Financial Aid, Office of

General Information

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

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

Financial Aid program provides assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend WNMU. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment, which may be offered singly or in various combinations to qualified students. Student aid from WNMU and other sources is supplementary to the efforts of the student. The total amount of financial assistance offered a student may not exceed the amount he/she needs. The determination of needs is evaluated, using a federally determined formula based on the support which the student may expect from other sources (such as the student’s family). The ability of a family to meet WNMU expenses will be determined by considering the family’s relative financial strength in terms of income, assets, and debts, and of additional children to be educated. WNMU will clearly state the total yearly expenses for the student. Students who need Financial Aid should expect to borrow a reasonable part of this aid to meet the cost of their education. WNMU’s Financial Aid funds and employment opportunities will be offered as a package arrangement to incoming and enrolled students. The Office of Financial Aid will provide upon request, each week during the spring semester, workshops describing the application process as well as avenues toward alternative funding. All students who require financial assistance are urged to attend at least one of these sessions. The Student Office of Financial Aid will provide further information regarding the guidelines for each type of aid.

All students desiring federal financial assistance are required to:

1. Apply for Financial Aid. This can be accomplished with a single form - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online @ www.fafsa.ed.gov;
2. Indicate on FAFSA the WNMU ID# 002664. The Office of Financial Aid will receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) electronically. This information is used in the determination of type and amount of Financial Aid award;
3. Undergraduate and graduate students must be regular admitted students to be eligible.

First time incoming transfer students must also have a transfer credit evaluation.

Disbursal of Funds

A student will receive an award notification that will describe the award package and instructions to log on to the WNMU Web site and how to proceed to the Financial Aid Section. Whereas, scholarship and grants are automatically accepted, loans and work-study must be accepted by the student. The student must follow the instructions for the appropriate award to participate in these programs. The student will receive credit for these awards in the Business Office.

Returning Title IV Federal Aid

The Office of Financial Aid at Western New Mexico University is required by the Department of Education to recalculate federal Financial Aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed or take leave of absence prior to completing 60 percent of the semester. Federal Title IV Aid includes Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG); TEACH Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan and Plus Loan. The withdrawal date is defined by the Department of Education as the date the student begins the institutional withdrawal process, last date of recorded attendance, or the mid-point of the term for a student who leaves without notifying the institution. Students who are officially withdrawing from all of their courses may initiate the withdrawal process on-line through their Mustang Express account. The withdrawal process will be done electronically. It is important that the student assures proper withdrawal for all courses:

The percentage of the period that the student remained enrolled is derived by dividing the number of days the student attended by the number of days in the period. Until a student has passed the 60% point of an enrollment period, only a portion of the student’s aid has been earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% is considered to have earned all awarded aid for the enrollment period.

The unearned portion of Federal Student aid Funds will be returned to the appropriate aid program(s). The funds are returned in the following order:

1. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
2. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal Graduate Plus Loan
5. Federal Plus Loan
6. Federal Pell Grant
7. Federal SEOG Grant
8. Federal Teach Grant

A school must return unearned funds for which it is responsible as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days from the determination of a student’s withdrawal. Students withdrawing from classes are responsible for payment of any balance due after the required return of Federal Student Aid Funds to the Business Office.

Recalculation will be based on percent of earned aid using the following formula:

1. Percent earned equals number of days completed up to the withdrawal dated divided by the number of days in the semester. For example, if the semester begins on August 17th and the student withdrew on September 10th the following formula applies:
   25 days completed/101 day of instruction in the fall semester = 24.8 percent earned Financial Aid
2. Federal Financial Aid is returned to the Department of Education based on the percent of unearned aid and will be calculated as 100 percent of time in the term minus the percent completed (above) multiplied by the amount of aid disbursed. For example: using the 24.8 percent of earned time above, for a student who received a $2,675 grant and his total charges are $1,769.28 the following formula applies:
   100% or (101 days) - 24.8% earned or (25 days completed) = 75.2% unearned
   Student charges = $1,769.28 * 75.2 percent = $1,330.48 to be refunded to the federal aid program.
3. This is the required federal refund policy and does not take into account Western New Mexico University’s policy of 100 percent and 0 percent tuition refund. Any University refund will be used to repay the aid programs first. If, as in the example above, a student withdraws on September 10th, he or she will be in 0 percent refund time period or they will receive only 0 percent of tuition charges. The student will still owe a refund of 75.2 percent of aid received.
   
   For example:

To remain eligible for Federal Student Aid during the semester, the student must be attending classes, taking exams and completing required course work.

