WNMU Board of Regents Meet, Discuss New Performance Goal for University President

The Western New Mexico University (WNMU) Board of Regents approved updates to university handbooks, accepted a financial certification, approved an adjustment to the student textbook fee and discussed performance goals for WNMU President Joseph Shepard, during their meeting of September 12, 2024.

Regent Chair Dr. Mary E. Hotvedt presided over the meeting from the Thomas B. McDonald Student Memorial Building with Regents Dr. Lyndon Haviland, Dal Moellenberg and Student Regent Trent Jones joining virtually while Regent Dr. Dan Lopez was absent.

In his report to the board, President Shepard noted the university's enrollment numbers remain steady, reflecting similar figures to last fall's enrollment, while highlighting university housing sits at 98% occupancy for the fall semester. Additionally, President Shepard briefed the Regents about the shooting incident that occurred near the Silver City campus, which led to a campuswide shelter-in-place order. "During this incident, no one was injured or unsafe thanks to the actions of our university community and that's the hallmark of success," said Shepard.

The board also reviewed and discussed President Shepard's 2024-2025 Goals and Objectives, which include "increasing student persistence by 2%." President Shepard emphasized to the board that traditional retention metrics focus on first-time, first-year students and do not adequately represent the achievements of working adults and measuring persistence would better reflect the university's student population.

The board also reviewed and accepted the FY '25 Q1 Financial Certification required by the New Mexico Higher Education Department, with Vice President of Business Affairs Kelley Riddle adding the Q1 certification does not contain any major budgetary changes or cash flow challenges. During her report, Vice President Riddle also presented a $1.66 per credit hour fee increase to the Follett Equitable Access textbook program to the board for consideration.

Under this program, WNMU students currently pay an optional $25.00 per credit hour fee that covers required textbooks and course materials. Recently, Follett, the university's bookstore and retail partner, has experienced across-the-board increases from book publishers, necessitating this specific fee increase. President Shepard clarified the fee increase is not a university fee but a fee through Follett, a provider the university is contractually bound. Following discussion, the board passed the fee increase which will roll out during the spring '25 semester.

Finally, as part of the university's continued effort to update its standing policies, the board passed a set of updated policies while tabling the anti-donation policy for further review and discussion.

The WNMU Board of Regents will next meet on Thursday, December 12, 2024.