FAQ for Parents and Families
New Mexico State University is committed to developing meaningful partnerships with all stakeholders responsible for supporting student members. We seek to foster a relationship with parent and family members through open lines of communication, partnership in student care, and promoting a safe and healthy student experience. At all opportunities, we will strive to address concerns, special accommodations, and intentional student development each student is deserving of.
1.) We encourage parents and family of students to go get involved with their student's social and academic journey and stay connected to their student throughout their college career. Many of our campus departments and organizations offer information to parents for support. Often times, parents and family serve as the link between a student's school life and home life. Parents and family offer stability and encouragement to their student as they work to balance their social life and academics, so we encourage parents and family to be present and involved with their student's involvement.
2.) Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking your student questions prior to and throughout their membership of club/ organization/ or team. it is important tat you understand the financial commitment your student is making including the costs of membership, when is money due, how are bills paid, etc.
Hazing is not tolerated at NMSU, and our students work hard to keep this out of their organizations and on-campus. However, there is potential for hazing to occur in any student organization on a college campus. Hazing within student organizations may not always be obvious to outsiders. As a parent or family member, it is important you know what hazing looks and sounds like to help provide guidance and protection should it be a part of your student's experience.
Defined under NMSU ARP 5.22 (P)-Student Social Code of Conduct Standards, by the Office of Conduct and Community Standards hazing is "Conduct connected to membership in NMSU sanctioned organizations (e.g. club, collegiate or intramural team, order, unit or other group officially affiliated with NMSU) which creates an unreasonable risk of emotional or physical harm, causing actual emotional or physical harm, or interfering with an individual's academic endeavors, progress or environment.
Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to: misusing authority by virtue of one's class rank or leadership position, striking another student by hand or with any instrument, depriving a person of sleep, requiring the consumption of liquids or solids, requiring standing for unreasonable amount of time, requiring a violation of NMSU policy or state or federal laws.
It is not a defense that the person (or group) hazed consented to, or acquiesced to, the behavior in question. Having firsthand knowledge that an incident of this type has occurred and failing to report it to appropriate NMSU officials (Dean of Student Life and/or University Police Department will also be considered to be a Hazing violation, as well as "Complicity".
Description: Need to file a report? NMSU Report is to help students, faculty, staff and community members locate NMSU resources and guidance to resolve concerns, complaints, or incidents that may occur. There are multiple forms and resources where individuals can report.
Description:The Dean of Students Office at NMSU strives to enhance your opportunities as a student to participate in the university experience. The Dean's Office provides administrative oversight for the supporting offices within the Offices of Student Life.
Description: The Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Program (SILP) supports student success and offers involvement outside the classroom. SILP collaborates with campus and community entities to create opportunities for student engagement, individual and group leadership development, and a wide variety of campus traditions including Aggie Camp, Crimson Kickoff, Halloween Howl, Noche de Luminarias, and Aggie Remembrance Day
Description: The Office of Institutional Equity is a division of NMSU that protects students/faculty equality. Dedicated to non-discrimination and equal opportunity in education and employment in compliance with state and federal laws, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, serious medical condition, or veteran status .
Description: The mission of the NMSU Counseling Center is to assist all students in developing to their fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally and interpersonally. The Counseling Center sees that a student's academic success is dependent upon their emotional well-being, their belief in themselves, and their ability to successfully interact with the interpersonal world that surrounds.
Description: The NMSU Police Department strives to provide an environment free of crime to enhance the educational process at the university. The members of the Department are committed to the protection of te lives, rights, and property of all citizens; the vigorous apprehension of criminals; the creation of new and innovative programs; and effective dialogue with the members of the public. We endeavor to be an active and constructive part of the community they serve.
Description: The C.A.R.E. Team's goal is to identify and respond to students, faculty, or staff who may harm themselves or others on campus or who may simply be struggling and in need of assistance and resources.
Congratulations! Once your student has pursued membership with an organization, they will begin learning the significance of the organization and what values it represents.
While this might be a busy time in your student's life, learning to balance their new commitment should not at any point cause distress or compromise your student's academic pursuits. If you feel your student is not achieving a balance due to a new member process, it is critical you voice these concerns with our staff here, or complete an Incident Report
It's important to recognize that student organizations may have differences in their operations and communication styles. However, joining student organizations should be fund where students should grow professionally, socially, emotionally, and overall enjoy their time.
Defined under NMSU ARP 3.80, Part 2(A)(1)- hazing, Bullying, Harassment, and Other Hostile Misconduct, hazing is any action, which does or is likely to endanger the mental or physical health or safety of any person, as it relates to a person's initiation, admission into, affiliation with, any group, or organization. The University strictly prohibits participation in hazing activities by a University organization or any party, regardless of location, on or off campus, online, or remote.