Terms & Conditions

This Text Messaging Policy (“Policy”) explains how Howard Payne University (“HPU”) communicates with students, employees, applicants, parents, alumni, donors, and other authorized individuals through SMS/text messaging. 

By providing your mobile phone number and affirmatively opting in to receive text messages from Howard Payne University, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Policy. 

This Policy constitutes the SMS/Text Messaging Terms & Conditions for Howard Payne University’s Messaging Service. 

SMS/Text Messaging Terms & Conditions 

Program Description and Message Types 

Howard Payne University may send informational and transactional SMS/text messages to prospective students, applicants, current students, parents, families, alumni, donors, employees, and other individuals who have provided consent to receive communications. 

Messages may include, but are not limited to: 

• Application reminders and status updates 

• Enrollment and registration notifications 

• Student services communications 

• Event invitations, reminders, and confirmations 

• Student support and engagement communications 

• Important deadlines and notifications 

Message Frequency 

Message frequency may vary depending on your relationship with Howard Payne University, your communication preferences, and your interactions with the University. 

Message & Data Rates 

Message and data rates may apply for each text message sent or received, according to your wireless carrier’s applicable rates, terms, and conditions. 

Opt-In and Consent 

You may opt in to receive SMS communications from Howard Payne University by affirmatively consenting to receive text messages through an HPU website form, event registration form, admissions or enrollment form, or other authorized University communication channel.

Where a checkbox is used to obtain SMS consent, the checkbox is optional and unchecked by default. Providing a mobile phone number or submitting a University form does not, by itself, constitute consent to receive SMS messages.

Consent to receive text messages is not required as a condition of admission, enrollment, employment, donation, purchase of goods or services, or receipt of University services. Declining SMS consent will not prevent an individual from submitting an application, registering for an event, completing a University form, or otherwise receiving services from Howard Payne University.

Opt-Out / Cancellation 

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying: 

STOP 

After you send the keyword STOP, you will receive a confirmation message indicating that you have been unsubscribed. 

Following confirmation, you will no longer receive SMS messages from Howard Payne University unless you subsequently provide consent and opt in again. 

Howard Payne University is not responsible for failures to process unsubscribe requests that do not contain the recognized keyword STOP. 

Rejoining the Service 

If you previously opted out and wish to receive SMS messages again, you may re-enroll by: 

• Submitting a new consent form 

• Updating your communication preferences with Howard Payne University 

• Providing renewed consent through another authorized University communication channel 

Once consent is re-established, Howard Payne University may resume SMS communications to the mobile number provided. 

Help & Assistance 

For assistance with the messaging service, reply: 

HELP

Carrier Disclaimer 

Mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. 

Howard Payne University and its messaging service providers are not responsible for message delays, failures, interruptions, or delivery issues caused by mobile carriers, network outages, device incompatibility, or other circumstances beyond their control. 

Not all mobile devices, carriers, or geographic areas may support SMS message delivery. 

Compliance 

Howard Payne University’s SMS messaging program is intended to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, industry standards, carrier requirements, and regulatory guidance governing SMS and text messaging communications. 

Changes to Messaging Services and Terms 

Howard Payne University reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue SMS messaging programs at any time. 

The University also reserves the right to update or revise this Policy as necessary to maintain compliance with applicable laws, regulations, carrier requirements, and university operational needs. 

Any material changes will be posted on the University’s website and become effective upon publication.