Enrolling at CNM

Admission

Admission is the process of applying and being accepted to Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Registration is the process of selecting courses, receiving and paying for a class schedule and completing enrollment at CNM. The following requirements and procedures do not apply to students taking non-credit classes.

CNM has an open admission policy that provides individuals the opportunity to enroll in the college’s certificate or degree programs as well as individual courses. Students are considered for admission to CNM without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, immigration status, sexual orientation or marital status. However, individuals may be denied admission to CNM, enrollment in courses and/or programs and participation in certain CNM sponsored activities if it is determined that such access is likely to pose a serious threat to the safety of the applicant and/or members of the CNM community. Such determination would be made on a case by case basis by a review board under the guidance of the dean of students.

CNM’s academic year is divided into three terms – Fall, Spring and Summer. Students are urged to apply for admission at least two months before registration begins.

Most full-time students attend school year-round until they finish their programs. In most programs, it is possible to take a term off, if necessary. However, students who interrupt their programs may not be able to resume their studies at the time they want, because classes they need may not be offered every term. An interruption in enrollment may also mean a change in program and graduation requirements upon the student’s return.

General Admission Requirements

Any person seeking admission to CNM must meet one of the following criteria:

• be at least 18 years of age; or
• have a high school diploma from a U.S. high school* or foreign high school; or
• have a General Educational Development (GED) diploma; or
• have completed the requirements of a home-based school program; or
• qualify for one of CNM’s High School-Aged Student Enrollment programs.

Note: CNM does not issue I-20s (student visas) for international students to attend.

*The high school must be recognized by the state department of education in the institution’s home state or by a regional accrediting agency approved by the New Mexico State Board of Education.

Enrollment Options

Enrollment Status

A student’s enrollment status is determined by the student’s primary goal for taking courses at CNM. Admission staff and academic advisors are available to assist students identify and meet their educational goals.

Non-Degree Status: Those who do not want to earn a degree or certificate or have not yet chosen a major (degree or certificate program). Non-degree students may request to change to certificate/degree status and apply credits earned in non-degree status by completing a Declare a Major form.

Note: Non-degree status will not satisfy eligibility requirements for financial aid, veterans’ educational benefits or other assistance.

Certificate/Degree Status: Those who have met the program entrance requirements listed below and have officially declared the major (program of study) from which they plan to earn a certificate or degree from CNM.

Certificates and Degrees

CNM offers the following types of certificate and degree programs (see Programs of Study  for a complete listing):

• Certificate: A certificate program prepares students to enter skilled or paraprofessional occupations or to upgrade workplace skills and knowledge. A Certificate of Achievement is 1-15 credits; Certificate of Completion is 16-59 credits.
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree: An AAS degree program prepares students to enter either skilled or paraprofessional occupations or to upgrade workplace skills and knowledge. An AAS program is not intended to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, although certain courses may be accepted at some institutions.
• Associate of Arts (AA) Degree: An AA degree program is designed for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in arts and sciences, social or behavioral sciences or a professional field with such disciplines as its base.
• Associate of Science (AS) Degree: An AS degree program is designed for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in a technical, medical or professional field with such disciplines as its base.

Program Entrance Requirements

Any student wanting to enter into a CNM certificate and/or degree program must meet one of the following criteria:

• have a high school diploma from a U.S. high school (Note: The high school must be recognized by the state department of education in the student’s home state or by a regional accrediting agency approved by the New Mexico State Board of Education); or
• have a General Educational Development (GED) diploma; or
• have an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution in the United States; or
• have, on file at CNM, Accuplacer, ACT (English, math and reading) or SAT (verbal and math) placement scores dated within the last 5 years.

Note: The above-listed criteria may be different from that used to establish financial aid eligibility. Some programs have additional requirements (see programs of study  section).

The Admission Process

Before applying, review the CNM online Catalog for special program requirements.

1. Complete an online application available at cnm.edu.

(Non-U.S. Citizens must complete an application form available at any CNM Admissions Office. High school students interested in one of CNM’s High School-Aged Programs.)

Upon admission, students are assigned a CNM ID number and an e-mail account to access my CNM, the college-wide online enrollment and communication system.

Students wanting to apply for financial aid should access financial aid information and forms from CNM’s website (cnm.edu) or at any Financial Aid and Scholarship Office as soon as possible in the admission process.

2. Take the Accuplacer placement exams or provide official ACT/SAT scores taken within the last five years

Accuplacer is a computer adaptive test used to assess skills in reading, English and mathematics. CNM uses this test to help students plan an appropriate schedule of coursework at CNM and meet course prerequisites. The test is not timed, but students should allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete the set of exams. Accuplacer is available at any campus free of charge. Current photo ID is required to take the test. Practice exams are available at all Assessment Offices and online at cnm.edu.

Prerequisites are requirements that must be met prior to registering for many courses. They may be met with approved scores on placement exams – Accuplacer, ACT, SAT, by transfer of credit from another institution or by successful completion of a specific CNM course.

Transfer students may meet course prerequisites upon evaluation of their official prior college transcript. Though transfer students are not required to submit official transcripts for admission purposes. Students who want to transfer credits earned at other institutions or who need to provide proof of meeting a course prerequisite must have official transcripts sent to the CNM Records Office, see here.

Special exams for advanced placement into some biology and Spanish classes are also available.

