UNM Valencia Campus

Student Services

Handbook

Welcome to UNM Valencia

Message from our Executive Director

Who You Gonna Call?

Don't Lose That Number

But don't panic if you do. Just call the main switchboard, 925-8500 and ask for any of these departments. Or you can dial direct.

Learning the Lingo:

Six Important Reasons To See Your Advisor

1. You are a freshman and have an ADVISEMENT HOLD on your record.

2. You know what you want to major in, but you are not quite sure what the requirements are.

3. You are having some difficulties in your classes and are not sure if you will pass them all.

4. You stopped going to class after the second week but are not sure if the instructor dropped you from the course.

5. You have fallen below the required GPA and you receive a letter stating that you are on academic probation.

6. You are only one semester away from graduation.

To Degree or Not To Degree

That's an important question.  UNM-Valencia Campus offers certificates and degrees.

Is it better for you to get a certificate or an associate degree? If you get a degree, is it better to get an applied science degree or an arts or sciences degree?

As always, you should get advice from an advisor. You can narrow down the options by asking yourself a few questions:

1. What type of degree (or certificate) is required in my chosen field?

2. Am I planning to enter the job market after graduation?

3. Am I planning to transfer to a four-year college?

4. What is my salary goal?

5. What are my resources?

These are just a few of the issues you should consider. Once you've focused on your goals, be sure to talk to your counselor before making a final decision-it's too important a decision to make alone.

Early Registration - What's In It for You

It's best to make an appointment with an advisor at least two weeks before the early registration date.

Important Deadlines Drop/Withdrawal from Classes

For specific drop dates, see the current Schedule of Classes or the UNM Valencia catalog. Remember: If you do not follow the proper procedures to drop a course, you can expect to receive an "F".

You Can Drop or Withdraw from a Course:

NOTE: For all of the above, it is a good idea to discuss your intentions with your instructor and/or Financial Aid advisor before dropping or withdrawing.

Student Identification Cards

Student ID cards are issued in Student Services beginning the first week of classes of each semester. Each student receives an ID card free of charge;  however, replacement cards are $5 each. These cards are required to check out material from the library and to use lab facilities.  So, be sure to get and keep yours.

Career Services Career Services Center

The services provided include career counseling, career exploration, job skills preparation (resume writing, job search and interviewing skills development), and job placement call 925-8900 for an appointment.

Career Counseling and Related Services

Career Counseling is available for those students and community members who are undecided on a college major or career or are considering changing their major or career. One-on-one counseling as well as various interest and aptitude assessments are administered as needed to assist students and community members in their career search process. Extensive information on career choices is available including occupational descriptions, level of education required for entry in a career, salary ranges and employment outlook both locally and nationally. This information is available on the Career Center computers and in the career library.

Graduate Placement Services

Although graduates of UNM-Valencia Campus are responsible for finding their own employment, the Career Services staff provides job-seeking assistance. Workshops on resume writing, developing job search strategies, and interviewing skills are offered periodically throughout the academic year. Mock employment interviewing assistance is available to include videotaping for immediate feedback. All of these skill building workshops are available to all students and are offered on both a group and individual basis. Upon request, Career Services maintains and mails placement folders with resumes, professional references, and official transcripts to potential employers.

What am I getting into?

You probably wouldn't buy a car without test driving it, or get married on a blind date, or get dressed in the dark. So, why wait until graduation to find out about your future career?You can find out what's ahead of you while you're still in college by:

Money Matters : Taking the Mystery out of Financial Aid

Let's face it. For most of us, the thought of financial aid conjures up images of frustrating paperwork and confusing procedures. Or we think we don't qualify. But neither case is necessarily true.

You don't have to be a detective to solve the mysteries of financial aid, nor does it have to take you months of investigation. Here's a clue: The clever people in the Financial Aid Office can help you solve the problem quickly and easily. They'll not only give you the proper forms, they'll also help you fill them out! Stop by the Financial Aid Office soon-yes, you may qualify!

To be eligible for financial aid and scholarships, you must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program and attending school on either a full-time or part-time basis. For information regarding financial aid or to make an appointment with the financial aid officer call 925-8590.

