academic support center /
ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER
Director: Williams Academic Advisor/Counselors: Cosper-Hughes, Smith
The Academic Support Center is staffed with two professional advisors, one of which is also the test coordinator and one of which is a professional counselor, and faculty who advise part-time in the center. A variety of services are offered, leading to the academic success of WNMU students including academic advising, personal counseling, tutoring, testing services, and other related services.
Academic Advisement
Academic Advising is an integral component of Western New Mexico University. Academic Support Advisors assist students in defining academic goals and career planning. They provide guidance with appropriate class scheduling, so that students can meet their desired goals. Staff also provide instruction in study habits and techniques, time management skills, test anxiety, as well as other areas devoted to student success.
All degree-seeking students are required to see an advisor before pre-registering for classes. The academic progress of a student will determine where advising takes place and who serves as the student's advisor.
New freshmen and transfer students will begin their advisement at the Academic Support Center (room 220) in the Juan Chacon Building. Following is the Policy Regarding Assignment of Advisors. Students in the following categories need to be advised as follows:
Silver City Deming
| Undeclared Students | Academic Support Center |
| Students in two year or certificate programs | Faculty in Major Departments |
| All Freshman Students (declared or intended) | Academic Support Center |
| Sophomores with less than 48 hours completed | |
| (unless they have over a 2.75 GPA and have a | Academic Support Center |
| declared major) | |
| Sophomores with 32 hours completed plus a 2.75 GPA (and have declared a major) | Faculty in Major Departments |
| Juniors | Faculty in Major Departments |
| Seniors | Faculty in Major Departments |
| Graduate students | Faculty in Major Departments |
| Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree | Academic Support Center |
| Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AA) degree | Academic Support Center |
| Undeclared Students | Deming Academic Support Center | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students | in | two | year | or | certificate | SC Faculty in Major Departments | ||||||
| programs | ||||||||||||
| Freshman intended) | Students | (declared | or | Deming Academic Support Center | ||||||||
| Sophomores with less than 48 hours | ||||||||||||
| completed (unless they have over a 2.75 | Deming Academic Support Center | |||||||||||
| GPA and have a declared major) | ||||||||||||
| Sophomores with 32 hours completed | ||||||||||||
| plus a 2.75 GPA (and have declared a | SC Faculty in Major Departments | |||||||||||
| major) | ||||||||||||
| Juniors | SC Faculty in Major Departments | |||||||||||
| Seniors | SC Faculty in Major Departments | |||||||||||
| Graduate students | SC Faculty in Major Departments | |||||||||||
| Bachelor degree | of | General | Studies | (BGS) | SC Academic Support Center | |||||||
| Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AA) degree | SC Academic Support Center | |||||||||||
Truth or Consequences
Undeclared Students Students in two year or certificate programs Freshman Students (declared or intended)
Sophomores with less than 48 hours completed (unless they have over a 2.75 GPA and have a declared major)
Sophomores with 32 hours completed plus a 2.75 GPA Juniors
Seniors Graduate students Bachelor of General Studies (BGS)
degree Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AA) degree
T or C Academic Support Center SC Faculty in Major Departments
T or C Academic Support Center
T or C Academic Support Center
SC Faculty in Major Departments
SC Faculty in Major Departments SC Faculty in Major Departments SC Faculty in Major Departments
SC Academic Support Center
SC Academic Support Center academic support center /
Gallup
Other
High School Counselors in coordination
Concurrent High School Students
with Academic Support Center
Students remain in the Academic Support Center until they meet the following requirements:
Declaration of Major
Appropriate faculty or staff in the Academic Support Center will initiate the transfer of the student to a departmental advisor according to the above guidelines lists. Students come to the Academic Support Center and are guided through the process of filling out the “Declaration of Major” form.
The process of transfer includes the following steps:
Academic Tutoring
Any WNMU student is eligible for free tutoring in many subject areas including math, science, business and writing. Demand for subject matter will determine the availability of tutors. This service is offered daily as scheduled each semester, and students may be tutored on a walk-in basis as time allows, or may schedule extended tutoring on an appointment basis based upon a tutor’s availability.
