WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY
CATALOG
2003-04

ADMISSIONS, ACADEMIC RECORDS & REGULATIONS

Admissions

When To Apply

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.

Advanced Standing

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.

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION

Regular Admission - First Time Any College

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 ACT/SAT 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

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.

Regular Admission

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 by 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.

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

A transfer student will enter WNMU on the same status as the last institution attended i.e. if a student is in good standing or on probation from the last institution attended, they will enter WNMU in good standing or probationary status, respectfully.

Evaluation of transferable courses will not be completed until the student has supplied the Admissions Office with all documents necessary to complete admission requirements.

Transfer students whose combined GPA from all transfer institutions falls below WNMU’s acceptable standards (see sliding scale listed under Probation and Suspension in the Academic Regulations section of this catalog) will enter on probationary status until their transcripts can be evaluated by the Transcript Evaluator. Once an evaluation has taken place they will be placed on the appropriate status based upon those courses that are accepted at WNMU for transfer credit.

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.

Probationary Admission

A transfer student who is on academic probation from the last institution attended will enter WNMUon academic probation. Those students whose GPA based upon those courses accepted for transfer at WNMU falls below acceptable standards will also enter WNMU on academic probation.

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.

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

1. The student must be awarded “final’’ admissions status.
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, C, D, S, or P (except ENGL 101 or 102, and Developmental or Remedial courses) will be posted on the WNMU transcript provided they conform to the above noted restrictions. Courses transferred with a D cannot count toward a student’s major. If duplicate courses are taken at other institutions, only the course with the highest grade will transfer.

Courses transfer from other institutions at the level offered at those institutions. Hours transferred from two-year institutions cannot be used for upper division (300-400) hours.

After enrollment at WNMU, course work taken at another institution may replace the grade for a course taken at WNMU, provided the student receives prior approval from the Transcript Evaluator at WNMU to take the course.

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.) Undergraduate transfer credit is evaluated by the Academic Support Center. Graduate students should refer to Transfer Credit listed under Graduate Policies in the Graduate Studies Section.

COMPASS 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 the Academic Support Center (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 ASC for waiver of test requirements.

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:

1. Submission of transcript showing completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution recognized by CHEA (Council of Higher Education Accreditation).
2. 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.
3. Submission of a transcript showing completion of college level writing and/or mathematics courses with a grade of C or better.
4. Enrollment in nine or fewer hours for personal enrichment as a non-degree bound Special Student.
5. 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.

International Students

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:

May 1 .............. Fall semester
September 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.

Late Application for Admission

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.

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.

Residency

New Mexico Residency for Tuition Purposes

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.

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. Special, Non-Degree Bound students are allowed to take, at their own risk, any undergraduate course offered at WNMU without fulfilling the prerequisite requirement(s) for the course.
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.

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.

Academic Achievement Recognition

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.

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.

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, movement sciences 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.

Academic Credit Alternatives

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.

Correspondence Credit (Undergraduate)

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.)

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.

Challenge exams are only available for those courses not already recorded on an official university or college transcript.

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.

Tests Available through the Academic Support Center

Refer to the Academic Support Center chapter within the Undergraduate Studies section of this catalog for more information on:

Credit through ACT examination
Credit by College-Level Examination (CLEP)

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 Outcomes & General Education Assessment

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.

General Education Assessment

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 Standing

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.

Probation and Suspension

Academic Probation: Academic standing is only based upon the GPA of courses earned at WNMU and 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.

Course Numbering

Examinations

Grading System - Grade Points

Graduation

Records and Registration

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for the maintenance of educational records at Western New Mexico University. Records includes, but are not limited to, student transcripts and faculty grade reports. The academic folders for students are also maintained by the Registrar’s Office. These folders are maintained for a minimum of five years after a student last attends and then are destroyed.

