Extended Learning - Distance Education and Continuing Education

Monica Orozco Obando, Ph.D., Vice Provost
The University of New Mexico
Extended Learning
Physical: 1800 Sigma Chi NE
Mailing: MSC03 2190
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001
(800) 345-1807
st8wide@unm.edu

http://extendedlearning.unm.edu/

Distance Education Programs and Services

UNM Extended Learning Distance Education Programs were established in the fall of 1999 to coordinate the institution’s statewide mission. This mission is pursued in close cooperation with the University of New Mexico’s four branch campuses, as well as selected community colleges, forming a partnership that yields significant opportunities for students. Branches are responsible for lower-division curriculum leading to a wide array of associate degrees. Extended Learning expands upon these efforts by creating the path for students to attain selected University of New Mexico-affiliated bachelor and advanced degrees through delivery of upper-division and graduate-level programming. This programming is offered in a variety of instructional formats, including online, interactive television, traditional classroom, and correspondence.

UNM Extended Learning maintains statewide education centers, which serve as a focal point for recruitment, student support services, and delivery of instruction. The centers function as "receive sites" for classes broadcast by interactive television and, further, serve as liaisons with the University of New Mexico main campus for online and correspondence programs. Classes at some education centers are in traditional classroom formats, providing a direct face-to-face experience between students and the instructor. The Education Center staff work to assure the success of students by providing a host of essential services, including admissions, registration, academic advising, etc. These services are provided either directly or through coordination with appropriate main campus offices.


The UNM Extended Learning Statewide Education Centers

Gallup – Bachelor and Graduate Programs
Located at the UNM Gallup Branch Campus
705 Gurley Avenue
Gallup, NM 87301
(505) 863-7618 FAX: (505) 863-7564
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: gallup@unm.edu

Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB)
Kirtland AFB Education Center - Bldg 20602 C
1900 Wyoming Blvd. SE, Room 106
Albuquerque, NM 87117-5604
(505) 260-1354, (505) 846-4972 FAX: (505) 255-0449
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: kafb@unm.edu

Los Alamos – Bachelor and Graduate Programs
Located at the Los Alamos Branch
4000 University Drive
Los Alamos, NM 87544
(505) 662-0335 FAX: (505) 662-0344
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: labgp@unm.edu

San Juan Center – Bachelor and Graduate Programs
Mailing address:
4601 College Blvd.
Farmington, NM 87402-4609
Physical address:
30th Street Center Annex
3539 E. 30th, 2nd Floor
(505) 566-3480 FAX: (505) 566-3482
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: unmsjc@unm.edu

Santa Fe – Bachelor and Graduate Programs
Located at the Santa Fe Community College
Higher Education Center
6401 Richards Avenue
West Wing, Room 305-A
Santa Fe, NM 87508
(505) 428-1220
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: santafe@unm.edu

Taos – Bachelor and Graduate Programs
Mailing Address:
UNM Taos Branch
1157 County Road 110
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557
Physical Address:
246-B Ledoux St.
Taos, NM
(575) 758-2828 FAX: (575) 758-4076
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: taosbgp@unm.edu

Valencia – Bachelor and Graduate Programs
Located at the Valencia Branch
280 La Entrada
Student Community Center, 2nd Floor
Los Lunas, NM 87031-7633
(505) 925-8970 FAX: (505) 925-8972
Web Address: http://statewide.unm.edu
Email: valbgp@unm.edu


Extended Learning – Distance Education Delivery Formats and Services

Classroom courses use traditional teaching and learning methods, and are offered in a limited capacity at various educational centers around the state. Students can survey course offerings by visiting the UNM Statewide Learning Web site and selecting the Statewide Education Center nearest to them. Highly qualified UNM faculty provide vibrant student experiences in courses whose topics often have a local emphasis. 

Interactive television (ITV) courses expand the possibilities for students who pursue their studies in remote locations. Through broadcast technology, classes offered at main campus are transmitted simultaneously for viewing at other places. As such, these classes are usually taught by regular main campus faculty and received at Extended Learning field centers, as well as other sites. Communication between remote students and the instructor is facilitated by interactive videoconferencing. Remote students use the same class materials, including syllabi, assignments and class notes as their main campus counterparts. Homework is exchanged either online or via courier operating between main campus and Extended Learning field centers. Exams are proctored at the classroom site. Videoconferencing brings the knowledge and expertise of main campus faculty to the far corners of the state, providing access to high quality courses. Students can survey course offerings by visiting the UNM Statewide Learning Web site and selecting the Statewide Education Center nearest to them. 