Computer Lab
Computers are available to WNMU students. All computers have internet access and are equipped with integrated software packages. Academic Support Center student employees are generally available for computer assistance.
Counseling Services
Short-term, confidential counseling is available to support students in creating a balanced life. Students can initiate seeing a counselor of may be referred by faculty, staff, friend or family member. Services are available by appointment, or generally on a walk-in basis.
Staff members can provide consultation and crisis intervention and are also available to conduct classroom presentation and workshops on mental health related topics.
Early Alert Program
Instructors are asked to identify students in their classes who may be at risk or are significantly behind others. Refer those students to the Academic Support Center Advisors. Identified students are contacted and, in concert with the professor and student, a plan is developed for the students to regain appropriate progress in the course. Academic Advisors and tutors assist students to improve their class performance and refer students to other appropriate services on campus and in the community. Early Alert forms are found on line on the Western Home Page and be accessed by anyone who determines that a student may benefit by personalized services.
Testing Credit by College-Level Examination ( CLEP)
Students may contact the Academic Support Center to make arrangements to take the examinations available through College Level Examination Placement. Prior registration is required so that testing materials may be ordered. CLEP examinations are not considered hours in residence.
Contact the Academic Support Center for CLEP tests available and corresponding WNMU Courses approved for credit. Western New Mexico University course credit is contingent on departmental approval.
Cost: One Examination, $65.00 payable by check or credit card only. Administrative fee of $20.00 paid at the Business Office.
Students may receive up to 12 transfer credits for the CLEP for equivalent WNMU courses in Spanish (101, 102, 201 and 202).
Credit for additional courses may be approved on a case-by-case basis. A maximum of 32 credit hours may be applied towards a baccalaureate degree.
academic support center /
Placement Testing
COMPASS
The COMPASS is an acronym for Computer Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System. It is used to place students in appropriate math, reading, and writing classes. All incoming undergraduates (freshmen and transfer students) must take this test unless they have a waiver of the test. COMPASS waivers are determined by the Assistant Director of Admissions or the Director of the Academic Support Center according to the current catalog criteria.
Asset Test
This is the paper version of the COMPASS Test. It is given at both the main campus and campus branches. Four forms accommodate those students with special needs: the hand written version, large font version, Braille version and audio tapes. This test is only administered under special circumstances determined by the Director of the Academic Support Center.
Standardized Testing
The Academic Support Center administers many national standardized tests on campus. These include the General Education Development (GED) test for individuals desiring to earn a high school equivalency degree; the American College Test (ACT); the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT); the Praxis Specialty Area Tests; the College Level Examination Program Computer Based Testing (CLEP-CBT) examinations; and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Other test may be administered by special arrangement.
Credit Through ACT Examination*
WNMU will grant up to 12 credit hours in two areas to persons with appropriate ACT standard scores. ACT scores used for this purpose must have been earned prior to the student’s first enrollment in any college or university. Students who earned college credits while in high school are also eligible.
Credits will be granted in each area in which the following minimum ACT standard scores or percentiles, whichever is higher, are earned:
| Test | Std. Score | Percentile | Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 31 | 98% | ENGL 101, 102 |
| Mathematics | 31 | 97% | MATH 131 (MATH 132 upon consultation with the Chair of Mathematics |
| and Computer Science) |
*Students taking the ACT prior to October 1989 must check with the Registrar’s Office for the minimum scores. Credit in any one area may be earned through either ACT or CLEP, but not both. The total number of credits earned may not exceed 32 credit hours and may be in any combination of ACT and CLEP.
Withdrawal From WNMU - Complete
Students who wish to withdraw from ALL of their courses on or after the first day of classes may do so at the Academic Support Center. A grade of “W’’ will be awarded from the third Friday of Fall and Spring semester through the last day of regularly scheduled classes.
