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THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN CENTRAL NEW MEXICO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (CNM)—AND WELCOME! Now in its fourth decade, CNM is an accredited community college offering courses in a variety of occupational, college transfer and adult/developmental education subjects.
For 2009–11, credit programs at CNM include:
- certificates in 90 business, health, technologies and trades occupations as well as short-term career and technical courses
- associate degrees in 45 occupational fields and arts and sciences
- college transfer courses in more than 30 arts and sciences disciplines transferable for freshman and sophomore credit at four-year institutions, and many career-technical programs
- remedial, preparatory and developmental classes for students preparing to meet admission requirements at CNM or other institutions
CNM also offers non-credit programs including:
- adult education basic skills (including English as a second language and GED exam prep)
- customized training and assistance to business through the CNM Workforce Training Center, (505) 224-5200
- workshops and support for learners over 50 through the Community Education program, (505) 224-5506
CNM also offers enrollment opportunities for high-school-aged students (see here ). In addition, an increasing number of credit courses are offered online in innovative distance-learning formats designed to overcome barriers of time or space (see here ).
History
Authorized by the New Mexico Legislature in 1963, CNM (formerly Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute) was approved by district voters in 1964 to provide adults with the skills necessary to succeed and gain employment in the workforce. Since its inception, CNM career-technical programs in business, health, technologies and trades have continually been redesigned to provide students with the most current and relevant skills needed by local employers. Internships, co-op programs and apprenticeships have also provided thousands of students with excellent learning opportunities that enhance their career prospects.
CNM was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1978. Degree-granting power was approved for CNM by the State Legislature in 1986, signaling the college’s transformation into a full-fledged community college. By the late 1980s, liberal arts had become CNM’s fastest growing area and an increasingly important part of occupational instruction. Also during this period, the University of New Mexico began offering all its remedial courses through CNM.
Until 1979, CNM was part of Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), with the APS Board of Education doubling as the CNM Governing Board. The first election for an independent CNM board was held in September 1979. Board members are elected by voters in seven geographical districts within the college district, which includes all of Bernalillo County and part of Sandoval County.
CNM Today
With an enrollment of about 27,000, CNM is the second largest postsecondary institution in New Mexico. The Main Campus occupies 60 acres near downtown Albuquerque and the 42-acre Joseph M. Montoya Campus is in the Northeast Heights. Classes are also offered at our South Valley Campus, the Westside Campus and the CNM Workforce Training Center. CNM offers classes at various off-campus sites, including the University of New Mexico, Rio Rancho Mid-High, Edgewood Middle School and others. The new campus in Rio Rancho opened in 2010.
CNM’s classrooms, libraries and laboratories are modern and comfortable. Each student has access to state-of-the-art equipment, especially computers. CNM programs, facilities and services are accessible to the disabled.
Advisory committees with representatives from local businesses help ensure that CNM students acquire the skills needed for success on the job and CNM helps graduates find jobs. CNM’s graduate placement for 2006-07 was 95 percent (see chart ). The college also cooperates with other two- and four-year schools on course and program articulation and student transfer.
Funding for CNM programs and most construction and equipment comes from a property tax levy in the college’s service district and annual appropriations by the New Mexico Legislature. Tuition and fees are moderate and financial aid is available to those who qualify. Private contributions through the CNM Foundation, which provides scholarships to students, are increasing every year.
CNM’s academic year is divided into three terms: fall (generally begins in August), spring (generally begins in January) and summer (generally begins in May). Short sessions and nontraditional schedules, including weekend classes, are available for many programs and courses. Online courses are also available.
CNM Philosophy on General Education
CNM holds that the general education component of each degree or certificate program is critical to preparing students to live in and contribute to a dynamic, complex and multicultural world. In support of this philosophy, CNM is committed to providing student learning experiences meant to develop such abilities as critical thinking, communication (written and oral), application of technology, life skills and teamwork. In addition, the college provides coursework that allows students to explore the modes of inquiry of the major disciplines and have learning experiences that allow them to broaden their educational base. General education allows students to gain an appreciation of the creative arts, understand multicultural and diverse perspectives, articulate the human condition, analyze the natural world through mathematics and science, and make meaningful and ethical decisions. CNM intends that students who complete the general education requirement will possess the knowledge and mental skills essential to their development as an individual and global citizen.
Student Learning Outcomes
Core Competencies
CNM has identified five core competencies that all CNM associate degree graduates will demonstrate upon completion of a program of study at CNM. These competencies represent the most deeply held values of the college. They help ensure that our graduates will be informed and committed citizens, valued employees and fully prepared transfer students.
Life Skills: Students’ personal behavior will demonstrate the ability to make reasoned judgments, to be responsible for commitments and to understand the viewpoints of others. This includes professionalism, work ethic and citizenship.
Technology: Students will understand the limits, problems and possibilities associated with the use of technology and will have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available. This includes the ability to use computer-based technology to communicate, solve problems and acquire information.
Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork: Students will work and interact with others at a personal, professional and global level, demonstrating respect for individual and cultural differences while practicing civility, honesty and personal responsibility.
Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in the process of defining tasks and evaluating problems through the examination of information, application of computation skills and reflection on ideas for the purpose of reaching decisions.
Communication: Students will read, write, listen and use verbal skills to organize and communicate ideas and information in personal and group settings.
Program Exit Competencies
All programs of study at CNM have identified exit competencies that graduates will demonstrate upon completion of their programs of study. These competencies are consistent with employer expectations in the workplace. Exit competencies for each program are located at cnm.edu/exitcomp.
Together, the exit competencies and core competencies will ensure that CNM graduates demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviors to be contributors to the workforce and society. These competencies represent an assurance to students and employers that programs are providing quality teaching and learning experiences at CNM.
Assessment
CNM is dedicated to ensuring that all academic course and curricula meet the highest level of relevancy and excellence. Thus, we are collectively committed to assessing student academic achievement of all core and program competencies by systematically reviewing data and improving curricula when needed. CNM conducts assessment activities in compliance with our accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, which requires students to participate in forums, portfolios, testing and surveys.
Accreditation
CNM is accredited to grant certificates and associate of applied science, associate of arts and associate of science degrees by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504; telephone (800) 621-7440; hlcommission.org). |