Biology Placement Exam

The Biology Placement Exam is intended for students with significant prior experience in chemistry and biology. Passing the exam may allow a student to enroll in BIO 2110 /BIO 2192  and/or Biology BIO 2210 /BIO 2292  without taking the BIO 1410 /BIO 1492  and CHEM 1410 /CHEM 1492  prerequisites. A grade of “B” or better in high school biology and chemistry within the last three years or significant background experience in these two areas is the suggested minimum preparation. Course placement based on the Biology Placement Exam must be approved by the School of Math, Science & Engineering.

Spanish Placement Exam

The Spanish Placement Exam is used to determine course placement depending on the skill level of the student.

3. Complete a New Student Orientation

Orientation is mandatory for all first-time college students. Students may attend an in-person orientation, held before the beginning of each term, or they may view CNM’s online orientation at cnm.edu.

4. Meet with an academic advisor

Students should meet with an academic advisor (see Student Resources ) to discuss program selection and/or course placement.

To Register for classes see The Registration Process.

Transferring to CNM

Transfer and Other Credit

Transfer Credit

Credits earned at other postsecondary institutions may be transferred and applied toward program requirements in accordance with the following guidelines:

• An official transcript from each institution attended must be sent directly to the CNM Records Office for evaluation.
• Credit for arts and sciences courses earned at regionally accredited postsecondary institutions will be evaluated automatically upon receipt of the official transcript (for admitted and currently enrolled students only). Courses with D or better grades earned at public New Mexico institutions will be considered for transfer credit; courses from institutions outside New Mexico and private institutions in New Mexico must have C or better grades to be considered for transfer credit.
• International transcripts: students must provide an evaluation by an approved agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluators or submit an original or officially certified transcript copy to the CNM Records Office. If the original document is in a foreign language, the student must submit an original, English translation certified by a member of the American Translators Association (atanet.org). Original or officially certified copies and/or translation must include a grade scale and explanation of academic term. Additional information is available at cnm.edu.
• To receive transfer credit for career and technical courses, the student must request that the CNM’s Records Office refer the transcript(s) to the appropriate school for review. An interview and/or demonstration of competence may be required before the decision regarding credit is made. Demonstration of competence is required for all career and technical transfer credit more than 10 years old.
• Remedial and upper-division courses are not generally transferable.

Non-Traditional Credit

Students may be allowed to establish credit for courses based on life and work experience and/or prior training. Because opportunities to establish such credit vary by school, students interested in this option should contact their school office.

Examination Credit

CNM Challenge Exams: These exams are available to applicants and currently enrolled students who wish to establish CNM credit for prior education, training and/or experience. Other postsecondary institutions may not accept challenge exam credit. The fee for most exams is $15. The following restrictions apply:

• A student may attempt a challenge exam only once per course.
• A student may not take a challenge exam if, within the last 10 years, he or she completed the course at any school with a final grade, including AU but excluding W grades.
• A grade of CR will be recorded upon the student’s completion of CNM credit coursework in the same or subsequent term.
• Courses successfully challenged may count toward program requirements, but not CNM’s graduation residency requirement.

Contact the appropriate school office for information on Challenge Exams.

Advanced Placement (AP)/College Level Examination Program (CLEP): Students may earn up to 30 credits through Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Earned AP and CLEP credit will be treated as transfer credit. For more information, contact an academic advisor or the CNM Records Office.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP scores must be forwarded to the CNM Records Office. CLEP scores will only be accepted if they are: (1) sent directly from the CLEP Testing Center, or (2) sent directly from the CNM Assessment Center.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS

AP scores must be forwarded to the CNM Records Office. AP scores will only be accepted if they are: (1) sent directly from the AP Testing Center, or (2) included on high school or college transcripts as part of the student’s permanent record.

Course Substitutions and Waivers

Course Substitutions: A course for which a student has already received credit may substitute for a required course in the student’s program, if the substituting course meets the competencies of the required course. Course substitutions must be approved by the school in which the student’s program is offered. If the substituting course has fewer credit hours, the student may be required to make up the credit difference with appropriate coursework identified by the school (see Graduation ).

Course Waivers: A course waiver is an exemption from a required course because the competencies of the course have already been attained due to prior training, education and/or work experience. Demonstration of competencies will be required. A course waiver must first be approved by the school in which the student’s program is offered then secondly, by the school in which the waived course is offered. Credit waivers do not require the student to make up the deficient credit(s) however; there are limits to the number of credits that can be waived in a program (see Graduation ).

Transfer Among New Mexico Higher Education Institutions

To facilitate the transfer of students and course credits among New Mexico’s colleges and universities, the state’s public institutions of higher education are required to accept in-state transfer courses taken within approved modules of lower-division course work and apply them toward degree requirements. New Mexico’s colleges and universities have developed transfer guides, consistent with requirements of state law (21-1B, NMSA 1978), to assist students who plan to transfer. Additional information about how previous college course work transfers to CNM and how CNM courses and programs transfer to other New Mexico colleges and universities is available at cnm.edu\transferout.

Because not all CNM courses are designed to transfer to other colleges and universities, students planning to transfer from CNM to a two- or four-year college or university in New Mexico should meet with an academic advisor. Advisors can assist students in choosing which CNM classes will best meet their educational plans.

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 coursework will meet the requirements of the desired degree.