Here's What's Available:

Work-Study

It's not just a job, it's a chance to get work experience while still in school.    Work-study is based on financial need. It is restricted to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. For more information contact Student Services at 925-8590 or come by the Financial Aid office.

Emergency, Short-term Loans

Loans for students experiencing emergency situations are available through a program set up by the UNM-Valencia Campus Student Senate. Stop by the Financial Aid Office for more information on this program.

Student Records

It's confidential--your student record, that is. In accordance with the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-380.513), we keep your college records confidential.

Your records consist of your admission application, high school and/or college transcripts, grades and academic standing, and any notes, memos or letters about your scholastic progress.

The only people other than you, the student, who can have access to your file are:

Challenging the content of your student record

You have the right to challenge the content of your student record if you believe the information is misleading, inaccurate or otherwise in violation of privacy or other rights. Disputes are handled through informal meetings between you and the Registrar. If your dispute can't be resolved informally, you have the right to a formal hearing before the Student Affairs Committee.

Student records release policy

If you want to send copies of your transcript to someone (an employer or another college, for example), you can fill out a transcript request form at the Valencia Campus Admissions Office. Unofficial transcripts usually can be picked up within 24 hours of the request. However, your "official" academic record is maintained by the University of New Mexico. "Official" transcripts are issued by the UNM Records Office. Official transcript requests received by the Valencia Campus are forwarded to UNM twice a week.

The "official" transcript fee is $3 per copy. Payment must be made by check or money order. Unofficial transcript copies are free.

UNM will not release your transcript if you have outstanding debts with the University unless you've made arrangements for payment.

Stay in touch If you want to... ...Get any refunds due you ...Get your grade reports ...Get a Schedule of classes

Be sure to keep your current address and phone number (home and business) on file in the Registrar's Office. Academic Guidelines

UNM-Valencia has academic standards. The UNM-Valencia Grading System and a Sample GPA Computation are shown below.

UNM-Valencia Grading System Grade

Sample GPA Computation

34.67 (Total Points Earned) 16 Hrs. (Total Attempted Hours) 34.67 ö 16 = 2.17 GPA

Labs Aid Students in Computing

There are several computer labs on campus. These labs are available for student use.

Authorization to use the computer labs can be provided upon application. As part of the application process, each student requesting authorization is asked to accept and sign a Statement of Responsibility Form. Students can receive authorization by applying at the Business and Technology Office (V-123). It is recommended that students apply for authorization before attending the first day of computer class. Authorization is renewable on a semester-by-semester basis.

Students not currently enrolled in these courses can be given authorization if they apply at the Business and Technology Division Office (V-123). Computer lab V-123 is open for students to do course related homework assignments.

The labs have a variety of equipment and software including PC's with Windows 95/98 operating systems and Office 97/2000 software. All PC's are connected to the world wide web and are e-mail accessible. Some PC's have a variety of different software applications. If students need help finding a machine loaded with a specific software package, they can ask a lab assistant for help.

Diskettes for students are not provided. For students taking a computer-related class, the instructor will specify the number and the type of diskettes to buy. If students are not registered for computer classes and want to use the computer labs, we recommend that students purchase 3" double-sided high density diskettes as well as apply at V-123. Students are responsible for their disks. Students should not place files on the hard drives of the lab computers because disk space is limited and the risk of various viruses. Lab assistants frequently clear student files from the hard drives of these computers. Please observe the posted rules when using the computer lab. Computer lab hours are posted right outside the labs.

REMEMBER: Copying software is illegal, BEWARE of copyright infringements. Computer lab personnel reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

Student Center Offers Variety of Services

The center of activity-your Student Center- is located on the south side of the campus;   it houses a cafeteria, student government/activities office, TV lounge area and restrooms. The Center is open 8am - 9pm Monday through Thursday; and 8am - 5pm Friday and Saturday during the semester.

Inside are vending machines with snacks and sodas, and pay telephones. A small private dining room is available for special events and the entire building can be rented for weddings, anniversary parties, graduation get-togethers, or other occasions. For fees and arrangements, please contact the Scheduling Office.

Student Government

The Student Government Office is located in the Student Center. It is equipped with a Common's area, a meeting room and an office.

The Valencia Campus Student Government is a hard working group of representatives who are elected by and for the students. The Government works to make the academic life of students more attainable.

