How We Assign Academic Credit

An academic credit hour is the equivalent of one 50-minute standard class lecture per week for a minimum of 15 weeks. Laboratories, physical education activity classes, music lessons, ensembles, and workshops may generate credit hours at a lower rate.

Courses with an instructional method that is not face-to-face (for example, hybrid or online courses) meet the credit hour standard if they meet one of the following criteria:

1. 1. The course covers the same material in the same depth as a face-to-face version of the same course; or
   2. The course has been evaluated by the department and college for content and rigor, and the department and college have approved the semester hour credit to be awarded.

How we assign academic credit for transfer students

Western New Mexico University accepts transfer credit from other New Mexico accredited or regionally accredited colleges and universities and institutions recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (C.H.E.A.)

Transfer credit may be awarded when the following conditions are met:

• The student must apply for admission and be a degree bound student;
• Official Transcripts must be on file;
• The course carries degree credit at the transferring institution; developmental level courses will not transfer.
• The student was not suspended from a college or university at the time the course was taken.

Courses with grades of A, B, C, D, CR, P, and S transfer from other institutions at the level offered at those institutions and will be matched with an equivalent WNMU. Courses transferred with a D will not count toward major or minor requirements. Information on conversion of credit from quarter hour to semester hour is provided below and in the current course catalog.

How we Assign Credit for Prior Learning

Western New Mexico University students may be eligible for college credit earned through college-level knowledge and skills gained through prior coursework, exams, or work experience through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), also known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Institutional credit is awarded for CPL upon successful demonstration that the student’s mastery of the knowledge, skills, and competencies is equivalent to the learning objectives required in the course for which the student seeks CPL.

Credit for Prior Learning is assessed in a manner that is consistent with best-practices identified by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). In all cases, students seeking CPL must demonstrate mastery of college-level learning competencies as identified in each course for which credit is sought.

CPL Award

Credits awarded through CPL are applied to degree or program requirements in the same manner as other credits earned at WNMU and may be awarded as transfer credit or as credit/non-credit. The number of credits may vary by course and program. Traditional letter grades will not be assigned to CPL credit and will not affect academic standing or GPA.

CPL will only be awarded for courses that are directly applicable to program requirements in the student’s declared certificate or degree and as approved by the academic unit(s) offering the course(s) for which the student seeks credit. Certain units/programs/departments/schools do not allow applications for credits for prior learning.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on academic credit and academic regulations; search the entire catalog using the keyword “Credit”; for information on transfer credit, search “Transcript Evaluation”, and for information on credit for prior learning, search “CPL”

Service Learning Credit

Three (3) credits of service learning are required for graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree. Courses with an “SL” designation indicate “Service Learning”, which integrates structured community service and guided reflection into the academic curriculum. These courses provide students with real-world experiences that enhance learning, address community needs, and promote civic engagement. Each service learning class typically requires at least 15 hours of community service and 2,000 words of written reflection.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on service learning requirements; search the entire catalog using the keyword “Service Learning”

Writing Intensive Credit

Nine (9) credits of writing intensive courses are required for graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree. Courses with a “WI” designation indicate “Writing Intensive”, which require 4,000-6,000 words (15-22 pages) of typed text, including both informal and formal writing assignments. Graded writing assignments form a significant part of the course grade, and some assignments may allow for revisions. Individual departments may set higher standards and adjust writing requirements to meet their specific teaching goals. ENGL 1110 and ENGL 1120, do not count toward this requirement.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on writing intensive requirements; search the entire catalog using the keyword “Writing Intensive”

ALAS/General Education

Students entering WNMU as first‐time undergraduate students are required to take nine (9) credits (three 3‐credit hour classes) of the ALAS core as part of their General Education curriculum.  Students are allowed to choose which ALAS course(s) to take from the selection provided on the degree plan. Courses accepted for this requirement have a course prefix of “ALAS”

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on ALAS requirements; search the entire catalog using the keyword “ALAS”

Acceptance of Transfer Credit

Western New Mexico University treats transfer students the same as students who started at WNMU in awarding credit towards fulfilling degree requirements. The University supports articulation among all post-secondary institutions in New Mexico.

