University History

The community of Silver City realized a long-time dream on February 11, 1893, when the Thirtieth Session of the Territorial Legislature of New Mexico passed “An Act to Establish and Provide for the Maintenance and Government of the Normal Schools of New Mexico.” Silver City and Las Vegas were chosen to be the locations of these teacher-training institutions. This successfully culminated the efforts of many in Silver City, who had attempted for years to convince the Territorial Legislature to approve an institution of higher learning in Silver City.

A Board of Regents, appointed by Governor L. Bradford Prince, was given the task of selecting a site for the school. On June 2, 1893, the Board accepted Regent John W. Fleming’s offer of 20 acres situated on a high hill west of the community. This site allowed the institution to be visible to all who came into town. On September 7, 1894, an impressive dedication ceremony was held. Within the cornerstone laid by the officials and townspeople, a copper box containing coins, magazines, and other items of the period was placed. The military band of Fort Bayard provided appropriate music.

The first director was George Selby, an educator from Deming, who was given the title of principal. He is remembered as the man who was given the difficult task of developing curricula and providing instruction for the first forty students.

With the departure of Selby, Charles M. Light became the principal. He later became the first to be given the title of President. Professor Light, a Doctor of Pedagogy, provided a needed air of stability for the young institution and presided over substantial growth of the physical plant, faculty, and student body. His tenure lasted until 1914.

It was during 1917 that Fleming Hall was completed to house a gymnasium and Science Department. Today this building is the home of the WNMU Museum which was established in 1974. In the early 1920’s the New Mexico Normal School became New Mexico State Teachers’ College. Following World War I, Dotson Field was constructed and named after an alumnus who died in the war.

Near the end of the 1920’s, Light Hall was completed to serve as an auditorium, library and classroom facility. Although Graham Gymnasium was started years earlier, it was not completed until 1936. During the Depression of the 1930’s there were numerous W.P.A. projects which brought improvements to the campus. At the end of the 1930’s a secondary school associated with the college began operations in a new building on the east side of the campus. Western High School was turned over to the Silver Consolidated School District on July 1, 1960.

Although there was a delay in campus expansion during World War II, the influx of many veterans following the war made it necessary to bring temporary housing to the campus. The new housing was immediately dubbed Veterans’ Dormitory. In 1948 a College Cafeteria replaced the cafeteria located in the basement of Ritch Hall. In 1949 the Mustang Field House and swimming pool were completed. In 1979 the wish for an enclosed pool was fulfilled. In 1954 the President’s home was completed. Miller Library, following the razing of “Old Main,’’ was built in 1957. In 1966 the Fine Arts Auditorium, the McCray Art Building, and the Parotti Music building were finished. These buildings have added cultural opportunities for the University and local community. Western New Mexico University received its current name in 1963. The Phelps Dodge-Felix Martinez Buildings (1970), Glaser Hall (1981) and the Juan Chacon Building (1983) reflect the fulfillment of more recent needs of the University.

Enrollment at WNMU reflects the national profile characterized by a high percentage of non-traditional students. The student body numbers approximately 2500.

WNMU celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 1993. Exemplary teaching, quality programs, and enhanced regional service characterize the University mission, as WNMU moves into its second one hundred years.

Mission Statement

Western New Mexico University serves the people of the State of New Mexico and its surrounding areas as a comprehensive, regional, rural, public coeducational university. Its student body is diverse in age, culture, language, and ethnic background. Teacher education continues to provide the basic foundation of WNMU’s programs. That focus has broadened to include a range of certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and several graduate programs which also meet the needs of students in allied health, arts and sciences, business, and vocational education. All undergraduate degree programs include a strong comprehensive general education requirement.

Excellence in teaching is a preeminent goal at Western New Mexico University. The University encourages the exchange of ideas; fosters the cultural, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth of students; nurtures a lasting appreciation of learning; encourages increased relationships with people of diverse backgrounds; and furthers an appreciation for the benefits and opportunities derived from community involvement. WNMU, through advanced technology and telecommunications, creates opportunities for its students, the faculty and staff, and the communities it serves to participate more fully in educational efforts which provide access to information and outreach to the global community.

WNMU recognizes as a strength the multilingual, multicultural population of the region and state and accepts the responsibility to be particularly mindful and supportive of the unique opportunities afforded by this diversity. The University aspires to increase access to all levels of education and to help people better understand and appreciate diversity, tolerance and cooperation. The University is committed to help preserve and enhance the rich cultural heritage of the region it serves and to broaden its student diversity by reaching out to students from other states and nations.

WNMU values the contributions of its faculty, staff, and students and is committed to their professional growth and personal enrichment. Faculty and staff encourage student success by providing quality educational opportunities that are affordable and accessible. The University supports innovative and scholarly work, promotes integrity and equity in its dealings with people, actively pursues accreditation by recognized national and regional accreditation agencies, and seeks continual improvement of institutional management practices and processes.

WNMU works diligently to maintain fiscal and ethical integrity in its activities, to provide for the future educational needs of the people of southwestern New Mexico, and to build a collaborative relationship with its constituencies. The University addresses the educational, cultural, community, and economic development needs of the region through its library, museum, gallery, fine arts center theater, and through supportive partnerships with community and educational organizations, business, industry, and local governments.

Accreditation and Standing

WNMU is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (30 N. La Salle, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602 312-263-0456) and by the New Mexico State Board of Education for offering undergraduate and graduate work. Western New Mexico University, through its Department of Business, Economics and Public Administration, is nationally accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs to offer the following business degrees:

• Bachelor of Business Administration degree with an emphases in Accounting and Business Management.

• Master of Business Administration degree.

WNMU is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The university has received national accreditation for its nursing, social work, and occupational therapy assistant programs, and the economic development course/institute. The Child Development Center is nationally accredited.

WNMU is a member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the American Association of University Women, the Renaissance Group, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, and The American Library Association.

University Setting

WNMU is located in the mountain community of Silver City, population 15,000, which serves as the marketing and financial center for a vast four-county area extending west to Arizona and south to Mexico.

Located in the foothills of the Mogollon Mountains and the Black Range at an elevation of 6000 feet, Silver City has a climate that is dry, mild, and invigorating. The Gila National Forest provides opportunities for backpacking, camping, hunting, and fishing. Within the forest are hiking trails and Indian ruins, including the famous Gila Cliff Dwellings. Hot springs and ghost towns are nearby. The area is popular with rockhounds and is still panned for gold.

The town is far enough removed from large urban centers to permit tranquillity and a sense of freedom, yet close enough to the metropolitan areas of Las Cruces, El Paso, Juarez, Albuquerque, Tucson, and Phoenix to enjoy their advantages.

Silver City is served by commuter air to Albuquerque and other cities in the neighboring states, and by van service to the El Paso airport.

J. Cloyd Miller Library

MILLER LIBRARY was completely remodeled in 1997, doubling its size. Named for J. Cloyd Miller (University President 1952-1962), the library is adjacent to the Student Memorial Center. The library is open 77 hours per week when classes are in session, with additional hours during final exams. Library services include reference, interlibrary loan, library instruction, and collection development. The library offers photocopy machines, microform reader-printers, research terminals with connection to the World Wide Web, and equipment for the hearing- and sight-impaired.

The three areas within the library are: Public Services (reference, interlibrary loan, periodicals, government documents, circulation); Technical Services (acquisitions, cataloging, and processing); and Media Services (instructional technologies and media collection). Library resources include over 120,000 books, 950 periodical titles, over 500,000 titles in microform, 1500 maps, and over 5,000 government documents. Miller Library is a partial Federal Government Depository. Special collections, including the Juan Chacon papers, are held in the Treasure Room.

The library catalog is fully automated and can be accessed from off-campus via the library’s Web page (http://voyager.wnmu.edu). The library has access to major research databases such as OCLC FirstSearch, Bell & Howell ProQuest Direct, InfoTrack Health Reference Center Academic, Business Source Elite, and NewsBank. Resources not owned by Miller Library can be obtained through interlibrary loan.

Media Services supports university distance-learning programs and courses, houses the media collection, and coordinates general media and audio-visual needs on campus. Media Services provides three classrooms for instruction, 2-way video conferencing, videotaping, satellite downlinking, and multimedia playback. Media Services is open 64 hours per week and by appointment.

WNMU Museum

Founded in 1974, the university museum is located in Fleming Hall. Fleming Hall was built between 1916 and 1917 as a gymnasium and science department for the Normal School. The museum features both permanent collections of historic and prehistoric southwestern cultures and various traveling exhibits.

