| 2002-2003 Undergraduate
Catalog General Information - Regulations |
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| 2002-2003 Undergraduate
Catalog General Information - Regulations |
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These regulations apply to all campuses of New Mexico State University and are effective with the publication of this catalog. Tuition amounts, fees, and similar items subject to annual review and change are all effective with the current catalog.
University Credits
The unit of university credit is the semester hour, which is the equivalent of one hour's recitation or a minimum of two hours of practice per week for one semester.
Continuing education units may be awarded for organized noncredit continuing education experiences. A continuing education unit is defined as 10 contact hours of instruction under responsible sponsorship and qualified instruction. Continuing education units may not be used to fulfill degree requirements.
Class Rank (Classification)
A student's classification depends upon the number of credits completed toward graduation. Sophomore rank is achieved with successful completion of 28 credits; junior rank, 62 credits; senior rank, 94 credits.
Class Load
The normal load in a regular semester is 16-18 credits in all colleges of the university. An overload is more than 18 credits. A normal load in summer school is the same number of credits as there are weeks in the session. Written permission for the student to register for an overload must be obtained from the dean of the student's college. To be eligible to take an overload, the student must have a cumulative grade-point average for the two preceding semesters of 2.5, with no grade less than C. A one-credit course in physical activity may be taken without being included in the calculation for determining an overload. No freshman will be permitted to assume an overload. Students may enroll for correspondence or extension courses only upon approval of the dean of their college. Such courses must be counted as part of a student's class load. No more than 30 credits in extension and correspondence courses will be accepted toward graduation.
Basic Academic Skills
NMSU requires all students to demonstrate basic academic skills in both English and mathematics to ensure that they have the abilities to succeed in upper-division courses numbered 300 or higher. First time students must meet both of these requirements before enrolling in any upper-division courses. Transfer students with 45 or more credits will be allowed to enroll in upper-division courses for one semester. After that point, they must meet both of these requirements before enrolling in upper-division courses. The options for satisfying basic skills in English and mathematics are listed below.
Completion of basic skills requirements will not necessarily satisfy university general education requirements in English and mathematics. Students should consult the "General Education Courses and Requirements" section in this chapter for these requirements.
English Basic Skill Requirement Options
Mathematics Basic Skills Requirement Options
Satisfactory Progress
A full-time student is making satisfactory progress when the cumulative number of credits earned at NMSU, divided by the number of semesters attended at NMSU, equals at least 12. Part-time students must earn a proportional number of credits in the same time period for purposes of financial aid. In the case of new freshmen, this definition will not be applied until the beginning of the third semester of enrollment; however, for all other students, it will apply after one semester of enrollment. All students at the end of their second academic year must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
University Grading System
Grades and credits can be accessed by phone or web, but students must have a PIN number in order to do so. Grade reports may be ordered via phone or web, but will not be automatically mailed to students. When ordered, grades will be mailed to an address chosen by the student. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Office of the Registrar with the address to which grades should be mailed. At the request of the student, the instructor will provide information on progress in the course prior to the last day to drop a course.
The NMSU system of grading is expressed in letters, which carry grade points used in calculating the cumulative grade-point average:
| Letter grade | Grade Points per unit of credit |
| A -- For excellent work | 4 |
| B -- For better than average work | 3 |
| C -- For average work | 2 |
| D -- For below average work | 1 |
| F -- For failing work | 0 |
| W -- Withdrawal | 0 |
| N -- Grade not submitted | 0 |
| CR -- Credit authorized, but not letter grade | 0 |
| RR -- Progress in undergraduate course | 0 |
| PR -- Progress on graduate thesis | 0 |
| S* -- Satisfactory work | 0 |
| U -- Unsatisfactory work | 0 |
| I -- Incomplete | 0 |
| AU -- Audit | 0 |
*An S grade is a grade satisfactory to the professor and is normally equivalent to the letter grade of C or higher.
In computing the overall grade-point average, the total credits in which grades of A, B, C, D, or F have been assigned is divided into the total number of grade points earned.
A course for which only CR, but no letter grade, is given and a course in which an S or PR grade is earned may be counted toward graduation but is not computed in the grade-point average.
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is an enforceable entry requirement for a particular course.
Repeating Courses
If a student's transcript shows two or more registrations in a course with grades of D, F, U, or W, a further registration for this course requires the prior approval of the student's academic dean. Approval will be granted under special circumstances.
