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General Information

Course Catalog

History of NMSU Alamogordo

New Mexico State University Alamogordo (NMSU-A) is situated in the foothills, at the base of the Sacramento Mountains. This vantage point overlooks the city of Alamogordo and the Tularosa Basin. The service area of the school includes Holloman Air Force Base (HAFB), White Sands Missile Range, and stretches beyond the view to include the Mescalero Apache Reservation and approximately twenty villages and towns. Much of the south central New Mexico region benefits from the convenient location of the campus.

NMSU-A was established in 1958 with an initial enrollment of 278 students. The classes were held at night on the Alamogordo High School campus. The objective of this post-secondary educational venture was to serve the military and civilian personnel from HAFB, as well as students from the local non-military population.

Over the years enrollment has expanded to a present population of over 3000 students. At the same time, the number and the character of students’ objectives have also grown. The basic two-year traditional university-credited education has been expanded and enriched. NMSU-A has evolved from offering only two-year traditional education courses to providing occupational/technical programs and courses for personal enrichment as well as selected bachelor completion programs through NMSU Las Cruces Distance Education.

NMSU-A is a two-year community college campus dedicated to the concept of high-quality, cost-effective education that meets the needs of a diverse community. While some students continue to value the long established core courses, others are seeking alternatives to the traditional liberal arts education. Every possible effort is being made at NMSU-A to keep programs and curricula flexible in order to accommodate varied and expanding community educational needs.

Mission of the College

The mission of New Mexico State University Alamogordo is to provide quality learning opportunities for individuals in the diverse communities we serve.

Accreditation

NMSU-A is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The latest accreditation visit to the campus by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association was in April 2003. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools may be contacted at the Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504, (800) 621-7440, or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. The Nursing Program is approved by the New Mexico State Board of Nursing and holds accreditation from the National League of Nursing. The National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) is a resource of information for the NMSU-A Nursing Program and can be contacted at NLNAC, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006; (212) 363-5555, ext. 153, Fax: (212) 812-0390, or via the Internet at www.nlnac.org.

NMSU Campuses

The purposes of NMSU’s community college campuses are to make two years of college education available to students in their home environment; to provide a high quality program of education for all students, both full-time and part-time; and to provide occupational education courses. The community colleges are operated by NMSU.

The community colleges provide lower division courses of the same quality and kind as are offered on the Las Cruces campus. Courses offered for transfer credit are coordinated with the appropriate department and college at the Las Cruces campus and can be transferred to other two-year and four-year colleges and universities and are consistent with Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration regulations. Students attending a community college of NMSU are enrolled as New Mexico State University students and may change campuses if they meet Las Cruces campus admissions requirements.

Associate’s Degree Graduation Requirements

Designated associate’s degree programs are offered at the community college campuses for those desiring specialized training for employment. Candidates for these degrees must have a regular admission status and have attained at least a 2.0 grade point average. Students must complete a minimum of 66 credit hours (excludes non‑credit courses with the letter N suffix) or more as specified in each degree. In addition, the final 15 credit hours of an associate’s degree must be taken through NMSU-A or any NMSU campus (cannot include College Level Examination Program (CLEP), challenge exams, or transfer credit). In order to graduate, students must fulfill requirements of a degree plan in a catalog that is no more than six years old at the time of their graduation and is no older than the year when the student began higher education coursework, whether at NMSU or another institution.

Note: The degree plans in this catalog are effective Summer, 2009 and are in effect through the spring semester 2015.

The designation Meritorious Graduate is awarded to the top 15 percent of the students receiving an associate’s degree within each college in any one academic year provided 45 or more credits have been completed at NMSU and/or one of its community colleges with computable grades.

Associate’s Degree Programs

In addition to taking basic courses toward a bachelor’s degree, NMSU-A students can pursue the following associate’s degrees:

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE:

3D Computer Animation

Biomedical Electronics Technology

Business Office Technology*

Computing**

Construction Technologies Electrical Option

Electronics Technology

Fire Science (moratorium on new students)

General Studies

Graphic Design

Information Technology

Medical Office Technology*** (moratorium on new students)

Occupational Business

Paralegal Studies

ASSOCIATE IN:

Arts

Criminal Justice

Early Childhood

Education

Fine Arts

General Engineering

Heritage Interpretation

Nursing (Limited Entry Program)

Prebusiness

Science

Social Services

*3 Concentrations: Accounting, Administrative Assistant, &

Banking/Teller

**4 Concentrations: Game Programming, Microcomputer Applications, Microcomputer Technology, & Web Mastery

***3 Concentrations: Medical Transcription. Medical Coding, & Medical Office Assistant

Certificate Programs

NMSU-A also offers Certificate Programs:

Arson Investigation

Business Office Technology

Educational Assistant

Electrical Apprenticeship

Emergency Medical (EMT) Services

Fire Prevention Specialist

Game Programming

Graphic Design

Heritage Interpretation

Legal Assistant

Medical Office Administration

Microcomputer Applications

Microcomputer Technology

Network Specialist

Photographic Technology

Pre-Nursing

Technical Communications

With Emphasis in:

  • Visual Communications
  • Web Design & Development
  • Web Mastery

Wildland Engine Operator

Candidates for certificates must have regular admission status, have at least a 2.0 grade point average, and the final 15 credit hours must have been completed on an NMSU campus (cannot include CLEP, transfer credit, or challenge exams).

Admissions

A student may be accepted for undergraduate admission to NMSU-A as (1) a degree-seeking student or (2) a nondegree student under the policies and conditions as set forth in this section.

I. Degree (Regular) Status:

A. Regular Admission (first time at any college)

Requirements for admission as a regular student include the following:

  • Formal application for admission. A $20 non-refundable admission fee.
  • An official transcript of the student’s high school credits or General Education Development (GED) scores. Transcripts must be sent directly from the high school or GED Testing Center to:

NMSU Alamogordo

Admissions and Records Office

2400 N. Scenic Drive

Alamogordo, NM 88310

Note: If the high school transcripts or GED test results do not provide adequate information for a final admissions decision, NMSU-A may require the applicant to submit official results of the American College Testing (ACT) Program test battery.

Qualifications for admission to New Mexico State University Alamogordo include:

  • Graduation from any state high school or academy in the United States accredited by a regional accrediting association or approved by a state department of education or state universities, or
  • A minimum of a GED diploma.
  • Home-Schooled Admissions Requirements
    • Submit an admissions application.
    • Submit a Home-Schooled transcript containing the following: courses completed by grade level, grades earned in each course, credit earned for each course, signature of Home-School educator verifying the information, and a completion or graduation date from a Home-Schooled program. (If the student is enrolled in a correspondence course where the school will furnish a high school transcript, then an official transcript will be accepted from the correspondence school in place of the Home-School Evaluation Form.)
    • Submit the “Notification of Establishment of a Home-School PED 542-99a” Form. This form is to be submitted by the parent to the local school district to notify the district in which their child is being home-schooled. This is required by the State of New Mexico.

Note: New Mexico Home-School programs are currently not approved by the State Department of Education. New Mexico home-schooled students, who wish to be considered for Financial Aid and Scholarship programs, are encouraged to complete the New Mexico GED during their senior year in order to meet the Ability to Benefit criteria or he/she can still qualify by passing a State Department-approved test, called an ability-to-benefit test. The test must be independently administered in accordance with State Department regulations. For more information, visit the NMSU web site at prospective.nmsu.edu/freshmen/qualifying

B. Transfer Admission

  • Formal application for admission. A $20 non-refundable admission fee payable upon application).
  • Transfer students from other colleges or universities may be admitted to NMSU-A if they have at least a C (2.0) cumulative grade point average (GPA) and are eligible to return to the college or university last attended.
  • Transfer students from other colleges or universities must submit a degree (regular) application, an official transcript from all colleges previously attended (this includes Community College of the Air Force), and an official copy of their high school or GED transcript.
  • High school transcripts and GED scores will be waived when a student has completed 30 academic semester hours at a previously attended regionally accredited college/university. However, these transcripts may be required for Financial Aid.

All transcripts must be sent directly to the NMSU-A Admissions & Records Office by the Registrar of each institution attended. A student who conceals the fact that he/she has attended another college or university and who does not have the Registrar submit a transcript for each institution, whether or not credit was earned, will be subject to immediate suspension.

Any transfer student who has less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA from his/her previous college(s) and/or vocational school(s) must submit a letter of appeal to the Admissions Appeal Board for admission to NMSU-A. Once a student is admitted to NMSU-A and registered, transcripts are forwarded to the Registrar’s Office at NMSU Las Cruces for evaluation.

Community/Junior College Transfers:

Community/junior college transfer students may be admitted and classified on the basis of acceptable credits earned at a two-year institution. However, transfer students are subject to the same graduation requirements as other NMSU students, including the required minimum number of credits from courses numbered 300 or above and the requirement that 30 of the last 36 credits toward a bachelor’s degree must be earned through this university.

II. Nondegree Status:

Nondegree admission is designed to meet the needs of part‑time students who do not wish to pursue a degree at this university.

Note: Courses taken in this status may not be used to meet
regular admission requirements.

Students on nondegree status are not eligible to receive financial aid or student employment; nor are they eligible to participate in student government or intercollegiate athletics; nor are they eligible to receive benefits from any veterans’ program.

Students interested in using nondegree credit for initial teacher certification or recertification in a new field need to contact the College of Education. Transcripts from previous institutions, high school, and/or results of college entrance exams may be required to assure readiness for university-level courses. A $20 non-refundable, nondegree application fee is required.

Nondegree students are subject to the same university regulations as regular students.

Nondegree students may not transfer more than 30 credits from this status to any undergraduate degree program with the exception of students participating in a high school concurrent enrollment program.

Students must certify they are high school graduates or have obtained a GED diploma and that they are eligible to return to any previously attended college or university.

Transcripts from previous institutions, high school transcript, GED test scores, and/or results of college entrance/placement exams may be required to assure readiness for NMSU‑A courses.

Nondegree Special Admission Programs for High
School Students

Dual Credit for High School Students:

With the passage of State Law SB943 (Laws 2007, Chapter 227) the requirement for New Mexico high school students to participate in a college experience prior to high school graduation became mandatory. Students who attend a public high school, a charter school, or a state supported school are required to participate if their entrance to high school is 2009-2010 school year or later. High school students may complete the requirement in four ways: 1) articulated course, which is not available through NMSU-A; 2) Advanced Placement (AP) course in high school; 3) an online college course; and/or 4) taking an in-person college course. This program is designed to enhance and supplement the high school curriculum, not duplicate or replace it; therefore, there may be limitations on class choice.

Students who wish to take college courses at NMSU-A must meet the following requirements: Sophomores with a 3.75 or better GPA, Juniors with a 3.5 GPA, and Seniors with a 3.0 GPA or better may take academic courses. Juniors and Seniors with a 2.0 GPA may take technical courses. What course a student is allowed to take is based on their GPA, placement assessment results, and the courses authorized by their high
school.

Students participating in this program at NMSU-A will have their tuition and general fees waived by the college. Students will be responsible for lab fees for their courses. For approved courses (each high school will have a specific list), students must visit with the Dual Credit college advisor. Grades for
courses taken at the college will be sent to the appropriate high school and are required to be transcribed on the high school transcript.

Early Admit:

High school students who wish to take college courses but do not want their grade on the high school transcript must meet the same eligibility requirements as Dual Credit students (see above). However, these students will be required to pay their tuition, fees, and purchase the book for the class.

Home-school students who choose to participate in college courses must meet the same requirements mentioned above and will be required to pay their tuition, fees, and purchase the book. These students will be required to provide the college with a graded transcript. Home-school students must provide documentation that they are registered as a Home-schooled student with the local school district or with the NM Public Education Department (PED). They must also provide documentation, if applicable, of registration with a Home-schooled program. Students must be concurrently enrolled in their high school curriculum as reflected on their transcript. This transcript must provide a graded (A-F) transcript showing courses, course levels, grade level, and grades signed by the Home-schooled program evaluator. Students must also meet the GPA requirements for each grade level.