Permanent exhibits and collections include the internationally famous Eisele Collection of Pottery and Artifacts, one of the largest collections of Mimbres pottery and artifacts on permanent display in the world. This major collection includes approximately 600 pieces of prehistoric pottery and 50 pieces of prehistoric basketry and footwear dating back to A.D. 200. Other permanent exhibits and collections include historic photographs and memorabilia documenting the history and evolution of the university, the O.C. Hinman and John Harlan Photography Collections featuring historical photographs taken in southwestern New Mexico and surrounding mining district, and the WS Ranch Site Collection of Mogollon Indian artifacts. New acquisitions (1996, 1997) include the Geneva Back Collection of María Martinez and San Ildefonso Tradition Pottery and the Margaret Kelly Collection of Navajo rugs.

Activities at the museum include Elderhostel courses on Mimbres archaeology, a school loan service of archaeological activity kits, various lectures and courses, tours for all age groups, tours for schools, and courses on museum education. The museum also has an extensive traveling exhibit schedule focusing on American cultures. The traveling exhibits are funded by yearly student fees.

The museum is a member of the American Association of Museums, the Mountain-Plains Museum Association, the New Mexico Association of Museums, the Association of College and University Museums and Galleries, and the Council for Museum Anthropology. The museum is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday and from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 A.M. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

Information Technology

The Information Technology (IT) department at Western New Mexico University is responsible for planning, designing, implementing and managing the computing, networking and communications services available on campus. Our strategies are dynamic and responsive to student and faculty needs to address expanding technologies and its use in education. Our specialized labs located throughout the main campus support basic services such as word processing, internet connectivity/email access and multi-media software systems. We additionally provide equipment to accommodate students with special needs while supporting specialized hardware and applications such as desktop publishing enhanced by scanners, digital cameras, digitizing tablets and color laser printing.

In conjunction with our academic commitment, management of the administrative computing environment is the second primary responsibility of IT. WNMU’s approximately 40 administrative and instructional support departments are provided with technical advice, training, and hardware/software support across all systems.

IT provides university members with assistance via ‘Help Desk’ assistance located in the IT ‘main’ office (Chino Bldg.) and in our Academic Lab. The Academic Lab is staffed six days per week and technicians are available to assist our students and faculty. The IT technicians and consultants, who support/address service requests for university equipment, offer quick troubleshooting assistance for software and some hardware issues. IT Consultants work with all faculty and administrative personnel to meet the specific training needs of each individual, group or department so that university members can use the full functionality of the administrative computing environment.

Our Mission Statement

Adult Educational Services

The Adult Educational Services (AES) program provides instruction in General Education Development (GED) preparation English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship, and very basic reading, writing, math skills, personal development and goal setting classes. Volunteers are available to teach adult non-readers and non-English speakers. Individuals interested in becoming volunteer instructors may contact the AES director. No college credit is given for attending AES classes, however it is necessary to register through the AES Office. All classes and materials are free of charge. Adult Educational Services is located at Watt’s Hall (Swan and Silver Heights Blvds. 505-574-5101).

Extended University

The Extended University is WNMU’s lifelong learning organization. Programs within the Extended University make the university accessible to the community, providing opportunities for intellectual growth and stimulation to all age groups. The fundamental principles that guide the Extended University programs are flexibility, responsiveness and quality.

Program staff collaborate with local industry, government agencies, K-12 educational systems and community groups to design and present training programs focused on workforce development. Flexible programming is used to enable students to earn university credits in a time and format that fits busy schedules.

Programs under the auspices of the Extended University include the WNMU-Deming Learning Center, the WNMU-Truth or Consequences Learning Center and the Gallup Graduate Center, offering academic programs and non-credit courses to communities somewhat distant from the main campus. Staff in the Extended University, in partnership with the WNMU Expressive Arts Department, invite performing and studio artists to provide unique workshops for university students and community members. A series of children’s summer programs include Red Cross certified swimming lessons, computer “camps,” drama programs, yoga, and arts and crafts classes. Additional activities include the following:

The Borderlands Institute was established in 1997 to foster educational and cultural interchange among WNMU and several universities in Mexico. Intensive Spanish and English language courses, and “semester elsewhere” opportunities are scheduled throughout the year.

The Early Childhood Training Institute is a cooperative arrangement with the WNMU Child Development Center. The institute offers training programs for early child care providers and educators.

Preschool/Child Development Center

The WNMU Preschool/Child Development Center is committed to creating an environment that fosters respect and appreciation for the uniqueness of each child and family. The Center believes the curriculum should enhance the child's awareness of social justice. The preeminent goal is to build awareness, respect, sensitivity, and appreciation for diversity that cuts across gender, class, race culture, language, and exceptionality. The curriculum reflects congruency among school, child and the family structure; it is child-centered, and developmentally appropriate.

The program consists of three sites:

1. The Center located in Sechler Hall is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs and serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The Center is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

2. The Growing Tree Daycare on the campus of SHOS is also a nationally accredited infant/toddler program serving high school teens. Growing Tree is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

3. The School Age Program provides before and after school care for children K-5 at the elementary sites within the Silver School District. School Age Program morning hours are 7 - 8 a.m. and afternoon hours are 3 - 6 p.m.

All programs provide a developmentally age-appropriate environment in an educational setting; a laboratory site for students to observe young children for required course work; a quality model early care program for the community, where teachers and staff in the program are well qualified and trained; an inclusive childcare program that promotes continuity of care by insuring that the children's day is uninterrupted between the hours of 9 - 11 a.m. insuring continuous laboratory site experiences as well; a family service component which includes an on-site family facilitator, parenting classes, and support groups.

All programs follow the seven New Mexico Early Childhood competencies; child growth, development and learning; health, safety and nutrition; family and community collaboration; developmentally appropriate content; learning environment and curriculum implementation; assessment of children and program; professionalism.

We strongly encourage prospective students to apply and send the needed documents as EARLY as possible to the Admissions Office. If you are applying for the fall or spring semesters, it is recommended you apply no later than one month before the first day of fall or spring classes and two weeks prior for summer terms. (See the academic calendar for specific dates).

Secondary School Preparation

Most students accepted for admission to WNMU have graduated from high school and have taken a college preparatory curriculum. It is recommended that high school students complete at least four units of English, three units of social studies (including U.S. History), two units of science, and three units of mathematics. Those who plan to enter the fields of pre-engineering, pre-pharmacy, pre-dentistry, the sciences, or business administration are advised to include in their preparation at least intermediate algebra and plane geometry.

Experience has shown that students who have below a C average in high school are likely to experience difficulty with university-level work. Students who have not completed all the admissions requirements are admitted conditionally. Students who have not completed admission files during their first term of enrollment will not be allowed to register for any subsequent semester. WNMU reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant for scholastic or other reasons which have been deemed by WNMU authorities as sufficient and proper.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Regular Admission

High school graduates or GED holders may be granted regular admission by completing the WNMU application and providing appropriate documentation of one of the following:

1) COMPASS Placement Exam; or

2) Achievement of an ACT sub-score of 21 or better (or SAT equivalent of 500) in math, English and social science. The ACT/SAT must have been taken in the past five years; or

3) Completion of the COMPASS placement exam in corresponding areas where the a sub-score was less than 21/500;

Applicants must submit official high school transcript showing graduation completion or official GED certificate to the WNMU Admissions Office and complete admissions/placement requirements listed above to earn final admission.

Students who have not completed admissions requirements may be admitted conditionally for one semester only. Students on conditional admission are ineligible for financial aid and participation in intercollegiate athletics.

Transfer Students

Regular admission for transfer students requires the student to be in good standing at the institution from which s/he is transferring. Transfer students may be granted regular admission be completing the WNMU application form and providing appropriate documentation of one of the following:

1)COMPASS Placement exam; or

2) Submission of a transcript showing completion of a college level writing and/or mathematics courses with a grade of C or better; or

3) Achievement of an ACT sub-score of 21 or better (or SAT equivalent of 500) in math, English and social science. The ACT/SAT must have been taken in the past five years; or

4) Submission of a transcript showing completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution recognized by CHEA (Council of Higher Education Accreditation).

All transfer applicants who have completed less than 24 hours must submit official high school transcript or official GED certificate; and

All transfer applicants must submit official transcripts to the Admissions Office from each institution previously attended to earn final admission.

Students who have not completed admissions requirements may be admitted conditionally for one semester only. Students on conditional admission are ineligible for financial aid and participation in intercollegiate athletics.