Online courses offer a flexible, highly interactive way to take courses in a wide range of programs and subject areas. By using a computer with Internet access, students can take classes taught by regular UNM faculty on a standard semester basis. Online courses provide diverse interactions with classmates and instructors, and use the same rigorous materials as their classroom counterparts, while providing greater freedom in choosing when and where learning will take place. For more information on classes offered online, call (505) 277-8128 or toll free (866) 869-6040, or visit the UNM Statewide Online Learning Web site.

Correspondence courses offer students a flexible, convenient alternative to earn college credit for those who cannot attend regular classes. In addition, they provide an opportunity for all UNM students located anywhere to add to their credit hours in their degree programs. Lower and upper-division courses spanning a wide range of disciplines are available for registration. Many degrees allow, with some restrictions, up to 30 credit hours of correspondence courses to be applied toward graduation. Students can register for correspondence courses throughout most of each term. For information and a list of available Correspondence courses, students should visit the UNM Statewide Correspondence Learning Web site or contact the Correspondence Office at (505) 277-1604 or toll free (877) 567-9089.

Extension Credit courses are designed to provide UNM academic undergraduate and graduate non degree college credit for people not regularly admitted to UNM. Students in a regular admission status at UNM are not eligible for these courses. Students taking extension credit courses will be admitted to UNM as “non degree extension” students and have access to University resources through LoboWeb. If an Extension Credit student is admitted later to UNM in a regular admissions status, Extension Credit courses may apply toward UNM degree program requirements, but students should consult with the degree program department to determine any restrictions. A per credit fee is associated with these courses and may vary depending on the course. Some courses may carry additional fees for supplies and services. If an organization would like to sponsor courses for college credit through a specific university college or department, contact (505) 277-1154 or extncred@unm.edu. You may also visit the the UNM Statewide Extension Credit Learning Web site.

New Media and Extended Learning (NMEL) is located in Woodward Hall and provides technical and professional services to the campus community and statewide for online courses. There are three primary units at NMEL: Student and Course Services, Faculty Services, and IT Services. Student and Course Services provides online student enrollment and advising support as well as support for course scheduling and other administrative functions associated with online course delivery. The Faculty Services unit provides instructional design, training, and course development assistance to faculty offering online courses. IT Services supports the enterprise learning management system for the university, related media, lecture capture and web conferencing, and interactive video conferencing systems used in the delivery of distance education. IT Services also has a production unit that houses a fully operational production studio and has video editing capabilities. For more information, contact NMEL, Woodward Hall 157, MSC03 2190, (505) 277-5765, or for the most current information, visit the NMEL Web site.

Testing Center provides students, faculty, staff and community members with information and access to standardized testing. The Testing Center also administers national, state and local standardized examinations. Call (505) 277-5346 or e-mail testctr@unm.edu for details.

For complete information on all Extended University centers, programs and services, visit the UNM Statewide Learning Web site or email at st8wide@unm.edu.


Continuing Education and Community Services

Joseph M. Miera, Executive Project Director
The University of New Mexico
Continuing Education and Community Services
Physical: 1634 University Blvd. NE
Mailing: MSC07 4030
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001
(505) 277-0077
Web site: http://ce.unm.edu

For over 85 years, UNM Continuing Education has served as the center for lifelong learning by providing innovative educational, training, and personal enrichment opportunities for students, businesses, and community partners in New Mexico. Continuing Education plays a major role in community service and outreach for UNM, with a focus on economic and workforce development. More than 30,000 students and customers are served through non-credit programs, certificate programs, and special projects every year. Approximately 150,000 community and UNM participants use the Conference Center facility each year. 

Location and Hours
Continuing Education at UNM is located at 1634 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87131. There is free parking on both the east and west sides of the facility.

Registration hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with the exception of official UNM holidays, when offices are closed.


Continuing Education Programs

Business and Technology
Specializes in focused training programs for busy adults seeking to enhance their professional skills or change careers. A variety of programs and certifications are offered to give students options to achieve their goals and explore their career interests. Courses are taught by leaders in their fields at times that are convenient for working professionals.

