UNM has made a change in the non-degree program that will make it easier for students who just want to take classes.
UNM Provost Brian Foster said in a news release that the student population at UNM is important, and it needs a strong urban outreach. He said many students have degrees and just want to upgrade skills while others want to fulfill prerequisites for graduate programs.
The changes, which went into effect Dec. 1, will split non-degree students among University College and the Office of Graduate Studies' Special Initiative Office.
In the past, the Continuing Education Department has dealt with non-degree students. When the office split, the non-degree program moved to the extended University. The office, which handled admissions and advisement, has closed.
"We just were not effectively organized," Foster said in a news release. "I think this will make sense for everyone."
Non-degree students were divided according to whether they had a baccalaureate degree.
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Those with a degree, but who want non-degree status in the graduate program must now go to Mitchell Hall, Rooms 106 and 108. According to the news release, students are able to come to a central location to receive academic and career advisement. The program will also handle admissions and application fees, while maintaining records and monitoring grades.
Deanna Sanchez-Mulcahy, student services consultant in OGS, said many times students in the non-degree program who want to get into graduate studies are taking courses for personal enrichment or are professionals who are looking for certifications or development.
"It is essentially an opportunity for students to take courses at UNM without being admitted to an undergraduate or graduate program," she said.
There are more than 1,800 students enrolled at UNM who have a baccalaureate degree and are in non-degree status in the graduate program. Sanchez-Mulcahy said not all of those students are interested in pursuing a degree in the program, but that a goal would be to help students transition toward it.
There are around 450 students who do not have a baccalaureate degree but are seeking non-degree status in the graduate program. Using the standard admissions process, they can enroll at University College for undergraduate classes and have separate admissions.
"This is a good way for students who want to explore UNM to sample classes or find out whether they want to go for a formal degree," said Peter White, dean of University College in a news release.
The Undergraduate Admissions Office is in the Student Services Center, Room 140.
Sanchez-Mulcahy said services are provided to all non-degree students and that every range of academic preparedness and academic pursuit will be accommodated.