Transfer students must contact the Academic Support Center for evaluation of transfer work. Evaluation of transferable courses will not be completed until the student has supplied the Admissions Office with all documents necessary to complete admission requirement.

Probationary Admission

A transfer student who is on academic probation from the last institution attended will remain on academic probation at WNMU or if the student’s combined cumulative transfer GPA falls below WNMU’s acceptable standards. (see sliding scale listed under Probation and Suspension in Academic Regulations Section)

A transfer student who has been suspended from another institution is not eligible for admission until s/he has served the required suspension period of that institution.

COMPASS Placement Testing

Placement methods include the use of one of the following: (1) a comprehensive review of the student’s past records including ACT test cores, appropriate CLEP scores or Advance Placement Scores, and college transcripts; or (2) completion of all or part of the COMPASS test.

Completion of the COMPASS placement exam in corresponding areas where the sub-score was less than ACT sub-score of 21 or SAT 500. The ACT/SAT must have been taken in the past five years.

Students who have a 31 ACT sub-score; appropriate CLEP or Advance Placement Scores can receive credit for an equivalent college level course.

Transfer students who have not completed a college level writing and mathematics course with a C or better and who have an ACT sub-score of 21 or better in a relevant area are also required to take the COMPASS examination for placement into the appropriate course or courses. Placement exam scores are used in initial advising and registration.

Students who score below college proficiency levels on the COMPASS in writing, reading, and/or mathematics must take the appropriate development (review) courses beginning their first semester and each semester thereafter until they reach college level competency. Students may enroll in classes meeting certificate and degree requirements at the same time that they are completing their developmental courses. If the developmental courses is a prerequisite, it must be completed before enrolling in a higher level course.

COMPASS Placement Testing Waivers

Each student enrolling at WNMU must be assessed in basic skills in English, mathematics, and reading unless s/he meets one of the following criteria for a waiver:

• Submission of transcript showing completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution recognized by CHEA (Council of Higher Education Accreditation).

• Achievement of an ACT sub-score or 21 or better (or SAT equivalent of 500) in math, English and social science. The ACT/SAT must have been taken in the past five years.

• Submission of a transcript showing completion of college level writing and/or mathematics courses with a grade of C or better.

• Enrollment in nine or fewer hours for personal enrichment as a non-degree bound Special Student.

• Permission of the department chair to enroll as a concurrent student in a course offered by that department. Students enrolling in English or Math courses must take the COMPASS test for placement purposes.

Students who initially enroll in courses for personal enrichment or job upgrading and who have not participated in a placement program must do so before enrolling in a certificate or degree program unless they meet a second criterion above.

Readmission

A student wishing to be readmitted to WNMU must complete the Application for Readmission form, available at the Admissions Office, and any other necessary requirements as directed by that office.

Any student who has attended other colleges or universities prior to application for readmission to WNMU must submit complete academic transcripts from those institutions to the Admissions Office as part of the application procedure. Students should be prepared to provide the Admissions Office with a copy of each institution’s catalog to match the transcripts.

WNMU reserves the right to deny registration to any student who is late in applying for admission. A student who is permitted to register without having completed all of the steps for admission does so at his/her own risk, and may be required to withdraw and be subject to the standard refund policies of WNMU.

Special Admission

Students desiring to be admitted to WNMU who cannot fulfill the usual requirements will be considered for admission based on the following conditions:

1. Admission by Examination (GED): WNMU follows the guidelines established by the New Mexico State Department of Education concerning the Tests of General Education Development (GED). Students who have not graduated from high school may be admitted on the basis of satisfactory scores on the GED, administered by the State Department of Education. Information on the test may be obtained from the Department or from a local high school. The GED is also administered on the WNMU campus. Arrangements to take the test on campus may be made through the Student Development Center. Classes in GED preparation are offered through Adult Educational Services. It is WNMU policy that a student must be at least 17 years of age or his/her class must have graduated from high school before the student may be granted admission on the basis of the GED.

2. Special Student: A student may be admitted to WNMU to take those courses which are of interest to him/her without meeting the high school graduation requirements. A student with this classification enters with the understanding that courses pursued will not count toward a degree until the entrance requirements for the degree-bound student have been completed. The student must contact the Director of Admissions concerning these requirements and procedures for a change of status from special student to degree-bound student. Such a student is subject to course prerequisites. There is a nine credit hour per semester hour limit and no financial aid for Special Students. Students enrolling in English or Math courses must take the COMPASS test for placement purposes.

3. Concurrent Enrollment: High school juniors and seniors may enroll part-time (11 hours or less) at WNMU while they are completing secondary school. Students, under 17, must have permission from their school system even if they are not attending high school. A student must be recommended by his or her counselor and principal for the program. Approval of concurrent enrollment by the Director of Admissions is required for final admission. A placement waiver may be granted if the student has permission from the department chair to enroll as a concurrent student in a course offered by that department.

Advanced Standing

Students who present transcripts from accredited colleges and universities may be given credit for such work. Students are expected to meet all degree requirements set forth by WNMU. until official transcripts have been received directly from the records office of each institution previously attended.

WNMU grants admission with advanced standing to exceptionally able students who have participated in the Advanced Placement Program in high school. Students entering WNMU may receive advanced standing and college credits when they are certified by the College Entrance Examination Board as having satisfactorily completed appropriate examinations administered by the Educational Testing Service. In addition, examination scores must be reviewed and approved by the WNMU faculty. Students who are interested in the program should write to the College Entrance Examination Board, Box 592, Princeton, NJ 08540, while they are in high school.

The general policies of the University as outlined in this bulletin apply to international as well as U.S. students. However, some special policies are necessitated by federal laws which are applicable only to international students.

An international student is any individual attending WNMU who holds an F-1 or M-l non-immigrant visa. Legally admitted immigrants and refugees are not considered international students.

Information and application materials for admission to WNMU as an international student are available from the Admissions Office.

English Proficiency: WNMU requires a score of 550 written or 213 on the computer version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for all international students new to WNMU.

Admissions: All application materials, including the application for admission and transcripts or national examination scores and/or transcripts from colleges or universities (with an English translation); all test scores, including the TOEFL; proof of adequate financial support; and health examination form must be on file in the Admissions Office by:

June 1 Fall semester
October 1 Spring semester

Applications not processed by the deadlines noted above will be processed for the subsequent semester.

International students are required to show proof of adequate health insurance or arrange to purchase such insurance. The policy must include emergency evacuation or repatriation to their home country.

International students wishing to receive credit for courses taken at accredited institutions of post-secondary education outside the U.S. must provide WNMU with original transcripts translated into English and evaluated by an independent credentials evaluator.

A student is classified as a resident or non-resident for tuition purposes based on information supplied on the application at the time of admission. The residence classification is only changed upon re-application for admission or submission of a petition for New Mexico residency. Non-resident students who believe they have satisfied requirements for establishing New Mexico residency may file a petition in the Admissions Office. No petitions will be accepted after the first day of classes. No petitions will be approved unless all requirements for residency are met before census date.

Each person must meet the requirements individually. To become a legal resident of New Mexico, four basic requirements must be satisfied.

1. The Twelve Month Consecutive Residence Requirement: A student must physically reside in New Mexico for the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the semester for which the petition is submitted.

NOTE: A student whose parents or guardians reside out-of-state cannot begin to complete the twelve-month requirement until after their 18th birthday.

2. The Financial Independence Requirement: A student cannot be approved for residency if he/she is financially dependent upon parents or legal guardian who are not residents of New Mexico. At the time the student applies for residency (if under 23 years of age), a copy of his/her parents’ or guardian’s 1040 or 1040A U.S. income tax for the previous year must be submitted with the application. If the student is shown to be a dependent on this tax form, he/she will not be eligible for residency.

3. The Written Declaration of Intent Requirement: The student must sign a written declaration of intent to relinquish residency in another state and to establish it in New Mexico.

4. The Overt Act Requirement: Residency regulations require the completion of several overt acts which support the student’s declaration of intent to become a permanent resident. Examples of such acts are securing a New Mexico driver’s license or automobile registration, registering to vote in New Mexico, filing a New Mexico state tax return for the previous year, securing full-time employment, purchasing residential or business property, or having a long-established bank account in New Mexico. Other relevant factors may be considered along with those listed above.

Other Residency Regulations

The following are general policy statements under the regulations for New Mexico residence.

— All students are charged resident tuition rates during summer sessions.