Readmissions

Former students of New Mexico State University who have not attended an NMSU campus for four consecutive terms are required to make formal application for readmission. Applications must be submitted to the Admission & Records Office at least five working days prior to registration. Readmission does not require an additional admission fee.

1. Readmission to Degree (Regular) Status

A student who is seeking readmission and whose last NMSU admission status was degree-seeking (regular), must complete a degree-seeking readmission form. Additionally, if the student has attended other institutions during an absence from NMSU, the student must have official transcripts forwarded directly to the Admissions & Records Office by the registrar of each institution and must be eligible to return to the college or university last attended. Academic admission status at the time of readmission will normally be determined by previous NMSU academic standing. However, academic performance at other institutions attended during the applicant’s absence from NMSU may be considered when determining the student’s academic admission status.

2. Readmission to Nondegree Status

A student who is seeking readmission and who previously attended NMSU‑A under a nondegree admission status must complete a nondegree readmission form. However, if the student wants to be readmitted under a degree (regular) status, the student must request a change-of-status at the time of readmission.

A grade report or unofficial transcript from previous institutions may be required at the time of readmission to show eligibility to return to colleges/universities previously attended.

Change of Admission Status

A nondegree student in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or above) may apply for change‑of‑status from nondegree to degree (regular) admission by completing a change‑of‑status application and meeting the requirements for degree (regular) admission status. Nondegree students may not apply more than 30 credits earned under the nondegree status to any NMSU undergraduate degree program.

All documents required for the change‑of‑status must be in the Admissions & Records Office by the dates posted in the current semester schedule. If all documentation is not received by that date, then the change-of-status will be reviewed for processing the next semester of the student’s enrollment.

Any transfer student who has less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average from his/her previous college(s) and/or vocational school(s) must submit a letter of appeal to the Admissions Appeal Board for a change-of-status to degree seeking.

Foreign Student Admission

The general policies of the university as outlined in this catalog apply to foreign as well as domestic students. However, some special policies required by federal laws apply only to foreign students. Some admission and tuition exceptions have been developed for foreign military and their family members stationed in New Mexico. Contact the Admissions Coordinator for details.

A foreign student is any individual attending NMSU while present in the United States on a non-immigrant student visa. Legal immigrants or refugees must present documentation of their status either to Admissions or the International Programs (IP) office on the NMSU-Las Cruces campus.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Some of the more important rules as established by the United States Department of Homeland Security are:

1. Each student must maintain full-time student status for both the fall and spring semesters. This requires completion of a minimum of 12 credits for each undergraduate student per semester.

2. Foreign students may not work off campus without authorization. On-campus employment may be authorized under certain conditions.

3. All foreign students must maintain an up-to-date record in the Office of Student Services. This record must indicate the student’s current living address and local phone number.

4. Prior to admission, a prospective foreign student must demonstrate the following:

  • Academic ability to succeed in the chosen course of study;
  • Adequate financial support to complete the chosen course of study; and
  • Adequate command of the English language to maintain legal status as a full-time student for the fall and spring semesters.

University Procedures for Foreign Students

Scholastic Ability

1. Prospective undergraduates must have completed a minimum of 12 years of schooling and/or submit official diploma or completion certificate.

2. Official transcripts showing the classes taken and grades earned for the school years 10, 11, and 12 must be submitted. No hand-carried documents will be accepted, unless received in a sealed envelope.

3. The scholastic average for the last three years of high school must be equivalent to 2.5. Foreign students are not admitted on a probationary basis.

4. Graduation from a high school in the United States does not automatically qualify a foreign student for admission to NMSU. The student must also submit official transcripts from his/her foreign secondary school.

Financial Support

1. Each prospective foreign student must submit a current financial support document with his or her application.

2. This document must show that (a) the person providing the financial support has the necessary funds, and (b) the funds can be transferred from the student’s home country to the United States.

No financial aid is available from NMSU. The university reserves the right to demand advance deposit of funds for any period deemed reasonable prior to granting admission. A foreign national can never qualify for residency and must pay nonresident fees.

Per New Mexico Senate Bill No. 375, foreign military and their family members who are stationed in New Mexico through the NATO agreement may be classified as in-state for tuition purposes.

English Language Proficiency

NMSU requires a score of 500 (paper-based)/173 (computer-based)/61 (internet-based) or better on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for all foreign students, both nondegree and degree-seeking. A waiver of the TOEFL requirement may be considered for:

1. Students who are native speakers of English.

2. Students completing high school in the United States who (a) have attended the high school for at least two full semesters and (b) have scored in at least the 75th percentile in English on the American College Testing (ACT) program. Students admitted to the community college campus without the required ACT score in English may request a waiver if they have attended high school in the United States for two full years and have graduated from the high school.

3. Students transferring from a junior college, college, or university in the United States who have earned a minimum of 30 acceptable semester credits (45 acceptable quarter credits) with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Acceptable credit means classes that require a high proficiency in both written and oral English.

4. Students demonstrating English language proficiency by methods accepted by International Programs (IP).

5. Students enrolling in certain programs where English language proficiency is not required.

The university reserves the right to require any prospective foreign student to meet the TOEFL requirement.

For complete information concerning the TOEFL examination, applicants should review the following website www.toefl.org.

Foreign students are not admitted to the university for the sole purpose of studying English.

Prior to enrollment, each foreign student is administered an English screening examination. Based on the results, the student is either assigned to one of the special English classes for foreign students or is excused from special English instruction. The student may then be required to complete one or more regular English classes as required for a particular degree. Completion of basic English courses at other U.S. institutions does not automatically satisfy this requirement.

Admission Restrictions

Although NMSU does not set a quota for the total number of foreign students, there may be several factors that would prohibit admission even though the person meets all general requirements.

1. The dean of a chosen college and the department head of a chosen major or the President of a community college campus may refuse to grant admission.

2. There may be a disproportionate number of foreign students or a disproportionate number of a particular nationality in one department or college.

3. Academic Advisors may not be available.

4. Foreign nationals may be nondegree if admitted as exchange students, or as part of a special program, or as holders of visas that allow incidental studies related to their current non-immigrant status.

5. Non-native speakers of English normally are not admitted for summer sessions.

6. University community college campuses reserve the right to refuse admission to foreign students if the appropriate immigration and English-language support services are not available.

7. Preference for admission to the community college campuses is shown to students who graduate from high school in the United States.

8. University community college campuses reserve the right to set limits on the number of international

students admitted to their respective campuses based on the percentage of international students within an academic program.

All application materials, including the application for admission; letters of recommendation; all transcripts or national examination scores and/or transcripts from colleges or universities (with an English translation); all test scores including the TOEFL; and proof of adequate financial support must be submitted to the NMSU-A Office of Admissions & Records for:

Fall semester …………………………………………………… by March 1

Spring semester …………………………………………….. by October 1

Miscellaneous Regulations

1. All foreign students must have health insurance. Students who do not purchase insurance from NMSU must present evidence of similar coverage to IP office. Students without insurance will not be allowed to register.

2. Upon arrival on campus new foreign students are not permitted to register until all IP requirements are met, including attending orientation and taking the English screening examination.

3. All foreign students are required to carry a minimum of 12 credits (exception can be made for foreign military stationed in New Mexico and their dependents).

Financial Aid

The mission of the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship Services is to improve access to higher education by providing comprehensive financial assistance and information to all students and the NMSU-A community. Although primary responsibility for educational costs rests with the student and his/her family, NMSU-A, the federal government, and the state of New Mexico all contribute to assist students pursuing higher education.

The Financial Aid Office administers an extensive program of grants, scholarships, and loans. The awarding of grants and loans is based on need, while the awarding of scholarships is based mainly on academic ability and, in some cases, financial need. Assistance in the form of work is available through the Federal College Work-Study Program and the New Mexico
Work-Study Program.

All financial aid awards are based on information provided by the student and parents, availability of funds, and eligibility requirements. Any award may be revised based on changes in enrollment, cost of attendance, family contribution, or failure to meet satisfactory academic progress. Withdrawals
or reductions in enrollment may affect an award or any future awards. Financial aid will not pay for audited courses.

The student should apply annually for financial assistance by March 1. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Generally, eligibility requirements to receive financial aid are as follows:

1. Only students who are U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents are eligible to apply for financial aid.

2. Students must be in good academic standing and must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree.

3. Generally, undergraduate students must be enrolled at least half-time (six hours) for federal aid programs and full-time (12 hours or more) for scholarships.

4. Need must be clearly established for need-based financial assistance.

5. Students who owe a refund on a federal grant or are in default on a federal student loan are not eligible for financial aid.

6. No student will be denied financial assistance on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

7. Have a valid social security number.

8. Register with selective service, if required.

9. Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

Note: Financial Aid is paid at the beginning of each term. Aid will not be paid for any courses added after the census date. Students will be billed for courses they drop or do not attend if a change of enrollment status results.

The Financial Aid Office provides online applications and support services for students who apply for financial aid. The Financial Aid Office awards funds from federal programs that include the Pell Grant, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP), Work-Study, Stafford Loan, and Plus/Supplemental Loan. State grant, work-study, and loan programs are also available. Students can check the status of their files and accept or decline awards available online through their student online account at my.nmsu.edu

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Federal regulations require that financial aid recipients meet certain academic standards to be eligible for federal financial aid. To ensure that financial aid recipients are making satisfactory academic progress, academic transcripts are reviewed at the end of each term to determine eligibility for the next term. All terms of attendance are reviewed, including periods in which the student did not receive financial aid. All transfer work is taken into account when satisfactory progress is reviewed.

1. Qualitative Progress: Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (a C average).

2. Completion Rate: Students must complete a minimum of 67 percent of all course work (registered credit hours) attempted at NMSU. Any course with a grade of withdraw (W), incomplete (I), repeats (RR), failure (F), audit (AU), or no credit (NC) is not considered completed course work. Repeated courses are included in the calculation.

3. Maximum Time Frame: Students must complete their program within 150 percent of the credit hours required by the program. Students who have reached the maximum allowable time will be suspended from receiving financial aid. Developmental/remedial hours are excluded from this calculation. Total attempted hours including repeated courses and transfer course work are included in the student’s maximum time frame calculation.

Financial Aid Suspension:

Students are suspended from receiving financial aid if they do not meet satisfactory academic progress standards. Students on financial aid suspension will not receive any form of federal or state financial aid (grants, loans, work-study). Financial aid eligibility is reinstated when all standards of satisfactory progress are met.

The Appeals Process:

Students suspended from financial aid may appeal the suspension if there are mitigating circumstances affecting their progress. Students who would like to appeal the suspension must submit an appeal form available at fa.nmsu.edu/forms and all required documentation to the Office of Student Financial Aid. A committee will review the appeal and may grant reinstatement of financial aid based on mitigating circumstances that directly contributed to deficient academic performance. Appeals are evaluated on a term-by-term basis.

The New Mexico General Education Common Core

General education at NMSU and its community colleges provides a broad foundation and common framework upon which to develop knowledge and skills, social consciousness and respect for self and others; thus enabling them to function responsibly and effectively now and in the future. General
education courses at NMSU can be identified by the G suffix.

General education fosters intelligent inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis, and the integration and synthesis of knowledge; it strives for literacy in writing, reading, speaking, and listening; it teaches mathematical structures, acquainting students with precise abstract thought about numbers and space; it encourages an understanding of science and scientific inquiry; it provides a historical consciousness, including an understanding of one’s own heritage as well as respect for other peoples and cultures; it includes an examination of values and stresses the importance of a carefully considered values system; it fosters an appreciation of the arts; and general education provides the breadth necessary to have a familiarity with the various branches of human understanding.