A student may repeat a course numbered below 300 in which a D or F grade has been earned at this university. A computable grade (excluding I, W, RR, AU, CR, S, or U) in a repeated course may be substituted in the calculation of the grade-point average, though the original grade also remains on the transcript. All grades in repeated courses, except the first grade earned, are counted in the grade-point average. If a student repeats a course eligible for grade substitution in which he has earned a D and fails the course, the second grade of F may be substituted for the original grade. If this is done, the student loses both credit and grade points earned by the original D. However, the dean may waive the course if required for graduation. A course numbered 300 or above in which a D or F grade has been earned may be retaken. All grades earned for the course will be included in the cumulative grade-point average but credit may only be earned once. A maximum of 30 credits of grade substitution is permitted overall.
Neither credits nor grade points may be earned by repeating a course for which a grade of C or higher has already been received. A course taken prior to the time the student received a baccalaureate degree at NMSU cannot be repeated after the degree has been awarded.
Repeat Option
A student must make a special request for the repeat option to substitute grades for repeated courses numbered below 300 in which a D or F grade was earned between September 1960 and February 1967 and for courses below 300 in which an F or WF grade was earned between September 1958 and February 1967. Repeat option applies only to eligible courses that were completed prior to the time a student was awarded a baccalaureate degree at New Mexico State University.
Incomplete Grade
The grade of I (incomplete) is given for passable work that could not be completed due to circumstances beyond the student's control. The following regulations apply to removing or changing an I grade.
1) Instructors may assign I grades only if the student is unable to complete the course due to circumstances beyond the student's control that develop after the last day to withdraw from the course. Examples of appropriate circumstances include documented illness, documented death or crisis in the student's immediate family, and similar circumstances. Job related circumstances are generally not appropriate grounds for assigning an I grade. In no case is an I grade to be used to avoid the assigning of D, F, U, or RR grades for marginal or failing work.
2) To assign an I grade, the instructor must complete the I Grade Information Form and have the form delivered to the course dean, together with the instructor's grade sheets for the semester. The instructor will state in writing on the I Grade Information Form the steps necessary to complete the remaining course work or the instructor may indicate that the student will be required to re-enroll in the course to receive credit (in which case the I grade will not be removed). The student will sign this document or the course dean will send a copy of the document to the student's official permanent address as recorded in the Registrar's Office.
3) The student is entitled to have the I grade removed from the student's transcript only if the student completes the remaining course work as specified on the I Grade Information Form, in a manner satisfactory to the instructor. The work must be completed within 12 months after the I grade is assigned and prior to the student's graduation, or within a shorter period of time if specified by the instructor on the I Grade Information Form. If the student fails to complete the course work, the instructor may change the I grade to any appropriate grade (including D, F, or U) provided that the instructor stated that this would occur on the I Grade Information Form.
4) I grades can be removed from the student's transcript by the instructor only during the 12-month period following assignment of the I grade or prior to the student's graduation, whichever comes first. To remove an I grade, the instructor must complete a Change of Grade Form and file the form with the Registrar. The instructor may assign whatever grade is appropriate for the entire course. This may include grades of D, F, or U. An I grade not changed by the assigning instructor within 12 months and prior to graduation shall remain an I grade thereafter.
5) A student may re-enroll and receive credit for any course for which an I grade was previously received, but retaking the course will not result in a removal of the I grade from the student's transcript.
The effect of removing an I grade on a student's academic standing (scholastic warning, probation, or suspension) depends on the date the transaction is officially recorded on the student's academic record. If the transaction is recorded before the student begins another semester, the grade replacing the I is included in the grade-point average calculation that establishes the student's academic standing. If the transaction is recorded after the student begins another semester, the new grade's effect on academic standing is based upon its inclusion with grades for the semester in which the student is enrolled.
RR Grade
The RR grade applies only to designated skill development undergraduate courses approved by the University Curriculum Committee and indicates the student has made substantial progress toward completing the requirements of the course. It carries neither penalty nor credit. The student must re-register and successfully complete the course in order to earn credit. The grade of RR may be received only once in any given course, and it remains on the student's transcript.
S/U Option
Students with 28 credits at NMSU under traditional grading, with an overall average of 2.5 or better, may exercise the S/U option. The following limitations apply:
1) No more than 7 credits per semester or 4 credits per summer session.
2) Not to exceed a total of 21 semester credits.
These limitations do not apply to honors and courses officially designated S/U.
Each course under this option must be requested during registration. Eligibility must be determined by the student's academic dean and certified by the student. The course must be taken outside the major. If the student changes majors, the new major department may require a traditional grade for a course previously passed with an S grade. The traditional grade change is made by the instructor or by a course challenge if the original instructor is no longer with the university.