When students leave WNMU during a semester and do not withdraw according to the standard withdrawal procedures, they become liable for grades of F in their classes, even though they may be passing their courses at the time of leaving. Such students are responsible for tuition and fees associated with the course or courses. Students must complete the appropriate form in order to withdraw; non-attendance in class does not necessarily result in withdrawal.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Associate Degrees (two-year)
Associate of Arts (A.A.) is a two-year degree. The program requires a minimum of 64 credit hours. This degree is designed for students who plan to pursue a baccalaureate degree at WNMU or elsewhere with minimal loss of credit.
Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.) is a terminal degree in nursing.The program requires 72 credit hours that include the following: (a) nursing courses, and (b) general education support courses. Students who complete the program are eligible to take the licensure examination for Registered Nurses.
Associate of Science (A.S.) is a two-year degree which emphasizes a technical program of study. The program requires 64-74 credit hours that includes the following: (a) vocational courses, (b) technical support courses, and (c) electives. The Associate of Science degree enables a student to transfer to another institution or pursue a higher level degree at WNMU with minimal loss of credit.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) is a terminal degree with a heavy emphasis on technical courses and practical experience so that the graduate is prepared for technical level positions in the field. The program requires 64-70 credit hours distributed to include (a) vocational coursework, and (b) technical support courses.
Associate Degree Majors and Certificate Programs
Automotive Technology Business Administration Business and Office Technology Computer and Network Technology Construction Technology Criminal Justice Digital Media Communication Drafting and Design Technology Early Childhood Education and Family Support eCommerce and System Administration Educational Assistant Electrical Technology Financial Services Graphic Design Law Enforcement Training (Police Academy) Liberal Studies Nursing Occupational Therapy Assistant Welding Technology
Baccalaureate Degrees (four-year)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is traditionally the primary undergraduate degree in higher education. The degree enables a student to widen intellectual horizons, to explore new subjects and deepen insights into old ones, and to find areas of learning where dominant interests lie. During the freshman and sophomore years, a B.A. student is expected to complete the foundations of a liberal education by studying a foreign language.
During junior and senior years, the student is expected to think constructively about a major field and attain some measure of competence. Meanwhile, elective courses are taken to add breadth and depth to the student’s education.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) like the Bachelor of Arts, is a degree offering a variety of majors and minors, but does not have a foreign language requirement. The B.S. requires an additional six credit hours of mathematics or computer science above those used to meet general education requirements.
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) will prepare students for careers in technical and professional fields. This degree requires an additional six credit hours of mathematics or computer science above those used to meet general education requirements.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) is a baccalaureate program designed for students who already possess a license to practice as an RN. The student will complete general education requirements and upper division nursing courses. The graduate will be prepared to provide health promotion and health restoration care for individuals, families, and group in a variety of institutional and community settings.
Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) will prepare students for a career in the field of social work. This degree requires that students successfully complete six credit hours in language other than English or its equivalent.
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) is the undergraduate Business Administration degree. It provides a broad base of liberal education courses, a core of business courses and areas of emphasis in accounting, business management and management information systems. This degree requires six hours of mathematics or computer science above those used to meet general education requirements.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) is a professional undergraduate program that prepares students as artists to exhibit technical competence in the visual arts. Students learn a broad knowledge of art and art history, sensitivity to style, creative and critical thinking, insight into the role of art in the life of humankind, and the ability to solve problems. Students seeking a BFA degree, enter by special application only. The 84 credit hours in art will provide professional specialization in studio art. Students will be prepared for graduate school to pursue the MFA degree and to practice art professionally.
Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.) is an individualized program of study designed to meet a student’s particular needs. The minimum requirements for this degree include the general education core and 54 upper-division credit hours. English 101 and ENGL 102 must be passed with a grade of C or better. This degree reflects a major in General Studies with no minor.
