Table
of Contents
Financing Your Education
Starting
a Financial Aid Package, Federal Loans and Grants, Scholarship,
Working
Part Time, Other Types of Financial Support
Setting In at NMSU
Campus
Map Information, Housing, Food, Transportation, Being Safe on
Campus, Banking, Child Care,
Laundry Facilities, Paying Tuition and Related Costs, Getting Your Student ID,
Parking, Getting your E-Mail
Address, Buying (and Selling
Back) Books
Getting Involved on Campus: Finding Friends and Mentors
Finding
a Mentor, Student Organizations and Intramural Sports, The
Student
Union: Corbett Center, Religious Organizations, Volunteering in
The
Community and Joining Clubs
Succeeding as a Student: Academic Achievement
Part
One: Getting Started, Credit Hours, Figuring GPA, Getting the Most
Of Your
Classroom Time, Working Well With Professors, Attendance and
Absences,
Dropping and/or Adding Classes; Withdrawing from Courses,
Avoiding
Allegations of Academic Misconduct, Choosing Courses for Next
Semester. Part Two: Using the Library, Academic
Support Services:
Tutoring/Skills
Development
Health, Disability and Legal Services
Your
Health Care, Counseling, Disabilities, Legal Aid Program
Planning for Your Career
The
Career Center and Placement and Career Services
Entertainment
Music,
Theater, Sports, Museums, and Art Galleries, Student
Recommendation
for Fun In and Around Las Cruces, When You’re Family
And
Friends Come to Visit
Appendices
Study
Skills, Student Recognition Programs, Programs for Minority
Students,
Laundromats, Childcare Facilities
Financing Your Education
Starting A
Financial Aid package
Most students at NMSU finance their education through a combination of resources, which is referred to as your financial aid package. This section will help you lean how you can put together the best package possible for you each year.
What does it cost to attend NMSU?
Here is the cost estimate for a New Mexico resident living on campus for one academic year.
Undergraduate
Graduate
Tuition(in-state)/fees
$2790 $3234
Books/Supplies 726
Room/Board 5154
Personal
Expense 1364
Transportation
1258
Total
$11,292
For out-of-state students, the total cost is estimated at
$17,664.
(Estimates are from the 2001-2002 academic year.)
What resources are available to pay for your education?
Each semester, the University’s Financial Aid Office
(FAO) can help you put together a package of financing which may include some
or all of the following: your parents’ support, loans, grants, scholarships,
and part-time work which you can apply for on or of campus. For complete details, visit the NMSU website
on financial aid: http://www.nmsu.edu/~finaid. You can also use website to check on the
status of your file and your awards if you are an admitted students at the
University. You will need a PIN
(personal identification number) to access your records. Contact the staff at Telecommunication
Services, Room 143, 646-1840, to get a PIN if you do not already have one.
What steps will you take to build a financial aid package?
·
Call the Financial Aid Office at (505)646-4105 for
an appointment. The
Office is located in Suite F of
the Educational Service Building (just west of the Pan American Center.) The e-mail address is finaid@nmsu.edu. The fax number is (505)646-7381.
·
You will find out a Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA)
Form. With this form you can apply for types of aide based on financial
need. Send the application to the
address listed in the application booklet as soon as possible after January
1. Or you can complete your application
on the web using the following address: http://www.fasa.ed.gov
Once your FAFSA is completed, you will be assigned a
financial aid advisor. You will have
priority for aid if you are an eligible admitted student who has completed your
application file early. [To attend a
spring semester workshop to help you with the FAFSA, contact the FAO at
646-4105.] Be sure to complete your
application before March 1, so that you are given priority for funds.
What do you have to do to maintain financial aid?
· Reapply for your financial aid each year.
·
Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of
2.0 if you are an undergraduate. (GPA
requirements generally are higher if you are renewing a scholarship)
·
Be enrolled at least 6 hours for each semester or
each summer session that you are receiving aid. ( Credit hour requirements generally are higher if you are
renewing a scholarship.)
·
Complete and pass your courses. With regard to financial aid, the following
grades are considered satisfactory: A, B, C, D, or S.
·
Earn your degree within time limits ( 12 semesters
for undergraduate. ) ( This time frame may be different if you are renewing a
scholarship.)