Eligibility for S/U grading must be re-established after adjusted credit has been approved.
Nondegree students who do not meet the above requirements may take courses under the S/U option. However, these courses may not be applied toward an undergraduate degree at New Mexico State University.
Graduate students in regular standing may take courses for the S/U option, outside the major department, under regulations stated in the Graduate Catalog.
Each academic college of the university may designate courses in which the grading will be on a basis of S or U for all students enrolled in the courses. Credits in such courses are not included in the 21-credit limitation or the 7-credit-per-semester limit.
Grade Point Average
A student's NMSU semester and cumulative grade point averages will be based solely on courses taken at NMSU or under an approved National Student Exchange.
Independent Studies
Independent study courses (including directed reading and special topics courses which do not carry a subtitle) are for students capable of self-direction who meet the requirements for the S/U option, i.e., if the students are not eligible for the S/U option, they are not eligible for independent study. Each college determines the maximum number of credits that may be earned in independent study courses.
Adjusted Credit Option
The adjusted credit option allows students who obtain a low grade-point average (less than 2.0 cumulative) during their first few semesters to get a fresh start. This option may be used only once and is not reversible. All courses carrying a grade of S, CR, C, or better earned prior to the grading period in which the student requests the adjusted credit option (including transfer courses) are included as adjusted credit. All allowable credits are designated on the permanent academic record as "adjusted credit" and are omitted from the calculations of the cumulative grade-point average.
A fee of $10 is required for the submission of an adjusted credit option application. Application forms are available in the offices of the academic deans. Students applying for this option must
1) not hold a baccalaureate degree;
2) be currently enrolled as a regular/nondegree undergraduate student;
3) have a cumulative grade-point average of less than 2.0 at NMSU;
4) have successfully accumulated fewer than 60 transfer plus NMSU credits;
5) exercise the option only during the fall or spring semester before the last day to withdraw from the university; and
6) pass an additional 30 graded credits before they may be awarded an associate's degree.
Other courses taken during the period of credit adjustment are not calculated in the cumulative grade-point average. The repeat rule for courses starts anew for students who have taken the adjusted credit option.
Credits covered by this option are shown on the transcript with an appropriate notation, and all course work attempted is shown. In no circumstances will a transcript of this record be issued that does not include all courses attempted at this university.
Probationary status and eligibility for on-campus employment is not affected by the exercise of the adjusted credit option.
Students are eligible for university honors if the criteria for university honors are met for all courses taken at NMSU after the period of adjusted credit.
Transfer Credits
For the policy on transfer credits see "Transfer of Credits at NMSU" earlier in this chapter.
National Student Exchange (NSE)
For the policy on transfer credit for courses taken in the National Student Exchange program, see this heading earlier in this chapter.
Credit by College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Prior to or during a student's enrollment at NMSU, credits may be earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board. CLEP is a national program of credit by examination that offers the opportunity to earn credits for college level achievement wherever or however you have learned.
Earned CLEP credit will be treated as transfer credit without a grade, will count toward graduation, and may be used in fulfilling specific curriculum requirements.
A current NMSU CLEP policy as well as test schedule information is available through Testing Services in Garcia Annex, Room 235. Testing Services may be reached at 646- 1921.
Advanced Placement
Students who have completed college-level courses in secondary schools and have taken the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Examination Board with resulting composite scores of 3, 4, or 5 may petition their academic dean for college credit and advanced placement. The amount of credit and the equivalent university courses for which credit will be granted will be determined by the head of the department in which the course is offered. Such credit will be treated as transfer credit without a grade, will count toward graduation, and may be used in fulfilling specific curriculum requirements.
Credit for Military Service
Academic credit for military service was terminated with the beginning of the fall semester 1975 for honorably discharged veterans whose term of service began September 1, 1974, or later. However, military courses taken while in the service will be considered for evaluation if an official document is on file in the Office of the Registrar.
Those receiving honorable discharges who entered on active duty prior to September 1, 1974, may petition the head of Military Science or the head of Aerospace Studies at NMSU for verification of term and experience of military service for evaluation of credit.
Credit by Examination
Any enrolled student with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, currently attending classes, may, with permission of the appropriate department, challenge by examination any undergraduate course in which credit has not been previously earned except an independent study, research or reading course, or any foreign language course that precedes the final course in the lower-division sequence. The manner of administering the examination and granting permission shall be determined by the department in which the course is being challenged.
Students may not enroll in a single course, challenge it by examination, and drop it during the drop/add period, unless they enroll in an additional course.
