STUDENT AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
The general goal of the Student and Community Affairs Office is to contribute to the mission of WNMU through the development and continuation of programs and services which assist students in understanding themselves (self-development) and others (group responsibility). Another goal is to assist the University community in better understanding the students. The specific goals of the Student and Community Affairs Office are to:
1. -provide students with a stimulating educational and developmental environment;
2. -encourage student participation in educational, cultural, governmental, social, and recreational activities;
3. -make available a variety of services designed to assist in the educational, vocational, and personal development of each student’s attributes;
4. -study and interpret the needs and interests of students as related to the University community and society, and the needs and interests of society as related to the student.
Office for Student Affairs
The Vice President for Student and Community Affairs (VPSCA) is the administrative officer directly responsible for the coordination and development of the areas of student affairs and student services. Staff members are dedicated to achieving the goals of the office. Every student is strongly encouraged to visit the office of the Vice President for Student and Community Affairs located in the Juan Chacon Building, Room 201, to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of campus life and to make suggestions for changes and innovation.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation is held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, and during June, and July. It is intended to help new and potential students become acquainted with the campus, registration procedures, advisement, testing, and counseling activities. Special sessions offer information about policies and regulations affecting students, opportunities for developing special interests, student organizations and activities. All freshmen and new students are expected to attend an orientation session. Orientation activities will include faculty advisement and the administration of the COMPASS Placement test. Special sessions are also scheduled for parents at each orientation. Information is provided on academics, finances, financial aid, and campus life. All parents are encouraged to attend one of the orientation sessions. Details will be mailed to prospective students and parents after students have applied for admission.
Multicultural Affairs
The Office of Multicultural Affairs, in conjunction with the entire WNMU community, seeks to assist, support and encourage minority students in achieving their educational goals. The Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs acts as a liaison between the minority student and the University to facilitate communication. A primary goal is to assess the needs of minority students and respond to those needs as resources permit. In an effort to assist the University with its recruitment and retention of minority students, this office maintains active liaison with minority student organizations and regional schools. The primary function of this office is to serve and retain the University’s multicultural student population.
University Foundation
The WNMU Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for scholarships, capital improvements, programs and other activities, in support of the objectives and goals of Western New Mexico University. Established in 1982, the Foundation is an independent non-profit 501 ( c ) 3 corporation which solicits and administers donations and endowments to meet the needs of the students, faculty, staff, facilities and operations of WNMU, which are not fulfilled through state and federal assistance. The Foundation conducts annual on-campus, alumni, local, regional and special event fund-raising campaigns, seeking contributions of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, equipment, tangible property, and bequests from individuals and corporations. All gifts to the WNMU Foundation are tax deductible to the maximum allowable by law. The Foundation offices and board room are located on the second floor of Hunter Hall. (Phone: (505)538-6310, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1158, Silver City, NM 88062)
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).
Cultural Events and Activities
WNMU offers a variety of opportunities for students and community members to participate in the expressive arts and humanities. The University Music Department, the Fine Arts Center Theater, and the McCray Art Gallery offer performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
Art Activities
The annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, held in the closing weeks of spring semester, is open to all WNMU students, regardless of whether the student is enrolled in art classes.
Music Activities
University Band: Membership is open to all WNMU students who play wind and percussion instruments. The University Band offers participation in both campus and community performances in a wide range of styles.
University Choir: The University Choir provides opportunities for student singers to participate in both campus and community performances. The choir rehearses and performs challenging pieces from all periods and styles. Whenever possible, the choir tours high schools within the state during the spring semester.
Athletic Activities
The intercollegiate athletic program is organized and administered by the Athletic Director.
Intercollegiate athletics are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop athletic skills through a planned program of intercollegiate competition. The objectives of the program are:
2. -to develop positive attitudes toward sports and their role in the general school program;
3. -to provide practical laboratory experiences for prospective coaches.
Opportunities for participation in intercollegiate competition are provided in the following sports: women’s basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis and softball; men’s basketball, football, golf and tennis.
Regulations governing intercollegiate athletics are determined by the faculty Athletics Committee. Intercollegiate athletics operate as a part of the total student activity program. The regulations conform to the requirements of membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Counseling
Short-term counseling is provided by professional staff members. This counseling is designed to assist students in resolving personal problems that are interfering with their academic progress and success. Such problems might include difficulty in adjusting to college, family concerns, drug abuse, and/or low self-esteem.
Career counseling is available to help students choose an appropriate college major or career objective. Students are encouraged to use the self-help career library, which includes the computerized Guidance Information System, information on a variety of different careers, and catalogs from other colleges and universities.
Staff members are available for consultation and crisis intervention, and they also conduct workshops pertaining to topics such as suicide prevention, self-concept enhancement, and more effective communication.
Information for Students with Special Needs
The VPSCA is the officer responsible for providing students with disabilities information about services WNMU provides. Also available at this office are maps of the campus showing parking areas reserved for disabled persons and entrances to buildings which are barrier-free.
The VPSCA also serves as the WNMU liaison for disabled persons. Whenever and wherever possible, the VPSCA will work with individuals or groups to facilitate the needs or special requirements of disabled students. The University is constantly striving to be in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) both as to the letter of the law and to its spirit.
Services for students with special needs are provided through the Student Development Center in the Special Needs office at the Juan Chacon Building Room 213. Services provided are: note takers, interpreters, readers, escorts, recording of lectures, and academic tutoring. Also available are maps of reserved campus parking of disabled persons.
There are a number of policy and procedure forms that special needs students need to fill out in order to comply with the responsibilities and agreements between the student and the Special Needs Office.The Special Needs Office, in conjunction with the Director of Student Development, serves as Western New Mexico University’s liaison for special needs students. Whenever possible, the Special Needs Coordinator will work with individuals or groups to facilitate the needs or special requirements of disabled students.