The New Mexico General Education Common Core are designated general education courses guaranteed to transfer to any New Mexico public college or university. A complete list of approved courses can be found on the New Mexico Higher Education Department web site at www.hed.state.nm.us. The current approved NMSU courses are listed below under each of the five general education areas:

The Common Core Requirements:

Area I: Communications (Select 10 credits)

ENGL 111G, Rhetoric and Composition…………………………… 4

ENGL 203G, Business and Professional Communication…………. 3

ENGL 211G, Writing in the Humanities and Social Sciences…………….. 3

ENGL 218G, Technical and Scientific Communication…… 3

ENGL 311G, Advanced Composition………………………………. 3

ENGL 318G, Advanced Technical and Professional Communication………… 3

COMM 253G, Public Speaking…………………………………………. 3

COMM 265G, Principles of Human Communication………. 3

Area II: Mathematics (Select 3 credits)

MATH 112G, Fundamentals of Elementary Math II…………. 3

MATH 121G, College Algebra…………………………………………….. 3

MATH 142G, Calculus for the Biological and Management Sciences I…….. 3

MATH 191, Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1………………. 3

MATH 192, Calculus and Analytic Geometry II……………… 3

MATH 210G, Math Appreciation…………………………………….. 3

MATH 291G, Calculus and Analytic Geometry III…………… 3

STAT 251G, Statistics for Business and the Behavioral Sciences…… 3

Area III: Science, with Laboratory (Select 8 credits)

ASTR 105G, The Planets…………………………………………………… 4

ASTR 110G, Introduction to Astronomy………………………….. 4

BIOL 101G/L, Human Biology………………………………………… 4

BIOL 110G, Contemporary Problems in Biology……………… 4

BIOL 111G/L, Natural History of Life……………………………… 4

BIOL 211G/L, Cellular and Organismal Biology………………. 4

CHEM 110G, Principles and Applications of Chemistry….. 4

CHEM 111G, General Chemistry I……………………………………… 4

CHEM 112G, General Chemistry II…………………………………….. 4

E S 110G, Introduction to Environmental Science……………. 4

GEOG 111G, Geography of the Natural Environment……… 4

GEOL 111G, Survey of Geology……………………………………….. 4

GEOL 212G, Introduction to Environmental Sciences……….. 4

PHYS 110G, Great Ideas of Physics…………………………………. 4

PHYS 211G/GL, General Physics I…………………………………………. 4

PHYS 212G/GL, General Physics II……………………………………….. 4

PHYS 215G/GL, Engineering Physics I…………………………………… 4

PHYS 216G/GL, Engineering Physics II…………………………………. 4

Area IV: Social/Behavioral Science (Select 6-9 credits)

ANTH 120G, Human Ancestors……………………………………….. 3

ANTH 125G, Introductions to World Cultures………………….. 3

ANTH 201G, Introduction to Anthropology…………………….. 3

C EP 110G, Human Growth and Behavior……………………….. 3

C J 101G, Introduction to Criminal Justice…………………………. 3

ECON 201G, Introduction to Economics………………………….. 3

ECON 251G, Principles of Macroeconomics…………………….. 3

ECON 252G, Principles of Microeconomics……………………… 3

GEOG 112G, World Regional Geography……………………….. 3

GEOG 120G, Culture and Environment………………………….. 3

GOVT 100G, American National Government…………………. 3

GOVT 110G, Introduction to Political Science………………….. 3

GOVT 150G, American Political Issues…………………………….. 3

GOVT 160G, International Political Issues……………………….. 3

HL S 150G, Personal Health and Wellness…………………………. 3

JOUR 105G, Introduction to Mass Communication………….. 3

LING 200G, Introduction to Language……………………………. 3

PSY 201G, Introduction to Psychology…………………………….. 3

SOC 101G, Introductory Sociology…………………………………… 3

SOC 201G, Contemporary Problems………………………………… 3

S WK 221G, Introduction to Social Welfare……………………… 3

W S 201G, Introduction to Women’s Studies……………………. 3

W S 202 G, Representing Women……………………………………… 3

Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts (Select 6-9 credits)

ART 101G, Orientation in Art……………………………………………. 3

ART 110G, Visual Concepts………………………………………….. 3

ART 295G, Introduction to Art History I…………………………….. 3

ART 296G, Introduction to Art History II…………………………… 3

ENGL 220G, Introduction to Creative Writing………………….. 3

ENGL 244G, Literature and Culture…………………………………. 3

HIST 101G, Roots of Modern Europe………………………………. 3

HIST 102G, Modern Europe…………………………………………….. 3

HIST 201G, Introduction to Early American History……….. 3

HIST 202G, Introduction to Recent American History…….. 3

MUS 101G, Introduction to Music……………………………………. 3

MUS 201G, History of Jazz in Popular Music…………………… 3

PHIL 101G, The Art of Wondering…………………………………… 3

PHIL 136G, The Quest for God………………………………………… 3

PHIL 201G, Introduction to Philosophy…………………………… 3

PHIL 211G, Informal Logic……………………………………………… 3

PHIL 223G, Ethics……………………………………………………….. 3

THTR 101G, Introduction to Theater……………………………….. 3

Alternatives to Meeting General Education Requirements:

Students taking nine or more credits in a specific subject area, even though the courses are not designated as general education courses, will have met the general education requirements for that subject area. For example, a student may complete ART 150, 155 and 156 (9 hours) and thereby satisfy one course from the Area V: Humanities and Fine Arts category, even though none of those courses carries a G suffix. Please check with the advising office.

Transferring Courses within Degree Programs:

To facilitate the transfer of courses within certain degree programs, New Mexico colleges and universities have collaborated to develop transferable discipline modules. These are composed of an agreed upon number of hours and courses. When discipline module courses are taken in addition to the 35-hour general education core, the total number of hours in a transfer module is approximately 64.

For information on the transferable discipline module for Business, see the Las Cruces catalog College of Business chapter. For information on the transferable discipline module for Early Childhood Education, see the College of Education chapter. Information on all available statewide transfer modules can be found on the New Mexico Higher Education Department web site at www.hed.state.nm.us.

Student Responsibility:

Planning for effective transfer with maximum efficiency is ultimately the student’s responsibility. Responsible transfer planning includes early and regular consultation with the intended degree-granting institution to assure that all pre-transfer course work will meet the requirements of the desired degree.

Transfer Credits:

NMSU evaluates courses from postsecondary institutions that are regionally accredited or are candidates for regional accreditation. Transfer students will
receive full credit for course work completed with a grade of C or better, provided the classes are similar or equivalent to courses offered at NMSU. A transfer student may, on the basis of an evaluation of his or her transcripts, receive credit for courses taken at other institutions in which a grade of D was received. However, NMSU does not accept the transfer of courses with D grades that satisfy basic academic competency (basic skills) in English and mathematics. NMSU will not accept transfer credit for four-credit basic skills courses (such as ENGL 111G and CCDM 114N) when the incoming course carries less than three credit hours. Also, colleges or departments may choose to accept only courses graded C or higher in their programs for both transfer and native students. Any lower-division course from another institution receiving transfer credit from NMSU at the 300 or above level will
still count as a lower-division course. Transcripts will be reevaluated when students transfer from one NMSU college to another.

Each college determines which transferred courses are applicable toward a degree or a minor. Grades earned in courses taken at other institutions are not included in the calculation of the NMSU GPA, except for grades earned by approved National Student Exchange students.

Credits from non accredited institutions may be evaluated by the student’s academic dean after the student has completed two semesters in full-time status with satisfactory grades.

CLEP credits, DANTES, USAFI, transfer, and course challenge credits cannot be used as part of the student’s last 15 semester credits of an associate’s degree. No more than six credits of courses in religion will be transferred.

Transfer Credit Appeal Process:

All New Mexico public post-secondary institutions are required to establish policies and practices for receiving and resolving complaints from students or from other complainants regarding the transfer of course work from other public institutions in the state. A copy of NMSU’s transfer credit policy may be obtained from the Office of the Registrar or from the Deputy Secretary for Academic Affairs, Higher Education Department, New Mexico School for the Deaf Campus, 1068 Cerrillos Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505-1650.

Out-of-State Students and Legal Jurisdiction:

By applying for admission/enrollment, both the student and parents agree that New Mexico law prevails and all litigation will be in federal court in New Mexico or in state court in Dona Ana County, New Mexico.

Credit by College Level Examination Program (CLEP):

Prior to or during a student’s enrollment at NMSU, or any of its community colleges, credits may be earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board. CLEP is a national program of credit by examination that offers the opportunity to earn credits for college level achievement wherever or however one has learned.

Earned CLEP credit will be treated as transfer credit without a grade, will count toward graduation, and may be used in fulfilling specific curriculum requirements.

Current NMSU CLEP Policy as well as test schedule information is available at Advising & Career Services in the Student Services building.

Note: CLEP credits, DANTES, USAFI, CCAF transfer, and course challenge credits cannot be used as part of the student’s last 15 semester credits of an associate’s degree.

Advanced Placement:

Students who have completed college level courses in secondary schools and have taken the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Examination Board with resulting composite scores of 3, 4, or 5 may petition their academic dean for college credit and advanced placement. The amount of credit and the equivalent university courses for which credit will be granted will be determined by the head of the department in which the course is offered. Such credit will be treated as transfer credit without a grade, will count toward graduation, and may be used in fulfilling specific curriculum requirements.

Credit for Military Service:

A veteran or member of the active armed services or the military reserves who is a current student or a student applying for admission to NMSU may be granted academic credit on a case-by-case basis. Specific course equivalencies and credit hours awarded are determined by academic departments. Credit hours may be awarded for specific courses or as elective credit. The number of credit hours awarded will be determined by the department.

NMSU will allow credit to United States military personnel for courses and/or military occupational specialities (MOS), based on the American Council of Education Guide (ACE) as well as through national standardized tests, such as CLEP, AP, PEP, and DANTES. NMSU does not use Military Occupational Specialities (MOS) for granting credit since MOS credits are listed in the ACE Guide. A copy of the SOCAD Student Agreement must be provided as well as the Sailor/Marine ACE Registry Transcript System (SMARTS), Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS), or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), along with transcripts from any other academic institution wherein credit was granted. Coursework credit for current or applying students will be reviewed as any other academic transcript that is submitted as an official transcript to the NMSU Office of Admissions. Course accepted for transfer credit will appear on official NMSU transcripts as transfer credits.

If a student wishes to appeal a decision regarding the acceptance of military training/education for academic credit, the student must submit a written statement of appeal to an Academic Advisor, who will process the request.

Academic credit for military service was terminated with the beginning of the fall semester 1975 for honorably discharged veterans whose term of service began September 1, 1974, or later.

Those receiving honorable discharges who entered active duty prior to September 1, 1974, may petition the head of Military Science or the head of Aerospace Studies at NMSU for verification of term and experience of military service for evaluation of credit.

Credit by Examination:

Any enrolled student with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, currently attending classes, may, with permission of the appropriate department, challenge by examination any undergraduate course in which credit has not been previously earned except an independent study, research or reading course, or any foreign language course that precedes the final course in the lower‑division sequence. The manner of administering the examination and granting permission shall be determined by the department in which the course is being challenged.

Students may not enroll in a single course, challenge it by examination, and drop it during the Drop/Add period, unless they enroll in an additional course.

In exceptional cases in which a student demonstrates outstanding ability in a course in which they are already registered, they may be permitted to challenge the course.

A student pursuing an associate’s degree will not be allowed to take special examinations for credit to meet the last 15 semester credits required for the associate’s degree.

Students desiring to apply for special examination may obtain the necessary forms from Advising & Career Services located in the Student Services Building. The fee for challenging a course is the same as the cost of tuition per credit hour.

A grade of C or better is required for credit and will be recorded on the student’s record as CR. Courses may not be challenged under the S/U option.

The special examination privilege is based on the principle that the student, exclusively, has the responsibility for preparing for a special examination.

Student Holds

Academic Advisor’s Hold:

All students who are new to the NMSU‑A campus and all students classified as freshmen (including transfer students) must see an Advisor to have their New or Freshman Student Hold lifted. This is to assure that beginning students have selected appropriate classes that meet their placement assessment results, have met prerequisites, and are aware of the services available to them. Holds are lifted in the office of Advising & Career Services. Students may contact an Advisor by phone (439-3720), by email advisor@nmsua.nmsu.edu or in person in the Advising Office in Student Services.