FEDERAL LOANS and Grants
Visit the Financial Aid website www.nmsu.edu/~finaid or contact the FAO
at 646-4105. You can apply for federal
student loans, which you must pay back with interest and for federal grants,
which you do not repay. Read on for details.
Which federal loans are available?
Please note that the federal government has limitation on loans based on grade level, academic progress, and need.
·
Stafford: $2,625 per year for the first year; $3,500 for the
second. If you document financial need,
you may receive a subsidized loan, meaning that the federal government will pay
your interest while you are in school.
There are also unsubsidized loans for all students regardless of
need. The maximum amount you can borrow
increases if you are no longer a dependent of your parents. With subsidized loans, you pay all the
interest, but payments can be deferred until graduation. Interest rates vary and are capped at 8.25%.
·
Perkins: Up to $3,000 per year for undergraduates. You may apply for this loan if you have
exceptional financial need. The
federal government pays the interest on your loan while you are in school. After that, you pay interest at 5% and have
a 10-year repayment period. You may
also have some or your entire Perkins loan cancelled if you do certain types of
work after college, including military service or teaching or practicing
medicine in specified communities.
·
Plus: Your parents apply for this loan to cover the costs not
covered in your financial aid package.
They may borrow up to the full cost for you to attend the university
minus any other financial aid you are receiving, and they are not required to
demonstrate need. The interest rate is
capped at 9%, and 60 days after the funds are completely disbursed, your
parents must begin repaying the loan.
They have 10 years to repay.
What other loans can FAO help you with?
If you have a FAFSA on file and other financial aid coming, you may qualify for a University Loan of up to $500 when you have a short-term problem with cash flow. You will need a consigner, and your other financial aid will be collateral for this University loan.
Which federal grants are available?
·
Pell: If you document financial need, you many qualify for a
Pell Grant,
which you can reapply for on a year-by-year basis. Grants range from $400 to $3,750 a year.
·
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(FSEOG): You must demonstrate exceptional
financial and be Pell Grant eligible to receive this grant. They range from $200 to $1,600 a year.
Other federal grants are available for specialized study areas such as the health sciences. Check the Financial Aid web site mentioned above and click on links to grant information.
Scholarship
Hundreds of thousands of scholarships exist for university in the United States. For assistance in finding a scholarship for you, visit the Financial Aid web site and click on scholarships (www.nmsu.edu/~finaid/scholarships.html).
What about transfer, returning, or out-of-state students?
Transfer
Tuition Scholarship: Tuition and fees for New Mexico residents who
transfer from branch, community, or junior colleges with between 30 and 90
transferable credits and a minimum GPA of 3.5.
Alumni
Out of State Scholarship: A nonresident can attend NMSU and pay in-state
tuition and fees plus get a $200 per semester stipend for educational
expenses. Must have a minimum high
school GPA of 3.5 and a 23 ACT score (1050, SAT) or a GPA of 3.0 and a 26 ACT
score (1170, SAT). Renewal requirement:
3.25 GPA, 14 credits/semester.
Hundreds of other scholarships exist specifically for
NMSU students. They are listed in 2
students categories: new and transfer and continuing. In most cases the scholarships are for particular major, so check
is offered in your college. General and
athletic scholarships are available.
For detailed, explore the flowing web site: http://www.nmsu.edu/~finaid. The NMSU Scholarship Application is also on
the web, so you can apply electronically, or you can pick up a form at the
Financial Aid office in the Educational Services Building.
The web has excellent information on all types of
scholarships. Visit the following
websites for more information on scholarship:
WORKING PART-TIME
Having a part-time job helps you pay your way and give you experience for future job searches. When you think about working as a student, try to find a job,
may have relevance for your career. Lab work, tutoring, and similar jobs can
help you build a resume.
Remember that all job seekers in the U.S. must have
proper documents to show their employers before they can work. Make sure you have yours with you at
school. You must establish both your
identity and eligibility to work in this country. A U.S passport can fill both needs. Otherwise, you probably need two documents, typically your
driver’s license and social security card.
Your school ID will also serve in either category. If you do not have these documents, talk
with your family about spending them to you or contact Student Employment
Services at 646-4711 for advice.
What types of jobs are available and how can you apply?