Computer and IT Professional
(505) 277-6033

Offers courses to improve skills with specific software programs including MS Office. Offers numerous IT professional certifications including CompTIA, Microsoft IT Academy training, Oracle Workforce Development programs, Geographic Information Systems, and AutoCAD.

Customized Training and Consultation Services
(505) 277-9360

Partners with employers to create courses conferences, and workshops based upon their specific business requirements. It’s a cost effective, focused way to increase employee knowledge, skills and performance that will lead to long-term business growth. Our experienced, dedicated, and certified instructors incorporate quality instructional methods into all training programs. UNM Continuing Education’s Consultation Services offers professional consultants who design, develop, support, and implement specific training and organization solutions to address the needs of ongoing projects, new organizational initiatives, or training directives. Business leaders enjoy private desk-side coaching and training in the comfort of their own office or boardroom. Our consultants address their issues in a timeframe that accommodates their busy schedule. From one-on-one support with management issues to expert assistance with the completion of complex projects, we’re poised to help.

Digital Arts
(505) 277-6037

Offers certificate programs to prepare students for work in graphic design and print, multimedia, digital photography, digital filmmaking, and web design. As the only Apple-Authorized Training Center in New Mexico, the digital arts computer labs offer training in the latest software and hardware tools.

Professional Development
(505) 277-3975

Offers certificate programs in professional development and workforce training in areas such as leadership and supervisory skills, human resources, and project management (PMI Educational Provider). A variety of other training includes paralegal, personal trainer, instruction and facilitation training, and volunteer management. Traditional classroom or online classes are available for professional development programs.

Health and Wellness Professions
(505) 277-6025

Offers courses to train addictions counselors utilizing current evidence-based treatment methods. Provides training for positions in the fast growing medical field, case management, personal trainer certification, volunteer management, mediation and conflict resolution, and integrative wellness.

Personal Enrichment Programs
(505) 277-6320

Courses in arts, language, hobby and personal development allow students to explore their interests, stimulate their minds and gain skills to help them enrich their lives. Programs are offered for all age groups in accessible and affordable formats. Demand for programs to be held at neighborhood locations led UNM Continuing Education to seek off-campus locations. Programs are offered in more than 50 sites throughout Albuquerque.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
(505) 277-6179

UNM Continuing Education has been selected to receive an endowment from the Bernard Osher Foundation to form the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute designed to offer intellectually stimulating courses to adults 50 years of age and older.

The Bernard Osher Foundation was founded in 1977 with the idea to improve quality of life for residents of the San Francisco Bay Area through various educational programs. The Foundation currently partners with 120 universities across the country. The emphasis of these university-level courses is to present an accessible community experience in a stimulating university environment for mature audiences with intellectually challenging, psychologically and spiritually engaging offerings. A $40 annual membership includes registration access to all Osher courses offered during the calendar year. Each course is offered for an additional fee. Tuition Remission may be used for classes but not membership. Membership allows adults to choose from a diverse set of thought-provoking courses taught year round by current and emeritus University of New Mexico faculty members and renowned experts from the local community.

Most classes are held at UNM Continuing Education, 1634 University Blvd. NE, in the south building. Course topics include: Art and Art History • Current Events • Health, Fitness and Well Being • History, Humanities, Literature • Music and Theatre • Psychology/Sociology • Science and Technology • Travel

Story of New Mexico
(505) 277-0563

Get to know the real New Mexico through The Story of New Mexico, a travel and lecture program which celebrates the history, culture, and geography of New Mexico. The Lecture Series may include presentations by historians, folklorists, artists, photographers, scientists and more. Besides spectacular and unspoiled landscapes, New Mexico blends distinctive living cultures together to make an interesting and diverse society, and the field trips take you inside the mysteries of this special place.

Youth Programs
(505) 277-0698

Provides classes, camps and conferences for community youth, ages 6-17, with a special focus on spring break and summer programming. Partners with UNM departments and community organizations to offer programs which help youth explore career and academic interests, build new skills, participate in health and fitness activities, and more. Programs are held at community sites, UNM Main Campus and UNM Continuing Education. Program topics have included animals, architecture, arts, computer, film, sports, writing, Spanish, and science. Additionally, a summer reading program is offered in partnership with the Institute of Reading Development at key locations throughout the state.