— All students enrolled for 6 credit hours or fewer (part-time students) during fall and spring semesters are charged resident tuition rates.

— Active-duty members of the armed forces stationed in New Mexico and their dependents are eligible to enroll at WNMU and pay tuition at the resident rate. Re-certification must be made each semester the student is enrolled.

— Non-residents are eligible to apply for residency status after living in New Mexico for 12 consecutive months and satisfying other requirements for establishing residency.

— Students under 18 years of age and students financially dependent upon parents or guardian will be considered to have the same residency as the parents or guardian.

— Spouses and their dependents who move to New Mexico to work full-time, practice a profession, or conduct a business full-time (and who can provide appropriate evidence), or marry a New Mexico resident, are not required to complete the Twelve Month Residence requirement before applying for resident status.

— Students between the ages of 19 and 23 must submit a copy of their parents’ or guardian’s 1040 or 1040A U.S. income tax form for the previous year with their application for residency.

Residence requirements are mandated by the Commission on Higher Education and are subject to change.

Procedures and a brochure explaining all requirements for establishing New Mexico residency for tuition purposes are available at the Admissions Office.

For more information about Residency contact the Director of Admissions.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

This section of the Catalog is a guide to the academic regulations and curricula of WNMU. Each student is responsible for complying with the regulations of WNMU and of the curricular program he or she selects.

Choice of Catalog

Students pursuing an undergraduate/graduate degree may choose to graduate under the catalog which was in effect when they entered WNMU, or any subsequent catalog, provided the catalog is not more than five years old when the degree requirements are completed. Students may not use more than one catalog to complete degree requirements.

Curricular requirements are established by WNMU and include both general education courses and specific discipline requirements. Each undergraduate/graduate student’s degree plan is individually determined following catalog guidelines and advisor recommendations. Students may request through their advisors, an exception or substitution to the curricular requirements of their degree programs and to the academic regulations established in this catalog. Exceptions and substitutions must be approved by the department chair in the student’s major and (if appropriate) the Dean of School of Education and Vice President for Academic Affairs.

WNMU may make changes and exceptions to curricular and academic policies, provided that administrative and governance procedures are followed and that reasonable consideration is given to individual petitions for exceptions.

Academic Honesty

Each student is expected to observe standards of honesty and integrity in all academic work completed at WNMU. Students will be penalized for infractions that include, but are not limited to the following: representation of the work of others as one’s own, failure to cite sources, unauthorized assistance in any academic work, obtaining and/or using tests unless distributed by the instructor, or copying the work of another.

Any infraction of academic honesty and integrity shall result in an automatic failure of the course. A student may appeal this action pursuant to the appeals procedure set forth in the Student Handbook. For additional information, refer to the Student Handbook.

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 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, (c) electives and, when applicable, (d) developmental coursework. 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, (b) technical support courses, and when applicable, (c) developmental coursework.

Automotive Technology

Computer and Network Technology

Construction Technology

Criminal Justice

Drafting and Design Technology

Early Care, Education and Family Support

Liberal Studies

Nursing

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Office Administration

Baccalaureate Degrees (four-year)

The 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.

The 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.

The 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. This program has been approved and is pending funding.

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) will prepare students for a career in the field of social work. This degree requires an additional six credit hours of Spanish beyond the BA requirement. Three credit hours must be Spanish 202, 214, 257 or another upper level Spanish course.

The Bachelor of Science in Vocational Teaching (B.S.V.T.) will prepare students for a career teaching vocational subjects at the secondary and post-secondary level. This degree requires an additional six credit hours of mathematics or computer science above those used to meet general education requirements.

The 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 and business management. This degree requires six hours of mathematics or computer science above those used to meet general education requirements.

The 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 83 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 are professionally.

The Bachelor of Academic Studies (B.A.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, English 101 and 43 upper-level credit hours with a grade of C or better. This degree reflects a major in Academic Studies with no minor.

Undergraduate Majors Undergraduate Minors

Academic Studies Accounting

Accounting Addiction Counseling

Art Art

Biology Biology

Botany Botany

Business Administration Business Administration

Chemical Dependency Business Education

Chemistry Chemistry

Computer Science Coaching

Criminal Justice Communication

Elementary Education Computer Science

English Criminal Justice

Fine Arts Economics

Forest/Wildlife English

General Science Geography

History Geology

Humanities History

K-12 Education Latin American Studies

Management Mathematics

Management Information Systems Movement Sciences

Mathematics Music

Medical Technology Political Science

Movement Sciences Education K-12 Psychology

Music Public Administration

Operations Management and Sociology

Supervision Spanish

Psychology Sports Medicine

Public Administration, Environmental Theater

and Resource Management Wellness

Rehabilitation Services Zoology

Science Education

Secondary Education

Social Science

Sociology

Social Work

Spanish

Special Education K-12

Vocational Teaching

Zoology

Educational Endorsements: See Education Advisor.

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.

1. The contract minor must not duplicate any existing program at WNMU.

2. The program must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee and the department chair(s) of the department(s) through which the contract minor is offered.

3. To gain approval the student is required to write a proposal which must include, but is not limited to, the following:

a. A full, detailed description of the course of study and rationale for allowing the program;

b. Faculty advisor(s) who will be charged with overseeing the program. Contract minor advisors must be full time WNMU faculty;

c. The names of all faculty, full time or otherwise, who have agreed to work on the program, including their qualifications and a rationale for their inclusion in the program;

d. A list of clearly stated expected outcomes, special skills, expertise, etc. which the student would obtain from such a program.

4. The student must prepare a detailed learning agreement including program objectives, methods of evaluation, reading lists, cognitive skills to be acquired, and any other component central to the program’s academic integrity.

5. Both the proposal and the learning agreement must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee, the faculty advisor(s), and the department chair(s) of participating faculty.

6. The semester prior to graduation, a meeting will take place among the faculty advisor(s), the faculty working on the program, and the student. The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the anticipated graduation, possible deficiencies, and other issues pertinent to completion of the program.

7. At the program’s completion, the student must submit to his/her faculty advisor(s) a program summary assessing the program’s success, a summary of its benefits, and if appropriate, a discussion of its shortcomings or failings.

8. When all requirements are met and all work is completed, the faculty advisor(s) will submit a recommendation of completion to the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee, for final approval. The student must also submit required documentation to the Registrar’s Office for a degree audit (see graduation requirements).

Academic Outcomes Assessment Participation

Students are required to participate in WNMU’s learning outcomes assessment program. The University as a whole, as well as each campus unit, uses a variety of assessment activities designed to document aspects of student learning while at WNMU. Participation in course related assessment as well as non-course related assessment program activities is expected of each WNMU student. Students will be given adequate notice of non-course related assessment activities that they are responsible for completing. Failure to participate in these assessment activities can result in administrative action. The consequences can include but are not limited to restricting the student’s enrollment in certain courses, disenrollment from all courses for the semester, or reduction in a course grade if related to course activities.

Placement Testing

All undergraduate students new to WNMU must participate in WNMU’s placement testing program. WNMU uses the COMPASS (Computer-Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System) test for this purpose. The COMPASS test is used to assist advisors with placement of students in appropriate English, math, and other courses. COMPASS has three parts: math, reading and writing. COMPASS test scores determine placement in developmental studies or college level courses in Math, English, reading, and writing. Students who have already completed appropriate coursework at another institution may be exempt. Such students should consult a transcript evaluator at ASC.

The COMPASS test may be taken at New Student Orientation, or at other scheduled COMPASS test sessions. It is each student’s responsibility to schedule in advance a test session to complete the COMPASS. All students identified above must complete the test prior to registration for classes. More information concerning COMPASS testing is available at the Academic Support Center (ASC).

Special students and senior citizens may register for certain courses without taking the COMPASS test. Students who have already completed appropriate coursework at other accredited institutions may apply to Academic Support Center for waiver of test requirements.

During the Fall semester of each year an examination is given to certain groups of students identified by the Facilitator for Outcomes Assessment and the Faculty Assessment Committee. The purpose of this program is to provide an assessment tool for WNMU’s general education coursework: Participation of identified students is required. Freshmen and “rising juniors” are required to participate in WNMU’s Assessment program.

Academic Credits

An academic credit hour is the equivalent of one 50-minute standard class lecture per week for a minimum of 15 weeks. Laboratories, physical education,activity classes, music lesson ensembles, and workshops may generate credit hours at a lower rate.

