Student Resources & Support

Academic Counseling & Advisement

Academic Advisement and Career Development provides a variety of services to support the academic goals and career plans of each NMJC student. Advisors are available Monday through Friday to help students prepare for an enjoyable and successful academic experience at NMJC. The Counseling and Advising Offices are located in the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Academic Advisors provide assistance with the following:

Academic Planning: Students can get help in selecting courses to ensure that they meet program requirements, develop a degree plan and register for courses they need.
College Policies and Procedures: Students can get answers to questions about course requirements, transferability of classes, and many other issues.
Student Services: Counselors will assist students in getting information about campus resources and student support services available to help students meet their academic and career goals.
Transfer: Students can get information on transferring to a four-year college or university
Career Counseling: Counselors and advisors can assist students in choosing a career path.

Academic advising at NMJC is an integral part of the larger mission of educating students. The primary purpose of the advising program is to assist students in the development of meaningful educational plans that are compatible with their goals. The ultimate and final responsibility for making decisions about goals and educational plans rests with the individual student. Academic advisor and counselors assist by helping to identify and assess alternatives and consequences of decisions.

Each full-time degree or certificate-seeking student at NMJC is assigned an academic advisor and is expected to personally meet with that advisor for academic planning prior to each semester’s registration for courses. The academic advisor may be a faculty member or an academic counselor. Students should

know and meet graduation requirements;
meet with an advisor during registration periods;
meet with an advisor for discussion/ approval of course schedule changes;
make frequent advisor contact to help ensure adequate progress toward educational goals; and
identify and communicate career goals / plans to advisor.

Athletics

New Mexico Junior College’s Intercollegiate Athletic program is rich in tradition and program success. NMJC is a member of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC). The NMJC Rodeo Program competes under the auspices of the Southwest Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NNIRO). Sports offered for men are baseball, basketball, golf, rodeo, cross country and track. Sports offered for women are basketball, rodeo, volleyball, cross country and track.

The Athletic Program at NMJC has produced individual and team conference, regional, and national champions throughout its rich history. Scholarships are available. Students endeavoring to become a part of a particular program are encouraged to contact the respective coach to discuss potential participation in the Intercollegiate Athletic Program at NMJC Athletics or 575.492.2740

Bookstore

The New Mexico Junior College Bookstore has a complete selection of items for your academic success. All of your textbooks are available, along with study aids, school supplies, computer supplies, NMJC clothing, and gift items. The bookstore also carries laptop computers and other electronic devices. Normal business hours are Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The bookstore is closed Saturday and Sunday. There are extended hours during the beginning of each semester.

Textbooks are arranged on shelves with tags to identify course and CRN number. Students should always take their schedules with them to purchase books.

A picture ID is required for any charges or returns on student accounts. A receipt is required for ALL returns. Books may only be returned within one week from the date of original purchase and must be in the original condition to be returned.

The NMJC Bookstore hosts a book buy back at the end of each semester. The buyback is held in front of the bookstore in the hallway of the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center. Students should take any CDs or materials that came with their textbooks. There is also an online book buyback option through the NMJC Bookstore. Online book buyback runs all year long.

Books may be ordered online and shipped to the student through our website NMJC Bookstore. Books usually ship within 1-2 business days and may be purchased with a credit card, financial aid, or by Nelnet payment. Policies and procedures are subject to change. Visit the NMJC Bookstore for current policies and procedures.

Contact Information: Julie Buchanan, Director Bookstore Services, jbuchanan@nmjc.edu, 575.492.2597

Business Office

The Business Office, located in the John Shepherd Administration Building, and a cashier’s window in the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center coordinate many faculty and staff services while functioning as the official payment centers for all student tuition and fees. Financial Aid is disbursed through Nelnet Business Solutions. Students can receive their financial aid disbursement through direct deposit, reloadable prepaid card or have a paper check mailed to their address on file. In order to sign up for direct deposit or a reloadable prepaid card, students must log in to the T-Bird Web Portal, click on Nelnet Portal (Payment Plan, Full Payment, or Refund) and follow the instructions. The Business Office also disburses student worker payroll checks. Due to limited cash on hand, the Business Office is unable to cash payroll checks.

The Business Office monitors student accounts to ensure all payments are made when due.

Campus Life

NMJC offers its students a number of activities which are meant to enrich life on campus and to provide for a complete and holistic approach to the educational experience. Students have the opportunity to participate in an active campus life through a variety of group activities and programs. Social and recreational activities are offered as well as programs of cultural, social, and educational awareness. Students can join a club or organization or take part in activities and events that are provided throughout the year. New clubs are encouraged and may be chartered through the Student Life office.

