Regents' Policy Manual - Section 2.14: Branch Colleges and Off-Campus Education Centers

Adopted Date: 09-12-1996

Applicability

This policy applies to all branch colleges and off-campus education centers of the University.

Policy

Pursuant to the Branch Community Colleges Act, § 21-14-1, et seq., NMSA 1978, and the Off-Campus Instruction Act, § 21-14A-1, et seq., the University has agreed to serve as the parent institution for branch community colleges and off-campus education centers in response to requests from several New Mexico communities. The objective of the branch colleges and education centers is to serve the citizens of New Mexico more fully and to provide the highest quality of education throughout the state for students in different locations pursuing post-secondary education.

Pursuant to the applicable statute, an Advisory Board to the Board of Regents shall be formed for each branch college or education center. The establishment of a branch community college or off-campus education center must be approved by the Commission on Higher Education.

The branch colleges and education centers shall respond specifically to the unique needs and multicultural background of the citizens in their respective communities by offering community education programs; career education, including certificate and associate degree programs; and/or transfer programs that prepare students for upper division entry into colleges and universities, as approved. The branch colleges utilize resources in their communities, primarily a local property tax levy, and therefore also function as an integral part of the community. The branch colleges and education centers shall commit themselves to protect the quality and integrity of all academic curricula, which are subject to approval by the UNM Faculty Senate pursuant to the Faculty Constitution.

The branch colleges are authorized to operate under a different admissions policy than the main campus. However, course and degree offerings and transferability shall be subject to criteria and requirements to be established by the administration and the faculty.

The UNM Faculty Handbook is generally applicable to faculty in the branches, with exceptions noted in the Handbook.

Implementation

The Board of Regents shall enter into an operating agreement with the Advisory Board of each branch college or education center. These operating agreements shall be reviewed biennially.

References

Branch Community Colleges Act, § 21-14-1, et seq., NMSA 1978; Off-Campus Instruction Act, § 21-14A-1, et seq., NMSA 1978; Operating Agreements with each branch or education center (copies maintained in Director's office at each location, and in offices of the Provost and University Counsel).

Responsibilities of the Board of Regents, Item 6, RPM 1.1.
Signature Authority for Contracts, Item 4, RPM 7.8 .