Access to, and Confidentiality of Records

As electronic data and on-line systems make student data more readily available on campus, the issue of who legally and ethically should have access to the data presents itself. The following reflects the Western New Mexico University policy regarding access to student data:

1. The University permits the release of a student’s records to school officials at the university who have a legitimate educational interest in the student.
a) A school official is defined as a person employed by the institution in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position. Also included are persons under contract to the institution to perform a special task, such as an attorney or an auditor.
b) A school official is determined to have a legitimate educational interest if the information requested is necessary for that official to perform appropriate tasks that are specified in his/her position description or by a contract agreement or to perform a task related to a student’s education or a task related to the discipline of the student or if they are involved in providing a service relating to the student or the student’s family such as health care, job placement or financial aid.
2. Students can access their own data for informational purposes. This policy does not override other policies which require students to follow specific procedures to obtain their data i.e., transcript requests, student records folder review, etc.

In order to assist faculty and staff in interpreting this policy, the following guidelines are presented:

1. A student’s advisor can access the academic information required to provide accurate and effective academic advisement. The advisor may not release the information to a third party. The information is for the purposes of working with the student only.
2. An instructor may access the record of a student to determine if the student has the proper prerequisites as stated in the course schedule or catalog for the course they are teaching. The information may not be released to a third party.
3. Administrative and support staff assigned responsibilities for working with students in general may access the data appropriate to perform their job in an accurate and effective manner.
4. Because of the nature of the student information database (Banner), faculty and staff may have the capability of accessing data on students who are not assigned to them as advisees. In order to be in compliance with privacy regulations, data retrieval should be restricted to advisees information only or as stated in number 2 above. If in talking with a student, he/she gives consent to the review of his/her records by the faculty or staff member, the member may review the records in the student’s presence.
5. Directory information may be released without the student’s written consent unless the student has requested that directory information be withheld. A form may be obtained at the Registrar’s Office. Directory information includes name, address, telephone listing, email address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, date of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by student, and weight and height of members of athletic teams.
6. A record is kept of all persons (except WNMU faculty and staff) who are given access to a student’s records without written authorization from the student.

Enrollment Changes

Once registered, students may change their schedules according to published procedures during appropriate periods. Procedures and deadlines are published in the Schedule of Classes. The following refer to regular semester courses:

Add. Students may add courses or change sections only through the second week of the semester (see the University Calendar).

Completion of Courses. Students are responsible for completion of all courses in which they are enrolled. Changes in enrollment must be officially recorded on WNMU records. A student not following proper course or WNMU withdrawal procedures will receive a failing grade and will be subject to tuition and fees associated with the course.

Drop. A student may drop a course or courses without a grade through the third week of the semester (see the University Calendar). 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.

Instructors may also drop a student from the class rolls when the student has not fulfilled any prerequisite for the course.

Withdrawal. A student may withdraw from a course or all courses (see complete withdrawal from WNMU) after the third week of the semester through the eleventh week of the semester. Course withdrawals are subject to grades of W or WF to be determined by the instructor at the time of the withdrawal. The WF will be computed as a failing grade in the student’s grade-point average. Grades of W are not computed in the grade point average.

Non-attendance does not imply a withdrawal or drop from the course.

A student found insufficiently prepared to complete a regular course may be transferred to a lower level course in the same discipline prior to mid-term upon the recommendation of the course instructor and with the approval of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the receiving instructor.

Any student attending under Veterans’ Educational Assistance must notify the Veteran’s Certifying Officer in the Registrar’s Office if making course changes which affect benefits.

Grading Option Changes

Changes in grading options (audit to grade or grade to audit) must be made during the first eight weeks. Grading option is indicated at the time of registration. The change is processed at the Registrar’s Office. It is the student’s responsibility to make certain that s/he is registered with the proper grading option. Students who wish to audit a course must have the instructor’s signature prior to registration.

Misrepresentation

Non-disclosure or misrepresentation in filling out applications or other WNMU records will result in disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from WNMU.

Payment of Tuition and Fees

Payment of tuition and fees is required to complete registration. Instructions for payment and payment deadline dates are published in the Schedule of Classes. For specific information about tuition and fees, refer to the “Student Expenses’’ section of this catalog.