In exceptional cases in which a student demonstrates outstanding ability in a course in which he is already registered, he may be permitted to challenge the course.
Seniors will not be allowed to take special examinations for credit to meet the last 20-semester credits necessary for the bachelor's degree.
A student desiring to apply for special examination may obtain the necessary forms from the Office of the Registrar. The fee for challenging a course is the same as the approved tuition rate.
A grade of C or better is required for credit and will be recorded on the student's record as CR. Courses may not be challenged under the S/U option.
The special examination privilege is based on the principle that the student, exclusively, has the responsibility for preparing for a special examination.
Audits
A regularly enrolled student may register for any course prior to the last day of registration as an auditor without credit with the consent of instructor, provided the facilities are not required for regular students. The fee is the same as for credit courses. Audit courses are not considered in determining the maximum load except for students on probation and graduate students. A student may not change from credit to audit after the last day to register but may withdraw and continue to attend with the permission of the instructor.
Changes in Registration
Registration changes may be processed only in accordance with university regulations and with appropriate signatures. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate official withdrawal from a course and to obtain all necessary signatures on the drop/add form.
The completed form must be given to the student's academic dean. Forms are available from the academic adviser or in the deans' offices. Courses may not be added or dropped after the cutoff date indicated in the university calendar. For refund policy, see the "Costs" section of the catalog.
When a student officially drops a course, the W grade is assigned as follows:
1) No grade is assigned during the registration period.
2) A W grade is assigned to any student who officially drops a course during the first half of its duration. A student may not officially withdraw from a course after this time. All drop forms must be signed and dated by the instructor of the course, the adviser, and the department head.
3) A grade of W is assigned in all courses to any student officially withdrawing from the university prior to the last three weeks of classes.
A student found insufficiently prepared to carry a regular course may be transferred to a more elementary course in the same field any day before the last day to officially withdraw from an individual course.
Any person attending under Veterans Educational Assistance should notify the Office of Veterans' Programs if dropping or adding courses changes enrollment status for benefits.
Withdrawal from NMSU
Withdrawal from any NMSU campus is an official procedure that must be approved as indicated on the withdrawal form. All such withdrawals will be registered on the student's transcript. It is the student's responsibility to initiate withdrawal from the university and to obtain necessary signatures. Students who leave without following the official procedure are graded appropriately by the instructor. On the main campus, withdrawal begins at the Registrar's Office. At all other campuses, withdrawal begins at the provost's office. Applicable dates are published in the university calendar for all regular sessions.
Attendance and Student Performance
Students are expected to attend regularly all classes for which they are registered. Students making satisfactory progress in their classes will be excused from classes when they are representing New Mexico State University on a university sponsored event (e.g. ASNMSU president representing NMSU at legislative session, student athletes competing in NMSU scheduled athletic events, or students attending educational field trips and conferences). Authorized absences do not relieve the student of their class responsibilities. Prior written notice of the authorized absence will be provided to the instructor by the sponsoring department. Specific class attendance requirements are determined by the instructor of the course.
When the number of absences hinders a student's progress in a course, the instructor may initiate a statement of the student's excessive absences including a recommendation of retention or expulsion from the class. Based on the recommendation of the instructor and with the concurrence of the course department head and the student's academic dean, a student will be dropped for persistent absences or for persistent failure to complete assignments. Similarly, a student may also be dropped from a class for engaging in behavior that interferes with the educational environment of the class. Any student who has been dropped from a class shall have the right to appeal that decision through the Student Academic Grievance Policy.
Only enrolled students, for credit or for audit, are permitted to attend classes. A student who has officially withdrawn from a course may continue to attend the course with the permission of the instructor for the remainder of the semester.
Students not enrolled may visit classes only with the permission of the instructor.
Administrative Withdrawals
When an administrative withdrawal from a course is initiated for a student who is representing the university at an official out-of-town event, the withdrawal will become effective upon the return of the student to the university from that event or five class days after the signed drop slip arrives in the dean's office, whichever is sooner.
Nondegree Status
See "Nondegree Admission," earlier in this chapter.
Veterans' Attendance and Satisfactory Progress
The Veterans' Administration requires all veterans attending under the Veterans Educational Assistance Benefits to make satisfactory progress and systematic advancement toward an educational objective or be liable for over payments from the Veterans' Administration. Satisfactory progress and regular class attendance are expected of such students.
If a veteran receiving benefits is suspended for academic reasons, benefits are terminated and will be restored only after readmission to NMSU.
