Accreditation Liaisons

The NMSU Associate Provost for Institutional Effectivness is responsible for oversight of all NMSU-system accreditations, including each campus’ regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and all specialized professional accreditations. The Associate Provost monitors and maintains updated information on all of NMSU’s accreditations, and provides guidance and support as needed to those who are directly engaged in maintaining accreditations for their college and/or program(s).

All Accreditation Liaisons (ALOs and PALs) are responsible for maintaining ongoing and open communication with the Associate Provost of Institutional Effectiveness and their respective Dean or VP, regarding all accreditation matters. Specifically, Accreditation Liaisons are responsible to:

  • Submit a DRAFT of self-study documents and other reports for review and feedback by the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and their academic dean or VP no less than 30 days prior to the submission deadline. 
  • Request assistance from the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectivenessas needed, and particularly if related to an upcoming report or site visit.
  • Schedule face-to-face meetings w/ theAssociate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness PRIOR to submission of self-study documents and PRIOR to the site visits.
  • Notify theAssociate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness regarding any formal interactions and or updates with accrediting agencies (e.g. confirmation/change of site visit dates, change of standards, notification of standing, etc.).
  • Work through theAssociate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness to schedule meetings between accreditors and the NMSU President or Provost during a site visit (the Executive Director will work w/ administrative staff to schedule requested meetings).
  • Submit the final site-visit schedule to the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness no less than one week prior to the site visit. 
  • Submit all official accreditation documents to the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness as soon as they are received (letter of accreditation, interim or final report from accreditor, etc.).
  • Copy the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness on all correspondence with Accreditors/Accrediting Agencies.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation Liaison Officers (HLC ALOs)

Each NMSU-system campus is regionally accredited by the HLC. NMSU-Grants is accredited as a branch campus of NMSU-Las Cruces, and NMSU-Alamogordo, NMSU-Carlsbad and NMSU-Dona Ana are each independently accredited by the HLC. Each independently accredited campus has an appointed HLC ALO. The campus ALO is the official campus contact for the HLC. NMSU’s HLC ALOs meet regularly throughout the year.

Program Accreditation Liaisons (PALs)

Each college and accredited service area has an appointed accreditation liaison. College and service area accreditation liaisons maintain oversight of accreditation(s) within their college/area and are responsible for maintaining timely and consistent communication with the Assocaite Provost of Institutional Effectiveness about accreditation matters within their colleges/areas.

Each program with specialized accreditation designates one individual as the Program Accreditation Liaison (PAL). The PAL is responsible for maintaining timely and complete communication with the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness, fulfilling accreditation reporting and communication requirements, and for maintaining the accreditation’s good standing.