Only 100 level Movement Sciences courses will count toward the satisfaction of the general education activity requirement for bachelors degrees. Students who have lettered in a high school or college sport, who are on a scholarship, or who are trying out for a sport may not receive credit for an activity class in that sport. Students enrolling in an improper course level will be reassigned to a more appropriate class.

Classification of Students

A student’s undergraduate classification depends upon the number of credit hours earned:

Freshman 0 - 31 credit hours earned

Sophomore 32 - 63

Junior 64 - 95

Senior 96 - up

Special Students Undergraduate students who wish to enroll at WNMU without having to meet regular admissions requirements may request admission with Special Student, Non-Degree Bound, status. Classes taken will not apply towards a degree until all admission requirements are met. Special students will remain on a non-degree status until admission requirements have been met. Special students are not eligible for Financial Aid. The special student registers at WNMU with the understanding that no course will count toward a degree until the entrance requirements have been met. All special student registrations are subject to course prerequisites (See Admissions Office).

Concurrent Student High school juniors and seniors may enroll part-time at WNMU while they are completing secondary school (see Admissions Office).

Numbering of Courses

Courses numbered from 100 to 199 are intended for freshmen, from 200 to 299 for sophomores, from 300 to 399 for juniors, and from 400 to 499 for seniors. Courses numbered in the 500 series are normally open only to graduate students (see Seniors Taking Graduate Courses).

Seniors taking Graduate Courses

Seniors who are within 12 credit hours of graduation, have completed all required courses for the baccalaureate degree, and have an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or above may petition to enroll for graduate credit. Forms may be obtained at the Registrar’s Office. A maximum of six graduate credit hours may be applied to a WNMU graduate program. Courses which are offered at two or more levels with identical titles may not be repeated for credit, with the exception of courses specifically structured for repetition.

Student Course Load

The normal course load for students enrolled in the Fall or Spring semester is between 15-18 credit hours. A student carrying a load of 16 credit hours for each of eight semesters will have completed the necessary credit hours for graduation provided the student followed a specific degree plan without modification. Students who carry less than 16 credit hours for eight semesters may be ineligible for financial aid after the eighth semester of enrollment. Six credit hours is the normal load for students registering in the five-week session of summer school.

The responsibility for formulating and enforcing policies governing the student course load belongs to the student’s advisor, Department Chair/Director/Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee. The student’s previous academic record will be taken into account when determining the course load. The advisor also determines, with the student, the appropriate course load to carry during a given semester and indicates the total number of credit hours on the student’s registration form.

A student desiring to carry a course load greater than 18 credit hours may register for additional credit hours if the previous semester’s grade-point average was 3.0 (B) or above and no grades of “I” are outstanding. To carry a course load beyond the 18 credit hour course load the student must petition for permission by completing the Petition for Overload form. The maximum course load in either of the five-week summer sessions including interim or mini-sessions is seven credit hours.

Registration in a one hour movement science course taken to meet General Education requirements, or registration in band, orchestra, chorus, or a Natural Sciences laboratory may be carried as additional hours beyond the normal 18 credit hours in the semester or six in a summer term without petitioning for excess hours.

Students who have a grade of incomplete from a prior semester may be restricted to carrying a normal load less the number of incomplete credits.

Non-credit or audit courses are counted as a part of the student’s load when determining tuition and requirements for overloads. Interim courses also count as part of the 18 hour course load (or six hour course load in summers) for the semester in which they are placed.

Independent Study Courses (Graduate and Undergraduate)

Independent study courses may be made available in most departments by special arrangement between student and professor.

There are three types of arranged independent study:

1. A Tutorial Reading is used when a student must take a regularly offered class on an independent basis. These courses are numbered 195, 295, 395, 495, and 595.

2. A Directed Study is used when the student wishes to study a subject not regularly offered. These courses are numbered 285, 385, 485, and 585.

3. A Directed Research course is used when the student is performing research under the direction of a faculty member. These courses are numbered 490 and 590.

WNMU policy is to prevent the abuse of the Independent Study as it may result in the loss of core-classroom learning, WNMU subscribes to the following general policy statements. Departments within WNMU may impose additional criteria and regulations.

1. Independent study courses (Tutorial Readings, Directed Studies, Directed Research) shall be used primarily for the purpose of academic enrichment. The assignment and approval of Independent Studies for other reasons shall be strictly limited to emergency situations.

2. A student in a baccalaureate program requesting approval for an Independent Study must have successfully completed 60 hours of college work and must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. A student in an associate program must have successfully completed 30 credit hours of college work and must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

3. A maximum of twelve credit hours of Independent Study may be applied toward the graduation requirements at the baccalaureate level. A maximum of eight credit hours of Independent Study may be applied toward the graduation requirements at the associate level.

Co-op Work Experience

The Co-op Work Experience courses are numbered 194, 294, and 494. These courses are arranged through the Co-op Work Experience Office, PE Complex, room 150. This program provides opportunities to supplement course work with practical work experience related to the student’s educational and occupational objectives. The student will work a minimum of 45 hours per credit hour. Co-op Work Experience courses may be taken for one to six credit hours per semester. A maximum of six credit hours of Co-op Work Experience courses may be applied toward an associate or baccalaureate program.

Internships and Practica

Internship courses are numbered 481.

1. There shall be a 45:1 ratio between field hours and credit hours; i.e., for a three credit hour course the student will work 135 hours in the field.

2. A maximum of six credit hours of practicum/internship hours may be applied toward an associate or baccalaureate program except when required by a professional accrediting agency.

3. The activities and duties performed by the student during the practicum/internship shall meet the goals and objectives of the discipline as defined by the department that offers the practicum/internship.

4. The faculty in charge of the practicum/internship shall prepare a written agreement detailing the responsibilities of the student and field agency during the practicum/internship. This agreement shall also specify the criteria for assigning a grade at the end of the practicum/internship. Both the student and field agency shall sign the agreement before the practicum/internship begins. The agreement shall be filed in the student’s advisement file and in the Registrar’s Office.

5. The student, faculty and agency shall evaluate the practicum/internship experience at the completion of the field experience.

6. If students are to receive stipends, per diem allowances, or other remuneration, criteria or guidelines shall be developed by the department which offers the practicum/internship. These criteria or guidelines shall clearly state the situations under which moneys may be paid to a student.

7. A statement shall be filed with the department and Office of Academic Affairs defining the specific goals and purpose of any practicum/internship course listed in the catalog. It shall include a statement of how the above items are addressed.

These courses are limited to associate degree programs and are numbered 196 and 296. The course instructor works closely with the on-the-job supervisor in determining the student’s grade. Students may earn credit for work experience related to their educational and occupational objectives. The student will work a minimum of 45 hours per credit hour. OJT may be taken for one to six credit hours per semester. A maximum of six credit hours of OJT courses may be applied toward an associate degree.

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.

Up to 32 credit hours may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree from WNMU.

Contact the Academic Support Center for CLEP tests available and corresponding WNMU Courses approved for credit.

Cost: One Examination, $40.00

Students may receive transfer credits for the CLEP for equivalent WNMU courses in foreign languages upon the successful completion (“C” or better) of a course at WNMU at the next appropriate linguistic level.

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.

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 Standard Percentile Courses

English 31 98% ENGL 101, 102

Mathematics 31 97% MATH 123 (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.

Credit by Challenge Examination

The program of credit by examination is available to students who, for reasons of scholarship or past academic experience, possess information and expertise at the same level as students who have completed a comparable course.

Eligibility for credit by examination is limited to students who have established a record of superior performance within a specific discipline or in their studies in general.

The usual set of conditions which justifies a request for establishing course credit by successful examination includes the following:

1. The student has demonstrated evidence of scholarship in the field in which the examination is desired.

2. The student has taken a course involving similar content, but has not established credit for the course at WNMU.

3. The student has had extensive experience of a theoretical and practical nature in a field which relates to the course in which the examination is requested.

4. The student has had private tutoring in the field, such as in music or art.

The following guidelines govern the examination procedures.

1. The examination will be searching in nature (comprehensive), strictly graded, and at least four hours in length.

2. The minimum passing grade shall be C.

3. The courses a student may challenge are determined by academic departments at WNMU. Movement Science activities classes are not open to challenge.

Any currently enrolled student with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher may challenge certain undergraduate courses by examination. The procedure is as follows:

1. Obtain a petition with a “statement of purpose” from the Registrar’s Office;

2. Obtain the signature of the instructor;

3. Obtain the signature of the appropriate Department Chair;

4. Obtain the final approval of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs;

5. Pay the fee of $15 per credit hour in the Business Office;

6. Make arrangements with the appropriate department chair to take the examination;

7. Complete the petition by mid semester.

8. Pay the normal cost of the course in the Business Office.

No course already recorded on the transcript may be challenged.

