Student Activities

Koinonia

The school year opens with activities planned for students just beginning their years at Wayland. Whether incoming freshmen or transfer students, students entering during the fall term are encouraged to participate in a unique WBU orientation experience entitled “Koinonia,” which is Greek for fellowship. During this event, select upper-class students acquaint the new students with campus traditions and essential information that makes the transition to Wayland an enjoyable one. Students also have the opportunity to meet other new faces on campus while participating in many exciting activities. The experience gained during Koinonia proves to be a tremendous benefit to the remainder of students’ collegiate career.

WBU Welcome Week

This activity is a week-long celebration of Pioneer pride. Welcome Week, which goes on during the second week of classes during the Fall term, contains several activities designed to increase school spirit. These events include Back to School Bingo, where we give away over $1,000.00 in prizes, Ultimate Hang-Out featuring free snow cones, sand volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee, and several others. Each activity is free to all Wayland students with a valid ID.

Miss Wayland

Miss Wayland is a scholarship pageant designed to select a young lady to represent the university in this capacity during the school year. Wayland coeds compete in four traditional areas: talent, interview, evening gown, and finalists’ question. All young ladies who meet eligibility criteria are allowed to participate.

Campus Organizations

A number of governmental, institutional, and special interest organizations are available to Wayland students. Membership in these groups may be restricted, however, if participation proves detrimental to students’ academic performance. Students whose grade point averages (GPAs) fall below a 2.0 are placed on academic supervision and are ineligible to hold office in any campus organizations, to hold membership in more than two voluntary organizations, and to participate in pledge season. The Council of Student Organizations (CSO) serves as the supervisor of these policies and strives to unite all organizations on the WBU campus.

Governmental Organizations

All students, by virtue of enrollment at Wayland, are members of the Student Government Association (SGA). Students are encouraged to participate in SGA, which serves as the primary method of student involvement in institutional decision-making. Student representation on numerous departmental and institutional committees, councils, and task forces such as Planning Council, University Judicial Council, Academic Standards Committee, and Spiritual Life Committee, provides for additional student input into the institutional decision-making process.

Student Government Association Cabinet

The student body (SGA) president serves as the chief executive officer of the Student Body. Cabinet is the group of elected and appointed officers who serve as an administrative panel to the student body president. This group includes:

1. Student Body President
2. Student Body Vice President - also serves as the President of the Senate.
3. Secretary of Alumni Affairs - also serves as the President of the Student Alumni Council.
4. Secretary of Social Affairs - also serves as the President of the Student Union Board.
5. Secretary of Student Organizations - also serves as the President of the Council of Student Organizations.
6. Secretary of Institutional Advancement - also serves as the President of the Student Foundation.
7. Secretary of Elections and Records - responsible for all campus elections. Also, he/she is responsible for the maintenance of accurate records in all matters of the SGA, including taking minutes of each Cabinet meeting.
8. Attorney General - appointed by the SGA President to handle all legal matters related to Cabinet and the Student Body.
9. Secretary of Ministry - serves as the Baptist Student Ministries President. He/she shall promote and help maintain the spiritual life on campus. He/she will be working directly with the BSM office.

Student Government Association Senate

Senate is the legislative branch of SGA. It is composed of twenty full-time students, five from each student classification. The Senate has the power to make recommendations to the administration, to try all student government impeachments, to propose amendments to the SGA Constitution, and to ratify appointments made by the SGA president.

Institutional Organizations

These unique organizations are directly sponsored by Wayland. They have been created in order to facilitate in annual student operations designated by the university. Each of these groups works in close association with Wayland’s Student Activities Office.

Council of Student Organizations

The Council of Student Organizations (CSO) consists of the presidents from each student organization. Sponsored by the student activities coordinator, its purpose is to aid and coordinate the activities of Wayland student groups.

Student Alumni Council

The Student Alumni Council (SAC) serves as a liaison between the university, current students, and the Association of Former Students. It is responsible for all Homecoming activities, which involve current student participation, working alongside the director of alumni development.

Student Foundation

This institutional advancement organization serves to improve and promote Wayland Baptist University. Student Foundation is advised by the director of admissions, the vice president for enrollment management, and the president of the university.

Student Union Board (SUB)

SUB is a group of students working to provide a well-rounded program of social, cultural, and leisure activities. Sponsored by the student activities coordinator, this organization strives to create and carry out activities for all WBU students and to encourage social growth while upholding the standards and traditions of Wayland.

National Honor Societies

Alpha Chi

Alpha Chi is dedicated to the stimulation of a spirit of sound scholarship and devotion to the truth wherever it may be found. Invitations for membership are extended to junior and senior honor students ranking in the top ten percent of their respective classes.

