Office for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
The general goal of the Office for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is to contribute to the mission of WNMU through the development and continuation of programs and services which assist students in understanding themselves (self-development) and others (group responsibility). The specific goals of the Office for Student Affairs Office and Enrollment Management are to:
- Provide students with a stimulating educational and developmental environment;
- Encourage student participation in educational, cultural, governmental, social, and recreational activities;
- Make available a variety of services designed to assist in the educational, vocational, and personal development of each student’s attributes;
- Study and interpret the needs and interests of students as related to the University community and society, and the needs and interests of society as related to the student.
The Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management is the administrative officer directly responsible for the coordination and development of the areas of student affairs and student services. Staff members are dedicated to achieving the goals of the office. Every student is strongly encouraged to visit the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management located in the Juan Chacon Building, Room 264, to discuss the various aspects of campus life.
Admissions
The Office of Admissions is responsible for the recruitment of domestic and international students. This may include the recruitment of both undergraduate and graduate students, transfer students, as well as non-degree bound students. The office also works dual credit and concurrent high school students.
Students accepted for admission to WNMU have graduated from high school and have taken a college preparatory curriculum or completed the High School Equivalency tract. It is recommended that high school students complete at least four units of English, three units of social studies (including U.S. History), two units of science, and three units of mathematics.
The Office of Admissions also administers the Tuition Award program for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), Arizona, Colorado, and El Paso waivers. These programs provide reduced tuition for students from the 14 western states under the WUE program. Students receiving this award pay 1. times the resident tuition rate plus fees. The Colorado, Arizona, and El Paso waivers allow undergraduate students from these areas to attend the university at resident tuition rates plus fees. Graduate students from El Paso County and from Colorado are also eligible for these waivers. For specific details regarding these programs, please visit http://admissions.wnmu.edu/save/ or contact the office of Admissions at 575-538- 6000 or call us at our toll-free number at 1-800-USA-WNMU.
Art Activities
The annual Juried Student Art Exhibit, held in the closing weeks of spring semester, is open to all WNMU students; enrollment in art classes is not required.
Athletic Activities
The intercollegiate athletic program is organized and administered by the Athletic Director.
Intercollegiate athletics are designed to provide opportunities for students to develop athletic skills through a planned program of intercollegiate competition. The objectives of the program are:
- To develop desirable social attitudes and standards of conduct;
- To develop positive attitudes toward sports and their role in the general school program;
- To provide practical laboratory experiences for prospective coaches.
Opportunities for participation in intercollegiate competition are provided in the following sports: women’s basketball, volleyball, golf, tennis, softball, and cross country; men’s basketball, football, golf, tennis, and cross country.
The Faculty Athletic Committee acts as an advisory body to the Athletic Department. Intercollegiate athletics operate as a part of the total student activity program. The regulations conform to the requirements of membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Career & Leadership Development
The Office of Career & Leadership Development is located in the Center for Student Success and works to provide assistance to students and alumni seeking employment both before and after graduation. Students are assisted during the job and internship process by office staff to create and design resumes, creating job application letters and receiving help in developing appropriate job interviewing skills. Students and alumni are informed of current employment opportunities via campus bulletin boards, Mustang Express, the WNMU Career Services web page, and job search web sites. The Office of Career and Leadership Development will host two career fairs: one in the fall as well as one in the spring in conjunction with the Student Academic Research Symposium. We also collaborate with other universities in job fairs statewide.
Students are assisted in establishing career portfolios which are made available to prospective employers and include resume information, grade records, and evaluations. Services provided by the Office of Career Services are extended to graduates and current students. Current seniors, graduate students, and alumni with active portfolios may participate in on-campus interviews.
In addition to providing career-related services, the Office of Career and Leadership Development also provides student with leadership development opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through office initiatives and programs, students will have the opportunity to practice, imitate, and apply leadership skills that will benefit not only their personal lives, but also their community and organizational endeavors.
Disability Services: Services for students with disabilities are provided through Student Health Services in the Juan Chacon Building, lower level Suite 147. Services include alternate text, assistive technology information, campus housing arrangements, campus accessibility and disability parking information, priority registration assistance, new student orientation, testing accommodations, advocacy, or assistance with any other campus disability-related needs. The WNMU Web website, http://health.wnmu.edu/accessibility/students/, where you will find detailed information about services, the initial process, documentation, resources and forms for students, faculty and staff. Some examples of the assistance provided are: audio materials for the blind or dyslexic, note takers, readers, extended time for written assignments and testing, and a quiet testing area. In order to qualify for these services, documentation must be provided by qualified professionals on an annual basis. Disability Services forms are available in the Student Health Services and online and on our website. Disability Services is Western New Mexico University’s liaison for students with disabilities. Disability Services hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Appointments are recommended. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended.
Office of Financial Aid
WNMU’s Financial Aid program provides assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend WNMU. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment, which may be offered singly or in various combinations to qualified students. Financial Aid information may be found under the Office of Financial Aid section of the catalog.
New Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation program is administered by the Center for Student Success. Attending orientation is mandatory for new students. It is intended to help new students become acquainted with the faculty, staff, campus, and culture at WNMU and the surrounding community. New student orientations are held during the summer, as well as early January for new students who register in the spring.
Orientation is an opportunity for students to complete Financial Aid, housing applications, and finalize with the Business Office. In order to get the most out of the New Student Orientation, it is strongly recommended that students complete placement testing (ACCUPLACER, ACT, or SAT) and register for fall classes prior to visiting campus for the two-day program. The two-day summer program an introduction to the WNMU Outdoor Experience Program, an overview of services available to students, and several other activities to foster a positive experience. For spring registrants the orientation is online and it is important for new students to have testing and spring classes registration completed before orientation.
Orientation participants are assigned an Orientation Leader (OL). OLs are also students at WNMU, that have been selected and trained by WNMU staff to lead and mentor freshmen at orientation and throughout the first year to help first year students assimilate to college life. New Student Orientation activities are programmed throughout the fall and spring semester, in conjunction with Campus Rec, Residence Life, Student Activities, Career Services, and other offices on campus. For more information on the New Student Orientation Program, contact the Center for Student Success at css@wnmu.edu, or at (575)538-6400.
Outreach Programs
WNMU’s Outreach Programs is located in the Office of Admissions and is designed to give students a college experience while they are still in high school at little or no cost to them or their parents. Dual Credit and Concurrent classes give these students both high school and college credit simultaneously. HERO (Higher Education Reaching Out) offers high school students in selected schools the opportunity to make campus visits, develop leadership skills, participate in service learning projects, etc. We also offer a five weeks summer residential program (Health Careers Academy) in conjunction with Hidalgo Medical Services, FORWARD NM), and the Gila Regional Health Center. Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in pursuing health careers are eligible to apply. Students from Grant, Catron, Luna and Hidalgo counties will be given priority in the selection process.
Office of the Registrar
The Office of the Registrar at Western New Mexico University is the keeper of all student academic records. The Office is responsible for the oversight of all registrations and enrollments; name and address changes, including end-of-term grade processing, grade changes, class schedules, classroom scheduling, enrollment and degree verification, transcript processing, ad hoc reporting, university catalog, degree evaluation, commencement ceremonies, transfer evaluations, and fulfilling many types of request from faculty, staff, and students.
Veteran students and their dependents who receive VA Educational Benefits may find assistance within the Office of Veteran Affairs. This sub-component of the Office of Veteran Affairs is responsible for the administration of veteran’s educational benefits programs and the necessary enrollment certification. We encourage veterans attending WNMU who receive benefits to contact us in person, by phone, or e-mail us at Veterans@wnmu.edu.
Veterans receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits are eligible for in-state tuition through the Veterans In-State Tuition Act.
Veteran students enrolled under the following programs are responsible for their tuition and fees in the same manner as a non-veteran student:
- Montgomery “GI Bill®” -Active Duty (Ch. 30)
- Dependents (Ch.35)
- Montgomery “GI Bill®” -Selected Reserve (Ch.1606)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)Tuition and fees of students enrolled under the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Ch. 31) will be paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under contract with the university.
In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), this educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 “GI Bill®” (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. This educational institution will not:
- Prevent the student’s enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
- Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
- Provide a written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.
Responsibility of Veteran Students
Students must be pursuing a degree in a specific program to be eligible for benefits. Admission procedures for veterans and other eligible persons are the same as for all students. Academic advisors must submit degree plans to VA Office within the Office of the Registrar prior to certification. For continued certification, students must submit a Student Schedule to the VA Office every semester.
Veterans must notify the VA office when any of the following occurs:
- Dropping or adding course(s)
- Withdrawing from course(s)
- Discontinuing regular class attendance
- Changing programs (academic majors)
VA education benefits are payable for regular attendance in courses that are part of the veteran’s program (major) curriculum. VA educational benefits are not payable for:
- Classes not attended regularly
- Repeating a course for which a passing grade was received
- Classes for which credit is received through successful completion of a proficiency test or grade by examination
- Classes taken on an audit basis
- Classes that are dropped or withdrawn from
- Classes taken that are not part of the veteran’s program (major) curriculum
Veterans’ Attendance and Satisfactory Progress
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs requires all veterans receiving VA education benefits to make satisfactory progress and systematic advancement toward an educational objective or be liable for over-payments. Satisfactory progress and regular class attendance are expected of such students.
- If a veteran receiving benefits is suspended for academic reasons, benefits are terminated and will be restored only after readmission to WNMU.
- A student receiving VA education benefits should adhere to the curriculum of that program. Failure to do so will result in the student being certified for less than full-time status or becoming liable for an overpayment.
Residence Life
The Office of Housing and Residence Life is committed to providing a community were students live where they learn. WNMU Housing and Residence life focuses on developing community in the residence halls to provide students with the opportunity for holistic growth.
Housing and Residence Life is a place where students can expect to be active on campus, evolved in education, and contribute to student community development at WNMU and the town of Silver City.