The following general transfer guidelines apply:

• Official transcripts must be on file for all previous institutions attended.
• Coursework must have been taken for credit at the transferring institution and must be college level (not developmental or remedial).
• Courses with standard letter grades will be posted on the WNMU transcript but will not factor into the cumulative GPA.
• Courses transferred with a D will not count toward a student’s major or minor, but may count for general education or elective credit.
• For duplicate courses taken at other institutions, only the course with the highest grade will transfer.
• Courses transfer at the same level offered at the transferring institution unless specific transfer articulation agreements have been approved.
• Transfer courses are matched with an equivalent WNMU course if possible; courses with no equivalent are designated as miscellaneous, with the equivalent level number ending in “99” (e.g. PSY 299) up to a maximum of 48 miscellaneous credits.
• Non-equivalent NM Common Core or courses transferred as part of a transfer articulation agreement will be transferred in under the transfer school’s numbering system and evaluated as a TGE/Course Name (TGE=Transfer General Education).
• The Transcript Evaluator has the authority to designate which transfer courses count for General Education requirements.
• Academic departments have the authority to designate which courses count toward major degree requirements.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on transferring coursework to WNMU; search the entire catalog using the keyword “Transfer” 

Transferring Credits as a Graduate Student

Credit transfer is not guaranteed for graduate students. Individual master’s degree programs have the option to approve transfer credits, not to exceed one-third (1/3) of the total required to complete the master’s degree. Any master’s degree program without specific criteria related to transfer credit limit may not exceed the Graduate Division limit of nine (9). See individual program policies in the current course catalog.

Graduate certificate programs are limited to transfer credits of one-third (1/3) of the total required to complete the degree not to exceed six credits.

Any coursework requested for transfer into a degree at WNMU must be reviewed and approved by the student’s advisor(s), Associate Dean/Department Chair and Dean of the College based upon its appropriateness to the student’s degree plan, with final approval by the Director of the Graduate Division. Transfer credits must have been earned no more than seven (7) years prior to the issuance of the graduate degree.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed in

Quarter Hour System Conversion to Semester Hours

• A 5 quarter hour course (or combination course and lab) that converts to 3.34 semester hours will be deemed to fulfill a 4 hours General Education requirement such as in the Laboratory Science area;
• A 4 quarter hour course that converts to 2.67 semester hours will be deemed to fulfill a 3 hour General Education requirement;
• A 1 quarter hour course that converts to 0.67 semester hours will be deemed to fulfill a 1 hour General Education requirement.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on transferring to WNMU; search the entire catalog using the keyword “Transfer”

General Education Transfer 

New Mexico Public Post-Secondary Education General Provisions ensure that general education credits transfer between institutions. Approved general education courses fulfill curriculum requirements at any New Mexico institution. Students transferring with 31 completed general education credits for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or 15 credits for an associate’s of applied science, will have these credits accepted by the receiving institution. Incomplete general education credits will be noted on transcripts, and transfer policies will apply to the remaining credits. Receiving institutions must treat transfer students equally to native students. The New Mexico Higher Education Department’s state-wide General Education model includes nine elective credits determined by each institution.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on transferring general education coursework from a New Mexico Higher Education Institution to WNMU; search the entire catalog using the keywords “Transfer of General Education”

Arizona transfer students who complete any one of the three Arizona General Education Curriculums (AGEC) will be deemed to have fulfilled WNMU’s General Education with the exception of COMM 1130 or COMM 1140 or COMM 2140 and ALAS 1810, ALAS 1820, and ALAS 1830.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on transferring from an Arizona institution and general education requirements; search the entire catalog using the keyword “Arizona Transfer”

For transfer students pursuing an A.A., an A.S., or a bachelor’s degree:

• If a student completes General Education and/or an A.A. or A.S. degree (or its equivalent) from a New Mexico institution of higher learning OR an equivalent degree from an out of state institution with an MOU with WNMU, then that student’s General Education core is considered complete and they are waived from taking ALAS courses.
• If a student transfers up to 15 credits of general education courses from an accredited institution of higher learning without completing General Education, the student must fulfill all WNMU general education requirements that are not met through transfer credits and must complete three ALAS core courses.
  If a student transfers up to 16‐27 credits of general education courses from an accredited institution of higher learning without completing General Education, the student must fulfill all
  WNMU general education requirements that are not met through transfer credits and must complete two ALAS core courses.
• If a student transfers 28+ credits of general education courses from an accredited institution of higher learning without completing General Education, the student must fulfill all WNMU general education requirements that are not met through transfer credits and must complete one ALAS core course.