Campus Life provides student ID cards, parking permits, activities that educate students on local, state, and national government, activities simply for enjoyment, game tournaments, clubs on campus, cultural celebrations; and intramural activities.

Contact Information: Student Life Office, Ben Alexander Student Learning Center, 575.392.5366

Career Services

NMJC advisors and coaches can review and discuss career options with students at any time. NMJC's Career Coach, available on the website, is a tool for anyone to be able to search our programs and different career paths using real-time data and statistics. Career Coach also allows you to create your own resumé and search for and apply to local and area jobs and careers. If you are unsure what you want to study or what your career goals are, Career Coach offers personality assessments to identify your strengths.

Career Coach

Check Cashing

NMJC has a limited check-cashing policy. Students may cash personal checks for up to $25 at any of the cashier’s windows. Checks without personal printed information (counter checks) will not be accepted. The student must have proper identification, and the check must not be a two-party check or a payroll check. There is a $25 charge for each returned check. ATMs are located on the east side of the campus and in the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center for the student’s convenience.

Complaint Procedures

Complaints:

NMJC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation (including perceived sexual orientation), gender identity, marital status, spousal affiliation, disability (physical or mental), serious medical condition, age (40 and older), genetic information or veteran status or any other legally protected categories, classes or characteristics. NMJC is committed to ensuring persons of all these protected classes will have access to NMJC’s programs, facilities, and employment.

Informal Complaint Process:
An individual with a concern or complaint is encouraged (but is not required) to attempt an informal resolution through discussion with the involved employee, or the employee’s direct supervisor or dean. If the matter is not resolved informally, the student may proceed to the formal complaint process.

Formal Complaint Process:
The individual must submit a written concern or complaint to the appropriate campus authority who will typically serve as the grievance officer. The submission of the written concern or complaint may be achieved through a variety of means determined by the nature of the concern or complaint and the preference of the complainant. This includes:

Virtual Suggestion Box: Anyone who has a concern or suggestion may express that concern via the Virtual Suggestion Box found at the NMJC website under Resources and Services.
Online Complaint Form: An individual who wishes to make a formal complaint may go to the NMJC website, click on “Resources and Services” on the navigation bar, then click on Complaint Form and enter their concern or complaint. This communication will go to the Director of Communications who will disseminate the information to the appropriate campus authority. If the person making the complaint provides his/her contact information, the appropriate VP will contact him/her with the resolution. This entire procedure will be documented with copies given to the student, the appropriate Vice President, the Director of Communications, and the Vice President for Student Services/Title IX Coordinator.

Written Complaints: Written complaints may be submitted in person, via email, or via mail to the appropriate campus authority. Written complaints should include the following information: (1) Your name and contact information, (2) name of the individual and/or department against whom the concern/complaint is filed (3) a description of your concern/complaint in detail, including date(s) of the occurrence (be as specific as possible), and (4) any other attempts you have made to resolve this situation and the outcome.

Send to:

Cathy Mitchell

Title IX Coordinator and Section 504 Coordinator

Vice President for Student Services

Ben Alexander Student Learning Center

(575) 492-276

cmitchell@nmjc.edu

New Mexico Higher Education Department Complaint Process

New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) has the authority to help facilitate the resolution of student complaints, only after the student has utilized all internal complaint procedures at the educational institution. After receiving a Student Complaint Form, NMHED staff will review the form and attachments. If the initial review falls within the purview of NMHED they shall attempt to facilitate a resolution to the complaint by sending a copy of the complaint to the institution against which the complaint has been made. The institution must respond to the complaint within 10 business days of receipt. Please note that in some circumstances the NMHED may permit additional time for a response. All parties will be notified of the outcome of the complaint. Student complaints about grades or student conduct may not be appealed.

Go to https://hed.state.nm.us/uploads/documents/NMHED_Student_Complaint_Form_7-2021.pdf to download the NMHED Student Complaint Form. Once complete, the form and supporting attachments should be emailed to the attention of the New Mexico Higher Education Department at: HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us.

Consumer Information Disclosure

In accordance with The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) which requires that postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs make certain disclosures to enrolled and prospective students, parents, employees, and the public, NMJC has posted these disclosures at https://www.nmjc.edu/about/consumer_information/index.aspx.

For additional information, including requesting a paper copy of any materials contact the NMJC Vice President for Student Services at 575-492-2559

Emergency Notification System

RAVE Mobile Safety (Emergency Notification System)

New Mexico Junior College has partnered with RAVE to provide an emergency alert system capable of delivering messages to NMJC e-mail accounts, personal e-mail accounts, land lines and cell phones. All students have been enrolled in the program at no expense to the student. Students are encouraged to login to the RAVE site to confirm their contact information and choose their notification preferences. (Note: cellular phone providers may charge a per-text message fee for the delivery of emergency notifications to cell phones.)

