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Academic Organization
 Academic offerings are grouped into five divisions each headed by an Associate Dean who exercise close supervision over course content and instructional procedures. The divisions are Humanities (including art, English, foreign languages, communications, philosophy, and music); Mathematics and Sciences (including biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and mathematics); Social Sciences (including history, criminal justice, business administration, political science, psychology and sociology); Health and Physical Education; and Library and Cadet Academic Services. The Junior ROTC offers leadership courses for the high school taught by retired officers/non-commissioned officers. The Senior ROTC program is operated by active duty officers and non-commissioned officers of the Department of the Army,
Courses are offered leading to the high school diploma, Associate in Science and the Associate in Arts degrees. Pre-professional curricula at the college level addresses concentration areas and specializations.
The Institute’s college programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The high school academic program is accredited by Cognia as “College Preparatory.” The Institute does not offer vocational-technical programs.
Authority in Academic Affairs
The Board of Regents have final authority in all academic matters pertaining to high school and college cadets. The Dean is primarily responsible for addressing academic procedural matters.
The New Mexico Military Institute Board of Regents’ reserves the right to change or withdraw, without notice, courses, curricula, policies, tuition, fees, or any other matter contained in this catalog. Such changes are recorded in the Registrar’s Office.
An entering college cadet falls under the requirements stated in the catalog at the time of admission or the catalog in effect at the time of return. A college cadet may elect to change to the current catalog upon written request.
Academic Requirements and Policies
New Mexico Military Institute is first and foremost a strong academic institution. The policies in the academic area are designed to underscore this fact to maintain the strong reputation of the degrees and diplomas held by NMMI graduates. Failure to meet minimum academic standards can lead to suspension.
Class Level Designation
 Sixth Class (high school freshman). Approximately 65-140 high school freshmen are admitted to New Mexico Military Institute each year.
Fifth Class (high school sophomore). A cadet must have completed five-and-one-half academic units that apply toward the high school diploma.
Fourth Class (high school junior). A cadet must have completed eleven academic units that apply toward the high school diploma.
Third Class (high school senior). A cadet must have completed seventeen academic units that apply toward the high school diploma.
Second Class (college freshman). A cadet must have a high school diploma or an equivalent from an accredited high school or a GED, and meet other minimum admissions requirements.
First Class (college sophomore). A cadet must have completed 30 academic units that apply toward the associate degree.
Class Attendance
 Attendance at all scheduled classes is mandatory and considered essential to the discipline and education of each cadet.
Class Add/Drop Procedures
Cadets may freely add or drop classes through the first two weeks of a semester.
Cadets who wish to drop a course must initiate the drop with the academic advisor. High school cadet drops are then routed through course instructor to the Associate Dean, the Principal and the Registrar.
The last day for cadets to drop a class with a (W) is the Friday of the 10th week of classes. Drops after this date are graded WP or WF. WF grades will affect the cadet’s GPA. Drops are accepted through the end of day on the last day of academic classes prior to the start of academic retreat for final exams. Drops are not approved after final exams begin.
Grades/Grading System
NMMI’s grading system is a 4.0 system with no extra credit given for honors or college courses. Grades with a “T” or “D” prefix are special grades for either transfer work (TA, TB, etc.) or deportment (DA, DB, DC, etc.). Transfer grades will show on transcripts, but, deportment grades will only show on progress reports/report cards. “TR” grade is a special college transfer grade which awards earned credit toward graduation, but does not directly affect the GPA. However, a “TR” grade replacing an “F” or “D” grade earned at NMMI will raise the cumulative GPA by replacing the lower grade in the cumulative GPA.
| A+, A, A- |
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Excellent (100-90) |
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4.00 |
| B+, B, B- |
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Above Average (89-80) |
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3.00 |
| C+, C |
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Average (79-70) |
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2.00 |
| D |
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Below Average (69-60); D+ and D- not used |
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1.00 |
| F |
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Failing |
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0.00 |
| W |
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Withdrawn |
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| WP |
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Withdrawn while passing (WP/WF used after 10th week of school) |
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| WF |
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Withdrawn while failing (Affects GPA) |
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0.00 |
| I |
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Incomplete (Semester grade; must be made up within one semester or becomes “F” grade) |
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| AU |
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Audited course (Does not count as a course for awards) |
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| S |
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Satisfactory |
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| P |
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Pass |
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| TR |
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Transfer grade (Counts towards total credits earned, but not GPA credits) |
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| TA, TB, etc. |
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High School transfer grades (Used to indicate the grade transferred from another school. Factors into GPA) |
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Same as letter grade |
| DA, DB, etc. |
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Letter grade for deportment (Used for Honor status/awards such as Superintendent’s List, Dean’s List, Commandant’s List, etc.) |
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Cadets may retake a course in an attempt to raise a grade. If a higher grade is made the second time the course is taken, the lower grade is removed from the overall GPA but remains on the transcript. Credit hours will not be awarded twice for the same course. If taken outside of NMMI, a “TR” grade will not affect GPA (cumulative) unless the first grade is “F” or “D” because of the repeat policy.