No more than 15 credit hours by challenge examination may be recorded on the transcript for a baccalaureate degree. No more than six credit hours may be challenged for an associate’s degree. Credit earned by challenge examination may not satisfy any part of the last 15 credit hours required for graduation.

Recommendations for Adult Learning and Education Experiences

Western New Mexico University will grant credit of up to 44 hours from a variety of off-campus sources as approved by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, the Council on Postsecondary Education, or the American Council on Education. It is recognized that certain curricula are affected by outside licensing and/or accrediting agencies that prohibit such substitutions or waivers. In such cases the recommended credit may not be applied towards the degree in that discipline.

Transfer Credit from other Institutions (Undergraduate Students)

It is the policy of Western New Mexico University to accept transfer credit from other New Mexico accredited or regionally accredited colleges and universities. Students who are applying for transfer credit earned at an out-of-state college or university must provide the Academic Support Center with a copy of the catalog or certified course description(s) in effect at the time the transferred course was taken.

Transfer credit may be awarded when the following conditions are met:

1. The student must be awarded “final’’ admissions status (see Admissions section).

2. The course carries degree credit at the transferring institution.

3. The student was not suspended from a college or university at the time the course was taken.

Transfer transcripts become the property of WNMU and will not be returned to the student either as originals or as copies. Transfer credit will become part of the student’s record after the student has established a course of record.

All courses with letter grades of A, B, or C will be posted on the WNMU transcript provided they conform to the above noted restrictions. The cumulative GPA earned from transferring institutions will be reflected on the WNMU transcript and will serve as the student’s official GPA until such time as it is combined with WNMU coursework/GPA.

Credits earned in non-technical courses taken at accredited technical institutes, business schools, and other post-high school institutes are initially accepted at WNMU. Once students have enrolled at WNMU, they may request that the Registrar review certain technical courses that are directly applicable to their declared associate or baccalaureate degree. Approval for transfer of Applied Technology courses must be obtained from the department chair of Applied Technology. Grades of P, CR, S, awarded in courses and credited toward graduation at the institution of origin, may be accepted at WNMU, provided they conform to the above noted restrictions. Courses transfer from other institutions at the level offered at those institutions. Hours transferred from two-year institutions cannot be used for upper level (300-400) hours.

A transfer student must complete a minimum of six credit hours in the elected major and a minimum of three credit hours in the elected minor in residence at WNMU.

See “Undergraduate Degree Requirements” for specific degree information for transfer students.

International students wishing to receive credit for courses taken at accredited institutions of post-secondary education outside the U.S. must provide WNMU with original transcripts translated into English and evaluated by an independent credentials evaluator. A list of evaluators is available at the Academic Support Center. (JCB 220)

Western New Mexico University treats transfer students the same as students who started at WNMU in awarding credit towards fulfilling degree requirements. The University supports articulation among all public institutions in New Mexico.

PLEASE NOTE: Transfer students are advised to consult an academic advisor and transcript evaluator concerning the state wide Articulation of Lower Division Common Core (general education requirements.) Graduate students should refer to Transfer Credit listed under Graduate Policies in the Graduate Studies Section.

State Wide Articulation of Lower-Division Common Core

To facilitate transfer of students and course credits among New Mexico’s colleges and universities, the state’s public institutions of higher education are required to accept in transfer courses taken within approved modules of lower-division courses work and apply them toward degree requirements. Several transfer guides have been developed through collaboration of New Mexico’s public postsecondary institutions, consistent with requirements of state law (21-1B, NMSA 1978). Students enrolling for first-year or second-year study at a New Mexico institution and wishing to prepare for possible transfer into a degree program at another institution are advised to take these courses during their freshman and sophomore years.

Student Responsibility

New Mexico’s colleges and universities have collaborated to produce guides to assist students who plan to transfer before completing a program of study. Course modules are designed to help students select courses carefully so that they may transfer with little or no loss of credit. However, planning for effective transfer with maximum efficiency is ultimately the student’s responsibility. Responsible transfer planning includes consultation with the intended degree-granting institution to assure that all pre-transfer coursework will meet the requirements of the desired degree.

Transferable Lower-Division General Education Common Core

Students enrolling for first-year study who have not yet selected either an academic focus or the institution where they wish to graduate are advised to take courses during their freshman year outlined in the Lower Division General Education Common Core. For students enrolled at any public institution in New Mexico, the following courses are guaranteed to transfer to any other New Mexico public college or university, and apply toward associate and baccalaureate degree program requirements. Students should consult advisors at their current institutions regarding which specific courses fit these categories. Students preparing for careers in engineering, health sciences, or other profession -related fields are advised that some of course work may not transfer toward general education requirements but in most cases will apply toward elective requirements.

Lower-Division 64-hour Transfer Modules

Students who have selected a field of study but have not yet selected the college or university where they wish to earn their baccalaureate degree are advised to take courses during their freshman and sophomore years outlined in one of the Lower-Division 64-hour Transfer Modules. For students enrolled at any other public institution in New Mexico, these courses are guaranteed to transfer to any public institution in New Mexico and to apply toward bachelor’s degree program requirements. Students should consult advisors at their current institutions regarding which specific classes fit these categories. Lower division transfer modules presently exist for:

Business Biological Sciences

Engineering Teacher Education

Modules for additional areas of study are being developed. Copies of these Transfer Modules may be obtained from the Academic Support Center or the Office of Admissions.

Lower-Division General Education Common Core

Area I: Communications 9 semester hours

(a) College-Level English Composition 3-4 hrs

(b) College-Level Writing (a second 3 hrs
course building on the above)

(c) Public Speaking (oral communication) 3 hrs

(a) College Algebra (or higher level) 3 hrs

(b) Calculus 3 hrs

(c) Other College-Level Mathematics 3 hrs

Area III: Laboratory Science 8 semester hours

(a) General Biology, with laboratory 4-8 hrs

(b) General Chemistry, with laboratory 4-8 hrs

(c) General Physics, with laboratory 4-8 hrs

(d) Geology/Earth Science, with laboratory 4-8 hrs

(e) Astronomy, with laboratory 4-8 hrs

(a) Economics (Macro or Microeconomics) 3 hrs

(b) Introductory Political Science 3 hrs

(c) Introductory Psychology 3 hrs

(d) Introductory Sociology 3 hrs

(e) Introductory Anthropology 3 hrs

Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts 6 or 9 semester hours

(a) Introductory History Survey 3 hrs

(b) Philosophy 3 hrs

(c) Introductory Course in History, Theory, 3 hrs

or Aesthetics of the Arts or Literature

Common Module Total 35 semester hours

Correspondence Credit (Undergraduate)

A maximum of 44 credit hours of off-campus credit may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree. A maximum of nine credit hours of correspondence credit is accepted toward a baccalaureate degree, and no more than six are accepted towards an associate degree. In accepting off-campus credit, WNMU will be guided by the interpretation of the college from which the credit is transferred. (Graduate students refer to Graduate Policies in the Graduate Studies Section.)

Attendance

Attendance is expected at all sessions of each course for which the student is enrolled; the responsibility for attendance is placed upon the student. The student is responsible for making up missed assignments and making appropriate arrangements with the instructor. Failure to attend class does not imply withdrawal. Instructors MAY drop a student from the class rolls when the student accumulates unexcused absences in excess of the number of credit hours offered for the course. Students who are auditing a course will be expected to attend class regularly. The instructor has the option of withdrawing a student for not attending class. Non-attendance of classes due to late registration is considered the same as absences after registration.

An instructor may also drop a student who does not meet the prerequisites of a course. Only students enrolled for credit or audit are permitted to attend classes. Students not enrolled may visit classes with the permission of the instructor.

Grading System - Grade Points

The WNMU grading system is expressed in letters, which carry grade points used in calculating the cumulative grade-point average (GPA). Grades awarded in all courses indicate the quality of work completed. Grades of A, B, C, D, and F are earned and recorded at WNMU. In computing the grade-point average, the total of credits in which the grades of A, B, C, D, F have been earned is divided into the total number of grade points computed.

A = 4 grade points per credit hour

B = 3

C = 2

D = 1

F = 0

P Indicates a passing grade in a course with a non-graded option. P is not computed in the GPA.

I Incomplete, indicates work is still pending and is given only when circumstances beyond the student’s control have prevented completion of the course within the official dates of a session. It is not intended as an opportunity to raise the grade in a course. “I” is not computed in the GPA.