Jobs range from lab, clerical, or recreational aids to tutors, custodians, and museum assistants. Two employments programs on campus can help you locate these kinds of jobs.
Federal
and State work Study: The FAO, 646-4105, can help you apply for
work-study funds. For the federal
program, you must document financial need.
The state program, on the other hand, is available to students on a need
or non-need basis. All work-study
applicants, regardless of need, must fill out a FAFSA.
As a work study applicant, you will check job postings at
the FAO in the Educational Services Center or on their website and apply for
those you are interested in. You must
find a job within 30 days of the day school begins. After that points, work-study awards are cancelled. Jobs cannot be for more than 20 hours per
week. You must also maintain a course
load of at least six hours per semester and per summer session in order to be
eligible.
Student
Employment: Student Employment Service (SES), 646-4711, is located
in Room 203 of
Gracia Annex. SES lists both on and off-campus jobs. To be eligible for on-campus work, you must
be enrolled for at least 12 credit hours during both fall and spring, be
seeking a degree, and maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. You may not work more than 20 hours a week
during a fall and spring semester.
During the summer, you do not need to be taking classes, but you can be
enrolled for up to 3 credits and still work up to 40 hours a week. If you are taking more than 3 credits, your
work hours are limited to 20 hours per week.
Off campus employment is not limited.
It is at the of a student is eligible to apply through SES.
OTHER TYPES OF FINANCIAL
SUPPORT
Job
Training Partnership Act (JTPA): New Mexico residents who qualify may
receive funds for tuition, fees, required books, and supplies for up to 104
weeks of education. The purpose of JTPA
is to assist economically disadvantaged citizens and dislocated workers. Applications are accepted on Tuesday and
Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 5:00pm. To
demonstrate eligibility, you may need to provide the following: social security
card, proof of residence (e.g., a utility bill with your name on it), birth
certificate or baptismal record, drivers license or state-issued I.D.,
statement of public assistance (food stamps, social security benefits), proof
of income for all family members for the last 6 months (e.g., check stubs, a
letter from your employer verifying income), and veteran status (DD214), if
applicable. For more information, go to
the Las Cruces
Workforce Development Center, 226 Alameda, or call (505)524-6250 to
ask about JPTA.
The
Workforce Development Center has a resource room for job searches and a
counselor to help you design your resume.
You have free access to the Internet and other job listings, and limited
free access to a fax machine, a copier, and a telephone (long distance
included). All equipment used must be
in pursuit of a job.
Human
Service Assistance: If students lack the resources to meet basic needs,
the New Mexico Human Services Department offers assistance programs. The two programs most often used by students
are the following:
·
Food Stamps: Food stamps enable a person to go the to the store
and buy groceries. To be eligible, the
household one lives in must meet income and resource tests and perhaps other
criteria. In some situations, the food
stamps are issued in 7 days. Households
in other circumstances wait for 30 days.
·
TANF: The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
provides income for people who are unable to meet basic needs in other
ways. A person can participate in the
program for only a certain number of years and must be involved in some kind of
work activity for
24 hours each
week. If a person receiving TANF
benefits is in school, his/her studies count for some of the work time. To be eligible the recipient must meet
income and resource tests.
To apply for these programs, please call 524-6020. The Income Support Division of the Human
Service Department is located at 850 North Motel Boulevard on the northwest
side of Las Cruces.
Supplementary
Programs:
·
New Mexico Works: This program works in a supportive way with
people who are receiving TANF funds and good stamps. A trained person who cares about the recipients’ success offers
guidance and information. The worker
especially helps the recipient prepare for required work activities. Call 523-7580
·
Women, Infants and Children (W.I.C): If your household income is
less than $21,479 a year and there’s two or more people living in your
household, you might qualify for W.I.C. benefits. Call 528-5049 to see if you qualify for nutritious foods and that
are supplied to pregnant women, mothers who have recently delivered a baby, and
children under age 5.
·
Community Action Agency:
CAA
offers assistance to low income persons.
Services include financial assistance with utilities, rent, and
prescription drugs. Go to 901 S. Main
St. or call 523-1639.
