After more than a year without, UNM staff members will once again be able to extend their roles on campus and become students as well as employees, thanks to a program that has been reinstated by Human Resources.
Staff as Students is a program that offers staff members the opportunity to take classes at UNM. All staff members are eligible to participate in the program, and can use their tuition remission to cover academic costs.
Helen Trujillo, the program's coordinator, said staff members can use tuition remission accrued over their duration of employment.
"Any UNM employee gets a certain amount of money per semester," Trujillo said. "The total cumulative value for the fall and spring semesters for an undergraduate is $1,044.40. For graduate students the value is $1,214.40."
Under the program's guidelines, staff members can take classes in any department at the undergraduate or graduate levels, Trujillo said.
"The program ranges from every grade level," Trujillo said. "Some people are interested in using the program to obtain their master's degree, others study to earn their bachelor's. It's not targeted toward any specific grade level."
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Staff members can take advantage of the program to expand their minds and careers, Trujillo said.
"It's not just for professional development," Trujillo said. "It's a great opportunity for UNM employees to take classes and learn new skills."
Today marks the semi-annual sign-up for the program, with applications being taken at the SUB between noon and 2 p.m., Admissions Officer Harry Norton said.
Today "is essentially about accepting applications and taking them back to the admissions office to process," Norton said.
Advice and assistance also will be available to staff members considering applying to the program, Trujillo said.
"Academic advisers will be there to answer any questions," Trujillo said. "There will be representatives from every department and the Admissions office so staff can register. Representatives from the Bursar's office will also be there to take care of tuition remission."
Interest levels have been high, Trujillo said.
"Currently about 130 people have responded with interest," Trujillo said.
In addition to the free tuition, the sign-up offers added benefits for staff members who want to continue or begin studying at UNM.
"It's a really easy application process," Trujillo said. "Also, the admission fee is waived."
The application process, which can take months for other UNM students, today will be compressed into a two-hour period.
"It's a one-stop-shop for staff members wishing to take advantage of their tuition remission," Trujillo said.
The program also encourages career development for staff, Trujillo said.
"It makes it really easy for staff to go back to school," Trujillo said. "It's one of the major benefits of working at UNM."
