A student may withdraw from a class at any time during the semester up to the end of the 10th week of a long semester. Class withdrawal forms, which must be submitted by the student, are available in the Office of the Registrar. A student who withdraws before this deadline will receive a W for the course, and the instructor will be notified of the student’s withdrawal. Once the end of the 10th week of class in a long semester has passed, students may no longer withdraw from a course. Instructors may withdraw a student due to absences until the end of the semester with a grade of WF. A grade of W will not affect the grade point average; however, a WF carries the same value as an F.

A student may withdraw from a class in an accelerated term, such as an 8-week course, May session, or summer session, up to the midpoint of the session or term. A W will be recorded just as it is for a regular semester. Once the midpoint of the session has passed, students may no longer withdraw (HPU 2025-2026 Catalog, p. 60).

Please consult the current official HPU 2025-2026 Catalog for additional information on dropping and/or withdrawing from courses, including the implications drops and/or withdrawals may have on your financial aid awards.

Refunds of part-time tuition will be made on individual courses dropped before the last day to register or change classes (8th class day) each semester, based on the HPU refund policy. If a course is dropped after the census date for the appropriate session, the student will be refunded for the tuition and fees associated with that course, based on HPU’s refund policy (HPU 2025-2026 Catalog, p. 25).

Please consult the current official HPU 2025-2026 Catalog for additional information on dropping and/or withdrawing from courses, including the implications drops and/or withdrawals may have on your financial aid awards.

No refunds will be made for a student beginning the semester as a full- time student (12 or more hours), then dropping to part-time (11 or fewer hours) after the drop/add date (8th class day). A student who must drop a course because of excessive absences, poor work or other causes, withdraws without notice, is expelled, or is asked to withdraw is not entitled to a refund. Failure to attend a class or simply not notifying an individual instructor will not be regarded as an official withdrawal (HPU 2025-2026 Catalog, p. 26).

Please consult the current official HPU 2025-2026 Catalog for additional information on dropping and/or withdrawing from courses, including the implications drops and/or withdrawals may have on your financial aid awards.

All student athletes MUST obtain the signatures of their academic advisor AND primary coach before dropping or withdrawing from any course.

Under state law, individuals and/or organizations engaging in hazing could be subject to fines and charged with a criminal offense. Under HPU policy, individuals and/or organizations engaging in hazing may be subject to disciplinary sanctions, including expulsion.

Important Definitions from Texas Law, Education Code Sec. 37.151 (2), (3), (4), (5), (6):

“Pledge” means any person who has been accepted by, is considering an offer of membership from, or is in the process of qualifying for membership in an organization.

“Pledging” means any action or activity related to becoming a member of an organization.

“Student” means any person who:

• is registered in or in attendance at an educational institution;
• has been accepted for admission at the educational institution where the hazing incident occurred; or
• intends to attend an educational institution during any of its regular sessions after a period of scheduled vacation.

“Organization” means a fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, club, or student government, a band or musical group, or an academic, athletic, cheerleading, or dance team, including any group or team that participates in National Collegiate Athletic Association competition, or a service, social, or similar group, whose members are primarily students.

“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

1. is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity;
2. involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
3. involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than as described by Paragraph (E), that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
4. is any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code or
5. involves coercing, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, the student to consume a drug or an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by Section 49.01, Penal Code.

According to the law, a person can commit a hazing offense not only by engaging in a hazing activity but also by soliciting, directing, encouraging, aiding, or attempting to aid another in hazing by intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly allowing hazing to occur or by failing to report in writing to the Dean of Students that a hazing incident is planned or has occurred (see Sec. 37.152).

An organization commits a hazing offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing (see Sec. 37.153).

A person’s consent to a hazing activity does not legalize or legitimize it (see Sec. 37.154) (HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, pp. 25-26).

Howard Payne University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws for students with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities, health impairments, and other conditions that substantially limit one or more major life activities.

Information about available services and required forms can be found on the Center for Student Success page of the HPU website. Upon admission to the university, students seeking accommodations should submit all relevant information and current documentation (from within the past three years) to:

Office of Learning Assistance

Howard Payne University

1000 Fisk Avenue

Walker Memorial Library, 2^nd Floor

Brownwood, TX 76801

(325) 649-8620

Per Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Office of Learning Assistance ensures equal access to educational programs. It protects qualified students with disabilities from discrimination. Admission requirements for students with disabilities are the same as for all students. University programs and activities are conducted in a manner that ensures no otherwise qualified individual shall be excluded from participation, denied benefits, or subjected to discrimination solely due to a disability.

Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Learning Assistance with any questions or concerns about services and support.

Documentation Requirements

Submitted documentation must include the following elements:

• Be administered or completed by a licensed or credentialed examiner
• Include a clear diagnostic statement identifying the disability
• Describe the diagnostic methodology used
• Explain current functional limitations
• Outline the expected duration and progression of the condition
• Provide a rationale and justification for all requested accommodations

Accommodations are determined on an individual basis by the Office of Learning Assistance in

consultation with qualified professionals. If documentation is deemed insufficient, the university reserves the right to request additional information to determine appropriate and effective accommodations at the college level. Accommodations are designed to level the academic playing field while preserving the university’s academic integrity and standards. While accommodations can enhance access, they do not guarantee academic success. Therefore, students are encouraged to utilize other support services available through the university and develop strong self-advocacy skills. The Office of Learning Assistance can also serve as a liaison between students and university faculty or staff.

Requesting Accommodations

After submitting the required documentation and completing the Learning Assistance Request Form, the student must schedule an appointment with the Learning Assistance Coordinator.

If the student qualifies, accommodations will be discussed and, once approved, an accommodation letter will be issued each semester for the student to share with their professors. Students should allow 6 to 10 business days for the completion of accommodation requests. It is strongly recommended that appointments be scheduled within the first two weeks of the semester.

Appeals Process

If a student believes that the approved accommodations are insufficient, they may pursue an appeal as outlined below:

Informal Appeal Process

Before initiating a formal appeal, the student should:

• Discuss concerns with the instructor; and
• Contact the Learning Assistance Coordinator.

If the matter is not resolved, the student must meet with the Assistant Vice President for Student Success to explore further resolution.

Formal Appeal Process

If the student remains unsatisfied, they may submit a written appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The appeal must state the basis for the request. The Vice President will determine if the appeal meets policy requirements and will communicate a final decision in writing. This decision is final.

Responsibilities and Limitations

The student is responsible for providing documentation from a qualified professional as outlined above. HPU does not provide the following:

• Diagnostic evaluations for disabilities
• Reduced academic performance standards
• Exemptions from essential graduation requirements
• Credit based on effort in place of demonstrated academic competence

Confidentiality

The Office of Learning Assistance maintains strict confidentiality regarding student evaluations and records. No documentation will be released without the student’s informed written consent, except in cases of legal compulsion.

Financial Aid

Students with physical disabilities are encouraged to contact the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services regarding available financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid will also consider eligible students for other financial assistance, provided all necessary forms are completed.

Temporary Disabilities

Students with temporary conditions that impact their academic performance may contact the Office of Learning Assistance to discuss possible short-term accommodations.

HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, pp. 17-18

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Howard Payne University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment, including discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy. In accordance with Howard Payne University’s Title IX and related anti-discrimination policies, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and retaliation are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Individuals who engage in such conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion for students or termination for employees.

Howard Payne University (the “University”) is committed to providing a non-discriminatory educational and employment environment. Consistent with Howard Payne University’s Non-Discrimination Notice and the U.S. Department of Education’s implementing regulations for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), the University prohibits harassment or discrimination that occurs within its Education Programs and Activities. For additional information, see the HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, pp. 67-90.

For additional information and reporting instructions, please visit the following pages:

• HPU’s Sexual Assault Policy & Reporting
• Online Reporting Form
• Report to Title IX Coordinators
• Title IX Policy Non-Discrimination and Sexual Harassment
• Title IX Training Coordinator Materials

At Howard Payne University, we are honored to serve and provide exceptional academic programs to our active-duty military, veterans, and dependents. We appreciate your service and sacrifice and are committed to your success. This commitment includes helping you build on your strengths so you can achieve the well-respected bachelor’s or graduate degree you deserve. Here are just a few of the ways Howard Payne University supports its military students.

Students eligible for Military educational benefits may contact:

HPU School Certifying Official

Center for Student Success

Walker Memorial Library, Room 201C

325-649-8620

Howard Payne University’s programs are approved for individuals who wish to attend and receive benefits under Chapter 30 – Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty, Chapter 31 – Vocational Readiness and Employment, Chapter 33 – Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, Chapter 35 – Survivors/Dependents Education Benefits, Chapter 1606, and Tuition Assistance (Active Duty or Reserves). Veterans and/or their dependents applying for admission to HPU follow the same procedures as other applicants, but should also contact the VA Certifying Official (HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, p. 36).