IP Indicates work in progress and is to be used for graduate thesis course or senior projects.

W Indicates the course was dropped with the permission of the proper authorities and that the student was passing at the time of withdrawal. Withdrawals are not permitted after the eleventh week of the semester. W is not computed in the GPA.

WF Indicates withdrawal from the course with failing status. The WF will be computed as a failing grade in the student’s GPA.

Repeating a Course (Undergraduate)

An undergraduate student may repeat an undergraduate course previously taken at WNMU in order to improve the grade (including grade of WF). The higher grade in a repeated undergraduate course will be substituted in the calculation of the grade-point average for the final grade earned. All grades earned for the course remain posted on the permanent record, but credit may be earned only once.

Auditing a Course

Students may register for any course as an audit, or without credit. The fee is the same as for credit. Students who are auditing a course will be expected to attend class regularly. The instructor has the option of withdrawing a student for not attending class. Courses taken for audit may be repeated for credit. Changes in audit status may be made through the eighth week of classes.

Incomplete Grade

The grade of incomplete (I) is given for coursework that could not be completed due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. In no case will a grade of I be used to avoid the assigning of D or F grades for marginal or failing work. A grade of I is requested by the student. A student must remove the I by completing all coursework by mid-semester of the following semester. If the student is not in residence the following semester, the I must be removed by the close of the last day of classes in the following semester. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in automatic conversion from I to F.

Examinations other than final examinations are to be given at the discretion of the instructor.

Final examinations are held during the last week of the semester. The schedule of examinations is issued by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and is published in the semester schedule of classes. Any changes in the examination schedule must be approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The arrangements for a make-up examination shall be made by the student in consultation with the instructor.

Mid-Semester Grades

Grades of D and F are reported to the Registrar’s Office according to the WNMU Catalog schedule. These grades are mailed to the student’s local address and are made available to the Academic Support Center and the Financial Aid Office.

If the student receives an unsatisfactory grade because of an apparent error in the registration process, he/she should contact the Registrar’s Office immediately.

Final Course Grades

A final semester grade report is mailed to each student at the student’s mailing address seven to ten days after the official close of the semester. Lists of students’ academic progress are also provided to the Academic Support Center and the Financial Aid Office. The posting of final grades on a student’s permanent record is normally completed within three weeks of the last day of the semester.

Recognition of Academic Achievement

Baccalaureate and associate degree students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours for the current semester and have earned a GPA in the top 15 percent of undergraduate GPA's to be eligible for honors. The top five percent of the honors students will be awarded high honors. The remaining ten percent will be awarded honors. Honors or high honors will be noted on the student transcript for each semester in which the recognition is awarded.

Probation and Suspension

Academic Probation: Academic standing is reviewed at the end of each semester; students who have not made satisfactory progress will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Satisfactory progress is based on the number of cumulative hours attempted and cumulative GPA according to the following scale.

Cumulative Hours Attempted Cumulative GPA

0-32 1.65

33-48 1.75

49-63 1.90

64 + Hours 2.00

A student on academic probation at another university may be admitted to WNMU but will retain probationary status. Students on academic probation may not participate in WNMU sponsored activities. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will notify by mail any student who is placed on academic probation.

A student on academic probation who maintains a semester GPA of 2.25 or above may continue to enroll at WNMU. The student remains on academic probation until his/her cumulative GPA and cumulative hours attempted meet or exceed acceptable standards (see scale above).

Academic Suspension: A student on academic probation will be suspended at the end of the semester in which the cumulative GPA falls below acceptable standards and the semester GPA falls below 2.25. Students placed on academic suspension are sent a certified letter by the Registrar. Suspension from WNMU is for one full calendar year from the date of suspension. After a third suspension, a student must sit out two full calendar years from date of this action. Students must petition for reinstatement after suspension. Students serving their first suspension must contact the Registrar’s Office for re-admission following the suspension period. Students serving any subsequent suspension must appeal the suspension pursuant to the appeals procedures set forth in the Student Handbook prior to enrolling at WNMU. Admissions Office staff will advise students of the procedures required for reinstatement.

During the period of suspension, a student may not register for classes, live in student housing or participate in student activities at WNMU.

NOTE: Students suspended from another institution are not eligible to enroll at WNMU until they have served the suspension period of that institution.

Good Academic Standing

Students who maintain the minimum academic standards stated in the scale listed under Probation and Suspension will be considered in good standing.

Academic Amnesty Policy

A student enrolling at WNMU after at least a five calendar year period of separation from any accredited institution of higher learning may wish to be considered for academic amnesty. Application for this consideration will be made by the student to the Registrar in the Fall or Spring semester immediately following the semester in which the student completes 24 or more credit hours at WNMU with a GPA of at least 2.50 for these hours. Developmental Studies courses and non-academic vocational courses will not count toward the five year separation requirements or the GPA requirement. Upon granting of the application, all courses prior to the five year separation will be removed from consideration for a degree and will not count toward the G.P.A. but will remain on the student’s transcript. The student’s transcript will be marked “Academic Amnesty Granted.’’ Appropriate courses will be flagged, whether earned at WNMU or elsewhere. The student may not pick and choose which course to remove from consideration. Academic Amnesty may be granted only once and is not reversible.

Non-Degree Courses

Courses numbered 444 or 544 (See Professional Development, Teacher Education Programs listed in School of Education Section) 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:

1. A minimum of 64 credit hours is required. A minimum of 16 credit hours must be earned in residence at WNMU, including continuing education courses with no more than six credit hours of correspondence credit.The remainder may be acceptable transfer credits earned from fully accredited institutions of higher learning and/or from regionally accredited technical-vocational institutions (see Transfer Students under Academic Regulations).

2. Complete ENGL 101 with a C or better and all courses required for the major with a grade of C or better. The student must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. Developmental Studies courses do not count toward degree completion. They do count toward the G.P.A.

3. File an advisor approved degree plan and application for degree audit by September 1 for spring graduation or February 1 for summer or fall graduation with the Registrar’s Office. The student will be advised in writing of the results.

4. Complete a graduation application and pay a graduation fee of $40, by the deadline date published in the schedule of classes and catalog.

5. Remove any indebtedness to WNMU. Complete all coursework prior to the last day of the semester.

Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies Degree (AA)

The Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies (AA) degree is recommended for students whose educational goals require flexibility. This two-year degree will be offered to prepare students for transfer to a four-year post-secondary institution and will also provide students with an opportunity to design a customized program to accomplish their personal educational goals. A minimum of 64 credit hours are required for the AA degree. The degree allows students to choose any elective courses numbered 100 or above to complete the degree. Courses will be offered in a manner to facilitate the completion of this degree in two years.

A candidate for an associate degree offered by WNMU must meet the specific requirements indicated in the degree program outlined in the catalog. In addition, the student is subject to the following WNMU regulations:

1. A minimum of 64 credit hours is required. A minimum of 16 credit hours must be earned in residence at WNMU (exclusive of extension, with no more than six hours of correspondence credit). The remainder may be acceptable transfer credits (maximum of 48) earned from fully accredited institutions of higher learning and/or from regionally accredited technical-vocational institutions.

2. The student must complete ENGL 101 and ENGL 102 with a C or better. The student must have a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0. Developmental Studies do not count toward degree completion. They do count toward the G.P.A.

3. The student must file an advisor approved degree plan with the Registrar’s Office, along with an application for degree audit no later than one semester prior to the semester of graduation. The student will be advised in writing of the results.

4. The student must complete a graduation application and pay a graduation fee of $40, by the deadline date published in the schedule of classes and catalog.

5. The student must remove any indebtedness to WNMU and complete all coursework prior to the last day of the semester.

The Liberal Studies Degree is intended to meet the needs of two types of students:

1) Those who want to design an associate degree to their own specific needs.

2) Those who plan to pursue a four-year degree but are undecided as to their choice of a major. The required core curriculum for this degree fulfills the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education lower-division general educational common core.

Note the different Natural Sciences and Humanities credit requirements listed below for these two types of students.

Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies Required Core Curriculum

The following courses may require prerequisite coursework which is outlined in the WNMU catalog.