Transferable Lower-Division General Education Common Core

Students who have not yet selected either an academic focus or the institution where they wish to graduate are advised to take courses during their freshman year outlined in the Lower Division General Education Common Core. For students enrolled at any public institution in New Mexico, the following courses are guaranteed to transfer to any other New Mexico public college or university and apply toward associate and baccalaureate degree program requirements. Students should consult with an academic advisor about which specific courses fit these categories. Students preparing for careers in engineering, health sciences or other profession-related fields are advised that some of this course work may not transfer toward general education requirements but in most cases will apply toward elective requirements.

Lower-Division General Education Common Core

Lower-Division Transfer Modules

Students who have selected a field of study but have not yet selected the college or university where they wish to earn a bachelor’s degree are advised to take courses during their freshman and sophomore years outlined in one of the Lower-Division Transfer Modules. For students enrolled at any public institution in New Mexico, these courses are guaranteed to transfer to any New Mexico university and apply toward bachelor’s degree program requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor about which specific classes fit these categories. Lower-division transfer modules presently exist for: business, engineering, biological sciences, social and behavioral sciences, teacher education, early childhood education and physical sciences. Copies of these Transfer Modules may be obtained from the State of New Mexico Higher Education Department’s website (hed.state.nm.us).

Transferable Courses Fulfilling the General Education Common Core

During the 2005 New Mexico Legislative session, Senate Bill 161, consistent with requirements of state law (Chapter 224 of the Laws of New Mexico, 1995 as amended) was signed into law to further enhance and facilitate the articulation of general education courses among New Mexico’s colleges and universities. In accordance with policies established by the New Mexico Higher Education Department, designated general education courses successfully completed at any regionally accredited public institution of higher education in New Mexico are guaranteed to transfer to other New Mexico public institutions.

A Core Matrix of approved courses guaranteed to transfer and meet general education requirements at any New Mexico college or university can be found on the New Mexico Higher Education Department website at hed.state.nm.us. Courses are listed by institution.

The course prefix and number that appear in parenthesis next to many of the institutions’ internal course prefixes and numbers is the New Mexico Common Course Number. It serves as a single reference point for courses taught throughout the state that share substantially equivalent content. Courses bearing this designation are part of a statewide equivalency table that cross-references the institutional course and number with the universal “common course number,” creating an easy one-to-one match.

Students may find the New Mexico Common Course Number listed in crosswalks, degree outlines, transfer guides and in course descriptions in college catalogs and websites. The common course number “connects” equivalent courses at multiple institutions, ensuring students that the course will transfer to the receiving institution and meet degree requirements as if it were taken on that campus. The New Mexico Common Course Number has an alpha prefix that identifies readily to the subject area. The four digits in the number represent the specific course in that subject area with each digit having significance as demonstrated below:

Students who have decided on a major and/or an institution at which to complete their studies should obtain a transfer guide or catalog and consult with an academic advisor at that particular institution to determine the most appropriate course selections. Students enrolling for the first year of study at a New Mexico college or university and considering possible transfer into a certificate and/or degree program at another institution are encouraged to take the courses approved for transfer during their freshman and sophomore years of study.

Transfer Credit Appeal

All New Mexico public postsecondary institutions are required to establish policies and practices for receiving and resolving appeals and complaints from students or from others regarding the transfer of course work from other public institutions in the state. CNM’s appeal process is as follows:

• For arts and sciences course evaluations, complete a Re-Evaluation of Transfer Credit form, available at the Records Office, Admissions Offices or online at cnm.edu.
• For career and technical course evaluations, file a written appeal with the appropriate academic dean’s office providing the prefix/number of the course(s) in question, term and year the course was taken, the name of the course and the course description from sending institution’s catalog.
• If the request is denied, the student may continue the appeal process to the executive vice president of Academic Affairs and must do so no later than 30 days following the notification of denial
• The executive vice president’s office, in concert with the appropriate school and/or content area, will review applicable materials and render a final decision.
• If the course or courses in question are part of a state-approved transfer module, the student may make further appeal to the Higher Education Department in Santa Fe by contacting:

Deputy Secretary for Academic Affairs Higher Education Department
2048 Galisteo St.
Santa Fe, NM 87505-2100

If a student’s articulation appeal is upheld at that level and the student was required to repeat the course, the receiving institution shall reimburse the student the complete cost, including tuition, books and fees of each course the student was required to repeat at the receiving institution.

High School-Aged Student Enrollment Programs

Dual Credit Program and College and Career Bound Program

CNM’s High School-Aged Student Enrollment Programs each provide qualified high school-aged students who reside in CNM’s service area the opportunity to enroll in college classes at CNM. Credits earned may be applied toward a CNM certificate and/or degree and most are transferable to other colleges. Students enrolled in either of these programs are subject to all CNM policies and regulations. Information on the requirements and enrollment process for these programs is available at any Admissions Office, online at cnm.edu or from the School Relations Office at (505) 224-3327 or cnm.edu/depts/academicaffairs/oeu/High_School_Programs.php.

Dual Credit Program

Dual Credit provides high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend a public high school (with whom CNM has a Dual Credit agreement) half-time or more and qualify for New Mexico in-state tuition status, the opportunity to take college courses for which they will simultaneously earn both college credit and high school elective credit. Students should see their high school counselor for Dual Credit information.

• Dual Credit students are often able to complete a college certificate or degree more quickly because they start college while in high school.
• Dual Credit students may only enroll in courses numbered 1000 and above.
• Dual Credit students may enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per term.
• Dual Credit students have their registration, tuition and distance learning fees waived. (The student pays for any additional course fees.)
• Dual Credit students have their textbooks provided by their high school.
• Dual Credit admission and registration can be processed online and at any CNM campus.

