CANYON, Texas (KFDA) – West Texas A&M University hosts a range of summer programs — including academic, music and technology camps — drawing more than 4,600 minors to campus from across Texas and several other states.
Camps serve as recruiting pipeline
University officials said the programs are designed to make a lasting impression on students and encourage them to enroll at WT as Buffs.
Music camp organizers said the program serves a dual purpose.
“One of the reasons why we do our camp is we want to help, of course, educate students in the region and throughout the state of Texas. We feel like music education is important. But this is our best recruiting tool that we have for WT,” said Don Lefevre, director of bands at WTAMU.
Research focus expands in summer
Summer also serves as a key period for student research at the university, according to officials.
“Summer is an exciting time for research, specifically for students. Faculty are doing research all year round, but what’s important about the research at West Texas A&M University is that we’re intentionally building our research capacity right now. We’re doing this by starting here, solving local problems and focusing on local problems that have impacts both nationally and internationally,” said Emily Hunt, associate vice president for research & innovation at WTAMU.
Hands-on experience from day one
University officials said incoming freshmen are placed into courses connected to their major during their first semester to build early connections with faculty and gain industry experience.
Most programs also include internship or practicum components built into the degree.
Students encouraged to find their community
A current student said the university offers something for everyone, from intramural sports and student organizations to Greek life.
“If you leave here today thinking you didn’t find a friend or you didn’t feel as welcome in some stuff, you just got to wait it out a little bit and just see where the boat takes you because little do you know, you are going to find a community. Whether that’s an intramural sports, whether it’s in an org, whether it’s in Greek life or anything like that — they have a little bit of everything for everyone here,” said Xavier Champion, media intern for the Office of Orientation & Academic Success at WTAMU. “You can be afraid, but it’s okay to be afraid because you’re experiencing something new. And it’s just you being you.”
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