If the university has liability claims filed against it as a result of a veteran failing to meet compliance requirements of the Veterans' Administration, the university will not release any academic records on the veteran until such time as the veteran has reimbursed the federal government for funds drawn in violation of those requirements.
Privacy Rights
The following information has been designated as directory information and is subject to release to the public under the Buckley Amendment (PL 98-380), "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974": Student's name, address, email address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, classification, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent, previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.
Other information regarding disclosure of student data is posted at the Office of the Registrar in compliance with the Act.
Requests for withholding directory information must be filed in writing with the Office of the Registrar by the third Friday of class.
Social Security Numbers in Student Records
Social security numbers are collected from prospective and current students for administrative coordination and record identification purposes only. Although procedures have been established by the registrar for assignment of an alternative number upon request, students who wish to be employed on campus or to receive financial aid are required by law to provide their social security number for administrative use. Further, the university is mandated by federal tax regulations to provide tuition and fee payment information to the student and the Internal Revenue Service, so that applicable educational tax credits may be computed. The social security number will be necessary to submit this tax reporting. In the event that the university does not have the social security number for a student, a reasonable effort will be made to obtain this information. The social security number is a confidential record and is maintained as such by the university in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Academic Appeals Board
Membership: Within each college of the university a student appeals board shall be established for each academic year as a standing committee consisting of three faculty members and two students appointed by the dean of the college.
Procedure for Initiating Grievance Complaints*: This procedure has been established to provide a method to resolve undergraduate student grievances at the lowest administrative level in a fair, expeditious manner. For the purpose of this procedure, grievances are limited to alleged violations of university policy or procedures by the university or its staff, disputes with staff members and/or alleged unfair treatment. Usually this method is used to appeal a grade the student feels was not justified. Under no condition should these policies be used when the student has allegedly violated the University Code of Conduct or a university contractual agreement, and at no hearing should either party have a lawyer. Any student who believes that he/she has been unjustly treated within the academic process may proceed as far as necessary in the following steps.
1) Appeal to faculty member: The student should submit a written appeal to the faculty member within 30 days of the initiation of the term following the term in which the grievance occurred. The faculty member and the student are to discuss the problem. The faculty member will submit a written statement within ten working days of receipt of the student's grievance to the student outlining the faculty member's decision.
2) Appeal to the department head: If a decision satisfactory to the student can not be reached, the student is to submit a written appeal to the department head in which the course was taught. This is to be done within ten days of receipt of the faculty member's written decision. The faculty member, the department head, and the student are to meet to discuss the problem. The department head will send a written response to the student within ten working days of this meeting.
3) Appeal to the dean: If a satisfactory decision can not be reached among the department head, the faculty member and the student, the student will submit a written statement to the dean (or designee) of the college in which the course was offered. This is to be done within ten working days after receipt of the written decision by the department head. The dean may request a written recommendation from the college Academic Appeals Board if warranted. An Academic Appeals Board is to be established each academic year and to be made up of three faculty and two students from the college. The dean will meet with the student, the faculty member and the department head. The dean will submit a statement to the student, the instructor, and the department head outlining the dean's decision within ten days of receiving the appeal or the recommendation of a Academic Appeals Board.
4) Appeal to the executive vice president: The student, instructor, or the head may appeal the dean's decision to the executive vice president (or designee). This appeal must be made in writing within ten days of receiving the recommendation by the dean. The executive vice president will consider the written statement from the student, the faculty member, the department head, and the dean to reach a decision concerning the case. This decision cannot be appealed.
5) Appeals from the past: Students who began an academic grievance procedure by meeting with the course instructor within 60 days of the initiation of the term following the term of the grievance but prior to the adoption of this procedure, shall have an additional calendar year (from when the course was completed) to complete the process of appealing to the head of the department in which the course was offered.
6) Exceptions to the time involved: Deans may waive the normal time frame for grievances when students present compelling evidence that medical or family crises have prevented appeals. Regardless of circumstances, grievances must be initiated with the course instructor within two years of the conclusion of the semester in which the course was taken.
7) Enrollment: A student need not be enrolled at the university to initiate a grievance.
Records used to compute individual grades shall be kept by instructors and/or departments for two years after completion of the course. If a grade has been appealed, these records should be kept for at least two years after completion of the appeal. Departments or colleges may require that records be kept for longer periods.
