Student Handbook

Students enrolled at Western New Mexico University are responsible for their knowledge of the rules and regulations printed in this Student Handbook.

The provisions in this handbook are not to be regarded as a contract. The University reserves the right to change any provisions or requirements when such action will serve the interest of the University or its students.

Contents

STUDENT AFFAIRS MISSION STATEMENT

The Student Affairs Division of Western New Mexico University recognizes the modest size of our institution as a major strength. We have fostered this small-campus atmosphere by designing services which demonstrate our respect for individual student needs and our understanding of the unique demographic profiles of our student body.

We seek to promote, through the delivery of various services, the development of "the whole person," and we do this by encouraging each student to accept the responsibility for his/her own actions; to make wise personal choices; to live in harmony with his/her environment and relate positively to the people who share it; and to develop him/herself physically, socially and intellectually.

Western's Student Affairs professionals value our multicultural student body, and promote opportunities which demonstrate respect for cultural differences. Our programs and services foster a sense of community by protecting individual differences and celebrating cultural tradition, while maintaining the rules and order of a healthy community.

Our primary purpose is to emphasize a total educational experience for each student, one that blends academic activities with extra-curriculum experiences into a healthy life-style which promotes personal development. To accomplish this, Student Affairs professionals help individual students to identify personal skills, deficiencies, and goals; to learn necessary study and coping skills; and to participate in a well-rounded schedule of educational activities. We encourage students to maximize their potential at college by actively participating in intramurals, athletics, student activities, student organizations, tutoring groups, advising and counseling sessions, career fairs, and all other opportunities which will prepare them for their chosen fields of study and as future leaders.

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WNMU Student Code of Conduct

All students attending WNMU are subject to the rules and regulations of the institution.

WNMU recognizes its responsibility to the individual student, to the state, and to the communities of which its students are members. It maintains, therefore, a policy of disapproving of those types of behavior which violate the standards of acceptable conduct. Continued misconduct of any type will jeopardize the students privilege of recommendation by WNMU and may cause his/her suspension or permanent dismissal.

WNMU will cooperate with duly constituted legal authorities when a student is involved in violations of the law.

Students who are arrested by law enforcement officers and who are subsequently convicted for law violations may be liable for disciplinary action by the University Committee on Discipline as the individual case warrants.

Students are subject to the provisions of New Mexico Statute 30-20-1, Disorderly Conduct, and to WNMU discipline and censure according to the following categories:

1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism, or knowingly furnishing false information to WNMU;
   
2. Forgery, alteration, or misuse of WNMU documents, records, or identification;
   
3. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other WNMU activities, including public service functions or other authorized activities on WNMU premises;
   
4. Physical abuse of any person or of property owned or controlled by WNMU or at functions sponsored or supervised by WNMU; or conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person;
   
5. Theft of or damage to property of a member of WNMU community, or of a campus visitor;
   
6. Unauthorized entry into or use of WNMU facilities;
   
7. Violation of WNMU policies or of campus regulations, including those concerning the registration of student organizations, the use of WNMU facilities, or the time, place, and manner of public expression;
   
8. Use, possession, or distribution of illegal narcotics, and drinking or possession of alcoholic beverages on the WNMU campus, as provided by the laws of the state of New Mexico;
   
9. Violation of rules governing residence in property owned or controlled by WNMU;
   
10. Disorderly conduct, including lewd, indecent or obscene conduct or expression on property owned or controlled by WNMU or at functions sponsored or supervised by WNMU;
    
11. Failure to comply with directions of WNMU officials acting in the performance of their duties;
    
12. Conduct which adversely affects the student's suitability as a member of the academic community.

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Sanctions

The penalties which may be imposed for violations of student rights are defined in this section. Possible penalties have in some cases been assigned to the various offenses. However, more severe penalties may be imposed for compound, repeated, or aggravated occurrences.

1. A warning or official reprimand will be given.
   
   
2. Warning Probation
   
   A temporary status of a student for a specific period of time not exceeding four months, during which further violations may result in more severe disciplinary action. However, Warning Probation may include conditions deemed appropriate to the case.
   
   
3. Disciplinary Probation
   
   A temporary status of a student for a specific period of time not exceeding one year during which further violations may result in suspension or expulsion. In addition, the conditions listed above under Warning Probation may be imposed, or the student shall automatically be removed from disciplinary probation when the imposed period expires. The period shall be in effect only while a student is enrolled at Western New Mexico University.
   