Community Service Programs

Conference Center
(505) 277-5984

Facility for conferences that includes a 600 seat auditorium, break-out rooms and classrooms, a banquet room and a large lobby area. The Conference Center offers Albuquerque businesses, statewide public entities and out-of-state events a medium-sized facility with a variety of support services and features.

Central location • Free parking • Registration • Catering • Break-out rooms • Equipment • Wireless high speed Internet

DWI Awareness Program
(505) 277-6170

DWI prevention and education course for first-time licensees in New Mexico. In cooperation with the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department Traffic Safety Bureau, the Division provides a DWI Prevention and Education course, “None for the Road.” All first-time licensees in New Mexico, between the ages of 18 and 24, are required to take this awareness class which informs them about driving-while impaired (DWI) laws and prevention. The class is offered as a home-study course and is available online and through the mail.

Early Childhood Services Center
The Early Childhood Services Center (ECSC) is a component part of the Division of Continuing Education and Community Services. Funded by the State of New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) and the Public Education Department, the ECSC provides the following services on behalf of the children of New Mexico:

  • Cariño Early Childhood Training and Technical Assistance Program (TTAP)
  • Child Care Resource and Referral Program (CCR&R)
  • ECSC Data Collection System
  • ECSC Technical Services
  • New Mexico FOCUS Project
  • NewMexicoKids Network

Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute
(505) 277-9360

UNM Continuing Education entered into a partnership with the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI), a National Indian Community College, to enhance the educational opportunities and college level instruction for Native Americans in the Southwest. Continuing Education provides qualified instructors, text and course materials, and an expert level of programming to promote academic success and further students’ college educations at UNM or other institutions of higher education. 

Spanish Resource Center
(505) 246-2261, ext. 124

The Spanish Resource Center creates awareness of the Spanish language and cultures throughout New Mexico through a partnership by The Ministry of Education and Science of Spain, UNM Continuing Education, and the New Mexico Department of Education. They offer a broad collection of materials to students and educators on Spanish language programs. They collaborate with several UNM departments to host conferences and workshops. And they offer a visiting teachers program between Spain and New Mexico.

Transportation Safety Center
(505) 277-0872 

New Mexico Department of Transportation – Traffic Safety Division has contracted with UNM Continuing Education’s Transportation Safety Law Center (TSC) for the following:

  • Monitoring and Ensuring NMAC Compliance of driving safety programs: TSC develops checklists and conducts site visits to ensure that Driver Ed/Driving Safety/DWI Schools and Instructors/Facilitators are in compliance with the NMAC rule requirements. TSC also works with the general public to address and resolve complaints or conduct investigations.
  • Licensing and Certification of driving safety programs: TSC processes all original and renewal applications for Driver Ed/Driving Safety Schools and Instructors as well as Ignition Interlock Service Centers/Installers and develops application forms and guidelines to assist these programs with initial licensing and annual renewals.
  • Determining Eligibility for Driver Education Correspondence School: TSC reviews applications to determine student eligibility and serves as the point of contact for all parents/guardians seeking to enroll students in correspondence driver education programs, answering questions and assisting them in the application process.
  • Rule Revision and Development: Through its experiences with Driver Ed/Driving Safety/DWI/Ignition Interlock programs, TSC collaborates on the revision and development of the NMAC rules.
  • Training and Continuing Education: TSC provides foundational and continuing education courses on behalf of the New Mexico Traffic Safety Division for driver education, driving safety and DWI instructors.

The Continuing Education Education Unit

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a unit of measurement in which 10 contact hours equal one CEU. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for all UNMCE Business and Technology Training classroom courses. Requests must be made within two weeks of course completion and include payment of $20.00. Any CEUs requested after the two week deadline will require a letter of request accompanied by $100.00. CEU credits are not transferable to credit hours. For fees, application procedures, and general questions, call (505) 277-9360.

For complete information on all Extended Learning Continuing Education programs and services, visit the UNM Continuing Education Web site or call (505) 277-0077.


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Office of the Registrar

MSC11 6325
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131

Phone: (505) 277-8900
Fax: (505) 277-6809