Honor Code/Academic Forgiveness
The normal repeat policy for NMMI is to grant credit only for the highest grade. However, if a cadet taking a college course is found in violation of the honor code by cheating, the cadet will receive a grade awarded by the instructor (normally an “F” grade) for that course. Any repeat of that course will be assigned both grades (no academic forgiveness) for the GPA. Thus a cadet may receive both the “F” and any subsequent letter grade earned.
Academic Standing Awards (Term)
Superintendent’s List
 To qualify for the Superintendent’s List a cadet (both high school and college) must earn a minimum GPA of 3.50. The high school cadet must be carrying a load of five* solid subjects (excluding LET) and the college cadet a minimum of 14 non-developmental semester hours. Additionally, the cadet’s deportment grade must be an “A.” Cadets who take grades of Incomplete are not eligible for the Superintendent’s List in the semester in which the Incomplete is received. Credits from developmental courses will not apply.
* New high school freshmen and first semester sophomore cadets will be eligible for the Superintendent’s List while taking four solids, if they meet the other requirements. High school seniors, entering a term with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, will be eligible for the Superintendent’s List while taking four solids.
Dean’s List
To qualify for the Dean’s List a cadet (both high school and college) must earn a minimum GPA of 3.25. The high school cadet must be carrying a load of five* solid subjects (excluding LET) and the college cadet a minimum of 14 non-developmental semester hours. Additionally, the cadet’s deportment grade must be an “A.” Cadets who take grades of Incomplete are not eligible for the Dean’s List in the semester in which the Incomplete is received. Credits from developmental courses will not apply.
* New high school freshmen and first semester sophomore cadets will be eligible for the Superintendent’s List while taking four solids, if they meet the other requirements. High school seniors, entering a term with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above, will be eligible for the Dean’s List while taking four solids.
Commandant’s List
To qualify for the Commandant’s List a cadet (both high school and college) must earn an “A” or “B” in deportment and have a GPA of 2.75 or higher during a semester.
Along with the Superintendent’s, Dean’s and Commandant’s Lists, there are several other end of term academic standing awards. The following table lists all term academic standing awards and the criteria for each:
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| Academic Standing Awards |
Term
GPA |
Term
Deportment Grade |
Notes |
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| Superintendent’s List |
3.50-4.00 |
A |
See Superintendent’s List section above for course load requirements and certain exceptions |
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| Dean’s List |
3.25-3.49 |
A |
See Dean’s List section above for course load requirements and certain exceptions |
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| Commandant’s List |
2.75-3.24 |
A/B |
Or those with 3.25 and above who do not meet SUPT/DEAN List course load requirements |
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| Good Standing |
2.00-2.74 |
A/B |
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| Good Standing |
2.00-4.00 |
C |
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| None |
2.00-4.00 |
D/F |
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| Academic Probation |
1.50-1.99 |
A through F |
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| Academic Suspension |
1.50-1.99* |
A through F |
* If the cadet was on Academic Probation after the previous term |
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| Academic Suspension |
0.00-1.49 |
A through F |
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Academic probation/suspension: While in attendance at NMMI a term grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 is required of all cadets in order to maintain “good academic standing.” Any NMMI cadet whose term GPA falls below 1.50 at the end of a semester may be subject to Academic Suspension. Any NMMI cadet whose term GPA falls between 1.50 and 1.99 at the end of a semester is placed on Academic Probation. A cadet, on Academic Probation, then has one more semester in which to attain a term GPA of 2.00 or better. Failing to do so, may result in Academic Suspension. Any cadet whose term GPA falls below 2.00 will be evaluated in the academic review process. A cadet, who is placed on Academic Suspension, may appeal this status through the Office of the Dean.