Registration

Registration Procedure

Details of the registration procedures are contained in the Schedule of Classes. Registration materials are prepared by the Registrar’s Office and distributed to students and faculty before each registration period.

The act of registration on the part of the student is regarded as a commitment to comply with all the regulations of WNMU. In addition to the regular registration period, WNMU offers continuing students an opportunity to advance register at an earlier date to allow time for effective use of academic advising services and to permit access to classes which fill up early in the regular registration period. Advance registration for the fall semester typically begins in April, and for the spring semester in late October.

Late Registration

A student should complete registration (including payment of or arrangement to pay fees) prior to the first day of classes. Although a student may register during the first two weeks of classes, classes may be closed and a full schedule may be difficult to obtain. A student is expected to make up work in the missed classes.

Late fees are assessed in accordance with WNMU regulations and must be paid by the last day of the Late Registration. Refer to the Schedule of Classes for the date when late fees begin. Students who fail to make financial commitment by census date, will be disenrolled from all classes.

Schedule of Classes

The “Schedule of Classes’’ is the official publication of the Registrar’s Office each semester. The schedule lists the semester’s course offerings, dates, times, places, and procedures for registration, along with other important information relating to the semester. Refer to the Schedule of Classes for up-to-date information each semester.

Student Information

Change of Address

The student is expected to keep WNMU informed of his/her mailing and local address. Any change of address should be reported immediately to the Registrar’s Office.

Change of Name

Students may initiate a change of name for their academic records by providing appropriate documentation (at least two types of identification showing the new name) to the Registrar’s Office. Examples of such documentation are a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court order for legal name change. One form of documentation must be a photo ID.

Use of Social Security Numbers as Student ID

Western New Mexico University uses the individual student’s social security number as the student’s identification number. This number is used for record-keeping purposes only and is not to be displayed in public.

Summer Session and Short Courses

Deadlines for processing drops, adds, withdrawals, and grade options for summer and short courses vary according to the length of the course. Consult the Schedule of Classes for specific dates.

Transcripts

Transcripts will be issued to eligible students or to their designees, if authorized by the student, upon presentation of proper identification, a written request, and fee payment to the Registrar’s Office. A minimum of five days notice must be given for official transcripts.

Official copies of the permanent academic record may be withheld until all financial obligations to WNMU have been satisfied. These obligations include, but are not limited to, loans, fines, tuition and fees. Transcripts may also be held for non-financial reasons such as loan default.

The preferred methods of payment include money orders, credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), cashier’s check or cash. Fees are as listed below:

Official Transcript $2.00

Official Rush Transcript $10.00*

Unofficial Faxed Transcript $4.00

*Please note: Official rush transcript requests must be submitted by 10:00 am in order to be processed and available by 10:00 am the next day. Rush requests submitted after 10:00 am will be processed and available by 2:00 pm the next business day. This service will not be available the first week of each semester.

Students are encouraged to review their academic records at least once a year with their advisor. Any discrepancies noted should be brought to the attention of the Registrar’s Office as quickly as possible.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL AID

General Information

WNMU’s financial aid program provides assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend WNMU. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment, which may be offered singly or in various combinations to qualified students. Student aid from WNMU and other sources is supplementary to the efforts of the student. The total amount of financial assistance offered a student may not exceed the amount he/she needs. The determination of needs is evaluated, using a federally determined formula based on the support which the student may expect from other sources (such as the student’s family).

The ability of a family to meet WNMU expenses will be determined by considering the family’s relative financial strength in terms of income, assets, and debts, and of additional children to be educated. WNMU will clearly state the total yearly expenses for the student. Students who need financial aid should expect to borrow a reasonable part of this aid to meet the cost of their education. WNMU’s financial aid funds and employment opportunities will be offered as a package arrangement to incoming and enrolled students. The Financial Aid Office (F.A.O.) will provide upon request, each week during the spring semester, workshops describing the application process as well as avenues toward alternative funding. All students who require financial assistance are urged to attend at least one of these sessions. For dates and times, contact the office at 538-6173.