WNMU has a continuing program to make its campus accessible to everyone.
Intramurals
WNMU provides an extensive intramural program featuring individual sports and team sports for men, women, and co-ed groups. A variety of courts and playing fields are utilized, in addition to the Brancheau Physical Education Center. Intramural awards are provided for participants and winners of each event.
Career Services/Cooperative Education
The Career Services/Cooperative Education Office provides personal assistance to students and alumni seeking employment both before and after graduation.
Students are assisted in writing resumes and job application letters, as well as receiving help in developing appropriate job interviewing skills. Students and alumni are informed of current employment opportunities via placement bulletin boards, the bi-weekly placement bulletin, classified ad sections from major urban newspapers, job vacancy bulletins from other universities, and federal and state agency publications.
Students are provided credential file services offered by the Career Services Office. Credential files include resume information, grade records, and personal evaluations which are sent to potential employers upon request. This service is available to graduates and current students, and files may be updated at any time. Seniors may establish a file at no cost. Alumni may establish or reactivate a file with payment of a $10 fee.
On-campus interviews are scheduled for current seniors, graduate students, and alumni, giving them the opportunity to interview with potential employers. In order to participate in the on-campus interviews, students must have their credentials on file with the Career Services Office. Career Services participates in and hosts Government Career Days in conjunction with other state universities. Career Services also provides assistance to students who wish to attend other major job fairs.
Public Information/Alumni Affairs
The combined office of Public Information and Alumni Affairs is located in Hunter Hall. The office generates press releases regarding WNMU, its students, faculty, and staff. The office is also responsible for producing the campus directory, profile, and alumni newsletters. Alumni reunions and homecoming activities are also part of the office’s duties.
Student Development Center
The Student Development Center, located in the Juan Chacon Building, serves the diverse needs of all students at WNMU. These services include career counseling, personal counseling, testing, tutoring, Career Services/Co-operative Education and the office of students with special needs. Upon request, workshops may be provided to help students prepare for national standardized tests, which include the ACT, Praxis, & GRE.
Student Government
In conjunction with the WNMU administration, student government is involved in the development of campus policies and programs. Student government organizations enable students to discuss and act upon matters of student concern. These organizations include: the Associated Students, the Executive Council, the Student Supreme Court, and the Student Senate. In addition, students are represented on
standing faculty committees that include: Athletics, Cultural Events, Curriculum and Instruction, Evaluation, Instructional Resource, Teacher Education, Graduate Council, and other committees.
Each student who registers for one hour or more and pays his/her activity fee automatically becomes a member of the Associated Students. The Associated Students operate under a written constitution. Certain property and equipment used by the students are owned in the name of the Associated Students. Election of the general student officers and campus-wide student elections are conducted under the name of the Associated Students.
The legislative powers of the Associated Students are vested in the Student Senate. The Senate shall review all budgets prepared by the Executive Council before they are adopted, shall approve or disapprove all major appointments of the student body president, shall be empowered to conduct business deemed necessary to the student interest, and shall have the power to override a student body presidential veto. The Associated Students operate a judicial system consisting of a Student Supreme Court and an Student Attorney General.
Student Handbook
Detailed policies and procedures affecting student life are printed in the WNMU Student Handbook. The handbook covers student conduct and discipline, academic regulations, WNMU policies and student organizations. Copies of the Student Handbook may be obtained from the Office of Student and Community Affairs and the Student Government Office.
Student Health Service
Doctor’s Office Calls
Students who encounter illness may be referred by the Office of Student and Community Affairs to a doctor. A student is allowed a maximum of three such referrals without charge per year. Only doctor visits that are referred by WNMU are covered under this program. The health program does not include drugs, dressings, lab work, x-rays, etc., used in treating a condition. Students will be charged directly for these items. All health services are limited to the fall and spring semesters.
Nothing in this program precludes the student from making appointments with the physician of his/her choice at any time. It is understood, however, that such medical appointments made by students are not covered by the health program and all financial liabilities resulting from such appointments are the responsibility solely of the individual student.
All health services are provided to students enrolled in seven (7) hours or more during the term which the service is desired.
Student Organizations and Activities
Special interest organizations and the student activities office promote social life on campus through a variety of entertainment for the student body, including dances, tournaments, lectures, intramurals and other special events. The Student Activities office initiates a monthly student activities calendar complete with all information concerning special events, activities, and other campus news.
Student organizations at WNMU are sanctioned according to the provisions of the Associated Students Constitution and includes religious clubs, honorees, service organizations, academically-oriented groups and social clubs. Membership is restricted only by the by-laws of the individual organization.
Student Publications
Editorial staff work with the Mustang staff to edit the student newspaper, The Mustang. Working-scholarships are awarded to the editors. Applications for this position must be made to the Office of Student and Community Affairs.
Testing
The Testing Center administers all national standardized testing on campus. This includes the General Educational Development (GED) test for individuals wishing to earn a high school equivalency degree; the American College Test (ACT); the Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers (PRAXIS) for students wishing to enter the Teacher Education Program or students wishing to become licensed teachers; the Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT), and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for individuals wishing to attend graduate school; and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for students wishing to receive college credit for prior life experience and learning. The Center also administers the Four Skills Exam, required for bilingual endorsement in the State of New Mexico, plus the National Board for Certified Counselors exam. Other tests may be administered by special arrangement. Vocational interest inventories and personality testing are also available at variable fees.
Theater Activities
Student productions are presented in the Fine Arts Center Theatre, Light Hall Auditorium, Chase Webb Theater and the Arena Theater.