To be eligible for Financial Aid for the following semester(s), the student must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress toward degree completion as determined by federal regulation in conjunction with the university policy.

Unofficial Withdrawals:

A student who receives all Fs or Ws, for non-attendance, for the semester will owe a refund to the Title IV Aid Programs. The refund will be calculated as if the student withdrew at 50 percent of the semester, unless the student’s last day can be determined through an academically related activity.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students

Purpose and Scope

Federal regulations mandate that a student receiving financial assistance under Title IV programs must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in his or her course of study regardless of whether or not Financial Aid is awarded each semester. Western New Mexico University’s (WNMU’s) Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students must be applied consistently to all Financial Aid recipients within identifiable categories of students (such as full-time or part-time).

Students pursuing Certificates, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s degrees are responsible for understanding and adhering to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress for Undergraduate Students is measured with the following standards as mandated by Federal Regulations:

• Qualitative (Cumulative Grade Point Average)
• Quantitative (Maximum Time Frame for Completion)
• Quantitative Percentage (Attempted Hours/Earned Hours)

Qualitative Standard

Students will be expected to maintain the minimum academic standards as outlined in the Academic Standing section of the WNMU Catalog. WNMU uses a 4-point scale for grade point average (G.P.A.) and requires students to maintain a 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. or better.

Quantitative Standard

The quantitative standard is used to accurately measure a student’s progress in a program. There are two components of the quantitative standard:

1. Quantitative Percentage: 67% Completion Rate Requirement
   
   Students must complete 67% of the course load for which they register each semester. The chart below shows credit hour totals and the number of credits that must be completed to meet this requirement. Developmental /remedial course work will be counted in the 67% calculation.
    

   Undergraduate Students 67% Completion Rate Requirement (Attempted Semester Hours X 67%)
   Attempted Semester Credit Hours	67% Completion Rate Requirement	Earned Semester Credit Hours must be more than or equal to: (amended 10/25/12)
   18 Credit Hours	67%	12 Credit Hours
   17 Credit Hours	67%	11Credit Hours
   16 Credit Hours	67%	11 Credit Hours
   15 Credit Hours	67%	10 Credit Hours
   14 Credit Hours	67%	9 Credit Hours
   13 Credit Hours	67%	9 Credit Hours
   12 Credit Hours	67%	8 Credit Hours
   11 Credit Hours	67%	7 Credit Hours
   10 Credit Hours	67%	7 Credit Hours
   9 Credit Hours	67%	6 Credit Hours
   8 Credit Hours	67%	5 Credit Hours
   7 Credit Hours	67%	5 Credit Hours
   6 Credit Hours	67%	4 Credit Hours
   5 Credit Hours	67%	3 Credit Hours
   4 Credit Hours	67%	3 Credit Hours
   3 Credit Hours	67%	2 Credit Hours
   2 Credit Hours	67%	1 Credit Hour
   1 Credit Hour	67%	1 Credit Hour

2. Quantitative: Maximum Time Frame
   
   Maximum Time Frame is measured by dividing the number of credit hours that the student has attempted by the number of credit hours that are required to complete the student’s program of study. If the student reaches 150 percent, then he or she has reached the Maximum Time Frame. Note: Federal regulations mandate that students receiving financial assistance under Title IV will have a total of twelve (12) semesters to complete a program of study regardless of whether they reach their Maximum Time Frame.
   
   The graph below contains three examples.
    

   Maximum Time Frame Rule (Required Graduation Hours x Maximum Time Frame %)
   Graduation Requirement Hours	Maximum Time Frame Percentage	Attempted Hours Permitted
   120 Credit Hours	150%	180

   
   In the example, the program of study requires 120 credit hours to graduate. Therefore, 180 credit hours would be 150%; when the student reaches 180 credit hours attempted in that program, he or she will have reached his or her Maximum Time Frame.
   
   Students who reach the Maximum Time Frame allowed for a program of study will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension for which there is no appeal. However, students may complete their program of study but must pay their own expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc.

Maximum Time Frame Adjustment for Change of Major

Students who change their majors will not have credits attempted and grades earned excluded from the Maximum Time Frame calculation.

Students who graduate and return to WNMU for a 2nd degree

If a student graduates from WNMU and re-enrolls at WNMU to pursue another program, all developmental/remedial courses and academic courses where the student earned grades of “F”, “W,” or “I” will not be excluded from the Maximum Time Frame calculation.

How my grades are evaluated under the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students?

• The student’s cumulative G.P.A. must be a 2.0 or higher to satisfy the requirements of the qualitative standard of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students.
• Grades of “A”, “B”, “C”, “D,” “F,” “P”, and transfer credit will be considered credit hours attempted and earned.
• Grades of “W”, “MI,” “MW,” or “I” will not be considered as credit hours earned for the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and Maximum Time Frame Rule but will be considered as credit hours attempted for the semester.
• Students who withdraw from the college must still maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress for Undergraduate Students for the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and Maximum Time Frame Rule.

What happens if I fail to meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students?

1. Following the first semester in which a student does not meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning Status for the next semester of enrollment. Students may be allowed to receive Financial Aid funds while on Financial Aid Warning Status as long as they are otherwise eligible.
2. A student who is on Financial Aid Warning Status and who improves his or her academic performance as defined by the qualitative and quantitative standards will be placed in good standing and may be eligible to continue to receive Financial Aid for following semesters.
3. A student who is on Financial Aid Warning Status who fails to meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and denied further funding until he or she meets the qualitative and quantitative standards.
4. Appeals Process
   A student who fails to meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students because of unusual circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as illness, death in the family, or an accident, has the right to appeal. Throughout the appeal process the student must be prepared to pay his or her own expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc. Please follow the procedure below to appeal a Financial Aid Suspension.
   • A Financial Aid Appeal form must be obtained from and submitted to the WNMU Office of Financial Aid.
   • Documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances must be available for review.
   • It is the student’s responsibility to follow up with the Office of Financial Aid after submitting a complete appeal form with all of the required documentation to determine the status of his or her appeal.
   • Appeals will be approved or disapproved by the Office of Financial Aid Appeals Committee.
   • If a Financial Aid Appeal is approved, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation and will be eligible to receive Title IV aid. The student’s record is reviewed after the first semester of Financial Aid Probation. If the student has brought his or her cumulative G.P.A. up to a 2.0 and has also successfully completed 67% of the total number of credits attempted during the probation semester, he or she will be placed in good standing. If the student has completed 67% of the total number of credits but did not bring his or her cumulative G.P.A. up to a 2.0 and the term G.P.A. is a 2.0 or better, the student is eligible for one additional semester of probation. If the term G.P.A. is less than a 2.0, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. A student who is on Financial Aid Probation will be notified by university e-mail of his or her status and what he or she must do to continue to receive Financial Aid.
   • If a Financial Aid Appeal is disapproved, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and denied further funding until he or she meets the qualitative and quantitative standards. If otherwise eligible, a student may complete his or her program of study but must pay his or her own expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc.
   • All decisions made by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are final.

Additional Information

Complete Withdrawals and the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students

Students who completely withdraw must still maintain the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students. A complete withdrawal will always have a negative effect on a student’s standing under this policy. If a student completely withdraws during the semester and follows the appropriate procedures and deadlines, his or her grades for the semester will be all “W”s. These grades are not passing; therefore, the student did not meet the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and will be placed either on Financial Aid Warning, Financial Aid Probation, or Financial Aid Suspension depending on what his or her status was before the semester began.

Academic Probation and Suspension

Students on Academic Probation or Academic Suspension will automatically be placed on Financial Aid Warning or Financial Aid Suspension, respectively. If a student successfully appeals his or her Academic Probation or Academic Suspension, that appeal has no effect on his or her standing with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students; he or she will still be on Financial Aid Warning or Suspension. Please reference the Financial Aid Appeals Process section of this document for more information.

Notification of Status under the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Students placed on Financial Aid Probation or Financial Aid Suspension will be notified by university e-mail of their status after grades are available.

The effect of dropping or withdrawing from a course

Students who reduce their course load by dropping or withdrawing from a course after the semester has begun risk non-compliance with the 67% Completion Rate Requirement. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

The effect of Financial Aid Suspension on Financial Aid Awards

Title IV federal aid for undergraduate students consists of grants, loans, and student employment; therefore, all grants, loans, and student employment awards will be cancelled (or discontinued in the case of student employment) if a student is on Financial Aid Suspension.

Consortium Agreements and the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students

When WNMU has a Consortium Agreement with a participating institution, the student must meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students of the institution that is awarding aid.

The effect of repeating courses

There is no specific limitation on the number of times a student may attempt a course under the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students. All course attempts, even repeated courses, will count when assessing whether a student meets the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and/or Maximum Time Frame limit.

The effect of Incomplete grades

Courses in which a student receives an incomplete (“I”) at the end of the semester will count as attempted credit hours and as a non-passing grade when assessing if a student meets the 67% Completion Rate Requirement and/or Maximum Time Frame limit.

Renewal of Aid

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

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

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

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

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

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

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

New Mexico Student Incentive Grant / Leveraging Educational Assistance Partner

WNMU will provide to qualified undergraduates the New Mexico Student Incentive Grant for the academic year. Recipients of this grant must be residents of New Mexico who exhibit substantial financial need and who are enrolled full time. Students enrolled less than full-time will have their grant prorated based on enrollment hours. The application form for this program is the FAFSA.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $2,000 per semester and up to $4,000 per year in “grant” aid to eligible undergraduate and graduate students. Eligible undergraduate students may not receive more than $16,000 and graduate students may receive no more than $8000 in total TEACH Grant. Students enrolled less than full-time will have their TEACH Grant prorated based on enrollment hours. The amount of TEACH Grant awarded when combined with other student aid may not exceed a student’s cost of attendance (COA).

Loans

Federal Perkins Loans

It is a long-term, low-interest (5%) loan program for undergraduates and graduate students who show academic promise. These funds must be used to meet educational expense. The maximum amount an eligible student may borrow is $5,500 per award year for undergraduates or $8,000 per year for a graduate or professional student. The maximum aggregate amount an eligible student may borrow is (1) $27,000 for an undergraduate who has completed two academic years and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree; (2) $60,000 for a graduate student including loans borrowed as an undergraduate; and (3) $11,000 for any student who has not completed two academic years of undergraduate work.

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

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to borrow funds on an annual basis. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance, expected family contribution, grade level, and other resources received. Interest and principal payments are deferred as long as a student is enrolled at least halftime. Borrowers pay an origination fee that is deducted from each disbursement. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate student must be enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate credit hours. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 graduate credit hours. For a “First Year, First Time Borrower” student loans will not be disbursed until 30 days after the start of the semester.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Allows undergraduate and graduate student to borrow funds on an annual basis. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance, expected family contribution, grade level, and other resources received. Interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school and the student has the option of paying the interest payments or letting the interest payments be added to the loan amount. Loan principal payments are deferred as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers pay an origination fee that is deducted from each disbursement. Repayment of the loan plus interest begins six months after the student ceases to enroll at least halftime. Undergraduate student must be enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate credit hours. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 graduate credit hours. For a “First Year, First Time Borrower” student loans will not be disbursed until 30 days after the start of the semester.

Federal Direct Parent Loan

Based on need and allows parents of dependent students to borrow funds on an annual basis. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance and other resources received. Repayment of interest and principal payments are due once the loan has been fully disbursed (paid out). Borrowers pay an origination fee that is deducted from each disbursement. Borrowers must pass a credit check. Dependent students whose parents have been denied a PLUS loan due to an adverse credit history may be eligible for an additional federal direct unsubsidized loan.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

Based on need and allows students to borrow funds on an annual basis. The annual amount is dependent upon cost of attendance and other resources received. Repayment of interest and principal payments are due once the loan has been fully disbursed (paid out). Borrowers pay an origination fee that is deducted from each disbursement. Borrowers must pass a credit check.

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

New Mexico Nursing/Occupational Therapy Loan Program

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

Scholarships

Applicants must reapply for scholarships every year by March 1st. In addition to this application, students are strongly encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) https://studentaid.gov/.

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

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

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

Foundation Scholarships

The Western New Mexico University Foundation offers numerous scholarships, funded by the contributions of businesses, non-profit entities, and individuals, to students who meet the criteria established by our generous scholarship donors. Upon completion of the scholarship application which is due March 1 of each year, students will be considered for various private scholarships specifically aligned with their career and academic goals. Recipients may be new or returning students depending upon the scholarship awarded; reside in or out of state depending upon the scholarship criteria. Must be a full-time student, have a grade point average as listed in the scholarship criteria. Many scholarships require a grade point average 2.5 or higher. Recipients must continue to meet the donor criteria for the scholarship meet the award renewal requirement. Students inquiring about Foundation scholarships should go to http://www.wnmu.edu/financialaid/scholarship.shtml. When applying for a Foundation scholarship students should refer to the main web page www.wnmu.edu, application for scholarships. Applications are not available on line after the March 1st deadline. All applications must be submitted by March 1 and must include all the necessary documents specified in the application check list. Applications are not available on line after the March 1 deadline.

Arizona Tuition Waivers: Waivers for non-resident tuition are offered to Apache/ Navajo, Cochise, Greenlee Graham, Pima Counties, and other Arizona counties as permitted who have a grade-point average of 2.0 and who maintain a grade-point average of 2.0 while at WNMU. Application is made through the WNMU Office of Admissions.

Athletic Scholarships are available to qualified members of the WNMU athletic teams. For more information, contact the Athletics Office.