Freshman Interest Inventory Hold:

Incoming degree seeking freshman are required to complete a career interest inventory, before or during their first semester, in order to be eligible for second semester registration. Students are required to bring a copy of the interest inventory results to an Academic Advisor for course and degree planning. The interest inventory currently being used by NMSU-A (CHOICES) is accessible online or through Advising & Career Services. Information on the website and password to take the inventory is available in the Advising Office or on the NMSU-A website at nmsu.aedu/advising. Holds will be lifted upon completion of the interest inventory and subsequent meeting with an Academic Advisor.

Abitur Program

Family members of German military stationed at HAFB can complete the Associate of Arts and the Abitur requirements concurrently at NMSU‑A. The Abitur program was jointly designed by NMSU‑A and the German Air Force to bridge the differences between the German and American educational systems. It was initially approved in 1997 and was formally approved by the German Ministry of Education in October 2002. For further information regarding admissions requirements, contact the Admissions Coordinator located in the Student Services Building. Once admitted to the university, visit with an Academic Advisor for degree and course information.

Limited-Entry Admission Programs

The Nursing program is a limited entry program. Special applications are required and can be obtained from the nursing department or the Advising Office. In addition to meeting regular undergraduate admissions requirements, students must be selected into this program.

Regulations

The following regulations apply to all campuses of NMSU and are effective with the publication of this catalog. Tuition amounts, fees, and similar items are subject to annual review and changes are effective with the current catalog or published in the current class schedule.

University Credits:

The unit of university credit is the semester hour which is the equivalent of one hour’s recitation or a minimum of two hours of practice per week for one semester.

Class Rank (Classification):

A student’s classification depends upon the number of credits completed toward graduation. Sophomore rank is achieved with successful completion of 28 credits; junior rank, 62 credits; senior rank, 94 credits.

Class Load:

The normal load in a regular semester is 16‑18 credits in all colleges of the university. An overload is more than 18 credits. A normal load in summer school or in an 8-week session is the same number of credits as there are weeks in the session.

Written permission for the student to register for an overload must be obtained from the Office of Advising & Career Services. To be eligible to take an overload, the student must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, with no grade less than a C for the two preceding semesters. A one‑credit course in physical activity may be taken without being included in the calculation for determining an overload.

Freshman will not be permitted to assume an overload.

Students may enroll for correspondence or extension courses only upon approval of the Vice President of Student Services. Such courses must be counted as part of a student’s class load. No more than 30 credits in extension and correspondence courses will be accepted toward graduation. Correspondence course information is available in Advising and Career Services located in the Student Services Building.

Basic Academic Skills:

Students who plan to continue their education at the Las Cruces campus must meet the Basic Skills Requirements in English and mathematics before they are eligible to attend NMSU Las Cruces.

The English requirement is met by passing ENGL 111G with a grade of C or better. This requirement can also be met with a 30 ACT English score, Advanced Placement Credit in English, or CLEP credit in English.

The math requirement is met when a student has completed CCDM 114N with a C or better grade. A score of 23 or higher on the mathematics portion of the ACT also qualifies as meeting this requirement.

Satisfactory Academic Progress:

A full‑time student is making satisfactory progress when the cumulative number of credits earned at NMSU, divided by the number of semesters attended at NMSU, equals at least 12. Part-time students must earn a proportional number of credits in the same time period for purposes of Financial Aid. In the case of new freshmen, this definition will not be applied until the beginning of the third semester of enrollment; however, for all other students it will apply after one semester of enrollment. All students at the end of their second academic year must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA.

University Grading System: Grade reports are not automatically mailed to students. Students can access grades and credits on the web by accessing their my.nmsu account at my.nmsu.edu. At the request of the student, the instructor will provide information on progress in the course prior to the last day to drop a course.

The NMSU system of grading is expressed in letters, which carry grade points used in calculating the cumulative grade-point average:

Letter Grade per unit of Credit

A For excellent work………………………………………………………… 4

B For better than average work……………………………………….. 3

C For average work………………………………………………………….. 2

D For below average work……………………………………………….. 1

F For failing work…………………………………………………………….. 0

W Withdrawal………………………………………………………………….. 0

N Grade not submitted…………………………………………………….. 0

CR Credit authorized, but not letter grade……………………….. 0

IP In progress…………………………………………………………………… 0

RR Progress in undergraduate course (Required Repeat)…………. 0

S* Satisfactory work……………………………………………………….. 0

U Unsatisfactory work…………………………………………………….. 0

I Incomplete…………………………………………………………………….. 0

AU Audit………………………………………………………………………….. 0

*An S grade is a grade satisfactory to the professor and is normally equivalent to the letter grade of C or higher.

In computing the overall grade-point average, the total credits in which grades of A, B, C, D, or F have been assigned is divided into the total number of grade-points earned.

A course for which only CR, but no letter grade, is given and a course in which an S grade is earned may be counted toward graduation but is not computed in the grade-point average.

Prerequisite:

A prerequisite is an enforceable entry requirement for a particular course.

Repeating Courses:

A student may repeat a course taken at this university in which a D or F grade has been earned. A computable grade (excluding I, W, RR, AU, CR, S, or U) in a repeated course may be substituted in the calculation of the grade-point average, though the original grade also remains on the transcript. The first occurrence with a C or better grade will count in earned/passed hours. Future attempts will not count in earned/passed hours. If a student repeats a course eligible for grade substitution in which they have earned a D and then fails the course, the second grade of F will not be substituted for the original grade.

Neither credits nor grade points may be earned by repeating a course for which a grade of C or higher has already been received. Repeat option applies only to eligible courses that were completed prior to the time a student was awarded a baccalaureate degree at NMSU.

Incomplete Grade:

The grade of I (Incomplete) is given for passable work that could not be completed due to circumstances beyond the student’s control. The following regulations apply to removing or changing an I grade.

1. Instructors may assign I grades only if the student is unable to complete the course due to circumstances beyond the student’s control that develop after the last day to withdraw from the course. Examples of appropriate circumstances include documented illness, documented death or crisis in the student’s immediate family, and similar circumstances. Job related circumstances are generally not appropriate grounds for assigning an I grade. In no case is an I grade to be used to avoid the assigning of D, F, U, or RR grades for marginal or failing work.

2. To assign an I grade, the instructor must complete the I Grade Information Form. The form must be signed by the student and the instructor. The form must be delivered to the Admissions & Records Office. The instructor will state in writing on the I Grade Information Form the steps necessary to complete the remaining coursework, or the instructor may indicate that the student will be required to re-enroll in the course to receive credit (in which case the I grade will not be removed). The student will sign this document, and the Admission’s Office will send a copy of the document to the student’s official permanent address as recorded in the Registrar’s Office.

3. The student is entitled to have the I grade removed from the student’s transcript only if the student completes the remaining coursework as specified on the I Grade Information Form, in a manner satisfactory to the instructor. The work must be completed within 12 months after the I grade is assigned and prior to the student’s graduation, or within a shorter period of time if specified by the instructor on the I Grade Information Form. If the student fails to complete the coursework, the instructor may change the I grade to any appropriate grade (including D, F, or U) provided that the instructor stated that this would occur on the I Grade Information Form.

4. I grades can be removed from the student’s transcript by the instructor only during the 12‑month period following assignment of the I grade or prior to the student’s graduation, whichever comes first. To remove an I grade, the instructor must complete a Change of Grade Form and file the form with the Admissions & Records Office. The instructor may assign whatever grade is appropriate for the entire course. The correct form must be signed by the instructor and the Division Head. This may include grades of D, F, or U. An I grade not changed by the assigning instructor within 12 months and prior to graduation shall remain an I grade thereafter.

5. A student may re-enroll and receive credit for any course for which an I grade was previously received, however, retaking the course will not result in a removal of the I grade from the student’s transcript and the student must pay regular tuition for the course.

The effect of removing an I grade on a student’s academic standing (scholastic warning, probation, or suspension) depends on the date the transaction is officially recorded on the student’s academic record. If the transaction is recorded before the student begins another semester, the grade replacing the I is included in the grade-point average calculation that establishes the student’s academic standing. If the transaction is recorded after the student begins another semester, the new grade’s effect on academic standing is based upon its inclusion with grades for the semester in which the student is enrolled.

RR Grade (Required Repeat):

The RR grade applies only to designated skill development undergraduate courses approved by the University Curriculum Committee and indicates the student has made substantial progress toward completing the requirements of the course. It carries neither penalty nor credit. The student must re-enroll and successfully complete the course in order to earn credit. The grade of RR may be received only once in any given course, and it remains on the student’s transcript.

The S/U Option:

Students with 28 credits at NMSU under traditional grading, with an overall average of 2.5 or better, may exercise the S/U option. The following limitations apply:

1. No more than 7 credits per semester or 4 credits per summer session.

2. Not to exceed a total of 21 semester credits.

These limitations do not apply to honors courses and courses officially designated S/U.

Each course under this option must be requested during registration. Eligibility must be determined by an Academic Advisor and certified by the student. The course must be taken outside the major. If the student changes majors, the new major department may require a traditional grade for a course previously passed with an S grade. The traditional grade change is made by the instructor or by a course challenge if the original instructor is no longer with the university.

Eligibility for S/U grading must be re-established after adjusted credit has been approved.

Nondegree students who do not meet the above requirements may take courses under the S/U option. However, these courses may not be applied toward an undergraduate degree at NMSU.

Each academic college of the university may designate courses in which the grading will be on a basis of S or U for all students enrolled in the courses. Credits in such courses are not included in the 21-credit limitation or the 7-credit-per-semester limit.

Grade Point Average:

A student’s NMSU semester and cumulative GPAs will be based solely on courses taken at an NMSU campus or under an approved National Student Exchange.

Independent Studies:

Independent study courses (including directed reading and special topics courses which do not carry a subtitle) are for students capable of self‑direction who meet the requirements for the S/U option, i.e., if the students are not eligible for the S/U option, they are not eligible for independent study. Each college determines the maximum number of credits that may be earned in independent study courses.

Degree Audit:

Students have access to the Degree Audit System (STAR) available online through their student online account at my.nmsu.edu. To self check progress toward a degree, students must select the college, the degree, and the year they meet the requirements. The reports are self explanatory. See an Advisor for assistance, if necessary.

Report of Academic Achievement:

Following the close of the semester, each college dean publishes a list of students who have achieved honor standing in grades for the previous semester. To be eligible, a student must have been enrolled in 12 or more semester credits with a computable grade in each. The top 15 percent of eligible students by college for that semester will be named to the Honor Roll.

Adjusted Credit Option:

The adjusted credit option allows students who obtain a low GPA (less than a 2.0 cumulative) during their first few semesters to get a fresh start. This option may be used only once and is not reversible. All courses carrying a grade of S, CR, C, or better earned prior to the grading period in which the student requests the adjusted credit option (including transfer courses) are included as adjusted credit. All allowable credits are designated on the permanent academic record as “adjusted credit” and are omitted from the calculations of the cumulative GPA.

A fee of $10 is required for the submission of an adjusted credit option application. Application forms are available in Advising & Career Services located in the Student Services Building. Students applying for this option must pay the $10 fee at the NMSU‑A Business Office. In addition, students must:

1. Be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree;

2. Be currently enrolled as a regular or nondegree undergraduate;

3. Have a cumulative grade point average of less than 2.0 at
NMSU;

4. Have successfully accumulated fewer than 60 transfer plus NMSU credits;

5. Exercise the option only during the fall or spring semester before the last day to withdraw from the university; and

6. Pass an additional 30 graded credits before they may be awarded an associate’s degree.

Other courses taken during the period of credit adjustment are not calculated in the cumulative GPA. The repeat rule for the courses starts anew for students who have taken the adjusted credit option.

Credits covered by this option are shown on the transcript with an appropriate notation, and all coursework attempted is shown. In no circumstances will a transcript of this record be issued that does not include all courses attempted at this university.