For transfer students pursuing an A.A.S. degree: Students who transfer 15+ credits of general education credit will be exempt from the 3 credit hour ALAS requirement for that degree.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on transferring and ALAS requirements; search the entire catalog using the keyword “ALAS/General Education”

Residency Requirements for Transfer Students

• Associate Degrees (60 credit hours total) – a minimum of 15 credit hours must be earned at WNMU
• Bachelor’s Degrees (120 credit hours total) – a minimum of 30 credit hours must be earned at  WNMU
• Master’s Degrees (credits vary by program) – a maximum of 9 graduate credit hours may be transferred at the discretion of the academic department; all remaining credit hours must be earned at WNMU

Transfer students must complete a minimum of six credit hours in the elected major and a minimum of three credit hours in the elected minor in residence at WNMU.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on residency requirements; search the entire catalog using the keyword phrase “must be earned at WNMU”

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Western New Mexico University students may be eligible for college credit earned through college-level knowledge and skills gained through prior coursework, exams, or work experience through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Institutional credit is awarded upon successful demonstration that the student’s mastery of the knowledge, skills, and competencies is equivalent to the learning objectives required in the course for which the student seeks CPL.

To be eligible to apply for CPL, students must be a fully admitted and currently enrolled WNMU degree-seeking student in good academic standing.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL); search the entire catalog using the keyword “CPL”

Types of Credit for Prior Learning

• Military Training: Credit will be awarded for training completed and listed on a Joint Service Transcript or Community College of the Air Force transcripts as defined by the American Council on Education Guidelines (ACE) Military Guide.
• Standardized National Examination: Credit may be awarded upon demonstration of passing scores for standardized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exams. English and Math credit may also be awarded for ACT and SAT scores demonstrating mastery in those subject areas as per the university catalog.
• Certification, Licenses, and Training: Credit may be awarded for current industry-recognized credentials that are validated through the issuing agency or organization and/or through workforce certifications and other workforce training documentation as determined by the academic unit within which credit is sought. Credit for workforce training may also be awarded based on credit recommendations provided by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) and the American Council on Education (ACE).
• Locally Developed Examination: Credit may be awarded for demonstrating mastery of course learning objectives as assessed by institutionally-developed exams. A list of Challenge Exams is available in the university catalog. If a Challenge Exam is not listed, the student may contact the Associate Dean, Chair, or Director of the academic unit offering the course to inquire about an alternative assessment.  The Associate Dean, Chair, or Director of the academic unit has the authority to decide whether to offer such an assessment.
• Prior Learning Portfolio:  Credit may be awarded based on a review of a Prior Learning Portfolio (PLP) which includes documentation that demonstrates mastery of the learning objectives for a particular course. Individual portfolios are assessed by faculty in the academic unit where the course is offered.  The Associate Dean, Chair, or Director of the academic unit has the authority to decide whether to offer such an assessment.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL); search the entire catalog using the keyword “CPL”

Financial Aid

Financial aid does not cover the costs of CPL. However, some third-party payors (e.g. Veterans Administration, employer, etc.) may cover CPL costs. Students are responsible for contacting their third-party payor to determine whether CPL costs may be covered.

CPL credit hours may affect Financial aid and Veterans benefits. Credit hours awarded through CPL methods count toward the total earned hours that a student has acquired and the 150% rule. Students should consult with a financial aid advisor to determine how credits earned through CPL may affect them prior to requesting any CPL.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL); search the entire catalog using the keyword “CPL”

Fees

Fees vary depending on the CPL assessment method. Fees charged cover the administrative costs of evaluating, transcribing, and tracking CPL. Students seeking CPL are responsible for paying associated fees in full prior to the CPL evaluation, regardless of assessment method and regardless of the outcome of the evaluation.

• Military Training: There is no fee for CPL awarded for Military Training.
• Standardized National Examination: Fees for Standardized National Examinations are determined by the organization offering the exam. For exams taken through the WNMU Testing Center, testing fees may apply and may vary by exam. Students should contact the WNMU Testing Center for an updated fee schedule. There is no administrative fee for CPL awarded through Standardized National Examination.
• Certification, Licenses, and Training: There is no fee for CPL awarded for state, national, or industry/professional licensures and certifications, apprenticeships, training through WNMU Workforce Development, or articulation agreements.
• Locally Developed Examination: There is a $25 exam fee plus 50% of current per credit hour tuition for the course being challenged.
• Prior Learning Portfolio: There is a $75 per undergraduate credit hour fee for CPL PLP assessment and a $100 per graduate credit hour fee for CPL PLP assessment.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL); search the entire catalog using the keyword “CPL”

Transferability

If a student has earned CPL at another institution, Western New Mexico University reserves the right to evaluate, apply, or deny CPL credit on a case-by-case basis. Students should contact the academic unit from which they are seeking credit.

Western New Mexico University offers CPL for the purpose of satisfying degree requirements. Credits earned through CPL may not be transferable to other institutions. If a student plans on transferring, the student is responsible for contacting the institution they plan on transferring to in order to determine that institution’s policy on transferability of CPL.

Please see the current Course Catalog for additional detailed information on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL); search the entire catalog using the keyword “CPL”