WT Spring Classes to Begin Jan. 20

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - Buffs will return to the herd next week as the spring 2026 semester opens at West Texas A&M University.

When classes resume following observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19, new and returning students will begin classes Jan. 20 and be welcomed to campus through several activities over the ensuing days.

"Nothing matches the excitement of starting the spring semester at WT," said Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs. "We have put together a thoughtful, fun, and engaging calendar of events to help students get back into the swing of things and have a successful semester in 2026."

A Welcome Back Team of faculty and staff will greet students Jan. 20 and 21 and help them with any questions.

"This new team is visible, flexible and student-centered," said Amanda Lawson, senior director of orientation and academic success. "Rather than waiting for students to come to us, we'll be out in common areas actively helping students who may be lost, unsure or just need a friendly face and quick answer during the first days of class."

Volunteers will work across the first two class days for a total of 90 minutes each.

"Their presence during these first days makes a real difference," Lawson said. "A simple 'Can I help you find something?' can turn a stressful moment into a positive start for a student."

During the second week of classes, students can attend the "There's No Place Like the JBK" event, a day-long festival introducing students to the academic and campus life services housed in the Jack B. Kelley Student Center and attached Classroom Center in the heart of the WT campus.

Students will learn more about student organizations, financial aid, the WT Office of Career and Professional Development, the Rogers LEAD WT program, the University Bookstore, advising, Study Abroad and more.

Students also can pop into the Office for Student Engagement and Leadership, Room 103 in the JBK, for first day of school photos between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Jan. 20 and 21.

Through the end of the month, students also will have the opportunity to participate in a trivia night, a supplies bingo game, scrapbooking and journaling activities, WT men's and women's basketball games Jan. 29 and 31, WT baseball games Jan. 30 and 31, and recreational activities in the Virgil Henson Activities Center.

Exhibiting qualities of servant leadership is a key principle 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, which is now winding down, has raised more than $175 million.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

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