Probationary status and eligibility for on-campus employment is not affected by the exercise of the adjusted credit option.

Students are eligible for university honors if the criteria for university honors are met for all courses taken at NMSU or one of its community colleges after the period of adjusted credit.

Audits:

A regularly enrolled student may register for any course prior to the last day of registration as an audit or without credit with the consent of NMSU‑A Admissions & Records Office, provided the space is not required for regular students. The fee is the same as for credit courses. Audit courses are not considered in determining the maximum load except for students on probation.

A student may not change from credit to audit after the last day to register but may withdraw with no refund and continue to attend with the permission of the instructor.

Changes in Registration:

Registration changes may be processed only in accordance with university regulations and with appropriate signatures.

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to initiate official withdrawal from a course and to obtain all necessary signatures on the Drop/Add Form. A picture ID will be required for all schedule changes.

Forms are available from the NMSU‑A Admissions & Records Office and completed forms must be returned to that office. Courses may not be added or dropped after the cutoff dates indicated in the Academic Calendar. For refund policy, see the “Costs” section of the catalog and the current NMSU‑A Schedule of Classes.

When a student officially drops a course, the W grade is assigned as follows:

1. No grade is assigned during the registration period.

2. A grade of W is assigned to any student who officially drops a course during the first half of its duration. A student may not officially drop a course after this time.

3. A grade of W is assigned in all courses to any student officially withdrawing from the university prior to the last three weeks of classes (dates are noted on the Academic Calendar and in the Schedule of Classes).

A student found to be insufficiently prepared to succeed in a regular course may be transferred to a more elementary course in the same field any day before the last day to officially drop an individual course.

Any person attending under Veterans Educational Assistance or Financial Aid should notify the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Programs if dropping or adding courses changes enrollment status for benefits.

Withdrawal from NMSU:

Withdrawal from any NMSU campus is an official procedure that must be approved as indicated on the withdrawal form. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate withdrawal from the university and to obtain necessary signatures. A picture ID will be required for withdrawal. Students who leave without following the official procedure are graded appropriately by the instructor. Withdrawal begins at the Admissions & Records Office, and completed forms must be returned to that office. Applicable dates are published in the Academic Calendar for all regular sessions. All withdrawals will be recorded on the student’s transcript. The student cannot withdraw from the university by phone or web.

Attendance, Student Performance, and Attendance Alerts:

Students are expected to attend regularly all classes for which they are registered. Valid reasons for missing classes neither relieve the student of the responsibility of making up the work missed nor of contacting the instructor about making up any missed work. Specific class attendance requirements are determined by the instructor of the course.

In extreme cases, upon recommendation of the instructor, the Vice President for Student Services may drop a student for persistent absences or for persistent failure to complete assignments. Similarly, a student may also be dropped from a class for engaging in behavior that interferes with the educational environment of the class. Any student who has been dropped from a class shall have the right to appeal that decision through the Student Academic Grievance Policy.

Only enrolled students, for credit or audit, are permitted to attend classes. However, a student who has officially withdrawn from a course with no refund may continue to attend the course with the permission of the instructor for the remainder of the semester.

Students not enrolled for credit or audit may visit individual classes only with instructor permission.

Instructors also notify Advising and Career Services of absences through the use of the Attendance Alert Forms in order to meet Federal and State laws which require that universities report non-attendance to the Financial Aid Office and other funding agencies. Instructors may use the alert forms to show concern about student’s academic progress. Copies of the Attendance Alert Forms are sent to the student to encourage students to monitor their academic progress and are retained in the Financial Aid Office during the semester.

Academic Honors Recognition:

The Honors College:

The Honors College provides motivated undergraduate students with opportunities to broaden and enrich their academic programs. In small classes taught by master teachers, honors students engage in lively discussion and collaborative investigation of interdisciplinary topics. By taking honors courses, students may also work toward completing general education requirements and disciplinary requirements in their major.

Crimson Scholars Program:

Crimson Scholars is a benefit and recognition program for academically superior students who have a cumulative 3.5 GPA and are taking three or more credits per semester. Crimson Scholars receive a number of benefits, including: 1) automatic eligibility of all Honors courses, 2) early registration, 3) extended library check-out privileges, 4) special advising, 5) notation on college transcript, 6) recognition in the commencement program, and 7) a lapel pin.

To be eligible for the Crimson Scholars Program, students must be degree seeking.

• Entering freshmen must have either: a minimum ACT standard composite score of 26; or a minimum ACT standard composite score of 24 and a 3.75 or better high school GPA; or a minimum SAT score of 1090 and a 3.75 or better high school GPA.

• Currently enrolled students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 for 3 or more credits at NMSU.

• Transfer students must have a 3.5 cumulative GPA from their previous institution(s) or complete 3 or more credits at NMSU for eligibility (does not include I or audit course designations at NMSU).

To maintain Crimson Scholar status:

• Freshmen entering on an ACT score must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and complete three or more credits per semester to continue in the program.

• Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and be currently enrolled in a total of 3 or more credits per semester (does not include I or audit course designations) at NMSU or any NMSU community college to retain their Crimson Scholars status.

• Crimson Scholars whose GPA drops below the required cumulative 3.5 or drops below the three credit minimum will be dropped from the program. If in the following semester, the student’s cumulative GPA and credits again meet the minimum requirement, the student will automatically be reinstated.

In recognition of the student’s academic achievement, a statement designating “Crimson Scholar Graduate” is placed on the student’s transcript after completion of 90 credit hours as a Crimson Scholar and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.

To be designated in the commencement program as a Crimson Scholar graduate, a student must complete a minimum of 75 credit hours (does not include I or audit course designations at NMSU) as a Crimson Scholar and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Students who complete 24 credit hours (does not include I or audit course designations at NMSU) as Crimson Scholars and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 receive a lapel pin. Crimson Scholars are entitled to early registration and library privileges.

Additional information is available from the Crimson Scholars Office, located in the Conroy Honors Center on the Las Cruces campus.

Note: Crimson Scholars interested in work-study positions must submit a yearly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete a financial aid file with an NMSU Office of Financial Aid.

Meritorious Graduate:

The designation Meritorious Graduate is awarded to the top 15 percent of the students receiving associate degrees within each college in any one academic year; the students must have completed 45 or more credits with computable grades at NMSU.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC):

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is a commissioning program designed to attract, motivate, and train qualified students for military service as officers. The ROTC program is represented on the NMSU campus by the Department of Military Science (U.S. Army) and the Department of Aerospace Studies (U.S. Air Force).

Curriculum in the Departments of Military Science and Aerospace Studies are divided into basic and advance course of two years each. Enrollment in the basis course is voluntary and involves no obligation. Participation in the advanced course is on a contractual basis and leads to military service as a commissioned officer. Elective academic credit is granted by the university for ROTC classes.

All qualified cadets enrolled in ROTC receive a stipend that varies depending upon the year the cadet is in the program. Additionally, scholarships, which pay full college tuition as well as various laboratory, textbook, and incidental fees, are available on a competitive basis.

Veterans Programs:

NMSU-A degree programs are approved by the State Approving Agency for enrollment of persons eligible to receive education benefits from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). Eligible students may apply for benefits and advanced VA payment by submitting applications at the Financial/VA office. Advance payment must be requested at least 30 days prior to the first day of classes.

Veterans Benefits Certification:

All veterans and dependents that are eligible to receive veteran’s benefits must complete the application and certification process prior to registration. Students must have courses approved by an Academic Advisor and certified by the NMSU‑A Veterans Office each semester of enrollment. Additionally, all Chapter 30, 32, 34, and 1606 students must self-certify to the VA at the end of each month either on the web at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 1-888-GIBILL1.

Veterans Attendance and Satisfactory Academic Progress:

Students must be pursuing a degree in a specific program to be eligible to receive benefits. Admission procedures for veterans and other eligible persons are the same as those for other students. Students who do not satisfy all requirements for full admission may be certified for two terms; however, they may be required to repay the DVA for some or all benefits received if they do not achieve full admission status during that time.

Title 38, United States Code, requires that education assistance to veterans and other eligible persons be discontinued when the student ceases to make satisfactory progress toward completion of the training objective. The DVA will be appropriately notified of the unsatisfactory progress. A specific request must be submitted by the student to reinstate benefits. The DVA will determine eligibility for reinstatement of benefits. Students are responsible for notifying the NMSU-A Veterans Office of any change in their enrollment or change in personal information affecting their eligibility. Students may receive education benefits only for courses that are required for their designated degree program. Students who receive DVA benefits are subject to strict academic regulations and should be aware of how auditing a course, repeating a course, changing degree program or enrollment status, and other actions may affect their eligibility to receive benefits.

If the university has liability claims filed against it as a result of a veteran failing to meet compliance requirements of the Veterans Administration, the university will not release any academic records on the veteran until such time as the veteran has reimbursed the federal government for funds drawn in violation of those requirements.

Privacy Rights:

The following information has been designated as directory information and is subject to release to the public under the Buckley Amendment (20 USCS § 1232g; PL 98-380, section 2), the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974″ (FERPA): Student’s name, address, email address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, classification, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent, previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

Students can prohibit the release of directory information to the public by bringing a photo ID to the Office of Admissions & Records located in the Student Services Building and by submitting a written request. Such requests must be made by the end of late registration for any semester. It will NOT prohibit the release of directory information to entities of the university which have a “need to know” to accomplish their required official tasks. It will NOT prohibit a university department from including the student’s name on mailing lists for distribution of materials that are essential to his/her enrollment at the University. Students who are also University employees should be aware that filing this restriction will result in suppression of both employee and student information.

The authorization to restrict directory information remains in effect until the student revokes it. The authorization has no affect on directory information released prior to the completion of the request.

Other information regarding disclosure of student data is posted at the Office of Admissions and Records in compliance with the Act.

Requests for withholding directory information must be filed in writing with the Admissions and Records Office by the third Friday of class for the fall or spring semesters.

Students have the right to:

1. Inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University receives a request for access. Students should submit to the Admissions & Records Coordinator and the Vice President of Student Services, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2. Request an amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is defined as a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Regents; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility.

Upon request, the university discloses educational records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.

Washington, DC 20202-4605

Social Security Numbers in Student Records:

As required by law, social security numbers are collected from prospective and current students who 1) wish to be employed on campus or 2) wish to receive financial aid. Further, the University is mandated by federal tax regulations to provide tuition and fee payment information to the student and the Internal Revenue Service, so that applicable educational tax credits may be computed. The social security number is a confidential record and is maintained as such by the university in accordance with FERPA.

Student Special Care Policy:

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, NMSU‑A may, on occasion, require that students receive a particular type of care or treatment (i.e., emergency medical attention, live-in attendants, or vaccinations) as a condition of continued enrollment. When this care or treatment is required by the cognizant university administrator, the student will be obligated to assume any financial responsibility associated with the treatment.

Furthermore, the University may on occasion contact a student’s parent(s), legal guardian, or spouse in cases of extreme emergency, or where a possibility of imminent harm exists. This will occur only when, in the judgment of the appropriate official, the best interests of the student and the University will be served.

When practical, the University will notify the student in writing of the University’s intention to undertake the steps authorized by this policy. This decision may be appealed by the student to the Vice President of Student Services within 24 hours of notification. The appeal should be in writing and should state clearly the reason why the student objects to the proposed action. The Vice President of Student Services will review the facts in the case and convey the decision to all parties within 48 hours. The decision of the Vice President of Student Services shall be final.

Non-Academic Grievance Process:

The general rules and regulations applicable to students are in the “Student Code of Conduct” of the Student Handbook or can be obtained from the Advising & Career Services located in the Student Services Building, or at nmsua.edu. Refer to the Student Handbook for grievance procedures and appeals related to nonacademic issues.

Academic Appeals:

Procedure for Initiating Grievance Complaints: This procedure has been established to provide a method to resolve undergraduate student grievances at the lowest administrative level in a fair and expeditious manner. For the purpose of this procedure, grievances are limited to alleged violations of university policy or procedures by the university or its employees, disputes with faculty and/or alleged unfair treatment. Usually this method is used to appeal a grade the student feels was not justified.

