Enrolling at CNM

Admission

Admission is the process of applying to and being accepted by Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Applications from individuals meeting general admission requirements are considered without regard to gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, immigration status, sexual orientation or marital status.

CNM’s academic year is divided into three terms – Fall, Spring and Summer. Students are urged to apply for admission at least three months before the term in which they want to enroll begins. Students must be accepted to CNM before registering for classes.

The following requirements and procedures do not apply to students taking non-credit community education classes.

General Admission Requirements

CNM has open admission for individuals at least 18 years of age. Those under 18 must meet one of the following criteria:

• 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 programs.

*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.

Note: CNM does not issue F1 or M1 student visas (I-20s) for international students to attend college in the United States.

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.

High School-Aged Student Programs

CNM’s High School-Aged Programs 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 these programs are subject to all CNM policies and regulations. Additional information on the requirements for these programs is available at cnm.edu.

Dual Credit Program

Dual Credit provides qualified high school students who attend a public high school (with which 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 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
• May only enroll in courses numbered 1000 and above
• May enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per term
• Have their registration, tuition and distance learning fees waived (the student pays for any additional course fees)
• Have their textbooks provided by their high school

College and Career Bound Program

CNM provides qualified high school students 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
• Must pay all tuition and fees
• May only enroll in courses numbered 0900 and above
• May enroll in a maximum of 18 credits per term

Enrollment Options

Enrollment Status

When students apply for admission they are required to select either a program of study (major) or non degree status. Students are encouraged to review CNM’s programs of study prior to applying for admission as some programs have special admission requirements, require prior permission from the school in order to select those programs (majors), and/or are designated as Coordinated Program Entry programs, which require an application process. Students cannot declare Coordinated Program Entry majors until they are officially accepted to the program.

Non-Degree Status: For students 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 formally declaring a major.

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

Certificate/Degree Status: For students who 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.

Admission Process

Before applying, review CNM’s Programs of Study for special program requirements.

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

Upon admission, students are assigned a CNM ID number to access myCNM, the college-wide online enrollment and communication system. At the time of admission or readmission, students are classified as residents or non-residents for tuition purposes.

Note: Students wanting to apply for financial aid should access financial aid information and forms from the CNM 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, provide official ACT/SAT scores taken within the last five years, or obtain transfer credit from another institution in order to meet course prerequisite requirements.

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.

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 class schedule 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.

Transfer students may meet course prerequisites through the 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 new and returning students. New Student Orientation is available online through the Registration/Grades tab in myCNM.

4. Meet with an academic advisor

Students should meet with an academic advisor (see Student Resources) to discuss program selection and/or course placement. All beginning freshmen are required to meet with an academic advisor before registering for classes.

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 remedial/developmental and 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 to the CNM Records Office. Additional information is available on the Transfer Credit Guidelines page 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.
• 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 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.

CNM College Credit Testing for IT1010: The Internet and Computing Core Certification, IC3, is a three section exam that allows individuals who have the knowledge to earn college credits for the CNM course IT1010. Contact the CNM Assessment Center for more information.

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. Course waivers for arts & sciences courses are not permitted in Associate of Arts or Associate of Science programs. 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. Read more. 

Registration

Registration is the process of formally selecting and paying for classes. To register for classes, students must be currently enrolled, have attended CNM credit classes within the past year or be admitted for the term in which they plan to attend. Students who attended within the past year but are not currently enrolled must contact the Admissions Office to reactivate registration eligibility. Registration and payment of fees must be made in accordance with the instructions and deadlines found in the Schedule of Classes which is available at cnm.edu. Individuals cannot participate or “sit in” on classes for which they are not registered.

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.

Registration Guidelines

Adding, Changing and Declaring Majors: Students may change their major (program) at any time during the term in which they are enrolled. Students should formally declare the major from which they intend to graduate. To graduate from a CNM program, students must declare their major either at the time of admission, during their enrollment at CNM, or when completing an application for graduation. (see Graduation: General Requirements)

Adding Courses: Classes may be added according to the dates and deadlines 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 myCNM before the beginning of the term.