Alpha Mu Gamma

Alpha Mu Gamma is the first and largest national collegiate foreign language honor society of the United States to recognize exceptional achievements in all foreign languages (including American Sign Language). To be a member, students must have an overall 3.0 grade point average and must have earned an A in two foreign language classes.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society for Criminal Justice students. The society recognizes the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of the Criminal Justice field, as well as those with Juris Doctorate degrees. The mission of Alpha Phi Sigma is to promote analytical thinking, rigorous scholarship, and lifelong learning. To become a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, undergraduates must be enrolled in Wayland Baptist University, have declared a major, minor, or equivalent in the criminal justice or related field, have completed at least 45 credit hours, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. A minimum of 4 courses of the above coursework shall be in the criminal justice field.  Graduate students must be enrolled at the time of application in a criminal justice or related field, have completed 4 courses, and have a minimum GPA of 3.4.

Alpha Psi

Alpha Psi is the largest national honor society in America. The society recognizes and encourages participation in the theatre. Membership in the Kappa Omega Cast is based on the following qualifications: a minimum overall GPA of 2.5; a 3.0 GPA in theatre courses; theatre participation; and selection by the membership committee. Pledge season is held during the fall term.

Kappa Delta Pi

Kappa Delta Pi is a national honor society that recognizes outstanding education students. Begun in 1911, Kappa Delta Pi provides national convocations, regional conferences, a comprehensive teacher-resource website and an active local chapter, Omicron Upsilon. Membership requires application to the School of Education and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Lambda Pi Eta

Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) is the National Communication Association’s official honor society at four-year colleges and universities. LPH represents what Aristotle described in Rhetoric as three ingredients of persuasion: logos (Lambda), meaning logic; pathos (Pi), relating to emotion; and ethos (Eta), defined as character credibility and ethics. In order to become a student member of Lambda Pi Eta, students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA with 60 credit or 90 quarter credit hours completed and a 3.25 GPA for communication studies courses with 12 credit or 18 quarter credit hours completed.

Phi Alpha Theta

Phi Alpha Theta seeks to recognize scholastic excellence in the field of history, to further the study of and appreciation for the various fields of history and historiography, and to foster creative discussion and research on matters deemed important by the membership. Membership is subject to the following qualifications: twelve credit hours of history, a GPA greater than 3.0 in history courses, and an overall GPA of 3.0.

Psi Chi

Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology, whose purpose is to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. The mission of Psi Chi is to produce a well-educated, ethical, and socially responsible member committed to contributing to the science and profession of psychology and to society in general.

Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests, and who meet the minimum qualifications. Psi Chi chapters are operated by student officers and faculty advisors. Together they select and induct the members and carry out the goals of the society.

Sigma Beta Delta

Membership in Sigma Beta Delta is the highest national recognition a business student can receive at a college or university with a Sigma Beta Delta chapter. To be eligible for membership, a business student must rank in the upper 20 percent of the junior, senior or master’s class and be invited to membership by the faculty officers. The purposes of Sigma Beta Delta are to encourage and recognize scholarship and achievement among students of business, management and administration, and to encourage and promote personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind. Sigma Beta Delta was founded in 1986. The creation of Sigma Beta Delta follows a 200-year tradition of honoring scholastic achievement in higher education, beginning with the establishment of Phi Beta Kappa in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1776.

Sigma Tau Delta

Sigma Tau Delta is the International English Honor Society. While the central purpose of Sigma Tau Delta is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies, the society also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature. A member of the Association of College Honor Societies, Sigma Tau Delta was founded in 1924. Membership in the local Eta Theta Chapter requires several hours of successfully completed English courses, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2, and application to the School of Humanities and Leadership.

Theta Alpha Kappa

Theta Alpha Kappa is the only national honor society dedicated to recognizing academic excellence in baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students and in scholars in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology. Induction requires nomination by a local chapter and, to be eligible, students must have a 3.50 GPA in Religious Studies and/or Theology and a 3.00 GPA overall. Residency, class ranking, and unit requirements must also be met. In addition to encouraging the activities of local chapters, Theta Alpha Kappa maintains a vigorous national program of scholarship awards and fellowship competitions; its primary publication, the Journal of Theta Alpha Kappa, offers an annual prize and the publication of outstanding student papers. Theta Alpha Kappa, founded in 1976, is an affiliated society of the American Academy of Religion and is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies.

Special Interest Organizations

American Chemical Society

The Student Affiliates Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) introduces undergraduate students to the profession of chemistry, to their responsibilities as chemists, and to the benefits of professional association with the ACS. The chapter also introduces students to careers in chemistry-related fields and to the practical applications of chemistry. Membership is open to any student in good standing enrolled in coursework leading toward a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or related academic discipline.