Diversified student interest programs are provided by the Office of Housing and Residence Life to promote intellectual and physical growth through their college years. Program participation is essential to a well-rounded community and personal college experience.
For detailed Housing and Residence Life information please see the “Residence Life section.”
Student Government
In conjunction with the WNMU administration, student government is involved in the development of campus policies and programs. Student government organizations enable students to discuss and act upon matters of student concern. These organizations include: the Associated Students, the Executive Council, the Student Supreme Court, and the Student Senate. In addition, students are represented on standing faculty committees that include: Athletics, Cultural Events, Curriculum and Instruction, Evaluation, Instructional Resource, Teacher Education, Graduate Council, and other committees.
Each student who registers for one hour or more and pays his/her activity fee automatically becomes a member of the Associated Students. The Associated Students operate under a written constitution. Certain property and equipment used by the students are owned in the name of the Associated Students. Election of the general student officers and campus-wide student elections are conducted under the name of the Associated Students.
The legislative powers of the Associated Students are vested in the Student Senate. The Senate shall review all budgets prepared by the Executive Council before they are adopted, shall approve or disapprove all major appointments of the student body president, shall be empowered to conduct business deemed necessary to the student interest, and shall have the power to override a student body presidential veto. The Associated Students operate a judicial system consisting of a Student Supreme Court.
Student Handbook
Detailed policies and procedures affecting student life are printed in the WNMU Student Handbook. The handbook covers student conduct and discipline, academic regulations, WNMU policies and student organizations. The Student Handbook may be obtained at https://admin.wnmu.edu/handbooks/student-handbook/.
Student Health Services
Student Health Services: WNMU students have access to health services through Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS). Specific services are covered with payment of student fees and they include five medical appointments, one dental appointment, and 15 counseling appointments per academic year. For services that are not covered by student fees, the student can provide his or her insurance or inquire about sliding scale fee options through HMS. A student should call ahead for appointments. HMS has located available to students in Lordsburg, Bayard, and Silver City. A current Mustang Card must be presented at the time of each visit. For more information, contact 575-388-1511.
Counseling Services: Services are provided through Hidalgo Medical Services (HMS). Counseling services help students get through tough times, whether it is a crisis, mental health issues, stress, difficulty with public speaking, relationship problems, or anytime a WNMU student needs to talk to someone. It is recommended to call to schedule a counseling appointment. A current Mustang Card must be presented at the time of each visit. To schedule an appointment, call 575-388-1511.
Student Life
The Department of Student Life serves as an integral part of student success and retention at WNMU. The department provides students with an exciting, engaging, student-focused experience centered around student success and leadership development. Student Life works as a comprehensive model that includes Student Activities, Multicultural Affairs, Campus Recreation and Residence Life.
The Student Activities office exists to facilitate active participation in extracurricular activities and leadership and promotes healthy social interaction for all students. The office coordinates events with other departments, clubs and organizations on campus to develop social programs such as tailgates, dances, lectures, etc. The Student Activities office nourishes social life on campus and provides students with a welcoming social space. The Student Life Director works as a liaison between the students, university and local community. The office promotes diversity and works to celebrate the array of cultures that makes up our university such as, but not limited to, Black History, Mexican/Chicano/Hispanic, Native American, Asian American and Women’s History. There are many ways for students to get involved on campus and we hope to serve as a connection point for students in finding the niche that is right for them.
The Campus Recreation office serves as a vital and integral part of student life on campus. The department provides a broad spectrum of sports, recreation and leisure activities for students, staff and faculty, as well as members of the local community. The primary direction is to provide services and programs that stimulate growth, development and retention of students in a contemporary and safe environment that develops fitness and wellness, social interaction and leadership opportunities. The office seeks to promote healthy lifestyles and lifelong learning through the highest quality programs in the areas of recreation and wellness. The Intramural Sports Program provides all students with an opportunity to participate in organized sporting events and take part in various leisure activities. This participation is governed only by the students’ time and interest. In addition to providing activities, equipment and facilities for students, the program also provides the same amenities for faculty and staff members. Through participation, individuals will have an opportunity to develop an appreciation of the essential use of leisure time and a wholesome attitude toward sports, physical activity and fair play. C Rec enhances campus life through the various programs and facilities made avail-able to students. Recreational and fitness facilities are available to students free of charge. Creating a balance between physical and educational well-being is essential.
Student Publications
Editorial staff works with the Mustang staff to edit the student newspaper, the Mustang. Working scholarships are awarded to the editors. Applications for this position must be made to the Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Office.
Testing
The WNMU Testing Center administers all national standardized testing on campus. These tests include the General Educational Development (GED) or High School Equivalency (HiSet) test for individuals wishing to earn a high school equivalency degree; the American College Test (ACT); the Student Aptitude Test (SAT), the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for students wishing to receive college credit for prior life experience and learning; the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), the National Counselors Exam (NCE), and ACCUPLACER.
Other tests may be administered or proctored by special arrangement with Testing Center staff/Testing Coordinator.
Theater Activities
Student productions are presented in the Fine Arts Center Theatre, Light Hall Auditorium and the Chase Webb Arena Theater.
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