Note: Under no condition should these policies be used when the student has allegedly violated the University Code of Conduct or a contractual agreement, and at no hearing should either party have a lawyer.

Any student who believes that he/she has been unjustly treated within the academic process may proceed as far as necessary in the steps detailed below. Should the alleged grievance not involve a faculty member or course, the student is to appeal directly to the Division Head in whose area the alleged grievance occurred or to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

1. Appeal to faculty member: The student is to submit a written appeal to the faculty member within thirty (30) days after the start of the semester following the semester in which the alleged grievance occurred. Semester in this case refers to fall and spring only. If the alleged grievance occurs during the summer session, the student is to submit an appeal no later than thirty (30) days into the fall semester following the summer session in which the alleged grievance occurred. The faculty member and the student are to discuss the problem. The faculty member will submit a written report outlining his or her decision to the student and Division Head within ten (10) working days of receipt of the student’s written appeal.

2. Appeal to the Division Head: If a decision satisfactory to the student cannot be reached, the student may submit a written appeal to the Division Head in which the course in question is taught. This is to be done within ten (10) days of receipt of the faculty member’s written decision. The faculty member, the Division Head, and the student are to meet to discuss the problem. The Division Head will send a written response outlining his/her decision to the student and the faculty member within ten (10) working days of this meeting.

3. Appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designee): If a satisfactory decision cannot be reached among the Division Head, the faculty member and the student, the student or the faculty member may submit a written statement of appeal to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designee). This is to be done within ten (10) working days after receipt of the written decision by the Division Head. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may request a written recommendation from the college Academic Appeals Board. Should this be the case, the Academic Appeals Board will conduct a hearing with the student and faculty member (not necessarily at the same time) to review the merits of the appeal. They may also ask for supporting evidence for or against the appeal. The Academic Appeals Board will submit the written recommendation to the Vice President for Academic Affairs within five (5) working days following the conclusion of their process. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may meet with the student, faculty member, and Division Head to discuss the appeal (not necessarily at the same time). The Vice President for Academic Affairs will submit a written response outlining his or her decision to the student, faculty member, Division Head, and campus President within ten (10) days of the last meeting.

4. Appeal to the campus President (or designee): The campus President may, at his or her discretion, review the appeal upon the written request of the student or faculty member and render a final decision. An appeal to the campus President is the last step in the appeals process and the campus President’s decision cannot be appealed further. Should the campus President not choose to review the appeal, the decision of the Vice President for Academic Affairs is final.

5. Exceptions to the time involved: The Vice President for Academic Affairs or designee may waive the normal time frame for appeals for compelling reasons. Regardless of circumstances, academic appeals must be initiated with the course instructor within two years of the conclusion of the semester or summer session in which the course was taken.

6. Enrollment: A student need not be enrolled at the university to initiate an appeal.

Academic Appeals Board:

An academic appeals board will be appointed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs to hear student appeals. The appeals board will consist of three faculty members and two students.

Maintenance of Records:

Instructors and/or divisions shall keep records used to compute individual grades for two years after the completion of a course. If a grade has been appealed, these records shall be kept for at least two years after completion of the appeal. Divisions may require that records be kept for longer periods.

Academic Misconduct:

Students at NMSU-A are expected to observe and maintain the highest academic, ethical, and professional standards of conduct. Any student found guilty of academic misconduct shall be subject to disciplinary action. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:

1. Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty;

2. Plagiarism, which includes, but is not necessarily limited to, submitting examinations, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, undocumented quotations, computer-processed materials, or other material as one’s own work when such work has been prepared by another person or copied from another person;

3. Unauthorized possession of examinations, reserved library materials, or laboratory materials;

4. Unauthorized changing of grades on an examination, in an instructor’s grade book, or on a grade report; or unauthorized access to academic computer records; and

5. Nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out applications or other university records in, or for, academic departments or colleges.

NMSU‑A Grievance Procedure:

For Students with Disabilities:

NMSU‑A has adopted an internal procedure providing for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USCS § 691 2993, Section 504) or of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.

Students are encouraged to attempt to resolve any problems or complaints they might have at the local college level first. Students should initially contact the NMSU‑A Advisor for Special Populations, 439-3720, in an effort to resolve problems related to the need for, or provision of, special accommodations, as well as those that are related to access needs or the equalization of learning opportunity. The next level of appeal is the Vice President for Student Services, who also serves as the ADA Coordinator.

While students are encouraged to resolve concerns at the college level, any student may contact the Director of Institutional Equity at (575) 646-3635 or (575) 646-7802 TDD at New Mexico State University at any time.

Informal Complaint Procedure:

The student may wish or choose to resolve the complaint on an informal basis, i.e., mediation, a letter to the professor, a telephone call, or some resolution amenable to the student. A written confidential record of the final outcome or resolution will be retained at the NMSU‑A Student Services Office.

However, if a student wishes to file a formal grievance he/she should consult the NMSU-A Student Handbook for the appropriate procedure. A copy is available in Student Services or on the web site linked to nmsua.edu.

The foregoing procedures are implemented to:

1) Protect the substantive due process rights of students with disabilities; and

2) assure that NMSU‑A complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

For further information, contact:

Advisor for Special Populations

(575) 439-3720

or

Vice President for Student Services, ADA Coordinator

(575) 439-3716

or

Director Institutional Equity

Office of Institutional Equity - EEO

NMSU, O’Laughlin House

1300 E. University

Las Cruces, NM 88003

(575) 646-3635

TDD: (575) 646-7802

Academic Standing:

The following academic regulations apply to all NMSU‑A students.

Note: See section on Incomplete, I, grades to determine the effect of removal of I grades on academic standing.

Academic Warning, Probation and Suspension:

When students do not maintain adequate academic standing, they begin a progression of Academic Warning to Academic Probation I and II, and finally to Academic Suspension. Each state imposes more structure and limitations on the student in order to help the student return to normal academic standing. The intent is not to punish, but to help the student return to normal academic standing and success. Since some of these limitations involve limitations on the number of credits hours, students on Probation II or Suspension may be subject to loss of financial aid. It is the responsibility of the student to determine the impact of their changed academic standing on their financial aid.

Notification to students of academic warning, probation or suspension appears on the student’s grade report at the end of each grading period.

Academic Warning:

An Academic Warning is issued when a student’s cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 while in good academic standing. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will send the student a letter detailing the consequences should the cumulative grade point remain below a 2.0 at the conclusion of the semester.

While under Academic Warning the following restrictions apply:

1. The student may be required to enroll in a 3-hour special study skills/time management course specifically designed for students on Academic Warning for the first time, or an equivalent approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

2. Students will be required to enter into a contract with their Advisor, approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs that places further stipulations on Academic Warning. The contract may include, but is not limited to the following:

a. The student may be required to take at least one repeat course to try to greatly improve the GPA.

b. Except for the special student skills/time management course, the student’s coursework may be restricted to required courses for the degree.

c. The student may be required to get tutoring help.

d. The student may be required to see an Academic Advisor on a specified time schedule.

e. The number of hours for which a student may register may be restricted (due to extenuating circumstances such as the student’s workload commitments).

The Vice President for Academic Affairs may place the student on Academic Probation I should the student not adhere to the stipulations of the contract.

If the student’s semester GPA is less than a 2.0, and the cumulative GPA remains below a 2.0 at the end of the semester on Academic Warning, the student is placed on Academic Probation I. If the semester GPA is greater than 2.0 but the cumulative GPA is still less than 2.0, the student will remain on Academic Warning. If the cumulative GPA is greater than a 2.0 at the end of the semester then the student is returned to regular status.

Summer Courses:

A student may use summer classes to try to get warning or probationary status removed. Under no circumstances may a student on Academic Warning or Academic Probation be allowed to register for an overload. Academic Warning status is continued if the student withdraws from the university.

Academic Probation:

There are two stages in Academic Probation.

Academic Probation I:

A student is placed on Academic Probation I when a student under Academic Warning has a semester GPA less than 2.0, and the cumulative GPA remains below 2.0 at the conclusion of the semester. Or, if the student maintains a semester GPA greater than 2.0 while on Academic Probation I but the cumulative GPA is still less than 2.0

Under Academic Probation I the following conditions apply:

1. The student cannot enroll in more than 13 hours of course work during the semester.

Note: Students that fall below 12 credits in any one semester will jeopardize their financial aid. Should this occur, students should see their Academic Advisor as soon as possible to try to implement corrective measures.

2. The student will enter into a contract or individualized education plan with the student’s Advisor and approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs that places further stipulations on Academic Probation 1. The Vice President for Academic Affairs may place the student on Academic Probation II or Academic Suspension should the student not adhere to the stipulations of the contract.

3. Students on Academic Probation receiving educational benefits from the Veterans’ Administration must obtain counseling from the Office of Veterans’ Programs.

The student must maintain a semester GPA equal to or greater than 2.0 until such time that the cumulative GPA is greater than 2.0 at which time the student goes back to regular status. Until the latter happens the student remains on Academic Probation I. The student will be placed on Academic Probation II if unable to maintain a 2.0 semester GPA, and the cumulative remains below a 2.0 GPA, while under Academic Probation I.

Academic Probation II: Issued when a student falls below a semester 2.0 GPA, and the cumulative remains below a 2.0 GPA, while on Academic Probation I. Or, if the student maintains a semester GPA greater than 2.0 while on Academic Probation II but the cumulative GPA is still less than 2.0.

1. The student cannot enroll in more than 7 hours of coursework during the semester.

2. As with rule 2 under Academic Warning and Academic Probation I and at the discretion of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the student will be required to enter into a contract with the student’s Advisor, and approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, to place further stipulations on Academic Probation II.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs may place the student on Academic Suspension should the student not adhere to the stipulations of the contract.

The student must maintain a semester 2.0 GPA or higher until the cumulative GPA reaches a 2.0 or higher at which time the student is placed on regular status. A student unable to maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher, and the cumulative remains below 2.0 GPA, while under Probation II will be placed on Suspension.

Transfer Students:

Students (admitted under special provisions) whose transcripts indicate less than a 2.0 GPA are admitted on Academic Probation I.

Continuing in Probationary Status:

Students may continue to enroll while on Academic Probation I or II provided they maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. They are continued on that same level of Academic Probation if they withdraw from the university while on Academic Probation.

Removal of Academic Probation:

Such academic standing is removed when the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or higher, with the following exceptions:

1. A transfer student may not remove probation by summer class work alone;

2. If an I grade is removed after the student has enrolled, the new grade’s effect on academic standing is based on its inclusion with grades for the term for which the student is enrolled; and

3. Exercise of the Adjusted Credit Option does not change academic status until subsequent grades are earned.

Academic Suspension:

When a student does not achieve a semester 2.0 GPA or higher, and the cumulative remains below a 2.0 while under Academic Probation II, the student is placed on Academic Suspension. Students under Academic Suspension must sit out a minimum of one (1) semester and then petition the Vice President for Academic Affairs to be removed from Academic Suspension. At this time the suspension status will be evaluated for possible removal. Should the suspension be lifted, the student is placed on Academic Probation II until such time that the cumulative GPA equals or exceeds a 2.0. At the discretion of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the student will enter into a contract approve by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the student’s Academic Advisor setting stipulations to have the suspension removed. Failure to adhere to the contract will return the student to Academic Suspension.

Under certain conditions, a student may be re-admitted at NMSU or one of its community colleges under regular status while under Academic Suspension when satisfactory progress has been demonstrated at another college or university. Credits earned at another university or college while under Academic Suspension from NMSU or another university or college will be accepted at NMSU only after the student demonstrates satisfactory progress over a period of two semesters after being re-admitted to NMSU.

Acceptance of transfer credits that count toward degree requirements is still governed by the rules established by the student’s respective college or campus.