Academic Misconduct
Students at New Mexico State University are expected to observe and maintain the highest academic, ethical, and professional standards of conduct. Any student found guilty of academic misconduct shall be subject to disciplinary action. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following actions:
1) Cheating or knowingly assisting another student in committing an act of cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty;
2) Plagiarism, which includes, but is not necessarily limited to, submitting examinations, themes, reports, drawings, laboratory notes, undocumented quotations, computer- processed materials, or other material as one's own work when such work has been prepared by another person or copied from another person;
3) Unauthorized possession of examinations, reserve library materials, or laboratory materials;
4) Unauthorized changing of grades on an examination, in an instructor's grade book, or on a grade report; or unauthorized access to academic computer records;
5) Nondisclosure or misrepresentation in filling out applications or other university records in, or for, academic departments or colleges.
Academic Standing
Please see section on incomplete, I, grades to determine the effect of removal of I grades on academic standing.
Academic probation and suspension. Notification to students of academic probation or suspension appears on the student's grade report at the end of each grading period.
Academic warning. This applies only to new students who are qualified for admission and attending a college or university for the first time. However, the Director of Admissions may classify as "new" freshmen who have attended a college or university in early admission status or have attended during a summer prior to their first semester of enrollment. Such students are placed in "warning" status at the end of their first enrollment if they earn less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA, unless the first enrollment is for a summer session. If warned at the end of a combined spring and first summer session, warning status is continued through the second summer session (if applicable).
Academic warning status is continued if the student withdraws from the university.
Probation or suspension status applies to all subsequent enrollments.
Academic probation. Students are placed on probation at the end of a semester or summer session when their cumulative grade-point average (GPA) falls below 2.0. However, students entering the university in summer are not placed on probation at the end of that summer if the cumulative GPA drops below 2.0.
Transfer students. Students (admitted under special provisions) whose transcripts indicate less than a 2.0 GPA are entered on probation.
Continuing in probationary status. Students may continue to enroll while on probation provided they maintain a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher. They are continued on probation if they withdraw from the university while on probation.
Restrictions on enrollment while in probationary status. No student on probation may enroll for more than 15 credits during a semester, or 6 credits during a summer session, without permission of the academic dean.
Students on probation receiving educational benefits from the Veterans' Administration must obtain counseling from the Office of Veterans' Programs.
Removal of academic probation. Such academic standing is removed when the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or higher, with the following exceptions: (1) a transfer student may not remove probation by summer work alone; (2) if an I grade is removed after the student has enrolled, the new grade's effect on academic standing is based on its inclusion with grades for the term for which the student is enrolled; (3) exercise of the Adjusted Credit Option does not change academic status until subsequent grades are earned.
Academic suspension. Students enrolled for a semester on probation are suspended when both the semester GPA and cumulative GPA are below 2.0. The first suspension from NMSU will be for one semester. A student suspended at the end of the fall semester may attend the subsequent summer school if the suspension was for one semester only. The second suspension from NMSU will be for one calendar year. The third and subsequent suspensions will be for a calendar year, and the student must petition the Academic Deans' Council, through the Director of Admissions, for readmission. No credit will be granted for courses taken at other institutions while under suspension from NMSU.
Effect of summer attendance. Students suspended at the close of the spring semester may have suspension rescinded if they attend one or both of the following summer sessions at NMSU or one of its branch colleges. Such attendance must raise the combined spring semester and summer GPA to 2.0 or better.
A certification of eligibility to attend summer sessions at NMSU after a spring semester suspension is available to the suspended student who wishes to attend summer sessions at other institutions. However, work taken at other institutions has no effect upon the spring semester suspension, nor will it be accepted by NMSU for transfer credit.
Disciplinary Probation and Suspension
New Mexico State University expects all students to regard themselves as responsible citizens on campus and in the community.
Repeated misconduct and major violations will cause the student to be subject to immediate suspension or expulsion from the university.
The general rules and regulations applicable to students are in the "Student Code of Conduct" of the Student Handbook or can be obtained from the Scheduling and Information Desk in Corbett Center.
Undergraduate Enrollment in Graduate Courses
Undergraduates who wish to enroll in a graduate-level course numbered 500 or higher for undergraduate credit must secure prior written permission from the instructor and course dean. Enrollment is by petition only and is limited to outstanding juniors and seniors.
Graduate Study by University Seniors
A student who is within 15 credits of completing all requirements for graduation, may take up to 6 credits of graduate-level courses numbered from 450 through 598 for credits towards an advanced degree, if the student (1) has filed an application for admission to the Graduate School; (2) has a grade-point average of 3.0 or better over the most recent semesters in which the last 45 semester hours were completed; (3) files a petition for each such course by the deadline to add courses for the semester in which the course is taken, endorsed by the instructor, department head, and undergraduate dean; and (4) the total course load for the semester does not exceed 17 credits. Petition forms are available at the Graduate School office.