·
Community Supplement Food Program: CSFP is a United State Dept.
of Agriculture (USDA) program sponsored by the NM Dept. of Health, which
provides foods purchased and distributed by the USDA to children age 5 and
under, and women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or have give birth within
the past year. (You cannot be on WIC
and CSFP at the same time.) Go to 765
S. Compress Rd. or call 523-4390 for more information.
·
Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program: TEFAP is a United
States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) program sponsored by the NM Income Support
Division, Commodities Bureau, which provides foods purchased and distributed by
the USDA to low income and unemployed general public. Go to 765 S. Compress Rd. or call 523-4390 for more information.
·
Casa De Peregrinos: Offers free food for anyone in need of
emergency food. Food distribution is on
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 to 11:00a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00p.m. They are located at 825 Spruce Ave. Call
523-5542 for eligibility requirement.
·
Dona Ana County Housing Authority: Provides rental subsidies
(for residents living outside the City of Las Cruces) to low-income families,
the elderly, or disabled. Go to 2407 W.
Picacho #A2 or call 523-6100.
·
Housing Authority, City of Las Cruces: Provides rental housing
assistance to low-income families through programs such as Public Housing and
Section 8. Go to 926 S. San Pedro St.
or call 526-5541.
·
Vocational Rehabilitation: People who have disabilities
(physical or mental), which make it difficult of them to work, may be eligible
for vocational rehabilitation services.
Services can include preparing for employment through education. The person going through rehabilitation pays
some of the cost according to his or her ability and is helped to find other
sources of support. Call 524-6134. The Vocational Rehabilitation office is located
at 210 Nevarez Street.
·
Veterans Program: Those who are veterans or who otherwise
qualify may be eligible for veteran’s benefits. Contact Veterans Programs at NMSU by calling 646-4524 or stopping
by Room 233A in
Gracia Annex.
Setting In At NMSU
When you arrive at the
University, you will want to settle into daily life as soon as possible. You will need to take care of housing, food,
transportation, banking laundry, and safety needs.
You will also need to pay your tuition and get your student identification
(I.D.) card, your e-mail account, and a parking permit.
You’ll buy textbooks for classes.
You may also need childcare. This section
can help you get started.
A Campus Map
Knowing the layout of the
campus can save your time. If you do
not have a map of NMSU, you can pick one up at Corbett Center near the Information Desk on
the 2nd floor or at Information Services at Milton Hall.
Or visit the following web site, which will provide a map and give
you a list of buildings by alphabetical order or by the functions they serve: http://www.nmsu.edu/facilities.html Click on “ Campus Map and Buildings.”
Housing
As a new student, you may live on or off campus. The information below can help you decide what is best for you.
Freshmen
who live in campus housing must participate in a Meal Plan.
What
are my choices for campus housing?
Four residence centers are open for single freshman and sophomore students. They offer dormitory-style rooms with single or double occupancy. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students may choose from three centers or they may choose apartment style living available at Vista Del Monte and Cole Village. Student family housing is available to all married students or single parents with children. Visit the following web site for details: http://www.nmsu.edu/~housing
What are the costs for campus housing (effective through May, 2002)?
The following costs are based on reserving a room for both semester of the academic year. If you reserve a room for just one semester, you will pay a higher rate.
·
A double-occupancy room for a semester will cost
$1,108 to $1,218.
·
A single-occupancy room for a semester will cost
$1,372 to $1,551.
·
Student apartments range from $1,410 to $1,667.
·
Student family housing rents on a month-to-month
basis for $436 a month.
·
Cole Village housing for single students (unmarried
upperclassmen) for a semester will cost $1,178
Cost depends on residence hall
or campus apartments.
What if you want to live off-campus?
Many rental units are available within easy walking or driving distance of NMSU. For more information, check the rental ads in the classified section of the Las Cruces Sun News or the following web sites:
On the web site, you will find descriptions of
apartments, rates, and applications.
You will also find a Renters Guide, which is a checklist for you and
your landlord to sign saying that you agree about the condition of the
apartment when you rented it. With this document, you have a record of
conditions that existed before you moved in and which were not caused by you.
FOOD/DINING SERVICES
Freshmen living in on-campus housing must purchase a meal
plan. The University offers meal plans
through ARAMARK. You can buy a plan
from Auxiliary
Services (646-4835) in Corbett Center, Room 235. Here
are your choices. All prices listed are
for Fall 2001.