Guidelines for the awarding of grants, loans, and student employment are approved by the University Committee on Student Financial Aid. The Student Financial Aid Office will provide further information regarding the guidelines for each type of aid.

All students desiring federal financial assistance are required to:

1. apply for the Pell Grant. This can be accomplished with a single form - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. indicate on FAFSA the WNMU ID# 002664. The Financial Aid Office will receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) electronically. This information is used in the determination of type and amount of financial aid award.
3. undergraduate and graduate student’s must be regular admitted students to be eligible.

First time incoming transfer students must also have a transfer credit evaluation before any federal awards are made to eligible students.

Disbursal of Funds

The student must sign and return the award letter to the Financial Aid Office then proceed to the Business Office for finalization. At the Business Office the student will obtain and sign a Statement of Account. This process must be completed by 12:00 pm each Thursday to receive a refund check by Friday.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) must be maintained by meeting two component standards; "qualitative" and "quantitative." Qualitative is defined as maintaining a 2.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). Quantitative is defined as earning a required number of hours in a maximum amount of attempts. A student would be suspended from further financial aid if he or she earned:

1. Less than 24 hours and has attempted 24-47 hours
2. Less than 48 hours and has attempted 48-71 hours
3. Less than 72 hours and has attempted 72-95 hours
4. Less than 96 hours and has attempted 96-128 hours
5. Has not earned a degree and has attempted 128-192 hours
The maximum allowable number of hours attempted is 192. This is the federally mandated 150% limitation and can be exceeded only under extreme documented circumstances.

Non-Credit Course

Students will not receive Financial Aid for credit hours earned for courses that are audits, incompletes, and repetitions of already earned hours. Withdrawals will negatively affect a student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Probation & Appeal Process

Probation

Students will be placed on probation if their attempts are less than 24 hours and they have earned less than 12 hours and less than 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. Continued probation will occur if a student maintains a semester G.P.A. of 2.0 or better and at least 12 hours earned during subsequent enrollments.

Any student who is admitted on provisional or probationary status and is limited as to the number of hours they may enroll for is not by definition a regularly admitted student and is, therefore, not eligible to receive Title IV financial aid. Graduate academic progress is determined by Graduate Admissions status.

Only regularly admitted or continued regular status students are eligible to receive federal aid.

Appeal Process

Students may appeal their suspension of financial aid to the Student Financial Aid Appeals Committee. A student may re-establish the nonprobationary satisfactory academic progress by completing all attempted courses with at least a 2.0 semester G.P.A.

Renewal of Aid

No financial aid award is automatically renewed. Applications for continuation of aid must be made each year. Minimum requirements for continuation of financial aid include maintaining satisfactory progress toward a degree.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is designed to provide students with financial assistance needed to attend post-secondary educational institutions. The Pell Grant is intended to be the basis for a financial-aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid to meet the cost of education. The amount of the grant is based upon the financial resources of the student and family. To be eligible for a Pell Grant a student must:

1. establish financial need by completing and submitting a FAFSA application;
2. be a U.S. citizen, or reside in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a permanent resident, or a permanent resident of the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands;
3. be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate course of study and not previously have received a bachelor’s degree from any institution.

Applications may be secured from high school counselors or the Financial Aid Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to complete the FAFSA and submit it to the processing center. The results will come in the form of an Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) and will be received electronically by the Financial Aid Office, provided that our school code has been reported on the FASFA (002664).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Grants are available to undergraduate students with financial need who are unable to obtain educational credit without such aid. The student must show evidence of academic promise and the capability of maintaining good standing. The application form for this program is the FAFSA.

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant / Leveraging Educational Assistance Partner

WNMU will provide to qualified undergraduates the New Mexico Student Incentive Grant for the academic year. Recipients of this grant must be residents of New Mexico who exhibit substantial financial need and who are enrolled full time. The application form for this program is the FAFSA.