College and Career Bound Program

College and Career Bound provides high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend a private school or a public high school, or are currently home-schooled students and at least 16 years of age, the opportunity to earn college credit.

• College and Career Bound students are often able to complete a college certificate or degree more quickly and with less expense because they start college while in high school or home school.
• College and Career Bound students must pay all tuition and fees.
• College and Career Bound students may only enroll in courses numbered 0900 and above.
• College and Career Bound students may enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per term.
• College and Career Bound admission and registration can be processed online and at any CNM campus.

Your First Year at CNM

Making the transition to college can be a challenging and exciting time. CNM recognizes that a positive first year experience can greatly impact student success and satisfaction, academic performance, and progress toward graduation. CNM’s First Year Experience, housed in the School of Adult & General Education (SAGE), welcomes students to the college and supports them throughout their first year at CNM.

The program includes the following services for students:

• Academic Advising
• Achievement Coaches
• Adult Education (ESL or GED) Courses
• Center for Working Families Services
• College Success Experience (CSE) Courses
• Orientation Programs
• Outreach Services
• Special Services
• Summer Transition Classes
• Tutoring Services

For more information, contact The School of Adult & General Education at (505) 224-3939 at Main Campus or (505) 224-5993 at Montoya Campus; or Academic Advisement and Career Development at (505) 224-4321.

Registration

Registration is the process of formally selecting and paying for classes. To register for classes, students must have attended CNM credit classes within the past year or be admitted for the term in which they plan to attend. Registration and payment of fees must be made in accordance with the instructions and deadlines found in the Schedule of Classes. Individuals may not participate or “sit in” on classes for which they are not registered.

The Registration Process

1. Receive information on registration.
   Access my CNM, available from CNM’s homepage at cnm.edu. Registration information is emailed to continuing students and those admitted prior to the start of registration; all other students are given registration information at the time of admission. Registration dates are posted online in the Registration/Grades tab of my CNM. Registration begins approximately two months before the start of a term.
2. Plan your schedule.
   Refer to the Catalog for program requirements and course descriptions that include prerequisites and corequisites (see below). Refer to the Schedule of Classes for a list of classes and their CRN (Course Reference Number), registration instructions and dates. Both are available online in the Registration/Grades tab of my CNM. The Schedule of Classes is available approximately two weeks before the start of registration for each term. Schedule plans should have alternate sections and insure that all course pre- and corequisites are met.
3. Meet with an academic advisor.
   Academic advisement is strongly recommended for all students before registering for classes. Advisors at all campuses can provide assistance with course selection and placement.
4. Register for classes.
   Register for classes through the Registration/Grades tab of my CNM. An online tutorial provides step by step instructions.
5. Pay tuition and fees.
   In order to complete registration, all charges must be paid. Charges are based on the student’s residency classification for tuition purposes, the type of courses and number of credit hours taken (see here). Payment information and deadlines is available in the Schedule of Classes.

After Registering for Classes

• Obtain a CNM student ID card
• Purchase textbooks
• Check out the transportation channel in my CNM for information about parking on campus, bus routes and passes, and/or bicycle routes
• Access my CNM often for special announcements and emails regarding your enrollment at CNM

Prerequisites and Corequisites

Pre- and corequisites are listed in course descriptions and are subject to change with each new catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to meet the pre- and/or corequisites in effect for the term in which a course is taken, regardless of the catalog under which the student entered or will graduate. Students may be stopped from enrolling or may be disenrolled if pre- or corequisites are not met.

Prerequisite: A prerequisite is a requirement that must be successfully completed before a student may enroll in a course. Prerequisites are based on the essential skills or competencies to be successful in the next level course. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a “C” or better grade. A “Recommended” prerequisite is one that is strongly suggested for successful completion of the course, but is not required.

Most entry-level courses have prerequisites for math, English or reading. See “How to Meet a Course Prerequisite” below.

Corequisite: A corequisite is a course that is either recommended or required to be taken in combination with another course. If a course with a required corequisite is taken for audit, the corequisite also must be taken for audit. When a course that has a required corequisite is dropped, the corequisite must also be dropped.

How to Meet a Course Prerequisite

There are four ways to meet a course prerequisite:

1. Take the Accuplacer placement exam at CNM (see Assessment Centers ). Accuplacer scores cannot be more than five years old.
2. Submit official ACT or SAT scores (no more than five years old) to any Admissions Office.
3. Enroll in the required prerequisite course and pass it with a grade of CR or C or higher.
4. Complete the required prerequisite course at another institution with a grade of C or higher (proof of completion may be required).

Speak with an academic advisor for further assistance with prerequisite and course placement.

Registration Guidelines

Adding, Changing and Declaring Majors: Students may add, change and/or declare a major (program) at any time during the term in which they are enrolled (see Program Entrance Requirements). To graduate from a CNM program, students must have declared their major at the time of admission, by submitting a Declare a Major form (available online at cnm.edu, or when completing an application for graduation (see Graduation: General Requirements ).

Adding Courses: Classes may be added according to the time frame and dates listed in the Schedule of Classes.

Cancellation of Enrollment Before Term Begins: Students not able to attend CNM when planned but who have registered for classes must drop all classes through the online registration system in my CNM before the beginning of the term.