Undergraduate Majors
Accounting Art Biology Botany Business Management Career and Tech Teacher Ed Cell and Molecular Biology
Chemical Dependency Chemistry Computer Science Criminal Justice Early Childhood Education Elementary Education English
Accounting Art Biology Botany Business Administration Chemical Dependency Chemistry Coaching Computer Science Criminal Justice Fine Arts Forest Wildlife Forest Wildlife
Law Enforcement General Science General Studies History Mgmt Info Systems Mathematics Medical Technology Mvmt Sci-Kinesiology Mvmt Sci-Pedagogy Nursing Music
Undergraduate Minors
Economics English Geography Geology History Kinesiology Latin American Studies Marketing Mathematics Music Operations Mgmt
and Supervision Psychology Public Administration Rehabilitation Services Science Education Secondary Education Social Science Social Work Sociology Spanish Special Education Zoology
Political Science Pre-Law Psychology Public Administration Sociology Spanish Sports Medicine Theater Wellness Zoology
Educational Teaching Endorsement Fields
Art Education Bilingual Education Business Marketing Classical Language - Spanish Earth and Space Science
Contract Minor
General Science Language Arts Mathematics Psychology Reading Social Studies TESOL Theater Education Wellness
Baccalaureate degree seeking students may pursue a contract minor when the circumstances warrant such an option. A contract minor provides students the opportunity to pursue a minor in a field, or related fields, not listed as majors or minors in WNMU’s catalog.
The following conditions and guidelines apply.
Developmental Studies
Western New Mexico University offers two levels of developmental coursework in each of the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. These courses are offered for those students who are underprepared for college coursework in one or more of these areas. Students are placed into a developmental course on the basis of their COMPASS placement test score. The COMPASS test is a computerized placement test that all first-time entering freshmen are required to take before they register for classes at WNMU.
Developmental Studies courses are also excellent “brush-up” courses for students returning to college after an extended absence. These courses do not meet General Education requirements, nor do they count toward the completion of any degree. They do however count as institutional credit for the purpose of financial aid qualification and grade point average determination. Students who need to take several developmental courses should plan on taking more time to graduate than students who do not need developmental coursework.
Course descriptions are found under “Developmental Studies”:
DVSM - Developmental Math
DVSR - Developmental Reading
DVSW - Developmental Writing
Millennium III Honors Program
The WNMU Millennium III Honors Program serves students in all majors and minors. The Program provides enriched courses and activities for bright, highly-motivated students. The Program focuses on active rather than passive learning thereby offering its students a richer return on their investment in time, money and effort as well as extended opportunities for intellectual and academic growth. Honors courses are intended to be more stimulating, challenging and exciting than regular courses. Honors social events are also designed to be intellectually engaging. In addition to intellectual achievement, the Honors student would be at a distinct advantage in applying to graduate schools and in job searches.
Some of the features of the Millennium III program are:
-Honors versions of required courses
-Interdisciplinary courses
-Colloquia and Seminars
-Independent research
-Social events
-Opportunities to mix with professors
-Special distinction at Commencement
-Recommendation letters from Honors Director
-Network of former honors colleagues Admission requirements
-ACT score of 24 or better, or
-combined SAT verbal or math score of 1110 or better, or
-be in the top 15% of high school class, or
-a high school cumulative GPA at the time of application of 3.8 or better or
-completion of at least 15 college credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or
better Interested students must apply to the Director of the Honors Program. Once accepted into the program, freshman must maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA to remain in the program.
Exceptional students who are not admitted to the Honors Program may occasionally be allowed to enroll in an Honors Course with the permission of the instructor. This will be allowed only if there is space remaining at the beginning of the semester. For this reason, non-Honors students will not be allowed to pre-register in any Honors course. The instructor of the course will establish the criteria to allow a non-Honors student to enroll in an Honors course.
WNMU Honors Curriculum
(24 - 25 credit hours)
Lower Division
General Education (18-19 credit hours) Students are required to take three of the following courses:
| CMPS 111H | Computer Literacy-PC | 3 |
| COMM 110H | Public Speaking | 3 |
| ENGL 101H | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3 |
| ENGL 102H | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3 |
CMPS 111H and ENGL 101H are offered every Fall; COMM 110H and ENGL 102H are offered every Spring.
Students must choose three additional lower division honors courses which apply towards General Education credit. One or two courses from a different General Education area are offered each semester.