Communications 9 credits

Complete each of the following:

ENGL 101 Composition and Rhetoric I

ENGL 102 Composition and Rhetoric II

Select one of the following:

COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking

COMM 200 Survey of Human Communications

Mathematics 3 credits

Select one of the following:

MATH 105 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts I

MATH 106 Mathematics for the Liberal Arts II

MATH 111 Intermediate Algebra

MATH 121 Mathematics for Business Applications I

MATH 123 College Algebra

MATH 132 Trigonometry

MATH 171 Calculus I

Natural Sciences—

Select one of the following courses and corresponding lab:

8 credits for students who plan to continue for a four-year degree

Select two of the following courses and corresponding lab:

BIOL 101 Biology for General Education I

BIOL 102 Biology for General Education II

BIOL 111 General Botany

BIOL 112 General Zoology

CHEM 121 Chemistry for Life

CHEM 123 Chemistry for Life Lab I

CHEM 151 General Chemistry I

CHEM 152 General Chemistry II

CHEM 153, 154 General Chemistry Lab I, II

GEOG 201 Physical Geography

GEOL 101 General Geology I

GEOL 102 General Geology II

GEOL 201 Environmental Science

PHYS 151 General Physics I (non-calculus)

PHYS 152 General Physics II (non-calculus)

PHYS 171 Principles of Physics I (calculus-based)

PHYS 172 Principles of Physics II (calculus-based)

PHSC 101 Physical Science for General Education I

PHSC 102 Physical Science for General Education II

PHSC 115 Descriptive Astronomy

PHSC 181 Forensic Science I

PHSC 182 Forensic Science II

PHSC 183/184 Forensic Science Lab I, II

Expressive Arts 3 credits

Select one of the following:

ART 101 2-D Design

ART 102 Color

ART 103 3-D Design

ART 107 Drawing I

ART 211 Art Appreciation

MUSC 100 Applied Music 1 or 2 credits

MUSC 101 University Choir 1 or 2 credits

MUSC 111 Music Appreciation

MUSC 119 Fundamentals of Music

MUSC 151 University Band 1 or 2 credits

THR 110 Introduction to Theater and Drama

THR 111 Introduction to Acting

THR 136 Theater Production

Humanities—

Select one of the following:

6 credits for students who plan to continue for a four-year degree

Select two of the following:

ENGL200 Poetry

ENGL 201 Introduction to Literature

ENGL 205/HUM 205 Hispanic American Literature

ENGL 225 The Short Story

ENGL 240 Native American Literature

ENGL 265 World Literature

ENGL 296 American Literature I

ENGL 297 American Literature II

ENGL 298 English Literature I

ENGL 299 English Literature II

PHIL 100 Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL 101 Thinking and Problem Solving

PHIL 200 Contemporary Philosophy and Religious Thought

PHIL 201 Logical Methods

PHIL 211 Survey of the New Testament

SPAN 101 Beginning Spanish I

SPAN 102 Beginning Spanish II

SPAN 151 Beginning Conversational Spanish I

SPAN 152 Beginning Conversational Spanish II

Social and Behavioral Sciences 6 credits

Select one of the following:

HIST 111 World Civilization I

HIST 112 World Civilization II

HIST 201 American History I

HIST 202 American History II

Select one of the following

ANTH 201 Cultural Anthropology

ANTH 202 Physical Anthropology and Archeology

ECON 200 Basic Economics: Private Enterprise

ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics

ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics

POLS 201 American National Government

POLS 202 American State Government

PSY 102 General Psychology

SOC 101 General Sociology

SOC 102 Social Problems

Computer Literacy 3 credits

Select one of the following:

CMPS 110 Computer Literacy - Macintosh

CMPS 160 Computer Literacy - PC

Required Core Curriculum—

Elective Credits—

Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies Total Credit Hours 64

Bachelor Degrees

A candidate for a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of Science in Vocational Teaching (B.S.V.T.), 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:

1. A minimum of 128 credit hours is required (to include no more than nine credit hours of correspondence credit), with a minimum of 43 credit hours of upper level courses (300-400 series).

2. Successful completion of General Education requirements (51 credit hours minimum), major (30-54 credit hours), and minor (18-24 credit hours). Some majors allow waiver of the minor requirement. Majors that allow waiver of the minor requirement indicate such under the major requirements.

3. Second language requirement (for B.A. and B.S.W. degree): This requirement is fulfilled by the satisfactory completion of one of the following courses: SPAN 202, SPAN 252, SPAN 214 or any upper level Spanish course. 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.

4. Mathematics/Computer science requirement (for B.S., B.B.A., B.S.V.T. degrees): Students must complete six credit hours of mathematics and/or computer science and/or SOC 323, Social Statistics, in addition to the six credit hours of mathematics and three credit hours of computer science used to fulfill the General Education requirements.

5. Demonstrate a minimum competence (grade of C) by satisfactorily completing English 101 or attaining an acceptable score on an authorized proficiency test, prior to graduation. Students seeking teacher licensure must satisfactorily complete both English 101 and 102 with a grade of C or better.

6. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required. No grade below a C is acceptable in the major and minor areas. Developmental Studies courses do not count toward any degree completion. They do count toward the G.P.A.

NOTE: Some departments require a GPA higher than 2.0 to graduate. It is the student’s responsibility to meet individual departmental regulations.

7. Residence credit requirement for all candidates for a Bachelors degree:

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.

8. File an advisor approved degree plan and application for degree audit by September 1 for spring graduation or February 1 for summer or fall graduation with the Registrar’s Office. The student will be advised in writing of the results.

9. Complete a graduation application and pay a graduation fee of $40, by the deadline date published in the schedule of classes and catalog.

10. Remove any indebtedness to WNMU. Complete all course work prior to the last day of the semester.

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:

1. The student must be admitted to the Social Work program. Admission packets and information are available at the Social Work Department and the Academic Support Center. A student must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and pass SWK 101 with a C or better to be eligible to apply to the program.

2. Students must be admitted to the program prior to enrolling in SWK 386, Social Work Practice I. Academic credit for life or previous work experience will not be awarded. Demonstrate minimum competency (grade of C) in the following courses: ENGL 101 and 102, COMM 110, MATH 111, MATH 321 and all Social Work professional foundation courses. Developmental Studies courses do not not count toward degree completion. They do count toward the GPA.

3. Students who have completed a degree, must complete 44 credit hours of professional foundation courses, other courses required by the B.S.W. degree, and all other regulations regarding their particular status.

4. B.S.W. students must successfully complete 6 credit hours in Spanish, with at least one course at the 200 level or above.

Bachelor of Academic Studies

A candidate for the B.A.S. degree must meet the following WNMU minimum degree requirements and is subject to the following WNMU regulations. This degree will reflect a major in Academic Studies with no minor.

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 (9 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):

1. A minimum of 128 credits hours is required (no more than nine hours of correspondence credit).

2. Successful completion of General Education Requirements (51 credit hours minimum).

3. A minimum of 43 credit hours of upper level courses (300-400 level). Students must pass all upper level courses with a grade of C or better.

4. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 is required. Developmental studies courses do not count toward degree completion. They do count toward the G.P.A.

5. Demonstrate a minimum competence (grade of C) by satisfactorily completing English 101 with a C or better or attaining a suitable score on an authorized proficiency test prior to graduation.

6. Residence credit requirement for all candidates for a Bachelors degree:

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 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.

7. File an advisor approved-degree plan with the Registrar’s Office, along with an application for a degree audit, no later than two semesters prior to the semester of graduation. The student will be advised in writing of the results.

8. Complete a graduation application and pay a graduation fee of $40 by the deadline date published in the schedule of classes and catalog.

9. Remove any indebtedness to WNMU and completed all course work prior to the last day of the semester.

Earning a Second Undergraduate Degree

It is possible for a student at WNMU to earn more than one undergraduate degree. To obtain a second baccalaureate degree, the student must complete the following requirements:

1. Meet admission criteria for the degree;

2. Successfully complete a minimum of 30 additional undergraduate credit hours beyond the requirements for the first degree (equivalent of two semesters);

3. Meet all degree requirements of the new degree, including residence requirements, and minor requirements.

The Bachelor of Academic Studies degree may not be used as a second undergraduate degree. Completion of a second major/minor under the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science program is recorded on a student’s permanent record, but as a second major/minor. A second degree is not awarded for an additional major/minor. Students who have earned a Bachelor of Science degree are eligible to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree as their second degree and vice versa.

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. The 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 26 or better, or

-graduate in top 15% of high school class, or

-a minimum of 30 hours college level credit at 3.5 cumulative GPA 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.

Honors Curriculum

Lower Division

General Education 15-16 hours

Students are required to take ENGL 101H and 102H (unless the student has already completed Engl 101 and ENGL 102 prior to admission to the Honors Program).