General Information

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 education throughout the state for students in different locations pursuing postsecondary education. Branch colleges respond specifically to the unique needs and multicultural backgrounds of the citizens in the respective communities they serve by offering transfer programs that prepare students for upper-division entry into colleges and universities. In addition, the branches offer associate degree and certificate programs. 

 

Branch colleges use resources in the community as well as make educational resources available. Therefore, they also function as an integral part of the community. 

 

The five-member elected UNM–Los Alamos Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to the College and to the University of New Mexico Board of Regents. It approves the annual budget and can call for elections. UNM–Los Alamos continues to benefit from a strong, supportive, and dedicated Advisory Board which is well informed, responsible, and committed to the College and its future. The branch colleges of the University of New Mexico are considered fully integrated component colleges. They are committed to serving the needs of their respective communities as comprehensive community colleges offering a variety of preparatory academic, career, and community service programs. The branch colleges pledge themselves to protect the quality and integrity of all academic curricula. UNM–Albuquerque campus pledges its resources, whenever appropriate and practical, to the fulfillment of the varied missions of the branches. The Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Mexico has responsibility for the operation of the branch colleges. From a clear understanding of its role and function, UNM–Los Alamos has developed the following mission statement. 

Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategic Goals

Mission

Preparation for Transfer…Pathways for Careers… Passion for Lifelong Learning! 

UNM–LA is an innovative, rigorous, and affordable comprehensive branch community college that provides foundations for transfer, leading-edge career programs, and lifelong learning opportunities. We strive to prepare students who are capable, competent, and successful through high-quality instruction and personalized attention. 

Vision

UNM–LA is recognized as a premier education provider for Los Alamos and the region by offering unique forward-looking learning opportunities spanning the sciences and the arts and building on unique local and regional assets. 

We aspire to a future in which we are known for the following: 

Commitment to Excellence: We are respected for excellence in all academic endeavors, offering traditional and innovative programs. 
Success through Collaboration: We are seen as a committed partner supporting education and regional development. 
Engagement with Community: We build on the history, geography, and cultures of our region for an improved quality of life for all. 

Values

The values that guide UNM–LA are: Excellence, Integrity, Diversity, Respect, Collaboration, Innovation, Creativity, and Accessibility. 

Strategic Goals

The UNM–LA strategic plan is centered on the following 6 goals: 

  1. Develop and maintain strong ties with constituents and stakeholders, leading to greater participation in higher education within our region and resulting in economic development. 
  2. Communicate and demonstrate how our mission, vision, and values are ensuring excellence in UNM–LA programs, services, and opportunities to underscore our position as a premier educational institution. 
  3. Staff UNM–LA sufficiently to sustain high instructional standards, enable realistic workloads in providing support services, and create an environment that encourages excellence. 
  4. Increase enrollment for the purpose of creating a vibrant campus community and sustainable programs and services. 
  5. Create and manage new revenue streams to complement state funding, stabilize support for recurring costs, and enable investments in our educational infrastructure. 
  6. Review and revise the strategic and implementation plan each quarter to ensure they serve as the framework for decision-making and continue to serve the UNM–LA community. 

Publications 

Class Schedule 

The Class Schedule is an official publication of the University. The publication includes course offerings, dates, times, and places. The schedule can be found online at https://losalamos.unm.edu/academics/class-schedule.html. 

UNM–LA Website 

The campus website contains the most current information about UNM–LA, including updated class schedules, the UNM–Los Alamos Academic Catalog, and information about campus events and other news. The website can be found at losalamos.unm.edu. 

UNM Pathfinder: The Student Handbook 

The UNM Pathfinder is the most comprehensive student handbook of student services at the University of New Mexico. 

 

The UNM Pathfinder gives general information, including office locations and telephone numbers, about academic support and cultural programs, athletics and recreation, student organizations, entertainment, financial services, food, health and medical assistance, housing, the University of New Mexico policies affecting students, commuting and parking and other services and programs. Visit the UNM Pathfinder website for the current version.