The schedule is generally as follows:
Social and Behavioral Sciences -Every Fall History -Every Spring Expressive Arts -Fall odd numbered years Literature -Fall even numbered years Laboratory Science -Spring even numbered years
Honors Seminars - ACAD 198H (3 credit hours)
Students are required to take three lower division seminars. These courses generally meet no more than once a week and may have an irregular schedule. They often involve intensive discussions. These courses may also involve field trips, attending performances, working on a group project, or other types of non-traditional learning activities. Generally, one lower division Honors Seminar is offered each semester.
Upper Division (3 credit hours) Students are required to complete an Honors Program degree plan by the beginning of their junior year. The plan specifies how they will complete the three hours of required upper division coursework. There are three options:
Students who complete an A.A. or A.S. Degree may graduate as Millennium III honors graduates by completing all of the lower-division requirements listed above.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Non-Degree Courses
Courses numbered 444 or 544 (See Professional Development, Teacher Education Programs listed in School of Education Section) or Developmental Courses may not be applied toward a degree.
Associate Degrees
A candidate for an associate degree offered by WNMU must meet the specific requirements indicated in the degree program outlined by the major department in this Catalog. In addition, the student is subject to the following WNMU regulations:
Bachelor Degrees
A candidate for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Bachelor of General Studies (B.G.S.), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), or Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) offered by WNMU must meet the specific requirements indicated in the degree program outlined by the major/ minor department in this Catalog.
Students completing a bachelor’s degree may include a maximum of 44 credit hours earned through the ACT examination, CLEP examination (32 credit hours combined ACT/CLEP maximum), Adult Learning and Education Experiences (44 credit hours maximum), Advanced Placement Program and correspondence work (nine credit hours maximum). This does not include transfer work. Students may use any combination of the above listed programs, not to exceed individual program maximums (which may be more restrictive) or the overall maximum (44 credit hours). In addition, the student is subject to the following WNMU regulations:
B.S.W. students must successfully complete six credit hours in a language other than English or its equivalent. Students who have studied a language in high school, or who have proficiency in a language, may determine the level at which they should begin language study by consulting the Chair of the Humanities Department.
Regular Students: Twelve of the last eighteen credit hours of course work for the degree must be completed in residence. Students who lack no more than six credit hours to graduate and have met all other requirements may complete their course work in non-residence, provided such course work is completed no later than one year from the last time of residence enrollment and provided the student has requested and received permission from the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs prior to the end of the last semester in residence.
Transfer Students: Thirty credit hours of course work for the degree must be completed in residence, of which 20 credit hours must be satisfactorily completed in the upper level courses (numbered 300-499). At least six credit hours in the elected major and three credit hours in the minor must be completed in residence. Credit is transferred at the level given at the sending institution for four year institutions. Credits earned at two year institutions cannot be used to meet upper division requirements.
Transfer Students from Quarter hour system for General Education (see General Education section)
- a 5 quarter hour course (or combination course and lab) that converts to
3.34 semester hours will be deemed to fulfill a 4 hours General Education requirement such as in the Laboratory Science area
- a 4 quarter hour course that converts to 2.67 semester hours will be deemed to fulfill a 3 hour General Education requirement
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (additional requirements)
In addition to the above listed requirements, a candidate for the B.F.A. degree must meet the following WNMU degree requirements and is subject to the following WNMU regulations:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (additional requirements)
In addition to the above listed requirements, a candidate for the B.S.N. Degree must meet the following WNMU degree requirements and is subject to the following WNMU regulations:
Bachelor of Social Work Degree (additional requirements)
In addition to the above listed requirements, a candidate for the B.S.W. Degree must meet the following WNMU degree requirements and is subject to the following WNMU regulations:
Earning a Second Undergraduate Degree
It is possible for a student to earn more than one undergraduate degree/major. To obtain a second associate/baccalaureate degree/major, the student must complete the following requirements:
DOUBLE MAJORS: Completion of a second major is recorded on a student’s permanent record, but as a second major, not a second degree. A second degree is not awarded for an additional major (or for an additional minor). Example: A person earning a B.B.A. in Accounting could not obtain a second B.B.A. in Management. Rather, the transcript would reflect a single B.B.A. with two majors.