Meal
Plan A: Unlimited Cost $1,040.00 per semester. You have unlimited access to the Taos Grand Buffet from 7 a.m.
through 7p.m., Monday through Friday and for lunch and dinner on Saturdays and
Sundays. This plan also includes $100
in “flex money” that can be used at other dining facilities on campus.
Meal Plan B: 240 Cost $980.00 per semester
and gives you 240 entrances to the Taos Grand Buffet per semester. This averages 15 meals per week plus leaving
you $75.00 to use at ARAMARK locations on campus. This plan also includes $75 in “flex money” that can be used at
other dinning facilities on campus.
Meal Plan C: 160 Cost $960.00 per semester
and gives you’re an average of 10 means per week. This is a good plan for someone who eats fairly regularly
elsewhere. This plan includes $100 in
“flex money”.
Dining Express! Cost $540.00 and if for
commuting students who eat off campus a lot.
The plan includes 80 trips to the Taos Grand Buffet and $80.00 in “flex
money”.
The Money$Card is a handy
resource. You can buy food at any
ARAMARK dining place and the Food Court on campus, which you cannot do with any other
meal plan. You can also use the card at
the campus bookstore, laundry and convenience stores.
What food vendors are available on Campus?
Food Vendor |
Location |
Hours of Operation |
|
Frenger Food court |
Frenger mall |
Depends on Food Vendor |
|
Crossroads |
Corbett |
Mon-Thur 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Fri: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Sat: 10:30 am to 7:00 pm Sun: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm |
|
Memorial Tower |
Behind business Complex |
Mon-Fri: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Closed on weekends |
|
AJ’s Coffee Shop |
Corbett |
Mon-Thur: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm Closed on Weekends |
|
Aggie Snack Bar |
Gerald Thomas |
Mon-Fri: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Fri: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm Sat-Sun, 10:30 am to 6:00 pm |
|
Taos Grand Buffet |
Corbett |
Mon-Thur: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Fri: 7:00 am to 6:30 pm Sat-Sun; 10:30 am to 6:00 pm |
|
Subway |
Between Herschell Zohn &
Branson Library |
Mon-Thur: 10:00am to 7:00 pm Fri: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Closed on Weekends |
TRANSPORTATION: Getting
Around on
Campus,
In Town, and Beyond
On Campus: The Aggie Shuttle. Three on-campus bus routes
exist. They may change. For current routes and schedules, call
646-4415.
·
Red Line: From Student Family Housing, Vista Del
Monte, Hadley and the Aggie Express Store to the Horseshoe area.
·
Green Line: From the Greek complex and lots between
Alumni dorms and the baseball complex to the Horseshoe area. It stops at Hadley and the parking lot
between Alumni and the baseball complex.
·
Open Air Shuttle: From the lots by the Pan American
Center down Stewart to the Horseshoe area.
Off-Campus: the Roadrunner Transit System offers
seven bus routes off campus at $0.25 a ride for NMSU students with a current
I.D. Route 2 and 3 run near campus and can take you to major shopping
areas. Route and schedules may change. Call 541-2500.
Here are tips for using the city buses:
· Get a current Roadrunner schedule from the information rack at Corbett Center.
·
Wait for the bus at the designated bus stop. Stops are well marked.
·
Have exact change, tokens, or pass to ride the bus.
·
If you ride the off-campus buses frequently, you can
save money by guying monthly or weekly passes.
Call 541-2500.
·
Do not plan to eat, drink, smoke, or take your pet
for a ride on the bus. All are
prohibited by law. (Transfer slips are
free.)
·
If you have questions about getting to your destination,
plan your trip ahead of time with roadrunner staff; call 541-2500 to learn the
best routes and schedules.
Note that schedules for Saturday
are different from the Monday-Friday schedule.
Bus services are not available on Sundays.
Taxi and Shuttles: If you need a taxi,
contact TAXICAB at 524-1711. The
company offers 24-hour service and takes local checks. A taxi is a relatively expensive ride when
compared to bus transportation, but it can be a very important service when you
need it.
BEING SAFE ON CAMPUS
For emergencies/health or safety-call 911! If you need to make a non-emergency
call to the campus police, call 646-3311.
To ensure your personal safety and the security of your belongings, take the usual precautions:
·
Lock your doors, including your car doors.