   
4. Suspension
   
   A decision of suspension terminates the student's status as an enrolled student for a period of up to the maximum of one year and prohibits the student from attending classes. Students living in campus residence halls shall leave with their belongings within 24 hours of the notice that the penalty of suspension has been imposed.
   
   
5. Expulsion
   
   A decision that terminates the student's status as enrolled for an indefinite period of time. Students residing in on-campus housing shall leave with their belongings within 24 hours of notice that the penalty of expulsion has been imposed. Re-admission and the conditions thereof, shall depend on evaluation by the Vice President of Student Affairs following an application for re-admission by the expelled student.

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ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

The University catalog includes the academic regulations and curricula of Western New Mexico University. Each student is responsible for complying with the regulations of Western New Mexico University and of the academic program they select.

A student has up to five years for the completion of the requirements for the associate/baccalaureates degree without being subject to changes in degree/departmental requirements. A student comes under the authority of the Catalog at the time they enter the University, if within the five year limitation. Students taking longer than five years to complete their program of study will be required to complete the requirements of the Catalog in effect five years prior to their anticipated date of graduation. Students may select catalog requirements in Catalogs published after their date of entrance to Western New Mexico University.

Curriculum requirements are established by the University 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 that their advisors recommend approval of exceptions to the curricular requirements of their degree programs and to the established regulations.

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

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Each undergraduate/graduate student is responsible for honesty and integrity of all academic work completed at Western New Mexico University. Examples of academic dishonesty include representation of the work of others as one's own, failure to cite sources, use of unauthorized assistance in any academic work, obtaining and/or using tests unless distributed by the instructor, copying the work of another, and offering unauthorized assistance to another student.

Any infraction of academic honesty and integrity shall result in an automatic failure of the course. A student may appeal this action under the discipline procedures.

GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING

All Students who maintain the minimum academic standards stated in the following scale will be considered in good standing.

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PROBATION AND SUSPENSION

Academic Probation

The academic standing of all enrolled students will be reviewed at the end of each semester, and students who have not made satisfactory progress will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent semester. The University determines satisfactory progress 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 retains 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 listed 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. All students who are placed on academic suspension are sent a certified letter by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Suspension from WNMU is for one full calendar year from the date of suspension. 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 to the Admissions and Academic Standings Committee prior to enrolling at WNMU. The Admissions Office is available to 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.

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PROCEDURES FOR APPEALING ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

1. Complete the Petition for Readmission from Academic Suspension
   
2. Complete a Personal Statement (see guidelines listed below). Attach it and any supporting documentation to the petition
   
3. Request a student copy of your transcript from the Registrar’s Office.
   
4. Submit 5 copies of the above materials to the Admissions Office. Students who do not submit all requested documentation by the date and time specified, will not be considered
   
5. A week before the beginning of the next semester, check with the Admissions Office to find out when the next meeting of the Admissions Committee will be held.
   
6. A decision will be made based on your Personal Statement and the supporting documentation which you have submitted. Please be sure to include copies of all documentation you wish to be considered
   
7. It is your responsibility to check with the Office of the Vice-President for Student Affairs the day after the Admissions Committee meets to find out if your suspension has been overturned or upheld
   
8. If your suspension is overturned you must report to the Admissions Office before you will be allowed to register. All students who previously pre-registered and were suspended, have been dis-enrolled.
   
9. If your suspension is upheld, you have the right to appear before the Student Appeals Committee (see page 21). If that is the case, or should you need more information regarding any of the appeals procedures, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Affairs, Juan Chacon Building Room 201, at 538-6339

*Personal Statement: Students who are seeking readmission from academic suspension must prepare a personal statement. The personal statement should be a well thought out and neatly presented document. It is to your benefit to include the following topics in your personal statement:

1. What factors contributed to your poor academic performance as shown by your low grades?
   
2. Have these factors been resolved? If so, how?
   
3. What are your educational goals?
   
4. Why do you wish to return to Western New Mexico University to continue your education?
   
5. In what ways are you more prepared to return to school at this time?
   
6. Discuss any activities you have engaged in since your suspension which relate to your preparation and readiness to return to Western New Mexico University. (these might include such things as remedial course work, employment, training/tutorial programs, medical treatment, etc.) All supporting documentation should be submitted with your petition. Anything you wish to disclose to the Admissions and Academic Standing Committees will be kept confidential.