DUAL DEGREES: Students who wish to be granted two undergraduate degrees (A.A., A.S., A.A.S., B.S., B.A., B.B.A., B.A.S., B.S.N., B.S.W., etc.) must fulfill all the requirements specified for each individual degree. Example: A person earning a B.A. in Botany could earn a B.S. in Zoology, but would be required to meet the second language requirement for the B.A. degree and/or the math/computer science requirement for the B.S. degree. A student will also need to meet the major requirements. A person cannot obtain a second degree with the same major as the first degree. Example: A person cannot earn both a B.A. and a B.S. degree in Biology.
The Bachelor of General Studies degree may not be used a second baccalaureate undergraduate degree. The Associate of Liberal Studies degree may be used as a second associate undergraduate degree providing that the student has 15 hours of coursework beyond the General Education and major coursework that was required for the first associate degree.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Western New Mexico University recognizes its obligation to insure that each student acquires the foundation necessary to function fully in our complex and evolving society. The University believes the development of the educated person goes beyond the foundation and must include an appreciation and understanding of broad aspects of human knowledge. Through the General Education Program the University encourages each student to explore the world in which he or she lives from a variety of perspectives. The University seeks to develop each student as a whole person capable of contributing to society and appreciating its diversity.
The goals of the General Education Program at the University are as follows:
Based on these goals, the following objectives are incorporated into the General Education Program, with emphasis placed on integrating an appreciation of cultural diversity throughout the curriculum
h. Environmental responsibility The General Education Program requirements are university requirements and cannot be waived at the departmental level. Due to the foundational nature of the General Education Program, students are urged to complete these course requirements early in their undergraduate careers. Specific majors or minors may require specific courses, which may be counted in that major or minor. Some of the supporting courses may be counted for General Education Requirements. No course may be counted for more than one General Education requirement. All students must complete the requirement for writing-intensive courses. Please refer to departmental sections of the catalog.
Transfer Students from Quarter hour system:
- a 5 quarter hour course (or combination course and lab) that converts to
3.34 semester hours will be deemed to fulfill a 4 hours General Education requirement such as in the Laboratory Science area;
All students should familiarize themselves with other degree requirements listed in the Undergraduate Degree Requirements section.
Area I: Communication (9 hours) Outcomes
| among opinions, facts, and inferences. 1) Oral Communication Courses: COMM 110; THR 250 | (3 hours) |
| 2) Written Communication Courses: ENGL 101, ENGL 102 | (6 hours) |
Requirements for both courses include an exit exam, which will be scored pass/fail by English faculty. Failure of the exam will lower the course grade one letter grade.
Area II: Mathematics (3 or 6 hours) Outcomes
Courses:
One MATH course numbered 131-299 or two MATH courses numbered below 131.
Area III: Laboratory Science (8 hours) Outcomes
Courses:
Two courses (including their associated laboratories) are required: BIOL 101/103 & BIOL 102/104 primarily for non-science majors, BIOL 202/203 & BIOL 204/205 primarily for science majors CHEM 121/123, CHEM 151/153, CHEM 152/154 GEOL 101/103, GEOL 102/104, GEOL 201/203; PHSC 101/103, PHSC 102/104, PHSC 115/116, PHSC 171/173; PHYS 151/153, PHYS 152/154, PHYS 171/173, PHYS 172/174
Area IV: Social and Behavioral Sciences (6-9 hours**) Outcomes
Courses
Two or three courses from separate disciplines from the following are required: ANTH 201, ANTH 202; ECON 201, ECON 202; GEOG 201, GEOG 202, GEOG 205; POLS 201, 202 PSY 102; SOC 101, SOC 102
Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts (9-12 hours**) Outcomes
Three or four courses from at least three separate categories are required:
Courses: 1) Hi