Loans

Federal Perkins Loans

This program was formerly know as the National Direct Student Loan. It is a long-term, low-interest (5%) loan program for undergraduates and graduate students who show academic promise. These funds must be used to meet educational expense. The amount of the loan cannot exceed $3,000 per year. The aggregate borrowing for an applicant may not exceed $15,000 for a student’s undergraduate course of study, and $30,000 for a graduate course of study.

Following a grace period of nine months after a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis, repayment of the loan begins. Minimum monthly payments of $40 are required. Borrowers teaching in elementary or secondary schools in areas of low-income families, or teaching handicapped children, may qualify for cancellation of their entire obligation; at a percentage per year over 5 years. Repayments may be deferred up to three years if the borrower is serving as an active member of the armed services or as a Vista or Peace Corps volunteer.

In all cases, WNMU itself approves the loan and is responsible for collections. The borrower assumes responsibility for making prompt repayments and for keeping WNMU advised of his/her status after graduation. Funds for this program are limited. The application form for this program is the FAFSA.

Federal Family Educational Loan Program

Federal Family Educational Loan Program: The FFELP started in 1981 and is the successor of the New Mexico Student Loan Program, and provides a source of loan money for students. Students will be eligible as they demonstrate need.

The student must apply by establishing a financial need through completing a FAFSA. Once the FAFSA results have been verified by the Financial Aid Office, the student will be given a FFELP pre-application. Once completed, the Financial Aid Office will secure an electronic guarantee which will produce a promissory note which is mailed directly to the student’s address from the guarantor. The student should return the promissory note to the lender and the loan proceeds will be sent to the WNMU Financial Aid Office.

Annual variable interest rate based on the 91 day T-Bill Plus 2.5%.

While a student is enrolled at least half-time in school, grace or deferment periods are capped at 8.25%.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time; which is 6 hours in Fall/Spring & 6 hours in Summer Session. This applies to both undergraduates & graduates. Students must have been admitted as a Regular Degree (no conditions or provisions to admission) Bound Student before a loan can be certified.

A student and/or parent may cancel all or a portion of a certified FEL loan within two (2) weeks of signing the promissory note.

Institutional Loans

Short-Term: Applications for loans from these and similar funds must be made through the Business Office. Each loan must be approved as to: (a) general form and plan for repayment of the loan; (b) need and eligibility of the borrower; and (c) availability of funds. A small handling fee is charged on all loans. The average repayment period will be 90 days.

New Mexico Nursing/Occupational Therapy Loan Program

The New Mexico Nursing/Occupational Therapy Loan Program is a loan-for-service program. The purpose of the program is to increase the number of nurses/therapist in underserved areas in New Mexico. The student must declare intention to practice in a underserved New Mexico area, complete a need analysis and contact the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarships

Applicants must reapply for scholarships every year by 31 March.

Applications for all non-private scholarships are made by filling out a WNMU Financial Aid and Scholarship Application Form (WNMUFASA). The form may be obtained at the Financial Aid Office.

The Board of Regents Scholarships are tuition only scholarships awarded to undergraduates who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. The recipient must be a state resident and be enrolled full-time. One third of these scholarships are reserved for students who demonstrate financial need. Applications for these scholarships must be submitted each year. They are not automatically renewed from one year to the next.

New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarships are tuition only scholarships available to resident students who have graduated from a New Mexico high school (or obtain a GED) and enroll in the next immediate semester. NM Lottery Success Scholarship recipients must maintain full time status with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

Full-tuition and fees scholarships and WNMU employment are available to qualified members of the WNMU athletic teams. For more information, contact the Director of Athletics.

Performance Scholarships and WNMU employment are awarded to qualified members of the concert band, choir, and jazz ensemble. Application can be made through the Music Department.