Prerequisite Requirement Guide

*Other prerequisites are listed in course descriptions in this catalog.

Course Load: The normal course load for a full-time college student in a regular term is 12 to 18 credit hours. Students wishing to take more than 18 credit hours must meet the following conditions:

• Have a college-level cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and
• Have no grade lower than a C in the last term enrolled in college and
• Secure permission from Academic Advisement and Career Development

First time college students may not enroll in more than 18 credit hours in a regular term. No student may take more than 22 credits hours in a regular term or more than 20 in a summer term.

Course Repetition Limit: A student may, in most cases enroll in the same CNM course two times without restriction. If a student attempts to enroll a third time for the same course, registration will be blocked, and the student will be referred to the appropriate school for evaluation of the request. No student will be allowed to enroll in a course more than four times.

Topics, problems, internships, cooperative education, court reporting, art studio (except ARTS 1102) and physical fitness education courses are exempt from the course repetition limit (see Repeat Course Processing ). Many programs in the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)  have more restrictive course repeat policies. Students should refer to the program’s student manual for details.

Dropping Courses: Classes may be dropped according to the time frame and dates listed in the Schedule of Classes.

Fifteen-week and full-term classes dropped on or before the 15th day of that part of term/session (including Saturdays) and all other classes dropped on or before the first 1/3 of that part of term/session (including Saturdays) do not appear on the student’s CNM transcript. After that time a withdrawal grade (W) will appear on the student’s record for classes dropped. Specific dates are listed in the Schedule of Classes.

A student should not assume he/she will be dropped from classes for nonattendance. A student who has not officially dropped a class will receive a final grade in the class. A student physically unable to drop a current class by the published deadline (Example: hospitalization) may submit a written appeal, along with required supporting documentation, to the Registration Center requesting an exception to the drop deadline policy. Appeal forms are available in the Registration/Grades tab of my CNM.

Grade Options: Students must select a grade option (grade mode) when registering for class (see Grade Mode (Grade Options) ). Deadlines and information regarding changing grading options are listed in the Schedule of Classes.

Permission to Enroll: Students may enroll in some courses only by permission of the instructor or program director. Forms are available in the instructional school offices. Permission to enroll does not constitute a waiver of a course, grant credit for another course, allow a course to be overfilled or extend registration deadlines.

Step-ups/step-backs: Students may, with school approval, step-up or step-back into most developmental courses (courses numbered 0999 and below) through the second week of the term and into some lower-level career and technical courses (in the same discipline) through the fifth week of the term. Students may, however, step-up or step-back into a self-paced, developmental math course through the tenth week of a full term and the eighth week of the 12-week session or term. Students who are having difficulty in a class and are considering this option should contact the instructor or their achievement coach.

Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes

A student is classified as a resident or non-resident for tuition purposes based on information supplied at the time of admission or re-admission. All residency requirements must be met before the first day of the term.

The New Mexico Higher Education department establishes residence requirements for tuition purposes. These requirements apply to U.S. citizens, those with Permanent Resident immigration status or those who have applied for Permanent Resident status. Residency requirements and information are available in Admissions offices and from the New Mexico Higher Education department’s Web page at hed.state.nm.us.

Minimally, four basic requirements must be met (additional requirements may apply):

1. The 12-Month Consecutive Residence Requirement: A student must physically reside in New Mexico for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the term for which the petition is submitted.
   Note: Students whose parents or guardians reside out of state cannot begin to complete the 12-month requirement until their 19th birthday.
2. The Financial Independence Requirement: Students cannot be approved for residency if they are financially dependent on their parents or legal guardians who are non-residents of New Mexico. At the time the student applies for residency (if under 23 years of age), a copy of his or her parents’ or guardians’ 1040 or 1040A U.S. income tax form for the previous year may be required.
3. The Written Declaration of Intent Requirement: The student must sign a written declaration of intent to relinquish residency in any other state and establish it in New Mexico.
4. The Overt Act Requirement: Residency regulations require the completion of overt acts that support the student’s declaration of intent to reside in New Mexico. Information on the number and type of required overt acts is available in the Admissions and Records Offices.

Note: Any act considered inconsistent with being a New Mexico resident– such as voting, securing and/or maintaining a driver’s license and any vehicle registration in another state-will cause in-state residency status to be denied or revoked. Nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out the Admission Form is grounds for denial of admission, cancellation of registration or suspension.