Baptist Student Ministries

BSM is a student-led campus ministry organization designed to reach and teach others about Jesus Christ. Open to individuals of all denominations, BSM uses retreats, student-led Bible studies, mission projects and trips, social events, fine arts teams, training seminars, and a variety of tools to assist students in their spiritual pilgrimage. BSM is the joint effort of the Baptist General Convention of Texas, area Southern Baptist churches, and Wayland. By aiding students in finding, developing, and using their gifts, BSM shares the challenge of Christ with and through the Wayland family.

Enactus 

An international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus create and implement community empowerment projects around the globe. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and challenging world.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

FCA provides spiritual encouragement to all Wayland students and athletes. This organization seeks to present to athletes, coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.

International Choir

This group is the premiere, select choral ensemble at Wayland. It also serves as a class and student organization that represents WBU at churches, schools, and various other venues. International Choir serves the university by performing at various functions and activities throughout the year and provides students an opportunity to perform a high quality of music and to be trained in the field of music performance.

Music Educators National Conference (MENC)

MENC provides opportunities for students preparing for careers in music education to participate in an organization that serves as the leader for music education in the United States.

Pi Sigma Sigma

Pi Sigma Sigma is a science society, which seeks to promote an interest in science and mathematics through field trips, lectures, and related activities as well as through campus service projects.

Spanish Club

This group provides the opportunity to practice the Spanish language. Spanish Club seeks to familiarize members with Spanish customs, literature, and the contributions of Spanish and Hispanic American culture to American life. Spanish Club also seeks to increase the level of understanding and friendship between the members of the club and people from those countries whose primary language is Spanish.

Wayland Singers

A student choral organization representing the university at churches through music, Wayland Singers serves the university by performing at various functions and activities throughout the year. It provides students with opportunities to perform church-related music as an expression of their personal faith.

Pledging University Organizations

The following regulations govern the pledging seasons of those organizations listed above that have pledge seasons:

1. Fall term pledging will not begin until the midterm grade deficiency report has been given to the Office of Student Services.
2. Any student whose name appears on the grade deficiency report will be ineligible to pledge that term.
3. Pledging shall not extend beyond four weeks unless the organization’s national charter prescribes otherwise.
4. No pledge activities may take place after midnight Sunday through Thursday and not earlier than 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, excluding a maximum of two formal events to be determined by the organization and calendared by the Office of Student Services.
5. Mandatory study hours will be set by each Greek organization. Hours will be strictly enforced by each organization.
6. Each organization, in consultation with the coordinator of student activities, may establish a Spring pledge period following the policy described for Fall.
7. Any infringement or violation of the policy set forth above will subject the organization to disciplinary action, including probation or suspension of the organization’s charter.

Sporting Activities

Athletics

Wayland Baptist University has become highly recognized as having one of the premier small college athletic programs in America. The university’s athletic department sponsors intercollegiate competition in track and field, cross-country, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, golf, football, softball, wrestling, cheer, and Esports. All competitive athletic programs are associated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Wayland is also a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference.

Wayland has consistently been at the forefront of national athletic competition from both team and individual perspectives. Since 1985, WBU has posted seven NAIA national team championships, winning the NAIA All-Sports Competition in 1984-85 (men) and 1985-86 (women). Individually, Wayland athletes have been among the most productive in the nation in winning All-America and Academic All-America honors.

Intramurals

Wayland offers a wide variety of intramural and recreational activities for both men and women. Sponsored by the athletic department and student activities, these activities are designed to encourage student participation, social interaction, physical fitness, and skill mastery.

Recreational sports competition is largely student-governed and is open to all students. The program includes volleyball, basketball, and several other activities.

Honors and Awards

Academic and personal excellence is honored in many ways at Wayland. These include:

The President’s List

Announced at the end of each term and lists the names of students on the Plainview campus who completed at least twelve credit hours in one 16-week term and students on external campuses who completed a total of at least twelve credit hours in two consecutive 8-week sessions within a term (e.g. Fall 1 and Fall 2 OR Spring 1 and Spring 2) (not including mini or micro terms), receiving letter grades and whose GPA for the term was 4.0.

The Dean’s List

Announced at the end of each term and lists the names of students on the Plainview campus who completed at least twelve credit hours in one 16-week term and students on external campuses who completed a total of at least twelve credit hours in two consecutive 8-week sessions within a term (e.g. Fall 1 and Fall 2 OR Spring 1 and Spring 2) (not including mini or micro terms), receiving letter grades and whose GPA for the term was 3.50 or above.

Special Awards

An annual Recognition Chapel is designed to recognize outstanding students in many different areas. The following awards may be given made during a special chapel service or at other designated times:

Academic School Awards

Awarded to the outstanding junior or senior student in each major field of study as selected by the faculty in each academic school.