Effect of Summer Attendance:

Students suspended at the close of the spring semester may have their Academic Suspension rescinded if they attend one or both of the following summer sessions at NMSU or one of its community colleges. Such attendance must raise the combined spring semester and summer GPA to 2.0 or better.

A certification of eligibility to attend summer sessions at NMSU or one of its community colleges after a spring semester Academic Suspension is available to the suspended student who wishes to attend summer sessions at other institutions.

Disciplinary Probation and Suspension:

NMSU expects all students to regard themselves as responsible citizens on campus and in the community.

Repeated misconduct and major violations will cause the student to be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion from the university.

The general rules and regulations applicable to students are in the “Student Code of Conduct” in the Student Handbook and can be obtained from the Office of Student Services.

Graduation Requirements:

To receive an associate’s degree, a student must complete a minimum of 66 (or more, if required by the specific degree) semester credits and have an average of two grade points (2.0) per credit (or higher if required by the specific degree) in all courses taken at NMSU or one of its community colleges. Courses with an “N” suffix do not apply to any degree. CLEP, DANTES, USAFI, transfer, and course challenge credits cannot be used as part of the student’s last 15 semester credits. In addition, the last 15 semester credits for associate’s degrees must be taken from NMSU‑A or any NMSU campus.

Filing Notice of Degree Candidacy:

Degree candidates are required to file an application for degree and pay the degree application fee for each degree sought. Applications are available in Advising & Career Services located in the Student Services Building. Applications must be returned with the appropriate fee ($10 for certificates, $20 for associate’s degrees) to the Business Office by the posted date for filing degree applications in the Schedule of Classes. There is an additional $25 late fee for applications filed after that date. No applications will be accepted after the late fee deadline. If degree requirements are not completed during the semester or session for which the student paid the fee, the student must reapply and pay the appropriate fee.

Curricular requirements for a specific degree may be met by completing all of the course requirements for that degree as set forth in the catalog of matriculation provided that the selected catalog is not more than six years old when the requirements for graduation are met. This rule applies only to the course requirements and number of credits as specified for the degree. In all other cases the current catalog is effective. The catalog is in effect beginning the summer session through spring semester of the following year.

The latest date for substitution or waiver of required courses for candidates for degrees is two weeks after the last date of registration for regular or for summer terms.

All fees and bills owed the university must be paid before a student may receive a diploma or transcript of credits.

Attendance at Commencement:

The Vice President for Student Services certifies eligibility to participate in commencement exercises held at the close of the spring semester. Eligible candidates (registered for final degree requirements, as certified by the college deans) and degree recipients from the previous summer, fall, or current spring semester may participate in the ceremony which is held at the end of every spring semester. Participation in commencement does not, in itself, mean that a student is considered an NMSU graduate. In order to receive a degree, a student must fulfill university requirements. The degree will reflect the graduation date when all requirements are met.

Recognition of Degrees:

Degrees and certificates earned are recorded on the academic record.

Transcript of Credits:

A charge of $5.00 is made for any official transcript of credits ordered in person or by mail. A transcript ordered online is $7.25 per transcript. Requests for electronic transcripts are $12.25. Overnight delivery costs $25.00 (one transcript plus overnight fee totals $30.00 per transcript).

No transcript of credits will be released if the student is in debt to the university.

Official name changes on transcripts will be processed upon written request and only if a student is currently enrolled and a written request is submitted.

Academic, Auxiliary, and Student Support Services

Admissions & Records:

The Admissions & Records Office receives and processes all NMSU‑A admissions applications and supporting documents. All registration, course add/drops, and university withdrawal transactions are processed at this office. The NMSU‑A Admissions & Records Office provides forms to order official transcripts from the NMSU Las Cruces campus. Residency requirements and applications, student privacy act information, NMSU‑A catalogs, current class schedules, and general enrollment procedures are also available from the Admissions & Records Office. Web registration is available from any computer with Internet access at my.nmsu.edu. See the current NMSU‑A class schedule for more information.

Advising and Career Services:

Academic Advising: NMSU-A offers centralized academic advising on a drop‑in basis or by appointment. Advisors provide academic advising services to all students and prospective students for programs offered at NMSU‑A as well as advising information for students transferring to the Las Cruces campus. Academic Advisors provide pre‑enrollment information, course selection assistance, degree plan requirements, and college transfer information. The Advisors also provide course approval verification to students enrolled in financial assistance programs such as Veterans Programs, and other state and federally funded programs. Individuals may also contact Advisor-on-Line at advisor@nmsua.edu.

Counseling: A counselor in the Office of Student Services provides personal and crisis counseling on a limited basis. Students with needs beyond these limited services are referred to the appropriate agency or office on campus or off campus. The counselor also offers individual and group support services and workshops that promote college success.

The Office of Special Student Services: Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) assists individuals with documented disabilities to obtain appropriate academic accommodations. Students with sensory, mobility, learning, or other recognized impairments are encouraged to apply for services through this office. Students who seek assistance are encouraged to contact the Advisor for Special Populations at (575) 439‑3720 prior to enrollment in classes to obtain the “Petition for Disabled Student Services” form. Services may include: assistance in obtaining textbooks on tape, alternative testing accommodations, and assistance in locating tutors, readers, note takers, and American Sign Language interpreters.

Available adaptive equipment includes computers with speech synthesizers and large print software, portable and stationary visual tek machines, talking calculators, 4‑track tape recorders, a Braille printer, FM assistive listening device, and a microscope for the visually impaired. A Kurzweil Reading Machine is located in the David H. Townsend Library. A TTY machine is located in Student Services. Additional information is available on our web page: nmsua.edu/advising/disabilities.

GED and Test Proxy:

The Advising & Career Services Office serves as the GED Testing Center for Alamogordo and the surrounding community service area. GED tests are given regularly on the NMSU‑A campus. Test proxy services are provided on request.

Placement Assessment:

A placement assessment in math, writing and reading is required prior to registration for all new degree seeking students or those students who plan to take any math or English course(s) unless the student has passed the required prerequisite course with a C or better. Placement assessment results will determine what level of math, English and/or reading course(s) the student will be required to take. Any student testing into a developmental reading course, must take the appropriate level course.

If the math or English scores are more than one year old, the individual should retake the placement assessment for appropriate placement. A copy of placement assessment results will be available in the Advising Office for advising and registration.

Placement assessments are FREE. Tests are offered at various hours and days. Check with the Advising Office for the current schedule. However, a fee of $15 is charged to send the scores to another college or university.

Career Planning/Job Search Assistance:

The Career Center provides career assessment, career planning advisement, occupational information, career and job search workshops, and job search support and assistance (i.e., resumes, cover letters, job search tips). Students may use the Career Center resources which include occupational and job skills videos, a collection of career and job hunting books, catalogs, periodicals, and assessment inventories such as the Choices Interest Profiler. The Job Board includes job listings generally geared toward students. Visit the Career Center website at nmsua.edu/career or call (575) 439-3720 for more information.

Adult Basic Education:

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program of NMSU‑A provides instruction to adults in GED, English as a Second Language (ESL), basic reading, math, English, work place skills, vocabulary development, basic computer skills, and citizenship in group classes or on an individual basis. Assessments and GED pretests are given at the ABE Office on an individual basis. The Literacy Volunteers of America, Otero County Literacy Council, Inc., in partnership with ABE Advisory Board (sponsored by the ABE program), can provide volunteer tutors to work one-to-one with adult non-readers and non-English speaking adults. All these services are provided free of charge to adults. Adult Basic Education is located in the Tays Special Events Center (575) 439-3812.

Assessment of Student Learning:

As part of its continuing effort to maintain quality academic programs and to provide strong support services, NMSU-A routinely conducts outcomes assessment activities. Students may be required to participate in one or more of these activities (i.e., capstone exams, exit interviews, and standardized tests).

Bookstore:

The NMSU-A Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, is located on the lower level of the Student Services Building. The Bookstore sells required course textbooks, both new and used. The Bookstore also has school supplies and NMSU-A insignia clothing items. The Bookstore is open during posted hours. Students may obtain a refund on books purchased when the books are returned before the last day for refunds. This date is listed in the Schedule of Classes (no refunds will be given after this time). Refunds will be given on books that were purchased for the present semester only. A cash register receipt must be presented to receive a refund. Full refunds will not be given for wrapped books or software that have been unwrapped. Additionally, the Bookstore holds a textbook buy-back. The days and times of the buy-back are printed in the Schedule of Classes and posted on campus during the days of the buy-back.

College Success Course:

All first time freshman are required to take the COLL 101 course during their first semester. The one credit version of the course is required on all degrees. Any student having taken the three credit version surpassed the degree requirements. The curriculum covers knowledge and skills which will help all individuals be more successful throughout the college experience.

Computer Center:

The Computer Lab at NMSU‑A is open to all registered students. More than 110 state‑of‑the‑art IBM‑compatible computers are available for student use in three labs located in the Science Center, the Library and the Technical Education Building. Labs are open fourteen hours a day during the weekdays, evenings, and on weekends. Proctors are available to assist students using the labs. All labs are networked to the same file server, so the same computer capability, including electronic mail, is available to all labs. For the visually impaired students, the Computer Lab also has computers with synthetic speech capability, screen/character enlargers, and a Braille printer.

Distance Learning Education:

NMSU‑A delivers many courses in a web-based format. Additionally, courses are offered face-to-face in Alamogordo, Cloudcroft, Tularosa, Mescalero, HAFB, and at Academy del Sol in Alamogordo. Some upper-division classes are received by NMSU‑A through two-way interactive video technology. Check the current course schedule for the availability of web-based, off-campus, interactive video, and NMSU face-to-face distance education offerings. Classes and workshops for community organizations are received by satellite (KU and C Band) and interactive video. For detailed information on distance education and weekend programs distributed by NMSU Las Cruces campus, visit the Office of Distance Education web site at distance.nmsu.edu

A list of NMSU-A online classes may be found at nmsua.edu/classes. Information can also be obtained from Academic Advisors at (575) 439-3720.

Food Services:

The campus provides on-campus food service at the Bistro (the deli) located in the Student Union Building. Food services also provides catering services for on-campus meetings and conferences.

Holloman Air Force Base (HAFB):

Classes are offered at HAFB in two 8-week sessions for the fall and spring semesters and two 5-week sessions for the summer semester. Classes are open to active duty military, their dependents, DoD civilians, and community members. Academic and admission information is available in the NMSU‑A Office located in the Education Services Office - HAFB Learning Center, Bldg. 224/Suite 249.

HAFB Vehicle Pass:

Students who do not have access to HAFB must first register for class and then request a Holloman Air Force Base Access Request Form from the NMSU‑A Admissions & Records Office. Procedures for obtaining the base vehicle pass are explained in the current Schedule of Classes.

Academic Support Center:

The Academic Support Center offers free assistance in writing, accounting, reading and mathematics. Tutors are available to assist students with problems or concerns that they may have in any of these subject areas. The Academic Support Center has day, evening and weekend hours. The writing center also provides an online writing center service to students.

Resource Centers:

The Nursing Resource Center provides individual and computerized tutorial assistance as well as reference books and video tapes.

The Language Lab Resource Center provides tutoring and assistance in Spanish and German languages.

Library:

The David H. Townsend Library provides reference and information services to NMSU‑A students, faculty and staff, as well as community residents. The library has over 20 computers available and also checks out laptops to students which can be taken anywhere in the library building. The library provides access to over 12,000 electronic journals and magazines and also has available in print format approximately 40,000 books, 140 journal and magazine subscriptions, and over 2,000 videos. Books and videos may also be requested from the NMSU Las Cruces campus and can be delivered to Alamogordo within two working days. The library also provides study space and group study rooms. Research assistance is available on a “drop in” basis, as well as through tours and class sessions. For hours and additional information please see the library website at nmsua.edu/library.