Credit by Examination
College Level Examination (CLEP)
College credit is allowed for successfully completing the various CLEP tests. CLEP credit may be transferred to the Institute to meet graduation requirements, although the Institute does not use CLEP scores in computing a cadet’s grade point average. A cadet must attain a CLEP mean scale score equivalent to a final course grade of “A” or “B” on a scale published by the College Entrance Board or as determined by NMMI. Some courses NMMI does not accept for transfer credit. See the CLEP administrator or Registrar for current passing scores and transfer
Advanced Placement (AP)
College credit is allowed for successfully completing the various AP tests. AP credit may be transferred to the Institute to meet graduation requirements, although the Institute does not use CLEP scores in computing a cadet’s grade point average. Current credit policies can be accessed on the College Board website.
ACTFL Assessment
College credit is allowed for successfully completing the ACTFL proficiency tests. Credit may be granted towards graduation upon receipt of official scores on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Test (OPI), although the Institute does not use these scores in computing a cadet’s grade point average. Up to 12 hours of language credit may be granted based on the ACE recommended guidelines.
Challenge Examinations
With the Academic Dean’s approval, a cadet may challenge a course offered at NMMI. If successfully challenged, usually by passing a test prepared by the academic department concerned, credit for the course will be shown on the transcript. Challenge actions are initiated by the cadet with the approval of the head of the appropriate academic department. A fee for the challenge examination will be required in accordance with current Board of Regents’ policies. Challenge examination results are reported on a “Credit” basis on the transcript. Challenge credits do not affect grade point averages. Neither challenge nor CLEP credits satisfy minimum load requirements to maintain cadet status (must be full-time status). A challenge exam may not be attempted if the cadet has already received a grade (to include audit, W, WF, I, P, AU or WP) for the attempted course, nor during the last three weeks of academic classes without special permission, however, under certain circumstances a cadet may retake the challenge exam.
Graduation Procedures
The semester prior to graduation, after scheduling starts for their final semester a cadet must apply for graduation. Those planning to graduate must complete the application for graduation at that time. All graduates are expected to participate in the graduation exercise unless specifically excused by the Academic Dean.
At the last formal grading period prior to graduation, the Registrar assesses all graduating cadets to place the top cadets (at this grading period) in Highest Honors, High Honors and Honors. The Registrar then publishes this listing for staff, faculty and cadets. Faculty must ensure that all grades are in on graduates before graduation. When all grades are in, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian are determined based on final grades. The actual award is not posted to the transcript until all grades are final, official, and grading is closed.
Mid-year graduates have their own formal ceremony, at the end of the fall term, and will not participate in the spring ceremony.
Graduating with Honors
Graduates who have attained certain levels of academic excellence will be recognized in the graduation exercises according to the following scale:
| Graduation with Highest Honors |
4.00-3.75 |
| Graduation with High Honors |
3.74-3.50 |
| Graduation with Honors |
3.49-3.25 |
Academic Resources
J. Penrod Toles Learning Center Building
Opened in 1985, this modern facility combines the traditional architecture of the campus with modern functions, aesthetics, and technology. As a focal point of the Institute’s academic life, the Learning Center is the home of Paul Horgan Library, Toles Learning Resources Center, Writing Center, College and Career Center, and Mabee Lecture Hall.
For more information and an introduction to our resources, please visit the Library’s website: https://www.nmmi.edu/paul-horgan-library/
Paul Horgan Library
The library offers cadets opportunities for intellectual growth and discipline within a very comfortable and user-friendly environment. An educated person must locate, interpret, and apply information on many subjects in a variety of presentation formats. To be prepared for the next level of education, cadets must analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from varied sources. In so doing, students will acquire knowledge and skills, which will contribute to a life of learning with a global perspective.
Organized using the Dewey Decimal System, the collection contains over 200,000 items in physical, digital, and audio-visual formats. Our web page connects cadets to our online library catalog, and access to databases consisting of thousands of electronic resources, which are available 24/7 from any internet-connected device. Our subscription to World Catalog allows us to borrow resources from other libraries across the United States.
