The University of New Mexico NEWS RELEASE |
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Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821 May 22, 2008 The Chase Foundation Awards Grant to UNM Students from Southeastern New Mexico The Chase Foundation recently awarded the University of New Mexico’s Enrollment Management division with a $50,000 grant to enhance student success for students from southeast New Mexico and other rural areas. The grant is in addition to the Chase Scholarship that provides the opportunity for Artesia High School students to attend a college or university with tuition assistance that also includes the New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarship and matching funds from higher education institutions. The University of New Mexico is matching up to $2,500 for each student, the highest of any participating school. However, improving retention rates for those students from initial enrollment through graduation is a critical next step of the program. “The Chase family has been so generous and such a great partner for educating the students from southeast New Mexico and this progression of their support addresses not only the financial issues of our students but will dig deeper into the challenges they face from a sociological standpoint as they transition to a large university in an urban area,” said Terry Babbitt, interim vice president, Enrollment Management. “We believe this initiative will ultimately help a large number of students be successful.”The Enrollment Management division will provide a research-based student success program to identify academic and social needs unique to southeastern New Mexico students, and will also work collaboratively with those students and existing university resources to create effective, integrated support programs that will ultimately improve rural student retention. A provision within the grant calls for a review of funding for the second year after portions of the study are completed. Enrollment Management will develop learning communities during the first year of the program, i.e. cohorts of southeastern New Mexico students, that will a) provide peer support opportunities (informal pathways); b) formally guide students to existing academic, health, and social support programs as needed; and c) recruit students to participate in surveys and outreach programs. Students will be involved in research collection and some analysis, and will have the opportunity to participate in outreach activities in their hometown.### | |
| The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation. | |
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