·
Do not put identifying information on your key ring (e.g., name and
address).
·
Do not leave your books or backpacks unattended anywhere on campus.
·
Keep a record of your checking account number and
your credit card numbers and the related telephone numbers so that you can
notify companies quickly in case your checkbook or cards are stolen.
·
Keep your ATM card safe and do not share it with
anyone.
·
Beware of being in a car or isolated place with a
person you do not know well.
·
Let your friends know who you are with and where you
plan to go.
·
If you feel you are being stalked, contact the
police. Also call the ASNMSU attorney
at 646-4419.
·
If you are out on campus after dark, consider the
escort service. (See below.)
Use the Escort Service, 646-1111.
The free Escort Service operates Sunday through Thursday, from sundown to 12:30 a.m. Call the telephone number above. An escort will meet you on campus and walk with you to your destination as long as it is within a range from student housing to two blocks off campus. Your escort will be wearing an identifying shirt or jacket, will have an identification badge, and will be carrying a radio, a flashlight, and pepper spray.
Know the Code of Students Conduct:
It is good to read NMSU’s Student
Handbook when you arrive on campus and review it occasionally. The Code of Student Conduct includes the
University’s policy on alcohol and drug use, possession of weapon, smoking, and
similar issues that can affect your safety and health. Please note that students who are alleged to
have violated the Code of Conduct can appeal.
See the Student Handbook for details. It is available form the Corbett Center Information Desk or the
NMSU web site.
BANKING
To keep your money safe, you will want to open a bank account as soon as possible. Consider a saving account if you have a large amount of money to deposit. A checking account is always convenient for paying bills, etc.
How can I open a checking or saving account?
Look in the Yellow Pages of your Las Cruces telephone directory under “Banks”. You will notice that most banks have accounts that are designed to be economical for students. But information changes, so it is important to verify it. Research your choice carefully. It’s a good idea to call several banks before choosing one.
What should you ask about opening a checking account?
·
What is the minimum I have to deposit to open an account?
·
How much of a service charge will I pay each month?
·
Is the minimum balance must I have in my account to
avoid the service charge?
·
Is the minimum balance a daily average or will
be charged if my balance falls below the minimum on any one day during the
month?
·
What do you charge to process each check I write? Are there a certain number of checks that I
can write each month, which are free of a processing charge?
·
What happens if I have an overdraft (write a
check for more money than I have in my account)?
·
Will my checking account draw interest? If so, how often is it paid? What is the rate of interest?
·
Do you have your own ATMs (Automatic Teller
Machines)? If so, is there one on or
near campus? Are your ATMs accessible
24 hours a day?
·
What is the service charge if I withdraw money from
my account using an ATM outside your bank?
What about ATM safety?
ATMs are sometimes places where robberies occur. Try not to put yourself in an isolated situation at an ATM. Make sure the one you use is well lighted and in a busy location where others can see what is going on. Also keep your ATM card and number secure. Don’t let someone watch over your shoulder while you are withdrawing money. Also don’t leave your ATM information lying around or loan your card to a friend. When other people have access to your account, you no longer have control over your money.
CHILDCARE
Please see the appendix for a
list of Las Cruces childcare centers and pre-schools.
New Mexico Child Care Bureau: Offers
financial assistance with child care for low-income families. Interested persons should go to the office
to apply. There is a fee based on
sliding scale. Visit 760 N. Motel Blve.
Suite C or call 524-6044.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
See the appendix for a list of self-service Laundromats available in the area.
PAYING TUITION AND RELATED FEES
In addition to tuition, you will be charged for other NMSU costs related to registration. For example, if you are living on campus, residence costs will be included with tuition in your total bill. If you are a student with full-time status on main campus, your health/activity fee is included with tuition.
When is your down payment due?
By the registration deadline. Then you must pay the full cost by the deadline noted in your NMSU Schedule of Classes or you will automatically be placed on a payment plan. The plan will require you to pay in four installments during the semester and will include a small monthly. If you are not on time with your payment, you will be charged a monthly late fee. If you do not make the down payment your classes will not be reserved and you will be disenrolled.
What if you have been awarded grants, loans, and
NMSU scholarships?
