NMHU Student Portal Guide: Navigating Your Highlands Experience

New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) is committed to transforming lives and communities by fostering the core values of excellence, diversity, accessibility, and responsiveness. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for students, outlining essential information and resources to help you succeed academically, personally, and professionally during your time at Highlands.

Understanding Your Academic Journey

Academic Affairs

The Division of Academic Affairs is the central hub for all instructional programs at NMHU. Headed by a vice president, associate vice president, academic deans, department chairs, and faculty, this division oversees the quality and delivery of your educational experience.

Brightspace (D2L) and Zoom: Your Virtual Learning Tools

This resource guide will outline instructions for students to log on to Brightspace (D2L) and Zoom to participate in remote teaching and learning. All students are automatically enrolled into a Brightspace Tutorial Course when they log in to Brightspace My Course. Support is available by phone and chat. 24×7 support is also available to the campus community through D2L.

The Student-Professor Partnership

Think of the student-professor relationship as a partnership with a common goal: your success. Introduce yourself to your professor. The first day of class is sometimes as awkward for teachers as well as students. Be on time for your class, and give your professor your full attention. Participate in class discussions and volunteer answers to questions. Accept corrections and criticism as part of the learning process. Ask questions. Make an appointment to talk to your professor if you’re having trouble with the coursework. On your first day of class, you’ll get some introductory information, but then it’s down to business. If you have any questions about the structure of the course, the grading systems, when papers are due, when tests will be given or anything else, this is the time to ask! Your instructors should cover the following topics on the first day of class.

Academic Integrity and Performance

Try hard. Good grades matter to employers, graduate deans and others who make important decisions about admission to graduate programs. However, good grades signal much more than high performance in a particular class. They signal that you have high standards and a good work ethic. Focus on intellectual and personal growth in and outside of classes. Good grades matter to employers, graduate deans and others who make important decisions about admission to graduate programs. However, good grades signal much more than high performance in a particular class. They signal that you have high standards and a good work ethic.

Donnelly Library: Your Gateway to Knowledge

Donnelly Library Information Desk will remain available to provide support for students, faculty, and staff while working from home. There will be an online library information desk available. Donnelly Library does not expect a reduction in essential library services, with the exception of in-person support and circulation of physical library material like DVDs and print books. The library is located just off 8th Street on National Avenue adjacent to the student union building.

Accessibility Services

Accessibility Services is responsible for coordinating services to students with physical, learning, and psychological disabilities under the auspices of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act. At the university level, the student bears primary responsibility for registering his or her disability, following procedures, and following through on the implementation of their accommodations. Students requesting reasonable accommodations should provide written documentation of their specific disability and follow all the policies and procedures outlined in the Accessibility Services Handbook, available separately at the above address. Official accommodations cannot be provided to students with disabilities without prior approval from the Accessibility Services. To ensure accommodations are in place, students are strongly encouraged to contact this office as soon as possible about their disability.

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center offers an array of services with special emphasis on academic advisement. The Student Success Center staff is available to ensure you receive assistance in assessing your interests, skills and abilities and point you in the right direction to help get you through college. But if you’re having trouble clarifying your goals, see an adviser in the Student Success Center.

Academic Enrichment Programs & ARMAS Center

The goal of Academic Enrichment Programs is to develop engaging programs focused on student success through community building and experiential learning. Highlands Undergraduate Enrichment (HUE) and ARMAS hosted a Microsoft Teams training for students. Here is the recording: this training is for students and teaching assistants. The goal of the ARMAS Center is to provide comprehensive support to students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines as they work toward their academic and professional goals.

First Year Experience Learning Communities

The First Year Experience Learning Communities program serves first-year students by providing an engaging experience focused on supporting student success through community building and experiential learning, as well as supporting personal growth. The FYE LC Study groups assist students in organizing lecture and textbook notes, as well as providing a listening ear.

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Financial Matters

Financial Aid Office

This office offers financial assistance to eligible Highlands students in the form of grants, student loans, scholarships and student employment. It is important that students interested in financial aid maintain an acceptable grade point average and apply for aid early.