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STUDENT ACADEMIC COMPLAINTS

 Student complaints concerning:

1. Assignment of grades (verification of grade with Registrar's Office)
   
2. Professional Conduct
   
3. Allegations of discrimination (race, color, national origin, age, sex, physical handicap)

Shall be dealt with in the following manner:

1. All possible levels of appeal should be exhausted before a case reaches the appeals committee.
   
2. Speak to the instructor regarding complaint and put the complaint in writing.
   
3. Speak to the department chair regarding complaint and put the complaint in writing.
   
4. Student shall state complaint in writing to the instructor within 30 university working days of receiving grade notification or experiencing the disputed conduct. Copies of the complaint shall be sent to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Vice-President for Student Affairs, and the Affirmative Action Officer, if appropriate (c.) The instructor shall, within 10 days of the complaint receipt, investigate the matter and advise the student in writing as to findings and decision. Copies shall be sent to the Vice-President for Student Affairs, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, and the Affirmative Action Officer, if appropriate.
   
5. Should the matter not be resolved in step 3, the same procedure shall be repeated by the student with the department chairperson of the instructor concerned receiving the written complaint. This procedure must be followed by the student within 10 days of receiving the instructor's response. Copies shall be sent to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Affirmative Action Officer. The department chairperson shall, within 10 days after receiving the complaint, investigate the matter and advise all parties involved in writing as to the findings and decision. The investigation may include interviews of the student, instructor, other students in the course, other instructors who have taught the course, and review and comparison of pertinent papers and examinations.
   
6. Should the matter not be resolved in steps 3 and 4, the student shall submit a written request to the Student Appeals Committee (see page 21) for a hearing. This request must be made within 5 days of receiving the department chairperson's response. The Student Appeals Committee shall conduct such a hearing as may be necessary to review the records at prior levels. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Affairs will be considered the final action of this Student Complaint Process. Copies of the decision will be sent to all parties involved.

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PROCEDURES FOR FINANCIAL AID

STEP 1: Fill out FAFSA application, & Mail it to the processor Fill out WNMU Application

**Both Applications can be picked up at the financial aid office

STEP 2: Submit WNMU application along with copy of Federal Tax form & W-2(s) to the financial aid office

**Dependents must also submit parent's tax forms

STEP 3: Submit Student Aid Report (SAR) to financial aid office

**Takes 4-6 weeks for student to receive SAR from processor

**When received make sure the information on your SAR application matches the figures from your federal tax forms, W-2 form, and other financial documentation, and check for other errors!

STEP 4: Financial Aid office will request all financial documents for verification

STEP 5: 4-6 weeks processing time required AFTER student has submitted data to the financial aid office

STEP 6: Award letter mailed to student

Student must sign and return to financial aid office

 STUDENT LOAN PROCESS

(PLEASE NOTE STEPS 1 THRU 6 MUST BE COMPLETED FIRST)

STEP 7: See loan counselor for entrance interview to begin loan process

STEP 8: Certification of loan application, takes 1-2 weeks

STEP 9: 4-6 weeks processing time required after certification to receive guarantee from lender

STEP 10: Award letter mailed to student, loan check received.

SEE A FINANCIAL AID COUNSELOR IF YOU ARE CONFUSED OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

** MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING YOU TURN IN TO THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE AND EVERYTHING THAT IS MAILED TO YOU FROM THAT OFFICE. THIS COULD SAVE YOU A LOT OF TIME IF ANYTHING IS LOST OR MISPLACED.

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Financial Aid

Frequently Requested Telephone Numbers

General information about the federal student financial assistance programs, assistance in completing the FAFSA, to obtain federal student aid publications

1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433 3243)

To check on the processing of your federal student financial aid application or request a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR)

1-319-337-5665 (this is not a toll free number)

TDD number for hearing-impaired individuals to call with any federal student aid questions

1-800-730-8913

To order FAFSA Express on diskette

1-800-801-0576

To report fraud, waste, or abuse involving federal student aid funds

1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733)

Information on the Direct Consolidation Loan Program

1-800-557-7392

FAFSA on the Web (general information & technical assistance)

1-800-801-0576

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Frequently Requested Web Sites

The Student Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide

FAFSA on the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fafsa.ed.gov

FAFSA Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/express.html

Help in completing the FAFSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/FAFSA

Title IV school codes
(used to complete the FAFSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/t4_codes.html

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