Toles Learning Resource Center
In keeping with its charter, the Toles Learning Resource Center (TLRC) offers programs, activities and strategies to support and enable cadets to experience academic success, maximize learning potential, produce high quality work, succeed in a multi-cultural world, and be prepared for a full range of options and opportunities. Cadets can get help with time management, reading and writing enhancement, math strategies, general study skills, and ACT/SAT preparation as well as seek information on how best to prepare for furthering their education. Formal courses and individualized help are offered to assist cadets to reach academic and life goals. The College and Career Center, a part of the TLRC has an extensive collection of resources on careers, colleges, universities and professional school catalogs, personal finances, financial aid, and college life. Cadet may seek career counseling, skills assessments, interest inventories, and information on academic competitions, awards, and prizes.
Writing Center
The Writing Center provides support to every cadet who needs assistance with his/her writing. Staff guide students through the writing process - from brainstorming ideas to polishing a final draft. The Center’s goal is to assist students as they develop their writing and editing skills during their transformation to talented, competent writers. In addition to being open during night study hall, the Writing Center hosts a webpage with additional information and links to help cadets improve their writing.
College and Career Center
The College and Career Center houses an extensive collection of college information from both domestic and international schools, testing information, test preparation programs and applications. Through Internet connections, cadets may research information on colleges and universities and complete on-line applications.
The Career Information System (CIS) is a college and career research tool available to all cadets. In addition to researching colleges and careers, cadets can complete assessments to help them determine what occupations may be a good fit for them as well as complete scholarship searches. CIS also has a resume building tool as well as information about applying for and interviewing for jobs.
College Advising Center
Our trained college advisors support students’ career planning processes as well as guide them through their transitions to college life. Advisors work with students to develop a course of study, which not only meets their academic study goals at NMMI, but also assists in a smooth transfer to a four-year college or university. College athletes work with our athlete academic advisor to ensure they take a program of courses that helps them graduate on time, maintain NJCAA eligibility and qualify for transfer to their next institution. Cadets who have not declared a concentration are assigned to an advisor within the Toles Learning Resource Center. Cadets who are planning on applying to a US Service Academy will be assigned to the Academy Prep Director for advising, unless they declare a concentration.
Early Warning System
The Early Warning System is used to identify at-risk students so appropriate interventions can be utilized. These interventions range from dorm room visits during Night Study Hall for the purpose of encouraging students and offering suggestions for improvement to assignment in special programs such as Guided Night Study Hall and Mandatory Night Study Hall, which help students develop effective study habits and gives them an opportunity to study in a closely monitored venue.
Academic Assistance
Academic Assistance is a class which provides high school cadets who are struggling in their current coursework a protected time to work on academics. In addition to subject-specific tutoring, students receive guidance in time management, organization, goal setting, and other academic success strategies.
ACT/SAT Program
NMMI offers an ACT/SAT preparatory program each semester. These courses give the cadet a knowledge base as well as the opportunity to develop skills used in the testing process. This rigorous course provides high school and college students with formal ACT/SAT preparation to help with college placement, scholarship competition, and Service Academy qualification.
US Academy Preparation (Prep) Program
 NMMI participates as a receiving school for the service academy preparatory programs. The non-profit Foundations from the Air Force Academy, US Military Academy, and the Naval Academy sponsor qualified cadets to attend NMMI for one year and participate fully in both the academic program and the Corps of Cadets. NMMI also supports a similar program with the Merchant Marine Academy. Following a successful year at NMMI, these cadets may receive appointments to the academies.
International Center (IC)
NMMI International Center was established for the purpose of enhancing the educational experience of international students on the NMMI campus. One of the IC’s major goals is to assist international students in adaptation and acclimation to this new cultural experience, facilitating the process for them to become comfortable in their new environment.
The IC promotes diversity and cultural awareness, resulting in positive interaction between international and American students. It is also responsible for promoting Study Abroad programs and facilitating cultural opportunities on campus.
The IC is a resource for both international parents and students, serving as a source of information to navigate the school system and the requirements involved in studying in the US.
Mabee Lecture Hall
This 220 seat auditorium is used for classes, lectures, and weekend movies. It is a meeting venue for on and off-campus organizations. Audiovisual resources include wired and wireless microphone systems, video projection from computer, DVD or VHS formats, document camera, and excellent room light control.
