Foreword

Origin and Structure of the University

The University of New Mexico, created by an Act of the Territorial Legislature in 1889, opened as a summer normal school on June 15, 1892, and began full-term instruction on September 21 of the same year. In creating the University, the Legislature designated it as the state university whose objective should be to "provide the inhabitants of the State of New Mexico with the means of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the various branches of literature, science and arts." § 21-7-2, NMSA 1978 (Laws 1889, ch. 138, § 1).

In keeping with this mandate, the University offers undergraduate and graduate instruction in Architecture and Planning, Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Management, Nursing, Pharmacy, professional degree programs in Law and Medicine, and graduate instruction in Public Administration. All freshman meeting the admission requirements for baccalaureate level work at UNM are admitted to and enrolled in the University College which administers the Bachelor of University Studies degree program as well as several associate degree programs.

The University has branch colleges in Valencia County, Gallup, Los Alamos, and Taos.

The University of New Mexico is the largest of the state's publicly supported institutions of higher learning and has been fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1922.

Mission

As the state's premier institution of higher learning and provider of health care, The University of New Mexico promotes discovery, generates intellectual and cultural contributions, honors academic values, and fosters an educated, healthy, and economically vigorous New Mexico.

Endorsed by the Board of Regents on February 14, 2023.

Regents' Policies

Foreword

Origin and Structure of the University

Mission