Course Load: The normal course load for a full-time college student is 12 to 18 credit hours. Students wanting 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
• Obtain approval from Academic Advisement and Job Connection Services Department

First-time college students may not enroll in more than 18 credit hours in a term. No student may take more than 22 credit hours in the fall term, and 22 credit hours in the spring term, or more than 20 in 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), HLTH 1001 EDUC 2090, MATH 2015 OTEC 1193 and physical fitness activity 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 registration deadlines listed in the Schedule of Classes.

Classes dropped on or before the Last Day for Refund of that part of term/session 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 school on which the class is offered requesting an exception to the drop deadline policy. Appeal forms are available in the Registration/Grades tab of myCNM.

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.

Course Types

CNM offers the following types of courses - arts and sciences, career and technical, and developmental.

Arts and Sciences Courses

Courses numbered 1000 and above in the subject codes listed below are grouped into specific discipline areas. Below is a guide to which subject codes are in each discipline:

Career and Technical Courses

A sequence of courses that provides students with relevant technical knowledge and skills through applied learning for further education and careers in current or emerging professions.

Developmental Courses

Pre-college level courses numbered 0999 and below. Developmental courses cannot be used to meet program graduation requirements.

Adult Basic Education

Non-credit classes in basic reading, math, writing, English as a Second Language (ESL) and job/life skills. These classes provide students with a pathway to a GED, higher education, job advancement and personal fulfillment. the ABE program is a separate non-credit component of CNM.

General Education

Courses that provide broad learning in disciplines such as mathematics, english, arts, humanities, and phycical, biological, and social sciences. These courses are used to fulfill core requirements acress all degree programs and support more in-depth studies in a particular major.

Prerequisites, Corequisites and Program Proficiencies

Pre- 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 may be required to 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 free 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 CNM 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 (official transcript must be on file at CNM Records Office).

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

Note: Students with an associates degree or higher may have prerequisites of ENG 1101 and/or developmental course (numbered below 1000) waived. Proof of degree completion may be required.

Program Proficiencies

Most CNM programs require students to be proficient in reading, writing and math or a combination of these basic skills before they can begin most college courses in their program. Program proficiency requirements are listed with each program description. At CNM there are 3 Proficiency Levels for Math, 2 for English, and 2 for Reading.

English 1 Proficiency: Students with this level of proficiency are able to identify and compose in different types of writing for personal, academic and professional purposes.

English 2 Proficiency: Students with this level of proficiency are able to do all required for Level 1 proficiency as well as write expository academic essays and integrate other source material into their writing.

Math 1 Proficiency: Students with this level of proficiency are able to compute arithmetic operations up to rational numbers, recognize and apply formulas to basic geometric figures, and solve basic linear equations.

Math 2 Proficiency: Students with this level of proficiency are able to do all required for Level 1 proficiency as well as integrate arithmetic operations into the manipulation of algebraic expressions. They are able to solve linear equations in terms of math properties and rules, graphically represent solutions to linear equations in two variables, and interpret characteristics of lines representing linear equations in two variables.

Math 3 Proficiency: Students with this level or proficiency are able to do all required for Level 1 and 2 proficiencies. Additionally students will be able to work with exponents and polynomials, factoring, solving system of equations and quadratic equations.

Reading 1 Proficiency: Students with this level of proficiency are able to find and summarize the main ideas and major supporting details in articles and textbook passages. They are able to take and organize notes and use strategies to develop academic vocabulary.

Reading 2 Proficiency: Students with this level of proficiency are able to do all required for Level 1 proficiency as well as make inferences from writing passages and identify logical and emotional reasoning. They are able to evaluate web sources and can use critical thinking strategies.

Proficiency requirements can be met through Accuplacer, CNM’s placement exam, SAT or ACT scores, or by successfully completing appropriate level course work (See the Prerequiste and Program Proficiency Guide below)

Course Prerequisite and Program Proficiency Guide

Schedule the Classes: A Schedule of Classes, listing registration-related information, dates and 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.