It is the responsibility of the petitioner to ascertain before the end of the semester in which such courses are being taken that approval has been granted and recorded. If the student is not admitted into a graduate program by the end of the semester, the grade and credit hours received for graduate courses under petition will remain on the student's undergraduate record. If the student is admitted into a graduate program before the end of the semester, the courses will become part of the student's graduate records and will not be used in calculation of the student's undergraduate grade-point average or credit hours.
Servicemember's Opportunity College (SOC)
Servicemembers enrolled under the Two-Year Servicemember's Opportunity College Program must be on regular degree seeking status and have completed 6 credit hours towards an associate degree program when the degree contract is written. Approved SOC associate degree programs are Associate Undesignated, Associate of Criminal Justice and Associate of Applied Science: Computer Technology.
SOC degree plans include a 15 credit hour residency requirement that may be waived by the dean of the College of Health and Social Services under special circumstances.
All rules and regulations will apply. Credits earned at non-SOC institutions cannot be used to meet contract course requirements.
Program/Degree Requirements
New Mexico State University offers a number of degrees and certificates. Those awarded, and requirements, are given in the college sections. For graduation with a bachelor's degree, a student must meet all of the criteria for the major elected. The requirements listed are the minimum for the degree; students are encouraged to undertake more extensive and broadening courses of study.
Student Responsibility
The ultimate responsibility for planning an academic program in compliance with university, college, and departmental requirements rests with the student. In addition, the student bears ultimate responsibility for understanding all matters of the Undergraduate Catalog.
ACADEMIC MAJORS AND MINORS
Academic Majors
A major is required for all baccalaureate degrees, except the Bachelor of Individualized Studies, and consists of at least 24 credits in the major field of which at least 18 credits must be upper-division courses.
Academic Minors
Students seeking a baccalaureate degree may elect to complete one or more minors from those available, and the minor will be designated on their transcripts. Minors will not be acknowledged after the degree has been conferred.
A minor consists of a minimum of 18 credits, at least 9 of which must be upper-division. The minor may be in a single department or may be interdepartmental. Specific requirements for these minors are available in printed form in departmental and deans' offices. Specific available minors follow.
College of Agriculture and Home Economics
Agricultural and Extension Education
Agricultural Business Management
Clothing, Textiles, and Fashion Merchandising
Entomology
Environmental Science
Family and Child Science
Food Science
Horse Management
Horticulture
Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Livestock Production
Natural Resource Economics
Nutrition
Pest Management
Plant Pathology
Soils
Weed Science
Wildlife Science
College of Arts and Sciences
American Government and Politics
Aerospace Studies
Algorithm Theory
American Indian Studies
Anthropology
Art
Art History
Astronomy
Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
City and Regional Planning
Communication Studies
Comparative Government
Computational Physics
Computer Systems
Conservation Biology
Creative Writing
Cultural Conservation
English
Environmental Chemistry
Forensic Science
French
General Physics
Geography
Geology
German
GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
Global Political Economy
Government
History
Human Biology
International Relations
Journalism and Mass Communications
Linguistics
Mathematics
Microbiology
Military Science
Molecular Biology
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Physics/Classical Mechanics
Physics/Electromagnetics
Physics/Materials
Physics/Optics
Physics/Quantum Mechanics
Political Theory
Professional Writing
Psychology
Public Administration
Public Law
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Professional Communication
Security Technology*
Sociology
Software Development
Spanish
Theatre Arts
U.S.-Mexico Border Studies
Women's Studies
College of Business Administration and Economics
Accounting
Business Administration
Business Computer Systems
Economics
Finance
Global Political Economy
International Business
Management
Marketing
U.S.-Mexico Border Studies
College of Education
Coaching
Counseling and Educational Psychology
Dance
Early Childhood Education
Kinesiology
College of Engineering
Agricultural Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Technology/Manufacturing
Environmental Engineering
Environmental Management
Security Technology
Surveying Engineering
College of Health and Social Services
Community Health
Gerontology
Health Administration
U.S.-Mexico Border Health
*Restricted to criminal justice and engineering technology majors.
Graduation Requirements
For the baccalaureate degree each student must complete a minimum of 128 credits including at least 55 credits numbered 300 or above. Program waivers require the approval of the Academic Deans' Council.