A number of private scholarships are provided through WNMU. Applicants must meet the specific requirements stipulated by the individual scholarship. Any financial-need determination required by the scholarship will be made by the Financial Aid Office. Any academic or skill-performance assessment required by the scholarship will be made by the donor.

These scholarships are competitive, can be renewed each year by application only, and are awarded to superior students. High-school student applicants are typically considered on the basis of their high school academic records, achievement test scores, activities, and character. A student may receive a maximum of 8 semesters under the scholarship program and must maintain a minimum GPA specified in order to renew assistance. To renew a scholarship, a student must reapply each academic year by the March 31 deadline.

A scholarship awarded for a particular item in the cost of education cannot be duplicated in a student’s package. For example, a student cannot receive two tuition scholarships.

Foundation Scholarships

The WNMU Foundation coordinates with donors, university departments and committees in the management and distribution of private scholarships, For additional information refer to the WNMU Foundation Private Scholarships Directory available through Admissions, and the Foundation’s web site at www.wnmu.edu/admin/foundation/found.htm.

Private Scholarships

Unless otherwise specified, all applications for private scholarships are made through the Financial Aid Office.

The American Association of University Women: The Santa Fe branch of the AAUW offers tuition scholarships to Santa Fe County residents who will be entering graduate school or continuing graduate study. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of need and merit. Application is made to the Association.

J.R. “Capt.” Besse Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to cover tuition, fees, room and board. The applicant must have an ACT of 24 or higher and a cumulative high school G.P.A. of 3.5. Applicants will be interviewed and must submit an essay stating why they deserve the scholarship. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

Class of `38 Short-Term Loan: A short-term loan of $50 is offered to students caught short during the semester. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

Colorado Waivers: Waivers for non-resident tuition are offered to Colorado residence who have a grade-point average of 2.0 and who maintain a grade-point average of 2.5 while at WNMU. Application is made through the WNMU Office of Admissions.

Competitive Out-of-State Tuition Waivers: Qualified students who are classified as non-residents of New Mexico receive an annual private scholarship of at least $200, along with a waiver of non-resident tuition. Recipients must have an ACT score of at least 23 and a grade-point average of at least 3.0. Application is made through the WNMU Office of Admissions.

The DeGrazia Scholarship In Fine Arts: The DeGrazia Art and Cultural Foundation, Inc., has established a scholarship which is endowed to honor DeGrazia’s contribution to the arts. Scholarship funds are designated for minority, native American, and Hispanic fine art students from the states of Arizona and New Mexico. Application is made through the WNMU Art Department.

Endowed Merit: Resident students who have scored a 26 A.C.T., and have a 3.0 G.P.A. are eligible for this 1200/year scholarship. Faculty Scholarship Fund: This fund is maintained by members of the WNMU faculty. Two scholarships of $150 are awarded each year to students who have completed one or more years of university work with a GPA of 3.0 or better. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office.

Fry Foundation: A scholarship is offered to Cochise County residents and graduates of Cochise County high schools. Application is made through Cochise College.

A. Glaser Scholarship: Scholarship awarded to students majoring in Education. Applications made through Financial Aid Office.

Gowanlock Memorial Scholarship: Tuition, fees, and books are awarded for a qualified applicant who is an education major, participates in extra-curricular activities and has a 3.0 cum GPA. Application made through F.A.O.

Graduate Scholarship: Purpose of the Graduate Fellowship program is to increase graduate enrollment of minority students in graduate school. Western has three Graduate Fellowships: - one (1) in the MBA program and two (2) in the Education program. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office and appropriate department. Selection is made by the student’s program department.

Greenlee County Waivers: Waivers for non-resident tuition are offered to Greenlee County residents who have a grade-point average of 2.0 and who maintain a grade-point average of 2.5 while at WNMU. Application is made through the WNMU Office of Admissions.

LULAC Council No. 224: The council has established a scholarship program for graduates of Deming High School. Application is made through the secretary of the Council at Deming.