In the past, the Government has financially supported the placement of a handicap ramp that benefits those in need. It has donated money to the UNM-Valencia Campus Library for the purchase of videos on a yearly basis. The Senate has also made more scholarship money available by way of student fees. In addition, graduation and the Valley Cultural Festival are supported both monetarily and with volunteers from Student Government.

Students are encouraged to voice their concerns to senators by attending Student Senate meetings. Meeting dates and agendas are posted around campus. Minutes are posted, and available to students in the Campus Library. Call 925-8820 for more information.

Cafeteria

College students have always hungered after knowledge-and after studying and after class and after nearly everything. UNM-Valencia Campus has its own Cafeteria which includes a Snack Bar. It offers a variety of breakfast, lunch and snack items. Daily lunch specials are also served Monday through Thursday. Currently the cafeteria hours are Monday through Thursday 8am - 2pm and Snack bar hours are Monday through Thursday 2pm - 5:45pm and Friday form 8am - 1:00pm

Security

The UNM-Valencia Campus security staff should be notified immediately whenever a crime is discovered, suspected or witnessed on campus property. Individuals may reach security personnel by contacting any campus employee or by dialing 925-8570.

The following statistics indicate the number of law violations for the UNM-Valencia Campus for school years:

Lost and Found

Can't find your car keys? Missing a glove? Or have you found something belonging to someone else? Campus Security located in the Student Services Building is in charge of lost and found articles. During business hours, please check there to turn in or claim an item. Items are generally kept until the end of each semester.

The answer is 'no'

You knew that! Alcohol and illegal drugs are not part of the UNM-Valencia Campus curriculum. In fact, they're not allowed on campus or at college or student sponsored off-campus activities. Copies of UNM-Valencia Campus's alcohol and drug policy are available in Student Services.

The UNM Valencia Campus is committed not only to maintaining a drug-free campus but also to helping students and staff solve drug and alcohol related problems. All Valencia Campus students and employees must abide by this policy as a condition or registration or employment. Valencia Campus will assist individuals in obtaining appropriate referrals for substance-abuse counseling.

Parking on Campus

General parking is provided for students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Parking Permits are required of everyone except visitors. Permits may be obtained from campus security located in the Student Services Building.

Handicapped parking can be used only by handicapped persons whose cars display the required special license, sticker, or decal.

Vehicles without parking stickers will be ticketed. Vehicles illegally parked in handicapped spaces, as well as those parked outside of designated parking areas, also will be ticketed.

NO PARKING is allowed along curbs at the college entrance or in any undesignated areas. You may be dropped off at the curb; someone picking you up may wait there if they do not leave the car. Parking regulations are enforced.

If you park illegally, you'll probably find a little something from security on the driver's window of your car or worse, you may find that your car has been booted!

Stay Safe on Campus

Don't take chances with your personal safety

Your personal safety is one of our main concerns. Security guards are on duty practically 24 hours a day, and escorts to the parking lot are at your service during the day and evening-ask at any reception area and an escort will be paged for you.

You can help us keep you safe by avoiding these risks:

Student Insurance

Health and accident insurance is available to students who are enrolled for six or more credit hours. Additional coverage is available for spouses and dependents of students. Application forms are available in the Student Center.

Student/Community Activities Center

The latest addition to the UNM-Valencia Campus is the Student/Community Activities Center. Departments housed in the new building are the Bookstore, the Small Business Development Center, the Community Education Program, a Wellness Center equipped with state of the art exercise equipment, a Childcare Center facility, and the Department of Labor. A large all purpose room and several classrooms are part of the building also.

The bookstore-more than a bookstore

The bookstore has books...and paper and pens and cards and candy and clothes and gifts and lots more. Check it out!

The bookstore is where you'll buy all your textbooks. Textbooks are arranged on the shelves alphabetically by course number. For example, the book for Principles of Biology (BIOL 121L) comes before the book for General Chemistry (CHEM 121). Take your registration form with you to the bookstore so you can locate your books.

If you can't find a book, just ask at the counter for help. Bookstore personnel know the books that are required for each course.