Business Office and Bursar’s Office

The Business Office offers and array of services including student payment plans, disbursement of payroll and financial aid checks. The Bursar’s Office/Student Accounts Receivable offers an array of services including student payment plans, disbursement of financial aid checks. Located at the Mass Communications Building West, this office disburses student payroll checks and financial aid checks and student payments to the university.

Highlands Foundation

Highlands Foundation is responsible for raising private-sector funds for student scholarships and assisting the university administration with special projects. The foundation also acts as fiduciary agent for the funds of university departments and student organizations.

Student Employment

Student employment is a great way for you to earn money to help pay for school as well as to get a jump-start on your career track. Student employment allows you to acquire work experience, transferable job skills, self-confidence, and develop a network of professional contacts for your future career. On-campus jobs include departmental, federal/state work-study and graduate assistantships. For a current list of student jobs, go to www.nmhu.edu/studentjobs. Provides employment listings for summer jobs, paid internships, summer research opportunities for students seeking to gain work experience related to their fields of study. Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness advertises on-campus student jobs and teaches students effective strategies on how to apply and interview for these jobs as well as how to write résumés and interest letters.

Campus Life & Resources

Student Activities and Engagement

At Highlands, students can enjoy a variety of clubs and social activities such as business clubs, sports events, dancing, intramurals, faith-based programs, and performance events.

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Student ID Cards

Photo identification cards are made on the third floor of the Student Union Building and are required for admittance to university events.

Game Room

Located in the 1st floor of the SUB, the game room is the perfect retreat on campus to relax and de-stress between classes or after a long day. Here, you will find everything from billiards to the latest Xbox games. Unwind, hang out with friends, and explore everything we have to offer. The game room includes the latest games for Playstation and Xbox, table tennis, billiards, more than 35 board games, a pop a shot, and corn toss.

Campus Dining

Students will have access to the dining hall throughout the day with meals deducted from their NMHU Student ID card. To-go boxes can also be purchased from the dining area for meals on the go. Student meal plans come with options of Flex Dollars that will also allow students to make purchases at the Purple Brew and the Convenience Store.

Residence Halls

Life in the residence halls is often an important part of the total college experience. Students interested in making new friends, being close to classes, the library and on-campus activities, should really consider living on campus in the residence halls. Students have a variety of choices when considering an on-campus residence. There are suite-style residences and more traditional halls with both private and shared rooms-something for everyone. Apartments are available for students with families and, on a limited basis, to graduate, nontraditional and students 21 and older. All of our residences are equipped with Internet connection, in addition to the WiFi available throughout campus. Laundry facilities, lounge space and gaming areas are also a part of residential life at Highlands.

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center provides primary medical care to Highlands students and their dependents. The center posts a regular schedule with reduced hours during the summer semester. Highlands students may take advantage of the many services provided by the Health Center, which include prescription discounts and a small per-visit fee for dependents of eligible students.

NMHU Food Pantry

All currently enrolled students can use the pantry. You don’t have to apply. Bring your NMHU student ID card (or let us know your ID number). This qualifies you to shop the NMHU store once each day. During your first visit, you’ll receive a reusable tote bag, and we’d love to see you bring it each time you shop! There is no charge. Monday through Friday, as long as the university is in session. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. You’re an HU student, so there’s no charge!

Ilfeld Auditorium

The university’s Ilfeld Auditorium is the place for entertainment on campus. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 727-seat auditorium is home to concerts, lectures, free movies and the annual Homecoming Pageant.

Campus Police

The campus police are responsible for enforcing university regulations, city ordinances and state and federal laws. Police are trained in first aid and other emergency procedures. The department maintains the lost and found, and weapons safekeeping. Police are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the Police and Information Center at Eleventh and Baca.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS provide support for students, faculty, and staff. Please be informed that ALL IT Support Services and request must be channeled through the ITS Help Desk. Information Technology Services is responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, and security of computers, software, telephones, and the network on campus.

