Role and Function of UNM Branch Colleges
The University of New Mexico has established branch colleges 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 postsecondary education. Branch colleges 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 transfer programs that prepare students for upper‑division entry into colleges and universities. Branch colleges utilize resources in the community, and therefore, also function as an integral part of the community. The branch campuses of the University of New Mexico are considered fully integrated component colleges, and they are committed to serving the needs of their communities in the manner of a comprehensive community college, offering a variety of academic, career, and community service programs. The branch colleges commit themselves to protect the quality and integrity of all academic curricula, and the main campus commits its resources, whenever appropriate and practical, to the fulfillment of the varied missions of the branches.
Statutory Provisions and Funding
The Branch Community College Act (section 21-14-1 NMSA 1978) was enacted in 1957, to provide (a) the first two years of college transfer education, (b) organized career curricula of not more than two years’ duration designed to prepare individuals for employment in recognized occupations, or (c) both of the above. The New Mexico Higher Education Department is responsible for supporting two-year postsecondary education in New Mexico. Branch colleges are organized by one or more school districts with local public school boards or specially elected advisory boards serving each branch in an advisory capacity. The advisory boards have three major responsibilities: (1) calling elections for local property taxes for annual operating levies and capital outlay general obligation bonds; (2) approving operating budgets; and (3) certifying the local tax levy. Funding for the branch colleges comes from direct State appropriations and local tax levies. Budget requests for the branch colleges are approved by the local advisory boards, the University of New Mexico Board of Regents, and the New Mexico Higher Education Department before being submitted to the Legislature.
Last Updated August 31, 2007