Students are asked to visit their T-Bird Web Portal and select RAVE to register. This system will work in conjunction with the emergency speakers that are located throughout the campus. In the event of an emergency or school closure this system allows NMJC to make timely notification to all students, faculty and staff members who have registered. Refer to the Student Handbook for specific safety information.

Contact Information: Director of Campus Security & Safety, 575.492.2530

Fax Services

Students are able to send faxes at the Pannell Library circulation desk. There is a $1.00 per page charge.

Financial Aid

New Mexico Junior College participates in a variety of financial aid programs to assist students who cannot meet the cost of a college education. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans from federal, state, institutional, and private sources. The College also supports programs such as the Workforce Investment Act, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Veterans Administration programs. Each program may carry specific requirements for eligibility, such as financial need or academic requirements. To determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs, the student must be:

enrolled in an eligible program at an eligible institution;
a citizen of the U.S. or an eligible non-citizen;
hold a high-school diploma or GED diploma;
have a Social Security number;
maintain satisfactory progress standards as determined by the institution;
sign certification statements of educational purpose, refunds and defaults, and updated information; and
registered with Selective Service (if required).

Financial need is determined through the submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processing center. Some state programs cannot be awarded until financial need is determined through the FAFSA process. For more information regarding financial aid, visit the NMJC website, https://www.nmjc.edu/admission/financial_aid/index.aspx, or stop by the office.

Contact Information: Financial Aid Office, Ben Alexander Student Learning Center, 575.392.5172

NMJC Identification (ID) Cards

Students are required to have a NMJC ID. Many services on campus require the ID to access the service, and having an ID is the quickest and easiest way to verify your eligibility. Student ID pictures can generally be taken during normal working hours by staff in the Student Life Office in the Ben Alexander Student Center. Students must have a copy of their current course schedule in order to be issued an ID. Be prepared to show an acceptable form of ID.

Contact information: Student Life Office, Ben Alexander Student Center, 575.392.5366

Information Technology Acceptable Use

New Mexico Junior College provides numerous information technology resources for use by the College’s students, faculty, and staff. Information technology includes, but is not limited to, all College computing equipment, software, systems and networks. These resources are provided to support the College’s mission and institutional goals. The use of these systems is a privilege and all users are expected to act responsibly and to follow the College’s policies governing the use of these resources. Violations of this policy could result in disciplinary review. In such a review, the full range of disciplinary sanctions is available including the loss of computer use privileges, dismissal from the College, and legal action. Violations of some portions of the policy may constitute a criminal offense. The College’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy requires that each campus user abide by and agree to the guidelines listed in the document. The Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy is located in the Student Handbook and online at www.nmjc.edu

Library

Library (Pannell Library and Information Resource Center)

Pannell Library provides a variety of resources designed to meet the information needs of NMJC students, faculty, staff, and community patrons. The library serves as the major information resource for NMJC and provides the library services necessary to support the College’s mission.

Library Resources

Subscriptions to over 80 different databases containing hundreds of thousands of journals, all accessible from the library’s web page 24/7
Circulating book collection of approximately 92,011 titles
Reference and reserve titles in the collection of just under 2,000 titles, 2,756 current DVDs, VHS tapes, and audiocassettes are held by the library, with new titles added to the collection each year
Current subscriptions to over 250 journals and newspapers

Services Offered by Pannell Library

Public access computers are available for finding information both in print at the library and on the web.
Staff are available during library hours to assist patrons in locating materials, searching the Internet, and answering questions.
Library instruction workshops ranging from general orientation tours to specialized workshops for students, faculty, or staff are available.
Staff collaboration with instructors on classroom assignments or research topics is available.
Personalized reference and research consultation is available by appointment.
Students can use this library to borrow books, videos, and obtain articles from other libraries around the world.
From our website you may use the electronic version of many popular reference books.
Find links to printable New Mexico legal forms on our webpage.
As a member of the Estacado Library Information Network (ELIN) Consortium, students have access to databases composed of hundreds of thousands of articles on any subject imaginable, many in full text - all provided free to you by the State of New Mexico. Th is allows for the use of library resources by anyone with a valid library card from any of our member libraries: the Carlsbad Public Library, the Eunice Public Library, the Hobbs Public Library, the Lovington Public Library, New Mexico Junior College library, University of the Southwest, and the Woolworth Community Library in Jal.