American Chemical Society South Plains Section Award

Awarded to the outstanding senior chemistry student. Selection is made by the chemistry faculty of the School of Mathematics and Sciences.

Wayland Alumni Association Outstanding Freshman Awards

Awarded to a freshman man and woman who have shown marked improvement in scholarship, leadership, appearance, and attitude.

Amelia Bishop Women’s Ministerial Award

Awarded to an outstanding senior female ministerial student at the Plainview campus. The award honors Mrs. Amelia Bishop, a national leader in Woman’s Missionary Union and missions causes.

Boyd Award

Awarded to a sophomore or junior ministerial student who demonstrates outstanding potential in the preaching ministry. The cash award is made possible through a donation by the Arthur E. Boyd family.

Cecil & Kathleen Turner Memorial Music Award

Award is given to an out-standing International Choir member who has a love for music and for Wayland Baptist University. Selection is made by the fine arts faculty. This award is a scholarship award.

Helen Barnhart Reese Memorial Award

Awarded to a junior student with career goals in the field of education. The recipient is also presented a $400 scholarship.

Highest Ranking Graduating Senior Award

Awarded to the graduating senior with the highest GPA at graduation. Recognition is made at the graduation ceremony.

J. H. Wayland Medical Award

Awarded to an outstanding junior or senior student who intends to enter the medical profession. The award is made possible by a donation from the Dr. J. H. Wayland family.

Janice Davis Memorial Award

Awarded to a junior or senior female student who has evidenced a commitment to Wayland Baptist University and is recognized as an active participant in student life and has financial need and meets the academic requirements of the university. This award is a scholarship award.

Joe and Mildred Sanders Award

Awarded to a male or female education student who is seeking to follow a calling as a public school teacher. Selection is made by the faculty of the School of Education. The award is a scholarship award.

Patsy Davis Award

Awarded to a full-time student committed to studies and an active participant in student life and has financial need and meets the academic requirements of the university. This is a scholarship award. 

Roy C. McClung Award

Established by the Student Government Association in honor of President Emeritus Roy C. McClung, and awarded to a junior student who has completed all university credits at Wayland and who has shown a genuine interest in some phase of teaching as a career. A $200 scholarship goes to the recipient.

Sanders Memorial Mathematics Award

Awarded to a junior or senior mathematics student. Preference is given to students who plan to teach. The recipient is selected by the mathematics faculty in the School of Mathematics and Sciences. The award carries with it a scholarship.

Senator of the Year Award

Awarded by the Student Government Association to the Senator who has made the most significant contribution to the work of the Senate.

Spinning Wheels

Awarded to the ten most outstanding campus leaders in the junior and senior class as selected by their peers and a special committee.

Ted Bell Memorial Award

Awarded to an outstanding art student. The award carries with it a cash prize.

Timothy Award

Awarded to the graduating senior ministerial student with the highest cumulative GPA who has completed all academic work at Wayland and who plans to enter the preaching ministry. The cash award is made possible by donations from the late Dr. and Mrs. A. Hope Owen.

Wayland Citizenship Award

Awarded to a graduating senior man and woman in recognition of Christian attitude, acceptable academic record, diversity of interests, loyalty to American ideals, personal integrity, and the exemplification of the Wayland spirit.

Athletic Awards

The following awards are presented at the annual Athletic Banquet.

Academic Award

Awarded to those athletes who have excelled academically while participating on an intercollegiate team. The award is given annually to the male and female athlete posting the highest overall GPA after a minimum of three terms of sports participation at Wayland.

Marsha Hutcherson George Award

Awarded to a member of the student support staff of the Flying Queens who has exhibited courage, effort, and determination, both on and off the court. Established in 1986 by Marsha Hutcherson George, daughter of the late Claude Hutcherson, the award goes to an individual who has maintained a minimum GPA of 2.75 who has shown dedication, sportsmanship, and loyalty to Wayland.

Pennington Endowed Scholarship

Established in 1984 by Mr. and Mrs. John Pennington, and awarded on the basis of athletic excellence to a member of the student support staff of the Flying Queens basketball program.

Roscoe Snyder Award

Established in 1971 by Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Snyder, and awarded to a senior man and woman designated as “outstanding athletes.” Recipients are chosen for their accomplishments in intercollegiate sports, their scholastic ability, their Christian influence, and their sportsmanship and acceptable representation of Wayland athletics.

Claude Hutcherson Family Award

Established in 1977 in memory of Claude Hutcherson, long-time sponsor of the women’s basketball team, the Flying Queens, and awarded to a member of the student support staff of the Flying Queens. This individual must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75, and exhibit such personal qualities as proven leadership ability, a Christian spirit in sportsmanship, and a strong love for and loyalty to Wayland.