Each college has its own requirements for graduation listed under its curricula. However, there are certain graduation requirements common to all undergraduate colleges:
* A student must have an average of two grade points per credit in all courses taken at NMSU.
* The student will be required to show proficiency in written English in all class work of the university. Any instructor may remand a student to the English remedial laboratory for further training in written English. In each case, the student must complete the remedial laboratory work prior to submitting the application to graduate.
* Each student must complete at New Mexico State University the last 30 semester credits necessary for the baccalaureate degree. Of these last 30 credits, the student not regularly enrolled at NMSU the previous year must complete a minimum of 20 credits in courses numbered 300 or above of which a minimum of 10 credits must be in the major field. The following may not be used toward these requirements: CLEP, USAFI/DANTES, and course challenge credits.
* Curricular requirements for a specific degree may be met by completing all of the course requirements for that degree as set forth in the catalog of matriculation provided that the selected catalog is not more than six years old when the requirements for graduation are met. This rule applies only to the course requirements and number of credits as specified for the degree. In all other cases, the current catalog is effective. The catalog is effective Summer Session I through Spring Semester.
Upon completion of all requirements, multiple majors for a single degree (e.g., B.A.) will be noted on the academic record. A second bachelor's degree (e.g., B.S.) may be granted if all requirements for that degree have been completed. Two degrees may be granted at one commencement if the requirements for both have been met. The graduation fee must be paid for each degree.
Both designated and undesignated associate degree residency requirements vary with the college awarding the degree. Requirements for the two-year associate degrees and for the certificates are found in the section(s) concerning these degrees.
* Arts and Sciences, Business Administration and Economics, Education, and Health and Social Services require that the last 15 credits be completed at NMSU or one of its branch campuses.
* Agriculture and Home Economics requires that the last 30 credits be completed at NMSU or one of its branch campuses.
Filing Notice of Degree Candidacy
Degree candidates are required to file an application for degree and pay the graduation fee for each degree sought. This fee ($10 for one-year certificates, $20 for associate or bachelor's, and $30 for graduate degrees) will be included in the total paid for the semester or session in which the candidate anticipates completing degree requirements. If degree requirements are not completed during the semester or session for which the student paid the fee, the student must reapply and pay the appropriate fees.The application for degree form is available at the Office of the Registrar and the student's advising center/Dean's Office. It must be completed and submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the deadline for the semester/session. A $25 late fee applies to applications received after the last day to register, and no applications will be accepted after midterm.
A student must specify choice of catalog as indicated under "Graduation Requirements."
Latest date for substitution or waiver of required courses for candidates for degrees is two weeks after the last date of registration for regular or summer terms.
All fees and bills owed the university must be paid before a student may receive a diploma or transcript of credits.
Graduation with Honors
The requirements for four-year degrees with honors are listed in the "Recognition of Academic Achievement" section.
Crimson Scholar Graduates
The requirements for designation as a Crimson Scholar graduate are listed in the "Recognition of Academic Achievement" section.
Centennial Scholar Graduates
The requirements for designation as a Centennial Scholar graduate are listed in the "Recognition of Academic Achievement" section.
Attendance at Commencement
The registrar certifies eligibility to participate in commencement exercises held at the close of the fall and spring semesters. Eligible candidates (registered for final degree requirements, as certified by the college deans) and degree recipients from the previous summer sessions participate in the fall ceremony. Students who complete degree requirements in the spring attend the spring ceremony. Students wishing to participate in a spring commencement ceremony prior to completing degree requirements in summer school must meet these conditions:
1) Receive permission from appropriate dean
2) Show a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.0
3) Lack nine or fewer credit hours to complete degree requirements
4) Remaining credit hours must be offered in the upcoming summer schedule of classes
5) Submit degree application and approved petition form (available in the dean's office) by last day to drop a course with a W.
Participation in commencement does not, in itself, mean that a student is considered an NMSU graduate. In order to receive a baccalaureate degree, a student must fulfill university requirements. The degree will reflect the graduation date when all requirements are met.
Recognition of Degrees and Certificates
Degrees and certificates earned are recorded on the academic record, as are majors where applicable. Minors are also recorded for students completing all requirements for the bachelor's or graduate degree as of May 10, 1980. Double majors, supplementary majors and minors will be recognized, as will double minors. Transcripts will not include an indication of options, areas of concentration, or other sequence of courses not sufficient for a recognized minor.
Transcript of Credits
A charge of $3 is made for any official transcript of credits. No transcript of credits will be released if the student is in debt to the university.
Official name changes on transcripts will be processed upon written request and only if a student is currently enrolled.