Students as well as businesses both stand to benefit from the new Aggie-Friendly Employer Program, which identifies employers who understand the need to work around students’ school schedules.

“The program aims to recognize our community partners and alumni that employ our students. It ensures we’re helping students and boosting our graduation rates,” says Debbie Widger, Alumni Association executive director.

Sometimes employers find it difficult to allow student employees to take time off, whether because they are a small business, are extremely busy or other reasons. But if a student really needs to take time off, such as for finals week, Widger says there are ways the university and the employer can work together to resolve issues through the new program.

“Employers play a key role in the success of NMSU students and our students play a key role in their businesses. As NMSU continues our ‘New Era of Partnerships,’ the university and community can work together to keep our students in school,” she says.

The plan is to have the students nominate the employers, who then will qualify to remain in the program by meeting several criteria. Students will have the responsibilities of sharing both class and exam schedules and, when possible, scheduling time for study needs. They must also understand the role they play as a student and an employee.

Employers in the program will receive a packet filled with things to identify them as participants, including a flag, certificate and a pin. These gestures also help to show pride in the institution, the community and the students.

The goal is to have 100 Aggie-friendly businesses by the end of the 2011 football season. The first group of Aggie-friendly employers were announced in August and introduced at a home football game.