international)
10. MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/mosaic)
11. Residence Life & Housing (http://msutexas.edu/housing)
12. Post Office (http://msutexas.edu/postoffice)
13. Recreational Sports and Wellness Center (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/recsports)
14. Student Leadership and Involvement (https://msutexas.edu/student-life/involvement)
15. Student Government Association (http://msutexas.edu/sga/)
16. Student Organizations (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/development/orgs)
17. Student Rights and Responsibilities (http://msutexas.edu/student-life/conduct)
18. Title IX (http://msutexas.edu/titleix)
19. University Police (http://msutexas.edu/police)
20. Vinson Health Center (http://msutexas.edu/healthcenter)

Student Honor Creed

The MSU Student Government Association developed the following Student Honor Creed in the 2002-2003 academic year.

“As an MSU student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so.”

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, we the students of Midwestern State University resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all University matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one’s own, work or ideas which are not entirely one’s own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests with each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Academic Dishonesty

For information regarding Midwestern State University’s policies about academic dishonesty, please refer to the current Midwestern State University Student Handbook. The Handbook is available on the MSU website and my.MSUTEXAS portal.

Student Rights

Midwestern State University is an academic community in which all persons share responsibility for its growth and continued well-being. As members of the University community, students can reasonably expect the following:

1. In all instances of general discipline, the student has the right to due process. Due process, as applied to student-university relationships and the disciplinary process, is equated with fundamental and procedural fairness.
2. Students have the right to freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, ideology, political views, or political affiliation.
3. MSU considers freedom of inquiry and discussion essential to a student’s intellectual development. Thus, the University recognizes the rights of all students to engage in discussion, to exchange thought and opinion, and to speak, write, or print freely on any subject in accordance with the guarantees of Federal and State laws.
4. The University affirms the right of students as citizens to exercise their freedoms without fear of University interference for such activity.
5. Students have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of policy directly affecting students through membership on appropriate committees as determined by the President of the University, the Student Government Association, and other registered organizations within the University.
6. Students shall have ready access to established University policies and procedures.
7. Students, as members of the University community, have the responsibility to participate in any disciplinary proceedings and to testify as a witness when reasonably notified. Self-incrimination is not intended or construed.
8. Students are free to engage in peaceful and orderly protest, demonstration, and picketing that do not disrupt functions of the University.
9. Students are protected from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Human Dignity Statement

Midwestern State University is committed to equitable, civilized, and concerned treatment for all individuals without regard for race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, ideology, political views, or political affiliation. As members of the academic community, University students enjoy the privileges and share the obligations of the larger community of which the University is a part. Students are entitled to the privileges that accrue to them by virtue of their membership. These privileges carry with them the obligations of responsible citizenship.

FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION - Freedom of discussion, inquiry, and expression is fostered by an environment in which the privileges of citizenship are protected and the obligations of citizenship are understood.

PERSONAL WORTH AND DIGNITY - It is imperative that students learn to recognize, understand, and celebrate human differences. Universities can, and indeed must, help students become open to the differences that surround them. Differences such as race, religion, age, gender, culture, physical ability, nationality, and lifestyle are learned best in collegiate settings that are rich with diversity, and these differences must be learned if the ideals of human worth and dignity are to be advanced.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY - Midwestern State University actively promotes the philosophy that students are responsible for their own lives and that they learn responsibility when they bear the consequences of their actions and inactions in an environment marked by caring and support.

Services for Students with Disabilities

It is the policy of Midwestern State University that no otherwise qualified person, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any education program, activity, or employment of the University.  It is MSU’s policy to provide equal access and opportunity to individuals with disabilities in compliance with federal law to include sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008.

Disability Support Services provides information and assistance, arranges accommodations, and serves as a liaison for students, instructors, and staff.  A student/employee who seeks accommodations on the basis of disability must register with Disability Support Services, Clark Student Center Room 168. Documentation of disability from a competent professional is required.

Individuals with grievances related to discrimination or lack of accommodation on the basis of a disability are encouraged to resolve the problem directly with the area involved. If the matter remains unresolved, advice and assistance will be provided by Disability Support Services. Specific information on filing a grievance is available in Disability Support Services.

The Director of Disability Support Services serves as the ADA Coordinator and may be contacted by email at disabilityservices@msutexas.edu, by phone at (940) 397-4140, TDD (940) 397-4515, or 3410 Taft Blvd., Clark Student Center Room 168. The web address is http://msutexas.edu/disability/.

The Section 508 Coordinator may be contacted by email at disabilityservices@msutexas.edu, by phone at (940) 397-4140, TDD (940) 397-4515, or 3410 Taft Blvd., Clark Student Center Room 168.  The web address is http://msutexas.edu/disability/.

Residence Life & Housing

1. Housing Policy
   
   The housing policy is based on the belief that living in University housing can provide both educational and social opportunities important to the success of college students. National studies have demonstrated students residing on-campus tend to develop and progress at a better rate toward the completion of their degrees than those students living off-campus. All students enrolling at Midwestern State University are required to live in University housing unless they
   1. Are living in the home of their parents or legal guardian within 60 miles of the campus and commuting to class.
   2. Are married and living with their spouse.
   3. Have accumulated 45 semester hours of college academic credit as a post-high school student prior to the first day of classes for the housing agreement period. Hours achieved while in high school are not counted (e.g. concurrent or dual credit).
   4. Have reached the age of 21 prior to the first day of classes for the housing agreement period.
   5. Are part-time students enrolled in 11 hours or less for the fall or spring semester.
2. Food Service Policy
   
   All students living in MSU residence halls (except Sundance Court, and Sunwatcher Village) during the fall and spring semesters are required to take a meal plan. Three meal plans (Silver 150, Gold 200, and Platinum All Access) are available for students residing in the residence halls. Each meal plan includes declining balance that may be used at any dining facility on campus. Optional meal plans are also available for students living in apartments or commuting to campus.  Summer meal plans are also available but not required.
   
   Additional information about Residence Life & Housing can be found in the most recent edition of the Midwestern State University Student Handbook, the Residence Life & Housing website (http://www.msutexas.edu/housing), or by calling (940) 397-4217.

Applicability of Regulations

Enrollment at Midwestern is considered by the University as an implicit declaration of acceptance on the part of the student of University regulations as outlined in the most recent issues of the catalog, the Midwestern State University Student Handbook, and the Housing and Residence Life Handbook. The Student Handbook is published once each year under separate cover from the Undergraduate Catalog and made available to students through the Office of Student Affairs.  The Residence Life and Housing Handbook is published once each year under separate cover from the Undergraduate Catalog and made available to students living in campus housing through the Office of Residence Life & Housing.