Bookstore Protocol:

Community Education Services

The Community Education Program offers residents of the college's service area the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of high-quality, non-credit courses in subjects relating to personal enrichment, professional development, computer training and cultural events. These courses are offered with minimal fees at convenient locations. Classes, workshops and seminars are developed in response to the needs as identified by representatives of all segments of the local communities. This includes specialized training for business, industry and governmental agencies. The informal nature of these courses provides residents of all ages with the opportunity for lifelong self-improvement, regardless of educational background.

Policies

We may not like 'em, but we gotta follow 'em

There are a variety of policies that address student issues. This section is designed to reflect which policies are used for what purposes. Copies of all official policies are maintained in Student Services and are available to any student upon request. If you are uncertain which policy or procedure you should follow, please contact Student Services.

Sexual harassment policy

Sexual harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. The purpose of this policy is to foster dialogue, and take action to prevent, correct or discipline behavior as delineated in the policy.

Code of Conduct

UNM-Valencia Campus' Code of Conduct is a long, official document that covers all types of situations-cheating and plagiarism, drugs and alcohol, firearms, theft, disorderly conduct and so forth. But really, all you need to remember are two principles-responsibility and respect.

Responsibility means owning up to your own actions and their consequences.

Respect is an expression of consideration for the rights and property of yourself, your fellow students, your instructors, the college staff, and the college.

Practice these principles and you can't go wrong.

Policy on sexual assault

The UNM-Valencia Campus realizes the gravity of sexual assault and the importance of educating students and the campus community as a whole. The counselors in Student Services act in part as crisis intervention advocates with the victim as well as referral resources.

Student grievance procedures

This policy is used for resolution of disputes between students and faculty or staff of the University as well as procedures for handling disciplinary matters. This includes academic disputes, disciplinary matters brought against students, academic record disputes such as grades, dishonesty, enrollment, or disenrollment or withdrawal.

Discrimination grievance procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to provide a mechanism by which all members of the campus community can have allegations of discrimination heard, investigated and resolved with fairness, objectivity, and without fear of reprisal.

Student records policy

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 this policy delineates students' rights to inspect educational records maintained about them, categories of public information,and the withholding of information.

Other UNM-Valencia Campus standards, policies, regulations

Smoking policy

It is the policy of the University of New Mexico that smoking is permitted only in designated areas. This policy is in compliance with the New Mexico Clean Indoor Air Act, 1985, as amended. As per the University's Business Policies and Procedures Manual, Policy #3775, Section 2.2, and effective Oct. 1, 1992, smoking is not permitted in any Valencia Campus building.

Also available are regulations covering the following:

What follows are specific policies dealing with student conduct, sexual harassment, discrimination grievance procedures, student grievance procedures, and student disciplinary procedures. The Valencia Campus Student Government Constitution also is included.

Student Code of Conduct

It is important for all students to be aware of conduct that will lead to disciplinary action by the University. In order to clarify the types of conduct which shall be considered to affect adversely the University's educational function, to disrupt community living on campus, or to interfere with the rights of others to pursue their education, to conduct their University duties and responsibilities or to participate in University activities, the Board of Regents hereby adopts the following Code of Conduct for students:

The University may take disciplinary action for an offense against the Code of Conduct when the offense occurs on University premises or at a University-sponsored event, or when an offense, which occurs off campus, is such that in the judgment of the Associate Director for Student Services, failure to take disciplinary action is likely to interfere with the educational process or the orderly operation of the University, or endanger the health, safety or welfare of the University community. The term "student" includes both full-time and part-time students pursuing undergraduate, graduate or professional studies.

Appropriate disciplinary procedures and sanctions shall be applied to any student who commits, or attempts to commit, any of the following acts of misconduct:

2.1 Actions which have great potential for physically harming the person or property of others, including that of the University, or which actually result in physical harm, or which cause reasonable apprehension of physical harm.

2.2. Any type of sexual assault including rape.

2.3. Making false representations to the University, including forgery and unauthorized alteration of documents; unauthorized use of any University document or instrument of identification.

2.4. Academic dishonesty, including, but not limited to, dishonesty in quizzes, tests, or assignments: claiming credit for work not done or done by others; hindering the academic work of other students; misrepresenting academic or professional qualifications within or without the University; and nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out applications or other University records.

