AN ACT

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION; CHANGING THE NAME OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO STATE SCHOOL FOR COMMON CONVENIENCE; REMOVING THE TWO-YEAR LIMIT ON ACCREDITED COLLEGE LEVEL ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION TO RESTORE ITS ORIGINAL CONSTITUTIONAL MISSION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. Section 21-4-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1909, Chapter 97, Section 2, as amended) is amended to read:

     "21-4-1. MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF NORTHERN NEW MEXICO COLLEGE.--The management and control of the northern New Mexico state school at El Rito, also known as northern New Mexico college, and the appointment, qualification, powers and duties of its board of regents shall be the same as provided in Article 12, Section 13 of the constitution of New Mexico for the other state educational institutions mentioned in Article 12, Section 11 of the constitution of New Mexico."

     Section 2. Section 21-4-2 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1947, Chapter 97, Section 1, as amended) is amended to read:

     "21-4-2. USE OF NAME "NORTHERN NEW MEXICO COLLEGE" FOR COMMON CONVENIENCE.--Except for financial transactions, the use of the name northern New Mexico college is hereby permitted in lieu of northern New Mexico state school, for common convenience."

     Section 3. Section 21-4-3 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1909, Chapter 97, Section 3, as amended) is amended to read:

     "21-4-3. NORTHERN NEW MEXICO COLLEGE--PURPOSE OF INSTRUCTION--ACADEMIC COURSES--BOARDING OF STUDENTS.--

          A. The courses of instruction at northern New Mexico college shall:

                (1) meet the needs of young people of New Mexico who cannot be served adequately by the local public schools in their home communities;

                (2) prepare technical and trade students for occupations and vocations that are useful and necessary in the economy of New Mexico; and

                (3) provide academic, technical and vocational instruction beyond the high school level and accredited college level academic instruction.

          B. The board of regents of northern New Mexico college may provide quarters for the boarding of resident students.

          C. Nothing in this section shall preclude the university of New Mexico from continuing to provide upper college level and graduate courses in any areas in which such courses were being offered prior to January 1, 1977.

          D. The board of regents of northern New Mexico college may develop, implement and seek accreditation for a baccalaureate degree program in teacher education."