Suspension, Withdrawal and/or Dismissal Policy
Withdrawal Process
Cadets or cadet parents may initiate a withdrawal process (parents will be contacted if cadet is under 18 years of age) for any reason. Upon request to either the Commandant’s Office or Registrar, the information gets passed to the Commandant’s office for coordination with the parents as appropriate, and discussion with the parents and cadet. The Deputy Commandant of Operations then coordinates with the Registrar’s office which produces an out-processing checklist for the cadet. The cadet will complete the checklist (if the cadet is still at NMMI) through all offices that the cadet has had contact with (e.g. infirmary, cadet store, library, business office, NMMI post office, financial aid, etc.) and will then clear his/her room after an inspection by the Commandant’s office. The checklist will show date of departure and reason and must be completed either by the cadet or the cadet’s TLA in the cadet’s absence. High school cadets will receive withdrawal grades for the gaining school to use for transfer.
Academic work after suspension/dismissal/withdrawal: Cadets suspended/dismissed/withdrawn are not permitted to take final examinations nor participate in any further academic assignments. Cadets who have been suspended must regain “good standing” within the academic division (college or high school) from which they departed before they are permitted to participate in challenge examinations and/or be awarded a diploma or degree. Normally a cadet regains “good standing” after the application for enrollment has been approved by the Admissions Committee and the cadet attends academic classes for a semester. However, a cadet, not otherwise eligible to return to NMMI (suspended/depart in lieu of), may regain “good standing” upon the recommendation of the Commandant (deportment) or the Academic Dean (academic) with the approval of the Superintendent/President.
Final grading after suspension/dismissal/withdrawal: Cadets suspended/dismissed/withdrawn before the 10th week of school will receive a W on their transcript. Cadets suspended/dismissed/withdrawn after the 10th week of school but before the end of the last day of classes will receive a WP/WF on their transcript. In either case, high school cadets will receive withdrawal grades for the gaining school to use for transfer. If the cadet is suspended/dismissed/withdrawn after the last day of classes (1530 hours), but before or during finals the cadet will receive a final grade for the class computed with a zero grade for finals not yet completed. Any cadet suspended or dismissed prior to graduation will not graduate with his/her class. Suspended cadets must regain good standing (as specified above) to receive their diploma.
Cadets who complete all course requirements, including final exams, will receive letter grades on their transcripts for all courses completed. If a cadet completes all work toward a high school diploma or associate degree, but is dismissed or suspended just prior to graduation, but after the last day of classes, that cadet will not receive his/her diploma or degree, nor take part in graduation. The transcript for high school cadets will be annotated “Met NMMI requirements for graduation. Diploma not awarded. Cadet withdrew.“ However, a cadet, may regain “good standing” upon the recommendation of the Commandant (deportment) or the Academic Dean (academic) with the approval of the Superintendent/President.
Withdrawal due to military emergency: For cadets in the military who withdraw due to a military emergency (national defense purposes) the following conditions apply:
- Non-graduating cadets withdrawing prior to the 12th week of classes will receive a “W” and a full refund of all tuition and fees;
- Non-graduating cadets withdrawing after the 12th week will receive full credit for the course if they have earned a letter grade of “C” or better;
- Classes where the grade is below a “C”, the cadet will receive a “W” grade;
- Graduating cadets who have completed at least nine weeks of work with a grade of “C” or better may be eligible for graduation, if their work, all other academic work, Corps requirements and financial requirements are complete at the time of withdrawal.
Readmission of withdrawn or suspended cadets: Withdrawn or suspended cadets (academic or deportment) may apply for readmission to the Institute; however, dismissed cadets may not. A cadet who has been placed on suspension may apply to NMMI after a break of at least one semester. The application for readmission must include evidence that the cadet/cadet’s record has improved to the extent that success at NMMI is probable. A cadet who is suspended (deportment) may regain good standing status and only then may transfer work back to meet graduation requirements.
The Registrar will report a cadet’s conditional admission and enrollment or probationary status to the cadet, the cadet’s parents, advisor, and the Dean.
Dismissed cadets: Dismissed cadets will not be allowed to reapply to NMMI. Dismissed cadets will also not be allowed to regain “good standing”.
Registrar’s Actions
Name Changes
Name changes are only accepted with proper legal/court documents. NMMI will correct the record as requested, but will maintain former names for record keeping inside the cadet database.
Transcripts and Transcript Requests
Transcript requests must be in writing. For cadets over 18 or enrolled in college work, the request must come from the individual whose name is on the transcript. Parents may request transcripts on high school cadets who are not enrolled in college. Transcript request forms are in the Registrar’s office or can be found on the Registrar’s website - http://registrar.nmmi.edu. NMMI now uses an electronic ordering service for transcripts. Transcripts can be ordered at https://transcripts.nmmi.edu/.
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