2.5. Substantially interfering with the freedom of expression, movement or activity of others.

2.6. Initiating or causing to be initiated any false report, warning or threat of fire, explosion or other emergency. Misusing or damaging fire safety equipment on University premises.

2.7. Theft of property or of services. Possession of property that is known to be stolen.

2.8. Failure to comply with the lawful directions of University officials, including campus police officers and other law enforcement officials, acting in performance of their duties.

2.9. Willfully refusing or failing to leave the property of or any building or other facility owned, operated, or controlled by the University when requested to do so by a lawful custodian of the building, facility or property if the person is committing, threatens to commit or incites others to commit any act which would disrupt, impair, interfere with or obstruct the lawful mission, process, procedures or functions of the University.

2.10. Unauthorized presence in or use of University premises, facilities or property, in violation of posted signs, when closed, or after normal operating hours.

2.11. Illegal use, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance, illegal drug or alcohol. 2.12. Use or possession of fireworks on University premises or at University-sponsored activities, unless expressly authorized in writing by the President.

2.13. Use, possession, or storage of any weapon on University premises or at University-sponsored activities, unless expressly authorized in writing by the President. Weapon includes, but is not limited to, firearms, ammunition, bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, or other dangerous weapons, substances or materials.

2.14 Misusing University computing resources by intentionally making or receiving, accessing, altering, using, providing or in any way tampering with files, disks, programs, passwords or hardware belonging to other computer users without their permission.

2.15. Violation of published or posted University regulations or policies, including but not limited to regulations prohibiting discriminatory activity.

2.16. Aid to others in committing or inciting others to commit any act mentioned above.

2.17. Action(s) or conduct which hinders, obstructs or otherwise interferes with the implementation or enforcement of the Code of Conduct including failure to appear before any of the University's disciplinary authorities and to testify as a witness when reasonably notified to do so by an appropriate University office.

2.18. Any other acts or omissions which affect adversely University functions or University-sponsored activities, disrupt community living on campus, interfere with the rights of others to the pursuit of their education, or otherwise affect adversely the process of the University.

2.19. Violating the terms of any disciplinary sanction imposed in accordance with this Code.

Rights of Students in Disciplinary Matters

Students' rights under the state and federal constitutions are specifically acknowledged and affirmed, including the rights of freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom of religion, and due process. The provisions of this Code of Conduct shall be construed so as not to infringe upon those rights, as those rights are defined by law.

4.1. Any student who violates any of the rules set forth in Section 3 above, shall be subject to warning (verbal or written), disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, dismissal from University employment, or being barred from campus. Student sanctions imposed under this Code of Conduct shall be imposed pursuant to the Student Standards & Grievance Procedure, or its successor.

4.2. As used in this subsection:

4.2.1. "Verbal warning" means an oral reprimand.

4.2.2. "Written warning" means a written reprimand.

4.2.3. "Disciplinary probation" means the establishment of a time period during which further acts of misconduct may or will result in more severe disciplinary sanctions depending on the conditions of the probation. Conditions of probation can include community service, attendance at workshops and/or seminars including but not limited to alcohol, drug or safety workshops and/or seminars, mandatory mental health evaluation and/or counseling or other educational sanctions.

4.2.4."Suspension" means losing student status for a period of time specified in the terms of the suspension. A suspension may commence immediately upon a finding of a violation or it may be deferred to a later time.

4.2.5. "Expulsion" means losing student status for an indefinite period of time. Readmission may not be sought before the expiration of two years from the date of expulsion, and it is not guaranteed even after that time.

4.2.6. "Dismissal" means termination of student employment, either for a stated time period or indefinitely.

4.2.7."Barred from campus" means being barred from all or designated portions of the University property or activities.

4.3. The sanction imposed shall be set based upon numerous factors, including the severity of the offense, the amount of harm created, the student's record, and sanctions imposed in recent years for similar offenses. In considering the harm created, there shall be taken into account whether any harm or injury was targeted against a person or group because of that person or group's race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental handicap, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition.

* All references to University officers, by title, in this Code shall also include the designee(s) of that officer.

The President of the University may adopt such procedures, rules or regulations as deemed necessary to implement this Code of Conduct.

All references to University officers, by title, in this Code shall also include the designee(s) of that officer.