About Txt 4 Success

In 2014, College for West Virginia (CFWV) began a pilot project to provide students with college-counseling via text message. Now, college-bound students from all over the state can sign up to receive text messages. The text messages sent to students serve as general college reminders and advice, such as key deadlines and regular check-ins to make sure students are transitioning well into college life. Students attending one of our partner institutions will receive additional messages specific to their college. Additionally, students who opt-in to the service can text at any time to have any of their college questions answered by a college access advisor.

CFWV is an initiative managed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Who Sends/Answers Texts

On staff for CFWV is a team of college access advisors who work for the State of WV and respond to text message inquiries for the Txt 4 Success project. Students who ask questions via text will receive a response from a CFWV college access advisor or from a representative from a college partner if students indicate they are or will be attending one of our partner institutions.

Some texts are automated reminders, but student inquiries and questions will always be answered by a college access advisor.

Partner Institutions

Partner institutions in our text messaging efforts include the following:

• Bluefield State University
• Blueridge Community and Technical College
• BridgeValley Community and Technical College
• Concord University
• Eastern WV Community and Technical College
• Fairmont State University
• Marshall University
• Mountwest Community and Technical College
• New River Community and Technical College
• Pierpont Community and Technical College
• Potomac State College
• Shepherd University
• Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
• West Liberty University
• West Virginia Northern Community College
• West Virginia State University
• West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Students who opt-in to receive text messages and let us know they are attending a partner institution will receive messages directly from their college as well as reminders from CFWV.

Opting In/Out

Students who plan to attend college in the near future can opt-in to receive text messages here. Note that students can opt out at any time by texting "stop" or "cancel."  Opting out will forfeit 21st Century Scholars eligibility.   Additionally, students who misuse the service (including abusive remarks, foul language, or anything that goes against the student code of conduct used at school) will be removed from the platform and forfeit 21st Century Scholars eligibility.

Message Schedule

CFWV usually sends out two to three text messages per month to students. If students are enrolled at a partner institution, they may receive two to three additional texts per month.

Confidentiality Statement

As a Txt 4 Success subscriber, information shared in text message exchanges with staff will be kept confidential. We will not release information without a student's written permission, except as required by law. Legal exceptions to our confidentiality statement include the following:

• Communication that indicates a clear and imminent danger to the student or others
• Communication causing a reasonable expectation by staff that a student will engage in dangerous conduct
• A court order

Disclaimer

The texting platform is not monitored 24/7 and is not in any way a substitute for obtaining professional help if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, you should reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1- 800-273-8255, (or the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800–985–5990 . You may also call 911 or go to any emergency room for crisis treatment.