For additional information, please visit the following HPU resources:

• Veteran Education Benefits
• HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, p. 36

Breach of Personal and Professional Integrity

At Howard Payne University, integrity is foundational to our identity as a Christ-centered academic community. We are called to pursue truth, honesty, and responsibility in all areas of life, including academic work. Personal and professional integrity reflects not only the mission of the University but also the character of the individuals who make up our community.

Students are expected to complete all academic assignments with honesty and without unauthorized assistance. Any attempt to misrepresent one’s knowledge, understanding, or abilities—or to submit the work of another, including work generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as one’s own—is a serious violation of the University’s standards.

Cheating

Cheating is defined as any act that seeks to gain an unfair academic advantage. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on any assignment or exam;
• Using unauthorized technology to send or receive information;
• Collaborating with others on an individual assignment and submitting it as one’s own;
• Exchanging money or other compensation in return for academic work or information about exam materials.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s intellectual property as your own. Examples include:

• Using another person’s words, ideas, or work without proper citation;
• Copying and pasting from online or printed sources without attribution;
• Purchasing or borrowing academic work and submitting it under your name;
• Paraphrasing someone else’s ideas too closely without credit;
• Failing to acknowledge collaboration when required.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

While generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, GrammarlyGO, and others may be useful for learning, using these tools to complete or produce work without an instructor’s permission is considered academic dishonesty. Submitting AI-generated content— whether entirely or in part—without authorization or proper acknowledgment is a violation of the University’s academic integrity standards. Faculty may choose to allow the use of AI for certain assignments and will provide guidance on acceptable use. When permitted, students must follow the instructor’s expectations and clearly cite any AI-generated contributions. Misuse of AI tools may result in the same disciplinary consequences as other forms of academic misconduct, such as cheating or plagiarism.

Accountability and Consequences

Because breaches of integrity harm both the student and the University, violations are addressed with seriousness and care. When an incident occurs, the faculty member will assess the situation and consult with the appropriate School Dean. Based on the circumstances, the student may receive a grade of “F” on the assignment or for the entire course. The faculty member will document the violation in writing and report it to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, where a Personal and Professional Integrity file will be maintained.

Repeated or serious violations of this policy may result in suspension or expulsion from the University. As with any grade-related matter, students have the right to appeal a decision made by a faculty member regarding a breach of academic integrity. The appeal process is outlined in the HPU 2025-2026 Catalog (pp. 280-281).

Faculty may choose to allow the use of AI for certain assignments and will provide guidance on acceptable use. When permitted, students must follow the instructor’s expectations and clearly cite any AI-generated contributions. Misuse of AI tools may result in the same disciplinary consequences as other forms of academic misconduct, such as cheating or plagiarism. Accountability and Consequences Because breaches of integrity harm both the student and the University, violations are addressed with seriousness and care. When an incident occurs, the faculty member will assess the situation and consult with the appropriate School Dean. Based on the circumstances, the student may receive a grade of “F” on the assignment or for the entire course. The faculty member will document the violation in writing and report it to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will maintain a Personal and Professional Integrity file. Repeated or serious violations of this policy may result in suspension or expulsion from the University. As with any grade-related matter, students have the right to appeal a decision made by a faculty member regarding a breach of academic integrity. The appeal process is outlined in the University Catalog.                     

HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, pp. 39-40

Your HPU E-mail is an official means of communication used by the Howard Payne University community. As such, all students and employees are required to access their HPU e-mail accounts for university business.  The University expects recipients of university e-mail to retrieve and read the communication in a timely fashion. As an official communications tool, the HPU e-mail system should be used primarily to facilitate the academic and administrative needs of the University. Personal use is allowed but should be kept to a minimum.

E-mail User Names

Student addresses are standardized in the form of firstname.lastname@hputx.edu. The names used are the student’s official first and last names as registered and may not contain middle names or nicknames. Faculty/staff addresses utilize the first letter of the first name and the entire last name (e.g., jsmith@hputx.edu).

University Oversight of the HPU E-mail System

The University’s Information Technology Services is responsible for implementing, directing, and supervising the HPU e-mail system. Users are required to abide by all e-mail policies and procedures issued by the University and the Information Systems Department. While the University strives to respect the privacy of individuals, the HPU e-mail system and communications transmitted through it are the property of the University. As such, the University reserves the right to monitor all communications and activity involving the HPU E-mail system.

