SILVER CITY, NM – The Western New Mexico University Board of Regents met on Thursday, March 28 on campus in Silver City. Present at the meeting were Regent President Dr. Mary Hotvedt, Vice President Dr. Lyndon Haviland, Student Regent and Secretary Treasurer Trent Jones and Regent Dal Moellenberg.

WNMU President Dr. Joseph Shepard ceded some of his time to Faculty Senate President Scott Smith, who reported that currently 70% of university classes are taught online, while 20% are taught face-to-face, and 10% are taught in a hybrid format. The faculty are forming a committee to assess whether the number and kind of face-to-face classes are appropriately meeting student needs.

Staff Senate President Adele Springer and Associated Students of WNMU President Elizabeth Gonzales also reported on recent activities in their areas.

In his report to the board, President Shepard noted that the university is up 24% in applications over the same time last year.

The regents heard an update on the policy and procedure review process from Director of Professional Development Bobbi Dodson. Dodson indicated that the review committee is examining approximately 130 documents from across the university and is assessing them for consistency and for their alignment with HLC requirements. She said that the committee's work should be completed by June 2024.

Under old business, the board heard a summary of the 2022-2023 financial year audit report from auditor Scott Peck and Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle. The auditors examined a sample of the university's financial transactions, and while there were some minor findings, the audit was largely sound. The board voted unanimously to accept the audit report.

Under new business, the board voted unanimously to accept a recommendation from the Associated Students of WNMU to adjust student fees, resulting in an overall reduction of the amount students will pay in fees each semester.

The board also voted unanimously to accept a recommendation from President Shepard and Vice President Riddle to keep tuition at its present rate for the coming academic year. Shepard noted the WNMU is likely the only university in the state to have an overall reduction in combined tuition and fees this year.

Also under new business, the board voted unanimously to accept a proclamation naming the new WNMU Deming center the John Arthur and Janette Smith Educational Center.

The Board of Regents will next meet on April 29, 2024.

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Since 1893, Western New Mexico University has served the people in its region as a comprehensive, rural, public body. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and the state's only public Applied Liberal Arts and Sciences university, WNMU is committed to developing cross-cultural opportunities that encourage people to explore new experiences. The WNMU student body represents every segment of southwest New Mexico's diverse population.