New Mexico Administrative Code › Title 5 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION › Chapter 5 - POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS › Part 3 - PROGRAMS OF TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AT TWO-YEAR INSTITUTIONS DESIGNATION OF › Section 5.5.3.8 - CRITERIA FOR PROGRAMS OF TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 13, July 16, 2024
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.