LULAC Council No. 400: The council has established a scholarship program for graduates of Cobre High School. Application is made through the secretary of the Council at Bayard.

LULAC 8003 Memorial Scholarships: The Nadine C. Hill Memorial Grant and the Richard Sierra - Rudy Lopez Memorial Scholarship are offered to high school graduates and to college sophomores, juniors and seniors. Particular emphasis is given to Non-traditional Students.

LULAC Council No. 8004: The Jose Barrios Memorial is a scholarship program established by the Council for graduates of Silver High School. Application is made through the secretary of the Council at Silver City.

The Charles “Killer’’ Aguirre Vocational Scholarship is offered to students seeking training in vocational fields. Grade point average and ACT score are important, but will be evaluated along with college classification, course of study, extra-curricular activities, financial need, etc. Selections of recipients are made by LULAC Council 8003. Applications for these renewable scholarships are available in the WNMU Office of Multicultural Affairs, or by contacting LULAC Council 8003, P.O. Box 3021, Silver City, N.M.. 88062.

Marie Matson Memorial: This is a Tuition and fees scholarship awarded to students from Deming High School who have demonstrated scholastic ability. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office.

Francis McCray Art Scholarship: An annual award has been established as a memorial to the late Francis McCray, artist-in-residence from 1948 to 1960. Applicants must submit a portfolio to the art faculty.

Lucy and John McMillen Memorial Scholarship: An annual award of $250 has been established as a memorial to Mrs. Lucy McMillen, who served as a member of the Board of Regents until her death in 1968. Preference is given to graduates of Cliff High School. Application is made through Cliff High School.

Lennie Merle Besse Forward: The scholarship is offered to cover tuition, fees, room and board. The applicant must have an ACT of 24 or higher, or a high school cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or better. Applicants will be interviewed and must submit an essay stating why they deserve the scholarship. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

Ida Mitchell Moore Memorial: This scholarship is for an in-state resident who aspires to a career as a science teacher in the state of New Mexico. Includes tuition and fees and is renewable. Applicant must be a junior or senior with at least a 3.0 GPA. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office.

N.M. Scholars Program: Purpose of the program is to recognize well qualified New Mexico high school graduates. Awarded in the amount of tuition, fees, books and supplies. It is renewable. Requirements are N.M. high school graduate, total family income less than $30,000, upper 5% of graduating class or an ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1020 and a citizen of the United States. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office.

N.M. Legislative Endowed: 23 ACT and a 3.5 Cumulative G.P.A. is necessary for a resident to apply for this tuition and fee. Students must be pell eligible.

A.A. Parotti Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship was established in the spring of 1971 in honor of this distinguished educator and artist who served on the music faculty of WNMU for 33 years. Application is made through the Expressive Arts-Music Department.

Rosina Patterson Endowed Memorial: To NM Residents who have demonstrated academic achievement and are financially needy. Tuition and fees and half of book costs.

Harold Runnels Scholarship: The family of Harold Runnels has established this tuition and fee scholarship in memory of our state representative. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office.

Santa Rita Lodge AF and AM 4 Scholarship: A scholarship of $250 per semester is offered to students. Application is made through the Santa Rita Lodge.

Lorraine Schula Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to award deserving students majoring in visual arts and music. Application is made through the Expressive Arts Department.

Senator Harrison Schmitt Scholarship: The Honorable Senator Harrison Schmitt has provided a scholarship for tuition and fees to a freshman resident of New Mexico. The recipient of the scholarship must have demonstrated an above-average degree of academic achievement. Application must be made to the Financial Aid Office.

Silver City Woman’s Club: Two yearly scholarships are awarded to deserving full-time Sophmore and/or Junior students; one $200 nursing scholarship, and one $300 unrestricted scholarship. Application is made by submitting a current transcript and a brief biography to P.O. Box 1579, Silver City, NM, 88062 by April 30th.

Luther A. Sizemore Foundation Scholarships: Tuition and fee scholarships are offered to full time undergraduate students who maintain satisfactory academic progress. First consideration will be given to dependents of carpenters. Application is made to the Financial Aid Office.