Lost and Found

To report a ‘found’ item, please take the item to any administrative / departmental office. That office will deliver the item to the Security Office. Persons claiming lost items must provide a description of the items to the Security Department before receiving them. The NMJC Security Department, which is located next to the switchboard in the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center, keeps records of lost and found items and stores ‘found’ items for a one- year period. Periodically, Security will post a list of ‘found’ items on the bulletin boards in an attempt to locate owners prior to disposing of property.

Contact Information: Security & Safety Office, Ben Alexander Student Learning Center, 575.399.2033

Orientation

New Student Orientation is offered during the summer prior to the Fall semester. The fall orientation provides needed information to become acquainted with NMJC’s policies and procedures. All students are encouraged to participate in orientation. Please check with the student services Help Desk for orientation dates and times.

Contact information: Help Desk 575-492-2577 or askNMJC@nmjc.edu

Parking & Traffic

Students are required to register the vehicle(s) they will be driving on campus. Permits will be issued in the Student Life Office and display their registration stickers at all times. All state and college traffic and parking regulations governing the use of motor vehicles must be complied with on all parts of the college campus throughout all hours of the day or night. Anyone operating a motor vehicle on the NMJC campus found in violation of traffic and / or parking regulation(s) will be subject to various sanctions, which may include temporary vehicle immobilization, payment of fine / fees, vehicle towed from campus at owner / driver expense, and / or suspension of campus driving privileges. Refer to the Student Handbook for specific safety information.

NMJC Campus Security, Hobbs Police Department, Lea County Sheriff’s Department, and / or the New Mexico State Police have jurisdiction and authority to enforce all traffic violations.

Contact information: Director of Campus Security & Safety, 575.492.2530

Records

The Registrar’s Office is responsible for the maintenance of the educational records at NMJC. This includes, but is not limited to, student transcripts. The following information refers to some of the policies and procedures for educational records. Note: Proper photo identification (driver’s license, NMJC ID card, passport or other state or federal issued identification) is required for all in-person transactions.

NMJC’s policy for maintaining confidentiality of student academic records is in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA, O.L. 93-380, 512). For more information about FERPA, refer to the Academic Policies section.

Contact Information: Registrar’s Office, 575.492.2573

Safety and Security

The College strives to maintain a safe and secure environment in which to work and study. New Mexico Junior College is concerned about the protection of persons and property. The institution cannot, however, guarantee the absolute safety of any one individual. Personal safety must begin with the individual. NMJC provides a number of safety services and programs, including twenty-four hour coverage by security employees.

New Mexico Junior College security is responsible for securing buildings and providing campus-wide patrol. They also perform investigations and document incidents that occur on campus. In the event follow up is necessary, or an incident constitutes a criminal offense, the Hobbs Police Department, Lea County Sheriff ’s Department or New Mexico State Police may be notified. NMJC will inform the parents or legal guardians of students under age 21 who have violated laws on the use or possession of alcohol or drugs, as allowed by the Higher Education Amendments of 1998.

Additional information concerning security services, crime prevention, general safety, and security on and off campus is available through the Security Office. In compliance with the Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, the College distributes to all current students and employees descriptions of policies related to campus safety and statistics concerning specific types of crimes.

Contact Information: Security Office, Ben Alexander Student Center, 575.399.2033 or 575.492.2589

SOAR (Student Outreach, Advancement & Resources)

NMJC provides students with wrap-around services through Student Outreach, Advancement and Resources (SOAR). Located in Caster Annex SOAR connects students with community and campus resources. Services include laptops, a computer lab, food pantry, career coaching, tutoring, and academic related workshops.

Contact Information: Joshua Spivey, Director of SOAR, Caster Annex, 575.492.2737

Student Accommodation Services (previously Student Disability Services)

The Office of Student Accommodation Services is the official contact for students with disabilities who request academic support and accommodations. Students with documented physical, learning or psychological disabilities have access to a variety of services including, but not limited to, extended time, textbooks in audio format, note taking assistance, and large print materials. The Accommodation Services Office is located within the Counseling Office in the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center.

Students must self-identify with Accommodation Services and may provide documentation of their disability from an appropriately credentialed professional (i.e., physician, psychologist, educational diagnostician, or other qualified provider). The New Mexico Junior College ADA Student Guideline Manual provides comprehensive information as to the eligibility for services. Eligibility for services is based on the effects / limitations and suggestions for reasonable accommodations, and in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504.

Accommodation Services is available for consultation concerning eligibility and services Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to stop by the office or call to make an appointment to discuss services as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to plan for accommodations.

For additional information and assistance contact: Accommodation Services Counselor, 575.492-2576 e-mail krueda@ nmjc.edu.