Registration Process

1. Receive information on registration.
   Access myCNM, 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 myCNM. The Schedule of Classes is available approximately two weeks before the start of registration for each term. Schedule plans should have alternate sections in case the first choice is not available.
3. Meet with an academic advisor.
   Academic advisement is required for all Beginning Freshmen and 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 myCNM.  If a class is full (closed), students may put their names on an “electronic waitlist”.  More information on waitlists is available in the Schedule of Classes and at cnm.edu.  An online tutorial provides step by step registration instructions.
5. Pay tuition and fees.
   In order to complete registration, all charges must be paid in full, formally deferred through financial aid, or arranged through CNM’s payment plan. 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 are available in the Schedule of Classes.

After Registering for Classes

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

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 residency 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 at least two overt acts that support the student’s declaration of intent to reside in New Mexico. No overt acts can be out of state.

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, 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. Included are members of the Navajo Nation and 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.
• 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, including the National Guard, 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.
• 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 or from the Admissions office. 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 Admissions office. 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 via the student’s CNM email address 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 in the Schedule of Classes and 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 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 and click on myCNM 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 or have been home-schooled
• Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school
• Not be receiving aid from another college or university
• 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.
• Enroll in an eligible program of study. A list of ineligible programs is available here.
• Not exceed federal aggregate loan limits defined by federal regulation
• Submit official academic transcripts from any colleges/universities previously attended to CNM Enrollment Services

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. Pell Grant recipients may receive Pell for up to 6 years, assuming they received 100 percent of their Pell award each year–for a total of 600 percent. Students who don’t attend for a full year or full time will have their total prorated. The percentage used can be viewed at nslds.ed.gov.
• 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 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 Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Nursing Student Loans for Service, and Federal Direct 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 and new borrowers to the Federal Direct Loan Program at CNM must complete an entrance interview before loans are processed. First-time borrowers, students who are new to the Federal Direct Loan Program, 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 the base of $4,000 plus 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 the state minimum hourly wage. 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 financial aid 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 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 Centers located at Financial Aid Offices at  Main, Montoya and Westside campuses.

All available student employment positions are listed online by campus by clicking on Student Employment on the menu on the left-hand side of the screen. 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 being hired.

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.

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 who do not attend the entire term, or who do not take the final exam, or who receive an “F” or “NC” in a class must be reported to the VA, which may result in an overpayment. 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 residents regardless of citizenship who are New Mexico high school graduates or New Mexico GED recipients who attend CNM the first term after receiving their high school diploma.

The Bridge to Success Scholarship pays fall tuition and registration fees for students who meet all deadlines, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), have declared an eligible major, and are enrolled 12 or more credit hours in the fall term. This first term in college is your qualifying term. All Legislative Lottery Scholarship requirements must be met in the qualifying term and cannot be made up later. We would like to stress two points about your qualifying term:

1. You must successfully complete twelve (12) credit hours in your qualifying term. Classes can be college or developmental level; both will count towards the total number of credits required. Grades of, F, NC, I, W, and AU do not count towards total credit hours earned.

2. You must complete the qualifying term with a 2.5 or above GPA

• Your GPA is the average of all traditional letter grades taken: A, B, C, D, and F.
• Classes passed with a grade of CR (Credit) count in total credits completed, but are not factored in the GPA calculation.
• If you take Credit/No Credit courses along with traditional letter grade courses, your GPA will be based only on the traditional letter grades received.

The Legislative Lottery Scholarship is awarded to eligible students who have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours with a 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 Disability Resource Center may qualify for a reduction in the required number of credits by having a signed Disability Resource Center 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:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress in an eligible program
• Not have received a Bachelor’s Degree
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Have unmet need determined by the FAFSA
• Enroll in a minimum of six eligible credit hours
• Be a New Mexico resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

The 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 Financial Aid and Scholarship Services at cnm.edu.

Check Release

Financial aid checks are released each term after the 19th business 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.

Financial aid eligible students enrolled in late-starting classes can expect disbursement of funds approximately three weeks after classes begin. Students enrolled in multiple late-starting classes with different start dates can expect multiple disbursements.

Funds affected by this policy include Pell, SEOG, SSIG, NMCAG, General, Daycare, and student loans. Students must be enrolled in 6 eligible credit hours to receive a student loan.