Additional Residency Information

• An individual married to a legal resident of New Mexico and providing appropriate evidence shall not be required to complete the 12-month durational requirement but must satisfy all other requirements.
• Any person, their spouse and dependents who move to New Mexico or who now live in New Mexico and who provide appropriate evidence that they work in a permanent full-time position or practice a profession or conduct a business full-time in New Mexico, shall not be required to complete the 12-month durational requirement but must satisfy all other requirements.
• Any person entering the active service of the United States while a resident of New Mexico and who enters a state institution of postsecondary education in New Mexico after separation from such service may be classified as having been a legal resident in New Mexico during the time spent in the service, provided they:
  • Have not while in the service done anything (such as voting in another state) to show abandonment of their New Mexico residency;
  • Have not established residence in some other state subsequent to being separated from service;
  • Return to New Mexico within one year after separation from service with the intention of maintaining this state as their legal residence;
• Are not a dependent minor with parent(s) or guardian(s) whose place of residence classifies him or her as a nonresident of New Mexico.
• Any person who is at least 65 years of age, their spouse and dependents, who move to New Mexico for retirement purposes, or who provide appropriate evidence of retirement, shall not be required to complete the 12-month durational requirement but must satisfy all other requirements.
• American Indian nations, tribes and pueblos: All out of state members of an American Indian nation, tribe and pueblo, located wholly or partially in New Mexico, regardless of the residence of the member prior to acceptance at a post-secondary educational institution shall be eligible to pay the in-state tuition rate. These include members of the following tribes or pueblos: Jicarilla Apache, Mescalero Apache, Taos Pueblo, Picuris Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara Pueblo, Nambe Pueblo, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Pojoaque Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, Jemez Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Zia Pueblo, Santa Ana Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Acoma Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo and the Ute Mountain Tribe.
• Navajo Nation: All out of state members of the Navajo Nation who reside on the Navajo reservation, as certified by the Navajo Department of Higher Education, will be assessed in-state tuition rates.
• Armed Forces: Any person, their spouse or dependent child, not otherwise entitled to claim residence, who is a member of the armed forces of the United States or armed forces of a foreign country assigned to active duty in the state of New Mexico will be assessed in-state tuition rates.
  • Assignment to active duty within New Mexico must be certified by the military person’s commanding officer upon the student’s initial enrollment. Such students may continue paying resident rates for as long as they attend consecutive semesters at the same institution.
  • A spouse or child of an active member of the armed forces who dies or is killed becomes a resident of New Mexico within sixty (60) days of the date of death.
  • If an active member of the armed forces is stationed outside New Mexico following assignment to duty in New Mexico and the member’s spouse or child established residence in New Mexico and registers a letter of intent to establish and continue residing in New Mexico, the spouse or child shall be assessed in-state tuition rates.
• National Guard: An active member of the National Guard and the member’s spouse and children shall be deemed in-state residents for purposes of determining tuition and fees.
• New Mexico High School/GED Graduates: All persons, regardless of immigration status, who have attended a secondary educational institution in New Mexico for at least one year and who have either graduated from a New Mexico high school or received a general educational development certificate (GED) in New Mexico will be assessed in-state tuition rates.

Petitions for New Mexico Residency for Tuition Purposes

A nonresident student who believes he/she has satisfied the residency requirements may obtain a “Petition for Resident Tuition Classification” and the checklist of required supporting documentation online at cnm.edu, from the Main Campus Records Office or Admissions office at all other campuses. All residency requirements must be met before the first day of the term in which the student petitions. Petitions must be submitted no later than the 15th day of the term for which the petition is being filed. A petition received after that date will not be considered. The completed petition and required supporting documentation must be submitted to the Main Campus Records Office or the Admissions office at all other campuses. A student may be requested to supply additional information or to explain apparent inconsistencies before a final decision is reached. The student is notified of the decision and, if denied, may amend his/her petition with additional information and/or appeal to CNM’s Residency Appeals Committee. The appeals committee shall be the student’s last recourse prior to the courts. If the student satisfies the residency requirements for a future term, he/she may re-petition for residency for that term.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition charges are based on:

• the student’s residency status (tuition classification)
• where the student resides
• the number and type of credit hours enrolled
• certain types of schedule changes

Fees are charged according to:

• whether a course is classified as “academic transfer” or “career and technical”
• the program in which the student is enrolled

All students are charged a technology use fee for each credit enrolled and a registration fee each term in which they enroll.

Information on tuition rates; course, enrollment-related fees and processing fees; senior citizens discounts; payment methods; CNM’s refund policy; transcript fees and more is available at cnm.edu.

Financial Aid

The mission of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services (FASS) is to provide prompt, accurate and courteous financial aid assistance. Primary responsibility for educational costs has always rested with the student and his or her family; however, CNM, the federal government, and the state of New Mexico are dedicated to assisting students pursue a higher education. Students applying for financial aid should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at fafsa.ed.gov. Computers are available at all campuses and help is available at Main, Montoya and Westside campuses.

To optimize your opportunities for financial aid at CNM, complete your FAFSA by May 1st every year. Please visit the CNM website at cnm.edu for the most recent financial aid information. Graduating high school students as well as first time and returning CNM students can file for financial aid before applying for admission.

The following is a summary of available financial aid policies and programs.

General Eligibility Requirements

To receive financial aid a student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a high school diploma, GED, have been home-schooled, or have achieved a passing score on all three components of the Accuplacer exam-in a single sitting. If all three scores are not achieved in one sitting, the student must retest.
• Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school
• Not have been overpaid on a grant or be defaulted on a loan
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress defined by federal regulations.
• Enroll in eligible courses defined by the institution. A list of ineligible courses is available at cnm.edu/depts/fass/requirements/
• Enroll in an eligible program of study
• Not exceed federal aggregate loan limits defined by federal regulation

For a complete list of eligibility requirements go to studentaid.ed.gov, click on Applying for Financial Aid on the left menu, then on Funding Your Education, then Student Eligibility on the right.

All financial aid awards are based on information provided by the student, on the availability of funds, and on general 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 changes in enrollment may affect an award or any future awards.