The Harriet Griffin Smith Scholarship: The Harriet Griffin Smith scholarship has been established by Dr. Harriet Smith in memory of her mother. The scholarship is awarded to a student on the basis of need and musical ability. Value-applied music fees. Application is made through the WNMU Music Department.

John Stermer Art Scholarship: The John Stermer Art Scholarship was established by Lucy Stermer in memory of her husband. The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate art major. Application is made through the WNMU Art Department.

Alan R. Thompson Teaching Scholarship: A scholarship is offered to upper-division students who plan to pursue a teaching or coaching career and who have a minimum grade-point average of 2.5. Application is made through the Financial Aid Office.

Thompson-Neighbors Business Scholarship: Milford Thompson offers a scholarship of up to $500 per semester to business majors. Application is made to the donor.

“24’’ Club Betty Cook Memorial Scholarship: An annual scholarship in memory of Betty Cook is given by the “24” Club of Silver City to a Grant County Woman. Application is made through the “24” Club.

Chase Webb Art and Theater Scholarship: The Chase Webb Art and Theater Scholarship has been established in honor of Chase Webb, Drama Professor 1940-1970. Application is made through the Art and Theater Disciplines of the Expressive Arts Department of WNMU.

Jeff Weiler Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship is offered to a student athlete who plays football and displays character and citizenship. Application is made through the Athletics Office.

Veterans’ Program

WNMU has been approved by the Veterans’ Approval Office for the training of veterans under the Veterans’ Readjustment Act, Public Law 90-77, and for certain training programs for the children of veterans.

The Registrar’s Office handles the advisement of veterans entering these programs. Veterans are required to consult with this office before registration. General admission to WNMU is sought through the Admissions Office.

Application for advance pay must be submitted 45 days in advance. Regular monthly payments are made at the end of each month.

After proper certification has been made and approved, persons receiving veteran benefits are required to make “satisfactory progress toward an educational goal” in order to continue receiving benefits. These benefits are considered resources for Federal Aid purposes and will affect the amount of Federal Aid awarded.

Student veterans wishing to withdraw from any course must advise the Registrar’s Office. Students electing not to advise the office will assume full responsibility for changes of status, overpayment, etc.

Veterans attending WNMU have full access to all student services and activities.

Work Options

Federal Work-Study/State Work-Study

Federal Work-Study is a federally sponsored program providing financial assistance to undergraduates through part-time work. State Work-Study is a state sponsored program providing financial assistance to undergraduates through part-time work. Work-study positions are awarded to students according to need. The application form for this program is the FAFSA. It is WNMU’s policy to provide a wage rate that is approved by the U.S. Education Department. No student will be allowed to hold two jobs. State Work-Study positions also require the student to be a New Mexico resident.

University Employment (Institutional Work-Study)

Part-time employment opportunities are available in academic, administrative, and activities offices. It is the policy of WNMU to provide a wage rate that has been approved by the U.S. Education Department. No student will be allowed to hold two jobs.

In most cases, employment positions are reserved for those who have demonstrated financial need; however, this does not eliminate from consideration those students who do not qualify for need-based financial aid. Applications for the student employment program and a booklet detailing its policies may be obtained at the Financial Aid Office.

STUDENT EXPENSES

Residency Status

The definition of resident and non-resident students for the purpose of administering tuition charges in public institutions of higher education in New Mexico is governed by New Mexico Sessions Laws 1971, Chapter 235, Section 1E. Residence or non-residence for tuition purposes is based on this law and is not controlled by any other public official’s recognition of claimed residency.

The Director of Admissions is designated as the WNMU official responsible for determining the residence status for tuition purposes. All inquiries concerning residency for tuition purposes should be made at the Admissions Office.

I. Costs

A. Tuition and Fees Tuition and fee charges are subject to changes made by the Western New Mexico University Board of Regents.

1. On Campus Regular Sessions: