N.M. Admin. Code § 5.5.3.8 - CRITERIA FOR PROGRAMS OF TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
The commission will recognize as programs of technical excellence a limited number of technology programs (one to two per year after initial designations) at two-year institutions according to the following criteria:
A. Uniqueness of the
program: designation as a "program of technical excellence" will generally be
reserved for highly specialized and/or state-of-the-art technical programs
which are unique within the state of New Mexico. These programs will usually be
characterized by high operating, equipment, or facilities costs which the state
cannot afford to duplicate. Special consideration will also be given to
programs which, although not totally unique, meet the other criteria for
program of technical excellence designation and are of particular significance
in terms of meeting state educational and economic development goals.
B. Educational Demand: There must be a
demonstrated and well-documented demand for the program in terms of meeting
present and future needs of the state and nation. Such evidence will include
current and projected job market requirements, past and projected student
enrollment, support of employer advisory committees, and other relevant
data.
C. Program Planning: Programs
of technical excellence should be specifically identified in the institution's
five-year plan. Current and projected data on enrollments, equipment and other
costs, placement rates, economic conditions in the industry and plans for
future development of the program should be incorporated in the plan.
D. Operational Costs: By virtue of its
specialization and/or high level of technical sophistication, a program of
technical excellence may require financial support above the level provided
through current funding mechanisms for operational costs. Annual inflationary
adjustments would be recommended on the same basis as provided for other higher
education activities.
E.
Availability of Student Housing: Programs of technical excellence are intended
to serve students from a broader geographic area than the local community. The
institution must demonstrate that it can arrange or provide suitable housing
on-campus or off-campus for students from outside of the local
community.
F. Program Evaluation:
An annual program evaluation by the institution is required for all programs of
technical excellence.
(a) The commission in
conjunction with the state department of education will provide direction to
institutions regarding the content and format of the evaluation report, which
should be submitted by August 1 of each year.
(b) The evaluation should document the
continued need and demand for the program, performance of the program based on
program objectives, enrollment levels, placement of graduates, and similar
criteria. The evaluation report will be used by the commission to determine
whether the program is meeting the educational needs of the state and merits
continued designation of program of technical excellence.
(c) A full program review will be conducted
by the commission and state department of education staff every three to five
years.
G. Articulation:
Courses included in the general education component of a program of technical
excellence should be offered at other public degree-granting institutions and
fully transferable and applicable to the degree requirements of the program of
technical excellence.
Notes
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