Grants

• The Federal Pell Grant generally provides funds to undergraduate students without a bachelor’s degree. Pell awards depend on enrollment status, cost of attendance, and family contribution.
• Students who receive Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) must demonstrate exceptional financial need and have the lowest expected family contribution.
• State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) recipients must demonstrate financial need, be New Mexico residents, and be enrolled at least half time.
• The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) provides up to $750 for first year undergraduate study and $1,300 for second year undergraduate students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and have successfully completed a rigorous high school program after Jan 1, 2005. Second year students must also maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• The New Mexico College Affordability Grant (NMCAG) is designed for need-based New Mexico students who do not qualify for other state grants or scholarships.
• Students cannot receive an SSIG, SEOG or NMCAG simultaneously.
• The FAFSA is the only application needed to apply for these grants.

Loans

Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Nursing Student Loans for Service, and Federal PLUS loans all require separate applications. Before applying for a loan, a student must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students receiving a loan must be enrolled for six (6) financial aid eligible credit hours. Congress also establishes loan limits that may be prorated depending on a student’s classification. All first-time borrowers must complete an entrance interview before loans are processed. First-time borrowers, students who have requested a change in lender, or students who have not borrowed within the last 10 years must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before funds will be disbursed. Students who meet subsidized loan eligibility requirements may borrow up to $3,500 per year as first year students and $4,500 per year as second-year students; second year or sophomore students are students who have completed 30 credits of college-level coursework. Independent students who meet unsubsidized loan eligibility requirements may borrow an additional $2,000 for a total of $6,000 per academic year. Dependent students who meet unsubsidized loan eligibility requirements may borrow up to $2,000 in additional funds per academic year.

Student Employment

CNM offers student employment (sometimes referred to as workstudy) to students who want to work on campus while they are attending CNM. Students are paid every two weeks and can work a maximum of 20 hours a week at an hourly rate. Student employment earnings are taxable.

Eligibility

To qualify for student employment and maintain eligibility, students must:

• Have a complete financial aid file
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Have Unmet Need determined by the FAFSA and CNM
• Maintain continuous half-time enrollment (6 eligible credit hours)
• File a new FAFSA for the upcoming Fall term early enough that their financial aid file is complete by June 30. If not, students will be not be able to continue working after June 30th until their financial aid file is complete.

Hiring Process

Before students can apply for a student employment position, they must be awarded student employment funds, which can be found on their award letter under the headings Federal Work Study, State Work Study, or CNM Student Employment. If a student has not been awarded one of these funds, they must follow the Online Award Request Instructions. Students needing assistance may receive help at our Student Resource Center.

All available student employment positions are listed by campus by clicking on Student Employment on the menu at the left at cnm.edu/depts/fass/. Once a job is found, print out the Student Employment Job Posting and Referral Form and contact the listed supervisor to request an interview. The supervisor will verify your student employment award and set up an interview. Keep in mind that there are a large number of applicants for these jobs. It may take a few interviews before hiring.

Students may submit the signed supervisor referral form, a picture ID, and Social Security card to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services office (FASS) at Main, Westside, or Montoya campuses. Students need to complete a W-4 (IRS withholding form) and I-9 (Citizenship Verification form), then FASS will notify the supervisor if and when a student may begin working and your supervisor will then arrange a start date.

Veteran’s Affairs Education Benefits

CNM is fully certified by the state of New Mexico for VA Education Benefits (G.I. Bill). Students must declare a certificate or degree program and can be paid only for classes that are required (including prerequisites) for that program. Students receiving a grade of “F” or “NC” on any course must submit to the CNM VA office one of the following forms: Proof of Completion or Last Day of Attendance. Undecided, non-degree and non-required electives, optional or previously passed courses are not eligible for VA education benefits.

Students are paid based on the number of credit hours taken and the length of the term. To ensure full payment, students may want to attend full-term classes. If a student takes courses with different beginning or ending dates, payment will be adjusted accordingly. Students drawing VA education benefits may also qualify for other forms of financial aid. A one-time only deferment may be available for students to defer the cost of classes. Book costs are not covered.

For further information, visit or call (505) 224-3090 veterans assistance personnel in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Office at Main Campus. Information about VA Education Benefits in general can also be found at:

All forms associated with VA Education Benefits can be obtained from the Veterans’ Assistance section of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Office at Main Campus. Some forms may be available at the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services Office at other campuses. Local forms are also available online at cnm.edu under Cost & Financial Aid.

Scholarships

CNM offers a wide variety of scholarships to help defray the cost of attendance and to encourage students to complete their degree or certificate at CNM. CNM awards scholarships based on student eligibility and availability of funds, at the same time making certain that students are assisted in the most beneficial manner possible. Scholarships include the Bridge to Success, the Legislative Lottery, CNM Legislative, CNM Daycare and CNM General Scholarship as well as numerous CNM Foundation scholarships.

The Bridge to Success and the Legislative Lottery Scholarship are offered to New Mexico high school graduates and New Mexico GED recipients who attend CNM the first term after high school graduation or the completion of their GED. The Bridge to Success Scholarship pays fall tuition and registration fees for students who are registered at CNM by June 1st, who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by August 1st and who are enrolled in an eligible major with 12 or more credit hours. The Legislative Lottery Scholarship is awarded to eligible students who have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better during their first term of attendance. As long as eligibility is maintained, the Legislative Lottery Scholarship will pay tuition for up to four terms at CNM (excluding summer). Students with disabilities who are Legislative Lottery eligible and registered with CNM Special Services may qualify for a reduction in the required number of credits by having a signed Special Services contract on file prior to each term.