Inappropriate Usage

As a Christian university, HPU expects all users to be responsible for using the e-mail system appropriately.  The HPU e-mail system may not be used for illegal purposes, harassment or offensive communications, vulgar or lewd materials, slander, or transmittal of any materials, images, or messages inconsistent with our Christian mission.  The HPU e-mail system may not be used to solicit business or fundraising endeavors unrelated to the academic or administrative needs of the University.  Users should not advertise items for sale or rent or communicate information not applicable to the general campus community. Misuse or abuse of the HPU e-mail system may result in disciplinary action.  Illegal usage may result in criminal prosecution. 

Expectations Regarding Regular Use of E-mail

Students and employees are expected to check their official HPU e-mail accounts frequently and consistently to stay current with university-related communications. Failure to read and properly manage one’s HPU e-mail account is not an acceptable excuse for not receiving official university communications via e-mail. Students should not share their HPU e-mail passwords with any other individuals. Official e-mail addresses will be included in directory information unless a student requests otherwise.

HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, pp. 32-33

HPU’s Firearm Policy:

Effective August 10, 2016, Texas Senate Bill 11 became law. The bill allows private universities to opt out, not allowing concealed handgun license holders to carry their handguns on the campus. Howard Payne University has opted out. Therefore, it is a criminal violation for a license holder to carry his or her handgun on the Howard Payne campus, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by the institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle owned or leased by the university. Note: The open carry of handguns (or other firearms) on a Texas college campus continues to be prohibited by state law.

Howard Payne University prohibits all employees, students and visitors from illegally carrying any firearms, handguns, knives, pellet guns, BB guns, electroshock weapons, guns that fire plastic projectiles of any type, and fireworks in or on university property or at a university-sponsored activity or event. Under no circumstance is a university student permitted to possess a firearm on university property or at a university-sponsored activity or event.

A lockdown is a temporary sheltering technique that may last for several hours and is utilized to limit exposure to an “Active Shooter” or similar threat. When alerted to lockdown, occupants of any facility within the affected area will lock all doors and windows preventing entry or exit to anyone until receiving the “all clear” or being directed to evacuate. This procedure converts any facility into a large “safe room.”

• Contact HPU DPS and provide/receive accurate information concerning the emergency
• Alert occupants to the situation, direct them to lockdown, and lock all exterior facility doors
• Lock doors/windows, close blinds/curtains, and turn off equipment/devices that emit light/sound
• Report lockdown status, headcount, injuries, and control entry/exit to the room
• Prevent people from exiting the facility until receiving the “all clear” or deciding to evacuate based on the A.L.I.C.E. principles outlined below

A.L.I.C.E. is an acronym for:

Alert,

Lockdown,

Inform,

Counter,

and Evacuate.

The main objective of this approach is to provide students and staff with options to increase their chances of survival during an “Active Shooter on Campus” emergency. Where the traditional lockdown response is passive in nature (lock doors, turn out lights, and wait for help), the A.L.I.C.E. approach is considered a more aggressive response.

The steps in A.L.I.C.E. are as follows:

1. Alert: Danger announcement
2. Lockdown: Excellent starting point from which to make safety decisions
3. Inform: Provide real-time information to those in danger
4. Counter: Use of simple, proactive techniques to counter aggressive actions if necessary
5. Evacuation: Remove as many from the danger zone as quickly as possible

If you encounter the shooter, you should immediately call 911 to report the incident, seek a secure area, remain calm, reassure others, assist the injured, and wait for law enforcement response.

Evacuation, shelter-in-place, and lockdown can involve the entire campus or only a few facilities, depending on the nature of the threat.

For additional information, please review HPU’s Emergency Management Guide.

HPU provides free, confidential counseling for currently enrolled students, including individual, group, couples, and premarital sessions. Our services focus on short-term, goal-oriented care for needs like anxiety, depression, bereavement, and relationship issues. We also offer referral assistance for long-term care and medication management.

For additional information, please visit the HPU Counseling Services.

Howard Payne University is dedicated to the success of every student. The Center for Student Success offers a variety of services to equip students for success during their university experience and beyond, through learning activities both in and out of the classroom.

Academic coaching, tutoring, academic testing, academic advising, learning assistance, career services, and more are offered to support students’ personal, academic, and professional growth. Visit The Center for Student Success for additional information.

If a student has a complaint, the university encourages resolution through informal communication with the appropriate instructor, school dean, staff member, or administrator. These individuals may be able to help rectify or clarify the situation before a written complaint is initiated. A formal complaint procedure also exists, and the details are outlined in the HPU Student Handbook. The complaint form is available on the Student Experience section of the HPU website and HPU myGateway (Source: 2025-2026 Catalog, p. 33; See also HPU Student Handbook 2025-2026, pp. 39-40).