Career Services Center for Professional Development

The Center for Professional Development and Career Readiness offers current students a variety of career planning services including job search strategies, résumé preparation, interview skills, career fairs, job listings for summer jobs/internships/research programs and career opportunities, employer information sessions, workshops, and on-campus recruitment. These services are also directly available online at www.nmhu.edu/careerservices. All students, including freshmen, are encouraged to utilize these services early in their education. Paid internships offer students the opportunity to gain work experience related to their field of study while in college.

NMHU CARES (Center for Advocacy Resources Education & Support)

The Center for Advocacy Resources Education & Support (CARES) provides collaborative services and support to students who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. NMHU CARES also provides services and support for students who struggle with suicide or have had past suicidal ideation. Our program also supports students who are facing substance abuse issues. Services include advocacy, counseling referrals, academic and housing assistance, and student discipline advocacy. Resources and guidance are provided to those who are supporting others. The NMHU Center for Advocacy Resources Education & Support (CARES) provides educational outreach and coordinates trainings for the campus community.

Free Counseling Services

Highlands University offers free counseling for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families to help with problems related to abuse, addictions, self-esteem, relationships, anger, and other areas of life.

Native American Student Services

Native American Student Services provides targeted support services for Native American students, including academic and financial aid advisement, collaboration with tribal educational offices, and sponsorship of the university’s Native American Club and American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

Alumni Affairs Office

The Alumni Affairs Office maintains correspondence and contact with Highlands graduates.

Office of the Dean of Students

The Office of the Dean of Students answer…

Equal Opportunity and Title IX Office

This office conducts internal investigations based on student or employee reports of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or a violation of a Federal workplace law. Please contact this office if you believe that your educational or employment opportunities have been reduced by discrimination, unlawful refusal of a disability accommodation, or other similar unlawful conduct affecting the educational environment or work environment.

Important Policies

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

FERPA is the law that protects your student records and privacy.

Embracing the Highlands Experience

Roots and Branches: Your Journey at NMHU

Our roots stem from what our parents and family members taught us, our traditions, and our cultural heritage. Strong roots sustain us throughout life and are the foundation for the future. From roots grow branches, reaching outward and upward. They are our goals. Our dreams. Here at Highlands, we honor and respect the roots of all of our students and we also support strong and tall branches. We want our students to dream big dreams, set high goals, and achieve great and beautiful things. What are your dreams? Are you seeking a certain job? A particular kind of life? Do you hope to travel the world? All of these branches - these dreams - are possible. Do not allow anyone to tell you otherwise. And, an important path to your dreams runs through the middle of the campus of New Mexico Highlands University, Northern New Mexico’s oldest and most distinguished institution of higher education.

Words from the President

As the president of this wonderful institution, it is a special privilege for me to be an even small part of your dreams, and I thank you for that opportunity. Our goal at Highlands is to assist you in every way we can to build upon your roots and make your dreams come true. The faculty and staff of Highlands help make that happen by supporting you in your professional and personal endeavors and helping you develop important leadership skills to support whatever path you might take.

Be Bold and Get Involved

Be bold. Successful people take risks and forge new paths. As a Highlands student, this means meeting new people with different ideas and learning from them. Focus on intellectual and personal growth in and outside of classes. The skills you gain working with peers in clubs, the intramural or athletic field, labs and studios, and other extracurricular activities are incredibly important. Many successful people speak of the importance of the leadership, communication, and life lessons they acquired outside of formal university classes. I urge you to get involved in these activities.

Take Ownership of Your Education

Life in college is a little different than it was in high school. Find out what’s beyond the classroom. Highlands University offers a lot of support services that are yours, free, just for the asking. It’s your life. Look to professors, advisers and college staff for support, but not for decisions. Major in what you like, and success will come. Don’t study something because your mother, father or friend thinks you should. Learning is lifelong.

Athletics and Recreation

Highlands University is a member of the NCAA Division II and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Students interested in intramural competition should contact the Office of Outdoor Recreation. Highlands University intramural competition is available in flag football, volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and ultimate Frisbee.

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