Other CNM scholarships include the CNM General, CNM Daycare, and CNM Legislative Scholarships. An online scholarship application is available late January through June for the upcoming academic year. Requirements for CNM scholarships include

• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress in an eligible program,
• Not having received a Bachelor’s Degree,
• Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),
• Having unmet need determined by the FAFSA
• Enrolling in a minimum of six credit hours, and
• Being a New Mexico resident and a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.

CNM Foundation also offers numerous scholarships that help students with educational expenses. These scholarship requirements and their applications are available online in August and are updated as they become available throughout the academic year. For more information, please visit the Financial Aid and Scholarship Services at cnm.edu.

Check Release

Financial aid checks are released each term after the 21st day of the full 15-week term. Checks for students who complete their files too late for the first check release are released on subsequent Fridays throughout the term. If a check is not picked up on check release day, it will be mailed to the student’s address currently on file with the Admissions/Records Department. Qualified students are notified of their disbursement dates in award letters via CNM email. Prior to check release, students may use the deferred award amount (shown on their class schedules) to charge the cost of their classes and to charge books and supplies at the CNM bookstore.

Main Campus, Westside, and South Valley students may pick up checks at Main Campus at the Cashier’s Office in the Student Services Center; Montoya Campus students may pick up checks at the Cashier’s Office in Tom Wiley Hall. Please refer to the Schedule of Classes for hours. A valid picture ID must be presented to pick up a check.

Students who apply for a student loan too late to receive it on the regularly scheduled release date will receive their checks about four weeks from the date they apply for the loan. Due to federal regulations, single-term Federal Stafford Loans may require two scheduled disbursements within that term. Students may elect to have their financial aid funds deposited directly to an account of their choosing by completing a direct deposit form at the Cashier’s Office.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require that financial aid recipients meet certain academic and completion standards to be eligible for federal financial aid. To ensure 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.

Standards of Academic Progress

Qualitative Progress: Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (a “C” average). Grades of I, CR, PR, NC, W, AU and TR are not calculated in the GPA. In the case of a repeat course, only the higher grade is calculated into the grade point average.

Completion Rate: Students must complete a minimum of 70 percent (70%) of all course work attempted at CNM. Courses with grades of failure (F), incomplete (I), in progress (PR), audit (AU), no credit (NC) or withdrew (W) are not considered completed course work.

Maximum Time Frame: Students must complete their program within 150 percent (150%) of the credit hours required by their declared program. Students who exceed the maximum allowable hours will be suspended from receiving financial aid.

When satisfactory academic progress is reviewed, transfer credits are taken into account for students enrolled in majors that articulate to four-year postsecondary institutions. For a list of these programs, visit cnm.edu/depts/fass/requirements. Click on 2009-2011 Associate Degree Programs Requiring Transcripts.

Other Information

Dropping and Adding Classes: Students who add classes may be paid for additional hours. However, financial aid recipients who drop a class before the class begins or before the census date for that class may have to repay a portion or all funds they received including loans.

Developmental Courses: Developmental courses are defined under the School of Adult & General Education under the Schools section of this catalog. Students can receive federal student aid for up to 30 developmental credit hours only. This includes grants, loans and scholarships.

Some Majors May Reduce Aid: Some majors at CNM do not fall under the regular definition of an eligible program and are subject to a special calculation. Depending on the award, the calculation may either reduce your aid or keep you from being paid at all. For a list of these majors, visit “Programs That Adjust Enrollment” at cnm.edu/depts/fass/requirements, or the financial aid offices at Main, Montoya, or Westside campuses.

Ineligible Courses and Majors: In order for a course to be eligible for financial aid, it must fulfill a degree requirement of an eligible major. Courses that do not fulfill a degree requirement are not eligible for financial aid. A list of ineligible courses and programs can be viewed online at cnm.edu/depts/fass/requirements.

Online Services: Students can keep current with their financial aid by checking their account online (my CNM). Among other things, students can view any holds, check their award status, and find a listing of any documents that may be missing from their files.

Financial Aid Deferments: A financial aid deferment prevents classes from being dropped for non-payment. Students should confirm that they have a deferment prior to payment deadlines. Students can view their deferment on their online class schedule. To be eligible for a financial aid deferment, students:

• Must have a complete financial aid file and have approved grants and/or loans.
• Must be making satisfactory academic progress (not be on financial aid suspension)

Bookstore Deferments: Students must give the financial aid office authorization to charge books against approved financial aid by signing a Financial Aid Deferment Authorization Form, available online. This form is also available from our customer service centers at Main, Montoya and Westside campuses. Read the section on Financial Aid Deferments above for more information and eligibility requirements for deferments.

Repayment of Federal Funds

When students withdraw from all their classes before 60 percent (60%) of the term has passed, a federally prescribed formula will be applied to determine if the student, the school or both will be required to pay back to the U.S. Department of Education a portion of the aid disbursed to the student. Financial aid recipients who drop classes before the start date or census date of the class will have to repay all or a portion of the funds they received. Students who earn no passing grades in a given term are assumed to have unofficially withdrawn. Students who fail to officially withdraw may be considered to be withdrawn at midterm. For more information on withdrawals and repayments visit cnm.edu/depts/fass/requirements, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Refund and Repayment Policy.

Websites

• To apply for federal financial aid: fafsa.ed.gov
• Information on federal financial aid: studentaid.ed.gov
• CNM Financial Aid and Scholarship Services website: cnm.edu/depts/fass
• Search for external scholarships: fastweb.com