You are not required to make a down payment. You must notify the financial aid office if you would like to have your down payment taken from your award(s).
What if you have not yet been awarded these funds or
if you are awarded other funds (work study, tuition waivers or outside
resources)?
You must make a down payment of 10% of the tuition charges.
What if you are disenrolled for not paying your
tuition and other costs on time?
Look at your Schedule of Classes or call your college-advising center for the late registration deadline. You register again and pay your tuition and fees at that time. You will pay a late fee, and the classes you want may or may not be filled at that time.
How will you know what your charges are?
You will receive an NMSU Fee Statement that includes total charges, the financial aid you have been awarded, and your class schedule. If you have a financial aid award, sign and return the statement to reserve your classes.
What is the health/activity fee?
Paying the fee entitles you to privileges of full-time main campus students including use of the Student Health Center and natatorium, participation in intramural sports, and free or discounted attendance at NMSU athletic events, dances, plays, films, and more. A full-time student is enrolled for at least 12 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits on the main campus.
What if you intend to be a full-time main campus
student but you’re required to take courses at the Dona Ana Branch Community
College (DABCC) too?
Let’s look at a freshman that is registered for 16 credit hours. Based on test courses, he is required to take his first Math and English courses at the Dona Ana Branch. The Branch courses total 8 credits, which means he has only 8 credits on main campus and is not considered full time there. He still can enjoy the benefits of the full-time campus student, but he must pay a $98 health/activity fee when he pays his other costs.
When and where do you pay tuition?
Go to the Business Office in the Educational Service Building just west of the Pan American Center or call the following number: (505)646-1680 or 1-888-729-6678 (toll free). Know when payments are due each semester by checking in your NMSU Schedule of Classes.
GETTING YOUR STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (I.D.) CARD
As soon as you have been accepted for enrollment, you can get your I.D. at the Identification Card Office on the 2nd floor in Corbett Center, 646-5302. The office is open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Why is an I.D. important?
You must have this card and a current sticker to operate at the university. It serves as your I.D., library card, Money$Card, meal plan ticket and your access to the health center, sports events, and many other services and facilities. Off campus, your I.D. can get you discount at local businesses that display this sign: We support the ASNMSU Discount Program. See the appendices for a recent list of participating businesses or visit the following web site for up-to-date information: http://www.nmsu.edu/~asnmsu
CAUTION
Your card contains coded information, which can be
accidentally erased. Do not put it on
your television set, near magnets, or large electrical motors.
PARKING
If your drive a car on campus, a parking permit is essential. Go to the Parking Department (646-1839) at the Genesis Center Building on research Drive between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (the building is across from the Vista Del Monte Apartments.)
Students, both those living on campus and those commuting, pay $20.00 annually.
Where do students park?
Look for the lost marked Student. Green color-coded lots are for off-campus students. Lavender color-coded lots are for students who live on campus. Orange color-coded lots are undesignated and are open to anyone with a paid parking sticker.
What happens if students park in non-student lots?
You really want to avoid this. The parking Department checks lots frequently during the day, and if anyone is found illegally parked, citations will be issued. The cheapest fine is $20.00 with a $5.00 administration fee. You especially do not want to park in the Emergency /Fire zones or in disabled zones. The fines are very high.
What happens if a person does not pay the fine right
away?
You have 5 working days to pay the fine. Instructions are printed on the citation. After 5 days all sorts of unpleasant things can happen. You will get more charges added to your fine, and your car can be on a list to be towed or booted. Long-term unpaid fines can interfere with graduation. Be sure, if you pay your fine with a check, that it is not returned for inefficient funds. That can subject you to criminal prosecution.
Tips for finding a parking space:
Especially at the beginning of the semester, the regular students lots fill up quickly. Parking may be difficult to find, and this can be frustrating when you are trying to get to class on time. Get to campus as early as you can, and give yourself ample time to find a space. If you go off campus at noon, you may discover that space is difficult to find when you return.
Are there any parking alternatives?