Your disbursement will not be affected if all your classes begin the first week of 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 late will receive their loan check (s) approximately two weeks after their loan application has been processed and completed. Due to federal regulations, single-term Federal Direct 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 maintain eligibility 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 66.67 percent of all course work (registered credit hours) attempted at CNM. Any course with a grade of withdraw (W), (F), incomplete (I), progress (PR), audit (AU), or No Credit (NC) is not considered completed course work. Repeated courses are included in the calculation. Repeating courses to earn a higher grade will be counted as completed as long as a higher passing grade is achieved. Transfer credit is counted as attempted and completed, thus increasing a student’s completion rate.

Maximum Time Frame: Students must complete their program within 150 percent of the credit hours required by the program. Students who have reached their maximum allowable hours will be suspended from receiving any further financial aid. Developmental or remedial hours are excluded from this calculation. The MTF calculation counts all attempted hours including repeated courses, ineligible courses, and transfer hours accepted by CNM. This also includes hours taken under a previous major and hours for which a student did not receive 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.

Other Information

Repeat Coursework: Federal regulations state financial aid students may receive financial aid for a previously passed course only once. This means that you may take the course twice and receive financial aid at CNM. All coursework on your CNM transcript is subject to this new rule, whether you received aid or not. However, repeated courses do affect financial aid satisfactory academic progress calculations. A repeated course along with the original attempt must be counted as attempted credits in the maximum allowable hour calculation.

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: Some majors at CNM are ineligible for financial aid. 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 majors 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 at myCNM. 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. More information regarding bookstore deferments, including a list of allowable charges, can be found online.

Repayment of Federal Funds

Last day to drop courses without a “W” (Census Date)

An important issue that can affect financial aid eligibility involves dropping courses before the census date. This date can be found in the Schedule of Classes.

Classes dropped before the census date are not eligible for financial aid.

When a student drops a class before the census date we must reduce the student’s grant eligibility by the amount that the student was paid for that class. Students are billed for this amount with a “hold” placed on their registration until it is paid in full.
 

Official Withdrawal

Students who wish to withdraw completely from CNM must officially drop all their classes. All classes can be dropped online or in person at any Registration Office. Students who do not drop all their classes by the published deadlines (see the Schedule of Classes) will receive final grades and may be subject to Unofficial Withdrawal consequences.

Unofficial Withdrawals

Students who earn no passing grades in a given term are assumed to have unofficially withdrawn. The instructor will provide a last date of attendance for any failing grade. This will be used to determine the last day of academic-related activity. Unofficially withdrawn students may be required to repay a portion of financial aid received unless the instructor indicates the last day of attendance was the last day of the course and can document that the student participated in academically-related activities through the end of the term. See the Return of Title IV Funds section below.

Module Withdrawals

Students who are in classes that are not the full length of the term (late-starting or part of term) may be subject to the Return of Title IV funds calculation if they don’t complete all of their courses. See the Return of Title IV Funds section below.

Return of Title IV Funds

According to federal Return of Title IV Funds provisions, students who receive financial aid and then withdraw from all coursework before 60% completion of the term may have to pay back a portion of the federal aid received. The amount is determined by a federal formula. To view the formula, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

When a student withdraws, the amount of financial aid that has been “earned” by a student is based on the number of days attended. If the amount of aid disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, he or she may be eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received. If the amount of aid disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, he or she may need to repay a portion of the aid that was not earned.

Students are not eligible to receive aid for classes dropped before the census date as described above.

Student Responsibility for all unearned Title IV Program assistance

When a return of Title IV Funds is due, both the school and the student have a responsibility for returning funds to the Department of Education (ED). Students will be billed for all returned funds.

The repayment distribution depends on the type of funds received by the student and is repaid by CNM as follows:
1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG

After forty-five days, if the student fails to pay the student portion of the return to CNM, the debt is referred to the Department of Education for collection. The student is ineligible for any further federal financial aid at any school in the country until that debt is paid off.

Websites

• To apply for federal financial aid: fafsa.ed.gov
• Information on federal financial aid: studentaid.ed.gov
• Search for external scholarships: fastweb.com