General Information

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

Midwestern State University maintains educational records for each student who is or has been officially enrolled.

Areas in which student records are maintained:

1. Academic Records - Registrar’s Office
2. Admissions/Immigration Records - Admissions Office, Processing and Operations Office, Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School, and the Global Education Office
3. Financial Records - Business Office
4. Financial Aid Records - Financial Aid Office
5. Graduate Studies Records - Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School
6. Placement Records - Career Management Center
7. Progress Records - Faculty Offices and Academic Advising Offices
8. Disciplinary Records - Student Rights and Responsibilities Office
9. Housing Records - Housing & Dining Services
10. Athletics Records - Athletics Office
11. Occasional Records - University staff person who maintains minutes of faculty or committee meetings or copies of correspondence

Directory Information

This is information which may be released to the general public without the written consent of the student. A student may request that the Directory Information be withheld from the public by making a written request to the Office of the Registrar during the first 12 class days of a fall or spring semester or the first 4 class days of a summer term. This request will remain in effect unless removed by the student.  If the student leaves the university with it on, it remains on.  The following items have been designated as Directory Information:

1. Name
2. Date and Place of Birth
3. Current and Permanent Address
4. Telephone Listing
5. Major and Minor Fields of Study
6. Student Enrollment Status (full-time/part-time)
7. Classification
8. Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and Sports
9. Weight and Height of Members of Athletic Teams
10. Dates of Attendance
11. Degrees and Awards Received
12. All Previous Educational Agencies or Institutions Attended
13. Photographs

Review of Record

Students who desire to review their records may do so upon written request of the appropriate record custodian. The Review Request Form must identify as precisely as possible the records to be reviewed.

Challenge to Accuracy of Record-keeping

Students who desire to challenge the accuracy of their records shall follow the procedure outlined below:

Informal Review. The procedure outlined for Review of Record shall be followed. The review official will summarize action taken on the Review Request form. This form should be signed and dated by the review official and maintained with the student’s record. If the Informal Review does not clarify the accuracy of record-keeping, the student may request a Formal Review.

Formal Review. The Provost will chair and appoint a committee to hear challenges concerning records of offices reporting to him or her. The Vice President for Student Affairs, and the Vice President for Enrollment Management will each chair and appoint a committee to hear challenges concerning records in their respective areas. The student shall be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues raised in the original request to amend the student’s education records. The student may be assisted by one or more individuals, including an attorney.

The Provost or the appropriate Vice President will prepare a written decision based solely on the evidence presented at the hearing for their respective areas. The decision will include a summary of the evidence presented and the reasons for the decision. If the University’s decision is that the challenged information is not inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s right of privacy, the student will be notified that he has a right to place in the record a statement commenting on the challenged information and/or a statement setting forth reasons for disagreeing with the decision.

The statement will be maintained as part of the student’s education records as long as the contested portion is maintained. If MSU discloses the contested portion of the record, it must also disclose the student’s statement. If MSU decides that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the student’s rights of privacy, it will amend the record and notify the student, in writing, that the record has been amended.

Students have a right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in their education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. The following exceptions permit disclosure without consent:

1. Disclosure without consent is permitted to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, collection agent, or enrollment or loan and degree verification service); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
2. The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 allow disclosure of the final results of student disciplinary proceedings involving students found to have committed a disciplinary offense that would constitute a “crime of violence” (or a nonforcible sex offense) under federal law, specifically the name of the student found to have committed the offense, the violation committed, and any sanction imposed.
3. The 1998 FERPA amendments also allow institutions of higher education to disclose to a parent or legal guardian of a student under the age of 21 years information regarding the student’s violation of any federal, state, or local law, or any institutional rule or policy related to the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance.
4. Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31):
   • School officials with legitimate educational interest;
   • Other schools to which a student is transferring (seeks or intends to enroll);
   • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
   • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
   • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
   • Accrediting organizations;
   • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena;
   • Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
   • State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

As of January 3, 2012, the U.S. Department of Education’s FERPA regulations expand the circumstances under which a student’s education records and personally identifiable information (PII) contained in such records may be accessed without the student’s consent. Students needing more details regarding these exceptions may contact the Office of the Registrar.

Students who desire to grant access to parents or third parties can click here to complete the form and submit to the Office of Student Affairs, Clark Student Center, room 104.

Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Midwestern State University to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

FERPA allows the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (the State of Texas educational governing entity), with student consent, to disclose to higher education institutions the number of credit hours taken previously.