Consider the free lots that exist at the east and west ends of campus. They are dirt lots and are not restricted. In fact you don’t even need a permit to park there. The lots are color-coded brown and located as follows:
· Lot # 68 near the Dona Ana branch community college
· Lot # 30, 34, and 96 near the Pan Am Center and the football stadium
Getting
Your E-MAIL ADDRESS AND
COMMUNICATING
ELECTRONICALLY
To get the most or your university experience, you will want to use the Internet. It opens a wide world of information to you and lets you communicate as easily across the globe as it does across campus. If you do not have a computer, you can still use this technology by visiting one of the many computer labs on campus. It is essential that you know how to use a computer. Many professor will expect you to use a word processor to type your paper. Some will also expect to communicate with you through E-mail. As you do research for your courses, you will find more information if you use the Internet. You will also know your university better if you have access to its web site, and you can register for courses and check your greades and financial aid through the Internet.
What if you are not as comfortable as you’d like to
be on the computer?
Sign up for Computer Literacy (CS 110g), a three-credit course in the computer Science Department. It meets a University general education requirement. An alternative is to take a workshop at the Center for Learning Assistance, 210 Hardman Hall. Call 646-3136 to sign up. The CLA caters to the beginner or the computer-anxious person and covers such topics as word processing, simple graphics, and the Internet. For quick, on-the-spot-assistance, some computer labs have staff available to work with you. You might consider requesting a tutor at one of the tutoring service on campus. (See the section on Succeeding Academically. A few sessions with a tutor may be just what you need to get stated.
Where are the computer labs on campus?
· New Branson Hall Lab, Branson Hall; 3rd F1. 646-4754
· B C Lab, Business complex: Rm. 309, 646-1098
· 24-Hour labs, computing & Networking: Rms. 140, 141, 646-7758
· Corbett Center: Rm. 213, 646-4415
· Teaching Lab, English Building: Rm. 121, 646-6296
· Physics Lab (closed lab), Gardner Hall: 2nd F1., 6-5057
· Teaching Lab, Gerald Thomas: Rm. 338, 646-5034
· Indian Resource Development, Jacobs Hall: rm. 104, 646-1347
· PC Lab, Jacobs Hall: Rm. 128, 129, 646-4209
· Knox Hall Lab, West entrance, 646-6100
· Zuhl Library: 2nd and 3rd floors. 646-6910
How do I get an e-mail account?
Go to a computer lab, and ask a lab assistant to help you log on, click on Netscape Navigator, and visit the NMSU web site: http://www.nmsu.edu. Click on “Computing Help.” Then click on “Computer Help.” Then click on “Get an E-mail (UNIX) Account.” Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. You provide your social security number and date of birth, and your account will be set up in about 20 minutes (or longer at the beginning of semesters.)
What NMSU services are available online?
Much of the information for this guide comes from the University’s web site. Visit it for more detailed information and links to other web sites. You can accomplish the following online at www.nmsu.edu
· See the NMSU course schedule.
· Register for classes.
· See which classes have closed.
· Look for jobs.
· Look up your grades.
· Change your personal information.
· Read undergraduate and gradate catalog.
· See the Calendar of Events on campus.
· And much, much more.
BUYING (AND SELLING BACK) YOUR TEXTBOOKS
Where can you get textbooks for your courses?
The Bookstore in Corbett Center has textbooks arranged by course number (e.g., Engl. 111) will need your student I.D. to enter the store during the first day of the semester or summer session. If the Bookstore has run out of the textbook you need, let a sales person know. The store will order more. If you drop a course and no longer need your book, make sure you have kept your register recipient, have not marked in the book, and have met the refund deadline.
Are there other places to buy textbooks?
Student bookstore, 2265 S. Main Street, 527-1611
What if you don’t have the funds to buy the books?
· Check with the Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP) office, they may offer a book scholarship for certain majors.
· Search for other book scholarships by Internet.
· See if the library has a copy that you can use.
· Talk with your professor.
Can you sell your books back when you are finished
with them?
Yes. Check with the bookstores. The bookstore at Corbett Center, for example, buys books back all year but especially during finals week when preparing for new semesters. A used book company is usually on campus at the time to buy books that will not be used again at NMSU. The company sets its own prices.
ANMSU has a Book-sale. You can buy texts, study guides and lab manuals at a low price, you can also see your old books there on consignment. You set your prices, and if the book sells, you get that amount. If your books don’t sell, you get them back. The Booksale takes place at the beginning of fall and spring semesters in Corbett Center. Check the Round Up newspaper fo