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

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

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

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

El Paso Tution Waivers: Waivers for non-resident tuition are offered to Texas residents who live within 135 miles of the Silver City Main Campus of WNMU and who earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, if undergraduate and 3.0, if graduate.  Students must complete applicable credit hours per Fall/Spring semesters.  Application is made through the WNMU Office of Admissions. 

Endowed Merit: Resident students who have scored a 26 A.C.T., and have a 3.0 G.P.A. are eligible for this $1200/year scholarship. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

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

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

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

Ida Mitchell Moore Memorial: Is a tuition and fees renewable scholarship is for an in-state resident who aspires to a career as a science teacher in the state of New Mexico. Applicant must be a junior or senior with at least a 3.0 G.P.A. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

New Mexico Legislative Lottery Scholarships: Available to New Mexico resident students who have graduated from a New Mexico high school (or obtain a GED) and enroll in the next immediate semester. NM Lottery Success Scholarship recipients must enroll in 15 hours per semester and complete the 15 hours with a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. The amount of the Lottery Scholarship is sent annually by June 1 by the New Mexico Higher Education Department and can only be applied to tuition. A student will remain eligible to receive this scholarship by completing 15 NEW credit hours in each consecutive fall and spring terms while maintaining a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or better- repeated coursed do NOT count. Students are not required to complete a FAFSA to receive the scholarship but is strongly encouraged. Students with disabilities who are eligible must contact the Office of Financial Aid.

N.M. Scholars Program: To recognize well qualified New Mexico high school graduates a renewable program is awarded in the amount of tuition, fees, books. May receive scholarship no more than 4 years. Requirements are N.M. high school graduate, total family income less than $30,000, upper 5% of graduating class and be attending an eligible university by the end of his or her 21st birthday. Application is made through the Office of Financial Aid.

Mary Margaret and Bill Gowanlock Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship is offered annually for $500/semester. This scholarship is available to a male and a female education major who is maintaining a minimum of 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. Application must be made through the WNMU Foundation Office.

A.A. Parotti Memorial Scholarship: Established in the spring of 1971 in honor of this distinguished educator and artist who served on the music faculty of WNMU for 33 years. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

Rosina Patterson Memorial: For NM Residents majoring in Business who have demonstrated academic achievement and are financially needy. Tuition and fees and half of book costs. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

Harold Runnels Scholarship: The family of Harold Runnels has established this tuition and fees scholarship in memory of our former state representative. Application must be made through the WNMU Foundation Office.

Lorraine Schula Scholarship: Is designed to award deserving students majoring in visual arts and music. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

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

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

Alan R. Thompson Teaching Scholarship: Is offered to upper-division students who plan to pursue a teaching or coaching career and who have a minimum grade-point average of 2.5. Application must be made through the WNMU Foundation Office.

“24” Club Betty Cook Memorial Scholarship: In memory of Betty Cook is given by the “24” Club of Silver City to a Grant County Woman. Application is made through the WNMU Foundation.

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

Veteran’s Program

WNMU has been approved by the Veterans’ Approval Office for the training of veterans under the Veterans’ Readjustment Act, Public Law 90-77, and for certain training programs for the children of veterans. “WNMU has been approved for Veterans Benefits by the State Approving Agency.” General admission to WNMU is sought through the Admissions Office. The Office of Veteran Affairs handles the advisement of veterans entering these programs. Veterans are required to consult with this office before registration.

After proper certification has been made and approved, persons receiving veteran benefits are required to make “satisfactory progress toward an educational goal” in order to continue receiving benefits.

To facilitate the prompt and accurate reporting of the student’s status and course load, the veteran must inform the Office of Veteran Affairs of his or her enrollment intent prior to the beginning of each semester. Changes in enrollment status made after the last day to add courses must be reported immediately. Student veterans wishing to withdraw from any course must advise the Office of Veteran Affairs. Students electing not to advise the office will assume full responsibility for changes of status, overpayment, etc.

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

It is the student’s responsibility to remain in good standing with the VA and to respond to notification of changes in regulation. The VA toll-free telephone number is 1-888-442-4551. More information may be found at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Work Options

Federal Work-Study/State Work-Study

Federal Work-Study is a federally sponsored program providing financial assistance to undergraduates through part-time work. Student who are residents or nonresidents are eligible to receive federal works-study. State Work-Study is a state sponsored program providing financial assistance to undergraduates through parttime work. Work-study positions are awarded to students according to need. The application form for this program is the FAFSA. It is WNMU’s policy to provide a wage rate that is approved by the U.S. Education Department.