Student Insurance

NMJC is not responsible for costs arising from injury and sickness while enrolled. Students are encouraged to purchase their own health insurance and to carry their insurance card with them at all times. Students living in on-campus housing are encouraged to seek-out and purchase renter’s insurance to cover loss of personal belongings due to fire or theft. NMJC does not endorse a particular student insurance company.

Students Right to Know

In compliance with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, NMJC publishes annual Student Right-to- Know and Campus Safety Reports. These reports include explanations of campus security support that exists, emergency procedures and phone numbers, procedures regarding access to campus, drug free and alcohol free campus, sexual harassment / sexual assault prevention response program, and procedures for reporting unsafe incidents / situations of concern. Campus Crime and conduct violation statistics are provided. The reports are accessible on the campus website: www.nmjc.edu. Hard copy reports are available upon request from the Vice President for Student Services.

Contact Information: Vice President for Student Services, 575.492.2761

Student Support Services (TRIO)

Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded TRiO program designed to help students attain success. Located on the second floor of the Ben Alexander Student Learning Center, the SSS program helps students identify majors, complete degree plans, develop goals, and explore transfer options and career choices. In the SSS computer lab, students can write papers, do Internet research, take career and interest inventories, improve reading, writing and math skills, or complete a study skills assessment. Special SSS workshops are designed around student requests and include such topics as test anxiety, stress management, conflict resolution, and learning styles. Other SSS services include free tutoring and mentoring, trips to four-year institutions, and tickets to cultural activities such as plays, symphonies, ballets, concerts, and museums. All applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria to participate in SSS: first generation student; in need of financial aid; or physically / academically challenged.

Contact Information: SSS, Ben Alexander Center, 575.492.2615

Testing Services

New Mexico Junior College Testing Center is a full-service center offering proctoring services for NMJC students as well as students from other colleges and universities. The Testing Center offers a variety of services that are available to students, faculty, and the community. In addition to classroom exams, the Testing Center administers the Pre-GED exams and the Accuplacer tests. In addition, the Testing Center offers placement examinations for various programs.

A picture ID is required for all students taking an exam in the Testing Center—no exceptions! Cell phones are not allowed in the Testing Center. Earplugs are permissible for students taking exams. Surveillance cameras are active in the Testing Center to detect irregularities by students taking exams.

Contact Information: Testing Center, Ben Alexander Student Learning Center, Room 140, testing@nmjc.edu, 575.492.2591

Transcript Services

Copies of a student’s transcript are available for a fee of $5.25 per transcript. NMJC uses the National Student Clearinghouse for transcript ordering. Transcripts can be ordered online at ClearingHouse Transcripts.

Official transcripts may be withheld from students who have administrative holds on their records until the holds have been released. For information about administrative holds and the status of holds, please call the Registrar’s Office. Transcripts furnished from other institutions become the property of New Mexico Junior College.

Contact Information: Help Desk, Ben Alexander Center 575-492-2549 or transcripts@nmjc.edu.

Veterans' Education Services

NMJC is approved by the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services State Approving Agency (GI Bill®). Most NMJC course offerings are approved and meet veteran’s educational assistance criteria under federal and state laws.

Eligible students may apply for VA benefits online or through the Enrollment Management Office by submitting the proper form. The following forms are available:

Veteran’s Application for Program of Education or Training;
Entrance or Re-entrance into Training;
Disabled Veteran’s Application for Veteran Readiness & Employment;
Requests for Approval of School Attendance;
Requests for Change of Program or School;
Statement of Dependence;
Application for Education Assistance; and
Spouse or Children of Disabled or Deceased Veteran.

When applicable, the student must include the application for Program of Education or Training, certified copies of discharge (DD-214) or, original marriage license and birth certificates of children claimed as dependents. Refer to the section on Finances for more information on the certification process. The VA pays strictly by the actual dates of a student’s courses within each term or part of term. VA Benefits for qualified students are computed on full-time or part-time academic status. When a veteran’s course load changes, the VA will be informed immediately of the status change. The veteran will then be held liable for any over payment.

Each veteran is assigned a faculty advisor who provides guidance relative to program planning, scheduling, and other areas of academic progress. The services of a professional counselor are also available to the veteran through the college counseling office. The veteran who is experiencing academic difficulty is expected to take advantage of these services. For further information, visit or call the Registrar Assistant.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), this educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Veteran Readiness & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. This educational institution will not:

Prevent the student’s enrollment;
Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
Provide a written request to be certified;
Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Contact Information: VA School Certifying Official, 575.392.2561

GI Bill® Is a Registered Trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the U.S. government website www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

New Mexico Junior College