Intellectual Property Rights

Midwestern State University supports the development, production, and dissemination of intellectual property. Please refer to the University’s intellectual property rights policies for more information.

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 well-being;
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.

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.

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 and University policies.
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 student 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 who seeks accommodations on the basis of disability must register with Disability Support Services, Clark Student Center Room 168. Documentation of disability from a relevant, licensed 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 and at https://msutexas.edu/student-life/disability/disability-grievance-procedures.php.

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 https://msutexas.edu/student-life/disability/index.php.

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 https://msutexas.edu/student-life/disability/index.php.

Office of Veterans Affairs

The Office of Veterans Affairs assists students who are eligible for Federal and State veteran education benefits.

Information regarding education benefits for Veterans, reservists, dependents of deceased or disabled Veterans, and dependents of members of the armed forces can be obtained at the University’s Veterans Affairs office located on the first floor of Hardin South or on the MSU VA web page at https://msutexas.edu/registrar/veterans. Information is also available at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ website: http://www.va.gov or by calling the Department of Veterans Affairs national toll-free telephone number 1-888-442-4551.

Receipt of Veterans education benefits does not prevent a student from receiving other student aid or benefits; however, the student must meet the qualifications of the other programs.

Texas Veterans and dependents of Texas Veterans may be eligible for exemption of tuition and certain fees under the provisions of the Hazlewood Act. Effective for Fall 2014, the Texas Legislature approved Senate Bill 1210 which states that recipients of Texas state exemptions and/or waivers must meet Financial Aid’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirement of a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students; also, recipients must not be in excess hours status. All eligibility requirements for the Hazlewood Act can be found on the Texas Veterans Commission web page at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/education/hazlewood.

Other military exemptions may be available. See Exemptions from Registration Fees.

For more information, contact the Veterans Affairs Office at 3410 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX, 76308-2099, 940-397-4305, or veterans.affairs@msutexas.edu. 

Allowing Veterans to Attend or Participate in Courses Pending VA Payment (38 USC 3679(e)(1)A&B

Background:  Section 103 of Public Law (PL) 115-407, ‘Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018,’ amends Title 38 US Code 3679 by adding a new subsection (e) that requires disapproval of courses of education, beginning August 1, 2019, at any educational institution that does not have a policy in place that will allow an individual to attend or participate in a course of education, pending VA payment, providing the individual submits a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31, 33, or 35.

Pending Payment Compliance:  In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Midwestern State University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Midwestern State University will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Residence Life & Housing

A. Residence Life Policy

The residence life policy is based on the knowledge that living in University housing can provide both educational and social opportunities important to the success of college students. All students enrolling at Midwestern State University are required to live in University housing unless they meet one or more of the following exemptions:

1. Are living with a parent or legal guardian within 60 miles of the campus and commuting to class.
2. Are married and living with their spouse.
3. Have accumulated 60 semester hours of college academic credit prior to the first day of classes for the housing agreement period of respective semester. 
   a. A high school concurrent, dual credit, or international baccalaureate student who has earned 60 or more semester credit hours of college academic credit is required to live in university housing during their first year of post-high school enrollment at MSU unless otherwise exempted per this policy.
4. Have reached the age of 21 prior to the first day of classes for the housing agreement period of a respective semester.
5. Are part-time students enrolled in 11 credit hours or less for the fall or spring semester.
6. Are enrolled exclusively in an online distance education program.

B. 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, & 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://msutexas.edu/housing), or by calling (940) 397-4217.

Graduate Student Ambassadors

The Graduate Student Ambassador Program at Midwestern State University strives to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere for the students enrolled in the Dr. Billie Doris McAda Graduate School. Graduate Student Ambassadors (GSAs) represent all graduate students. The GSAs communicate the needs and perspectives of graduate students to the MSU community through the GSA email and the Graduate Commons. GSAs meet with the Dean of the McAda Graduate School and the Graduate Council to express the perspectives of the graduate students. Membership as a GSA provides opportunities for graduate students to interact with the university community through social activities planned by the GSA in collaboration with the Dean of the McAda Graduate School, the Graduate School Academic Counselor, and the Graduate School Recruitment Specialist. The GSAs are represented on the Celebration of Scholarship Committee, through which there are opportunities for graduate students to present their research to faculty and fellow students during the spring Celebration of Scholarship.