Small Business Development Center

“Building New Mexico’s Economy One Business at a Time”

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at NMSU-Alamogordo provides free, confidential counseling to small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs in the areas of business planning, evaluation, marketing, management, financial analysis and loan package preparation. The SBDC assists with all aspects of starting and managing a business, as well as finding solutions to challenges faced by existing business owners and entrepreneurs. The Alamogordo SBDC is part of the New Mexico SBDC Network, consisting of 19 centers throughout the state. Free and low-cost training and workshops are also available. Through a vast network of local, state and federal resource partners, the Alamogordo SBDC is able to provide clients and students with access to numerous business resources. For more information on small business counseling and training opportunities, please call the SBDC at (575) 439-3660 or visit us online at www.nmsbdc.org.

Student Conduct

The policies and procedures related to student conduct are published annually in the Student Handbook which is available free of charge to all students. The Vice President for Student Services serves as the NMSU‑A Discipline Officer for student misconduct. The Vice President of Academic Affairs serves as the Hearing Officer for academic misconduct. The Student Handbook can also be located on the web site’s Student Resources page nmsua.edu/students.

ID Cards:

All students are encouraged to get an NMSU-A ID card. Cards are available in the audio visual department in the library. The card is required to check books out of the library, allows students into school events, and gives a discount to students for some activities. The card contains the Banner student ID number. Students should have the number readily available for all activities and services on campus.

Student Safety:

NMSU-A strives to provide a safe campus for students. There are three security guards who alternate day, evening, and weekend shifts. They maintain an office in the Physical Plant. Upon request, campus security guards will escort students, faculty, and/or staff to their automobiles during
evening hours.

Safety procedures, campus crime statistics, and drug and alcohol policies are routinely updated on the NMSU-A web page.

Lost and found items are maintained in the security office located in the Physical Plant.

Children on Campus:

NMSU-A is an institution of higher education. Therefore, parents are urged to leave children at home and/or in the care of an adult. Children must ALWAYS be attended by a responsible adult when on campus. Leaving children unattended (on the patio, in the Bistro, in lounges, outside classrooms, etc.) is not permitted. Children are permitted in classrooms at the instructor’s discretion. Children must not be permitted to disrupt classes.

Student Union Building:

The Student Union Building serves as a central recreational and leisure area for the NMSU‑A student population. It houses the Bistro (the deli), a TV Room, student lounges, a recreation room with game tables, a quiet study room, and offices for chartered student organizations. A conference room is available for student meetings, and must be scheduled through the student government president.

Student Involvement Log:

Student activities on campus can be transcribed on a Student Involvement Log. Off-campus activities can also be transcribed by receipt of a signed statement from the organization at which volunteer service was performed.

Student Organizations & Activities

The Vice President for Student Services advises and assists in the coordination of activities and events sponsored by student organizations. Activity approvals and contracts for these events are processed by this office as well as student organization chartering.

The Alpha Nu Beta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) was chartered in 1986 and is a growing academic honorary organization on the NMSU-A campus. Students who meet the minimum eligibility criteria may be invited to become members. To be eligible for membership, a student must carry a grade point average of 3.5 or above, must be currently enrolled at NMSU-A, and must demonstrate leadership qualities.

Business Professionals of America, NMSU‑A Chapter, is a nationally-affiliated student organization open to students enrolled in classes with business employment as their career objective. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership abilities through participation in vocational education, civic, recreational, and social activities. Students learn organizational, entrepreneurial, and management skills through group participation and through competitive events.

Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) is open to all students, faculty, and staff who desire to share their faith and beliefs in Jesus Christ. The group provides encouragement and spiritual growth as well as differing points of view on weekly discussion topics on various Bible themes. Meetings consist of prayer, singing, sharing of prayer requests, and study of topics that affect the Christian in their day-to-day walk.

Epsilon Tau Sigma is a national fraternity for military service veterans. The Alamogordo chapter is officially recognized and chartered by the Executive Board of the National Veterans Fraternity and was the first chapter to be established in New Mexico. Epsilon Tau Sigma at NMSU‑A is a social and recognition fraternity founded for the purpose of organizing college students who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces; building morale among veteran students; conducting social and academic activities; and conducting fund raising events for worthy charities.

National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA), established nationally in 1952, is a voluntary organization through which nursing students or prospective nursing students practice self governance; advocate for student rights and the rights of patients; and take collective, responsible action on vital social and political issues. Participating in NSNA prepares students for eventual participation in professional nursing organizations. Through active participation in NSNA, students have access to prominent nursing leaders and peers from around their home state and throughout the country.

Native American Student Group (NASG) is an organized and visible force on the NMSU‑A campus whose membership includes faculty, staff, and non-Native American students as well as Native American students. The organization strives to foster and promote a greater understanding of the Native American community within the academic environment and educate people about Native American cultural traditions.

Social Science Club was founded in 1998 and invites all students interested in the social sciences to join. Along with discussions about how the social sciences can work for everyone, two or more field trips are taken each semester to local archaeological and historical sites, places of interest, such as Save the Chimpanzee Foundation or local group meetings (e.g., NAACP), and occasionally to places just to have fun (IMAX Theater). This club sponsors campus recycling and is interested in environmental as well as social concerns.

Student Government council represents the student body of NMSU-A for decisions impacting quality of student life and finances available to the students. They encourage cooperation and communication between students, university personnel and campus/community organizations. The group appoints students to serve on various campus committees and provide a forum for student expression and the exchange of student-faculty views.

Student National Education Association (SNEA) is a student chapter organization affiliated with the National Education Association. NMSU‑A students belong to this organization as they anticipate and prepare to become full-time teachers.

Computer Users Group (CUG) is organized and operated exclusively to promote the following: educational, scientific, and recreational uses of computing machinery; an increased knowledge of, and greater interest in the science, design, development, construction, languages, applications; and a means of communication with and between students who have an interest in computing with knowledgeable staff, faculty, and community members.

Costs

The published costs are for one semester. The university reserves the right to change any of the charges without notice. Updated information is in the current semester Schedule of Classes.

Tuition and Fees

RESIDENTS In-district

Full‑time enrollment (12‑18 credits) per semester $756.00

($61.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Total cost per credit: $63.00

Each credit over 18 credits $63.00

Part‑time enrollment (1‑11 credits) per credit $63.00

($61.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Total tuition and fees per credit $63.00

RESIDENTS Out‑of‑District

Full-time enrollment (12-18 credits) per semester $864.00

($70.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Total cost per credit $72.00

Each credit over 18 credits $72.00

Part-time enrollment (1-11 credits) per credit $72.00

($70.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Total tuition and fees per credit $72.00

NON‑RESIDENTS*

Full‑time enrollment (12‑18 credits) per semester $2,088.00

($172.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Each credit over 18 credits $174.00

Part‑time enrollment (7‑11 credits) per credit $174.00

($172.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Total tuition and fees per credit (7-12 credits) $174.00

Part-time enrollment (1-6 credits*) per credit $72.00

($70.00 per credit plus $2.00 Student Fee)

*During a regular semester, non‑resident tuition is waived for students enrolling for 6 or less credits.

Total tuition and fees per credit (1-6 credits) $72.00

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY

Full-time enrollment (12-18 credits) per semester $756.00

($63.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

Each credit over 18 credits $63.00

Part-time enrollment (1-11 credits) per credit $63.00

($61.00 per credit plus $2.00 per credit Student Fee)

All students attending summer sessions pay resident tuition.

Additional Fees

The following are ADDITIONAL FEES that will be assessed to the student.

Payment Plan Fee:

Students who have not paid tuition and fees in full by the prescribed date will be accessed a payment plan fee of $20.00. See the Schedule of Classes for specific dates.

Matriculation Fee:

$20 first time NMSU students (non-refundable)

$50 first time international students (non-refundable)

Late Registration Fee:

$25 assessed for late registration (non-refundable)

Degree Application Fee:

$25 for each associate’s degree

$10 for each certificate

Late Degree Application Fee:

$25 Additional Fee (non-refundable)

Laboratory Fees:

(Refundable only through 100% refund period)

$5 Lab Fee for:

BIOL, CHEM, GEOL

$5 Course Fee for:

EDUC 195

$10 Lab Fee for:

PE 102, 202;

CMT 165

$15 Facility Fee for:

PE 131, 276

$20 Lab Fee for:

ART 250, 271;

E T 104, 106, 122, 153, 155, 180, 183, 183L, 184L, 200, 216, 246, 253, 256, 262, 272, 276, 282, 283, 284, 285

$30 Lab Fee for:

Art 160, 161, 163, 267, 268, 272;

OEPT 130, 150, 215, 217

$40 Lab Fee for:

Art 270, 275, 276, 294;

CMT 115, 135, 165, 175, 182, 225;

OEPT 100;

all ceramics courses;

NURS 185, 275, 280, 284

$120 Lab Fee:

NURS 180, 270, 283

$185 Lab Fee:

NURS 170

National Nursing Exam Fee:

$40 per semester (non-refundable) for tests in the following courses: NURS 170, 180, 185, 270, 275, 280, 283, 284

All enrolled NMSU‑A students may use classroom computers for no additional fee.

Student Printer Usage Fee:

A special general student printer usage fee will be assessed at the rate of $0.05 per page and $0.10 per duplex page. At the beginning of the academic year (August) every student receives $5.00 (100 pages) free. Additional printing may be purchased at the Business Office and the receipt brought to the Computer Center so the funds can be added to the students printing account. All printing accounts will be terminated at the end of the academic year (May) and me reimbursement of unused funds will be given.

Students enrolled during the summer session will receive 100 pages ($5.00) free. All summer printing accounts will be terminated at the end of the summer session and no reimbursements of unused funds will be given.

These printer access and printing fees apply to general printing carried out in the computer lab, nursing lab, library, and academic support center. Printing, as a requirement in the classroom, will be covered under applicable class fees rather than general fees.

Students will be able prompted before the job is sent to the printer and will be able to check the status of funds remaining in their account.

Resident, Non-Resident Status:

Resident or non-resident status shall be determined according to a uniform definition established for all New Mexico institutions by the New Mexico Higher Education Department and administered by the Registrars of the various institutions. Additional information is available in the Office of Admissions & Records in the Student Services Building.

Non-resident active duty and foreign military personnel stationed in New Mexico and their family members are considered in-district for tuition purposes. Active duty personnel and their dependents who attend NMSU or one of its community colleges for the first time or who return after an absence from NMSU must pick up an Application for Active Duty Military Tuition Residence from the HAFB Education Office or the Office of Admissions & Records and return the completed application to the NMSU‑A Admissions & Records Office or the NMSU‑A office at HAFB at the time of admission or readmission.

Senior Citizen Discount:

Applicants, age 65 or older and who are New Mexico residents may be eligible for the Senior Citizens Reduced Tuition Program. Contact the Admissions & Records Office for more information.

Payment of Charges:

All charges are payable at registration unless arrangements for payment on a deferred payment basis are made with the Business Office. Registration, which includes payment or arrangements for payment, should be completed with the Business Office before the date noted in the Schedule of Classes. After that date, late registration fees will be assessed. (See paragraph on “Late Fees.”) Payment can be made by cash, check, or valid VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card.

NMSU‑A reserves the right to deny this privilege to those who have not made timely payments in the past.

Academic credits, transcripts, and diplomas will be withheld until all financial obligations are paid. Students are prohibited from registering for a semester until all previous semester accounts are paid in full.

Late Fees:

A late registration or late payment fee of $25 will be charged to all students registering for courses beginning the first day of class for each semester or summer session. The late fee is assessed to encourage students to enroll before classes start.

Failure to make payment arrangements with the Business Office at the time of registration may result in additional liability.

Refunds and Forfeitures:

All charges for a semester must be paid in full before refunds are permitted.

Any student officially withdrawing or dropping a course during a semester or summer session may receive a refund of tuition and fees as outlined in the current Schedule of Classes. Lab fees are refundable in full but only during the 100% refund period.

The refund schedule applies when courses are dropped and a tuition adjustment is necessary. Refunds will be given on short courses only if the student withdraws from the course prior to the first day of class. No refunds will be given after the short course begins.

Should unforeseen circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the university result in curtailing classes, or otherwise withdrawing services that are a normal function of NMSU, refunds of any nature will be at the discretion of the university administration.